Tag Archives: Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA)

North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle impounded

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 November 2025- In a rather embarrassing moment, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle was allegedly impounded by the buoyed traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality on Wednesday. According to bystanders, the traffic officers were conducting a roadblock when they stopped Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle that allegedly had no disc.

One of the bystanders said: “In a dramatic situation, we saw Molapisi being taken away by traffic officers after driving in a VIP Protection Unit vehicle without a disc. Indeed, it was rather embarrassing seeing the whole MEC being taken away by traffic officers, while his vehicle was impounded.

“We expect these so-called leaders to be leading by example. However, it seems that is not the case here in the North West. A few days ago, we saw another VIP Protection Unit vehicle being driven by a slay queen at a filling station in Mahikeng. So, they are doing all these with impunity. Big up to the traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality for doing their work with diligence. No one is above the law after all.”

Meanwhile, Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu who tried to downplay the situation said, they are aware of the matter. Gambu said the operations by traffic officers noticed that the vehicle ferrying Molapisi had issues with the disc.

“It is in this context that the car was handed over and MEC used another vehicle to attend to other commitments. The MEC’s vehicle is awaiting the issuing of the new disc since the issue is being addressed. It should be stated the delay is expected due the outstanding fine.

“The transport section of the department has long addressed the issue, albeit following up on the cause of the delay in the issuing of the new disc. We are confident that this unfortunate incident will never happen again,” he said.

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Beneficiaries in Pampierstad receive title deeds

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Picture: Residents in Sakhile, near Pampierstad/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 October 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, accompanied by the Phokwane Local Municipality mayor, Willem Harmse, hosted the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, and the Frances Baard District and other local municipalities leaders at a successful Title Deeds Fridays programme held in Sakhile, near Pampierstad.

Addressing the community that was largely composed of more than 500 beneficiaries, Simelane said: “We are happy to be here today, as part of our Title Deeds Restoration Programme, because this government is committed to restoring the dignity of our people and to ensure security of tenure.

“This is why the government has re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays, to rapidly deliver deeds to the rightful beneficiaries.”

Vass said the Northern Cape Provincial Government has appointed conveyancers for all the 26 local municipalities in the province to assist the government to address the title deeds backlog and that progress is made daily to ensure that title deeds are registered and delivered to the owners. He further said the event was also attended by the representatives from the Batlhaping Ba Mothibi, under the traditional leadership of Kgosi Ponatshego Mothibi.

“Municipalities are encouraged to ensure that all title deeds in their possession are delivered to beneficiaries,” said Vass.

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Molapisi to convene a MUNIMEC engagement session in Rustenburg

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department will launch a forum called MUNIMEC in Rustenburg. Molapisi said this will address intergovernmental programmes and how the department and municipalities will work in a more integrated manner.

He further said the forum is constituted by Members of Mayoral Council of all municipalities responsible for Human Settlements, across the province. Molapisi added that MUNIMEC is an intergovernmental relations forum, where he interacts with municipal leaders to improve service delivery and governance at municipal level.

“It is a consultative platform involving the MEC, Mayors, Municipal Managers and other stakeholders within the Human Settlements value chain to foster cooperation and coordination between the provincial department and the municipalities to ensure effective service delivery to communities.

“The forum will deliberate on the progress report in addressing the housing backlog as well as the status of housing delivery across the province. The forum will ensure that there will be alignment between planning and budget processes in identifying needs by communities,” he said.

Molapisi said this will allow him to share with municipalities, the Minister and MEC’s meetings and Executive Council resolutions, regarding issues relating to Human Settlements. He said among others, the forum will monitor and evaluate projects in local municipalities and further advise the department on relevant issues to be attended to.

“The forum will also assist in curbing the sporadic community protest and keep communities informed about departmental programmes and plans for individual municipalities.

“The forum will further assist in coordinating other critical issues of Human Settlements Developments, such as water, electricity and sanitation, and also keep community leaders updated on plans and challenges relating to the department,” said Molapisi.

He said the forum will meet quarterly and assist in coordinating service delivery in local municipalities. Molapisi said the department will use the MUNIMEC platform to explain housing policies, programmes and qualifying criteria.

“Through this platform, the department will also guide municipalities to develop and approve township layouts that meet the housing code standards, and help to avoid costly designs.

“This forms part of our effort to strengthen the District Development Model (DDM) and improve planning at local level. The department has from time to time appealed to municipalities to work closely with it,” he said.

Molapisi indicated that it’s critical for both spheres of government to discuss service delivery and also the special needs of communities. He also called on both municipalities and his department’s officials to work beyond the call of duty in making sure that delivery is realized at the local level.

“The forum will be launched at Rustenburg Civic Centre, Rustenburg Local Municipality on 28 August 2025 at 8am,” said Molapisi.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA to hand over title deeds

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will be handing over houses to beneficiaries of the Dalton 100 Housing Project in Dalton, Douglas, in the Siyancuma Local Municipality (Pixley Ka Seme District) on 25 August 2025. Vass said Dalton 100 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024.

He further said he will also hand over title deeds to beneficiaries from around Douglas.

“A title deed is a crucial legal document that proves that a person is the rightful owner of a property or piece of land, and serves to protect rights of citizens, whilst contributing to their economic upliftment, through the leveraging of their properties for various financial and developmental opportunities,” added Vass.

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15 beneficiaries of a housing project receive title deeds

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

5 August 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, visited beneficiaries of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project in Jacksonville, near Kimberley today. This follows the handing over of 15 houses to these beneficiaries on 25 July 2025.

Vass said the courtesy visit was to make sure that the beneficiaries have settled in and are happy with their houses. He further said the visit was also to hand over title deeds to the beneficiaries and confirm that they are the rightful owners of these houses.

“This is a follow up visit to these beneficiaries to ascertain that a few days since we handed them their keys, they are still happy and have moved into their new houses. Furthermore, I came today, to personally hand over their title deeds, which is a crucial legal document that proves that they are the rightful owners of these properties.

“The title deed also protects your rights and contributes to the economic upliftment by enabling individuals to leverage their properties for various financial and developmental opportunities,” he said.

Vass added that his department hands over the houses as soon as they are completed to avoid vandalism and to ensure that the beneficiaries take ownership of their houses immediately, while work commences to finish outstanding houses.

Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Andries Zeekoie (63), said he waited long for the house and is eternally grateful to the government for restoring his dignity and ensuring shelter for his family.

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Action taken against ‘rebellious’ councillors   

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By OBAKENG MAJE

30 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said they will continue to take decisive action to confront corruption, fraud and poor governance entrenched in various municipalities across the province.

Molapisi said in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), and in his capacity as the MEC responsible for Local Government, he has authorised investigations into serious allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption and other irregularities in the Greater Taung, City of Matlosana and Madibeng Local Municipalities.

“In the case of Greater Taung Local Municipality, the investigation was triggered by persistent instability within the municipal council, which rendered it incapable of discharging its statutory responsibilities. The investigation is completed and remedial actions have been instituted against those councillors who have been implicated.

“We can confirm that the municipality is now stable and is able to execute its executive obligations. In the City of Matlosana, the investigation followed irregularities within governance and administrative structures,” he said.

Molapisi further said the investigation was completed at the end of 2024/2025 financial year. He added that the report will soon be communicated to the council and the findings implemented.

“On 15 July 2025 – we invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng Local Municipality.

“I met with the council to introduce the appointed law firm which will conduct the investigations. During the meeting, councillors have thrown their weight behind the investigations,” said Molapisi. 

He said the findings will be finalized within three months and shared with all stakeholders for action. Molapisi said the investigation is part of a broader drive to restore ethical governance, rebuild public confidence and ensure that municipalities truly serve the people.  

“EXCO has also resolved to invoke Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution in Mamusa and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. The decision has been communicated to both municipalities and is therefore expected to implement the directives and submit monthly reports to the department. 

On 13 December 2023, 26 municipal councillors in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, allegedly convened a special council sitting in the absence of municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai and municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane, where they elected Lerato Babuseng as the new Chief Whip, Kealeboga Seboko as the new municipal speaker and Onkarabile Tong as the new mayor.

The latter accused the former of widespread corruption and maladministration. They alleged that this has affected the smooth running of the municipality and forced Moipolai to request intervention from the then North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi.

Meanwhile, the Action SA councillor, Mika Moeti said he is not aware of the report and he cannot comment.

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Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government discussed

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, presented the Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG) at a Special MunMEC Consultative Workshop in the Northern Cape. The initiative was convened by the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass.

The MunMEC was also attended by THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene.

Welcoming the 29 of the 31 municipalities of the Northern Cape in attendance and other stakeholders like SALGA, the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and other key departments, Vass highlighted the importance of the review process.

“This review process provides us with an opportunity to introspect, to reflect, and ultimately to reimagine local government that is fit-for-purpose and that addresses the multitude of service delivery challenges confronting our communities,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Masemola highlighted that the assumptions underpinning the 1998 system are outdated due to significant political, demographic and economic changes. He emphasized the need to assess whether current local government structures and models remain fit for purpose.

“The inclusive and consultative nature of the review process being led at both political and administrative levels, with public submissions open until 31 July 2025. The process will then move toward developing a draft policy document, to be refined further through feedback engagements in September 2025 and beyond,” said Masemola.

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Be cautious of unnecessary fires

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Picture: Fire Department personnel extinguishes fire/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 June 2025- As the winter chill tightens its grip, communities across the North West are being urged to remain vigilant amid severe weather conditions as well as strong fire-spreading winds. The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said as freezing weather is upon them, an increasing dependence on indoor heating techniques like paraffin stoves, heaters and open fires are likely to be the order of the day and community members are therefore advised to exercise extreme caution to avoid disastrous domestic and veld fires.

Molapisi said the weather forecasts indicate that the cold weather will persist over the next coming days, bringing with it a combination of snowfall in high-lying areas, strong winds, severe thunderstorms, and extremely cold daytime temperatures.

“Families are encouraged not to leave children unattended near open flames or heating devices, and to practice safe fire behaviours during the winter season.

“These conditions significantly increase the potential for uncontrolled fires, both in domestic settings and across open veld. Strong winds, in particular, can propel and rapidly spread veld fires, putting lives, property, and natural ecosystems at great risk,” he said.

Molapisi said, in addition, the use of heating appliances and open flames indoors during extremely cold weather often results in accidental domestic fires, especially in informal settlements. He further said they urge all residents and communities to take extra precautions during this winter season.

“Avoid leaving fires, candles, or stoves unattended. Use heating appliances safely and keep them away from flammable materials. Do not start fires in open areas, especially on dry, windy days.

“Report any signs of veld fires immediately to local disaster management or emergency services. Disaster management teams led by Provincial Disaster Management Centre, are on high alert and ready to respond for any eventuality,” said Molapisi.

He added that individuals should do their part to stay warm, safe and protect themselves from unnecessary fire disasters this winter.

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Mokgosi to establish committee to address Bahurutshe Boo Mokgatlha tribal disputes  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 May 2025- The Standing Committee on Legislative Review and Implementation of House Resolutions held an oversight meeting over a petition submitted by Molefe David Mooketsi on behalf of the petitioners from Bahurutshe Boo Mokgatlha. The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi together with North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi together with the departmental officials were present at the meeting where the petition was submitted by Mooketsi on behalf of the community of Koffiekraan in Moses Kotane Local Municipality in Bojanala District.

Mooketsi said the Bahurutshe Boo Mokgatlha from Mokgatlha (Koffikraal village) raised concerns regarding tribal disputes on traditional leadership dating back from 1993 to date. Mooketsi informed the Standing Committee that there has been a concern about the current leadership’s legal standing and how it was elected without a tribal council.

“We request the legislature to intervene in ensuring that the rightful leadership be appointed as we do not recognise the current Kgosi. We’ve had multiple commissions on the matter through the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Office of the Premier which deals with traditional leadership disputes but the matter has not been resolved.

“There are rumours that there are unsigned close-out reports on the matter but we have not received any formal feedback from the provincial government. We do not have a properly constituted royal family and tribal council where the community is also represented as per prescripts of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act and which receives the relevant community support,” he said.  

Mooketsi further said they will give the committee all support with all the out structures in place. He added that they welcome Mokgosi’s plan to establish the dispute committee.

Mokgosi said the provincial government will establish a dispute committee where the matter will be investigated. He said they commit as the government that they will establish the committee within the next two weeks with relevant terms of references, where it will work with all the relevant stakeholders to explore and investigate this matter as part of Section 59 of the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Act.

“The committee will be given three months to conduct its work and make proper recommendations. We promise as the provincial government that we will prioritise this matter and give it urgency,” said Mokgosi.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee, Tebogo Modise also welcomed the suggestions of the provincial government.

“We hope that this matter can be resolved in the near future and are happy that there is commitment from the head of the provincial government,” said Modise.

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Council reconfiguration at Mamusa Local Municipality

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Picture: The Mamusa Local Municipality offices

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 20255- On 14 April 2025, the majority of councillors—consisting of 9 out of 16 councillors at Mamusa Local Municipality, petitioned the now former speaker, councillor John Batsi, the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, to convene a virtual council meeting on 16 April 2025.

According to the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, the meeting was convened in terms of Section 29(1A) of the Municipal Structures Act (as amended)(Act), which provides: “If the speaker or acting speaker refuses to call a meeting of the council as requested in terms of subsection (1), the Municipal Manager or in the absence or refusal by the Municipal Manager, a person designated by the MEC for local government in the province, may call and chair the meeting.

“The speaker refused to comply with the request of the majority of councillors, prompting them to approach me. On 17 April 2025, I acceded to the request and issued a notice for the council meeting to be convened on 22 April 2025 via a virtual platform,” he said.

Gincane further said the primary purpose of the meeting was to allow councillors to deliberate on a motion of no confidence against Batsi and Chairperson, Ephraim Chubisi. He added that, the meeting was intended to confirm his appointment, as well as the termination of acting Municipal Manager, FT Mabokela.

“As the convenor of the meeting, I wish to affirm that the council meeting was convened and satisfied the necessary quorum. Residents and stakeholders are hereby informed about the council resolutions.

“A motion of no confidence against Batsi was unanimously passed and he has been replaced by councillor Lesego Motlapele following his uncontested election. Chubisi has been removed as the Chairperson of Finance and Corporate Services and replaced by Councillor Nthabiseng Modise after a motion of no confidence was passed, unanimously,” said Gincane.

He said the council reaffirmed its previous decisions of the meeting held on 18 March 2025, to reinstate him as the substantive Municipal Manager and terminate Mabokela as the acting Municipal Manager. Gincane said the council wishes to categorically state that Mabokela is no longer in the employ of the Mamusa Local Municipality.

“Our immediate concentration and preoccupation is on restoring the confidence of our people and all stakeholders by providing the most basic services and strengthening the municipal administration,” he said.

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