Tag Archives: Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA)

COGHSTA commended on progress on Tshunyane housing project

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Picture: NCOP members during project oversight visit/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

24 August 2026 – Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have commended the North West Department of Human Settlements for the progress made on the Tshunyane Housing project during an oversight visit on Tuesday as part of the NCOP Provincial Week. In 2010, the department appointed two contractors to construct 250 units across several villages around Mahikeng.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said 40 of these houses were allocated to Tshunyane village, however, both contractors breached their contract terms by abandoning the site before completing the work. Molapisi said in 2022/2023, the department subsequently enlisted the services of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to conduct structural integrity assessments of all incomplete and blocked projects.

“The assessments were aimed at determining the extent of the outstanding work and to advise the department on appropriate remedial action. NHBRC recommended that all incomplete structures be demolished, including those in Tshunyane, as the structures had been exposed to adverse weather conditions for an extended period.

“The department appointed a contractor in January 2026 to demolish 38 foundations and 2 wall plates in Tshunyane village, at a cost of R799 200 00. The demolition process has already commenced and the contractor has started laying the foundations. The contract for construction is R8.7 million, with the project expected to be completed by the end of November 2026,” he said.

Molapisi further said the department will conduct an investigation with the intention of recovering funds from the previous contractors and implementing consequence management against the officials involved. He added that during the oversight visit, the department committed to providing members of the NCOP with regular progress reports on the Tshunyane housing project.

“We would like to assure the members of the NCOP that the department would closely monitor the project and submit regular reports to the NCOP until its completion. The department would also provide support to the contractor to ensure that the project is completed on time for the benefit of the community,” said Molapisi.

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Molapisi donates RDP House to disabled person in honour of Madiba

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi donates RDP House/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 August 2026 – In the spirit of restoring human dignity and honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi officially handed over a newly-constructed, fully furnished and wheelchair-accessible house to a resident, Obakeng Tsheilhe at Extension 10 in Klerksdorp. Molapisi said the handover, which took place on 30 July 2026, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing safe, dignified and inclusive housing for vulnerable members of society.

“The fully wheel-chair accessible house, symbolises the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and dignity for persons with disabilities by ensuring they have access to housing that responds to their needs.

“Mandela dedicated his life to serving humanity and uplifting the most vulnerable. His legacy continues to inspire us to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor through practical interventions that restore hope, protect human dignity and build sustainable, resilient communities,” he said.

Molapisi further said the specially designed house was built to meet Tsheilhe’s mobility needs, enabling greater independence, accessibility and improved quality of life. He added that the handover reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every deserving citizen has access to safe, dignified and inclusive housing.

“Providing shelter to vulnerable citizens is not merely about brick and mortar. It is about restoring dignity and hope. Every South African deserves a place they can proudly call home,” said Molapisi.

The Head of Department (HoD), Kgomotso Mahlobo, also presented the beneficiary with blankets to provide additional comfort and warmth in the new home. In addition to handing over the house, Molapisi and Mahlobo painted two neighbouring houses as part of the day’s activities.

“Celebrated each year on July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day honours the former President’s legacy by inspiring individuals and organisations to serve their communities. The day serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to make a meaningful difference by giving our time, resources and compassion to those less fortunate.

“This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was observed under the theme: “It’s still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity,’’ she said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment donated two indigenous and one citrus trees, contributing to a greener, healthier and more sustainable living environment. The Department of Social Development supported the initiative by donating food parcels to the beneficiary, this demonstrates the government’s integrated approach to supporting the well-being of communities beyond the provision of housing.

Meanwhile, expressing his gratitude, Tsheilhe thanked the department for providing him with a home specifically designed to meet his mobility needs. He said the new house would transform his life and restore his dignity.

“For a long time, I faced many challenges moving around and carrying out everyday activities. Today, I have a safe and accessible home that gives me independence, comfort and hope for the future. This is more than a house to me; it is a new beginning,” said Tsheilhe.

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PICC praised as winter initiation season concluded

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Picture: Initiation schools’ ceremony/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

21 July 2026- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has congratulated hundreds of initiates who successfully completed their sacred rite of passage on Friday, marking the official conclusion of the 2026 Winter Initiation Season. The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), approved and registered 151 initiation schools—comprising 126 male and 25 female schools—to facilitate this long-standing cultural practice, which serves as an important transition of young men and women into adulthood.

Molapisi said they once again commend the PICC for the successful conclusion of another initiation season. He further said the committee continues to safeguard this important cultural practice against individuals who refuse to comply with the law and seek to commercialise a sacred tradition for personal gain. 

“We are encouraged that hundreds of initiates have returned home safely to their families. The successful conclusion of the season was achieved despite several challenges encountered during monitoring operations. A total of 18 illegal initiation schools were shut down, while more than 200 initiates were rescued and removed from unsafe environments. 

“In addition, 18 criminal cases relating to alleged contraventions of the Customary Initiation Act were opened at various police stations across the province. Regrettably, six initiation-related fatalities were recorded during the season. This includes two deaths at illegal initiation schools in Khuma Township near Stilfontein and Majemantsho village near Mahikeng, respectively, as well as four deaths at legally registered initiation schools across the province,” added Molapisi.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the six initiates who lost their lives. Molapisi reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening measures aimed at preventing further loss of life.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these six young lives. Our commitment to achieving zero initiation-related deaths remains unwavering. Together with all stakeholders, we will strengthen our monitoring, enforcement and awareness initiatives to ensure that every initiation season is safer than the last.

“We also call upon the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to support efforts to eradicate illegal initiation schools by ensuring the successful prosecution and conviction of repeat offenders. Those who continue to undermine this sacred cultural practice through unlawful activities must face the full might of the law,” he said. 

Molapisi further called on all stakeholders, particularly parents, community members, traditional leaders and initiation practitioners, to play an active role in protecting initiates. He urged communities to participate in awareness campaigns, ensure that initiation schools are properly registered, encourage medical screening of prospective initiates, publicise approved initiation schools and promptly report any suspected illegal initiation activities to the relevant authorities.

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Molapisi to unveil housing projects worth over R62 million  

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2026 – In an effort to accelerate housing delivery in the province, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi will on 16 July 2026, unveil two housing projects worth over R62 million in THE Greater Taung and Naledi Local municipalities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Molapisi will introduce the two contractors appointed to implement these projects to the councillors in both the municipalities.

He further said the Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality will deliver 216 housing units, while the Geduldspan project in the Naledi Local Municipality will deliver 40 new housing units and the completion of 69 units which were left incomplete by the previous contractor. Molapisis added that both projects, valued at R62 million are expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Molapisi will be accompanied by the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe, Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Cllr Clifton Groep and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana in Taung.

Part A of the event will take place at Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana Community Hall in Taung on 16 July 2026 at 11am, while Part B of the programme will take place at Naledi Local Municipality Council Chamber in Vryburg at 3pm.

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Molapisi applauds Ratlou Local Municipality for outstanding audit outcome

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has during the presentation of his departmental budget vote at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), applauded Ratlou Local Municipality for their outstanding progress in municipal audit outcomes for the 2024/25 municipal financial year. Molapisi said Ratlou Local Municipality has registered a noteworthy improvement by moving from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion.

He further said the municipality successfully compiled and submitted its Annual Financial Statements (AFS) without the assistance of consultants, resulting in an estimated saving of R3 million, while simultaneously strengthening internal institutional capacity. Molapisi added that they are indeed very proud of what Ratlou Local Municipality has achieved.

“This is a clear demonstration that municipalities can produce and submit quality Annual Financial Statements without the use of consultants. We need to invest in the important skills and build internal capacity to achieve greatness. This remarkable achievement by Ratlou Local Municipality was also highlighted by the Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke when she was appearing before parliament recently.

“Maluleke praised the municipality for paying attention towards better performance, accountability and better institutional capacity. Several municipalities in the province also registered improved audit outcome demonstrating that municipalities are responding positively to the support provided by the department,” he said.

Molapisi said Moses Kotane, JB Marks, and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining the Bojanala Platinum District, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Moretele Local Municipality in the 2025/26 financial year.  He said Lekwa-Teemane moved from a disclaimer to an adverse outcome and Mamusa moved from adverse to qualified opinion.

“There are concerted efforts by the department to elevate three best performing municipalities to receive clean audit. As part of its ongoing support initiatives, the department, together with the Provincial Treasury, are implementing the Clean Audit Support Programme targeting Moretele Local Municipality, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

“The programme is designed to assist municipalities attain unqualified audit opinion without material findings for the 2026/27 financial year. The province also recorded a remarkable reduction in disclaimer audit opinions, from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one municipality in 2024/25 financial year,” said Molapisi.

He said the provincial government remains committed to ensuring that municipalities strengthen governance systems, improve financial management and account responsibly for public funds.

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North West municipalities show signs of improvement

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

29 June 2026 – Several North West municipalities have shown signs of improvement following Interventions instituted to strengthen governance, restore stability and improve service delivery, with Ditsobotla Local Municipality on its way to recovery, said the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi who was tabling the department’s 2026/27 Budget Vote before the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) to outline progress made through ongoing municipal interventions.

He further said Ditsobotla Local Municipality, which remains under a Section 139(7) intervention and administered by the National Executive, recorded an encouraging progress. Molapisi added that the intervention has eliminated duplicated mayor, speaker and municipal manager positions, improved council and committee’s functionality, enabled the adoption of the 2026/27 budget and advanced the filling of critical senior management posts.

“This includes strengthened financial stability and enhanced partnerships to improve bulk water provision, as well as securing engineering capacity to stabilise electricity supply. The provincial legislature that issued directives under Section 139(1)(a) to Kagisano-Molopo and Mamusa Local Municipalities, have yielded mixed results.

“While Kagisano-Molopo has made notable progress, particularly in strengthening administrative leadership through the recruitment of senior managers, Mamusa has not achieved satisfactory progress, prompting the government to consider further intervention measures,” he said.

Molapisi further announced that the Section 16(5) investigation into Ramotshere-Moiloa Local Municipality has been concluded, with implementation of the recommendations already underway to restore institutional stability. He said Section 106 interventions in The City of Matlosana, Madibeng, Tswaing and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipalities were instituted to investigate allegations of fraud, maladministration and malfeasance involving office bearers, officials and third parties, as reported by whistle-blowers.

“The investigations in Madibeng and Tswaing have been concluded and reports submitted to both municipalities with outcomes referred to councils. In Tswaing, the findings also necessitated referral to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. In Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, the work has started and we have introduced the investigation team. The investigation is envisaged to be completed within the next three (3) months.

“In the City of Matlosana, investigations were concluded and recommendations tabled in council. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted and this necessitated the Provincial EXCO to strengthen and reinforce the current intervention through Section 139(5)(a)(c) of the Constitution by deploying the Provincial Executive Representative,” said Molapisi.

He said the new Terms of Reference for the Provincial Executive Representative – PER include implementation of Section 106 investigation findings. Molapisi said they reaffirm that the department is committed to act decisively against maladministration and governance failures.

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Vass meets with SAMWU leadership over ongoing challenges at the embattled Sol Plaatje Local Municipality

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 April 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass met with the provincial, regional and local leadership of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) led by the provincial chairperson, London Solomons. Vass said the meeting requested by SAMWU was cordial and conducted with mutual respect.

He further said they discussed the ongoing challenges at the embattled Sol Plaatje Local Municipality and how these challenges may have a direct impact on the workers. Vass added that he also clarified his moral and constitutional responsibilities and his concerns about the state of the municipality.

“SAMWU noted the Section 139 (1)(a) directives issued to the municipality in March 2026. They said they do not seek to interfere with the constitutional obligations of the MEC as the Executive Authority, and any decisions I may take to stabilise the municipality.

“Section 154 of the Constitution mandates national and provincial governments to support, strengthen, and capacitate municipalities to perform their functions effectively. I will will meet with other stakeholders and community interest groups operating within the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in the coming few days,” he said.

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MECs for Finance and COGTA introduce the PER to the City of Matlosana

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Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, Executive Mayor of City of Matlosana, Fikile Mahlophe, PER, Dr Moatlhodi Dilotsotlhe, North West MEC COGHSTA, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi and Speaker of Matlosana, Stella Mondlana-Ngwenya/Supplied   

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 April 2026 – As part of the revised Provincial Mandatory Financial Intervention and Support Strategy, the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi and North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi, introduced Dr Moatlhodi Dilotsotlhe as the Provincial Executive Representative (PER) to Matlosana Local Municipality. The deployment of Dilotsotlhe is effected in terms of Section 139(5)(a) and (c) of the Constitution, read together with Sections 146 and 147 of the MFMA.

Molapisi said it follows the determination that the municipality experienced serious financial distress requiring a mandatory Financial Recovery Plan (FRP), which remains a legally binding instrument. He further said the North West Provincial Executive Council has taken this decision for several compelling reasons to restore stability, good governance, and effective service delivery to the City of Matlosana.

“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is sending a clear and final message to the City of Matlosana Council that this is not merely a support mechanism. It is a binding framework for corrective action to create a stable, capable, and ethical municipality that delivers services to its people.

“This strengthened intervention is consistent with the constitutional principles of cooperative governance. It allows us to scale up our support and oversight in a manner that is both necessary and proportional to the deepening institutional control collapse we are witnessing,” added Molapisi.

He said to give effect to this strengthened intervention, the approved measures such as Amendment of the Terms of Reference must be implemented with immediate effect. Molapisi said the Terms of Reference will be amended to empower the PER to impose the FRP by fully assuming the functions and powers of the accounting officer.

“COGTA and Provincial Treasury, will immediately augment the intervention team with additional capacity in the critical areas of service delivery, governance, legal and technical and financial support of the PER.

“Quarterly technical “war room” meetings will be convened to rigorously review progress on the implementation of the FRP and other identified priorities,” he said.

Molapisi said he and Mosenogi will urgently engage with the political leadership of the municipality to clearly outline the objectives, expectations and the new terms of engagement between the intervention team and the council. He said they will submit a joint report to the executive council on the progress of this intervention.

Mosenogi said: “The PER is no longer a purely advisory figure, but a strategic oversight and enforcement agent acting on behalf of EXCO to ensure that recovery commitments are honoured and delays are addressed decisively to strengthen oversight, monitoring and enforcement of the Financial Recovery Plan.

“The municipality remains fully responsible for implementing the approved, complying with all financial restrictions and recovery measures, and submitting credible monthly progress reports to my office.”

She said the PER is also not going to work alone, but will be strengthened by terms of administrative capacity and support, jointly by the Provincial Departments of CoGTA and Treasury. Mosenogi said Dilotsotlhe has in excess of eleven years’ experience in senior management, having been in the local government environment as the Technical Lead (CoGHSTA), Provincial Executive Representative, Section 139(1)(c) Administrator, acting Municipal Manager, and Strategy Execution Consultant.

“He has also occupied senior management positions such as CEO, Chief Visionary Officer (Consultant) in the private sector. So, we call upon the municipality, as well as all stakeholders—the municipal administration, labour, business, and the community—to work with the intervention,” she said.

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Molapisi warns against poor performing developers

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 March 2026- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi delivered a stern warning against poor performing developers during a community meeting, where he officially introduced the three developers tasked with constructing 1075 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units in Ikageng Extension 13.

Molapisi said the project, which is valued at over R230 million and set to break ground in April 2026, promises to be a game-changer for the community, eradicating informal settlements by replacing them with secure, decent homes by December 2027.

He further said the three appointed contractors were introduced to the community. During the meeting, Molapisi announced that the department will closely monitor their performance throughout the duration of the project.

“The department will not hesitate to terminate their contracts should they fail to meet the agreed completion timelines. We advise them to enlist additional capacity where necessary to ensure that the project is completed on schedule.

“We also indicated that the department has experienced challenges in the past with contractors who abandon projects or deliver poor-quality work. In order to address this challenge, the department has resolved to implement a strict milestone-based payment system, where contractors are paid according to the work they have completed,” he added.

Molapisi said if they fail to deliver, the department will be left with no option, but to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor to complete the job. He also urged community members to cooperate with the contractors and ward councillors to prevent any disruptions which could delay the project.

“We have appointed three developers, two of whom are women and one man. This forms part of our deliberate effort to meet the 40% target for women-owned companies in government projects.

“By appointing women developers, we not only achieve the target but we also contribute towards the empowerment of women in the construction sector,’’ said Molapisi.

He emphasised that residents of Ikageng must be prioritised for local job opportunities throughout the duration of the project. Molapisi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, older persons, child-headed households, and persons with disabilities, when allocating houses to beneficiaries.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass meets with Sol Plaatje Local Municipality whips amid mayhem

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, today convened a meeting with the Whips of political parties represented in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Council after a special council sitting was unable to proceed due to disruptions. Vass, acting in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution which mandates that national and provincial governments support, strengthen and capacitate municipalities to manage their own affairs and perform their functions, expressed grave concern about the conduct of certain councillors, which led to the breakdown of the council meeting.

He further said the Whips presented challenges and proposed solutions to stabilise governance and the administrative leadership of the municipality. Vass added that the people of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality deserve a stable, functional and capable municipality that can deliver good quality services to our communities.

“Political differences must never come at the expense of the residents we serve. The council needs to find common ground and prioritise service delivery at both the administrative and council levels,” he said.

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