Tag Archives: Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA)

A complete paradigm shifts necessary to achieve mandate of COGTA

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi addressing the CoGTA Strategic Planning Session/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 October 2024- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, addressed the start of the three-day Strategic Planning Session held in Mahikeng. Speaking at the strategic planning session, which coincided with 100 days of the 7th administration, Molapisi called for a paradigm shift from managers towards achieving the mandate of the department.

“We call on all officials to build on the work done over the years to restore the dignity of the institution, accelerate pro-poor service delivery and rural development.

“We also advised managers to discuss ways to improve departments’ audit status from consecutive unqualified opinions to a clean audit outcome; use of available performance information of municipalities to inform a strategy to support improved municipal audit outcomes and focus on research and innovation for solutions,” he said.

Molapisi further called on the administration to take the lead in ensuring that the District Development Model (DDM) is institutionalised across all municipalities. He added that leaving this session, they must have aligned their strategic plans with available resources, driving development and growth.

“We must prioritise the people on the ground at all material times. Our department must focus on the three key priorities as outlined in the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029, with specific focus on building an ethical and developmental state,” he said.

Molapisi added that they need a renewed determination and a realistic plan to improve the delivery of basic services and bring stability to local government.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NWHTKL), Kgosi Thari Maotwe, senior officials led by the Head of Department (HOD), Dr Ben Bole, SALGA and other stakeholders, were amongst attendees.

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North West MEC, Elizabeth Mokua conducts oversight visit to Military Veterans Housing Programme in Ganyesa

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua with beneficiaries/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 September 2024- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua conducted an oversight visit to the Military Veterans Housing Programme in Ganyesa, near Vryburg. Mokua’s oversight visit was part of the Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole.

Mokua, who was standing in for the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, was accompanied by local ward councillors and Dikgosi. She expressed her satisfaction in the progress made by the department in ensuring the provision of housing to the Military Veterans in the province.

“We also engaged with beneficiaries of the three houses amongst those that the department has constructed. During these engagements, we observed, registered and acknowledged progress in relation to the specifications on these houses.

“These include built -in kitchen, stove, bedroom cupboards and fitted bathroom amongst others. The house is also making provision of an additional 3rd Bedroom replacing the carport, which beneficiaries have requested for,” said Mokua.

She further reiterated that it is in the interest of the department to complete all backlogs as it is the department’s commitment to redress and restore dignity in the lives of communities in the province. Mokua added that they are mindful of different circumstances the beneficiaries are faced with.

“The department will continue to conduct due diligence in every project they are working on and quality assurance, compliance and accountability forms part of the contract with service providers,” she said.

Meanwhile, the emotional Tsimane Kamanyane, who is one of the beneficiaries, showed his gratitude and appreciation to the gesture that the department has extended.

“I am very emotional because I now see that indeed, the government is caring. I am an owner because I now have a dignified home,” he said.

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The acting North West Premier, Oageng Molapisi hand over two RDP houses  

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Picture: The North West MEC of Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handing over a house to one of the beneficiaries/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 September 2024- The North West MEC of Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over two houses to the Matsane and Tau families in Middleton-B, near Atamelang. According to Molapisi, this was part of the North West Provincial Government’s Women’s Month commemoration ceremony.  

He further said the initiative was aimed at recognising and honouring women on 30 August 2024. Molapisi added that they will continue giving the people houses just as the department is mandated to do.

“We urge the beneficiaries to take care of their houses as it is a lifetime opportunity and a lasting legacy to have a dignified shelter. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the women are prioritized and their dignity is restored as it is stipulated in the Bill of Rights.

“All human beings must have shelter and live in decent houses. Handing over the house keys to one of the beneficiaries, Dikeledi Matsane (44), who is a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivor, is what the department is doing to restore the dignity of the people, especially women,” he said.

Molapisi said he is proud to say Matsane and her children have a place to call home. He also said counselling will be arranged for Matsane in order to change her life and that of her children for the better.

The overwhelmed Matsane could not hold back her tears when receiving the keys. 

“I would like to thank the department for building a house for me and my children. This feels like a dream and I am grateful,” she said.

Another recipient was Margaret Tau (37), who received a house on behalf of her late grandmother, Martha Tau. She said her family comes from Bornou Farms next to Delareyville and later moved to Middleton B.

“I am unemployed and only survive through child support grant money I receive on behalf of my three children. Even though my grandmother is no longer with them, she is resting in peace knowing that she has left a legacy for her family as we now have a roof over our heads,” said Tau.

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi donates a house to Molifi family

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi donates a houses to Molifi family/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over a house to the Molifi family in Tigane Township, near Klerksdorp.  Molapisi said this was part of celebrating Women’s Day as the affected family has been living in a two-roomed shack.

He further said the newly-built house came as relief to the two social grants recipients and their four children. Molapisi added that they were working in collaboration with the North West Department of Social Development.

“The family received a furnished house, food parcels and blankets. We urge women, especially in rural areas to stand firm and continue to advocate for the emancipation of women from all aspects of life.

“We would also like to condemn the social ills committed against women. We call on the law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with those who continue to violate the rights of women,” he said.

Molapisi also urged the ward councillor to work closely with women and vulnerable groups within the Tigane community. He reiterated that his department will continue to prioritise women in construction and allocate 40% of the budget to them.

“We commend the women of 1956 march in Pretoria. We further urge other women to carry on the baton and their legacy forward. The government has and will forever continue to prioritise women and strive for equality. We respect and honour women of our country as they are nation builders and leaders.

“We do so in ensuring that we restore their dignity, just like we are doing to the Molifi family. We have handed over the house as part of our ongoing venture to make sure that housing delivery remains key and that the partnership with other government departments and business continue unabated,” said Molapisi.  

Meanwhile, receiving the house on behalf of the family, the elated Nnase Molifi, who just celebrated her 70th birthday, could not hide her excitement. Molifi continued to thank the government and the philanthropic contractor, who built the house and donated furniture for the whole house.

“We urge the government to continue to deliver services to communities as they are relying on it to better their lives. I am grateful for this wonderful gift that will remain our treasure as the family.

“We are grateful and pleased to see that our patience and hope are answered. We now have a home and we are sure to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” she said.

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Molapisi closes off Mandela Month by handing over two RDP houses to the needy  

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Picture: North West MEC Oageng Molapisi, his Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo and departmental officials handing over goodies to some of the elders at Hands that Cares Old Age Home/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The North West MEC for Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi accompanied by Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality mayor, Dinah Pitso and Head of Department (HOD), Kgomotso Mahlobo, closed off the Mandela Month activities by spending 67 minutes at Hands that Cares Old Age Home in Dinokana and Gopane Village, Zeerust.

Molapisi visited the centre wherein he donated blankets, groceries, toiletries and sanitary packs to the centre. He described the Nelson Mandela Day as an extremely important day for everyone, especially South Africans as it reminds them of the global icon and all the good deeds he has done towards building a better South Africa.

“Throughout his lifetime, Madiba inspired us with acts of generosity. We are forever indebted to his lesson of humanity. His legacy should not die. I therefore urge all of us to work together in ensuring that the Madiba legacy multiplies for generations to come.

“We are grateful that our officials lent helping hands at the centre by cleaning the yard. We would like to thank them for their selfless contribution and ensuring that they play their part as this embodied the values of peace and human dignity as espoused by Nelson Mandela,” said Molapisi.

In addition, he also handed over two newly-built houses to the Morubane and Phejane families at Gopane village. The handover is part of the Molapisi’s programme of unblocking all the blocked projects across the province.

Meanwhile, both beneficiaries appreciated the gesture bestowed to them citing that indeed their living conditions will be improved.

Hands that Cares Old Age Home was founded in 2006 by Gadifele Sebogodi and operates as a non-profit making organisation, which renders social welfare services to elderly people, middle-aged people, people living with disability and destitute people.

Sebogodi said: “The centre provides the victims with access to shelter, provision of nutritious food, emotional support and other essential services in order to ensure the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of fellow citizens.

“We would like to thank the department and all stakeholders involved for the donations they received. Truly, we did not expect anything nor made applications to any institution for assistance.”

She further thanked the department for remembering them on Mandela Month. Segodi added that this is a testament that indeed the good work is noticed out there.

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Unblocking of housing projects delight beneficiaries

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Picture: Some of the beneficiaries during the hand over/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi said the process of unblocking housing projects across the province is unfolding. Maloyi said the commitment was made during the first and the second phase of Thuntsha Lerole, which is an Accelerated Service Delivery Program.

“The community of Ventersdorp is one of many that continues to receive houses on a daily basis as contractors are on the ground completing projects that were blocked due to challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The housing project in Ventersdorp consists of 360 units, which started in 2019 at Toevlug. The project could not be completed because of the wetland and other construction challenges,” he said.

Maloyi further said they have also handed over eight title deeds to the community of Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom. He added that the remaining 801, will be collected by residents at municipality offices.

“Our department is implementing a title deeds restoration project in collaboration with the National Department of Human Settlements, with the aim to eradicate the current backlog in the transfer of pre-1994 properties into the names of beneficiaries,” he said.

Maloyi said the handing over of houses and title deeds formed part of Thuntsha Lerole, Accelerated Service Delivery Programme held in Ventersdorp in the JB Marks Local Municipality, where Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembisile Nkadimeng, Minister of Unemployment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, MECs and Heads of Departments (HoD) where part.

“Government is committed to delivering services to everyone in the province. We do this as it is according to the contract we signed with the people of the North West. Through the Thuntsha Lerole programme, we are more determined to fast track the delivery of services to every community in the province. We do this because we are a caring government,” said Maloyi.

Meanwhile, amongst beneficiaries were a widower, Morageng Seleka (72), who lives with his four children and two grandchildren. Seleka has been staying in Ikageng Township for over 20 years.

“I am happy that my children have a home,’’ he said.

Another beneficiary, Abel Jonkers (90), who is a grandfather of two, shared the same sentiments. Jonkers could not contain his emotions when he received the keys to his house.

“I am now happy that my dream of having a house of my own has come true.  I come from Rietfontein Farms and stay with my two unemployed grandchildren and one great grandchild. My family survives through social grants money.

“I am happy that I have a decent home where I am going to live happily with my children. I would like to thank the department for their good gesture,” he said.

Mmamokete Molusi (71), who is also a beneficiary, said she comes from Kliplaasdrift Farm and stays with her two grandchildren and one grandchild. Molusi said they also depend on social grants for survival.

“I am grateful that the department gave me the house of which I have been waiting for,” she said.   

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The Greater Taung Local Municipality in financial distress

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Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Various political parties at the embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), alleged that they know nothing about the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a). On 19 January 2024, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi, introduced Section 139 (1) (a) after instability. 

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Mmoni Letele said, as the municipal council, they do not know anything about invocation of Section 139 (1)(a). Letele further said, there is no Section 139 (1)(a) that will be introduced and implemented without following proper measures. 

“I was so surprised to hear that, the North West Head of Department of North West Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Ben Bole had a meeting with the municipal employees, instead of engaging the municipal council regarding the invocation of Section 139 (1)(a). 

“They have never met with the municipal council. So, from where we stand, the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a) at the municipality is non-existence,” she said.

Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD) councillor, Mika Moeti, shared the same sentiments. Moeti alleged that the municipality is in financial crisis. 

“What is needed is a forensic investigation because the municipality is in a financial crisis. Imagine, five years ago, the municipality’s investment accounts had R500 million. But in 2021, the account only had R100 million. 

“We must be honest to our people and tell them the truth. If the municipal council is serious, it must sit in a meeting and call for a forensic investigation. We need to know what really happened to the money that has been depleted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bole refuted the allegations and said there has been positive progress at the municipality since the invocation of Section 139 (1) (a). 

“The Executive Council of the North West has taken a decision to invoke Section 139 (1) (a) at the municipality. This was to give the municipality directives and they were communicated to the municipal council by Maloyi.  

“Basically, that invocation was as a result of instability at the municipality. The municipal council dismally failed to meet its obligations. The municipal council was dysfunctional and as a result, the EXCO took a decision after Maloyi made a presentation before it,” he said. 

Bole further said they have given the municipality directives and they are monitoring them on a monthly basis. He added that they have received the first report and there is a sturdy process. 

“Since last year, the municipal council has failed to sit for council meetings, where it was supposed to take decisions in addressing service delivery challenges. One of the issues that the municipal council was supposed to do, is with regard to appointment of the senior managers. 

“However, there was back and forth and that triggered Maloyi to bring intervention. It is not only that, but before the EXCO invoke Section 139 (1)(a), Maloyi convened a meeting with the municipal council to try and deal with the situation,” said Bole. 

He said, however, it became very clear that Maloyi needed to elevate this matter before the EXCO in order to have a decisive action taken. Bole said Maloyi introduced Section 139 (1)(a) not for impunity measures, but corrective measures to crack the dysfunctional of the municipality,” said Bole.

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