Residents support revocation of licence amid service delivery failures


Picture: Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality building

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 August 2026 – The residents of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality have overwhelmingly supported the Water Services Amendment Bill, particularly the solidification of provisions to suspend and revoke the licences of water service providers that fail to deliver quality water services. The residents expressed their views on the Bill during the second leg of the North West public hearings on the Bill held at the Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng.

Participants argued that due to the current challenges within the district, they are of the view that the licence of Ngaka Modiri Molema should be the first to be revoked with immediate effect as they spend countless days without water. They also argued that, in most cases, municipalities are not adequately capacitated to meet the standards of their licences, and that renders them unable to deliver quality services.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Leon Basson said they told the committee that their support for the Bill is largely based on the Bill’s potential to address the lack of access to quality water and sanitation within the municipality. Basson said they pointed out that their support for the Bill should translate into legislation that will work for the people.

“They called for the effective implementation of the Bill to ensure that it yields the expected fruit. There were concerns that were highlighted that the Bill does not specifically address the plight of rural communities and the quality of water they should expect.

“There was a proposal for a clause in the Bill which explains, among other things, the quality of water the people will receive, and sanctions for non-compliance by water services licence holders,” he said.

Basson further said participants expressed concerns over the continued overreliance on water tankers. He added that they argued that the financial resources used on water tankers could be used for a long-term water provision arrangement.

“Some participants told the committee that water tankers supply questionable water and expose communities to health hazards. Some participants raised concerns that the provision of quality water was overemphasised than the provision of sanitation services, yet both are equally essential.

“Similar to other hearings already held in other provinces, participants raised various challenges regarding the provision of water, with many of them highlighting that they depend on untested boreholes,” said Basson.

He said some participants told the committee that communities rely on very few boreholes, despite the rising number of people that results in more demand. Basson said participants also told the committee that they live without water for a number of days sometimes in their communities.

“They described that as a gross deprivation of their constitutional rights to water,” he said.

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Shandis Events Crew scoops Best Event Organiser award


By OBAKENG MAJE

2 May 2025- In most cases, event organisers said it is not easy to organise a world-class event. However, with a clear vision and detailed planning, Shandis Events Crew can do that flawlessly.

The Best Event Organisers Award they scooped at Mzansi Arts and Media Awards (MAMA) is evidential on how focused the masterminds behind Taung Kids Festival and Taung Comedy show are on creating a unique and memorable experience for attendees.

One of the organisers, Olebogeng Moshwene said there are so many aspects that come into play before the actual event. Moshwene said defining your event’s purpose and goals is imperative.

“Know what you want to achieve and determine the event’s objectives. Also, creates a sense of belonging among the communities. Make sure that you know who your target audience is and it is crucial to have a clear understanding of their needs.

“So, as Shandis Events Crew, we are beyond humble. It is an honour to announce that we have been awarded the Best Event Organiser Award at the Mzansi Arts and Media Awards,” he said.

Moshwene further thanked everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to vote for them as that means a lot. He added that they highly appreciate that and they will carry their unwavering support with pride.

“This award does not just belong to us, it belongs to every artist who trusted us. Every team member who went the extra mile, every partner who believed in our vision and of course you, the people who showed up and showed some love.

“From the sleepless nights to the moments of magic on stage, this has been a journey of passion, grit and heart. Winning this award is not just recognition,” said Moshwene.

He said winning an award is a reminder that what they are building is soaring. Moshwene said this is a Shandis and this is only the beginning.

“Lastly, victory tastes even sweeter when it is shared with those who believed in the dream before the world could see it. So, to our team that ensured that our audience’s needs and preferences are met, thank you.

“They ensured that their planning and execution was out of this world. They also developed a creative concept that aligns with our objectives and target audience,” he said.

Moshwene said they now walk tall today because they are standing on the shoulders of giants. He said Ngwana ke sejo wa tlhakanelwa, loosely translated that, A Child Is Raised By A Village. He dedicated the award to their mentors, family, friends, partners and clients.

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