Tag Archives: near Taung said

Community of Madipelesa demand tarred road

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Picture: Some of community members during protests/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 May 2025- Inaccessible roads across the North West province, particularly in rural areas, continue to be a challenge. The residents of Madipelesa village, near Taung said, this has affected their livelihoods for the longest time and the North West Department of Public Works and Roads ignores their plea.

The community embarked on a peaceful protest last week and submitted a memorandum of demand to the North West Department of Public Works and Roads. Teaching and Learning was also affected as all roads in the village were barricaded with stones and tree branches.

One of the community leaders, Bolelang Mogamisi said they demand a tarred road and improved infrastructure. Mogamisi said the community demanded a tarred road from Madipelesa to Seoding village.

“That road is crucial for our daily execution. We use it to and from town. So, we are in desperation regarding its deplorable state. Truly speaking, the road is gravel and its overall state is poor.

“Despite numerous attempts to engage the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to construct a tarred road for us, our plea fell in deaf ears,” he said.

Mogamisi further said they demand an upgrade and the existing gravel road be tarred. He added that the department must ensure that the road is safe and durable.

“We have written letters in the previous juncture. Given the department’s lack of response to our concerns, we are left with no choice but to take drastic measures.

“We urge the department to take immediate action in addressing our concerns and avoid further disruption within our community. We are united in our demand for a tarred road,” said Mogamisi.

He said as a community, they deserve safe, durable and well-maintained infrastructure that supports their daily lives and economic activities.

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The department is aware of the community’s demand. We have also received a memorandum and we will respond to it within 14 days.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said access to schools in Madipelesa has been blocked due to barricades and burning tyres, resulting in the suspension of teaching and learning activities. Molokwane said the disruption was linked to community protests concerning service delivery issues.

“The District Office has informed the principals of the affected schools to adjust schedules and allocate additional time for learners to catch up on missed lessons.

“This measure aims to reduce the adverse effects of the disruption on learners’ education. Police personnel were on sight to maintain safety and order during the protests,” he said.

Molokwane said the department strongly advises learners to avoid participating in the demonstrations, warning that involvement could jeopardize their safety and may lead to legal consequences.

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Ikhutseng Primary School in deplorable condition   

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Picture: Ikhutseng Primary School in Vaaltyn village in deplorable condition 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The residents of Vaaltyn village, near Taung said, they welcome the North West Department of Education’s plans to construct a new state-of-art school in their area. A week ago, the residents embarked on a poor service delivery protest amongst others, demanding the new school. 

One of the residents, Edwin Motshidi, alleged that the Ikhutseng Primary School is in deplorable condition and it might be hazardous to the learners. Motshidi said, however, they are grateful that the department addresses their educational and social needs at last. 

“Schools play a crucial role in meeting the unique needs of the local community, especially in far-flung areas like Vaaltyn. They are more than just centres for learning because they are important for promoting social cohesion and preserving community identity. 

“Since the department promised to build the school many years ago. It was disheartening to be told about rationalization due to the low number of learners after so many years of waiting,” he said. 

Another resident, Keboneilwe Mampe (63) shared the same sentiments. Mampe said the Ikhutseng Primary School was built by a community using mud bricks. Mampe further said they have waited for a proper school for many years. 

“We are finally happy that at least the department will build a new school. We continued to be ignored by the government, simply because we are in deep rural areas. Honestly, our government was supposed to put more focus in rural areas due to unique challenges experienced here. 

“We often have overcrowding with limited resources. Also, geographical isolation can make it challenging to provide quality educational opportunities as many qualified educators do not want to come and teach here. So, the government must know that schools in rural areas are vital in nurturing education and fostering community. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department has made a commitment to build a new school in Vaaltyn. The school building is planned for the 2024/25 financial year. We can also highlight that budget allocation is not yet known as plans are unfolding. 

“What we can confirm is that the school will comprise 12 classrooms, admin, NSNP kitchen and grade R classrooms. The department is aware of the state of the buildings, hence it planned to build a new school.”

Molokwane said the department intended to build a new school as renovations to Ikhutseng Primary School will not be a solution. He said they are waiting for the budget adjustment at the end of September 2024.

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Model needs your help to realise her dream

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Picture: A model, Maggy Sejamoholo/Facebook     

By OBAKENG MAJE

A model, Maggy Sejamoholo said she is happy to find her niche in the industry. Sejamoholo (15) who is based in Randfontein, Gauteng Province, but her mother, Pretty Sejamoholo (maiden surname, Mahonono) originates from Molelema village, near Taung said, she is grateful after being chosen to represent South Africa at the Miss TV Start Model competition to be held in Antalya, Turkey in October 2023.

“However, my major challenge is the costs, which I must carry as I have not secured any sponsorship at this point in time. Total cost for my itinerary is around R79 500. Kindly share this information with all potential sponsors, whether corporations or individual donors.

“Anyone who would like to donate is welcomed. They can contact my mother, Pretty Sejamoholo on 083 734 5186 or 061 545 2232 for donations. I started with my modeling career back in 2018 when my mother registered me to a local modelling academy,” she said.

Maggy further said she entered her first modelling competition, unfortunately she did not win. She added that she entered the second and third competitions but did not win either.

“In 2019, I was over the moon when I won my first competition. I entered the Miss Competition and was crowned the winner. Then, I started winning many more competitions like Miss Royal Elegance, Miss Fairy Queen of Beauty, Miss International Girl, Miss Princess with Purpose, Miss Valentine, Princess of Randfontein, Miss Elite South Africa, Toddler and Queen of the World, Little Princess of South Africa and Academy Top Scorer.

“Even though I am multi-faceted, modelling became my first love. I still remember when my principal and fellow teachers were so proud of me when I was the best hockey player at the school. I received trophies and medals every year, my school blazer was full of hockey, netball and cross country scrolls,” said Maggy.

She said she was also in the RCL Committee for school kids, while she was still in primary. According to Maggy, she also joined the school pageant, which was a Miss and Mister Randfontein Primary School competition.

“It was back in 2013 and I did not win. However, the same year, I was chosen to join the hockey team outside the school. I still remember we were competing with nine provinces. I was chosen among those provinces as the best hockey player of the tournament in the girls’ category.

“Imagine, out of more than 400 players across the country, my name was the one called. I even won R1500 that day and my mom was so happy including my teammates and coach,” she said.

Maggy also had cameo roles on Rhythm City and Thuli No Thulani.  

Meanwhile, her mother, Pretty Sejamoholo said: “I am happy with Maggy’s achievements. I will be very grateful if her dream can come true because this was a delayed trip. They were supposed to go in 2022, but COVID-19 pandemic affected the trip including some riots in that area.

“In 2019, she went to the United States of America (USA) to represent South Africa with other five pageants. She came back with five trophies and two medals. I was born and bred in Molelema village and married to Sejamoholo.”

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