Tag Archives: near Taung

SA beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse ready for the bigger stage  

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Picture: Model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

29 September 2025- To be a successful model, one needs to have a fierce character, professional attitude and work ethics beyond glittering gowns and radiant smiles. Fortunately, a South African model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Kitso Keretetse (20), possesses all that. Keretetse, who was born and bred in Khibitswane village, near Taung, is taking the entertainment industry by storm after finding her niche. 

A model and a beauty pageant in her own right, Keretetse is the finalist of Face Of Devotion competition that will take place at Johannesburg City Hall on 13 December 2025. She is currently a student at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State, pursuing her career in Education. 

“I am a compassionate, empathetic and inspirational young woman. Dignity and respect are what I value most. I firmly believe in a core principle of Ubuntu that says, “Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Ba Bangwe”, which is loosely translated as, a person is a person through others, as it was correctly articulated by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

“My modelling journey started at the age of 10 after I attended one of my sister’s pageant competitions. I later participated in other pageants like Miss St Paul’s, Miss Heritage North West, Miss Ba Ga Maidi and Face Of Devotion South Africa,” said Keretetse. 

She was also crowned as Pinagare High School’s prom queen. Keretetse is currently the Face of Devotion Free State 2025 ambassador, which geared her to the national stage to represent the Free State province. 

“Being a model is more than walking on a stage and showing your beauty. Being a model means having good leadership skills and willing to lose self in the service of others. There are no requirements needed for one to be a model. 

“All you need is your confidence, communication and leadership skills and being persistent. As a student at the CUT, I believe that education is the key to success. I believe that education opens doors to new opportunities, improves socio-economic prospects and empowers the youth to become active citizens,” she said. 

Keretetse further said education plays a significant role in shaping the world, fostering creativity and promoting personal growth. She added that she sees herself as a qualified pedagogical practitioner after five years. 

“I also see myself embarking on community related projects and grooming aspiring models and beauty pageants. I believe that, in the world that we live in, women are given enough opportunities within society. Even though women are empowered, that seems to create despondency to certain individuals.

“However, I believe that women are not celebrated enough as they are supposed to. Women are the future leaders of the world. Remember, when you empower a woman, you empower the whole community. It is disheartening to see women living in fear due to the abuse they are subjected to,” said Keretetse. 

She said despite the living conditions that women are finding themselves living in, they should stand firm and fight against injustices. Keretetse said those who would like to vote for her, there are voting packages, for R50 which is equal to 10 votes, R100 to 20 votes, R200 to 50 votes, R300 to 80 votes, R500 to 150 votes and R1000 to 400 votes. 

“They can transfer their votes to: FNB Business 

Account Number: 63164524936

Branch Code: 250655

Reference: FDSA22. 

“It is requested that you send your proof of payment to 0632186945 after voting,” she said. 

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Atamelang Bus Service appeal North West High Court decision  

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Picture: Atamelang Bus Service

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 September 2025- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it regrets to inform communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District that the start of the subsidized commuter transport service will be delayed. The North West High Court recently set aside an interdict by Atamelang Bus Service, which had previously prevented the department from appointing a new service provider.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said this ruling had paved the way for the resumption of services in the district. Morweng said Atamelang Bus Service, which had stopped providing services since December 2024, went to court in an attempt to block the department from appointing a replacement operator.

“This failure to render services constituted a breach of its service level agreement with the department. Following the favourable court ruling, the department initiated processes to resume services, including the procurement of a new operator and engaging employees of the former service provider to ensure their absorption by the incoming company.

“However, Atamelang Bus Service has since lodged an appeal against last week’s ruling. This legal process unfortunately delays the resumption of the commuter service,” he said.

Morweng further said his department assures that communities will be kept informed of developments and will be notified as soon as a firm resumption date is confirmed.

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Concerns over repayment of R36m based on ‘ghost contract’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 September 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on Monday said it has noted with concern reports relating to the repayment of R36 million based on a “ghost contract” of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

The committee said this follows earlier media reports alleging that the GPAA paid Shula Developers, who allegedly misrepresented themselves as the landlord, R36 million upfront to lease a building for the GPAA’s headquarters.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said according to media reports, the developers paid the refund only after earlier reports revealed alleged irregularities. De Villiers said the refund reportedly did not include interest, which amounts to approximately R4 million.

“Responding to the report by News24, the committee will seek clarity on why such a large upfront payment was allegedly authorised, if the underlying contract was fraudulent and why the repayment was allegedly made only after the matter was reported in the media.

“The committee also wants to know which GPAA officials authorised the payment and whether they will face consequences if wrongdoing is confirmed,” he said.

De Villiers further said the committee will also seek clarity on whether the arrangement between the GPAA and Shula Developers constitutes potential corruption that now requires accountability from both the company and implicated officials. He added that the committee also expressed concern about reports that R26 million was paid to Dikeamo Architects for office designs linked to the same building.

“Not only would this represent wasteful expenditure on a property that could never be leased, but the sum itself appears unusually high for architectural planning services,” said the Chairperson.

“The committee will seek clarity on whether this payment was justified and whether there was any misrepresentation,” said de Villiers.

He said the committee will invite the GPAA to appear before it to account and outline steps being taken to investigate and recover any losses. De Villiers said the committee will write to the Auditor-General, the National Treasury and relevant law enforcement authorities to ensure that the full facts are established.

“They should ensure that an appropriate financial recovery, including interest, is pursued and that any proven corruption is dealt with decisively through consequence management and prosecution.

“GEPF members and pensioners entrust the government with their life savings. To see those funds placed at risk through such allegations is unacceptable,” he said.

De Villiers said the committee remains committed to ensuring that this matter is thoroughly investigated and that accountability is enforced.

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Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara ‘placed’ on precautionary suspension for ‘assaulting’ a learner

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Picture: Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 August 2025- A Grade 10 learner, Koketso Manyeke (16) from Reivilo High School, near Taung, who was allegedly assaulted by the school principal, Motsamai Mokgara, was left dejected. In a letter, Koketso reminisce her ordeal and said the whole incident was sparked by a commotion that ensued between her and other three learners, Gorataone Jonas, Oratile Ntaolang and Kamogelo Keakwa, after they threw leaves of the tree mixed with sand into her face.

Picture: Koketso Manyeke after being assaulted

“This happened a few minutes before I was about to write my examination. After my examination, I came across one of the learners who threw sand into my face near the library, and then I confronted her.

“I asked her why she threw the sand into my face, and then she said because she wanted to. That made me upset and we fought. However, the principal passed by driving his vehicle and he stopped,” she said.

Koketso further said that Mokgara then took a belt from one of the AAs, and assaulted her. She added that she tried to explain the situation, but Mokgara did not want to listen.  

The wretched mother of the affected learner, Galaletsang Manyeke, said she is disappointed by the behaviour of Mokgara. Galaletsang said: “As a parent, I was called by my daughter saying that the principal assaulted her with a belt because she was in a fight with a fellow learner.

“It is disheartening because the principal only assaulted my daughter. I just wonder what discretion he used to find my daughter at fault alone.”

Manyeke said according to information, Mokgara took a belt from one of the AAs and assaulted her daughter.

“Koketso said she was shocked to see how the principal beat her and she was just standing there crying. She said no one intervened, while she was being assaulted with a belt,” said Manyeke.

She said she wondered why Mokgara decided to assault her daughter without summoning her parents to the school or temporarily suspend her, instead of disciplining her in a form of corporal punishment.

The North West Department of Education, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware that allegations of corporal punishment have been made against the Reivilo High School principal. Molokwane said these allegations have been backed up by written reports.

“These serious claims are currently under disciplinary review and investigation. To protect sensitive information and ensure fairness, all details remain confidential. The principal was placed on precautionary suspension during the inquiry, a step taken to allow the investigation to proceed, not as punishment.

“Once the investigation is complete, the suspension will be lifted, following legal rules to ensure due process and transparency,” he said.

However, one of our reliable sources said Mokgara is still at the school and he is not suspended as the North West Department of Education alleges.   

Meanwhile, the statistics show that corporal punishment has a negative impact and can cause both physical and psychological harm and hinder learners’ academic and social development. The report said corporal punishment can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even increased aggression, while also disrupting the learning environment and potentially causing learners to drop out.

According to the Statistics SA report in 2023, corporal punishment still is being practiced in schools despite the ban. The Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act, No. 33 of 1997 banned the use of corporal punishment in schools.

“Despite the ban, corporal punishment is still used as a form of discipline more than 20 years later. Of those that reported experiencing violence at school, the most common form of violence experienced was corporal punishment by teachers.

“This is according to a recently released report by Statistics South Africa called Children Series Volume I Children exposed to maltreatment, 2021. In 2019, just over 1 million out of 13 million school-going children aged 5 – 17 years reported that they had experienced some form of violence.”

The report said of those who experienced violence at school, close to 84% experienced corporal punishment by teachers, followed by verbal abuse by teachers (13,7%) and physical violence by teachers (10,6%). Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of children who experienced verbal abuse by other learners increased by six percentage points from 18,1% in 2009 to 24,1% in 2019.

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District beekeeping engagements will expand economic opportunities 

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Picture: Beekeeper, Nkululeko Kula

By OBAKENG MAJE 

8 July 2025- A beekeeper from Letlhapong village, near Taung, Nkululeko Kula (34), said even though he has not found his niche in the beekeeping industry, he is glad that his business is slowly becoming a commercial venture. Kula, who has employed three people thus far on a temporary basis, said his business involves managing beehives to produce and sell bee-related products like honey, pollen and beeswax. 

He further said, he also offers cross-fertilisation services. Kula said success in beekeeping requires knowledge, dedication and careful management of the bees and their environment. Kula added that he is fortunate because he had acquired all that through his journey.  

“I have knowledge and skills to encompass my business. I am also grateful for the unwavering support that I continue to receive from local people. So far, I do not have the market to supply my product to. However, I think things will soon change for the better. 

“I was working for a beekeeping company in Kimberley and that is where I gained mentorship and hands-on practice. This is not an easy business because you need to understand bee biology, hive management, pest control, and honey harvesting techniques,” said Kula.

He said he is in need of a honey extractor, which is a mechanical device used in the extraction of honey from honeycombs. Kula said he sometimes struggles to extract honey as he does not have the right equipment. 

“A 500g bottle of honey is available at R130. Those who need to buy honey can come to our village or contact me to purchase. I am still developing a marketing strategy to sell my products using online platforms, as I am only using local markets or direct sales to customers. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said: “We will embark on district beekeeping engagements across the province. The engagements will expand economic opportunities through apiculture.

“The department is pleased to announce that it will embark on district beekeeping engagements during the month of July 2025. The engagements will take place across all four districts of the province to support sustainable agricultural development, while promoting and expanding economic opportunities through apiculture (beekeeping).”

Setlhako said the objectives of these engagements is to raise awareness about the economic and ecological value of beekeeping, identifying the challenges faced by local beekeepers and cooperatives and further promoting knowledge sharing, skills transfer and training opportunities. She said the engagement will also assist in introducing support programs and funding avenues available through the department and to strengthen stakeholder collaboration for the growth of the beekeeping sector.

“The department encourages all interested individuals and beekeeping stakeholders to attend the sessions in their respective districts to share insights and contribute to shaping the future of apiculture in the North West,” said Setlhako.

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Breaking News: Commuters allegedly robbed off their belongings during hijack in Taung

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Picture: Minibus taxi allegedly hijacked dumped in Leshobo village

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 June 2025- It is alleged that a minibus taxi with commuters inside from Khudutlou village, near Taung, was hijacked. Even though the details of the event are still sketchy at the moment, it is alleged that the victims were robbed off their belongings and dumped off at Leshobo village.

The police are still at the scene and no one has been arrested thus far.

*This is a developing story and more details will follow.

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Makgethe Middle School principal back in court

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Picture: Makgethe Middle School principal, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2025- The principal of Makgethe Middle School in Matsheng village, near Taung, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo (57), expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court, facing six counts of corruption. Tlhabanelo was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team last month for alleged corruption.

It is alleged that during the period between January 2022 and November 2024, the suspect was an acting school principal when she offered the complainant a contractual post of Head of Department (HoD) at the same school.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports allegedly indicate that the complainant contract was duly renewed in 2022 and 2023.

Mathebula said, however, in 2024, it was not renewed as another candidate was considered for the same post.

“The suspect reportedly informed the complainant that she would recommend to the department that he be given the acting principal post. Furthermore, the suspect allegedly informed the complainant that she would expect a payment of R4500 in monthly instalments for her acting allowance, which she would have forfeited.

“The complainant was subsequently hired as an acting school principal and allegedly started paying the suspect in February 2024, an amount ranging from R4500 to R5200,” he said.

Mathebula further said investigation revealed that the suspect was paid R30 500 in total. He added that, following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with corruption.

“She was granted a R3000 bail and her matter was postponed for further investigation,” said Mathebula.

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Job for pals’ scandal rock MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

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Picture: MM Sebitloane Special School in Taung

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 March 2025- The MM Sebitloane Special School in Lokaleng village, near Taung, has been rocked by an alleged job-for-pals scandal involving the school principal, Boipelo Gloria Mmokwa. This was after community members embarked on a protest at the school on Monday and demanded to be appointed.  

According to some community members, Mmokwa appointed her cronies on various posts without even advertising. They alleged that those who were appointed come as far as Zeerust, Hartswater and Limpopo, while they are not being considered.

One of the community members who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “We have seen those posts a few months ago, but they were cancelled. However, we only realised now that there were people who were subsequently appointed.

“Those posts were not advertised. So, we demand fair treatment as a community of Lokaleng. We all meet the necessary criteria for those posts. So, we are not going to allow Mmokwa to run this school to the ground and undermine us,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “According to the information provided by MM Sebitloane, the School Governing Body (SGB) advertised positions for sports-related roles in response to a decline in sports participation. The SGB aimed to recruit individuals who could engage learners in various sports activities after school hours.

“Members of the community were given the opportunity to apply for these positions. All appointed individuals reside in Taung, a village in close proximity to the school.”

Molokwane said Mmokwa also refuted allegations that individuals were recruited from Hartswater, Zeerust areas and Limpopo Province. He said the SGB, as a legal entity, possesses the authority to appoint personnel and utilise their fundraising efforts to compensate for the services they require.

“Typically, SGBs provide stipends rather than salaries, as their budget does not permit such expenditures. In hostel schools, positions are created based on household needs, implying that the roles are defined according to the specific requirements of the hostel.

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Learners forced to evacuate faulty scholar transport bus

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Picture: Learners evacuating scholar transport bus/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2025- As the scholar transport crisis continues to paint a grim picture, concerned parents in Mokgareng village, near Taung, call on the North West Departments of Education and Community Safety and Transport Management, to address scholar transport challenges.

This comes after learners from Thapang Secondary School in Matlapaneng village were forced to evacuate the scholar transport that emitted a cloud of smoke last week. According to one of the parents, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the scholar transport bus was ferrying learners from Mokgareng to Matlapaneng when this happened.

“It is worrisome to see this happening. We cannot have challenges of unroadworthy buses year in, year out without any action. So, we express our deepest concern over the situation, and I hope both departments will react timeously.

“Also, it is most probable that other learners across the province are affected by the same crisis across all rural provinces. Either are being left stranded due to the failure of scholar transport services or they are given unroadworthy buses,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department is aware of the incident that occurred. The bus experienced a mechanical failure due to a substance that was deliberately introduced into the diesel tank by unknown individuals, as reported by both the driver and the service provider.

“This act resulted in engine complications, which is the reason for the considerable smoke emitted from the exhaust. There was no emergency evacuation and all the learners were safe.”

Molokwane further said they went to their respective school without any reported injuries. He added that the situation was managed effectively, prioritising the well-being of the learners.

“The service provider dispatched an intervention bus. Thereafter, the officials from the learner transport department convened with the service provider today to address the situation.

“The Department of Education will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the smoke, as we cannot solely depend on the driver’s account,” said Molokwane.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said the Lethina Trading Enterprises is appointed to provide scholar transport services to learners attending school in Thapama Secondary School situated in Matlapaneng village. Matlou said the operator informed the department about the incident on 17 March 2025.

“The department conducts ad hoc monitoring of scholar transport and the recent one was on 11 March 2025. The bus in question was in good condition according to the monitoring tool utilised by the monitors.

“It must be noted that the monitoring tool of the department does not cover the engine related aspects due to the assumption that once the vehicle has a certificate of fitness it is in good condition,” he said.

Matlou said in total, the department spends R450 000 000 on scholar transport every year.

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‘Magogong turned into gangster paradise’

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Picture: Community members embarked on peaceful march/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 March 2025- It seems the infamous Magogong village, near Taung, has a significant problem with crime, particularly violent crime, with a high rate of murder, robbery and assault. Recently, the community members were prompted by the situation to embark on a peaceful march and submitted a memorandum of demand to the Taung Police Station.

One of community leaders, Mosetsanagape Blom said, their village has turned into a notorious gangster paradise and they do not feel safe anymore in their homes. Blom alleged that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has failed in executing their constitutional obligation. 

“Many incidents have been reported to the police with no responses. You will remember the famous case of Oratile Mothibi, who went missing back in 2022, after being abducted.

“As we speak, the case has gone cold. We demand that the case be reopened and assigned to a properly trained detective. The case falls under Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related crimes,” she said. 

Blom further said, there was another case involving a minor, Rethabile Molapo (13). She added that Molapo was kidnapped, killed and partially burned before being thrown into a pit toilet. 

“Also, the investigations yield no positive results. We demand that the investigating officer in the matter be removed as he lacks compassion, dedication, professionalism and respect. He consistently fails to report to the deceased’s parents regarding the progress of the investigation,” said Blom. 

She said they are disgruntled after the police arrested seven community members, who were accused of burning the traditional healer to death. Blom said the crime was committed by community members in retaliation. 

“So, it is injustice to keep those arrested in detention for crimes committed by the community. Therefore, we demand that they be released immediately from detention as their release is in the best interest of the community,” she said. 

Recently, a man was arrested for allegedly killing his mother with a spade, while a woman was nabbed for allegedly killing a man, whom they accused of stealing a Jojo tank. 

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Even though there was a general decrease in crime, contact related crimes increased by 2.3%. Malicious damage to property contributed most cases which are 1969 cases. 

“This is 48 more cases compared to the previous year, which is a 2.5% increase.”

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