Tag Archives: near Taung

Maloyi: “There are strategic plans to address water challenges in North West”

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Picture: Dysfunctional boreholes in Ntswanahatshe village

By OBAKENG MAJE 

Some residents in Ntswanahatshe village, near Taung, call on government to ensure that, they have access to clean and potable water. According to one of the residents, Boitumelo Dilapiso, the government has been ignorant in solving water, sanitation and hygiene-related issues in marginalised communities for so long. 

Dilapiso said government should also ensure that, there is transparency, accountability, proper implementation and completion of water projects in rural communities. He said piped drinking water is not enough to cater for the whole community in their area and that has forced others to walk long distance to access clean and drinkable water.

“So far, many people depend on water wells to get their daily water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning due to a serious challenge of provision of water. What is disheartening being that, we do have boreholes that can be refurbished, but no one is willing to listen. Those boreholes were shut down by now defunct Sedibeng Water. 

“We really do not know the reason, but we do need those boreholes now. We cannot be marginalised like this because water is our basic right. Many of poor families living in remote rural areas, their primary wish is to have access to water. Many of these poor villagers, have to trek for miles every morning to fetch their daily pail of water,” he said.

However, the acting North West Premier, Nono Maloyi said in the last 30 years, the province has witnessed unprecedented levels of development. Maloyi, who delivered State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Tuesday said, just over 80% of households in the province have access to piped water. 

Maloyi further said this has happened either inside the dwellings, yards or community stands, as compared to 20% in 1996. He added that in November 2023, the provincial government in cooperation with Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu launched the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project.

“In September last year, we began the construction of the over R200 million water pipeline from Pudimoe to Huhudi to augment the provision of bulk water supply. Harmony Gold Mine is resuscitating the Kraaipan Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant back to functionality at a cost of R8.5 million to ensure sustainable water provision in parts of the Ratlou Local Municipality.

“The plant will be handed over to the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality for upkeep and management. Several more water infrastructure projects in Mahikeng, JB Marks, Moses Kotane, Greater Taung, Matlosana, Kagisano-Molopo, Moretele, Rustenburg as well as Mamusa Local Municipalities will be completed in the 2024/25 financial year,” he said.

Maloyi said all these projects will be implemented through Operation Bulela Metsi, which they launched in July last year. He said furthermore, construction of R36 million bulk water sewer pipeline at Agisanang township in the Tswaing Local Municipality is due for completion this year. 

“We can report to the people of Madibeng Local Municipality that the Brits Water Treatment Plant will be completed by May this year. The completion of this project will bring an additional 20ml that will ensure provision of water in the communities of Oukasi, Mothotlung, Damonsville, Mmankau, Brits town, Elandsrand, Letlhabile and Sonop.

“The pipeline from Mafenya to Tlhabane will be completed in April. The 25ml in Tlhabane reservoir, is 99% complete and will be handed over within the next two weeks. Additional boreholes have been drilled and equipped for both the Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Plant and Water Augmentation project to address water provision challenges in Mahikeng,” said Maloyi.

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Judgement Day on Manthe arson case set

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Picture: The accused persons, who were arrested for arson

By OBAKENG MAJE

An arson case against seven accused persons from Manthe village, near Taung, has been postponed to 28 February 2024 for judgement. The trial that commenced on 16 until 18 October 2023 and extended until 12 February 2024, was eventually completed.

The former soccer star, Odiseng “Teenage” Komane (41), Obakeng “Prosto” Mogabale (46), Mothusi Motimeng, Pretty “Zero” Masibelele (36), Ali Sakiele (50), Ontiretse Patrick Gosenyegang (38) and the former Mega Stars FC goalie, Katlego “Makgasa” Tikane (32), were arrested and charged for arson.

The seven accused were arrested by the police in July 2022 during an intelligence-driven operation.

In May 2022, the community members embarked on a violent protest, torched three houses, and looted the Disoufeng tavern belonging to Katong’s family. They accused the alleged drug lord, Bakang Katong (32) of killing the late Thabiso Mothibedi (35).

North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “We can confirm that the police have arrested seven suspects for arson and they were granted R500 bail each.”

Meanwhile, Bakang, and his brother, Phenyo “The Great” Katong (34), Thabang Lenyai (23), and Katlego “Makita” Mosimege (31) were arrested for Mothibedi’s murder and the case is still pending.

The police preliminary investigation revealed that, on 29 April 2022, Mothibedi was at Longaneng village near Taung, where Katong and his cronies allegedly fetched him. They allegedly transported him back to Manthe village after accusing him of stealing R20 000 and cigarettes worth R600.

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‘Patient left with paralysed hand after being handcuffed in hospital’

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Picture: A woman, Tshwaro Reetseng suffered severe injuries after being handcuffed

By OBAKENG MAJE

A woman from Manthe village, near Taung, said she had lost hope of regaining the use of her paralysed hand. On 18 October 2023, Tshwaro Reetseng (25) allegedly experienced complications and was rushed to a local clinic for medical attention.

Reetseng said she received an injection at Manthe clinic and she was transferred to the Taung District Hospital for further medical treatment. She said she was admitted upon her arrival at the hospital.

“I will say I was sedated because I cannot recall what happened after the injection I received. I woke up on 23 October 2023 and it was strange because my right hand and leg were tied to the bed with handcuffs.

“A security guard came to me and removed the handcuffs. I was so hungry and my right hand was severely injured on the wrist. I tried to use it to eat, but it was numb. So, I requested assistance from the patient who was sleeping in the bed next to me,” she said.

Reetseng further said she allegedly asked the nurses what had happened to her hand, but no one said anything. She added that the only thing they did was to tell her to apply butter (Sunshine) on my swollen hand.

“Even my leg was injured and it was bandaged. I was discharged on 3 November 2023 and then returned to the hospital on 8 November 2023. I was transferred to Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital on 9 November 2023.

“Life is difficult because I used to do odd jobs for survival. Now, I am paralysed and I cannot fend for myself anymore. When the doctors arranged physiotherapists for me, I was optimistic that I would regain the use of my hand. However, nothing happened,” said Reetseng.

One of Tshwaro’s family members, who refused to be named for reprisal, shared the same sentiments. She said the hospital should be held responsible for what happened to Tshwaro.

“They nearly cut off her hand and now she is entirely dependable. We know that she would do some odd jobs to take care of her child and siblings, but not anymore due to a paralysed hand,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The department can confirm that it has followed up this case with the hospital and indeed, the patient in question was admitted at Taung District Hospital. The patient was restrained and this is normally done to protect the safety of the patient.

“It is expected that nurses would normally work as a team when restraining a patient so that no one gets injured in the process. Restraints are not used until every other alternative to patient safety is exhausted.”

Lekgethwane said some protocols need to be followed when a patient is in restraints. He said the matter will require investigation to determine whether all protocols were followed and why the patient was injured.

“Patient can be tied down for restraint not only when they are violent but also even when it is determined that they could injure themselves by their movements. The department will investigate this matter and take action should there be any form of negligence discovered.

“It is expected that the health professionals who administered the patient would have maintained constant communication with the patient. However, this will also be part of the investigation,” said Lekgethwane.

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Two men who were accused of killing former Vaaltar FM presenter and socialite, Tshepang Seelo not guilty!

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Picture: Two men, Tumelo Tlonkwe and Rebaone Malekanyo having lunch in Vryburg

By OBAKENG MAJE

The families of two men, Tumelo Tlonkwe (33) and Rebaone Malekanyo (34), who were accused of killing a former Vaaltar FM presenter and local socialite, Tshepang Seelo (32) back in 2021 said, they are relieved that the court did not find them guilty. Malekanyo and Tlonkwe from Modimong village, near Taung, were facing premeditated murder, assault, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Henry Mamothame, Seelo was allegedly killed on 31 October 2021, while walking from a local tavern with his girlfriend.

“The deceased allegedly saw the duo stealing roof sheets from a certain house and blew the whistle. Then the accused allegedly assaulted, kidnapped, and killed him before dumping his body in a furrow near Khibitswane village, near Taung.

“Seelo’s girlfriend allegedly ran away and escaped unharmed. The deceased’s lifeless body was found floating in a river on 3 November 2021. It is alleged that, his body was also mutilated and his eyes and tongue were missing,” said Mamothame.

He further said, the two men were arrested on 2 November 2021 after they handed themselves over to the police. Their case was transferred to the North West High Court sitting in Vryburg.

On 11 January 2024, Tlonkwe and Malekanyo were found not guilty by the North West High Court due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Meanwhile, Rebaone’s brother, Pacman Malekanyo said: “We are happy that, finally the justice system has acquitted our brothers and the truth has prevailed. This is what we have been saying that, our brothers are falsely accused in this matter.

“Unfortunately, our livelihoods have been severely affected in the process because our houses were torched by irked residents. We had to relocate our parents from their area of birth due to safety measures.”

Pacman said they will now shift their focus and ensure that, those perpetrators who torched their houses are being arrested and prosecuted. He said they will also have a consultative engagement with their lawyers to look into a civil case against the state.

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Mokgareng football club receives new soccer kit ahead of Top 8 tournament

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Picture: The local philanthropist, Tshidi Moreane donated soccer kits to Morning Stars FC/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

Morning Stars Football Club caretaker coach, Kagiso Itholeng from Mokgareng village, near Taung, said they welcome the donation of new soccer kits. This comes after a local philanthropist, Tshidi Moreane donated a full-fledged soccer kit on Thursday.

Itholeng said this will boost the confidence of the players ahead of the much-anticipated Top 8 Soccer Tournament that will take place over the weekend. He further said he is contented to see some businesspeople heeding a helping hand in the quest of developing a grassroots football because that is rare.

“It is not often to see local businesspeople investing in local football. So, we are happy to see that people like Moreane are changing the narrative. We do have an abundance of talent at Morning Stars FC, but lack of financial muscle creates a stagnant.

“What I like is that Moreane also shared words of encouragement with the players. I am certain that they will take their craft seriously and focus. We will be embarking on a tournament this weekend and we hope the donation will be a morale-booster for them,” he said.    

Meanwhile, Moreane said the donation that was made under Tshidi Moreane Foundation and Lesedi 7 Group, will encourage players to work harder knowing that, there is unwavering support out there from locals. He added that locals must support grassroots football teams and urge all local businesspeople around Taung to be involved in advancing local talents.

“This is part of our plough back at Lesedi 7 Group and Tshidi Moreane Foundation. One thing that I know, Taung has an abundance of talent and all that is needed is to nurture it. By giving unwavering support to our football clubs, we will create a chance for these players to have the confidence to break through the ranks and ply their trade in elite leagues.

“Also, it is beneficiary if local soccer teams have sponsors or financial muscle because it will enable them to buy all necessary tools such as team kits, equipment, or transportation. If you have not handled something like this before, it can be challenging and feels like a time-consuming task too,” he said.

As a former player, Moreane encouraged players not to indulge in alcohol and drug abuse as that would harm their careers.  

“We have outlined what we are going to do for the team in the future, including what process to use in attracting more investors. As a former player, I urge local businesses to be involved, as well as look into some of the benefits this can have for the grassroots teams.

“We understand the challenges the local teams are having in securing sponsors, so that is why we’re starting with the basics. We do not have enough players who ply their trade in elite leagues and that narrative should be challenged,” said Moreane.

He said the sponsorship is important for football clubs as it can help to fund necessities and ensure the clubs continue to run. Moreane said if a club has to stop running due to lack of funds, this can limit the sporting opportunities in the area and can mean that players will potentially have to travel long distances to find another club.

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Outpatients at Taung District Hospital to receive soup in honour of Madiba  

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Picture: Taung District Hospital

By OBAKENG MAJE

The Chivas Crew Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), which consists of a group of youth from Chiefscourt village, near Taung, set to visit the Taung District Hospital on 18 July 2023 to celebrate 67 minutes of International Mandela Day. Chivas Crew coordinator, Bontle Keokame said, they will provide soup to more than 60 patients on that day.

“We will be providing soup cups to outpatients. As the organisation, we have noticed that patients come very early in the morning. Most of them come from far away and might have not eaten anything when they arrive.

“So, we see it fit to atleast put something together to help them to keep warm. The main objective of this initiative is to assist and give back to our community during times of need. The group was established in September 2020 and we have 30 good-standing members,” Keokame said.

She further said they are looking forward to seeing more young people with the same vision joining them.

Meanwhile, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa will unveil two statues of Madiba in Mthatha, Eastern Cape on 18 July 2023, as part of the International Nelson Mandela Month celebrations. The programme spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Museum is in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture; OR Tambo District Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality.

According to the statement, the statues will be unveiled at the Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building in Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu.

Ramphosa spokesperson, Mr Vincent Magwenya said, the two statues of Nelson Mandela will resemble Nelson Mandela as a Statesman and the other as a traditionalist. Magwenya further said, on the same day, the museum and department will hand over a library at Zingisa Comprehensive High School as part of “Making a Difference” in the community.

“This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day will be commemorated under the theme: “It is in Your Hands”. The planned International Mandela Day activities will kick start with an International Mandela Day public lecture at the Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu on 17 July 2023, where Minister Zizi Kodwa will be in attendance.

“The government has called on citizens to contribute to turning the tide against food insecurity and climate change in honour of Madiba’s legacy. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in a statement on Tuesday, described former President Nelson Mandela as a leader who abhorred injustice. He is known mainly for the personal sacrifices that he and fellow freedom fighters made towards achieving democracy in South Africa,” he said.

Magwenya added: “Even outside of prison, Mandela continued the fight against injustice, especially poverty, through various means, including mobilising local and international friends to support fundraising efforts for food insecurity and education, among others.

“Mandela viewed anti-poverty efforts as the protection of human rights. He once said, ‘Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life’. As such, South Africans will do well to honour him by emulating these ideals not only during Mandela Month but make them part of their daily lives.”

He said during this month, the government will host several events led by Ministers, Premiers, Deputy Ministers, Directors-General and public servants in all provinces. Magwenya said these events include the planting of trees and the donation of blankets, clothes and food.

The programmes will also support communities by starting food gardens.

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