Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 October 2025- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has set the tone for the North West Transport Investment (NTI) planning session held at Kings Gate Hotel in Rustenburg. Morweng said the session must come up with a comprehensive restructuring plan to turn around the NTI.
He further said they know the part of the reason the entity is where it is today. Morweng added that it is as a result of systemic failures in governance, finances and operations over the years.
“What this collective must come out of here with is a strategy that restores hope. As a department henceforth, we are going to maintain a close oversight, building on our recent interventions to stabilize the entity.
“I challenge the planning session to develop plans to pay creditors and how to ensure that going forward, the current problems which impede regular payments are avoided. This collective must come up with plans to reduce and ultimately pay all outstanding debts of the entity,” he said.
He said the session is led by the acting Chief Executive Officer (ACEO), Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, attended by senior officials from the entity, labour union representatives, officials from both the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management and Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport as well as the Office of the Premier.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during a meeting/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
16 November 2024- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, hit the ground running by convening a meeting with relevant stakeholders that forms part of the rescue team established by the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu. This comes after Mchunu appointed Morweng to chair the rescue team, which is to be responsible for developing a comprehensive rescue plan to assist in bringing the illegal miners to the surface.
On Friday, Mchunu, Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, Morweng embarked on an oversight visit to the Stilfontein shaft, where more than 1000 illegal miners have been rescued. In the meeting, Morweng requested the mine owners and rescue specialists to work on conducting the assessment, which will inform the operational plan to rescue those underground.
“We all agree that we want to rescue those people and we need the community to come on board for us to succeed in this operation. The mine owners indicated that there is a need to clear the site before any resource can be deployed on site, which they committed to implement immediately when the community members have vacated the area.
“We then made a plea to the community leaders who are part of the rescue team to start communicating with the members on site about the intentions of the government and those underground if they are able to. We need to allow the technical rescue team to make the proper risk assessment that will inform this operational plan,” he said.
Morweng further said their common ground here is to rescue those people. He added that the earlier they talk to community members on site and allow the mine owners and technical rescue team to clear the site and deploy relevant machinery to do the risk assessment, the better.
“They need to start to operationalise the plan. The rescue team led by me, composed of SAPS, District Mayor and Local Mayor, community leaders, mine owners, mine rescue technical team and government departments,” said Morweng.
Meanwhile, there was allegedly an impasse between government departments in terms of who would foot the bill as the rescue team demanded answers before they could commence with their duty.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
31 October 2024- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with the department key stakeholders, SANSBOC and SANTACO to address issues that will harmonize the working relationship with the bodies.
The first meeting was with SANSBOC to deal with scholar Transport claims and late payments which has been a thorn that also worried Morweng as the matter can affect learners who rely on the service.
He further resolved that outstanding payments to scholar transport operators should be given priority and those that are claimed are outstanding be brought forward and be dealt with. Morweng added that the second meeting was with SANTACO, which was on commuter transport and the role SANTACO should play in the industry, as well as what is due to them as per agreement.
“We resolved that a meeting that is expected to take place next week on Monday between SANTACO and Commuter Bus companies, the Head of Department (HOD), and other relevant parties, must come up with a workable solution.
“All participants of the two meetings appreciated how we handled their matters and they were grateful about the outcome of the meetings,” he said.
Picture: A suspect arrested for allegedly stealing vehicles/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
30 September 2024- North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng have applauded traffic officers around Mahikeng for being vigilant. This follows the arrest of a suspect at a tavern in Mahikeng, who is regarded as a kingpin to the syndicate that are stealing cars mostly from Botswana at shopping malls around Mafikeng and one who was also arrested in Mafikeng with suspected stolen car from Zeerust.
Morweng said according to Eagles Unit Manager responsible for N18, R503 and R49, the first suspect is part of the syndicate that target Botswana vehicles parked at shopping malls and allegedly uses tow trucks to take them away.
“The second suspect was driving a grey Toyota Corolla without number plates and when traffic officers stopped him, he was not able to give clear answers. It was established that the car was stolen in Zeerust.
“Searching the vehicle, the officers came across boxes of counterfeit cigarette. The two were taken to Mafikeng Police station and charges of counterfeit goods and theft of motor vehicles were opened,” he said.
Morweng has reiterated his call to make the province safer from criminals.
“People must do their shopping without fearing that when they come back they might not find their cars at shopping malls.
“It cannot be business as usual and we are determined to eradicate this type of crimes as they also affect our cross border relations but also economic spin offs,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is saddened by the death of a learner as a result of an alleged recklessness of a scholar transport bus driver. It is alleged that learners at Motsaalore Secondary School in Khunotswane village, near Mahikeng, were leaving for home as usual in the afternoon on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 and boarded their scholar transport bus.
It is reported that a short distance from the school, a learner began to jump from a bus while in motion as the driver allegedly was driving recklessly and lost control of the bus. According to school management who briefed the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng on the morning of Thursday, 18 July 2024, when he visited the school, the driver was allegedly not sober and returned to the school yard after children had all jumped off the bus.
“The learners who reside about 13km from the school completed their journey on foot. On arrival at the school, the driver seemed not to be aware of the incident that took place.
“We were only made aware by some enraged community members, who came running after the bus and told us of the unfortunate incident. However, the driver who appeared delirious at that time, denied the incident and claimed he had ensured the bus doors were closed,” said a teacher.
The ambulance was called and it was then that one of the three learners who had jumped off the bus was found to have passed on. Two other learners were transferred to the nearest hospital.
Meanwhile, Morweng expressed shock and sadness for the young life lost. He said an investigation will be conducted and necessary action as per the service level agreement would be taken against the contracted operator.
“One lost life of a child is a loss to the society and sends deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the school. This is a very sad and heart-breaking situation. I must say that I’m very disappointed with this kind of behaviour, where a person old enough to discern wrong from right ends up being the one who puts the lives of learners at risk.
“We are trying by all means at the department to ensure that our service providers must provide safe and reliable transport to our learners, but unfortunately these are some of the incidents we have to deal with. We are however working on a permanent solution to ensure this doesn’t recur,” he said.
The driver was immediately arrested and will appear in court on Friday. The scholar transport bus ferries learners from Matlhase village to Motsaalore Secondary school in Khunotswane village.
Picture: Learners receive bicycles at Mmakgaje Secondary School in Moshana village, near Zeerust/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has reaffirmed his commitment to transform lives of the most disadvantaged in society. In upholding the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Morweng spent the day with learners of Mmakgaje Secondary School in Moshana village, near Zeerust.
During this occasion, he distributed 80 Shova Kalula bicycles to learners who walk no less than 3km to school. As a former learner at the school, Morweng is dedicated to ensure that the future of the current generation is secured.
“We should be relentless about limiting conditions that prohibit learning. Dr Nelson Mandela has instilled in all of us a great sense of humility and humbleness. Moreover, it is because of him that we fully comprehend that education is a great equator.
“A daughter of peasant can become a doctor. I leave you with those words of Tata Madiba, that you use education as a tool to reach for your dreams. That is the reason why we saw it fit to bring our campaign here today,” he said.
Morweng further encouraged them to prioritise their education against the social ills that many of them face. He added that many learners face the difficulty of having to travel to school by foot.
“Very often, on rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. The department, through the Shova Kalula bicycles limits these difficult conditions for learners, by making school easily accessible so that learning continues to uninterrupted.
“Shova Kalula is a programme aimed at accommodating learners, who do not qualify for scholar transport service but still travel a distance of 3-5km between school and their homes,” said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the school principal, Phutulogo Mokgotu welcomed the gesture, adding that the school will be able to meet their desired pass targets of 90% in the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination.
“We have re-focused our efforts to ensure that learners attend their extra classes, as well as weekend lessons. This is now very much possible by the mobility solution presented by the department,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng called on all law enforcement agencies in the province to stamp authority in the fight against any form of criminality on the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC).
In his address to the hundreds of law enforcement officers prior to the four hour Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee (TKCNC) domestic operation in Rustenburg, Morweng said the objectives of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), are geared towards improving trade relations between the three member states and are also in line with the department’s mandate of providing protection to the communities.
During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. Amongst them, there was a woman who was arrested immediately on Morweng’s arrival at the operation prior to his address to law enforcement officers.
“Make sure that you deal with any kind of lawlessness that might emerge. It is in our quest to provide stable communities because it is incumbent upon us as government to make sure that there’s relative stability and that will be possible if you carry out your duties with diligence.
“Make sure that all those who are on the wrong side of the law are brought to book without thinking twice.
“We have also arrested ten foreign nationals during the vehicle stop and search exercise. A total number of 500 vehicles were searched,” he said.
Morweng further said the Home Affairs Immigration officers have initiated processes of identifying the nationalities of the said individuals and proper procedures will be undertaken. He added that as part of the operation, two stolen vehicles were recovered by the Gauteng NaTIS, 72 vehicles inspected and charged for various vehicle and driver defaults by both Provincial and Municipal Traffic officers.
“Thirty trucks were inspected and one issued with a fine by the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) for failing to complete consignment note, while the Rustenburg Fire Department charged three trucks for transporting dangerous goods without adequate protocols.
“The Trans Kalahari Corridor National Committee Operation was held to promote compliance with law enforcement, promote safety and security and increase law enforcement visibility on the corridor and further to enforce laws and regulations intended to improve traffic safety and enforce related laws to transport, including weight limits and response rules to transportation of dangerous goods,’ said Morweng.
Meanwhile, the Trans Kalahari Corridor is a tripartite trans-boundary Corridor Management Institution that was established with a political and economic vision to pursue or contribute towards deeper regional integration programs of The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD.)
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng with bus operators/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with commuter bus operators in the province as part of a meet and greet with department’s stakeholders in Rustenburg. Morweng is set to understand the operational jurisdictions of the appointed commuter bus operators in the province.
He further appreciated the level of service that the operators have committed to deliver to the communities. Morweng added that it is important for the department to establish and strengthen working relations with bus commuter operators to ensure that all people in the province are well serviced.
“My main interest is the level of service to our communities because I report to them. We will have to work hand in glove to assist one another to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. I’m very close to the community and whenever I receive any complain from your service, I will just pickup a phone and we must be able to resolve,” said Morweng.
He said the department is currently working with Bojanala Bus Service, Atamelang and Thari Bus Services.
Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari during engagement/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said stock theft has become an erosion to the gains made by the farmers for generations in the province. Lehari said this act of criminality, wipes out the legacy which many wish to one day leave for their families.
He made this sighed resignation at the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Stock Theft Community Engagement held at Matshepe Village, outside Mahikeng on Thursday.
“The engagement is part of an ongoing outreach programmes led by our department to create an opportunity for the public to actively participate in the fight against crime. So, we encourage communities to work hand in hand with police and make utilised correct and proper procedures to report crime and to follow up on reported cases.
“Crime in general affects everyone, whether directly or indirectly. Therefore, a collaborative approach is needed to adequately deal with this criminality. Community members complained that they are failed by the law enforcement officers,” said Lehari.
He further said the police and communities, need each other to strengthen the fight against crime. Lehari added that, there is also a need to heighten the efforts to create awareness and educate communities about the correct processes of reporting crime.
“Once the case is opened, there is a need for constant follow-up on reported cases. We can never say this enough, do not abandon cases. Engage us as the department when you feel there is tardiness on your case.
“We will follow up for you to ensure that, the police work optimally by way of intervention and support,” he said.
Lehari said the department through its Monitoring and Oversight Directorate, conducts follow up investigations on cases opened and not handled to the satisfaction of the complainants. He said the engagement organised as part of the District Development Model (DDM), was also an opportunity for the community to bring forth case numbers for monitoring and thorough probing.
The North West CPF Provincial Chairperson, Robert Malungane said, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) are structures made up of community members who work alongside police and aimed at achieving effective crime control initiatives at a neighbourhood level.
“The forums are a way to bridge the gap between police and the communities they serve. CPFs have a firm grasp on what to do when there is a need to escalate and refer matters concerning the police, these include internal and external structures.
“Farmer associations ought to partner up with CPF structures to form a collaboration focusing on stock theft,” he said.
Meanwhile, other government entities such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Home Affairs, Correctional Services, were providing much needed on site services. The engagement was also attended by Kgosi Seatlholo of the Barolong boo Rapulana and Kgosi Shole from the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders.
Picture: The paramedics on the scene after a horrific accident/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari said they have experienced a 10% reduction of road fatalities across the province. Lehari said just below 70 lives have been lost on the North West roads by 1 January 2024.
He further said this is all road fatalities recorded on the provincial roads, since the beginning of festive season. Lehari added that, culminatively, the N4, N12, N14, N18 and R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg have recorded just below 30 of all the fatalities by New Year’s Day.
“No major crash, meaning an accident with more than four fatalities has been recorded as yet for this period. By New Year’s Day last year, 77 lives had been lost with just below 30 of them resulting from five major crashes.
“About 63% of all the fatalities had been recorded between 6pm and 00:00. So, we still pleading with all road users to respect all regulations and to be patient on the roads,” he said.
Lehari said with rains in many parts of the province, patience becomes essential. He said the pleas with motorists to drive to the conditions of the road, rather than speed limit.
“We can do more and must ensure people comply, if they are unable to do so on their own. We are requesting corporation of everyone on the road. The Eagles as other provincial traffic officers, have not taken their holidays.
“This is to ensure that, they are present on the roads. Kindly work with them to reduce crashes. Traffic is expected to peak from later this week as many will be travelling back to their respective work places,” said Lehari.
The Head of the Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana has directed that the Eagles Unit in particular, pay attention on all roads that are connecting with other provinces.
“Statistics indicate heighten traffic flow from 6pm in the evenings. So, we want our law enforcement presence to be felt at that time. For whatever reason, it appears people prefer to travel at night.
“It could be that they believe traffic is low then. But clearly, it peaks at that time and let’s focus on the problematic roads”, said Kekana.
Meanwhile, the Chief Director for Transport Regulations, Molefi Morule said he has been personally leading the operations. Module said he is concerned about the crashes in what is generally considered rural roads.
“The Ngaka Modiri Molema District is still high with about 38% of all recorded accidents, since the beginning of December 2023. We have begun to put more patrols on N18 road, especially in Taung, R49 between Mahikeng and Zeerust and on R503 between Mahikeng and Lichtenburg.
“We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the departed and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. We also wish everyone a happy New Year and we must strive to arrive alive,” he said.
Module said the joint law enforcement operations will continue until the middle of January 2024 when learners will be preparing for new academic year.
The Guardian 