Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 July 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi said he has invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng. Molapisi said he has appointed a law firm to conduct an investigation, which will amongst other things, focus on irregular appointment of municipal officials and service providers.
He further said this will include failure by council to convene statutory meetings as prescribed by legislation and rules of order of council. Molapisi added that the investigation follows a directive by the Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, who had requested him to conduct an investigation in the municipality in terms of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act.
“The investigation will be conducted in the next three months after which a report with clear recommendations will be presented to me. So, we appeal to the councillors of Madibeng Local Municipality to offer their support to ensure a successful investigation.
“The allegations are of a serious nature and we expect councillors and officials of the municipality to cooperate and assist in providing the necessary information that will assist the investigation,” he said.
2 July 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, has officially extended the term of office for the Interim Board of the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). The interim board was initially appointed in April 2025 in accordance with Section 3(2) of the North West Housing Corporation Act (Act No. 24 of 1982).
Molapisi further said their term is now extended, effective 1 July 2025, to continue serving until a fully constituted permanent board is appointed. He added that, extension of the board’s term is a necessary step to ensure oversight, maintain administrative continuity, and allow the corporation to implement its mandate.
“We would like to reaffirm our confidence in the interim board’s ability to carry out its duties with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
“The current interim board possesses the requisite knowledge and experience to drive the NWHC mandate, particularly as we drive the process to finalise the appointment of the new board,” said Molapisi.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
10 April 2025- Speaking recently at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the occasion of the debate on housing inadequacy in South Africa and the prevalence of informal settlements, North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, has acknowledged that his department is currently facing housing backlogs due to amongst others the non effective operational municipal system and thus hinders and delays the department to provide adequate housing to the people.
Molapisi said the department is aware of the municipal infrastructure units’ shortcomings such as the deterioration of the infrastructure and therefore having significant effect in housing delivery is compromised.
He further highlighted budget cuts and increase in population as other factors impacting the delivery of houses in the province. He added that, for instance, the province used to get R2 billion in grant funding nearly ten years ago, but like many provinces, that has since changed.
“The targeted delivery of homes and serviced sites decreased as a result of budget cuts that cut off R400 million just two fiscal years ago. With regards to the increasing number of informal settlements in the province, the department continues to observe the expansion of informal settlements, especially at the mining towns due to potential employment opportunities.
“Municipalities are also inundated with constant land invasions putting pressure to the department to respond expeditiously to provide basic services thereby disrupting normal planning cycle and processes,” said Molapisi.
He said they cannot shy away from the fact that informal settlements are increasing. Molapisi said is for this reason that the National Department of Human Settlements has adopted the White Paper for Human Settlements (2024), which provides for a tacit approach to address challenges arising from informal settlements.
“To align and play our part, the North West Department of Human Settlements has just completed an informal settlement upgrading strategy after which it will commence with informal settlements upgrading projects”.
“In addition, the Department of Human Settlements is working closely with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the province to resolve challenges of bulk infrastructure at affected municipalities,” he said.
Molapisi said through the COGTA Bulk Infrastructure Committee (BIC), they have taken advantage of the Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) bid window to apply for bulk infrastructure projects. He said they are working around the clock to try source available funding to alleviate the situation.
“We remain committed to creating sustainable human settlements. It is our considered view that the restoration of our people’s dignity rests in housing them in habitable homes with basic amenities. The Department of Human Settlements is putting a spotlight on issues of lack of bulk infrastructure for human settlements projects, as well as promoting integration of social and economic aspects thereby yielding dividends in terms of spatial planning, community services and broader quality of life for our citizens.
“Through the District Development Model (DDM), we are encouraging our municipalities to consider using bylaws to address land invasions coupled with planning to formalise old settlements on available vacant state land,” said Molapisi.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 December 2024- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over the second batch of 10 vehicles to senior traditional leaders in the Province. Molapisi said this will enable them to execute their statutory and customary duties in their traditional councils.
He further said his department is empowered by law to provide enabling resources to ensure that traditional leaders can effectively deliver on their responsibilities. Molapisi added that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance their capacity to serve their communities.
“This initiative is important and is a symbol of respect, support and acknowledgment for our crucial role in governance and cultural preservation.
“We encourage the recipients to protect and maintain the vehicles, which are intended to aid in fulfilling their responsibilities more efficiently,” he said.
Molapisi said the symbolic handover of these vehicles is a testament to how much they value their traditional leadership. He said it is his belief that these vehicles will empower every deserving Kgosi, making their valued work easier.
“The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility and service delivery of traditional leaders, enabling them to connect more effectively with the communities they serve.
“As the vehicles were officially handed over, the atmosphere was one of appreciation and optimism, with leaders expressing their gratitude for the support and investment in their work,” he said.
The Chairperson of House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe said, the government is doing all in its power to recognize the unique role of traditional leadership in preserving heritage, resolving community disputes, fostering unity and assisting government in achieving their developmental goals in traditional communities.
“This initiative demonstrates the province’s commitment to empowering us as traditional leaders, ensuring that we have the resources necessary to carry out our duties.
“It also highlights the critical importance of the partnership between traditional leadership and the provincial government in driving development and improving the lives of the people” said Maotwe.
Amongst those who were handed the vehicles, was Kgosi Sekgopisi Nawa of Baphuting Ba Ga Nawa, who expressed excitement over this.
“I am very excited. I am happy that at the end the government is fulfilling its promise of supporting traditional leaders by providing resources that we need. We really appreciate this support which will make a difference in our communities,” said Nawa.
Meanwhile, the batch of 10 vehicles handed over, was the second batch after the first batch of 17 was handed earlier this year, since the pronouncement of this initiative during the 2023 CoGTA Budget Speech.
The remaining senior traditional leaders will be assisted in the MTEF period.
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi said he will convene a broader stakeholder engagement within 14 days, which will be followed by the community meeting. This comes after local residents closed the municipal offices complaining about lack of employment opportunities, maladministration, nepotism and other service delivery related issues.
Molapisi further said the consultative engagement will give feedback to the community on the issues they raised.
“We have met with the political leadership of Tswaing Local Municipality led by mayor, Norah Mahlangu and representatives of the community in an effort to address concerns raised by the community. It is in the best interest of the community to allow members of the community access to the municipality in order to receive much needed services.
“We are serious about bringing stability to all municipalities. Our interventions and support here at Tswaing and elsewhere, should be supported by all and sundry,” he said.
Molapisi added that it is a demonstration enough for their commitment to service delivery and proper municipal governance.
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi has been appointed as interim North West Premier. This is due to the unavailability of North West Premier, Bushy Maape, who will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024, following advice and referral by his doctor to seek further medical treatment in Thailand.
During Maape’s absence, Maloyi will act as Premier. He has since been sworn in by the North West High Court Judge President, Ronald Hendricks.
Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “the Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Maape’s travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature.”
Picture: One of the beneficiaries receive a title deeds from North West acting Premier, Nono Maloyi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi said they have already issued over 5000 title deeds to beneficiaries. Maloyi said this follows the launch of the Title Deed Friday campaign by the National Department of Human Settlements.
He further said his department has been consistent and in support of the campaign by issuing title deeds to its rightful owners every Friday through the provincial government’s Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
Maloyi added that, the Title Deed Friday campaign was launched by the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi early this month and aims to hand over title deeds to residents, who have been on the waiting list to be recognised as rightful owners of land and property.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Kubayi said, the title deeds are legal documents that assure residents that the property they have been living in over the years are theirs.
“Every parent deserves to know that his or her children have a place to call home. Today, you can be at peace that the house you have lived in and raised your families over the years are yours and are valuable assets to hand over to future generations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maloyi shared the same sentiments. Maloyi, who is also the North West acting Premier, said the Title Deed Friday campaign comes at the right time as the department has been embarking on a title deeds restoration programme across the province with the aim of eradicating the backlog in the transfer of properties into the names of the rightful beneficiaries.
“A title deed does not only define proof of ownership, it also means the restoration of rights, dignity and self-esteem, sense of belonging and stability. These are documents that affirm the status of ownership of a particular piece of land, entitling the owner to the land and property.
“The department has been working closely with the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) and municipalities to ensure that title deeds are issued to their rightful owners as this will help to restore their dignity,” he said.
Maloyi said this serves as testament that nothing is impossible to achieve when all spheres of government join hands and work together. Therefore, he urged communities to visit their local municipalities and collect their title deeds.
“We are also committed that the department will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all title deeds backlog is addressed. This is part of the department’s mandate of restoring the dignity of people through implementation of various programmes such as Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery programme and Title Deeds Friday campaign,” said Maloyi.
The Guardian 