Picture: One of the suspects arrested for copper cable theft/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
17 November 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Sense Maje, has strongly condemned an incident of vandalism that happened at the Pudumong Water Treatment Plant in Taung. Maje said the incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, 13 November 2025.
“It is reported that the security guards were on their routine patrols when they discovered that the door of the sub-station was wide open. Upon investigating, they found a man hiding next to the water pipes inside the substation.
“He was found in possession of the generator cables. The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police. We condemn the incident. Incidents of vandalism of the water infrastructure within the district seem to be a norm,” he said.
Maje further said what is of concern is that such acts affect their ability to provide water to communities. He added that they are even forced to use money that was not budgeted for to repair what was damaged.
“Fortunately the incident in Pudumong, did not affect the provision of water to the residents. Meanwhile the police are investigating a case of theft and malicious damage to property,” he added.
Picture: Learners during District Prayer Session/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
16 October 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje, has wished all the Grade 12 learners well on their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations. Maje echoed his best wishes during the District Prayer Day for Grade 12 learners, which was held in Vryburg High School on 15 October 2025.
The event was organized by the North West Department of Education in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, where about 84 learners from across the district attended the event. They represented all learners who will be sitting for their final examination expected to commence on 21 October 2025.
About 6200 within the district will be writing their NSC final examinations.
“We call on learners to stay focused, strong and courageous. To all our Grade 12 learners, your commitment and dedication to your studies this year will enable you to follow a pathway in post school education that will shape the rest of your life.
“I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you on reaching your Grade 12 year. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Stay focused, stay calm and give it your all. Your efforts will undoubtedly be rewarded,” he said.
Maje further said there is a brighter and promising future that awaits them. He added that best of luck to the Grade 12 and called on all the deserving learners, especially those in financial need and from previously disadvantaged communities with strong academic records, to apply for bursaries within the district municipality.
“Bursaries are only offered to deserving students residing within the five municipalities in the district,” said Maje.
Meanwhile, the Director for Education in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mojakhumo Dithejane said: “The purpose is to pray for the examinations that are free of irregularities. I would like to talk to these learners. Learners, we had irregularities in the district because of learners who did not listen to their principals.”
7 August 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokse Maje said firefighters play a crucial role in fire safety. Maje said they are the first responders in emergencies, suppressing and controlling fires.
This comes after the district welcomed 20 newly-trained firefighters recruits. The event was held at the Taung Fire Emergency offices on Wednesday.
“It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we welcome home our 20 young heroes — the newly trained firefighter recruits of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
“As the district, we have faced the devastating impact of wildfires in recent years. Our farms, our land and indeed our livelihoods have suffered. Despite support from partners like Working on Fire, our limited capacity has often made it difficult to respond as swiftly and effectively as we would have liked,” he said.
Maje further said that today, they stand here not to lament the challenges of the past, but to celebrate a powerful step forward. He added that, last year, the district took a bold and visionary decision — to invest in their own youth by sending 20 young people for specialized training in fire fighting.
“Today, we officially welcome them back to their community, not just as ordinary citizens, but as trained, uniformed and dedicated firefighting professionals. To the parents and guardians here today, I say thank you.
“Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for allowing them to serve this district with bravery and dignity. You have raised young men and women who are not only protectors of the land, but symbols of hope and change,” said Maje.
According to Maje, from January 2026, these recruits will be permanently employed as full-time fire fighters by the municipality. He said this is not just employment — it is the purpose.
“It is an opportunity. It is the beginning of a lifetime of service.
We are proud beyond words. This initiative is not only about saving our farms and protecting hectares from destructive veld fires, but also about fighting youth unemployment and restoring dignity to our communities through skills development and meaningful work.
“Let me also take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to the MMC for Community Services, Boitumelo Setlhabetsi-Mokone, for the sterling leadership shown throughout this project. Your commitment and foresight have made today possible,” he said.
Maje said this is Setlhabetsi-Mokone’s victory too. He said to the brave recruits, they are the torchbearers of a safer district.
“Wear your uniforms with pride. Serve with integrity, discipline and humility. This is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives — one that requires strength, commitment, and selflessness.
“Let this be a reminder to all young people in our district: When we work together, we can create real change. Opportunities exist — and your local government is working tirelessly to create more. I remain committed to investing in our youth, strengthening our disaster and emergency services and building a district that is not only safer, but also more inclusive and economically empowered,” said Maje.
He also encourages them to continue to walk this journey — together — to a stronger, safer and more prosperous Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Maje congratulated new firefighter recruits once again.
“We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we stand with you,” he said.
The Guardian 