Picture: One of the initiation schools set on fire/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
10 December 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has commended members of the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) for their swift and coordinated response that led to the safe rescue of 64 initiates (male and female) and shut down of five illegal initiation schools, which operated in three districts.
Molapisi said the successful operation which began last week, resulted in rescuing 14 male initiates in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, 15 in Ngaka Modiri Molema District and 24 male initiates and 11 female initiates from bogus initiation schools.
“Our PICC members acted with precision and urgency. We applaud their proactive approach in ensuring the safety of our initiates. We will leave no stone unturned in dealing decisively with unregistered and illegal initiation schools in the province.
“We urge communities and parents to remain alert and report any suspicious or unregistered initiation activities to authorities without delay. The PICC and the department have embarked on campaigns to make our people aware of the Customary Initiation Act and processes to follow to register the initiation school and comply,” he said.
Molapisi further said the time for complacency is over. He added that they are going to shut down all illegal schools and safeguard the lives of the young people.
“If you want to operate an initiation you must comply” concluded Molapisi.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 December 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has affirmed that his department will make sure it delivers on its constitutional mandate of providing citizens with sustainable, integrated human settlements and ensuring effective service delivery of public infrastructure, which is crucial for economic growth and social justice.
Speaking recently during the National Council of Provinces’ visit in the North West Province, Molapisi acknowledged that the department is currently faced with many challenges hindering its housing mandate, this includes housing backlog, stalled projects, issues with bulk infrastructure capacity in municipalities and poor workmanship by some contractors.
He further said his department is driving a focused approach to deliver houses for vulnerable communities. Molapisi added that the department has identified project preparation and oversight as key areas of focus.
“As a department, we have initiated several strategies to improve performance and ensure effective delivery of sustainable human settlements. For the current financial year, we are utilising 80% of the budget to unblock stalled housing projects across the province. Only 20% is used for new projects.
“The upgrading of informal settlements is also an important area, which is also getting attention. He said the department is working closely with municipalities to address this matter, which includes access to water, sanitation and electricity. Our approach is respect to local and district municipalities as another sphere of government,” he said.
Molapisi said they are collaborating with municipalities and not taking the big brother posture. He said it is municipalities that at their own council decide to agree on their interventions towards achieving service delivery.
“We will continue to institutionalise the District Development Model (DDM) by effectively taking part in Intergovernmental Relations Forums, which include our MUNIMEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), and Human Settlements respectively.
“Through the interventions aligned to Section 154 of the Constitution, we are going to support and strengthen the capacity of our municipalities so they will be able to manage their affairs, exercise their powers, and perform their functions effectively. Lastly, we want to emphasise a partnership with the Provincial Treasury and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the continued close working relationship with the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders to discuss issues affecting their communities,” said Molapisi.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 November 2025- In a rather embarrassing moment, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle was allegedly impounded by the buoyed traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality on Wednesday. According to bystanders, the traffic officers were conducting a roadblock when they stopped Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle that allegedly had no disc.
One of the bystanders said: “In a dramatic situation, we saw Molapisi being taken away by traffic officers after driving in a VIP Protection Unit vehicle without a disc. Indeed, it was rather embarrassing seeing the whole MEC being taken away by traffic officers, while his vehicle was impounded.
“We expect these so-called leaders to be leading by example. However, it seems that is not the case here in the North West. A few days ago, we saw another VIP Protection Unit vehicle being driven by a slay queen at a filling station in Mahikeng. So, they are doing all these with impunity. Big up to the traffic officers from Mahikeng Local Municipality for doing their work with diligence. No one is above the law after all.”
Meanwhile, Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu who tried to downplay the situation said, they are aware of the matter. Gambu said the operations by traffic officers noticed that the vehicle ferrying Molapisi had issues with the disc.
“It is in this context that the car was handed over and MEC used another vehicle to attend to other commitments. The MEC’s vehicle is awaiting the issuing of the new disc since the issue is being addressed. It should be stated the delay is expected due the outstanding fine.
“The transport section of the department has long addressed the issue, albeit following up on the cause of the delay in the issuing of the new disc. We are confident that this unfortunate incident will never happen again,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi
By REGINALD KANYANE
19 October 2025- Following pronouncements from his budget speech, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, will convene a human settlements MUNIMEC with municipalities from across the province. Molapisi said MUNIMEC is an intergovernmental relations forum, where he interacts with municipal leaders to foster cooperation and improve service delivery and governance at municipal level.
He further said it is a consultative platform involving the MEC, mayors, municipal managers and other stakeholders within the human settlements value chain. He added that the forum will deliberate on the progress in addressing the housing backlog as well as the status of housing delivery across the province.
“It will also ensure that there is alignment between planning and budget processes in identifying the needs of communities. Among others the forum will monitor and evaluate projects in local municipalities and further advise the department on relevant issues to be attended to.
“The MUNIMEC will further assist in coordinating other important issues in the human settlements sector, and also keep community leaders updated on plans and challenges relating to the department,” said Molapisi.
He said the forum will meet quarterly and assist in coordinating service delivery in local municipalities. Molapisi said the MUNIMEC will be held at Kings Gate Hotel, Rustenburg on Tuesday at 8am.
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Bentley Vass
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 September 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Bentley Vass will be handing over houses and title deeds to some of the beneficiaries of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project in Jacksonville, in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (Frances Baard District) on Monday.
Vass said the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024.
He further said in July 2025, some of the beneficiaries of this project also received houses as part of the department’s commitment to hand over houses as they are completed.
“This will help us to avoid vandalism and to ensure that the beneficiaries take ownership of their houses immediately, while work commences to finish the outstanding houses,” added Vass.
Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department will launch a forum called MUNIMEC in Rustenburg. Molapisi said this will address intergovernmental programmes and how the department and municipalities will work in a more integrated manner.
He further said the forum is constituted by Members of Mayoral Council of all municipalities responsible for Human Settlements, across the province. Molapisi added that MUNIMEC is an intergovernmental relations forum, where he interacts with municipal leaders to improve service delivery and governance at municipal level.
“It is a consultative platform involving the MEC, Mayors, Municipal Managers and other stakeholders within the Human Settlements value chain to foster cooperation and coordination between the provincial department and the municipalities to ensure effective service delivery to communities.
“The forum will deliberate on the progress report in addressing the housing backlog as well as the status of housing delivery across the province. The forum will ensure that there will be alignment between planning and budget processes in identifying needs by communities,” he said.
Molapisi said this will allow him to share with municipalities, the Minister and MEC’s meetings and Executive Council resolutions, regarding issues relating to Human Settlements. He said among others, the forum will monitor and evaluate projects in local municipalities and further advise the department on relevant issues to be attended to.
“The forum will also assist in curbing the sporadic community protest and keep communities informed about departmental programmes and plans for individual municipalities.
“The forum will further assist in coordinating other critical issues of Human Settlements Developments, such as water, electricity and sanitation, and also keep community leaders updated on plans and challenges relating to the department,” said Molapisi.
He said the forum will meet quarterly and assist in coordinating service delivery in local municipalities. Molapisi said the department will use the MUNIMEC platform to explain housing policies, programmes and qualifying criteria.
“Through this platform, the department will also guide municipalities to develop and approve township layouts that meet the housing code standards, and help to avoid costly designs.
“This forms part of our effort to strengthen the District Development Model (DDM) and improve planning at local level. The department has from time to time appealed to municipalities to work closely with it,” he said.
Molapisi indicated that it’s critical for both spheres of government to discuss service delivery and also the special needs of communities. He also called on both municipalities and his department’s officials to work beyond the call of duty in making sure that delivery is realized at the local level.
“The forum will be launched at Rustenburg Civic Centre, Rustenburg Local Municipality on 28 August 2025 at 8am,” said Molapisi.
Picture: Informal Settlements in South Africa/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has expressed concern on various challenges which affect the living conditions of communities in the province. Molapisis said this calls for the government to intervene and implement strategies to remove these challenges.
He further said the department has completed provincial informal settlements upgrading strategy, which is aligned with the National White Paper on Human Settlements. Molapisi added that the informal settlements strategy will enable the upgrade of 219 informal settlements for full upgrading to phase three, which will enable the commencement of informal settlements upgrading projects.
“This upgrading program follows three critical phases, that is land acquisition, formalization of land rights; and phase three which is the installation of essential services (water, sewer, roads and stormwater).
“These phases are linked to the identification of the priority services in informal settlements,” he said.
Molapisi further said in the 2024/2025 financial year, the department had upgraded seven settlements in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. He added that they have upgraded settlements in Mamusa, Amalia Ext 5, Maquassi Hills, Wolmaranstad Ext 17 and 19, Lebaleng Ext 6, Matlosana Kanana Ext 17 in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
“We have also upgraded informal settlements in Rustenburg, Popo Molefe and Mbeki Sun to Phase 3 in Bojanala District and managed to deliver 2504) units through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant.
“For the current financial year, the department has planned to deliver two thousand five hundred (2,257) service sites, at a total budget of R166 567 170 million,” said Molapisi.
He highlighted that the remaining funds will be allocated to land acquisition and formalization in priority areas. Molapisi emphasised that the department is committed in transforming informal settlements into thriving communities and to prioritise housing and to implement a long-term plan for societal changes as this would leave lasting and positive impact in the lives of the communities.
30 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said they will continue to take decisive action to confront corruption, fraud and poor governance entrenched in various municipalities across the province.
Molapisi said in terms of Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000), and in his capacity as the MEC responsible for Local Government, he has authorised investigations into serious allegations of maladministration, fraud, corruption and other irregularities in the Greater Taung, City of Matlosana and Madibeng Local Municipalities.
“In the case of Greater Taung Local Municipality, the investigation was triggered by persistent instability within the municipal council, which rendered it incapable of discharging its statutory responsibilities. The investigation is completed and remedial actions have been instituted against those councillors who have been implicated.
“We can confirm that the municipality is now stable and is able to execute its executive obligations. In the City of Matlosana, the investigation followed irregularities within governance and administrative structures,” he said.
Molapisi further said the investigation was completed at the end of 2024/2025 financial year. He added that the report will soon be communicated to the council and the findings implemented.
“On 15 July 2025 – we invoked Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act to investigate allegations of maladministration and malfeasance in Madibeng Local Municipality.
“I met with the council to introduce the appointed law firm which will conduct the investigations. During the meeting, councillors have thrown their weight behind the investigations,” said Molapisi.
He said the findings will be finalized within three months and shared with all stakeholders for action. Molapisi said the investigation is part of a broader drive to restore ethical governance, rebuild public confidence and ensure that municipalities truly serve the people.
“EXCO has also resolved to invoke Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution in Mamusa and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. The decision has been communicated to both municipalities and is therefore expected to implement the directives and submit monthly reports to the department.
On 13 December 2023, 26 municipal councillors in the Greater Taung Local Municipality, allegedly convened a special council sitting in the absence of municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai and municipal manager, Andrew Makuapane, where they elected Lerato Babuseng as the new Chief Whip, Kealeboga Seboko as the new municipal speaker and Onkarabile Tong as the new mayor.
The latter accused the former of widespread corruption and maladministration. They alleged that this has affected the smooth running of the municipality and forced Moipolai to request intervention from the then North West MEC for COGHSTA, Nono Maloyi.
Meanwhile, the Action SA councillor, Mika Moeti said he is not aware of the report and he cannot comment.
Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
22 July 2025- In celebrating the International Nelson Mandela Day, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, led a successful handover of a newly-built house with furniture to Bele Martha Nkatiso (100) from Vrischgewaagt village, Atamelang.
Molapisi further said the handover marked a special tribute to the struggle icon Nelson Mandela and highlights the government’s commitment to improving the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. He added that the fully furnished house is as a result of a successful government and private sector partnership aimed at addressing housing backlogs, as well as strengthening relations between the two sectors to deliver affordable housing and enhance social change.
“The gesture is inspired by the call Tata Mandela made, which is for everyone to take action in addressing the world’s social injustices. Today is a day of giving back and making a difference in the lives of our communities, this is exactly what Nelson Mandela stood for, which is to give back in a way which changes the lives of our people.
“It is for that reason that as the government we saw it fit to bring joy in the face of Nkatiso and her family. We are happy to see that she’s lived up to a 100 years, we are happy to have used this day with the people we’ve collaborated with to give you a house where you can live comfortably, safely and without worry,” said Molapisi.
In receiving keys to the house, Nkatiso gave gratitude to the department and stakeholders for building her family a house, she said this will mark a significant improvement in their living conditions as they have lived in a dilapidated shack divided into two sleeping areas, living space and kitchen.
“I thank the Lord for answering my prayers. I have longed for a proper home, and today, my dream has come true,” she said.
In addition to the furnished house, Nkatiso also received food parcels, blankets and toiletries courtesy of various stakeholders, who responded to the call and played their part in honour of Nelson Mandela.
Picture: One of families receive a house from North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has fulfilled a promise he made last year by handing over houses to two destitute families in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, as part of build-up to his department’s Budget Vote that will be held later this month. Molapisi said the generous gesture was made possible through a successful partnership between the Department of Human Settlements and one developer contracted by the department to build houses in the area.
He further said the developer is said to be competent in the construction of houses with credible track record for constructing low cost houses for the department. Speaking during the handover, Molapisi added that it is through collaboration between the public and private sectors that they will be able to address the housing backlog and ensure that people have access to safe, affordable, and dignified living spaces.
“Today, we have brought back the dignity of the Setshogela and Montshabatho families. The houses we are handing over to them are a sign that our government continues to care about the plight of its people.
“This act of generosity has not only provided a safe and dignified shelter for the two vulnerable families but has also restored hope and a sense of belonging. It is through such meaningful interventions that lasting social change is achieved,” he said.
Molapisi said the donation of the houses comes at the right time ahead of the departmental budget vote, which will be held on 23 July 2025, where he will outline plans by the department to achieve the mandate of creating a sustainable human settlement for all the citizens of the North West. He said the department extends its heartfelt appreciation to the philanthropists for their continued unwavering commitment to social responsibility and for making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.
“Their contribution is a true example of the power of partnerships between the government, private sector and communities in building a better future for all.
Meanwhile, the handover was accompanied by other donations such as food parcels from the Department of Social Development, vegetable and seedlings from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and planting of trees in each household by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism.
Receiving keys to the newly-built house, Kgomotso Ivy Setshogela, thanked the government and the contractor for gifting her family with the house. She said they now have a proper house structure to sleep in.
“I am grateful to the MEC and the contractor for affording me and my family shelter as I had long lost hope in our situation,” said Setshogela.
Setshogela (47) lives with 12 dependants in an old cracked house, which is on the brink of collapsing. The family survives through child support grants received by some of the children in the household.
Another house beneficiary was the jubilant, Mmiki Montshabatho (70) who also gave gratitude to the department and all those involved for gifting the family with the new house. Montshabatho said she is overjoyed with the gesture and hoped that this does not only end with them and the same should be extended to others in need as well.
“We are a family of nine and we have been staying in a one-roomed shack. We did not have access to any government benefits such as grants and healthcare as we face challenges with civil documentation,” she said.
The Guardian 