Tag Archives: the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance

Molapisi donates RDP House to disabled person in honour of Madiba

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi donates RDP House/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 August 2026 – In the spirit of restoring human dignity and honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi officially handed over a newly-constructed, fully furnished and wheelchair-accessible house to a resident, Obakeng Tsheilhe at Extension 10 in Klerksdorp. Molapisi said the handover, which took place on 30 July 2026, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing safe, dignified and inclusive housing for vulnerable members of society.

“The fully wheel-chair accessible house, symbolises the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and dignity for persons with disabilities by ensuring they have access to housing that responds to their needs.

“Mandela dedicated his life to serving humanity and uplifting the most vulnerable. His legacy continues to inspire us to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor through practical interventions that restore hope, protect human dignity and build sustainable, resilient communities,” he said.

Molapisi further said the specially designed house was built to meet Tsheilhe’s mobility needs, enabling greater independence, accessibility and improved quality of life. He added that the handover reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every deserving citizen has access to safe, dignified and inclusive housing.

“Providing shelter to vulnerable citizens is not merely about brick and mortar. It is about restoring dignity and hope. Every South African deserves a place they can proudly call home,” said Molapisi.

The Head of Department (HoD), Kgomotso Mahlobo, also presented the beneficiary with blankets to provide additional comfort and warmth in the new home. In addition to handing over the house, Molapisi and Mahlobo painted two neighbouring houses as part of the day’s activities.

“Celebrated each year on July 18, Nelson Mandela International Day honours the former President’s legacy by inspiring individuals and organisations to serve their communities. The day serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to make a meaningful difference by giving our time, resources and compassion to those less fortunate.

“This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was observed under the theme: “It’s still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity,’’ she said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment donated two indigenous and one citrus trees, contributing to a greener, healthier and more sustainable living environment. The Department of Social Development supported the initiative by donating food parcels to the beneficiary, this demonstrates the government’s integrated approach to supporting the well-being of communities beyond the provision of housing.

Meanwhile, expressing his gratitude, Tsheilhe thanked the department for providing him with a home specifically designed to meet his mobility needs. He said the new house would transform his life and restore his dignity.

“For a long time, I faced many challenges moving around and carrying out everyday activities. Today, I have a safe and accessible home that gives me independence, comfort and hope for the future. This is more than a house to me; it is a new beginning,” said Tsheilhe.

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Molapisi to unveil housing projects worth over R62 million  

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Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2026 – In an effort to accelerate housing delivery in the province, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi will on 16 July 2026, unveil two housing projects worth over R62 million in THE Greater Taung and Naledi Local municipalities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Molapisi will introduce the two contractors appointed to implement these projects to the councillors in both the municipalities.

He further said the Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality will deliver 216 housing units, while the Geduldspan project in the Naledi Local Municipality will deliver 40 new housing units and the completion of 69 units which were left incomplete by the previous contractor. Molapisis added that both projects, valued at R62 million are expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Molapisi will be accompanied by the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe, Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Cllr Clifton Groep and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana in Taung.

Part A of the event will take place at Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana Community Hall in Taung on 16 July 2026 at 11am, while Part B of the programme will take place at Naledi Local Municipality Council Chamber in Vryburg at 3pm.

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Molapisi applauds Ratlou Local Municipality for outstanding audit outcome

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has during the presentation of his departmental budget vote at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), applauded Ratlou Local Municipality for their outstanding progress in municipal audit outcomes for the 2024/25 municipal financial year. Molapisi said Ratlou Local Municipality has registered a noteworthy improvement by moving from a disclaimer to a qualified audit opinion.

He further said the municipality successfully compiled and submitted its Annual Financial Statements (AFS) without the assistance of consultants, resulting in an estimated saving of R3 million, while simultaneously strengthening internal institutional capacity. Molapisi added that they are indeed very proud of what Ratlou Local Municipality has achieved.

“This is a clear demonstration that municipalities can produce and submit quality Annual Financial Statements without the use of consultants. We need to invest in the important skills and build internal capacity to achieve greatness. This remarkable achievement by Ratlou Local Municipality was also highlighted by the Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke when she was appearing before parliament recently.

“Maluleke praised the municipality for paying attention towards better performance, accountability and better institutional capacity. Several municipalities in the province also registered improved audit outcome demonstrating that municipalities are responding positively to the support provided by the department,” he said.

Molapisi said Moses Kotane, JB Marks, and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining the Bojanala Platinum District, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Moretele Local Municipality in the 2025/26 financial year.  He said Lekwa-Teemane moved from a disclaimer to an adverse outcome and Mamusa moved from adverse to qualified opinion.

“There are concerted efforts by the department to elevate three best performing municipalities to receive clean audit. As part of its ongoing support initiatives, the department, together with the Provincial Treasury, are implementing the Clean Audit Support Programme targeting Moretele Local Municipality, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

“The programme is designed to assist municipalities attain unqualified audit opinion without material findings for the 2026/27 financial year. The province also recorded a remarkable reduction in disclaimer audit opinions, from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one municipality in 2024/25 financial year,” said Molapisi.

He said the provincial government remains committed to ensuring that municipalities strengthen governance systems, improve financial management and account responsibly for public funds.

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Northern Cape MEC handover 25 RDP houses to beneficiaries

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for CoCGHSTA, Bentley Vass/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Bentley Vass together with the Hantam Local Municipality mayor, Koos Alexander, rolled out critical service delivery initiatives across the Hantam Local Municipality as part of the build-up to the highly anticipated Departmental Budget Vote. Vass handed over title deeds to several long-awaited beneficiaries in Loeriesfontein, followed by the presentation of keys to 25 newly-completed houses under the Calvinia 200 Housing Project. 

Speaking during the handover ceremonies, he emphasised that these pre-budget vote activities are a tangible demonstration of how the province’s financial allocations are translating into real change on the ground.

“A house is much more than brick and mortar, but a restoration of human dignity. By handing over these 25 houses in Calvinia and providing legal security of tenure through title deeds in Loeriesfontein, we are empowering families and ensuring they own a piece of the South African economy.

“These activities set the stage for our upcoming Budget Vote, highlighting our uncompromised commitment to accelerating fast, high-quality, and transparent housing delivery. The Calvinia 200 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape and has already yielded 126 houses, whilst work is continuing to finish the remaining houses,” said Vass.

He further said by combining the security of formal land titles with immediate keys to safe, quality shelter, his department continues to prioritise vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women, and persons living with disabilities. 

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Molapisi warns against poor performing developers

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 March 2026- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi delivered a stern warning against poor performing developers during a community meeting, where he officially introduced the three developers tasked with constructing 1075 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units in Ikageng Extension 13.

Molapisi said the project, which is valued at over R230 million and set to break ground in April 2026, promises to be a game-changer for the community, eradicating informal settlements by replacing them with secure, decent homes by December 2027.

He further said the three appointed contractors were introduced to the community. During the meeting, Molapisi announced that the department will closely monitor their performance throughout the duration of the project.

“The department will not hesitate to terminate their contracts should they fail to meet the agreed completion timelines. We advise them to enlist additional capacity where necessary to ensure that the project is completed on schedule.

“We also indicated that the department has experienced challenges in the past with contractors who abandon projects or deliver poor-quality work. In order to address this challenge, the department has resolved to implement a strict milestone-based payment system, where contractors are paid according to the work they have completed,” he added.

Molapisi said if they fail to deliver, the department will be left with no option, but to terminate the contract and appoint a new contractor to complete the job. He also urged community members to cooperate with the contractors and ward councillors to prevent any disruptions which could delay the project.

“We have appointed three developers, two of whom are women and one man. This forms part of our deliberate effort to meet the 40% target for women-owned companies in government projects.

“By appointing women developers, we not only achieve the target but we also contribute towards the empowerment of women in the construction sector,’’ said Molapisi.

He emphasised that residents of Ikageng must be prioritised for local job opportunities throughout the duration of the project. Molapisi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, older persons, child-headed households, and persons with disabilities, when allocating houses to beneficiaries.

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64 initiates rescued from illegal initiation schools

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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.

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Molapisi committed to deliver on his department’s housing mandate

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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.

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North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi’s VIP Protection Unit vehicle impounded

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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.

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Molapisi convenes MUNIMEC in Rustenburg

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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.

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Vass to hand over houses and title deeds

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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.

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