Tag Archives: The North West Premier

‘High unemployment has adverse impact in many parts of North West’ 

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE  

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the late Dr Nelson Mandela’s solution oriented leadership qualities must encourage all of them to fight the scourge of poverty and inequity bedeviling the developmental trajectory. Mokgosi, who tabled the Office of the Premier’s 2024/2025 budget said, poverty as Nelson Mandela once remarked, is manmade and “can be overcome by the actions of human beings.”

“Our province suffers from high unemployment and poverty levels, which have an adverse impact in many parts of our communities. The Fourth Quarter Labour Survey of 2023/4 Financial Year paints a grim picture about unemployment in our province, which currently hovers around 52.2 % as per the expanded definition.

“Women and the youth continue to be at the receiving end of this conundrum. The indignity of unemployment and poverty can arguably be blamed for the multi-layered social challenges of crime, drug, and substance abuse as well as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) among others,” he said.

Mokgosi further said they are happy to inform the house that they have appointed members of the Premier’s Economic & Investment Advisory Council. He added that the council comprises Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Labour, and the private sector.

“The inaugural meeting of the council will be convened by me in August. The full plan of action for the council and its economic focus areas will be outlined in the opening address this week. The Office of the Premier is responsible for coordination of interventions for all designated groups, youth, women, and people with disabilities.

“Our focus for this financial year is to scale up and massify all interventions aimed at alleviating youth unemployment as well as advancing initiatives aimed at empowerment of women and people with disabilities.

The Office has entered into several strategic partnerships which will be implemented in the current financial year with partners in the Skills Development sector (SETA’s), private sector bodies to expand our services in bursaries, internships, learnerships, work integrated learning and other formal skills development programmes,” said Mokgosi.

He said they are committed to the implementation of the call they made earlier this year to open the public sector for work opportunities for the youth. Mokgosi said in the current financial year, the Office of the Premier will introduce targeted centralized recruitment for identified entry level posts earmarked for the youth, unemployed graduates and certain critical skills and specializations.

“We have a budget of R 13,954,250 for procurement of goods and services from small businesses led by women, youth and people living with disabilities. We will also increase our monitoring to ensure that all provincial departments and state-owned entities do business with companies owned and led by people from designated groups.

“The province is not doing very well in terms of achieving the employment target of 2% for persons with disabilities.

By the end of financial year 2023/24, the average disability employment equity percentage was sitting at 0.5% when compared to the national target of 3%,” he said.

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Mokgosi: “We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994”

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the Month of June reminds them of the heroism of the young men and women. Mokgosi, who addressed the Provincial Youth Day celebration in Derby on Saturday said, it is important to pay tribute to the gallant fighters of the June 16 generation, whose struggles and sacrifices placed the country on a firm path towards freedom, which they obtained in 1994.

He further said they declare without any fear of contradiction that South Africa belongs to all who live in it (black and white), united in diversity. Mokgosi added that the province is proud of its galaxy of June 16 freedom fighters like Onkgopotse Tiro, Thandi Modise, Kaone Lobelo, Zakes Molotsi, Molahlehi Tau, Kagiso Ramatlhoko and many others, whose fearlessness inspired the people of the province to join and participate in the struggle for national liberation.

“Their tenacity laid an important foundation for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous country. It is fortitude which paved the way for the long-standing resolve of our forebears, who in the Freedom Charter proclaimed that the doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all.

“This among others means, education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. I am honoured to join today’s important occasion, which marks the start of the countdown to the historic half century (50th Anniversary) of the June 16 Uprising,” he said.

Mokgosi said a few days ago, the country celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, which was adopted on 26 June 1955 as a blueprint for the democratic dispensation of 1994 and the nation building project they have pursued since. He said they also remember the lives of innocent people who were shot and killed in the year 2008 in the informal settlement of Skierlik.

“This tragedy sent shockwaves across the globe and put a dent in our continued quest for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country. Our gathering here today is a testimony that the foundations of our democratic society are stronger and will not be shaken by those seeking to divide our people. The revolutionary spirit of Onkgopotse Tiro shall forever stand guard to defend the gains of our freedom and inspire us to fight more and harder for the full attainment of economic liberation for our young people in the villages and townships.

“We have done much to respond to the plight of the youth since 1994. But it is not enough as the youth carry the burden of the failures of our socio-economic project. The youth and mostly black and African women more than any section of the population (53% in North West) are poor, they are not in education, in employment nor any,” said Mokgosi.

He said they are missing out on opportunities available to them. Mokgosi said they need to do more and it is a moral duty of their struggle to do good by young people, to give them a stake in the society and give their citizenship meaning.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi urges his EXCO to familarise itself with PFMA

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi   

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi urged his Members of Executive Council (MECs) to familarise themselves with Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (PFMA; Act No. 1 of 1999), which is the primary public finance management law in South Africa. 

Mokgosi said it delineates standards expenditure, accounting, and reporting for public entities and this will assist them to make informed decisions. He further said the PFMA is a piece of framework legislation and its implementation is governed by regulations and directives produced by the National Treasury. 

“We need to adhere to this to make informed decisions. This will ensure a seamless take over and functioning of the provincial government. In order to do so, I want them to note that all these reports come from individual departments. 

“Please, read them and understand all the acts. Our government is highly regulated and our instructions should be informed by legislation. All documents provide performance reports for all provincial departments, including immediate tasks that need their attention,” said Mokgosi. 

He added that amongst the reports, there are 30-year Plan Review Report, Draft Reports for 2023/24, Annual Financial Reports (AFRs), Auditor-General Reports, and Progress Reports. 

Mokgosi said they also have an Outstanding Reports of Public Service Commission (PSC), Outstanding Reports from SIU, the Hawks and Public Protector. 

“They should read them because I am going to have one-on-one engagement with them regarding implementation processes. I would also like to make a special request that our office provide me with an oath that I have signed. 

“I want to put it on a notice board in my office. This will remind me every time when I sign or utter words to remember what I have signed for. So, I hope all MECs will do that,” he said.  

Mokgosi also urged his MECs to work diligently and with sincere gratitude. He said this marks the beginning of a new chapter as they usher the new EXCO of the 7th administration.

“This is a culmination of a broader consultative process with various stakeholders and in particular the governing party and its alliance partners. 

“During these consultative meetings, we have all agreed that provisional services in our different municipalities and with our provincial government will be prioritized and expedited to address the high level of unemployment and poverty in our communities,” he said. 

Mokgosi said the people of this province want a government that can work for them and find lasting solutions to various socio-economic challenges confronting them on a daily basis. He said this clarion call is further given impetus by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remark during his inauguration. 

“We should be a centered government, which focuses on a growing exclusive economy that will create job opportunities for all, in particular the marginalised and disenfranchised,” said Mokgosi.

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North West Department of Health’s Head, Obakeng Mongale who is facing a corruption case is back at work

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Picture: The North West Department of Health’s Head, Obakeng Mongale

By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape has reinstated the North West Department of Health’s Head, Obakeng Mongale who was on suspension since October 2023. Mongale was suspended following his arrest over matters connected to his previous duties as HoD of North West Public Works and Roads.

Maape said the suspension was granted under such circumstances that is prescribed to last for 60 days and may be extended, if there are exceptional circumstances supporting such an extension.

“After extensive consultation and obtaining legal advice, I determined that there are no valid exceptional legal reasons to extend the special leave of Mongale. As a consequence, he will resume his duties with effect from 8 January 2024.

“ I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Mmadipuo Tlhogane, who acted as Superintendent General and Head of Department and kept the department focused on its service delivery mandate whilst Mongale was on special leave,” he said.

Maape further said he would also like to extend his gratitude to the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, for his leadership and guidance during this unprecedented development in the department.

He added that, all necessary arrangements have been made to allow for a smooth handover process as the substantive SG resumes his duties.

“The Office of the Premier will continue to monitor the situation in the department and inform the public of any further decision if any new developments arise.

The return of Mongale from special leave does not stop the ongoing work by the Office of the Premier to interrogate all documentation and reports linked to the case he is facing,” said Maape.

He said his office has obtained sufficient information linked to the case of Mongale and can assure the public that, there is no risk of interference with the case. Maape said once the team in the Office of the Premier concludes its assessment, he will consider any further recommendations regarding the future of Mongale and inform the public accordingly.

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The late traditional conversationalist, Grace Masuku described as selfless

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Picture: The late Grace Masuku/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the passing of the world-renowned traditional conversationalist, Grace Masuku. The retired school principal, who spent her retirement dedicated to restoring the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela’s traditional respect for the environment and improving the living conditions of inhabitants in the approximately 30 surrounding villages, passed away on Monday after a prolonged illness.  

Masuku (91) aimed to engender a spirit of self-sufficiency in the area, which in recent times has been hard hit by the closure of platinum mines. She had a profound understanding of indigenous knowledge systems and the environment. Also, Masuku was the brain behind several successful environmental and conservation initiatives.

The North West Premier, Bushy Maape said they are saddened by the passing of a septuagenarian. Maape further said that Masuku was instrumental in initiating Indigenous Knowledge Projects and several environmental and conservation initiatives in her community.

“She devoted her time to mentoring women and youth in fighting poverty and unemployment. Masuku belonged to a generation of heroes and heroines who dedicated their lives to the development of their communities. She was a true definition of a community builder.

“Masuku was selfless and dedicated her entire life to the development of her community. In 2006, the former president, Thabo Mbeki awarded Koko Grace Masuku the Order of Baobab in Silver. The Order is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy, science, medicine, technological innovation as well as community service,” he said.

He added that a documentary that was directed by Karin Slater titled “From Nkoko with Love” featuring Koko Grace Masuku was aired on SABC 2 in 2006. Maape said the documentary, which was also screened at the now-defunct North West Film Festival in 2007 chronicled Koko Grace Masuku’s life and philosophy.

“In 2008 the North West Parks and Tourism Board published a book titled, “The Legacy and Heritage of Grace Meiki Masuku. These accolades and many others demonstrate that she was a person who was highly involved in the empowerment of her community through various initiatives, particularly in indigenous knowledge. She was a trailblazer who defied the odds in advocating for development in her community.

“So, we take this opportunity to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the community of Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela on the passing of Koko Grace Masuku. Apart from being a traditional conservationist, as she calls herself, she is widely regarded as a powerhouse of knowledge on indigenous plants and a giant in sustainable rural development,” said Maape.

Masuku used her pension to visit numerous villages to provide training and ideas for businesses based on traditional values and knowledge. Her first project, Letswanana, began 21 years ago, and today continues to yield herbs that are used to treat diseases. Her most public project, Podi-Boswa (meaning ‘goat, our inheritance’), has provided more than 1 000 people with sustainable livelihoods by producing leather products from goat hides that had been discarded prior to the Podi-Boswa venture.

It all started when the Department of Trade and Industry’s Community Public-Private Partnerships Programme was looking for a project leader to co-ordinate a leather-producing initiative. Someone suggested Masuku, and she quickly surveyed the area to see whether the project was feasible.

She discovered that every household in the area owned one or more goats. A programme was implemented to train people in the production of leather skins and products. It was not long before they started seeing profits.

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