25 March 2019

e-News UpdateN O R T H W E S T

Together We Move North West Province Forward

NW Investment Conference reignite job opportunities

he North West province's Investment TConference, held in Kwa-Maritane Bush Lodge in Pilanesberg last week,

brought about investment pledges which may create and sustain direct and indirect jobs over ve years.

The conference, led by North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela, formed part of the Premier's investment drive aimed at attaining at least billions worth of capital in order to re-awaken North West province's sluggish economic growth.

This is a commitment made by Premier Mokgoro in his 2019 State of the Province Address.

Premier Mokgoro described the conference

as a key milestone in the province's drive to m a r k e t t h e c o m p e l l i n g i n v e s t m e n t opportunities available in the province as part of government's interventions geared at boosting economic growth and creating much-needed jobs.

The conference was declared a success, after major companies committed to invest billions in the province towards the economic advancement of the province.

The largest single pledge came from the mining, fuel and agriculture sector, with a commitment to invest billions over ve years.

The commitment is viewed as something would return some sense of hope and prosperity back into the market, and would be used to sustain current operations by prolonging the life spans of certain mines, rather than create new jobs.

The Premier viewed the conference as a platform to showcase growth and investment prospects of the province, and had the potential to grow the economy. This assisted to position

the province as a preferred investment destination and increase trade activities geared towards boosting economic growth and creating much needed jobs.

The conference was an ideal opportunity to engage with investors and for government to share progress in terms of its journey towards economic renewal and strengthening the credibility of public institutions and to unlock the latent potential and innovative spirit of the province.

“We have placed the task of inclusive growth and job creation at the centre of our provincial agenda. We recognize that we cannot create work on any meaningful scale unless we grow the economy at a greater rate. For this, we need the much more investment in the production sectors of the economy, in infrastructure and skills development.

“We have also been engaging investors on their concerns and expectations, which is greatly assisting our efforts to create an environment which is even more conducive to

investment,” the Premier said.The conference also formed part of the

ofcial launch of North West Investment Opportunities Booklet. The booklet will serve as an important resource that would assist in the decision making for potential investors, both local and international, requiring information on investment opportunities in the province.

Concluding the programme of the day, delegates at the Investment Conference had the opportunity to visit the Platinum Valley Special Economic Zone site in Mogwase. The site has now renovated factory spaces for those potential investors, who have a great potential to make an immediate impact with long-term benets.

“This special economic zone is one of our big projects which will harness private sector expertise to bolster infrastructure management capacity in the province,” said Mokgoro.

Seloane Seleka

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela holding the newly launched North West Investment Opportunities booklet

Premier Prof Job Mokgoro is seen here with investors from China and other conference delegates

Anglo Platinum donates land to benet NW communitiesnglo American Platinum, one of the Amine companies operating in the North West, on Friday last week

handed over 466 hectares of land worth R116 million to the Rustenburg Local Municipality and Rustenburg Community Development Trust.

The donation of land will enable the Rustenburg Municipality to nalise housing and human resettlement projects and improve the livelihoods of local communities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Paardekraal, in the North West Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede Mantashe, said government welcomed the initiative taken by Anglo American to support the state's socio-economic transformation agenda.

“Our people will be provided with decent housing and the necessary bulk infrastructure in line with our commitment as government,”

said Mantashe.Mantashe said the land handover was a

tangible result of the public and private sectors working together for the transformation and development of the economy.

“May we continue to work in this spirit of co-operation and partnership in other areas where mining companies can extend this gesture to communities in the mining areas,” the Minister said.

Anglo American Platinum Chief Executive Ofcer, Chris Grifth, said the land would be used to complete housing and resettlement projects for the people of Rustenburg.

“Advancing sustainable land reform is an important issue for South Africa's ongoing transformation journey. We will continue to play a role in catalysing the development of this community which has played an important role in the success of South Africa's platinum

mining industry,” Grifth said.In 2018, Anglo American Platinum

invested over R600 mil l ion in mine communities - R467 million of this was spent on initiatives geared towards making mine communities healthier, prosperous and empowered through the construction of health care facilities, housing, community facilities, facilitating education and training for young people and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.

In July 2016, the Rustenburg Local Municipality, approached the Anglo American Platinum to donate property to the municipality for various purposes including housing and human resettlement projects as well as projects t o i m p r o v e t h e l i v e l i h o o d o f l o c a l communities.

The Rustenburg Community Development Trust, will receive 15 hectares of the land

allocated and will construct a care centre for 155 people, including people with disability, the elderly and orphans.

Over 242 hectares of land, valued at almost R17 million, will be transferred to the Rustenburg Local Municipality for mainly housing and community resettlement projects.

The portions of the land handed over to the Rustenburg Local Municipality are:

Ÿ Portion 26 and Portion 109 of the Farm Paardekraal 279 JQ, to be used for the Popo Molefe and Mbeki Sun Informal Settlements; and

Ÿ Portion 187 (a portion of Portion 50) of the Farm Paardekraal 279 JQ, to be used for relocation of residents of the Chachalaca informal settlement. – SAnews.gov.za

North West healthcare facilities improve

Following government's intervention in the North West to restore governance and service delivery, there has been an

increased availability of medicines and functioning operating theatres in the province.

I n a d d i t i o n , p u b l i c e m p l o y m e n t programmes have led to more opportunities being created for the unemployed.

Deputy President, David Mabuza, said this when elding questions in the National Assembly in Cape Town recently.

“At its last meeting with the committee last month, the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on the North West province was commended on its work in addressing the service delivery and governance failures in the province.

“As national government, we are satised with the progress been recorded on the ground. This is testimony that the intervention we made was necessary to ensure our people are not adversely impacted in accessing government

services,” he said.Mabuza said ever since the Inter-

Ministerial Task Team invoked Section 100 (1) on the entire North West province:

Ÿ Medicine availability in hospitals is at 83% (up from 67% in April 2018);

Ÿ Key vacant executive positions are being lled in service delivery departments such as Roads and Public Works;

Ÿ Four out of ve operating theatres in Mahikeng Provincial Hospital are now functional;

Ÿ P r o v i n c i a l r o a d m a i n t e n a n c e programme has been revived, with contractors now on site in 33 roads; and

Ÿ Progress has been made in stabilising nances of the province, through improving controls to prevent unauthorised expenditure, standing at

R384.8 million during 2017/18.Mabuza said in addition, the Directorate for

Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) was handling 46 cases involving theft, fraud and contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 in relation to government contracts in the North West.

“As for the rollout of Public Employment Programme, this intervention continues to play a vital role towards alleviating poverty by creating work opportunities for the poor and unemployed people in the North West province.

“Training and enterprise development are a l so implemented in sec tor spec ic programmes to enhance service delivery and beneciary well-being,” he said.

He said during the rst two quarters of the 2018/19 nancial year, the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) created 51 583

work opportunities in the North West province, recording a 33% increase from the 34 527 work opportunities created during the same period in 2017/18.

“This shows that 17 056 more work opportunities were created in the North West province during the rst two quarters of 2018/19 compared to the same period in 2017/18.

“The highest percentage (69%) of job opportunities beneciaries are women, followed by the youth. In terms of training, the EPWP created 822 training opportunities in the North West during the rst two quarters of 2018/19, which is 587 more training opportunities compared to the same period in 2017/18,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Together We Move North West Province Forward

MEC launches Ngaka Modiri Molema Community Safety Forum

Community Safety and Transport M a n a g e m e n t M E C , M p h o Motlhabane, recently launched the

Ngaka Modiri Molema Community Safety Forum (CFS) in Mahikeng.

The National Policy on CSF mandates all provincial departments of Public Safety to establish CSFs in all districts and local municipalities.

“We are all concerned about crime in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District and are here to demonstrate that we want to make a difference.

“Our people continue to be victimised by selsh, dangerous and heartless criminals. We are here to commit that we want to work together to put these criminals where they belong, in jail.

“We need all law enforcement authorities and all crime prevention agencies to work closely with the business sectors and every individual to combat crime because we intend to mobilise our communities in the ght against crime,” said MEC Motlhabane.

The Community Safety Forum is expected to begin to facilitate the delivery of a multi-sectoral government approach on safety in communities.

According to the policy, the CSF mandate is broader than that of the Community Policing Forums (CPF) in that it includes responses from all departments in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster. It must consult and engage communities to come up with ways and plans for local crime prevention.

Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Mpho Motlhabane shaking a hands with one of the stakeholder representatives in Ngaka Modiri Molema

Thabo Sematle

Education Dept to implement Summit resolutions to address school safety challenges

North West Education and Sport Development MEC, Sello Lehari, says the department will implement

the resolutions drawn from a two-day Provincial School Safety Summit, in order to deal with challenges safety in schools.

The summit was held at Kgaswane Country Lodge in Rustenburg last week.

MEC Lehari said the province had experienced a wave of violence in schools which in most cases led to injuries, killings and damage to property. He said a death of a learner or a teacher is one death too many.

“In view of this, the department took a decision to gather stakeholders under one roof and engage in a dialogue, heart to heart, soul to soul and eyeball to eyeball on what are the underlying causes of this violence and what needs to be done to deal with it once and for all. This sparked a lot of interest in many education stakeholders,” said Lehari.

Over 500 delegates representing learners, teachers, parents, School Governing Bodies (SGB), Congress of the South African Students

(COSAS), teacher unions, religious bodies, South African Police Service (SAPS), Depar tment of Socia l Development , C o m m u n i t y S a f e t y a n d T r a n s p o r t Management, North West Provincial Sport Confederation and ofcials of the department attended the summit.

The Summit noted that schools were the reection of society and that maintaining schools and communities should be based on peace, respect, non-racialism safety and security which must be everyone's concern and responsibility.Resolutions of the Summit

There were ten commissions addressing different topics and the Summit, amongst others, resolved on the following:Ÿ Establish a Provincial School Safety

Steering Committee by 30 April 2019;Ÿ All districts to hold their individual School

Safety Summit before 30 May 2019; Ÿ Hold a subsequent School Safety Summit

in 2020 to review the implementation progress;

Ÿ Intensify the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign and its related structures with special focus on school

safety; Ÿ Encourage parental involvement and active

participation in schools;Ÿ Ensure codes of conduct foster good

behaviour and deter ill-discipline amongst all stakeholders;

Ÿ All schools to implement learner code of conduct which need to be reviewed to address emerging social ills;

Ÿ All schools to display code of conduct in strategic places for everybody to see and read;

Ÿ Ensure security personnel is provided in all public schools on incremental basis

ststarting with 200 schools from 1 April 2019 onwards;

Ÿ Ensure standard of infrastructure in schools restores the dignity of our learners and teachers and supports the culture of learning and teaching;

Ÿ Ensure our schools maintain a balance between curriculum delivery and sport; and

Ÿ Seek funding for school safety and security from provincial and national treasuries

The department resolved to apply consequence management against anyone who fails to adhere to any resolution taken by the Summit.

Voordonker community receives rst hand service delivery

So c i a l D e p a r t m e n t M E C , F e n n y Gaolaolwe, accompanied by North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro, recently

took rst hand services to more than 300 residents of Voordonker village in Moses

Kotane Municipality. MEC Gaolaolwe did not go to Voordonker empty handed as she distr ibuted food parcels to identied households and sanitary towels to those young girls who need them.

At the same event the MEC requested SASSA beneciaries not to misuse the money the government was giving them. “We know

that it will never be enough, but what is important is that we manage it well,” said Gaolaolwe. She urged members of the community to work hand in hand with social workers in their service points when they visit their household because this was how the department was able to do proling and gather information on their day-to-day challenges. The information gathered assist in addressing those challenges.

“It is always important that proling is done before services could be taken to communities so that they are given the services that they need and not what we the government think they need,” emphasized MEC Gaolaolwe.

Premier Mokgoro urged ofcials of the department to put the needs of the people rst when servicing them because they were there to serve them. He said departments had to work hand-in-hand because doing that they would be able to ll the gaps that were visible in different communities.

“I am pleased that the Department of Social Development has decided on this service delivery blitz initiative, but please next time I want to see all government departments in one place offering different services to the people as it is sometimes difcult for them to visit our ofces,” said Prof Mokgoro.

Duduetsang Mpa

Premier Prof Job Mokgoro and Social Development MEC, Fenny Gaolaolwe, handing over food parcels to beneciaries in Voordonker village

Elias Malindi

03

Advisory services to benet from digitalization

POTCHEFSTROOM - Hundreds of thdelegates attending the 11 Provincial

Extension and Advisory Services held recently in Potchefstroom are adamant digitalizing extension and advisory services will bring about much improved extension and advisory services to emerging and established farmers in the North West province.

With digitalization gaining momentum, the conference delegates agreed that there was an urgent need to transform and digitalize the s e c t o r t o a c h i e v e s p e c i c n a t i o n a l development initiatives as envisaged in the Agricultural Policy Action Plan and the National Development Plan (NDP).

The conference was attended by renowned experts in the extension profession from institutions of higher learning and the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), crop technicians, natural resource technicians as well as representative from research institutes.

D u r i n g t h e p a n e l d i s c u s s i o n o n digitalization of extension and advisory services and the province's state of readiness, led by Prof Simon Sebatana Letsoalo of the North West University, majority of panel members agreed that although there were minor challenges, the province was more than

ready and had no option but to embrace the fourth industrial revolution.

With specic focus on the conference t h e m e : “ I m p r o v i n g t h e i m a g e a n d professionalism of extension services in the province” , Rura l , Envi ronment and Agricultural Development Acting MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane, challenged delegates to move with the times and ensure that their day-to-day activities were aligned to the Extension Recovery Plan (ERP) aimed at addressing gaps identied in Agricultural Extension Services and which would ultimately assist the province to contribute meaningfully towards achieving the goals of the 2030 National Development Plan. “For the province to immensely contribute in response of the NDP, we expect our extension and advisory practitioners to empower farmers with the

cutting edge information so that they keep pace with trends and developments in the agricultural production,” Dr Motlhabane said.

Motlhabane said the agricultural advisors, through their capacity building programmes and knowledge transfer, should ensure that farmers produce food according to the potential of the area and strive for maximum participation and that they must use their expertise to benet the farming community and es tab l i sh sus ta inable pro jec ts us ing programmed extension.

As part of the action plan emanating from the conference discussions, MEC Motlhabane, said all extension staff had to be visible to clients they serve and account to production of their clients.

Regard ing profess iona l i sm, MEC Motlhabane, said he wanted to see extension ofcers interacting with other professionals and register with agricultural professional bodies such as the South African Council for Natural Profession Scientic (SACNASP).

The body's renewal of membership was none negotiable and to those who have not registered or renewed their membership were urged do so before the end of March 2019.

The 2019 conference resolved that managers had to ensure each and every extension ofcer should have an extension programme, accounting to the number of farmers they serve; extension practitioners to utilize information and communication technology (ICT) tools to the fullest on their

day to day activities in order to improve services; and that they had to register with agricultural professional bodies for exposure.

As part of the conference, Extension Practitioners and Agricultural Advisors who made commendable contributions to the profession towards the long-term achievement of the objectives of the National Norms and Standards of Extension and Advisory Services (EAS), were rewarded for their efforts.

Jeremiah Gaompotse received an award for Best Conference Poster; Pertunia Mogogana took home the Best Conference Paper award; Top Performer in the category of Agricultural

Advisor Award was presented to Padiso Mothibi; Top Performer Award in the category of Senior Agricultural Advisor went to Didintle Sebubi, Specialist Agricultural Advisor Award was presented to Dieter Jordan; Top Performer in the category of Supervisor was awarded to Tshetlho Makhwane; and the Top Performer Award in the category of support services and the overall winner for 2019 winner was Daniel Thubisi of Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

Winners wi l l compete wi th the i r counterparts from other provinces at the National Extension and Advisory Services Awards to be held towards the end of 2019.

Thebe Itumeleng

Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development Acting MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane, addressing delegates of the 11th Provincial Extension and Advisory Services High panel discussion during the 11th Provincial Extension and Advisory Services Conference

Delegates of the Provincial Extension and Advisory Services

Together We Move North West Province Forward

To boost the staff morale, the 2019 conference honoured Extension Practitioners and Agricultural Advisors who have made commendable contribution to the profession

Massive road recovery plan roll-out

By the time you read this, a total of 32 road maintenance projects are supposed to be rolling out across the

province as part of the department's roads recovery plan scheduled to be completed by the end of March at an estimated cost of R430 million.

Work is to be done through Maintenance Framework Agreements - Term Contracts which also include 120 contractors with lower grading between one Civil Engineering (CE) and three CE for road reserve maintenance.

Bojanala District, lead the pack with 15 roads earmarked for maintenance followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema Districts with seven.

Dr Ruth Segomotsi Momapati and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts each has ve roads to deal with.

For road reserve maintenance in all four districts, the plan was for each to appoint 14 1CE, 12 2CE and four 3CE CIDB gradings bringing the total number of such contractors to 30.

However, 120 contractors stand to benet from the entire recovery plan.

Successful completion of projects awarded to the above, may assist to further improve their grading.

Meanwhile, the department ofcially opened the N12 Treasure Route, - which forms part of the N12 National Route - in Klerkdorp. This is one of the economic strategic routes in the country. An average of 6 880 vehicles travel westbound on part of the road between

Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom on a daily basis, with an estimated 989 of those being heavy motor vehicles.

At least another average of 999 heavy duty vehicles travel between the same towns as part of the daily average trafc of 6 896 vehicles on the eastbound double lanes.

These statistics indicate that heavy duty vehicles represent 14% of the daily trafc between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom, thus making the N12 one of the routes that promote economic development in province.

The decision by the Department of Public Works and Roads to rehabilitate a portion of this strategic economic route in Klerksdorp, that was adversely affected by the dolomite from mining activities in the area, was hailed by Premier Prof Job Mokgoro.

The Premier recently led the ofcial opening of the rehabilitation of the N12 from Road R503 to Archbishop Desmond Tutu Street.

A total of R50 million was set aside for the second phase of this rehabilitation, which was not only aimed at improving trafc ow but also at strengthening economic development and growth in the area.

The scope of work for this project entailed rehabilitation of the eastbound carriageway; cleaning of clogged drainage structures; installation of new pipe culverts; and a new 2km and 3m wide pedes t r i an walk-way/cycleway on the eastern side of the road.

Shaping of grass lined median drain as well as road markings were also part of the scope.

Apart from the main contractors of the project, a further 10 sub-contractors beneted

from the project with a total of R15 million spent. More than R9 million was spent on salaries for 91 local labourers who were offered managerial and technical skills training.

One of the sub-contractors, Mziwakhe Malete, expressed gratitude to the department and the main contractor for having considered his emerging company for the project.

He said being part of the rehabilitation project helped him learn more about working on high prole projects.

He said his involvement in the projects contributed towards the upgrading of his company's Contractor Industry Development Board grading. “As a company, we have been exposed to many things about construction and I can say we can henceforth do more on our own than before.

“Our priority was to learn and improve our skill more than making money and we are pleased that we have reached our goal in that regard,” said a delighted Malete.

One of the local residents, Tebogo Pelotsame from Jourbeton, said he was impressed with the quality of the road.

“I can tell that this road is well compacted and is wider than before. My appeal is for the department to keep the road maintained going forward and not wait until its condition deteriorate,” he said.

In his address during the opening of the N12 route, Premier Mokgoro said it would not be possible to tackle developmental challenges unless all citizens work together.He said construction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure leads to economic development.

Kgomotso Mokgatle

Road D2787 from Klerkdorp to Faan Meinjies Nature Reserve in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District is part of the roads where work is on-going as part of the road maintenance recovery plan

04

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Work on the R456 million dual carriage road between Mahikeng and Blaauwbank on which work

commenced two years ago, to ease trafc on the road between Lichtenburg and Makeng, where numerous serious accidents occurred in recent years, is well underway and on target to be completed in April 2020.

The rst phase of the 3-phase project, the Rooigrond dual carriage way constructed at a cost R124 million has been completed, with the second phase, the Dihatshwana to Makeng, standing at 60 percent completion stage. The third phase, the Rooigrond to Blaauwbank, at a cost R137 million is at nine percent completion stage.

Assistant site manager of the project, Johan Strydom, said although there was a delay in construction caused by 27 days without any work being done because of a strike by the local community regarding an agreement the community had with government, they were still on target to nish the work on schedule.

“In spite of hiccups here and there, such as the one caused by the recent stand-off between the community and our client, we aim to complete this project well within the agreed contract stipulations,” he said.

Premier Job Mokgoro in his 2019 State of the Province Address, said as part of government's infrastructure programme aimed at accelerating economic growth and stimulating development as well as creating jobs, government would be upgrading roads in the province.

“This includes the rehabilitation of and upgrading of the 30 kilometre long road P28/4 from Rooigrond to Makeng,” he said then.

The Rooigrond to Makeng dua l carriageway project employs 109 locals including people from the nearby Dihatshwana village.

Kleintjie Kraai

Makeng to Blaauwbank dual carriage way nears completion

Assistant site manager, Johan Strydom

The completed section of the dual carriageway between Rooigrond and Makeng.

NW authentic experiences attracts international attention

Tourism Buyers from nine European, Asian and American countries have praised the North West tourism

products for their ability to capture authentic African experiences in its offerings. The team visited the province recently post the Meetings Africa event held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Welcoming the team, North West Tourism MEC, Wendy Nelson, told buyers that the province prides itself with its rich culture in villages, the big ve and its warm hearted people. “The North West is capable of and has many attractions which provides great experiences for tourists. Most of them enjoy learning about our culture, heritage sites, our food and many other attractions.

“We hope the experience you have had during your stay in the province will make you comeback for more. We have many more other

experiences that we offer outside con-ferencing. We also have great facilities capable of hosting international conferences and big events,” said MEC Nelson.

Konrad Ong of Mice Hubs from Malaysia was part of the group. A visit to the North West comes highly recommended as he admittedly declared the experience had changed his approach to cultural and adventure tourism.

“I have been to other African countries and what I have seen here is far much different. I saw the big ve in one day in Madikwe, Your skies are so beautiful, people here are friendly, and I went for a village tour which got me wanting for more. This is an unforgettable experience and I would recommend it back home,” said Ong.mic development.

North West Tourism MEC, Wendy Nelson, with an international tourist, Konrad Ong

Kamogelo Pooe

MEC meets Bloemhof anti-gangsterism and crime prevention forum

Community Safety and Transport M a n a g e m e n t M E C , D r M p h o Motlhabane and the department's

Civilian Secretariat Chief Directorate, convened an all inclusive dialogue to deal with crime and gang issues in the strive-torn Bloemhof Township.

Bloemhof area has recently experienced gang-related crimes, unrest, violence, act of vengeance and lawlessness.

Three houses of police investigators were torched by angry residents who accuse SAPS ofcials of colluding with gang members. They alleged that SAPS investigators were dragging their feet instead of following up on cases community members lodged against gangsters.

They further alleged that some community members and taxi operators were harassed, arrested and tortured by SAPS Investigators, unleashing a sting operations against gang activities.

"Government intervention is going to be h e i g h t e n e d a s w e h a v e a l s o n o t e d irresponsible social media reports about intended illegal protest actions including possible blockading of the N12 road planned for Bloemhof.

“Please desist from this type of threats and allow state organs to intervene and stabilise crime prevention without you taking the law into your hands. Government services must be accessed by the citizens of this country including this township, in particular. Business must continue uninterrupted, schools must not be closed, health and social services must also be allowed to operate without threats,” warned Motlhabane.

The MEC's dialogue with Bloemhof Anti-Ganstrism and Crime Prevention Forum (BAGCPF) was attended by Bloemhof Station Commander, Co lone l Apr i l and h i s management, SAPS Cluster Commander, Brigadier Tlotleng, North West Tactical R es p o n s e Team ( TRT) , J AWS , t ax i associations, the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Maquassie Hil ls Local Municipali ty, Provincial Older Persons Forum, Crime Intelligence and representatives of the Ofce of the Premier's Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Parties expressed their discomfort regarding violent attacks, gangsterism, deaths and vengeances which griped the Boitumelong Township in Bloemhof during the past ve months or so. Lawlessness and gangsterism have reached unimaginable proportions. In another incident, a youth killed an old man at

the taxi rank in full view of taxi drivers and commuters. Taxi association members unleashed a war against gang members and the Boitumelong communities supported this bold and fearless campaign.

In the recent past, another old man was allegedly killed after being robbed of his belongings including his bicycle, by the gang members. This had sparked new tension and the township was slipping back into a pensive mode.Subsequently, some of the BAGCPF members were arrested and investigations were ongoing. And on the other hand, the BAGCPF accuses SAPS of being heavy handed. SAPS was also accused of prioritising cases against BAGCPF

and community members, and abandoning cases against gangsters which have not been followed up.

MEC Motlhabane committed to elevate issues raised but pleaded for calm and stability to be restored.

"A boitumelo bo boele mo Boitumelong. All government services and school should proceed uninterrupted. The investigation of cases would be elevated to the SAPS Cluster level. Formal complaints against those investigation ofcers accused of colluding with gang members and criminals, should be lodged with evidence provided. “The BAGCPF will be assisted to become a formal and constitutional structure, an NPO.

Memorandum of concerns and issues will be forwarded to the Premier's Ofce. Community Policing Forums will be resuscitated, supported and held accountable to the community.

“The Premier will be requested to visit Bloemhof at some point for a feedback session wi th a b roader communi ty once a l l i n t e r v e n t i o n s a r e u n d e r w a y. " M E C Motlhabane told local residents.

Meanwhile, the MEC announced at the dialogue session, the high level intervention and deployment of a team of high ranking SAPS ofcials by the North West Provincial C o m m i s s i o n e r , L t G e n e r a l B a i l e Motswenyane to Bloemhof.

Thabo Sematle

05

Members of SAPS and other stakeholders during the anti-gangsterism dialogue in Bloemhof

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Anti-gansterism concept document drafted

e need more stars and less gangsters Win our province.” This was a call made by the provincial government

at the anti-gang workshop recently in Orkney, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

The purpose of the workshop was to draft a concept document to map out a way forward for the planned anti-gangsterism summit to be held at a later stage.

The North West province has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of gangster related crimes and as such, government under

the auspices of Rehabilitation, Healing and Renewal unit (Social Cohesion) has been given the responsibility to come up with a plan to deal with this social ill.

The notorious gangs' activities have recently been an eyesore in different parts of the province as there has been gang related incidents in Bloemhof, Makeng and the Dr KK District at large.

One of the gang members, Thabo Sibanda (name changed to protect his identity) said he joined one of the gangs due to unemployment and clashes between different sections in the township. An ex-convict, Sibanda spoke of how he wanted to quit but at this point it was difcult as gangs don't allow for a person to

walk away whenever he/she feels like it. This situation has put him and many others in a predicament where they are literally trapped within the dangerous and often deadly tangles of gangs. As such, him and other gangster members often end up in ghts with rival gangs and this usually ends in death and terror among t h e c o m m u n i t y o f K a n a n a a n d t h e surroundings.

The Ofce of the Premier has given an ear to the cry of community members and in this regard, has taken drastic measures to intervene in this societal ill. To date, Dr KK has more than 40 different types of groups or gangs and this number is a concern because it means even some of the youngest members of the

community are likely to fall victim to these ruthless gangs. The planned working session to try and tackle the scourge of gangs have been divided into ve commissions namely, Poverty and Family Breakdown; Communi ty Fragmentation; Policing, Imprisonment and Justice Process; Drugs and Education; and lastly Absent fathers and lack of youth resilience.

The date of the planned working session will be communicated to all relevant s takeholders , and specical ly to the community of Kanana. It is an event that North West Premier, Prof Tebogo Job Mokgoro, will attend and later in the coming months to the remaining districts of the province.

Ohentse Bogatsu & Thato Kepu

Some of the stakeholders who attended the anti-gangsterism dialogue

Community Safety and Transport M a n a g e m e n t M E C , D r M p h o Motlhabane, called for calm as

tensions ared up following the discovery of bodies of two 10-year-old boys from Extension 38 found dead in a swimming pool. The two boys were reported missing a week before, allegedly after being abducted at a nearby playing eld. They were sadly found drowned in a swimming pool at Imperial Reserves, Mahikeng.

The Mahikeng Police had to intervene and monitor the simmering tensions and ward off

community members who were up in arms and threatening to burn down the house where the kids decomposing bodies were discovered.

"Our communities must be careful not jump into conclusions when dealing with matters of this nature. We must avoid taking the law into our own hands and allow the police to do their work. We should remain calm and allow the police to investigate and establish the facts.

"Society must also be careful of making social media posts and comments that are careless, sensational meant to fuel tensions. We must await ofcial police investigation that is comprehensive, as the inquest case is under investigation and the post mortem report is yet

to be obtained from forensic unit. This will help us to establish the cause of death as well as to advise on any act of negligence or criminality that needs pursuing," warned MEC Motlhabane.

Meanwhile, reports from the Mahikeng Police states that both boys were actually earlier spotted at the nearby playing ground. Subsequently, they went to swim at a house where kids around the Imperial Reserves area normally go to swim. The two boys unfortunately drowned in the swimming pool, and apparently occupants of the house were not aware of what had happened.

For the record, the preliminary forensic report does not point to any body parts missing.

The K9, Dog Unit searched the house and did not nd any trace of drugs in and around the house.

Residents of the house are a local family and kids from the area often go there for a swim in the pool. Police are following all leads and anyone with more information is called upon to share it with the police. Preliminary investigations conrmed that there was no foul play discovered, while further investigations are continuing.

The two boys were jointly laid to rest Sunday, 10 March 2019, with throngs of community members attending the funeral held at the boys' last playing eld, the Extension 38 Sports grounds.

Tsholofelo Dintwe

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and MECs Dr Mpho Motlhabane and Fenny Gaolaolwe at a brieng following the boys' death

06

Together We Move North West Province Forward

MEC calls for calm after boys drowned

Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane and Social Development MEC, Fenny Gaolaolwe during their visit to the bereaved families

NW Education and Sport Development hosts QLTC Awards

orth West Department of Education Nand Sport Development recently held a third instalment of its annual

Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) Awards at the Kgaswane Country Lodge in Rustenburg.

The awards are aimed at recognizing and motivating good performance of school level stakeholders who inculcate a culture of volunteerism in their neighbouring schools to improve the well-being of its learners by implementing inventive approaches to improve learner performance. They are expected to improve outcomes such as the recognition and promotion of excellence towards provision of quality learning and teaching.

Over 500 stakeholders comprising parental volunteers, school principals, teachers and business sector gathered under one roof to witness the excellent work of caring for an African child at this glamorous ocassion.

The awards ceremony previously honoured schools and stakeholders at district level, and for the rst time this year, have been escalated to provincial level where both schools and external stakeholders were selected from their sub-districts and districts to contend at provincial level. First position

winners in each of the nine categories are as follows:

Ÿ Best Implementing Primary School - Phogole Primary School, Dr Keneth Kaunda District

Ÿ Best Implementing Multigrade School - Bokamoso Intermidiate School, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Ÿ Best Implementing Secondary School - Thaba Morula Secondary School, Bojanala District

Ÿ Champion in QLTC Implementation – A re Itshokeng Primary School, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District

Other categories included MEC's Award, which honoured men and women for their self-sacrice in caring for learners. Education partners such as businesses, pastors and sponsors were also honoured.

Education and Sport Development MEC, Sello Lehari, expressed his gratitude to all nominees and winners for their contribution towards obtaining quality education.

“On behalf of the department, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all different stakeholders in the education sector. It is because of their immense participation that we are gathered here today. We applaud you for dedicating your time and copy this positive contribution by these esteemed stakeholders towards ensuring quality education,” said Lehari.

Elias Malindi

Govt intervenes in service delivery crisis

MORETELE — North West Local G o v e r n m e n t a n d H u m a n Settlements MEC, Motlalepula

Rosho, recently intervened on issues of service delivery raised by the community of Sutelong in the Moretele Local Municipality.

Members of the community barricaded the roads with stones and burning tyres complaining about lack of water, clinic operation hours and human settlements development in their area.

A Sutelong resident, 60-year-old Mr Maretlwa, complained about poor service delivery they continue to experience in their community.

“We have more than 20 years in this area without proper infrastructure of water and sanitation. We urge government to assist us as soon as possible," said Maretlwa.

These service delivery complaints were raised at a community meeting held at a local sports ground called and addressed by MEC Rosho.

The MEC announced, as part of her intervention, that the Magalies Water Board would refurbish boreholes; the Department of Health made a commitment to recruit additional professional nurses for a 24 hours service, and issues around human settlements

would be dealt with in the near future. Community members were satised with

the brieng and agreed that the situation at Sutelong would return to normal and schools started operating the following day.

"We remain a caring government. Your problems is our problem as government, that is why we did not send anyone except ourselves to receive direct information from you as a sign of respect, and we promise to implement our commitment," promised Rosho.

Local Government and Human Settlements MEC, Motlalepula Rosho

Boitumelo Seleka

Prof Kgositsile Memorial Lecture – sounds of a melody

To those who knew very little about the legacy of the late academic-cum-poet-cum-liberation ghter, the Professor

Koerapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecturer - co-hosted by the Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (Cata) and the North West

University, Mahikeng campus last week - gave more than just a dollop of what this great South African was all about.

What, with an impressive and formidable array of panellists who elucidated the life and times of a man who all agree was of small stature by built, yet a colossal and awe-inspiring gure in academic and literally terms.

For starters, the Memorial Lecture was formatted like no other. Not only was it an interactive exercise with the audience, but the main speaker was preceded by a panel of luminaries who discussed various phases of the impact of Kgositsile's work. The discussion was about his work in the seventies in South Africa, to his time in Botswana and the rest of the continent, to the Diaspora and the world.

A word or two about the gures who brought to light the essence of the late likeable man of letters.

Perhaps a more betting analogy of the work done by the role-players on the night would be that of a band of jazz giants - ala Jazz Epistles, or the Crusaders, if you like - playing a highly-celebrated standard to an audience of both jazz connoisseurs and wet-behind-the-ears enthusiasts. Each of the members in the combo was an acclaimed soloist in his or her own right, who enjoys the respect of both peers and audiences as an improviser of note.

In that case, the leader was Dr Mandla Langa, as the saxophonist leading the band. It is him that brought matters to a climax as the

man giving the 2019 Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecture on the night.

As a close friend and fellow exile on both the continent and the diaspora, he gave some memorable quirky and off-beat anecdotes of life with the man many knew simply as ''Bra Willie”. In short, he brought life and ease to the story of a person some would have considered a little eccentric, showing the diplomatic, witty and funny side of the late Professor's life.

For the uninitiated, Dr Langa is a renowned arts activist and writer who spent a good part of his life in exile. To many, he will be remembered as the man who co-wrote Nelson Mandela's book, Dare Not Linger. Not many are in Langa's class when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of the Professor's life.

Getting us into song (or the swing of things), before Dr Langa was a member of instrumentalist heavies who struck each note with love, care and precision. These were men and women who lived by the crafts of both the academia and the written word.

First on the list of soloists was Sabata Mokae, lecturer at the Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape, followed by veteran arts activist, poet and dramatist, Walter Chakela, North West University Professor Emeritus Prof Shole Shole, Dr Lancelot Nawa, one of only two persons in Africa to have done a Phd in Cultural Policy, University of Botswana's Dr Leloba Molema, a former colleague of Prof Kgositsile and from the United State's

Michigan State University, Professor Denise Troutman. Each of them took time to paint a picture of an intellectual giant who contributed immensely to an important epoch in our country and beyond. They demonstrated how Kgositsile was in a class of his own in his trade, from the shores of South Africa to Botswana, Tanzania, Nigeria and the broader African Diaspora – to big applause from the audience. They spoke of his work and how it challenged the apartheid regime – giving people hope for a free South Africa.

Then there was North West University's Prof Philden Ndlela, who responded to Dr Langa's lecture with some poignant points on African literature in the context of South African universities and how it tted into society.

Clearly, this was all music to the ears of the Head of Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs, Nono Bapela. Delivering a congratulatory message on behalf of the department's MEC, she agreed the evening was an eye-opener to many as it showed the importance of the Humanities in academic discourse.

“The panellists in all sessions did a splendid job in helping unpack the work of the giant we are honouring tonight,'' she said. “They helped us get a broader picture of various geographical and political contexts of the poetry of Professor Kgositsile.”To that, this scribe can only say Encore…

Vusi Kama

07

Dr Mandla Langa giving the Prof Korapetse Kgositsile Memorial Lecture at the North West University, Mahikeng campus

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Unemployed youths to train as trafc ofcers

For the 2019/20 nancial year the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management managed to

recruit more youth to be trained as trafc ofcers as compared to the previous years. The Provincial Treasury had availed funds this time around as part of poverty and youth unemployment bursting programme.

Communi ty Safe ty and Transpor t Management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane, recently bid farewell to 100 learners who were going to start their 12 months training on Road Trafc Management at the Mpumalanga

Trafc Training College. During the duration of their training, they will each receive a monthly competitive stipend over and above meals, accommodation, uniform and transport provided to them. They will study towards an NQF level 4 Trafc Management Diploma which involves daily academic lectures, physical training and examinations.

These learners were recently recruited by the department with the objective of increasing the number of trafc ofcers in the province. The initiative has the potential to reduce the high number of accidents and fatalities, as well as to ensure compliance by road users.

The visibility of our trafc ofcers on the road as well as revenue collection will be enhanced. MEC Motlhabane encouraged

learners to represent the province well. "Be exemplary, work as a team, not in silos and be there for each other. The slogan: 'You will never walk alone' means exactly that, no one must work alone but as part of team North West.

“Because we don't have a trafc college as yet in the province, we are sending you to Mpumalanga, another province. Do remember, in Setswana we say: 'moeng o dinaka di maripa', meaning you are the mirror of the province. So do not put the name of the province to shame by failing your modules and displaying unbecoming conduct. It's a record breaking 100 learners this year, and it is for the rst time in this province.

“Surely, this is job creation at its best as

unemployment and poverty for this 100 youth and their families will be a thing of the past. So do me a favour, avoid drug, avoid alcohol abuse, avoid unprotected sex and am hoping you girls are not and will not become pregnant. O r e l s e y o u w i l l b echucked out of the college and be sent right back home,” said the MEC advisedly.

The MEC thanked the recruitment panel comprising district trafc managers "under the close scrutiny by POPCRU and NEHAWU representatives who observed the process”.

“You ensured that for the rst time in the history of trafc intakes in the North West province, we have the minority groups represented favourably. Of the 100 recruits 57 are females and 43 are males.

“This is a bold commitment towards equity and changing the face of law enforcement previously known to be male dominated. Of the 100 learnership candidates, we have 12 Coloureds, three Indians and one White Learners.

“I am excited that all four districts and especially villages have a fair share as many come from these backgrounds, no more recruitments which is skewed in favour of townships and suburbs. We are taking these kids to an accredited institution and not a bogus college.

They will be employed permanently uponcompletion of their 12 months training," said Motlhabane.

A representative of parents who were part of the farewell function, expressed their joy for the opportunity the department has availed for their unemployed sons and daughters. Some had previously applied, went to several interviews without success. “It will be a proud moment for us as parents and the department to welcome you back as fully qualied trafc ofcers.”

A group picture with MEC Dr Mpho Motlhabane, with new recruits, parents and the management team of the department before they left for training at the Mpumalanga Trafc Training College

Thabo Sematle

08

Tsela ya Kopfontein e na le bokgoni jwa go godisa bojanala

Bojanala le temothuo ke mangwe a maphata a kgwebo mo profenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, a a itshetlegileng

thata ka maemo a ditsela tse di tlhokometsweng sentle, e leng lebaka le le rotloeditseng Lefapha la Ditiro tsa Setshaba le Ditsela go aga seswa tsela magareng ga molelwane wa Kopfontein le Madikwe Game Reserve. Porojeka ya go aga tsela eno, e gape e leng gau le molelwane wa

Botswana, e gau le go konosediwa. Tiro ya go aga tsela eno e akaretsa go agiwa seswa go tswa go tsela ya mmu go e dira ya sekontere.

Tsela eno ya sekgala sa dikilomitara di le 10, ga e dirisiwe fela ke bajanala ba go le gantsi ba etelang serapa sa diphologolo sa Madikwe, mme e dirisiwa gape le ke dipalangwa tse di rwalang dikungo tsa temothuo magareng ga dinaga tsa Africa Borwa le Botswana.

Balemirui ba leruo le dikungo tsa merogo go tswa Masepaleng wa Selegae wa Ramotshere Moiloa, mo Sedikeng sa Ngaka Modiri Molema, le bona ba itshetlegile thata mo go

diriseng tsela eno go tlhelela mebaraka fa ba rekisa leruo le dikungo tsa bona go ka bona letseno.

Madikwe Game Reserve ke nngwe ya mafelo a a gogelang bajanala ba le bantsi ngwaga le ngwaga, go akarediwa le ba ba tlhagang kwa dinageng tsa moseja. Kgogedi e kgolo ke mefuta e e farologaneng ya diphologolo tse di tlhaga tse bajanala ba ratang go di bona fa ba etetse lefelo leno. Go etela ga bajanala kwa Madikwe Game Reserve go ungwela gape le dikgwebo tse ba fetang ka tsona fa ba labile koo, segolo jang bagwebi ba

toropo ya Zeerust le metse e mabapi. Go ya ka Motsamaisi wa lephata la Ditsela

mo lefapheng, Siso Diko, tiro ya go tlhabolola tsela eno e simolotse ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo ka ngwaga wa 2017, mme lefapha le ne le solofetse go e konosetsa ka kgwedi ya Sedimonthole mo ngwageng wa 2018.

“Go nnile le mabaka a neng a dira gore go nne le tiego mo go konosetseng tsela eno ka nako e e neng e solofetswe. Le fa go e jalo, ga jaana tiro e gau le go wediwa, ka jaaka seemo sa go konosediwa ga tiro sa ga jaana se lekanyediwa go diperesente di le 95, mme re solofetse gore tsela e ka bulwa semmuso go ya b o f e l o n g j w a k g w e d i y a M o p i t l w e monongwaga,” go tlhalosa jalo Diko.

Diko o tsweletse ka go tlhalosa fa porojeke eno e kgonne go tlhola ditiro di le 25 tsa nakwana le fa tota bontsi jwa tiro bo ne bo diriwa ka metshine.

“Borakonteraka ba le bara taro ba dikgwebopotlana le bona ba kgonne go ungwelwa go tswa mo porojekeng eno, morago ga gore ba rebole lwe d i t i re lo t se d i farologaneng go tswa go konterata e e neetsweng tiro kgotsa thendara ya go aga tsela eno,” go rialo Diko.

Go ya ka dipalopalo tse di rebotsweng ke setheo sa Statistics South Africa, lephata la bojanala ka ngwaga wa 2016, le neelana ka diperesente di le 2,9 mo kgodisong ya ekonomi ya naga. Seno se kaya fa bojanala bo fetile lephata la temothuo, le le tlhagisitseng fela diperesente di le pedi mo go yona ngwaga eo. Ke ka moo go leng botlhokwa gore ditsela tse gantsi di dirisiwang ke bajanala mo porofeseng di tsholwe di le mo maemong a nametsang gore di rotloetse bojanala le go godisa ekonomi ya porofense ya Bokone Bophirima.

Elvis Mosiwa

Eno ke tsela e e magareng ga molelwane wa Kopfontein le Madikwe Game Reserve, e Lefapha la Ditiro tsa Setshaba le Ditsela le e agileng sesweng jaana. Setshwantsho ka Kgomotso Mokgatle

Unscrupulous businesses hit hard during compliance inspection

RUSTENBURG — The Department of Economy and Enterprise Development, in partnership with the South African

Police Service (SAPS), South Africa Revenue

Services (SARS), Municipal Health Inspectors and Fire Department, National Regulator for Compulsory Specications (NRCS) and Department of Home Affairs and Agriculture, recently conducted a joint operation as part of the World Consumer Rights Day Celebration activities to protect the rights of consumers against unscrupulous business practices in the

Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD).“We have observed that some businesses

are contravening various consumer legislations by selling contaminated meat products; not properly labeled and repackaged foodstuffs.

“The main concern was the storing and keeping of meat products without proper stock rotation plan and putting different types of

exposed meat in same container, which can lead to cross contamination,” said Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development MEC, Wendy Matsemela.

In addition, 13 liquor outlets in the business district were visited and three were found to have contravened Liquor Act 27 of 1989, as amended. One of the outlets was found to be selling liquor and foodstuff in the same premise. The outlet was also found to have misleading disclaimer around expired goods contrary to consumer legislations.

Regarding public safety, 10 nes amounting to R32 500 were issued for contravening the Municipal Fire and Trading Regulations by-laws. Eight spot nes were issued and revenue of R20 000 was generated. Goods and foodstuff amounting to R60 000 were removed, condemned and declared unsafe for human consumption. The goods were later destroyed at a nearby dumping site.

Concluding the Consumer Month activities the MEC highlighted one of the most critical rights of consumers: “the right to choose”.

According to the MEC, consumers have the right to make informed decisions whenever purchasing goods and also to ensure the quality of goods is not compromised.

“As government, we will continue to work with relevant regulators to ensure businesses operate within the prescribed legislations,” Matsemela emphasized.

FEED MEC, Wendy Matsemela, is seen here with Onnicah Sithole and Seile Letsogo inspecting one of the butcheries in Rustenburg

Keorapetse Mosipidi

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Newly skilled force in hospitality trained in North West

Over 200 young people in the North West province have obtained National Qualications Framework (NQF)

Level 4 in Food and Beverage Services as well as Accommodation Services after completing a 12 months programme. The programme was

commissioned by the National Department of Tourism in 2011. This forms part of the Nat ional Hospi ta l i ty Youth Training Programme, a continuous initiative seeking to equip young people with necessary skills to enable them to be employable in the hospitality industry.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Potchefstroom, Tourism Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Thabethe, encouraged the new graduates to make use of the opportunity to change their lives for the better.

“This programme offers accredited courses, done deliberately so that you are employable or start your own businesses. This means that you have been given a chance to gain practical experience and be absorbed into the job market and the entire industry.

“Young people who are unemployed and interested in the tourism industry are encouraged to update their proles with their respect ive municipal i t ies for fur ther consideration for programmes such as this.

“As government, this is how we can really show that progress is being made in changing the landscape and making interventions to address challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” said Deputy Minister Thabethe.

Congra tu la t ing the g radua tes fo r completing the programme, North West

Tourism MEC, Wendy Nelson, said the programme was benecial more so that the graduates acquired skills critical in upholding the standard of quality within the hospitality industry.

“We have a good representation of all districts in the province. The high number of graduates today shows that tourism can never be undermined, we are proud of your achievement for working hard to be where you

are today. I must say, it was a great honour to be part of this programme steered by the National Department.

“The department is pleased with the outcome, because this ts in with what the President has alluded to, that we have to increase the skills base in the country. However, we could not have done this alone and we also extend our gratitude to host employers as well as parents for standing by our young people during this time,” said Nelson.

While many of the graduates have already secured employment, hard work proved to be a compound of countless rewards to reap.

Speaking on behalf of other graduates, Lineo Matlabe, said the programme had made a lot of difference in how they now see the hospitality industry.

“We all worked so hard because we understood what this meant for our families, our communities, our knowledge in the eld, and the way we see things has really changed. Although at times it was stressful, challenging and hard we have nally pulled through.

“We did not allow the challenges to dene who we are and therefore, I would like to wish my fellow graduates all the best and say the real work starts now. We were given this opportunity and now it is time to use it,” said Matlabe.

Dineo Lolokwane & Lemogang Foke

09

Tourism Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Thabethe, delivering a keynote address at the graduation

Seated from left is NW Tourism MEC, Wendy Nelson, Tourism Deputy Minister, Elizabeth Thabethe, JB Marks Executive Mayor, Cllr Kgotso Khumalo (front) and senior ofcials from National and provincial tourism

North West Tourism MEC, Wendy Nelson, delivering a message of support

Nominate NW artists for the SATMA – MEC Mochware

ulture, Arts and Traditional Affairs CMEC, Ontlametse Mochware, has called on the people of North West to

nominate artists of their choice for the 2019 edition of the South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) Awards. She said the

awards, with no less than 36 categories, were one of the opportunities to empower artists of the province by putting them on the national stage.

“We urge all citizens of North West to stand behind our artists by nominating and voting for them as many times as possible,” appealed MEC Mochware.

Supported by Cata for the third year thrunning, the awards celebrate their 14

Anniversary under the theme: “Free to be Me”. The awards ceremony is scheduled for later

in the year, at a venue to be announced in the province.

Individuals or groups to be nominated must have recorded their albums within the period March 2018 to February 2019.

The Satma Awards were launched in 2005 to promote, preserve, uplift, develop, honour and award traditional musicians across racial

and ethnic background. Entries opened on March 1 and close on June 28.

This year's awards will be launched at a ceremony to be held in May in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Nomination forms are available at all Cata ofces in the province, as well as on-line www.satmaawards.co.za or Whatsapp 065 826 2157.

Maboni Kgabi

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Makolomakwa joins the green revolution

gaka Modir i Molema Dis t r ic t NMunicipality's Executive Mayor, Cllr Justice Makolomakwa, recently

joined Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro and the Good Green Deeds Ambassador in the province, MEC Motlalepule Rosho, in heading President Cyril Ramaphosa's call to be a “litter free” society during the provincial launch of the Good Green Deeds Campaign in Mahikeng.

Cllr Makolomakwa committed Ngaka

Modiri Molema District Municipality to join the country to make sure his municipality “Go Green” as an institution and continue to support the “Good Green Deeds” initiative.

“The district municipality, through its Local Economic Development unit, will resuscitate and support the Kraaipan Recycling Project, as well as ensuring that at least there is

one project in each and every local municipality within its jurisdiction,” he said.

T h e E x e c u t i v e M a y o r c a l l e d o n communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District to be ambassadors of the Good Green Deeds Campaign to educate and inspire one another in changing attitudes towards littering and waste management.

Lehlohonolo March

10

Executive Mayor Cllr Justice Makolomakwa at the launch of the Good Green Deeds Programme in MahikengExecutive Mayor, Cllr Justice Makolomakwa joins volunteers in Montshiwa

Together We Move North West Province Forward

Cheka Impilo campaign goes to villages

he community of Setlagole, a small Tvillage 75km outside Mahikeng, in the Ratlou Local Municipality, got its fair

share of the national Cheka Impilo health campaign which promotes the testing of various diseases in communities.

The campaign, an effort by the Department of Health to help curb the high rate of new infections of diseases such as HIV and Aids, tuberculosis, diabetes and many others that continue to affect people, specically those in

remote rural villages of the province. The campaign in Setlagole, saw a host of different government departments and non-governmental organisations coming together for screenings and testing for different diseases in the community.

Ofentse Nkwe from the Aurum Institute, one of the Department of Health's partners, had high praise for the campaign.

“This is a wonderful initiative introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, because it will allow people to get screened and tested for different types of diseases as some don't have a chance to do that due to work commitments.

We, at Aurum Institute, are here for issues

relating to medical male circumcision and we do this to all males from the age of 10 years all the way to adulthood.

“It is for free and we are also available at different clinics if they can't attend an event such as this one. The only challenge here is that there is a low attendance of men because men generally are not always comfortable to test, especially when there are women around and so it would be advisable for the department to make a men's only campaign which will attract a higher male attendance,” advised Nkwe.

The Department of Health also had high praise for the campaign as expressed by the administration ofcer for the Ngaka Modiri

Molema District, Keolebogile Seopa. “We would like to reach as many people as

possible to test and those that are found to be positive be put on immediate medication so as to prolong their chances of living a longer and healthier life,” said Seopa.

The Department of Health and other government departments such as Home Affairs, Community Safety and Transport Management and Finance committed themselves to going out on outreach programmes to get closer to communities and promote the spirit of “Thuma Mina”, in line with President Ramaphosa's call to members of the public to volunteer to serve the people.

Thato Kepu

Setlagole community members getting assistance from the Home Affairs stallKgosi Gaesego Phoi addressing the community at the Cheka Impilo health campaign