Table of contents for 2023-05-12 in DFA News

THE DIRECTOR of one of the companies that are the subject of an investigation into payments that were received from Sol Plaatje Municipality, stated that he is the victim of “false, defamatory and reckless allegations” that were ”without any substance or legal basis”. He indicated that he was unaware of any complaints that were lodged with the Hawks, Public Protector or Special Investigating Unit into a tender that was awarded to his company. “If there is any such investigation, I will provide the authorities sufficient time and space to conduct their work. “Accordingly, I reserve my right to respond in full at the appropriate time and forum should the need arise.” He denied that any work on site was halted due to payments that were withheld. “The site remains operational…

MEMBERS of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) claim that the head of the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture threatened to charge them for wanting to celebrate the Order of Mendi award for bravery that was bestowed posthumously on city hero Kgomotso Thomas. Thomas, 36, died while saving two Northern Cape book club members from drowning in the sea near George in 2019 while they were attending the 10th national Funda Mzantsi championship on September 25, 2019. Nehawu branch secretary Moses Vorster said members wanted to visit the family on May 5 during their picketing hour but were prevented from doing so. “The HOD threatened to charge us if anyone arrived a bit late from their lunch break as they do not all have…

THE HANDING over of the newly-renovated Helen Joseph ECD Centre in Galeshewe by Droogfontein Solar Power is expected to change the lives of the many young children who attend the small community centre, by making them happier, brighter and safer. This small crèche, which cares for about 80 children from Galeshewe, has fallen victim to a spate of break-ins since 2020 and this, coupled with a lack of funding to manage the general upkeep and maintenance, has seen it fall into disrepair over the years. The renovations form part of Droogfontein Solar Power’s socio-economic development programme, which has a keen focus on early childhood development. The solar company has also provided improved security for the centre in the form of an alarm system and CCTV camera infrastructure. The renovations include…

SOL PLAATJE municipal manager Thapelo Matlala said that local economic development manager Phetolo Sithole was suspended for the irregular appointment of the tourism manager following a leaked audio recording that went viral. The DA submitted a motion this week requesting reasons for his suspension, while councillors stated that they were kept in the dark over the suspension of municipal officials. Both Sithole and the tourism manager, Neo Poolo, were placed on three months suspension on April 24 with full pay and benefits. Sithole was reinstated during a special council meeting this week as the acting executive director of infrastructure and services, with immediate effect. Opposition parties walked out of the council meeting on Wednesday after the Speaker refused to indicate whether Sithole’s reinstatement was a council resolution, while the ANC…

No ... you do not want to miss the 2023 Classic Clashes FOR MANY years, 17 to be exact, Diamantveld and Northern Cape High Schools have been engaged in intense and exciting battles in rugby, netball, and hockey, with each team striving to outdo the other on the field. Named the “Classic Clashes”, this event has become an important part of the local sporting calendar, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic fans and supporters from both schools. In rugby, Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School have a long-standing rivalry on the field. The schools have produced talented players who have gone on to represent their provinces and even the country at the highest level. The matches between these two schools are fiercely contested and closely fought, with both teams leaving everything…

Local powerlifters ready to represent their country and make their city proud EXCITEMENT is building in Kimberley as one of the biggest events of the weightlifting calendar, the World Bench Press Championships, draws closer. Kimberley’s reigning African bench press champion and African record holder Ricardo Fitzpatrick and fellow Kimberlite Gys Smith are currently training vigorously for the upcoming championships, which is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 27, in Sun City. The two powerlifters are highly ranked in their respective divisions and stand a good chance of securing a medal or two at the championships. Smith is currently ranked third in the 120+ kg Master 2 division, while Fitzpatrick is ranked sixth in the 83 kg Master 1 division. Although his rivals from Germany, Mongolia, and the Netherlands…

THE SOUTH African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) said that all suspended workers would report for duty on Monday after the acting executive director of infrastructure and services, Phetolo Sithole, was reinstated by council this week. Sithole was placed on suspension on April 24 on charges of misconduct relating to the appointment of the tourism manager, Neo Poolo, who was also suspended. The officials who were suspended included electrical technician Mzwandile Zwane, who resigned after he was placed on suspension in November 2022 for failing to alert the bid evaluation and bid adjudication committee about a tender that exceeded the specified amount. The contract of George Mosimane was not renewed after his contract ended on April 17. He was suspended after the municipal manager refused to sign a procurement deviation certificate…

THE MOTHIBISTAD Regional Court sentenced Tebogo Mokomele, 28, to eight years’ imprisonment for the murder of Rebaone Setlhare. The incident happened on January 30 last year at Tswelelopele section, Magojaneng in Mothibistad, when Setlhare was stabbed in her left arm and succumbed to her injuries. Mokomele handed himself over to the police after Setlhare was declared dead at the Kuruman hospital. The police members who were the first responders and who executed the arrest were commended for their swift reaction. The Mothibistad station commander, Colonel Tumi Moetsi, praised the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mmabatho Matong, for her dedication and efforts in investigating the case and securing the sentence. Matong was further commended for bringing closure to the victim’s family and for delivering justice for their child.…

STANDING in a supermarket queue the other day, I witnessed the cutest conversation ever. Well, when I say ‘conversation’ I actually mean it was more of a monologue. A four-year-old laaitie in a Spiderman suit was trying to attract his father’s attention. “Daddy, Daddy, look at the Easter Bunny’s eeeeggs.” There was no response. He repeated, “Daddy, Daddy, look at the Easter Bunny’s eeeeggs.” Nothing. From what I know about parenting, I suspect that Daddy knew that if he engaged this tiny Spiderman, the next step would be a request for an Easter Bunny eeeegg, so Dad kept his attention focused on the phone in his hand. A third, and fourth time, the same phrase was repeated. Softly, politely, without a hint of demand, “Daddy, Daddy, look at the Easter…

Edward Davids ‘Eddie’ 25 years old, born in Bloemfontein plays at Loosehead Prop Previous Team: CUT • What sports do you enjoy apart from rugby: Cricket • Who was the one person that inspired you: My mother • Biggest rugby hero: Ox Nche • Your biggest sporting hero outside of rugby: Wayde van Niekerk • Favourite book: Rise – Siya Kolisi • Favourite movie: The pursuit of Happyness – Will Smith • What type of music do you enjoy: I enjoy Gospel music a lot, also AfroHouse and Hip Hop • Top three favourite songs: Nah, it's a difficult one! Don’t have any • Droëwors? Biltong? Chillibites?: Chillibites • Water – still or sparkling: Sparkling • Do you have a pet: I don't have a pet, but I…

LEGAL adviser advocate Vincent Mayisela, who deals with labour disputes at Sol Plaatje Municipality, informed council that the municipal manager never consulted him to obtain legal advice regarding the suspension of the local economic development manager, Phetolo Sithole. During a special council meeting earlier this week, Speaker Nomizizi Maputle indicated that they did not wish to “get themselves deeper into trouble”, where Sithole had submitted a letter from his attorney regarding his suspension. It was also noted that Sithole was suspended after the municipal manager had obtained recommendations regarding his involvement in the appointment of the tourism manager. “The purpose of a suspension is to prevent an official from interfering with evidence or pending an investigation. In this case it is being done retrospectively.” Mayisela pointed out that council was…

TEACHERS in the Northern Cape and other parts of the country were afforded an opportunity to skip the online process of having to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) by themselves. Many students and established teachers flocked to Eureka Primary School in Kimberley where SACE registrations were conducted. The one-on-one registrations were the brainchild of the teacher’s union, Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie (SAOU) in Kimberley after they saw the challenges that local teachers faced when trying to register with SACE. The full-time shop steward of SAOU, Amanda Clarke, said the union decided to assist the teachers as many had to travel long distances to register with SACE. “The closest SACE office that teachers in the Northern Cape can go to is located in Bloemfontein. Other SACE offices are…

THE SPECIAL Investigating Unit (SIU), the Hawks and the Public Protector have confirmed that complaints were registered regarding allegations of improper conduct and maladministration relating to payments that were made by Sol Plaatje Municipality to two companies. It is alleged that non-performing service providers that were behind schedule and had failed to make progress on site, were paid large sums of money while cession agreements were entered into with new companies, against legal advice. The companies were awarded multimillion-rand tenders to upgrade the Eagle Street pump station in Roodepan, as well as a water and infrastructure and electrification project in Lerato Park. It was advised that emergency tenders be advertised to address sewage spillages. It is also alleged that service providers were paid despite them not being tax compliant, that…

THE WINDHOEK Draught Griquas and the Vodacom Blue Bulls are set to clash in what promises to be an epic encounter on Saturday afternoon at 3pm at Griquas’ Windhoek Draught Park fortress in Kimberley. Both teams are determined to secure a victory and climb the steps of the Currie Cup log. The Griquas are currently sitting in 4th place with 11 points, while the Bulls are in 7th place with only 6 points. The Griquas will have the advantage of playing on their home ground, which will give them a boost of confidence knowing that they have the support of their loyal fans. They have been in good form this season and are looking to continue their winning streak. Their massive defence in last week’s match against the Lions should…

THE NORTHERN Cape Heat Women’s team fell agonisingly short of qualifying for promotion to the domestic six-team Division 1 competition for the upcoming 2023/24 season when they lost their One-Day Cup promotion play-off against the Free State Women in Bloemfontein on Saturday, April 22. The NC Heat Women had been preparing and training for months for the Women's Provincial One-Day Cup play-off, knowing that the winner of the 50-over contest would join the top six domestic teams in Division 1. From the start of the game, the Heat Women played with precision and skill, taking advantage of every opportunity that came their way, but unfortunately, they could not pull off the much-needed win against the Free State women. The Heat team were in the play-offs thanks to a dominant campaign…

Kimberley Golf Club results for the week of May 3-6 and news about the next few weeks’ programme. Results for the week of May 3-6 The Wednesday, May 3 Konica Minolta sponsored 18-hole BBS for teams of two was won by Tenderson Manyetsa and Zayhied Sulliman with 46 pts on a count-out over 2nd placed Faried Richards and Jacques Beukes. Third were Harry Welham and Jason Barnes on 44 pts. The Thursday, May 4 KWV sponsored 9-hole IPS with power play options was won by Jock Robey with 22 pts. Second was Johan Herselman on 21 pts and 3rd was Braam Botes on 20 pts. The Friday, May 5 Sun Flamingo Niner was won by Jacques Beukes with 21 pts. Second was Fared Richards on 20 pts on a count-out…