Platform laid for Tourism Month at Lekgotla

The North West Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality hosted the District Tourism Lekgotla at the Matlosana Recreation Centre in Klerksdorp, City of Matlosana recently.

In attendance were stakeholders from the tourism fraternity which among others included representation from the Office of the MEC, North West Parks & Tourism Board, Tourism South Africa, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Tourism Associations from Province, District, Locals, N12 Treasure Route and Vredefort Dome.

The prime purpose of the Lekgotla, which differed from the annual normal account, seeks to derive means to develop methods which will enable the provincial department to place systems in an effort to advance the course of sustainable Tourism and elevate its impact on the Socio-Economic scale in the Rural Towns across the province.

“These Makgotlas,” as explained by Head of Department Adv. Neo Sephothi “are used as a platform to provide stakeholders with feedback on departmental achievements and cement relevant public and private partnerships to share  on tourism plans, and implement tourism strategies which will assist in growing the economy of Bokone Bophirima.”

The highlight of this engagement also maps the way for government to prepare for National Tourism Month, which sees the whole country celebrating the diversity of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage in the month of September.

Among notable presentations that fuel interest in the tourism sector is that of the 5 in 5 Tourism Strategy, which seeks to ensure growth in tourism arrivals and further promote campaigns to encourage local tourism.

The plan thereof is for South Africa to increase the number of international visitors by at least 5million in the next five years, off which the North West Province is tasked to attract 370 000. Four million are targeted from Africa’s Land Market, whilst one million from outside Africa.

SA Tourism has indicated its support through marketing activities of events taking place in the North West Province.

SA Tourism has also announced that South Africa, through all tourism stakeholders, should work relentlessly to retain tourists from the top nine countries like the United Kingdom, India, Germany, United States of America and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.

The Lekgotla also challenged product owners within the tourism sector to up their game, more especially when coming to environmental & sports tourism, as they are a lever for economic opportunities since the slowdown in the mining and manufacturing sectors in the country has been registered recently.

DR KKDM Mandela Day Hygiene Campaigns bring about change to two schools

In the months July and August, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality through its Municipal Health Services Department extended assistance to two schools as part of Mandela Day Programmes. The programmes were supported by the Office of the Executive Mayor and MMC’s from different municipal departments.

The two schools, Sautoul Islamic Orphans and All We Can Educare Centre, are situated in Klipdrift Farm outside Potchefstroom (Ventersdorp/Tlokwe NW405) and Joberton Township (City of Matlosana).

The primary objectives of the visits to the two schools emphasized on personal hygiene, provision of basic knowledge on the prevention of infectious diseases by health and hygiene, to improve health and safety to learners, cleaning of dormitories and handing over cleaning chemicals.

The Municipal Health Services department also provided and helped plant vegetable seedlings in order to reduce the dependency of the schools on donated food-aid.

MMC for Municipal Health Services, Alderman Rainy Martins said these programmes are of important need, emphasizing mainly on insufficient water resources and cleanliness.

“Diseases related to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene are among the world’s most deadly public health problems. Schools have a central place in the health of a community. Inappropriate hygiene in schools can cause many diseases. If there are no school sanitation and hygiene facilities, or if they aren’t maintained and used adequately, schools become places where diseases are likely transmitted. This is the reason why the District Council has resolved to embark on such awareness campaigns to address such issues.”  

Sautoul School houses about 70 orphans from different locations around the province and it is privately managed by kind Samaritans from the Islamic Faith Based organization. They rely mostly on donations from private businesses.

 All We Can Educare Centre is also a privately managed special school which houses 126 learners with different disabilities. They also rely on pledges and donations from private organizations and businesses.

Every year on 18 July, the day Nelson Mandela was born, the UN asks individuals around the world to mark Nelson Mandela International Day (18 July) by making a difference in their communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better, and Mandela Day is an occasion for everyone to take action and inspire change.

For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is dedicating this year's Mandela Day to Action Against Poverty, honouring Nelson Mandela's leadership and devotion to fighting poverty and promoting social justice for all.

In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.

General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

District Learners and Teachers Benefit from Schools Winter Awareness Campaign

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DrKKDM) Disaster Risk Management Centre rounded off its Winter Awareness Campaign through a District Schools Winter Awareness Drama Competition in Lebaleng Township, Maquassi Hills.

The program is in collaboration with partners City of Matlosana DRM, North West 405 Municipality (DRMC), Maqwassi Hills and the Department of Health (Tshepong BurnUnit), Government Departments, Parastatals and Non-Profit Organisations.

Schools that participated in the programme are mainly from disadvantaged areas prone to harzards. These includePhakela Primary School (Tigane Farm School), Arefenyeng Primary School (Kanana), Letshelemane Primary School (NW405: Ventersdorp Region), Tshirilogo Primary School (NW405: Ventersdorp Region)

Thakadu Primary School (Makwassie), Atlarelang Primary School (Makwassie)

Dan Tloome Primary School (NW405: Tlokwe Region), Ditaelo Primary School (NW45: Tlokwe Region)  

The implementation of the Winter Awareness School Competition was borne is the culmination of the Winter Awareness Programmes that were implemented throughout the district in the month of May 2017, where it was agreed that all the schools visited during the Winter Awareness Programmes will participate in the School Competition based on what they learned from different stakeholders that visited them during the programme.

Apart from the competition, schools benefited a lot from the programme. Amongst other equipments donated were Fire Extinguishers, First Aid Boxes , Emergency Reflective Jackets and Emergency Evacuation Plan Workshops.

The workshops are meant for teachers, who are also safety ambassadors at identified schools and will in-turn impart the knowledge to the rest of the learners and teachers at those schools.

This programme will continue into the new financial year (2017/2018) when the teachers reconvene after the schools winter recess to conclude their training that encompass Disaster Risk Management, First Aid Training (Level One) and Basic Fire Fighting. Upon conclusion, they will have first hand information related to emergency situations, hazards and basic knowledge of lessening disasters before they occur. 

The Winter Awareness Programmes have been adopted by the District Municipality as part of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategy that will assist in preventing, preparing and mitigating outbreak of fires during the winter season. Since the inception of the Winter Awareness Programmes the structural, wild fires and arson have been minimal as the result of awareness that has been raised to prevent such incidents. The (DRR) strategy forms part of the Key Performance Areas (KPA’s) enshrined in the National Disaster Management Framework of 2005. The (DRR) is (KPA) 3 in the Framework as it seeks for disaster prevention before their occurrence.  

Deputy Minister praises VTSD

Deputy Minister of Communications Thandi Mahambehlala is ecstatic with the impact that the Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) programme is making in the North West.

She was addressing the media during the last day of the Premier’s VTSD Economies and Entrepreneurship Outreach Programme held in Rulaganyang Township, Witpoort in Maquassi Hills Local Municipality.

“We want to applaud the North West Provincial Government for this initiative and would encourage other provinces to follow suit and adopt the concept.

“It addresses the treble challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. It is as well informative as people access information services closer to their homes and speaks directly to the needs of youth, which merges well with what government wants to achieve through its Vuku’senzele plea to communities.

The deputy minister pointed out the possibility of an array of innovative projects that could create jobs.

“I am aware of the gambling board’s resourcefulness of bringing necessary information on how to be a trader. Entrepreneurship is the backbone of the economy and the government aims to create more than six million jobs by the year 2030.”

Mahambehlala also extended an invitation to the private sector to partner up in assisting government in realizing the goal to improving the lives of citizens through such programmes.

She concluded her day by donating Set Top Boxes to identified families in Rulaganyang as part of the Digital Terrestrial Migration process that is currently under way in some parts of the country.

The Premier’s VTSD Economies and Entrepreneurship Outreach Programme is an intensive project aimed at increasing the economic potential of villages, towns and small semi-urban areas through state owned entities (SOE’s), non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and private institutions.

It started in Bojanala District in the month of April 2017, proceeded to Ngaka Modiri Molema in May, then Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in June and will conclude in July 2017 in the Dr Ruth Segomotso Mompati District.

DR KKDM & CELL C Celebrates “Take a Girl Child To Work Day 2017”

In celebration of the Annual “Take a Girl Child to Work Day”, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Barei Mosiane-Segotso and the Cell C Foundation extended an invitation to 30 girl learners from the NW 405 Tlokwe-Ventersdorp and City of Matlosana Municipalities.

The yearly campaign sponsored by South Africa’s third largest mobile phone operator Cell C, is intended to instill positive influence to girl learners from disadvantaged backgrounds through spending a day at a work place.

This is brought about by an acute violation of women’s rights in many countries around the world, including South Africa. Even with the legislative progress in place, many women still experience inequality as compared to their male equivalents and therefore fall short of acquiring appropriate jobs due to lack of skill.

In addition, challenges and constraints such as teenage pregnancy, HIV/Aids, child headed families, high levels of sexual abuse, rape and violence against women and children play an enormous role in accelerating difficulties faced by female South African children.

Thus the goal of this initiative, which is endorsed by the National Department of Basic Education, is to deepen the thinking of the girl child with regard to their infinite roles in society, enhance self-esteem, inspire and motivate her to reach her full potential.

Cell C believes this campaign has a far-reaching impact by showing girls different work places to provide early encouragement. Each year the company focuses on a specific theme to highlight the present-day problems of society.

Over the years Cell C’s Take a Girl Child to Work Day has become a well-respected movement that affords grade 10-12 girl learners, from all walks of life, the chance to experience a day in the workplace first-hand and a glimpse at the possibilities available to them.

For many, the day spent in the working world shadowing top executives and entrepreneurs opens up a world of hope and dreams.  It inspires girls to work hard to achieve what they want to attain in life and contributes towards making their dreams tangible.

“Cell C is dedicated to the development and empowerment of young people both inside and outside the company and we are committed to encouraging the youth to achieve their full potential,” said Suzette van der Merwe, Managing Executive of the Cell C Foundation.

Cell C first introduced the campaign to the South African business and government community on 08 May 2003, and in 2016 more than 700 corporates volunteered to host around 50 000 school girls across South Africa.

Since its launch, the company has developed and implemented various successful programmes aimed at encouraging women to achieve their full potential.  Backed by the goodwill of the South African business community and Government Cell C has assisted in preparing thousands of young women for a brighter future.

Executive Mayor Mosiane-Segotso advised the learners to never give up on their dreams.

“It is always heartwarming to see such beautiful souls. But for them to never accomplish their set ambitions is a serious drawback. We need to secure a balanced future and there is no better way to do it than having every one of you as a leader in your chosen career path. We cannot all be politicians to get noticed. It is upon us as current women leaders to encourage mentorship programs that will assist you to blossom.” 

TB PATIENTS REVEAL WHY MANY TAKE LONGER TO HEAL

Most if not all patients diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) are treatment defaulters in one way or the other. This is an astounding revelation by both In and Out TB patients currently treated for the disease at the Multi-Drug Resistant (M-DR) and Extreme Drug Resistant (X-DR) Unit in the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex.

The disclosures come in the wake of a dialogue session organised by the Provincial Department of Health in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day held in Klerksdorp.

Patients, their relatives, and caregivers poured their hearts out to Dr Magome Masike, the MEC for Health in the North West Province when relating their stories.

Patients lamented that others sneak in alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, which happen to be the fourth most treatment drawback to a person ailing from the disease.

While in-patients revealed that others defaulted on treatment by washing out medication in the restrooms, Out-patients cried foul over living conditions they are faced with after being discharged.

Nearly all of the patients believed they take longer to fend off the disease because they are exposed to unhealthy surroundings in their neighbourhoods. Threats such as unmanaged waste and unmanned sewerage spills attributes for the slow pace at which they recover.

Caregivers and relatives of the infected shared a common point. They tell of multiple accounts where out-patients default on medication because of inadequate monitoring and awareness programmes to educate communities about the dangers of treatment defaulting.

Nevertheless, there is a sizeable number of patients on the right side of treatment. They are treated at and from the M-DR and X-DR Unit in Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex.

Most who converted to MEC Masike, municipal leadership and support staff of the Unit said they usually talk to people in their social circles to be wary of the dangers TB poses to the community when left unmanaged. They also encouraged those lucky enough to have been diagnosed early to adhere to treatment schedules in order to nurse their bodies back to health quicker.

MEC Masike, accompanied by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and City of Matlosana MMCs for Municipal Health, says he is appreciative for the honesty of patients regarding their testimonies.

“It shows that our people are aware of TB and other diseases in their respective communities. We have also learnt that for us to overcome the increase in statistics, it must not only be the burden of the state health sector, but of everyone, including affected families as their support spurs on a positive mindset to the patients,” he said.

TB is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, like the brain and spine. A type of bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis causes it.In the 20th century, TB was a leading cause of death in the United States. Today, most cases are cured with antibiotics. But it takes a long time. One has to take medication for at least 6 to 9 months uninterrupted.

There are usually signs if you have active TB disease. They include a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, feeling tired all the time, night sweats, chills, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

ADDITIONAL AID BRINGS DIGNITY BACK TO THE FLOOD DISPLACED AND VULNERABLE

More families have benefitted immensely from the public-private partnerships secured by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DR KKDM) and non-governmental organisations since the turn of the year.

This is attributed to the recent humanitarian aid brought forth by Gift of the Givers foundation following their involvement in assisting the DR KKDM Disaster Risk Management Department with food and hygiene hampers to distribute to eight flood-displaced families in Kgakala Township, Leewdoorinstad, Maqwassi Hills Local Municipality.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Public Safety & Municipal Health Rainy Martins lauded Gift of the Givers foundation for their swift response when government sought assistance.

“We are extremely grateful to NGO’s like Gift of the Givers and others who acted speedily when approached for help. Their good deeds are forever etched not to government, but to beneficiaries benefitting from their noble gestures aimed at alleviating dented self-worth of the communities we serve. The little that government has cannot be readily available to everyone. However, we remain committed to bringing change to the quality of life our people live under through help from private partnerships of the good commendable organisations such as Gift of the Givers.” 

Gift of the Givers Foundation is a South African Non-governmental organisation started by Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman in 1992. It is the largest disaster relief group of African origin. Gift of the Givers has worked in many countries around the world, including Bosnia, Pakistan, Somalia, Haiti and Zimbabwe. During the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake the organisation sent four rescue teams and aid materials to the country. They were at one point in 2011 the only international aid group providing food aid to Somalia, airlifting 180 tons and shipping 2000 tons of aid.

Earlier in the month of February, the Executive Mayor Alderman Barei Mosiane-Segotso led a massive campaign dubbed “Back to School” in Extension 2, Tshing Township in Ventersdorp where a total of 200 pairs of school shoes, 200 school bags with stationery, 60 school uniforms (boys & girls), 140 food hampers as well as sanitary towels were handed over to impoverished learners residing mainly in farms, villages and townships within the region.

The campaign later set sight to Tigane, Jorbeton and Kanana Townships in the City of Matlosana Municipality in March. This is where 31 learners from Bakang Primary School (10), Kakatlela Primary School (11) and Matlhaleng Secondary School (10) respectively received complete school uniforms. An additional number of 24 food parcels were also handed over to vulnerable learners in the areas.

These interventions came through the Mayoral Special Projects Programme to encourage children to pursue education without fears emanating from their socio-economic backgrounds. Help was sought from Health and Welfare Sector, Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), Tlokwe/Ventersdorp NW 405 based community radio station (Aganang FM) and events company (GKLM Events Group.

The beneficiaries were identified following a community research carried out by the Special Projects Unit within the Office of the Executive Mayor through statistics sought from the departments of Education and Social Development. The research revealed that most of the parents of the learners at these schools are unemployed and mainly live off social grants.

MPAC VISITS DISTRICT FUNDED PROJECTS

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) recently completed its project visits programme in City of Matlosana, Maqwassi Hills and Tlokwe/Ventersdorp NW 405 Municipalities.

Led by Chairperson, Councillor Nombuyiselo Adoons, the visits are part of an annual task by political leadership of the municipality to ascertain the value and relevance of projects funded by the DR KKDM in different local municipalities spread across the District.

Projects identified during the visits are located in townships, farm areas and villages nearer to towns of Wolmaranstad, Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp as well as Potchefstroom. These include farming projects, cemetery fencing, access roads, offices, multi-purpose buildings and dumping sites as earmarked in the Integrated Development Plan for the financial year 2015/2016.

The project visits form part of an assessment employed by the DR KKDM Council to exercise oversight by the municipality over the executive authority. This entails amongst others, the District and Economic Agency Annual Reports which includes the financial statements, the SDBIP, and also the performance of the municipal manager and support staff at senior management level.

Processes that unfold afterwards include public participation, where interviews with management and political leadership are held in public presence. This also establishes evidence that documented information on projects funded by the municipality are authentic.

During this activity, the community is also advised to make verbal and written submissions as well as comments to be made public after the completion of the Oversight Report which will be made available to public after being tabled to Council. The reports can be accessed in all Local Municipal Offices and Libraries within the District.     

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District MPAC is a unit comprising of councillors from local municipalities of Tlokwe/Ventersdorp NW 405, City of Matlosana, Ventersdorp and Maqwassi Hills who have been seconded to serve in the District Council.

DR KKDM BRINGS MULTI-HAZARD INFORMATION TO GA-MOGOPA COMMUNITY

Residential villages on the outskirts of Tlokwe/Ventersdorp NW 405 Municipality are informed about risks that can pose threats to their lives and surroundings. This courtesy of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Disaster Risk Management (DRM) department following a recent Multi-Hazard Awareness Campaign held in Ga-Mogopa Village.

Along with its partners Africa Geo-Environmental Engineering and Science (AGES), Department of Rural Environment and Agricultural Development (READ), Department of Water & Sanitation, Fire & Rescue Services (Ventersdorp Region), Department of Technical Services (Water Section) Ventersdorp Region, (DR KKDM) Environmental Health Services (Ventersdorp Region) and (NW405) Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC), the DRM sought to educate the communities on ways to mitigate disasters as and when they occur.

“The campaign is made up of practical and lecture presentations aimed at exposing possible risks interlinked via nature, epidemics and artificial devastation. These include the cycle of weather patterns, their impact on the environment and the manner in which they affect inhabited areas susceptible adversity”, says acting PIER Coordinator Collen Mofokeng.

“Weather usually influences how the terrain restructures its wealth to the environment. From torrential rain that causes flooding and erosion to thunderstorms that devastate infrastructure and vegetation, they are all interlinked. Above average rainfall, especially after the drought spell South Africa has faced over the last five-year period brings along diseases to both crops and livestock.”

“Left unattended, these could spread and cause major destruction to food sources as seen with the latest spread of the Fall Army Worm, an alien caterpillar that destroys crop fields which is a threat to food security in South Africa’s maize triangle. Sinkholes are also caused by excessive water levels underneath the earth crust’s top layer. Communities are urged to consult municipalities before any construction.”

“This is why it is important to educate our communities about  Drought Awareness & Mitigation, Water Shortage & Safety for Human Consumption, Dolomite Awareness & Management, Drought & Wild Fires and The Role of Disaster Risk Management during Disasters”, Mofokeng concluded.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP CEDES AID TO DISTRICT SCHOLARS

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DR KKDM) in partnership with Health and Welfare Sector, Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), Tlokwe/Ventersdorp NW 405 based community radio station (Aganang FM) and events company (GKLM Events Group), have made a difference in the lives of many scholars in the district.

This after the recent “Back To School Campaign” held in Extension 2, Tshing Township in Ventersdorp where a total of 200 pairs of school shoes, 200 school bags with stationary, 60 school uniforms (boys & girls), 140 food hampers as well as sanitary towels were handed over to impoverished learners residing mainly in farms, villages and townships within the region.

All this came as a result of DR KKDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Barei Mosiane-Segotso’s intervention through her Mayoral Special Projects Programme to encourage children to pursue education without fears emanating from their socio-economic backgrounds.

“It shows today that government’s joint ventures with other private institutions brings hope to the people we are deployed to serve. All this could have not been possible without the assistance of our partners HWSETA, Aganang FM and GKLM Events Group.”

“We want to see a situation whereby we all work together in ensuring our children to succeed in attaining the best possible results and setting the highest standards possible. We want disadvantaged children to have the same pride, self-respect and dignity as their peers”, said the Executive Mayor.

The beneficiaries were identified following a community research carried out by the Special Projects Unit within the Office of the Executive Mayor through statistics sought from the departments of Education and Social Development. The research revealed that most of the parents of the learners at these schools are unemployed and mainly live-off social grants

.

The activity, which has been very successful since 2012 seeks to offer and pledge support to the teachers and learners alike, to foster partnership with them and to further encourage and motivate them to do more.

The Office of the Executive Mayor has been in such fruitful partnerships with private and community organizations to bring dignity back to destitute families.

“We have hope that it continues all throughout the year and grows even more in the coming years”, concludes the Alderman Mosiane Segotso.

DRKKDM LAUNCHES DISTRICT MPAC FORUM

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality (DR KKDM) recently launched its District Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Forum at its headquarters in Orkney. The forum launch was attended and supported by Executive Mayors, Mayors, Speakers, Single Whips, MPAC Members, Senior Managers of Municipalities, Office of the Auditor General, South African Local Government Association, Provincial Departments of Local Government and Human Settlement and Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development.

Constituted by the DR KKDM and local municipalities City of Matlosana, Tlokwe/Ventersdorp 405 NW as well as Maquassie Hills, the forum is aimed at improving service delivery to communities in the district through sharing best practices, challenges and day-to-day experiences within the primary ranks of local government.

The District MPAC Forum is led by Councillor Nombuyiselo Adoons from the DR KKDM and backed by three local municipalities MPAC chairpersons Cllrs Juda Bogatsu (Matlosana), Rufane Makausa (Tlokwe/Ventersdorp 405NW) and Nomveliso Tshingilane (Maquassie Hills).

Apart from the launch, the occasion comprised of a training workshop related to Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). These include Annual Reporting, Oversight Reporting, Municipal Regulation on Financial Misconduct and Criminal Proceedings, Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure and MFMA Finance Management Calendar.

The MPAC Committee is established in terms of Local Government Municipal Structures Act No 117 of 1998 and Local Government Financial Management Act No 56 of 2003 to serve as an oversight Committee to exercise oversight over the executive obligations of councils. These committees are instituted every-four-years following the inauguration of new political leadership across all municipalities in South Africa after local government elections.

DR KKDM  Launches “Be Safe Centre”

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Disaster Management Centre has added another aspect for community services, the “Be Safe Centre” at the District Disaster Management Centre. The“Be Safe Centre was launched on 23/09/2016. Schools, Pre-schools and Crèches are generally considered to be safe havens for children and the greatest socializing institutions after the family. However, the recent experience with and major incidents like,  earthquake, structural fires in the district demonstrate the need for schools , pre-schools/Crèches to be better prepared for all-hazard and disaster possibilities.

Children from identified crèches from the following areas in the Matlosana Local Municipal area attended the launch, Khuma, Jouberton, Alabama, Kanana, Umuzimhle and Klerksdorp. The Be Safe Centre is a public information facility on aspects such as Basic Disaster Risk Management, Basic House/structural Fire Safety, Basic Road Safety and general emergency safety e.g. First Aid . Close to 160 children and 20 Educators visited the Be Safe Centre on the day of the launch. The SAPS shared information on contact crimes and, children abuse. SASSA also gave information on child care grants that are availed by government and children’s rights.

The Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Honourable Cllr Barei Mosiane-Segotso was represented by Cllr Stella Mondlane at the event. The Office of the Executive Mayor encouraged communities to take advantage of the Centre by visiting the centre to get more information, and also made a commitment that similar programmes will in future be replicated in other local municipalities within the district ,that is 405 Local Municipality and Maquassihills Local Municipality. The Executive Mayor emphasized the importance to learn and uphold the legacy that former President Mandela has left, the legacy for ensuring that children are guided, loved and thought to do the right things at an early stage in their lives. That teaching them at an early stage will ensure that the district and the country have a bright future as communities will grow up being informed.

The departments that were present at the launch included amongst others City of Matlosana Disaster Management, Fire & Rescue, SAPS, SASSA, City of Matlosana Communications, EMRS both College and Operation and the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.      

Mayor Takes Lead Against Cancer

Ventersdorp - Cancer has become the chief priority of the global health system and society, when, in fact, cancer is not just a health emergency. It is a societal emergency. Governments must train and educate communities, families, workplaces to provide their contribution to the individual collective struggle of people against cancer. The world over, people have developed in their societies a very destructive outlook which is, in itself, a cancer, and this is the mind-set that cancer cannot be wiped out. That in itself is a myth, which can be conquered when all hands club together.

This is the stance embraced by Cllr Barei Mosiane-Segotso, the executive mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in a recent Breast & Cervical Cancer Awareness Workshop for Young Women hosted in Tshing Township, Ventersdorp.

The workshop is part of Cancer Awareness Month programme which is an annual campaign in the month of October. It is aimed at increasing awareness of the disease. Most people are aware of breast cancer but many forget to take steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

Role players include department of Health, department of Culture Art and Traditional Affairs, NW 405 Municipality community and staff, Women’s Forum, Churches, Dr KKDM staff, Department of Sports and Education district and NW 405 service point and Cancer Survivors.

“Cancer is one of the most serious diseases women face. It is important for women to know what is normal for their bodies, and to be aware of symptoms of cancer, as early detection improves treatment outcomes. We urge women and femalecancer survivors to encourage one another to adopta balanced lifestyle and to go for regular screenings in order to reduce their cancer risk or the recurrence of cancer & to detect cancer early. We also plea to men to do the same as it does not separate between sexual orientation,” the mayor said.

Facts about Breast and Cervical Cancer

• Cervical Cancer is the 2nd most common cancer among South African women.
• Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 29 in South Africa, according to the 2011 National Cancer Registry.
• One in 43 women in South Africa will be diagnosed with Cervical Cancer (NCR 2011).
• Many breast lumps are harmless, but they should all be checked. It is important for women to do monthly breast self-examinations and to go for regular Clinical Breast Examinations.
• Having regular Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the cervix (mouth of the womb), that could develop into Cervical Cancer.
• Symptom-free women from the age of 40, should go for a mammogram (a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast), every year.
• All women are encouraged to go for Pap smears at least every 3 years, from the age of 25, to detect abnormal cells early. However, women are entitled to be screened at a younger age.
• Women making use of public sector screening services are entitled to three free Pap smears per lifetime, starting at the age of 30 years or older, with a 10 year interval between each smear.
• The primary underlying cause of Cervical Cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is transmitted through skin to skin contact and is a very common virus infecting most people at some point in their lives.
• There are many types of HPV and some of the virus types can infect the cells that could lead to cancer. About 40 types are sexually transmitted through genital contact while mostly two types (16 + 18) are considered high risk in South Africa.

KAUNDA DISTRICT’S TWO MAKES SALGA NW PEC

Mahikeng - NW405 Executive Mayor Khotso Khumalo and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Single Whip Ntombi Koloti are newly elected members of the South African Local Government Association Provincial Executive Committee (SALGA PEC) in the North West Province.

Cllr Khumalo is elected into the SALGA PEC as the first Deputy-Chairperson after Bojanala Cllrs Keobiditse Lenkopane and Lydia Malwane from Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality and Tswaing Local Municipality respectively hold two more deputy-chairmanship seats.

Cllr Koloti has been co-opted as one of the six SALGA-PEC Additional Members.

Their election Platinum District Municipality Executive Mayor Fetsang Mokati, who assumes the chairperson’s seat.

follows a successful two-day conference held at Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng on October 13 and 14, where all 22 SALGA-member municipalities of the province of Bokone Bophirima participated.

The Provincial Conference captions the activation of a new tenure, positions the schedule for local government and fashions the platform for the work ahead for the new SALGA Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).

The momentous occasion was also witnessed by Bokone Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo and Local Government and Human Settlement Member of Executive Council (MEC) Galaletsang Gaolalolwe.

In his support address, Premier Mahumapelo advised local government leadership to anchor their ships via the 5-concretes of the National Development Plan (NDP).

“Our long term strategic objective is to build a united, non racial, prosperous and democratic society. It is our sole mission to overcome the challenges and manifestations of apartheid and colonialism for the period of 342 years.”

“In implementing the NDP, the province has adopted an approach that enhances the country’s  radical socio economic programme by committing ourselves to Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewing (RRR) Bokone Bophirima. The practical expression of the RRR approach is anchored on the 5-concretes; namely Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT), Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD), Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal (RHR) Setsokotsane and Saamtrek Saamwerk (SS). It may not be easy, but we must remain resolute to fend off the difficulties along the way as they are necessary platforms for success”.

The following are the new members of the SALGA NW PEC:

Chairperson

Cllr Fetsang Mokati : Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

Deputy Chairpersons

Cllr Kgotso Khumalo : NW405 (Tlokwe/Ventersdorp)

Cllr Keobiditse Lenkopane : Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality

Cllr Lydia Malwane : Tswaing Local Municipality

Additional Members

Cllr Onicca Medupe - Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality

Cllr Ntombi Koloti - Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality

Cllr Arone Motswana -  Mamusa Local Municipality

Cllr Shiela Mabale-Huma - Rustenburg Local Municipality

CllrJostine Mothibe -  Madibeng Local Municipality

Cllr Asnath Molekwa - Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

Vision 2022” is Executive Mayor’s Prime Target

Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Barei Mosiane-Segotso is resolute on realizing the amalgamation of all municipalities (NW405, City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills and DRKKDM) in the district to shape up a metropolis by year 2022.

Cllr. Segotso revealed the news, much to applause, during her Mayoral Inauguration Ceremony held at City of Matlosana Ballroom Hall in Klerksdorp recently.

Executive Mayor mentions that much of the process is reliant on united cooperation between local municipalities and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

‘We shall work towards full integration and consolidation of local government in our District by initiating a process towards a fully-fledged metropolitan municipality by 2022. As a step towards such a metro status, which will most likely be the first for the North West Province, there has to be more collaboration and joint planning among the local municipalities of Matlosana, NW 405, Maquassi Hills and the District. More integrated spatial planning and land use strategies should be geared towards this goal, or Vision 2022 as we call it”.

The success of it thereof is central to a ‘more hands-on approach in relation to strengthening the current integrated development planning process with greater co-ordination on a district scale’. This, according to Cllr Segotso-Mosiane, will ensure that the District IDP is properly informed by the IDPs of our local municipalities.

Focus on community development, Inter-governmental relations, proactiveness and aggressiveness in implementing infrastructure projects aligned to the National Development Plan are an integral part of the mandate given to the political leadership of the district to ensure the smooth evolution towards a prosperous future metropolitan city.

“By carrying out most of the powers and functions which the law gives us authority over, we shall in partnership with our local municipalities be creating a fully-fledged district government geared towards providing a full package of basic and other services to our people,” says the Executive Mayor.

As self-sustenance is the ultimate goal of any municipality, the district is revisiting proposals on Revenue Enhancement to cease dependence on grants from national government.

Plans are set in motion to fast-track efforts towards radical economic transformation in the District using the VTSD (Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies) approach of the Bokone Bophirima provincial government under the stewardship of Premier SOR Mahumapelo.

This includes the revival and repositioning of the District Development Agency which will serve effectively in attracting and facilitating economic growth and investment in the manufacturing sector as well as the establishment of new modern industrial parks in all towns in the district.

Similarly, this would be addressed through a planned Mayoral Economic Growth and Jobs Indaba bringing together all social partners in our District, i.e Business, Labour and Government departments and local municipalities to seek ways and strategies to fast-track inclusive growth that benefits all our people. Furthermore, historically-disadvantaged groups will be given preferential access to the district procurement and tendering system.

Investments in education, extended public works programme, expansion of broadband access for all people and complete the roll-out of popular free Wi-Fi to all 84 wards throughout our district and strengthened inter-governmental and international relations are the immediate projects that will get attention to fast-track development within the district.

“The aforesaid is a brief summary of the work lying ahead for the next 5 years. We will rely on the co-operation – SAAMTREK and SAAMWERK from all our people black and white, rich and poor as well as the different political parties to fulfill the above tasks”, concludes Executive Mayor Mosiane Segotso.

DRKKDM NEW COUNCIL INNAUGURATED

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality has inaugurated its council during the first council meeting on Friday, August 19, 2016. This came to effect two-weeks consequent to the recent Local Government Elections held on August 03, 2016. The African National Congress (ANC) Mayoral Candidate Cllr Alderman Barei Mosiane-Segotso has been elected as the District’s Executive Mayor, at the same time as Cllr Diketso Masiu (ANC) being elected to serve as Speaker in front of a full council chamber in Orkney. Both Executive Mayor and Speaker emerged victorious after a ballot vote, garnering 23-votes each against 17 cast by opposition parties in favour of Democratic Alliance candidates Cllr Johannes Coetzer and Cllr Siamisang Motlhoiwa respectively.Cllr Ntombi Koloti, who enters her second term as a direct council ANC candidate, was elected Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Single Whip unopposed. Tabling her speech after being elected, Executive Mayor Mosiane-Segotso said the municipal political landscape changed drastically after country’s electorates’ ballot expressions on August 3, 2016.“ The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality was not left unaffected by the Local Government Elections results. For the first time, we have amongst us the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Forum for Service Delivery (FSD) as part of our municipal councils and the District. We say a hearty welcome to them and look forward to the robust debates that will take place in this august house.” Singling out her vision and ambition, Cllr Mosiane-Segotso emphasized the implementation of the ANC’s election manifesto; one she describes as the voice of the community of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. “We cannot plan without the people of our District and our Local Municipalities. The District is here for you, to serve you. We are going to succeed together,” she said. Council Speaker Diketso Masiu’s words echoed that of the Mayor, pointing out the need to serve the electorate unreservedly. He dared the whole house not to disappoint the community of the District, a feat that can only be achieved through Bokone Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s philosophy of “Saam Trek; Saam Werk”.

KEY PRIORITIES AS MENTIONED BY NEW EXECUTIVE MAYOR

1. Expanding broadband access in local government, including Free Wi-Fi to communities
2. Alleviation of unemployment through the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP)
3. Cutting down outsourcing where possible
4. Advertising and Filling all vacant posts as soon as Strategic Organisational Review is completed.
5. Supporting Township Economy, and
6. Unlocking business potential, with much impetus on Youth, Women and People with Disability

DR KKDM FUELS PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN FORMAL BUSINESS

An interactive network session for “Young Mothers and Women in Business” hosted by the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Rio Casino Resort in Klerksdorp has ignited an intense enterprise passion on the feminine in the region.

This follows an engaging platform between private business and women from across the three local municipalities (City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills and newly amalgamated Tlokwe/Ventersdorp [NW405]).

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On the 20 November 2015 a Sinkhole developed in Stilfontein within the N12 Reserve. The DR Kenneth Kaunda District Disaster Management took action as directed by the Executive Mayor on 24/11/2014 and appointed Geotechnical Expects to conduct Preliminary Assessments on the affected area. This led to the closure of the N12 by SANRAL on 11 December 2015.

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The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality is aggressive in the fight against cancer. This is evident following the recent Awareness Campaign rolled out in Khuma Township, City of Matlosana.

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Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality is in the process of facilitating the establishment of manufacturing and agricultural initiatives owned and managed by cooperatives within the region.

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