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The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) was shocked to learn of the sudden passing of Councillor Guillome Clouston from Hartbeespoort. It is a major loss for the party and the Hartbeespoort community which he had served with the utmost dedication. Clouston was a distinguished representative of the Freedom Front Plus in the Madibeng Local Municipality’s […]
The post Hartbeespoort loses a pillar of strength appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
In its reply to the North West Premier Lazarus Mokgotsi’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) today, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) emphasised that municipal services are the foundation of service delivery to North West residents. When municipal services collapse, the province becomes dysfunctional and government fails. Although Mokgotsi has declared 2026 the “year […]
The post Under ANC rule, good governance remains a pipe dream appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
In his State of the Province Address (SOPA) today in the Provincial Legislature, Mokgotsi Lazarus, Premier of the North West, once again failed to offer sustainable solutions to the province’s pressing problems. It is no secret that under ANC rule, North West continues to experience serious systemic problems due to corruption and maladministration on all […]
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Pollution and sewage is harming the aquatic environment
Over R20 million allocated to boost North West economy
The North West Provincial Government has allocated R24 million to establish a Development Fund to accelerate development initiatives across the province.
The fund will be established with a special focus on stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities.
This is according to the North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi who delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the provincial legislature on Thursday.
He informed the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) that the efforts of the Economic and Investment Advisory Council are starting to produce positive results.
The Council is responsible for assisting the province to drive its industrialisation programme, lure investments, and see to the full implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
“We envisage establishing a Regional Research, Innovation and Development Office, which will be in, and coordinated by, the Office of the Premier with a specific focus on Science, Technology and Engineering,” he said on Thursday.
The SOPA outlined the province’s strategic priorities for the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable and ethical State.
Mokgosi highlighted the province’s challenges, including high unemployment and poverty rates, and emphasised the need for aggressive measures to address these issues.
He announced several initiatives, such as the expansion of the National School Nutrition Programme to provide two meals per day to learners in more schools and the launch of the “Ntime o Mphele Ngwana Poverty Alleviation Programme” to combat hunger among children and youth.
In addition, infrastructure development was a key focus, with significant investments in road projects, water and sanitation improvements, and the construction of new schools and clinics.
The Premier also announced plans to revitalise the Taung irrigation scheme and other agricultural projects to boost food production and support emerging farmers.
“The collaborative work between the Vaalharts Water Users Association, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will result in an increase of water supply to households in areas such as Taung, Pudimoe, and Huhudi.”
Jobs and attracting investment
Mokgosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating job opportunities through public employment programs, such as expanded public works, community health workers, community works, and labour activation programmes.
These initiatives aim to create over 150 000 job opportunities in the next five years, targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The provincial government is fostering relations with the private sector to address infrastructure backlogs and attract investment.
The Premier cited the Mekgareng Smart City project, which is expected to create 20 000 jobs for the people of Madibeng Local Municipality and attract investments of between R10 and R25 billion.
The smart city project is a collaborative development initiative between the North West and Gauteng, coordinated by the national Department of Human Settlements.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has partnered with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Phila Jordan Academy to provide training opportunities to 3 000 beneficiaries in artisanal and tooling programs.
In addition, more than 1 200 young people are participating in a National Youth Service programme, and over 7 000 youth have been provided with skills and job placements.
The Premier hopes that these comprehensive measures will help reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the North West.
In addition, he covered efforts to promote clean governance, combat corruption, and improve audit outcomes.
He concluded with a call for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle the province’s socioeconomic challenges and build a better future for all residents.
“Ours is a skewed past centered on exploitation, exclusion, and oppression but we remain hopeful about the socio-economic prospects of our province, and we are unflinching on our commitment to creating a better life of all, irrespective of race, class, and gender or creed,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 15:36
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R2.5m to promote food security in Madibeng
In a move to advance agricultural development and bolster small-scale farming in the North West, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Madoda Sambatha, has officially handed over greenhouse tunnels worth R2.5 million to a local farm.
The Bokfontein-based JT Farm Fresh enterprise, located in the Madibeng Local Municipality, received the investment last Friday, as part of the Provincial Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (Thuntsa Lerole Reloaded), reinforcing the province’s commitment to sustainable farming and food security.
The handover of the greenhouse tunnels aims to enhance the production capacity of JT Farm Fresh enterprise, enabling year-round cultivation of various crops and contributing to the local economy.
The enterprise specialises in the production of vegetables. The initiative will greatly benefit the production with the new infrastructure, which is set to improve the quality and quantity of their crop yields.
Sambatha emphasised the importance of empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs to contribute to the economic growth of the province, while ensuring that communities have access to fresh, locally grown produce.
"By investing in small-scale farmers like JT Farm Fresh, we are building a strong foundation for agriculture that can withstand challenges, such as climate change and rising food prices. These greenhouse tunnels will help improve production efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the entire community,” Sambatha explained.
JT Farm Fresh part owner Jabulani Galubetse expressed his gratitude for the support received from the department.
"This support will significantly enhance our operations, allowing us to scale up our production and meet the increasing demand for fresh produce in the region," Galubetse said.
The support the department has given JT Farm Fresh is substantial towards ensuring the long-term success of small-scale farmers in the district, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing food security for local communities.
The MEC said the department will continue to collaborate with emerging farmers in the province, providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed in the agricultural sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 11:07
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North West leaders on drive to expedite services
The North West Provincial Government is committed to improving and expediting the delivery of services to communities in all local municipalities.
Today, leaders will visit the Madibeng Local Municipality, which is part of the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality.
Friday’s visit is part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, known as Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, taking place in Klipgat near Brits.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, will join the provincial leadership, led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, in this week’s programme.
Their focus will be on promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing community-based health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to empower residents to better manage their health.
In addition, the leadership will conduct a ribbon-cutting and handover ceremony for the newly paved road in Madibeng Ward 8, Hills.
Some of the services that are being transferred include essential agricultural infrastructure and mechanisation equipment to the Wanisati Haklisa and Gosiame Agricultural Project. This initiative aims to strengthen local agriculture in Mamogaleskraal.
In addition, a symbolic cheque will be presented to the Tlhokomela Service Club and Good Morning After Care in Ward 37, reflecting ongoing commitment to community welfare.
“Significant road maintenance activities will continue to be carried out across the local municipality, where blading of roads and patching of potholes in identified roads will be undertaken.
“Other services will include fixing of street and high mast lights, clearing of illegal dumping sites, and consumer compliance inspections amongst others,” the statement read.
The Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will be implemented in three additional districts – Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, and Ngaka Modiri Molema District. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/14/2025 - 09:23
In response to high rates of heroin use, the government will pilot an opioid agonist therapy program
Committee established to address issues at Hartbeespoort Dam
A multi-stakeholder steering committee has been established to address issues at Hartbeespoort Dam.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, launched the committee to look into different issues affecting the stakeholders operating their business at state-owned land around Hartbeespoort Dam and settlements around the water resource.
By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the committee seeks to encourage economic development and opportunities for all and to ensure the sustainability and health of the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The committee will also address disputes among businesses operating at the dam and will strive to promote the harmonious use of the state-owned land and access to dam economy.
The committee, to be co-chaired by the Department of Water and Sanitation and North West Provincial Government, will include the representatives from the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Madibeng Local Municipality, civic organisations, non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations, as well as business, environmental and religious organisations.
Mahlobo emphasised the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding in addressing the complex challenges facing the Hartbeespoort Dam community.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation views this initiative as a critical step towards resolving long-standing issues and promoting inclusive economic growth and development in the area.
“As the steering committee begins its work, stakeholders and communities can look forward to positive transformations in the Hartbeespoort Dam area. The committee will further contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore the dam's ecosystem and ensure its long-term health,” Mahlobo said.
Mahlobo added that the collaborative effort demonstrates government's commitment to engage with various stakeholders and work towards solutions that benefit all.
He said the Department of Water and Sanitation remained committed to transparency and open communication and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the steering committee and its initiatives, ensuring that the members of the public are informed about developments in the Hartbeespoort Dam area.
The department has developed a comprehensive lease policy to manage leases in the area and all its dams.
The policy seeks to address previous gaps and ensure transparency for the businesses and individuals utilising state-owned land under the custodianship of the department.
The department advertised an Expression of Interest with a closing date of 31 July this year, inviting all interested parties to apply for the use of state land at its dams.
Mokgosi highlighted the province's commitment to support initiatives that will bring development and improvement to the area for local residents. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:08
Rand Water concludes month-long maintenance project
Rand Water will this evening wrap up the final phase of its month-long proactive maintenance, which commenced last month.
The final phase of the maintenance project includes work at Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant (ZWTP) Engine Room 2, which resumed on Monday and will end on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, around 9pm.
“This work involves maintenance of various valves, pipelines as well as electrical and mechanical assets,” Rand Water explained.
According to Rand Water, the work will impact the water supply to the Palmiet Pumping Station, as pumping will be reduced to 76% during this period.
This means that 24% of Palmiet’s pumping capacity will be out of production.
Municipal customers affected by this maintenance work include residents from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
The Madibeng Local Municipality in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, in the North West, will also be impacted.
The water utility explained that areas recover differently after the maintenance process due to different hydraulic designs of the systems, which indicate that some areas will recover earlier than others.
Rand Water said it continues to work with affected customers to ensure that municipalities continue to inform their customers of the extent and impact of water supply and measures to provide alternative water supply to residents.
“Maintenance of the water infrastructure is critical to improving the reliability, integrity and long-term preservation of the infrastructure to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted supply of bulk potable water,” said Rand Water. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:16
N West making progress in eliminating mud houses
Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) announced that the province has allocated R198 million to eradicate 1 356 mud houses.
The Acting Premier said on Tuesday that of these, 579 units have already been delivered.
Although there are still challenges, Maloyi said the province has experienced unprecedented levels of development in the last 30 years.
He told the provincial legislature that the number of households had increased from 591 145 in 1996 to over 1.14 million in 2022.
This means that 88% of houses in the North West are now considered formal housing.
“Honourable Members, from 2019 to 2023, we have constructed 19 307 houses. By the end of 2023, we had delivered 2 768 houses,” he told them.
In addition, he announced that the provincial government has now cleared all the hurdles that delayed the Deelpan floods project and reported that 104 houses will be completed at the end of next month.
The Acting Premier said 317 more houses would be built following the donation of land by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng and his traditional council.
He was also looking forward to launching the R2.6 billion N14 mixed-use development project in Ventersdorp in the coming weeks.
The development will see the installation of bulk services for 400 sites and create over 600 jobs for locals.
“The small town of Ventersdorp which comes from a bad history of occupation by a right-wing racist group called AWB will never be the same again. We are restoring the dignity of our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the integrated accelerated service delivery approach, Thuntsha Lerole Programme, has to date delivered 6 283 title deeds to beneficiaries across the four districts.
Water
In addition, over 80% of households in the province have access to piped water either inside their dwellings, yards or community stands, as compared to only 20% in 1996.
Last year, the provincial government, in cooperation with the Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, launched the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project.
Maloyi said the North West was pushing ahead with the construction of a R36 million bulk water sewer pipeline at Agisanang township in the Tswaing Local Municipality is due for completion this year.
“We can report to the people of Madibeng Local Municipality that the Brits Water Treatment Plant will be completed by May this year,” he said.
The completion of this project is expected to bring an additional 20 mega-litres that will ensure the provision of water in Oukasi, Mothotlung, Damonsville, Mmankau, Brits, Elandsrand, Letlhabile and Sonop.
The pipeline from Mafenya to Tlhabane will be completed in April.
He told members that the 25 mega-litre Tlhabane reservoir is 99% complete and will be handed over within the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, additional boreholes have been drilled and equipped for both the Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Plant and water augmentation project to address water provision challenges in Mahikeng.
“The communities of Ramosadi and Seweding in Mahikeng have for the past few months been subjected to inhumane sewer spillage in their households and locality.
“We have intervened and a contractor has now returned to the site to complete the project of constructing a new pipeline to be delivered by Mahikeng Local Municipality and funded by Ngaka Modiri Molema District.”
Maloyi also confirmed that all water leaks at Tigane and Hartebeesfontein have been fixed and now there is a stable water supply.
The construction of the over R200 million water pipeline from Pudumoe to Huhudi began in September last year to improve the bulk water supply. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:52
Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to ensure the efficient rehabilitation of the Hartebeespoort Dam.
The dam is affected by hyacinth and algae.
This is according to the Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu who spoke at the centenary celebrations of the dam on Monday.
Hartebeespoort Dam marked its 100 years of existence in September this year.
The centenary celebration aimed to increase the awareness of integrated water resource management and water quality, as well as enhance relations between government, the private sector, and the community towards ensuring effective integrated water resource management in and around the dam.
Mchunu, together with senior officials from the department’s entity in North West, Magalies Water and the Madibeng Local Municipality, led a community engagement, where they provided an update on the work being carried out to clear the hyacinth from the dam.
“We are aware of the hyacinth at the dam, and thus very concerned. It is for this reason that we have appointed our entity in North West, Magalies Water, for a period of three years to develop and implement a programme that will deal with the invasive plant and the algae that is infesting the dam,” Mchunu said.
Magalies Water has since developed a Bioremediation Plan comprising of interventions which include, the profiling and fingerprinting of problematic contaminants in the dam, removal of floating plants and debris from the dam to enhance the aesthetic value and allow for biogeochemical processes, as well as the implementation of the remediation technology to restore the dam’s ecological services.
Addressing hundreds of people who joined the department and partners to commemorate the centenary celebrations, Mchunu emphasised his commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the Bioremediation Plan.
“I want to ascertain our commitment that we have indeed rolled up our sleeves to completely rehabilitate the dam. We also want to thank the organisations that continue to help out in any way they can and continue to hold us accountable in the work that we have been brought in the office to do,” Mchunu said, adding that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the county’s water infrastructure is safeguarded.
He also reiterated the ministry’s stance on the need to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships in the sector, which are aimed at resolving water quality challenges of the Hartbeespoort Dam, including issues of solid waste and water pollution in the dam.
“I would therefore like to encourage all civil society organisations to work together with us, as we work towards rehabilitating the dam.
The Hartebeespoort Dam was constructed in 1921 and commissioned in 1923 with the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation.
Approximately 80% of water is used for irrigation and the remainder is used for domestic consumption and compensation flows.
The dam itself and the surrounding area currently offers tourism activities such as recreational boating, angling, mountain sports and a variety of other activities such as hiking, angling, parasailing and abseiling.
The centenary celebration was held in partnership with Magalies Water, the provincial government, and various organisations, including the North West Parks and Tourism Board, South African Resource Heritage Agency, as well as Magalie-Biosphere. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:01
They are demanding consistent and clean drinking water as well as electricity
The ward councillor took refuge in a house and refused to come out, fearing for his life.
Hundreds of Itireleng village residents depend on one communal tank for water