The DEDECT today continued with its service delivery interventions in Marikana Village as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Programme, which commenced in January this year.
As part of the programme, DEDECT concluded its tree-planting initiative of the 45 trees allocated for Marikana at the Bokamoso and Thekwana RDP Housing Development Project, where North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi recently handed over houses to beneficiaries.
The tree-planting initiative forms part of the department’s environmental sustainability drive aimed at promoting greener communities, improving air quality, providing shade, and enhancing the overall living environment for residents. Residents were encouraged to actively participate in protecting the trees and ensuring their long-term growth as part of building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable communities.
In addition to the tree-planting programme, DEDECT conducted several compliance and enforcement interventions in Marikana as the build-up activities to today’s Thuntsha Lerole Programme. These included inspections of liquor outlets, tourism establishments, gambling operations, tuckshops, and other businesses.
Local MSMEs also benefited from a business compliance information sessions aimed at empowering small businesses. The session provided guidance on matters such as annual returns, beneficial ownership, business registration, amendments, and funding enquiries, enabling businesses to remain compliant with regulatory requirements.
During today’s Thuntsha Lerole programme, the Compliance Cluster, comprising DEDECT and the Rustenburg Local Municipality, conducted a compliance inspection at New Reflection English Academy, a school providing education from Grade R to Grade 5 in Bokamoso, Rustenburg.
During this inspection, the school management was unable to provide documentation confirming that the institution is registered with the Department of Education. It was also discovered that the school is operating on land that it occupies illegally. Furthermore, the school was found to be non-compliant with fire safety regulations, as there were no fire extinguishers on the premises. As a result, the school was issued with a fine of R5 000.
The municipal inspection team, which included officials from the Directorates – Planning and Human Settlements, Local Economic Development, and Public Safety, also disconnected an illegal water connection at the premises, as the institution operates as a business but is not paying for municipal services.
The school was instructed to release learners and cease operations, and was given 7 days’ notice pending the resolution of the illegal land occupation matter. The illegal occupation of land may also warrant demolition of the structure.
DEDECT noted that shool operate and could not provide proof that it is registered with the Department of Education.
DEDECT will investigate contraventions of the Consumer Protection Act and prosecute the owners involved. These actions may cost learners significant sums of money for qualifications that are not recognized. Furthermore, DEDECT will engage the Department of Education to ensure appropriate action is taken on their end.
