Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Martha Pelesane, mother of eight and affectionately known as “Ous Martha”, is one of the pioneers of small business enterprises and a philanthropist in Jouberton. She passed away last week.

She was one of the first street hawkers from the 1980s selling vegetables at the street corner of Wessie Street and at different schools such as Tiang Primary School, Kakatlela, Matlosana Secondary and Mokolokotoane. Sometimes, she would push a wheelbarrow herself walking to different schools at lunch time. 

One of the local pastors and authors, Sweetness Khomba mentioned her in her book titled Healing whole in our souls, about how she served them well as school kids and would offer to hungry kids that couldn’t afford to pay some fruit and vegetables.

RIP Ous Martha.

Lentswe, Khuma - ActionSA visited Kediemetse Primary School and found a very dire situation at the school’s ablution facilities.

The ceilings have collapsed, the doors have been broken and there is graffiti all over the walls. The stench coming from there is unbearable because there is no running water. The flushing system is not working and yet learners are allowed to continue using the toilets which are in such a bad state. The sewage is continuously flowing in the school premises.

These ablution facilities are a health hazard to both learners and teachers and poses a risk of infections and other hygiene related diseases.

ActionSA members RCM Charlotte Melela, Keith Marshall and Dr UJ Tshatshu found these unhygienic conditions at the school. The deputy principal, Molefe Melodi, explained that the vandalism happened during the school holidays.

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - It’s the 20th year since establishment in 2004, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues its crucial role in administering grants across the nation.

These grants, vital to almost one-quarter of the population, alleviate 60% of expenses for South Africa’s neediest citizens. As per Statista, approximately 18 million South Africans battle extreme poverty, surviving on less than R35 per day. The impact of grants in the fight against poverty cannot be overstated

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Sassa is responsible for distributing grants and allowances to disadvantaged people who require financial assistance in South Africa. Beneficiaries can receive their payments from selected supermarkets, such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers and Shoprite, and obtain this through their SASSA card, CashSend, or by getting the amount directly transferred into their bank account.