In a statement, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management set the record straight about the swirling rumours. In response, the North West Government said it has come to the attention of the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management that some social media platform users are peddling unsubstantiated information about the animal-drawn carts. 

“On Thursday, 3rd of November 2022, MEC Sello Lehari handed the carts to twenty beneficiaries of Dibono and Manawana villages outside Mahikeng most of whom are women. In line with the National Land Transport Act, NLTA, this seeks to alleviate challenges faced by rural communities. The carts were manufactured in Lonely Park in Mafikeng and there had been a skills transfer to some of the beneficiaries.” “As part of the contract with the Department, the service provider will maintain the carts for the next three years at no costs to owners. The twenty carts were procured for a total of R 780 000 inclusive of the three-year maintenance plan. The 2 seater is R32 500 each and the 4 seater is R45 500,” the department detailed.

In addition, the Department has pleaded with social media users to verify information, “rather than palating falsity and deceitfulness that harm the character of the Department, the MEC and the management”. “The records referred to above are available for anyone wishing to verify them and the Department hereby encourages anyone to contact us on any issue before sharing unsolicited information,” North West Government stated.