10 October 2026 – According to ditsong.org.za, some 220 000 years ago a blazing stony meteorite the size of half a football field slammed into the earth’s crust. The impact formed a huge crater, 1.4 km in diameter and 200m deep.
Tswaing Meteorite Crater is one of the best-preserved meteorite impact craters in the world. The name “Tswaing” means place of salt in Setswana and refers to a saline lake that covers the crater floor.
From 1912 to 1950, an industry producing soda ash and salt operated at the crater. Major attractions, besides the crater, are an extensive wetland system, the large variety of plant species of the Sourish-Mixed Bushveld, and 240 species of birds.
From the start, the Tswaing project has invited community participation in its planning and development. Local communities have already benefited from the Museum project through job creation, skills training, environmental education, income-generating projects and tourism.
Annual Heritage Day event involving local dance, song, cuisine
Annual careers week for older school learners and the public with a focus on heritage environment and tourism careers. Education programmes including map work, guided tours that include indigenous knowledge of the local beliefs, plants and area, as well as the history of Tswaing.
Site available for film and photo shoots. Kgotla in traditional style huts situated around a lapa area (accommodates 64 people)
Well-established picnic area with basic camping facilities. The Tswaing Meteorite Crater was formed approximately 220000 years ago when a stony meteorite about half the size of a football field slammed into the Earth’s crust.
An asteroid or chondrite meteorite roughly 30 to 50 meters in diameter struck the Bushveld Igneous Complex granite base. The impact left a bowl-shaped crater measuring roughly 1.13 km to 1.4 km in diameter and 100 to 200 meters deep.
Geologists once debated whether the feature was volcanic, though rock analysis eventually confirmed its meteorite origin. Early humans were drawn to the area 300,000 to 150,000 years ago for the water, salt, and surrounding wildlife.
From 1912 to 1950, a commercial enterprise operated inside the crater to produce salt and soda ash, historically known as the Pretoria Saltpan or Soutpan. Managed by the Ditsong Museums of South Africa, the 1,946 to 2,000-hectare reserve features a 7.2-km hiking trail, a museum, old mining machinery remains, and a wetland supporting over 240 bird species.
10 October 2026 – Situated on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa.
As one of the lesser-known reserves, this hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience over 750km².
Roughly a 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria-free zone. Let Madikwe Travel Experts assist you with planning your perfect holiday.
As accommodation specialists with many years of experience, their team will help create your dream wilderness experience. Before Madikwe was an official game reserve, work had already begun to remove many of the derelict farm buildings, non-indigenous plants and the hundreds of kilometres of old fencing.
Many of these old buildings have been spared and turned into workshops and park offices. Some of the outposts have also been left and are being used to house reserve staff and game scouts.
The area where Madikwe Game Reserve stands today was previously farming land, used for farming cattle and arable agriculture.
The farming culture in the area was largely a failure, due to bad farming practices and mismanagement and the vegetation had degraded to unusable levels.
This land has been opened up to a few select private farms. The farm owners are required to abide by Parks Board rules as there are still restrictions as to where private vehicles can drive.
Other developments include community lodges that are run by local villages. The profits from these community lodges are then used to uplift local communities.
Madikwe Game Reserve consists of vast open plains of woodlands and grasslands. The reserve is bisected by the rugged Rant van Tweedepoort and is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains.
It has been enclosed in a 150km perimeter electric fence to protect larger animals. The famous Mafikeng Road runs through the area and was a historical route long before the reserve was established.
Its path was used by traders, missionaries and explorers. King Mzilikazi of the Matebele tribe passed through the Madikwe area many years ago on his way to expanding the Matebele kingdom.
In 1991, the reserve was announced to the public and in the same year became part of the Board’s Estate on October 31. Before this the remote and economically dejected area needed upliftment and it was decided after a feasibility study that wildlife-based tourism was the most favourable option for the area.
It is one of the few game reserves in the world that has been established on the grounds of being the most sustainable and suitable land use in the area.
10 October 2026 – Among Southern Africa’s fascinating game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is possibly the most accessible. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria free environment.
A wide variety of accommodation is available to suit your needs. Some of the most beautiful scenery within the entire park can be viewed in the Mankwe Dam region.
The dam is the largest body of water in the game reserve. This makes it the perfect place to spot a wide variety of animals such as water-buck, wildebeest, zebra and impala are among the animals that make a stopover on the grassland bordering the dam.
For bird lovers, there is a bird hide very close to the water’s edge. Make sure you take note of the fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants circling the dam.
All of these places provide many a fantastic opportunity to photograph the plentiful array of fauna and flora. Pilanesberg National Park or Pilanesberg Game Reserve as it is often called, is located in the Bojanala Region, within the North West Province and relatively near Johannesburg.
With an area of 550km², it is the fourth largest park in South Africa. The volcano crater in which the park is situated erupted 1300 million years ago.
Pilanesberg was originally owned by 3 of the local tribes. Many of the Stone Age and Iron Age sites around the reserve show proof of the presence of man.
In 1979, Operation Genesis was launched. Operation Genesis was designed to reinforce the homegrown game population in the area. As part of the initiative, 110 kilometres of game fence was put up, as well as the 188 kilometres of roads that were established.
Another plan of action put into place involved 6000 animals being introduced to the area. In the years that followed, Operation Genesis has been expanded on.
Today, there are over 7 000 animals, 360 bird species, and more than 200 kilometres of roads. You may be wondering what sets Pilanesberg Game Reserve apart from other National Parks.
What makes it so unique? Here are some of the best reasons to visit Pilanesberg:
Accessible
Only three hours’ drive away from South Africa’s largest city (Johannesburg), Pilanesberg National Park offers the perfect opportunity to leave the city lights behind, and discover another world. Celebrate the public holidays, or enjoy a romantic getaway in the unspoiled wilderness.
Variety of Accommodation
The diversity of Pilanesberg’s accommodation options means that there is an offering to suit every taste. Whether you enjoy “roughing it” in a Safari tent in the bush, or savouring a glass of fine wine in a big bubble-bath as you gaze out the window of your luxury lodge, Pilanesberg has something just for you.
Ecological Richness
Pilanesberg National Park exists in a transition zone between the dryness of the Kalahari and the wet Lowveld vegetation. This rich transitional zone attracts an incredible variety of game animals, flora and fauna that are not often found living side by side. Virtually all of the animal species native to southern Africa can be found here, including the Big 5, wild dog, Roan, Tsessebe, Sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird.
Bursting with Wildlife
The relatively small size of the park, and its unusual ecological richness, dramatically increase your chance of encountering the Big 5 in their natural environment. Enjoy a leisurely Safari experience, or a surprise weekend escape: Pilanesberg allows you to choose your own adventure.
Ancient History
Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an ancient volcano, formed 1.2 billion years ago by overflowing magma. The landscape and rock formations we see today are the enduring reminders of this magnificent occurrence.
Photographic Hides
Immerse yourself in the natural world, in one of Pilanesberg’s concealed photographic hides. Hidden within the park, these well-built hides provide a comfortable place to wait for that perfect shot. A rare opportunity to view the wildlife and birds in their natural habitat, safely out of sight.
Pilanesberg Day Tour
If you are short on time or perhaps you would like a quick insight into what Pilanesberg National Park can offer, the one-day tour is a great option. Due to the limited time, you will have to explore this Big 5 reserve, your day will be busy, but not rushed! Pilanesberg National Park is only a quick 2-hour drive from Johannesburg, which makes it the perfect destination for a 1 day safari tour.
You will have the opportunity to see fantastic wildlife and soak in the incredible scenery in this Big 5 Game Reserve.
10 October 2026 – The Klerksdorp Railway Station is a historic sandstone landmark located on Margaretha Prinsloo Street in Klerksdorp Central, North West. Erected by the Netherlands–South African Railway Company (NZASM) and officially opened by President Paul Kruger on 3 August 1897.
Noted as a fine example of late Victorian and NZASM two-tone banded and articulated sandstone design with an imposing front gable. It can be reached via Margaretha Prinsloo Street off the N12/CBD intersection, though local roads feature severe potholes and require careful driving.
Periodically hosts the Phelophepa healthcare train providing community medical, eye care, and psychological services. Primarily utilised for freight and heritage recognition, with regular long-distance passenger rail services experiencing disruptions or limited availability compared to historical schedules.
10 October 2026 – The Kraaipan Museum is a local history museum located in New Kraaipan / Mahukubung within the Ratlou Local Municipality in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province, South Africa. The museum opens from Monday to Sunday at 7am until 5pm.
Primarily commemorates the historical events surrounding the area, notably the Battle of Kraaipan—where the first shots of the Second Anglo-Boer War were fired on 12 October 1899 with the derailment of a British armored train. The museum features local heritage displays and maps, though critics and visitors note that its exhibits focus heavily on Anglo-Boer War military history rather than the pre-colonial history of the local Barolong boo Ratlou and Batswana communities who inhabited the region.
10 October 2026 – Come and experience the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro at Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort located along the N12 road in Klerksdorp, North West. The glitzy resort offers a captivating escape, inspired by the passion and colour of the world-famous Carnival.
The Rio Casino Resort (originally opened as Tusk Rio Casino Resort) was established in May 2002 in Klerksdorp, North West Province, South Africa. In May 2002, the hotel was opened.
In August 2006, acquired by Peermont Global and renamed Rio Casino Resort. Expanded shortly after the acquisition to include the adjacent Peermont Metcourt Rio Hotel (a 3-star hotel with 70 rooms) and a convention center.
Come and discover the most extravagant casino in Klerksdorp, boasting 274 ultra-modern slot machines and 12 table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker. Indulge in the ultimate gaming experience at the exclusive Salon Privé.
You can also join the winners circle loyalty program and enjoy exclusive rewards and promotions. Visit Rio Casino today and let the excitement begin.
This is a 3-star select-service hotel offers a stylish and comfortable stay, inspired by the colours and excitement of the Brazilian Carnival. So, do not waste any time and come to experience the vibrant spirit of Rio de Janeiro.
You will enjoy modern rooms featuring a clean, contemporary design with Brazilian-inspired accents. Whether travelling for business or leisure, guests will find 70 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, access to the F.L.A.G.
Cafe restaurant, a swimming pool with a relaxing terrace, a business centre with free Wi-Fi, and secure parking, all just off the N12 in Klerksdorp. The Beef Baron Grillhouse is an absolute treat for meat lovers, serving the most superior cuts of prime beef and wine selections.
The operation hours from Monday to Sunday is between 8am and 10pm. You can conveniently access our menus online.
Meanwhile, there are attraction sites nearby such as horse riding, game drives, the Klerksdorp Air Show, Matlosana Mall, Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve, Klerksdorp Museum and golf.
Setshwantsho: Dialogane kwa Taung Agricultural College
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
10 Diphalane 2026 – Kholetšhe ya Temothuo ya Taung (Taung Agricultural College) ke setheo sa katiso se se kgethegileng, se e leng sa puso, se se mono Taung, mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Kholetšhe e, e tlhomilwe ka 1965 go kgotsofatsa ditlhokego tsa katiso ya temothuo mo kgaolong.
Kholetšhe e ne ya itemogela dikgoreletsi tsa nakwana, mme ya latlhegelwa ke kamogelo ya semmuso ka 2002 ka ntlha ya mathata a mafaratlhatlha. Fela Lefapha la Temothuo, Pabalelo ya Tikologo le Tlhabololo ya Metsemagae mono porofense ya Bokone Bophirima, le ne la tokafatsa mafaratlhatlha a kholetšhe, mme seo sa dira gore e bulwe gape le go tswelela ka mananeo a thuto e e kwa godimo.
TAC ke yone fela setheo mo Aforika Borwa se se nang le kamogelo ya semmuso ya go ruta Dipoloma e e Kgethegileng ya Temothuo mo go Nosetseng ka Metsi (Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation), mo Maemong a 6 a Ntlha ya Bosetšhaba ya Ditshwanelego (NQF). E dira ka fa tlase ga Lefapha la Temothuo le Tlhabololo ya Metsemagae (DARD) la porofense, mme e tsepamisitse mogopolo mo tirisong e e nang le bokgoni jwa metsi, tlhagiso ya dijalo le furu, saense ya mmu le temothuo e e tlhakaneng e e tshwanetseng dikgaolo tse di omeletseng le tse di nang le tlhaelo ya metsi.
Fa e sena go latlhegelwa ke kamogelo ya setheo go tswa kwa Lekgotleng la Setifikeiti sa Thuto ya Dithekenikhone (Certification Council for Technikon Education) ka 2002, Kholetšhe ya Temothuo ya Taung (TAC), ene ya ntshafatsa e ipaakanyo go simolola go ruta Dipoloma ya Temothuo go simolola ka Ferikgong 2010.
Go tloga ka 2003, kholetšhe e ntse e ruta mananeo a thuto ya tiro ya diatla a N3 go fitlha go N6 mo Tsamaisong ya Temo, gammogo le mananeo a Thuto le Katiso e e Tsweletseng (FET) a a diretsweng balemirui. Le fa go ntse jalo, lenaneo la thuto ya tiro ya diatla le fedisitswe ka gonne kholetšhe e ne e rulagangwa sesha gore e kgone go ruta mananeo a dipoloma le a FET ka bobedi. Dikholetšhe tsotlhe tse 12 tsa temothuo mo Aforika Borwa, go akaretsa le Kholetšhe ya Temothuo ya Taung, di ne di le mo thulaganyong ya go rulaganngwa sesha gore di tsamaisane le melawana le maemo a a beilweng.
Thulaganyo eno e ne e eteletswe pele ke Lefapha la Temothuo, Dikgwa le Bodirelatlhapi. Go sale gale, kholetšhe e ngoketse barutwana ba Grade 9 go fitlha ka Grade 12 ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano ka letsatsing la yone la Pulo le Tlhagiso ya Menyetla ya Ditiro ka di 7 Diphalane 2026.
Palo eno e feta gararo palo ya barutwana ba le 400 ba kholetšhe e neng e ba solofetse go tsenela tiragalong eo. Tiragalo eno ya ngwaga le ngwaga e ne e ikaelela go itsise barutwana ka ditshono tse di leng teng mo temothuong le go ba naya tshedimosetso ka ga mokgwa wa go dira kopo kwa kolecheng.
Mogokgo wa kholetšhe, Dr Karabo Mabe, a re palo e kgolo eo ya barutwana e bontsha kgatlhego e e tsweletseng go gola ya basha mo lekaleng la temothuo.
“Re ne re solofetse barutwana ba le 400. Palo e e tlileng e feta se re neng re se solofetse. Gompieno re fitlhile kwa palong ya barutwana ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano ba ba tlileng,” Mabe o boleletse The GuardianNewspaper jalo.
Mabe a re kholetšhe e dirisitse tiragalo eno go rotloetsa baithuti go tsaya temothuo jaaka tiro, fa gape ba newa tshedimosetso ka ditshono tse di kgethegileng tse di leng teng kwa setheong seo.
Taung Agricultural College ke nngwe ya dikoleche di le pedi tsa temothuo mo Bokone Bophirima, mme e nngwe e kwa Potchefstroom. Mabe a re thuto eno e botlhokwa segolobogolo ka ntlha ya tlhokego ya metsi mo nageng.
“Jaaka naga, re tlhoka dijo go netefatsa gore re tswelela re na le tshireletsego ya dijo le go lwantsha khumanego,” ga rialo Mabe.
A re lenaneo leno le ruta baithuti ka selekanyo sa metsi se se tlhokwang ke dijalo tse di farologaneng, mmogo le ka fa tiriso ya metsi e tshwanetseng go laolwa ka teng go ya ka dinako le dipaka tse di farologaneng, gore tlhagiso e tokafale.
Botlhokwa jwa temothuo bo gateletswe gape ke Sarah Makhoba wa Lefapha la Bosetšhaba la Temothuo, yo a reng tiragalo eno e ikaelela go gogela baithuti ba le bantsi kwa Taung Agricultural College, fa gape e ba thusa go tlhaloganya botegeniki le bophara jwa lekala la temothuo. Makhoba a re tiragalo eno e ne e ikaeletse gape go bontsha botlhokwa jwa temothuo le kafa lekala leno le amang matshelo a batho ka teng letsatsi le letsatsi.
Thembile Keohitlhetse, yo e kileng ya bo e le moithuti wa koleche eo mme jaanong a direla Lefapha la Temothuo la Kapa Bokone, o re go boela kwa kolecheng eno go ya go bua ka yone e ne e le sengwe se se botlhokwa mo go ene. A re dingwaga tse tharo tse a di feditseng kwa kolecheng eno e ne e le tse di molemo thata mo botshelong jwa gagwe, mme tsotlhe tse a di fitlheletseng morago ga moo di agilwe mo motheong wa koleche.
“Ke tshetse dingwaga tse tharo tse di monate thata mo botshelong jwa me mo kolecheng eno. Sengwe le sengwe se ke se fitlheletseng morago ga moo se bakilwe ke motheo o ke o neilweng ke koleche eno,” o buile jalo Keohitlhetse.
Mabe o rotloeditse barutwana ba ba sa kgonang go nna teng mo tiragalong ya Laboraro gore le bone ba akanye ka go dira kopo kwa kolecheng, a re Letsatsi la Pulo le Tlhagiso ya Menyetla ya Ditiro le tshwarwa ngwaga le ngwaga.
Dikopo tsa barutwana ba ba batlang go tsena mo kolecheng di tswalwa kwa bokhutlong jwa kgwedi ya Diphalane. Bakopi ba tshwanetse go bo ba falotse serutwa sa English ka Level 4, Mathematics ka Level 3 kgotsa Mathematical Literacy ka Level 4.
“Batsadi mmogo le lona boorradikgang, tsweetswee abelanang ka tshedimosetso e lo e bonang fa, go netefatsa gore barutwana bano ba tla go dira dikopo kwa kolecheng ya rona.”
Mabe a re molaetsa wa koleche mo basheng o tlhamaletse: “Tshwetso e e siameng e ba tshwanetseng go e tsaya jaanong ke go ithuta temothuo.”
10 October 2026 – The Tiger Kloof Educational Institution (historically the Tierkloof Missionary Station), located just outside Vryburg in North West, has immense potential as a niche tourism destination. The school functions primarily as a living, breathing historic school, its approach to tourism relies on structured cultural, historical, and adventure-based excursions.
Tiger Kloof was established in 1904 by the London Missionary Society (LMS) and later declared a black spot and forcibly shut down under the Apartheid regime’s Group Areas Act before its triumphant reopening in 1995. The property is highly regarded for its hand-dressed dolomite stone architecture.
Tourists can visit the iconic Arthington Memorial Church—completed in 1933 and described as a “symphony in stone” —and the historic cemetery. The institution holds monumental regional history.
It served as the academic home for Botswana’s founding elite. Tourists can explore buildings named after iconic alumni, including Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Masire and Dr Gaositwe Chiepe. Tiger Kloof does not market itself as a conventional resort, but rather as an active community hub that thrives on internationalism.
As a member of the global Round Square network, Tiger Kloof frequently hosts international school groups (from countries like the UK, US, and Ireland). Visitors often couple their stays with volunteer programs, participating in local pre-school support, local soup kitchens, and centers for disabled youth.
The institution spans 1200 hectares of farmland, which opens up opportunities for outdoor recreation. The school runs a specialised adventure program designed for team building and leadership development.
Visitors can utilise the grounds for bush paintball, raft building, and inflatable boat water activities. The expansive grounds offer three dedicated hiking trails (ranging from 3km to 7km) and three mountain biking loops totaling 25km of bush trails.
Guests can experience the school’s unique self-sustaining model, touring its active cattle herd, chicken farms, and organic vegetable gardens. Rather than a standalone stop, Tiger Kloof serves as an excellent anchor point for a broader regional tour through the Bophirima district.
It is frequently paired with nearby big-game destinations like the Bona Bona Game Reserve.
Travelers often group a historical tour of Tiger Kloof with a trip down the Harts River to visit the internationally recognised Taung Skull Heritage Site, located roughly 140km away.
Tiger Kloof had its origins in the Moffat Institute at Kuruman, part of the educational endeavours of the London Missionary Society in that part of South Africa. When the Moffat Institute closed it was reincarnated, in 1905.
Tiger Kloof was a high school, teachers’ training college, Bible college and trade school all rolled into one. Clergyman W.C. Willoughby led the efforts to build a school together with the Batswana chiefs in the area.
Economic developments and the construction of a railroad from Victoria Falls to Kimberley led the London Missionary Society to open the school. Arthington Memorial Church was built from 1925 to 1933.
The introduction of Bantu Education Act and the Group Areas Act under Apartheid during the 1950s, however, sounded the death knell for the London Missionary Society’s educational efforts here and in the Northern Cape. The London Missionary Society left the school in 1956, in protest against the Bantu Education Act, which they found to be discriminatory against black South Africans.
Tiger Kloof continued to function as a public school, but some buildings burned and the school was eventually closed in 1963. Tiger Kloof was closed down, but not before its pupils had risen in protest at the new legislation.
In the late 1980s provincial heritage site status was given to the empty shell of the abandoned Tiger Kloof Institute. In 1991 a meeting of Old Tigers was initiated by Joe Wing, a missionary. They formed a board of directors and started working toward reopening Tiger Kloof.
They celebrated its re-opening in October 1995. The remainder of Tiger Kloof’s original property was returned through the land restitution process in 2004.
Another phase of development began; they opened a primary school. The Kgosi of the Bangwaketse, Bathoen II also studied here. Nakatindi Yeta Nganga, one of the first female MPs in Zambia, also attended the school.
Recently, the school has appointed Onkabetse Mohitlhi as its new principal.
10 October 2026 – Many residents call for the refurbishment of Lotlamoreng Dam, which is located on the Molopo River in Mahikeng, North West. According to them, the area serves as an important ecological, recreational and cultural landmark.
One of the residents, Nnunu Gaserekwe said: “The surrounding area holds historical significance as a site tied to the South African War, including use as a burial place for soldiers who fought in the conflict. The area was once home to the renowned Zulu Sanusi, historian, sculptor, and traditional healer Credo Mutwa, who lived in a cave near the dam where people travelled to seek his teachings.
“Over three decades ago, Mutwa and his wife were evicted from their home at the site by the authorities of the former Bophuthatswana homeland government. He later made an emotional return to the site to advocate for the preservation of its deep African history.”
Another resident, Thembisile Mabunda shared the same sentiments. She said Lotlamoreng Dam has public art murals depicting prominent local figures and history, including Dr Modiri Molema, Sol Plaatje, and historical Tswana publications (Koranta ea Becoana).
“The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) once launched multi-phase investments valued at around R45 million to refurbish the Lotlamoreng Dam Cultural Reserve and promised to restore dilapidated structures, building a modern hall and restock wildlife like zebras, wildebeest, and ostriches to boost eco-tourism.
“However, the situation remains the same. Recently, the area hosted the 25th Silver Jubilee Heritage Celebration and we hope those government officials who attended the event saw the state of array the area is in. Lotlamoreng Dam forms part of the key heritage sites linked to the history and cultural identity of the Barolong Boora Tshidi. However, it seems something went horribly wrong,” she said.
According to information, Lotlamoreng Dam was built in August 1950 by the local Barolong people through voluntary community labour under the leadership of Kgosi Lotlamoreng Montshioa I. The construction began on 28 August 1950, across the Molopo River.
The Barolong community built the dam using traditional letsema (voluntary cooperative labour) without expecting payment. The Native Affairs Department supplied an engineer, basic equipment, and food for the workers. The earthen wall (lebota la mmu) was built 1 200 feet long, 80 feet wide and 23 feet high, creating a water reservoir stretching about a mile.
Today, the dam is part of the Lotlamoreng Dam Nature Reserve, valued for public recreation, tourism development, and local public art murals celebrating African history.
Setshwantsho: Lebitla la molwela kgololosego, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati
Ka BAKANG MOKOTO
10 Diphalane 2026 – Molwela kgololosego le seaparankwe o hulereng wa lekoko la ANC, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, o tsetswe ka di 14 Lwetse 1925 kwa motseng wa Ganyesa, gaufi le Vryburg mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Mama Ruta jaaka a ne a itsege, e ne e le morwadia Seli Seichoko, mme rraagwe e ne e le Gaonyatse Seichoko.
O ne a nna kwa Vryburg mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima go fitlha a fetsa mophato wa gagw wa 6. Fa a sena go fetsa mophato wa 6, o ne a tshwanelwa ke go bereka ngwaga o le mongwe kwa Vryburg pele ga a ka ya kholetšheng.
Mama Ruta o ne a berekela lelapa la batho basweu, a tlhokomela ngwana wa bone ka gonne rraagwe o ne a tlhokafetse a na le dingwaga di le 14, mme mmaagwe o ne a se na madi a a lekaneng go ka mo romela kwa kholetšheng. Moragonyana, o ne a tsenela kholetšhe ya katiso ya barutabana kwa Tygerkloof.
O ne a aloga ka setlankana sa borutabana sa sekolo se sepotlana ka 1944. Morago ga moo, o ne a ya go ruta kwa motseng wa Dithakwaneng, o o neng o le bokgakala jwa dimaele di ka nna 35 go tswa kwa Vryburg.
Mama Ruta o ne a tlogela Dithakwaneng morago ga dingwaga di le tharo. Ka 1948, mmaagwe o ne a sa itekanela sentle, mme Mma Ruta o ne a swetsa go tsaya tiro ya borutabana kwa sekolong sa Vryburg Higher Primary.
Ene e le leloko la mokgatlho wa baithuti kwa Tygerberg, gammogo le leloko la mokgatlho wa barutabana wa kgaolo ya Bokone Bophirima. Ka nako eo, dikgang tse di neng di le botlhokwa e ne e le maemo a tiro a barutabana, dituelo tsa bone le didirisiwa tsa go ruta tse dikolo di neng di di tlhoka.
Ka Moranang 1952, go begwa fa Mama Ruta a ne a nyalwa. Monna wa gagwe e ne e le setlogolo sa ga Moruti Mogorosi, yo e neng e le moruti wa LMSC kwa Ganyesa.
O ne a tswa kwa Vryburg, mme a ya go nna le matsalaagwe kwa Johannesburg. Gape o ne a tlogela tiro ya borutabana. O ne a ikwadisa kwa sekolong sa poraefete go ithuta go kwala ka mokgwa wa shorthand le go thaepa.
Morago ga moo, moagisani wa gagwe, Mme Njiwa, yo o neng a bereka kwa femeng ya molao ya balwela kgololosego e leng Dr Nelson Mandela le Dr Oliver Tambo, o ne a batla go ya go ithutela bongaka. Fa moagisani wa gagwe a tlogela femeng eo ya molao, Mama Ruta o ne a dira kopo ya tiro, mme a thapiwa.
Monna wa ga Mama Ruta, e ne e le leloko la African National Congress (ANC).
Go tloga ka 1953 go fitlha ka 1961, o ne a bereka e le mokwaledi wa go thaepa ditlankana kwa femeng ya molao ya ga Mandela le Tambo kwa Johannesburg.
Ka 1954, o ne a nna leloko la ANC, mme a tlhophiwa go nna leloko la komiti khuduthamaga ya bosetšhaba ya lekgotla la basadi la ANC. Mompati o ne a nna le seabe mo letsholong la go gana melao e e gatelelang (Defiance Campaign) ka 1952, mme ka 1954 a nna mongwe wa bathei ba Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), e leng mokgatlho wa basadi wa Aforika Borwa. Moragonyana, o ne a nna mongwe wa baeteledipele ba mogwanto wa basadi wa go ya kwa Pretoria ka la 9 Phatwe 1956.
Ka 1962, o ne a ya botshabelo kwa nageng ya kwa ntle, kwa a neng a ropisetswa sesole gone. O ne a dira tiro ya mokwaledi le go etelela pele karolo ya basadi ya ANC kwa Tanzania. Go tloga ka 1966 go fitlha ka 1973, Mompati o ne a tswelela e le leloko la Lekgotla la Khuduthamaga ya Bosetšhaba la ANC.
Ka nako eo, gape o ne a nna karolo ya ofisi ya moporesidente wa ANC.
Nngwe ya dikarolo tse di botlhokwa tse Mompati a neng a di tshameka e ne e le go etelela pele Boto ya Merero ya Bodumedi ya ANC.
Magareng ga 1981 le 1982, Mompati o ne a direla e le moemedi yo mogolo wa ANC kwa United Kingdom. Gape o ne a nna karolo ya moifo o o neng wa simolola dipuisano le puso ya Aforika Borwa kwa Groote Schuur ka 1990.
Ka la 10 Phatwe 1992, letsatsi morago ga segopotso sa mogwanto wa basadi wa 1956, o ne a bua kwa komiting e e kgethegileng ya ditšhaba tse di kopaneng e e ganetsang tlhaolele kwa New York, kwa a neng a bua ka dikgang tsa basadi. Letsatsi leo le ne la tlhomiwa go nna letsatsi la boditšhabatšhaba la kutlwano le basadi ba Aforika Borwa.
Ka 1994, o ne a tlhophiwa go nna leloko la Palamente mo Ntlong ya Kokoano ya Bosetšhaba. Ka 1996, o ne a tlhomiwa go nna moemedi wa Aforika Borwa kwa Switzerland, maemo a a neng a a tshwere go fitlha ka 2000.
Fa a boa, o ne a nna matoropo wa Vryburg, kwa masepaleng wa Selegae wa Naledi, mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Mama Ruta o tlhokafetse ka la 12 Motsheganong 2015, kwa bookelong kwa Cape Town, kwa a neng a alafiwa morago ga bolwetse jo bokhutsane. O tlhokafetse a le dingwaga di le 89.
Puso ya porofense ya Bokone Bophirima le mafapha a puso ya bosetšhaba a tlotlile boswa jwa ga Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, yo e neng e le mogale wa ntwa kgatlhanong le tlhaolele, ka diporojeke tsa go boloka boswa jwa gagwe kwa Vryburg le Tlapeng. Le fa lefelo la gagwe la phitlho le sa fetolwa go nna lefelo le le ikemetseng la hisitori, le etelwa go isa ditlotlo le go mo gopola.
Lefapha la Botsweletshi, Setso, Metshameko le Boitapoloso (ACSR) mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, le ne la itsise ka maano a go fetola ntlo ya pele ya ga Mama Ruth kwa Vryburg go nna musiamo o o tla bolokang hisitori ya gagwe le boswa jwa gagwe. Laeborari ya baagi, e e nang le bogolo jwa dimetara tsa disekwere di le 204, e ne ya bulwa ka la 13 Lwetse 2023 kwa sekolong sa pele sa ga Mompati, Raditshane Secondary School, kwa motseng wa Tlapeng, gaufi le Ganyesa.
Laeborari eno, e tlotla boineelo jwa gagwe jwa botshelo jotlhe mo thutong le mo ntweng ya kgololesego. Serapa sa boikhutso se se mo gare ga Vryburg se ne sa reelelwa ka ene, mme sa kgabisiwa ka sefikantswe sa gagwe sa sehuba le setshwantsho, mme se ne sa senolwa ke baeteledipele ba porofense.
Baeteledipele, go akaretsa Moporesidente Cyril Ramaphosa le maloko a khuduthamaga ya porofense (MECs), ba ne ba etela lebitla la gagwe go baya dikgare ka nako ya ditiragalo tsa Letsatsi la Basadi la Bosetšhaba le Kgwedi ya Boswa. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Foundation, ka tirisanommogo le Lefapha la Bokone Bophirima la Botsweretshi, Setso, Metshameko le Boitapoloso (ACSR), e tshwera loeto lwa ngwaga le ngwaga lwa go gopola mogale wa ntwa ya kgololesego yono. Loeto lono lwa ngwaga le ngwaga, lo lo tshwarwang ka nako ya letsatsi la matsalo la ga Mama Ruth Mompati, lo ikaeletse go tlotla le go keteka boswa jwa gagwe.
10 Diphalane 2026 – Khuti (Meteorite) ya kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa ke karolwana ya (ledimo) asteroid le le tswang mo lefelong le legolo la kgale la go thulana ga ledimo (asteroid) le lefatshe. Lefelo le, le fitlhegile ka fa tlase ga sekaka sa Kalahari mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, gaufi le molelwane wa naga ya Botswana.
Go dumelwa gore tiragalo eno e diragetse dingwaga di ka nna dimilione di le 145 tse di fetileng. Go phopholediwa gore khuti eno e na le bophara jwa magareng ga dikilometara di le 70 le 190. E na le dingwaga di ka nna dimilione di le 145 go ya go 146.
Khuti eno e bakilwe ke ledimo la mofuta wa LL/L chondrite, le le neng le na le bophara jwa dikilometara di ka nna 5 go ya go 10.
Ka kgwedi ya Motsheganong 2006, setlhopha sa babatlisisi ba Yunibesithi ya Witwatersrand, mmogo le balekane ba boditšhabatšhaba, ba ne ba epa sediba sa patlisiso go ya boteng jwa dimetara di ka nna 770 mo lefikeng le le gakologileng le le bakilweng ke thulano eo.
Ba ne ba ribolola karolwana ya meteorite ya bogologolo, e e neng e ise e thubege, e e boleele jwa disentimetara di le 25, mmogo le dikarolwana tse dinnye. Go ribololwa ga karolwana e kgolo ya ledimo le le neng le sa gakologa kgotsa go nyerologa ka ntlha ya mogote kwa teng ga khuti e kgolo ya thulano go ne ga gwetlha dikakanyo dingwe tsa saense.
Dikakanyo tseo di ne di tlhalosa gore dilo tse dikgolo tse di thulanang le lefatshe ka lobelo lo logolo di tshwanetse go nyerologa gotlhelele kgotsa go gakologa ka ntlha ya mogote o mogolo o o tlhagelelang ka nako ya thulano. Fela, karolwana eno ya disentimetara di le 25, e tshwana le lefika la LL6 chondrite breccia.
Le fa go ntse jalo, e na le diminerale tsa silicate tse di humileng ka tshipi le metswako ya tshipi le nickel e e nang le sebabole, mme ga e na tshipi e e gololesegileng kgotsa troilite. Seno se kaya gore e ka tswa e tswa mo karolong e e sa tlwaelegang ya asteroid, kgotsa mo setlhopheng se se kgethegileng sa di-asteroid tse dikarolwana tsa tsone di sa tlwaelegang go bonwa mo lefatsheng.
Tiragalo eno ya thulano e ntse e batlisisiwa go bona gore a e ne e amana le ditiragalo tse dinnye tsa go nyelela ga ditshedi le diphetogo tse di sa tlwaelegang tsa dikhemikale mo mafikeng a bogologolo. Dikai tsa diphetogo tseo di akaretsa dikarolo tsa mafika tse di nang le iridium e ntsi, e leng elemente e e ka thusang borasaense go lemoga ditiragalo tsa thulano ya dilo tse di tswang kwa lefaufaung.
Direkoto tsa dikhuti tsa thulano ya dilo tsa kwa lefaufaung mo lefatsheng di nna di oketsega fa go ntse go ribololwa mafelo a mangwe a thulano. Go begwa fa go nna teng ga khuti ya Morokweng go ne ga akantshiwa la ntlha ke babatlisisi ka 1995.
“Le fa go ntse jalo, disampole tsa mafika tse di neng tsa ntshiwa mo lefelong leo di ne tsa bontsha gore go ne go na le mafika a a fetotsweng ke kgatelelo e kgolo ya thulano, mmogo le mafika a a gakologileng go tswa mo lefikeng le le neng le gakologile ka ntlha ya mogote o mogolo.
“Dipatlisiso tse di neng tsa latela di ne tsa bontsha gore gape mafika ao a ne a na le selekanyo se se kwa godimo sa diminerale tse di tswang mo meteorite. Go ne go bonala sentle gore Morokweng e ne e le lefelo la thulano ya selo se se tswang kwa lefaufaung,” Fleminger wa tlhalosa.
Are go a kgonega gore thulano ya Morokweng e nnile le seabe mo go nyeleleng gono ga ditshedi, le fa seno se ise se netefadiwe. Fleminger are khuti ya Morokweng e mo karolong e e kgakala ya Aforika Borwa, mme ga go motlhofo gore batho botlhe ba kgone go e etela. Are le fa go ntse jalo, dikarolwana di le mmalwa tsa meteorite e e bakileng khuti eno di beilwe mo pontshong kwa Musiamong wa Saense kwa London.
Bangwe ba baagi ba re lefelo leno le ka unngwelwa baagi ka go ngoka Bojanala, segolo bogolo jang ba ba nang le kgatlhego mo go tsa saense. Kagiso Mokolobe are dikgosi tsa kwa Motseng wa bone, ba tshwanelwa ke go nnela kgang e disanyane.
“Ke nagana gore baithuti ba saense ba ka tswelwa molemo thata ke khuti eno ya Morokweng ka gonne e tla ba naya tshono e e sa tshwaneng le epe ya go ithuta ka tshireletso ya dipolanete, thuto ya dinaledi le dilo tsa kwa lefaufaung, mmogo le thuto e e tseneletseng ya dikhemikale mo mafikeng.
“Khuti eno ya thulano, e e fitlhegileng ka fa tlase ga sekaka sa Kalahari mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, e na le bophara jwa dikilometara tse di fetang 70, mme e na le dingwaga di ka nna dimilione di le 145,” Mokolobe wa tlhalosa.
O mongwe wa baagi, David Leepile le ene are khuti ya kwa Morokweng ke popego ya thulano e e sa tshwaneng le tse dingwe mo lefatsheng lotlhe. Leepile are ke yone fela khuti e kgolo mo lefatsheng e mo go yone go fitlhetsweng dikarolwana tsa ntlha tsa asteroid di sa thubege, di bolokegile ka fa teng ga lefika le le gakologileng ka ntlha ya mogote o mogolo wa thulano.
“Khuti e, e bontsha fa e ikgethile, mme seo ka bosone, se tshwanelwa ke go dirisiwa go ka ngoka bajanala. Baithuti ba ka ithuta gore mafika a a tswang kwa lefaufaung a farologana jang le dilo tse di fitlhelwang mo lefatsheng.
“Diteko di bontsha gore asteroid eno e ne e na le selekanyo se se kwa tlase sa sodium le potassium, mme e humile ka uranium, thorium le lanthanum. Seno se supa gore e ka tswa e simologile mo karolong e e sa itsiweng ya lebanta la di-asteroid mo thulaganyong ya dipolanete le letsatsi, e mo go yone go sa tlhole go nna le di-asteroid tse di romelang di-meteorite mo lefatsheng gompieno.
Go fetola dikakanyo tsa fisikisi ya dithulano le dikai tsa mogote
pele ga ditlhotlhomiso tsa Morokweng. Dikai tsa fisikisi ya dipolanete di ne di tsaya gore asteroid nngwe le nngwe e kgolo mo e ka bakang khuti e e bophara jwa dikilometara tse di fetang nne e ne e tla gakologela gotlhelele kgotsa e nyerologe ka ntlha ya mogote o mogolo fa e thulana le lefatshe,” Leepile wa tlhalosa.
10 Diphalane 2026 – Molopo Game Reserve ke lefelo la Bojanala le le iphithileng la Kalahari (hidden Kalahari gem) le le nang le bogolo jwa dihektare tse 24 000. Lefelo le, le ikgethile, mme le tlhamilwe ka ngwaga wa 1987.
Lefelo le, le fitlhelwa kwa karolong e e kgakala ya bophirima jwa porofense ya Bokone Bophirima, mono Afrika Borwa go bapa le molelwane wa naga ya Botswana. Lefelo le, le bokgakala jwa dikilomitara di le 250 go tswa kwa toropong ya Vryburg.
Ko lefelong le, ga gona diphologolo tse di tlhaga jaaka bo tau, ditshukudu le tse dingwe, ke ka moo bajanala ba letleletsweng go tsamaya ka dinao (walking is permitted), mm eke selo se se sa tlwaelesegang kwa mafelong a mangwe a diphologolo. Se, se fana ka boitumediso jo bo iketlileng, ebile bo amana thata le tlhago.
Bajanala ba ka itumelela lefelo le, gonne le tletse ka dithaba tsa mmu o mohibidu wa Kalahari, bojang jwa mofuta wa bushman, le naga e e omileng ya savannah (arid savannah). Gape, o ka fitlhela mofelelo wa noka ya bogologolo e e omileng ya Phepane (fossilised Phepane River bed) e e kgatlhang go e bona.
Gape, go na le diphologolo di tshwana le matshope a magolo a di-eland, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, kudu, ditshepe (springbok), red hartebeest, dikgokong (zebras), le dithutlwa. Diphologolo tse di jang tse dingwe di akaretsa matshwega (cheetah), diphiri tse dinkwe (brown hyena), caracal, le dikatse tsa naga.
Go na le mefuta e e fetang 120 ya dinonyane, mm eke legae le le siameng go bona dinkodi tse di farologaneng (raptors), di-martial eagle, le mefuta ya manong. O ka kgabaganya naga ka maoto go batla dinonyane le go bona diphologolo ka tsela e e babalesegileng.
Le fa go letleletswe go tsamaya ka maoto, go na le ditsela tse di siametseng dijanaga tsa 4×4 kapa 4×2 (tse di nang le diff-lock) go dikologa madiba a metsi a a dirilweng ka diatla. Lefelo le, le na le lebala la go kampa la Phiri Camp le le farologaneng, le le fanang ka boitumediso jwa mofuta wa “bush camping” bo bo kgethegileng.
Lefelo leo le na le mantlwana-boithusetso tse di feletseng. Motse o o gaufi thata le lefelo leno, o o mo pelong ya Kalahari Borwa, ke Vostershoop, o o bokgakala jwa dikilometara di le supa.
Bangwe ba baagi, ba re lefelo le le ka tsosolosa ikonomi ya bone fa lefelo le, le ka rekisiwa (marketing) go ngoka bajanala. Bare ga jaana, bontsi jwa bajanala ba ba etelang lefelo le, ke batho basweu.
Kagiso Mokolobe are: “Go bua nnete fela, mafelo a bojanala ga re unngwelwe go fitlha ga jaana. Botsi jwa bajanala ba ba etelang lefelo le, ke basweu. Ga se gantsi ba etela mafelo a rona a rekisang dijo, mme se ba se dirang ke go tshela lokwane fela mo tulong ya rona.
“Jaanong, re ne re ka itumela fa puso e ne e ka netefatsa gore lefelo leno le rekisiwa sentle go bajanala. Leno ke lefelo le lentle le le ka thusang go godisa ikonomi ya rona le go tlhama ditiro.”
Re sale foo, dipalopalo di supa fa Aforika Borwa e amogetse bajanala ba boditšhabatšhaba ba le 1 005 286 ka Phatwe 2026, mme gape palo ya bone e feta dimilione di le nngwe mo kgweding e le nngwe. Se, se bontshitse koketsego ya 7.4% fa go bapisiwa le Phatwe 2025.
Tona ya Bojanala, Patrica de Lille are: “Palogotlhe ya bajanala ba boditšhabatšhaba ba ba gorogileng mo Aforika Borwa magareng ga Ferikgong le Phatwe 2026 jaanong e eme go 7 581 455, e leng koketsego ya 11.7% fa go bapisiwa le paka e e tshwanang ngogola.
“Dipalopalo tsa Phatwe di bontsha gore Aforika Borwa e santse e gogela bajanala ba bantsi, e bile di gatelela botlhokwa jwa go fetolela koketsego ya bajanala ditshono tse dikgolo tsa ikonomi. Go amogela bajanala ba boditšhabatšhaba ba feta dimilione di le nngwe ka Phatwe go bontsha gore Aforika Borwa e a batliwa.”
Setshwantsho-papiso: Dikgomo tse go begwang fa di utswilwe
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
9 Diphalane 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 37 wa kwa motseng wa Granspan, gaufi le Taung, o tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa dikgomo le namane. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo 2026.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Serasanta Kelebogile Morake are monna o, o tshwere mo letsatsing la maabane. Morake are mmelaelwa o solofetswe go shadikanya matlho fa pele ga magistrata ka di 12 Diphalane 2026.
Picture: Jacob Zuma’s Capture Site in Groot Marico
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 October 2026 – The Groot Marico Heritage Site (The Historical Capture Site) in Groot Marico, North West province, is an official heritage monument commemorating the exact location where former president, Jacob Zuma and 45 other Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) recruits were intercepted and arrested by apartheid security police in June 1963, while attempting to flee into exile. The monument was formally opened by Zuma in October 2017 and the site features a R1.8 million monument and statue.
Some residents urge the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation to make the site more viable to lure tourists to their area. They said the area experiences a high rate of unemployment and tourism sites might bring more job opportunities.
One of the community leaders, Michael Khethele said: “Groot Marico has a rich history and that might assist in creating job opportunities. The Capture Site needs to be taken care of so that it can attract more tourists across the world. There is a high rate of unemployment in our area, but I think tourism sites can be used as a tool to create more job opportunities, especially for young people.”
Another resident, Tshegofatso Mantsi said: “Tourism is vital for the success of many economies. Tourism boosts the revenue of the economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops infrastructure of an area and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens.
“We need sites, where the youth can acquire various skills that will benefit them in the future. I think tourism sites need to lead to economic freedom, where job opportunities are being created.”
The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said they will work with their sister department to ensure that the Zuma Capture Site is well-marketed.
Meanwhile, Jacob Zuma is a prominent politician who served as the fourth President of South Africa from 2009 until his resignation in 2018. He currently serves as the leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. According to historical records from South African History Online, Zuma was an anti-apartheid activist, who joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1959 and its armed wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe, in 1962.
He was imprisoned on Robben Island for 10 years alongside Nelson Mandela. Zuma served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 1999 to 2005 under Thabo Mbeki.
He later led the country as President for nearly two terms. However, his tenure as president was marked by significant political and legal controversies, including allegations of “state capture” and the misuse of public funds for upgrades to his private residence in Nkandla.
Zuma resigned under pressure from the ANC in February 2018.
In late 2023, Zuma broke away from the ANC to support and lead the newly formed MK Party. He was subsequently expelled from the ANC in July 2024.
Picture: Grade 12 learners during NSC examinations
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 October 2026 – The North West Department of Education is pleased to announce that the province is ready to administer the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The department said examinations will commence on 13 October 2026 with the practical component of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1.
The acting North West MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi said a total of 52 200 candidates have registered for the NSC examinations with 3760 part-time learners and 48 440 full-time learners. Mosenogi said this represents an increase of 3341 candidates compared with the 2025 enrolment.
“Furthermore, the department has prepared examination centers, deployed personnel and coordinated other essential arrangements to support the examinations with smooth and credible administration.
“The North West Department of Education wishes all candidates well as they prepare to write their final examinations and encourages them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed throughout the examination period,” she said.
Mosenogi further said she wishes good luck to all learners who will be writing their final examinations. She added that on behalf of the entire department, she wishes good luck to the learners who will be writing their final examinations, especially the Grade 12 learners.
“As the department, we have supported learners throughout the year with various interventions like autumn, winter, spring and incubation camps and many other extra classes. Many schools will be hosting incubation camps across the province and we request learners to obey their teachers.
“We do not want to get reports wherein learners violate their Code of conduct during the camps. I am confident that this 2026 cohort will take us to a higher position away from our usual position four. Once more our province is ready for the final examinations,” said Mosenogi.
She said the department further calls on parents, teachers, communities, and all education stakeholders to support learners during this important period and create an environment conducive to studying and academic success.
9 October 2026 – The Vredefort Dome is the world’s largest and second oldest verified meteorite impact site, located in Potchefstroom, North West, Parys in Free State and Gauteng Province. According to information, the Vredefort Dome was formed approximately 2 billion years ago when an asteroid roughly 10 to 15km in diameter struck earth.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a dramatic landscape of rugged hills, unique geological formations, and excellent outdoor adventure opportunities and it is just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. While the original crater ring has eroded over billions of years, the remaining “dome” is a spectacular 70 km wide network of overturned volcanic hills created by the rebounding earth after impact.
A qualified tourist guide, Bahedile Dichaba said it was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2005, Vredefort Dome serves as a crucial window into the planet’s geological evolution and the profound impact of asteroid collisions. Dichaba said their primarily white rocks found at Vredefort Dome are typically the result of target rocks being pulverized, shock-melted, or chemically altered by the extreme heat and pressure of a meteorite impact.
“The intense heat and pressure created rare geological features, including pseudotachylite (melted rock veins) and shatter cones (distinctive cone-shaped fracture patterns in the bedrock). So, there are various activities offered there such as excellent white-water rafting, kayaking, and target fishing for yellowfish.
“To truly see the impact scars, it is highly recommended to book a guided geological tour. Local experts will show you hidden shatter cones and rock carvings that are easy to miss on your own. The rugged, hilly terrain provides highly technical and scenic trails for outdoor athletes such as mountain biking and trail running,” he said.
Dichaba further said one can make it an easy weekend escape or a comprehensive day trip. He added that the best time to visit is during the dry winter months (May to September), which are ideal for hiking and outdoor exploring, while summer (November to February) is peak time for river-based water sports.
Meanwhile, all the classical related characteristics of a large astrobleme are found in the property. This multi-ring structure formed by the impact scar illustrates the effect of shock metamorphism of rocks, transformation of crystal structures and shatter cones of the immense force created by the impact.
Vredefort Dome is the oldest, largest, and most deeply eroded complex meteorite impact structure in the world. It is the site of the world’s greatest single, known energy release event.
It contains high quality and accessible geological (outcrop) sites which demonstrate a range of geological evidence of a complex meteorite impact structure. The rural and natural landscapes of the serial property help portray the magnitude of the ring structures resulting from the impact. The serial nomination is considered to be a representative sample of a complex meteorite impact structure.
Picture: A purported ANC member, Sello Lemonka Gemba/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 October 2026 – The African National Congress (ANC) has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alleged social media remarks attributed to Sello Lemonka Gemba from Pampierstad in Northern Cape, who is purported to be an ANC supporter, in which he is alleged to have called for the rape and killing of March and March leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma. Gemba subsequently indicated that he stood by those remarks.
The ANC national spokesperson, Hlengiwe Bhengu said if accurately attributed to him, such utterances are vile, reprehensible and wholly incompatible with the values, traditions and political culture of the ANC. Bhengu said there can never be political, personal or ideological justification for incitement to rape, murder or any form of violence against another person.
“The ANC rejects any attempt by individuals to associate such conduct with our movement or to use purported support for the ANC as a shield for violent, misogynistic or criminal rhetoric. Whatever disagreements, disputes or differences may exist between Sello Lemonka Gemba and Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, these can never justify or excuse language that allegedly calls for her rape or killing.
“No disagreement gives anyone licence to threaten the life, bodily integrity or dignity of another person. Such alleged conduct is particularly reprehensible in a society confronting the persistent scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)and it must be rejected without qualification,” she said.
Bhengu further said the ANC calls upon the appropriate law-enforcement authorities to investigate these allegations without fear, favour or prejudice and where the evidence establishes criminal conduct, to act decisively in accordance with the law. She added that social media is not a lawless space, and freedom of expression cannot be distorted into a licence to threaten, intimidate or incite violence.
“Should it be established that the individual concerned is an ANC member, the organisation’s internal processes must equally take their course.
“The ANC distances itself unequivocally from the alleged remarks and calls upon all its members and supporters to uphold the values of human dignity, non-sexism, non-violence and respect for the rule of law,” said Bhengu.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) commissioner, Nomahlubi Khwinana said they condemn in the strongest terms a message allegedly posted on social media calling for the gang-rape of Ngobese-Zuma. Khwinana said South Africa is a constitutional democracy that guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“The constitution encourages people to hold diverse political ideologies and beliefs within its bounds and under applicable legislation. Robust, uncomfortable, and even offensive speech is constitutionally protected.
“Threatening or calling for the rape of someone is a criminal offence and may constitute hate speech. Globally and in South Africa, women and non-binary activists and journalists are routinely
harassed and threatened with physical, sexual and other forms of violence,” she said.
Khwinana said this trend needs to stop. She said women and other vulnerable groups should be free to exercise their political rights and enjoy all fundamental rights.
“South Africa is globally recognised for having some of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence. We live in a country where around 43 000 cases of rape are reported each year. The country has a femicide rate several times higher than the global average.
“The public messages allegedly made against Ngobese-Zuma demonstrate the brazenness of gendered violence. Social
media platforms are responsible for filtering the messages posted on their platforms and ensuring that they are not spaces that amplify hate speech and gendered violence.
“This is one of the central messages in the Commission’s recently published policy brief, Human Rights and Information Integrity in disinformation, platform accountability and democratic resilience in South Africa,” said Khwinana.
She said the commission calls on law enforcement agencies to immediately identify and apprehend the perpetrator, so he faces the full force of the law. Khwinana said the commission also calls on the executive to ensure that the prevention and combating of hate crimes and hate speech Act of 2023, a powerful deterrent against
9 October 2026 – Most people believe that Taung Dam can be one of the best heritage sites in Taung. As many people flocked to the area for leisure, especially during festive season, some use it for their spiritual journey.
Residents at large believe that the area holds deep cultural, historical and spiritual significance.
Built in 1993 during the Bophuthatswana government, Taung Dam construction submerged the ancestral graves of the local Kolong and Dikgageng communities without their consent. The site already features a government unveiled memorial stone erected in 2007 to honour those ancestral spirits.
According to Sabinet Gateway Journal, Taung Dam was constructed to boast commercial farming and recreation. The construction of the Taung Dam involved extensive consultation with the local community and held a great potential for development of the region.
“Taung Dam was one of the nominations for the Mmabatho Informal Branch’s Award for Excellence in Civil Engineering. It was built by the Bophuthatswana Department of Water Affairs, after extensive community consultation with a view to deriving the optimum benefit from the resources available to provide maximum economic stimulation for the Taung District.
“The method of construction of the dam, using the relatively new concept of rollcrete combined the economic advantages of the mass concrete gravity configuration most favoured by the topography of the site and those derived from the mass earthworks style placing techniques associated with rollcrete.”
Taung Dam is the tallest of only five rollcrete dams in Southern Africa. It represents the successful combination of state-of-the-art technology with community inspired and sanctioned development.
“Taung Dam was built as a project for the people. A detailed District Development Plan (DDP) was initiated by the Bophuthatswana Department of Water Affairs for the Taung District.
The project chosen by the Mmabatho Informal Branch as its 1993 regional award winner is the Bophuthatswana Rural Water Supply Programme.
“This project has also been nominated for SAlCE’s National Award for Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement. The DDP was extensively based on community consultation and as a result was fully supported and sanctioned by community leaders in the District,” the article said.
According to the journal, the purpose of the DDP was to ascertain the true economic aspirations of the residents in the District. The site can have major economic activity that can be successfully sustained in the Taung District given its relative remoteness from any substantial industrial resources or infrastructure, is commercial farming.
“The construction of the Taung Dam with its 60 million m3 reservoir, was the only way in which adequate water resources could be harnessed to cater for the irrigation requirements for the successful and prosperous development of the Taung farming community and hence ensure the associated socioeconomic advancement of the District as a whole.
“Construction of the dam commenced at the end of 1990. Shortly after the contract commenced it was decided after consultation with the local community and the Department of Public Works, to construct a road bridge across the top of the dam to improve general access in the area.”
The dam was essentially completed in 1993, at a final cost of approximately R41 million.
A qualified Tourist Guide, Bahedile Dichaba said there was a village in that area called Dikgageng before the establishment of the iconic bridge. Dichaba said the Bophuthatswana government saw it fit to construct a bridge in order to deal with the density of water that was overflowing.
“This resulted in what we call damming, and various households were forced to relocate to areas such as Manthe, Ranstad, Kolong, Cokonyane and other neighbouring areas. The construction of the bridge commenced back in 1983, which I stand to be corrected.
“However, in 1987, the Taung area experienced flooding which was catastrophic. So, under the bridge, there are wrecks of the yellow fleet. There are graveyards submerged and on the brighter note, there is an island on the other side of Taung Dam,” he said.
Dichaba further said Taung Dam can be used as a tourism site for water borne activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), surfing, windsurfing, rafting, kloofing, kitesurfing and parasailing. He added that it can also be used for underwater activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving, including spearfishing.
“Other than that, it can be used as water parks and play,” concluded Dichaba.
Setshwantsho: Barutwana ba le bantsi ba tsenetse letsatsi la pulo
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
8 Diphalane 2026 – Taung Agricultural College e letse e ngoketse barutwana ba Grade 9 go fitlha go Grade 12 ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano kwa letsatsing la yone la Pulo le Tlhagiso ya Ditshono tsa Ditiro. Palo eno e feta gararo palo ya barutwana ba le 400 ba koleje e neng e ba solofetse go tsenela tiragalong eo.
Tiragalo eno ya ngwaga le ngwaga e ne e ikaelela go itsise barutwana ka ditshono tse di leng teng mo temo-thuong le go ba naya tshedimosetso ka ga mokgwa wa go dira kopo kwa kolejeng.
Mogokgo wa koleje, Dr Karabo Mabe, a re palo e kgolo eo ya barutwana e bontsha kgatlhego e e tsweletseng go gola ya basha mo lphateng la temothuo.
“Re ne re solofetse barutwana ba le 400. Palo e e tlileng e feta se re neng re se solofetse. Gompieno re fitlhile kwa palong ya barutwana ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano ba ba tlileng.
“Mabe a re kholeje e dirisitse tiragalo eno go rotloetsa baithuti go tsaya temothuo jaaka tiro, fa gape ba newa tshedimosetso ka ditshono tse di kgethegileng tse di leng teng kwa setheong seo,” Mabe wa tlhalosa.
Taung Agricultural College ke nngwe ya dikholeje di le pedi tsa temothuo mo Bokone Bophirima, mme e nngwe e kwa Potchefstroom. Mo dikholejeng di le 11 tsa temothuo mo Aforika Borwa, Taung ke yone fela e e neelang dithuto tsa Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation.
Mabe a re thuto eno e botlhokwa segolobogolo ka ntlha ya tlhokego ya metsi mo nageng. Mabe are naga e tlhoka dijo, mme ba lemiruo ba netefatsa gore ba tswelela ka tsireletsego ya dijo le go lwantsha le khumanego.
“Lenaneo leno le ruta baithuti ka selekanyo sa metsi se se tlhokwang ke dijalo tse di farologaneng, mmogo le ka fa tiriso ya metsi e tshwanetseng go laolwa ka teng go ya ka dinako le dipaka tse di farologaneng, gore tlhagiso e tokafale.
“Re rotloetsa barutwana ba ba sa kgonang go nna teng mo tiragalong ya Laboraro gore le bone ba akanye ka go dira kopo mo kholejeng, mme letsatsi la pulo le tlhagiso ya ditshono tsa ditiro le tshwarwa ngwaga le ngwaga,” Mabe wa tlhalosa.
Botlhokwa jwa temothuo bo gateletswe gape ke Sarah Makhoba wa Lefapha la Bosetšhaba la Temothuo, yo a reng tiragalo eno e ikaelela go gogela baithuti ba le bantsi kwa Taung Agricultural College, fa gape e ba thusa go tlhaloganya botegeniki le bophara jwa lekala la temothuo. Makhoba a re tiragalo eno e ne e ikaeletse gape go bontsha botlhokwa jwa temothuo le kafa lekala leno le amang matshelo a batho ka teng letsatsi le letsatsi.
Thembile Keohitlhetse, yo e kileng ya bo e le moithuti kwa kholejeng eno, mme ga jaana a direla Lefapha la Temothuo la Kapa Bokone, a re go boela kwa kholejeng eno go ya go bua ka yone e ne e le sengwe se se botlhokwa mo go ene. Keohitlhetse are dingwaga tse tharo tse a di feditseng kwa kholejeng e, e ne e le tse di molemo thata mo botshelong jwa gagwe, mme tsotlhe tse a di fitlheletseng morago ga moo di agilwe mo motheong wa kholeje.
“Ke tshetse dingwaga tse tharo tse di monate thata mo botshelong jwa me mo kholejeng eno. Sengwe le sengwe se ke se fitlheletseng morago ga moo se bakilwe ke motheo o ke o neilweng ke kholeje eno,” ga rialo Keohitlhetse.
Dikopo tsa barutwana ba ba batlang go tsena mo kholejeng di tswalwa ka bokhutlong jwa kgwedi ya Diphalane. Bakopi ba tshwanetse go bo ba falotse serutwa sa English ka Level 4, Mathematics ka Level 3 kgotsa Mathematical Literacy ka Level 4.
Mabe a re molaetsa wa kholeje mo basheng o tlhamaletse: “Tshwetso e e siameng e ba tshwanetseng go e tsaya jaanong ke go ithuta temothuo.”
Picture: Five suspects nabbed during a drug-bust operation/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence at National Head Office, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), has uncovered a suspected multi-million-rand drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Krugersdorp, Gauteng.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the police have discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing facility. Mathe said five South African nationals who were found on the premises have been arrested.
“The police officers are travelling to the scene, where further assessments and investigations are underway. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt illicit drug manufacturing and bring those involved to justice,” she said.
8 Diphalane 2026 – Tirelo ya Sepodisi Sa Aforika Borwa (SAPS) mono Taung, e tlhotlhomisa kgetsi ya go leka go bolaya motho morago ga tiragalo ya go thuntshiwa kwa motseng wa Mokgareng, gaufi le Taung. Mo diureng tsa phakela wa Tshipi, 4 Diphalane 2026, mapodisi a ne a amogela pego ya motho yo o neng a thuntsiwa, mme morago a isiwa kwa bookelng jwa sedika jwa Taung go bona kalafi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Sarasanta Kelebogile Morake, are fa mapodisi a goroga kwa bookelong, a fitlhetse monna wa dingwaga di le 22 a amogela kalafi. Morake are le fa a ne a le mo maemong a bokoa, monna o, o ne a bolelela mapodisi gore o ne a tsamaya ka sejanaga sa gagwe go ya kwa motseng wa Qhoo fa a ne sega tsebe sejanaga sengwe kwa Mokgareng.
“Go begwa gore motho yo o neng a le mo sejanageng se se ngwe, o ne a mo sala morago, mme mmelaelwa a ntsha sethunya a bo a mo thuntsha. Gape go begwa fa mmelaelwa o ne a shupa mopalami o neng a tsamaya le mokgweetsi o ka sethunya.
“Mokgweetsi o, o ne a iponela dikgobalo mo mokokotlong le mo tlase ga sehuba. Ga go ise go nne le ope yo o tshwerweng mo kgatong eno, ka gonne mmelaelwa o santse a tsene ka lenga la seloko,” Morake wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams are sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo o nang le tshedimosetso e e ka thusang ka dipatlisiso go e neela sepodisi. Adams are mapodisi a tsweletse ka dipatlisiso go bona gore tiragalo eno e diragetse jang le go batlana le mmelaelwa.
8 Diphalane 2026 – Bolaodi jwa sedika sa Pixley ka Seme bo amogetse katlholo ya dingwaga di le tlhano kwa kgolegelong kgatlhanong le Caswill Moos (34) yo o bonweng molato wa go tlhasela tsala ya gagwe kwa Niekerkshoop. Go begwa fa tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka 30 Diphalane 2025, fa mosadi yo o nang le dingwaga di le 31 le Moos ba ne ba itapolosa kwa ntlong ya tsala ya gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers are fa ba sena go boela kwa lefelong le ba nnang kwa go lone, Moos o ne a tlhasela mosadi yoo ka go mo itaya le go mo raga. Ehlers are motswasetlhabelo o ne a kgona go tshaba mo ntlong, mme a kopa thuso kwa baagisaning.
“Morago ga moo, go ne ga bulwa kgetsi ya go tlhasela motho ka maikaelelo a go mo gobatsa botlhoko (GBH), mme dipatlisiso di ne tsa etelelwa pele ke Detective Constable Emily Swartz wa Yuniti ya babatlisisi kwa Niekerkshoop.
“Moos o ne a tshwarwa, mme a lebana le molato o o maleba. Kgotlatshekelo ya kgaolo e e dutseng kwa Griekwastad, e sa tswa go bona Moos molato mabapi le go tlhasela motho ka maikaelelo a go mo gobatsa botlhoko, mme ya mo atlholela dingwaga di le tlhano mo kgolegelong,” Ehlers wa tlhalosa.
Ehlers are dingwaga di le pedi tsa katlholo eo, di beetswe thoko dingwaga di le tlhano. Are kgotlatshekelo gape e ne ya bolela gore Moos ga a tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya.
“Detective Constable Swartz o ne a akgolwa ka ntlha ya dipatlisiso tsa gagwe tse di manontlhotlho, tse di nnileng le seabe mo go bonweng ga Moos molato. Boiteko jwa gagwe bo netefaditse gore modirabosenyi o ikarabela ka ditiro tsa gagwe le gore molao o diragadiwe mo boemong jwa motswasetlhabelo.
“SAPS e tsweletse go itlama mo go lwantsheng tirisodikgoka ya mo malapeng le tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong. Re tla tswelela go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba isiwa kwa dikgotlatshekelo gore ba tle ba ikarabele ka ditiro tsa bone,” Ehlers a rialo.
Ehlers are tirelo ya sepodisi sa Aforika Borwa e tsweletse go ikemisetsa go samagana le tirisodikgoka ya mo malapeng le tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong, le go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba isiwa kwa dikgotlatshekelo go lebana le ditlamorago tsa ditiro tsa bone.
8 Diphalane 2026 – Tirelo ya Sepodisi ya Aforika Borwa (SAPS) kwa Ottosdal e tlhotlhomisa kgetsi ya polao morago ga loso lwa mosadi wa dingwaga di le 55 kwa polaseng ya Doornpan, kwa ntlenyana ga Ottosdal. Go begwa fa mapodisi a ne a amogela pego ya tlhaselo e e ka nnang e diragetse kwa polaseng, mme a tsibogela kwa lefelong leo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokoen Bophirima, Sarasanta Kelebogile Morake are fa sepodisi se goroga, se ne sa itsisiwe gore mosadi yo o neng a gobetse o ne a isiwa kwa sepetlele kwa Klerksdorp ke monna wa gagwe. Morake are moragonyana, o ne a tlhokafala kwa sepetlele ka ntlha ya dikgobalo tse a neng a di bone.
“Go begwa gore mosadi yoo, o ne a tlhaselwa fa a ne a leka go bula kgoro gore a tsene mo polaseng. Maemo a a dikologileng tiragalo eno a santse a batlisisiwa. Babelaelwa ba babedi ba banna, ba dingwaga di le 32 le 33, ba tshwerwe mabapi le polao eno morago ga gore ba lemogiwe ke mosupi.
“Mmelaelwa wa boraro o santse a tsene ka lenga la seloko. Babelaelwa ba ba tshwerweng ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa Kgotlatshekelo ya Bomaseterata ya Ottosdal ka Labone, 8 Diphalane 2026, ba lebane le melato ya polao,” Morake wa tlhalosa.
Re sale foo, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o kgala tiragalo eno, mme o akgotse setlhopha sa babatlisisi ka go tshwara babelaelwa ka bonako.
“Polokesego le pabalesego ya batho ba ba nnang le ba ba dirang kwa mafelong a magaeng e santse e le nngwe ya dilo tse di tlang kwa pele mo tirelong ya sepodisi sa Aforika Borwa. Re tshwenyegile thata ka tiragalo eno e e utlwisang botlhoko, mme re romela matshediso a rona kwa lelapeng la ga van Zyl.
“Re tla tswelela go dira mmogo le baagi ba kwa magaeng, balemirui le bakgathatiro ba bangwe go nonotsha dikgato tsa thibelo ya bosenyi le go netefatsa gore ba ba rwelang maikarabelo a bosenyi jo bo dirang dikgoka ba isiwa kwa kgotlatshekelo,” Adams wa tlhalosa.
Are o tsweletse ka go kopa baagi ba mafelo a magaeng gore ba nne kelotlhoko, ba bege ditiro dingwe le dingwe tse di belaetsang kwa mapodising, mme ba dirisane le baemedi ba molao go tokafatsa polokesego mo mafelong a dipolase.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 October 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled in nicely in Bloemfontein ahead of their two 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar scheduled for this Friday and next Tuesday. The 2022 African Champions arrived in the City of Roses on Monday to begin preparations for the all-important clashes set to be played at the Free State Stadium.
Madagascar will host the first match as they have no suitable venue, and they are expected in the province on Wednesday. Kick-off for this encounter is 3pm, but no spectators are allowed at the request of the visiting team.
Banyana Banyana have already held two training sessions since their arrival, with two more still to come to complete preparations for the first leg. South Africa last played in the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio, Brazil, and are eager to make a return to the global event.
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said they have not qualified for the last two Olympic Games as they were knocked out in the first round in 2019. Ellis said they reached the final round against Nigeria and lost narrowly.
“It’s really important that we start getting to the Olympics. We qualified back-to-back in the past and then you don’t qualify for two, it’s important for us to qualify for these global events because the newer players that come in, and the younger players that come in, will also gain a lot of experience through that.
“So, it’s really important that we get off on a good start on Friday to make sure that we get to the next round. Banyana Banyana are still in contention for World Cup qualification and will be playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs next month,” she said.
Ellis further said the Madagascar fixtures present a dual purpose for them.
“It’s not just about this game, it’s also about the game in November, so we’re using it two-fold because you have very little time to prepare and we know that it is a very big tournament as well that we need to prepare for.
“So, we’ll be preparing for Madagascar but also looking at how we can get the team to be a better version of themselves come November 2026,” added Ellis.
She said Thembi Kgatlana (Mexico), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) and Hildah Magaia (Saudi Arabia) have already reported for national team duty, while Amogelang Motau (Mexico) was expected on Wednesday afternoon. Ellis said but Banyana Banyana will be without experienced defender, Bambanani Mbane who has returned home to continue with her injury rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the second leg will take place on 13 October, also at the Free State Stadium. Tickets for this match are on sale at shop.ticketpro.co.za/event/banyana- with adults playing R50 while children under 12 will be charged R20.
Setshwantsho: Diritibatsi tse di thopilweng ke sepodisi
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
8 Diphalane 2026 – Setlhopha sa Namakwa District Task Team se tsweletse go nonotsha maiteko a sone a go lwantsha bosenyi jo bo amanang le diritibatsi, ka matsholo a totobetseng a twantsho ya thibelo ya bosenyi a a ikaegileng ka go kgoreletsa kgwebo e e seng ka fa molaong ya diritibatsi le go dintsha mo baaging. Ka di 6 Diphalane 2026, maloko a Namakwa District Task Team a ne a dira ditiro tse di totobetseng tsa thibelo ya bosenyi, go emisa le go phuruphutsa batho le dipalangwa, mmogo le go paterola kwa Okiep.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Namakwa, mokaptein Ivan Magerman are go ile ga tshwarwa babelaelwa ba le mmalwa ka ntlha ya go tshwara le go rekisa diritibatsi tse di seng ka fa molaong. Magerman are e ne ya re ka ura ya 4:45 mo thapameng, maloko a a neng a dira ditiro kwa The Hill kwa Okiep a ne a emisa le go phuruphutsa monna wa dingwaga di le 42.
“Monna o, o ne a fitlhelwa a tshwere diritibatsi tsa Mandrax, mme o ne a tshwarwa. Nakonyana morago ga moo, maloko a ne a tswelela ka ditiro tsa bone, mme a tshwara mosadi wa dingwaga di le 45 ka ntlha ya go tshwara diritibatsi tse di seng ka fa molaong.
“Mo e ka nnang ka 5:30 thapama, maloko a a neng a paterola le ditiro tsa go emisa le go phuruphutsa mo tselakgolo ya N7, a ne a lemoga monna wa dingwaga di le 31 yo o neng a fetola tsela fa a bona sejanaga sa mapodisi,” Magerman wa tlhalosa.
Magerman are maloko a sepodisi a ne a mo sala morago, mme a mo emisa. Magerman are fa a phuruphudiwa, o ne a fitlhelwa a tshwere Tik, mme a tshwarwa ka ntlha ya go tshola diritibatsi.
“Monna yo mongwe wa dingwaga di le 38, yo o neng a itshwara ka tsela e e belaetsang, le ene o ne a tshwarwa mo nakong ya ditiro tseno. Setlhopa se, se ne sa tswelela ka ditiro tsa sone tse di totobetseng kwa Okiep, mme sa tshwara mmelaelwa yo mongwe yo o neng a fitlhelwa a tshwere diritibatsi.
“Go ne ga bonwa gape madi a a sa tlhalosiwang gore ke bokae, a go belaelwang gore ke madi a a bonweng ka thekiso e e seng ka fa molaong ya dritibatsi. Monna wa dingwaga di le 36 o ne a tshwarwa, mme a lebana le molato wa go rekisa diritibatsi,” ga rialo Magerman.
Magerman are ka kakaretso, babelaelwa ba le batlhano ba ne ba tshwarwa ka nako ya ditiro tsa Namakwa District Task Team kwa Okiep. Are maloko a sepodisi a Nababeep, le one a nnile le seabe mo katlegong eno fa mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 9:10 bosigo, a ne a tshwara monna wa dingwaga di le 29 ka ntlha ya go tshwara diritibatsi.
“Babelaelwa botlhe ba ba tshwerweng, mme ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlatshekelo ya Springbok mo nakong e e sa fediseng pelo, kwa ba tla lebana le melato e e maleba.
“Bolaodi jwa sepodisi jwa sedika sa Namakwa, bo akgotse maloko ka ntlha ya boineelo jwa bone jo bo tswelelang jwa go lwantsha bosenyi jo bo amanang le diritibatsi tse di seng ka fa molaong, mme jwa gatelela gore ditiro tse di lebisitsweng kwa go tshwareng, go anamisa le go rekisa diritibatsi tse di seng ka fa molaong di tla tswelela,” Magerman wa tlhalosa.
Magerman are setlhopha sa Namakwa District Task Team se tla tswelela go nonotsha ditiro tse di ikaegileng ka go kgoreletsa kgwebo e e seng ka fa molaong ya diritibatsi le go tshwara batho ba ba amegang mo ditirong tsa bosenyi jo bo amanang le diritibatsi. Are ba ikemiseditse go dira gore baagi ba nne mo mafelong a a sireletsegileng le go netefatsa gore batho ba ba rekisang le go anamisa diritibatsi ba isiwa kwa di kgotlatshekelo.
“Sepodisi se kgothaletsa baagi go tshegetsa maiteko ano ka go bega ditiro tse di belaetsang tsa bosenyi le melato e e amanang le diritibatsi kwa mapodising kgotsa ka sephiri ka go letsetsa nomoro ya Crime Stop ya O8600 10111, kgotsa ka go romela molaetsa go MySAPS App,” Magerman wa tlhalosa.
Picture: SAFA Welcomes Nine Appointments to COSAFA Standing Committees
By REGINALD KANYANE
October 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has welcomed the appointment of nine South African representatives to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Standing Committees and Independent Bodies. The appointments include two South Africans who have been appointed as committee chairpersons and represent a strong vote of confidence in the expertise, experience and contribution of South African football professionals.
The SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said the appointments cover key areas of football administration, including technical development, refereeing, finance, medical services, commercial and television matters, futsal and beach soccer, disciplinary affairs, ethics, governance and compliance. Monyepao said nine South African representatives are Victor Gomes – Chairperson of the Referees Committee and Linda Zwane – Chairperson of the Technical and Development Committee.
“Committee Members are Mxolisi Sibam – Finance Committee, Dr Thulani Khangelani Ngwenya – Medical Committee, Pius Clive Nqandela – Commercial and Television Committee.
“Pooblan Govindasamy – Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee, Tankiso Modipa – Disciplinary Board, Andile Ngconjana – Ethics Board and Job Mchunu – Governance and Compliance Committee,” she said.
Monyepao said the appointments provide South Africa with an important opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of football across the Southern African region, while strengthening collaboration and the sharing of expertise among COSAFA Member Associations. She further congratulated all nine appointees and acknowledged the confidence placed in their respective expertise, experience and commitment to the development of football.
“The association said it looks forward to their meaningful contribution to COSAFA and to the continued growth and development of football across Southern Africa,” added Monyepao.
8 Diphalane 2026 – Molatofadiwa, Lynda Elize Schneider (50), o atlholetswe dingwaga di le supa kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya bosenyi jwa kgwebo e e kgethegileng kwa Vryburg morago ga go ipona molato wa tsietso. Schneider gape o atlholetswe dingwaga di le tharo mo kgolegelong mabapi le go tlola Molao wa Boitshupo wa 68 wa 1997. Dikatlholo tseno di tla tsamaya ka nako e le nngwe.
Dikatlholo tseno di tla tsamaisiwa ka gangwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake are molatofadiwa o ne a tlhagelela fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo ka di 5 Diphalane 2026, kwa a neng a ipona molato mo ditatofatsong ka bobedi. Morake are kgotlhatshekelo gape e ne ya kaya fa molatofadiwa a sa tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya.
“Tiragalo eno e diragetse ka Phukwi 2025 kwa lebenkeleng la thekiso ya megala kwa Schweizer Reneke. Kgotlatshekelo e ne ya utlwa gore molatofadiwa o ne a etela lebenkele leo ka maikaelelo a go bona Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB ka konteraka.
“O ne a neela morekisi ditlankana tsa boitshupo le pegelo ya banka tse di fosagetseng, mme seno sa dira gore konteraka ya selefouno e amogelwe go dirisitswe ditlankana tsa maaka. Morago ga moo, molatofadiwa o ne a tsaya selefouno ka konteraka,” Morake wa tlhalosa.
Are dipatlisiso di ne tsa diriwa ka kelotlhoko ke mapodisi, mme tsa lebisa kwa go tshwareng ga molatofadiwa. Morake are molatofadiwa o ne a ipona molato mo di tatofatsong ka bobedi.
Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse Detective Captain Martin Joseph wa Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit ka dipatlisiso tsa gagwe tse di manontlhotlho, tse di feletseng ka go atlega ga tshekiso le go bonwa molato ga molatofadiwa.
“Re rata gape go akgola Advocate Mosegedi wa Kantoro ya Mokaedi wa Botshwarwa ka go tlhagisa kgetsi eno ka botswerere fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo.
“Se, se nnileng le seabe mo katlegong go netefatsa fa tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaanong, re amogela katlholo eno, mme re akgola babatlisisi ka tiro ya bona ya boineelo e e dirileng gore molatofadiwa a isiwe fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo,” Adams wa tlhalosa.
Adams are sepodisi se tla tswelela go batlisisa melato ya tsietso le go netefatsa gore batho ba ba dirisang ditlankana tsa maaka go dira ditiro tsa bosenyi ba tshwarwa, mme ba lebagana le letsogo la molao.
Picture: The deceased, Xolile Mandla Bosman/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
7 October 2026 – The lifeless body of a missing man, Xolile Mandla Bosman (26) was discovered in a river at Rooiwal village, near Taung on Wednesday evening, 16 September 2026. The police said they received a report of a body in the river and proceeded to the scene, where they found Bosman floating in the water.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the body was in an advanced state of decomposition and could not be identified at the time. Morake said the deceased was subsequently identified through DNA analysis as Xolile Mandla Bosman, who had previously been reported missing at Taung Police Station in July 2026.
“The circumstances surrounding the death are currently under investigation. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to assist in determining the cause of death. Investigation in the matter continues,” she said.
Meanwhile, a family member, Khanyi Bosman, conveyed her heartfelt message to Xolile Mandla Bosman on Facebook. She said it is hard to find the right words because their hearts are completely shattered.
“For three months, we were searching, praying, waiting, checking our phones, hoping for good news. We never for one moment thought that you would leave us like this. In our hearts, we truly believed you would come back. We kept saying: “Xolile will come back, he will walk through that door again.” However, you never did.
“Now, we have to accept that you are gone and it hurts in a way I cannot explain. You were missing for three months, but our hope was never missing. We held onto hope until the very end. To hear that you were found and that you are no more, it shattered us,” she said.
Khanyi further said: “Xolile, you did not deserve this. You had so much life left in you. We had so many plans, so many conversations left to have, so much laughter left to share. Who knew that the last time we saw you would be the last time forever? You will always be remembered, Mandla. Your name will not be forgotten. Your smile, your voice, your spirit will stay with us forever. We will carry you in our hearts everywhere we go.
“Rest well, Xolile Mandla Bosman. Rest in peace. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.”
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Letlhogonolo Theophilus Motshabi/Facebook
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
7 Diphalane 2026 – Kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung, e solofetswe go rebola katlholo mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Letlhogonolo Theophilus Motshabi yo o itsegeng ka leina la Mafred wa kwa motseng wa Sekhing mono Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Se, se tla morago ga gore lekgotlha la bosekisi le mmueledi wa molatofadiwa ba konosetse dinganyisano tsa morago ga tsheko.
Go begwa fa Motshabi a beteletse Rachel Tshabile ka di 29 Mopitlwe 2026, gaufi le ntlo e rekisang nnotagi kwa ga Piet. Go ya ka molatofadiwa, o ne a dutse kwa ntlung eo e rekisang nnotagi a ntse a nwa Heineken ga mmogo le Black Label fa a bona Tshabile a feta. Are o ne a mo latela, mme a mo fitlhela a bua ka mogala wa letheka.
Motshabi o boleletse kgotlhatshekelo gore morago ga gore Tshabile a fetsa go bua ka mogala wa letheka, o ne a mo kopa tikologo e le nngwe ya thobalano. Go ya ka Motshabi, Tshabile ga ka a senyana nako le go bona dipotso, mme ka gangwe fela, ba wela mo tseleng.
Motshabi o boleletse kgotlhatshekelo fa ba ne ba ya kwa ntlung nngwe ya mmu e e seng kgakajana le ntlo e rekisang nnotagi. Are o ile a fitlha a bula, mme ba tsena mo ntlung eo.
Motshabi o boleletse kgotlhatshekelo fa a ile a apola baki, sekipa ga mmogo le go ntsha leoto le le lengwe mo borokgweng le go rola ditlhako. Are o ne a dula mo tafoleng, mme a kopa Tshabile yo o neng a apere borokgwe jo bokhutsane jwa jeans apola.
Motshabi a re Tshabile ga ka a botsa dipotso, mme o le a apola borokgwe jo go fitlha mo mangweleng. Are o ne a kopa Tshabile go itshegeletsa ka lebota fa a motlhaga go tswa kwa morago.
Motshabi are na ne bat sena mo thobalanong e sa sireletsegang le Tshabile, mme e ne ya re fa ba ntse ba tsweletse ka go iphanya, Tshabile o ne a mo kopa gore a emise gonne a mo utlwisa botlhoko. Motshabi a re Tshabile o ne a thubega ka selelo le go tswela kwa ntle.
Go ya ka Motshabi, o ne a sa itse gore Tshabile o lelela eng, mme o ne a leka go mo botsa seo, fela a se bone dikarabo. Go begwa fa ausi wa ga Tshabile a ne a tla morago ga go longwa tsebe ke mongwe wa baagi ka go goeletsa ga monnawe.
Motshabi a re o ne a tlogela sekipa le setlhako kwa ntlung eo. Go begwa fa ausi wa ga Tshabile a ne a botsa Motshabi gore ke ka go reng a rwele setlhako se le nosi. Fela, go begwa fa e ne ya re mo kgakgauthanong eo ya mafoko, Motshabi o ne a ntsha botona jwa gagwe le go bo bontsha ausi wa mongongoregi.
Go begwa fa Tshabile a ne a loma Motshabi mo letsogong, fela molatofadiwa o ganeditse dipego tseo. Motshabi o boleletse lekgotlha fa e ne e se ga ntlha a iphanya ka thobalano le Tshabile.
O tlhalositse fa ntho e e neng ele mo letsogong, a ne a e bona ka motsi wa fa a ne a ile go rwalela dikgong kwa nageng.
Fela, mosekisi o ne a ganetsa dipego tseo le go botsolotsa Motshabi fa go baneng a sa itsise mmueledi wa gagwe wa Legal Aid ka gore ga se ga ntlha a iphanya ka thobalano le Tshabile. Mosekisi o tlhalositse fa Tshabile a tlhalositse fa a ne a sena dikamano dipe le Motshabi, ntle le go itsane go tloga kwa kerekeng.
Go begwa fa Tshabile kaile fa a ne a kopiwa ke Motshabi go tsamaya le ene kwa ntlung eo go ya go mo thusa go ga metsi a hubbly bubbly. Fela o ne a makadiwa ke maitsholo a ga Motshabi fa ba fitlha kwa ntlung eo. Tshabile are Motshabi o ne a mo tshosetsa ka garawe, le go mo kaela fa tlile go mo itaya ka garawe, mme a mmetelela.
Go begwa fa Tshabile a ne a ikgotha mo go Motshabi, le go tswela kwa ntle kwa a ileng a tswelela ka go lela le go goeletsa.
Kgabagare, magistrata Buti Zulu are o tla neelana ka katlholo mo letsatsing la kamoso.
Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Patrick Maine ga mmogo le Onkemetse Phatlhanyane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
7 Diphalane 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi, Phemelo Patrick Maine (46) ga mmogo le Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (28) e buseditswe morago mo letsatsing la gompieno ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung. Se, se tla morago ga gore mmueledi wa ga Maine a se iponagatse kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le go robega ga sejanaga sa gagwe.
Kgotlhatshekelo e utlwile fa mmueledi o, a ne a tsenetse kgotlhatshekelo kwa Kgomotso, mme a kopana le mathata mabapi le go robega ga sejanaga sa gagwe fa a ne a ipaakanyanetsa go leba kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung.
Maine le Phatlhanyane ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, ba latofadiwa ka go thopa ka dikgoka le go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16). Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, moragonyana.
Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.
Sebueledi sa maloba sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota. Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe.
“Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong. Dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng.”
Mokgwabone are, Maine o ne a tshwarwa morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising. Are monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa.
“Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere wa nako eo mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.
Kgabagare, kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 20 Diphalane 2026, mme e tla nnelwa disanyana pele ga tsheko.
6 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is conducting an operation at a plot in the Hartbeespoort Dam area after uncovering what is believed to be a multimillion-rand Mandrax manufacturing laboratory. The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams is currently at the scene overseeing the operation.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said SAPS members discovered what is believed to be a facility used for the illicit manufacture of Mandrax. Mathe said quantity of drugs seized and the estimated street value are still being determined as the operation continues.
“Further details are expected to be released once the operation has been concluded,” she said.
Picture: Former Sekhukhune United footballer, Mokete Sean Mogaila
By STAFF REPORTER
6 October 2026 – Former Sekhukhune United footballer, Mokete Sean Mogaila, 29, has pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failure to render assistance following a fatal motor vehicle collision in Tembisa that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl. Mogaila, who played in the Betway Premiership for Sekhukhune United before leaving the club, appeared before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court and entered into a guilty plea in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole said Mogaila “admitted to all the elements of the offences” and accepted the facts and allegations presented by the state. Mohlatlole said the charges stem from a collision on Andrew Mapheto Road during the early hours of 30 October 2024.
“Mogaila admitted that the vehicle he was driving “veered into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle” occupied by a woman and her two children. The crash claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela, while her mother and 13-year-old brother sustained serious injuries.
“Mohlatlole further said Mogaila fled the scene after the collision but later “handed himself over to law enforcement authorities on the same day”. He added that during the investigation, the police discovered alcohol bottles and drugs inside the vehicle.
“The court subsequently convicted Mogaila on all three charges following his guilty plea. Mogaila was a professional footballer with Sekhukhune United, competing in South Africa’s top-flight Betway Premiership.
“The club announced his departure in July 2026, as part of its squad changes ahead of the new season, leaving him a free agent. The matter has been postponed to 17 November 2026, for sentencing. The guilty plea and conviction not only hold the accused accountable for his unlawful conduct but also spare the victims and their family the emotional burden of a lengthy trial,” said Mohlatlole.
He said the prosecution authority described the conviction as “an important step towards justice for the deceased child and her family”.
Picture: Some of five North West learners awarded with tertiary bursaries/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
6 October 2026 – Five high school learners were awarded bursaries by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) through its Learning Academy, following their participation at the Water and Sanitation Education and Awareness Programme (WSEP) competitions held on 27 September – 1 October 2026 in Benoni, Gauteng. WSEP is a school-based initiative by the DWS designed to build water literacy, encourage resource conservation, and promote careers in the water sector.
The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said through this initiative, learners are also motivated to become young water ambassadors, sharing key messages on water conservation, responsible water use, river and dam protection and the importance of good sanitation practices within their schools, homes, and communities. Mavasa said high school learners from North West participated in Aqua Enduro category, which targets Grade 10 and 11 learners, demonstrating their innovation to solve water and sanitation challenges in their communities.
She further said they have also participated in Public Speaking category which aims to build public-speaking skills and awareness of water and sanitation issues. Mavasa said under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in South Africa”, school learners from different provinces converged at the National Adjudications to participate and demonstrate their talent, knowledge and dedication to water and sanitation in different categories of the Programme.
“Two Public Speaking participants, Laone Mochwening from Tigerkloof Combined School and Palesa Mofokeng from Molebatsi Secondary School, received bursaries to study at any tertiary institution of their choice within the country.
“Aqua Enduro participants, Kaone Moeng from Obusitse Intermediate School, Koki Orateng from Tigerkloof Combined School and Thatoyaone Mmusi from Z.M Seatlholo Secondary School also received bursaries. Moreover, Thatoyaone Mmusi was awarded a fully licensed laptop for being one of the 23 exceptional Aqua Enduro participants,” she said.
Mavasa further said other North West participants at the WSEP national adjudications are Anesu Kweetsane – Milner High School, Neo Nteo – Stilfontein Hoerskool, Boikhutso Dikole – Pinagare High School, Zandile Mabuza -Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School, Laone Mochweneng and Oarabile Mooketsi – Tigerkloof Combined School. She added that Molebogeng Mogola – ZM Seatlholo Secondary School also took part.
“Concluding the WSEP weeklong National Adjudications, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon David Mahlobo awarded deserving learners with 54 tertiary bursaries to pursue careers in the water and sanitation sector, cash prizes, laptops and certificates. Mahlobo said investing in young people is a response to a call on their own survival as a nation, the work done here today, they are planting a seed.
“We are not trying to produce workers, but we are trying to produce leaders. We call on young people to consider careers in the water and sanitation sector.
“With the country facing climate change, one drop of water is required to produce more and the youth must be able to bring innovations through science and technology. We would like to congratulate these learners and express strong support in improving their full potential,” he said.
One of the partners, mentioned the commitment they made through the School Adoption Initiative earlier this year when they adopted Ntsweletsoku Primary School located in Lehurutshe, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. The school learners and educators were able to be provided with an improved clean and safe drinking water.
6 October 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in communities, public spaces and landscapes across the country, millions of new trees are taking root. Ramaphosa said since April 2026, more than seven million trees have been planted across all provinces under the Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign.
He further said more than two million trees have been planted in the Western Cape alone, with more than one million trees in each of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Ramaphosa added that it is particularly impressive that more than half a million trees have been planted in the country’s driest province, the Northern Cape.
“The Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign is part of the existing National Greening Programme. We aim to plant one billion trees over the next five years, working in partnership with communities, traditional leaders and the private sector.
“Trees and green spaces provide recreation and shade. They help to mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. But more than that, this greening campaign is a response to the spatial inequality created by apartheid-era urban planning that saw historically white suburbs lined with trees and green spaces, whereas there was sparse vegetation in the townships,” he said.
Addressing and overcoming the geography of inequality, Ramaphosa said they inherited necessitates those greening programmes must also substantively contribute to advancing food security, rural development and the economic empowerment of women. He said the trees that are being planted are mainly indigenous and have been chosen for their suitability to local conditions.
“Importantly, a number of varieties of fruit trees have been planted, including citrus, avocado trees and grapes. These fruit trees will add to food security at a household level and support the expansion of community and school food gardens. The surplus from these trees could generate income.
“The goal of this intervention would be that a subsistence farmer can then reinvest that income in purchasing additional trees and inputs, and gradually expand into an income-generating enterprise,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Human Settlements to help ensure that a fruit tree is planted with every new subsidised house. Ramaphosa said there are already a number of successful projects where tree planting has helped to empower women with livelihood support.
“One such example is the She Evolves project in the Tswelopele Local Municipality in the Free State where women have been leading tree planting in the community to provide income. Another such successful project is the Innesfree Park urban garden in the Sandton CBD in Gauteng.
“With the support of a local hospitality chain, a mother and daughter team are growing fruit, vegetables and herbs to support local feeding schemes and create employment for women. Greening programmes are a pathway for skills development that leads to job creation as well as supporting self-employment,” he said.
Ramaphosa said workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are playing a key role in the campaign, assisting with land preparation, transporting trees to planting sites, planting and horticultural maintenance. He said the environmental sector is one of the most successful contributors to the EPWP, providing unemployed South Africans with work opportunities and skills in conservation, water, waste and fire management.
“With these skills, young South Africans will be able to use what they have learned to seek employment at nurseries and farms, and start their own businesses in landscaping, tree maintenance, plant production and sale.
“The seemingly simple act of planting a tree has the potential to generate many opportunities into the future, especially for young people who have considered a future in farming but did not know where or how to start. Another important aspect of this campaign is the deliberate focus on planting indigenous trees,” said Ramaphosa.
He said large parts of urban and rural South Africa are covered by dense canopies of non-indigenous trees that were planted by former colonial authorities, among other things, to meet the growing demand for timber. Ramaphosa said many of these trees, including Pretoria’s fabled jacarandas, are classified as invasive species.
“Invasive alien trees put a strain on already scarce surface water, threaten indigenous vegetation and are costly to eradicate. Invasive alien tree species also increase the risk and severity of wildfires, as communities in parts of the Garden Route have experienced over many years.
“As government, our environmental policies have been consistent on the need for both the preservation and transfer of indigenous knowledge in the cause of conservation. The removal of invasive species itself is an economic activity with the potential to generate income,” he said.
Ramaphosa said there are already several companies turning alien invasive plants and trees into biomass that is being used in a variety of industrial applications, including green fuel. He said the DFFE and South African National Parks have a successful Eco-Furniture Programme that trains EPWP workers to produce school desks, benches and other wood products from cleared invasive alien trees.
“Indigenous tree planting, nurturing and cultivation provide opportunities for young people to be trained in seed collection and indigenous horticulture, supporting local ownership of environmental assets and giving them skills and knowledge that they could use to start their own businesses.
“Ultimately, the Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign is aligned with our commitment to the sustainable use of our natural resources and to sustainable development. Conservation and socio-economic development are not mutually exclusive. This initiative has the potential to catalyse both small- and large-scale economic activity and job creation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the momentum that this campaign has gathered is a testament to the power of collective action, with private citizens, businesses, schools and community organisations joining the effort. Ramaphosa called on those who have not already done so to join the campaign by planting or donating a tree.
“Together, we can achieve our goal of planting one billion trees across South Africa over the next five years,” he concluded.
Picture: Driver killed, passenger wounded in R21 shooting/Twitter
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
6 October 2026 – The police in Gauteng are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident on the R21 road towards OR Tambo International Airport on Monday evening, 5 October 2026. According to the preliminary information, a driver travelling in a Fiat reportedly experienced a breakdown and contacted a friend for assistance.
The Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a friend arrived at the scene accompanied by two other people. Nevhuhulwi said while they were attending to the vehicle, shots were fired at them.
“The driver attempted to evade the gunfire, but lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a jersey barrier. He sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
“One of the passengers sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to hospital for medical treatment, while the third occupant managed to escape unharmed,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi further said the motive for the shooting is currently unknown. She added that no arrests have been made at this stage.
“The police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
“The police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Meanwhile, the reports suggest that, the deceased is Preggy Padayachee, who is former police, Feroz Khan’s uncle.
6 October 2026 – The disciplinary proceedings against senior police Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya are continuing, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirming that the hearing has not been halted. SAPS said the disciplinary hearing and the Labour Court proceedings are “separate matters” that have been running in parallel.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a disciplinary hearing was heard today, but the applicant’s request for a postponement was granted. Mathe said the matter has been postponed to 12 October 2026, to allow him an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in preparation for the hearing.
“The urgent application before the Labour Court was also heard on Monday. However, the matter was adjourned to allow SAPS to file its opposing papers and the applicant to file his replying affidavit before the case can be heard by the court.
“The Labour Court proceedings “remain sub judice” and we will therefore refrain from commenting on the merits of the matter. We would like to reiterate that the disciplinary process against Sibiya is proceeding despite the separate Labour Court proceedings,” she said.
Picture: SA elite women’s league’s youngest player, Imanathi Makinana/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
6 October 2026 – The South African elite women’s league’s youngest player, Imanathi Makinana (14), brought down the curtain in grand style at the Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified Festival in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, at the weekend. Buoyed by a sizeable home crowd at Westbourne Oval on Sunday, Makinana’s brace helped City Lads Ladies to a 2 – 1 win over First Touch Ladies.
The pint-sized attacker, nicknamed Neymar after the Brazilian star, converted two penalties – one in each half – to earn her side their second win of the season. She was also named Player of the Match. Makinana arrived at the mini-tournament just a few days after representing the SA Under-15 team at the SAFA Talent Development Scheme Inter-Provincial Tournament in Johannesburg, where she scored a hat-trick against a Mpumalanga team.
The budding star now has four league goals, having also bagged a brace when City Lads picked up their first points and goals of the campaign in a 3 – 2 win over Tshwane University of Technology a fortnight ago.
Even the persistent rain and gloomy weather in Gqeberha at the weekend did not deter Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who picked up another set of maximum points to maintain their grip at the top of the Super Era Stream. Banyana Ba Style thrashed Richmond Ladies 8 – 0 on Sunday.
With their 10th win on the trot, Sundowns opened an 11-point gap over second-placed University of Pretoria (Tuks), who edged their direct rivals for second spot, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), 1 – 0 on Saturday. It is the second time this campaign that Sundowns have won by a big margin in the Super Era Stream, following their 6 – 0 demolition of Diepkloof Ladies at the start of the season in May.
While Sundowns are running their own race, the battle for second spot continues between distant chasers Tuks and UWC. The two are tied on 19 points, but Tuks have the edge by virtue of a better goal difference.
The defeat on Saturday ended UWC’s four-match winning run since the resumption of the campaign in August. Tuks goalscorer, Siyamthanda Qashani is now leading the scoring charts with eight goals.
Tuks head coach, Sibusiso Themba said afterwards: “I said it before that we don’t compete with Sundowns – they are on another level.
“So, our people are here (below Sundowns). When you play against your level, it’s going to be pound for pound – ups and downs. It depends on who’s got the legs.”
In the Super Rise Stream, leaders JVW FC remain at the top of the log despite a 1 – 1 draw against Ezemvelo, who equalised in injury time. The Blue Diamonds, as JVW are affectionately known, are also unbeaten in 10 matches.
Behind them are the University of Fort Hare (UFH), who beat Ramatlaohle Ladies 1 – 0 on Saturday. With this win, UFH kept up the pressure on JVW, narrowing the gap at the top to three points.
Ramatlaohle are still chasing an elusive win, having collected just two points from their last two outings, putting their bid for a top-four finish at risk. Stellenbosch Ladies Finally Pick Up First Point Of The Campaign
Astrid Boks struck twice for Stellenbosch Ladies when they registered their first point of the campaign in 10 matches with a 2 – 2 draw against Copperbelt Ladies on the opening day of the festival on Friday. The stalemate also ended Stellies’ scoring drought, with their previous goal coming in June – interestingly, against Copperbelt in their 2 – 1 defeat in the first-round meeting.
For Copperbelt, the result halted a run of two consecutive defeats.
Affected Fixtures
Meanwhile, two fixtures were called off after teams either failed to show up or encountered logistical challenges.
On Friday, TS Galaxy Queens forfeited their match for failing to honour their fixture against Diepkloof Ladies.
According to the rules, Diepkloof Ladies have been awarded the three points and two goals.
Galaxy, on the other hand, are set to face the SAFA Disciplinary Committee.
The game between the University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology was postponed due to travel-related logistical challenges.
SAFA will confirm the rescheduling of the fixture.
Full Results
Friday, 02 October 2026
TS Galaxy Queens vs Diepkloof Ladies (Diepkloof Ladies win with walkover)
Copperbelt Ladies 2 – 2 Stellenbosch Ladies
Saturday, 03 October 2026
University of the Western Cape 0 – 1 University of Pretoria
Ezemvelo Women’s FC 1 – 1 JVW FC
University of Fort Hare 1 – 0 Ramatlaohle Ladies
Sunday, 04 October 2026
Mamelodi Sundowns 8 – 0 Richmond Ladies
First Touch 1 – 2 City Lads
University of Johannesburg vs Tshwane University of Technology
5 October 2026 – North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed appreciation to teachers across the province for their contribution to education and the development of young people. Mokgosi was speaking as South Africa and the international community commemorate World Teachers’ Day under the theme: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”
“The theme highlights the important role teachers have played in nurturing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, building character and preparing young people to become active citizens and future leaders.
“Teachers are the architects of human development. Every doctor, engineer, artisan, entrepreneur, public servant, and community leader has been guided by the wisdom, patience and dedication of a teacher,” he said.
Mokgosi further said teachers’ responsibilities extend beyond the classroom, with educators also serving as mentors, counsellors, role models and custodians of hope for young people. He added that teachers in the North West remain central to achieving quality education, social transformation and economic development, while contributing to the building of a capable and developmental state.
“We acknowledge the challenges educators face, including resource constraints and the changing demands of a rapidly evolving world. Despite these challenges, our educators remain steadfast in their commitment to nurturing young minds and unlocking the potential of every learner.
“We call for stronger partnerships between government, parents, communities and the education sector to create conducive teaching and learning environments, protect the dignity of educators and promote excellence in education,” said Mokgosi.
He said investment in education was an investment in the collective future of the province. Mokgosi said to all teachers across the province, they say thank you for your unwavering dedication, sacrifices and commitment to the development of the children and the nation.
“Your work shapes destinies, transforms communities and lays the foundation for a better North West,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 October 2026 – The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), is launching a multi-stakeholder awareness and compliance campaign to promote responsible gambling and combat illegal gambling in the province.
The campaign will also focus on addressing non-compliance in the liquor industry and raising awareness among young people about the dangers associated with alcohol abuse and illegal gambling.
The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the campaign was aimed at strengthening compliance while educating communities, particularly young people, about the social and economic consequences of irresponsible gambling and alcohol abuse. Lenkopane said they are taking this awareness and compliance campaign directly to the communities and young people to strengthen responsible conduct, combat illegal gambling and promote adherence to the regulatory framework.
“The campaign will include an awareness walk promoting healthy lifestyles, youth engagement sessions and activities aimed at addressing liquor- and gambling-related challenges affecting communities.
“Key regulatory stakeholders, including the NWGB and the North West Liquor Licensing Authority will be part of the campaign. The first phase will take place on 6 October 2026, with an awareness walk and student engagement programme at North West University (NWU) starting at 7am.
“The second phase will include the Ikageng Programme at Ikageng Stadium in Potchefstroom on 9 October 2026, from 7am, as well as the North West Gambling Board Underage Prevention Advocacy Soccer Tournament at Montshioa Stadium from 8am on the same day,” she said.
Lenkopane further said collaboration between government, regulatory bodies, educational institutions and communities was important in preventing illegal gambling and protecting young people from its potential social and economic consequences.
She added: “Our engagement with students and communities is an important part of ensuring that young people have the information and awareness we need to make responsible choices and understand the risks associated with illegal gambling and alcohol abuse.”
Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Puso Dithejane against Egypt/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 October 2026 – Bafana Bafana continued their sensational form under coach Pitso Mosimane after stunning Egypt in their own backyard at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. A lone strike from Puso Dithejane in the 50th minute was enough to win this international friendly match and also extend the South African senior men’s national team’s winning run to three victories in a row after wins against Guinea and Eritrea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played a few days ago.
It was certainly a day to remember for Bafana Bafana after South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the Cairo International Stadium change room to wish the team well minutes before the start of the match. Ramaphosa is in Egypt, where he participated in the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, and he was introduced to the team by South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan.
The South Africa President was in the stands to witness for himself when a Bafana Bafana team featuring several new faces fought bravely to beat Egypt in front of their home fans. Mosimane had promised to make wholesale changes, and he did exactly that when he introduced several players who did not feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.
“Yeah, it was a little difficult, you saw in the first five minutes that we could not find our feet. It’s normal because we brought in the younger ones. We changed the whole team. It takes a little time to gel and to come in, but as the game progressed, we gained confidence.
“But what I like is that they’re not afraid to play and we need to give them a chance. I let them swim with the sharks, threw them in the deep end. Yeah, they swam, hey? Yeah, so it’s good to see Shandre [Campbell), Puso, and all the young ones. [Lebone] Seema, big game and he played,” he said.
Mosimane further said they had to put [Khulumani] Ndamane in there, including Thabang Matuludi. He added that it was also good to bring back Fawaaz Basadien because he was with the national team before.
“Yeah, we were a little bit thin in the midfield due to several injuries to key personnel in the middle. I had to play Olwethu Makhanya in the midfield at the end. But it’s part of football. You’ve got to do what you have to do,” said Mosimane.
Jordaan congratulated the team and said they had made the nation proud.
Bafana Bafana will return to Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday 5 October 2026.
3 Diphalane 2026 – Karabo e e bonako ya sepodisi le tiragatso e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale di dirile gore monna wa dingwaga di le 50, yo o belaelwang ka polao, a tshwarwe mo diiring di le mmalwa morago ga go tlhaba le go bolawa ga mosadi wa gagwe kwa legaeng la bone la lenyalo kwa Platinum Village, Phokeng. Tiragalo eno, e ne ya begwa ka 29 Lwetse 2026, mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 1 mo motshegareng, fa mmelaelwa a ne a latofadiwa ka go tlhaba mosadi wa gagwe mme a tlhokafala.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are morago ga tiragalo eno, mmelaelwa o ne a tshaba mo lefelong leo, mme sepodisi sa simolola letsholo-patlo. Magakoe are mo diiring di le 10 fela morago ga tiragalo, mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 11 bosigo, sepodisi se ne sa amogela tshedimosetso ya gore mmelaelwa o ne a iphitlhile kwa lefelong la bonno le e seng la semmuso la Plastic View kwa Zinniaville.
“Maloko a Phokeng Crime Prevention Unit a ne a latela tshedimosetso e e amogetsweng, mme seno sa felela ka go tshwarwa ga mmelaelwa le go bonwa ga sebetsa se go belaelwang fa se dirisitswe mo polaong.
“Mmelaelwa o ne a tlhagelela fa pele ga Kgotlatshekelo ya Tlhabane ka di 1 Diphalane 2026, a lebane le molato wa polao. O ne a busediwa kwa kgolegelong, mme o tla boa gape kwa kgotlatshekelo ka di 12 Diphalane 2026,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.
Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse maloko a sepodisi a a nnileng le seabe mo karabong e e bonako, go kokoanyeng tshedimosetso le go tshwareng mmelaelwa. Adams gape o lebogile leloko la setšhaba le le neileng sepodisi tshedimosetso e e thusitseng gore mmelaelwa a bonwe.
“Re akgola maloko a sepodisi ka karabo ya bone e e bonako le ka go dirisa tshedimosetso e e amogetsweng go bona le go tshwara mmelaelwa. Re leboga gape leloko la setšhaba le le re neileng tshedimosetso e e botlhokwa. Re rotloetsa baagi go tswelela go dirisana le sepodisi ka go bega bosenyi le go neela sepodisi tshedimosetso e e ka thusang mo dipatlisisong,” ga rialo Adams.
3 Diphalane 2026 – Tiragatso e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale e feletse ka go tshwarwa ga banna ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 37 le 41, ba ba belaelwang ka go amega mo ditirong tsa go thopa dijanaga ka dikgoka, mmogo le go bonwa ga sejanaga se go belaelwang gore se utswitswe kwa Bojanala District. Tiragatso eno, e dirilwe ka di 29 Lwetse 2026, morago ga gore sepodisi se amogele tshedimosetso ka ga babelaelwa ba babedi ba go belaelwang gore ba amana le ditiragalo tsa go thopa dijanaga mo mafelong a sepodisi a Mooinooi le Brits.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are tshedimosetso eno, e ne ya tlhomamisiwa mme ya dirisiwa mo tirong ke setlhopha se se kopaneng se se neng se akaretsa Brits Crime Intelligence, Brits Trio Task Team, Brits District Detectives, Hartbeespoort Crime Prevention Unit le Hartbeespoort K9 Unit. Magakoe are babelaelwa ba ne ba bonwa kwa mafelong a a farologaneng kwa Itsoseng le Soshanguve, mme tiragatso ya botlhale ya latela molthala o, le go tshwara banna bao ka bobedi.
“Mo nakong ya tiragatso, Toyota Corolla e tshweu, e e fopholediwang go ka nna le boleng jwa R50 000, e ne ya bonwa kwa lefelong la go thuba ga dijanaga. Dipatlisiso tsa ntlha, di senotse gore sejanaga seno go belaelwa gore se ne sa thopiwa ka dikgoka, mme morago sa pentiwa sesha, fa nomoro ya boitshupo jwa sone (VIN) bo ne jwa senngwa kgotsa ya fetolwa.
“Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) e ne ya kopiwa go thusa ka tlhatlhobo le netefatso e e tseneletseng ya sejanaga seno. Babelaelwa ba lebane le melato e e amanang le go thopa seanaga ka dikgoka le go nna le sejanaga se go belaelwang fa se utswitswe,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.
Magakoe are banna ba babedi ba ne ba tlhagelela fa pele ga Kgotlatshekelo ya Brits ka di 1 Diphalane 2026. Are ba ne ba busediwa kwa kgolegelong, mme ba tla boa gape kwa kgotlatshekelo ka di 8 Diphalane 2026.
Mokomishinara wa sepodisi sa porofense sa Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse setlhopha se se kopaneng ka katlego ya tiragatso eno e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale. Adams are tiragatso eno e bontsha botlhokwa jwa sepodisi se se dirang ka tshedimosetso le tirisanommogo magareng ga diyuniti tse di kgethegileng le batlhotlhomisi.
“Re tla tswelela go sala morago batho ba ba belaelwang gore ba amega mo ditirong tsa go hijaka dikoloi le dikoloi tse di utswitsweng, mme re netefatse gore botlhe ba ba amegang ba isiwa fa pele ga dikgotlatshekelo.
“Sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima se rotloetsa bakgweetsi le maloko a setšhaba go nna kelotlhoko le go bega tshedimosetso e e amanang le go thopiwa ga dijanaga, dijanaga tse di utswitsweng kgotsa ditiro tse di belaetsang tse di amanang le dijanaga kwa sepodising,” Adams wa tlhalosa.
Adams are tshedimosetso gape e ka newa Crime Stop mo go 08600 10111 kgotsa ka MySAPS App.
3 Diphalane 2026 – Tiragatso e e kopanetsweng e e neng e akaretsa maloko a Tirelo ya Sepodisi sa Aforika Borwa (SAPS) e feletse ka go tshwarwa ga babelaelwa ba le bararo ba ba amanang le kgetsi ya bogodu jwa mo ntlung le go thopa motho ka dikgoka kwa Makapanstad. Babelaelwa bano, e leng banna ba le bararo ba dingwaga tse di fa gare ga 22 le 27, ba ne ba salwa morago le go tshwarwa ka 1 Diphalane 2026, morago ga ditiro tse di neng di ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale tse di neng tsa dirwa ke maloko a Brits Crime Intelligence, Brits Trio Task Team le Makapanstad Detectives.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are tiragatso eno e simolotse morago ga gore go amogelwe tshedimosetso e e neng e thusa babatlisisi go sala morago babelaelwa ba ba amanang le kgetsi e e kwa Makapanstad. Magakoe are go begwa gore ka di 30 Moranang 2024, banna ba ba neng ba tshwere dibetsa ba ne ba tsena mo legaeng kwa Makapanstad fa motswasetlhabelo a ne a lebeletse thelebišene.
“Babelaelwa ba ne ba mo dira motshwarakananyo le go mo supa ka sethunya pele ga ba tsaya dinotlolo tsa sejanaga sa gagwe le dithoto tsa botlhokwa. Go begwa fa bai le ba mo pateletsa go tsena mo Toyota Quantum ya mmala wa selefera.
“Ba ne ba mo isa kwa lefelong le lengwe, kwa go begwang fa ba ile ba mo batla dikarata tsa gagwe tsa banka, mme ba mo tshosetsa mmogo le morwawe. Ka ntlha ya ditshoso tseo, go ne ga ntshiwa madi a mantsi mo akhaontong ya banka ya motswasetlhabelo,” Magakoe wa bega.
Magakoe are motswasetlhabelo ga a ka a bega tiragalo eno ka bonako ka gonne o ne a tshositswe le go laelwa gore a se ka a ya kwa sepodisi. Magakoe are motswasetlhabelo one a bega kgetsi eno moragonyana, mme sejanaga sa gagwe se ne sa fitlhelwa se tlogetswe mo mmileng.
“Ka go kokoanya tshedimosetso ya botlhale le dipatlisiso tse di neng tsa latela, mmelaelwa wa ntlha o ne a tshwarelwa kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Soshanguve. Wa bobedi o ne a tshwarelwa kwa Training Academy, fa wa boraro a ne a salwa morago mme a tshwarelwa kwa Legonyane.
“Babelaelwa ba bararo ba solofetswe go tlhagelela fa pele ga Kgotlatshekelo ya Themba ka di 5 Diphalane 2026, ba lebane le melato e e amanang le bogodu jwa ntlo le go thopa motho ka dikgoka,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.
Are dipatlisiso di santse di tsweletse, mme sepodisi se ntse se sala morago babelaelwa ba bangwe ba go dumelwang gore ba amana le kgetsi eno.
Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse maloko a a nnileng karolo mo tiragatsong e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale ka ntlha ya maiteko a bone a a dirileng gore babelaelwa ba tshwarwe. Adams o gateletse gore SAPS e tla tswelela go sala morago babelaelwa ba ba amegang mo ditlolong tsa molao tse di masisi le tsa tirisodikgoka, mme a rotloetsa batswasetlhabelo ba bosenyi go begela sepodisi ditiragalo tsotlhe gore batlolamolao ba isiwe fa pele ga dikgotlatshekelo, mme ba lebane le tsamaiso ya bosiamisi.
“SAPS e tla tswelela go dira ka natla go sala morago batho ba ba amegang mo ditlolong tsa molao tse di masisi le tsa tirisodikgoka. Re rotloetsa batswasetlhabelo le maloko a setšhaba go begela sepodisi ditiragalo tsa bosenyi ka bonako, gore dipatlisiso di kgone go dirwa ka botlalo mme ba ba amegang ba isiwe fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo go lebana le molao,” ga rialo Adams.
Picture: ANCWL members set to host memorial service/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 October 2026 – The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL), together with various faith-based organisations, political parties, ANC Leagues and other stakeholders, will hold a National Prayer and Memorial Service in honour of women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The service will take place on 4 October 2026, at 10am at the Alberton Civic Centre in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
ANCWL Secretary-General Nokuthula Nqaba said the gathering follows the ANCWL’s call for a coordinated and united national response to the scourge of GBVF, including the recent killings of women in Ekurhuleni. Nqaba said the memorial service would provide an opportunity to honour victims while bringing together different sectors of society in solidarity against violence against women and children.
“This national prayer and memorial service is an opportunity for us to honour the many women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and femicide, while demonstrating solidarity across political, religious and community lines.
“The gathering would bring together political parties, faith-based organisations, civil society and ANC Leagues as part of a shared commitment to addressing violence against women and children,” she said.
Nqaba further said they seek to demonstrate that ending violence against women and children requires a united response from all sectors of society.
3 October 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has welcomed the conviction of former Department of Home Affairs (DHA) employee, Tholithemba Malusi Mlondo (34) on multiple charges of corruption, fraud and contraventions of the Identification Act and Immigration Act. Mlondo was found guilty on 1 October 2026 in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team into unlawful activities at the DHA office in Pietermaritzburg.
The Hawks national spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the charges relate to activities that allegedly took place between February 2022 and July 2023, when a group of South African citizens allegedly facilitated the fraudulent acquisition of South African passports by foreign nationals. Mogale said according to the investigation, the unlawful activities were carried out outside normal business hours, including during evenings, weekends and public holidays when the DHA offices were officially closed.
“Mlondo was found guilty on 264 counts, comprising 66 counts of fraud, 66 counts of corruption, 66 counts of contravening the Immigration Act and 66 counts of contravening the Identification Act. The accused has been in custody since his arrest and remains in custody pending sentencing.
“The conviction demonstrates the ongoing efforts of the Serious Corruption Investigation team to address corruption and other unlawful activities affecting the Department of Home Affairs,” she said.
Mogale further said this conviction is indicative of the ongoing efforts by the Serious Corruption Investigation team in the fight against unlawful activities that continue to plague the Department of Home Affairs. She added that they remain committed to investigating cases of corruption and ensuring that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are brought before the courts.
Mogale said the matter was postponed to 13 November 2026, for a pre-sentencing report, and Mlondo was remanded in custody.
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has arrested a mayor, municipal manager and chief financial officer (CFO) of a municipality on the southern coast of the Western Cape in connection with an alleged corruption investigation involving a security services contract. The arrests follow a tip-off received regarding allegations that a businessman who had been awarded a security services contract was allegedly solicited for kickbacks in exchange for the continuation of the contract.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said it is further alleged that the businessman had already paid hundreds of thousands of rand after allegedly fearing that his security services contract would be terminated. Mathe said the three suspects face charges of corruption and are expected to appear in court on 5 October 2026.
“The arrests followed an investigation into allegations of corruption linked to the municipal security contract. The Political Killings Task Team has arrested three senior municipal officials in connection with allegations of corruption involving a security services contract. The suspects face serious allegations and will have an opportunity to appear before court and answer to the charges.
“The police investigations are continuing,” she said.
3 October 2026 – The Koppies Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Tumelo Theletsane (30) to 25 years imprisonment, with 10 years suspended for five years, after finding him guilty of attempted murder. The sentence stems from an incident that occurred on 18 January 2026 at approximately 7:12am in New Location, Koppies.
The police received a complaint about a fight at a house and responded to the scene, where they found a shack that had been burned. The preliminary investigations revealed that Theletsane had allegedly set the shack alight and stabbed his girlfriend.
The Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani said she was found unconscious and taken to a neighbour’s house before being transported to hospital for medical treatment. Rani said a case was assigned to Detective Constable Sebolelo Khoza, who conducted a thorough investigation that resulted in Theletsane being convicted and sentenced.
“The sentence was handed down on 9 September 2026. We welcome the sentence and commend the investigating officer for ensuring that the matter was thoroughly investigated.
“The thorough investigation conducted by Khoza ensured that the suspect was brought before the court and held accountable for his actions. The sentence demonstrates the seriousness with which incidents of violence against women are treated,” she said.
Rani further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to encourage victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and members of the public to report such incidents to the police.
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has informed members of the public that the landline telephone services at the Kroonstad Police Station are temporarily out of order due to technical difficulties. The problem is receiving urgent attention, and community members are advised to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the landlines remain unavailable.
Free State SAPS Corporate Communication and Liaison spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane appealed to the community to make use of the alternative contact number.
“We urge members of the community to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the technical problem affecting the Kroonstad Police Station landlines is being resolved.
“SAPS apologised to the community for any inconvenience caused by the temporary communication breakdown and assured residents that efforts were underway to restore the landline services,” said Covane.
Picture: A police officer making throat slitting gesture during court proceedings
By STAFF REPORTER
3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has clarified the gestures made by a police officer seen in a video circulating publicly, saying the interaction was operational in nature and related to the coordination of police personnel following court proceedings. SAPS confirmed that the man wearing the blue suit is a member of the service and forms part of the Combat Team of the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT).
According to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the gestures were intended to communicate to the investigating officer that protectors assigned to prosecutors and investigators should take up their positions and remain on standby. Mathe said the personnel were reportedly being positioned to facilitate the immediate departure of the prosecutors and investigators from court after the announcement of the postponement of the bail proceedings.
“The interaction was not intended to convey a threat or instruction to interfere with court proceedings. The gestures seen in the video were operational in nature and related to the coordination and positioning of SAPS personnel following the court proceedings.
“They were intended to communicate that the protectors assigned to the prosecutors and investigators should take up their positions and remain on standby to facilitate their immediate departure from court,” she said.
Mathe further said the SAPS acknowledged that the gestures, when viewed in isolation, could understandably have caused concern or been open to misinterpretation. She added that it is important to provide the necessary context and clarify the operational circumstances surrounding the interaction.
“The gestures were not intended to convey a threat or an instruction to interfere with court proceedings. The police officer had been reminded of the importance of exercising caution when using non-verbal communication, particularly in sensitive public and court environments, where gestures could easily be misunderstood or interpreted out of context,” said Mathe.
Picture: Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane
By BAKANG MOKOTO
3 October 2026 – The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has called on police members to remain courageous, professional and committed to protecting communities while prioritising their own safety and wellbeing. Dimpane was speaking during the SAPS National Prayer Day held at St Albans Cathedral in Pretoria on Wednesday under the theme of reflection, renewal and prayer for the Service, its members, their families and the country.
The annual prayer day provided an opportunity for SAPS members and faith-based organisations to reflect on the challenges facing the country, including violent crime, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and the risks faced by police officers in the execution of their duties.
She further said the country was confronting serious and violent crime, noting that two separate mass-shooting incidents had claimed 27 lives in a single night in recent days. Dimpane added that these are not simply crime statistics.
“Behind every number is a human life, behind every victim is a family, a community and a future that has been irrevocably altered. The incidents highlighted the urgency of the policing mandate, particularly in addressing illegal firearms, organised criminality and violence.
“Our communities must know that the police will pursue those who commit these crimes, that investigations will be prioritised, that evidence will be followed wherever it leads, and that perpetrators will be brought before the courts,” said Dimpane.
She also addressed the recent discovery of the bodies of women in Ekurhuleni, saying the cases had been prioritised and that a multidisciplinary specialised team had been established to investigate them. Dimpane said the police had an obligation to investigate such cases with urgency and professionalism while treating victims, survivors and their families with dignity and compassion.
“The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent national address on GBVF, says the measures announced by the government must be translated into concrete operational action within SAPS. For the SAPS, these are not matters that can remain at the level of policy discussion or institutional intention. They must be translated into operational action, accountability and measurable results.
“The police must recover stalled investigations, close investigative gaps, accelerate the processing of evidence, strengthen case management and improve collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other partners,” she said.
The prayer day also coincided with Police Safety Month, with Dimpane emphasising the need to protect police officers who are entrusted with protecting society. She said there is a fundamental principle that must guide them.
“Those entrusted with protecting society must themselves be protected. The police safety was both an organisational and leadership responsibility, requiring members to be properly equipped, supported and operationally prepared.
“There are physical and emotional pressures faced by police officers who encounter violence, trauma, loss and human suffering in the course of their duties. So, we urge SAPS leadership to create an environment where members can seek assistance when dealing with trauma and emotional burdens,” she said.
Dimpane said they must recognise that burden and create an environment in which asking for assistance is understood not as weakness, but as an expression of professional responsibility. The acting National Police Commissioner also remembered police officers who had died in the line of duty.
“Twelve names had been added to the Remembrance Wall at the National Commemoration Day held at the Union Buildings earlier in September. SAPS had a collective responsibility to reduce avoidable risks and ensure that members were protected while performing their duties.
“We call on commanders to lead with wisdom, humility, integrity and courage, while encouraging police members to support one another. Let us strengthen the culture of operational safety across the Service. Let us ensure that members affected by trauma receive the support they need,” concluded Dimpane.
