By REGINALD KANYANE

11 September 2026 – The North West public healthcare system is facing a serious medication shortage, with patients reportedly being left without essential treatment for chronic conditions. Forum for South Africa (Forum 4 SA) has raised alarm over reports that a number of public healthcare facilities across the province are running short of critical medication, including medicines required by people living with diabetes.

The organisation said some patients are being turned away or sent home without the medication they need, while family planning medication is also reportedly unavailable at certain facilities.

The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilopane said the situation was unacceptable and placed vulnerable patients at unnecessary risk. Mashilopane said patients should not have to arrive at public healthcare facilities only to be told that their essential medication is unavailable.

“People living with chronic illnesses depend on a consistent supply of medication to manage their conditions. Forum 4 SA has expressed particular concern about communities such as Madibeng, where residents already face difficulties accessing reliable public services.

“The organisation cited the case of a Madibeng patient who reportedly received only one bottle of diabetes medication for an entire month, despite the medication allegedly not being enough to last until the next collection,” he said.

Mashilopane further said this raised serious questions about medication forecasting, procurement, stock management and distribution within the provincial health system. He added that how can government expect patients to manage chronic illnesses when the health system cannot guarantee the medication they need?

“This situation requires urgent investigation and decisive action. Forum 4 SA is calling for the immediate dismissal of the North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari, as well as an urgent province-wide audit of medication availability at public healthcare facilities.

“The organisation is also demanding a full investigation into procurement, stock management and distribution failures, together with immediate intervention to ensure that diabetic patients receive enough medication for their prescribed treatment periods,” said Mashilopane .

He said they further call for the restoration of family planning medication supplies and accountability for officials responsible for persistent shortages and poor planning. Mashilopane said the public should also receive regular information about medication stock levels at clinics and hospitals.

“Healthcare is a basic service, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford private medical care. Poor and working-class communities deserve dignity, quality healthcare and reliable access to essential medication.

“We would continue to monitor the situation and supporting affected patients and communities in their calls for accountability and improved public healthcare services,” he said.

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

11 Lwetse 2026 – Mapodisi a Bethanie a kopa thuso ya setšhaba go thusa ka go batlana le Jeremiah Ofentse Ditlopo (42), yo go begwang fa a timetse mo kgweding ya Sedimonthole ka ngwaga wa 2025. Go begwa fa Ditlopo o bonwe la bofelo ke tsala ya gagwe ka di 19 Sedimonthole 2025, kwa Bethanie.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofensneg ya Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Majang Skalkie are sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo, fela ga go ise go nne le katlego. Skalkie are ka nako ya fa a ne a bonwa la bofelo, Ditlopo o ne a apere borukgwe jo bokhutshwane jo bo pududu le bokete jo bo borokwa.

“O tlhalosiwa a na le mmala o montsho, mmele o o magareng, ditedu tse dintsho le lefatla. Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso ka ga Ditlopo go ikgolaganya le sepodisi.

“Tshedimosetso nngwe le nngwe e ka thusa sepodisi go tsweletsa dipatlisiso le go bona monna yo o timetseng e botlhokwa,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Skalkie are botlhe ba ba nang le tshedimosetso ba ka letsetsa dinomoro tsa Crime Stop mo 08600 10111 kgotsa ba ka dirisa MySAPS App go romela tshedimosetso ka sephiri. Skalkie are kgotsa ba ka ikgolaganya le seteishene se se gaufi sa sepodisi.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Lwetse 2026 – Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Setso mono Bokone Bophirima, le tsweletse ka maiteko a go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang a bona matlo a a siameng le ditlankana tse di netefatsang beng jwa matlo a bone. Se, se tla morago ga gore mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Tsamaiso ya Dipuso se Legae, Bodudi jwa Batho ga mmogo le Tssmaiso ya Setso, Oageng Molapisi, o neetse malapa a a tshwanelang matlo kwa motseng wa Ditshilong, Diretsaneng le kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi kwa Vryburg.

Kwa Ditshilong, Molapisi o neetse malapa matlo a mabedi a a feditšweng, e le karolo ya porojeke ya matlo a le 216 a balelelwang go boleng jwa R45 million.

“Porojeke eno e solofetswe go wediwa kwa bokhutlong jwa Mopitlwe 2027. Puso e ikemiseditse go netefatsa gore malapa a a tlhokang thata a fiwa tlotlo le seriti ka go nna le mafelo a a siameng a bonno.

“Re tla tswelela go netefatsa gore batho ba ba leng mo maemong a a bokoa ga ba salele kwa morago le gore mananeo a rona a matlo a arabela maemo a mmatota a a lebaneng le baagi mo porofenseng,” ga rialo Molapisi.

O tlhalositse gape gore lefapha le tla tswelela go baya leitlho tiro ya borakonteraka go netefatsa gore matlo a agiwa ka boleng jo bo siameng le gore diporojeke di wediwa ka nako. Molapisi are ba lebeletse gore borakonteraka ba age matlo a boleng jo bo siameng, mme ba a fetse ka nako e go dumalanweng ka yone.

“Baagi ba rona ga ba kgone go itshokela tiego e e sa tlhokegeng, Kwa Huhudi Extension 25, re neetse baunngwelwa ba le lesome ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo mo letsholong la Title Deeds Friday, mmogo le ratoropo wa masepala wa Naledi, Clifton Groep.

“Mo ditlankaneng di le 68 tse di neng di tshwanetse go abiwa, lefapha le ne la kgona go neela baunngwelwa ba le 10 ka nako ya tiragalo,” Molapisi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Molapisi are Lefapha la gagwe le ipeile mokgele wa go aba ditlankana tsa beng ba matlo di 2450, e leng karolo ya maiteko a go fitlhelela mokgele wa bosetšhaba wa ditlankana di le 80 000 ka 2029. Molapisi are go nna le setifikeiti sa beng jwa ntlo go botlhokwa ka gonne go naya beng tshireletsego ya semolao le boshupi jwa gore dintlo tseo ke tsa bone.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 September 2026 – The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, has commended the Potchefstroom Detectives, Crime Intelligence and Local Criminal Record Centre for their relentless efforts, which resulted in the identification, tracing and arrest of a wanted suspect within 10 days of a case of house robbery and rape being reported. Adams said the incident allegedly occurred at a residence in Potchefstroom during the early hours of Sunday, 30 August 2026.

“It is alleged that a woman (52) was attacked inside her newly-occupied residence after an unknown male suspect gained entry through a broken window. The suspect allegedly demanded money from the victim before assaulting her.

“The suspect, an alleged irregular migrant from Zimbabwe in his early 20’s, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, 9 September 2026, at a well-known estate in Potchefstroom, where he was reportedly working as a tiler. He further said the suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 11 September 2026, facing charges of house robbery and rape,” he said.

Adams further said he would like to commend the members of the community for providing valuable information to the police, following the release of the identikit. He added that the victim assisted the investigation, despite the trauma she had experienced.

“She compiled the identikit, which assisted the police in their investigation and subsequently positively identified the alleged suspect during an identification parade.

“Gender Based Violence (GBV) remains a serious concern in our communities, and the South African Police Service will continue to pursue perpetrators relentlessly and ensure that victims receive the support and protection they deserve,” said Adams.

He commended this survivor for her remarkable courage and resilience, despite the trauma she endured. Adams also urged communities to continue working with the police by providing information that can assist them in bringing perpetrators of Gender Based Violence to justice.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

9 September 2026 – Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea on 26 September 2026. It will be coach Pitso Mosimane’s first match at the helm since taking over from Belgian Hugo Broos a few days ago.

Following that opening AFCON assignment against Guinea, the South Africa senior men’s national team will then face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt in the second group match on 30 September 2026.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said South Africans will wrap up their assignments on the road with an international friendly match against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October 2026.

“We encourage families and fans to come in their numbers to support the team as we begin this new era under coach Pitso Mosimane.

“More Bafana Bafana announcements will be made as the buildup to the clash against Guinea continues. Mosimane announced his preliminary squad for the two AFCON qualifiers last week and will reveal the final list to the nation in the coming days,” he said.

Meanwhile, tickets have gone on sale, including the hospitality packages. Tickets are available at R100 for adults and R40 for kids under 12 years old.

IMPORTANT: To purchase a child’s ticket, please select at least one adult ticket first. Kids’ tickets cannot be purchased separately.

BOOKING INFORMATION for hospitality packages: Mobile Contact 082 805 3150 or bookings@sail.co.za

The link for the tickets is below:

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 September 2026 – The Northern Cape recorded mixed crime trends during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, with seven of the 17 community-reported serious crime categories showing decreases while several violent and contact crimes increased.

The statistics for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2026, were released in Kimberley, Northern Cape, on 4 September 2026, by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Limakatso Koloi and MEC for Women, Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mirriam Kibi.

The presentation was delivered by Provincial Crime Registrar Brigadier Samuel Mathe and covered crime trends across the province’s five policing districts.

Otola said the figures should be used to understand crime patterns and assess whether policing strategies are producing the required results.

“The release of these statistics is not merely about presenting figures. It is about understanding the crime picture, identifying emerging trends and patterns, assessing our policing response, and strengthening our interventions where they are most needed,” she said.

Murder decreased by 22 cases, while attempted murder increased by 134 cases, representing a 31.5% rise. Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm increased by 118 cases, while common assault decreased by 48 cases, and aggravated robbery increased by eight cases. Sexual offences rose by 92 cases, or 32.9%, with rape increasing by 86 cases, representing a 43.4% increase.

Contact crime increased by 268 cases, or 6.7%, while the 17 community-reported serious crimes increased by 2.6%. Property-related crimes showed some improvement, with burglaries at non-residential premises decreasing by 44 cases and residential burglaries dropping by 76 cases, while stock theft decreased by 32 cases.

Several other categories recorded increases, including commercial crime, which rose by 70 cases, theft out of or from motor vehicles by 37 cases, and drug-related crimes detected through police action by 196 cases, representing a 31.6% increase. Crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 191 cases, or 25.2%, while shoplifting decreased by 70 cases.

Otola said the increases needed to be understood within the wider social and economic environment and could not be addressed by policing alone. “While SAPS has a critical responsibility to prevent, combat and investigate crime, these challenges require a whole-of-society response,” she said.

She said the South African Police Service’s Reset Agenda required the province to examine its policing methods, strengthen accountability and ensure that available resources were used effectively. “The Reset Agenda is not simply a policy statement; it must translate into measurable action at station, district and provincial level,” Otola said.

The Provincial Commissioner also highlighted excessive alcohol and substance abuse as among the factors contributing to increases in some contact crime categories. She said SAPS would intensify Imbizo programmes, social crime prevention initiatives, awareness campaigns and engagements with Community Policing Forums, traditional and community leaders, schools, municipalities, businesses and other stakeholders.

Koloi said the statistics provided an opportunity to assess the state of safety and security in the province while recognising areas where progress had been made. She commended the police for their work and said the reductions showed that focused operations, intelligence-led interventions, visible policing and cooperation between law-enforcement agencies could make a difference.

“Of particular concern remains violent crime and crimes committed against women and children.

“The continued prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against vulnerable members of society demands a coordinated and uncompromising response,” said Koloi.

Kibi also raised concern about the increase in sexual offences and commended communities for reporting crimes.

“The abuse of women and children is unacceptable,” she said, pledging stronger collaboration between her department, SAPS and other government departments to ensure survivors receive the necessary protection.

Kibi further stressed the importance of public safety ahead of the Local Government Elections scheduled for November 2026, saying communities should be able to participate in the electoral process without violence or fear.

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7 September 2026- Social Development Minister Dina Pule has called on churches and faith-based organisations to continue playing a leading role in building resilient communities and supporting South Africa’s most vulnerable people.

Pule said church leaders had played a critical role during South Africa’s transition to democracy, helping to foster reconciliation, peace-building and nation-building at a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

“At a critical moment in our history, churches and faith-based organisations came together with community structures and political leaders to promote reconciliation, peacebuilding and nation-building,” Pule said.

The Minister was speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Church Leaders Gathering in Unity (CLGU) at the Future Africa Campus of the University of Pretoria in Gauteng on Saturday.

She said churches had helped facilitate dialogue, healing and social cohesion, while faith-based organisations had worked alongside healthcare workers and government departments to provide care, counselling, awareness programmes and support services to individuals and families.

Pule said this spirit of collaboration remains essential, as South Africa confronts persistent social challenges.

She urged faith communities to remain partners in reaching vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, reducing stigma and strengthening prevention and treatment efforts in communities.

She pointed to the ongoing contribution of churches and faith-based organisations in tackling poverty and supporting vulnerable households.

“Through partnerships with the Department of Social Development and other government institutions, many churches have operated feeding schemes, community outreach programmes, shelters, substance-abuse interventions and support services for children, older individuals and people living with disabilities.”

However, Pule acknowledged that much more needs to be done to improve the living conditions of South Africans.

“Regardless of the past successful collaboration, much still needs to be done to improve the living condition of our people. South Africa continues to navigate a complex social and economic landscape.” 

The Minister said poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, substance abuse, crime and the erosion of moral values continue to place pressure on communities.

“These challenges require more than government intervention alone; they require a united society, anchored in compassion, ethical leadership and active citizenship.”

Pule called for all sectors of society to work together to build resilient communities and restore hope where there is despair.

Drawing on the Christian teaching of “loving one’s neighbour”, Pule urged communities to support people struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

She also called for stronger action against those who engage in harmful activities in communities, saying no one should be above accountability, including those who occupy positions of religious leadership.

At the same time, Pule said addressing unemployment requires a collective effort to create opportunities, support skills development and encourage entrepreneurship.

“The Church, together with all sectors of society, has a responsibility to teach about the consequences of violence and the importance of respecting one another,” she said.

Pule also reflected on a recent Spring Day celebration that resulted in the death of a young man, describing it as a painful reminder of the need for greater responsibility in communities.

“I must state this clearly: No one deserves to die at the hands of another person, regardless of the circumstances. Equally, no one should take the law into their own hands.”

She said the Church has an important role to play in reinforcing the message that violence is never an acceptable response to conflict.

“The Church must continue to proclaim that violence is never an acceptable response to conflict and that every person is created with inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with respect,” the Minister said. 

The gathering took place as South Africa continues to commemorate 30 Years of the Constitution this year. – SAnews.gov.za

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

7 September 2026 – Residents in the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley have been urged to remain cautious as strong winds and rain continue to pose risks across the municipality this weekend.

The municipality’s Emergency Services responded to several weather-related incidents from Friday into Saturday morning, including eight reports of house rooftops being blown off by strong winds. The municipality said a shack fire was also reported in Santa, Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley while trees were uprooted and fell across roads.

The municipality warned that strong winds could cause further damage to structures, including rooftops and shack sheets being blown away.

The Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality spokesperson, Thabo Mothibi said failing trees as a result of strong winds could also disrupt electricity supply and create hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Mothibi said residents were further warned of possible localised flooding, with an 80% chance of rain forecast for Saturday.

“The municipality urged motorists to drive carefully on slippery roads with their headlights on and to avoid flooded subways and driving through water.

“The municipality also called on residents to exercise extreme caution when using heating methods to keep warm, particularly during the adverse weather conditions,” he said.

Mothibi added that residents who are in distress can contact Sol Plaatje Municipality Emergency Services for assistance.

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