12 October 2026- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says the heatwave affecting northwestern KwaZulu-Natal will end on Tuesday.
“A heatwave, characterised by persistently high temperatures, is expected over the northwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal from 11–13 October 2026. Meanwhile, extremely uncomfortable conditions are expected over the southern parts of the Eastern Cape,” the weather service warned.
SAWS said a surface trough was expected over the central and western interior this week, while a surface high would remain over the eastern parts of the country.
“Upper-air perturbations may contribute to the development of isolated to scattered thunderstorms over the central and eastern parts of the country,” the weather service added.
Partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions are expected on Monday, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms developing over the central and western parts of the country in the afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are possible over the Eastern Cape and southern parts of the Free State.
Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday, with isolated to scattered afternoon thunderstorms over the central and western parts of South Africa.
Severe thunderstorms are possible over the Eastern Cape, the Free State and southern parts of the North West.
The public and stakeholders are urged to monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, which will be updated as the likelihood and severity of potential impacts become clearer.
SAWS also advised the public to avoid sharing information from unauthorised or unverified sources.
For regular updates, visit https://www.weathersa.co.za/ or follow SAWS’s official media channels. –SAnews.gov.za
Setshwantsho: Morutabana o go begwang a thopilwe ka dikgoka/Facebook
Ka AGISANANG SCUFF
12 Diphalane 2026 – Mapodisi a Welkom a batlisisa kgetsi ya go thopa sejanaga ka dikgoka le go thopo motho ka dikgoka morago ga gore morutabana, Gert Adams(55), a nyelele mo maemong a a sa tlhaloganyesegeng. Go begwa fa Adams o begilwe a nyeletse morago ga tiragalo e e belaelwang ya go tsewa ka dikgoka ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Free State, Sarasanta Palesa Thabana are go begwa fa ka di 4 Diphalane 2026, mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 11:30 bosigo, Adams o ne a tsewa ka dikgoka ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng. Thabana are go twe o ne a kgona go founela mosadi wa gagwe, mme mogala wa kgaolwa ka tshoganyetso.
“Morago ga moo, o ne a begwa a nyeletse. Sejanaga sa gagwe sa mmala wa thokwa, Hyundai iX35, se ne sa bonwa kwa Klippan kwa Welkom ka di 6 Diphalane 2026, se sena ope mo teng.
“Mogala wa gagwe wa letheka le dithoto tse dingwe di ne tsa fitlhelwa mo sejanageng seno,” Thabana wa tlhalosa.
Thabana are lefelo le monna yo a leng kwa go lone ga le ise le itsiwe, mme dipatlisiso tsa mapodisi di sa tsweletse. Thabana are lebaka la go thopiwa ga gagwe ga se le tlhaloganyesege mo nakong eno.
“Letsholo patlo la go batlana le Adams ga mmogo le batho ba ba ka tswang ba amega mo tiragalong eno ke karolo ya dipatlisiso tse di tsweletseng.
“Mapodisi a ikuela mo bathong ba ba nang le tshedimosetso e e ka thusang mo dipatlisisong gore ba itlhaganele go e fetisetsa kwa mapodiseng,” Thabana a rialo.
Are batho ba ba nang le tshedimosetso ba ka ikgolaganya le Detective Sergeant Tsie Matlokotsi wa Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes mo nomorong ya 078 758 5658. Thabana are ba ka nna ba letsetsa Crime Stop mo go 08600 10111 kgotsa ba romela tshedimosetso ka sephiri ba dirisa MySAPS App.
“Tshedimosetso yotlhe e e tla amogelwang e tla tshwarwa ka sephiri se se gagametseng,” ga gatelela Thabana.
Picture: Former senior police, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya is no longer an employee of the organisation, with effect from 12 October 2026. According to SAPS said Sibiya’s departure follows his resignation during a disciplinary hearing that commenced on Monday morning.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Sibiya’s legal representative tendered his resignation immediately after the disciplinary proceedings began.
“As the former senior officer had an ongoing disciplinary case against him at the time of his resignation, his departure from the service is therefore regarded as a dishonourable discharge.
“The service further confirmed that Sibiya’s employment had been terminated with immediate effect,” she said.
12 Diphalane 2026 – Tirelo ya Sepodisi ya Aforika Borwa (SAPS) e simolola gompieno ditiragalo tsa bosetšhaba tsa pabalesego ka paka ya meletlo mo kgaolong ya Ehlanzeni, kwa Mpumalanga, fa paka ya meletlo ya kwa bokhutlong jwa ngwaga e ntse e atamela. SAPS e tlhalositse gore go simololwa ga ditiragalo tseno go tla etelelwa pele ke ditiro tsa paakanyetso tse di tla nnang karolo ya matsholo a a nonotshitsweng a sepodisi, ka maikaelelo a go oketsa go bonala ga mapodisi, go thibela le go lwantsha bosenyi, le go netefatsa polokesego ya baagi mo pakeng e e tlang ya meletlo.
Tonakgolo ya nakwana ya sepodisi, Firoz Cachalia, mmogo le motlatsatona wa Sepodisi, Dr Polly Boshielo le Cassel Mathale, ba solofetswe go etelela tiragalo eno pele.
Mokomeshenara wa Bosetšhaba wa nakwana wa sepodisi, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, o tla tlhagisa le go neela semmuso Cachalia leano la tiragatso ya sepodisi go netefatsa polokesego ka paka ya meletlo. Dimpane are sepodisi se boletse gore ditiro tseno di ikaelela go netefatsa gore mapodisi a bonala thata mo metseng, go thibela ditiragalo tsa bosenyi le go tsaya dikgato kgatlhanong le bosenyi, gore baagi ba bolokesege ka paka ya meletlo.
12 Diphalane 2026 – Bothati jwa Bosetšhaba jwa Botšhotšhisi (NPA) bo kgonne go netefatsa gore Ofentse Kotsedi wa dingwaga di le 36, o atlholelwa dingwaga di le 28 mo kgolegelong ka ntlha ya go bolaya mosadi yo a neng a ratana le ene. Kotsedi o bonwe molato ke Kgotlatshekelo ya Kgaolo ya Zeerust mabapi le polao go ya ka Karolo ya 51(1) ya Molao wa Phetolo ya Molao wa Bosenyi wa bo 105 wa 1997.
Sebueledi sa NPA mono Bone Bophirima, Lindiwe Mabasa are kgotlhatshekelo e utlwile gore ka la bo 29 Seetebosigo 2024, Kotsedi o ne a etela lekgarebe la gagwe, mme a mo fitlhela a ntse a baakanyetsa bana ba gagwe ba babedi dijo tsa maitseboa. Mabasa are o ne a mo kopa madi a go reka bojalwa, mme a galefa thata fa mosadi yoo a mmolelela gore ga a na madi.
“Kotsedi o ne a tlhasela mosadi yo setlhogo, ka go mo itaya thata. Mongwe wa bana o ne a bona se se diregang. O ne a mo tlogela ka dikgobalo tse di ile tsa lebisa kwa losong la gagwe.
“Fa go sekasekiwa katlholo, moemedi wa puso, Kagiso Modibedi, o ne a kopa kgotlatshekelo gore e mo atlholele kotlhao e e beilweng ke molao ya botshelo jotlhe mo kgolegelong,” Mabasa wa tlhalosa.
Mabasa are le fa kgotlatshekelo e ne ya fitlhela go na le mabaka a a botlhokwa le a a pateletsang a a neng a letla gore go fapogwe mo kotlhaong eo, e ne ya mo atlholela dingwaga di le 28 mo kgolegelong. Mabasa are mo godimo ga kotlhao ya kgolegelo, kgotlatshekelo e ne ya bolela gore Kotsedi ga a tshwanelwa ke go nna le tlhobolo.
“Gape, e laetse gore ba lelapa la moswi ba rerisiwe fa go ka sekasekiwa kopo ya gagwe ya go gololwa ka parole mo isagong,” ga rialo Mabasa.
Kgabagare, mokaedi wa Botšhotšhisi jwa Setšhaba kwa Lekaleng la Bokone Bophirima, Dr Rachel Makhari-Sekhaolelo o amogetse katlholo eno, a tlhalosa gore e romela molaetsa o o nonofileng wa gore tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong le tirisodikgoka mo malapeng ga di kitla di letlelelwa.
“Boikemisetso jwa mokgatlho ono wa go sekisa ka natla melato ya tirisodikgoka e e diragalang mo malapeng le go netefatsa gore badirabosula ba rwala maikarabelo a ditiro tsa bone.
“NPA e tla tswelela go lwela tshiamiso le go sireletsa batho ba ba mo kotsing mo setšhabeng, segolobogolo basadi le bana,” Makhari wa tlhalosa.
Setshwantsho: Baithuti ba basetsana ba amogela mesangwana ya go ya kgweding
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
12 Diphalane 2026 – Baithuti ba basetsana ba Mophato wa 12 kwa sekolong se segolwane sa Bogosing kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, ba abetswe mesangwana ya bomme ya go ya kgweding. Kabelano e, e dirilwe ke baithuti ba maloba ba sekolo seno.
Mongwe wa barulaganyi ba neelano eno, Mika Moeti yo e leng leloko la komiti ya ga meiyara kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung, gape e le moeteledipele wa lekoko la sepolotiki la Action SA mono Taung, are ba dirile seno ka maikaelelo a go thusa baithuti ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a a humanegileng ba ba sa kgoneng go ithekela dilo tsa botlhokwa tsa boitekanelo. Moeti are ba simolotse letsholo leno ka gonne ba tlhaloganya mathata a baithuti ba ba tswang kwa malapeng a a sa itsholelang, mme batsadi kgotsa maloko a malapa a bona ba sa kgone go ba rekela mesangwana eo.
“Gompieno, re abetse baithuti ba basetsana ba Mophato wa 12 mesangwana ya kgwedi. Re dira seno ka gonne re tlhaloganya gore go na le baithuti ba ba humanegileng ba batsadi kgotsa bamalapa a bona ba ba sa kgoneng go ba rekela mesangwana e.
“Sesangwana e botlhokwa thata, mme re rata go leboga baithuti ba pele ba sekolo sa Bogosing ba ba nnileng le seabe mo moneelong ono,” Moeti wa tlhalosa.
Gape Moeti are ba tlile go abela baithuti ba basimane dilo tse ditlhapang, mmogo le didirisiwa tsa sekolo. Moeti are ba solofela gore porojeke eno e tla tswelela e le tiro e e dirwang ka metlha.
“Re solofela gore seno se tla tlisetsa baithuti ba le bantsi boitumelo le go ba rotloetsa go tswelela ka go tsena sekolo ntle le dikgoreletsi.
“Go abela baithuti ba basetsana ba ba nnang kwa magaeng mesengwana ya kgwedi go botlhokwa thata mo go lwantsheng lehuma le le pateletsang basetsana bangwe go sa ye sekolong ka nako ya bona fa ba le mo kgwedi,” Moeti wa tlhalosa.
Moeti are seno se tlile go sireletsa boitekanelo jwa bona le seriti. Moeti are kabelano e, e thusa basetsana go tswelela ba tsena sekolo.
“Go nna le mesangwana ya kgwedi go thusa go fokotsa go sa tsene sekolo, ka gonne basetsana bangwe mo metseng ya magaeng ba tlhola ba sa ye sekolong malatsi a le mmalwa kgwedi le kgwedi kgotsa ba tlogela sekolo gotlhelele ka ntlha ya go tlhoka madi a go reka dilo tsa boitekanelo.
“Go tsena sekolo ka metlha go thusa baithuti go sala dithuto morago, go falola dithuto tsa bona le go fitlhelela ditoro tsa bona tsa isago,” Moeti wa tlhalosa.
Moeti are go sireletsa boitekanelo le pabalesego go tlhoka mesangwana ya kgwedi go ka pateletsa basetsana go dirisa dilo tse di sa siamang le tse di sa phepafalang, tse di jaaka matsela a kgale, diponche kgotsa matlhare. Moeti are dilo tseno di ka baka mathata a boitekanelo le dikotsi tsa malwetse.
“Gape, go sa ye sekolong le go tlhoka dilo tsa botlhokwa go ka dira gore basetsana ba nne mo maemong a a ka ba bayang mo kotsing ya go sotliwa kgotsa go dirisiwa ka tsela e e sa siamang.
“Go nna le mesangwana ya kgwedi go thusa go fokotsa poifo, matshwenyego le ditlhong tse basetsana ba ka nnang le tsona ka ntlha ya go boifa gore diaparo tsa bona di ka leswafala kgotsa ba sotliwa ke ba bangwe,” Moeti wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Protesters during asylum seekers‘ applications
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 October 2026 – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called for calm and condemned violent protests in eThekwini and Soweto following the resumption of asylum application processing at the Durban Refugee Centre. In a statement issued on 9 October 2026, the commission expressed concern over reports that asylum seekers and refugee centre officials had been subjected to intimidation and threats, leaving many fearing for their safety.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Commissioner, Nomahlubi Khwinana said they have received numerous calls from concerned asylum seekers seeking assistance and protection amid escalating tensions. Khwinana said retaliatory attacks linked to the protests were also concerning, warning that they could further escalate tensions and undermine human rights.
“The commission calls on those behind these violent protests to desist. Although the constitution guarantees the right to peaceful and unarmed protest, violence is unacceptable.
“The commission explained that South Africa’s refugee processing system is primarily governed by the Refugees Act 130 of 1998, which gives effect to international and regional refugee protection instruments, including the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention,” she said.
Khwinana further said the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning people to countries where they face persecution, violence or threats to their lives or freedom. She added that SAHRC further reminded the public of a Constitutional Court ruling delivered in July 2026, which confirmed that asylum seekers could not be excluded from the asylum process solely because of administrative technicalities, such as missing strict reporting deadlines or lacking transit visas, without being interviewed.
“The commission urged the government to ensure that refugee processing centres had sufficient capacity to comply with the court order and facilitate access to the asylum application process.
“It also raised concerns about misinformation circulating on social media, clarifying that the court ruling did not automatically grant refugee status, but addressed procedural barriers preventing people from accessing the asylum process,” said Khwinana.
She said the commission welcomed clarification from the Department of Employment and Labour regarding proposed amendments to the Employment Services Act. Khwinana warned that preventing asylum seekers from accessing refugee centres to process their applications was unlawful.
“The SAHRC called on protesters to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and urged law enforcement agencies to intervene against violence while protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring asylum seekers could access the application process as directed by the Constitutional Court.
“We would engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that everyone’s human rights were promoted and protected,” she said.
Picture: A burnt Tiragalo Secondary School/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 October 20226 – The North West Department of Education has expressed shock and disappointment after a block of classrooms at Tiragalo Secondary School in Kgakala Township, near Leeudoringstad, was destroyed by fire just days before the start of the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. The fire broke out in the early hours of Friday, 9 October 2026.
The acting North West MEC for Education, Kenetswe Mosenogi said five suspects were arrested by the police on the same day in connection with the incident. Mosenogi said five block of classrooms housed a library, a computer storeroom, a textbook storeroom and three classrooms that were designated as an examination centre for Grade 12 learners.
“Several valuable items were destroyed in the fire, including 24 computers, textbooks ordered for 2027, a microwave oven, a kettle, a projector, six new doors, a table tennis board, athletics equipment for male and female learners, toilet paper, stationery and 80 boxes of Typek paper.
“We would like to express our disappointment, saying the incident was the fourth school fire in the province within two months,” she said.
Mosenogi further said on behalf of the entire department, she extremely upset by the burning down of the entire block of classrooms. She added that the Grade 12 learners have lost three classrooms that were intended to serve as their examination centre, as well as many other valuable items.
“This is totally unacceptable. We cannot tolerate the theft and destruction of learners’ property. We describe the incident as a serious setback for the department, which would once again have to rebuild a school facility destroyed through criminal acts.
“I want those who are behind this incident to face the full might of the law and receive lengthy sentences. This will serve as a deterrent to others and send a clear message that school property must be protected and that acts of criminality against our schools will not be tolerated,” said Mosenogi.
She also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its swift response and the arrest of the five suspects allegedly responsible for the destruction of the school. Mosenogi said the department is working to secure alternative examination venues for the affected Grade 12 learners, as the fire occurred unexpectedly just days before the commencement of the national examinations.
“The department said arrangements were being made to ensure that the affected learners could sit their examinations despite the damage to the school,” said Mosenogi.
12 October 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater transformation of South Africa’s agricultural sector, saying that expanding access to land, finance, skills and technology is essential to creating a new generation of black commercial farmers and strengthening food security.
In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said agriculture had significant potential to drive economic growth, reduce poverty and create jobs, provided government, farmers and the private sector worked together to expand opportunities for emerging farmers.
“Redlands’ success shows that with effective partnerships, a transformed agricultural and agribusiness sector can boost the rural economy and create jobs.
“I am referring to Redlands Farm, a commercial dairy farm in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape, owned and operated by young black farmers,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said the farm has expanded its operations with support from the Land Bank through its Blended Finance Scheme, which combines government grant funding with loan finance. He added that many emerging farmers remained trapped at subsistence level because they struggled to secure funding for agricultural inputs, infrastructure and additional land.
“A 2025 study by the University of Pretoria found a strong correlation between investment in agriculture and poverty reduction.
“South Africa’s agricultural sector employs approximately 944 000 people, with another 200 000 employed across the broader agricultural value chain,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the country’s agricultural sector has more than doubled since the advent of democracy in 1994, while exports reached a record R270 billion in 2025, making South Africa the world’s 32nd-largest agricultural exporter. Ramaphosa said the country exports a diverse range of products, including table grapes, maize, beef, wine, citrus, sugar and wool.
“The African continent accounts for nearly half of South Africa’s agricultural exports, with the remainder going to the European Union and countries in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
“Despite this growth, Ramaphosa said the benefits of agricultural development had not reached all communities equally,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they still have what has been called ‘two agricultures’. He said predominantly white-owned commercial farms account for the bulk of the country’s commercial farming output, while black farmers only account for around 10%.
“Transforming agriculture was necessary not only to address historical inequalities but also to protect the country’s long-term food security.
“Being reliant on the productive capacity of a relatively small segment of the population to meet our country’s food needs is unsustainable,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the population is growing and with it the demand for food. Ramaphosa said South Africa needed to cultivate a new generation of skilled and productive commercial farmers who could expand the country’s agricultural production and sustain the sector into the future.
“This would require aspiring farmers to have access to training, mentorship, modern technologies, practical experience and the resources needed to operate commercially viable farming businesses.
“We have identified access to land as a critical starting point, noting that government was releasing approximately 2.5 million hectares of state-owned land to black farmers through the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy, with title deeds being provided to beneficiaries,” he said.
However, Ramaphosa cautioned that access to land alone was insufficient to guarantee success. He said knowledge of crops, weather, animal disease and the like is gained from practical experience and learning from established farmers.
Ramaphosa welcomed the programmes run by agricultural commodity organisations, including the Citrus Growers’ Association, Grain South Africa, the National Wool Growers’ Association, Potatoes South Africa, Red Meat Industry Services, the Milk Producers’ Organisation and Fruit South Africa. He said these organisations played an important role in developing an inclusive agricultural economy by helping emerging farmers acquire the knowledge and experience needed to succeed.
Ramaphosa also highlighted the importance of affordable, long-term financing for new commercial farmers.
“The Land Bank and the Department of Agriculture introduced the blended finance instrument to help address funding challenges facing farmers.
“Commercial banks have since joined the programme. We want to encourage other agribusinesses and commercial banks to join the blended finance programme and to develop more funding instruments to support agriculture,” said Ramaphosa.
He said government was also working to expand and diversify export markets for South African agricultural products while engaging farmers and agribusinesses on new breeding techniques and advances in agricultural biotechnology. Ramaphosa said partnerships between government, farmers, businesses, lenders, traditional leaders and communities would be essential to building on the sector’s progress.
“We can bring more land under cultivation, create a new generation of black commercial farmers and ensure that we grow enough not only to feed all our people, but to sell to markets across the world,” he said.
12 October 2026 – South Africa’s Class of 2026 has pledged to uphold honesty, discipline and integrity as learners prepare to begin their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on 13 October 2026. The pledge-signing ceremonies, held at schools across the country on Friday, reaffirmed matric candidates’ commitment to academic excellence and ethical conduct as they prepare to complete their schooling careers.
Addressing Free State matriculants at the provincial pledge-signing ceremony at the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Centre in Qwaqwa, the Republic if South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa urged learners to remain focused and avoid making decisions that could jeopardise years of hard work and sacrifice. Ramaphosa urged learners to believe in themselves, for they believe in them.
“The nation stands behind you. We are proud of you for having reached this milestone. And we wish you every success. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by learners, their families, teachers and tutors in preparing for the examinations, describing the upcoming tests as an opportunity for matriculants to reap the rewards of their investment in education.
“No worthwhile goal can be achieved without sacrifice. Without persistence. Without discipline,” he said.
Ramaphosa also commended educators for their dedication to learners, noting that teachers often sacrifice time with their own families to support their students. He highlighted the progress made by learners from no-fee schools in townships and rural areas, saying their achievements reflected personal commitment and progress towards building an education system that provides equal opportunities for all.
“The Free State, which recorded the country’s highest matric pass rate for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024, was encouraged to reclaim the top position after KwaZulu-Natal ended its winning streak in 2025.
“As the President of the Republic, I cannot favour any one province in the competition for first place, but we do expect the Free State to do everything it can to take its crown back,” Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who attended the pledge-signing ceremony at Fezeka Secondary School in the Western Cape, urged learners to approach the examinations with integrity, discipline and a commitment to excellence. Reflecting on her own educational journey, Gwarube encouraged candidates to take responsibility for their futures through diligent study and decisions that would open doors to opportunities beyond school.
She reminded learners that the examinations marked an important transition into adulthood and the next chapter of their lives. The Minister also warned against examination irregularities, including taking cellphones and crib notes into examination rooms, cautioning that academic dishonesty could have serious consequences for learners’ future opportunities.
“There are no shortcuts to success. A cellphone hidden in a pocket is not preparation. A leaked question paper is not intelligence. Copying another learner’s work is not achievement.
“The NSC must remain a qualification that South Africans can trust because it is earned honestly,” she said.
Gwarube further said by signing the pledge, learners commit themselves to honesty, accountability and giving their best throughout the examination period. She added that the pledge reinforces commitment to learners’ futures
In Gauteng, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Reginah Mhaule joined provincial Education MEC Lebogang Maile at Riverside High School in Three Rivers, Vereeniging, for the provincial pledge-signing ceremony. Mhaule said the occasion represented more than a commitment to comply with examination rules, reaffirming the importance of academic excellence, integrity, discipline and responsibility.
“Today, our learners are making a commitment not only to the examination system, but to themselves and the futures they are working to build,” Mhaule said.
The ceremonies are intended to reinforce fairness and accountability in the examination process while encouraging candidates to approach their final school examinations with confidence, dedication and determination.
The 2026 NSC examinations begin on 13 October, with Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 practical scheduled for the first session.
The second session will feature Hindi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu Home Language (HL), First Additional Language (FAL) and Second Additional Language (SAL) Paper 1, as well as Hebrew SAL and German HL, FAL and SAL Paper 1. The examination period will conclude on Thursday, 26 November 2026.
Learners have been urged to consult the official examination timetable to confirm the dates, times and subjects for their respective papers. As the Class of 2026 prepares to write, Ramaphosa’s message remains clear: years of preparation must be matched by discipline, honesty and a determination to succeed.
12 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: The Minster of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
12 October 2026 – The Minster of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube has declared the Department of Basic Education ready for the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with a record 962 832 candidates registered to write the October/November examinations. Gwarube said the registered candidates, 815 051 are full-time learners, representing an increase of 48 508 compared with last year, while 147 781 are part-time candidates, including those seeking to improve their previous results.
Announcing the department’s state of readiness in Pretoria on Sunday, Gwarube said the Class of 2026 was the largest full-time cohort to sit for the NSC examinations to date. She said all candidates have been provided with all the support they would need to perform and I am happy to declare that learners are ready for the 2026 NSC Exams.
“Approximately 7 100 examination centres have been established across the country’s nine provinces to accommodate the candidates.
“The department had audited the examination centre network and introduced a risk-based monitoring approach to ensure that supervision and resources were directed where they were most needed,” she said.
Gwarube further confirmed that the setting, moderation and quality assurance of examination materials had been completed, with all question papers and examination instruments reviewed by the department and approved by Umalusi. She added that security measures had also been strengthened throughout the production and distribution chain, including the vetting of examination officials and collaboration with national and provincial law enforcement agencies.
“The department has established 189 marking centres and recruited 51 104 qualified and experienced educators to mark examination scripts.
“A standardised national marking approach, strict quality-control measures and strengthened moderation of school-based assessments will be implemented to protect the credibility of the qualification,” said Gwarube.
She said her department has implemented its 2026 Learner Support Programme across all 75 education districts, reaching 159 180 learners at 1 262 centres. Gwarube said the programme provides additional learning and revision opportunities, particularly for progressed learners, those requiring extra support and schools experiencing performance challenges.
“Learners have also received assistance through revision guides, previous examination papers, online learning materials, digital notes and mock examinations.
“The Second Chance Matric Programme continues to support part-time candidates through after-hours and weekend classes at 41 centres, learning materials distributed to 84 centres and 15 provincial learner workshops,” she said.
Gwarube said candidates Candidates also have access to class monitoring, free online study resources and educational broadcasts on radio and television. She acknowledged that the Class of 2026 had experienced disruptions to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the transition from the Intermediate Phase to the Senior Phase.
“The department had responded by strengthening curriculum coverage, using assessment information to identify learning gaps and providing additional revision opportunities.
“We also appeal to parents and guardians to create a supportive home environment for learners during the final preparation period,” said Gwarube.
She said they appeal to parents, not to burden learners with a load of household chores nor expect them to run family errands. Gwarube said they should give them the space and support they need to perform at their very best in these exams.
“The department had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to examination irregularities and reinforced candidate and parent pledge agreements to promote examination integrity.
“A 24-hour examination hotline is operational to enable members of the public to report suspicious activities,” she said.
Gwarube said contigency plans have also been put in place to address operational challenges, including severe weather conditions and community disruptions. She appealed to communities not to disrupt the examinations to express dissatisfaction over service delivery, political issues or socioeconomic challenges.
“I appeal to communities not to prejudice the Matric Class of 2026 by disrupting the NSC Exams for service delivery, political, or socio-economic dissatisfaction.
“The NSC candidates cannot resolve societal problems, it is Ministers, as elected representatives, who must account,” said Gwarube.
Picture: The deceased, Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 October 2026 – The police have arrested a suspect who was allegedly found in possession of an item belonging to runner Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo. The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on 12 October 2026, and is likely to face a charge of possession of stolen property.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the arrest, stating that no murder charge had been brought against the suspect at this stage. Mathe said investigations are ongoing.
“The police have not disclosed further details about the item recovered or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest,” she said.
12 October 2026 – The police in the North West has uncovered alleged inconsistencies in a reported carjacking case in Klerksdorp, which has since been linked to the theft of more than 90 gas bottles worth approximately R70 000 in Leeudoringstad. According to the police, the complainant reported a carjacking case at Klerksdorp Police Station in the early hours of 10 October 2026.
North West police spokesperson Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said he alleged that he had been hired to transport two men from Gauteng to Klerksdorp during the early hours of Friday, 9 October 2026. Morake said the complainant further claimed that at approximately 4:30am, the two men robbed him of his vehicle and dropped him off at Klerksdorp Mall.
“However, the alleged carjacking was only reported approximately two hours after police had recovered the vehicle at business premises in Leeudoringstad, where it was found with stolen gas bottles.
“The police investigations revealed that the vehicle was allegedly linked to the theft of more than 90 gas bottles valued at approximately R70 000,” she said.
Morake further said all the stolen gas bottles have since been recovered, with some found inside the vehicle in question. She added that the recovered items have been processed and will be returned to their rightful owner.
“The vehicle has been seized for further investigation by the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU),” said Morake.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, congratulated the police members involved in recovering the stolen property. Adams had cautioned members of the public against deliberately misleading the police or making false allegations.
“We urge members of the public to provide truthful information and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.
Police investigations into the matter continue,” he said.
12 October 2026 – The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has secured the conviction of three accused persons in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Branch Executive Committee (BEC) Secretary Mthokozisi Sithole. The national spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said Sithole, who served as the IFP BEC secretary for Mbabazane Ward 20 under the iLanga Libalele Local Municipality, was shot and killed outside a tavern in Weenen on 27 January 2024. Van Wyk said following an intensive investigation by the PKTT, four suspects were arrested and charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“The accused were identified as Sthembiso Nkululeko Xulu, Mduduzi Mncube, Sthabiso Mncube and Sokolisa Sibiya. Mduduzi Mncube was identified as the alleged shooter.
“Investigators also established a link between the firearm used in Sithole’s murder and another murder case involving Thembinkosi Manana,” she said.
Van Wyk further said the third accused, Sthabiso Mncube, was also charged in connection with Manana’s murder, resulting in the two matters being prosecuted as joined cases. She added that following the investigations by the Political Killings Task Team, the court handed down its judgment in both matters, finding three accused guilty of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“The matter has been postponed to 28 October 2026 for sentencing. The PKTT remained committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for political killings.
“The task team will continue working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to strengthen cases and ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” said van Wyk said.
12 October 2026 – The police have arrested 30 people in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng since Thursday as police intensify intelligence-led operations to maintain law and order and prevent disruptions to planned sporting events. The police said 25 people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said those arrested include individuals identified as alleged ringleaders who reportedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban. Mathe said the SAPS will not allow threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct to undermine public safety, disrupt sporting events or destabilise communities.
“Our responsibility is to protect lives, safeguard property and uphold the rule of law. The police would act decisively and professionally, within the confines of the law, against anyone threatening public order.
“We would like to commend the SAPS members, Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by provincial commissioners, for their efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability under challenging circumstances,” she said.
The acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) continue to coordinate intelligence-led operational responses. Dimpane said the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of broader stabilisation interventions undertaken in cooperation with the SAPS.
“The police remained on high alert across all provinces, with sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo swiftly addressed through operational interventions.
“We reiterate that the Constitution protects the right of people to assemble, demonstrate and present their grievances peacefully. However, this right does not extend to intimidation, looting, malicious damage to property, public violence or obstruction of lawful activities.
“Such conduct constitutes criminality and the police will respond firmly and impartially in accordance with the law,” she said.
Dimpane also called on communities to cooperate with police, share information and refrain from participating in unlawful activities that could endanger lives and livelihoods. She reiterated that the priority remained preventing violence, protecting all people, maintaining peace and avoiding loss of life.
12 October 2026 – The police have seized seven firearms, an airgun, several magazines and 89 rounds of ammunition during an operation in Germiston, Gauteng, while searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a 2024 murder case in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The police said the operation was conducted on 9 October 2026, by the Richards Bay Organised Crime Task Team, supported by members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit based in Springs.
The national police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the team acted on information regarding the whereabouts of a suspect who is wanted in connection with a murder case reported in Richards Bay in 2024. Van Wyk said upon arriving at the identified address in Germiston, police seized two rifles, three pistols, a revolver, a shotgun, an airgun, several magazines and 89 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
“The suspect remains at large, and investigations are continuing to trace and arrest the wanted individual.
“The seized firearms would undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they may have been used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes,” she said.
Van Wyk further said they have urged the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.
Picture: The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 October 2026 – The Department of Transport plans to amend the National Road Traffic Regulations to prevent traffic register number (TRN) certificates, learner’s licences and driving licences from being used as general identification documents.
The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy said the proposed amendments aim to address the misuse of road traffic documents and ensure that identification documents are issued and regulated in accordance with the law.
“The Traffic Register Number was created solely to enable people without a South African identity number to conduct transactions on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) for road traffic purposes while finalising their legal status with the Department of Home Affairs.
“It was never intended to serve as general identification. The proposed changes follow a major investigation conducted in 2023, in which the Department of Transport assisted the Department of Home Affairs,” she said.
Creecy further said the investigation uncovered widespread misuse of TRNs and other road traffic documents as forms of identification. She added that some institutions have been accepting TRNs and driving licences as general identification documents, a practice which is inconsistent with the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997).
“The Act designates the Department of Home Affairs as the authority responsible for maintaining the National Population Register and issuing identification documents.
“The amendments were necessary to eliminate legal uncertainty, prevent abuse and align road traffic legislation with the Identification Act,” said Creecy.
She said under the proposed amendments to Regulation 1, TRNs and other documents issued under road traffic legislation will be excluded from the definition of acceptable identification. Creecy said the people who are not permanently resident in South Africa, acceptable identification will consist of a valid passport issued by their country of origin, together with the relevant permit issued by Home Affairs under the Immigration Act, 2002.
“For companies, acceptable identification will include certificates of incorporation, registration certificates, memoranda of incorporation and name-change certificates issued in terms of the Companies Act, 2008.
“For a close corporation converted into a company, the certificate of incorporation issued under Schedule 2 of the Companies Act will be accepted,” she said.
Creecy said the proposed changes mean that TRN certificates, learner’s licences and driving licences will no longer qualify as general identification documents. She said the department also plans to amend Regulation 335 to strengthen controls over the issuing and use of TRNs.
“The proposed amendments will remove provisions that recognise a TRN as an acceptable identification document.
“Furthermore, a TRN holder who obtains another form of acceptable identification will be required to notify the registering authority using form ANR within 21 days and surrender the TRN certificate,” said Creecy.
She said new provision will stipulate that a TRN will remain valid only for the validity period of the passport and permit submitted when the number was obtained. Creecy said natural persons whose TRN certificates do not reflect a validity period will be required to apply for new certificates within three months after the amended regulations come into effect.
She said the proposed amendments would be published in the Government Gazette for public comment in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996). Creecy said interested parties and affected institutions will have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written comments.
“All submissions will be considered before the final regulations are published,” she said.
12 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) will on Monday launch its National Safer Festive Season Operations in the Ehlanzeni District in Mpumalanga as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and ensure the safety and security of communities during the upcoming festive season.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the national launch would be led by the acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, alongside the Deputy Ministers of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.
“The launch of the National Safer Festive Season Operations forms part of intensified policing efforts aimed at increasing police visibility, preventing and combating crime, and ensuring the safety and security of communities during the festive season,” said Mathe.
The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane will present and formally hand over the SAPS Safer Festive Season Operational Plan to Cachalia during the launch. Dimpane said the national launch will be preceded by a series of build-up activities aimed at strengthening policing operations and raising awareness about crime prevention and community safety.
“The first phase will involve a social responsibility project at Khutsalani Secondary School, Stand 1202, in Kabokweni, scheduled to begin at 7:15am.
The second phase, comprising an operational parade and the official national launch, will take place at Kabokweni Stadium in the Ehlanzeni District at 10am.
“The operations would focus on enhancing police visibility and ensuring that law enforcement agencies were prepared to respond effectively to crime during the festive season,” she said.
12 October 2026 – A total of 1008 suspects have been arrested for various serious and other crimes during a week-long, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela II across the Free State province. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and its integrated law enforcement partners conducted 24 approved high-density operations across the province between 4 and 11 October 2026.
According to national police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, the operations focused on crimes involving firearms, drug trafficking, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), as well as trio crimes, including carjacking, house robbery and cash-in-transit heists. Covane said the operations also targeted aggravated robberies, including street robberies and aimed to prevent violent and serious crimes through coordinated law enforcement activities.
“The integrated forces continue to conduct foot and vehicle patrols, air-to-ground patrols, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, tracing operations and tracking operations to locate wanted suspects and prevent crime.
“The operations involved various stakeholders, including the SAPS, South African National Defence Force, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Labour and South African Revenue Service.
During the week, law enforcement officers conducted 5,259 high-visibility patrols and 3,043 other patrols,” he said.
Covane further said they also carried out 225 Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) operations and 17 roadblocks in identified crime hotspots. He added that a total of 1,158 stop-and-search operations were conducted, alongside 269 tracing operations targeting wanted suspects and 203 tracking operations.
“The police also inspected 738 licensed liquor premises, resulting in the closure of 10 unlicensed liquor outlets.
Furthermore, 2,881 farms were visited in collaboration with the departments of Home Affairs and Labour to ensure compliance with labour laws, prevent farm attacks and curb stock theft.
“Authorities also inspected 112 formal and informal businesses, including spaza shops, as well as 134 second-hand dealers and 48 scrapyards and recycling businesses,” said Covane.
He said seven notices were issued to second-hand dealers for failing to maintain prescribed records. Covane said eight mining areas were visited, while six enforcement operations were conducted in terms of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) and the Regulation of Gatherings Act.
He said the 1,008 arrests included 269 wanted suspects who were successfully traced in connection with various crimes, including business robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Covane said the overall arrests included 25 suspects for murder, 23 for attempted murder, 30 for rape, 158 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 86 for common assault.
“Other arrests included four suspects for business robbery, six for residential robbery, three for aggravated robbery, 12 for business burglary and 19 for residential burglary.
“The police also arrested 60 suspects for possession of drugs, 24 for dealing in drugs, five for illegal possession of firearms, four for contravening the Firearms Control Act and four for illegal possession of ammunition,” he said.
Covane said a further 48 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 32 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 101 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended. He said the integrated forces also confiscated various illegal items and contraband during the operations.
“These included four handguns, one rifle, 115 rounds of ammunition and 48 dangerous weapons. The police also seized 45 kilograms of dagga, 134.25 Mandrax tablets, two grams of Mandrax powder and 26.54 grams of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Tik.
“Other confiscated items included 673 litres of alcoholic beverages, 10,607 packets of tobacco products, one kilogram of copper cables, five vehicles, 10 vehicle parts and accessories, nine cellphones and cash amounting to R46,844,” said Covane.
He said the next round of planned weekly operations under the Safer Festive Season campaign, #OperationShanela2, had already commenced across all five districts of the Free State province. Covane said the operations would continue to focus on preventing serious and violent crimes, tracing wanted suspects and removing illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband from communities.
12 Diphalane 2026 – Batho ba batlhano ba ba belaelwang go dira le go rekisa diritibatsi tse di seng mo molaong ba tshwanetse go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Krugersdorp morago ga go tshwarwa mo bekeng e e fetileng, fa sepodisi se sena go ribolola laboratori e e seng mo molaong ya go dira diritibatshi kwa polaseng kwa Hekpoort, gaufi le Krugersdorp, kwa Gauteng.
Laboratori eno ya sephiri ya go dira diritibatsi e fopholediwa go nna le boleng jwa diranta di le dimilione di le 100. Go ya ka sebueledi sa di Hawks, Colonel Katlego Mogale, laboratori eno e ribolotswe ka tiro ya kopanelo ya ditheo tse di farologaneng tsa sepodisi.
“Tiro eno e ne e eteletswe pele ke South African Narcotics Bureau ya Hawks, ka tirisano le SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force le West Rand K-9 Unit.
“Ka nako ya tiro eno, mapodisi a ribolotse bontsi jwa diritibatsi tsa Mandrax le tsa ecstasy kwa laboratori e go belaelwang gore e ne e dirisediwa go dira diokobatsi,
“Banna bano ba batlhano, botlhe e le baagi ba Aforika Borwa, ba ba fitlhetsweng mo lefelong leo, ba tla lebana le melato ya go dira le go rekisa diritibatsi tse di seng mo molaong,” Mogale wa tlhalosa.
11 Ocotber 2026 – Ventersdorp is a town of about 4,200 people in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, North West Province, South Africa. It was the seat of the defunct Ventersdorp Local Municipality until 2016.
Ventersdorp is centrally located, making it easier to access more prominent urban towns such as Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom and Rustenburg. The township (or Location) of Tshing houses most of the town’s blacks and coloureds.
Tshing has a diamond mine nearby that was owned by a town councillor in the early 1990s. Tshing Location has one high school: Thuto Boswa High School. The smaller township Toevlug has Coloured residents, some of whom have attend the former whites-only Afrikaans High School after the end of Apartheid since 1995.
The town grew around a Dutch Reformed Church that was established in 1866. It was named after Johannes Venter who owned the farm Roodepoort and the land the church was built on. It was proclaimed as a town in June 1887. The Mill on the town was built by Richrd Carew Wilson in 1866.
Afrikaner nationalist and white supremacist, Eugène Terre’Blanche was born in Ventersdorp and the town is the base of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), the far-right white separatist political organisation and former paramilitary group that Terre’Blanche founded. The town was the site of the 1991 “Battle of Ventersdorp” in which lethal clashes occurred between members of the apartheid government security forces and the AWB ahead of a scheduled appearance by then State President F. W. de Klerk.
Teacher, political activist, trade unionist, banned person, political prisoner, exile, President of the Transvaal Branch of the African National Congress, one of the leaders of the 1952 Defiance Campaign, co-conspirator in the Rivonia Trial, Pres. John Beaver (JB) Marks was born on 21 March 1903, Ventersdorp, Western Transvaal (now North West Province).
His father was a railway worker and his mother, a midwife. His father was a staunch supporter of the African National Congress (ANC). In 1919, his parents succeeded in getting him enrolled at the Kilnerton Teachers`Training College in Pretoria where he received a diploma in teaching.
Marks participated in a strike with other students because conditions were not good at his college. They were not allowed time off to go visiting, punished very frequently, and the food supply was very poor. This strike led to his expulsion from school.
A political activist and trade unionist, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became the President of the Transvaal Branch of the ANC.
After listening to the late S. P. Bunting addressing a meeting of workers at the mine where he was employed, J. B. Marks joined the Communist Party of South Africa (CPSA) in 1928 and devoted himself to the fight for national and social emancipation. He narrowly escaped assassination in 1929 when a fascist opened fire on the platform he was speaking from. The incident served only to steel his determination. He was elected to the Central Committee of the Communist Party in 1932 and eventually became Chairman of the SACP. In 1931 he was barred from teaching because of his political activity.
In 1942, he was elected to the presidency of the Transvaal Council of non-European trade unions, and in the same year became the President of the African Mine Workers Union (AMU), which grew to a membership of over 50,000.
On 12 August 1946, over 100,000 miners struck work. They were joined by workers from other industries. Soldiers bludgeoned the workers back into the mine shafts after they were out on strike for about a week and hundreds of miners were killed. Marks and other leaders of the strike were arrested and charged with sedition.
One of the leaders of the 1952 Defiance Campaign, Marks was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act. He nevertheless took part in the Defiance Campaign and served a prison sentence for breaking a banning order.
After he was banned, Marks continued to be active. He was a founding member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU) which he had to do illegally.
He was listed as a co-conspirator in the Rivonia Trial. Marks left South Africa in 1963 when the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) asked him to leave. He came to Tanzania through Bechuanaland (now Botswana), from where he operated.
Marks was struck down by a severe illness in 1971 while on active duty as Treasurer-General at the headquarters of the ANC External Mission in Tanzania. When he had recovered sufficiently to travel, he was sent to Russia for medical treatment. He suffered a fatal heart attack and died on 1 August 1972 in Moscow, Russia.
In 1999, the South African Government conferred the Order for Meritorious Service, Class I: Gold, posthumously, on Marks. Following negotiations with the Russian authorities, the Russian government repatriated JB Marks’ remains to South Africa on 1 March 2015.
In 2017, a statue of John Beaver (JB) Marks was erected and two towns of (Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp) were amalgamated to form one municipality which is known as JB Marks Local Municipality.
11 October 2026 – The Potchefstroom Dam is a man-made earth-fill reservoir on the Mooi River located on the northern boundary of Potchefstroom in the North West province, South Africa. Originally built around 1908 (historically referred to as the Compensation Dam) to supply water to local settlements and the experimental farm.
Owned by the Department of Water and Sanitation, with day-to-day maintenance and management falling under the local municipality. It was historically a major local hub for camping, caravans, fishing, boating, and featured an Olympic-size swimming pool.
The recreational facilities have fallen into severe disrepair and neglect, leading local groups and the North-West University (NWU) to propose taking over management to restore the site and support international athletes. Just a short distance away on the Mooi River is Boskop Dam, which offers birdwatching, fishing, and a nature reserve with wildlife like zebra and blesbok.
11 October 2026 – The George Dick Montshioa Airport, formerly known as Mahikeng Airport is an airport serving Mahikeng and Mmabatho, the current and former capital cities of the North West province in South Africa. The airport is widely known as Mafikeng Airport after Mahikeng’s former name.
The airport is managed by the North West Province Department of Transport and Roads. The airport is a former air force base of the Boputhatswana Defence Force and was previously classified as an international airport. As of 2014, discussions and construction was in progress in order for the airport to regain its status as an international airport.
In the early 1980s, Mmabatho was developed to serve as the capital city of Bophuthatswana. Developed as one of the bantustan’s premier projects,
Mahikeng Airport costed approximately R25 million to build.Construction was completed in May 1984, and President Lucas Mangope officially opened it as Mmabatho International Airport in June 1984.
The new airport replaced the earlier Mafikeng Aerodrome, which was located in the city centre. The airport is home to a flying club called the Mafikeng Flying Club.
The club was formed in 1971. The air base was taken over and used as a base by members of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging during the Bophuthatswana coup d’état of 1994. The airport’s international license was suspended by the South African Civil Aviation Authority on 16 April 2001 with immediate effect due to issues with security, fire and airport management.
The airport is used by private aircraft operators as passenger flights stopped in 2009 due to the airport failing to comply with various regulations. Scheduled commercial flights by South African Express resumed in 2015 and were suspended in June 2018.
The airport resides at an elevation of 4,181 feet (1,274 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 04/22 with an asphalt surface measuring 4,499 by 45 metres (14,760 ft × 148 ft) as well as asphalt taxiways. As of 2014, the airport is undergoing an expansion that includes re-marking runways and taxiways as well as installing a new instrument landing system that should allow Mahikeng airport to regain its international status.
The cost of the expansion project was R15 million with a further R30 million being spent in order to ensure the project is completed within 2014. The expansion is intended to make Mahikeng airport a major cargo hub in the North West province that can be used to export various agricultural products produced within the province.
Mahikeng airport has all the necessary facilities for customs control. The airport does not have international certification, however these facilities can be made operational again if needed.
11 October 2026 – Gondolin Cave is a significant Plio-Pleistocene fossil-bearing paleocave system located in the North West Province, South Africa, within the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated near Hartbeespoort in the Skurweberg mountain range / Eccles Formation dolomites, roughly a 22-minute drive from Greater Taung (or part of the wider regional network).
Dated to approximately 1.8 million years old. Discovered by K. MacKenzie in 1977 and investigated by the Transvaal Museum and the University of the Witwatersrand. Heavily disturbed by early 20th-century lime mining.
It has yielded over 95,000 fossil specimens—including extinct antelopes, Hystrix makapanensis, and two hominin teeth (Homo and Paranthropus robustus). It is often referred to as one of South Africa’s sabertooth-associated fossil dens.
The cave is located on private property and is not open to the general public for tourist visits. If you are looking for recreational cave hikes or tourist cave visits around the area, local operators host guided hikes in nearby parts of the Magaliesberg rather than inside Gondolin Cave itself.
11 October 2026 – Klerksdorp Transport Museum located in Klerksdorp, North West Province, is a fascinating destination for history and transport enthusiasts. This museum showcases a diverse collection of vintage vehicles, locomotives, and transport-related artifacts, providing insight into the region’s rich transport heritage.
Visitors can explore restored steam engines, classic cars, and old bicycles, each telling a story of technological advancements and the role of transportation in shaping South Africa’s economy and infrastructure.
In addition to its impressive vehicle displays, the museum also features historical exhibits on Klerksdorp’s development, including early mining and railway connections that played a crucial role in the town’s growth. With well-preserved exhibits and informative displays, the Klerksdorp Transport Museum offers a nostalgic journey through time, making it an engaging experience for families, school groups, and history buffs alike.
Located at the corner of Lombaard and Margaretha Prinsloo Streets (Klerksdorp Central), this main municipal museum houses a collection of 19th-century horse, mule, and ox-drawn vehicles, alongside local history and the Warders House.
Hours: Monday–Friday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM, and Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
11 October 2026 – Setlagole (also referred to historically as Se tla a gola or Setlagoli) is a prominent historical Setswana town and rural settlement located in the Ratlou Local Municipality within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality of the North West Province, South Africa. The reference to “Southpan” (or Soutpan) in relation to Setlagole historically points to the area’s prominent geological salt pans (such as the nearby Muhukubung Pan) and its position on the northwestern edge of the Kaapvaal Craton.
It serves as the official administrative seat for the Ratlou Local Municipality and sits along the N18 national route, roughly 70 kilometers from Mahikeng.
The area is globally recognized by geologists for the Setlagole Megabreccia.
This is a unique geological formation exposed along the Setlagole River bed, featuring large fragmented rocks linked to a massive ancient magnetic anomaly and potential deep-crustal or meteorite impact history. The community is primarily Barolong and Bahurutshe, with Setswana spoken as the predominant first language by over 91% of the population.
11 October 2026 – Vryburg is a large agricultural town situated in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality of the North West Province, South Africa. Known as the industrial and agricultural heartland of the Bophirima region, it is highly regarded as one of South Africa’s largest beef-producing areas.
Positioned along the N14 national road, making it a primary stopover between Gauteng and Namibia or the Northern Cape. Economic Hub: It functions as the administrative seat of its district, anchoring local trade with massive livestock auctions and agricultural processing.
Are you looking for travel stopovers, local businesses, or specific historical and economic information about Vryburg? Let us know how we can help narrow this down.
11 October 2026 – Delareyville is a small agricultural and historical town in the Tswaing Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province, South Africa. Founded in 1913 and laid out in 1914, the town was named after the famous Boer General Jacobus Herculaas (Koos) de la Rey.
It sits in the northwestern corner of the country’s “maize triangle,” roughly 3.5 hours by car from Johannesburg. The area is a major hub for maize, sorghum, groundnut, and sunflower cultivation, alongside cattle and sheep farming.
The district features numerous salt pans with distinct pink coloration that attract large flocks of flamingos. Barberspan Nature Reserve is located about 15km from town, it is a premier destination for bird-watching (housing thousands of waterfowl), fishing, and boating.
Henk Joubert Game Reserve is a home to various antelope species like kudu and springbok, as well as zebras and ostriches. Historical landmarks includes the Dutch Reformed Church (a national monument) and the Rooiwal Monument honoring Anglo-Boer War burghers.
Recent infrastructure challenges are water crisis. Residents in Delareyville and nearby villages have faced severe water supply disruptions and infrastructure delays involving local municipal boreholes and incomplete water projects.
11 October 2026 – Cookes Lake Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Mahikeng. Surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty, our resort offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Our luxurious accommodations provide all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, while our dedicated staff is always available to cater to your every need. Whether you prefer to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings or indulge in a range of outdoor activities, Cookes Lake Resort has something for everyone. Come and experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury, book your stay with us today.
Looking for a cozy and comfortable stay in Mahikeng? Our chalet accommodation at Cookes Lake Resort offers the perfect blend of luxury and privacy. Each chalet is tastefully furnished and equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes.
Our chalets are set amidst picturesque surroundings, offering stunning views of the lake and lush greenery. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, our chalets provide the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Mahikeng region. Come and experience the ultimate in comfort and luxury.
Restaurant
We offer more than just luxurious accommodation and beautiful surroundings. Our on-site restaurant serves up a delectable range of dishes, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients, sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the serene surroundings of the lake and lush greenery. Our restaurant provides the perfect complement to your stay, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.
Conference and Event Facilities
If you’re looking for a stunning and versatile venue for your next conference or event, look no further than Cookes Lake Resort. Our state-of-the-art conference facilities can accommodate up to 150 guests, with a range of modern amenities, including high-speed internet and audiovisual equipment.
Our team of dedicated event planners is on hand to help you plan every aspect of your event, from catering to decor, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
The serene and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Let us help you create an unforgettable event.
11 October 2026 – Magaliesburg is a small, historic country town in Mogale City, West Rand, Gauteng, South Africa, situated about 80 to 90 minutes west of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Nestled below the Witwatersrand range, with the rugged Magaliesberg mountain range visible to the north.
Named after Chief Kgosi Môgale Wa Môgale of the BaPô ba Mogale clan (“burg” meaning town and “berg” meaning mountain in Afrikaans). Known as a peaceful weekend breakaway, craft haven, and agricultural hub driven heavily by tourism, self-catering lodges, and small farms.
Hiking and swimming at Mountain Sanctuary Park, the Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, and river trails. Sunrise flights available via operators like Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris.
Close proximity to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the historic Blaauwbank Gold Mine. Classic heritage rail trips via Reefsteamers steam train journeys from Johannesburg.
11 October 2026 – The Molemane Eye Nature Reserve is a charming, rustic getaway situated in the North West Province of South Africa, approximately 11 kilometres from Ottoshoop along the road between Lichtenburg and Zeerust. Managed by the North West Parks and Tourism Board, this compact reserve is centered around a powerful natural spring (the “Eye”) that pumps roughly 2.25 million litres of crystal-clear water daily.
It serves as an accessible weekend escape for nature lovers, campers, and families traveling from the North West and nearby Gauteng.
The central highlight is a deep natural well. Half of its pristine water filters into a local dam, while the other half turns a historic water wheel powering an old mill. The mill is a registered national monument and offers a captivating look into the area’s rich history.
The tranquil dam serves as an excellent backdrop for the reserve’s campsites. It is highly popular for catch-and-release bass fishing, though explicit rules apply (only artificial lures and barbless hooks are permitted, and live bait is strictly forbidden).
While traditionally a small sanctuary for diverse birdlife and smaller indigenous animals, ongoing conservation efforts by the province include game-stocking initiatives to host larger species like eland, sable, buffalo, and rhino.
For overnight stays, the reserve offers rustic and authentic accommodation options, including dedicated campsites spread out along the water’s edge and basic chalets/tented camp facilities. The reserve features well-maintained picnic tables, public restrooms, and braai (barbecue) grids, making it a highly family-friendly location for a relaxed day outing.
11 October 2026 – The Sun City Resort is a world-renowned luxury resort and entertainment complex located in the North West Province of South Africa, approximately a two-hour drive northwest of Johannesburg near Rustenburg. A signature tropical water park featuring a large artificial beach, a roaring lagoon with periodic 2-meter waves, and thrilling water slides.
Four distinct hotels catering to various styles, including the ultra-luxury 5-star The Palace of the Lost City, the Cascades, the Soho Hotel & Casino, and the family-friendly The Cabanas. Two 18-hole championship golf courses—the Gary Player Country Club (home to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge) and The Lost City Golf Course.
• Safari & Wildlife: Directly borders the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, offering Big Five game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and animal sanctuaries.
Features the Sun City Casino, the Sun Central entertainment arena, the massive Superbowl concert venue, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest permanent maze (The Maze of the Lost City)
11 October 2026 – Botsalano Game Reserve is a rugged 5 800 hectare wildlife reserve located in the North West Province of South Africa, right along the Botswana border near Mahikeng and the Ramatlabama border post. Managed by the North West Parks and Tourism Board, it serves as a crucial, prolific breeding ground for white rhinos and various antelope species used to restock other provincial parks. It features an open Kalahari thornveld ecosystem, wide-open grasslands, Acacia woodlands, and unique termite sandcastles. Geologically, it sits on the site of one of the oldest volcanic craters in the world, which extends right across the border into Botswana.
The reserve is home to over 2 000 head of animals, including white rhinos, Cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelopes like gemsbok (oryx), eland, and springbok. It is also a premier birding hotspot with more than 200 recorded bird species. There are no major dangerous large predators (like lions or leopards), making the atmosphere exceptionally peaceful.
For overlanders and 4×4 enthusiasts, Botsalano is famous for its wild, remote, and unfenced bush campsites (such as Lerako Camp, Laorara, and Sentry Hill) which let you experience the African wilderness completely uninterrupted. It also offers solar-powered, self-catering tented units overlooking a local dam.
Ensure you use Gate 3 to enter the park. GPS navigation systems frequently route travelers toward Gate 2, which is permanently closed, or Gate 1, which is strictly reserved for park management.
The reserve operates on a strictly rustic basis. There are no shops inside, so you must bring all your own supplies—including firewood, food, and drinking water. Recent traveler accounts note that the permanent tented camps are basic and have faced maintenance issues, so self-contained camping is highly recommended.
While there is an extensive road network suitable for most vehicles, conditions can get rough or sandy; high-clearance vehicles or 4x4s are preferred, especially if heading deep into the bush camps.
Are you planning a day trip or looking to book overnight camping at Botsalano? I can provide you with the current gate operating hours or guide you on how to contact their central reservation office.
11 October 2026 – An accused, Greyton Cloete (27) was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court for murder and robbery of a farmer, Edward Coetsee (66) at Kalkfontein Farm in Okiep. The incident occurred on 12 November 2020, at approximately 2am, when two suspects allegedly entered the victim’s farmhouse and demanded money.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said when Coetsee informed them that he had no money, the suspects attempted to take his personal belongings before brutally assaulting him. Magerman said the victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was subsequently found and transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“The suspects fled the scene with his personal belongings. In June 2023, following meticulous investigative work by Detective Captain Hermie Beukes, Cloete was apprehended and arrested. During the course of the investigation, he confessed to his involvement in the murder and robbery.
“Further investigative work, supported by DNA evidence, subsequently linked a second suspect to the crime. Both accused remained in custody. The Springbok Regional Court recently sentenced Cloete to 20 years imprisonment for murder, of which two years were suspended for five years, resulting in an effective sentence of 18 years imprisonment.
“He was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Cloete was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act,” he said.
Magerman further said the SAPS management in the Namakwa District commends Beukes for his dedication, perseverance and thorough investigative work, which contributed to securing the conviction and ensuring that the perpetrator was held accountable for his actions. He added that the SAPS remains committed to investigating serious and violent crimes and bringing perpetrators before the courts.
“This conviction serves as a reminder that, even when investigations are complex and justice takes time, the SAPS will continue to pursue cases to ensure accountability and justice for victims and their families,” said Magerman.
Picture: Prayer service unites law enforcement officials/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 October 2026 – The members of various law enforcement agencies in the Northern Cape, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, Traffic Department and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), gathered at CRC Kimberley on 11 October 2026, for a prayer service. The service provided an opportunity for law enforcement officials to unite in prayer, seeking divine guidance, protection, strength and wisdom in the execution of their duties.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Thando Mnisi said senior officials in attendance included the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, General Koliswa Otola, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, Brigadier Samuel Mathe, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien and Station Commanders, alongside other senior managers from the participating departments. Mnisi said the gathering underscored the importance of faith, unity and collaboration among law enforcement agencies, reaffirming their shared commitment to serving and protecting the communities of the Northern Cape with dedication, integrity and compassion.
Picture: The police during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 October 2026 – More than 289 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela II between 5 and 11 October 2026. The police in the Northern Cape said they will continue to intensify its crime-fighting efforts through high-density, multi-disciplinary operations.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the operations, conducted across all five districts in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, form part of the ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal activities and strengthen police visibility as the SAPS ramps up its Safer Festive Season operations. Shemane said with the festive season approaching, the police are deploying more boots on the ground through intensified patrols, roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and targeted crime prevention operations.
“These proactive interventions are aimed at disrupting criminal activities, removing illegal firearms and dangerous weapons from circulation, apprehending wanted suspects and ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors to the Northern Cape.
“During the reporting period, law enforcement officials stopped and searched 6 824 individuals and 3 862 vehicles at VCPs and roadblocks along national and provincial roads,” he said.
Shemane further said the operations resulted in the arrest of 289 suspects for various offences, including drug dealing, possession of drugs, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault, burglary, malicious damage to property and offences relating to undocumented persons, among other crimes. He added that as part of efforts to enforce compliance with legislation, liquor premises found operating without the required licences or failing to comply with applicable legal requirements were closed.
“A total of 19 fines were issued during the operations. Law enforcement officials also confiscated various items linked to criminal activities, including cell phones, copper cables, dangerous weapons, alcoholic beverages, ammunition, drugs and cash. The provincial management commended the participating law enforcement agencies for their continued collaboration and commitment to the fight against crime.
“The integrated approach, which combines resources, expertise and operational capacity, remains critical in addressing crime and ensuring a coordinated response to threats to community safety. As the province intensifies its Safer Festive Season campaign, the police will maintain a heightened operational presence in crime hotspots and other identified areas of concern,” said Shemane.
He said the focus will remain on visible policing, targeted interventions, the prevention of serious and violent crime and the enforcement of the law to ensure that criminals have no place to hide. Shemane said the police call on communities to support these efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting criminal activities to the police.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report information that may assist in preventing or solving crime through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App.
“The Northern Cape SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to building safer communities through sustained crime prevention operations, increased police visibility and strengthened partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and community structures,” he said.
Shemane said together, through collective action and vigilance, they can work towards a safer, crime-free Northern Cape this festive season and beyond.
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.
