25 September 2024- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the arrest of two departmental officials for fraud, marks a crucial step in addressing fraudulent activities within her department. Motsumi said these officials from the Bojanala District Office, were arrested by the Hawks in connection with fraudulent documents.
She further said the arrests follow a thorough investigation and they briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 September 2024. Motsumi added that the case involves officials who were appointed in 1998 and another in 2008.
“They were both found with fraudulent matric certificates. The verification process revealed that the matric certificates purportedly issued were invalid, as confirmed by the Umalusi.
“Following these findings, the matter was referred to the Department’s Labour Unit for intervention prior to the Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) investigations. The accused persons were granted R12 000 and R2000 bail respectively,” she said.
Motsumi expressed the department’s commitment to clean governance and eradicating fraudulent behaviour within the education sector. She said as a department, one of the priorities that they are pursuing is to improve education, training, and innovation, and to contribute towards building a developmental state in the country.
“When we improve education, training, and innovation, we want the department to be regarded as the apex of good governance. To achieve that, we must clean up corrupt or fraudulent tendencies within the department.
“These arrests are a result of an ongoing investigation that has appeared in various media platforms in recent months. It is time for the law to take its course, and we trust that the state will handle these matters appropriately,” said Motsumi.
She said as the department, they will not interfere with the process. Motsumi said their focus remains on preparing the learners for the upcoming exams, with a targeted 90% pass rate across the province.
“While this matter is before law enforcement, our primary responsibility remains to ensure a quality education for all learners. The department will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector,” she said.
25 September 2024- A man (42), who is accused of killing his girlfriend, remanded in custody. Tebogo Ernest Modisaesi briefly appeared before Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court today, in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend Keolopile Dorothy Mocumi (34).
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said it is alleged that Mocumi and Modisaesi, visited her grandmother on Sunday morning, 23 September 2024, at her home in De-Aar village, near Morokweng. Funani said the couple allegedly left the granny’s place and went to the victim’s residence also in De-Aar village, where a quarrel ensued.
“The neighbours alerted the granny after they saw Modisaesi leaving the victim’s place in a hurry. The grandmother went to her grandchild’s shack, where she found her (Mocumi) lying in a pool of blood with a stab wound on her upper body.
“The police were summoned and assisted by members of the community to look for the suspect, who was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes. His case was postponed until 3 October 2024, for formal bail application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked members of the community for working together with the police in ensuring that the suspect is arrested.
Picture: The Men’s National Netball players/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 September 2024 –Netball South Africa is set to host the biggest Males National Netball Championships yet, with a record number of teams battling it out for the ultimate prize. As defending champions, Ekurhuleni will face intense competition from across the country as they attempt to retain their title.
The tournament, taking place at the Ellis Park Outdoor Courts in Johannesburg from 26 – 30 September 2024, will showcase the very best in men’s netball.
The Netball South Africa (NSA) president, Cecilia Molokwane said this is a record-breaking tournament. Molokwane said the tournament will be the largest to date, featuring over 60 teams competing across Senior A, B and Under 23 divisions.
“With over 60 teams, drawn from 52 districts across the country – the level of participation underscores the growing popularity of this men’s game. The 2023 edition of the tournament, held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium Netball Courts in Rustenburg (North West), featured 48 district teams (12 under-23 teams and 36 senior teams).
“We believe the record participation of 67 teams across various divisions underscores the growing popularity of the sport. The 2024 Males National Netball Championships are shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With record participation, intense competition and the opportunity for national team selection, the tournament will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the sport of men’s netball,” she said.
Molokwane further said her vision and the overwhelming response to the tournament, indicate a promising future for men’s netball in South Africa. She added that Johannesburg will play host to the championships for the third time since 2015.
“The city boasts a strong netball presence, with four teams participating in this year’s tournament: two in the senior division and two in the under 23 division. Other districts with a significant number of teams include eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Capricorn, Cape Town and Tshwane, each entering three teams.
“Ekurhuleni A, the reigning champions from Gauteng, are determined to prove that their 2023 victory was no fluke. With coach Judy Rathethe guiding them, Ekurhuleni A are determined to hold onto their title in the face of fierce competition,” said Molokwane.
Meanwhile, Rathethe said: “We shocked everyone last year, but we’re not resting on our laurels. We’re working hard to maintain our high standards. Defending a title brings its own pressure, but we’re ready.
“The A division is extremely competitive. Two games a day against strong opposition – there’s no room for error. But the players are fully committed, putting everything on the line.”
She said they wish more people could witness the passion and intensity of this competition.
25 September 2024- The North West University’s soccer team, the Eagles, will face the University of Western Cape (UWC) in the Varsity Cup final on 26 September 2024. This comes after the Eagles got their revenge and thumped UFS to secure a home final.
NWU delivered a commanding performance, defeating UFS 4-0 at the NWU Mafikeng Stadium to book their place in the Varsity Football final. The result was a reversal of fortunes after UFS had beaten NWU in the group stages.
This time, the home side dominated from the outset, leaving UFS with little chance of repeating their previous success. Although the opening 10 minutes did not produce any goals, NWU was clearly on top, dictating play and putting pressure on the UFS defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when Reatlegile Kgosithebe rose high to meet a cross from the right flank, heading the ball into the back of the net to put NWU ahead.
Despite UFS’s efforts to respond, NWU continued to press, and the first half ended with the score still 1-0 in favour of the hosts. The second half saw NWU continue to impose their will on the game.
In the 52nd minute, Lucky Letwaba doubled NWU’s lead with a stunning free kick. The set piece was awarded after a tough challenge by a UFS defender on an NWU player, and Letwaba made no mistake, curling the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
UFS tried to find a way back into the game, but NWU’s defense remained solid, with the goalkeeper making several crucial saves to keep the clean sheet intact. As the game progressed, NWU piled on more pressure, and in the 84th minute, Xolani Masethi added a third goal with a powerful volley from the left flank, leaving the UFS goalkeeper with no chance.
To cap off an excellent team performance, Molemo Kukama scored NWU’s fourth goal in the 90th minute, finishing off a swift counter attack. The final whistle confirmed NWU’s 4-0 victory and their place in the Varsity Football final.
Meanwhile, UWC travelled to Pretoria and beat log leaders, Tuks for the second time in the tournament. The 2015 Varsity Football winners, UWC was the first side to march to this year’s final after defeating the three-time champions Tuks 1-0.
As anticipated, the encounter did not spare any drama and action as both sides started high spirited. Tuks enjoyed much of the possession in the opening exchanges.
UWC looked dangerous on the counter attack and immediately capitalized on their chances in a cheeky piece of play from their playmaker, Relebohile Matima who made no mistake and slotted the ball in a far upright to put the visitors ahead after 11 minutes.
23 September 2024- Two farm security guards were sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for killing a man they suspected of stealing watermelons on a farm near Magogong village. On 2 January 2019, the security guards noticed two men on the farm and assumed that they had come to steal watermelons.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the pair were apprehended, and one of the men was tied up and placed in a store room. Kock said Pieta Modingwana (29), was shot twice in his abdomen as he fled to his shack in Magogong village, near Taung.
“The police were informed by the community, and Modingwana was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later. The Hartswater police continued to follow up on information and found a man tied up in a storeroom on the farm.
“The farm owner and the two security guards were subsequently arrested. The farm owner, Dawie Oosthuizen (62), died of natural causes while out on bail on 20 December 2022,” he said.
Kock said two accused, Kabelo Edward De Bruin (27) and Goitsemang Piet Muller (37), were both sentenced in the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley. Kock said the duo was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 10 years for kidnapping and 3 years imprisonment for assault GBH.
“They were also sentenced to 5 imprisonment for illegal possession of a firearm and one year for possession of ammunition. The sentences will run concurrently,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Investigation Officer, Detective Warrant Officer Tiisetso Chabeli and the Hartswater Detective team for their hard work that ensured no impunity is granted to the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Otola also warned the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
Picture: The Indomitable Lions FC crowned as champions of Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The coach of Indomitable Lions FC, Archie Seothaeng said even though they encountered some difficulties in the mouth-watering final against Lovely Movers FC during the Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament in Modimong village, near Taung on Sunday, they were grateful to be crowned champions.
The Indomitable Lions FC took home a whopping R35 000, kits, medals and trophy after winning 4-2 through penalties, while Lovely Movers FC received R15 000, kits and medals.
Seothaeng said his side’s win will be a morale-booster for their encounter in the ABC Motsepe League, where they ply their trade.
“We have a virtuous squad and a lot of very good players. We felt that we were strong enough to be able to win the game, but time was not on our side. We had to immediately go straight to the penalties shoot-out after the half time interval.
“So, I reminded our players that we had to make sure that we are at our best. Not just in a tactical perspective, but also emotionally and psychologically fit,” he said.
Seothaeng further said the Boemma Lovely Movers Soccer Tournament was of a high magnitude and he is happy with the quality of football that was on display.
The coach of Lovely Movers FC, Jacob Tshilo said even though they lost in the final, his players showed discipline, dedication and determination through-out the tournament. Tshilo said his side showed pedigree and they were unlucky to miss from the penalty spot.
“It was not easy because we were playing the most formidable side, which is plying its trade in the ABC Motsepe League. So, we will go back to the drawing board and rectify our mistakes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the organiser of Boemma Lovely Movers Top 16 Soccer Tournament, Omphemetse Meto Manganeng said: “Indeed, soccer is a beautiful game. We would like to thank all those who came out in numbers to come and show unwavering support.
“Even though the weather was unfavourable, people came out in numbers. Due to time constraints, we had to go to a penalty shoot-out, immediately after the half time interval,” he said.
Manganeng said the aim of the tournament was to give players exposure. He said they always encourage them to work hard because they will never know who is watching.
“We are working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders, such as NWU Soccer Institute. So, this tournament gives the necessary exposure to players, hence we always encourage them to also concentrate on their education.
“If a player is scouted by the NWU Soccer Institute, he will be rewarded with a scholarship,” added Manganeng.
23 September 2024: On 24 September, our country observes Heritage Day. On this day, we celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that makes up our nation.
Having emerged from a painful apartheid past where indigenous customs, traditions and languages were denigrated and marginalised, Heritage Day is one of the most important events on our national calendar. It is a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and for building bridges of tolerance and understanding between races and different ethnic groups.
I have always found it heart-warming to see how South Africans from all walks of life celebrate Heritage Day in their communities, schools, workplaces, places of worship and institutions of higher learning. It has become a regular facet of Heritage Day to see South Africans share their traditions, cuisine, dress, music and other forms of cultural expression with their compatriots.
Beyond the benefits for cultural self-expression, pride and nation-building, heritage preservation is an important driver of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development. Heritage preservation it therefore recognised in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The UN Sustainable Development Goal on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable includes a target for ‘strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage’.
As a country we are perfectly placed to use our rich cultural and natural heritage to promote economic growth.
South Africa is home to no less than eight world heritage sites proclaimed by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). These include Robben Island, the Mapungubwe Heritage Site and the Cradle of Humankind and a number of important ecosystems like the Cape Floral Kingdom and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
As one of the world’s most mega biodiverse countries, South Africa’s natural heritage attracts tourists from around the world, supporting local job creation and investment in natural resource infrastructure. By way of example, in December 2023 alone, there were more than 400,000 visitors to sites like the Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island.
Coupled with this is an abundance of historical sites across the country that span the pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and democratic eras.
One thinks here of the likes of the Isandlwana Battlefield Route, which incorporates the sites of historic battles in KwaZulu-Natal, including the battle of Isandlwana in 1879 where the Zulu Kingdom achieved a famous victory over the British. One thinks of the Anglo-Boer War Museum in the Free State, which recalls the war between the British and the Boer republics of 1899-1902. There are also the various National Liberation Heritage Routes in Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Limpopo, which incorporate historic sites that together chronicle our journey to freedom.
These sites aren’t just important for tourism. They are also sites of memory and monuments to the past that serve to educate the younger generation of South Africans.
To preserve our country’s rich heritage, we need to do more to attract young South Africans to careers and opportunities in the sector. Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Heritage Council and the National Arts Council has provided unemployed young people with work opportunities in film and digital media production, cultural project management, storytelling, language preservation and as museum guides.
While heritage preservation is a responsibility of Government, the private sector, corporate sponsors, philanthropies, heritage organisations and other stakeholders also have an important role to play in ensuring these legacies are safeguarded for future generations.
Private sector support for heritage preservation is uneven. While some high-profile heritage sites like Robben Island, the Mandela House in Soweto, Constitution Hill and others receive donor funding, other less prominent institutions, events and initiatives struggle to obtain support.
As a result many important sites of memory have fallen into disrepair. This is a wasted opportunity, because a number of these sites could stimulate local economies and provide work opportunities to the communities in which they are situated. Protecting and conserving historical, cultural and natural heritage sites is also vitally important for nation-building and national reconciliation.
On this Heritage Day, I call on business and other stakeholders to work with Government in the cause of heritage preservation, particularly in marginalised communities.
There is already laudable work being done in this regard. We have seen for instance how some of the country’s largest banks have supported Government’s rhino conservation efforts. South African corporates have also lent their support to preserving South Africa’s musical and arts heritage. Another fine example of support for heritage preservation is the Rieldans Festival in the Northern Cape held by the Afrikaanse Taal- en Kultuurvereniging (ATKV).
By working together as Government, business and society, we can use our national heritage to uplift communities, create opportunities and make us all proud to be South African.
23 Lwetse 2024- Lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 34, le tlhabilwe ka thiba go fitlha le tlhokafala kwa motseng wa De-Aar, kwa Morokweng, gaufi Ganyesa, mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Kolonele Adele Myburgh, setopo sa ga Keolopile Dorothy Mocumi, se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa makgetlho-kgetlho, se bonwe ke mosadimogolo wa gagwe, mme o ile a letsatsa sepodisi.
“Sepodisi se ile sa tabogela kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme sa fitlhela maloba ele maabane. Go begwa fa Mocumi a bonwe la bofelo a na le mokapelo wa gagwe fa a tswa kwa ntlung.
“Lekawana la dingwaga di le 42, le ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi, mme le tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa ka di 25 Lwetse 2024, go lebagana le molato wa polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Picture: A man arrested for allegedly stealing bee hives/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 September 2024- A man (40) briefly appeared before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen property on 23 September 2024. Gert Johannes Krieger Roos was arrested during an intelligence-drive on Saturday morning.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Roos’ arrest comes after the police received a tip-off regarding a person possibly stole bee hives in Lichtenburg and was on the way on the R30 road, near Ventersdorp.
“The Ventersdorp police and Flying Squad were activated and they found a vehicle pulling a trailer with 28 bee hives at an estimated value of R50 000. The driver of the vehicle (Roos), could not account for the bee hives and was arrested.
“Further investigation identified the lawful owner of the bee hives, which were handed back to him. Linkages to other theft of bee hive cases cannot be ruled out. Investigations into the matter continue,” she said.
Myburgh said Roos was remanded in custody until 30 September 2024, for a formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police for their quick response that led to the apprehension of the perpetrator.
23 September 2024 – Police in Phokeng appeal to community members to assist in locating a missing woman, Bafedile Masilo (43), who is residing at Robega Tshwaraganang Section in Phokeng, near Rustenburg. According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Masilo was last seen by her father on 1 June 2024.
“A search was conducted around Phokeng and all leads were followed-up, but that did not yield positive results. The family is unsure about what Masilo was wearing at the time of her disappearance.
“She is light/yellow in complexion with brown eyes, a medium built body and short, black hair. Anyone who may have information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Johanna Masenya on 076 834 4165 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
Myburgh said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the My SAPS App from a smartphone.
The Guardian 