Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 January 2025- In a quest to ensure comprehensive, integrated and sustainable healthcare services, the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene, today convened a follow-up stakeholders engagement with the leadership of the !Kheis Local Municipality. This strategic engagement took place in Groblershoop and was attended by among others, municipality’s leadership and senior management of the department.
Lekwene said this collaboration ensure that no health district operates in a silo and therefore, encourages cooperation between other governmental spheres. He further said his department will deliver better value through efficient allocation and optimal utilisation of available resources.
“The department presented an in-depth plan of action that seeks to improve emergency medical services and health care facilities. We are committed to appoint additional staffing at the local health facilities and EMS, as well as placing extra ambulances for quick response time.
“Furthermore, this integrated plan of action includes the development of a plan to assist the department to realise the 24-hour operationalisation of the Globershoop CHC and the assistance of the municipality to resolve some of the challenges or bottlenecks,” he said.
Lekwene added the leadership of the municipality expressed their heartfelt thanks for the strategic engagements and recommitted themselves to fully supporting the department towards strengthening the delivery of health services in the broader !Kheis Local Municipality.
30 January 2025- Four undocumented suspects were arrested by the police and security personnel for illegal mining and trespassing in coordinated efforts at Kleinzee mine on 28 January 2025. This comes after multi-disciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi, conducted vehicle and foot patrols at illegal mining hotspot areas.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they received a tip-off from Vetus Security Guards regarding alleged illegal mining activities taking place at Kleinzee Mine. Shemane said the police swiftly reacted and operationalised the information.
“Upon arrival, four men were found engaging in illegal mining. The four suspects aged between 25 and 40, were subsequently arrested and the equipment that was used in the commission of illicit mining were confiscated.
“The public is encouraged to report illicit mining by using the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App,” he said.
Picture: The police seized drugs worth R37 million/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 January 2025- Two suspects from Tanzania (42) and Zambia (39), were arrested for dealing in drugs near Zeerust on Wednesday. The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has applauded law enforcement officials for their swift and effective response in arresting suspects in a recent drug bust near Zeerust.
Morweng said the operation, which resulted in the seizure of illicit substances called Crystal Meth, demonstrates commitment to tackle the scourge of drug-related crime in the province. He further commended the police and traffic officers for their diligence and professionalism in executing the arrest.
“The drugs are dangerous and mainly affect young people negatively. Therefore, we must commend men and women in uniform for their stunning work on the arrest.
“The preliminary investigations suggest that the street value of these substances is over R30 million. However, the confirmed value will be determined as further investigations unfold,” he added.
Morweng said the investigation will be conducted with utmost thoroughness, ensuring that all aspects are meticulously examined.
Meanwhile, the Action SA provincial chairperson, Kgosi Kwena Mangope said: “We strongly condemn the African National Congress (ANC) catastrophic failure in border management, which has once again been exposed by the recent drug bust at the Zeerust Border Post.
“This incident is yet another example of how South Africa’s porous borders have become gateways for criminal syndicates to operate with impunity. The ANC’s inability to enforce effective border security has not only facilitated organised crime, but also placed communities at risk by allowing illicit activities to flourish unchecked.”
Mangope said while commending law enforcement for intercepting the drug shipment, they emphasise that this incident starkly exposes the ANC’s long-standing inability to secure South Africa’s borders. He said the Action SA believes that Morweng’s admission that corrupt officials may have facilitated this drug trafficking operation is a damning indictment of the ANC’s governance.
“The interception of one drug shipment cannot be celebrated, while acknowledging the department’s own systemic failure. The fact that these drugs were being transported from Zambia via a minibus taxi highlights how easily international criminal syndicates exploit South Africa’s porous borders.
“This crisis stems directly from decades of ineffective immigration policies and border mismanagement under ANC rule. Action SA highlights two critical failures such as the complete collapse of border security infrastructure and patrol capacity,” he said.
Mangope alleged that this endemic corruption enabled criminal syndicates to operate freely. He said furthermore, this drug bust is only a symptom of a much larger problem.
“Undocumented foreign nationals now make up an estimated 10% of South Africa’s population. The ANC must take full responsibility for turning our borders into a haven for transnational criminals.
“Action SA remains committed to securing our borders for a safer and more prosperous South Africa. The people of the North West deserve better,” said Mangope.
Picture:Spar Proteas player against Jamaica/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas have moved from the heat and vibe of Jamaica to a chilly Britain for the Vitality Netball Nations Cup against England, Uganda, and Malawi this weekend, and head coach Jenny van Dyk believes her players are ready for the new challenge.
Van Dyk said this tour has been a great opportunity to test their resilience and mental fitness. She further said the change in climate is quite refreshing.
“We took steps on the journey from Jamaica to ensure that we did not suffer too much jet lag, like keeping the players awake at certain times. It’s never going to be easy, but we need to be able to deal with these challenges if we want to play the best in the world.
“The Nations Cup was an important part of the team’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games next year. Our first match is against Uganda on Saturday, but we are also working on our second match, against England the next day (Sunday),” said van Dyk.
She added they must be able to deal with the different styles of play. Van Dyk said the African teams have their own style and so does England, and they need to be ready to play them all.
The assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana, who was part of the last SPAR Proteas team to tour Jamaica in 2012, said there had been an incredible improvement in the way Jamaica played. Mdodana said most of their players play league netball in Australia and this has made them stronger.
“We learnt so much from playing there, even though we lost all three matches. This will help us in the Nations Cup. Our players are better because of this experience. I am excited to see the growth in the entire team,” she said.
Meanwhile, the SPAR Proteas captain Khanyisa Chawane said the team was very excited about the challenge ahead.
“We haven’t had an opportunity like this since the World Cup in 2023. We want to take everything we learnt in Jamaica and implement it. The team would not be affected by the support for the England team.
“Nothing can compare to Jamaica – the vuvuzelas, the pot lids being banged, the general noise. We couldn’t hear the instructions from our coaches. But in England, the arenas are bigger, and the noise won’t be as intense,” said Chawane.
She said the team’s mindset of always wanting to win had not been affected by the losses to Jamaica. Chawane said this team will always fight to the end.
30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said the mining sector must make headlines for the right reasons. Tyobeka said South Africa is not a refuge for illegal miners and their exploitation tactics.
He further said Stilfontein is a name irrevocably connected to South Africa’s mining sector. Toybeka added that it is high time that the country makes global mining headlines for the right reasons.
“The saga of the illegal miners in the Buffelsfontein Mine in Stilfontein caught the attention of global news agencies and painted a very skewed picture of mining in South Africa. It was and still is disheartening. We should be able to dictate what the picture of one of our most valuable sectors looks like.
“Our mines are resources of immense value, and they can contribute even more to the fortunes of all South Africans. We need the world to know this and we need the world to see this,” said Tyobeka.
He said in 2023, the mining sector contributed more than R200 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Tyobeka said it is a sector that employs more than 470 000 people.
“These are not insignificant numbers. The mines are feeder veins to their surrounding communities and a lifeline to countless households. That is why the NWU is actively pursuing the establishment of our School of Mines and Mining Engineering, which will be based in Rustenburg, to address the evolving needs of South Africa’s mining industry.
“The mining sector remains the backbone of South Africa’s economy, fuelling job creation, exports and industrial growth. Rich in minerals like gold, platinum and rare earths, mines are pivotal to global supply chains,” he said.
Tyobeka said with responsible governance and innovation, mining can drive sustainable development, uplift communities and secure the nation’s economic resilience. He said from 3 to 6 February 2025, Cape Town will play host to the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which is the largest conference of its kind in the world.
“The country and the continent need events like this to show that we will not be defined by failures that make for sensational reading, like Stilfontein, but by current successes and those to come.
“We are the world’s largest producer of platinum, with about 70% of global production hailing from South Africa. We are also a notable exporter of gold, iron ore, manganese, chromium, diamonds and more,” said Tyobeka.
He said South Africa is a global mining power, not a refuge for zama zamas and their exploitation tactics. Tyobeka said South Africans should take hands and work together to show the world who they are.
30 January 2025- The police request the relatives of 78 illegal miners who died in the Stilfontein mine to come forward and identify their loved ones. More than 80 bodies were retrieved by the rescue team at Buffelsfontein Gold Mine Shaft No 11, during the mine rescue operation a few weeks ago.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this is part of ongoing investigations into the inquest dockets.
“Relatives of the deceased are requested to come forward for the identification process. Family members are requested to meet with the investigation team at Stilfontein Police Station on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 8am and 3pm,” he said.
30 January 2025- The North West University (NWU), in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, held an extensive three-day workshop on beef beneficiation and goat aggregation from 22 to 24 January at the Mahikeng Campus’ Molelwane Farm.
The workshop aimed to equip agricultural stakeholders in the province with the essential tools and knowledge to conceptualise and establish an Agri Hub that will serve the community effectively. The department’s delegation was headed by North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha.
The event also featured notable attendees, including Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare, representing the Barolong Boora Motshegare tribe in Lokaleng, well-known breeder Dr Monty Chiepe, and farmers Andrew Aphane, Mompati Kgomanyana-Modimogale, and Mike Gcabo who shared their practical experiences.
Sambatha emphasised the importance of the Agri Hub concept and the university’s potential leadership in this initiative. He pointed out that the university has a wealth of researchers who can significantly contribute to the establishment of the Agri Hub within the province.
“It is highly advantageous for this project to be directed by the NWU, as it will remain insulated from disruptions caused by changes in administration or the MEC. Such transitions often hinder the success of projects due to resulting shifts in priorities at the leadership level,” he said.
NWU delegates under the leadership of Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, also shared a presentation. Modise emphasised the university’s mission and stated that this collaboration is both timely and essential.
“The primary objective is to coordinate all stakeholders to work together to improve livestock quality for the benefit of communities and farmers. This workshop represents the first phase of our efforts.
“In the future, we may consider expanding to include additional commodities, while staying mindful of the memorandum of understanding between the university and the department, and our collaboration with the colleges of agriculture within the province,” he said.
NWU honorary doctorate recipient, Chiepe, an esteemed earth scientist, social entrepreneur, and farmer from Botswana, expressed his satisfaction in sharing his expertise for the Agri Hub initiative.
“I am collaborating with the university and the department to outline a programme specifically designed to support farmers, particularly in the beef and goat sectors. Our objective is to ensure that small-scale and subsistence farmers derive benefits from the value chain, enabling them to advance towards becoming commercial farmers.”
Farmer Andrew Aphane of Aphamo Boerdery delivered a presentation on the management of feedlots, abattoirs, and the comprehensive value chain that has the potential to benefit the residents of North West Province once the Agri Hub is operational.
“The Agri Hub will serve as a centre of excellence dedicated to enhancing livestock genetics, optimising animal feed, and facilitating research.
“It will provide farmers access to significant research outcomes, enabling them to adopt methodologies that have been validated by experts as effective,” he said.
Motshegare commended the collaborative efforts of the NWU and the department for their shared vision that promises to benefit the entire province.
“As traditional leaders, we are encouraged by initiatives of this nature that aim to enhance our communities. We anticipate significant improvements in our agricultural fields and livestock, and we are prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this project,” he said.
The workshop included a comprehensive tour of Molelwane Farm, conducted by the Farm Manager, Hannes Lombard. Lombard provided participants with an overview of the current farm activities and the existing structures that will be utilised when the Agri Hub becomes operational.
This three-day workshop successfully brought together representatives from the agricultural sector, traditional leadership, government, academia, and local communities. Consequently, a concept document was developed to guide implementation efforts.
30 January 2025- A business robbery case against four men in Mokassa 1 village, near Taung, is expected to resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application. The accused were arrested after a swift response by the police and members of the community.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Aobakwe Motshela (26), Thatayaone Mongalenyane (26), Goitsemodimo Dikhucwe (33), and Zwelinzima Mohapi (31), were arrested on Tuesday evening, 7 January 2025, after allegedly committing a business robbery in Mokassa 1 village.
“It is alleged members of Visible Policing rushed to the scene after receiving a call at about 6pm, informing them of a robbery in progress. Upon arrival, the police joined members of the community who were found chasing the suspects.
“Three men were as a result arrested. The fourth suspect who was seen carrying a firearm, was apprehended after being found hiding in the bushes,” he said.
Mokgwabone said a search for the firearm was conducted immediately and the following day, but that did not yield positive results. He said the accused briefly appeared in Taung Magistrate’s Court.
“They were remanded in custody until 16 January 2025, for a formal bail application,” said Mokgwabone.
Meanwhile, the District Commissioner of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Brigadier Tshenolo Tlotleng, thanked members of the community and the police for their cooperation, which he said is a good example of what can be achieved if everyone is involved in the fight against crime.
Picture: The alleged suspected stolen vehicle/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
30 January 2025- Two suspects aged 20 and 36, were arrested for allegedly stealing a vehicle in Batlharos, near Kuruman. The police in Danielskuil successfully traced and recovered a vehicle.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the vehicle fitting the description was located with two occupants in the Danielskuil area on 27 January 2025. Masegela said upon questioning by the police, the two men could not produce proof of ownership or reasonable explanation for being in possession of the vehicle.
“The owner identified and confirmed ownership on consultation. The two suspects were subsequently arrested for theft of a motor vehicle.
“The management in the ZF Mgcawu District applauded the vigilance of the members and encouraged them to continue to stamp the authority of the state,” she said.
Picture: A local philanthropist, Keseokile Phakedi and Baga Maidi Primary School representatives/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
30 January 2025- A local philanthropist and former Tlapeng Pirates FC player, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi (54), has distributed 15 school shoes and soccer balls to the underprivileged learners at Baga-Maidi Primary School on Tuesday.
Phakedi said school shoes serve not only as a practical necessity for them, but also carry significant symbolic value, representing a sense of pride and belonging.
“I came to celebrate my birthday with these learners and donated pairs of school shoes to the underprivileged, including soccer balls. I think this will continue to encourage them to work hard and ensure that they become great future leaders.
“That will bring changes to their backgrounds and also play a pivotal role in their developments. Most of the learners are being discouraged by their backgrounds, but I tell you now, please do not let your background determine your future,” he said.
Phakedi further said education is key and as society, there is a need to continue encouraging these learners to take their education seriously. He added that education assists many people to step into the realm of possibilities.
“I also understand that sport plays a crucial role in the lives of our young people. I regard sport as a nation-building because through sport, you can keep learners away from the streets.
“There are socio-economic challenges that we need to address including, teenage pregnancy, HIV-AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse and crime. However, we can do that through sport because it has the power to bring people together,” said Phakedi.
He said Taung has an abundance of talents that can be put to a good use. Phakedi encourages parents to support their children, who participate in sport.
“As parents, we need to understand that sport also plays a crucial role in the learners’ lives. It assists them to exercise and focus on their studies.
“As a former player, I went to Kaizer Chiefs FC and Moroka Swallows FC for trials, but I was unsuccessful. However, I am not deterred as I would like to see more players coming out of our hometown and represent us in various elite leagues around the world,” he said.
Baga-Maidi Primary School principal, Lebogang Walter Mooketsi, shared the same sentiments. Mooketsi said they welcome the donation and encourage other stakeholders to support the school.
“We are grateful and to say we are happy is understatement. This is an encouragement on its own and we welcome the donation. We will take our learners through various sporting codes, as we start with our athletics.
“So, these soccer balls will come in handy. Our school starts from Grade R until Grade 7, and we have 107 learners. We hope this will encourage other parents to bring their children to this school,” he said.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education representative (Greater Taung sub-region), Kelebogile Phekonyane, who is also a former teacher of Phakedi at Walter Letsie High School said, they really appreciate what Phakedi has done. Phekonyane said in some instances, the department could not provide.
“He has identified learners with needs and supported them. Indeed, we are pleased with what he has done and we encourage other stakeholders to come on board,” she said.
The Guardian 