Monthly Archives: January 2025

Registration of first year students in progress at the NWU

NEWS Leave a comment

Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)

By REGINALD KANYANE

 25 January 2025- The North West University (NWU) is pleased with progress regarding the registration of first-year students for the 2025 academic year. The university said it has received more than 390 000 applications to enrol at the NWU for this academic year.

The NWU Communication Specialist, Bertie Jacobs said they are encouraged and grateful that they remain a university of choice for many prospective students. Jacobs said they are grateful to continue to be recognised for academic excellence, a vibrant student life, and a sound co-curricular environment.

“Registration for first-year students started on 20 January 2025, and to date close to 9 400 have been fully registered. Registration for first-year students closes on 7 February 2025, taking into account qualification capacity.

“We reiterate that walk-ins are strictly not allowed, and late applications for the 2025 academic year will not be considered. We look forward to our returning students starting their registration on 27 January 2025,” he said.

Jacobs further said this process will take place in a staggered approach focusing on specific faculties.  He added that detailed step-by-step information is also available to assist students during this journey.

“We acknowledge that some applicants have experienced problems with the registration process. This is partly due to the implementation of a new Student Information System causing a few glitches.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and recommit ourselves to offer the best possible and memorable service. We are attending to the high volume of enquiries and appreciate your patience as we work to respond to each of these as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Jacobs.

He said they have provided several resources to help ensure a smooth registration journey. Jacobs said helpful tools for registration for first-year students are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here).

“Registration and orientation information (Learn more about the registration process and orientation for first-year students). Registration Navigator (Use this interactive tool to guide you through the registration process)

“Let’s Get You Registered infographic (a visual guide to help you complete your registration). Eight steps to registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration),” he said.

Jacobs said registration video can be accessed and students can watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance. He said helpful tools for registration for senior students are also available.

“Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Registration 2025 (Find answers to common questions here). Registration Video (watch this step-by-step video tutorial for assistance). Step by step registration (follow these clear steps to complete your registration).

“We encourage you to use these tools to address any queries you might have and to ensure a smooth start to your academic journey. We cannot wait to welcome all our registered students to our campuses in anticipation of the start of the 2025 academic year which is scheduled to start on 10 February 2025,” said Jacobs.

He said students who experience challenges during the registration process are encouraged to use the following channels such as WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 60 070 2606

NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698

Email: studies@nwu.ac.za Jacobs said they also have a very useful bot that can assist with queries. The bot can be accessed here: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: The students at North West University (Mafikeng campus)

‘A lack of tangible financial management systems in municipalities a concern’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he wishes to express his profound gratitude and stand before this important gathering which is primarily aimed at assisting the municipalities to find solutions to a variety of challenges stifling their constitutional mandate and developmental needs.

Mokgosi said he wanted to out rightly state that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and in particular Section 152 of the Constitution implores municipalities to provide democratic and accountable government through sustainable provision of goods and services. He further said moreover, the Constitution induces municipalities to commit to good governance practices such as accountability, transparency as well as responsiveness by being development orientated through working with citizens to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs as well as improving their quality of life.

“All these serve as a Constitutional imperative for the efficient running of municipalities in that this sphere of government is strategically positioned to reverse the injustices of the past, which among others are as a consequence of separate development and Apartheid spatial planning.

“In the past 30 years we have made significant progress in turning the tide against the skewed allocation of resources in our communities by the Apartheid government. To this end we have increased provision of housing by 46 % and from 1996 to date over 85. 1 % of households in our province live in formal dwellings,” said Mokgosi.

He added that, in addition to this, more than 85.6% residents of North West have access to piped or tap water in their dwellings and the General Household Survey shows that access to improved sanitation is standing at 78.3 % since the advent of democracy. Mokgosi said despite these achievements municipalities are inundated with both political and administrative challenges which have fermented an unpleasant environment, which continues to impede on our efforts to render services to our people.

“Announcing audit outcomes of municipalities in the last financial year, Auditor General Tsakani Maluleke, maintained that municipalities in our province have shown little improvement in their audit outcomes, with none of them receiving a clean audit.

“Of concern is a lack of tangible financial management systems which have led to irregular expenditure, unfunded budget and delays in paying service providers among others,” he said.

Mokgosi said compounding these challenges is a lack of oversight and weak leadership. He said municipalities in Ngaka Modiri Molema Region mirror a similar trajectory. He said none of these municipalities received a clean audit outcome with Ditsobotla and Ratlou Local Municipalities, receiving disclaimers for two consecutive financial years.

“Ditsobotla, Ramotshere Moiloa and Tswaing currently under mandatory intervention in terms of Section 139 (5) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act. However, there is a glimmer of hope in relation to Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mahikeng and Ramotshere Moiloa.

“I believe that given the systems that have been put in place through various interventions by North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapsi and North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi, will move from qualified to unqualified audit opinion,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Loma’s bail application postponed for further hearing

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 January 2025- The Johannesburg High Court postponed the bail application by Michael Harry Lomas to 29 January 2025 for further hearing. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) legal representative placed it on record that he is a suicide risk.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said this is informed by his failed bid to avoid extradition to South Africa from the United Kingdom, wherein he engaged the service of a private psychiatrist, who testified that he was not fit for extradition, citing his possible suicidal state. Mamothame said the state further believes the accused is a flight risk based on his suspicious travel out of the country through Namibia, back to the United Kingdom in 2018, while investigations had started in 2017.

“He further failed to voluntarily hand himself over to the South African authorities after a warrant for his arrest was issued. He instead opted to fight his extradition to evade trial,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two nabbed for being in possession of a cow carcass

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The carcass of the cow seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 January 2025- Two men aged 23 and 35, were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen cow. The accused persons, Tshegofatso Jacob Mekgwe (35) and Mohau Eric Plaatjie (23), briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 21 and 22 January 2025, for possession of a suspected stolen cow carcass.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said they were both granted bail of R1500 each and their case was postponed until 18 March 2025. Myburgh sais Mekgwe and Plaatjie were arrested on Sunday night, 19 January 2025.

“The accused were arrested after police in Tshidilamolomo village, near Mahikeng, received a tip-off and acted upon it. This led them to a house, where the pair was found in possession of a cow carcass. With the assistance of the brand marks on the carcass, it was established that the cow owner is one of the accused’s employer,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, praised the police members for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the carcass and the arrest of the accused. Asaneng encouraged all stock theft owners to brand mark their animals as this will assist the police tremendously with their investigations and bring perpetrators to book. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police to raise awareness against bullying in schools

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 January 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said they aim to raise awareness regarding bullying and cyberbullying in schools, as learners are commencing their 2025 school calendar year. The police said victims of bullying and or cyberbullying can experience significant social isolation and feel unsafe.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said it can lead to emotional and physical harm, loss of self-esteem, feelings of shame and anxiety, concentration and learning difficulties and in some instances, young people committing suicide. Sam said young people therefore need to realise that, depending on the nature of the acts, cyber bullying and bullying are criminal offences and the perpetrator may be criminally charged with crimen injuria, assault and or criminal defamation, accompanied by a criminal record.

“The police request that the safety hints for the prevention of cyberbullying and bullying in schools be adhered to. Do not respond, if someone bullies you. Remember that your reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her power over you, so do not retaliate. Responding with similar threats reinforces the bully’s behaviour.

“Help avoid a whole cycle of aggression. Save the evidence, online messages can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. Save evidence even if it is minor as cyberbullying can escalate. Block the bully, use preferences or privacy tools to block the person. If it happens while you are chatting, leave the room or area,” he said.

He further said learners should report any abusive comments to the social media website administrators. Sam added that, they should reach out for help, talk to a friend or a trusted adult who can help.

“Parents and teachers need to spot the warning signs of cyberbullying. Check if your child becomes sad, angry or distressed during or after using the internet or a cellular phone. Note if your child appears anxious when receiving a text, email, or have been on social media websites.

“Take note if your child avoids discussions or is secretive about computer or cellular phone activities. Check if your child withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed. Note if your child refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities,” he said.

Sam urges parents to see if their children illustrate changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety. He said parents can prevent cyberbullying before it starts by teaching your children to block communication with cyberbullies.

“Not post or share their personal information online, including their full name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), the school’s name, parents’ names, credit card number(s), or their friends’ personal information. Not share their internet passwords with anyone. Not to talk about or share information about their life online. Not put anything online that they would not want their classmates to see. Not send messages when they are angry or upset.

“Always be as polite online as they are in person. The police will continue with campaigns and programmes at schools and communities in the Northern Cape province to address bullying and cyber bullying in order to promote safer schools,” said Sam.

    taungdailynews@gmail.com

    Two foreign nationals nabbed for stealing copper cables

    NEWS Leave a comment

    Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

    By REGINALD KANYANE

    24 January 2025- Two men were allegedly caught red-handed by the police stealing copper cables at a train line just outside Victoria West. On 23 January 2025, at around 4pm, the police in Victoria West and Transnet Security received a tip-off regarding suspects allegedly stealing copper cables and operationalised it.

    The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police allegedly found a group of men stealing copper cables from Transnet lines worth about R150 000. Kock said two of the six suspects were arrested while the other four fled and are still at large.

    “The two suspects are foreign nationals aged 35 and 41 years-old, respectively. They will appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s soon for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the Victoria West SAPS and Transnet Security for the outstanding arrests. Otola said this displays the excellent collaboration between the police and security sector, together with communities to dismantle crimes related to essential infrastructure and key points.

    “The SAPS encourages the community to participate in the RATE OUR SERVICE QR online survey and assist the police in improving our service to the public and to report criminality to the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App,” she said.

    taungdailynews@gmail.com

    Public Works Department decries surge in infrastructure vandalism amid scrap metal theft

    NEWS Leave a comment

    Picture: Police seized some metals during arrests/Supplied 

    24 January 2025- The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised serious concerns about the relentless wave of infrastructure destruction, including the theft of aluminium and cables, the vandalism of traffic lights and railway lines, and the destruction of pylons.

    In a recent incident, the department condemned the brazen actions of armed criminals who targeted government properties to steal steel, aluminium, and other valuable materials.

    Late last night, security personnel at Public Works House, located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria, thwarted an attempted robbery by a group of armed intruders. The suspects were attempting to steal aluminium and steel infrastructure, including furniture, from the government premises.

    The confrontation resulted in two suspects being shot after the group, armed with dangerous weapons, forcibly infiltrated the guarded property. The attackers are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate involved in the vandalism and theft of metals for sale in the scrap metal market.

    Some of the suspects reportedly carried machetes (commonly referred to as pangas) to intimidate and attack security guards. Despite the violent encounter, the security team responded swiftly, wounding two intruders while others managed to escape.

    “There have been numerous incidents of vandalism reported at various properties within the CBD area of Tshwane, with Public Works House being a frequent target,” the department stated. It added that fencing had also been repeatedly dismantled and stolen from government properties.

    The department expressed concern that some of these crimes may be linked to individuals addicted to substances like nyaope, who sell stolen materials to scrap metal dealers for quick cash.

    “The flourishing scrap metal industry and its apparent link to stolen materials are having a devastating impact on critical infrastructure and the broader economy,” the department warned.

    The injured suspects were transported to a hospital, while some of the security personnel involved in the incident have been questioned as part of an ongoing police investigation.

    “As investigations continue, security measures will be heightened to protect all public assets which must be used for public good,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    taungdailynews@gmail.com

    Another illegal miner dies in hospital

    NEWS Leave a comment

    Picture: A body of a patient carried away at disused Stilfontein mine shaft/Generic

    By OBAKENG MAJE

    24 JANUARY 2025- A patient who was admitted at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex as part of a cohort of 33 suspected illegal miners, has died. The deceased was identified as Jonny Shingani and was admitted at the facility on 14 January 2025, following a successful extraction of illegal miners underground by National Rescue Operation, at the disused mines in Stilfontein last week.

    The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said Shingani passed away on 23 January 2025 due to a medical-related condition. Mothibedi said from the three-day National Rescue Operation, 246 suspected illegal miners were medically assessed by their healthcare professionals before being handed over to the police, while 33 had to be admitted, for further medical care.

    “The total number of those who have passed on from 33 that were admitted, is now 2. All our healthcare professionals remain committed to saving lives. This, became evident when 14 of the 32 remaining patients, were treated, discharged from the facility and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS), for criminal proceedings.

    “Currently, the department only has 17 admitted patients from the Stilfotein’s extraction. The department wishes to inform members of the media that it will not be running a media commentary on patients’ personal information, including medical condition treated for, and their current medical status amongst others,” he said.

    Mothibedi further said this is in line with the department’s stringent adherence to the National Health Act, of 2003, that emphasises rights of patients’ confidentiality. He added that this fundamental Act is generally applied across all patients under their care.

    taungdailynews@gmail.com

     

    A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape

    NEWS Leave a comment

    Picture: A man sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for rape/Generic

    By BAKANG MOKOTO

    24 January 2025- A man (24) was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by the Hopetown Regional Court for rape and assault. This comes after the accused, Martin April, assaulted and rape woman at Valeria Farm, near Hopetown between 23 and 24 December 2022.

    The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the investigation revealed that, on 23 December 2022, the accused assaulted the man at a friend’s house and further raped his mother the following day on 24 December 2022, who was on her way to a hiking spot.

    Sam said the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment for assault and 15 years imprisonment for rape.

    “The assault and rape sentences will run concurrently. April was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended both the investigation and prosecution team, citing that Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) is an ill that has left no gender and sector of society untouched.

    Mtukushe said the police will continue to drive social crime prevention programmes with GBVF groups to address these crimes and change behaviour and social norms.

    taungdailynews@gmail.com

    A man nabbed for dealing in drugs and possession of a firearm

    NEWS Leave a comment

    Picture: The alleged illegal firearm seized by the police/Supplied  

    By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

    24 January 2025- A man (27) was arrested by the police in Noupoort for possession of an illegal firearm and dealing in drugs. On 23 January 2024, Warrant Officer Rodney Wales stopped at a local garage to refuel a state vehicle when he noticed suspicious behaviour from a man, who was allegedly carrying a sling bag.

    The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said Wales swiftly followed the suspect into the local gaming shop and noticed that he was hiding something. Pilane said Wales asked to search the bag and allegedly found suspected drugs and money.

    “Upon further investigation, a suspected illegal firearm was also discovered hidden inside the game shop, with the serial number filed off. Additional members were called to assist, and more drugs, including dagga and mandrax, were found hidden inside the shop.

    “The suspect has been arrested and charged for dealing in drugs and possession of an illegal firearm. The police encourage members of the public to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App or the 0860010111 crime stop number,” he said.

    taungdailynews@gmail.com