Monthly Archives: February 2025

ANCYL branch leader, Katlego Khunou apologises to TDN editor amid derogatory comments

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Picture: ANCYL leader in Taung, Katlego Khunou/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE 

25 February 2025- ANCYL leader at Kgantlapane Branch in Taung, Katlego Khunou has unequivocally apologized to the award-winning journalist, Obakeng Maje. On 6 January 2025, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of a community newspaper, Taung DailyNews, published an online article regarding learners who were allegedly caught having sex in a classroom at Kebinelang High School in Manthe village, near Taung.  

Khunou who calls herself Phil Mello on Facebook, alleged that Maje is a rapist journalist and he also impregnated another woman outside the wedlock.  

Maje said he viewed Khunou comments as calumniatory. He further denied ever impregnating any woman outside his marriage. 

“Ms Khunou’s comments were unfounded and defamatory. I do respect her, but it is unfortunate that some leaders within our society will go to social media with libelous comments without thinking of the outcome of their actions. 

“Remember, the internet reaches out to millions of people instantaneously. So, her comments were defamatory and posed a significant risk to my reputation and integrity. Section 16 of the Constitution provides everyone with the right freedom of expression. However, this right is not an absolute right and there are limitations on what one is allowed to say,” he said. 

Maje added that, even though he accepts Khunou’s apology, he would like to warn people to be cautious about what they post on social media. He said the defamatory statement is a misrepresentation of facts and individuals such as former TV presenter, Katlego Maboe, Thato Sikwane, who is popularly known as Dj Fresh, a musician, Sjava, just to mention a few, have suffered reputational damages due to defamatory statements made against them in the past by some individuals.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Khunou said: “I wish to publicly address and retract the statements I made in January 2025, on my Facebook page regarding Mr Obakeng Maje. Upon reflection, I understand that my comments- including calling Mr Maje a “rapist journalist” and making allegations about his personal life – were not only unfounded and untested, but also deeply hurtful and damaging to his reputation and dignity. 

“I acknowledge that these statements were made without verifying facts and have caused harm to Mr Maje as well as his standing in the community. I sincerely apologize for the pain and distress my words have caused.”

She said: “Effective immediately, I have deleted all posts containing these derogatory remarks. I am committed to learning that my future communications are thoughtful, respectful and based on verified information. I extend my heartfelt apology to Mr Obakeng Maje, his family, and everyone affected by my words.” 

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to deliver State of the Province

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 February 2025- All systems go for the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) to host the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, who will be delivering the State of the Province (SOPA) on Thursday. The NWPL speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono said Mokgosi will deliver the SOPA in the Legislature Chamber at 9am.

Mokgosi is expected to come up with strategic measures to improve the economy of the province, including addressing the soaring unemployment crisis, especially amongst the youth.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said the province’s soaring unemployment crisis calls for urgent action. Sonakile said they are deeply alarmed by the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q4 of 2024, which confirms what residents of North West have been experiencing firsthand—a province in economic freefall under an incapable ANC provincial government.

“Unemployment has skyrocketed, with the official rate increasing by 4.5% (20,000 jobs lost) from the 3rd quarter to the 4th quarter, making the North West the worst-performing province in the country.

“Year-on-year, unemployment has surged by 2.3%, while the expanded unemployment rate climbed by 1.3%—a clear indicator that economic opportunities are shrinking under the current administration. Despite a population growth of 1.3% year-on-year, employment ratios continue to plummet, with the Employed-to-Population Ratio dropping by 0.8% in the last quarter alone,” he said.

Sonakile further said this means fewer people are working to sustain their families, while poverty and desperation escalate. He added that the ANC’s failure to create jobs and stimulate growth has left the North West in a deepening crisis.

“The DA has consistently advocated for policies that attract investment, improve infrastructure, and create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive—yet these proposals are ignored by a provincial government more focused on self-enrichment than service delivery.

“With Mokgosi set to deliver SOPA, we urge him to use this opportunity to present real, actionable solutions to the unemployment crisis. The people of the North West cannot afford another speech filled with empty promises and excuses,” said Sonakile.

He said they demand urgent intervention to address this crisis. Sonakile said the DA will continue pushing for accountable governance, a revitalised job market, and real economic opportunities for the people of North West.

“Change is not only necessary, but urgent. The people of the North West deserve a government that prioritises job creation, economic growth, and a future that offers hope instead of despair,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) that consists of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), is geared up to ensure a safe and secure SOPA, which will take place at 10am.

“Law enforcement officers will be deployed in and around the Legislature and surrounding areas to ensure general safety in Mmabatho and Mahikeng.”

Mokgwabone said while daily activities will not necessarily be affected by security arrangements, it is significant for the public to take note of the closure with regulated or restricted access of certain roads and thoroughfares around the precinct between 5am and 3pm on Thursday. He said that will affect the flow of traffic.

“It must be emphasised that civil servants working at neighbouring government buildings will still be allowed to access their offices. The streets/roads that will be affected are Sekame Road and Ngaka Modiri Molema Road.

“This includes Sekame Road and Dr James Moroka Dr James Moroka Drive and Dr Albert Luthuli, Dr James Moroka Road Drive and Hector Petersen, Dr James Moroka Road and Stadium Road, Dr Albert Luthuli and Ngaka Modiri Molema,” said Mokgwabone.

He said an appeal is made to members of the public, civil servants, learners and all those who normally use roads, streets, thoroughfares and other public offices in and around the aforementioned roads to cooperate with law enforcement officials, who will be manning and working in the area.

Mokgwabone said the deployment of law enforcement officials is intended to ensure that normal day to day activities are not unduly affected or obstructed, and the cooperation of everyone is important in this regard.

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Fraud and tax evasion case postponed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

25 February 2025- The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday, postponed the tax and fraud case involving Maphoko Hudson Kgomoeswana, to 5 May 2025 for plea negotiations. This comes after the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) did not accept the plea proposal put forward by the accused on 21 February 2025.

The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state was ready to proceed with trial, however the court held it to be in the interest of justice to afford the accused a further opportunity to deliberate with the IDAC on a possible plea. 

“Kgomoeswana is facing charges of fraud and tax evasion valued at approximately R18 million. These charges relate to his personal and business tax involving his company, Babinatlou Business Services CC between the period 2016 and 2018.

“The offences were discovered during the investigations into the alleged corruption at the Kusile power station. He is out on a warning, and the court warned him to avail himself when the matter resumes in May 2025,” he said.

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Lenkopane vows to fight corruption at NWPTB

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Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 February 2025- North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in North West, have been confronted with historic operational inefficiencies and they are focusing on rooting out mismanagement. Lenkopane, who addressed the media today in Mahikeng said, they have taken disciplinary actions against employees for alleged misconduct, property damage and unlawful protest participation.

She further said the SOEs such as the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) are faced with financial distress. Lenkopane added that the Board is confronting financial problems at the NWPTB that are due to multiple factors, including corruption, poor financial management and low revenue generation.

“Golden Leopards Resorts (GLR), a subsidiary of the NWPTB, has also experienced financial difficulties, resulting in unpaid salaries and taxes. Our turnaround plan at GLR has yielded a breakthrough and we will unpack this after the SOPA. DEDECT has gone to extraordinary lengths to fund the NWPTB.

“Despite these efforts, employee salaries were regrettably delayed this month due to internal challenges within the entity. I can confirm that all salaries were paid this past weekend. To ensure that our transformative interventions build better capacity for service delivery, multi-stakeholder engagements, including labour unions and entity boards, will continue to be convened to address these urgent matters,” she said.

Lenkopane said this has necessitated personnel reassignments to expedite service delivery and to facilitate investigations in the department and its entities. She said she will report the alleged corruption to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

“Our commitment to building capable state institutions is unshaken. The Acting Head of Department and I, are engaging constructively with labour unions to resolve employee concerns. In these engagements, we have always put our employees first, respecting their rights and treating each person with dignity.

“The Gambling Board and NWDC have initiated disciplinary proceedings for employee transgressions, including theft and sabotage. Disciplinary proceedings at the Gambling Board have been widely reported and we can confirm that the SAPS has made arrests in this matter,” said Lenkopane.

She said the department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has been seconded to the NWDC to strengthen financial governance at the entity. According to Lenkopane, these interventions are proof of their commitment to consequence management and proactive leadership.

“A new Board has been appointed to the NWPTB to improve governance and address adverse audit findings. DEDECT is actively engaging with the North West Provincial Legislature’s Committees to address mutual concerns and ensure alignment,” she said.

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Monna o bonwe molato morago ga go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe 

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO 

24 Tlhakole 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 37, o atlholetswe dingwaga di le 15 kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Ganyesa morago ga go bolaya lekgarebe (24) la gagwe kwa polasing nngwe kwa Piet Plessis. Go begwa fa mothapi wa molatofadiwa, a ne a bona setopo sa mosadi se se neng se kgamathetse madi kwa polasing ya gagwe, mme a lemoga fa e le lekgarebe la mongwe wa badiri ba gagwe, Ngaru Sekgotshane. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, tiragalo e e diragetse ka di 28 Phatwe 2022. Go ya ka Tryphosa, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. 

“Sepodisi se ile sa batlana le lekawana le go tla go le tlhoma ka dipotso. Sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela Sekgotshane a itshubile mo phaposing e tlhapelang, mme diaparo tsa gagwe dikgamathetse madi. Sepodisi se ile sa tsaya molatofadiwa go ya kwa a nnang teng, kwa le gone go fitlhetsweng diaparo dingwe tse le tsona di neng di kgamathetse madi. 

“Sekgotshane o ile a tshwarwa, mme one a ganelwa ka beile go fitlhelela a seka. Diaparo tsa gagwe tse di neng di na le madi, di ile tsa isiwa kwa ditekong tsa forensic go ya go netefatsa gore madi a mo go tsone ke a ga mang. Go ya ka pegelo eo ya forensic, go ile ga netefadiwa fa madi a neng a kgamatetse mo diaparong ene ele a moswi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

Van Rooyen are kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Ganyesa e ile ya bona Sekgotshane molato wa polao, mme e ile ya mo atlholela dingwaga di le 15 kwa kgolegelong. 

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NWU officially opens Siya Kolisi Residence

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Picture: The Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

24 February 2025- The North West University’ Siya Kolisi Residence was officially opened on 24 February 2025, by South Africa’s iconic Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi. His coach and mentor, Dr Rassie Erasmus, was also in attendance to unveil the university’s new Invictus Residence.

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said the Siya Kolisi Residence will primarily be used by students affiliated with the NWU Rugby Institute, with Invictus being a multi-sport residence. Tyobeka as NWU, underscores the immense contributions that Siya Kolisi and Dr Rassie Erasmus have made to the nation. 

“Is there an image that resonates more with rugby fans the world over than that of Siya Kolisi leading the Springboks onto the field? I don’t think so. Has our proud nation ever stood more steadfastly behind a sportsman than Siya Kolisi? I don’t think so. 

“Could we ever have imagined that captain Siya Kolisi and his Springboks – under the tutelage of Dr Rassie Erasmus – would scale the heights that they did? That they would win two Rugby World Cups, that they would unite our country in a single voice as they roared their approval as victory, after victory, after victory followed? I don’t think so,” he said.

Tyobeka further said they are immensely proud to have Kolisi and Erasmus to unveil the Siya Kolisi and Invictus residences. He added that, Kolisi’s story is one that transcends sport.

“It is a story of perseverance, and the undeniable power of opportunity. From the humble beginnings in Zwide, where he first picked up a rugby ball, to leading South Africa to not one, but two Rugby World Cup victories. Siya has become more than a rugby player, but a symbol of hope and possibility. We celebrate you Nt’wakuthi.  

“At the NWU, we don’t just see Kolisi as a sports icon. We see him as a leader, a trailblazer, and a living testimony to what can be achieved through courage and determination. Naming this residence in his honour is not just about celebrating his achievements on the field, but also recognising the values he represents: hard work, humility, and the ability to unite a nation,” said Tyobeka.

Kolisi said: “No one ever dreams to have moments like this, to have a building named after them. I am so honoured and grateful for this opportunity. I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey. I am standing on the shoulders of many people who helped me be where I am today.

“I would like to say to the students who will be occupying this building that their blessings are to be shared and that they must keep working hard, no matter the obstacles in front of them. Your opportunities are not just for you. Your blessings are not just for you,” he said. 

“I know that you all are on a journey and that you want to become rugby players. But, remember that you are more than that. You have an opportunity to study, and I wish that I used that opportunity. I didn’t,” he said.

Kolisi said rugby is not always going to work for everybody, so they should make use of all the opportunities. He said if they want to take anything from his journey, it is that they have to believe in themselves before anyone else.

Meanwhile, Erasmus, who received an honorary doctorate from the NWU in 2024, said he is privileged to be part of a university that thinks outside the box, and expressed his desire to see both the residences go from strength to strength. He also implored the students from Invictus Residence to give it their all in the pursuit of their dreams.

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Gavin Hunt reaches 1000th match as a coach

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Picture: Supersport United FC coach, Gavin Hunt

By REGINALD KANYANE 

24 February 2025- Supersport United FC coach, Gavin Hunt (60) has celebrated an extraordinary milestone as he reached 1000 matches in charge as a Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) coach. Even though the Supersport United FC match against Lamontville Golden Arrows FC was abandoned at half-time due to loadshedding, this did not deter Hunt’s mood. 

Hunt received heartfelt congratulatory messages.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa extended his warm congratulations to the renowned coach on achieving a remarkable milestone in his illustrious coaching career. According to McGluwa, Hunt has successfully overseen 1000 professional matches in the Premier Soccer League.

“We would like to praise Hunt’s extraordinary feat, stressing the significance of celebrating such milestones. The PSL has transformed lives in our country, and Hunt’s achievement and role are examples of this impact on some of our players. 

“As South Africans, we often overlook our own successes, but today, I call upon South Africans to focus not on challenges but on the good in football. On behalf of the committee, I proudly acknowledge Hunt’s accomplishments and legacy of excellence,” he said.

McGluwa further said not only PSL’s profound influence, but also the electronic and print media, various sponsorships, and our continent, which have provided opportunities for local and international players to thrive. He added that the PSL’s glamour and success must endure. 

“Building on its rich heritage, it must continue producing exceptional players and coaches, as it has. We wish Hunt continued success and many more professional games. His dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on South African football,” said McGluwa.

According to Wikipedia, Hunt previously managed Premier Soccer League club Kaizer Chiefs, Seven Stars, Hellenic, Black Leopards, Moroka Swallows, Bidvest Wits and Chippa United. On 28 May 2021, Kaizer Chiefs released him from his contract after a string of poor results with the club. 

A nuggety right-back, Hunt spent almost his entire playing career with Hellenic. However, his retirement came soon because of an achilles tendon injury and went straight into coaching.

Hunt’s greatest success came at SuperSport United, where he won three consecutive PSL championships from 2007-08 to 2009-10. 

Honours

He won the Nedbank Cup while coaching Moroka Swallows back in 2004. Hunt also won the Nedbank Cup with Supersport United FC back in the 2011-12 season. 

He managed to win a PSL trophy, while coaching Bidvest Wits back in the 2016-17 season. Hunt also added the MTN 8 (2016) and Telkom Knockout trophy (2017) to his collection as a coach. 

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Monna wa kwa Masimo o tseetswe madi a seatleng

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE 

23 Tlhakole 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 59, wa kwa kgaolong ya Masimo mono Taung, o tseetswe madi a seatleng, ga mmogo le karata ya banka. Go begwa fa banna ba le bane ba ba neng ba rwele dithiba-matlho le molomo, ba ile ba itatlhela kwa ntlung ya gagwe ka Labotlhano bosigo, mme ba mo dira motshwara-kananyo.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are, banna ba ba sa itsiweng ba, ba ile ba kgorogela monna o, mme bam o fitlhetse a shebile thebeleishene. Mokgwabone are, banna ba le babedi ba ile ba mo dira motshwarwa-kananyo, fa ba bangwe bai le ba puruputsha ntlo ya gagwe. 

“Ba ile ba mo tseela madi a seatle, ga mmogo le karata ya gagwe ya banka. Ba ile gape bam o batla nomoro ya sephiri ya banka pele ba inaya naga. Ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana. 

“Dipatlisiso mo kgetsi e, di tsweletse. Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le kitso ka tiragalo e, go ka ba letsetsa,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa. 

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Ngwana o nwetse mo khuting kwa Rooiwal 

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

23 February 2025- Ngwana wa dingwaga di le pedi o tlhokafetse kwa motseng wa Rooiwal, gaufi le Taung, morago ga go wela le go nwela mo khuting e tletseng metsi. Go begwa fa Lethabo Comfort Moroko, a ile a wela mo khuting e tletseng metsi kwa morago ga ntlo fa a ne a tshameka.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Labotlhabo thapama. 

“Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Go begwa fa ngwana o, a ile wela mo khuting. Go ile ga bidiwa ba ditirelo tsa potlako (Emergency Medical Response Services). Fela ba ne ba fitlhela ngwana o, a setse a ntshitswe mo khuting ke bangwe ba baagi, ebile a iketse badimong. 

“Jaaka ba sepodisi, ga re belaele fa go ka tswa go na le letsogo la tshwene mo losong la ngwana o,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa. 

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A man sentenced to six years for stealing a vehicle

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Picture: A man in a prisoner’s cell/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 February 2025- A man (36) was sentenced to six years imprisonment for stealing a vehicle by the Postmasburg Regional Court, of which two years were suspended for five years. On 15 December 2023, the accused, Tshepo Links, stole the keys of a Ford Ranger from the house and drove without owner’s consent.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said Links was driving on the Griekwastad road, where he was involved in a collision and fled the scene. Masegela said the police conducted an investigation, and Links was arrested.

“The police in the ZF Mgcawu District welcomed the conviction and sentencing of a theft of motor vehicle,” he said.

Meanwhile, the District Management, commended the collaborative work by advocate Moloi Motsatse, the investigating officer, Sergeant John Manzana of Upington Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.

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