Monthly Archives: February 2025

 ‘Load shedding will plunge prospects of growth’

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

22 February 2025- Eskom has implemented stage 3 of loadshedding. The power utility said following over 20 days of uninterrupted electricity supply, it has encountered another temporary setback. 

“As a result, stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from today at 17:30 until further notice. Eskom will give an update on 23 February 2025,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said load shedding and reduction, like VAT hikes, will plunge the prospects of growth and jobs. The DA spokesperson on electricity and energy, Kevin Mileham, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said Eskom’s announcement of a return to stage 3 load shedding until further notice rings huge alarm bells.

“Eskom’s silence on the reasons behind this is shocking and continues to speak to a lack of transparency. While South Africans have been repeatedly told that load shedding is behind us, this has been far from true.

“A new term, load reduction has been introduced – but we must call it as we see it. We still live in blackouts, and we continue to pay more for less and less electricity,” he said.

Mileham further said that the looming tax hikes stalled due to DA intervention. He added that the DA calls on the government to fast-track electricity reforms, before our economy regresses.

“Measures that must be treated as of national importance are recovering the billions in municipal debt owed to Eskom. Fully separating Eskom’s power generation and transmission divisions and creating private sector competition by breaking Eskom’s power generation function into smaller companies for privatisation.

“After years of stagnation, we must position our economy on the right footing again. As our economy mounts its recovery under the Government of National Unity, we cannot afford to take steps back,” said Mileham.

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Mokgosi are ditlamo tsa puso ga di mo seemong se se siameng  

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Setshwantsho: Tonakgolo ya Bokone Bophrima, Lazarus Mokgosi 

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

22 Tlhakole 2025- Tonakgolo ya porofense ya Bokone Bophirima, Lazarus Mokgosi, are kopano ya bone ya kabinete (EXCO Lekgotla), ene e lekola seemo sa porofense gore se eme fa kae pele ga puo ya gagwe ya porofense ka di 27 Tlhakole 2025. Mokgosi are ba ile ba tsaya ditshwetso kwa kopanong ya bone ya EXCO Lekgotla ka kgwedi ya Diphalane 2024, go ipaakanyetsa ngwaga wa ditshelete wa 2025/2026. 

Mokgosi are jaanong ba ne ba kopane go lebelela dithulaganyo tseo gore a di sentse di siame segolo bogolo jang morago ga puo ya mopresidente wa naga (State of the Nation), eleng Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“Re batla gore fa kgwedi ya Moranang e simolola, gonne ke yone ngwaga wa ditshelete wa 2025/2026, re be re simolola ka dithulaganyo tseo. Maikaelelo a rona ke go netefatsa fa ditirelo di ya kwa bathung. 

“Lekgotla le dumalane fela ka bongwe jwa pelo gore ditlamo tsa puso (SOEs) ga di mo seemong se se siameng. Ke ka moo, tsamaiso ya borataro ya puso (6thadministration), e ile ya thapa setlhopa sa baitsanape ba ba tla seka-sekang seemo seo,” Mokgosi wa tlhalosa. 

Mokgosi are setlhopa seo, se setse se ba neetse dikatlenegiso (recommendations). Are seo se tla ba thusa go bona gore ba fetola jang seemo sa ditlamo tseo. 

“Re ile ra golaganya pegelo eo le ya kgodiso le tlhabololo ya ikonomi ya porofense (Provincial Growth Development Strategy). Fela, re ile ra dumalana gore e batla go ka seka-sekiwa pele ga e ka tsengwa tirisong. 

“Pegelo eo, e tla neela khansele ya ga tonakgolo (Coordinating Council), mme e tla fetisetswa kwa EXCO Lekgotla morago ga moo go e amogela semmuso,” Mokgosi wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, Mokgosi are ba amogela gore pula ena ka mokgwa o tsitsibanyang mmele mo porofenseng, mme se se botlhokwa ke gore ba na le Provincial Disaster Management Centre. Are, mokhuduthamaga wa dipuso selegae, kago ya matlo le ditirelo tsa setso, Oageng Molapisi, o ba itsisitse fa dipula tse, di sentse marogo, mme gona le dikago tsa dikolo dingwe tse di weleng. 

“Re emetse go amogela pegelo e feletseng. Tota ga gona tekanyetso-kabo e betsweng thoko ya matlhotlhapelo, mme go tla tshwanelwa ke gore re lebelele mo mading a puso a teng gore re samagane le bothata jo,” Mokgosi wa tlhalosa.

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SANDF soldier died pursuing a noble course

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Picture: The coffin of SANDF soldier, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Moreo/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

22 February 2025- The South African Defence Force (SANDF) soldier, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Moreo (37) from Extension 39, in Mahikeng, was described as a loving, caring and a disciplined person. Moreo was one of 14 SANDF soldiers who died in a fierce fight against M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) two weeks ago. 

Moreo was accorded a state funeral and laid to rest at Matlalong cemetery in Mahikeng on Saturday. His wife, Kefilwe Moreo, who is a police officer said she will miss him. 

“We dated back in 2008, while we were still in high school. In 2012, we were blessed with our first child. We got married in 2017, and were blessed with our second child in 2019. 

“I never doubted his love. He never wanted to see us crying. For the past weeks, I have been missing his hugs. Itumeleng was a very disciplined person, who wanted his children to be disciplined as well,” she said. 

Kefilwe said Itumeleng loved them in such a way that she will never forget. She said she learnt a lot from him. 

“I remember the time I was at the SAPS academy, I was struggling with shooting. I could not align and I did not know what to do. Even if my instructors tried to explain, I could not do it. However, I managed in the end because of Itumeleng. On 27 January 2025, I spoke to him. 

“Later on, Itumeleng sent a video telling me how much he loved us and we should never forget that. On 28 January 2025, it was my birthday and I received a present from him not knowing he is no more,” she said. 

Kefilwe said she was worried because it was unlike Itumeleng not to send her a happy birthday message. She said, however, she thought it might be network problems. 

“On 29 January 2025, I received a message telling me that he had passed away. I just want to thank God for the life of this man. Through Itumeleng, I received everything a woman can wish for. 

“We had so many plans for this year together, and I am not sure if I will manage alone,” said Kefilwe.

Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said: “We meet here today on a sombre mood. We bid farewell to a husband, father, brother, son and a true compatriot of our beloved continent, who dedicated his life to the struggles of African people.

“Moreo died pursuing a noble course. To see the people of Eastern DRC living in peace and their lives going forward. So, I want to take this opportunity and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this compatriot.”

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Crime intelligence unit under scrutiny 

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Picture: The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng

By OBAKENG MAJE 

22 February 2025- The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said there are many areas that need to be addressed regarding crime intelligence within the police in the province. Sonakile said they have seen this with the Stilfontein mine saga.

“It took the police more than two years to uncover illegal migrants underground. The latest one being the escape of the alleged underground kingpin, who is Lesotho national, Neo Tsoaeli, where the police officers were arrested for orchestrating it. 

“I think it highlights serious challenges that need urgent attention. We need serious engagement with the police and other stakeholders to address our porous borders,” he said. 

Sonakile further said the crime intelligence unit within the SAPS needs to be strengthened. He added that, more often, intelligence appears to be failing whether in preventing Cash-in-Transit heist, tackling drug trafficking in the province or even dismantling organised crime. 

“While there have been some successes, concerns remain about rogue elements within the intelligence that undermine its effectiveness. So, I believe we need strong oversight mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and prevent corruption within the intelligence structures,” said Sonakile. 

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) spokesperson in North West, Mzukisi Jam shared the same sentiments. Jam said they are not happy regarding the effectiveness of crime intelligence with the SAPS. 

“Honestly, we can never be happy with crime intelligence and how everything is happening. Most importantly, we are disappointed in our own North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, because we were of the view that he will do better considering the fact that he is young and from the ranks of the ANCYL. 

“He also grew up among the very same communities that are crime ridden. Morweng would at least have a clear insight as to what exactly needs to be done, but he seems to be clueless,” he said.

Jam said a typical example is the issue of Stilfontein. He said while they were busy dealing with the humanitarian crisis there, they then realised that the reason why the police were sceptical in saving the lives of illegal miners, is because they were working with the kingpins. 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) provincial secretary, Papikie Babuile said: “Basically, there is no crime intelligence in South Africa at all. It has collapsed and we no longer have people that we call informants. 

“If the SAPS had informants, all these activities that are happening in the province would not be happening,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said crime intelligence is a component within the police, but intelligence is the responsibility of the SASSA, Crime Intelligence and Defence intelligence. 

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Bogodu jwa leruo bo tsweletse go etegela 

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Setshwantsho: Dingwe tsa leruo le go belaelwang le utswilwe/Facebook  

Ka REGINALD KANYANE 

22 Tlhakole 2025- Barui ba ba farologaneng go tswa mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, ba ikuela go sepodisi go ka bolotsa ntwa kgatlhanong le bogodu jwa leruo. Se se tla morago ga gore tona ya sepodisi, Senzo Mchunu, o rebotseng dipalo-palo tsa bosenyi mo letsatsing la Labone, a tlhalose fa porofense ya Bokone Bophirima, ele nngwe ya diporofense tse di tsweletseng go itemogela bogodu jwa leruo go ralala Afrika Borwa. 

Mongwe wa barua-kgomo kwa motseng wa Tlapeng, o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe are: “Rena le bopaki jwa gore gona le segongwana se se dirisanang le batlhankedi bangwe ba sepodisi go utswa leruo. 

“Maswabi ke gore, le fa re ba tlalea, ga go sepe se se dirwang. Re kopa gore mokhuduthamaga wa lefapha la tshireletso ya baagi ga mmogo le tsamiso ya dipalangwa mono Bokone Bophirima, Wessels Morweng, a tle ka toga-maano ya go lwa kgatlhanong le bogodu jwa leruo, gonne jaanong magodu a utswa ka bodipa.”         

Kgabagare, Morweng are bogodu jwa leruo ke nngwe ya matsapa a ba a itemogelang mo porofenseng. Morweng are, porofense ya Bokone Bophirima ke nngwe ya diporofense tse di tletseng ka metse-selegae.

“Jaanong gwa tlhaloganyesega gore e be e iphitlhela e le nngwe ya diporofense tse di itemogelang bogodu jwa leruo. Re tla gopola gore bontsi jwa baagi ba itshidisa ka leruo. Jaanong go botlhokwa thata jaaka puso gore re sireletse leruo la bone.

“Ke setse ke kopane le mokomishinara wa nama-o-sa-tshwere wa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, mme re dulamane gore di dika di le pedi eleng sa Ngaka Modiri Molema le Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, entle le go tlodisa matlho di dika tse dingwe, di amegile thata,” Morweng wa tlhalosa. 

Morweng are o tlile go kopana le dimasepala tse di farologaneng, ga mmogo le Lefapha La Temo-thuo le Tlhabolo ya Lefatshe, gonne ba lemogile fa mo leruo le bewang teng go sa siama. 

“Bo nnete ke gore, ga nkitla re tlodisa matlho kgang ya gore bangwe ba batlhankedi ba sepodisi ba ka tswa ba dirisana le magodu a utswang leruo. 

“Ke ka mo re tlileng go leka ka bojotlhe gore batlhakedi ba ba amegang ba otlhaiwa. Re tshwanelwa ke go dirisa mafaratlhatlha a setegenike a farologaneng go ka reba bosinyi jo,” Morweng wa tlhalosa. 

Morweng are o tlile go nna le dikopano le barui ba ba farologaneng go ralala porofense.

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Four men who are accused of killing two police officers in Mareetsane found guilty

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Picture: Four accused who killed two police officers/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 February 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were found guilty by the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng.

The accused, Benjamin Kerneels Jacobs (45), Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27), and Mathews Modukanele (23), were found guilty on multiple charges, including theft of stock, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said the convictions stem from a tragic incident on 26 July 2021, when two SAPS officers from Mareetsane Police Station stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station.

Gunya said on the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance.

“As one officer attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with hammers, restrained them with a rope, and loaded them into the back of the police van.

“Later, authorities discovered a burnt police vehicle at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg, with two bodies inside, burnt beyond recognition. The vehicle was confirmed to be the SAPS bakkie used by the deceased officers,” he said.

Gunya further said following a swift investigation, police arrested three of the accused at a residence in Logageng village, where they also recovered a Z88 pistol with nine live rounds hidden under a mattress. He added that, the fifth accused, who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution.

“As a result, the charges against him were withdrawn. It was later revealed that accused number one was the father of the state witness. All four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.

“The case has been adjourned to 7 March 2025, for sentencing, and the accused remains in custody,” said Gunya.

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A fraud case postponed

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 February 2025- The Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court postponed the corruption case against Mohammed and Raeesa Mooidheen to 27 February 2025, for legal representation. Their legal representative withdrew and the court granted a postponement for them to source legal representation.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the state placed it on record that it has been ready to proceed with trial since 2023, and the delays by the two accused prejudice the other two accused who are also ready to proceed with trial.

“The two are charged together with Vernon and Aradhna Pillay, wherein they are facing charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.

“The married couples stand accused of cashing in on gratifications estimated at R8.6 million, that includes cash and luxury cars, by inflating prices for Impulse, a subcontractor to ABB,” he said.

Mamothame said Mohammed and Vernon were employees of ABB at the time the offences were committed and they allegedly inflated prices in exchange for money and cars.

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G20 First EWG meeting press for additional 5% reduction in the NEET rate by 2030

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Picture: The G20 Summit logo

By REGINALD KANYANE  

21 February 2025- The G20 First Employment Working Group (EWG) came to an end on Friday, with a commitment by governments for a further five-year target called the Nelson Mandela Bay Target on youth unemployment, aiming for a 5% reduction in the not in employment, education, or training (NEET) rate by 2030.

South Africa’s Employment and Labour Attaché based in Geneva, Siyabonga Hadebe, told delegates at the G20 EWG that the Nelson Mandela Bay Target was aligned with the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets in 2030. Hadebe said the G20 Summit in Antalya Türkiye in 2015, focused on achieving a number of targets.

He further said findings of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, showed on its progress in 2022, that the goal towards achieving the Antalya target, to reduce the share of young people risked being permanently left behind by 15% by 2025.

Hadebe added that since the adoption of the G20 Antalya Goal in 2015, the past decade has been a period of unprecedented transformation in the world of work.

“The rise of remote and hybrid work models, breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, and the rapid growth of the gig economy have fundamentally reshaped labour markets.

“These shifts have redefined the experience of young workers, presenting both new opportunities and complex challenges. The Nelson Mandela Bay Target is not merely a continuation of past efforts but a transformative step forward,” he said.

Hadebe said it builds on the progress and lessons learned from the Antalya Goal, while addressing the evolving realities of the global labour market. He said the new commitment calls on G20 members to reduce the proportion of youth (ages 15–29) not in employment, education, or training (NEET) by a further 5% by 2030.

“Address gender disparities and expand access to quality jobs for young people, focusing on empowering young women. The Nelson Mandela Bay Target on Youth Employment is a call to action to scale up investments in youth employment by operationalising comprehensive youth employment strategies.

“These strategies must prioritise the creation of more and better jobs for young people to ensure that they are not only employed but also engaged in work that offers dignity, security and opportunities for growth,” he said.

According to Hadebe the presidency is flexible and amenable to adjustments, counter-proposal and enhancements, aiming at introducing our joint and genuinely consulted Nelson Mandela Bay Target and its elements at the Meeting of Ministers in August and the Leaders’ Summit later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour Acting Director General, Viwe Mlenzana, welcomed the constructive engagement by G20 member States and invited countries during the meeting. Mlenzana said youth unemployment in some G20 countries remains high at rates above 10% and inputs provided by delegates provide G20 with crucial tools for enhancing employment policies.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay Target builds on the Antalya goals and sets a clear goal on reducing NEETs, enhancing youth transitions through decent work and ensuring no young person is left behind.

“The strong support expressed by member States and invited countries today reaffirms our shared reality to turn this vision, inclusive growth, targeted skills development, and robust social protection systems,” he said.

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A wanted suspect linked to series of house-breaking nabbed  

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Picture: The evasive suspect arrested for house-breaking/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 February 2025- The wanted suspect (25) was arrested by the Northern Cape Tracking Team that embarked on a tracing operation on 20 February 2025 in Pretoria. The suspect, who was evasive, was arrested for a series of house-breaking at a residence in Kawoeki Land Information Settlement, near Eersterust, after a meticulous investigation.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said: “The suspect was wanted in connection with multiple housebreaking and theft cases in Olifantshoek. Ehlers said he has been evading court appearances and court orders.”

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the team for their tenacity and thorough investigative work that led to the apprehension of the suspect. Otola said Detectives will continue unabated with tracing operations to trace wanted suspects who evade the law. End

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Sejanaga sa lepodisi la Taung se jelwe ka molelo

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Setshwantsho: Sejanaga sa lepodisi, Godfrey Mhambi se jelwe ka molelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Tlhakole 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshuba ka molelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore sejanaga sa modiro wa RunX sa lepodisi la mo Taung, Sergeant Godfrey Mhambi (41), se jewa ka molelo kwa Motseng wa Ditshilong, gaufi le Taung.

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse mo letsatsing la maabane fa masigo asa.  

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, go begwa fa Mhambi le ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba robetse fa tiragalo e, e direga.

“Sepodisi se a itse ka tiragalo e, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Go begwa fa Mhambi a ne a robetse kwa lelapeng la gagwe, mme ene ya re fa masigo asa, o ile a utlwa alarm ya sejanaga sa gagwe e lela.

“O ile a tswela kwa ntle, mme ka maswabi, o ile a fitlhela sejanaga sa gagwe se le mo kgabong ya molelo. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mhambi o tlhalosiwa jaaka mongwe wa mapodisi a pelo-kgale kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung, ebile a lwantsha bogodu jwa leruo ntle le go kgala mathe ganong.  

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