Monthly Archives: February 2025

‘Shortage of SASSA service points in North West a concern’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 February 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in North West said it has written a letter to the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, as well as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), requesting urgent clarification on the extremely short list of service points identified, where SASSA beneficiaries can obtain their new Postbank black cards.

The DA Spokesperson on Social Development in the North West Hendriëtte van Huyssteen said just like in the rest of the country, thousands of SASSA beneficiaries in the North West are required to transition from gold cards to Postbank black cards by 20 March 2025. Van Huyssteen said, despite the urgency of this transition, only 11 service points have been designated across the entire province.

“This limited number of locations is entirely insufficient given the vastness of the North West, creating financial and logistical challenges for many beneficiaries, particularly the elderly, disabled, and those living in rural areas.

“We demand additional service points to be introduced before the deadline to improve accessibility and that adequate measures are put in place to ensure that all beneficiaries can transition to the new card on time,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further said they also request that mobile units be used to ease the logistical challenges on the beneficiaries in remote areas. She added that the government has a duty to administer resources justly and ensure that all beneficiaries have equal access to their grants without undue hardship.

“The DA remains committed to advocating for fairness and dignity for all,” said Van Huyssteen.

The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Tolashe has vowed to monitor the successful implementation of the card migration from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold card to Postbank Black card, whilst ensuring no beneficiary is disadvantaged. Tolashe said the process to migrate SASSA beneficiaries to Postbank has been giving her sleepless nights as it directly affects SASSA beneficiaries.

“SASSA has been caught in the crossfire on decisions made by Postbank and the South African Reserve Bank. However, our department and SASSA could not be bystanders, as a result, intervention had to be made by our department, SASSA, and endeavour to assist Postbank and our beneficiaries to ensure that they receive their grants.

“This process is directly Postbank responsibility and unfortunately our department and SASSA is at the receiving end and blamed for the crisis. Hence, we went further to emphasise the need to strengthen the collaboration of Postbank to ensure SASSA support the successful migration to beneficiaries,” said Tolashe.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Bridget Masango said: “We raised serious concerns about the way in which the project was conceptualised and managed from the start and communication was inadequate.

“We also expressed displeasure about the inconvenience beneficiaries have suffered due to the long queues and slow services, calling on the Postbank to redouble its efforts to ensure that all beneficiaries are treated with dignity and are helped expeditiously.”

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Mokua warns road users of rainy weather conditions   

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Picture: One of the damaged roads in South Africa/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 February 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has urged all motorists and pedestrians to be cautious and vigilant during prevailing rainy weather conditions. Mokua said the South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued a warning on persistent and extreme heavy rainfall that will hit parts of the country, causing roads to be wet and slippery and ultimately causing damage to some of the road infrastructure.

“The North West province is amongst the provinces that have been experiencing heavy on and off showers which have greatly affected provincial road infrastructure.

“The department has noted some of these damages that have impacted on daily commuting, especially of learners as some schools have had to close due to non trafficable roads,” she said.

According to Mokua, the department has rolled out a number of road projects across the province in an effort to improve on the already existing road infrastructure, however due to current weather conditions, work on site had to stop. She further said they are aware of the severe damage and negative impact that this rainfall has had on the roads.  

“We have been working on patching potholes, resealing and re-graveling some roads, but due to the rainfall we have to pause until the weather permits for work to continue. We appeal to road users to bear with the department as plans are underway to attend to the damages and ensure that roads are safe and trafficable.

“The departmental roads infrastructure team, despite the rainy weather, is continuously assessing the damages on the roads and will definitely ensure that these are attended to immediately when the weather permits,” said Mokua.

She added that, where possible, they will assist with diverting flow of water in some areas. Mokua said they want to assure road users that the province will become a construction site as they gear themselves up to restoring order and functionality on the roads once the rain stops.

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A policeman arrested for fraud

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By OBAKENG MAJE

21 February 2025-A policeman arrested for fraud and defeating the ends of justice. The accused, Sergeant Tebogo Galetlhobogwe (45) briefly appeared at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, Galetlhobogwe, who is attached to the Detectives, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to release a detainee arrested for possession of drugs. Mokgwabone said this comes after Galetlhobogwe attempted to have the prosecutor sign the R500 admission of guilt fine documents.

“However, the vigilant prosecutor checked the charge sheet and established that the said case was postponed until 25 November 2024, for a bail application.

“The accused allegedly then took the documents to the clerk of court and paid R100 admission of guilt fine, but the prosecutor registered a case before the suspect could be released,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit investigated the case, which was later referred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and came back with a decision to arrest. He added that, the investigations into the matter, including in terms of the SAPS Disciplinary Regulations are underway.

“Galetlhobogwe was released on R2000 bail and his case was postponed until 4 April 2025,” said Mokgwabone.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his disapproval for the police’s conduct, which he said is unprofessional, dishonest and tarnishes the image of the SAPS will not go unpunished. Asaneng also thanked the police and prosecution for collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption. 

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Committee on Health examines department’s priorities and progress

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By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Health said it has received a progress report from the Department of Health on the department’s key initiatives, performance and challenges across various programme areas. The Portfolio Committee said it is its duty to closely monitor the work of the department and ensure that it is making meaningful progress in addressing the pressing healthcare needs of our nation.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said one area of particular concern raised by the committee was the department’s performance in addressing the HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics. Dhlomo said the persistently low treatment success rates for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB are unacceptable.

“The committee urged the department to intensify its efforts to address this critical public health challenge and ensure all patients diagnosed with TB are successfully initiated and retained on treatment. The committee also had concerns about the department’s challenges in decanting eligible HIV patients to differentiated models of care.

“We noted that the decline in decanting rates in some provinces is deeply worrying and threatens to undermine progress in managing the HIV burden. The committee said it wants to see a renewed focus and concrete action to address this issue,” he said.

On efforts to scale up screening for key non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes, Dhlomo said they are encouraged to see the department’s focus on early detection through increased screening initiatives. However, he further said they stress the critical importance of ensuring that those identified through these screening programmes are promptly initiated on appropriate treatment and management protocols.

“The committee asked the department to accelerate its efforts in this regard, highlighting that the screening initiatives must be coupled with robust linkages to care and treatment access to truly impact on health outcomes.

“Regarding the department’s unannounced visits to healthcare facilities, the committee commend this initiative, as it allows a more accurate and real-time understanding of the challenges on ground level,” said Dhlomo.

He said they were of the view that the Minister and Deputy Minister’s hands-on approach demonstrates the department’s commitment to identifying and addressing gaps in service delivery. Dhlomo said the committee also delved into the department’s efforts to improve primary healthcare, with a particular focus on the ideal clinic realisation and maintenance programme and the rollout of the ideal hospital initiative.

“Members asked the department to provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure all hospitals are able to accurately assess their readiness and implement the required improvements. The committee expressed its appreciation for the department’s transparency and willingness to engage constructively on the issues raised.

“Today’s meeting has been invaluable in providing us with a comprehensive understanding of the department’s work and the challenges they face,” he said.

Acknowledging the committee’s concerns, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, emphasised the department’s commitment to strengthening its approach.

“We recognise the urgency of the TB and HIV epidemics, and we are working closely with provinces to identify and address the bottlenecks that are hindering our progress. This includes enhancing our patient tracing and adherence support mechanisms to ensure no one falls through the cracks,” he said.

The Director-General of Department of Health, Dr Sandile Buthelezi and other senior departmental officials, highlighted key achievements and challenges across a range of priority areas, including the rollout of National Health Insurance (NHI), communicable and non-communicable disease management, primary healthcare, and health system governance.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said: “We appreciate the opportunity to engage extensively with the committee and provide a comprehensive account of our work. While we have made significant progress in many areas, we acknowledge that challenges remain, and we are committed to working closely with the committee to address these issues and ensure the successful implementation of our strategic initiatives.

“Our unannounced facility inspections have been crucial in providing us with an unfiltered view of the realities our healthcare workers and patients face daily. This direct engagement allows us to identify systemic issues and implement targeted interventions to improve the quality of care and patient experiences.”

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Drugs worth R6000 seized  

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during raid/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 February 2025- A 23-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. On 19 February 2025, the police from Olifantshoek together with Visible Policing, operationalised information received regarding alleged drug dealing at a premises in Rooiwaal Informal Settlement.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the identified premises were searched and drugs to the approximate value of R6000, including dagga, mandrax and crystal meth was recovered and seized. 

“Cash believed to be the proceeds of crime was also confiscated. The police in the Northern Cape continue to intensify their efforts to clamp down on drug dealing in the province and arrest perpetrators thereof.

“The public was commended for providing valuable information that led to the successful apprehension of the suspect. The information regarding criminal activities can be reported to SAPS via the MySAPS app or Crime Stop number at 0860010111,” she said.

Ehlers said all information will be treated confidentially.

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Old Age Home affected due to delayed funds   

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Picture: The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development visiting Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 February 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development said it has written a letter to the North West Social Development to demand answers regarding the delayed funding of the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg.

The Portfolio Committee said it was met with several challenges at the centre, which is an independent living institution for the elderly that accommodates senior citizens who are capable of living on their own, but may require minimal support services.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Karabo Magagane said they conducted an oversight visit at Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home in Vryburg, as part of the oversight week programme that took place in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

Magagane further said the oversight week programme started on the 11-13 February 2025, with the aim of strengthening oversight and public participation, as well as to promote accountability and transparency in government.

“Challenges found at the Marthie du Plessis Sentrum Old Age Home were that the North West Department of Social Development has not allocated funds to the centre for the current financial year and were not given any formal reasons for the delay. The centre only receives R97 845 per annum which is minimal to cover daily operations and basic essential needs of senior citizens.

“So, we have resolved to write a formal letter to the Department of Social Development to solicit reasons for the delay on funds, especially that the centre adhered to compliance requirements,” she said.

Magagane added that they will give feedback on resolutions taken based on responses given by the department at the end of March 2025.

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A vehicle used in commission of crime forfeited by state

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By REGINALD KANYANE

20 February 2025- The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was granted a final forfeiture order by the Northern Cape High Court against the owner of the automobile, Jefta Chikwanhandze (38).

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said information at their disposal indicated that, in December 2023, police in Upington, received a complaint of theft of copper cables from a nearby farm.

“The police came across a silver Ford focus not far from the scene of crime. During the search of the vehicle, copper cables were recovered and they immediately placed two suspects, Chikwanhadze and his accomplice, Joe Mkanya (33) under arrest for theft of copper cables.

“The vehicle valued at R48 000 was seized as it was used in the commission of crime. A criminal investigation pertaining to this matter is still ongoing,” he said.

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Many roads are affected by torrential rains across North West

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Picture: Some of the roads are flooded in Morth West/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 February2025- Many roads continue to be either inaccessible or slippery across the North West province due to torrential rainfall. The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) made up of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it would like to warn the public and motorists to be extra cautious.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said rains that have been experienced in the past few days caused flooding of low-lying bridges, dams and rivers. Mokgwabone said furthermore, major roads in the have been flooded in some areas such as N12, near Stilfontein and Klerksdorp, R503 in Hartbeesfontein, N14 between Sannieshof and Delareyville.

“This includes R30 between Klerksdorp and Venterdorp, R509 between Koster and Lichtenburg, R52 between Koster and Rustenburg and N18 outside Mahikeng towards Setlagole.

“Motorists are therefore requested to drive carefully and avoid crossing flooded roads. Parents and the general public should where possible, avoid swimming or crossing low-lying flooded bridges, rivers and roads as it is dangerous to do so,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said the PROVJOINTS has activated District Joint Operational Centres (JOCs). He added that the public is requested to monitor weather alerts on various communication platforms and to contact local Disaster Management Centres or police stations.

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Strategic measures in place to address critical challenges affecting local government

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 February 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he hosted a successful special MUNIMEC (Municipalities and MEC) meeting to discuss critical issues affecting local government in Springbok on 19 February 2025.

Bass said the MUNIMEC is a strategic meeting of the MEC with Executive Mayors/Mayors, and Municipal Managers, to discuss and resolve critical issues affecting the local government sphere.

He further said a total of 29 out of 31 municipalities in the Northern Cape, attended the special MUNIMEC. Bass added that, the presentations made included a report on the ward configuration process led by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“We also received a presentation on the progress made by municipalities to adopt the standard draft by-laws for the registration of businesses, the spending by municipalities on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and the revenue enhancement strategies of municipalities.

“We are happy that during the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month, progressive pronouncements were made, including relooking at the funding model of local government, to ensure modern and fit-for-purpose local sphere of government,” he said.

Vass urged the local government leadership in the province to fully take part in all the processes that will unfold affecting local government, emanating from the president speech during the SoNA. He also announced that the provincial cabinet is finalising plans to host the Northern Cape Local Government Summit.

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Manokwane man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his uncle

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 February 2025- A man (22) from Manokwane village, near Taung, was sentences to life imprisonment by the Taung Regional Court for killing his uncle, Morongwa Victor Kepi (68). On 28 January 2024, Victor along with his two friends, went to the deceased’s house In Maphoitsile village.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya said Victor had told his friends that his uncle had agreed to lend him a car and he intended to collect it. Gunya said upon arrival, one of the friends remained outside, waiting at the gate, while the accused and the other friend entered the house.

“Inside, the deceased was in the bedroom while his son sat in the lounge. The accused confronted his uncle in the bedroom and demanded the car keys. When the deceased refused, a scuffle ensued. The accused then took out an okapi knife and stabbed the deceased four times in front of his friend and his uncle’s son.

“The court heard details of the brutal attack, highlighting the vulnerability of the victim. Following the stabbing, the accused fled the scene. His friend and the deceased’s son, in shock, ran to seek help, leaving the victim’s lifeless body covered in blood,” he said.

Gunya further said a case of murder was opened, leading to the accused’s arrest on 9 February 2024. He added that, Victor remained in custody since his arrest.

“During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, his friends testified as state witnesses, stating that they were unaware of his true intentions and had believed his claim that the deceased had agreed to lend him the car.

“During sentencing, State Prosecutor Rebaone Makgopa, urged the court to impose a harsh sentence, emphasising the elderly victim’s vulnerability and the gravity of the crime. She pointed out that the accused had shown no remorse for his actions,” said Gunya.

The court found no substantial or compelling circumstances to justify a lesser sentence, and Magistrate Buti Zulu, sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecutorial teams. Makhari said this sentence sends a strong message that justice will prevail, and those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of the law.

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