Monthly Archives: March 2025

NWU Business School launches PhD Hub for Africa

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Picture: NWU delegates during the launch of PhD Hub for Africa/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 March 2025- The North West University (NWU) Business School has established a formidable foundation and inaugurated the PhD Hub for Africa, a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing doctoral talent and enhancing supervisory expertise throughout the continent. The PhD Hub was officially launched on 10 March2025, during the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development held at the Kigali Serena Hotel in Rwanda.

This strategic initiative, with a history of producing influential doctoral candidates, aligns with the vision of the NWU Business School, which is dedicated to Shaping m Executive Minds in Africa.

It underscores a firm commitment to impactful and transformative research. Recognising the increasing demand for high-quality doctoral education, the PhD Hub serves to bridge the gap between academia and industry by cultivating a new generation of thought leaders, innovators, and impactful researchers.

The university said the PhD Hub for Africa is aimed at industry professionals, emerging scholars seeking a PhD in Business Administration, and academic supervisors looking to enhance their doctoral mentorship expertise.

The Chief Director of the NWU Business School, Professor Joseph Sekhampu, emphasised the Hub’s role in elevating the quality and impact of doctoral research. Sekhampu said this initiative is a bold step towards strengthening Africa’s research capabilities and shaping the future of business leadership on the continent.

“By creating a platform for rigorous scholarship and high-impact research, we are not only empowering doctoral candidates, but also fostering sustainable solutions to Africa’s business and economic challenges.

“This initiative strengthens the NWU Business School’s strategic focus on internationalisation, forging collaborations with African and global academic institutions, and industry leaders to ensure that African business research remains relevant, globally competitive, and deeply rooted in the continent’s unique economic and social landscape,” he said.

Sekhampu further said the PhD Hub will catalyse impactful research, connecting scholars, business executives, and policymakers to drive transformational change across Africa. He added that, as part of this ambitious endeavour, the NWU Business School is engaging with continent-wide and international networks to provide PhD candidates with world-class mentorship, research resources, and exposure to global best practices.

“This will ensure that doctoral research emerging from the PhD Hub is both academically rigorous and practically transformative in addressing Africa’s critical economic and managerial challenges.

“The NWU Business School invites potential PhD candidates, academic supervisors, and industry expert become part of this transformative initiative. For more information on the PhD Hub for Africa, visit the NWU Business School’s website: http://www.nwubusinessschool.co.za,” said Sekhampu.

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Do you know what happened to Belzaser Johannes Moolman?

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Picture: The late Belzaser Johannes Moolman/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 March 2025- The Potchefstroom police would like to request the community’s assistance in the judicial enquiry investigation of Belzaser Johannes Moolman (61). Moolman, who was a car guard in Dr James Moroka Avenue, Potchefstroom, was last seen alive by his partner on Friday afternoon, 15 December 2023, when he went to buy something at a nearby shop.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on 16 December 2023 at around 10am, a passer-by discovered Moolman’s body next to the Viljoenskroon road (R501) at Haaskraal, about 17km from Potchefstroom. Myburgh said this was very close to his residential address.

“The bag that he always carried with him was later discovered in Paul Street in Potchefstroom, but it was torn. Anyone who may have information that can assist the police in this investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Simon Mokgopha of the Potchefstroom Detectives on 083 553 8672 or 018 2997411.

“Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on number: 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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A man jailed for two counts of rape 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 March 2025- A man (27) was sentenced to a combined 16 years imprisonment for two rapes. On 11 April 2021 at around 1:50am, a woman (18), was walking home alone through the bushes when she was attacked. 

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the victim was dragged to an abandoned house, where she was raped repeatedly. Masegela said the victim identified the accused, Desmond Abrahams, and later reported the case.

“Abrahams was arrested and he was granted bail. His Buccal DNA sample was taken and sent to the lab for testing. 

“Another rape case was reported in Kanoeneiland on 1 November 2021, after a woman (59), was at home preparing to sleep, and an unknown man entered her locked house and attacked her,” he said. 

Masegela said the victim passed out and woke up the following morning naked. He said she reported the matter to the police and a rape case was registered.

“The accused was linked to the rape case through DNA samples and was arrested. His bail application was denied and he remained in custody until his conviction.  

“On 27 February 2025, Abrahams was found guilty on both rape cases and convicted. He was sentenced to 9 years and 7 years imprisonment respectively, which he will serve them separately. Furthermore, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearm Control Act,” said Masegela.

Meanwhile, the acting ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, commended the meticulous investigation by Sergeant Lebogang Mokwene attached to Upington Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit. Coetzee said the police will continue with intensified investigations on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related cases to ensure that they leave no stone unturned. 

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Makatong: “Northern Cape govt committed to economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development”

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate in Kimberley on Tuesday, that the provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. Makatong said on 23 January 2025, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 into law and that is a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

“This Act is a crucial step toward land reform and rectifying historical injustices, ensuring that land expropriation aligns with the constitutional imperatives of justice and equity.

“The construction sector continues to be a critical driver of economic development, with the provincial government having completed 50 capital building projects and upgraded over 105 000km of roads in the past five years,” she said.

Makatong further said the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including the Namakwa SEZ, are driving industrialization and employment, particularly in the renewable energy sector. She added that the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP), remains a pillar of employment creation, with over 95 689 jobs created in the past five years, representing 92% of the provincial target.

“Looking ahead, the government aims to create 153 427 jobs, prioritizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Skills development remains key with 2167 beneficiaries trained in technical trades from 2020/21 to 2023/24,” said Makatong.

She said the provincial road network is critical to the economic and social mobility and will continue to benefit from strategic investments. Makatong said the province has seen substantial progress, with 4470km of roads managed by SANRAL, and an additional 350km set for transfer in the 2025/26 financial year.

“Key projects include the Laxey-Heuningvlei Road Upgrade (MR974 & DR3497), which is set for phased implementation. The project will create 78 job opportunities and is expected to be completed in July 2026.

“The Sutherland-Calvinia Road Upgrade (MR567), which enhances regional trade and connectivity, with phase 1 completed and phase 2 underway. Also, the establishment of SANRAL’s new offices in Kimberley will strengthen the partnership with the province,” she said.

Makatong said the Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to delivering 60 000 new jobs over the next five years. She said under the EPWP, 23 740 work opportunities were created in the 2023/24 financial year, exceeding the annual target by 109%.

“The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, played a vital role, achieving 99% of its set goal with 12 769 work opportunities generated. To address evolving labour market needs, 2167 beneficiaries received training in critical fields such as diesel mechanics, welding, refrigeration, and rigging,” said Makatong.

She said these efforts align with the broader government strategy to enhance employment and economic inclusivity. According to Makatong, infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

“The province completed 50 capital infrastructure projects, with 30 more currently under construction. Land transformation also remains integral, with 40 land parcels identified and 12 disposals finalized to promote integrated settlement growth.

“The provincial government is unwavering in its commitment to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation,” she said.

Makatong said as the province advances toward a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape, strategic investments in infrastructure and employment initiatives will continue to drive progress and development.

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Mosenogi tabled second adjustment budget

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Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 March 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi tabled the 2024/25 Second Adjustment Budget for North West province, following the approval of the allocations by the National Treasury and the National Department of Human Settlements. Mosenogi stated that an additional R150 million to the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) for the Department of Human Settlements, has been available as part of the 2024/25 second adjustment allocation, increasing the ISUPG allocation from R357.135 million to R507.135 million.

She further said, as a result, the department’s total allocation increases from R1.894 billion to R2.044 billion, and the Provincial Fiscal Framework grows from R54.159 billion to R54.310 billion. Mosenogi added that, The additional allocation will allow the department to deliver on its mandate of providing better housing and settlements for citizens of the province.

“Given the limited time remaining in the current fiscal year, we plead with the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), to expedite the approval processes to ensure that the department spend the additional allocation before end of March 2025.

“These additional funds should be utilised to respond to needs of the citizens of the province. All indications are that, the department would be able to utilise their allocation in the current financial year without rollovers,” she said.

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1115 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

11 March 2025- More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the North West province. The police in North West said they will continue to crackdown on criminality as 5143 actions were executed in various parts of the province between 3 and 9 March 2025.  

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the actions that amongst others, included the inspection of licenced liquor premises, Second-Hand dealers and informal businesses. Myburgh said this includes searching of premises, persons and vehicles that resulted in the arrest of 1115 suspects for different offences.

“Of these arrests, 419 were effected during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. The suspects included 159 for possession of drugs, 21 for illegal dealing in liquor, 174 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, 13 for murder, three for attempted murder, four for rape and 18 for robberies. 

“Twenty six suspects were arrested for burglaries, 39 for malicious damage to property and 41 for driving under the influence of liquor and drugs,” she said. 

Myburgh said furthermore, a total of 49 illegal migrants were apprehended and processed by the Department of Home Affairs. She said as part of the operations, two unlicensed liquor premises were closed down. 

“The operations also led to the confiscation of more than 700 litres of alcohol, 7kg of copper cables, a variety of drugs, tobacco products and three vehicles,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said the police working with other role players, remain steadfast in stamping the authority of the state to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people in the province. 

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A murder accused policeman remanded in custody

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Picture: A policeman arrested for committing crime/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

11 March 2025- A policeman who was stationed at Wolmaranstad Police Station, Sergeant Leepile Mtimkulu (46), remanded in custody until 14 March 2025. This comes after Mtimkulu was arrested on Saturday afternoon, 8 March 2025, for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Dikeledi Ingrid Serake (40), in the neck with a knife.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Serake was declared dead at the scene at Tswelelang Township, Wolmaranstad. Mokgwabone said following the incident, Mtimkulu handed himself over to the police.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned the incident and said it is disheartening to see a police officer being arrested for a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) related incident, which was committed during International Women’s Day by someone whom the public is looking to for protection. Asaneng urged police to use the professional services of the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) rather than resorting to violence.

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125 years in prison for cops’ killers   

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Picture: Four accused persons sentenced/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

11 March 2025- Four men who brutally killed two police officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50), and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42), in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng, were sentenced 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, where Molete and Ntsekeletsa, from Mareetsane Police Station, stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. Gunya said the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station. 

“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, 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. In court, all four accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. 

“In aggravation of the sentence, state prosecutor advocate Siphiwo Jika, submitted Victim Impact statements from the police and the family members of the deceased, emphasising the devastating impact of the crime,” said Gunya.

He said Jika urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence, as they all showed a lack of remorse throughout the trial. Gunya said the presiding Judge agreed with the state. 

“She said the community still needs to have confidence in the police. Benjamin Jacobs, Gaorekwe Mongale and Rapula Keaikitse were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for count of kidnapping, two counts of life imprisonment for murder, 6 years for defeating the ends of justice, 10 years for malicious property damage, 15 years for unlawful possession of firearms and 10 years for possession of ammunition. 

“Sentences to run concurrently with life imprisonment for murder. Mathews Modukanele was sentenced to 5 years for stock theft, 15 years for robbery aggravating circumstances, 10 years for each count of kidnapping and 4 years for malicious property damage,” said Gunya.  

He said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently with the 15 years imprisonment for robbery aggravating circumstances. Gunya said the accused were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng and the acting Provincial Head of the

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, welcomed the sentence and thanked all the role players for their collaborative efforts to ensure that justice is served. They pointed out that the killing of police officers undermines the authority of the state and that the sentence will convey a strong message that those who kill police officers or any other person who serves to protect society and our citizens deserve a harsh punishment as seen in this case.

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One Billion Housing Project On Track 

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass on oversight visits/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, has embarked on oversight visits in Perth and Heuningvlei, where the One Billion Rand Housing Project will commence. The project was launched by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2024. 

Vass who was accompanied by the executive mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Pulane Mogatle-Thoane, the District Municipality Speaker, Ephraim Aiseng, the Joe Morolong Local Municipality mayor, Dineo Leutlwetse-Tshabalala, Kgosikgolo Hastings Jantjie and Kgosikgolo Pule Bareki, and several councillors, also had community engagement with the housing beneficiaries in Heuningvlei.

“We briefed the delegation on the housing project for the JTG District and its progress. Over 500 houses will be built in Joe Morolong Municipality as part of the One Billion Rand Housing Project to address the housing backlog in the JTG District.

“This provided us with a first-hand opportunity to observe the progress in the JTG District and to engage with the contractors responsible for the area. The successful visit was concluded with a community meeting, where we engaged 200 housing beneficiaries at the Heuningvlei Community Hall,” he said.

Vass further said as the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG, they intend to expedite the One Billion Rand Housing Project and ensure that the beneficiaries receive their quality houses sooner. He added that, to this end, they receive a weekly progress report, and the Human Settlements team is working closely with the contractors to ensure adherence to the project timelines.

“A follow-up meeting between COGHSTA, the Traditional Council, and the District and Local Municipality, will take place to address some of the challenges highlighted by members of the community, including beneficiary administration and job opportunities and sub-contracting issues.

“Following the briefing, we handed over two houses to Albert Mothobi and Selita Nkgari’s family in Churchhill. These two families were assisted after news reports on the dire state of their mud houses,” said Vass.

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Seothaeng o tlhalositswe jaaka motho oneng a le bonolo  

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Setshwantsho: Moswi Archbald Seothaeng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Mopitlwe 2025- Modulasetilo wa setlhopha sa Indomitable Lions FC sa kwa motsesetoropong wa Pudimoe, gaufi le Taung, Archibald Aotlotlwe Seothaeng (50), o fitlhilwe kwa dirapeng tsa baswi kwa motseng wa Dryharts, mono Taung ka Lamatlhatso. Seothaeng o neetswe phitlho ya manobonobo, o kailwe jaaka motho o neng a le boikobo, bonolo, ebile a rata thuto. 

Batla phitlhong ba ne ba tlile ka bontsi jo bo thibang letsatsi go tla go felegetse Seothaeng. 

Mokatisi wa setlhopa sa Indomitable Lions FC, Olebogeng Kalabatane are ba simolotse go dira le Seothaeng ka 2021, fa ba ne ba aga setlhopa sa seo. Kalabatane are Seothaeng, one a le botlhale, mme ba fitlheletse dilo di le dintsi thata motlase ga tsamaiso ya gagwe. 

“Bontsi jwa nako, re kopane le mathata mme Seothaeng one a dumela mo go baleng. One a itse melao ya kgwele ya dinao. One o tla bona seo fa go na le dikgogakgogano. Gape, Seothaeng one a dumela mo go tsweleleng pele. 

“Seothaeng o thusitse setlhopa ka keteledi-pele ya gagwe e manontlhotlho. Se se utlwisang botlhoko ke gore, ga nke re itse nako ya loso ke leng. Gona le dilo di le dintsi tse oneng a batlile go di direla setlhopa mo ngwageng o,” Kalabatane wa tlhalosa. 

Mokhuduthamaga kwa LGSETA, Inneeleng Molete, o tlhalositse Seothaeng jaaka motho oneng a rata tiro ya gagwe. Molete are LGSETA tiro ya bona ke go rotloetsa basha le go bula ditshono tsa ditiro le dithuto. 

“Kgang ya rona ke go bula ditshono, mme re dira gore go nne le kgolagano magareng ga dimasepala tsotlhe go ralala naga. Re thusa bana ba dikobo dikhutsane gore ba bone madi a go tsweletsa dithuto tsa bone kwa di unibesiti tse di farologaneng.

“Karolo eo, e tshamikilwe ke Seothaeng mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Boeteledipele jwa gagwe ene ele jo bo namatshang,” Molete wa tlhalosa. 

Modiri-mmogo wa maloba wa ga Seothaeng kwa Lefapheng La Badiri, Paul Motshweneng are Seothaeng o dirile jaaka Employment Officer kwa lefapheng la bone, mme one a le bonolo. Motshweneng are Seothaeng o iponetse dikgele di le mmalwa jaaka modiri o gaisitseng wa ngwaga. 

Kgabagare, morwadia Seothaeng, Kganya, o tlhalositse rragwe jaaka motho oneng a dula a ba rotloetsa thata gore ba tseye dithuto tsa bone tsia. Kganya are bat la dula ba mogopola ka dinako tsotlhe.

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