Daily Archives: April 9, 2025

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson under scrutiny for ‘no show’   

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Picture: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 April 2025- The Select Committee on Security and Justice today resolved not to entertain an engagement with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) officials for a briefing on the infrastructure and maintenance plans after the Minister, Deputy Minister and Director-General (DG), failed to attend the meeting. This is despite the Minister, Dean Macpherson, undertaking to delegate the DG to lead the delegation.

The acting Chairperson of the Committee, Pitso Noe said they were informed only last night that the DG also could not make it to the meeting. Noe said no explanation was offered and instead, the Deputy Director-General led the delegation, much to the dissatisfaction of the committee.

“The committee also raised concerns that the DPWI only submitted its presentation documents for the briefing on 7 April, thereby missing the deadline for submission, which was 4 April.

“The committee could not proceed with its business, due to the absence of the Ministry. We strongly felt that Parliament is being undermined by the executive as it has become practice that Ministers will fail to appear before parliamentary committees as required by the Constitution and rules,” he said.

Noe further said the committee unanimously agreed that the matter will be escalated to the Chairperson of National Council of Provinces Chairperson (NCOP), to be reported to the Deputy President, as the leader of Government Business. He added that the committee wants to express its disappointment and dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Ministry has handled the meeting.

“They resolved to defer the meeting to a date within 21 days that will be suitable for the Minister to appear and expect the Ministry to honour and account to Parliament about the maintenance of government infrastructure and plans to improve service delivery to the JCPS,” concluded Noe.

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DCSTM cautions public against traffic learnership scsm

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Picture: Traffic Officers during parade/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 April 2025- The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it has noted with concern and alleged disturbing conduct by individuals who are soliciting money from the public under the guise of securing positions for them in the Road Traffic Learnership. The department said it has been made aware of an incident, where a certain individual is allegedly pretending to be an official of the department and soliciting money from unsuspecting job seekers, claiming it is for the transportation to the Traffic Academy in Free State.

The Head of the Department, Dr Hans Kekana has called on all community members who had been conned off by these mischievous people to lay charges with the police.

“This is illegal conduct by those who seek to take advantage of unemployed young people who are in the market for job opportunities.  

“The department would like to put on record that it follows guidelines and procedures outlined by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on employment processes,” he said.

Kekana said this includes the recruitment of candidates on the traffic learnership. He further said, applicants/ candidates would not be requested for money to cover any costs or to secure a position in the programme.  

“The public is advised to be cautious of these criminal elements and to report any suspicious behaviour to their nearest police station,” said Kekana.

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Dantjie urges NPOs to comply or risk deregistration

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Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 April 2025- The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie said civil society organisations should comply with legislation if they are to receive funding from government and its entities. Dantjie told delegates from various Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) during “Re Thuse Re Go Thuse” NPO support roadshow, which is underway in Rustenburg Civil Centre.

She further said 150 representatives from the National Lottery Commission, the South African Revenue Services, the Provincial Treasury, the National Development Agency and National Department of Social Development are part of the day long NPO roadshow. Dantjie added that, “Re Thuse Re Go Thuse” is a flagship programme that underscores commitment to fostering a robust and effective NPO sector that is capable of delivering essential services to communities across the province in partnership with sister departments and State-Owned Entities (SOEs).

“While we acknowledge the role of civil society organisations in changing the lives of our people, we must also enforce compliance to legislation so that there is transparency and accountability in the social sector.  All NPOs must comply with the NPO Act.

“They must adhere to tax requirements and their information on Central Supplier Database (CSD) must be accurate. Non-compliant NPOs face possible deregistration and they will not receive any financial resources from the funders,” she said.

Dantjie said the compliance to the NPO Act is strategically aligned with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which addresses risks related to money laundering and terrorist financing in the sector. In Bojanala, 5221 NPOs are deemed compliant, while 727 have already been de-registered from the system due to non-compliance to the NPO Act.

“We scheduled to take Re Thuse Re Go Thuse NPO roadshow to Brits on Thursday at 9am,” said Dantjie.

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SANDF denies members deployemet to #Cwecwe march 

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Picture: SANDF soldiers seen during #Cwecwe march/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 April 2025- The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has noted with concern the video purporting to show South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members providing security with the South African Police Service (SAPS) at #JusticeForCwecwe protest match in Matatiele. 

The committee will urgently demand the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, and the Chief of the SANDF to verify the authenticity of the video and provide an urgent report on the circumstances of the presence of the SANDF. 

The co-chairperson of the committee, Malusi Gigaba said while employment of members of the SANDF is a prerogative of the President and the Minister, Section 18 (2) and (3) of the Defence Act stipulates that if the President or the Minister employs members of the SANDF internally as per Section 201 (2) of the Constitution, they must inform Parliament promptly.

“This has not been done, hence the demand for an urgent report. The committee’s concern emanates from the fact that the protest did not represent any extraordinary occurrence nor was there a threat to life. The report by the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF must include reasons of the employment (If there was one), why Parliament was not informed and cost associated with the employment,” he said.

Phiroane Phala, who is the co-chairperson of the committee also shared the same sentiments. Phala said the SAPS handles protest on a daily basis and they have the requisite skills and training to handle such situations.

“We are of the view that employment of the SANDF should always be under extraordinary circumstances, especially considering the stretched budget the defence force is operating with,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SANDF spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini said: “The SANDF has noted with concern reports and allegations that of a so-called deployment in Matatiele to monitor a community march against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“We wish to state that the SANDF has members in the area on border safeguarding duties and nothing else. We would like to express sincere regret regarding the incident, where soldiers were seen during the march against GBV in Matatiele.”

Dlamini said the SANDF is a gender sensitive organisation and supports gender programs. He further said they are cognisant of the unacceptable high levels of GBV and the prevalence of violence against women and children, and support any intervention by institutions and citizens aimed at dealing with violence against our women and children.

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Molapisi launches Clean Cities campaign

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

9 April 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, will on 10 April 2025, host the strategic meeting of the MEC with Executive Mayors and Mayors (MUNIMEC). 

Molapisi said the MUNIMEC has been established in line with the Intergovernmental Relations Framework (IGR), which is the platform designed to improve collaboration, enhance municipal governance, address systemic service delivery challenges, such as housing; foster financial accountability and amplify the institutionalisation of the District Development Model (DDM). 

“We will also officially launch the Clean Cities Campaign under the theme “Rata Tikologo Ya Gago” (Love Your Environment).  The campaign forms part of the province’s broader commitment to sustainable development and improved service delivery. 

“The meeting will take place at Protea Hotel in Klerksdorp on 10 April 2025, at 9am, while the launch of the Clean Cities Campaign will take place in Kanana Township, near Orkney at 2pm,” he said. 

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A decomposed body of a man discovered in veld

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

9 April 2025- The police in Jan Kempdorp are requesting assistance in identifying the body of an unknown man. The decomposed body was discovered by a passerby on 20 March 2025, in the veld, near the SANDF Ammunition Depot in Jan Kempdorp.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the deceased is estimated to be approximately 45 years old and 1.6 meters tall. Kock said the deceased was dressed in a red Redbat medium-sized T-shirt and blue shorts. 

“The police request that anyone with information regarding a missing person to please contact Detective Sergeant Raneo Molelekeng on 060 976 9067 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app. 

“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.

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Monna o laotofadiwang ka go nna dinalanyana kwa Manokwane o tlhasetswe ke baagi ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho

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Setshwantsho-papiso- Monna o kgaotswe letsogo morago ga go tlhaselwq ka panga

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

9 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go teketwa ka maikaelelo a go ntsha dikgobalo tse di masisi. Se setla morago ga gore monna wa kwa motseng wa Manokwane a teketwe ka panga, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa goreng a kgaolwe letsogo.  

Go begwa fa Thabang Malepe a ile a tlhaselwa ke banna bangwe ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho kwa thaveneng kwa Manokwane mo bosigong jwa Lamatlhatso. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho, ba ne ba hirile kwa ntlung ya bo Malepe.

Go begwa fa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go batlana le Malepe. Go begwa fa ba ile bam o fitlhela kwa thaveneng a timola lenyora, mme ba mo latofatsa ka go nna dinalanyana.

Go ya ka dipego, banna ba, ba tlhalositse fa Malepe a ntse a ba senyetsa kwa pahophosing e ba hirileng mo go yone, mme ba mo tlhasela ka panga. Go begwa fa ba ile ba inaya naga morago ga tiragalo, mme Malepe ene a tabogisetswa kwa bookelo jwa sedika jwa Taung a opa-opelwa.

Go begwa fa a ile a kgaolwa letsogo, mme a fitisetswa kwa bookleong jwa Tshepong kwa Klerksdorp, gonne letsogo le lengwe le lone lene le na le dintho tse di tsitsibanyang mmele.

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Legal Aid SA announces amendments to Means Test

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By OBAKENG MAJE

7 April 2025- The Legal Aid South Africa (Legal Aid SA) Means Test, used to determine if applicants qualify for legal aid, has been revised upwards to cater for increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). By adjusting the financial eligibility criteria, Legal Aid SA aims to support individuals and families who may otherwise struggle to afford legal representation.

The Legal Aid South Africa national spokesperson, Pateka Quwe said below is a summary of the new Means Test threshold:

Below is a summary of the new Means Test threshold:

Matter type & applicant status Previous thresholdNew threshold
Criminal mattersR8,700.00R9,100.00
Civil matters (Individual applicant)R8,700.00R9,100.00
Civil matters (Spouse/household)R9,500.00R9,900.00
Movable assets (household, no property)R167,800.00R167,900.00
Immovable & movable assets (Household, owns property)R754,400.00R787,600.00


She said in criminal cases, children continue to automatically qualify for legal aid and do not have to take the Means Test. She further said if it is a civil case, the family of the child will need to take and pass the Means Test.

“The revised Means Test took effect from Tuesday, 1 April 2025, and will continue to be applied to all new applications received from this date onwards,” said Quwe.

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The University of Mpumalanga appoints Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as new vice-chancellor

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Picture: The newly appointed University of Mpumalanga Vice Chancellor, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie, has warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). Letsie said they extend their heartfelt congratulations to Meyiwa on her appointment.

He further said the committee is confident in her leadership, vision and ability to steer UMP towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation. Letsie added that they are pleased that the council has once again appointed a female Vice-Chancellor to lead this esteemed institution.

“This is a positive and progressive step in a sector that continues to be largely male dominated. The committee also expressed its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, for her exceptional service and leadership since the establishment of UMP in 2013.

“We thank Mayekiso for her dedicated service and wish her the very best in her future endeavours. Meyiwa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role,” he said.

Letsie said since 2018, she has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of South Africa. He said her distinguished career includes several senior academic and administrative roles across various institutions.

“Meyiwa is set to officially assume her duties as Vice-Chancellor of UMP on 1 October 2025,” said Letsie.

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Military Veterans receive new homes

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Picture: One of beneficiaries receives a house

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 April 2025- Military veterans in Ganyesa were on cloud nine as they moved into their new houses. This comes after the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, presented them with keys to their houses recently.

Molapisi said the handover marked a significant milestone in the department’s commitment of eradicating the military veterans housing programme backlog and providing quality houses to them, thereby improving their livelihoods. He said during the handover, he emphasized that the provincial department, in conjunction with the National Department of Military Veterans, have resolved and agreed on the standard plan nationally and that made way for these houses to be constructed.

“The department remains committed to ensuring that all military veterans are traced and get access to their benefits, including building houses for them. It remains the department’s mandate to ensure that the military veterans housing backlog becomes a thing of the past.

“This is possible, if we work together to ensure that our military veterans are given back their pride and dignity for all the sacrifices they have made for the freedom we are enjoying today,” he said.

Molapisi further said he is proud to stand before them to witness their patience finally paying off. He added that they kept their faith and thanked them for that.

“This is your home, please look after it,” said Molapisi.

The acting mayor of Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, Karolo Mothwane, welcomed the delivery and handover of the houses. Mothwane said the municipality prides itself to be recognised as the first municipality in the North West to hand over houses to military veterans.

“As the municipality we are very privileged to be home to these great men who committed their lives to the fight for freedom, their legacy will forever be preserved for prosperity” he said.  

Former Bophuthatswana Defence Force (BDF) member and one of the beneficiaries of the military veterans housing programme, Patrick Nampa (54) said he is happy that his dream of owning a house has been realised. Nampa has been living in his family house with his wife and children.

Another beneficiary, Motlapele Otto (59) said that he is happy for his family now that they have their own home. Otto worked for the Bophuthatswana Defence Force from 1986 to 1994, then joined the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) until 1997. He is currently staying with his wife and children, and he is a military veteran’s grant recipient.

“I want to thank the department for taking care of the military veterans. This really shows that we were not fighting the Apartheid regime for nothing,” said Otto.

Both Nampa and Otto urged other military veterans to be patient, because they believe that their turn will also come.

Meanwhile, out of the targeted 33 houses for the previous financial year, the department has managed to build and complete 13 military veterans’ houses. Seven are in Ganyesa, two in Tlakgameng, one in Kgokgojane and the other three are in Mabele-a-pudi and Bapong villages respectively.

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