Daily Archives: April 10, 2025

Lesotho national and his accomplice sentenced to life imprisonment each for rape

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 April 2025- Two men aged 34, were sentenced to life imprisonment by the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court rape. This comes after the accused, Thabang Lebata and Jason Mamayile, kidnapped and raped a woman (39), in Brandvlei, Randfotein in May 2023.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused were also sentenced to an additional five years for kidnapping. Mjonondwane said Lebata, a Lesotho national, was further sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act, as he was found to be in South Africa illegally.

“The court heard that on the night of the incident, between 20h00 and 21h00, the complainant was walking home from a nearby shop when she was accosted by two men. They placed a cloth over her head and forcibly took her to their house, where they took turns raping her repeatedly.

“She testified that she managed to escape around midnight, fleeing naked to a neighbour’s house, where she reported the ordeal. The police were immediately summoned and accompanied the complainant to the accused’s residence, where both men were arrested,” she said.

Mjonondwane further said her belongings were recovered at the scene. She added that, although only Lebata was linked to the crime through DNA evidence, the state prosecutor, Rachel Bopape, successfully argued that both accused acted in common purpose, warranting equal criminal liability.

“Bopape also presented a Victim Impact Statement (VIS), compiled by Probation Officer Kelebogile Lelahane, which outlined the devastating emotional and psychological toll on the complainant, who was left traumatised and stripped of her dignity. With the support of Court Preparation Officer, Ellen Matsimela, the complainant was able to find the courage to testify in court.

“NPA strongly condemns such heinous acts and remains steadfast in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This commitment is further demonstrated through the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs), now numbering 65 across the country, which offer holistic support and services to victims of GBV. The collaborative efforts of Sergeant Au and prosecutor Bopape in this successful prosecution are commendable,” she said.

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AGSA embarks on a roadshow in Northern Cape 

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Picture: AGSA, Tsakani Maluleke

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

10 April 2025- The acting Northern Cape Premier, Bentley Vass, accompanied by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and senior government officials, met with the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), Tsakani Maluleke, as part of the Auditor General’s Roadshow. In attendance was also the Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Newrene Klaaste and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs).

Vass said the purpose of the meeting was for Maluleke to present the outcomes of the 2023-2024 Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) audit. He said constructive discussions took place regarding interventions and strengthening Municipalities to ensure that Local Government complies with legislation and delivers efficient and effective services.

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Ramaphosa calls of police to practise Batho Pele principles 

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Picture: The SAPS members during parade/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

10 April 2025- The president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa calls on South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies to continue to safeguard the nation. Ramaphosa said the nation’s safety and security requires that they are proactive, innovative and solutions-oriented in their approach. 

Ramaphosa further said as a frontline service, the police interface with the communities daily. He added that, as such, the police need to be guided by the Batho Pele principles of high service standards, consultation, equal access to services, and treating citizens with respect, dignity and empathy. 

“The SAPS mission is to investigate and prevent crime and ensure that offenders are brought to justice, to counter threats to community safety and security and importantly, to participate in efforts to address the root causes of crime. 

“Crime is both a cause and a symptom. It is a cause of insecurity and instability in communities. It weakens the social fabric. Crime has a direct impact on the economy,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said it discourages investment, disrupts business activity and leads to increased security costs for companies. Ramaphosa said crime is also a symptom of wider problems in a society. 

“Poverty and inequality, unemployment, lack of opportunity, patriarchy and misogyny, and broken family structures are just some of the issues that contribute to crime and criminality. 

“Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness. It is therefore encouraging that this summit has as one of its key objectives adopting a more holistic approach to law-enforcement, encompassing not just the police but the entire policing system,” he said. 

Ramaphosa said it is also encouraging that this summit brings together stakeholders from the safety and security establishment, communities and civil society, business, the interfaith sector, labour and other sectors. He said just as crime is an all-of-society problem, overcoming crime must be an all-of-society effort.

“In doing so, we must marshall our full support behind the hardworking men and women of the South African Police Service. The policing terrain of today is complex and multi-faceted. 

 “The police strive to fulfill their mandate in the context of emerging threats. These threats include transnational organised crime, illegal mining, extortion syndicates, the theft of economic infrastructure, money laundering and terror financing,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said even in this extremely challenging environment, the South African Police Service continues to register successes in fighting crime in its various operations. Ramaphosa said to build on these successes, they need to restore public trust and faith in the police. 

“We need to improve the relationships between the police and the communities they serve. We need to work to improve the morale of SAPS members, many of whom are battling heavy workloads, insufficient resources and outdated systems. 

“Even as the SAPS budget has increased over the past ten years, the reality is that the number of police personnel has been declining while the country’s population has been growing,” he said.

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“Non-compliant NPOs derail our efforts to achieve clean audit”  

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

By REGINALD KANYANE 

10 April 2025- The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, decried non-compliance of non-profit organisations (NPOs) with legislation as a major cause of her department’s inability to achieve a clean audit. Dantjie was addressing more than 200 delegates from various NPOs who filled Madibeng’s White Hall to capacity for a day-long roadshow, dubbed ‘Re Thuse Re Go Thuse’.

‘Re Thuse Re Go Thuse’ is Dantjie’s flagship programme that underscores her 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).

“We account to oversight bodies on how we spend the budget that is allocated to us. A large percentage of the departmental budget goes to the NPOs to enable them to work in partnership with the department in delivering services to our people. 

“If we keep on providing funding to NPOs that are not fully compliant with legislation, we will always attract a finding from the Auditor General SA,” she said.  

Dantjie further said, NPOs must refrain from using unspent monies without the approval of her department. She added that NPOs should explore other possible means of generating income without depending solely on her departmental annual funding.

Meanwhile, the National Lottery Commission, the South African Revenue Services, the Provincial Treasury, the National Development Agency, the Department of Home Affairs and the National Department of Social Development are part of the stakeholders that participate in the roadshow. 

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DA willing to discuss power sharing with ANC

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Picture: The DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

10 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said they joined the Government of National Unity (GNU) with one clear purpose, to help grow South Africa’s economy and create jobs. Steenhuisen said they remain fully committed to this goal.

He further said to achieve this, the ANC must now demonstrate that it is equally committed to the spirit and substance of sharing power, which is a natural consequence of the last election. Steenhuisen said the electorate sent a clear message. 

“Single party rule is over and no one party gets to dictate our policy direction. South Africa needs an era of co-governance, built on the implementation of bold, pro-growth reforms that create jobs and restores fiscal stability. 

“That is why the DA signed the Statement of Intent and entered the GNU — we wanted shared governance that prioritises delivery and economic recovery over political convenience,” he said.

He further said the DA has been clear and consistent about its position on VAT inside government and outside government. Steenhuisen added that, not once has the DA gone outside of the GNU to lobby support for its position, which is what the ANC did, defining itself outside the GNU.

“We have placed, before the President, a comprehensive set of proposals that will unlock growth and jobs. These are real, practical solutions that are necessary and foundational to secure South Africa’s fiscal future — and we are ready to implement them. 

“We look forward to discussing a clear reform agenda for growth and jobs with the ANC,” he said.

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Telkom Netball SA to kickstarts new season 

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Picture: Netball players during the launch of 2025/26 season/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

10 April 2025- Netball South Africa, in partnership with proud sponsors, Telkom is delighted to announce the exciting return of the Telkom Netball League. Africa’s largest franchise Netball competition officially gets underway on 26 April 2025, with the Sun City Superbowl in the North West, confirmed as the official hosts of this year’s edition. 

As a result of its ever-growing magnitude, the Telkom Netball League remains Africa’s premier franchise netball tournament and continues to be an exciting platform for the showcasing of the best Netball talent. Supported by a strong partnership between Netball South Africa and proud sponsors Telkom, this year’s edition promises to be bigger and better, along with two exciting additional teams, the SPAR Baby Proteas (South Africa’s U-21) as well as invitational side, Zimbabwe.

The inclusion of the SPAR Baby Proteas reflects both Netball South Africa and Telkom’s joint and unwavering commitment to developing the sport and providing young talent with a platform to showcase its ability. This year’s edition will also be of great significance for the SPAR Baby Proteas, as the team gears up for the Netball World Youth Cup campaign in Gibraltar later this year.

As in previous editions, the Telkom Netball League will be held over three action packed Power Weeks, with the backing of the Bojanala Municipality:

The first edition officially gets underway between 26 April – 04 May 2025 at the Sun City Superbowl, where fans can expect high-octane netball action.

The Second Power Week resumes between 13-17 June 2025, with the last edition scheduled for 14-20 July to determine who will be crowned champion.

Four-time champions, Free State Crinums will be looking at defending their Division A title, while KwaZulu-Natal Kingdom Stars are set to prove themselves once again after missing out on the promotion to Division A following their loss to Limpopo Baobabs.

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated season, Netball South Africa President, Cecilia Molokwane, expressed excitement about the growth of the league. “This season, the Telkom Netball League provides an even bigger platform for both seasoned stars and emerging talent to showcase their skills. 

“As Netball SA, we are proud to be associated with a league that remains committed to developing the next generation of netball champions, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to shine on the national stage,” she said.

Molokwane said this season, they are thrilled to introduce a ground-breaking addition to the TNL league — the SPAR Baby Proteas will compete as the 17th team in preparation for the upcoming Netball Youth World Cup. She said this will make this season’s TNL even bigger, as it will now be themed around the ‘Road to Gibraltar’ – a Netball SA campaign that aims to celebrate the journey of the SPAR Baby Proteas towards the Netball Youth World Cup 2025.  

“The participation of the Baby Proteas in this year’s league marks a significant milestone in their development – providing them with invaluable experience and a solid foundation for success on the world stage,” said Molokwane. 

The NSA President’s sentiments were echoed by Telkom’s Brand and Communications Executive, Hellen Dinawane, saying that the Telkom Netball League underscores the telecoms company’s invested efforts into making a difference in South African communities through the strong impact of Netball. Dinawane said the Telkom Netball League signifies a strong and mutually beneficial partnership that Telkom continues to enjoy with Netball South Africa. 

“Through this partnership, Telkom continues to effectively demonstrate its commitment to serving and making a positive impact to the lives of young and aspiring Netball players. 

“We look forward to yet another exciting, but more importantly impactful Telkom Netball League season. With less than a month to go before the much-anticipated showdown in the North West, fans can look forward to electrifying matches and fan engaging activities,” she said.

Meanwhile, Netball South Africa will soon confirm fixtures, ticketing details as well as broadcast schedules in due course.

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School communities, learners still paying price of debts owed by NCDoE

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Picture: Northern Cape Department of Education logo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said while at least three schools in the province remained closed at the start of the second term yesterday, it requested that the Northern Cape MECs for Finance and Education be urgently summoned to report to a joint committee of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature. 

The DA provincial spokesperson on Education and a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Priscilla Isaacs said they are seeing a repeat of the crisis that engulfed schools at the start of the 2025 academic year. Isaacs said by the Northern Cape Department of Education’s own calculations, it owed school communities more than R181.8 million in February 2025. 

“This included R100.702 million for school maintenance and just over R54 million for textbooks, stationery and similar materials. Despite promises made by both MEC Venus Blennies-Magage and Abraham Vosloo at our last joint meeting in February, many schools are reportedly still waiting for the promised financial support.

“Due to the ongoing non-payment of essential funds by the Northern Cape Department of Education, some schools report a serious lack of basic necessities, like the school in Grootdrink experiencing a lack of toilet paper,” she said.

Isaacs further said although the department promised to pay R5 million to hostels, there is still a shortfall of more than R4.4 million and schools only received partial payments of their budgeted subsidies for the year. She added that the underfunding means that schools cannot afford to buy food. 

“The primary school hostel in Brandvlei has neither food nor water on the premises for the young children in their care. The hostel of the Rietfontein High School near Upington did not reopen, creating immense stress for the parents and caregivers who cannot afford to make suitable alternative arrangements at such short notice.

“Non-payment of municipal accounts continues to result in disconnections of electricity supply, reported by schools as far afield as Postmasburg, Calvinia, Victoria West, and Colesberg,” said Isaacs. 

She said the Blinkklip High School in Postmasburg remains closed as the school did not have electricity supply since January. Isaacs said they cannot afford to have learners sitting in the dark when the department promised R6.3 million to assist with municipal account bailouts.

“In our written request, I’ve asked for an update on the department’s financial status, timelines for payments to schools, feedback on the functionality of hostels, and a report on the implementation of school feeding schemes. 

“Both MECs must fulfil their promise to account to the Legislature. Children deserve access to education and should not bear the brunt of bad financial judgement exercised by the provincial government,” she said.

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SCOPA in North West meets with District Municipalities 

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Picture: The Chairperson of SCOPA in North West, Smuts Matshe

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

10 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) will hold a Public Finance Management Act public hearings with the District Municipalities over the 2023/24 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.

The SCOPA provincial chairperson, Smuts Matshe said the PFMA public hearings are scheduled to take place at Legislature Auditorium. Matshe said they will meet the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality on 11 April 2025 at 8am until 10am.  

“Then we will meet the Bojanala District Municipality from 10am until 12h30, while the meeting with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, will be at 1:30pm until 3:30pm. 

“We will meet Dr Kennth Kaunda District Municipality from 4pm until 6pm,” he said. 

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DA calls for investigation into Northern Cape geographical name changes

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

10 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Northern Cape MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika, to investigate the legality of a series of provincial name changes over the past ten years, given the absence of a functional Provincial Geographic Name Change Committee (PGNC) since 2015. The DA said in response to its concerns raised during the 2024/2025 Annual Performance Plan presentation, the department has revealed that the last PGNC term started in 2011 and was extended for another year at the end of 2014. 

The DA provincial spokesperson for Sport, Arts and Culture, Reinette Liebenberg, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) said there has been no PGNC since 2015, as the department claims that it is difficult to establish the necessary requirements due to the process being coordinated by the office of the MEC. Liebenberg said the DA is concerned that the department may have spent millions on illegally changing geographical names in the province. 

“We have warned the department about this since 2022, when we first found out that the Northern Cape is the only province without a functional PGNC in place.

“Matika now has a duty to probe the legality of the name changes and to hold the department accountable for contravening the South African Geographical Names Council Act 1998 (Act 118 of 1998),” she said. 

Liebenberg further said he must also explain what happened to the filling of the advertised vacancies for board members in 2023, following a commitment by former MEC, Desery Fienies, that positions for board members would be advertised. She added that the DA will further submit questions to determine exactly which names were changed by the department since 2015, how much was spent on the name changes and whether public participation was fairly instituted.

“Name changes must not come at an unwarranted cost to the province,” said Liebenberg.

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Increased flights to SA by United Airlines will boost economy 

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Picture: SAA flight at Pilanesberg International Airport/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

10 April 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille said on behalf of the entire tourism sector, she welcomes the recent announcement by United Airlines that it will be increasing its flights to South Africa. De Lille said the United Airlines recently announced that it will be expanding its African network by introducing a new long-haul service from Washington Dulles Airport to Cape Town International Airport. 

“This route was launched in November 2022, operating three times a week and has been hugely successful. United Airlines’ second African route, linking Newark with Johannesburg, operates daily since June 2021 and this route will also be expanded by the airline.

“In 2024, arrivals from the United States of America (USA) stood at over 430 000, up by more than 21 000 or 5.2% compared to 2023. A further testament to the impact of direct flights on arrivals is that in 2023, arrivals from the USA stood at over 409 000, an increase of more than 111 000 or 37.4% compared to 2022, when direct flights between South Africa and the USA were introduced,” she said.

De Lille further said they welcome this development and announcement by United Airlines to increase the number of flights

between South Africa and the USA, as the route has been in high demand and has made travel significantly more seamless between the two countries. She added that, the Airlift is a crucial factor for the tourism sector as direct flights make travel between destinations more desirable and is proven to increase tourism arrivals between countries. 

“We are excited about this development and look forward to the positive impact it will have on arrivals to South Africa. The USA is one of South Africa’s top source markets and we will continue efforts to grow arrivals even more from the USA to South Africa,” said De Lille.

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