15 April 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Social Development urges South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold card beneficiaries, who could not migrate to the Postbank black card to apply to a bank of their choice to receive their social grants. The committee said it is aware of the changes made to the SASSA card migration process that negatively impact beneficiaries, who have not yet received their Postbank black cards.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Bridget Masango said these changes include the indefinite suspension of issuing of black cards by Postbank on their sites due to instructions given by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to the Post Bank. Masango said SARB instructed Postbank, with the guidance of SASSA, to ensure that beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to the black cards can use their gold cards and receive their grants and that there is minimal disruption, while they are moving to alternative sources, such as their bank of choice.
“The suspension of the issuing of the Postbank black cards poses a disadvantage to the many beneficiaries who are yet to receive their cards. While we understand the complexities that surround this process, it is important to ensure that assurance is given to beneficiaries that there will be no disruptions in their use of the gold card and that they will receive their monies.
“The committee will continue to monitor closely how this process unfolds to ensure that beneficiaries are not disadvantaged at all by the suspension of the issuing of black cards.” she said.
15 April 2025- A learner from Podile Primary School in Ramosadi village, near Mahikeng, died after suspected food poisoning. On 11 April 2025, two learners, who are siblings, Ogone (8) and Gofaone Sedupelele (10), were ferried to a clinic in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, after allegedly consuming snacks they bought from a street hawker.
It is alleged that, a Grade 3 learner, Ogone died on 12 April 2025, while her sister, Gofaone was ferried to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for medical attention. The Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality was allegedly summoned to the scene, where the snacks were bought.
According to information, the inspection was conducted at the house, where the snacks were packaged. The bucket containing the snacks was seized so that samples can be taken to the forensic laboratory.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi is set to visit the family of the deceased at Extension 38 on Wednesday. Motsumi’s visit is aimed at offering support to the bereaved family and school community during this difficult time.
15 April 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student, who tragically lost their life during a protest earlier today. According to preliminary reports, the student was fatally shot by a university residence manager after protesting students arrived at his residence.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Tebogo Letsie said, it is further alleged that a vehicle was set alight near the student accommodation during the unrest. Letsie said students have reportedly been expressing frustration over unresolved grievances, citing weeks of inaction by university management.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. We also extend our sympathies to the entire university community and wish a speedy recovery to the injured students.
“We strongly condemn this senseless and barbaric act, especially by an individual entrusted with the safety and wellbeing of students,” he said.
Letsie further said the committee calls upon the university to prioritise the safety and security of both students and staff and to ensure that all campus spaces, including residences, remain gun-free zones conducive to learning and personal development. He added that the committee calls for accountability.
“The university must urgently investigate this breach of safety protocols, particularly the circumstances that allowed a residence manager to possess a firearm on the premises.
“There must be consequence management for those who failed to uphold safety standards and allowed this tragedy to occur,” said Letsie.
15 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore lekgarebe la kwa motseng wa Cokonyane, gaufi le Taung, Ntshabiseng Kujane (25), o ipolaile ka go nwa dipidisi go feta selekano (overdose). Go begwa fa moswi a ile a letsetsa mogoloe, mme a mo lotlegela fa ene a batla go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are rragwe moswi o ile a itsisiwe, mme a tabogela kwa legaeng la moswi. Myburgh are go begwa fa rragwe moswi a ile a mo fitlhela a nwele dipilisi go feta selekano, mme a mo tabogisetsa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung go bona thuso ya potlako.
“Moswi o ile amogelwa kwa bookelong, fela ka maswabi o ile a tlhokafala ka ura ya bo supa mo mosong ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso, mme dipatlisiso di a tswelela,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
15 Moranang 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa motsesetoropong wa kwa Ipelegeng, gaufi le Schweizer Reneke, se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa morago ga loso. Se se tla morago ga gore go bonwe setopo sa monna o a sa itsiweng, mme go belaelwang a le magareng ga dingwaga di le 40 le 45, kwa molapong.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are, setopo seo se bonwe ke mofeti ka tsela. Myburgh are go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsewe gore monna o, o bolailwe ke eng, fela seo se tla netefadiwa morago ga diteko tsa loso.
“Dipatlisiso di a tswelela mo kgetsing e,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
15 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Police said it is concerned by the delay in finalising the South African Police Service’s Gender-Based Violence (GBV) investigations into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele in 2024. The committee said the delays feed the perception of potentially incapable SAPS and further contribute to the erosion of trust between SAPS and communities.
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Ian Cameron said the committee has always emphasised the need for agility and speed in investigating GBV cases to ensure memories are fresh, which is crucial for effective prosecution. Cameron said nonetheless, the committee welcomed the assurance that the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCI) Unit in Matatiele followed the standard operating procedure in investigating the matter, while the addition of a Major-General from national should strengthen the team further and augment the capabilities needed to bring the matter to justice.
“We have previously highlighted the need for the Department of Social Development to provide necessary support to the SAPS to assist in GBV cases. That, in this particular case, psycho-social support was only availed on 7 April 2025 when the incident happened in October 2024, highlights systematic challenges, which impede effective prosecution.
“Furthermore, this case has brought to the fore the need to effectively capacitate the FCI. It is unacceptable that the unit has only employed 62.5% of the granted post allocation, which impacts on the quality of service rendered and the turnaround speed of the investigations,” he said.
Cameron further said the committee is of the view that adequate capacitation of SAPS is the necessary remedy to growing violence in South Africa. He added while the DNA analysis in this case has been concluded, the delays as a result of the current 140 000 DNA case backlog impedes other similar cases that also require urgent conclusion.
“The committee also underscored the capacity challenge within the detectives’ services of the SAPS that is largely contributing to investigations taking time to be concluded.
“What this case has shown is the urgent need to adopt a prosecution-led investigation to ensure that cases are properly investigated and effective prosecution secured,” said Cameron.
Meanwhile, he said some committee members cautioned against placing undue pressure on the SAPS that could compromise such an investigation. Cameron said while activism is a necessary tool to push and bring about social change, the drive should not unintendedly lead to compromised cases that will not be prosecutable in a court of law.
“The committee has thus called on all South Africans to be cautious and ensure that while they advocate for justice on this and other cases, they do so with restraint and acknowledgement of the integrity of the investigation.
“The committee reiterates that there must be society-wide action against criminality and GBV. In line with this call, the committee intends to convene a meeting with sister portfolio committees to assess the broader trend of violence against children, which is on the rise,” he said.
Cameron said the committee will invite, among others, the portfolio committees on Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities; Justice and Constitutional Development and Social Development.
Picture: You FM’s newly-appointed Managing Director, Tebogo Mashego/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 April 2025- The North West Province’s leading commercial radio station, You FM has appointed Tebogo Mashego as its new Managing Director with immediate effect. Mashego, who has over a decade of experience in the media industry, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to drive growth, diversification and financial stability.
The Chairperson of Motswako Media Group, which is a subsidiary to Pooe & Associates Investment Holdings, Tebogo Pooe said the appointment of Mashego is a strategic move aiming at driving growth, diversification and financial stability in the competitive business space. Pooe further said with Mashego’s extensive experience in market intelligence, he brings the right skills to propel the station’s market share and revenue growth.
“Mashego’s broad experience and skills make him an ideal candidate for this role. His ability to analyse market trends, identify opportunities and develop effective strategies will drive YOU FM‘s growth and success.
“Mashego holds a National Diploma in Marketing from the Vaal University of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and International Relations from the University of Witwatersrand (Wits),” he added.
Pooe said Mashego furthered his studies with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Political Studies from North West University (NWU) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Wits. He said with a career spanning over a decade, Mashego has worked in various senior roles within the media industry, including Senior Media Analyst at eMedia, Senior Media Strategist at MSG Afrika, Senior Audience Specialist at Multichoice and Head of Sales & Insights at YOU FM.
“As a seasoned media strategist, Mashego brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his Managing Director of YOU FM role. His unique blend of academic and professional experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the media landscape, allowing him to drive innovative strategies and growth within the organisation.
“With his exceptional leadership skills and industry expertise, Mashego also announced a new line up for the station, which includes a well-known local comedian Jones Blaq Gzus who will host the 326 AVENUE Afternoon Drive Show with Sweetness Motsepe,” said Pooe.
Meanwhile, Mashego said they take pride in being a station that truly listens to its audience. He said the new line-up is a direct response to what the listeners have asked for.
“Our goal is to continue to deliver quality content, relatable voices, and engaging discussions that reflect the pulse of our community.
“I’m thrilled to join YOU FM as the new Managing Director, with a clear mandate to drive growth, diversification, and profitability. Our key objective is to attract a more diverse audience, expanding our reach and increasing our market share,” he said.
Mashego said by leveraging his expertise in market intelligence, they will inform strategic decisions that drive business growth and ensure sustained profitability. He said he is excited to work with the team to unlock new opportunities and take YOU FM to greater heights.
15 April 2025- The police in Sunrise are requesting assistance in locating Litwina Johnson (32), who went missing in De Aar. Johnson was last seen sleeping at her boyfriend’s house in Malaykamp, De Aar on 29 March 2025 at 7:30pm.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said, the whereabouts of the missing woman are unknown. Kock said hence the police request that all information regarding her whereabouts be reported to Detective Sergeant Ettiene Greef at 082 448 6226.
“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing. Additionally, the public can also utilise the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySaps app.
“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.
15 April 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in the Northern Cape will convene its 10th Provincial Conference from 22-24 April 2025. The Provincial Conference marks the end of the term of office of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) elected in Springbok during May 2021.
The conference which will take place under the theme: “The Year of Renewal, to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!” will take place in Kimberley.
The party said the 10th Provincial Conference will take place after the ANC in the province successfully convened five Regional Conferences and will see the leadership elected at the 9th Provincial Conference reporting back to the branches of the ANC on the work done over the past four years.
The media briefing will be held at Amaqhawe House, 1st Floor Boardroom on Thursday at 11am.
15 April 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it welcomes the appointment of Mahomed Mahier Tayob as the new Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) for North West Transport Investment (NTI). This comes after the Gauteng High Court ruling in favour of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
The Chairperson of Committee, Freddy Sonakile said they remain resolute in their belief that NTI can still be rescued. Sonakile said to this end, they will conduct a follow-up oversight visit to the NTI headquarters and depots within a month to assess the current state of the entity and to receive the official turnaround plan from both the newly appointed BRP and the department.
“We note with concern that the former BRP, Mr Thomas Sammons, has launched a further appeal against the ruling. However, we take comfort in the fact that the Court invoked Section 18 of the Superior Courts Act, which ensures that the judgment is enforceable despite any application for leave to appeal.
“The committee has also noted with concern that the BRP is still issuing correspondence even after his removal. What is deeply alarming, however, is the information received by the committee indicating that Sammons continues to issue correspondence to NTI staff purporting to act as the BRP, despite his removal,” he said.
Sonakile further said should these allegations prove to be true, they call on the department to urgently investigate this matter and lay criminal charges of fraud where appropriate. He added that they call on the new BRP to prioritise, within the 25-day window prescribed by the Companies Act, a comprehensive turnaround strategy.
“At the heart of this plan must be the regularisation of NTI’s structural challenges, the restoration of salary payments to its employees, who have suffered prolonged uncertainty and a clear audit of previous disciplinary processes, many of which were reportedly handled arbitrarily.
“The committee will maintain its strict oversight role to ensure accountability, transparency, and ultimately, the restoration of NTI as a viable public transport entity that can serve the people of the North West with reliability and dignity,” said Sonakile.
The Guardian 