16 April 2025- South African Weather Service (SAWS) said most of the south-western interior currently enjoying pleasant weather conditions, cloudy and cold conditions with heavy rains and thundershowers persist in the east on 16 April 2025, affecting KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, where a warning of disruptive rainfall has been issued to enable the public to plan accordingly.
The SAWS spokesperson, Oupa Segalwe said the severe weather is expected for Easter weekend. Segalwe said the Easter weekend is traditionally a time for travelling long distances, either to their religious conventions or just going for a holiday and holiday makers are advised to always remain aware about the weather conditions.
“The rainfall will start to ease off in most parts of the country with isolated showers and thundershowers still expected in places over the north-eastern parts on 17 April 2025, with light showers and rain along the east and southeast coast.
“Similar weather conditions will persist on Friday and Saturday. A surface trough, supported by an upper-air trough, will be situated over the western interior on 20 April 2025, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the western interior and the southern and south-eastern parts of the country on Sunday and Monday,” he said.
Segalwe further said the temperature will remain cool to warm throughout the long weekend. He added that the SAWS will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required.
16 April 2025– A total of 1080 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes ranging from robberies, murders, attempted murders, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing and possession of drugs, selling of liquor without license, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition during Operation Shanela.
During weekly joint law enforcement operations conducted under Operation Shanela, 111 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act and are currently being processed through the courts before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 538 out of the 1080 suspects, were circulated wanted after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Myburgh said Gender Based Violence (GBV), including domestic violence, continues to be a serious problem and a cause for serious and Violent crimes as evident by a tragic love triangle murder that took place in Blydeville, Lichtenburg on 7 April 2025.
“A man (35) was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend (32), after apparently arriving home and finding the deceased in the company of another woman. The suspect, Mmadira Catherine Monyane, was arrested and appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 April 2025, charged with murder, where she was granted R500 bail. Her case was postponed until 29 May 2025.
“Members of the public are constantly warned and advised to be vigilant and to take their personal and others safety and security seriously,” she said.
Myburgh further said on 9 April 2025, Detectives arrested two suspects in Extension 1, Itsoseng. She added that, the arrest of the two suspects aged 25 and 41, follows an earlier incident, which started in Bodibe village, next to Itsoseng, when a girl (20), who was waiting for public transport was offered a lift in a vehicle in which the two were travelling in.
“It is alleged that after driving for a few kilometres and not far from her home, the passenger, who was sitting at the back, suddenly threatened the victim with a firearm before robbing her of her handbag and other belongings,” said Myburgh.
She said the victim, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, opened the window and screamed for help, whilst the driver sped off only to drop the victim far away and unharmed. Myburgh said unbeknown to the suspects, one alert member of the public had identified the make, colour and registration number of the suspect’s vehicle and the information was shared with the police, who were already in the area, leading to the suspect’s vehicle being stopped and the immediate arrest of the suspects.
“The accused, Tebogo Peter Monare (25) and Molefe Samuel Motshabi (41), were immediately arrested and charged with robbery. They have been remanded in custody after their first court appearance before the Ditsobotla Magistrate’s Court.
“They are expected back in court on 22 April 2025. The public is advised to report crime at your nearest police station or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” she said.
16 April 2025- The North West Department of Education said it has dismissed the appeal launched by two teachers from Reivilo High School in Taung, who were fired after being implicated in a cheating scandal. It is alleged that six Grade 12 learners were found to have cheated during the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations and colluded with some teachers, who demanded R3000 in return.
This led to the North West Department of Education to withhold their results. Some of the affected learners, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, cited that even though they cheated during the final examinations, these teachers aided them.
“The question paper was leaked by certain teachers and we had to fork out R3000 per learner. So, I’m still sitting at home without knowing my fate. It is true that our results were withheld and the department said, we will only be eligible to write the accounting question paper in November 2025.
“We are prohibited from writing the subject for two years. They said we will only be allowed to write the examination once the sanction period has expired,” she said.
She further said this has affected her livelihoods because she does not know what the future holds for her anymore.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the issue regarding learners found cheating during the National Senior Certificate examinations two years ago at Reivilo Secondary near Taung has been resolved. Molokwane said as part of this resolution, two teachers who recently filed an appeal with the department have been dismissed.
“This decision underscores the education department’s commitment to maintaining integrity and addressing misconduct within schools across the province,” he said.
Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- Community media continue to serve as a vital tool for local information sharing, community engagement and empowerment, often acting as an alternative to public and commercial media. It fosters localism, storytelling, empowerment and diverse participation, enabling communities to address local issues, raise awareness, and foster a sense of belonging.
This was shared by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong during his engagement with community and small commercial media in Taung on Monday. Morolong engaged with community and small commercial media house representatives to reflect on their challenges.
“The meeting with community and small commercial media, particularly in Taung, was a resounding success. We met inter alia to reflect on challenges confronting community or small commercial media.
“We were joined by the Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, who made an insightful reflection of the state of the community media in Taung,” he said.
Morolong further said they also had the pleasure of having the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in our midst as the entity responsible for the promotion and support of the community and small commercial media. He said the aftermath of this engagement will result in a workshop that will take place in six weeks, where all community and small commercial media houses will gather under one roof in the district to reflect on the state of the community media.
“We will discuss the funding models of community and small commercial media and all interventions that will ensure that community media as an entity, performs optimally.
“We are impressed with the feedback we received from different media house representatives. The first impression is that, media houses continue to promote local content through reporting,” said Morolong.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe shared the same sentiments. Gaoraelwe said they were grateful as the municipality to form part of the engagement.
“Collectively, we paved the way forward in order to address their challenges. We have said on record that we are going to assist these media houses in order for them to encapsulate a forum that will be under the Office of the Mayor.
“We are going to assist them in terms of linking them with necessary departments and arm of government, including assisting them financially to facilitate their day-to-day business,” he said.
Picture: The Chief Director of North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The embattled Chief Director at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe, is accused of corruption, abuse of power and unethical behaviour. This comes after a startling letter written to the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi to intervene.
According to the author of the letter, the former acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Mabe, stands accused of leveraging his position to demand sexual favours in exchange for work opportunities—an outrageous abuse of power that perpetuates Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and corruption within the industry. The letter alleged that multiple artists in the North West, including women who have fought tirelessly to establish their presence in the arts sector, have come forward with shocking testimonies of their encounters against Mabe.
“A recent case study details how Mabe has stalled projects, refused funding and manipulated official processes to benefit only those who comply with his unethical demands. A formal email exchange, now made public, reveals the distress of artists whose career and livelihood have been severely impacted due to Mabe’s deliberate obstruction.
“The emails expose a pattern of manipulation, with promises made and broken, crucial work agreements delayed indefinitely, and projects sabotaged out of sheer spite. The cultural and creative community in the North West is reeling after disturbing allegations surfaced against Mabe,” it said.
In the letter, the victims, who have worked on nationally broadcast productions and led community-driven artistic initiatives, have allegedly faced professional exile simply for refusing to succumb to Mabe’s coercive tactics. It says many in the creative sector have been silent victims of Mabe’s abuse, with their careers deliberately stifled, while he fosters a network of favouritism based on personal gratification rather than merit.
“Despite mounting evidence, the department has failed to make any progress in investigating Mabe. This negligence raises serious concerns about accountability within the department and the protection of artists, who depend on these institutions for their professional survival.
“Mabe’s unchecked power is not only corrupting the system, but is also killing creativity and the potential of countless artists who refuse to compromise their dignity. The creative community is now calling for urgent intervention,” the letter said.
It says it is unacceptable that individuals like Mabe, who hold critical decision-making authority, is allowed to weaponize his position for personal gain, while artists struggle to make an honest living. The letter says it is time to speak up.
“The industry demands an independent investigation into Mabe’s conduct. Immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, protective measures for victims and whistleblowers coming forward and a complete overhaul of Mmabana’s leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in all artistic engagements.
“This is a defining moment for the North West’s artistic and cultural sector. The community will no longer stand by while careers are destroyed and dreams are crushed by corruption and abuse of power,” says the letter.
According to the letter, justice must prevail, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has noted with concern a “Media Statement” dated 25 March 2025, which came to our attention on or around 30 March 2025.
“The statement contains allegations that appear to be quite serious and have a potential to cause reputational damage. To this effect, an internal process has been initiated to seek clarity and further information from the official concerned, as the rights of parties are protected in terms of the law.”
Sebolecwe said the department intends to give this matter proper attention and can only do so provided there is a complaint with the identity of the said “victim/s”, which can be forwarded to the department or any other relevant legislated structure for investigation. He said if the information/records are provided to substantiate these allegations.
“On the strength of the aforesaid, we wish to assure the public that the department has a zero tolerance approach towards GBV, abuse of power, corruption and any other malfeasance.
“The department will do anything reasonably and practically possible to protect those who report such misconduct. The department will investigate such matters speedily, within the confines and provisions of all laws,” said Sebolecwe.
He said they appeal for calm, allowing the department to deal with this matter such that the rights of all affected parties are protected. Sebolecwe said any complaint should be directed to : HOD’s Office : 018- 388 2310/11 Legal Advisor : 018 – 388 3938 END Issued by Communication and IT Directorate For more info contact Director For Communication & Marketing Mr Shuping Sebolecwe on 018 388 2764 or 083 302 6318 email: ssebolecwe@nwpg.gov.za
16 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Thobile Ngcamphalala on her remarkable academic achievement. Ngcamphalala recently graduated with a Master’s Degree in Pure Mathematics with Distinction from Rhodes University.
Ngcamphalala has made history by becoming the first black South African woman in 33 years to obtain a Master’s Degree in the field of Topology with distinction.
“This is truly inspiring news. It is encouraging to see young black women breaking barriers, pioneering in traditionally underrepresented fields and excelling at the highest academic levels.
“What makes Ngcamphalala’s achievement even more exceptional is that she began her journey through the extended curriculum programme, which is a support route designed for students requiring additional time,” said Letsie.
He further said her success is a testament to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. Letsie added that the committee wishes Ngcamphalala continued success as she prepares to embark on her PhD studies in Pure Mathematics later this year.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has underscored MuniMEC as a critical platform aimed at promoting cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, coordinated policy implementation and institutionalisation of the District Development Model (DDM). Molapisi delivered the keynote address at the inaugural meeting held recently and attended by Executive Mayors, Mayors and Senior Managers across three spheres of government.
He further said the MuniMEC convened under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”, brought together leadership from municipalities, oversight institutions, strategic partners and traditional authorities to reimagine local government and address systemic challenges, improve financial accountability and ensure service excellence. Molapisi added that the MuniMEC session is more than a meeting.
“It is a collective recommendation to serve our people with integrity, urgency and accountability. It marks a new chapter of renewed focus and determination to address non-compliance, infrastructure backlogs, fiscal instability, and the rollout of critical human settlement and sanitation programmes.
“Amongst key issues discussed during the session was the persistent non-compliance with legislation governing the recruitment and selection of senior municipal managers, Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) expenditure per municipality, the importance of developing credible budgets and management of debt,” said Molapisi.
He said the session also highlighted underperformance of MIG by some municipalities and resolved that the affected municipalities must develop recovery plans. Molapisi maintained that poor expenditure of infrastructure grants by municipalities is unacceptable.
“We have municipalities that do not spend on their grants funding, yet our communities are still without clean water, decent homes and access roads. This is not just unfortunate – it is intolerable. It is a betrayal of our people’s constitutional rights.
“Appointments of Senior Managers against the guiding policies and regulations are a travesty of justice, it undermines professionalism and fuels governance instability,” he said.
Molapisi said municipalities must align with all prescribed regulations, or risk continued dysfunction and costly litigation.
The Guardian 