Daily Archives: April 22, 2025

Council reconfiguration at Mamusa Local Municipality

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Picture: The Mamusa Local Municipality offices

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 20255- On 14 April 2025, the majority of councillors—consisting of 9 out of 16 councillors at Mamusa Local Municipality, petitioned the now former speaker, councillor John Batsi, the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, to convene a virtual council meeting on 16 April 2025.

According to the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, the meeting was convened in terms of Section 29(1A) of the Municipal Structures Act (as amended)(Act), which provides: “If the speaker or acting speaker refuses to call a meeting of the council as requested in terms of subsection (1), the Municipal Manager or in the absence or refusal by the Municipal Manager, a person designated by the MEC for local government in the province, may call and chair the meeting.

“The speaker refused to comply with the request of the majority of councillors, prompting them to approach me. On 17 April 2025, I acceded to the request and issued a notice for the council meeting to be convened on 22 April 2025 via a virtual platform,” he said.

Gincane further said the primary purpose of the meeting was to allow councillors to deliberate on a motion of no confidence against Batsi and Chairperson, Ephraim Chubisi. He added that, the meeting was intended to confirm his appointment, as well as the termination of acting Municipal Manager, FT Mabokela.

“As the convenor of the meeting, I wish to affirm that the council meeting was convened and satisfied the necessary quorum. Residents and stakeholders are hereby informed about the council resolutions.

“A motion of no confidence against Batsi was unanimously passed and he has been replaced by councillor Lesego Motlapele following his uncontested election. Chubisi has been removed as the Chairperson of Finance and Corporate Services and replaced by Councillor Nthabiseng Modise after a motion of no confidence was passed, unanimously,” said Gincane.

He said the council reaffirmed its previous decisions of the meeting held on 18 March 2025, to reinstate him as the substantive Municipal Manager and terminate Mabokela as the acting Municipal Manager. Gincane said the council wishes to categorically state that Mabokela is no longer in the employ of the Mamusa Local Municipality.

“Our immediate concentration and preoccupation is on restoring the confidence of our people and all stakeholders by providing the most basic services and strengthening the municipal administration,” he said.

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MRM in North West to host ASP session   

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Picture: The MRM Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West is set to host its two days Annual Strategic Planning session that will commence at Protea Hotel, in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

The MRM Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the session that includes MRM National Office, Members of the Provincial interim Committee and other stakeholders including government, will be held in partnership with the Directorate Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration in the Office of the Premier under the theme: “Greater Relevance and Visibility”.

Kgwele said among expected outcomes of the session will be a 2025/6 Programme of Action (POA) to roll-out the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) in partnership with SALGA and COGTA, campaign to tackle Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF), Teenage Pregnancies, as well as Value Driven Schools Programme to address violence and bullying in Schools as well as crime and gangsterism in communities.

“The session will also concretise follow-up to the MRM Dialogue with Youth to address unemployment affecting young people, District launch programme as well as strengthening partnership with traditional leaders to confront unscrupulous individuals operating bogus initiation schools that are contributing towards erosion of cultural and community values.

“It will also adopt a Programme for Voter Education and Promotion of the Charter for Local Elections Ethics ahead of the local government elections to be held in 2026,” he said.

Kgwele further said the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, is expected to address the networking session on Strengthening Partnership with Civil society for Accountability, ethical leadership and good governance, while the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie’s address to be delivered on Day 2.

He added that Dantjie will focus on collaborative programmes to address social ills-Gender Based Violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, drug and substance abuse.

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Committee to receive APSP of Public Service and Administration

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Picture: The National Parliament in Cape Town

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration will receive a briefing on the annual performance and strategic plans of the department and its entities on Wednesday. The National School of Government, the Public Service Commission, the Government Employees Medical Scheme, and the Centre for Public Service Innovation, will also present their reports.

The committee spokesperson, Alicestine October said the departments present these reports and plans to parliamentary committees to ensure accountability, transparency and effective resource management, enabling committees to scrutinise departmental performance and spending and hold them accountable to the public.

“The meeting will be held at S26, First Floor, NCOP Building, and Parliament on Wednesday at 10am,” said October.

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A Nigerian man nabbed with illegal firearm and ammunition

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Picture: A firearm and drugs seized by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE  

22 April 2025- A Nigerian man, Augustin Chukwudi Anokwuru (48), briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of drugs. Anokwuru was arrested by the Rustenburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Phokeng and Stilfontein K9, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), during a disruptive operation at his guesthouse in Rustenburg on 16 April 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said it is alleged that, during the operation in which a search was conducted, a revolver with rounds and two pistols, live ammunition, pellet gun and small sachets containing cocaine and hard rock were found. Malwetse said the drugs were estimated to the value of R45 000.

“Anokwuru briefly appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 29 April 2025, for formal bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for their commitment in the fight against drugs and unlawful firearms.

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NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028

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Picture: NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 April 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The official naming ceremony took place at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton on 22 April 2025. The name was unveiled by the NWU Chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, the Chairperson of NWU Council, Bert Sorgdrager, NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and the Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, Dr Mamphela Ramphele.

The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church. Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.

“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of,” said Ramphele.

Mokgosi reflected on Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle.

“His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens,” he said.

Sorgdrager said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual’s intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background.

“His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are,’ he said.

Sorgdrager said Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. He said Tutu’s approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.

Mokgokong said the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. She said the project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders.

“One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.

“South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1000,” said Mokgokong.

She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.

“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation.

“That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity,” said Mokgokong.

Meanwhile, the first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.

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Easter operations were successful

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Picture: Police searching for drugs/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- Easter operations in the Northern Cape commenced on a high note with simultaneous multi-disciplinary roadblocks conducted across all five districts of the province. In the Frances Baard District, a roadblock was conducted at the N12 Weighbridge in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said this operation was led by the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga and the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari.

“The primary objective of these roadblocks was to promote road safety, encourage responsible driving behaviour, particularly avoiding alcohol consumption while driving and ensure compliance with traffic laws and road safety regulations.

“Various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with stakeholders from the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Department of Home Affairs, and local Traffic Departments, conducted the operations to enhance safety on all national roads leading into and out of the province,” he said.

Shemane further said five District Commissioners in all the regions coordinated and executed similar police actions, involving vehicle inspections, enforcement of traffic laws, and distribution of road safety pamphlets during public engagements. He added that these operations followed high-impact crime prevention actions, including visible policing, foot patrols, and visits to liquor outlets, shopping centres and malls, especially as their high volumes of shoppers and visitors.

“Koloi urged motorists to drive safely and assured the public of a high visible law enforcement presence throughout the Easter weekend and beyond to safeguard communities.

“Ngubelanga emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, particularly gender-based violence and femicide, and driving under the influence of alcohol as well as all categories of crime,” said Shemane.

He reaffirmed SAPS’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public safety throughout the Easter period and beyond.

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A learner takes her own life after being bullied

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said she has noted with deep sadness the death of a 13-year-old learner in the Free State, who allegedly took her own life after being bullied by a classmate. Maimela said it was immensely saddening that the young learner decided to take her life.

She further said, according to media reports, Mbali Mlaba, a grade 7 learner at Vulindlela Primary School in the Free State, was repeatedly bullied by a classmate, who accused her of cheating during a class test. Maimela added that, it is alleged in the media reports that Mbali’s mother found a note detailing the reasons behind Mhlaba’s decision to take her life.

“According to the reports, Mbali expressed fear of her classmate who had assaulted and bullied her in the previous term. Mbali had even requested to be transferred to another school in the reports.

“I am outraged by this incident, especially since South African schools should have an anti-bullying policy, and all learners should be made aware of this and the consequences for not adhering to it,” she said.

Maimela said policies should be enforced. She said if schools still operate without the Code of Conduct or any anti-bullying policy, such policy should be implemented urgently.

“We call on education authorities across the country to curb bullying in all its forms in schools and ensure that its perpetrators are dealt with harshly and removed from schools.

“It is flabbergasting to hear about acts of bullying in South Africa, particularly in schools, at a time when the country is celebrating 30 years of constitutional democracy and human rights,” said Maimela.

She said the committee called on law enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of Mbali’s death. Maimela also urged parents and communities to take responsibility for the safety of learners at schools by educating children to respect each other.

“Let’s teach our children the culture of human rights and respect for each other and to refrain from all forms of violence as bullying is violence.

“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mlaba family, Mbali’s friends and the entire Vulindlela Primary School. May Mbali’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.

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SAPS offers R100 000 reward for recovery of corpses stolen at a funeral parlour

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Picture: Three corpses were allegedly stolen from a funeral parlour/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- The police in Northern Cape is offering a R100 000 reward to any individual, who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator/s and the recovery of the bodies. This comes after three corpses were stolen at a local mortuary in Kuruman last month.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the detectives from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are still tirelessly investigating the theft of three corpses, two men and one female infant from a funeral parlour in Kuruman on 17 March 2025 at approximately 1:30am. Ehlers said a reward of R100 000 is offered by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to any individual who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators and the recovery of the bodies.

“All information will be handled confidentially and can be relayed to Colonel Corrie Coghlan at 071 686 0020 and  Sergeant Luvuyo Poni at 063 257 2939  or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111,  or alternatively via the MySAPS App,” she said.

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A bakkie driver dies in a horrific car accident with SANDF bus

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Picture: SANDF truck and bakkie involved in a car accident

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025- The Siyathemba SAPS are investigating a culpable homicide case following an accident involving a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) bus and a Mine Bakkie on the R380 road on 17 April 2025, at approximately 6:40pm. The driver (38) of the bakkie was declared dead on the scene by paramedics and a passenger was transported by ambulance to Postmasburg Hospital with serious injuries.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said all the South African National Defence Force members, who were on the bus did not sustain any injuries but were treated for shock. Shemane said anyone who may have information regarding the accident can contact Siyathemba Detectives, Warrant Officer Lebogang Toyane on 082 454 3746 or Siyathemba SAPS on 087 630 1000.

“The investigation is continuing and all information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Two nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs and money confiscated by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 April 2025- The multi-disciplinary team deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi arrested two suspects aged 29 and 57 respectively, and seized a substantial amount of mandrax tablets in Kimberley on 19 April 2025. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding drugs allegedly in transit in a taxi during the execution of crime prevention patrols in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police operationalised the information and intercepted the taxi in question before it reached the taxi rank. Sam said they allegedly found mandrax tablets valued at approximately R40 000 and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime.

“Two suspects were arrested and charged for dealing in drugs. They will appear in court soon. The proliferation of drugs remains the priority of the SAPS.

“The police request the public to report criminality via the SAPS Crime Stop Number at 08600 10111 or alternatively use the MySAPS App,” he said.

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