Picture: ANC, DA meet to discuss way forward amidst VAT increase reversal
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said its delegation led by John Steenhuisen, met with the negotiating delegation of the ANC today, as part of ongoing discussions relating to the Government of National Unity GNU). The DA said discussions were forthright and constructive, focusing on the way forward on matters ranging from the budget to a strategy for economic growth.
The DA Chairperson of Federal Council, Hellen Zille said: “Similar meetings will continue on a regular basis as we seek to address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa in the Government of National Unity.”
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) said its leadership led by Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, had a follow-up meeting with the leadership of the DA as previously agreed. Mbalula said this meeting was held following the announcement of the withdrawal of the VAT hike in the joint media briefing with other political parties yesterday.
“The meeting forms part of the ANC’s continued commitment to the principles of dialogue, nation-building, and consultation in addressing the urgent budgetary processes in the national parliament.
“In all discussions, the ANC remains rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation. South Africa must come first,” he said.
Mbalula further said, as leaders, they owe it to the people of this country—black and white, young and old—to rise above narrow political interests and work together in the spirit of unity and shared progress.
Picture: The ANC in Northern Cape elects new leadership/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 April 2025- The ANC in the Northern Cape has set the tone and held its 10th Provincial Conference successfully. The ANC top 5 was elected unopposed in the inquest of bringing stability.
The newly-elected ANC Provincial Chairperson, and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said when they commenced with their 10th Provincial Elective Conference, they had the ANC Treasurer-General, Gwen Ramokgopa in their midst. Saul said actually Ramokgopa delivered the keynote address and led the ANC deployees who were deployed as convenors to the province.
“Let me thank the national leadership for their support and enabling us to have a successful conference in the province. Post 2024 General National Elections, this is the first provincial conference to be held by the ANC in the country.
“We only believe that we are setting the tone on how we should approach the issues of conferences and manage the internal contradictions within the movement around issues of leadership,” he said.
Saul further said they are going to write a letter of appreciation to the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, regarding the pivotal role the ANC deployees played. He added that he does not think they would have managed to host the conference of this magnitude without their support.
“They worked tirelessly to ensure the conference became a success. We are also grateful to the ANCYL president, Collen Malatji, for the support. Malatji even told us that 60% of our population is young people.
“So, he was impressed by how we conducted our conference. We appeal to the ANC to roll-out programmes that will enable us to address one of the major challenges such as unemployment, especially amongst young people,” said Saul.
He said they had a successful conference and highly appreciate all media houses, which came to cover the conference. Saul said what was displayed inside the conference is unparalleled.
“We saw the display of unity. We addressed various challenges amicably. During this moment, the party is confronted with an enormous crisis and that means ANC is in ICU.
“If we do not act now, we will not have any ANC left to speak about,” said Saul.
Meanwhile, the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, applauded the ANC in Northern Cape for hosting a successful conference. Mbalula said this should be a catalyst for many provinces.
“I want to congratulate the newly-elected provincial leadership and the entire additional members. Future looks bright here in this province. As the ANC, we have deployed some of the most experienced deployees to the province. That shows how serious we take this province.
“We have given Northern Cape the best and we are happy with how things turned out regarding the conference. The province delivered a successful elective conference and that will go down in the ‘anus of history’,” he said.
Mbalula said the unity that was displayed in the elective conference will enhance their quest for renewal within the ANC. He said this gives them a clear view on how ANC conferences should be conducted.
“It gives us a break from bad experiences. The ANC in the Northern Cape has produced the leadership and resolution for this province to support the provincial government and municipalities.
“Delegates stayed in the conference throughout, despite different ideologies on the leadership. So, that is how the ANC should conduct its business and we are proud. As we move forward intensifying the renewal, other provinces should take note,” said Mbalula.
He said ANC is now a 40% party, but they are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Mbalula said in the Northern Cape, the fight is on to change that narrative.
“Saul fought for the movement and served the people of Northern Cape with distinction. We are excited to come to the province, where comrades highly appreciate each other.
“The biggest issue is how we deepen social transformation. We are in a Government of National Unity (GNU) because voters wanted so. So, the Northern Cape is one of the leading provinces regarding political education,” he said.
He urged ANC members to continue to conduct themselves in a good way that reflects the ANC’s code of conduct. Mbalula said the ANC in Northern Cape has done good to project the party in a good manner.
“It does not mean there were no challenges, but it shows that they wanted to do things right to preserve the reputation of the party and deepen social transformation,” he said.
Picture: Pampierstad man sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery and murder/Generic
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 April 2025- On 5 June 2020, at approximately 6pm, a community member reported a murder to the police in Pampierstad following the discovery of a female body in an open veld outside the town, near Pampierstad. The victim was later identified as 27-year-old Phindiswa Mdityelwa.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said at the time, the identity of the suspect was unknown. Shemane said on 13 March 2023, a 29-year-old man, Refilwe Diseko, voluntarily presented himself at the police station and admitted to robbing and killing Mdityelwa, stating he used a knife in the commission of the crime.
“The accused was arrested and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, where he made a formal confession under oath. Bail was successfully opposed throughout the court proceedings until conviction and sentencing.
“On 23 April 2025, the Taung Regional Court found Refilwe Diseko guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. He was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment for robbery and twenty years for murder,” he said.
Shemane further said the sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective 30-year term of imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mogomotsi Galodikwe, for his dedication and commitment in ensuring justice was served. Ngubelanga assured the community that the SAPS remains steadfast in its efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society and will not turn a blind eye to violent crimes.
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie with Members of the MRM NW Interim Committee and MRM National Office Staff/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 April 2025- Families are to be at the centre of the 2025-2026 Programme of Action adopted at the conclusion of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West’s two days Annual Strategic Planning Session that wrapped up on Thursday afternoon in Mahikeng. MRM Provincial Convenor Pastor Lesiba Kgwele highlighted that the review of key strategic objectives was intended to intensify the fight against domestic violence, neglect of family responsibilities as well as enhance sound family and community values.
Kgwele said that this is in response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide affecting the most vulnerable, child neglect, drug and substance abuse that are contributing towards disintegration of families.
“We are confident that the priorities we have adopted as well the inclusive approach that has prioritised collaboration and partnerships with the civil society organisations, Churches, Faith Based Organisations, the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan leadership, North West University and other stakeholders will contribute towards roll-out of effective programmes for MRM to realise its objective for greater relevance and visibility within our communities.
“Parental Skills Programme targeting young adult parents will also be rolled out as part of enhancing family values and strengthening the capacity of families to care for children,” he said.
The focus on families was welcomed by the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie in her address to the session. Dantjie challenged the civic society led movement to be part of the effort to educate communities about stereotypes against LGBTQIA+ communities, describing them as an affront to constitutional values of equality, human rights and dignity.
“We will soon launch the Go Lekane “It is enough” programme advocating for tolerance, respect for the dignity of all and peaceful co-existence which will also offer us opportunity for collaboration and partnership.
“We acknowledge that by working together, communities government and organisations can help to reduce the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the province,” she said.
Dantjie further pointed out that in addition to registering 8 private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda to support compliance, her department has established coordinating structures across the province to combat substance abuse. She added that, seventeen local drug action committees as well as a provincial substance abuse forum has been established to ensure intersectoral collaboration to effectively address issues of substance abuse.
Picture: The law enforcement agencies issue traffic fines/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
25 April 2025- The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, led the second phase of a community engagement initiative in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 23 April 2025. The engagement took place at the Bothitong Community Hall, where various stakeholders and community members gathered.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the event was attended by the acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, Station Commanders and SAPS Provincial Heads. Shemane said delegates and community members were welcomed by the Chairperson of Community Policing Forum (CPF), Alfios Kedithibetse.
“Colonel Mojalefa Nkunika outlined the purpose of the day, followed by messages of support delivered by representatives from key government departments, including the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, COGHSTA and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“The panel, comprising of representatives of the aforementioned departments together with Major General Besnaar, addressed concerns raised by community
members,” he said.
Shemane further said in addition to the open dialogue, the attendees had access to a variety of services offered by participating departments. He added, in his keynote address, Besnaar reaffirmed SAPS commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities to enhance safety and security for all residents.
“On 24 April 2025, the two day programme concluded with phase three that comprised of a multi-disciplinary operation along the N14 road, near Kuruman. The operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks and stop-and-search activities conducted by members from multiple units and departments.
“Crime prevention pamphlets were distributed to motorists and passengers. Compliance inspections were conducted at scrapyards, recycling facilities, and liquor outlets,” said Shemane.
He said operational outcomes included an arrest for possession of suspected drugs, as well as the searching of 146 vehicles and 341 individuals. Shemane said traffic fines totalling R31 7000, for an array of traffic violations, were issued.
“These crime prevention actions will continue throughout the weekend to address priority crimes. Community members were once again urged to partner with law enforcement and report suspicious activities and criminality to the SAPS via the MySAPS App or Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.
The Guardian 