Monthly Archives: April 2025

The refurbishment of Pilanesberg Airport will boost tourism  

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Picture: The Pilanesberg International Airport

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they have invested R25 million in the refurbishment of the Pilanesberg Airport to support the booming tourist numbers in the Bojanala, Sun City and Pilanesberg nodal point. Mokgosi said in addition, the road between Majakaneng and Sun City will be given a facelift of R29 million.

He further said discussions are underway between the provincial government and SANRAL to revamp an additional 40km of this road in preparation of G20 activities. Mokgosi added that, the construction of the D424 road and Visser Street in Mahikeng has commenced.

“The major road works set at a budget of R68m will start from Lonely Park, passing through Embassy and Golf View all the way up to the R49 intersection.

“We have resolved in our last EXCO session to appoint the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to spearhead the establishment of the North West Road Agency,” he said.  

Mokgosi said the establishment of an agency dedicated to the road infrastructure will enable better management and maintenance of the provincial road network through innovative models and reforms. He said this will be achieved by building internal capacity of professionals and will strengthen the collaborative engagements with investors for the agency to mobilise finances to increase investment in road infrastructure.

“The North West Provincial Government has set aside a budget of R100m to kick start the Growth Fund, which will attract further collaboration with the private sector to work together to deliver on strategic projects and fund initiatives that create jobs and grow the economy of the province.

“The foundation is laid and the North West Provincial Government service delivery machinery is moving ahead at great speed to radically transform government performance and delivery for the tenure of the current administration,” said Mokgosi.  

He said this assertion is not only their boastful claims, but has been confirmed by the Auditor General in the PFMA audit outcomes and in several meetings they have had with the AG since taking office. Mokgosi said they are convinced that with the improvements in the audit outcomes at a provincial level, they can achieve clean audits for all provincial government departments by the end of the term of the 7th administration.

“We currently have two departments which are Provincial Treasury and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation with clean audits. This achievement is a product of our dedicated and focused monitoring and support to departments in the implementation of post audit action plans across departments.

“The Office of the Premier and Social Development should boast our numbers of clean audits soon. We have concluded the 2024/25 financial year with no new material audit concerns, recording a satisfactory expenditure level of 99.2 %,” he said.

Mokgosi said the preliminary spending report which is still to be subjected to the audit indicates that of R54.3 billion adjusted budget, actual expenditure accounts for R53.8 billion. He said this improved performance will be sustained in the current fiscal year and it remains this government commitment that no funds would be returned to the national coffers as they have the responsibility to provide much needed services to the people through this utilization of limited resources.

“Moreover, the R421 million which was not utilized by the Departments will be rolled over to the new financial year and will be spent on projects already committed by the government.

“At the beginning of the 7th administration, we dedicated this term of office to job creation, in particular opportunities aimed at changing the lives of the youth,” said Mokgosi.

He said this commitment remains a driving inspiration behind government programmes and all development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Justice Dabampe said: “We welcome the decision by the North West Provincial Government to support EFF policies on building state capacity and doing away with tenders and outsourcing.

“You will remember that, it has been our battle cry that we must build state capacity and we said through the establishment of the state road agency, such will be realised.”

Dabampe said they will ensure that the state road agency does not become yet another cash cow or a failed project of the ruling party as it is the case with the NTI and Mmabana Foundation. He said they will ensure that permanent people are employed after the establishment of the agency.

“We should not rely on outsourcing because the agency is progressive and will assist as we know our road conditions are bad. There are no roads that are trafficable, especially during the rainy season because tenderpreneurs are just doing it for money without the interests of the people of the province at heart.

“So, this road agency asserts our long call that we have to do away with tenders and build state capacity. This will ensure that everything is done inhouse without outsourcing. There is nothing about the people of the North West without them,” he said.     

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Lucas Moripe Stadium to host Banyana, Malawi international friendly

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Picture: Lucas Moripe stadium/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2025 – Tuesday’s second international friendly match between Banyana Banyana and Malawi has been moved to Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. The two sides played the first of their two-match series at UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday afternoon and the venue was supposed to host the second meeting between the two sides on Tuesday.

However, the incessant rains that have continued to pelt Johannesburg for days caused significant damage to the pitch and have forced a change to the original plans. Given that the rain has not stopped and continues to sweep over Johannesburg, albeit, sporadically, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has ultimately decided to take this important match to Atteridgeville.

Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ Sasol-sponsored side beat Malawi 3-0 at UJ Soweto Campus on Saturday in a match that was Banyana Banyana legend Noko Matlou’s final outing in national team colours. A brace from Nonhlanhla Mthandi and a third from Linda Motlhalo ensured a fitting send-off to the international sunset for one of the game’s true servants.

Tuesday will be a tribute to another Banyana Banyana stalwart, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who will receive her 150th cap before heading off to the sunset as well.

Meanwhile, Ticketpro – SAFA International Friendly Matches.

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DA accused SABC of ‘canning’ Afrikaans news bulletin

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Picture: The Democratic Alliance logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) accused the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) of suddenly stopping airing Afrikaans news bulletin without giving any notice or justification. The DA national spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Willie Aucamp said the sudden disappearance of the Afrikaans news bulletin this past weekend, without any communication from the SABC on the reasons behind this decision, is troubling.

“The DA demands that the SABC provide immediate clarification on why this essential service has been halted. It is crucial that we understand whether this is a permanent change, a once-off incident, or something else entirely.

“We will write to the SABC to request urgent answers regarding this matter, and we call on the SABC to restore the Afrikaans news bulletin as soon as possible, ensuring that all South Africans, regardless of language preference, continue to receive reliable and timely news,” he said.

Aucamp further said for many South Africans, the SABC Nuus on SABC2, which has a devoted audience of over 300 000, has been an essential source of news and information. He added that all of these viewers must pay for their TV licenses, and it is completely unacceptable that the SABC would show such indifference to such a large segment of the population.

“As the public broadcaster, the SABC has a duty to serve all language communities. The DA will hold the SABC accountable and will not tolerate such a lack of transparency in our public broadcaster,” said Aucamp.

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‘North West Provincial Government in a better shape’

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the month of April 2025 marks the beginning of the first full financial year of the 7th administration following the completion of the 2024/2025 financial year half of which fell under the 6th administration. Mokgosi who was briefing the media in Mahikeng last week regarding the EXCO outcome said, they are happy that they have ended the 2024/25 financial year on a high note.

He further said they have laid a firm administrative foundation to launch the Programme of Action of the 7th administration under the newly adopted Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) centered on three strategic focus areas, which is to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.

“This includes building a capable, ethical and developmental state. The implementation of the MTDP will be outlined during the tabling of departmental budgets in the upcoming months. The North West Provincial Government is in a better shape than ever before with all governance and service delivery structures in place and functioning at optimum levels.

“The Executive Council has not missed a single of its meetings since the inception of the 7th administration and all EXCO cluster meetings have been held as scheduled, supported by Technical Clusters of Heads of Departments under the leadership of the Director General,” said Mokgosi.

He added that all committees supporting and advising him to exercise his constitutional role as Head of Government are in place and meeting regularly. Mokgosi said this includes the Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council, Infrastructure Coordinating Council, Premier’s Political Oversight Committee on municipalities and the Shareholders Political Committee on State Owned Entities.

“In the next two months, all Provincial Government Departments will have substantive Heads of Departments after conclusion of recruitment processes for the remaining vacant posts.

“We have improved coordination and cooperation with local governments through the North West Premier’s Coordinating Council with Executive Mayors and Mayors of municipalities. The work of this intergovernmental structure is yielding desired results as captured in the MFMA improved audit outcomes as reported by the Auditor General,” he said.

Mokgosi said all municipalities submitted their 2023/24 Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and were subjected to the audit, resulting in 3 unqualified audit opinions, 13 qualified audit, 3 adverse and 3 disclaimers. He said this indicates an improvement from the previous financial years with disclaimers being reduced from 9 to 3.

“As government, we are fully committed to assist all municipalities with good governance practices that would ensure that we do away with adverse and disclaimers audit outcomes and we convert from unqualified to clean audits.

“Furthermore, we have deployed experts in town planning, engineering, finance and ICT in various fields as part of the local government turn-around strategy and to assist municipalities with skills transfer,” said Mokgosi.

He said the Ditsobotla Local Municipality, continues to receive support in terms of Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) albeit under difficult conditions. Mokgosi said the municipality is also being supported in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution.

“A multi-disciplinary team of officials from different government departments and other entities has been established to unblock service delivery challenges afflicting the municipality.

“We are moving Bokone Bophirima forward. Our province will host no less than 5 sector meetings of the G20 as part of the build up to South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Heads of State summit later in the year,” he said.

Mokgosi said this includes, the Women Empowerment Working Group, Energy Transition and Young Entrepreneurs Alliance Leadership Assembly among others. He said the opportunity to be awarded the right to host these meetings came at the right time to align with our already ongoing programme to build strategic infrastructure projects to support our tourism drive.

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Makgethe Middle School principal back in court

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Picture: Makgethe Middle School principal, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2025- The principal of Makgethe Middle School in Matsheng village, near Taung, Nonofatso Jerminah Tlhabanelo (57), expected to appear before the Taung Magistrate’s Court, facing six counts of corruption. Tlhabanelo was arrested by the members of the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team last month for alleged corruption.

It is alleged that during the period between January 2022 and November 2024, the suspect was an acting school principal when she offered the complainant a contractual post of Head of Department (HoD) at the same school.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports allegedly indicate that the complainant contract was duly renewed in 2022 and 2023.

Mathebula said, however, in 2024, it was not renewed as another candidate was considered for the same post.

“The suspect reportedly informed the complainant that she would recommend to the department that he be given the acting principal post. Furthermore, the suspect allegedly informed the complainant that she would expect a payment of R4500 in monthly instalments for her acting allowance, which she would have forfeited.

“The complainant was subsequently hired as an acting school principal and allegedly started paying the suspect in February 2024, an amount ranging from R4500 to R5200,” he said.

Mathebula further said investigation revealed that the suspect was paid R30 500 in total. He added that, following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended and charged with corruption.

“She was granted a R3000 bail and her matter was postponed for further investigation,” said Mathebula.

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Banyana Banyana player, Nompumelelo Nyandeni’s last dance

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Picture: Banyana Banyana player, Nompumelelo Nyandeni

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2025 – Banyana Banyana will return to action for the second and final match of their international friendlies against Malawi on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm. After a dominant 3-0 win in the first match, the team will look to close out the series on a high — while also celebrating the illustrious career of Nompumelelo Nyandeni, who will play her 150th and final match for the national team.

Nyandeni, who made her senior debut at the age of 15, has been a vital part of the Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana’s journey for nearly two decades. Her final cap marks the end of an era for one of South African football’s most gifted midfielders.

“I’m excited for my last dance tomorrow. It will be the last time people see me wearing the Banyana Banyana kit. I’m ready for the game and excited as well,” she said.

While today’s game will be filled with emotion, coach Dr Desiree Ellis has made it clear that the focus remains on improving key areas of play as part of the squad’s broader preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“We want to improve in all aspects, especially the final third. We created a few opportunities in the first game but that needs to be better — and through that, we could have scored more goals.

“Even though we know it’s not just about the goals, but rather the overall performance. I thought we were good in possession, but sometimes we gave the ball away, so that has to be better as well,” said Ellis.

Banyana Banyana aim to build rhythm and cohesion against a physical and determined Malawian outfit. Supporters are encouraged to come out and show their appreciation for Nompumelelo Nyandeni, whose contribution to South African football has been nothing short of legendary.

Meanwhile, the gates open at 12h00, with kick-off at 3pm. Tickets are available via Ticketpro, priced at R50 for adults and R20 for children under 12.

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DA: “Private security amendments will severely jeopardise public safety and private security job”

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Picture: DA spokesperson on Police and MP, Ian Cameron

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP), who is also a Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Police in the National Assembly, said the proposed PSIRA amendments could threaten public safety and the jobs of 500 000 security workers. Cameron said restrictions on tools like tasers and weapons, would leave security firms under-armed, increasing crime risk.

He further said the DA urges South Africans to submit objections to PSIRA by 25 April 2025.

“The DA strongly opposes most of the latest proposed amendments to the private security industry by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). It is concerning that the very organisation (PSIRA) that has quite recently received a qualified audit and continues to see material audit findings by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), would be allowed to conduct such overreach of power in such a critical industry.

“We believe that these rules will jeopardise the safety of the very communities they are meant to protect, as well as the livelihoods of over 500 000 South Africans, who work in the private security industry,” said Cameron.

He added that it will undermine this crucial sector by restricting security firms’ access to tools like tasers and weapons, leaving them under-armed compared to criminal gangs. Cameron said it will hinder responses to emergencies, putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.

“It will destabilise the sector, encourage unregulated services, and ultimately make communities more vulnerable to crime. Instead of punishing those who enforce the law and diligently work to protect our nation, these amendments should address the rogue elements that have infiltrated the private security sector.

“The excessive and unworkable amendments would make it impossible for the industry to respond to emergencies, particularly in high-risk areas, and expose communities to an increase in criminal activity,” said Cameron.

He said these rules will have a major effect on the safety of the more than half a million people, who rely on the private security industry for their jobs, as well as the private security companies themselves. Cameron said these men and women put their lives in danger every day to provide essential services that protect South Africa’s communities and infrastructure.

“Restricting their right to defend themselves and imposing arbitrary ammunition other tools of trade limits will jeopardise their safety and the security of South Africans. It is also necessary to recognise the strategic role that private security companies play in protecting national entry points, critical infrastructure, and key national locations where the state itself relies on private security to improve safety.

“The proposed regulations may severely limit these security firms’ ability to operate. We are calling on everyone to be fully involved in this conversation. South Africans have until 25 April 2025, to express their concerns and submit written objections to PSIRA,” he said.

Cameron said their input is crucial to ensuring that the regulations are modified in a way that strikes a balance between public safety and the realities of law enforcement and private sector operations. He said the DA will also comment publicly on these amendments and will publish its recommendations soon.

“If we allow these amendments to pass in their current form, we risk diminishing our capacity to combat crime, protect communities at risk, and support those who sacrifice their lives to protect us.

“The DA will continue to advocate for a more just regulatory environment that safeguards public safety, gives security professionals more authority, and ensures that every South African has the right to self-defence,” said Cameron.

Meanwhile, the government said the Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Act 18 of 2014 intends to amend the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, 2001, so as to amend certain definitions to provide for additional powers of the Minister. It says this includes to provide for the appointment of the director and deputy directors for the Authority and to provide for cooperation with the Civilian Secretariat for Police.

“To provide for the finances and accountability of the Authority, to provide for limitation on foreign ownership, to provide for the establishment and functions of the Exemption Advisory Committee and to regulate security services rendered outside the Republic.”

It says it intends to empower the Minister to make regulations for the transportation of cash and other valuables, to provide for offences and penalties and to provide for matters connected therewith.

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NA speaker elected as the chairperson of IPU Africa Group of Parliaments

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Picture: The NA speaker, Thoko Didiza

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 April 2025- The National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza, has been elected as the chairperson Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly. Didiza has stressed the importance of using opportunities to network around trade matters, given the prevailing geo-political environment, by member parliaments attending the 150th IPU Assembly.

She is leading South Africa’s Parliamentary delegation to the 150th IPU Assembly and elected as the incoming chairperson of the Africa Group at the Assembly, which is currently underway in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Didiza further said as the chairperson of the Africa Group, her responsibilities will include convening member parliaments.

“The Africa Group boasts more members than any other IPU Group. My election coincides with South Africa’s convening of the P20 Summit in October 2025. Parliament is hosting the Speakers’ Summit (P20) of the G20 national parliaments.

“These P20 Summits play a crucial role in injecting a parliamentary perspective into global governance, raising awareness, building political support for international commitments and ensuring effective implementation at the national level,” she added.

Didiza said this is another platform that IPU representatives from African parliaments should seek to use to end conflict on the continent. She said the Africa Group should be action-driven, with tangible and achievable results.

“South Africa’s chairship of the African Caucus will ensure that parliaments contribute to making Africa the best-performing continent in human rights, democracy, and conflict resolution.

“We look forward to receiving our colleagues at the P20 Summit in Cape Town from 3 to 6 October 2025. These platforms need to be exhaustively utilised to resolve some of the issues, which this gathering consumed,” said Didiza.

She said African Parliaments in the IPU must use membership to these gatherings in a manner that benefits their people, that strengthens inter-state relations and deepens the culture of human rights, democracy and development. Didiza said African parliaments will struggle to develop their nations in situations, where women’s rights, democracy and development are not valued.

“Parliaments need to forge common goals and recommit to end the conflicts. Conflicts in Africa hold the continent back and lead to governance instability. The IPU is a global organisation of national parliaments that facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development worldwide.

“The IPU’s work is concerned with building strong democratic parliaments; advancing gender equality and respect for women’s rights; and protecting and promoting human rights,” she said.

Didiza said for the first time, the Africa Group submitted an emergency item (substantive proposal) proposing a uniform approach to conflict resolution.

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Residents in North West affected by floods

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Picture: A mud house destroyed by torrential rain/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 April 2025- Some municipalities across the North West province were affected by the torrential rains. Even though no injuries or fatalities were reported, the impact of the floods includes discomfort.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said most of the communities are residing in mud houses, while others reside within floodplains/ low lying areas (Khunotshwane and Matsatseng, near Slurry). Molapisi said most of the damages happened in disaster prone areas exacerbated by material used in construction of structures, especially informal settlements.

“In Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, the affected areas are in Mahikeng, Ramotshere Moiloa and Tswaing Local Municipalities. Some houses in Matsatseng, near Slurry, were waterlogged as well as Khunotswane in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.

“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the affected area was ward 1 in Migdol in Mamusa Local Municipality. The areas flooded due to the poor storm water drainage system. In Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Klerksdorp was affected by the flooding,” he said.

Molapisi further said mostly low-lying bridges were severely affected and motorists were advised to use alternative routes. He added that future intervention required communities residing in flood plains/ low lying areas to be relocated to habitable land.

“Municipalities to improve storm water drainage systems. Bridges and culverts in low lying areas need to be upgraded. Community Awareness Campaign to be enhanced as for communities that reside in disaster prone areas.

“The Provincial and Municipal Disaster Management Centres continue to monitor the situation in order to mitigate and prevent major impacts of the heavy rainfall,” said Molapisi.

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Morweng calls on police to expedite rape cases

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng receiving a memorandum from Ipelegeng community/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 April 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the alleged rape of a girl (7), in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke, shows the extent of moral decay in societies. Morweng visited the family of the little girl today, where the family shared the harrowing experience.

He further said a case of rape was opened at Ipelegeng Police Station in December 2024, two suspects aged 56 and 58, were arrested and appeared in the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court last week Friday. Morweng added that, the two were remanded in custody and they will appear again on 10 April 2025.

“I was informed of the other rape incidents, which the community says are still unresolved. I implore on the police to expedite cases and keep families of the victims informed,” he said.

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