Picture: Professor Wynand Malherbe from the North West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 April 2025- While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem. Professor Wynand Malherbe from the North West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management said the use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue.
“They can help treat the symptoms of the problem, but they won’t address the root cause – which is nutrient-rich inflows and poor water quality in the catchments of Hartbeespoort Dam.
“Weevils can help combat the rapid spread of water hyacinth, but that reinvasion will reoccur if the underlying causes are not addressed,” said Malherbe.
He further said on the one hand, the use of weevils is part of a scientifically backed method of restoring ecological balance without the use of chemicals. Malherbe added that research from the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University has shown limited risk to the ecosystem.
“On the other hand, biological control of this kind is not without its challenges. These weevils are unable to survive the region’s cold winters, which naturally limits their population and prevents uncontrolled spread.
“They also take time to become effective and their performance is affected by environmental conditions such as water quality, temperature and pollution, making outcomes difficult to predict from year to year,” said Malherbe.
He said biological control works best when combined with mechanical removal and in some cases, the use of selective herbicides. Malherbe said it is a very effective method to control water hyacinth in the long run, but it will never fully eradicate the problem.
“Ongoing management and coordination are essential. Water hyacinth will return in the new season, so continuous efforts and monitoring are essential.
“Without proper oversight, there’s also a small risk that the biological agents could impact indigenous systems, especially if mismanaged,” said Malherbe.
24 Moranang 2025- Lefapha la Tshireletsego ya Baagi, ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa le tsibosa bakgweetsi ba dijanaga fa ntsela-fefo ya N12 go tswa kwa Klerksdorp go ya kwa Potchefstroom, e tswetswe ka bontlhabongwe. Se se tla morago ga dipula tse di maatla.
Sebueledi sa Lefapha la Tshireletso ya Baagi ga mmogo le Tsamaiso ya Dipalangwa, Charles Matlou are go begwa fa metsi a le mantsi a tletse kwa tseleng eo, mme e sa tsamaege. Matlou are batlhakela ba pharakano ba teng ko tseleng eo go ela maemo tlhoko.
“Go fitlha ga jaana, batlhankela bao, ba butse tsela mohama ele go netefatsa fa dijanaga di efoga metsi ao. Badirisi ba tsela ba kopiwa go nna le tirisano-mmogo,” Matlou wa tlhalosa.
24 April 2025- The North West Department of Health said Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects new mothers, often leading to emotional distress and in severe cases, harmful behaviours. The department was responding to a media inquiry sent by The Guardian Newspaper (formerly known as Taung DailyNews), after a woman allegedly killed her newborn baby in Khibitswane village, near Taung a few weeks ago.
According to the allegations, a woman who is mentally-ill, threw her baby in a canal after experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD). This sent shivers up the spines of many as they alleged that they know the woman as stable and not mentally-ill.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said, while the majority of mothers experience mild “baby blues”, PPD is more intense and can last for months, if untreated. Mothibedi said mothers experiencing PPD can take several steps to manage their condition.
“Seek professional help and consulting a healthcare provider for therapy or medication can be crucial. Build a support system by talking to family, friends, or support groups because that can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
“Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, and proper sleep. This can improve mental well-being,” he said.
Mothibedi further said communicating openly by expressing emotions and concerns to trusted individuals can reduce stress too. He added that relatives play a vital role in supporting mothers with PPD.
“They can offer emotional support by listening without being judgmental and providing reassurance that can help mothers feel understood. Help with daily tasks by assisting with childcare, household chores, and meal preparation can also reduce stress,” said Mothibedi.
He encourages those affected to find professional help. Mothibedi said if symptoms persist, gently encourage seeking medical assistance.
“Be aware of symptoms and intervene, if the mother exhibits signs of severe distress. Persistent sadness or mood swings are symptoms of PPD. PPD symptoms vary in severity and may include persistent sadness or mood swings, excessive crying, difficulty bonding with the baby.
“This includes withdrawal from family and friends. Loss of appetite or overeating. Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleep). Intense irritability or anger. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt and thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby,” he said.
Mothibedi said there is limited publicly available data on the number of PPD cases handled across healthcare centres in North West, South Africa, for the 2024/2025 financial year. He said, however, studies indicate that PPD is a significant concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 3.8% to 69.9%, depending on various factors.
“PPD is not rare—it affects approximately 1 in 7 women globally. In South Africa, the prevalence is estimated to be around 30.6%, making it a significant public health issue.
“PPD requires urgent attention and intervention to prevent tragic incidents. Raising awareness, providing accessible mental health services, and fostering community support can help mitigate its impact,” said Mothibedi.
Picture: Learners participating in Under 15 School Tournament/Generic
24 April 2025 – The South African U15 Boys and Girls teams that will represent the country at the CAF African Schools Football Championship this month were given a special send-off at the Jabulile Secondary School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, on Thursday. The tournament was staged in Accra, Ghana, from 21 – 26 April 2025 and the South African teams travelled to the West African country on 19 April 2025.
The send-off function was attended by representatives from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, Gauteng and Free State Provincial government officials, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and SAFA Schools Football.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan wished the teams well ahead of the tournament and reiterated that schools remain the basic basis of all South African football teams.
“We start there in the schools. We wish the players, technical teams and officials well ahead of this assignment in Accra and they have our support,” said Jordaan.
Meanwhile, the SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao thanked Jabulile Secondary School for hosting the send-off function and said she hoped the event inspires the learners in the school to elevate to greatness and rise to the South African U17, U20, U23, Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana teams.
“We thank the Gauteng Provincial Government for their unwavering support in our various football activities, the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture and the Department of Education. Without your support we would not have access to the pool of talented players in our various schools, and also ensure that they participate in sport.
“Sport, in particular football, changed my life. It teaches life skills, values and builds lifelong camaraderie. Let’s remember that the late President Tata Nelson Mandela said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” said Monyepao.
U15 girls coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo said: “It is challenging because we are the champions and we have to defend the cup. What I did as a coach and my technical team, and the support from the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, the Department of Education and the Federation SAFA is to give a chance to a child who deserves it, who has the talent to be a part of this team.”
The U15 Boys’ team will be looking to make history by lifting their first continental trophy.
SA U15 Boys coach Selekedi Mogale: “It will be history for them and it will be very exciting, it will be a good benchmark for South African football, although it’s not the end or the beginning of their journey. The U15 level gives us this great opportunity to play against other countries at continental level. But we all know that if we can carry through the results right up to Bafana Bafana, it will be such an honour and great pride.”
24 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on Wednesday expressed concern over government investment in training and upskilling public servants, with little visible improvement in services and performance. The committee received a briefing on the Department of Public Service and Administration and its entities, including the Public Service Commission (PSC), the National School of Government (NSG), the Government Employee Medical Scheme (GEMS) and the Centre for Public Service Innovation’s annual performance plans for 2025/26 and strategic plans for 2025 – 2030.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said government departments submit these plans to parliamentary committees to ensure accountability, transparency and effective resource management. De Villiers said this enables committees to scrutinise departments’ performance and spending and hold them accountable to the public.
“During the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the seventh administration’s priorities, including building a capable, ethical, and developmental state and strengthening the role of the PSC.
“The committee learnt that the department’s priorities in these plans align with the government’s efforts to professionalise the public service, focusing on digital transformation and building public trust by addressing corruption and inefficiencies, among other objectives,” he said.
De Villiers further said among the department’s top policy priorities are improving government credibility through effective discipline management and the speedy resolution of suspensions, enforcing lifestyle audits, and modernising service delivery systems using e-government. He added that, however, several committee members expressed concerns about ethics and the prolonged disciplinary processes in the public service.
“They questioned whether lifestyle audits and disciplinary investigations translate into accountability. Members believe finalising disciplinary cases still takes too long, eroding public trust.
“The department acknowledged the delays in finalising disciplinary cases. It informed members that a new national database system for disciplinary cases is underway, which will help identify and reduce bottlenecks and financial losses due to prolonged suspensions,” said de Villers.
He said members also interrogated the implementation of the professionalisation framework and sought assurance that the department is monitoring compliance across departments. De Villiers said several members questioned the effectiveness of public sector training, especially training provided by the NSG and ongoing professionalisation efforts.
“The committee questioned the return on investment in training and upskilling, given the limited visible impact on service delivery or employee accountability, particularly in light of the high number of disciplinary cases across the public sector.
“Members emphasised the need for more effective mechanisms to measure the impact and improvement in performance following these training programmes. Responding to these concerns, the department explained that PSC reports inform training interventions, especially in building an ethical and professional public service,” he said.
In addition, de Villiers said some committee members highlighted career progression issues in the public sector, noting the frustrations of public servants with extensive workplace experience but no formal qualifications, who are often overlooked for promotion. He said the committee wanted to know how the NSG can support recognition of prior learning, especially for older employees with substantial experience.
“Moreover, the committee called on the NSG to centrally coordinate tracking education levels, upskilling and productivity in the public service. Members also enquired about the impact of ethics training, specifically its role in reducing corruption and enhancing governance and performance.
“Questioning the performance bonus system, some members suggested this may be vulnerable to abuse and patronage, especially in senior management. They emphasised the importance of performance incentives tied to actual service delivery outcomes,” said de Villiers.
He said reflecting on digital modernisation efforts, several members highlighted citizens’ frustrations with the lack of digital access to government services and requested clear timelines for implementing digital platforms. De Villiers said members were also interested in how the department and Centre for Public Service Innovation would support the digital transformation of frontline services, particularly in under-resourced rural areas.
“On the human resources front, the committee highlighted senior management vacancies as a risk to institutional stability and continuity. Members sought more details on how the vacancies affect departments’ abilities to implement reforms and execute their mandates.
“The department acknowledged the long timelines in filling vacancies, especially senior positions, and committed to working with the Presidency to accelerate hiring processes, particularly for funded posts. Members heard that a tool is being developed to monitor delays and ensure timely appointments,” he said.
Picture: The SAPS members during Walk-about event/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 April 2025- Aiming to strengthen policing endeavours, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, led a walk-about under the theme: “Collectively We Can Accelerate Action for Gender Equality” in Bothitong, near Kuruman on 23 April 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,
Sergeant Molefi Shemane said accompanying him were Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, Provincial Head of Proactive Policing, Brigadier Amicus Alberts, Provincial Head of the Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) component and Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, the Acting District Commissioner for John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Shemane said senior officers and station commanders within the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District were also in attendance.
“Besnaar and his delegation were welcomed by Brigadier Baloyi, followed by the reading SAPS Code of Conduct by Constable Burt-Leigh De Koker. The day’s activities and objectives of the engagement were outlined by Kopeledi.
“Alberts delivered key inputs during the session. In his keynote address, Besnaar officially launched Phase One of the walk-about, issuing a clear directive to station commanders to serve their communities with integrity,” he said.
Shemane further said he also addressed the prevailing crime trends in the district and emphasized the importance of strategic policing and community engagement. He added that Baloyi shared closing remarks after which the programme was concluded with acknowledgements rendered by Nkunika.
“The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing will embark on similar visits to the remaining districts clearly outlining expectations and formulating a way forward to effectively and efficiently address crime prevention in the Northern Cape,” said Shemane.
24 April 2025 – South African Football Association (SAFA) Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya is heading to this year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Ngwenya often lends his vast experience to FIFA, CAF, COSAFA and many other tournaments on the globe and he has been once again asked by the world football governing body to avail himself to both events this year.
The Beach Soccer World Cup will be held in Seychelles from 26 April – 12 May 2025, while Charlotte in the United States of America will host the Club World Cup from 17 June – 1 July 2025.
SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said Ngwenya remains a huge representative of SAFA and continues to fly the flag of the association.
“I am extremely honoured and highly privileged to be appointed to these prestigious tournaments. It is the global stage and one can only be humbled by such appointments.
“I am forever grateful to SAFA for giving me an opportunity to serve football when I was very young about a decade ago. I am extremely humbled by FIFA’s continued recognition,” said Ngwenya.
Meanwhile, the SAFA Chief Medical Officer recently completed the FIFA Emergency Medical Course last month. The course took place in Rabat, Morocco, and it touched on very important aspects of Football Emergencies like Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion, Heat Stroke, and many other Trauma incidences found in Football.
He also represented the country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Among his many other highlights, the respected medical official was appointed as the Doping Control Officer for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He was also appointed by FIFA as a Doping Control Officer for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023.
Ngwenya also served in the same position during the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2022, and at last year’s continental tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, where Bafana Bafana won the bronze medal. He is also a CAF Medical Commission Member.
24 April 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted with concern the circulation of a voice recording purportedly featuring the leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Jacob Zuma. The ANC highlighted that, in the said recording, the speaker makes claims to the effect that the ANC approached the MKP to join the Government of National Unity (GNU), allegedly as part of a covert agenda to exclude other political parties, specifically the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said at this stage, the party has not independently verified the authenticity of the audio, nor has Zuma publicly confirmed its contents. Bhengu-Motsiri said, however, due to the seriousness of the allegations and the risk of public misperception, the ANC deems it necessary to place the following on public record.
“The ANC categorically states that it has not approached Zuma or the MKP to join the Government of National Unity. No such discussions have taken place. These claims, if indeed attributable to Zuma, are unfounded and misleading.
“The ANC has conducted all GNU engagements transparently, in good faith and in line with the spirit and letter of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. An imperative of national unity in service of the South African people. At no point has the ANC engaged in or contemplated any clandestine strategy to marginalise any
party that is a constituent of the GNU,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said such allegations—unverified and untested—risk misleading the public, sowing confusion, and eroding trust. She added that they are particularly regrettable when made, or believed to be made, by individuals who have held high office and carry a responsibility to uphold the truth in public discourse.
“As President Samora Machel once warned: “The other face is that of the indirect and secondary enemy, who presents himself under the cover of a nationalist and even as a revolutionary thus making it difficult to identify him.
“The fighter must distinguish friend from foe even if the latter is concealed under the same colour, language, family ties or tribal markings as their own.”
Bhengu-Motsiri said in the current climate, the ANC calls for political maturity, responsible leadership, and a commitment to the values of honesty and accountability. She said the ANC remains focused on defending the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and ensuring that the GNU serves all South Africans.
“We will not be drawn into battles with individuals who have placed themselves in the service of ego rather than the people. Our focus remains resolutely on delivering for our people—on jobs, on fighting poverty, and on building a more just, equal, and non-racial South Africa.
“We reaffirm that the GNU is not a transactional convenience alliance, but a constitutional mechanism to secure inclusive governance, defend democratic gains, and accelerate transformation in the interest of the people of South Africa,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
24 April 2025 – South African U20 men’s national team coach Raymond Mdaka has given an update on his squad ahead of their departure to the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this month. The biennial African international youth football tournament will be held in Egypt from 27 April – 18 May 2025, and Senegal is the defending champions.
The South Africans have been drawn in Group A against hosts Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. Mdaka’s charges faced Sekhukhune United in a practice match played at Bedfordview Country Club in the East Rand on Tuesday and they comfortably won the game 4-1.
He said the objective of the exercise was achieved as they wanted a tough, physical and robust challenge similar to what they expect to encounter from teams they will face during the tournament. The U20 coach further explained the logistics around the players that will join the team later, and those who are missing from the travelling squad.
“Siyabonga Mabena is injured and he was one of the key players. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is one of the key players and we started every program with him – we thought we’d have him but unfortunately, we won’t have him.
“Regarding Asekho Tiwani, the captain, we discussed with Mamelodi Sundowns and made arrangements. Tiwani will be left in Egypt (they play against Al Ahly in Cairo in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League),” he said.
Mdaka further said they have Neo Rapoo also. He added that they are in constant discussions with the teams just to see how best they can help each other.
“SuperSport is playing a crucial match, you see their position, so we allowed him to play and then join us in Egypt. The squad will depart for Egypt on Wednesday, 23 April 2025,” said Mdaka.
Picture: The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 April 2025- The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana said he will shortly introduce the Rates and Monetary Amounts and the Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill (Rates Bill), which proposes to maintain the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate at 15% from 1 May 2025, instead of the proposed increase to VAT announced in the Budget in March 2025. Godongwana said the decision to relinquish the increase follows extensive consultations with political parties and careful consideration of the recommendations of the parliamentary committees.
“By not increasing VAT, estimated revenue will fall short by around R75 billion over the medium term. As a result, we have written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Dididza, to indicate that I am withdrawing the Appropriation Bill and the Division of Revenue Bill, in order to propose expenditure adjustments to cover this shortfall in revenue.
“Parliament will be requested to adjust expenditure in a manner that ensures that the loss of revenue does not harm South Africa’s fiscal sustainability,” he said.
Godongwana further said the decision not to increase VAT means that the measures to cushion lower income households against the potential negative impact of the rate increase now need to be withdrawn and other expenditure decisions revisited. He added that, to offset the unavoidable expenditure adjustments, any additional revenue collected by SARS may be considered for this purpose going forward.
“I will introduce a revised version of the Appropriation Bill and Division of Revenue Bill within the next few weeks. The initial proposal for an increase to the VAT rate was motivated by the urgent need to restore and replenish the funding of critical frontline services that had suffered reductions necessitated by the country’s constrained fiscal position,” said Godongwana.
He said there are many suggestions, however some of them would create greater negative consequences for growth and employment and some of them, while worthwhile, would not provide an immediate avenue for further revenue in the short term to replace a VAT increase. Godongwana said the National Treasury will, however, consider these and other proposals as potential amendments in upcoming budgets as mechanisms to increase the resources available.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will brief the media this morning following significant developments regarding the party’s legal action against the proposed VAT increase scheduled for 1 May 2025. According to our highly-placed source, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has reversed the 0.5% VAT hike.
The DA National Communications Manager, Dominique Jeftha said after steadfast opposition by the DA, lawyers acting on behalf of Godongwana have approached the DA’s legal representatives with a proposal for an out-of-court settlement. Jeftha said this follows the DA’s application to interdict the VAT increase, which the party has opposed from the outset on the grounds of its impact on already struggling South African households.
“This development marks a major victory for the DA and a turning point in the fight to protect South Africans from unjustified financial burdens.
“The media briefing will take place at Room M24, Marks Building, Parliament, in Cape Town at 8:15am. The briefing will be addressed by the Chairperson of the DA Federal Council, Helen Zille, DA National Spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Karabo Khakhau and DA National Spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Willie Aucamp,” he said.
The Guardian 