Daily Archives: May 1, 2025

International Workers Day is more than a celebration of workers’ rights  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: COSATU celebrates International Workers Day

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 May 2025– Parliament has joined millions of workers around the world in celebrating International Workers’ Day today. The first day of May has been recognized as an international holiday since 1891 and was officially declared a public holiday in South Africa following the attainment of freedom in 1994.

Parliament said it regards this public holiday as more than a celebration of workers’ rights.

The National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza said it is also a tribute to the critical role that the working class and trade unions played in resisting apartheid and advancing South Africa’s journey towards democracy. Didiza said they salute workers as the backbone of South Africa’s economy and democracy.

“Since 1994, Parliament has strengthened and protected workers’ rights through an extensive body of legislation, including the National Minimum Wage Act (and its amendments), the Employment Equity Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Act — which, notably, extended protection to domestic workers for the first time.

“Parliament remains committed to holding the Executive accountable in labour matters, overseeing issues of workplace safety, labour rights, unemployment mitigation, and job creation through committee inquiries, oversight visits, and budgetary scrutiny,” she said.

Didiza further said as the world of work evolves, Parliament is actively engaging on matters such as basic income support proposals and the regulation of digital and platform work to ensure fair treatment, benefits and protection for gig economy workers. She added that according to the 2024 Fourth Quarter Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24, remains unacceptably high at over 60%, highlighting persistent challenges in absorbing young jobseekers.

“Stats SA further notes that women and black Africans continue to bear the brunt of unemployment disparities, underscoring the need for Parliament to prioritize gender-responsive and equitable economic policies.

“Parliament will continue to prioritize legislative and oversight efforts to protect the rights of workers and to create an inclusive, prosperous society where all South Africans enjoy dignity, fairness, and opportunity,” said Didiza.

She said they wish all South Africans a happy Workers’ Day.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West cheerleaders fly RSA flag high

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West cheerleaders fly SA flag high/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 May 2025- Four talented young athletes from the North West have returned home triumphant after making history at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships in Orlando, USA. Larona Pooe (13) fromSunrise View Secondary School, Nicoleen Maluleke and Tshiamo Nkele, both learners from Grenswag Hoerskool, and Oratile Mmeti from Geelhoutpark High School, all hailing from Rustenburg, were part of the first-ever South African youth all-girls cheerleading team to compete at the prestigious global event.

The North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping

Sebolecwe said South African team, which included these exceptional North West athletes,

achieved an impressive fifth-place at the ICU World Championships 2025, which took

place from April 23rd to 25th, 2025. Sebolwcwe said their remarkable achievement on the world stage marks a significant milestone for cheerleading in South Africa.

“The journey to the world championships for the four participants began in 27 April 2024, through their club based at Tlhabane West Primary School. Their dedication and skill propelled them through the regional finals held at Klerksdorp High School on 8 June 2024, and at Lahoff Primary School on 20 July 2024.

“Following their success at the regional level, they advanced to the provincial event and subsequently to the national competition, where they were selected to represent South Africa,” he said.

Sebolecwe further said adding to the celebratory homecoming, the team was welcomed by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mackenzie, at OR Tambo International Airport

this morning.

Meanwhile, the Chief Director of Sports & Recreation for the North West Province, George Marindi expressed his pride and support, stating the provincial government is incredibly excited to have been able to assist these talented young individuals in their journey to represent South Africa on this prestigious global platform. Their success at the ICU World Championships is a testament to their hard work and dedication, starting from their local club.

Marindi said the Department of Sports & Recreation in the North West Province played a crucial role in enabling the athletes’ participation by covering all associated costs, including attire, flight tickets, registration fees, training facilities, and meals. He said this support underscores the department’s commitment to fostering youth development and recognizing sporting excellence within the province.

“The ICU World Championships is the pinnacle of international cheerleading, showcasing the dynamic blend of dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics that defines the sport.

“Teams from across the globe perform intricate choreographed routines featuring stunts, tumbling and cheerchants. The achievements of Larona, Nicoleen, Tshiamo, and Oratile serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes across the North West and highlight the growing prominence of cheerleading in South Africa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

G20 stakeholders consultation on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities’ empowerment hits Taung

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 May 2025- Following last week’s successful hosting of the G20 Stakeholder Consultation session on Women Empowerment which was held at the North West University, Potchefstroom campus, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the North West Provincial Government will this week hold the second and last G20 Stakeholder Consultation session on the Empowerment of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Working Group at the MM Sebitloane Special School in Lokaleng village in Taung on Friday.

The Head of Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Cassius Selala the Stakeholders Consultation sessions serve as build-up activities ahead of next week’s G20 Financial Inclusion Conference and the second G20 Technical Meeting on the Empowerment of Women Working Group at Sun City.

“South Africa places Inclusive Economic Growth at the centre of its national agenda. As Chair of the Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG), the country aims to build on Brazil’s initiatives and further contextualise the objectives of the EWWG, which are Removing Barriers To Work, Enabling Decent Work, Supporting Women’s Enterprises, and Financial Inclusion, among others.

“Targeted stakeholders from across Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, include among others, women and youth in business, Small and Medium Enterprises particularly for persons with disabilities, the local traditional and Khoi-San leaders and Civil Society,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

World Netball places Netball South Africa president, Cecilia Molokwane under precautionary suspension

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Netball South Africa president, Cecilia Molokwane

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 May 2025- The Netball South Africa (NSA) said it acknowledges the public discourse currently circulating in media reports and on social media amid precautionary suspension of its president, Cecilia Molokwane by the World Netball. Netball South Africa (NSA) said it remains fully committed to upholding the principles and values of corporate governance, including accountability, transparency, institutional integrity and the prioritisation of athlete welfare above all else.

Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said they can confirm that, World Netball, the international governing body, has instituted a disciplinary process involving Molokwane and placed her under precautionary suspension. Mokgalagadi said in accordance with the instructions received from World Netball, NSA has been directed not to interfere in this process.

“World Netball has clarified that the investigation into the allegations is being conducted in accordance with its disciplinary regulations. It has confirmed that all actions taken thus far align with its published policies, including the jurisdiction outlined in Clause 4.1 of the World Netball disciplinary regulations.

“Additionally, World Netball emphasised that this is a procedural, rather than punitive step, intended solely to determine whether there is a case to answer,” she said.

Mokgalagadi further said Netball South Africa respects all applicable governance frameworks and is fully cooperating with World Netball in the interest of due process and lawful resolution. She added that the situation in which they find themselves is difficult for all concerned, however for the good of the sport, they must ensure that any allegations put to them are addressed with complete integrity and respect for the individuals involved.

“During a recent parliamentary session, questions were raised, including specific line-item expenditures from NSA’s past financial records. In keeping with Parliamentary House Rules, Netball South Africa’s leadership (CEO) requested time to consult the appropriate records to ensure the accuracy of our responses.

“It is not only within our rights, but also our responsibility to ensure that the information submitted to Parliament is factually correct and verifiable,” said Mokgalagadi.

She said despite this, NSA leadership was unfairly pressured to respond immediately to detailed financial queries, specific to the 2023/24 Financial Year. Mokgalagadi said such expectations are inconsistent with standard Parliamentary practice and risk undermining the integrity of governance processes.

“In terms of the Parliamentary rules regarding oral questioning, NSA is within its rights. The manner in which these questions were posed raises serious concerns.

“Safeguarding is a fundamental policy in sport and must never be taken lightly. However, the interrogative approach directed at our leadership risks undermining the very principles this policy seeks to uphold,” she said.

Mokgalagadi said while they acknowledge that gender should not exempt anyone from accountability, it equally must not render them vulnerable to politically motivated targeting. She said the Portfolio Committee has seen 6 Federations (Boxing SA, SANABO, Basketball SA, Athletics SA, Swimming SA), but none of them has trending videos on social media platforms published by a Member of Parliament (MP) for public humiliation.

“Is this because NSA is a women led federation? We confirm that a detailed written response addressing all financial queries is currently being consolidated and will be submitted to Parliament in line with proper procedure.

“It is critical to clarify that the Netball World Cup 2023 was overseen by a separate and independent World Cup Board, registered under CIPC, with its own Directors, and funded by government amongst others, distinct from the current board and leadership of Netball South Africa – noting that the President of Netball South Africa and the former CEO were part of the 2023 NWC Board,” said Mokgalagadi.  

She said the concerns and financial reports around the 2023 Netball World Cup should be accounted for by the 2023 NWC Board. Mokgalagadi said those two entities need to be separated.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee concerned amid the death of an inmate

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: An inmate died in Correctional Services facility

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 May 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed its deep concern that the death of another inmate has now been found to be due to unnatural causes, this time multiple blunt force injuries. Four officials from the Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said they noted the reports about the four officials being suspended following the death of inmate, Quinton Fortuin. Ramolobeng said they noted the reports that Fortuin allegedly attacked a correctional official, causing a broken arm.

“We noted that other officers had to intervene to subdue him. We further note that the post-mortem indicated that the cause of Fortuin’s death was a result of multiple blunt force injuries.

“This is extremely concerning as it comes across as excessive force or extreme measures are used in bringing inmates under control. We saw another incident recently at the Mangaung Correctional Centre,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said this is totally unacceptable. She added that, they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to thoroughly and speedily conduct its investigation into the inmate’s death in Goodwood.

“We want to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends in their time of sorrow. The committee will call the Department of Correctional Services and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services to brief it on these matters,” said Ramolobeng.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA: “Jobs Are On The Way South Africans”

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: DA leader, John Steenhuisen

By BAKANG MOKOTO

1 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had joined South Africans in marking Workers’ Day. The party said it is doing that by recognising the millions who are able to work every day with freedoms and protections, to put food on the table, to better themselves and their families and to grow the economy.

The DA leader, John Steenhuisen said also, tragically, by recognizing the millions of South Africans, who cannot find work in the face of one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. Steenhuisen said at a staggering 44.6% youth unemployment, up from 43.2% in the previous quarter, young South Africans may look at this Workers’ Day with despair – but the DA commitment on this Workers’ Day is that their despair can be transformed into hope.

“There is hope for economic growth and job creation in South Africa today, because the course and path of South Africa changed fundamentally in last year’s election.

“The DA is committed to economic growth and job creation. We are proud of our track record of growing local economies, and creating the best job opportunities at municipal and provincial level where we govern,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said as of 2024, in the various ministries they are responsible for in the National Government of Unity (GNU). He added that this enables them to say today: ‘South Africa, Jobs Are On The Way’.

“In the DA-led Western Cape, you have the best chance of getting a job compared to any other province – because voters there have empowered the DA to lead and to create jobs.

“In the Western Cape youth unemployment is around half the national average and over 80% of people who want to work in the Western Cape get a job – this is the highest in South Africa,” said Steenhuisen.

He said DA’s action in parliament and court and hard political work recently led to the scrapping of the VAT hike and a redrafting of the entire national budget so that it can be focused on economic growth and jobs, because they could not accept doing more of the same and expecting new results.

Steenhuisen said their supporters voted them into these positions and gave them a mandate to work for this kind of change and they are delivering.

“In the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA’s six ministries show what is possible when the DA’s national job creation plans can be implemented.

“For example in Home Affairs, the DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber, has introduced visa reforms to boost annual GDP growth by 1.2% and create 78 000 new jobs. In Public Works, the DA’s Dean Macpherson is overseeing R437 billion worth of infrastructure projects in transport, water, energy, and housing, to create jobs,” he said.

Steenhuisen said in Communications, the DA’s Solly Malatsi is improving access to affordable smartphones and high-speed internet to millions of South Africans to create jobs in the digital economy. He said while they focus on growth and jobs, they must also cut down the obstacles to growth, fairness and opportunities because talented South Africans are being held back by a legacy of outdated race-based policies that stifle potential and deter investment.

“For example, BEE in its current form is no longer seen by a majority of South Africans as the best path to redress or growth – this was confirmed by a national poll by IPSOS.

“While South Africa must experience redress and economic transformation, it cannot be through BEE scorecards, fronting, enriched cadres and head counting. This only leads to more exclusion,” said Steenhuisen.

He said on 6 May 2025, the DA will be in the North Gauteng High Court to challenge the Minister of Labour’s new racial employment targets, under the Employment Equity Amendment Act’s Section 15A – because this is an impediment to inclusion, economic growth and jobs. Steenhuisen said outdated policies that stand in the way of growth and jobs are in the DA’s crosshairs.

“We will do everything we can to take down these barriers. Rest assured this Workers’ Day, South Africa, jobs are on the way,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAPS in North West concerned about number of rapes

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 May 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West said it is deeply worried and concerned about the number of rape cases that are reported across the province mostly in townships, rural areas, villages and farms.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng is calling upon all community leaders, social activists, faith-based leaders, Gender and Right Groups from across the entire civil society and to join hands to address what is clearly a pandemic afflicting society.

Asaneng said, despite the development and adoption of integrated Social Crime Prevention Strategies and plans such as the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Strategy, Community Policing Strategy, National Crime Prevention Strategy and most recently the Integrated Violence and Crime Prevention Strategy, women, girl children and the elderly continue to be victims of gratuitous violent crimes perpetrated disturbingly by young men and in some instances partners or suspects who are known to victims.

“It is unfortunate and worrisome that there is an almost accepted perception and misdiagnosis of what is surely a pandemic afflicting society, which often result in the apportionment of blame.

“This misdiagnosis is apparent and accentuated during the quarterly releases of crime statistics by the SAPS where emphasis is placed not on the diagnostic analysis of incidents but on raw data or numbers of recorded cases,” he said. 

Asaneng further said when incidents show a decrease, the SAPS takes the praises and yet, when the incidents show an increase the blame is put squarely on the failure of policing and not on all of the above strategies, which require a collaborative, integrated commitment and approach. He added that no amount of resources or a policing plan will address moral depravity and societal ills such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), domestic violence and other social fabric crimes.

“Why is it acceptable for young people, most of whom would either still be learners or even unemployed, to frequent taverns and drink liquor? Why are the country’s Correctional Centres full to the brim with mostly young men all convicted and serving lengthy sentences for violent contact crimes?

“Surely, the narrative and the focus have to change for South Africa to save itself from itself,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man who was arrested for killing his girlfriend remanded in custody

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The alleged accused, Kabelo Kabila Ntlatsana/Facebook

By STAFF REPORTER

1 May 2025- A man (41) who was arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, briefly appeared at Molopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 April 2025. The accused, Kabelo Kabila Tlatsana was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Ester Monnapula (46).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Tlatsana’s court appearance stems from an incident that was reported to the police in the early hours of Monday morning, 28 April 2025. Myburgh said the police were called to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, where a nurse showed them the lifeless body of Monnapula, who had multiple injuries all over her body.

“The police were allegedly informed that Monnapula was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening, 27 April 2025, by her boyfriend, but was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Tlatsana, assisted by family members, handed himself over to the Mmabatho Police Station on Monday morning, where he was immediately arrested and charged for murder.

“He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 8 May 2025, for a formal bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said this is one of many violent contact crimes that require a serious societal reflection, discourse and intervention on the pervasive consumption of liquor. Asaneng said the proliferation of liquor selling outlets, including taverns in communities, wherein the majority are mostly young,  unemployed people who are dependent on government social grants, is one area that requires urgent attention, if the unacceptable high rate of contact crimes are to be reduced.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Police in North West concerned about GBVF cases

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 May 2025- The police in North West said it is concerned about the high rate of domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, which are unfortunately blamed and wrongly attributed to poor, inadequate or ineffective policing.

This comes after a gruesome discovery of lifeless bodies of a couple that was discovered by their neighbour at Moime Section, in Serutube village, outside Phokeng in Rustenburg on 28 April 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the female victim (42), allegedly suffered and succumbed to serious injuries, while her boyfriend, believed to be the perpetrator (65), was found hanging from the rafters.

“Following the tragic domestic violence and Gender Based Violence (GBV) associated murder of a woman in Mahikeng last week, yet another reprehensible and tragic murder and suicide incident has been reported to the police in Phokeng at midday on 28 April 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said no amount of police stations, Victim Friendly Rooms, serving of protection orders or police visibility patrols are going to eradicate the societal ills of domestic violence and GBV, which are perpetrated inside homes, schools and in some instances, by fake traditional healers and in places of worship by pastors.

“What is disturbing and deeply concerning is that when these incidents occur and are reported, the communities, social commentators, civil rights activists, social and mainstream media immediately get into highly reactive public apportionment of blame, instead of rational diagnosis of a societal crisis.

“Imbizos, men’s conferences, arrests and other current interventions are clearly ineffectual and therefore a serious paradigm shift is what the country needs regarding the correlation between substance abuse, violence and immorality in society,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Molatofadiwa wa polao o tla tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

1 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Qhoo, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka Labotlhano. Se se tla morago ga gore molatofadiwa, Pogisho Tshibithi (18), a tshwarwe le go latofadiwa ka polao.

Go begwa fa Tshibithi a ile a tlhaba Itumeleng Patrick Sinyolo (18) ka thipa le go mo bolaya ka gangwe fa Moranang a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 28, teng kwa motseng wa Qhoo. Go begwa fa Sinyolo le Tshibithi ba ne ba lwela lekgarebe lengwe le go begwang fa le setse le le kwa tlase ka dingwaga.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are tiragalo e, ke ya ura ya borobedi mo bosigong. Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa ntlung nngwe, kwa ba ileng ba shupediwa setopo sa ga Sinyolo se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa.

“Sepodisi se ile sa bontshiwa setopo seo ke rragwe moswi. Go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba ile ba netefatsa fa Senyolo a setse a tlhokafetse. Molatofadiwa o setse a tlhageletse makgetlho a le mabedi kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, lekawana le, le ile la busediwa kwa ntlo-lefitshwana, mme o solofetswe go ka dira kopo ya beile mo letsatsing la kamoso.

taungdailynews@gmail.com