8 May 2025- The fight against the eradication of undocumented persons compels the police through Operation Vala Umgodi to utilise all measures to fight the scourge. The multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team detained seven undocumented foreigners aged between 20 and 50, at a vehicle check point (VCP), near the Ikapa mine in Kimberley on Tuesday.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said suspects were detained in order to be processed and verified by the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services officials before being formally charged and presented to Court for deportation. Sam said a farmer (27), was warned to appear in court to answer on allegations of contravening the immigration statutes for employing illegal immigrants with an option of paying an admission of guilt fine of R17 500.
“The police are pleading with the public to respect and conform to the prevailing immigration laws and regulations, as it is a crime to employ and or harbour illegal immigrants,” he said.
8 May 2025- The Upington Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) is investigating the theft of a white franic trailer that was reportedly stolen in Postmasburg between 28 until 29 April 2025. The trailer is a 2015 model with registration number, CML 598 NC.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said, anyone with information that can aid the police in tracing the stolen trailer and possible apprehension of the suspect(s) is urged to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant John Manzana of Upington Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit on 054-337-3126, or on 076-013-3218, or alternatively call SAPS Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111 or report via MySAPS App.
“All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.
8 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, they honour the selfless NGOs, civil society groups and volunteers who form the heartbeat of humanitarian response across the Western Cape. The DA said these are the first responders in times of disaster, the steady hands delivering food in winter and the compassionate presence for victims of violence and displacement.
The DA spokesperson on Social Development in Western Cape, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, who is Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), said they bring shelter, support and hope. Kaizer-Philander said they are indispensable to the resilience of the communities.
“The DA-led Western Cape Government is proud to stand alongside them, not just in recognition, but in meaningful partnership. Over the past five years, the Department of Social Development has extended practical support to over 2 700 organisations through the NPO Help Desk and Institutional Capacity Building Programme.
“Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme is further strengthening the capacity and sustainability of this vital sector. In 2024 alone, an allocation of an additional R3 million to boost emergency response efforts. Last year, almost 33,000 individuals accessed psychosocial support and over 19 500 families benefited from our Family Preservation Programme,” she said.
Kaizer-Philander further said these are not just statistics. She added that they represent lives transformed through cooperation, compassion and community spirit.
“To every volunteer, organisation, and leader working at the grassroots: we see you, we thank you, and we honour your service. You are the lifeblood of a just and caring society. Together, government and civil society working in lockstep, we are stronger,” said Kaizer-Philander.
8 May 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have been alerted to fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating departmental officials and targeting service providers who previously submitted bids for the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), specifically for shade nets and cattle feed. The department said these fraudsters have been using the numbers 071 287 2164 (Mr Khumalo) and 076 745 9884 (Mr Modiba) to falsely identify themselves as department officials.
The North West Department of Agriculture and Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said they are demanding R3000 from service providers, claiming that the payment is required to secure PES-related orders. Setlhako said this is a deliberate and unlawful scam.
“The PES Phase 3 programme concluded in the previous financial year and no ongoing procurement processes are associated with it. The department does not request, nor accept, any form of payment in exchange for awarding contracts or tenders. Any such request is fraudulent and must be treated as a criminal act.
“We strongly urge service providers not to engage with these individuals, not to transfer any funds, and to report any suspicious communication immediately to the Department or the South African Police Service. We commend those service providers who acted responsibly by reporting these fraudulent attempts and verifying the legitimacy of these claims,” she said.
Setlhako further said their vigilance plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of public programmes and protecting businesses from exploitation. She added that the department remains committed to ensuring fair, transparent and ethical procurement practices.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this scam,” said Setlhako.
8 May 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in North West on Tuesday condemned the alleged naked strip searches of women miners by security guards at Kopanong Gold Mine, near Klerksdorp describing them as abhorrent, dehumanizing and racist. The MRM Provincial Interim Committee Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said they are concerned that worst atrocities in the workplace that undermine equality, dignity and human rights are still being perpetuated against black women workers who have had to bear the brunt of decades of inequality, unfair discrimination, exploitation and abuse particularly in male dominated industries like mining.
Kgwele said it is worrying that some mining companies are instead improving the safety of women in the workplace subjecting them to slave and apartheid era inspections of their private parts for stolen gold particles instead of employing modern search technologies that respect workers’ rights and human dignity.
“The harsh as well as hostile working conditions that women miners experience underground require a more supportive security environment and employment practices that guarantees their well-being and dignity when they resurface. We call on the Departments of Employment & Labour, as well as Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the South African Human Rights Commission to investigate the incidents to ensure that such barbaric practices are rooted out and those involved held accountable.
“The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) must in promoting a human rights culture within the security industry also take punitive measures if the allegations are proven to be correct,” he emphasised.
Kgwele further said it is disgraceful that women miners are subjected to searches that wife of mine bosses cannot be comfortable with. He added that, the Charter of Positive Values championed by MRM is committed to the promotion of the spirit of Ubuntu and opposes any form of physical, emotional, and or psychological abuse or ill-treatment of another human being.
“This also includes working for the physical security and protection of all people as well fighting against the physical and emotional harassment of women that result in rape and other forms of abuse.
“MRM will strengthen partnership with trade unions within the sector and undertake Workers Dialogues to entrench workers’ rights to address exploitation and abuses particularly those of women in mining and the private security industry,” said Kgwele.
8 May 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni Diko has described the approval of six months of income support to beleaguered South African Post Office workers as “a much-needed lifeline that the state is both morally and duty-bound to extend”. Diko said the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) is aimed at minimising job losses in companies facing distress by providing up to 75% of employees’ salaries capped at R241 110 for a period of 12 months.
She further said the scheme is administered by the Department of Labour and Employment through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
“The R381 297 863.83 wage subsidy for nearly 6 000 SAPO employees over a six-month period signals an important milestone in the ongoing work to rescue, resuscitate and ultimately future-proof the Post Office. The subsidy is expected to reduce the SAPO’s cost burden and forms part of the building blocks towards the completion of the business rescue process.
“We have noted that beyond financial, employee and operational distress, to qualify for TERS funding, applicants must present a viable turnaround strategy for the company to the Adjudication Committee that in the opinion of the committee have reasonable prospects of success,” said Diko.
She said they have called on the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and SAPO to use the reduction of the entity’s cost burden to catalyse digitalisation, accelerate the development and implementation of a comprehensive partnership strategy and consider opportunities for reinvestment into the entity’s assets and infrastructure. Diko added that this step is steadily moving them towards the end of the business rescue process, thereby presenting an opportunity for the department to accelerate the process of developing a comprehensive partnerships strategy for SAPO’s revenue generating streams.
“While the TERS funding is substantially less than the R3.8bn the business rescue practitioners had sought to return SAPO to full solvency and liquidity, this reprieve presents strategic choices for consideration by the department on how to reengineer our country’s designated postal operator.
“We commend the Department of Employment and Labour for its commitment to safeguarding jobs and creating opportunities for training and further development of SAPO employees in line with its mandate. The SAPO and many other state-owned entities cannot survive and be viable without the active and intentional support of the rest of the government,” she said.
8 May 2025- The North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi will on Saturday, deliver the eulogy at the Special Provincial Official Funeral of the late Colonel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and former Provincial Chairperson of the African National Congress Veterans League (ANCVL) in the North West, Ntwagae Simon Rantao.
The official funeral will take place at Ratsara Section, Dinokona village in Zeerust, at 7am.
Mokgsi said, His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category Two for Rantao and has instructed that the National Flag fly at half-mast in the province on the day of the funeral in his honour. He said Rantao passed away on 29 April 2025, at the age 75, after a long illness.
“He was part of the earliest members and soldiers of the Luthuli Detachment following the formation of the ANC’s military wing on 16 December 1961. Rantao was one of the few remaining luminaries of the country’s liberation course whose humility and selflessness invigorated ethical leadership and served as a moral guide on the government’s continued efforts to create a better life for all,” said Mokgosi.
Picture: NWU students arriving for the new academic calendar/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has expressed concern about the cancellation of student accommodation agreements with unaccredited providers, warning that mid-term disruptions unfairly affect students. The committee was briefed by the newly appointed board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for an update on student appeals, funding decisions for the 2025 academic year, the disbursement of allowances, student accommodation and other related matters.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Tebogo Letsie said they fully support the cancellation of unaccredited accommodation and as the committee, they concur on that point. Letsie said, however, when cancellations happen during the academic term or trimester, it creates serious challenges.
“Students are left stranded, unable to graduate, and burdened with debt for decisions they had no control over. We must urgently move toward ensuring that all accommodation is accredited.
“The committee also highlighted that in the 2024 financial year, NSFAS’s mid-year defunding of students caused significant disruptions. Institutions, having already budgeted for registered students, were left financially exposed, triggering a chain reaction of financial instability,” he said.
Letsie further said members of the committee stressed that NSFAS’s operational shortcomings are exacerbating student debt levels and jeopardising students’ academic success. He added that, the committee said the timing of NSFAS decisions, often at critical academic periods, was concerning.
“Lastly, the committee emphasised the urgent need to strengthen communication between NSFAS, higher education institutions and students, noting that delays and miscommunication in funding decisions continue to unfairly prejudice students,” he added.
8 May 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it provides information on the recall of the lithium-ion batteries of Santa Cruz Heckler 9 ebikes and the Tissue Box Toy sold with the Fisher-Price 3-in-1 SnugaPuppy Activity Centers, as notified by the suppliers. The NCC said Mattel South Africa notified it that they are recalling the Tissue Box Toy due to a defective component cover coming apart, making the internal support brackets (small parts) accessible.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said the detachable tissue box toy can come apart, exposing the support brackets. Ntaba said this poses a choking hazard to young children.
“This product was made available for sale nationally from 2023 to 2025 at the following suppliers: Amazon Com Ser (SA) Pty Ltd, Lilliput Novelties (Pty) Ltd, OneDayOnly Offers (Pty) Ltd, Loot Online (Pty) Ltd, Takealot Online (Pty) Ltd, Toy Kingdom (Pty) Ltd, and Amic Trading (Pty) Ltd (Toys R Us).
“The tissue box toy is on the table’s underside, near the Fisher-Price logo. It is white with red decorations and has “tissues” made of sensory cloth. On one side, it has a black and white wiggly striped pattern and on the other, a yellow/green pattern with raised spots,” she said.
Ntaba further said consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled tissue box toy, remove it from the activity center, and keep it away from young children. She added that consumers should contact Fisher-Price to return the tissue toy box in exchange for a refund for the toy only.
“The supplier, Santa Cruz Bicycles, LLC, informed the NCC that they are recalling the interchangeable 720w lithium-ion batteries of the Santa Cruz Heckler 9 ebikes. The interchangeable 720w lithium-ion battery resides inside a black case under the frame. According to the supplier, their investigation and testing revealed that a small number of batteries supplied to certain Heckler ebikes may be at an increased risk of an electrical short circuit.
“In such cases, this may pose a fire hazard, resulting in a risk of injury or property damage. The affected Santa Cruz Heckler 9 ebikes were made available from February 2022 to April 2025 and were sold nationally. Consumers are urged to stop using the e-bikes immediately and disconnect the battery from the Heckler 9 e-bike and charger,” said Ntaba.
She said they should contact Santa Cruz Bicycle if they have sold or gifted it to anyone and forward this information. Ntaba said consumers are encouraged to check whether their battery is affected by visiting the Santa Cruz Bicycles recall page: (https://santacruzbicycles.com/pages/recall-heckler-9-lithium-ion-battery).
“If affected, they can register to receive a replacement battery at no extra cost,” she said.
8 May 2025- The North West Provincial Government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded is this week being rolled out in Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, targeting areas such as Swartruggens, Derby, Redirile and Senthumole section in Koster. The weeklong service delivery programme will culminate in the provision of on-site social services at Reagile Community Hall in Koster on Friday, including visits to identified infrastructure projects and a community feedback session, led by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi.
Mokgosi will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and District and local mayors.
The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said in an endeavour to empower local farmers and enhance food production capacity, a Shadenet tunnel will be handed over to Onalerona Community Centre, while Veteran Poultry Package comprising one 3-tier layer cage, layer mash feed and 120 point-of-lay chickens, as well as a Veteran Goats Package including ten (10) Boer Goat Does and one Boer Goat Buck, will be handed over to beneficiaries. Setswambung said, in addition, a 10-hectare centre pivot will be handed over to a farmer at Koornfontein.
“Mokgosi’s entourage will also embark on a site-inspection visit to the new Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School construction project in Reagile, along with an oversight visit to the special maintenance section of Roads P4/2, including Koster Town and sections of Road P34/2.
“Road safety will be improved through the patching of potholes while grass cutting will be undertaken at identified roads. High-mast and streetlight repairs will also be carried out across Reagile to enhance night-time safety. Furthermore, intensified litter picking and waste collection programme will target illegal dumping sites with the launch of clean cities campaign,” he said.
Setswambung further said in response to the needs of the community, sanitary towels will be issued to learners at Mphe Bana Secondary School to support hygiene and dignity. He added that, food parcels will also be distributed to needy families as part of the ongoing community relief efforts.
The Guardian 