Daily Archives: May 20, 2025

President Ramaphosa’s US visit to bolster strategic, mutually beneficial SA-US ties

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20 May 2025

Clayson Monyela.

By Dikeledi Molobela

Washington, D.C., United States – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Washington, D.C. is a significant and positive step in strengthening the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between South Africa and the United States.

Speaking to SAnews ahead of the President’s arrival in the US capital, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, underscored the importance of the visit.

Monyela expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting on Wednesday will provide an opportunity to address and clarify issues, thereby enhancing the relationship between the two nations. 

“We want to appreciate the fact that there is an opportunity for the two leaders to engage. The fact that President Ramaphosa is here in Washington, D.C. accompanied by four Ministers to meet with President Trump and his delegation is a positive step for this important and strategic relationship between the two countries.

“This is a mutually beneficial relationship, and we believe that this platform avails an opportunity to explain, clarify and contextualise some of the issues that have been in the public domain. 

“We look forward to the meeting on Wednesday because this will help in enhancing this important relationship between us and the United States,” Monyela said on Monday. 

Describing the US as South Africa’s second-largest trading partner, Monyela emphasised that the two countries have been strategic partners for many years.

“This is an important meeting between two countries that have been strategic partners for many years in a mutually beneficial relationship.

“The US is our second biggest trading partner. We run the most diverse, powerful, number one economy on the African continent, currently holding the Presidency of the G20, so this is an important platform for the two countries to come together and talk about matters that will enhance the existing strong and cordial ties between the two countries to the benefit of the people of the two nations. 

“Of course, there are issues that need to be explained and clarified but at the end, we are quite confident that this platform will help us get closer and keep moving forward as strategic partners, and enhance the mutually beneficial relationship,” he said. 

Monyela highlighted the reciprocal nature of economic relations between the two nations, noting that South Africa is not only a trading partner but also an investor in the US economy. 

“We also invest in the US economy. South African companies such as Nando’s are operating there. If you go to Louisiana, you will find many US nationals employed by South African companies,” he said.

“We come to this meeting not as a country that offers nothing to the table. This is why it is important to enhance the existing relations between the two countries because they are indeed mutually beneficial,” Monyela said. 

President Ramaphosa will meet with his US counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

Chaotic situation at ANC meeting

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Picture: A chaotic situation at ANC meeting

By OBAKENG MAJE 

20 May 2025- Some of ANC members in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region said they are worried as ANC continues to eat itself. This comes after a recent altercation between ANC members at the Depot Hall in Taung, during a training of branch leaders last week.  

Unsurprisingly, another chaotic situation unfolded at Tlhareseng Primary School in Mokgareng village, near Taung on Sunday, where ANC deployee, Lerato Setlhake allegedly allowed ordinary community members, who are non-card carrying members to be part of the Branch General Meeting (BGM). 

One of the aggrieved ANC members, Tshidiso Moreane said Setlhake overlooked ANC guidelines. Moreane said only ANC members who are in good-standing are allowed inside the BGM. 

“However, Setlhake insisted that everyone must be allowed to be part of the meeting. So, for the sake of peace, we agreed because their names appeared on the register even though they are non card-carrying members. 

“Then she went outside to ordinary members who did not appear on the register and allowed them inside the premises. Now, the house was divided in two factions and we ended up with only 30%,” he said.  

Moreane further said Setlhake, who was a deployee, was not supposed to interfere in branch issues. He added that, during a BGM, ANC deployee, which is a member designated to perform specific duties, would primarily act as an observer. 

“Her role was to monitor the proceedings of the BGM, ensure that it adhered to the correct processes and guidelines without influencing the outcomes. 

“Setlhake’s responsibility is also to communicate relevant information from the higher levels of the party to the branch members, but that was not the case,” said Moreane. 

He said the agenda was to convert the BEC structure into BETT. Morenane alleged that Setlhake did this because she belongs to a different faction. 

“We know that she belongs to a different faction and if they do not have a majority, they come up with strategies to manipulate ANC guidelines. 

“So, the BGM could not sit. However, our Branch Secretary has written a letter to the elusive Regional Secretary, Walter Mabogola. We could not get hold of him on the phone yesterday, so we will wait for any communique from his office to hear the way forward,” said Moreane. 

Meanwhile, the ANC regional spokesperson in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Seatlathebe Lepomane said: “I have not received that communication and I’ll make follow-ups and revert back to you.”

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Boitshepo Medichane/Facebook 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

20 Motsheganong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, Simon Molale (23) e buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Seetebosigo e tlhola matsatsi a le 10. Molale o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, eleng Tshepiso Medichane (21).

Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhabakaka Medichane ka thipa, mme a le botsa phokoje kwa lefelong la tiragalo fa a bonwa ke batho. Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Kgabagare, Molale one a ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe.

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Mokgosi welcomes R1.5bn investment

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and Harmony Gold mine CEO, Beyers Nel/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

22 May 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has applauded Harmony Gold for an investment of R1.5 billion at its Stilfontein Operations in Klerksdorp. Mokgosi, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi and acting Director General, Ndlela Kunene, lauded the mine for their investment initiatives and have urged them to support the Province’s Development Fund, which is primarily aimed at addressing infrastructure backlogs in the province.

Mokgosi further said the investment is a culmination of ongoing efforts to lure investments and address the scourge of unemployment afflicting the province. He added that, earlier this year, he met with the company’s Executive Management on the side-lines of the Africa Mining Indaba to discuss a number of issues relating to diversification, localization and SMME Development. 

“The initiative, which will create several job opportunities for the people of the province, adds to R7 billion worth of investment by the mine in 2022, which includes an extension of Moab-Khotsong operations at Stilfontein.  

“The investment gives credence to the government’s efforts of fostering partnerships with the various stakeholders to create an enabling environment for investment and job creation,” said Mokgosi.    

He further said this forms part of a broader strategy by the government to encourage investments in the province. Mokgosi added that, he has no doubt that as more investments trickle in, several more job and business opportunities will be created and this will help reduce the high unemployment figures afflicting the province.  

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Beyers Nel, maintains that the renewable energy investment forms part of its long-term investment and diversification strategy. Nel said through their R7bn investment in 2022, they managed to preserve 6000 jobs for locals, extending the mine’s lifespan by 20 years. 

“In 2020, we acquired Mine Waste Solutions leading to an investment of R2bn and we have created close to 2500 jobs, 7% of which are locals,” he said.

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1056 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

20 May 2025- More than 1056 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela. Out of 1056 arrests, 356 are circulated wanted suspects, who were nabbed after being linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the weekly joint law enforcement operations focusing on enhanced crime prevention and combating, conducted across all five districts between 12 and 18 May 2025, under Operation Shanela. Mokgwabone said this resulted in the arrest of suspects for different crimes and the seizure of copper cables, a variety of drugs, liquor, dangerous weapons and ammunition.

“The operations, which were led by commissioned officers, resulted in the apprehension of 65 illegal migrants who were arrested for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002.  

“The suspects included 161 arrested for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, eight for murder and attempted murder, 12 for rape and attempted rape, 26 for burglary business and residential,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said 51 suspects were nabbed for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 147 for possession of drugs and 32 for illegal dealing in liquor. He added that, as part of the operations, actions such as vehicle check points (VCPs), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses and farms were executed.

“In Mahikeng, a crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects in Magogwe, Montshioa Stadt and Setlopo villages on 15 and 16 May 2025, for three separate cases of robbery, assault with intent to do GBH and theft, which were allegedly committed between December 2024 and April 2025. 

“In another intelligence-led operation executed by Mahikeng K9, on 16 May 2025, three suspects, including a Nigerian foreign national were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs. The suspects were arrested at Bradford Park taxi rank in the Central Business District (CBD) and Mahikeng dumping Site,” said Mokgwabone. 

He said the team confiscated drugs that comprised rock cocaine, crystal meth and khat with an estimated street value of R41 000. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, indicated that community leaders, parents and civil society need to work closely with the police in addressing the pandemic of drugs, especially the highly toxic nyaope, which is destroying mostly the youth. Asaneng said it is no longer pure conjecture that more and more of the country’s youth have become not only drug addicts, but also drug mules and slaves of drug dealers who are mostly illegal foreigners.  

“These drug peddlers are apparently aided and abetted by technocrats, government officials and residents who allow them to enter the country illegally or with fraudulent papers,” he said.  

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91 suspects nabbed for illegal mining  

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Picture: Some of items confiscated by police/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 May 2025- The North West police said since the inception and deployment of Operation Vala Umgodi unit to prevent and combat illegal mining and related crimes in the province’s identified illegal mining hotspots, hundreds of arrests and confiscations have been made. 

The police said through high density integrated intelligence-initiated operation, the sting has resulted in the disruption, arrests and seizures of illicit goods such as unrefined gold, gold bearing material, drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as counterfeit goods including illicit cigarettes and equipment such as pick axes, shovels, generators and groceries, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said during the operation conducted by the Vala Umgodi team in the Bojanala District, 91 suspects involved in illegal mining were arrested from 13 to 19 May 2025. Mokgwabone said the suspects were arrested at Kroondal, Geelhout Park and in the Rustenburg policing and Tlhabane precincts, as well as at Skeerpoort, Moonooi and Hartbeespoort in the Bojanala 1 district and in Tlhatlaganyane, Ledig and Mabele-A-Podi villages policed by Sun City and Mogwase Police Stations. 

“Seventy seven out of 91 arrested zama-zamas (illegal miners) are from Lesotho, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, who are in addition to being charged with mining without the necessary permits (illegal mining) are also charged with contravening Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act, 13 of 2002, while the remaining 14 are South Africans are charged with mining illegally.

“The team confiscated equipment used to mine illegally, which included 16 petrol/diesel generators, hammers and jack hammers, shovels, electric extension cords, grease pumps and self-made sifting contraptions commonly referred to as Pendukas  and steel balls,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all the suspects will appear before the Mogwase, Brits, Tlhabane and Rustenburg Magistrate’s Courts.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the Vala Umgodi team for their bravery, dedication to duty in combating the threat of illegal mining, which is not only part of organised crime and illicit economy, but which is a national security threat that undermines the authority, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state. 

Asaneng said all South Africans who aid, abet including harbouring illegal migrants and who are involved in illegal mining must know that the police will pursue them relentlessly and that they will face the full wrath of the law for their treasonous criminal conduct.

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Monna o latofadiwang ka go ja polony ya bana o atlholetswe dingwaga di le 18 mabapi le polao  

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

20 Motsheganong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 21, wa kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung, o kolopetswe dingwaga di le 18 kwa ntlo-lefitshwana ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Se setla morago ga gore Thato Darlington Lekaowa a tlhabe le go bolaya malomagwe, Jonas Othusitse Lekaowa (46) ka thipa.

Sebueledi sa bosekisi (National Prosecuting Authority) sa kgaolo mo Bokone Bophirima, Sivenathi Gunya are tiragalo e, e diragetse fa Tlhakole a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 14 ka ngwaga wa 2020. Gunya are go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga Thato le moswi, Onthusitse.

“Go begwa fa Thato a ne a kgalemelwa ke mamalomagwe morago ga go ja polony ya bana ya sekolo. Se, se ile sa baka bosula jo botseneletseng magareng ga Thato le malomangwe. Go begwa fa Thato a ne a tlhaba malomagwe ka thiba mo mokwatleng.

“Go begwa fa Thato a ne a tsena ka lenga la seloko morago ga tiragalo. Moswi one a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong, fela one a begwa fa a setse a ragile kika mo kgorogong ya gagwe kwa bookelong. Kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa kgatlhanong le Thato, mme o ile a tshwarwa,” Gunya wa tlhalosa.

Gunya are Thato one a neelwa beile. Gunya are fela Thato o ile a palelwa ke go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go rebolweng ga lekwalo-tshwaro kgatlhanong le ene.

“Thato o ile a tshwarwa gape, mme a dula kwa ntlo-lefitshwana go fitlhelela a atlholwa. Le fa go ile ga nna le tiego mo kgetsing e, kwa bofelong e ile ya tswelela.

“Thato one a bega fa a sena molato, fela mosekisi, Rebaona Mokgopa, o ile a neelana ka bopaki jo bo kwenneng kgatlha le ene. Gape Mokgopa, o ile a bontsha fa Thato a sa bontshe maikotlhao a tiro e a e dirileng,” Gunya wa tlhalosa.

Magistrata, Bhuti Zulu o ile a tlhalosa bomasisi jwa kgetsi e, mme a tlhalosa fa dikgotlhatshekelo di tshwanelwa ke go tsaya dikgato tse di gagametseng kgatlhanong le ba ba molato. Zulu are bosenyi jwa mothale o, bo tlisa go sa iketla mo baaging.

Kgabagare, tlhogo ya bosekisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Dr Rachel Makhari, o akgotse babatlisisi ba kgetsi ga mmogo le bosekisi.

“Katlholo e, e tla romela molaetsa o gagametseng le go lemosa badiri ba bosenyi gore NPA e tsaya dikgato kgatlhanong le bosenyi,” Makhari wa tlhalosa.

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Orbit College FC receives financial backing 

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Picture: The Orbit College FC players

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

20 May 2025- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Orbit College Football Club, a rising star in South African football, as the team is sitting on position 2 on its National First Division campaign with 53 points after 30 games. The department said Orbit College FC has made significant strides on the national football stage, and their journey has been met with admiration and support from the North West Provincial Government. 

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said as a testament to this commitment, the department has already invested over R1 million into the team’s development and operations this season. Sebolecwe said during the playoffs held in Pietermaritzburg, the department covered critical expenses, including transport and accommodation totalling to R490 000.

“This support ensured that the players and technical staff could focus solely on their performance without the burden of logistical challenges. In celebration of the team’s historic promotion to the NFD, the department further

awarded Orbit College FC a financial token of appreciation amounting to R300 000, a move that was widely praised by sports lovers across the province.

“Beyond once-off contributions, for the 2024/25 financial year, the department signed a memorandum of understanding that will cover the costs of all accommodation for both home and away matches, a commitment worth more than R700 000,” he said. 

Sebolecwe further said the long-term support is part of a broader strategy to develop grassroots talent and elevate the profile of sport in the North West. He added that Orbit College FC represents the talent and resilience of the province. 

“Their dedication on and off the field reflects the spirit of the North West, and we are proud to walk this journey with them. The department is committed to supporting the team even further.

“The department has called on the people of the North West to rally behind the team as they continue their campaign. This is our team, our pride. Let us support them in every way possible in the stands, in our communities, and through our collective encouragement,” said Sebolecwe.

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Mamelodi Sundowns FC crowned Champions

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Picture: Mamelodi Sundowns FC players celebrating

By REGINALD KANYANE 

20 May 2025- Mamelodi Sundowns concluded their league campaign with a 2-0 victory on Sunday night when they hosted Magesi FC at Loftus Versfeld. Lucas Ribeiro was the hero of the night as his brace saw the team record their 15th victory in their backyard.

It only took four minutes for Masandawana to break the deadlock. It came through Arthur Sales’ awareness inside the area, who delivered it to Iqraam Rayners. With a drop of a shoulder, Rayners then handed it to Ribeiro, who only flicked it towards the goal with a backheel pass.

A few minutes later, Ribeiro almost made it two for his side. The ball came from Aubrey Modiba from a tight angle on the left flank. He crossed it to Ribeiro, whose shot deflected and went slightly wide.

In the 18th minute, Rayners drove the ball to the danger zone and shot it, but the shot was cleared by the goalkeeper with his feet. Four minutes later, a second goal was witnessed at Loftus Versfeld, and it was Ribeiro again. 

After being awarded a free-kick just a short distance from the area, Marcelo Allende handed the ball to Ribeiro. From range, Ribeiro shattered the net to double the advantage for Downs.

Another set-piece almost saw the Brazilians pulling a third goal before the break. Teboho Mokoena had taken the free-kick, which he fired onto the target from range. 

The goalkeeper, however, with his feet again and his body on the ground, kicked the ball away. Magesi tried to take the ball to Downs’ half, but the rear-guard of coach Miguel Cardoso was steadfast and cleared any chances to deny them a goal.

This saw the hosts head to the interval with a two-goal advantage.

The Magesi side witnessed in the second stanza looked more threatening, and they were attacking the ball. They opened the last 45 minutes of the game by taking the ball to the danger zone. 

Luckily, Ronwen Williams sniffed the danger and quickly moved from his mark to snatch the ball. For a while, the Brazilians remained patient in their half, until Modiba made an interception, then a clever defence-splitting pass to Rayners, who fired a shot, but the keeper caught it.

A mistake was made by the Downs defence near the area towards the end of the encounter, but Malibongwe Khoza managed to clear the danger away to maintain the clean sheet.

Sales came again with a big chance after Peter Shalulile handed him the ball on the right flank. His shot was smacked away to deny him his first goal of the night.

It’s the visitors who concluded the match with an attempt, but Khoza, again, cleared the ball away, this time, with his chest, then a kick. In the end, Masandawana collected the maximum points and managed to maintain a clean sheet.

Sundowns finished their Betway Premiership campaign with a perfect home record, defeating Magesi 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday.

The league champions won all fourteen of their league home games this season in the process of bagging their 24th win of their Betway Premiership campaign.

The victory means Masandawana have broken the record for the most wins in a 34-game season in a campaign of just 28 games. The record was held by Manning Rangers with 23 wins in the 1996/97 season, and equalled by Kaizer Chiefs in the 1998/99 season and Sundowns in the 1998/99 and 1999/2000 seasons.

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Monna wa kwa Lesotho o tshwere ka sethunya 

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Sethunya se se seng mo molaong

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO 

20 Motsheganong 2025- Monna wa kwa nageng ya Lesotho o tshwerwe mabapi le go tshola sethunya se se seng mo molao. Go begwa fa monna o wa dingwaga di le 53, a tshwere kwa masimo kwa motseng wa Manokwane, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. 

Go ya ka mongwe wa baagi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsiwe, monna o, go belaelwa a le mo nageng ntle le ditokomane tse di maleba. Go begwa fa a ne a tshwarwa ga mmogo le bana  ba gagwe. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se ile sa longwa-tsebe mabapi le monna o nang le sethunya se se seng mo molao. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa bona lekwalo la go puruputsha, mme ba leba kwa lefelong le le kailweng.     

“Mmelaelwa o ile a tshwarwa ka sethunya se se seng mo molaong, mme o tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la maabane,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, go ya ka dipego tse di sa totobalang, kgetsi ya monna o gay a dula kwa kgotlhatshekelo, mme go begwa fa a tsene ka lenga la seloko.  

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