Daily Archives: May 25, 2025

‘We must honour those who suffered for our freedom’

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 May 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said across the world, countries are having to grapple with their past as they confront the challenges of today. Ramaphosa said the past that countries deal with is often about atrocities that were committed against sections of their people.

He further said dealing with the memory of past atrocities is one of the most difficult and delicate tasks a nation can undertake. Ramaphosa added that this can be a cathartic process, but is vital if a country is committed to enhance national healing, cohesion and unity.

“The way a country remembers its painful past can shape the character of its democracy, the legitimacy of its institutions and the resilience of its people. As a country, we have had to contend with our past in the interests of social cohesion and nation-building.

“We have advanced policies of restitution and redress to both acknowledge and correct the historical injustice of apartheid. We remain equally committed to restoring the dignity of apartheid’s countless victims and to bringing closure to their families,” he said.

Ramaphosa said over the past weekend, they reburied the remains of Advocate Duma Nokwe, a hero of the anti-apartheid struggle and former Secretary-General of the African National Congress, who died in exile in Zambia in 1978. He said Nokwe was the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Bar, and both a defendant and a member of the defence team in the treason trial of 1956.

“In recognition of his contribution to the legal fraternity, we conferred him the status of senior counsel posthumously. Duma Nokwe was one of 42 former liberation heroes and heroines who passed away in exile whose remains were repatriated from Zambia and Zimbabwe in September last year.

“We are grateful for the countries that gave our people shelter and support in exile and provided a resting place for those who died before they could return home,” he said.

Ramaphosa said many families in this country lost their loved ones to apartheid brutality and live with these scars. He said the apartheid regime even pursued activists that had fled the country and their whereabouts remain unknown. 

“In 1994, we chose a path of national reconciliation. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to shed light on the atrocities committed during apartheid. 

“Even as democratic South Africa attempted to unearth what happened and to hold those accountable to account, many apartheid-era security officials either refused to appear before the TRC or did not fully disclose their actions,” Ramaphosa said.

He said others resorted to delaying tactics and obstruction to evade trial. Ramaphosa said as they recently announced, he is in the process of establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to look into allegations of interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by TRC.

“As government we remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring the dignity of activists who died and were buried abroad, and to our country men and women who were subjected to indignities in foreign lands.

“This is being done within legal frameworks such as the National Heritage Resources Act. This framework facilitated the repatriation of Sara Baartman’s remains for burial in South Africa in 2002,” he said.

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DA expects full criminal prosecution for SANDF military horse cruelty

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Picture: SANDF allegedly starving horses at military base in Potchefstroom

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the decision by the North West Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to pursue long-overdue prosecution against the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its Special Infantry Capability Unit, for the appalling abuse and neglect of military horses in Potchefstroom.

The DA said this prosecution comes seven years after the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) uncovered harrowing conditions in which horses were left to starve, suffer and die under the SANDF’s watch.

The DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said 25 animals were in such severe condition that they had to be euthanized, while 69 were later removed by the NSPCA to prevent further suffering. Hattingh said despite a formal agreement with the NSPCA and numerous warnings, the SANDF failed to act.

“This dereliction of duty not only highlights a grotesque failure in animal care but also reflects a broader culture of impunity and institutional neglect within the defence establishment.

“The DA stands in full support of the NSPCA’s relentless efforts in seeking justice. We demand that those responsible within the SANDF be held criminally accountable and that systemic reforms be implemented to prevent future abuses,” he said.

Hattingh further said the SANDF’s disregard for animal welfare is an offence against South Africa’s military equestrian history — a tradition marked by discipline, care, and operational excellence.

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Three men nabbed for extortion

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 May 2025-Three men from Victoria West aged between 35 and 60 were arrested for extortion on Thursday. It is alleged that on 19 May 2025, the complainant was approached by the three suspects at a construction site at Gama Sub-station, near Victoria West.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the suspects allegedly introduced themselves as representatives of a committee from Victoria West and demanded for the removal of current appointed sub-contractors. Pilane said the contractor was also instructed to only employ candidates of their choice.

“The three men continued to threaten the complainant with violence, should he not adhere to their demands. The incident was reported to the police and an extortion case was registered and handed over to the Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Organized Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation. 

“The investigations led to the arrests of the suspects, who are expected to appear in the Victoria West Magistrates Court soon. Extortion is deemed as a serious crime, which impacts the economy of the Northern Cape,” he said.

Pilane further said the police encourage the public to report any suspicious criminal activities via the MYSAPS App or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. He added that, all information reported will be treated confidentially.

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Two men sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for murder and robbery

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 May 2025- Two men were sentenced to 18 years by the Northern Cape High Court for farm murder in Jan Kempdorp. Three men, Lucky Bohelo (26), Kernels Persent (23) and Maxim Hutama (24), were subsequently arrested, but Bohelo was eventually acquitted of all charges.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said both Persent and Hutama, were sentenced to 18 years for murder and 5 years for robbery. Kock said the sentences will run concurrently.

“The incident took place on a plot of Renier Adrian Jooste (60), near Jan Kempdorp in 2018. Jooste was severely assaulted and his naked body with a stabbing wound in the chest was discovered by an employee.

“The accused fled with valuables, including bank cards, cell phones, electrical tools and alcoholic beverages of the deceased,” he said.

Kock further said the SAPS Provincial Organized Crime with the assistance of the K9 unit and the SAPS Crime Scene Management Centre, followed up on a tip-off and arrested three men on a chicken farm, near Jan Kempdorp. He added that the police also recovered most of the stolen goods that were robbed from the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended Detective Warrant Officer Patrick Dibebe and his team from Provincial Organized Crime Investigations for their meticulous investigation that led to the outstanding contact crime conviction.

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A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for attempted rape

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By REGINALD KANYANE

25 May 2025- A man (41) sentenced to five years imprisonment for attempted rape. On 4 December 2022, the victim (12) was walking in the street along with her friends, while the accused was following them.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the next moment, he grabbed her and pulled her pants down and removed his pants too. Masegela said one of the friends called for help and the accused ran away.

“The mother of the victim was informed. A case of attempted rape was reported to the police and the accused was charged. The Kakamas Regional Court sentenced him to 5 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of 5 years.

“The commendable investigation by Constable Lesego Mokati of Kakamas Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences was applauded by the management,” he said.

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Operation Shanela remains steadfast

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Picture: A firearm discovered during raid/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 May 2025- The Northern Cape police said the ongoing Operation Shanela remains steadfast and intentional during high density police actions that were executed across all five districts in the province during the past week to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. The police said these disruptive actions were led by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, District Commissioners, Provincial Heads and senior officers in the province and district.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said in the Namakwa District, Otola, together with Besnaar, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews and supported by the Provincial Heads for Corporate Communication and Liaison,  Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Operational Command Centre, executed high density operations to address priority crimes as well illicit mining activities in conjunction with the Vala Umgodi teams currently deployed in the Kleinzee,  Port Nolloth and Koingnaas areas.

Kock said the multi-disciplinary teams across the province jointly executed 300 arrests, including wanted suspects arrested by detectives who have been evading police.

“Majority of the arrests included possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

“In addition to the 12 907 police actions, several roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as high visibility patrols were conducted, during which 6148 persons and 2451 vehicles were stopped and searched,” he said.

Kock further said dagga with an estimated street value of R330 000, was seized in Galeshewe Township recently and a female subsequently arrested. He added that compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, informal businesses, liquor outlets which also resulted in the closure of several unlicensed liquor outlets.

“In an effort to promote rural safety, high visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas where several farms and mines were visited. Disruptive actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons and copper cables.

“Several campaigns including, “Take a girl child to work”, were held across the province and safety awareness and career guidance were offered, while SAPS members also showcased various sections and components, which the police have to offer as a career of choice,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola expressed her gratitude towards all SAPS personnel and relevant stakeholders who contributed towards the successes achieved as well as the communities for their cooperation. Otola also encouraged all role players to continue with police actions and community interactions to ensure safer communities in the province.

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Morweng donates 295 bicycles to long distance learners  

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Picture: The North West MC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 May 2025- One of the beneficiaries of 295 Shova Kalula bicycles said they will come in handy and significantly improve their access to education. This comes after the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng donated 295 Shova Kalula bicycles to Mammutla Secondary School in Mammutla village, near Taung recently.

A Grade 10 learner, Olerato Nkosini said the bicycles will reduce their travel time to school as they sometimes arrive late. Nkosini said most learners travel almost 50km before they can reach their school.

“I would honestly like to thank MEC for giving us this chance of making things easier for us, especially to travel from our various villages to school.

“We have been experiencing some challenges and that did not only affect us, but teachers as well because learners will arrive late. So, the bicycles will make our teachers’ jobs easier,” she said.

Nkosini further said bicycles allow learners to travel longer distances, reducing the time and effort required to get to school, particularly in rural areas where public transportation may be limited.  

Meanwhile, Morweng said bicycle donation programs can also foster a sense of community and pride, as learners and their families become more involved in their education and development. He added that long distance traveling learners of Mammutla Secondary School could not hide their excitement when they received these bicycles.

“With the furthest distance of 10km to and from school on a daily basis, learners from seven neighbouring villages appreciated the gesture by the department to shorten their travel time to school.

“It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that learners have access to education and provision of transport to those traveling long distances to school,” he said.

Morweng said they are handing over these bicycles to learners who travel between 3 to 5km to school as part of the government’s responsibility to ensure access to education. He said these bicycles are their tools to success and they must use them only for the purpose of going to school.

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80 learners involved in a car accident

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Picture: Learners involved in a car accident/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 May 2025- Eighty learners from RA Kobue Secondary school in Mooifontein, outside Mahikeng, were involved in a car accident. Thirty learners were taken to the Gelukspan Hospital with slight injuries.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said one learner was taken to the Bophelong Provincial Hospital. Morweng said it is alleged that a taxi carrying learners and teachers to the same school, but privately hired, had just overtaken the bus when stopping abruptly for another teacher.

“As a result it was hit from behind by the bus. The bus which is part of the scholar transport paid for by the department was carrying 65 learners from Goedgevonden and the taxi with 15 passengers was from Mareetsane.

“Alternative transport has been arranged to transport learners so that learning and teaching shouldn’t be adversely affected,” he said.

Morweng further said his department has also arranged transport for learners, who have been taken to the hospital, to be transported home after consultation. He added that they wish speedy recovery to all the injured.

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“R1bn housing project an expensive house of cards”

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Picture: The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape has urged the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, to get provincial housing projects in order and to ensure real development of local contractors without compromising housing goals. The DA said in reply to their question during Thursday’s sitting of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPG), Saul acknowledged that the province cannot live up to the original promises made in the R1 billion housing project.

The DA Northern Cape Provincial Spokesperson for COGHSTA and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Gizella Opperman, said when president Cyril Ramaphosa launched this project in January 2024, the Northern Cape was guaranteed 4 000 houses within 12 to 18 months. Opperman said Saul now admitted that the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs already had to ask the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) for an extension of at least six months.

“The extension request is an all-too-familiar reminder of the infrastructure projects that are seldom finished on time or within budget when this government is involved, such as the seemingly abandoned Williston housing project.

“After Saul promised in February 2023 that 50 of the planned 150 houses would be ready for beneficiaries by November 2023, there’s still only five unfinished houses without roofs and one foundation,” said Opperman.

She further said, while Saul is quick to blame local contractors for lacking the capacity needed to fulfil the contractual terms set by COGHSTA, he is slow to accept that the provincial government makes it impossible for local companies to succeed. Opperman added that local SMMEs are denied the opportunity to gain the experience necessary to grow and expand their businesses, despite the presidential promise that local businesses would benefit from the R1 billion housing project.

“I’ve written to the Premier to request more detail on strategies that will be used to ensure that local contractor development takes place without compromising the quality and speed of the housing project.

“Terminating contractors without implementing real contractor development will not benefit the provincial economy in the medium or long term. I’ve also requested reports on the province’s discussion with DBSA and to probe the financial implications of the past sixteen months’ worth of delays,” said Opperman.

She said when the province was given permission in December 2023, to borrow R600 million from the DBSA for housing, the Premier told a Legislature sitting that interest costs are estimated at R92 million. Opperman said they cannot afford further escalations in the cost or time delays of this critical project.

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Ramaphosa describes Deputy President of ANCWL, Mnganga-Gcabashe as Intsika

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Picture: The late Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 May 2025- The ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa described the Deputy Preisdent of ANCWL, the late Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe as the stalwart of the struggle. Ramaphosa said they gathered to bid a farewell to a leader and an activist whose life was defined by love and service.

He further said today, they bid farewell to a mother, a sister, an aunt, a freedom fighter, a comrade. Ramaphosa added that, on behalf of the leadership and membership of the African National Congress (ANC), they express their deepest condolences and sympathies to her family, friends and comrades.

“While we were preparing to bid farewell to our comrade, the Deputy President of the ANC Women’s League, we heard the news of the passing of the former president of the Women’s League and a stalwart of our struggle, Getrude Shope.

“In an African hut, there’s a pole that stands in the middle and it is called Intsika. African women are

the izintsika in our homes, in our families and in the nation. They keep everything intact, like that pole in the middle of a traditional hut,” he said.

Ramaphosa said having to lose two izintsika in succession, deepens their pain. He said although they were of different generations, they were of the same political lineage.

“They fought for the same cause. Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe was drawn into political action by a deep desire for peace, for freedom and for justice. She lived her life in the service of others, in the service of her people and in the service of her country.

“She has walked every step of our journey to democracy with the people of South Africa. Mnganga-Gcabashe has worked with the people to overcome every challenge they face and celebrated with the people for every success achieved,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Mnganga-Gcabashe joined the struggle at a time of great turbulence and conflict in this province. Ramaphosa said she became active in local structures at a time of heightened repression, when the forces of apartheid sought to sow division, to turn communities against each other.

“It was her calm and determined manner, her sincerity, her integrity that propelled her to leadership in local peace committees at a young age. From these early experiences, she knew the destruction and the pain of division.

“Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to forge unity within communities, within organisations and within her country. She knew that a people united could never be defeated,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Mnganga-Gcabashe knew that unless they settled their differences, unless they overcame the conflicts of the past, they would not be able to move forward. He said they would not be able to build a South Africa that belongs to its entire people.

“South Africa that is just, equal and prosperous. It is at a time like now, when we have seen a resurgence of racial antagonism from some quarters that we need people with the conviction of Cde Lungi.

“The year of renewal to make the ANC a more effective instrument of the people to achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter: The people shall govern. The people shall share in the country’s wealth,” said Ramaphosa.

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