Daily Archives: May 26, 2025

Court dismisses Section 174 application in the Caiphus Nyoka TRC case

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 May 2025- The Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni dismissed the Section 174 application of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 brought about by accused number 1, a former Commanding Officer, Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg (75) and accused number 2, a former Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (61), that the two accused should be discharged of their offences because the state had no case against them.

The two, together with their co-accused, former Sergeant, Pieter Stander (60) are facing a charge of murder for allegedly killing a student activist and a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) Caiphus Nyoka.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the evening of 23 August 1987, the three who were members of the Reaction Unit within the South African Police Service, met to discuss a plan to kill Nyoka. Mahanjana said a plan to raid his home was devised, under the Commanding Officer, Major van den Berg.

“In the early hours of 24 August 1987 at about 02h30, Stander and Engelbrecht and other members of the Reaction Unit, who are also charged separately, arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed Nyoka’s room. They found him sleeping with three of his friends.

“After identifying him, they removed the friends from the room and thereafter proceeded to shoot him 9 times. He died on the scene as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. During the trial, the state called five witnesses.

“Two of Caiphus Nyoka’ sisters, Alegria and Mothasi Nyoka, Gugulakhe Exodus Nyokane, one of the three friends Nyoka was with on the night of the incident, an expert witness who was the TRC researcher DR Rousseau and the Investigating officer of the case Lieutenant Colonel Beukman,” she said.

Mahanjana further said after the five witnesses testified, the state closed its case. She added that thereafter, accused no 1and 2, brought a Section 174 application claiming that the state had no case.

“After the court dismissed their application, accused number 1 opted to remain silent and closed his case. The matter was postponed to 8-19 September 2025, for defence case of accused number 2 and 3.

“The case against the former Section member of the Reaction Unit 6 in Dunnottar, Johan Marais (65) who was charged and convicted for the same offence, was postponed to 5& 6 June 2025 for sentencing proceedings,” said Mahanjana.

She said the court outcome is encouraging as the state overcomes the first hurdle that was presented by the defense in order to prevent the trial from proceeding. Mahanjana said the state will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served against such atrocities of the apartheid era.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 May 2025- A man (45) sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Botman Ezekiel Mphahlele killed his girlfriend, Patricia Sabole (50).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mphahlele received an additional five years for attempting to murder his friend, Phillemon Kedige.

“The conviction follows an incident that occurred on 29 October 2023 in Freedom Park, near Rustenburg. Evidence presented in court revealed that Mphahlele and Sabole were in a relationship. The couple attended a local event accompanied by Kedige as their male friend.

“The couple had an altercation on their way back from the event. The court heard that Mphahlele displayed violent and uncontrollable behaviour towards his girlfriend,” he said.

Gunya further said Mphahlele physically attacked her and even wanted to put a bottle of beer in her private part. He added that he was reprimanded by his friends in the minibus taxi as they were on the way back from the event.

“Upon their arrival in Rustenburg on the same evening, they all went to a local tavern. Mphahlele was raged by jealousy and anger towards the friendship of his girlfriend and his friend, Kedige.  At the tavern, the accused continued with his violence and shot his girlfriend twice in the neck and head.

“He then further shot his friend, Kedige. Sabole died at the scene and the incident was promptly reported to authorities, leading to Mphahlele’s arrest,” said Gunya.

He said in court, Mphahlele pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. Gunya said during sentencing, the state prosecutor, Orlinah Mputla argued that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a scourge in the country.

“She indicated to the court that the killing of women and children is a very serious offence and causes the community to take the law into their own hands.

“Mputla stated that the accused was the boyfriend of the deceased and he was supposed to protect, not kill her. The presiding officer concurred with the state and sentenced the accused to 20 years imprisonment,” he said.

Gunya said the court made an order in terms of Section 299A Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, that he must not be released on parole without the engagement and permission of the family members of the deceased. He said the court ordered both sentences to run concurrently and the accused has been declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. Makhari said the DPP reaffirmed the unwavering commitment by the NPA in fighting GBV and ensuring that justice is served to the victims of crimes.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Solar project adds power to parking areas and rooftops in energy overhaul

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE    

26 May 2025- Rows of parked cars and rooftops on the North West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, now share space with banks of solar panels, part of a campus-wide plan to reshape how electricity is sourced, used and sustained.

The new decentralised solar energy system is being installed across most parking areas and rooftops at the campus. The system includes 1 820 panels, each generating 550 watts of power, with a collective capacity of 1 megawatt peak (1MWp).

The NWU representative from who is dealing with Energy Infrastructure, Hendrik Esterhuizen said panels are connected through 15 mini-systems that feed directly into the campus’s internal power grid.

“The systems connect to the university’s grid through inverters, ensuring that the power generated is used entirely on campus. The system is designed to meet the campus’ base load requirements and does not feed power back into Eskom’s grid.

“This is important because it ensures the solar system directly supports the campus’s energy needs without relying on the national grid. With the new solar plants the university enhances energy independence, reduces pressure on the public system, and improves resilience during load-shedding or power interruptions,” he said.

Esterhuizen further said it effectively acts as a virtual emergency power generator, supporting the campus’s diesel generators by adding additional capacity during load-shedding. He added that the investment carries long-term cost benefits.

“Each 100 kWp solar unit costs about R2 million, including infrastructure and carport installation. While solar is cheaper than grid electricity in the long run, the capital investment must first be recouped.

“The expected payback period is five to seven years. Diesel use is the most expensive option, costing roughly four times more than grid electricity,” said Esterhuizen.

He said their solar systems are already helping to reduce carbon emissions and they calculate these reductions monthly. Esterhuizen said building and connecting the systems on a functioning university campus has presented challenges.

“Construction teams have worked around academic schedules, including tests and exams. Infrastructural limitations, such as available roof space and electrical access points, have required tailored solutions.

“This solar installation forms part of a broader, phased energy project across the university’s three campuses. A 385 kWp plant is in place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, with a 2 500 kWp system at Potchefstroom and 1 500 kWp at Mahikeng,” he said.

Esterhuizen said future construction and major renovations will include similar solar energy components. He said the roll-out reflects a university-wide shift toward greater energy independence and measured investment in long-term sustainability.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Community of Madipelesa demand tarred road

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of community members during protests/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 May 2025- Inaccessible roads across the North West province, particularly in rural areas, continue to be a challenge. The residents of Madipelesa village, near Taung said, this has affected their livelihoods for the longest time and the North West Department of Public Works and Roads ignores their plea.

The community embarked on a peaceful protest last week and submitted a memorandum of demand to the North West Department of Public Works and Roads. Teaching and Learning was also affected as all roads in the village were barricaded with stones and tree branches.

One of the community leaders, Bolelang Mogamisi said they demand a tarred road and improved infrastructure. Mogamisi said the community demanded a tarred road from Madipelesa to Seoding village.

“That road is crucial for our daily execution. We use it to and from town. So, we are in desperation regarding its deplorable state. Truly speaking, the road is gravel and its overall state is poor.

“Despite numerous attempts to engage the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to construct a tarred road for us, our plea fell in deaf ears,” he said.

Mogamisi further said they demand an upgrade and the existing gravel road be tarred. He added that the department must ensure that the road is safe and durable.

“We have written letters in the previous juncture. Given the department’s lack of response to our concerns, we are left with no choice but to take drastic measures.

“We urge the department to take immediate action in addressing our concerns and avoid further disruption within our community. We are united in our demand for a tarred road,” said Mogamisi.

He said as a community, they deserve safe, durable and well-maintained infrastructure that supports their daily lives and economic activities.

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The department is aware of the community’s demand. We have also received a memorandum and we will respond to it within 14 days.”

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said access to schools in Madipelesa has been blocked due to barricades and burning tyres, resulting in the suspension of teaching and learning activities. Molokwane said the disruption was linked to community protests concerning service delivery issues.

“The District Office has informed the principals of the affected schools to adjust schedules and allocate additional time for learners to catch up on missed lessons.

“This measure aims to reduce the adverse effects of the disruption on learners’ education. Police personnel were on sight to maintain safety and order during the protests,” he said.

Molokwane said the department strongly advises learners to avoid participating in the demonstrations, warning that involvement could jeopardize their safety and may lead to legal consequences.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Dire state at Kuruman Hospital forces DA to report Northern Cape Department of Health to SAHRC  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Patients sleeping on the floor at Kuruman Hospital/Screengrab

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has reported the terrible state of the Kuruman Hospital to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The DA said this comes after an oversight inspection confirmed serious violations of the rights of patients and workers, to render and receive care health care in a conducive environment.

The DA councillor at Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, Braam van der Westhuizen said the inspection was prompted by a social media video earlier in the week that went viral. Van der Westhuizen said patients allegedly complained about sitting on the cold floor on blankets, waiting for days to be attended to. ⁠

“Wards were found overcrowded and patients were lined up on stretchers in the corridors. Some were also accommodated on ⁠beds on the floor. One patient showed us a drip in her arm that was not refilled for two days.

“One of the nurses indicated that she was wearing a mask because there were a lot of TB patients in the congested facility, causing hazardous working conditions. Despite the high-risk environment, patients were not offered masks,” he said.

Van der Westhuizen further said in the maternity section, a baby lay all alone on a machine, crying, with no one to care for it. He added that the baby was at risk of falling from the open machine that was a long distance from the ground.

“The medical supply storeroom was also found wide open with no one inside, posing the risk of theft of medication. Garbage was lying around, including empty boxes and burn wound dressings that had not been disposed of.

“The courtyards were also unkempt and overgrown, and used as a dumpsite. Last year, DA spokesperson for Health, Isak Fritz, shone the spotlight on the dire state of care at Kuruman Hospital during a separate oversight inspection,” said Van der Westhuizen.

He said it is disappointing that a year later, the Northern Cape Department of Health has failed to address these shortcomings, despite promises made by the district manager and hospital CEO. Van der Westhuizen said ongoing attempts by the provincial health department and even the premier, to pretend that the state of health care in the province is satisfactory, are blatant lies.

“We have reported our findings to the SAHRC and we hope that, through their intervention, the provincial health department will be forced to own up to its serious health care failures and fix them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Director for Infrastructure, Planning and Maintenance at Northern Cape Department of Health, Xola Mpekelana said: “There is a limited space in the casualty of the hospital, including the wards. However, there is a temporary intervention in place.

“We are going to put up park homes to alleviate the pressure from the casualties and the wards. We also have a long term plan to build an extended casualty in the hospital.”

Mpekelana said the project will take about 12 months and the service provider has already been appointed. He said the project will commence in July 2025.

“The park homes will accommodate over 50 people,” said Mpekelana.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NWU Council appoints Prof Hennie Goede as registrar

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Professor Hennie Goede/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 May 2025- The North West University (NWU) Council said it has appointed Professor Hennie Goede, currently serving as the executive dean of the Faculty of Theology, as registrar designate. The university said the appointment was made during an extraordinary Council meeting held on 22 May 2025.

The Chairperson of the Council, Bert Sorgdrager said the date from which Goede will commence his duties as registrar designate will be determined and communicated very soon to ensure a smooth transition at the Faculty of Theology. Sorgdrager said upon such determination, Goede will work alongside and report to the current registrar, Prof. Marlene Verhoef, until 31 December 2025.

“Goede will officially commence his term as the NWU registrar on 1 January 2026 for a five-year period, concluding on 31 December 2031. We extend our congratulations to Goede and wish him success in his new role.

“Council is confident that Goede’s wealth of knowledge and experience in both academic and faculty administration will make an invaluable contribution to the NWU as we implement the new strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond,” he said.

Sorgdrager further said as executive dean, Goede has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Faculty of Theology during the past six years. He added that Goede serves on the university’s Senior Management Committee, the Senate, and various subcommittees.

“He currently chairs the Senate task team on postgraduate enrolments and is also a member of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Review Panel for Private Higher Education Institutions.

“Goede’s association with the NWU began in 2003, when he was appointed as locum tenens in Greek at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education,” said Sorgdrager.

He said between 2008 and 2016, he served as Minister in the Reformed Church. Sorgdrager said since 2016, he has held various academic and leadership roles in the Faculty of Theology at the NWU, including as senior lecturer, subject chair, acting executive dean, and as executive dean since 2019.

“In 2024, he was promoted to associate professor in New Testament Studies. Goede’s academic journey began at the former Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg), where he earned BCom and LLB degrees in 1992 and 1995 respectively, after which he practiced law as an attorney.

“He thereafter pursued honours degrees in Theology and Bible Translation at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (North West University), both completed in 2002,” he said.

Sorgdrager said this was followed by two master’s degrees, obtained in 2003 and 2005, and a doctoral degree in Greek at the NWU in 2011. He said Goede’s professional career reflects his multifaceted expertise, spanning law, the ministry and academia.

“In addition to his pastoral and legal experience, he has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s-degree students. His scholarly work has been widely published in academic journals and edited volumes, and he has presented research at both national and international conferences.

“Once again, I wish Goede well on his new journey at the NWU. The NWU Council has full confidence in his abilities and knows that he will add value to the extensive role of the Office of the Registrar and the NWU,” said Sorgdrager.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after Getrude Shope’s death

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Former ANCWL president, the late Getrude Shope

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 May 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of former ANCWL president and Member of Parliament (MP), Getrude Shope who passed away at the age of 99. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa who has expressed his profound sadness, described Shope as an educator, freedom fighter and a trade unionist.

Ramaphosa said Ma Shope, as she was affectionately known, was a recipient in 2003 of the official Order for Meritorious Service (Silver), which recognised South Africans who had rendered exceptional public service, and which preceded the present-day National Orders. He further offered his deep condolences to Ma Shope’s daughters, Lyndall Shope-Mafole and South African Ambassador to Cuba, Thaninga Shope-Linney.

“Their father was the late trade unionist, freedom fighter and revolutionary intellectual Mark Shope, and their brother, Lenin Magigwane Shope, who had been South Africa’s Ambassador to Senegal, passed away in December 2020.

“We have lost an eminent national heroine and mother to our nation. During a lifetime of close to a century, Ma Shope made a monumental contribution to our struggle for a free and inclusive South Africa, while inspiring generations of women and men to emulate her commitment,” said Ramaphosa.

He added that Ma Shope’ sacrifice, service and revolutionary bravery played out in formations from the African National Congress – where she was elected President of the Women’s League in 1990 – to the Federation of South African Women, the World Federation of Trade Unions and the first Parliament of the democratic South Africa.

“Her sacrifice included almost a quarter century in exile with her husband Mark and children in locations ranging from Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia to the then Czechoslovakia.

“She organised women and communities in our country as well as international organisations to oppose apartheid and alleviate the plight of oppressed communities while the struggle was underway,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Ma Shope also had the distinction of being listed as a co-conspirator in the Rivonia Trial, alongside Oliver Tambo, Joe Slovo, Ben Turok, Duma Nokwe, Joe Modise, Jack Hodgson and others. Ramaphosa said she was indeed an mbokodo that apartheid failed to erode or fracture, and she entered our first democratic Parliament in 1994, with a vibrancy and vision that made her an exemplary first-generation parliamentarian.

“Shope lives on in our national memory and her life’s work is reflected in the transformation we have attained and continue to effect in our society.

“May her soul rest in peace,” he said.

National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza said Shope was a principled and pioneering woman, a fearless voice for justice and a towering figure whose life embodied the spirit of South Africa’s long and painful struggle for freedom. Didiza said following the historic democratic breakthrough and South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Ma-Shope became part of the first generation of Members of Parliament in a free and democratic South Africa.

“In this historic role, she was instrumental in transforming Parliament from a symbol of oppression into a people’s institution rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and constitutional values.

“She helped lay the foundations of a democratic legislature that would reflect the will of all South Africans, contributing to the building of laws and institutions anchored in human dignity, equality, and justice,” she said.

Meanwhile, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) national spokesperson, Zanele Sabela said: “It is through stalwarts of Ma Shope’s caliber and many others who dedicated their lives through the liberation movement to serving the masses that the nation attained the democracy it now enjoys.

“Her character was revealed early in her life in her 20s, when she abandoned her personal aspirations, joining the African National Congress (ANC) to resist a brutal political system.”

Sabela said Shope’s initial resistance to the apartheid regime was proven by the bold decision to relinquish her teaching career as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education. She said Shope was instrumental in carving the recognition of human rights, the amplification of the voice of women, fearless in pursuit of justice for the vulnerable and equality for women, carrying these principles to Parliament after the 1994 elections. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Committee receives a brief from NEDLAC

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation received a briefing from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) on the National State Enterprises (NSE) Bill. The committee said NSE Bill aims to centralize the management of state-owned companies’ shareholdings under a holding company, the State Asset Management SOC Limited, to improve operational efficiency, governance and alignment with the state’s developmental objectives.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Teliswa Mgweba, welcomed the presentation by NEDLAC and said it will deepen the committee’s understanding of the Bill’s broader policy and developmental institution. Mgweba said she was also hopeful that the NSE Bill will significantly transform the governance, ownership and the architecture of state-owned companies.

“The legislation will also strengthen the oversight mechanism, accountability and performance monitoring to promote a transparent and inclusive legislative process.

“The committee will invite different other stakeholders to make submissions on the Bill as part of the extensive consultation process and public participation,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West experience a decline on NSC candidates

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of candidates sitting for NSC examinations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 May 2025- The North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, wishes all the best to the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate candidates who are currently writing their final examinations, which commenced on 12 May 2025, and will conclude on 25 June 2025.

Motsumi said this year, there are 22 014 candidates, a decrease from 27 010 in 2024.

She further said the examinations are being written in 73 Senior Certificate and 403 National Senior Certificate centres across the province. Motsumi added that the number of candidates has decreased by 4997 compared to last year.

“Printing, packing, packaging and storage of question papers has been 70% completed and stored securely. Distribution of the Question papers will be done daily at least two hours before the commencement of the examination.

“The May/June 2025 examination is prepared for those candidates who wish to improve their previous results. Second Chance Matric programme candidates and other previous Senior Certificate candidates, who are above the age of 21 and could not attain their matric,” she said.

Motsumi said marking guidelines will be released daily after the papers are written. She said the marking process will be conducted from 30 June to 10 July 2025, at the identified venues in the province under strict security protocol.

“Markers will be trained fully by the Chief Markers and Internal Moderators before marking could commence. External moderation will be conducted by both DBE and UMALUSI to quality assure the marking of the candidates’ scripts.

“We attribute the decrease in the number of candidates to the performance of last year. On behalf of the department, I wish all candidates the best of luck for their examinations,” said Motsumi.

She said they are pleased to see a significant decrease in the number of candidates, which they attribute to the high pass rate achieved by the Class of 2024. Motsumi said many learners performed exceptionally well, resulting in fewer candidates needing to rewrite.

“I encourage all registered candidates aiming to improve their results to use this opportunity to write their examinations. Unlike in previous years, where some candidates did not show up for their papers, I urge our candidates to commit to writing all their examination papers.

“This will ultimately enable them to pursue their dreams of furthering their studies at tertiary institutions and beyond. Candidates who wrote these examinations will receive their results from 8 August 2025, at the district offices for Senior Certificate and schools, where they were registered for National Senior Certificate,” she said.

Motsumi said candidates who have registered for the examination are encouraged to arrive on time for the examinations and avoid irregular conduct during examinations.

taungdailynews@gmail.com