Picture: Some of the suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
June 2025- Eleven suspects aged between 29 and 44 were arrested at illegal mining hot-spots in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts during Operation Vala Umgodi. The police said the disruptive actions were conducted by the multi-disciplinary pro-active and combat teams deployed from 3 until 6 June 2025 in the Kimberley and Kleinzee area.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the operations, members received a tip-off about suspected illegal miners hiding at a Game Reserve Farm, near Koingnaas. Pilane said the police operationalised the information and nine men were arrested.
“They were charged with various offences, including Contravention of Immigration laws, trespassing and possession of unpolished diamonds.
“Meanwhile, two men were arrested for Contravention of Immigration Laws when members were conducting compliance inspections and the owner was issued with a fine for employing an undocumented person in Beaconsfield in Kimberley,” he said.
Pilane further said various mining implements were confiscated at disused mine dumps in both districts. He added that the fight against illegal mining remains a priority for the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape and efforts will be intensified to dismantle these operations.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious criminal activities via the MYSAPS App or the 08600 10111 crime stop number,” said Pilane.
7 June 2025 – The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has concluded its 57th Plenary Assembly in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with the adoption of several key resolutions on artificial intelligence and its impact on the work of legislatures. The Assembly started on 2 June 2025, and was convened under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”
On Tuesday, the Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the South African delegation, Thoko Didiza, presented South Africa’s country report, highlighting the progress made in implementing resolutions adopted at the 56th Plenary Assembly, held in December 2024 in Zambia. In her presentation, Didiza outlined South Africa’s efforts to leverage technology and innovation in building a smart, inclusive and responsive Parliament.
She further noted how Parliament mobilised, allocated and used resources to support public health, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) financing. Didiza also added that, the restoration of Parliament’s fire-damaged buildings strongly focuses on ICT modernisation, which includes improved broadcasting systems, hybrid meeting platforms and upgraded data networks.
“A key priority is replacing the data centre, which was destroyed by water damage during the 2022 fire. These efforts aim to enhance members’ effectiveness and fulfil constitutional obligations, particularly Section 59, which mandates public access and participation in the legislative process.
“The recent signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law, is a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage. It has a potential impact on access to and funding for sexual and reproductive health services and described the Act as a milestone in the journey toward comprehensive, quality healthcare for all,” she said.
Meanwhile, during the session, South Africa presented three motions to the plenary. These included one by the Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Kenneth Mmoiemang.
He presented a motion titled: “Strengthening cyber security in the SADC region by creating institutional capacity and viable legal frameworks to respond to the growing cyber security threats in the region.”
“This motion called for strengthened regional cyber security and urged national parliaments to align their legal frameworks with the Malabo Convention and SADC Model Laws and for Member States to establish and adequately resource cyber security institutions.
“This includes investing in digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, expanding education and training to build cyber security skills and promoting public-private partnerships and regional collaboration to share best practices and combat cyber threats,” said Mmoiemang.
Another member of the delegation, Bonginkosi Madikizela, who is a Member of the National Assembly (NA), presented a motion on increasing efforts to prevent the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS in the SADC region. Madikizela said this motion called on member states to intensify efforts to prevent the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS.
“We urge the expedited implementation of the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS by 2030, also known as the Dar es Salaam Declaration, emphasising regional coordination and accountability,” he said.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP), Veronica Mente, presented a motion on the slow implementation of the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage. Mente said this motion urged SADC member parliaments to take concrete action to combat child marriage by pressing their governments to adopt and implement the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage.
“We call on governments to assign parliamentary committees to audit existing child protection and marriage laws, identify inconsistencies, and align them with the Model Law.
“Increasing funding for programmes that prevent child marriage, support survivors, and promote access to education, healthcare, and awareness, amending relevant national laws to meet regional and international child protection standards and calling on key ministries to create coordinated, multi-sectoral implementation plans with clear timelines, measurable outcomes and accountability structures,” she said.
Picture: The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
7 June 2025- The Ratlou Local Municipality mayor, Matlhomola Jafta has introduced a newly-appointed contractor to resume and complete the stale road construction project in Makgobistad village. Jafta said the development comes after the previous contractor, appointed last year, failed to fulfil their obligation and left the project incomplete and that eventually left the community frustrated.
He further said the new contractor, World Focus and Project, has been officially appointed to complete the construction of the 2km paved-bricks road. Jafta added that the project is scheduled to be completed within eight months with a completion date set for February 2026.
“The total cost of the project is estimated as R15 million. We understand the frustration and disappointment the community has endured. However, we are hopeful that the newly-appointed contractor will deliver quality work within the set time frame.
“Our goal is to restore trust and ensure that this essential infrastructure is complete without delays. We assure the tribal authorities that the project will also come with business and job opportunities for the community. Such shall fund expression in upcoming community meetings,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kgosi Abel Motsewakhumo commended the municipality with the action taken. Motsewakhumo said he is pleased that the municipality has taken responsibility and moved swiftly to correct its mistake.
7June 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation expressed concerns on Friday about financial constraints and vacancies at Statistics South Africa (SA), which hampers its effectiveness as the national statistical agency.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Teliswa Mgweba said they were briefed by Stats SA, Brand South Africa (Brand SA) and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) on their annual performance and strategic plans. Mgweba said regarding vacancy rates, the committee was concerned that they impact the quality and timeliness of statistical products, as well as the agency’s ability to retain skilled personnel.
“The committee urged Stats SA to develop a strategy for retaining skilled workers and to explore partnerships to enhance data collection and statistical capabilities.
“The committee also questioned if Stats SA’s infrastructure is fit for purpose to meet the demands of a technologically evolving world. We have noted that the ICT systems are out-dated and urged the entity to invest more in modernising its systems.
“Modernising ICT infrastructure is crucial for maintaining data integrity and improving operational efficiency. Following the DPME presentation, members emphasised the need to align the Medium-Term Development Plan with departmental budgets while improving capacity to address implementation challenges,” she said.
Mgweba further said the committee urged Brand SA to refine its performance indicators and targets so that the impact of its nation-branding is more quantifiable and effective. She added that, acknowledging this, Brand SA vowed to refine its performance framework to showcase the entity’s impact better.
“The committee also raised concerns about Brand SA’s agility, particularly in its response to changes in socio-economic contexts, emphasising the need for partnerships and collaboration to address the evolving needs of all people in South Africa.
“Members were particularly interested in how Brand SA collaborates with other government entities, such as Government Communication Information Systems (GCIS) and the Department of Trade and Industry, to improve its nation-branding efforts and the strategies in place to counter negative perceptions of South Africa around the world,” said Mgweba.
She said the committee emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure that the department and its entities support the country’s development agenda. Mgweba said the committee’s inputs and recommendations will now be consolidated into the Budget Review and Recommendations Report that will inform the upcoming budget vote debates.
Statistician-General Mr Risenga Maluleke told the committee that there are over 720 positions, and this affects Stats SA’s ability to perform its core functions and its capacity to meet data needs for policy-making.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Department, Dr Themba Mhlongo, acknowledged the necessity for stronger legislative frameworks to empower the department and ensure compliance from other entities.
Picture: Minibus taxi allegedly hijacked dumped in Leshobo village
By OBAKENG MAJE
7 June 2025- It is alleged that a minibus taxi with commuters inside from Khudutlou village, near Taung, was hijacked. Even though the details of the event are still sketchy at the moment, it is alleged that the victims were robbed off their belongings and dumped off at Leshobo village.
The police are still at the scene and no one has been arrested thus far.
*This is a developing story and more details will follow.
7 June 2025 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo had no complaints and was satisfied with the performance of his players after they were held to a goalless draw by Tanzania in an international friendly match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Friday night.
There were several newcomers in the team and Broos said many of them rose to the challenge against a Tanzania side that gave the South Africans plenty to think about.
“I think there were eight new national team jerseys today and what I want to say is we had a totally new team today, with players who have never played together before, except those who play for the same team.
“So, it was not easy. I said it before the game, the result is not important and for me it was not important. Sure, we wanted to win the game today and we could have won the game because we had some chances,” he said.
Broos further said, but the performance was more important. He added that, he is happy with what he saw today.
“You should not underestimate the fact that when you bring 23 players together and you select 11 to play a game, players who have never play together, it is not easy,” said Broos.
Tanzania will now turn their attention to the COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein and coach Hemed Suleiman said Bafana Bafana gave them a tough workout ahead of their participation in the regional tournament.
“As I said before, South Africa has a good team. I think they are trying to build their team for the future because I saw that they were missing some players. But they like to play football, and I know it,” he said.
Bafana Bafana will play against Mozambique in their next match on Tuesday night, to be also hosted at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
7 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape confiscated R1 873 716 illicit cigarettes in Rosedale. This comes after a successful entrapment operation conducted by Upington Border Police members in the Rosedale area on 6 June 2025.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the off-duty members of Highway Patrol, informed their colleagues about the illicit cigarettes stored at one of the premises in Rosedale and they conducted a buy and bust operation with the assistance of SARS Customs personnel. Masegela said the possession of illicit cigarette inquiry was subsequently registered with exhibits being handed over to customs for further handling and investigation.
“On a continuous quest to fight any form of illegal activities in the ZF Mgcawu District, the SAPS members work jointly with their informants in actions against crime,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the members for the exemplary teamwork and prompt response.
The Guardian 