Monthly Archives: June 2025

TIA to sign MoU with MICT SETA

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Picture: MICT SETA educating learners/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 June 2025- The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an entity of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) in partnership with the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA), set to officially sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at powering digital skills and innovation in South Africa.

The Alkemi Collective from Martin Slabbert, who released an invite on behalf of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Martin Slabbert said this landmark partnership sets in motion a multi-year strategic partnership that will see TIA and MICT SETA jointly design and implement targeted digital and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills programmes.

Slabbert said: “These initiatives aim to broaden access to innovation driven learning, improve employment readiness among youth and strengthen South Africa’s National System of Innovation.

“The MOU will unlock various opportunities, including co-funded digital skills and incubation programmes. Bursary schemes and a dedicated Research Chair in Innovation Management. The internship and placement opportunities for graduates.”

He further said accelerated support for entrepreneurs through hackathons, mentorship, and commercialisation platforms. Slabbert added that this event marks a significant step toward bridging South Africa’s digital divide and enabling a future ready workforce that reflects the country’s diversity and potential.

“The event will take place at MICT SETA Offices, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand at 11am until 1pm. TIA is a national public entity that serves as the key institutional intervention to bridge the innovation chasm between research and development from higher education institutions, science councils, public entities, the private sector, and commercialisation,” he said.

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Unemployed youths scammed over road traffic learnership

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Picture: The traffic officers duirng parade in North West/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 June 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said his department has noted with disquiet concern what appears to be an unceasing concerted effort by unknown individuals to scam unsuspecting and desperate unemployed young people by promising to train them as traffic officers. Morweng said this comes after one of these scammers going by name of ‘Mr Mantswe’ allegedly solicits money from the desperate unemployed young people under the guise of securing positions for them in the Road Traffic Learnership.

He further said the scammer allegedly promise those who had applied for traffic learnership to take them to the college “in Welkom in the Free State”. Morweng added that, this cretin allegedly tell innocent victims that he comes from his office and had scammed several young people about R700 each ostensibly for “transport”.

“The department wishes to inform the public that the traffic learnership recruitment process has been concluded and successful applicants have already been taken to the college at the beginning of this month.

“The department will inform the prospective applicants through official platforms, including website and social media pages when the next recruitment cycle starts.

We call on individuals who had been conned off by these roguish people to lay charges with the police,” he said.

Morweng said this is an illegal conduct by those who seek to take advantage of unemployed young people who are in the market for job opportunities. He said they are appealing to take to report these people to the police and to the department.

“Meanwhile our Legal Unit has opened the case with Mmabatho Police Station for further investigation. The department would like to put it on record that it follows guidelines and procedures outlined by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on employment processes.

“This includes the recruitment of candidates on the traffic learnership. The recruitment process does not require any money from applicants as the department pays for the transportation and training costs of the successful applicants,” said Morweng.

He said the public is advised to be cautious of these criminal elements and to report any suspicious behaviour to their nearest police station and to the department.

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‘Mosetsanyana o go begwang a sa itekanela sentle o beteletswe’

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Setshwantsho: Maloko a ANCWL ba gwantetse kwa kgotlhatshekelo kgatlhanong le kgetsi ya petelelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Seetebosigo 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya petelelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore go begwe fa lekgarebe (15) le le sa itekanelang sentle le betelelwe kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung, ka letsatsi la borre, 15 Seetebosigo 2025.

Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, ele moithuti kwa sekolong sa Sebotloane Special School mono Taung.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba, mongwe wa lelapa la kwa gabo lekgarebe le, utlwile segajaja kwa ntlung e sa felang ya RDP, mme a tswa letsholo go ya go lebelela gore go diragalang. Manyoba are, mongwe o wa lelapa, o ile a makala thata fa a fitlhela motswasetlhabelo a apara diaparo tsa gagwe, mme a na le monna mongwe o a itsiweng kwa motseng.

“Kgetsi ya petelelo e butswe, fela sepodisi se sentse se emetse pego tsa dingaka (medical report). Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Manyoba wa tlhalosa.

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Zee Nxumalo Leads the Pack with Four Nominations as Basadi in Music Awards Unveils Star-Studded 2025 Lineup

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 June 2025- The music world lit up yesterday as the Basadi in Music Awards unveiled one of its fiercest nominee lists and at the center of it all is powerhouse Zee Nxumalo. With four major nominations (Sofnfree Artist of the Year, Amapiano Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Song of the Year), the rising star isn’t just making waves, she’s leading a new era in South African music, proving that young women are not just part of the conversation, they’re running it.

Hot on her heels are fan favourites Nontokozo Mkhize (Sofnfree Artist of the Year, Gospel Artist of the year and Song of the year), Liema Pantsi (Songwriter of the year, Music video of the year and Collaboration of the year), media maven Relebogile Mabotja (Entertainment Radio Presenter of the year, Entertainment TV Producer of the year and Podcast Presenter of the year), and Kamo Mphela (Amapiano Artist of the year, Sofnfree Artist of the year and Best Styled Artist of the year) each securing three nominations in what promises to be the most fiercely contested awards ceremony in the event’s four-year history.

Founder and CEO of Basadi in Music Awards, Hloni Modise Matau said: “When we see artists making such waves across our categories, we know we’re witnessing something special. This year’s nominees represent the heartbeat of South African music right now.

“The 2025 awards are breaking new ground with an electrifying two-night extravaganza at Johannesburg’s prestigious Joburg Theatre, themed “Symphony of Harmony” – a celebration drawing from nature’s four elements to represent the raw power these women bring to music.”

Modise Matau further said on the first night, the Vanguard Awards transforms the theatre into an intimate powerhouse gathering, honouring the brilliant minds working behind the magic. She added that this exclusive, invite-only evening shines a long-overdue spotlight on the women pulling strings backstage from visionary artist managers to ground-breaking producers.

“In the second night, the Music Awards explodes into a full-scale celebration where South Africa’s finest female artists battle it out for the top prizes. With tickets at R850 through Webtickets, fans can witness history as their favourite stars compete for ultimate bragging rights,” she said.


Modise Matau said the expansion from one night to two reflects the explosive growth of women’s influence in the industry. She said what started as a single evening of recognition has evolved into a movement that’s impossible to contain in just one night.

Video Entertainment Marketing Manager from SABC 2, Dichaba Phalatse said he could not contain his excitement. Phalatse said the energy these women bring is exactly what South African entertainment needs.

“We’re not just broadcasting an awards show, but we’re amplifying a revolution,” he said.

Xoliswa Nduneni the CEO of Joburg Theatre said two nights means double the drama, double the celebration, and double the recognition these incredible women deserve. Our venue is ready to host something truly legendary. Lerato Selepe Tikwayo, Marketing Manager of Sofnfree said: , shared:  “Music and beauty go hand in hand, and Sofnfree is proud to support an initiative that uplifts and honours the incredible women shaping the industry. We are thrilled to return as partners for the fourth year, this is more than an awards show; it’s a movement.”

Manaileng Maphike, Managing Director of Maphike Inc., emphasized: “Empowering women in the music industry is not just about recognition it is also about creating lasting change. Basadi in Music Awards is a powerful platform that amplifies the voices of women shaping the future of music and entertainment.”

The competition has never been tighter, this year’s ceremony promises unforgettable moments and the kind of performances that become instant classics.

This isn’t just an awards show, it’s the music event of the year. The women shaping South Africa’s sound are ready to claim their throne.

Don’t just watch history unfold, be part of it. Your vote could be the deciding factor in who takes home the crown. Cast your vote now at http://www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/categories and help shape the biggest night in South African music.

To vote for your preferred candidate, simply visit www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/categories/ to view the category list. You can vote by using one of the following methods:

  1. SMS – Send the category name along with your nominee’s name to 36391. People stand a chance to win a VIP Ticket
  2. Online – Visit www.basadiinmusicawards.co.za/vote, choose your category, and complete the nomination with a credit card payment.

Both nomination methods cost R1,50 per submission (terms and conditions apply).
 
Tickets are open, and with limited seats at Joburg Theatre, this is your chance to witness the drama, the tears, the triumph, and those show-stopping performances everyone will be talking about on the socials. Secure your seat at https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/seating.aspx?itemid=1570439572 before they’re gone.
The countdown to crowning 2025’s music royalty has officially begun. Will you be there when the winners are announced?
 
List of Nominees Below:
 
Vanguard Awards 1 August –
 

CategoryNameShow/Publication/Podcast
Artist Manager of the yearHloni Hlo Mohlala 
 Phindile Matroshe 
 Tholsi Pillay 
 Maphuthi Perez 
 Miss T Thwala 
   
Entertainment Radio Presenter of the yearMannehileng LetukaIthlabolle Lesedi FM
 Relebogile Mabotja702 unplugged Sessions
 LootloveThe Touchdown Metro FM
 Hlekani ShikwambanaCapricorn Experience Capricorn FM
 Lebo MaoelaRea Thella Aftrnoon Drive Lesedi FM
 Kgomotso MesoDrive 959 Kaya FM
   
Entertainment Journalist of the yearKeitumetse MaakoNews 24
 Joy MphandeTshisa Live
 Nokuthula ZwaneMedia 24
 Mbali MbathaCity Press
 Mapule PuleMaftown online
   
   
Choreographer of the yearDelta the Leo 
 Bontle Modiselle-Moloi 
 Tlhogi Molefi 
   
Entertainment TV Presenter of the yearLeraiNewsish MTV Base
 Zanele PotelaHotspot Seli
 Mpumi Mlambo Ushuni Womhlaba SABC 1
   
   
Best Styled Artist of the yearFaith K 
 Moozlie 
 Kamo Mphela 
 Anele Zondo (Ney the Bae) 
   
Entertainment TV Producer of the yearRelebogile MabotjaTyla’s Showmax Homecoming Concert
 Dineo LusengaThe Orbit Youtube
   
Entertainment Radio Producer of the yearTlou TlonaeCapricorn  Breakfast Capricorn FM
 Phindile MthombeniThe AM Prime Show Emalahleni FM
 Noni KhumaloThe Lunch League Y
 Dineo LusengaThe Midday Link UpMetro FM
   
Make Up Artist of the yearBongi Mlotswa 
 Nomsa Madida 
 Nono Linchwe 
 Stephy Kwanaite 
Hairstylist of the yearHair by Nana R 
 Ntombomzi Lekgoro 
 Mbalezwehair 
 Jullz_Hairstylist 
 Tumelo Mj Afrobotique 
   
Podcast Presenter of the yearPharoahiPopcorn and Cheese
 Relebogile MabotjaThe Relebogile Mabotja Podcast
 LaconcoTimeline with Laconco
 Si JonesSi Sessions Africa

 
 
 
 
Music Awards 2 August

CategoryArtistSong
Afropop Artist of the yearZetheAbantu
 NomakhosiniAngsafuni Ngami
 MotlanaloGoya Goyile
 Naledi AphiweRomeo and Juliet
 Lwah NdlunkuluMnakwethu
   
Amapiano Artist of the yearKamo mphelaWoza
 Pabi CooperPabi Jo
 Zee NxumaloNgisakuthanda
 BassieKwelanga 2.0
 Babalwa MBothata
   
Sofnfree Artist of the yearZee NxumaloNgsakuthanda
 Xolly NcwangoLiyabasebenzela
 Kamo MphelaWoza
 Nontokozo MkhizeEsandleni
 MakhadziNumber 1
   
Collaboration of the yearCici and Liema PantsiImpumelelo
 Babalwa M and YallunderMthuthuzeli
 Mpho Sebina and Lioness RatangLioness
 Nosipho,Cici and Liema PantsiHome
 Boohle, DEE Koala,K MatIskhath’ Sam Manje
   
Dance Artist of the yearManana HighnessMdali
 MakhadziNumber 1
 ShandeshSdudla/Slender
 KarishmaChokesmal
 AzanaAbogogo
   
DJ of the yearLerato kganyago 
 DJ Tshepi 
 Lamiez Holworthy 
 DJ Zinhle 
 Kele Megano 
   
Gospel Artist of the yearMapula MonyepaoHale Phirimile
 Nontokozo MkhizeEsandleni
 SneizyUyinqaba Yethu
 Xolly MncwangoLiyabasebenzela
 Sindi NtombelaUlithemba Lethu
   
Hip Hop Artist of the year  
 Ms KulieDyi Baddie
 Nadia NakaiNo Problems
 Gigi LamayneBleed Mama
 StaticFloSeven7
 Faith KQosh
   
Jazz Artist of the yearSalphina KadiakaChampaign
 Rorisang SecheleTsoga
 TshenoloFreedom Song
 Gabi MotubaOrder my Steps
   
Reggae Artist of the year DimahrDry Tears
 UndefyndDanceholic
 Lani MCarried Away
  Sankie FayaumanMotherland
  MadaGloryGraceful Dub
   
Traditional Artist of the year Phumla MusicMakhonjwa
 MmaAusi2 Pula
 Esther MphahleleBasadi
 Miss HillaryHangwani
   
   
   
Song of the yearZee NxumaloNgisakuthanda
 BassieKwelanga 2.0
 Nontokozo MkhizeEsandleni
 Aya MsaniDubai 2.0
 Lwa NdlunkuluMnakwethu
   
   
Songwriter of the yearBongiwe MngomezuluUyangihola
 Liema PANTSILet me be
 Cnethemba GoneloLindishonele
 MotlanaloGoya Goyile
 Zoe ModigaUyakhazimula
   
Newcomer of the year  
 Nonny MujiNguye
 AyarhkayHamba
 Lani MWhat you made of
 Mega SnowflakeAketeng
   
Pop Artist of the yearChanteStay the night
 Tasha BaxterBipolar Bear
 Jamie Lee SextonMissing
 Anica KianaKiss me Hard
   
   
Music Video of the yearLiema PantsiLet me be
 Zee NxumaloNgisakuthanda
 Naledi AphiweNgiyabonga
 KharishmaChokeslem
 Pabi CooperPabi Jo

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Banyana assemble for their final training camp ahead of WAFCON

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 June 2025 – African champions Banyana Banyana have assembled for their final training camp ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to be played in Morocco from 5-26 July 2025.

All but three players have reported for national team duty with the remaining trio of Jermaine Seoposenwe (Mexico), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (DRC Congo) and Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) expected in the next few days.

Bongiwe Thusi has been called up as a replacement for Michelle Sampson, who withdrew as she was not feeling well. South African senior women’s national team coach Dr Desiree Ellis will on Monday, announce the final 21 players that are heading to Morocco, with a further two placed on standby.

“We haven’t had any conversations yet, it’s still a selection camp and we just had conversations with players coming into camp, asking them how they are doing, what their expectations are.

“Some are somewhat nervous, some are very excited, but we wanted to make them feel welcome because there are places to fight for. We are looking at taking a versatile squad like we’ve done in the past. So, we’re trying to look at players these next couple of days in as many positions as we know they can play and how they can add value to the team,” she said.

The four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year also touched on the recent announcement made by Banyana Banyana goal poacher, Seoposenwe that she will retire from the Sasol-sponsored national team after the WAFCON.

“Jermaine has been a fantastic servant and whenever she has needed to step up, she stepped up and the 2022 WAFCON was that because she hadn’t played for us for more than a year due to visa issues.

“I just want to say to Jermaine ‘thank you for the service that you’ve given.’ I don’t think we can thank her enough for what she’s done, but when a player makes a decision, then you have to respect that,” said Ellis.

She further said she had conversations with Jermaine, so it wasn’t a surprise for her, but she has to respect the decision. Ellis said the African champions are expected to depart for Morocco on 24 June 2025.

Meanwhile, the WAFCON defending champions are in Group C and they were drawn against Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.

Banyana Banyana Provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad:

GOALKEEPERS:

Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon

DEFENDERS:

Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede,

MIDFIELDERS

Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana

FORWARDS:

Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely

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Committee urges executive to address uncertain guarantee to kick-start renewal of Denel

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By REGINALD KANYANE

21 June 2025 – The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has urged the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to strengthen engagements to find workable solutions around the challenge facing Denel of acquiring guarantees necessary to deliver on contracts required to improve the liquidity challenges facing the entity. The committee held an introductory meeting with the senior management of the entity to assess progress in implementing the turnaround strategy of the entity.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Phiroane Phala said, while the committee acknowledged the challenge with the unwillingness of the financial institutions to issue guarantees, mainly due to administrative and governance challenges, it is necessary to find solutions as a means of breathing new life into the entity. Phala said the committee highlighted the importance of Denel in supporting the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to deliver on its mandate, skills development as well as potential impact on economic growth.

“While finding solutions to address the guarantee challenge and the importance of that, the overriding issue is the stabilisation of the entity, re-establishing the reputation of the entity on the global defence market, and improving the liquidity of the entity.

“The skills drain occasioned by the challenges faced by the entity must be addressed to ensure that there are adequate skills to deliver on any probable contracts. Denel has to be supported to exploit the huge potential inherent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Malusi Gigaba said they welcome the assurance by the Minister that processes are underway to appoint a new board following the expiry of the current board’s term of office. Gigaba said, despite this, the committee highlighted that the shareholder representative must provide a long-term growth plan on how Denel can contribute to the skills base development and economic development of the country.

“The committee also welcomed the assurance that there is improvement in the alignment between Armscor and Denel, especially on the finalisation of Project Hoefyster.

“The committee highlighted that the support Denel offers to the SANDF is critical to create a platform for exposure to the international market. Any potential contract will be dependent on Denel proving the extensive use in the home country,” said Gigaba.

Gigaba further said it is on this basis that the alignment between Armscor and Denel is critical. He added that despite this, the committee highlighted the long-term risk posed to Denel and the entire defence industry by continuing underfunding of the SANDF.

“The committee has, since its establishment, highlighted the need for a reconsideration of the dwindling budgets to the SANDF as it has unmitigable impact on the defence industry and the ability of the SANDF to acquire and maintain necessary capabilities to safeguard South Africa’s sovereign integrity.

“The committee welcomed the information that there are green shoots in the stabilisation of the entity. For example, the committee was informed that Denel is now profitable despite its debt burden and skills shortages,” he said.

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Monna o fitlhetse a kaleditswe mo setlhareng

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Setshwantsho: Setopo sa monna se akgega mo setlhareng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Seetebosigo 2025- Setopo sa monna wa dingwaga di le 31 se bonwe se akgega mo setlhareng kwa Unit 14, Mmabatho, gaufi le Mahikeng mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a bolaiwa ke rragwe lekgarebe le a neng a ratana le lone.

Go ya ka dipego tse di sa totobalang, go begwa fa moswi a ne a ratana le lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 15, fela rragwe lekgarebe leo, ga ka a tsaya kgang eo sentle. Go begwa fa rragwe lekgarebe leo, a ile a latela moswi le go mo kopa gore a kgaogane le ngwana wa gagwe.

Fela go begwa fa moswi a ile a gana go kgaogana le lekgarebe leo. Go begwa fa rragwe lekgarebe le, a ile a ja sejanaga sa moswi ka molelo pele ga a ka mo kaletsa.     

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba are: “Sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe ka tiragalo e, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga ise go tshwarwe ope.”

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Northern Cape MEC, Manopole commemorate Youth Month through cleaning and greening campaign

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Land Reform, Agriculture and Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs, Mase Manopole

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 June 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Land Reform, Agriculture and Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs, Mase Manopole, together with Sol Plaatje Municipality’s acting Executive Mayor, Diteko Dioka, successfully led the commemoration of Youth Month and Environmental Month in Roodepan, Northern Cape yesterday.

Monopole said the day featured a series of impactful activities, including a Cleaning and Greening Campaign , a Veterinary Outreach Service and a vibrant Youth Market Day — all aimed at empowering young people and promoting sustainable community development.

“The department extends its heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, youth participants, and community members who contributed to the success of this integrated event, which underscores our commitment to resilient youth, sustainable communities, and a greener Northern Cape,” she said.

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A double murder case against two accused postponed  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 June 2025- The double murder case against two men was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court until 2 July 2025, for a formal bail application. Two accused aged 29 and 41, allegedly connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on 14 June 2025.

The accused, who the court ordered that their names be withheld, were arrested by the team composed of Rustenburg Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg and Boitekong Visible Policing, Phokeng K9 and District Trio Task Team.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said their tireless work led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a vehicle and firearm connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon. Myburgh said the arrests are a result of excellent crime intelligence work in identifying, locating and tracking the vehicle that was used to flee from the crime scene.

“The vehicle was traced, found and seized at Ndamoyi, Boitekong. Upon being questioned by the police, the first suspect conceded that on that fateful day, he was traveling in and driving the Kia Rio vehicle and that he was with his friend who was the one who allegedly shot the elderly couple before they fled from the scene.

“He then took the police to Rustenburg East, where his accomplice is staying.  Upon arrival, the police found the second person who showed them a pistol. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and the firearm seized.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These swift arrests should send a strong message to those who commit crime that the police in the province will relentlessly track them down and that they will have no place to hide.”

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Committee on Electricity briefed on revised strategic plan and APP

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

20 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing yesterday from the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa on public allegations made by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party relating to the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer (IPP) Procurement Programme.

In addition, the committee said it was briefed by the Department of Electricity and Energy on its revised strategic plan 2025-2030, annual performance plan (APP) 2025/26 and Budget Vote No 10 for 2025/26, including the impact on its entities. During their deliberations, members of the committee including the Minister were of the view that the meeting should ideally occur in an in-person setup rather than on a virtual platform.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said members requested that the one agenda item be moved where the committee would meet in-person. Mvana said the committee agreed to postpone the contentious battery energy storage IPP matter to an in-person meeting next week while proceeding with the departmental presentation.

“Regarding the revised strategic plan and APP, the committee expressed a view that the Just Energy Transition could disproportionately benefit a select few individuals while neglecting the working class.

“Some committee members emphasised that any transition from carbon-based energy sources to renewables must consider the livelihoods of those who may be adversely affected,” she said.

Mvana further said committee members sought clarity on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities such as Eskom and the National Electricity Regulator of SA. She added that questions were raised regarding the root causes of their ongoing financial instability, which necessitates continuous bailouts.

“Members requested a detailed plan and timeline for achieving improved financial stability by 2030, along with specific metrics to track progress. Additionally, there was a call for transparency regarding the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds.

“Particularly, since a significant portion of the department’s budget is allocated to the Integrated National Electrification Programme. The delay in finalising the Gas Master Plan and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was another critical issue highlighted by committee members,” said Mvana.

She said the urgency of these frameworks was underscored, particularly in light of the impending “gas-supply cliff” and the need for a cohesive energy strategy. Mvana said members expressed concerns that the absence of these plans could hinder the country’s ability to transition effectively to renewable energy sources.

“Another important point raised during the discussions was the department’s approach to climate change. Committee members requested clarity on the initiatives being implemented to address climate objectives and the tangible results expected in terms of emissions control and air quality improvement.

“The need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate climate change impacts was underscored. Furthermore, the committee discussed the importance of addressing the national skills shortage within the energy sector,” she said.

Mvana said members sought information on how the department plans to enhance workforce skills to meet the demands of the energy transition. She said, additionally, the role of digitisation in combating corruption and promoting efficiency within the department was also a topic of interest.

“In response, the department acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to providing detailed information on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities, including the steps being taken to reduce reliance on bailouts.

“The department outlined ongoing efforts to create a more accountable budget framework and emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in finalising the Gas Master Plan and IRP,” said Mvana.

She said the department assured the committee that measures are being implemented to address load reduction issues and enhance energy distribution. Mvana said regarding skill development, they indicated that partnerships with educational institutions and training programmes are being explored to build capacity in the energy sector.

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