Daily Archives: July 13, 2025

Banyana Banyana looking to finish top of group 

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 July 2025 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she is looking to finish top of Group C in the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after the defending champions qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament without kicking a ball, and with a match to spare. The South African senior women’s national team progressed to the next round, along with Mali, after the completion of the round robin stages in Group A, with Morocco beating Senegal 1-0 and Zambia triumphant over DR Congo by the same scoreline.

Dr Ellis’ charges currently lead their group on goal difference as they are level with Mali on four points each.

The two countries face off on 14 July 2025 at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco in a battle for top spot in the group. Banyana Banyana need only a draw or a win to retain their position ahead of the quarterfinals.

“We can get a point, but I think to play for a point is very dangerous. As long as I can remember, when we needed a draw, we’ve never gone to play for a point because you get caught, I’ve seen it happen to big teams.

“I don’t know what year it was but Benny McCarthy at Porto, Man United needing a draw and losing it right at the end and so we’re not that kind of team that will take it out of our hands,” said Ellis.

She further said they will ensure what they (Mali) are going to do, obviously they will see when the game starts how they set up whether they sit deep or whether they come. Ellis added that they have it in their hands to top the group, so they want to make sure that they win the game.

“This will be the second time the two nations meet, with the previous match ending in a 2-0 victory for South Africa in this same competition back in 2018 in Ghana in the semi-finals. Both sides have travelled a similar path in the 2024 edition so far – a win and a draw each and conceded one goal apiece.

“The last time we played Mali was 2018 where we actually wanted to go to the next stage, and what we know about them is that they are a typical African team – very physical, and they have a key player in their striker. But we have a good analysis team that is briefing us on that, and we know that it’s going to be a tough game,” she said.

Banyana Banyana co-captain Amogelang Motau said as they have seen with the tournament, every team has gotten better and that’s what they love to see for women’s football – the competitiveness going up and for them as players and individually, it can only make us better. Motau said they also have their strengths that they are planning to use against them, so the goal is to get positive results, and she think they will do that.

In their recent matches in this tournament, South Africa defeated Ghana and played to a 1-1 draw against Tanzania, while Mali overpowered Tanzania 1-0 and shared the spoils with Ghana 1-1.

“Tanzania and South Africa play similar football, we beat Tanzania in our first match now we are facing South Africa, a team we know very well and we think are beatable.

“But then again, games like these bring a different dimension but we have our own way of doing things and we will try and employ a different strategy and once the game starts you never know what will happen,” said Mali coach Mohamed Saloum ‘Housseï’.

Meanwhile, kick-off between the African Champions and Mali is at 9pm South African time (8pm local time in Morocco).

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North West MEC for DEDECT to host Business Forum Colloquim

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Picture: The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 July 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane will host a Business Forum Colloquium in partnership with key stakeholders in the MSME sector across the North West.

Lenkopane said the colloquium is part of her department’ strategic build-up to the 2025/26 budget speech and forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships, foster dialogue, and align departmental interventions with inclusive economic priorities.

“This platform will bring together registered business forums, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and key government entities to deliberate on pressing economic challenges affecting the MSME sector, particularly access to bridging finance, regulatory bottlenecks, and institutional support.

“With a strong focus on empowerment, financial solutions, and stakeholder collaboration, the event under the theme “Driving Economic Empowerment” will also align with South Africa’s broader G20 2025 priorities of inclusive growth and sustainable economic development, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she said.

Lenkopane further said forums play a vital role in unlocking local economic opportunities, and this engagement reaffirms the department’s commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and resilient provincial economy. She added that, the event will be held at the Mmabatho Convention Centre on 15 July 2025, at 12pm.

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Ramaphosa expected to establish a commission of inquiry amidst Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations

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Picture: Embattled Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu

By REGINALD KANYANE

13 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership. Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on 6 July 2025, when Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said he undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security. Magwenya said Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 7pm on 13 July 2025.

“The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa is expected to establish a commission of inquiry led by a retired judge to investigate Mkhwanazi’s explosive allegations. During a media briefing last week, Mkhwanazi accused the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, Deputy Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and some of members from National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Judiciary in cohorts with criminals.

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Mosetsanyana o tlhokafetse morago ga go ja mazimba

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

13 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Batlharos, gaufi le Kuruman, se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 12 a tlhokafale fa Phukwi a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 6.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Sarasanta Timothy Sam are dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di shupa fa moswi ga mmogo le bo mogoloe ba jele mazimba. Go ya ka Sam, bana ba, ba ile ba ya go reka mazimba kwa spaza shop.

“Go begwa fa moswi a ile a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong kwa Kuruman morago ga gore a lwale.

Fela, go ile ga netefadiwa fa a setse a tlhokafetse. Dipholo tsa morago ga loso di tla nna karolo ya dipatlisiso,” Sam wa tlhalosa.

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Extortion is emerging crime trend in Northern Cape

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 July 2025- The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola said they have prioritised extortion as it is an emerging crime trend, which causes concern. Otola said extortion can become overwhelming and challenging once it has infiltrated communities, businesses and the construction sector.

She further said extortion is a criminal offence where an individual illegally obtains money, property or services from another person by threatening harm or using coercive measures. Otola added that threats can involve physical violence, property damage, accusations of crime or exposure of sensitive information.

“In an effort to create awareness, an information session was conducted and hosted by Kumba Sishen Mine during which the Northern Cape Provincial Head for Serious and Violent Crime, Brigadier Clayton Du Plooy and the Provincial Head for Organised Crime, Brigadier Rassie Victor addressed and delivered a detailed presentation on Extortion and what it entails.

“Explaining all facets of the crime and how to address such incidents. In attendance at the session that was held at Kumba Sishen Mine in Kathu on 10 July 2025, were representatives from different sections at Kumba mine namely, Protection services, Social Performance teams, Corporate Affairs, Contractor Management and Organization,” she said.

Otola said occurrence of extortion is a serious concern, which requires a decisive and strategic intervention. She said community members and members of the business sector are living in fear, in certain towns, townships and villages and as a result many are closing their businesses and entrepreneurial activities in their respective areas.

“In an effort to address this new emerging crime trend, the SAPS in the province will through community and stakeholder engagement platforms, continue to promote and sustain partnership policing by jointly identifying and devising solutions with key stakeholders in a bid to reduce high levels of crime in the areas hit by extortion related cases.

“Community mobilization is therefore key and continuous stakeholder engagement sessions must ensure they equally present tangible solutions and interventions that will reduce high levels of extortion,” said Otola.

Otola said similar information sessions will be conducted in the quest to prevent and combat extortion-related incidents in the province. She said the public should stay informed about the tactics used by extortionists and taking precautions can help protect yourself and others from becoming victims.

“Never hesitate to seek help if you are being extorted- legal resources and support are available. The public can report incidents of extortion to the National Extortion Hotline – 0800 911 011, Crime Stop @ 08600 10111,” she said.

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15 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: The police conducting stop and search during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 July 2025- Fifteen men aged between 20 and 48 were arrested in the Francis Baard District for contravening immigration legislation and engaging in illegal mining activities. These arrests form part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said on the evening of Wednesday, 9 July 2025, a multi-disciplinary and intelligence-driven operation was executed by the police in collaboration with Ekapa Mine Security. Pilane said the teams responded to information regarding illegal mining activities in the Samaria area.

“Upon arrival, a suspect (23) was caught in the act and subsequently arrested for illegal mining. On 10 July 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi teams, in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit, received further intelligence regarding undocumented foreign nationals allegedly employed at a construction site in Mc Dougal Street in Kimberley.

“The information was swiftly operationalised, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals who were found to be in the country unlawfully. All suspects were charged in terms of the Immigration Act. Additionally, fines were issued to the employers for hiring undocumented foreign nationals,” she said.

Pilane further said Operation Vala Umgodi remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with South Africa’s immigration laws, as well as addressing broader criminality within the province. She added that the police urge members of the public to report suspicious or criminal activity anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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Stellenbosch FC’s dominance ended at the Engen Knockout challenge

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Salt River Blackpool in action with Ubuntu Football during the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Day 2 at the Erica Park Sports Ground, Belhar on the 12 July 2025 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 July 2025- Day 2 of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town leg at Erica Sports Grounds delivered a thrilling quarterfinal round, with Cape Town Roses continuing their title defence, while Valhalla United ended Stellenbosch FC’s long-standing dominance in the boys’ division. Cape Town Roses advanced to the semi-finals after a commanding 5–1 win over Cape Town Roses faced Rygate Ladies in the quarterfinals.

Cape Town Roses will now face RV United in the final today at Erica Park Sports Grounds.RV United.

Having topped their group, the defending champions carried that momentum into the knockout stages with another structured and confident performance. In the boys’ division, Valhalla United edged Stellenbosch FC 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter.

The result was significant not only did it eliminate the two-time champions, but it also marked the first time Stellenbosch FC have conceded a goal in the Engen Knockout Challenge in three years. Valhalla’s rise underscores the vital role that platforms like the Engen Knockout Challenge play in identifying and developing emerging football talent in Cape Town.

Valhalla secured second place in their group with a 2–0 win over City Town, setting up their quarterfinal clash with Stellenbosch. Their journey to the semi-finals adds further proof of the depth and competitiveness coming through Cape Town’s grassroots system.

While Stellenbosch FC bows out of the competition, their defensive record and consistency across multiple editions have set a standard in this tournament. Their exit also signals a shift, as a new generation of clubs like Valhalla United begin to emerge and make their mark.

With the semi-final line-up confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting final day in Cape Town. The remaining teams are not only playing for the title they’re competing for the chance to represent the Western Cape at Engen Champ of Camps in October.

Fixtures are now live on the Engen Sports website:

https://engensports.co.za

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301 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said weekly high-impact crime prevention initiative, Operation Shanela II, continues to make strides in enhancing public safety and restoring law and order across the province. They said the latest series of operations commenced on 7 until 13 July 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these coordinated, intelligence-driven, high-density deployments involved multi-disciplinary law enforcement teams, executing a range of disruptive policing activities. Shamane said key operational activities included high-visibility blue light patrols, stop-and-search actions, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and the tracing of wanted suspects by detectives.

 “A total of 3 903 vehicles and 8 535 individuals were stopped and searched during the course of the week. These efforts resulted in the arrest of 301 suspects for various offences, including contact crimes, property-related crimes, drug-related offences, other serious crimes, and crimes detected through proactive policing.

“Additionally, 13 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed. The police and partner stakeholders also conducted compliance inspections at formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, mines, and farms to enforce adherence to relevant legislation,” he said.

Shemane further said during the operations, dangerous weapons,

alcohol, drugs, cash, copper cables, uncut diamonds and precious metals were confiscated. He added that in an effort to curb trending crimes, police together with community policing structures and government departments, continue to host awareness campaigns to educate and sensitise the public regarding the implementation of precautionary measures to ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved and expressed gratitude to members of the community who provided valuable information that contributed to the success of the operation.

“This joint approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring that the people of the Northern Cape feel and are safe,” said Otola.

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Committee recommends legislative amendments to improve accountability in medical schemes

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 July 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Health on Friday announced that it would consult Parliament’s legal advisors to draft recommendations for legislative amendments to improve transparency and accountability in medical schemes. This decision follows a meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said they have received a briefing on a report detailing systematic discrimination against black healthcare providers by medical schemes in South Africa. Dhlomo said the report, which was presented by the independent Section 59 panel, has raised concerns regarding the treatment of Black practitioners in the healthcare system.

“During the briefing, committee members posed questions about the implications of the report’s findings. Some members expressed concern over the disproportionate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse directed towards Black practitioners compared to their non-black counterparts.

“Others asked what the Council of Medical Schemes is doing to address the backlog of complaints. The complaints include troubling delays in responding to systemic issues reported since 2019. Some members of the committee emphasised the need for accountability and sought further information on the punitive measures against medical schemes found guilty of discriminatory practices,” he said.

Dhlomo further said they enquired about the department’s intentions to acknowledge the harm inflicted upon Black practitioners. He added that the committee made several recommendations to address the findings of the report.

“Among them was to establish an early warning system within medical schemes to alert healthcare providers to potential issues related to Section 59 of the Medical Schemes Act. The committee believes this approach will protect honest practitioners from unwarranted scrutiny and will ensure timely corrective actions to mitigate financial losses.

“The committee also called for greater transparency about the algorithms and software used by medical schemes to monitor claims. The committee also stressed the need for these systems to be fair and unbiased. Members agreed that robust legal frameworks are essential to empower the Department of Health and the Council for Medical Schemes to take decisive action against discrimination,” said Dhlomo.

He said some members also highlighted the importance of creating a legislative environment conducive to genuine accountability and change. Dhlomo said the committee resolved to consult with legal advisors about possible legislative amendments to improve transparency and accountability.

“It also stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the backlog of complaints with the Council for Medical Schemes. The committee also highlighted the value of collaboration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is crucial to fostering accountability among practitioners and enhancing the overall integrity of the healthcare profession.

“The committee also highlighted that engaging stakeholders, including medical schemes and practitioners, in constructive dialogue will be vital to address the report’s findings and implement necessary reforms,” he said.

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No electricity, water at abandoned Jacob Zuma monument

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Picture: The Jacob Zuma’s Capture Site

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 July 2025- The towering bronze statue of the former President, Jacob Zuma, that has cost taxpayers R1.8 million, has now been abandoned and turned into shabbiness. The monument in Groot Marico was erected in quest of honouring Zuma, who was captured by the apartheid regime at the site alongside with his Umkhonto weSizwe guerrillas, while trying to skip the country to Botswana.

The much-anticipated splendour unveiling took place back in 2017 and it was said to form part of the Liberation Heritage Route.

One of tourism operators in the North West, Kagiso Legobe said it is sad to see most of the tourism sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s past and often carrying a clandestine history are being abandoned. Legobe said he is not surprised to see Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Monument in Groot Marico being abandoned by the North West Provincial Government like other attraction sites. 

“The sad part is that the area was an information centre before the department took over. They have erected a statue there and abandoned it. What is surprising is that the monument falls under the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, which is not its obligation when it comes to tourism and that is why they do not care.

“If the monument was under the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), it would have been better. Why the North West Provincial Government cannot put an information centre for tourism there like they did in Rustenburg and Potchefstroom?” he asked.

Legobe further calls on the North West Provincial Government to maintain the attraction centre just like they do in other areas. He added that it is bizarre to see millions of rands being spent and dumped just like that without any vision.

“The area has turned into a forest. It is wretched because the Ramotshere-Moiloa area is significant when it comes to tourism. The challenge is some properties will be owned by the municipalities, but being run by various departments. Imagine if the area was placed under the DEDECT’s care. It would have been well-maintained and used to generate income and boost the economy.

“If the department cannot run the place, let them partner with private partners. You will never ever see this kind of ignorance when you go to Potchefstroom or Klerksdorp, where tourism buildings fall under municipality,” said Legobe.    

In 2021, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Winston Rabotapi said: “Zuma monument in Groot Marico is a symbol of wasteful expenditure and a reminder of state capture. We will write to the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, to suggest that the Zuma Liberation Route and museum in Groot Marico be turned into a cultural community centre.

“During a recent oversight inspection to this Capture Site of former President Jacob Zuma in Groot Marico where a statue in his honour has been erected to the tune of R1.8 million, we found it to be deserted and dilapidated.”

Rabotapi said the museum on the premises has been without electricity for more than a year and the security officer guarding the white elephant is the only staff member on site. He said the statue that was originally bronze, was baked into a silver shine by the sun with not even a light to keep up the pretence of bronze.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation Director, Noluyolo Zahela said the department has not abandoned the monument. Zahela said the department had plans, which were to be implemented at the site, but due to limited resources and the budget reductions, these plans could not be implemented.

“The other issues which are affecting the functionality of the site are the lack of electricity and water supply at the site. The property belongs to Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and the electricity is billed to the municipality. The electricity has been cut-off since Eskom was owed. The department previously paid the money that was owed to Eskom and had since tried to change the electricity to be prepaid, but this did not succeed.

“The supply of water depends on electricity. As the borehole, JoJo tanks and stands were supplied by the department,” she said.

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