22 July 2025- The police said the members attached to the Springbok Public Order Police unit have displayed their relentless efforts in eradicating drugs from the community, which was evident when they arrested a man (35) for allegedly dealing in cannabis. The police said the arrest was made on 21 July 2025, at approximately 12:30 after acting on a tip-off received from an informer.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the suspect was stopped in front of a retail store in the main road in Springbok and upon searching the parcel, cannabis with an estimated value of R66 300 were found. Magerman said the suspect is facing a charge of dealing in cannabis and will appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon.
Meanwhile, the District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the efforts of the Springbok POPS unit for their unabated efforts in squeezing the space for criminals to operate.
Picture: Some of drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 Jul 2025- A woman (42) from Rosedale was arrested for dealing in drugs on 21 July 2025. This comes after Upington Border Police members received a tip-off about an alleged drug house in the Rosedale area and operationalized it.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the police searched the said residence and discovered mandrax tablets, methamphetamine, cash and suspected stolen jewellery to the total estimated value of R 95 000. Masegela said the suspect was detained and she will appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the members for the efforts towards eradicating drugs from the streets.
Picture: Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Athol Trollip
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 July 2025- Action SA said it welcomes the eventual and long overdue suspension of the ‘dodgy’ South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Andrew Chauke, following its sustained pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa to stop dragging his feet and act against Chauke, who ‘sits’ at the centre of several maliciously botched prosecutions.
Action SA Member of Parliament (MP), Athol Trollip said they first raised the alarm in November 2024, after it was revealed that Ramaphosa had failed to act against Chauke, despite receiving a request for his suspension as far back as August 2023 from NPA Director, Advocate Shamila Batohi. Trollip said they were particularly disturbed by Chauke’s continued role, given that he has presided over a litany of questionable decisions, including the withdrawal of charges against former Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli, the pursuit of the discredited Cato Manor case against General Johan Booysen, and the irrational withdrawal of corruption charges against ANC MP, Zizi Kodwa based on vague “representations” which the NPA is now reviewing.
“It is plain for all to see that Chauke’s conduct reflected a clear pattern that raised serious concerns about his impartiality and fitness to hold such an important prosecutorial office, concerns evidently shared by the NDPP herself.
“While the suspension is welcomed, Action SA cannot reconcile the fact that Ramaphosa dragged his feet for nearly two years on such a critical matter, only to announce his decision in the dead of night, a clear indication of wilful prevarication that continues to hamper efforts to fix the already emasculated NPA,” he said.
Trollip further said Action SA believes this is but only one step in the right direction. He added that, if they are to truly fix the rot within the criminal justice system, they face a long and difficult road ahead, especially if decisions and such action continue to be delayed in this manner.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 July 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said is pleased to announce its readiness to reopen schools for the third quarter of the 2025 academic year, following the winter break. Motsumi has extended her heartfelt appreciation to the school community for their role in ensuring a productive and safe school environment during the holidays.
“We commend school principals, teachers, and Grade 12 learners for their commitment to the success of the winter camps held across the province. These camps were aimed at intensifying academic revision and improving learner performance ahead of the final examinations for the Class of 2025.
“I wish to take this time to thank principals, teachers, and the class of 2025 for their dedication shown during the winter camps as we approach the final stretch of the academic year,” she said.
Motsumi further said she also thanked the parents and guardians for providing care and support to younger learners during the school holidays, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while schools were closed. She said as schools reopen, they urge all parents to ensure that learners return to school on the very first day of the new term which is Tuesday.
“The third quarter is a critical period and we want to hit the ground running to strengthen learner performance across all grades. The department has completed all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth reopening, including the readiness of school infrastructure, learner-teacher support materials (LTSM), scholar transport, and school nutrition services.
“We wish all learners and teachers a productive and focused start to the third term,” said Motsumi.
22 Phukwi 2025- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go dira kopo ya beile kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se, se tla morago ga gore a latofadiwe ka go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya.
Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke molatofadiwa, Korononea Jerimia Modise (34) ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa Modise, a ile a thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.
“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le babelaelwa eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.
“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore babelaelwa ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
22 July 2025- Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said they are ready to tackle Nigeria in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 on Tuesday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The kick-off is at 6pm SA time (5PM local time in Morocco).
The clash between the South African senior women’s national team and the Super Falcons of Nigeria is a much-anticipated clash with both nations pursuing the trophy for different reasons. The African Champions want to successfully defend their title – becoming the first country after Nigeria to do so, while the West Africans are on Mission X – they have won a record nine titles and are gunning for the 10th trophy.
“Nigeria is a familiar team that we’ve played against over the last couple of years. We travelled yesterday and today, and we will have our final training session and there’s not much you can do in one day. But there are a few things that you can tweak, and a few things that you can work on.
“The technical team has been really busy behind the scenes and leaving no stone unturned, so I think you don’t need motivation for a semi-final, and we are ready for the game,” she said.
The four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year believes that their previous meetings with Nigeria will not mean much as the stakes are now higher.
“I don’t think it means a lot, it does mean, however, that we know we can get over the line, but I think past results don’t really mean anything because it’s a different tournament and it’s three years down the line.
“Also, it’s a different coach and some new players, but it’s the same Nigeria and they have the quality. We have to be on top of our game to make sure we get over the hurdle. They are the only country that has defended back-to-back on numerous occasions, and it would be big for our country,” said Ellis.
The two teams travelled different paths to the last four, with Nigeria winning all their four games, with the quarterfinal being a complete run-over against Zambia. The Super Falcons are yet to concede.
Banyana Banyana drew one match and won three – with the last one decided on penalties against Senegal.
South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado, who made her debut in this tournament and scored against the Lionesses of Teranga, said they are up for the challenge.
“We know we’re going into the semi-final game, it’s going to be a challenge, but we are physically and mentally prepared. We know the responsibility we hold, and we just look forward to a good game and hopefully finishing it within the 90 minutes.
“Every game that we play we take our lessons, and we obviously take it into the next game and improve what we learned from that game. Just going into this game, I think the Senegal game of course brought us together as a team, we saw the desire, the hunger in each other’s eyes and it brought us just closer together knowing how we’ll need each other going into the next game,” said Salgado.
She further said she thinks the team is prepared. Salgado added that they are ready and they know what they have to do.
“I think everyone is just on the same page and we are excited for the game,” said Salgado.
The last meeting between the two women’s football giants was in 2022 in the group stages of the same tournament with South Africa winning 2-1, courtesy of goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia. Banyana Banyana went on to win the continental title.
The winner of this semi-final clash between Banyana Banyana and the Super Falcons will face off with the last team standing in the other last four fixtures between hosts Morocco and Ghana.
22 July 2025- Four men who have been arrested in connection with the murder of SA DJ, Oupa John Sefoka, who was popularly known as DJ Sumbody are set to appear in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court. Sefoka was killed in a hail of bullets in November 2022.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Gauteng organised crime detectives worked on the case and later roped in the SAPS Political Killings Task Team to assist. Mathe said the arrests were all effected in Gauteng on Monday afternoon and three of the suspects are believed to be hitmen and one is believed to have ordered the hit on the DJ.
“The weapon allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized and has since been linked to other murders. All four suspects are in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon,” she said.
Mathe said three hitmen and alleged mastermind are facing three counts of murder, these charges include the murder of DJ Sumbody and his two bodyguards, Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, has welcomed the latest breakthrough by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team working closely with Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives. Masemola said this is a significant breakthrough that will hopefully provide closure to families involved.
“Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard-work and dedication to justice. This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before court,” he said.
Masemola said amongst the charges they are facing include murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating during the match
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 July 2025- The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it will on Tuesday host Banyana Banyana Fan Park in Brandvlei, Randfontein. The department said this is to rally support for South Africa women’s national football team ahead of the semi-final clash against the Super Falcons of Nigeria during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie spokesperson, Stacey-Lee Khojane said the Fan Park idea seeks to galvanise and mobilise national support for women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, as they renew their historic rivalry with Nigeria’s Super Falcons. Khojane said Banyana Banyana, the defending WAFCON champions, will be fighting for a place in the continental tournament final.
“The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, will attend the event. The Banyana Banyana Fan Park is also a nation-wide rallying call to encourage all South Africans to unite in support of Banyana Banyana as they strive to retain their African title.
“The match will be screened at Brandvlei, Randfontein, West Rand,” she said.
Picture: The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the appointment of Buti Manamela as the new Minister of Higher Education and Training and Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. The cabinet reshuffle was announced by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said Manamela has served as the Deputy Minister in the same department since the 6th Administration and is a seasoned leader with strong ties to the youth and student movement. Bhengu said his experience positions him well to lead the transformation agenda in this sector.
“Manamela’s appointment comes at a critical time and is well aligned with the urgent task of consolidating transformation, restoring governance integrity, and revitalising skills development across the sector.
“Drawing from his long standing experience and oversight role in the sector, including the Sector Education and Training Authorities, Manamela is well positioned to advance the movement’s vision of a responsive, inclusive, and future-ready post-school education and training system,” she said.
Bhengu further said Dube-Ncube, a former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and an experienced public servant, brings valuable governance expertise. She added that her appointment under Section 93(b) of the Constitution enhances executive capacity and reflects confidence in her proven leadership.
“The ANC is confident that this new leadership team will advance access, equity and quality in the higher education sector. We extend our gratitude to the former Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane for her service and wish her well in her future endeavours.
“These appointments reaffirm our commitment to a capable, ethical, and developmental state,” said Bhengu.
Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it welcomed the appointment of Manamela as the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said: “It is our observation and believe that Manamela understands the complexity of the department unlike Nkabane. Nkabane was a very arrogant Minister simply because she did not understand the sophisticated department.
“As a result, she was more defensive than proactive. And her attitude did not help the department to progress. Having stated that, it is our plea to the Minister to not allow him to be swallowed by the cabinet and as a result fail to deliver as he used to as the Deputy Minister.”
Mashilompane said they want to bring to the attention of the Minister the fact that there are serious challenges in the CETC – Community Education and Training Colleges. He said there is an existing element of corruption and they will be addressing the Minister on such issues.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the removal of Nkabane was long overdue. Ndhlela said they strongly believe that the decision to remove Nkabane was necessary.
“The former Minister’s failure to account for the irregular and unlawful allocation of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board positions raised serious questions about the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU)’s governance, their lack of transparency and the severe political interference that has become quite characteristic of the former liberation movement.
“It was evident that the appointments disproportionately favoured individuals with strong ties to the ANC. A pattern that cannot be ignored in a constitutional democracy such as South Africa,” he said.
Ndhlela said they were deeply concerned by Nkabane’s persistent and blatant refusal to attend critical Portfolio Committee meetings and her unwillingness to provide clear answers to repeated inquiries regarding the criteria and processes used in the appointment of the SETA oversight panel. He said such conduct is unacceptable from any public office bearer, let alone one entrusted with the future of our education and skills development institutions.
Meanwhile, the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) President, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said they welcome the appointment of Manamela and Dube-Ncube and wished them well in their new responsibilities. Shole said the appointments will assist to stabilise and bring the necessary energy to consolidate and deepen transformation within the higher education and training sector.
“We wish to congratulate Manamela who has shown commitment as well as consistency and earned the respect of the various stakeholders within the higher education and training sector ranging from student formations including the academic.
“Manamela and Dube-Ncube have the necessary governance and leadership experience to build on the milestones of the sector and resolve current challenges including the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) Boards debacle that has been in the public domain,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie of strangling grassroots sports, in favour of grand vanity projects that risk grand corruption. The DA said it condemns McKenzie’s ‘reckless’ decision to cut funding to national sports federations, undermining grassroots development and threatening South Africa’s Olympic future.
The DA spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture and Member of Parliament (MP), Joe McGluwa said they will move forward with an urgent oversight meeting in the Sports, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee in Parliament, where McKenzie will have to come and explain his choice to strangle grassroots sport federations.
McGluwa said instead of investing in proven pathways for young athletes, the Minister is diverting funds to grand vanity projects, stripping funding from federations and directing it into these larger, and less transparent projects.
“The DA cautions loudly and clearly that this shift risks grand scale corruption. Diverting grassroots money to massive vanity projects in the sports space, with expensive bids, secrecy and confidential deal elements will risk a looting frenzy for insiders.
“For sports to flourish, and for SA to remain competitive, we need grassroots sports development support, funding, capacitating and resourcing – not strangling them in favour of massive international bids, games, and races,” he said.
McGluwa further said if these grand international sporting events could be courted for South Africa without defunding local sport there would be benefit in them. He added that they may bring fantastic investments into South Africa, but if they defund and strangle local sport federations in the process, they are undermining and damaging local sports possibly irreparably.
“The damage caused by McKenzie’s defunding of local sports is already clear. Olympic codes like athletics and swimming face cuts of up to 60%. SASCOC, tasked by law to coordinate Olympic sport, has been completely defunded, despite receiving just R12 million over three years.
“Young athletes from the Cape Flats are currently stranded in Europe (Spain or Portugal according to different reports), a tragic symbol of a collapsing system. Without functioning federations, there is no pipeline, no preparation, and no performance so McKenzie’s claim of “direct funding to athletes” is hollow,” said McGluwa.
He said the sports and arts communities are up in arms and rightfully so. McGluwa said the allocation to this department between the 2024/5 and 2025/6 financial years has not differed more than 1.6%, yet entities are facing cuts of 50-70%.
“And to date, McKenzie has not furnished Parliament with the details and schedule of these cuts. He is working in private, in silence, and without oversight or transparency. Despite repeated requests during the department’s appearance in Parliament, it remains secret.
“It is time for Parliament and South Africa to be apprised of these simple facts. Where is the money going? The DA has profound concerns as McKenzie defunds sports and arts: This looks like a scheme of patronage dressed up in tracksuits,” he said.
McGluwa said South African sport deserves much better.
Meanwhile, McKenzie who tabled his departmental budget for 2025/26 financial year said, over the past year, they have seen so many stars in both sports and the arts, both young and experienced, realise their God-granted potential and make us proud to say that we are South Africans. He said they must be honest, though, that what their home-grown talents are achieving is often despite the circumstances they are facing and not because of the platforms they are giving them.
“Our amazing success on the field is too often balanced by the dysfunction we continue to face off the field. Ours is a system that too often still excludes the majority of people in our country, from school age on through their adult lives.
“We are realising perhaps just 5% of our potential as a country, and still we are winning at just about everything we turn our hands and hearts to. Sipho in Khayelitsha can’t play hockey because the price of a hockey stick comes at the cost of a week’s food for his family. There are many Siphos in South Africa and we face similar challenges in the music industry,” said McKenzie.
He said they have many successful people who’ve received training in acting, music and singing – but many more who’ve had to make it by relying on raw talent alone. McKenzie said they are the exceptions.
“Imagine if more of us had the chance to hone these great talents, and be guided in expressing them. We have heard from many people over this past year who have been resistant to the changes being brought in this department.
“They want to see familiar decisions and behaviour. But how can we rely on the old ways of doing things if the old ways have not solved the problems of the past three decades? Change is difficult, but it’s necessary – otherwise Sipho and the other Siphos and Sashas will never play hockey one day for a gold medal at the Olympics,” he said.
McKenzie said that’s why the budget signifies them trying to start doing things differently. He said these changes will keep coming as they continue to adapt and change how they spend and support their plans to make sport, the arts and culture accessible to all their Siphos, Celines, Salmans and Siyamthandas.
“Today, I want to bring honour to our cricket players, netball heroines, the Springboks, our Olympic squad, our sprinters and runners, our boxing champions, our swimmers, and so many more. Of all the people I met over the past year, I’d like to tell the story of a group of young bulky Afrikaners coming to see me to help popularise their sport, a sport I knew very little or nothing about: strongman.
“I approached many sponsors on their behalf. I worked the phones. Most people were not interested except for SuperSport and Betway. Years after the majority of companies did not give a positive response, most of them were calling me asking to be introduced to the world’s strongest man, Rayno Nel,” said McKenzie.
The Guardian 