Daily Archives: July 24, 2025

SAPVIA announces newly elected GovCo

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Picture: SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has announced its newly-elected governing committee, following its recent Annual General Meeting on 3 July 2025. SAPVIA said its committee blends continuity and innovation, with outgoing Treasurer, Advocate Mtho Xulu, being elected as the new Chairperson, supported by the returning Deputy Chairperson, De Villiers Botha and new Treasurer, Nicola Cencelli.

SAPVIA CEO Dr Rethabile Melamu, said the communications team remains under the guidance of Spokesperson, Frank Spencer, with Antje Klauss-Vorreiter and Jonathan Frick, serving as Deputy Spokespersons.

“The association also acknowledges the continued contributions of returning governing committee members whose experience ensures institutional stability. View all governing committee members here: Governing Team – SAPVIA.

“The Board welcomes Mike Mangnall, MD of PNE, strengthening its 10-member team of Solar PV experts representing developers, manufacturers, financiers, and policymakers.  

“They assume responsibility at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s energy sector, as solar power is poised to play an increasingly central role in the national energy mix,” said Melamu.

She further said under this new leadership, SAPVIA is positioned to not only maintain, but accelerate its critical work in advancing South Africa’s solar revolution. Melamu added that, they are confident that their collective expertise, energy and will drive transformative progress in our sector.

Xulu said: “Having served as Treasurer, I understand both the economic and strategic priorities of our industry. As Chairperson, I am committed to ensuring SAPVIA leads the charge in policy advocacy, skills development, and industry transformation to unlock solar energy’s full potential.”

Meanwhile, Norman Moyo, concluded his term as Chairperson having established SAPVIA as the preeminent voice of South Africa’s solar industry. During his tenure, the association achieved exponential membership growth, played a pivotal role in shaping national Solar PV policy and implemented transformative skills development programs.

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MDB reaches its final stage

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) said it has reached the final stages of its 2023 Municipal Outer Boundary process. The MDB said 13 cases, which were previously deferred to allow for in-depth research and broad consultations, have now been thoroughly reviewed.

The MDB spokesperson, Barileng Dichabe said a final decision on these 13 cases is expected when the Board reconvene at the end of July 2025. Dichabe said, if the Board resolves to proceed with the re-determination of boundaries, the municipal boundary process will be concluded no later than September 2025.

“Subsequently, the ward configuration process required to align with any updated municipal boundaries is expected to be finalised by December 2025,” he said.

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Illicit tobacco products worth R240 000

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Springbok in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies conducted a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation on 24 July 2025, at a retail store at the Petrus Kotze Centre in Port Nolloth, resulting in the seizure of illicit tobacco products.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said during a compliance inspection, members found a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products with an estimated value of R240 333. Magerman said a Pakistani national (28), was issued with a warning and summoned for further investigation by Customs officials from Vioolsdrift.

“The suspect is facing charges of possession of illicit tobacco,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews commended the joint efforts by the Springbok SAPS Task Team, Customs, Springbok and Crime Intelligence. Andrews also cited that the selling, storing and peddling of any illicit products in the district will not be tolerated.

“Compliance inspections will be intensified in the quest to dismantle these activities and the sale of such items,” he said.

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A man jailed for stabbing ex-girlfriend

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Picture: close-up of man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- A former boyfriend (35) was sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On 28 October 2024, the accused, Lerato Ratikane, approached the victim and requested her to accompany him to his shack in Lethabo Park, Roodepan.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim refused as she had a protection order against him. Sam said in response, Ratikane became aggressive, produced a knife and stabbed her multiple times.

“She lost consciousness and later regained it while being treated in hospital. Ratikane was found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly.

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

The Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, for his diligence and commitment in securing the conviction.

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North West to get new Academic Hospital

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- The North West University (NWU) principal and vice chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement that plans are in place to add to the country’s ten academic hospitals.  This comes after Motsoaledi made the announcement during his budget vote presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday.

Tyobeka further said Motsoaledi highlighted that, there are currently no academic hospitals in the North West, Mpumalanga or the Northern Cape, and although proposed projects in these regions are in the preliminary stages of development. He added that the NWU is in the advanced stage of constructing the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“Aligning this project with the proposed academic hospital in the North West would greatly benefit the citizens of the province. The first intake of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine students is scheduled for 2028.

“South Africa faces many healthcare challenges and it is heartening to see that the public healthcare system on which almost 90% of South Africans rely, is a high government priority,” said Tyobeka.

He said, but more than a priority, healthcare is a promise to the citizens that they must keep. Tyobeka said, therefore, he is elated by the Minister’s pronouncement regarding plans in the pipeline to establish additional academic hospitals, one of which is earmarked for the North West.

“This development strongly supports our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, which is presently under construction. Whilst not wishing to pre-empt any formal decisions, we are hopeful that the government will strategically locate this hospital in Mahikeng or within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, in close proximity to our NWU Mahikeng Campus.

“Such a move would significantly enhance the university’s capacity to broaden the footprint of our NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine beyond the Kenneth Kaunda District, thereby improving equitable access to high-calibre healthcare professionals and clinical expertise across the province,” he said.

Tyobeka said the integration of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine with a future academic hospital in the North West holds immense promise not only for advancing medical education, but also for transforming healthcare access and outcomes in the province.

Meanwhile, Motsoaledi said they wish to add three new central hospitals in provinces, where they never existed before such as Mpumalanga Academic Hospital, North West Academic Hospital and Northern Cape Academic Hospital. He said these three are still in very early planning stages.

“Their entry into the health network will ramp up our academic hospitals from ten to fourteen. The extreme overcrowding in our public health facilities is caused by rapid population growth and rapid urbanisation.

“Please, remember that the public health system is utilised by 86% of South Africa’s population, including individuals from neighbouring countries. We have clear evidence of this in the Eastern Cape with repeated problems at Dora Nginza Hospital in Qqeberha,” said Motsoaledi.

He said their analysis of Dora Nginza hospital – also analysed by the Public Protector – concluded that the perennial problem can only be solved by building additional district hospitals.

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Two men sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for robbery

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 July 2025- Two men aged (33) 25 were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Prieska Regional Court, for robbery with a weapon other than a firearm. The conviction follows the collaborative efforts of the prosecution, led by advocate Cornelia Deetlef and the investigation team under Detective Constable Dawie Visser.

The incident occurred in Prieska on 26 April 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the accused persons, Jan Van Rooi and 25-year-old Raymond Steenkamp unlawfully entered the victim’s tuck-shop, while he was asleep. Sam said they woke him up, threatened him with a knife and robbed him of his cell phone and an undisclosed amount of cash.

“The court found both accused guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and declared them unfit to possess firearms. The South African Police Service remains committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of our communities are brought to justice.

“The public is urged to report criminal activities without delay,” he said.

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Action SA calls for suspension of all Tokiso contracts pending SIU investigation

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By REGINALD KANYANE

24 July 2025- Action SA in North West said it unequivocally condemns the North West Development Corporation’s (NWDC) alleged gross mismanagement and disregard for proper procurement protocols in the awarding of security contracts to Tokiso Security Services. Action SA said it commend the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decisive proclamation empowering the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to thoroughly investigate all Tokiso contracts linked to the NWDC and affiliated entities.

Action SA provincial chairperson, Botshelo Rakate said the investigation is long overdue. Rakate said the blatant diversion of scarce public funds through irregular and politicized tenders is a flagrant betrayal of the people of North West, many of whom are suffering under a staggering unemployment rate of 56,4% overall and a youth unemployment crisis at an alarming 58.8%.

“This youth unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country, is a catastrophic barrier to economic inclusion and social stability that demands urgent redress. Every rand lost to corruption deepens poverty, undermines vital service delivery, and erodes public trust in government.

“The diversion of limited resources into opaque contracts starves job-creation and skills development initiatives at a time when young people desperately need sustainable opportunities,” he said.

Rakate further said it is utterly unacceptable that security contracts, critical to public safety, have allegedly been siphoned away from the Department of Community Safety and handed to the NWDC, an entity operating with little transparency and accountability. He added that this has created an environment ripe for nepotism and graft as evidenced by the murky dealings surrounding Tokiso Security Services.

“As Action SA in North West, we demand immediate remedial steps. Return all security procurement responsibilities to the Department of Community Safety, with stringent oversight and transparency. Publicly disclose all Tokiso contracts, including detailed evaluation criteria, pricing, and board approvals. 

“Suspend all Tokiso contracts immediately pending the SIU’s comprehensive value-for-money audit. Recover any payments made in excess of actual service rendered. Enforce robust whistle-blower protections to safeguard insiders who expose corruption and maladministration,” said Rakate.

He said the government should insource all security personnel into provincial departments to eliminate procurement loopholes and safeguard public resources. Rakate said it should also call on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritize and fast-track criminal prosecutions based on SIU findings.

“We will not rest until taxpayers’ money is fully recovered and the systemic rot enabling such corruption is eradicated. Public entities must operate strictly within their mandates, uphold the highest standards of governance, and serve the people, not their own interests,” he said.

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Mokgosi: “Voices of marginalised and economically disenfranchised are missing”

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 July 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said the success of the democratic dispensation faces a serious credibility deficit, if they fail to resolve the job crisis confronting the province. Mokgosi who delivered the 2025/2026 financial year at the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng on Thursday said, the voices of the marginalized and economically disenfranchised are missing in the celebratory chorus of the 31 years of the country’s democratic breakthrough.

He further said many of the people comprising largely the youth are outside the economic system, locked out of opportunities to share the dividends of democracy. Mokgosi added that, therefore, the promises they make in changing the lives of the youth for the better must not ring hollow in improving their socio-economic conditions.

“We meet in this house today to complete the last round of the process to release public resources to implement objectives set out in the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) adopted by the 7th administration. The apex priorities are (i) to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs, (ii) reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living as

well as (iii) building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

“Addressing the National Assembly during the tabling of the

Presidency Budget Vote a week ago, His Excellency President Cyril

Ramaphosa made an impassioned plea to meet the aforementioned objectives in our Programme of Action,” he said.

Mokgosi said the government in the province only employs 6% of all working people with 94% employed in the private sector. He said for this reason, they cannot win the battle against youth unemployment without the role and contribution of the private sector.

“We have established a Development Fund set at R100 million as a seed fund to co-fund social and developmental initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and infrastructure backlogs in the province. We are encouraged by interest displayed by various industries to play a more meaningful role in this regard. If the private sector matches this government commitment, more pathways could be opened for jobs and other social relief interventions.

“The resuscitation of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in Moses Kotane Local Municipality is in full swing and a team led by the Premier comprising the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bojanala and Moses Kotane Municipalities have been assembled to strengthen the provincial government’s business case. These intervention measures will culminate in the creation of 919 000 direct jobs once granted a license,” said Mokgosi.

He said for the successful implementation of the Annual

Performance Plan tabled in this August House, he requested for the appropriation to vote 1, Office of the Premier, as outlined hereunder. Mokgosi said the total budget allocation is R519 498.

“Administration will be allocated R 129,067, Institutional Development will receive R 273,759, while Policy and Governance will be allocated R116 672. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to thank the Speaker and Deputy for their continued support and guidance. The Honourable Members of the Executive Council for their ever-ready support as well Honourable members of the portfolio committee and the Opposition for their robust and relevant engagements, advice and oversight role.

“The DG and the entire staff of the Office of the Premier, the Chief of Staff, Advisors and the entire Private Office Staff, Traditional Leaders, my

beautiful wife and children for their encouragement and support,” he said.

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RISE Mzansi welcomes Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry terms of reference

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Picture: RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana

By AGISANANG SCUFF

24 July 2025- RISE Mzansi said it welcomes the progress made in empowering both the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry established to thoroughly probe the allegations made by South African Police Service (SAPS) Kwa-Zulu Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Ris Mzansi said on Wednesday evening, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a joint report by the Portfolio Committees on Justice and Constitutional Development, and Police calling for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee.

RISE Mzansi National Assembly Caucus Whip and Member of Parliament (MP), Makashule Gana said Ad Hoc Committee, established in terms of Rule 253 of the National Assembly will consist of 11 Members (ANC 4, DA 2, MKP 2, EFF 1 and other parties 2). Gana said will report to the National Assembly and the people of South Africa by no later than 31 October 2025.

“Moreover, at the same time, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published the terms of reference (Proclamation 269 of 2025) that will guide the work of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The Commission shall therefore submit an interim report within three-months, and a final report within six-months to the President, while the final report will also be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice.

“RISE Mzansi will participate fully and ethically in the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, while keeping a hawk’s eye on the work of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. We believe both bodies are well-placed to probe the alleged collapse and capture of South Africa’s safety, security and justice apparatus; hold those responsible accountable; and recommend the necessary reforms,” he said.

Gana further said now that both bodies have been legally empowered, they must waste no time in getting down to the business of starting the process of cleaning the country’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster so that South Africans can have perceived and real trust in the work of the country’s safety, security and justice apparatus.

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SAPS: “No raid conducted by NIU”

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Picture: SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it warns against the spread of fake news about an SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) raid in which R18 million was found in a safe at a house in Richards Bay, KwaZulu Natal. The SAPS said it calls for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing.

The SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “Therefore, we confirm that no raid was undertaken by any of our units, the National Intervention Unit (NIU).”

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