Daily Archives: August 7, 2025

Lehari engages labour unions and stakeholders to strengthen health service delivery

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

7 August 2025 – In a concerted effort to address pressing challenges in the province’s healthcare system, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, embarked on a robust engagement with joint labour unions and conducted oversight visits to key health facilities in Klerksdorp.

The session forms part of Lehari’s ongoing programme aimed at improving service delivery and labour relations across the province’s healthcare sector.

He further said key issues discussed with the unions included translation of nurses from Community Service to Professional Nurse posts. Lehari added that this includes the recruitment for levels 2–5 and provision of uniforms for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.

“We also discussed permanent placement of doctors. I reaffirmed my commitment to regular, structured engagement with labour unions, pledging bi-monthly meetings to ensure ongoing dialogue and resolution of issues.

“Regular engagement with organised labour is essential for labour peace. I will ensure that no union is excluded, and that our engagements remain action-oriented,” he said.

Lehari said a meeting schedule was agreed upon, grouping unions to ensure effective communication. He also updated unions on the status of appeals handled by the Office of the Appeal Authority, stating that legal advice is being sought to expedite resolutions.

“I urge unions to utilise departmental structures for issue resolution and not to delay matters by waiting for direct interventions on all concerns. This approach would ensure quicker turnaround and better governance.

“The department committed to finalising a multilateral engagement calendar to strengthen cooperation with unions. I instructed that a clear plan be developed regarding the permanent appointment of doctors and nurses, with measurable targets and progress reports,” said Lehari.

He said the matter of nurses’ uniforms has been escalated to the DDG for Hospitals and Specialised Services, who will engage unions directly on the issue. Lehari said his department reported that it is working closely with the National Department of Health to finalise the implementation model for Community Health Workers (CHWs).

“Currently, the province employs 5050 CHWs, who are being supported with tools of trade, protective clothing, and applicable leave benefits. CHWs are also encouraged to apply for advertised entry-level positions.

“The department presented updates on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, assuring unions that it remains a priority and is being implemented progressively,” he said.

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Ngaka Modiri Molema District Urged to Intensify Efforts Ahead of Preparatory Exams

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department has continued with its targeted school performance roadshows, with a key engagement held today at Hoerskool Zeerust. Motsumi said the session focused on underperforming schools in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

She further said this is part of her department’s commitment to improving learner outcomes ahead of the 2025 preparatory and final examinations. Motsumi added that the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, which recorded 84.48% results in Term 2, had a slight decline from 86% in Term 1.

“The District remains a strong contender in the province, but has been encouraged to intensify its recovery strategies. With only a few weeks remaining before the preparatory examinations, the department has called on school management in the District to consolidate efforts and accelerate interventions.

“I addressed principals and school management teams of schools that performed below 50- 79% in the recent mid-year examinations. The roadshows which have become part of my strategies are designed to foster accountability, offer support and drive improved performance, especially in schools needing urgent academic turnaround,” she said.

Motsumi calls for accountability and intensified efforts ahead of preparatory examinations. She said Ngaka Modiri Molema District has demonstrated strength before and they firmly believe it can do even more.

“With the preparatory exams around the corner, we must act decisively. The drop, though slight, is a signal that we need to refocus, recalibrate, and re-energise our schools.

“The province has set its sights on achieving a 95% overall pass rate by the end of this academic year. This goal is within and for our learners to pass, they have to match the energy of the teachers in front of them,” said Motsumi.

She told all stakeholders to entrench their efforts with intention, urgency and determination. Motsumi said this interactive session follows two others in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.

“The last leg will be in Bojanala District on Friday, to ensure every learner in the North West has a fair chance at success,” she said.

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1200 SASSA beneficiaries flagged in Mahikeng 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 August 2025- The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou has expressed satisfaction at the social grants review processes and the overall operations at SASSA local offices in North West. This comes as Matlou, joined by his executives, concluded his working visit to the province to assess and monitor operations at SASSA local offices whilst unlocking bottlenecks hindering seamless service provision to the beneficiaries.

He further visited Boxer, Shoprite retail stores and Ramotshere Local Office in Zeerust, where he monitored the August social grants payments and assessed the progress of the Beneficiary Biometric Enrolment Pilot. Matlou added that, on Wednesday, he proceeded to Mahikeng to engage staff members from various SASSA offices in the province on different issues.

“On Thursday, I concluded my visit to the province with a visit to Mahikeng Local Office, where I interacted and assisted social grant beneficiaries with challenges facing them.

“The visit bears testimony to the undertaking and commitment I made last month that the agency will leave no stone unturned in improving operations in local offices and ensure that the beneficiaries are not inconvenienced by the ongoing social grants reviews,” he said.  

Matlou said a number of SASSA executives were dispatched to various offices across the country to offer a helping hand in local offices and ensure that the August payment cycle runs smoothly. He said in his visit to North West, he did not pick up any serious issues and their beneficiaries received their grants without any hindrances.

“Our staff has been on top of their game, including the merchants. We are satisfied by what we found and we seem to have overcome the teething problems that we experienced in the last few months.

“In addition, the few beneficiaries that did not receive their grants came to the offices for review and they were assisted speedily, stating that SASSA systems are gradually improving,” said Matlou.

He said importantly, out of 1200 beneficiaries flagged in Mahikeng, a total of 700 beneficiaries headed the call and visited the local offices to review their grants, signaling a positive sign that people are starting to see the importance of the process. Matlou said out of the 700 people who came for reviews in Mahikeng, they found that 69 people are working and no longer qualify to receive a grant.

“This is a significant number that has burdened our system and we are happy that progress is being made. We are starting to find the culprits through our functioning systems and the dedication shown by our staff members at local offices.

“In conclusion, I call on the public, especially SASSA beneficiaries, to remain calm as the agency navigates through this important review process in its efforts to root out fraudulent elements in the system whilst ensuring that the right grant is paid to the eligible beneficiaries, thus saving the public purse from manipulation,” he said.

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Irked participants of a learnership programme demand stipends

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Picture: Some of learners in a Learnership programme at Taung Agricultural College/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 August 2025- Irked young people from Taung who are participating in a learnership programme that is facilitated and funded by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) have requested the Minister of Labour to initiate an urgent intervention into the non-payment of stipends to them.

The non-payment has sparked protests by over 50 young learners who are participating in the programme, which is focused on agriculture, mining, poultry and plant production.

Today, the affected participants, mostly from the agriculture programme, barricaded the entrances of Taung Agricultural College, where they were supposed to embark on practical work. These learners have vowed to continue with their protest action until their stipends are paid.

According to one of the participants who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, said they have only received a stipend for one-month.

“Is been more than two weeks since we were sent from pillar to post. No one is giving us a straight answer and there are allegations that the contract is ending on Friday.

“We have not yet participated in any practical training due to lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). As learners, we signed contracts and attended classes for the past one month, however, we need practical training including our stipends,” she said.

Bogelang Enterprise is a company that was appointed by the Mine Workers Development Agency (MDA), to provide training and mentorship to these learners.  

Now, the Director of Bogelang Enterprise, Karabo Mogatusi said his company got nothing to do with stipends of these learners as it is only appointed by MDA to provide training only.

“I am aware of this matter because people are peddling lies about me and my company. The Department of Labour and Employment, appointed an entity called Mine Workers Development Agency (MDA) for it to implement this learnership programme in various areas across South Africa.

“So, MDA appointed Bogelang Enterprise, which is my company. One of the roles of MDA is project management and payment of stipends. Obviously MDA is the one that has an agreement with the Department of Labour and Employment, not Bogelang Enterprise,” he said.

Mogatusi further said there are three parties involved in this matter. He added that Bogelang Enterprise is a training service provider only, not a pay master.

“The participants, who are part of this learnership in Agriculture across the Greater Taung, have been briefed and their first stipends have been paid. Now, they are waiting for their second stipends, which are initiated by the Department of Labour and Employment.

“The Department of Labour and Employment will pay MDA, and then the entity pays learners directly. We provide training, ensuring that we submit attendance registers and reports to MDA,” said Mogatusi.

He said they have a group of learners on various skill development programs such as poultry, mining and plant production. Mogatusi admitted that there is a delay regarding provision of PPEs, but said they will be delivered over the weekend.

“There is also an issue regarding delivery of day-old chickens. So, for maximum security and storage purposes, these chickens will be stored at Taung Agricultural College until all these facilities have proper structures to accommodate them.

“So, all poultry beneficiaries will receive their batch of chickens allocated to them accordingly,”

The MDA Project Manager, Lesley Botha shared the same sentiments. Botha acknowledged that there is a delay regarding payment of stipends but that is at an advanced stage.

“We have paid the learners for their first month of training and invoiced the department for the second month. Unfortunately, there is a delay, which is administrative on the part of the Department of Labour and Employment.

“We are dealing with a high volume of learners across the country and the Department of Labour and Employment have to verify each learner. But, I can assure you that the payment is already fast-tracked and they will receive their stipends before the end of August,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Director of Communication and Marketing, Trevor Hattingh said: “The Department of Employment and Labour is aware of the unpaid stipend.

“The cause of the delayed stipend was verification of invoices. The service provider (Mine Workers Development Agency) was paid on 16 July 2025. The unemployed youth (beneficiaries) were paid on the 17 July 2025.”

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Seth Mazibuko’s daughter dies at 38

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Picture: The deceased, Buhle Manyoni/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 August 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West has on Thursday conveyed its condolences to MRM National Chief Operations Officer, Seth Mazibuko who is mourning the passing of his firstborn daughter, Buhle Manyoni. The MRM said according to the statement issued by the Seth Mazibuko Foundation, Buhle (38), had been in a coma since collapsing a week ago.

The MRM North West Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said despite all attempts and prayers, she sadly passed away earlier this week on Tuesday at the Helen Joseph Hospital. Kgwele said they are saddened by the untimely death of Mazibuko’s daughter at such a young age.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mazibuko and Manyoni families during this period of profound sadness. We express hope that the bereaved families will find solace in the knowledge that civil society organisations, including faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and other progressive formations that are working in partnership with MRM in the province share their grief.

“Mazibuko’s leadership within MRM has been pivotal to revive provincial structures, coordinate implementation of its programmes and establish stakeholder networks. We are confident that his valued contribution and passion will continue as soon as he has gathered strength,” he said.

Kgwele said the deceased is to be buried on Saturday in Protea North, Soweto.

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SANTACO to donate school uniform and sanitary towels to learners

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

7 August 2025- The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) will donate school uniform, cosmetics and dignitary packs to Rietrivier Primary School in Ritchie in Northern Cape through its Presidential Schools Adoption Programme. SANTACO said this impactful initiative is part of SANTACO’s commitment to bringing hope to the communities who support the taxi industry with their daily commuting.

SANTACO representative, Rebecca Phala said that the initiative is part of SANTACO’s Hlokomela campaign with the tagline #SANTACOCares. Phala said the event will feature the handover of essential school supplies, including school uniform, cosmetics and dignitary packs.

“The event will be led by SANTACO President, Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe and will be attended by government and civil society stakeholders. It will take place at Rietrivier Primary School in Ritchie, Northern Cape on 8 August 2025, at 11am,” she said.

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Mokgweetsi wa serori se se tsamaisang boroto o tshwerwe poo

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Serori se se tsamaisang borotho

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Phatwe 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshwarwa poo go tlhometswe. Se, se tla morago ga gore mokgweetsi wa serori se se tsamaisang brotho a tshwarwe poo go sa le gale.

Go begwa fa mokgweetsi o, a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba sa itsiweng, mme ba mo shupa ka sethunya pele ga ba ka mo tseela madi a seatleng a lekanyediwang go R6000, ga mmogo le mogala wa letheka.  

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Tiragalo e, ke ya kwa Taung Dam fa Phatwe a ne a rogwa. Go begwa fa babelaelwa ba ne ba rwele dithiba matlho le molomo. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.

“Mokgweetsi o begwa fa a na le dingwaga di le 32. Go begwa fa go butswe kgetsi ya go tshwara poo le go shupa ka sethunya.”

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A man accused of murder abandoned bail

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Picture: The accused, Helder Isidro

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 August 2025- The accused, Helder Isidro (36) from Eersterust, abandoned his bail application at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. Isidro is facing a charge of murder of Loveness Magabe (30) and defeating the ends of justice. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that the accused and the deceased initially met on a Facebook hook-up site and later continued communicating via WhatsApp. Mahanjana said they arranged to meet in person at a lodge in Eersterust on 26 July 2025.  

“On the said date it is alleged that the accused ordered an uber for the deceased to pick her up from her place of residence in Sunnyside and drop her off at their meeting place. However, the meeting place was not a lodge as initially agreed but the accused place of residence.

“Upon her arrival before the two met, it is alleged that the deceased sent a message to her friend and told her that the place where she was dropped off looked dodgy and she also sent her friend a pin location in case she went missing,” she said.

Mahanjana further said when the deceased failed to return home the following day, 27 July 2025, her friend opened a missing person case at the Sunnyside Police Station. She added that, following an intensive police investigation, the body of Magabe was discovered in a shallow grave at the accused’s residence in Eersterust on 31 July 2025. 

“Isidro was arrested on 4 August 2025 at his grandmother’s residence in Limpopo. The case has been postponed to 15 October 2025, for further investigation.

“In a separate matter, the accused is also facing a rape charge and is scheduled to appear in Court on the same date (15 October 2025),” said Mahanjana.

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City Power urges customers to use electricity sparingly

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 August 2025- The City Power is urging customers across Johannesburg to use electricity sparingly as a cold front grips the province this week, bringing with it plummeting temperatures and increased strain on the power grid. City Power said according to the South African Weather Service, very cold conditions are expected from today through to early next week, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 5°C in some parts of the city.

The City Power General Manager in the Department of Public Relations and Communication, Isaac Mangena said these extreme weather conditions often lead to a significant spike in electricity demand, as residents turn to heaters, electric blankets, and other high-usage appliances to keep warm. Mangena said as a result, their network is likely to come under severe pressure, which unfortunately increases the risk of unplanned outages, primarily caused by overloading.

“Overloaded cables and transformers can fail or explode, leading to even more prolonged power outages in affected areas. During these periods, we often experience high call volumes and multiple outage reports, which may impact response times.

“We therefore ask customers to remain patient as our teams work around the clock to respond to faults and restore supply. We urge customers to reduce electricity usage by switching off non-essential appliances and lights, especially during peak hours (6am–9am and 5pm–9pm),” he said.

Mangena further said customers are also urged to avoid using multiple high-consumption appliances (heaters, stoves, geysers) at the same time and to instead use alternative heating methods such as warm clothing, blankets and gas heaters where possible. He added that City Power will continue to monitor the network closely and respond to faults as quickly as possible.

“We encourage customers to play their part by lowering consumption on their end to help us keep the lights on. Customers can report outages or faults by calling us on 011 490 7484 / 0860 562 874 or via citypower.mobi,” said Mangena.

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SA under-17s to begin preparations for AFCON Cosafa qualifiers

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By REGINALD KANYANE

7 August 2025- The South African Under-17 men’s national team will go into camp at the end of the month ahead of their participation in the CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will be staged in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 11-20 September 2025 and the team will go into camp in Johannesburg on 29 August 2025.

They will depart for Harare on 8 September 2025. The draw for the tournament was conducted this week and the South Africans were drawn in Group B against Zambia, Madagascar and Malawi.

Only the top team in each group and the best second-placed side will progress to semi-finals. Group rivals and long-time adversaries, Zambia are the defending champions and the most successful side in the tournament’s history. The squad for the tournament will be announced in the coming days and the South African Football Association (SAFA) will also communicate further details about the logistics for the event.

CAF UNDER-17 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS | COSAFA QUALIFIERS 2026

GROUP A: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Comoros, Eswatini

GROUP B: Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi

GROUP C: Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Lesotho

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