Daily Archives: August 7, 2025

‘North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi’s energy is misdirected’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 August 2025- The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) in the North West said it has noted the circulating video of the embattled North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi speaking to underperforming schools. The YCLSA said in principle, they believe that it is admirable to demand performance from teachers, but the desired outcomes are questionable.

YCLSA provincial spokesperson, Edward Ditshwele said the objective of achieving 95% pass rate is symbolic of a national education system obsessed with statistics that mean nothing in the lives of many of the learners. Ditshwele said there is no honour in celebrating an inhuman system that only caters for academically gifted learners, while neglecting many black learners gifted with other talents who are forced to get collectable marks that will not ever assist them in their lives.

“Earlier this year, as tradition, we released a statement celebrating yet mourning the province’s matric results. We said the reason that we mourn the results is that many who passed have simply been certificated, but 12 years of schooling has not given them skills they can use to become economically active.

“The lack of skills in the curriculum makes the youth of this province bystanders, while foreign nationals, those who went directly to TVET colleges after Grade 9 and those who come from prison have skills that they can make a living out of,” he said.

Ditshwele further said the North West Department of Education’s lack of urgency in implementing the three-stream model on a full scale is deplorable. He added that the three-stream model has expanded the curriculum to include subjects such as nail and beauty, woodwork, construction, entrepreneurship, agricultural technology, which deals with agricultural machinery etc.

“While provinces like Gauteng have shown urgency in implementing the model in townships, many of our township schools are stuck in the history, physics and commerce subject stream.

“The objective of a 95% pass rate would be commendable, if that 95% were not only going to qualify to go to universities but also be able to enter the job market with skills or open their own business,” said Ditshwele.

He said foreign nationals come from all over the world and make a living in this country with their skills, not matric certificates. Ditshwele said today, foreigners dominate the local spaza shops, construction sites and many businesses in their towns.

“Motsumi’s energy and passion is good, but misdirected. Instead of wanting to be like the Free State, she should want to make a positive name for herself by emulating the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, who is not known for being number 1 as a province, but for creating schools of specialisation that have skilled many young people.

“The grim reality is that a child who passed physics with 35% of collectable marks is properly unemployed, while another who went to a Gauteng school and passed nail and hair technology is also unemployed but making an income by doing people’s hair and nails on a daily basis,” he said.

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ANC continues to implement the 55th National Conference resolutions

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

7 August 2025- The ANC said it convened its National Executive Committee (NEC) Ordinary Meeting from 1 to 4 August 2025, meeting under the guiding banner of the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter. The former liberation party said its historic gathering took place in a period of profound reflection and decisive action as they continue to implement the resolutions of the 55th National Conference, to advance the commitments of its 2024 Manifesto and sharpen its movement’s posture in delivering the January 8th tasks.

The ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula who addressed the media in Johannesburg on Wednesday, said the NEC met during Women’s Month, marking the 69th Anniversary of the heroic 1956 Women’s March and 30th Anniversary of the national day signifying the advances we have made in women emancipation and transformation. Mbalula said the ANC reaffirms its unflinching commitment to addressing the triple oppression of women in terms of race, class and gender.

“We celebrate this month focused on women leadership and economic participation under this year’s theme – “Building Resilient Economies for All.” This moment is not only a commemoration of historic victories but a clarion call to confront persisting gender inequalities, including the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBV-F).

“The NEC reflected on several developments characterising the political terrain since our last meeting, including the emerging dynamics in the Government of National Unity (GNU), public opinion trends, the National Dialogue preparations the critical challenge of unemployment, the high cost of living, infrastructure challenges and international trade tensions, particularly the unilateral punitive tariffs imposed by the United States,” he said.

Mbalula further said the NEC noted with appreciation the report on the Liberation Movements Summit and reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world. He added that the shifting geopolitical landscape requires that South Africa assert its sovereignty, defend multilateralism, and pursue partnerships that advance inclusive development.

“The ANC rejects with contempt attempts by domestic reactionaries and foreign forces to destabilise our nation through misinformation and economic coercion.

The NEC welcomes and fully supports the decisive interventions announced by Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Trade, Industry and Competition in response to the imposition of punitive tariffs by the United States.

“These measures reflect a coherent and strategic approach to defending South Africa’s economic sovereignty while prioritising the livelihoods of our people. The comprehensive support framework, including the establishment of an Export Support Desk and mobilisation of targeted industrial resilience funds, demonstrates a government that is proactive in shielding its productive sectors from external economic shocks,” said Mbalula.

He said these actions are not isolated measures, but form part of a broader national effort to restructure their trade relations, promote industrialisation and ensure that South Africa’s engagement in the global economy is anchored in equity, dignity and national development priorities.

Mbalula said the NEC is particularly resolute that South Africa will not be coerced into reversing its progressive economic transformation agenda or compromising its sovereignty under the guise of opportunistic foreign pressures.

“The Democratic Alliance’s reaction to the Ministers’ announcement exposes a mindset that is out of touch with the aspirations of South African people. Their reckless calls for deregulation and abandonment of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment are a direct affront to the principles of the Freedom Charter, which demand that the people shall share in the country’s wealth.

“The DA’s posture reflects a deeply entrenched neo-imperialist mindset that seeks to subordinate South Africa’s sovereign right to chart its own economic destiny to the interests of foreign powers and domestic elites. The ANC will not retreat from defending the economic freedom of our people,” he said.

Mbalula said their government’s principled and deliberate approach remains firmly rooted in the struggle traditions that guided them to liberation and continue to guide them in building a sovereign, inclusive, and a just South Africa.

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Police in Northern Cape welcomes convictions in GBVF related cases

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 August 2025 – The Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit said it has successfully secured convictions in cases related to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The unit said in the first case which occurred on 24 February 2025, Lorenzo Kani (27) assaulted and attempted to stab his girlfriend (25) in the presence of his sister (47) in Hopetown.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the sister immediately reported the matter to the police. Kock said the accused pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment for contravening a protection order and assault common.

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. In a separate incident on 13 May 2025, Beronique Olyn (23) displayed riotous and aggressive behaviour towards her parents and child in Hopetown.

“She was arrested for contravening a protection order and appeared in the Hopetown Magistrate’s Court. Olyn was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. She was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Kock further said the SAPS Management has commended Detective Warrant Officer Paul Schoeman and Sergeant Frans Louw, for their commitment and thorough investigation, which, together with the collaboration of state prosecutor advocate Nicola van Niekerk, led to the successful prosecution and sentencing of the accused. He added that their efforts underscore SAPS’ unwavering dedication to combating GBVF and ensuring justice for victims.

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20 newly-trained firefighters recruits welcomed  

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Picture: Twenty firefighters recruits welcomed/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 August 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokse Maje said firefighters play a crucial role in fire safety. Maje said they are the first responders in emergencies, suppressing and controlling fires.

This comes after the district welcomed 20 newly-trained firefighters recruits. The event was held at the Taung Fire Emergency offices on Wednesday.

“It is with immense pride and heartfelt joy that I stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we welcome home our 20 young heroes — the newly trained firefighter recruits of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

“As the district, we have faced the devastating impact of wildfires in recent years. Our farms, our land and indeed our livelihoods have suffered. Despite support from partners like Working on Fire, our limited capacity has often made it difficult to respond as swiftly and effectively as we would have liked,” he said.

Maje further said that today, they stand here not to lament the challenges of the past, but to celebrate a powerful step forward. He added that, last year, the district took a bold and visionary decision — to invest in their own youth by sending 20 young people for specialized training in fire fighting.

“Today, we officially welcome them back to their community, not just as ordinary citizens, but as trained, uniformed and dedicated firefighting professionals. To the parents and guardians here today, I say thank you.

“Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for allowing them to serve this district with bravery and dignity. You have raised young men and women who are not only protectors of the land, but symbols of hope and change,” said Maje.

According to Maje, from January 2026, these recruits will be permanently employed as full-time fire fighters by the municipality. He said this is not just employment — it is the purpose.

“It is an opportunity. It is the beginning of a lifetime of service.

We are proud beyond words. This initiative is not only about saving our farms and protecting hectares from destructive veld fires, but also about fighting youth unemployment and restoring dignity to our communities through skills development and meaningful work.

“Let me also take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to the MMC for Community Services, Boitumelo Setlhabetsi-Mokone, for the sterling leadership shown throughout this project. Your commitment and foresight have made today possible,” he said.

Maje said this is Setlhabetsi-Mokone’s victory too. He said to the brave recruits, they are the torchbearers of a safer district.

“Wear your uniforms with pride. Serve with integrity, discipline and humility. This is the beginning of a new chapter in your lives — one that requires strength, commitment, and selflessness.

“Let this be a reminder to all young people in our district: When we work together, we can create real change. Opportunities exist — and your local government is working tirelessly to create more. I remain committed to investing in our youth, strengthening our disaster and emergency services and building a district that is not only safer, but also more inclusive and economically empowered,” said Maje.

He also encourages them to continue to walk this journey — together — to a stronger, safer and more prosperous Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Maje congratulated new firefighter recruits once again.

“We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we stand with you,” he said.

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Wayde Jooster upbeat before CHAN tournament

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By REGINALD KANYANE

7 August 2025 – Wayde Jooste believes that the South African team that is representing the country in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) has settled down and is now a unified group ahead of their opening match of the tournament on Friday. Coach Molefi Ntseki’s charges open their account against Algeria on Friday afternoon and Jooste said the amount of time they have spent together in camp has helped build a strong spirit among the players.

“I don’t think it’s been that tough (to become a unified group), honestly, because the majority of us have played against each other in our respective leagues and some of us have actually been teammates in different clubs.

“So, I feel like the fact that we were together in (camp) in South Africa before coming to Uganda, it also helped us a bit to bond together as teammates,” he said.

Jooste further said most importantly, they have become a little family because, like he said, they have been together in South Africa and now that they are in Uganda, the bond within them just becomes stronger and stronger. He added that local observers have been curious about Ntseki’s charges since arriving here on Sunday afternoon.

“They are happy to remain an unknown quantity until they take to the field for the first time on Friday. It’s a very good thing that we are an unknown quantity because they won’t know what to expect from us.

“So yeah, it’s a very good thing that they don’t really know much about us. It will count in our favour and it will be an advantage for us going into the group stages,” said Jooste.

The CHAN tournament is being held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August 2025 and Ntseki’s charges are based in Kampala during the group stages of the tournament.

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A nurse, Boitumelo Motimeng celebrates 20 years of excellence

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Picture: Picture: A professional nurse, Boitumelo Motimeng/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 August 2025- Being a good nurse requires a combination of essential qualities and skills such as empathy, strong communication, critical thinking and attention to details. If you are looking for all these attributes do not look further than Boitumelo Motimeng (42), a qualified nurse at Taung District Hospital.

Motimeng, who is celebrating 20 years of excellence in the profession, said he is thrilled by these achievements. He said he was passionate about nursing from an early age.

“I’m thrilled to share my story with The Guardian Newspaper. I was born and raised in Manthe village, near Taung, a place I am proud to call home. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of quality healthcare on families and communities, which inspired me to pursue a career in nursing.

“So, my desire to become a nurse stemmed from a personal experience. I have first-hand experience on what a different compassion and care can make. I pursued nursing to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Motimeng.

He further said what inspired him daily is seeing patients recovering and knowing that he made a positive impact. Motimeng added that it is a privilege to serve his community.

“As a nurse, I believe patients deserve respectful, empathetic, and professional care. My advice to fellow nurses is to prioritize patient-centered care, remain kind-hearted and improve their skills continually.

“There challenges that we come across as professional nurses at our work places such as managing workload, limited resources, and maintaining patient trust. Despite these, we strive for excellence. We also have successful stories and for me what stands out is managing a vaccination site, combating spread of communicable diseases for sale of community immunity,” he said.

Motimeng is currently working as a coordinator for a nursing/health programme (infection prevention & control), where he oversees patient care and mentoring junior staff. He said being a nurse in rural areas means being part of a close-knit community, where healthcare is often a challenge.

“However, it is rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives, despite these challenges. Reaching 20 years of service feels like a dream come true. I am definitely proud of my achievements and looking forward to continuing to serve our people with diligence.

“In the next five years, I would like to see myself in a leadership role, driving healthcare improvements and mentoring the next generation of nurses. I would also like to encourage other nurses to practice the Health Ministerial goal and be guided by the Batho Pele principle,” said Motimeng.

In 2010, he was elected as the Best Nurse in Marylyn Lehana Awards in North West. Motimeng also entered the national competition for the Best Nurse and occupied the 2nd position.

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