Daily Archives: August 12, 2025

ANCYL calls on North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi to stop ‘twerking’ and do her job    

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

12 August 2025- The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region said it simultaneously extends and expresses its heartfelt condolences and unwavering solidarity to the family and schoolmates of Grade 10 learner, Amantle Mocumi, who tragically passed away on 8 August 2025.

The ANCYL Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Regional Task Team coordinator, Kagiso Kgabo said they are highly disappointed, disgusted and flabbergasted by the manner in which the North West Department of Education and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region is handling this sensitive matter.

Kgabo said the North West MEC of Education, Viola Motsumi and Dr RSM District Director, Mojakhumo Dithejane, must refrain from covering-up and protecting the irresponsible principal at the expense of a lost life.

“We are making a clarion call to Motsumi to accelerate the process of initiating forensic investigation and suspend the principal with immediate effect pending outcomes of the much anticipated investigation into the tragic death of Amantle. 

“Motsumi must stop shooting videos dancing and twerking to Lekompo hits and urgently attend to this matter. The department must offer psychological support to the affected learners,” he said.  

Kgabo further calls on educational psychologists to descend to Ganyesa. He added that, the departmental officials are comfortably sitting in well-furnished air-conditioned offices enjoying and utilizing free Wi-Fi, while lives are being lost. 

“Consequence management and justice must prevail,” said Kgabo. 

The Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta shared the same sentiments. Makaneta told SABC News that the untimely death of Amantle is a cause for great concern. 

“There is no doubt that corporal punishment has been redefined by BELA Act, whereby it should not be used as a force of violence against the learners.

“We cannot have this type of approach or discipline that actually takes away the dignity of a child. Corporal punishment has been defined under the new law. However, it is most unfortunate that teachers in various schools apply this disciplinary measure, which you find not in line with the laws of the country,” he said. 

Makaneta said they call on all law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to ensure that justice is served for the deceased learner. He also calls on the North West Department of Education to take South Africans in confidence and come out clear in terms of what actions will be taken against the school and in particular against the teacher who is found wanting.

“Actions should be taken against the teacher who ensured that this type of punishment was administered. There is clearly a need for justice to prevail because if you look at it thoroughly, the demise of the learner could have been prevented if the authority in the school did something, instead of making learners run without knowing their medical conditions. 

“So, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and District officials should go to the school and redefine their position to what could happen next,” said Makaneta.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a learner. According to preliminary reports, the learner experienced a medical emergency during school hours. 

“The principal immediately notified the learner’s parents and called for an ambulance. The learner’s mother arrived at the school, while awaiting emergency services and together with a teacher, transported the learner to the nearest clinic, where she sadly passed away.”

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Municipality spends R2m per month on water tankering 

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

12 August 2025- The residents in Huhudi Township and other surrounding areas call on the Minister of Department of Water and Sanitation, Penny Majodina to probe the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District over water tankering. These residents alleged that some municipal officials are conniving with ‘water mafias’ who have infiltrated their areas in quest of derailing the provision of water. 

According to one of the community leaders who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, the appointed service providers for water tankering at municipality allegedly partake in vandalising water infrastructure in the area to keep water tankering business afloat. He alleged that the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spends almost R2 million per month on water tankering, which is a lucrative business for ‘water mafias’. 

“These people are allegedly involved in vandalizing water infrastructure, creating water shortages and then profiting by selling water through tankers. Sometimes they go and vandalise some water infrastructure, so that we do not receive water from our taps. 

“It is alleged that they are in cahoots with some corrupt officials from the municipality. Remember, water and sanitation are fundamental aspects of public health, sustainable development and human rights hence we call on Majodina to come and launch investigations regarding these allegations,” he said. 

He said the alleged collusion between criminals and officials erodes public trust in the municipality. 

The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality spokesperson, Joe Motlhasedi refuted allegations and said as the municipality, they are not aware of any officials conniving with water tankering service providers. Motlhasedi said they regard that as pure allegations since there is no proof. 

“If there is any, that person can go and open up a case. The municipality is spending in the region of about R2 million across the district. It is not every time that the water infrastructure has been vandalized. 

“In the Vryburg area in particular, the municipality has sourced the services of a security company deployed at water and sewer pump stations and in the last financial year,” he said. 

Motlhasedi said they do not remember if there was a case of vandalism, but they experience breakdowns on boreholes now and again. He said fixing of the infrastructure within the whole district was around R18 million. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) Chief Director: Local Government Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, James Mashigo said even though they do not have any proof that some municipal officials connive with water service providers, they cannot just dismiss these allegations.  

“Many residents continue to bring these allegations forward, but there is no proof so far on whether these allegations are true or not. So, there are efforts of mobilisation of resources for our key Districts in terms of making sure that there is bulk more especially for water. 

“This will assist in making sure that we are able to improve our own service provision. We have consultative processes with various municipalities in terms of turning things around,” he said.

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NWU student found murdered in her flat

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Selebogo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

12 August 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Regional Task Team (RTT) in the Bojanala Region has expressed a profound concern over the persistent rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual assault, which continues to devastate young women and children within its communities. This urgent appeal comes in the wake of the tragic murder of Onalenna Selebogo (21), a North West University (NWU) student, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend on 3 August 2025, in Rustenburg. 

The coordinator of ANCYL RTT in Bojanala, Pako Mokua said they extend their deepest condolences to the Selebogo family during this unimaginably difficult time. Mokua said as they prepare to bid their final farewell to Selebogo on 16 August 2025, their hearts ache for their profound loss.

“We stand in solidarity with them, offering our support and holding them close in this moment of sorrow. The senseless loss of Selebogo is a heart-breaking reminder of the pervasive and often fatal impact of GBV within our society. 

“Our concerns are gravely heightened by incidents like these, which strip away the potential and dignity of our young people.  RTT urgently calls upon young women to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in their relationships, emphasising the devastating consequences that abusive partnerships can entail,” he said. 

Mokua further said they urge them to seek help and support, if they find themselves in such circumstances, knowing that their safety and well-being are of paramount importance. He added that this Women’s Month serves as a critical period to galvanize and strengthen collaborative efforts across all sectors of society to eradicate violence against women and children. 

“As an organisation committed to empowering young people and championing community aspirations, the ANCYL RTT Bojanala strongly encourages all members of society to take proactive and resolute steps towards establishing a region free from violence and abuse. 

“Our paramount focus remains on safeguarding the human dignity and potential of every individual, particularly women and children,” said Mokua.

Meanwhile, the North West University (NWU) Corporate Communication Manager, Oscar Mosiane said: “They mourn the tragic death of Selebogo. She was reportedly found murdered in her flat in Phokeng, Rustenburg, on 3 August 2025. The NWU is devastated by the loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman. 

“Selebogo’s passing is not only a tragedy to her family and friends, but also to the NWU community. She was a beautiful soul with a passion for education and a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely and violent death has shaken us all,” said Mosiane. 

He said they extend their deepest condolences to the Selebogo family, her classmates, lecturers, and fellow students. Mosiane said the university was made aware of the incident last week by the family, and they have respected their space and time to grieve before issuing a public statement.

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Learner’s death causes uproar  

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Picture: The deceased, Amantle Mocumi

By OBAKENG MAJE  

12 August 2025- The ANC Youth league in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District has comes out guns blazing and calls on the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi to take drastic measures against the principal of Huhudi High School in Ganyesa village, near Vryburg. 

This comes after a sudden death of a Grade 10 learner, Amantle Mocumi (16), who died at the school on 8 April 2025. It is alleged that the principal of the school instructed learners to run around the school backyard three times as a form of punishment. 

It is alleged that some learners went out during school hours and the principal saw them hence the punishment. It is alleged that Amantle collapsed while running and the principal told her brother who reported the matter to him to pour his sister with water and she will wake up. 

Now, Amantle’s death has caused widespread concern and prompted calls for action. 

The ANCYL regional spokesperson, Tshwaro Sere said: “We are saddened by the passing of Amantle, who was supposed to be in class. Unfortunately, she was subjected to physical activity as if she had undergone military training. 

“We as the ANCYL, we want to put it categorically clear that the North West Department of Education must thoroughly investigate this matter and make a proper pronouncement in regard to the behaviour of the educator, who was involved.”

Sere further said they request members of the community at large to remain calm as the law enforcement agencies and ANCYL get to the bottom of these shenanigans. He added that they sympathise with the family of the deceased and call on the North West Provincial Government to provide the necessary support to them. 

The Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta shared the same sentiments. Makaneta told SABC News that the untimely death of Amantle is a cause for great concern. 

“There is no doubt that corporal punishment has been redefined by BELA Act, whereby it should not be used as a force of violence against the learners.

“We cannot have this type of approach or discipline that actually takes away the dignity of a child. Corporal punishment has been defined under the new law. However, it is most unfortunate that teachers in various schools apply this disciplinary measure, which you find not in line with the laws of the country,” he said. 

Makaneta said they call on all law enforcement agencies to work around the clock to ensure that justice is served for the deceased learner. He also calls on the North West Department of Education to take South Africans in confidence and come out clear in terms of what actions will be taken against the school and in particular against the teacher who is found wanting.

“Actions should be taken against the teacher who ensured that this type of punishment was administered. There is clearly a need for justice to prevail because if you look at it thoroughly, the demise of the learner could have been prevented if the authority in the school did something, instead of making learners run without knowing their medical conditions. 

“So, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and District officials should go to the school and redefine their position to what could happen next,” said Makaneta.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said: “We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a learner. According to preliminary reports, the learner experienced a medical emergency during school hours. 

“The principal immediately notified the learner’s parents and called for an ambulance. The learner’s mother arrived at the school, while awaiting emergency services and together with a teacher, transported the learner to the nearest clinic, where she sadly passed away.”

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A newly discovered parasite named after Du Preez

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Picture: NWU Prof Louis du Preez/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

12 August 2025- Taxonomic immortality can take many forms. For Prof Louis du Preez of the North West University (NWU), it comes with a twist of humour and a splash of irony. 

A newly-discovered parasite, Latergator louisdupreezi, now bears his name. The organism, identified by American researchers, belongs to a group of ocular parasites that inhabit the eyes of freshwater turtles and the hippopotamus. 

Du Preez knows this family well, perhaps too well. 

“I did my postgraduate studies on this group of parasites. I’ve been searching for a parasite on the eye of a crocodilian for 30 years. I always suspected that one day it would be found on the eye of a crocodile.

“My quest was nothing, if not thorough. I’ve personally examined about 20 crocodiles, whether dissected or butchered on crocodile farms, looking for this parasite,” he recalls. 

Du Preez further said the search extended beyond Africa. He added that in the USA, he was part of a team that examined 105 alligators following an annual alligator hunt to control the numbers, to see if they could find this parasite, but they could not find any.

“The breakthrough came elsewhere. A team in the United States finally found the elusive creature, lodged, as suspected, on the eye of an alligator. 

“In recognition of my decades-long pursuit, they named the species after me. We always suspected they would be found on the eye of an alligator. So I feel very honoured by this,” said du Preez. 

He said, but he thinks the public might sympathise with him for this honour. Du Preez said naming species after scientists is a long-standing tradition in biology, both as a mark of respect and, occasionally, gentle mischief. 

“In my case, Latergator louisdupreezi is both a tribute to a lifetime spent studying the wriggling, often overlooked creatures that make their living in or on other animals and a wink at the peculiar intimacy between parasite and parasitologist.

“For me, the find is a reminder of science’s patient grind and the serendipity that occasionally rewards it. For the rest of us, it is an insight into the strange corners of zoology where a decades-long search can end, not in a cure or a grand theory, but in a microscopic squatter with an illustrious new name,” he said. 

Du Preez said this is not the first time a new species has been named after him. He said in 2023, he was honoured by having a newly-discovered Malagasy frog species named after him. 

“The honour was bestowed by a group of German scientists from the University of Braunschweig, Landesmuseum in Darmstadt, and the Zoological Museum in München, in recognition of my substantial contributions to understanding the flatworm parasites of Malagasy anurans. 

“The new species is now formally named and described as Blommersia dupreezi,” concluded du Preez. 

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Kutumela scores the winner as SA pushes past Guinea in tough CHAN encounter

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players celebrate a goal during CHAN game/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 August 2025- South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 in a fiercely contested African Nations Championship Group C match that Coach Molefi Ntseki likened to a tough day at the office. Ntseki’s charges had to dig deep to see off a Guinea side that contested every ball and kept the South Africans on their toes for 97 minutes.

The South African men’s side were the first to get their name on the stadium scoreboard after captain Neo Maema led from the front and beat Guinea goalkeeper Ousmane Camara in the 10th minute. The West Africans noticeably raised their game as the first half progressed and they were rewarded when Moussa Camara beat South Africa goalkeeper, Samukelo Xulu to score the equaliser in the 37th minute.

The two teams picked up where they left off in the second period and while Guinea impressed the supporters with their passing game, it was the South Africans who always had the sharper edge in front of goal and looked like scoring. Man of the match Thabiso Kutumela once again stepped up and punished Guinea with a low shot to give South Africa the 2-1 lead in the 54th minute. It was Kutumela’s second goal of the tournament after scoring against Algeria last Friday.

The South Africans could have scored two more goals in the second half, but in the end Ntseki was happy to walk away with the priceless victory.

“You can tell how difficult it was, and how tough it was. But at the end of the day, Guinea played the game, and we scored the goals. And what is important for us was to score the goals and win the game. We are very pleased with the result, but there is still a lot of work that we need to do going into the next match (against Niger).

“As for Guinea, I think they came at us after we scored the first goal, which was a beautiful goal and worked out in line with our preparations. I also think the recovery period was a bit short for us (after facing Algeria on Friday), especially when you look into the intensity of the last game we played. Guinea also played on the same day (on Friday), and they lost 3-0,” said Ntseki.

He further said from their side, when it comes to their physical recovery and game preparation, they will look deeper into their readiness (ahead of the next game against Niger). Ntseki added that their physical conditioning coach and their medical team will have to work on the players so that they are fresher and more focused after winning against such a difficult and tough team.

“They really made us run. In terms of the kilometres that were covered by our team defensively, I think it was more than 12 kilometres.

“The team will use the next few days to recover and also plan for their next Group C match against Niger on Friday,” he said.

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