Daily Archives: August 30, 2025

Drug Overdose campaign hits Khuma  

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By BOITUMELO BOWENI

30 August 2025- The National Department of Social Development alongside their North West counterparts and some representatives from various NPOs embarked on an anti-drug overdose awareness campaign at Khuma Township, in Stilfontein as part of the observance of the International Overdose Awareness Day.

Commemorated annually on the last day of August, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness on the use, abuse and overdose of illicit substances and to reduce the stigma attached to the victims and their families. 

This year the annual anti-drug overdose is being commemorated under the theme : ‘One Big Family Driven By Hope.’

Addressing the residents at Philemon Masinga Stadium, Social Work Supervisor, Malefo Modipa at Matlosana Service Point highlighted that the Department of Social Development is readily available to assist individuals and families with rehabilitation processes.

“We have ward social workers who conduct frequent school and house visits to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse. We provide intervention and counselling services to families that require assistance in reconciling their relationships affected by the use of drugs.

“Treatment Centres situated in Potchefstroom and Taung respectively, serve as a rehabilitation centre for individuals that wish to be rehabilitated from drug use,” she said.

Modipa further said the focus on Khuma Township emanates from concerns raised by community members about various groups who indulge in substances. She added that some of the concerns raised by community members included Gender-Based Violence (GBV), high rate of crime, continuous harassment by zama zamas, teenage pregnancy, with substance abuse and unemployment leading the pack.

“Common drugs used in the area include marijuana, spirits, glue, alcohol, cigarette, matompo, crystal meth and chiff (home-made vape) with young people being at the forefront of the use of those substances,” said Modipa.

According to community members, the surge of the use and abuse of substance abuse has become a phenomenon, which not only affects families and communities but contributes to other social problems citing that the use of substances is mainly attributed to the need to escape reality, lack of employment and recreational activities, stress relief and peer pressure.

National DSD Substance Abuse and CDA programme, Faith Namathe said drugs are regarded to be for recreational and medical use which have a temporary effect on the physical and mental well-being of an individual.

“Addiction and overdose, starts with either a single sip of alcohol or puff of cigarette. Once in the system, your body adapts to that substance which then leads to frequent usage of that drug.

“You fail to function normally without the drug in your system, and eventually develop an addiction. Once addicted, you misuse the drug which then leads to an overdose,” she said.

Namathe emphasised that the key message “Ke Moja” is to live a drug free life. She said individuals are encouraged to live without the use of drugs.

“Addressing drug overdose and usage, requires the involvement and active participation of various stakeholders including, government departments, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), community members, Local Drug Action Committee members.

“These are change agents to advocate and build awareness on drug overdose. South African Police Services, SANPARK, North West Department of Health, Muslim Aids Programme and Restoring Youth Dignity joined social development officials in raising awareness on drug overdose,” said Namathe.

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Two men nabbed for dealing in drugs

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 August 2025- Two suspects aged between 35 and 37 were arrested by the Kathu based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on 29 August 2025, for dealing in drugs. This comes after the Hawks received a tip-off regarding men allegedly selling drugs around Siyathemba, in Kathu, near Kuruman.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape. Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said a search and seizure warrant was obtained and and operationalised. Mnisi said a house in Voelvanger Street, Siyathemba, Kathu, was searched.

“During the search, one transparent plastic bag containing mandrax, crystal meth (tik) and cat were found in the dustbin weighing 0.454 grams with an estimated street value of R67 904, small scales, small bantex and an undisclosed amount of cash were also seized.

“Both accused are expected to make a brief appearance before Kathu Magistrate’s Court on 1 September 2025,” she said.

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Cope condemns Minister of Police’s interference into police operations

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Picture: acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 August 2025- The Congress of the People (COPE) said it strongly condemns the recent actions of acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, who has accused the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola of “jumping the gun” regarding the work of the Political Killings Task Team and the release of 121 investigative dockets.

Cope said Cachalia has further indicated that these matters should not proceed outside of the upcoming Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and has now demanded a report from Masemola on the task team’s work.

Cope acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi said they view these actions as a serious overreach of ministerial authority and a troubling interference in the operational independence of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“The acting Minister of Police is now interfering with the work of the National Police Commissioner. The duties of the Commissioner are, in the main, the operational and managerial control of the police service, in accordance with national policy.

“The Minister’s role is to determine policing policy and provide oversight, not to direct investigations or intervene in operational matters. The National Commissioner is fully within his rights to determine where and how dockets are administered and investigated,” he said.

Mohlapamaswi further said Cachalia must stay within his lane.     He added that as Cope, question why Cachalia is so concerned about the release of these 121 dockets.

“What is in these dockets that make ministers so visibly unsettled? Why is the Acting Minister attempting to delay or derail investigations that fall squarely within the Commissioner’s operational mandate?

“The establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry does not suspend the work of the Political Killings Task Team, nor has the task team been disbanded by the Commissioner,” said Mohlapamaswi.

He said therefore, its investigations must continue without political interference, and arrests must proceed where warranted, even as the Commission conducts its own parallel inquiry. Mohlapamaswi said this situation raises a disturbing question.

“Was Cachalia appointed to stall or obstruct the investigations into the 121 political killings dockets?

“We call on Cachalia to refrain from overstepping his authority and to allow the SAPS to carry out its constitutional and legal duties without political pressure or manipulation,” he said.

Mohlapamaswi said the victims of political violence, and the South African public, deserve justice, not delay.

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Services to be restored in Douglas

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Picture: Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the oversight inspections conducted in Douglas with its Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, shone the spotlight on the government’s failure to ensure dignified services to the communities of Bucklands, Selfbou and New Park. The DA said all three of these communities have been forgotten and do not have access to clean, piped water or proper sanitation facilities.

The DA Constituency Head of Diamond South and Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Delmaine Christians said in Mandelaplaas in Bucklands, a borehole that is serving 60 shanties, is not working. Christians said residents make use of untreated canal water, which is not according to South African National Standards (SANS).

“This is unsafe and places residents at risk of illness. We appreciate Seitlholo’s commitment to ensure that the borehole is reconnected. This will go a long way to restoring residents’ water rights.

“In Selfbou and New Park in Riemvasmaak, residents are dependent on Jo-Jo tanks erected by the DA, for water. Tragically, one of these Jo-Jo tanks, which were still full of water, was purposefully pushed off its stand during the past week, causing it to shatter,” she said.

 Christians further said the DA condemns the sabotage of water infrastructure that will rob people of access to water. She added that they have donated an additional Jo-Jo tank to both Selfbou and New Park.

“We will also continue to seek cooperation from the municipality to enable us to lay a water pipeline from the Jo-Jos, to expand access to water.

“That these areas are also without any kind of toilet facilities, and that people use the bush to relieve themselves, is a gross service failure and violation of people’s constitutional rights,” said Christians.

She said they will continue to put pressure on all three spheres of government, to ensure that addressing this sanitation shortfall is prioritised. Christians said the government must be held accountable for ensuring that basic services are delivered to all communities.

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NWU strengthens support for postgraduate studies

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 August 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is pleased with the overwhelming response to the announcement by its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, regarding the financial support for qualifying postgraduate students (honours, master’s, and doctoral).

The university said this intervention is crucial in ensuring that it plays its part towards the country’s research and development agenda and contributes towards the achievement of the objectives of the national development plan.

Tyobeka said: “Postgraduate studies, and research and innovation, especially in critical areas of the economy are key ingredients of innovation that leads to economic development and growth, as well as the creation and broadening of entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. 

“We are determined to enhance our support for qualifying postgraduate students who have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the national system of innovation.” 

He further said they do this because they acknowledge that postgraduate students and researchers are their hope and promise for a better South Africa and a progressive and industrialised economic region whose knowledge and expertise benefit key economic instruments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA.)

Tyobeka added that their resolve to remain a traditional university requires that they increase and maintain a higher percentage of postgraduate students.

“We are grateful to our partners in both the public and private sectors for their continued support that makes interventions like this possible.

“The application criteria and guidelines are going through the necessary approval processes and will be shared with all relevant stakeholders very soon,” he said.

Tyobeka said in the meantime, prospective postgraduate students are encouraged to apply before 31 October 2025, at https://applynow.nwu.ac.za/OnlineApplication/. Please click here https://studies.nwu.ac.za/postgraduate-studies for more information regarding our postgraduate studies. He said enquiries regarding the application process can be sent to WhatsApp: +27 (0) 60 070 2606, SMS: 31750 or studies@nwu.ac.za for assistance.

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DA mourns the passing of UIM President, Neil de Beer

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Picture: United Independent Movement (UIM) following the passing of its President, Neil de Beer.

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Member of Parliament (MP), John Steenhuisen said on behalf of the DA, he would like to extend his deepest condolences to the United Independent Movement (UIM) following the passing of its President, Neil de Beer.

“In Neil de Beer’s passing, South Africa has lost a powerful voice for change. With his uncompromising and often confrontational style, he upset many, but he also spoke for many.

“His convictions and fearless personality made him a force to be reckoned with and a valuable partner to the Multi-Party Charter. For his role in bringing the Charter about, the DA will remember him fondly,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said their condolences and prayers go out to his loved ones. He added that in life, de Beer was a man of restless energy.

“May he now find eternal rest,” said Steenhuisen.

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Mahumapelo to hold colloquium on G20 expectation

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Picture: The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 August 2025 – The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo will jointly with the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO), hold a virtual media briefing on the Colloquium on the people’s expectations of South Africa’s G20 Presidency: A Conversation with non – State Actors.

Mahumapelo said through this Colloquium, the committee and SALO seek to establish stakeholder expectations regarding South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the various engagement groups, including the Y20, C20, W20, T20, and B20.

“A diverse range of stakeholders will be invited with an emphasis on ensuring representation from across all nine provinces and from a broad spectrum of sectors: civil society including grassroots, faith-based, youth, women, and LGBTQI organisations and individuals, organised labour, the private sector, academia, and others.

“The aim is to ensure inclusivity and that no one is left behind in the unfolding processes towards the G20 summit,” he said.

Meanwhile, the briefing will be held virtually on 1 September 2025 from 12:00 – 13:00.

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