Monthly Archives: August 2025

Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara ‘placed’ on precautionary suspension for ‘assaulting’ a learner

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Picture: Reivilo High School principal, Motsamai Mokgara/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 August 2025- A Grade 10 learner, Koketso Manyeke (16) from Reivilo High School, near Taung, who was allegedly assaulted by the school principal, Motsamai Mokgara, was left dejected. In a letter, Koketso reminisce her ordeal and said the whole incident was sparked by a commotion that ensued between her and other three learners, Gorataone Jonas, Oratile Ntaolang and Kamogelo Keakwa, after they threw leaves of the tree mixed with sand into her face.

Picture: Koketso Manyeke after being assaulted

“This happened a few minutes before I was about to write my examination. After my examination, I came across one of the learners who threw sand into my face near the library, and then I confronted her.

“I asked her why she threw the sand into my face, and then she said because she wanted to. That made me upset and we fought. However, the principal passed by driving his vehicle and he stopped,” she said.

Koketso further said that Mokgara then took a belt from one of the AAs, and assaulted her. She added that she tried to explain the situation, but Mokgara did not want to listen.  

The wretched mother of the affected learner, Galaletsang Manyeke, said she is disappointed by the behaviour of Mokgara. Galaletsang said: “As a parent, I was called by my daughter saying that the principal assaulted her with a belt because she was in a fight with a fellow learner.

“It is disheartening because the principal only assaulted my daughter. I just wonder what discretion he used to find my daughter at fault alone.”

Manyeke said according to information, Mokgara took a belt from one of the AAs and assaulted her daughter.

“Koketso said she was shocked to see how the principal beat her and she was just standing there crying. She said no one intervened, while she was being assaulted with a belt,” said Manyeke.

She said she wondered why Mokgara decided to assault her daughter without summoning her parents to the school or temporarily suspend her, instead of disciplining her in a form of corporal punishment.

The North West Department of Education, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware that allegations of corporal punishment have been made against the Reivilo High School principal. Molokwane said these allegations have been backed up by written reports.

“These serious claims are currently under disciplinary review and investigation. To protect sensitive information and ensure fairness, all details remain confidential. The principal was placed on precautionary suspension during the inquiry, a step taken to allow the investigation to proceed, not as punishment.

“Once the investigation is complete, the suspension will be lifted, following legal rules to ensure due process and transparency,” he said.

However, one of our reliable sources said Mokgara is still at the school and he is not suspended as the North West Department of Education alleges.   

Meanwhile, the statistics show that corporal punishment has a negative impact and can cause both physical and psychological harm and hinder learners’ academic and social development. The report said corporal punishment can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even increased aggression, while also disrupting the learning environment and potentially causing learners to drop out.

According to the Statistics SA report in 2023, corporal punishment still is being practiced in schools despite the ban. The Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act, No. 33 of 1997 banned the use of corporal punishment in schools.

“Despite the ban, corporal punishment is still used as a form of discipline more than 20 years later. Of those that reported experiencing violence at school, the most common form of violence experienced was corporal punishment by teachers.

“This is according to a recently released report by Statistics South Africa called Children Series Volume I Children exposed to maltreatment, 2021. In 2019, just over 1 million out of 13 million school-going children aged 5 – 17 years reported that they had experienced some form of violence.”

The report said of those who experienced violence at school, close to 84% experienced corporal punishment by teachers, followed by verbal abuse by teachers (13,7%) and physical violence by teachers (10,6%). Between 2009 and 2019, the percentage of children who experienced verbal abuse by other learners increased by six percentage points from 18,1% in 2009 to 24,1% in 2019.

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NEHAWU to attach properties of the Department of Water and Sanitation over unpaid R4 million

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By REGINALD KANYANE

14 August 14, 2025- The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] will on Friday. be attaching properties of the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Sheriff of the Court. The attaching follows the failure by the Department of Water and Sanitation to adhere to a labour court order, which directed them to pay NEHAWU members approximately R4 million after they were unfairly dismissed by the department in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape.

Nehawu national spokesperson, Lwazi Nkolonzi said the attachment of the properties by the sheriff will take place at Sedibeng Building, 185 Francis Baard Street in Pretoria at 10am.

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Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung o latofadiwa ka go tlola molao wa lekwalo-thibelo (Protection Order)

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Setshwantsho: Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Phatwe 2025- Meyara wa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, Tumisang Gaoraelwe (44), o latofadiwa ka go tlola molao wa lekwalo-thibelo (Protection Order). Se, se tla morago ga gore mosadi wa gagwe, Lerato Gaoraelwe, a mo direle lekwalo-thibelo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Lerato yo go begwang fa ele kgale a tswile kwa ntlung ya bone ya lenyalo, one a goroga kwa ntlung eo ga mmogo le batlhakela ba sepodisi go ya go neela monna wa gagwe, Tumisang Gaoraelwe lekwalo-thibelo kgatlhanong.

“Go begwa fa mosadi wa ga Gaoraelwe a ne a tsenya kopo ya lekwalo-thibelo la nakwana kgatlhanong le monna wa gagwe. Go begwa fa Lerato a ne a tsamaya le mapodisi go isa lekwalo-thibelo leo, le go ya go tsaya dilwana dingwe tsa gagwe koo.

“Go begwa mo kgorogong ya gagwe, monna wa gagwe one a neelwa lekwalo-thibelo leo, fela one a gana go neela mosadi wa gagwe dilwana tsa gagwe. Seo, se ne sa dira gore sepodisi se mo bulele kgetsi ya go tlola molao wa lekwalo-thibelo,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Fela van Rooyen are Gaoraelwe ga ise a tshwarwe go fitlha ga jaana.

Kgabagare, Gaoraelwe ga araba mogala kgotsa go inkarabela ka molaetsa mabapi le kgang e. Lekwalo dikgang la The Guardian le tla tsenya dikarabo tsa ga Gaoraelwe fa a setse a ikarabetse.

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Calls for prosecution against perpetrators of DHA fire

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Picture: Home Affairs burned in Germiston

By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 August 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs said it has learned with despair of the fire at the Department of Home Affairs’ Germiston office. The Committee called for a speedy investigation that will lead to prosecution, as the damage is not only infrastructural, but will negatively impact users’ ability to access home affairs services.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Mosa Chabane said: “The burning of public infrastructure during a protest is regressive and robs citizens of accessing the necessary services from the DHA.

“This trend also puts more pressure on an already stretched fiscus as more resources would have to be found to establish a new office.”

Chabane further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) must move with speed to investigate and arrest whoever is involved in the incident. He added that the South African Constitution recognises and protects the right to protest, but that must be done within the confines of the law.

“The lawlessness that resulted in the burning of the DHA office must not be tolerated. We welcome the swift action by the DHA in making available mobile trucks to ensure that innocent clients are not deprived of DHA services while investigations are underway.

“In addition, the activation of additional nearby offices will ensure that citizens who rely on the Germiston offices are not adversely affected,” said Chabane.

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A brother sentenced to five years imprisonment for contravention of protection order

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 August 2025- A woman (33) from Carnarvon has broken the silence on abuse after being assaulted by her brother (30). On 4 April 2025, at approximately 3:45pm, the victim arrived home when the accused demanded money from her.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said when she was unable to comply, he became aggressive and assaulted her. Shemane said neighbours intervened and came to her rescue.

“The victim, who was protected by a court-issued protection order, reported the incident to the police. A case was opened, and the accused was arrested.

“The matter was subsequently transferred to the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation,” he said.

Shemane further said the accused remained in custody pending the finalisation of the case. He added that on 13 August 2025, the accused was found guilty by the De Aar Regional Court of contravening a protection order.

“He was convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management welcomed the conviction and commended Detective Sergeant Marlon Eksteen of the Carnarvon FCS Unit and state prosecutor, Philisiwe Khosa, for their exemplary teamwork in ensuring that justice was served and the accused is held accountable.

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Committee not surprised by racism at Duineveld Hoerskool in Upington

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Picture: Teacher, Jaco Liebenberg/Twitter

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 August 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education said it has noted with shock and disgust social media images of the “blackface” incident involving an educator at the infamous Duineveld Hoerskool in Upington, Northern Cape.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Joy Maimela said she is utterly shocked that an educator would partake in an incident that clearly has been identified as racist behaviour. Maimane said, however, she is not surprised that racism once again poked out its ugly head at the school.

“During an oversight visit by the committee in October last year, the committee noted several exclusionary practices at the school and urged the Northern Cape Education Department (NCED) and the national Department of Basic Education to address this.

“The latest incident allegedly occurred at a school function last week and went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. In the video, the educator, Jaco Liebenberg, can be seen with his face painted black and wearing a black wig,” she said.

Maimela further said it’s the second incident of racism at the school in less than a year. She added that, in September last year, a video went viral of a learner repeatedly using the k-word.

“In the video, which has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people, the pupil and three others join a live TikTok chat with a man identified as content creator @UncleSeeno, calling him a “k***** and a n*****”.

“During an oversight visit late last year, we highlighted concerns that the school application forms and all its policies were, for example, only in Afrikaans,” said Maimela.

She said that it reeks of exclusionary practices for any parent not understanding the language. Maimela said by default, they are excluding any person that does not speak Afrikaans.

“The committee noted the swift action by Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo by placing the implicated teacher on suspension on the understanding that the investigation will unfold free from intimidation.

“Although we commend the action, the issue is broader than this incident. During our visit, we were assured the school is undergoing social cohesion programmes for learners,” she said.

Maimela said clearly learners are not the only ones in need of such sessions. She said they will interrogate the matter further with the provincial education department to establish what progress, if any, has been made with these sessions.

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Unemployment continues to hit North West hard  

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Picture: Some of unemployment youth emabrked on protest/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said as per the 2nd Quarter Labour Force Survey released yesterday by Stats South Africa, North West still holds the highest unemployment rate in the country.

The DA said despite a marginal 0.3% drop from the previous quarter and a 1.2% drop from the same time last year, the official rate sits at 40.1% and the expanded rate at a staggering 54.7%.

The DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said more than 1.5 million residents remain without jobs. Sonkaile said their absorption rate of 31.6% is the lowest in the country and labour force participation is among the lowest nationally at 52.7%.

“On 4 July this year, the DA marched to the Office of the Premier, handing over a memorandum demanding urgent action: declaring unemployment a provincial disaster, launching a Premier-led Youth Employment War Room, implementing a turnaround jobs plan with measurable targets, prioritising infrastructure to unlock growth, and publishing quarterly reports on investment and job creation.

“While we understand that job creation is primarily driven by the private sector, it remains the essential role of government to establish conducive environments and implement strategic plans that enable and accelerate sustainable job growth,” he said.

Sonakile further said one month later, there has been no response from the North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi. He added that there is currently no jobs crisis plan, as he ignores memorandums and proposals to address this challenge.

“Jobs are not created by cutting ribbons, hosting road shows, or attending every ceremonial opening. These statistics indicate a province on autopilot, with no urgency for economic reforms.

“We have formally requested that the Portfolio Committee responsible for oversight of Premier, places this matter high on its agenda during engagements with Mokgosi,” said Sonakile.

He said Mokgosi’s continued silence is a betrayal of North West residents. Sonakile said while he may be crisscrossing the province, the results speak for themselves.

“No real jobs have been created, nothing is attracting the private sector, and the province remains left behind,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West is sitting at 54,7% unemployment rate and recorded the highest expanded unemployment rate in Q2:2025, followed by MP (48,4%). NW, KZN, MP, and NC recorded more than 14 percentage points difference between expanded and official unemployment rates

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54 clinics and 14 hospitals rely on one tunnel washer

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Picture: Laundry at Masakhane Provincial Laundry/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the Masakhane Provincial Laundry is supposed to clean the linen at 14 hospitals and 54 clinics in the Tshwane area, but only 1 of its 6 tunnel washers is working. The DA said this was revealed yesterday in an oversight visit by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Health Committee to this laundry located in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Jack Bloom said a tunnel washer is a large, industrial-scale washing machine that is essential for the high-volume cleaning of hospital laundry. Bloom said other broken machinery includes four out of 9 roller ironers, two out of 4 stand-alone dryers, one out of 2 small industrial washing machines and five out of 6 rotary presses.

He further said this includes both of the 2 finishing tunnels. Bloom added that there are 31 vacant posts, forcing the staff to do excessive overtime.

“Poor management is also indicated by the lack of a linen management plan, nor is there a maintenance plan for the machines. These plans are only being drawn up now.

“Patients are the victims of this inefficiency which causes frequent clean laundry shortages that increases the risk of infection. Facilities affected include the Steve Biko, Kalafong, George Mukhari, Pretoria West, Tshwane District, Mamelodi, Weskoppies, Odi, Jubilee and Bronkhorstspruit hospitals,” he said.

Bloom said he is not convinced that the department’s recapitalisation programme will solve the deep-rooted problems at the Masakhane laundry. He said a DA-run administration would review the five provincial laundries to ensure optimal cost-efficiency and output, working with the private sector to ensure clean laundry is never a problem for our public hospitals.

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Confident Kutumela finds his happy place in Kampala

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Thabiso Kutumela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 August 2025- Thabiso Kutumela has found his happy place and the satisfaction is very visible in Kampala, Uganda. Kutumela is part of the South African men’s team that is representing the country in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa and he has already found the back of the net twice in the matches against Algeria (1-1) and Guinea (2-1) during the group stages of the tournament. He capped off his performance against Guinea with the Man of the Match award.

He said the settled environment that has been created by coach Molefi Ntseki, the technical and support staff in camp has enabled him to rediscover his love for the game and finding the back of the net.

“I’m happy for myself and for the team, we’re progressing so well, we’re on four points now as we head to another game on Friday where we need to make it seven points.

“I am happy that I can help the team to go forward here. I think when you get the chance and your confidence is going up, it means you’re getting to what you’re best at,” said Kutumela.

He further said this means you’re happy where you are, you have to accept and adapt to it, give more at every training session and score more goals, so that it becomes easier for you when you get to the game. Kutumela added that part of the challenge can be attributed to inaction and not getting regular time on the pitch in the last few weeks.

“For me personally, I did not play for a long time where I was last season. I managed to train alone by myself, but, you know, when you go to the gym, it is not like a (competitive) game.

“So, I think we were tired (against Guinea), yes. I think what made us tired was the first game (against Algeria) because it drained us,” he said.

Ntseki said the team visibly tired in the group match against Guinea on Monday and while the South Africans beat Guinea 2-1, he still wants to get them to a satisfactory level before Friday’s match against Niger.

Meanwhile, the South Africans turn their attention to Friday’s encounter against Niger and Kutumela said they will continue to work very hard and hoist the country’s flag high. The CHAN tournament is being held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August 2025.

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A traditional healer jailed for rape 

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Picture: Traditional healer jailed for rape/Generic 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

13 August 2025- A traditional healer, Bongani Mafolela (24) was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court for two separate sexual offences and five years for attempted rape. Mafolela committed the offences in 2024. 

He was also sentence to 10 years for rape he committed in 2022.    

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the sentences will run consecutively. Gunya said Mafolela’s name will be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, underscoring the NPA’s unwavering commitment to fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

“On 6 February 2022, Mafolela met one of the victims in the Imperial Reserve, Mahikeng. Claiming to be a traditional healer, he prophesied that she had an evil spirit that needed to be removed and persuaded her to visit his surgery the following day.

“During the consultation, Mafolela prepared a bath for the victim to “cleanse” herself. She became suspicious when he refused to leave the room, but complied because she believed she needed help,” he said. 

Gunya further said after the bath, Mafolela instructed her to lie on the bed so he could “remove the evil spirit” by inserting his hand into her private parts, covering her eyes with a cloth. He added that, Mafolela then raped her, claiming he was placing “muthi” deep into her body. 

“He warned her not to tell anyone, or she might be involved in an accident — a threat she believed because her grandfather was a prophet. In April 2022, after discovering she was pregnant, the victim reported the matter to the police, leading to Mafolela’s arrest. 

“He was later released on bail. While out on bail, on 4 September 2024, Mafolela met another victim in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng. After claiming she had a spiritual calling, he shared a drink with her, which made her feel dizzy and sleepy,” said Gunya. 

He said while she was lying down, she realised her track pants had been pulled down and saw Mafolela undressing himself. Gunya said Mafolela told her that he wanted to put “muthi” into her vagina. 

“She resisted and reported the matter to the police, leading to his re-arrest the following day. In court, Mafolela pleaded not guilty. 

Advocate Kefentse Diseko argued that youthfulness should not automatically mitigate sentences in serious offences like rape and urged the court to consider the alarming prevalence of GBV in South Africa,” he said. 

In delivering judgment, Regional Court Magistrate Mathews found that Mafolela abused cultural beliefs and his position as a traditional healer to exploit his victims. The court further ordered a search and seizure operation at his premises to check for drugs or weapons.

Welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Diseko and all role-players for securing the conviction.

“This judgment not only delivers justice to the victims but also sends a powerful message that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will not be tolerated in South Africa. We hope it serves as a deterrent to would-be offenders,” she said.

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