Motsumi Attends 20th National Basic Education Indaba


By AGISANANG SCUFF  

25 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has joined the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, provincial MECs, Heads of Departments, teacher unions, academia, School Governing Bodies, principals, and quality assurance bodies such as Umalusi at the G20 National Basic Education Indaba held in Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre on 25 August 2025.

Motsumi said held under the theme: “Taking the G20 to the People”, the Indaba is a critical platform to consolidate actions and intentions that will take the education sector forward and create a lasting impact in shaping foundational learning, professional teacher development, and an inclusive system that serves every learner and teacher.

“Delegates engaged in robust, thought-provoking conversations on revisiting and realigning teacher training and development to empower teachers in the Early Childhood Development, GET, and FET phases with the tools and knowledge required for modern classrooms.

“Redesigning pedagogy for South Africa’s multicultural and multilingual context moving beyond English as the sole language of instruction. Equality in education to address challenges of rural and under-resourced schools where there is an absence and whether or not it translates to cognitive poverty,” she said.

Motsumi further said this includes future-focused education that explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, integration of e-assessment tools, and equipping teachers and learners to respond to climate change and a fast-changing global environment.

She added that she welcomes the platform as an opportunity to strengthen the province’s education priorities.

“I am pleased that we are advancing to conversations that shape both the teacher and learner at a national level. From a provincial level, as the North West province we will continue aligning our strategies to national priorities while ensuring that the unique challenges of learners and teachers in the province are addressed.

“I am pleased that the discourse has also moved toward the robust inclusion of technology in our pedagogy where the gap is bridged between learners in urban and rural areas for both the teacher and the learner in the classroom,” said Motsumi.

She said the 20th Indaba reaffirms the collective commitment of national and provincial education leaders and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards an education system that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.

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‘Escalating trend of church robberies worrisome’


 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Monday expressed concern regarding the escalating trend of church robberies particularly in Mpumalanga. The latest armed robbery occurred on Sunday around midday in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches, condemned the robbery reportedly carried out by three suspects armed with firearms.   

“Brazen robberies and opportunistic violent crimes of this nature targeted at churches viewed as soft targets are despicable acts that defile the sanctity of the house of the LORD.

“The firing of shots in the house of the LORD shows the extent to which the criminals are desperate and will not stop at anything,” he said.  

Shole further said according to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping and ordered everyone to lie down and proceeded to rob them of their cell phones, cash and car keys. He added that several shots were reportedly fired inside the church before the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo, which belongs to one of the congregants.

“We express gratitude that even though they were shaken, the pastor and congregants were not hurt during the traumatic ordeal. Opportunistic violent crimes targeted at church gatherings and other places of worship are threatening congregants’ constitutional right of freedom of assembly.

“We advise churches to take precautionary measures, minimise cash transactions for tithes as well as offerings and to tighten their security during services,” said Shole.

He said they are appealing to police not to leave any stone unturned until the culprits that defiled the House of the LORD and put the lives of the congregants at risk are behind bars. Shole said none of the communities will be safer with armed heartless criminals responsible for such heinous acts roaming our streets and neighbourhoods.

“Increased police visibility around church neighbourhoods will contribute towards addressing opportunistic crimes that are terrorising churches and communities,” he said.

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Monna o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka thipa kwa Mokgareng


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 30 o tlhabilwe le go bolailwa ka thipa kwa motseng wa Mokgareng, gaufi le Taung. Se se tla morago ga gore setopo sa ga Olopeng Obert Serekwane se fitlhetswe mo mogwafatshe kwa gagabo mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga ntwa e matlho-mahibidu mo letsatsing la maabane magareng ga Serekwane le banna bangwe ba ba sa itsiweng. Go begwa fa moswi a ne a tlhabiwa ke banna bao, mme ba inaya naga morago ga moo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are moswi o ile a supiwa ke mamalomagwe mo letsatsing la gompieno. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.

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399 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 August 2025- The police said Operation Shanela II remains steadfast and intentional in its efforts to combat crime through high-density policing operations conducted across all five districts of the province. The police said the week-long actions, which took place from 18-24 August 2025, focused on priority crimes in identified hotspot areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said during this period, multi-disciplinary teams affected 399 arrests, including several wanted suspects who had been evading the police. Kock said the majority of arrests were linked to possession of dangerous weapons, drug dealing and possession, illegal liquor trading, murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), burglary and malicious damage to property.

“The police conducted numerous actions, which included roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and high-visibility patrols. A total of 14 442 persons and 7 582 vehicles were stopped and searched.

 “Compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets resulted in the closure of 19 unlicensed liquor outlets,” he said.

Kock further said to enhance rural safety, high-visibility patrols were carried out in farming and mining areas. He added that these disruptive actions led to the confiscation of significant quantities of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cables.

“In addition, several awareness campaigns were hosted, including Women’s Month programmes focusing on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“These engagements highlighted personal safety and awareness initiatives aimed at protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all SAPS members and stakeholders for their commitment and acknowledged the vital role of communities in supporting these initiatives. Otola encouraged continued collaboration between law enforcement and the public to ensure safer communities across the province.

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Mong wa lefelo le le rekisang nnotagi o tshwerwe poo


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Sepodisi mono Taung se kaile fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshwara poo o tlhometse. Se se tla morago ga gore mong wa ntlo e rekisang nnotagi a tshwarwe poo le go tseelwa madi a seatleng a sa totobalang.

Go begwa fa monna wa dingwaga di le 35, a ne a tswa kwa lefelong la gagwe la kgwebo kwa motseng wa Lokaleng ga mmogo le mokapelo wa gagwe go leba kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Extension 7.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa monna o, a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba le bane ba ba sa itsiweng ba ba neng ba rwele dithiba nko le molomo.

“Tiragalo e, ke ya ka Labotlhano ka tlatlana. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme kgetsi e butswe. Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso go letsetsa seteishene sa sepodisi se se gaufi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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NSA in partnership with Zimbabwe  


By REGINALD KANYANE

25 August 2025- Netball South Africa (NSA) said it has partnered with the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) to enhance netball in Zimbabwe through targeted administrative workshops and training programs. NSA said a team from South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe to share their expertise in various facets of the sport.

NSA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said these workshops will cover essential topics, including a Structural Course, Team Managers Course, Technical Officials Course, Umpires Course, and Coaches Course. Experienced professionals from NSA, including Claudine Classen, Magriet Bester, Adrian Abrahams, and Marchelle Maroun, will lead the sessions. Mokgalagadi said the Structural Workshop focuses on reviewing and improving ZINA’s organisational frameworks, equipping administrators with the skills and tools needed to excel in their roles.

“Coaches, technical officials, and umpires will also engage in specialised training sessions designed to enhance their competencies, further strengthening the sport in Zimbabwe.

“This initiative reflects NSA’s commitment to regional collaboration and capacity building. It builds on a history of partnership, including the Zimbabwe Under-21 National Team, known as the Zambezi Eagles, participating in the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL),” she said.

Mokgalagadi further said the workshops are scheduled for 27 until 31 August 2025. She added that this partnership aligns with African Union initiatives aimed at uniting and growing sports across the continent.

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Kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao e buseditswe morago


Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Lazarus Lito Anthonio (27), e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Temba mo letsatsing la gompieno go fitlha fa Lwetse a tlhola matsatsi a le 5. Se, ke go neela sepodisi nako ya go netefatsa dintlha dingwe pele ga molatofadiwa a ka dira kopo ya semmuso ya beile.

Go begwa fa Antonio a ile a tlhaba le go bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, Kgaugelo Marota (20) le go gobatsa mokapelo wa gagwe wa ga jaana ka go mo tlhaba ka thipa.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Mybugh, setopo sa ga Marota se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa, se bonwe se rapaletse kwa mmileng gaufi le ntlo e rekisang nnotagi e bidiwang Dubai kwa motseng wa Carousel View, gaufi le Maubane ka Labone bosigo. Myburgh are ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba biletswa kwa lefelo la tiragalo, fela ba ile ba shupa fa Marota a setse a balelelwa le badimo.

“Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo le go batlana le mmelaelwa mo kgetsing e. Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile leba kwa le lapeng la gagwe morago ga tiragalo e, mme a fitlha a tlhaba lekgarebe la gagwe ka thiba. Lekgarebe leo, le ile la rwalelwa kwa bookelo go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa ka Labotlhano mo mosong, mme o lebagane le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya le maiteko a polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng are sepodisi se tla netefatsa fa se nna le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.

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Nyembe described as the greatest storyteller


By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 August 2025- Forum for South Africa (FOSA) mourns the passing of one of the greatest souls in South African storytelling, Nandi Nyembe, who has died at the age of 75. FOSA said for decades, Nandi Nyembe graced the screens with her talent, her wisdom and her ability to tell the stories of the people.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said she inspired generations, gave them hope and carried the cultural spirit of South Africa through her roles. Mashilompane further said Nyembe was truly the soul of South African storytelling.

“While we celebrate her life and legacy, her passing highlights a painful reality — unlike musicians, who continue to receive royalties even after their death, actors and actresses in South Africa are left without the same recognition and financial security. Many of them give their lives to the craft but die without the dignity of sustained income, leaving their families with nothing.

“As FOSA, we call on the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to urgently implement policies that will ensure actors and actresses receive royalties for their work — both during their lifetime and beyond, so their families may continue to benefit from their contributions to our cultural heritage,” he said.

Mashilompane added that this is not just a financial matter. He said it is a matter of justice, respect, and dignity for those who have carried our stories, built our film and television industry, and shaped our national identity.

“The best way to honour the memory of Nandi Nyembe is to ensure that no South African actor or actress is ever forgotten or unrewarded for the role they played in shaping our democracy and our culture,” said Mashilompane.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape


By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 August 2025 – A man (41) was sentenced to life imprisonment b the Brits Magistrate’s Court for rape. The accused, Sello Solomon Mpete was also sentenced to additional eight years imprisonment for house-breaking with the intent to rape.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, Mpete raped victim (13) in Segwaelane village, near Mooinooi in the early hours of morning, on 13 August 2016. Myburgh said the court heard evidence that the mother (35) of two children left home at about 4:50am to go to work and locked her two daughters aged 13 and 7, inside the house. 

“About an hour later, she received a “Please Call Me” notification from her daughter and she called her. The daughter informed her that someone broke into their home and raped her. The mother rushed home immediately and a case was reported to the police.  

“The persistent efforts by members of the Brits Family violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit culminated in the arrest of Mpete five days later. He was released on bail,” she said.

Myburgh further said through meticulous investigation including overwhelming forensic leads evidence resulted in the conviction of Mpete was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and eight years for house-breaking with the intent to rape. She added that Mpete was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, (Act No. 60 of 2000).

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the investigating Officer, Sergeant Andile Molate and the Public Prosecutor, Advocate Mosuwe, for their collaborative efforts that resulted in the sentence. Asaneng indicated that this case is one of many cases of serious sexual assaults, that women and young girl children are brutally violated by male sexual predators lurking undetected in the community.

“It is hoped that this dangerous, remorseless criminal will never again be released back into the community,” he said.

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A foreign policy that always faces forward


By REGINALD KANYANE  

25 August 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, the country participated in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan. Ramaphosa said this is an important forum for strengthening bilateral trade and investment between Japan and African countries.

He further said Japan is an important trading partner for South Africa in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture. Ramaphosa added that at the business forum held on the sidelines of TICAD9 business representatives from South Africa and Japan discussed potential areas of collaboration in clean and renewable energy, automotive components and hydrogen production.

“One of the promising discussions was around the continental expansion plans by the Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors. Isuzu’s South African plant has trialled the manufacture of commercial trucks and truck bodies locally, and is engaging with Isuzu Motors Japan on its plans to become a manufacturing hub for the African market.

“At a time of global trade disruptions and mounting tariff pressures, participating in forums like TICAD is key to our economic diplomacy efforts. Economic diplomacy is an important part of our country’s foreign policy, and has become all the more critical at a time of economic headwinds and global power shifts,” he said.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s National Interest Framework Policy Document, published in 2022, is clear that it is in the country’s national interest to forge strategic alliances that support economic partnerships and trading arrangements that favour, advance and safeguard our national interest. He said in the spirit of Kwame Nkrumah’s famous words “We face neither East nor West, we face forward”, South Africa will continue to engage with partners in both the Global North and Global South.

“Our approach is neither partisan nor beholden, but strategic.

Our economic diplomacy is centred on securing market access, attracting investment and promoting sustainable development.  At a time when our country faces potentially high tariffs imposed by the US administration, we are continuing to put in place measures that reduce our dependence on historical markets.

“South Africa continues to advocate for an international trade regime that is fair, equitable and rules-based. We are seeking a trade regime that does not render developing economies vulnerable to unilateral measures or protectionist pressures,” said Ramaphosa.

He said likewise, their foreign policy is anchored in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of alliances that advance peace, justice and our national interest. Ramaphosa said South Africa’s foreign policy outlook is not determined by pressure exerted by outside forces, but by principle.

“It is on principle that we continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood, recognising as we do the pain of dispossession, land theft and state-sanctioned brutality. Even when a number of countries criticised us for doing so, and before the full extent of the brutality in Gaza was laid bare, our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law informed our decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice.

“We continue to stand in principled solidarity with the peoples of Western Sahara in their struggle for self-determination, even when this has found us at odds with other countries, including on the African continent,” he said.

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