Daily Archives: September 7, 2025

‘A call for actors to be recognised as workers’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

7 September 2025- The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), said the death of veteran actress, Mam’ Nandi Nyembe who was buried last weekend, must translate into genuine transformation for the creative industry.

The unions said in a joint statement that Nyembe’s face and voice were woven into the fabric of South African life bringing joy, laughter and meaning to millions over decades.

NUMSA’s Deputy General Secretary Mbuso Ngubane said she was a beloved icon whose creative brilliance enriched their screens and souls. Ngubane said Nyembe’s death is not just a personal loss for her family, but a painful blow to an industry already in crisis.

“Recently, NUMSA joined SAGA and international actor unions, SAG-AFTRA from the U.S. and ACTRA from Canada, in a conference to confront the harsh realities facing workers in the creative sector.

“We heard devastating accounts of abuse and exploitation in a space that remains dangerously unregulated. SAGA expressed a strong commitment to working with organised labour to push for regulation and basic protections for creative workers,” he said.

Ngubane further said Mam’ Nyembe’s final months were marked by financial hardship. He added that despite her fame and decades of contribution, she struggled to afford medical care and died without the dignity she deserved.

“Her story is tragically common. Many South African creatives live in poverty, even as their work fuels a billion-rand industry. This is not a coincidence, it is a system.

“The creative sector is parasitic, feeding off the labour of artists while denying them fair compensation and security. Nyembe’s suffering was not accidental. It was engineered by an industry that treats its workers as disposable,” said Ngubane.

Meanwhile, the SAGA Chairperson, Jack Devnarain said: “For fifteen years, SAGA has lobbied the government for labour protections and fair regulation.

“Until freelance actors are recognised as workers under labour law, we will continue to see heart-breaking stories of celebrated performers dying in poverty.”

Devnarain said Nyembe’s passing is a brutal reminder of the cost of inaction.

“We’ve waited 30 years—how much longer must we wait while politicians prepare their next eulogy for another actor who dies destitute?

“This is not neglect. It is a deliberate strategy to deny creatives their constitutional rights.”

NUMSA and SAGA believe that the abandonment of creative workers is a betrayal of South Africa’s democratic promise,” he said.

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Minister to address Release of 2024 Thrive By Five Index

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Picture: The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 September 2025- The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube will on Monday, address the release of the 2024 Thrive By Five Index at the FirstRand Auditorium in Sandton. Gwarube said with Early Childhood Development (ECD) identified as a key priority of the 7th administration, the 2024 Index comes at a pivotal moment in the wider expansion of early learning programmes.

She further said the index will provide valuable insights to support the departmental led initiatives such as the Bana Pele ECD Registration Drive and the wider view to broaden early learning systems and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Gwarube added that having released the inaugural index in 2021, a first-of-its-kind national snapshot of how four-year-old children are developing before they enter formal schooling.

“This latest edition builds on the success of the inaugural Index with expanded data, a wider scope, fresh insights and an expanded focus which includes children who are not enrolled in early learning programmes.

“In so doing, offering a more complete picture of South Africa’s early childhood development landscape,” said Gwarube.

She said the 2021 Index set the benchmark for preschool data in South Africa, influencing national dialogue, investment, and early learning policy. Gwarube said the 2024 Index goes further, capturing a fuller picture of early childhood development across learning, growth and emotional well-being.

“As South Africa looks to rebuild and reform its education system, this Index offers a powerful evidence base to guide action.

“The launch event highlights the official release of the 2024 ECD Index. Expert commentary from DataDrive2030, the Department of Basic Education, and leading early learning practitioners and Media Q&A session and interview opportunities,” she said.

Gwarube said the discussion will include on-the-ground stories that bring the data to life.

Meanwhile, the launch and engagement will take place at FirstRand Auditorium, 4 Merchant Place, Fredman Drive, Sandton on Monday at 10am.

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A man to appear in court for murder

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

7 September 2025 – A man (20) who is accused of murder, Otlotleng Tshepiso Thipe was remanded in custody by the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court until 8 September 2025. Thipe was arrested for the alleged murder of Mmaphefo Ellen Mogorosi (38).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Thipe’s first court appearance was before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 3 September 2025. Myburgh said his appearance came after his arrest on Monday morning, 1 September 2025.

“The police were called to a scene earlier the same morning, where the lifeless, half naked body of Mogorosi was found lying in the bushes in Manamakgotheng village, near Mogwase.

“Mogorosi was declared dead on the scene by the Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). The police received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of the suspect and operationalised,” she said.

Myburgh further said thorough investigation by Mogwase Detectives, leading to the arrest of Thipe.

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250 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 September 2025 – The police said as part of the ongoing commitment to creating a safer South Africa, weekly high density operations were conducted across the Northern Cape from 1 until 7 September 2025. The police said these multi-disciplinary targeted operations once again stamped the authority of the state by intensifying crime prevention and combating activities.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said during the week, the police stopped and searched 2 809 vehicles and conducted searches on 6584 individuals at roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and stop-and-search operations. Shemane said the disruptive operations led to the arrest of 250 suspects for various offences, including contact crimes, property-related crimes, other serious offences, and crimes detected through police action, with several wanted suspects traced by detectives.

“Compliance inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand dealerships, mines, and farms. Several non-compliant liquor outlets were shut down.

“Items believed to have been used in the commission of crimes were seized, including alcohol, ammunition, cash, cell phones, dangerous weapons, drugs, vehicle parts, accessories, and vehicles,” he said.

Shemane further said focused community awareness campaigns and engagements, addressing trending crimes and strengthening partnerships with the communities continue unabated.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, commended the collective efforts of all law enforcement agencies, the collaboration between government departments, Community Police Forum structures, and the SAPS members for their dedication in the fight against crime.

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ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District calls for lifestyle audit on senior municipal officials

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Picture: ANCYL logo

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 September 2025- The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District said it has observed the findings of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)’s oversight visit to the North West from 1-3 September 2025. The ANCYL said the committee’s tour did not reveal anything new to the communities, but simply confirmed an open secret.

The ANCYL Regional Task Team (RTT) coordinator, Kagiso Kgabo said there is a near total collapse of local governance under the ANC’s watch in the North West. Kgabo said the recent Audit-General’s reports for the 2023/2024 financial year, present irrefutable and factual evidence of this failure.

“The numbers do not lie. Mamusa Local Municipality received yet another disclaimer of opinion. The municipality could not provide evidence for most of its reported spending. This is not an audit outcome, but is an indictment.

“Lekwa-Teemane Municipality received a qualified audit opinion. There is a persistent lack of record-keeping and failure to follow supply chain management laws. The Naledi Local Municipality received a qualified audit opinion. However, the municipality is marred with instances of unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” he said.

Kgabo further said the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) experiences a regression to a qualified audit. He added that there is failure to address basic financial disciplinary controls.

“Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality received a disclaimer of opinion. There is a complete failure to maintain basic accounting records. The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality received a qualified opinion. There is consistent failure to ensure credible financial reporting from its constituent municipalities, demonstrating a catastrophic failure of its constitutional mandate.

“These are not challenges, but a systemic and deliberate dereliction of duty. The ANC Regional Leadership tasked with political oversight and the deployment of cadres, has watched this decay happen in slow motion. Their responses are full of complacency, excuses and a stunning silence that echoes their complicity,” said Kgabo.

He said therefore, the ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District held the ANC Regional Executive Committee (REC) directly and personally responsible for this ‘mess’. Kgabo said their failure to institute consequence management for poor performance is a betrayal to the ANC’s own principles and the people of this district.

“We demand the immediate suspension and disciplinary action against all Municipal Managers, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Section 57 managers in these municipalities who have presided over these disastrous audit outcomes.

“We further demand the immediate recall of mayors and executive mayoral committee members who have provided no political leadership. We issue a seven-day ultimatum to the ANC REC to present a concrete, time-bound and publicly available turnaround plan to the youth league and the community,” he said.

Kgabo said this plan must include names of responsible individuals and clear deadlines. He added that failure to act will be met with decisive mass action.

“The ANCYL will not stand by as the future of our youth is auctioned off by incompetent leaders. We will mobilise and occupy every street and every council chamber until accountability is served.

“The ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region is making a clarion call that all mayors and speakers, junior and senior Supply Chain Managers across all five local municipalities in the region, including Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, must be urgently subjected to a lifestyle audit,” said Kgabo.

He said it cannot be correct that deployees of the ANC in government and municipal officials are richer than the organisation that deployed them to municipal councils.

Kgabo said the patience of the youth has expired.

“We are done with meetings. We are done with empty promises. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability is now,” he said.

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Former Idols Finalist, KWANDA debuts heartfelt love anthem Ndizokunika

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Picture: Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 September 2025- Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe, better known as KWANDA, first captured national attention as a Top 16 finalist on Idols South Africa. Today, he cements his artistry with the release of his emotive single Ndizokunika (feat. WalkMaTall) — a tender love letter in melody that is fast resonating with audiences across South Africa and beyond.

Born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, KWANDA’s journey began in school Arts and Culture classes, where he discovered his voice alongside the keyboard. His raw talent soon propelled him from community stages to national television, where his stirring performances on Idols SA made him a household name.

Now signed under Nova Sounds, guided by acclaimed musician Vusi Nova, KWANDA is shaping a future rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and Afro-Soul excellence.

“For me, Ndizokunika is more than just a song — it’s my vow to give all of myself to the one I love. Whether big or small, what matters is that it comes from the heart. This single reflects my truth: love is not measured by possessions, but by how deeply you are willing to give of yourself,” said KWANDA.

Nova Sounds founder and mentor Vusi Nova said KWANDA’s star quality was evident from the beginning. Nova said when he first heard him sing, he knew he was special.

“His voice is powerful yet tender, and his artistry carries a rare authenticity. Ndizokunika is a shining example of what he has to offer the world. Featuring WalkMaTall, the track pairs soulful guitars and delicate keys with lyrics that speak directly to the human heart. It is an honest, stripped-down approach that highlights the purity of KWANDA’s artistry.

“Looking beyond his debut single, KWANDA is building a brand that blends music with creativity across disciplines. A self-taught instrumentalist with a background in software engineering, he is moving into production, mixing and mastering, and piano instruction,” he said.

Nova also envisions extending the KWANDA brand into fashion — crafting a unique blend of music, identity, and design.

“As an artist, I want to inspire people not just with music, but with creativity in every form,” KWANDA explains. “Ndizokunika is just the beginning of what I hope will be a journey that touches lives and encourages others to live and love authentically,” he said.

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Four men nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 September 2025- Four men were arrested for dealing in drugs during Operation Shanela II in Alexander Bay. The police seized drugs with an estimated street value of R19 553.17, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the suspects aged between 26 and 44, are scheduled to appear in court soon. Magerman said on 5 September 2025, at approximately 12:00, members of the Namakwa District Task Team together with Namakwa Crime Intelligence executed a coordinated search and seizure operation at a residence in Merensky Laan, Alexander Bay.

“This successful operation underscores the Namakwa District’s unwavering commitment to combating drug related crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, welcomed the successful outcome of Operation Shanela II, which led to significant drug seizures and arrests in Alexander Bay.

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Police in Kimberley donates food and money to destitute family

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Picture: Police donating food parcels and money to disadvantaged family

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 September 2025- The police in Kimberley donated food hampers and monetary relief to a family in need in Florianville on Saturday. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, together with his platoon members of the 1990 intake and the Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, initiated this.

Besnaar further said they initiated and pledged their support to the initiative following their quarterly meeting at the Horseshoe Inn in Kimberley. He added that their team was accompanied by members of Kimberley Social Crime Prevention, the Community Policing Forum, Kimberley Safety Participants, and Women Against Crime.

“This act of kindness was directed towards one of SAPS’ long-serving partners, Debbie Swartz (63), a dedicated member of both the Women Against Crime and Community Policing Forum. 

“Debbie played an integral and active part in the Kimberley Community Police Forum and structures, dedicated her time to the partnership and community over the years,” he said.

Besnaar said his team handed over groceries, as well as financial assistance to the family. He thanked all the role players who supported the initiative.

“I would like to emphasize that the role of the police extends beyond traditional law enforcement, encompassing efforts to build stronger community relationships and address a wider range of public safety needs, ultimately striving to create safer and more supportive communities for all,” said Besnaar.

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Health Services Rolled Out Across Ventersdorp Sub-district

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 September 2025- As part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, #ThuntshaLeroleReloadedPhase5, the North West Department of Health rolled out a comprehensive package of healthcare services in the Ventersdorp Sub-district.

Leading the programme was the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, who was joined by Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Polaki Mokatsane, Acting Deputy Director-General for District Health Services, Grace Tsele, as well as senior managers from both the provincial and district offices.

Lehari said they oversaw the acceleration of integrated healthcare services in the area, ensuring that communities gain direct access to quality health interventions.

“The day’s programme began with the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight visits to Wilgewonden Clinic and Ga-Mogopa Clinic. This initiative, designed to strengthen service delivery interventions, allows leaders to directly monitor the state of health facilities, engage with staff, and respond to community concerns.

“Underscoring the department’s commitment to strengthen primary healthcare, we met with Community Health Workers (CHWs), commending them for their dedication to home-based care and encouraging them to continue prioritising patient well-being,” he said.

Lehari further said in line with the department’s broader focus on integrated service delivery, healthcare professionals rendered a variety of services on-site. He added that these included childhood immunisations, cervical cancer screening, HIV and TB testing, hypertension and diabetes screening, eye care services and health education on non-communicable diseases.

“By offering these services collectively, the department ensured that community members could access a wide range of essential healthcare interventions in a single setting—reducing barriers to care, particularly for rural populations.

“Recognising the importance of addressing broader social determinants of health, the Department also donated sanitary towels and school shoes to learners at schools including Regorogile Secondary School,” said Lehari.

He said these contributions form part of the holistic approach that links health outcomes with education and social well-being. Lehari said at the community feedback session, residents were encouraged to raise service delivery concerns.

He directed the Thuntsha Lerole response team to return to the area for follow-ups, ensuring that issues raised are addressed and that service delivery is continuously improved. Lehari said integrated service delivery is at the heart of this programme.

“By combining health services with social support, we not only treat illness but also build healthier, more resilient communities. The department reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing rural access to quality healthcare and ensuring that all communities benefit from coordinated, people-centred service delivery,” he said.

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