Monthly Archives: September 2025

Committee welcomes plans to identify ghost workers

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

18 September 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration said it welcomes the development of plans and processes to identify ghost workers in the public sector, but insisted that this must be followed by prosecution where wrongdoing is established. The committee received a briefing from National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) on efforts underway to eliminate ghost workers in the public sector. 

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said the Office of the Auditor-General (AG) also briefed the committee on overpayment of salaries to ghost employees in the Mpumalanga Department of Education. De Villiers further said the National Treasury informed the committee that it has launched a data-driven audit of ghost employees and payment irregularities across national and provincial departments, where salaries account for more than 60% of expenditure. 

“Using the PERSAL payroll system as a base, Treasury is cross-checking data with SARS, Home Affairs and other institutions to identify ghost employees, duplicate IDs, multiple salaries and unauthorised allowances.

“Members heard that preliminary anomalies have been flagged, but verification is ongoing. The process will include a two-month window for employees to confirm their status. Salaries of confirmed ghost employees will be frozen, funds recovered and criminal or disciplinary action pursued,” said de Villiers.

He added that the committee noted the cooperation among the DPSA, National Treasury, the Auditor-General, SARS and other stakeholders. De Villiers said, however, it emphasised that cooperation and planning alone are insufficient. 

“There is the need for regular engagements to present clear outcomes and progress. We will assess progress not based on strategies but on outcomes. Our future engagements must provide evidence of results, including the number of ghost employees identified and removed, the monies recovered and the number of prosecutions.

“The committee also urged the department and Treasury to work closely with anti-corruption agencies such as the Special Investigating Unit, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority and other relevant agencies to ensure that investigations culminate in prosecutions and successful convictions,” he said.

De Villiers said the committee also emphasised the need to modernise identity systems and expressed its support for efforts by the Department of Home Affairs to develop digital identity systems. He said the committee believes this will go a long way to help address vulnerabilities and strengthen controls.

“Another concern was over the possibility that ghost employees may be receiving pension contributions from the Government Employees Pension Fund. This possibility, while alarming, may provide an opportunity to strengthen detection systems by also auditing the fund’s records and database. 

“The committee also noted the AG’s presentation showing that the provincial education department of Mpumalanga disclosed R28.3 million in salary overpayments made to employees after their services were terminated due to death, resignation, retirement or dismissal,” said de Villiers. 

He said the members were stern in their rebuke of accounting officers, who preside over such losses without consequence and questioned how such conduct is not deemed criminal. De Villiers said the committee acknowledged the frustration felt by South Africans regarding corruption in the public service. 

“I would like to describe this sentiment as “corruption fatigue”, as the public is growing weary of hearing about corruption without seeing any consequences. 

“The South African public has the right to see concrete outcomes such as ghost employees removed from the system, perpetrators prosecuted and jailed and public money safeguarded for service delivery,” he said. 

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Monna wa kwa Itireleng o atlholetswe matshelo a le mabedi kwa kgolegelong

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

16 Lwetse 2025 – Monna wa kwa motseng wa Itireleng, gaufi le Pampierstad, o atlholetswe matshelo a le mabedi kwa kgolegelong mabapi le dipolao tse pedi. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Thapelo Modise (23), a ile a bolaya ngwana ga mmogo le mosadimogolo.

Fa kgwedi ya Motsheganong e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 23 mo ngwageng wa 2023, Modise one a itelekela kwa legaeng la moagisani wa gagwe, mme a tlhasela le go bolaya ngwana wa dingwaga di le tharo, Oratile Loeto ka forotlho e e besang nama. Go begwa fa mmagwe ngwana, mosadimogolo wa gagwe le moagisanyi, ba ile ba leka go tsereganya.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Kapa Bokone, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock are Modise o ile a ba tlhaba, pele ga a ka ba lotlelela mo phaphosing e robalang. Kock are Modise o ile a tlhosetsa phaphosi eo ka molelo, mme a tsena ka lenga la seloko morago ga moo.        

“Mongwe wa leloko la lelapa o ile a goroga kwa lelapeng leo moragonyana, mme a fitlha a roba lebati le le neng le golegilwe ka terata. O ile a pholosa mme wa dingwaga di le 71 ga mmogo le lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 21.

“Ka maswabi moagisani, Kgomotso Gladys Kalabatane (74), yo a neng a etetse lelapa leo ka nako eo, o ile a tlhokafala morago ga dikgobalo tsa molelo. Bafalodi botlhe ba ile ba amogelwa kwa bookelong ka dikgobalo tsa go tlhabiwa le go fisiwa,” Kock wa tlhalosa.

Kock are Modise o ile a tshwarwa, mme kopo ya beile ya gagwe ile ya ganediwa go fitlhelela a seka. Kock are kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung, e ile ya bona Modise molato, mme ya mo atlholela matshelo a le mabedi kwa kgolegelong mabapi le dipolao tse pedi ga mmogo le dingwaga di le tlhano tsa maiteko a polao.

Kgabagare, mokomoshinara wa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Frances Baard, Major General Charlotte Makgari, o ile a akgola mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Sergeant James Seimelo go tswa kwa seteisheneg sa Pampierstad, mabapi le matsetseleko a a dirileng go batlisisa kgetsi e.  Makgari are tshotlakako ya bong ga e tle go letlelewa mo nageng.

“Ba bolai ba ba tshwanang le Modise jaana, ba tla tlosiwa mo setshabeng go netefatsa fa basadi le bana ba sireletsega,” Makgari wa tlhalosa.

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Municipality launches R106m water project  

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Picture: Executive mayor of Nagaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Khumalo Molefe

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 September 2025- The Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality said it has officially launched a R106m water reticulation project in Borakalalo village, near Zeerust. The municipality said the project forms part of its mandate to provide basic water and sanitation services to rural communities, while ensuring that all other households have access to adequate water supply.

Speaking at the handover of the contractor, the executive mayor, Khumalo Molefe said this project is a demonstration of their commitment to restoring dignity and improving the quality of life for their communities. Molefe said reliable access to water is not only a basic right, but also a foundation for economic and social development.

“The project will significantly improve access to clean and reliable water supply in Borakalalo, contributing to better living conditions and supporting local development initiatives.

“The municipality has appointed Dikwankwetla 213 (Pty) Ltd as a contractor for this project that will, amongst others, install yard connections to approximately 4000 ERFs of Borakalalo village,” he said.

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North West Department of Public Works and Roads dismiss CFO for financial misconduct

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR), Elizabeth Mokua

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 September 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads (DPWR), Elizabeth Mokua said she can confirm that it has dismissed its former Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mokua said she wishes to clarify that the dismissal demonstrates the department’s firm stance on accountability and zero tolerance for financial mismanagement.

She further said the official in question was subjected to a thorough disciplinary process following findings of financial misconduct. Mokua added that the process was conducted in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), applicable labour laws, and internal governance prescripts.

“Officials entrusted with public resources are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. DPWR remains committed to transparency, ethical governance, and prudent management of public funds.

“The department views this matter as a necessary step toward restoring credibility, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that public funds are used strictly for their intended purpose—improving infrastructure and service delivery for the people of the North West,” she said.

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Burundian man jailed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Burundian national, Jean Pacifique Irakoze

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 September 2025- A Burundian national, Jean Pacifique Irakoze (31) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court for dealing in drugs. Irakoze’s legal troubles started when a tip-off was received from a reliable source about a person involved in drug peddling in the Postmasburg policing area. 

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said the Kathu based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team registered an enquiry for investigation. Thebe said in February 2024, the police conducted a legal search and seizure operation at the identified property, where various plastic bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine (tik) were found and seized.

“The suspect was arrested on the spot. The accused made various court appearances until he was sentenced to undergo 10 years imprisonment without the option of a fine and was further declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Stephen Mabuela, welcomed the conviction and congratulated both the investigation team and prosecuting team for their hard work.

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North West police woman nabbed for corruption

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 September 2025 – A police officer, Aletta Sentry (49), who is a Sergeant and attached to Mothotlung Detectives, was arrested during an undercover operation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU) on 10 September 2025, for corruption. Sentry was granted a R2000 bail after she briefly appeared in the Garankuwa Magistrate’s Court on 11 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the matter was postponed to 24 October 2025. Mokgwabone said it is alleged that Sentry demanded R1500 from a drunken driving case accused, to get rid of the docket. 

“The law abiding citizen reported the matter to the ACIU. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the accused,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “The government and the citizens of South Africa have bestowed their confidence and trust in members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to always execute their duties and responsibilities with courage, integrity, honesty and ethically. 

“The involvement in corruption or the commission of crime by any member of the SAPS is therefore, embarrassing and disappointing as it not only tarnishes the image of the SAPS and the many honest, dedicated and hard-working loyal members, but deepens the society’s trust deficit in the police.” 

Asaneng further said this arrest is not meant to save the face, but should be a stern warning to other rogue elements among them that they will be arrested and expelled from the SAPS. He added that corruption cannot be tolerated in the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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Service delivery affected at a clinic in Cokonyane as community members embark on protest demanding completion of R6m park home project

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Picture: Patients denied access to Cokonyane clinic

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 September 2025- Patients were significantly affected by community protest at a clinic in Cokonyane village, near Taung on Monday. This comes after some community members blocked and denied those who came for medical attention access to healthcare services.

The disruption of essential treatments such as medication collection was experienced as nurses were also removed from the facility.

One of the community members, Charlie Sejamoholo said they embarked on protest because they have written numerous letters to the North West Department of Health raising their unsatisfactory remarks regarding the delays on the park home construction project , but they were ignored. Sejamoholo alleged that the contractor missed a deadline to complete a park home and there is no consequence management implemented by the department.

“We are not against the construction of the park home, but we want the project to be completed timeously. So, the contractor comes and goes as he pleases. So, we are sick and tired of his actions.

“We suspect that the contractor has bribed some of the departmental officials hence they cannot remove him and appoint a capable person for the project,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari spokesperson, Tshegofatso Mothibedi said: “The department is aware of the matter and a site meeting has been arranged for Tuesday to address the community queries. The park home clinic was supposed to have been completed in April 2025, but the project has incurred delays due additional works which include among others to demolish the old clinic built with asbestos material and that the contractor was experiencing financial challenges.

“The expected completion date is 15 December 2025. The original contract amount is R 6 389 560.23 (R6m) VAT Incl. and the department has approved the Variation Order No.01 to the total amount of R 478 125.00 VAT Incl. for the removal and disposal of Asbestos containing material.”

Mothibedi further said the department is aware of concerns raised by the community members, who demanded to be addressed by management and threatened to close the clinic hence a site meeting has been arranged for Tuesday. He added that they will address the community queries today.

“Action has already been taken. The contractor was previously put on terms (default notice was sent to the contractor on 24 April 2025 by the department hence the contractor has approached the department to consent a Deed of Cession agreement between the main-contractor and its sub-contractor as a relief of the main-contractor’s cash-flow challenges.

“The department has approved the Deed of Cession agreement on 10 September 2025. This decision is aimed at ensuring that the project proceeds smoothly and meets the expected quality standards and timelines. The department is committed to closely monitor the contractor’s performance in order to reach completion of the project,” said Mothibedi.

He said currently, health services are rendered through a temporary structure/park home installed in the same site of the Cokonyane clinic.

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Two men sentenced to a combined 16 years imprisonment in separate GBH matters  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 September 2025 – The police said domestic violence continues to have devastating effects on families and communities, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-lasting psychological scars. The police said in two separate and unrelated cases, the Kimberley Regional Court convicted and sentenced Itumeleng Bergman (30) and Moithusimang Gema (25) to 10 years and 6 years’ imprisonment, respectively.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said evidence presented in court revealed that on 18 August 2024, Bergman attacked his aunt (50) during an altercation in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, pouring a bottle of acid on her face and causing severe injuries. Sam said in the second case on 18 September 2024, in Witdam in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley, Gema stabbed his father after being refused permission to watch television while other family members were asleep.

“Both accused were found guilty of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and sentenced accordingly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, commended the investigating officers, Detective Warrant Officer Stephen Wax and Constable Zanele Hlongwane, for their dedication and meticulous work, which contributed significantly to the successful convictions.

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Committee lauds Women Boks

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Picture: Women’s Boks during a game

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 September 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture congratulates the Women Boks on their achievements and progress at the ongoing World Cup in England, despite their loss to the New Zealand Black Ferns. The committee praised the remarkable progress made by the Women Boks, evident in their quarterfinal appearance at the World Cup.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Joe McGluwa said: “Their performance against mostly professional and semi-professional teams is commendable. SA Rugby must develop strategies for professionalism and conditioning of elite players.

“We need significant improvement in teams participating in the women’s Currie Cup, where only the Blue Bulls have a professional setup. The committee acknowledged the involvement of sponsors supporting representative teams, but financial rewards for women players should follow.”

McGluwa further said while they do not demand equal pay to the Springboks, it is essential that women be able to play rugby comfortably without financial burdens. He added that they call on South Africans to support women’s rugby, making it a sport of choice for women.

“Talent identification must start in schools, going beyond mere compliance and tick-box exercises,” said McGluwa.

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Police need your assistance in solving a murder case

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Picture: The deceased, Kenny Itemogeng Olyn/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 September 2025- The police in Roodepan are investigating a murder case following the discovery of the body of Kenny Itemogeng Olyn (35), in the veld near Midlands Farm in Kimberley on 31 October 2024. The police said Olyn was last seen with his friends near “by die hoek” liquor outlet in Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley on 27 October 2024.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police request the assistance of the public in solving this case and request anyone with information to contact the Roodepan SAPS or contact Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Setlai at 071 793 8583 or the SAPS Crime Stop line 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

Sam said all information received will be treated confidentially.

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