Picture: The former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla
By AGISANANG SCUFF
1 October 2025- The former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges relating to the contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud, after his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Makwetla was granted R10 000 bail and his matter was postponed to 4 November 2025, for disclosure.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said charges emanate from the alleged security upgrade to his home by BOSASA in 2015, valued at approximately R350 000. Mamothame said his repeated failure to disclose this material benefit to Parliament over four years, violated his legal and ethical duty under the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests.
Picture: Martin Manmohan of the bhive Enterprise Development Centre at North West University (NWU)/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 October 2025- Martin Manmohan of the bhive Enterprise Development Centre at North West University (NWU) said entrepreneurship, often touted as a remedy, is still seen by many as a last resort rather than a viable career path. Manmohan said with limited job opportunities, graduates tend to prioritise stable employment over risky entrepreneurial ventures.
He further said bureaucratic obstacles add another layer, as red tape and compliance rules discourage many would-be entrepreneurs before they begin. Manmohan added that if South Africa is to reduce youth unemployment, diversify its economy and unlock growth, it must reframe entrepreneurship from fallback option to first choice.
“In South Africa, a degree no longer guarantees a job. Youth unemployment hovers at crisis levels, and many graduates struggle to find stable work. Entrepreneurship, often touted as a remedy, is still seen by many as a last resort rather than a viable career path.
“The result is a paradox: at a time when the economy urgently needs new ventures, the very people best positioned to create them hesitate to take the leap. The socio-economic barriers are real,” he said.
Manmohan said many of their young graduates lack personal savings or collateral to secure loans. He said venture capital and angel investment ecosystems are still developing and often favour experienced entrepreneurs, rather than side-hustles and start-ups.
“With limited job opportunities, graduates tend to prioritise stable employment over risky entrepreneurial ventures. Universities must take a more active role in reshaping this dynamic. We should establish an enterprise development fund to support emerging businesses.
“Alongside funding, we must provide non-financial services such as business plans, financial projections and mentoring. Our final-year and master’s students in accounting and business can contribute directly to these efforts,” said Manmohan.
He said money is only one part of the puzzle. Manmohan said equally vital are networks, which many graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds lack.
“Graduates may not have access to mentors, industry contacts or professional networks. This isolation hinders idea validation, partnerships and market access. To address this, NWU convenes networking sessions that connect students with industry partners, government agencies and organisations such as the SAB Foundation, Black Umbrellas and the NYDA.
“Universities themselves are implicated. While we teach theory well, many institutions lack practical entrepreneurship training, such as financial literacy, business planning and digital marketing,” he said.
Manmohan said they also need to support students with soft skills like negotiation, leadership and resilience, which are often underdeveloped. He said bureaucratic obstacles add another layer, as red tape and compliance rules discourage many would-be founders before they begin.
“Cultural expectations can be just as powerful. Families often push graduates towards “safe” careers, while others see entrepreneurship as unstable or unsuitable, particularly in poorer communities. Most of our students lack confidence, or in some cases, they’re overconfident. Both need careful guidance.
“Fear of the unknown also holds many back, as they simply have little exposure to entrepreneurship. Resilience and leadership training must form a core part of entrepreneurship education. We already offer experiential modules, bootcamps and mentorship programmes,” said Manmohan.
He said students can role-play leadership situations, engage in peer-led resilience circles, and take part in ‘fail-forward’ workshops where failure is treated as a learning opportunity. Manmohansaid but participation is low, because entrepreneurship is not yet seen as a key activity by students.
“I believe storytelling has a role. Most South African entrepreneurs start with little or no capital. Take Theo Baloyi, who built Bathu from scratch, or Soweto’s Nokuthla Tshabalala, who began collecting waste by hand and now employs 12 people through her company Trash2Treasure.
“These stories prove that resilience and vision can overcome extraordinary odds. Students need to see these examples and realise entrepreneurship is possible. The missing piece is partnership. Real-world exposure, access to resources and infrastructure, industry mentorship and coaching, seed funding, skills transfer, market validation – these are what make the difference,” he argues.
Manmohan said universities cannot nurture entrepreneurs in a vacuum. He said collaborations with incubators, local businesses and government ensure that student ventures align with community needs and promote inclusive growth.
“The task, he believes, is urgent. If South Africa is to reduce youth unemployment, diversify its economy and unlock growth, it must reframe entrepreneurship from fallback option to first choice. That requires systemic support: funding mechanisms, network-building, practical training, and above all, a cultural shift that rewards resilience and innovation.
“Entrepreneurship builds discipline, character and lifelong friendships,” Manmohan concludes.
1 October 2025- The Delportshoop General Detectives have successfully secured a 10-year prison sentence for the accused, Thomas Gundry (51), who was convicted of killing Katriena Buffel (31) between 20 and 21 June 2015 in Delportshoop. The police said during proceedings in the Kimberley Regional Court, it was revealed that on 21 June 2015, the body of the deceased was found lying motionless along a road in Kesiekama, Delportshoop.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim had sustained visible bruises and a swollen face. Sam said investigations linked her partner, who was the last person seen with her alive, to the crime.
“He was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Gundry was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The acting Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, praised Detective Sergeant Raphael Khoboko for his diligent and meticulous investigation, which ensured the successful prosecution and incarceration of the accused. Mtongana said the South African Police Service continues to encourage the public to provide feedback on policing services through the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey and to report criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by contacting 08600 10111.
“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.
1 October 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said the previous operator’s contract was terminated due to repeated violations of the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Morweng said despite being contracted to operate 133 buses, the operator consistently provided only 55 buses, a mere 40% of the required capacity.
He further said this left many passengers stranded, as scheduled routes and trips could not be adequately serviced. Morweng added that his department engaged extensively with the operator before the termination by holding several intervention meetings and issuing numerous letters in an attempt to resolve the challenges.
“Unfortunately, the situation did not improve. On 21 November 2024, a termination notice was issued, giving the operator three months to improve services. Instead of recovery, service delivery continued to decline until operations collapsed entirely.
“Consequently, in accordance with the SLA, the contract was formally terminated on 5 March 2025. As a caring government, we could not allow communities, who rely solely on this service to continue suffering. In engagements with employees, bus drivers reported being instructed to overload buses and to drive vehicles with serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, thereby endangering passengers’ lives,” he said.
Morweng said commuters echoed similar frustrations, citing unreliable service, unsafe conditions, and financial losses when monthly tickets could not be honoured. He said the Commuter Forum also submitted a memorandum highlighting these grievances.
“Following the termination, the department initiated a process to appoint a new operator in line with Supply Chain Management (SCM) guidelines. This process was delayed by court challenges from the previous operator, but after a protracted legal battle, the North West High Court dismissed their appeal on 26 September 2025, confirming the department’s right to proceed.
“Today, I am pleased to officially introduce the new operator for commuter services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District: Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture. This operator has the capacity to provide safe, reliable, and efficient commuter transport ensuring passengers are neither stranded nor overloaded. As I have previously committed, the new operator has been engaged and agreement reached that priority will be given to former employees of Atamelang,” said Morweng.
He said their absorption will occur in three phases. Morweng said current employees are still in service, former employees who resigned under financial pressure and those dismissed under questionable circumstances.
“The operator committed that training for drivers, ticket sellers, and other staff will commence as a matter of urgency. Employer/Employee committees have been formed to ensure smooth transition. Services will be introduced in phases, beginning with high volume critical routes in and around Mahikeng, Lichtenburg, and Zeerust.
“I appeal to commuters for patience, as all routes will eventually be restored once depots and facilities are fully secured. At present, the Mahikeng depot remains under Atamelang’s ownership, while the Lichtenburg depot has been destroyed, leaving Lehurutshe as the only secured facility,” he said.
Morweng said he wishes to express his gratitude to the taxi industry for stepping in and assisting communities during this transition. He further calls for continued cooperation between the bus and taxi industries, as they complement one another.
“We rely on SANTACO leadership to nurture this partnership going forward. Ladies and Gentlemen, the resumption of the commuter service in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District marks a new beginning for reliable public transport in our Province. We are committed to restoring dignity, safety and efficiency for all commuters,” said Morweng.
Picture: Some of the cables seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 October 2025- The police in Northern Cape said their continued determination to eradicate illegal activities resulted in the arrest of five suspects for tampering with essential infrastructure and drug-related offences in the Pixley Ka Seme and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts respectively. The police said in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 October 2025, police in De Aar intercepted a vehicle along a farm road after a tip-off regarding possible illegal activities.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a vehicle, which matched the description provided to the police, was stopped and searched. Shemane said inside, the police discovered copper cables, gloves, and multiple cutting tools.
“Three men, including a foreign national aged between 35 and 38, were arrested. The copper cables, valued at approximately R30 000, as well as the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, were confiscated.
“Meanwhile, in Sunrise in the Pixley Ka Seme District, on 30 September 2025, police acted on information about a vehicle suspected of transporting drugs. The vehicle was spotted, stopped and searched,” he said.
Shemane further said they were found in possession of the suspect, leading to the arrest of the foreign national (37) and the vehicle being confiscated. He added that in a separate incident in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District also on 30 September 2025, police followed up on intelligence regarding drug sales at a premises in Magojaneng village, Mothibistad.
“A search of the premises led to the arrest of a female (20) after drugs with an estimated value of R2500, were found in her possession, along with an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to the eradication of drugs and other illegal activities in our communities,” said Shemane.
He said the police commend the role of community members who continue to partner with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.
1 October 2025- The South African Poloce Service (SAPS) in Northern Cape said today marks the 35th anniversary of the United Nations in declaring, recognising, and honouring worldwide the contributions of older persons.
The SAPS said in South Africa, the commemoration forms part of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, observed annually to demonstrate the nations commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said they remain committed to protecting and upholding the rights of older persons. Shemane said the growing abuse against older persons is a social concern and has many forms.
“Abuse such as violence, lack of access to services, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect, need to be addressed.
“The SAPS is obliged and mandated by the Constitution and the Older Persons Act, 2006, to ensure the protection of all elderly persons and dealing effectively with the plight of older persons by empowering and protecting them,” he said.
Shemane further said. SAPS members must provide elderly persons who are victims of crime with the necessary protection, assistance and support. Hadded that elderly abuse manifests in many ways and forms.
“It is found not only at home and the community but also in institutions and facilities that accommodate the elderly. Abuse can be the result of a single act or may continue over a period of time.
“Abuse can be accidental or a deliberate act. An abuser may be a relative, a partner, a caregiver, a volunteer, a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger,” said Shemane.
He said abuse can occur at any place such as at home, in a care home, in hospital, in sheltered housing, in supported living centers, at care centers and other day services or public places. Shemane said elderly are important pillars of society and continue to play useful roles in society by sharing their wisdom and experience with society.
“Since elder abuse is often conducted by those who have access to older persons as caregivers or relatives, it tends to be under-reporter.
“The safety hints must be taken into consideration. To install handrails, non-slip mats, and remove tripping hazards. To use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to prevent falls,” she said.
Shemane said individuals should regularly check in with family and friends to prevent isolation. He said they should also educate elderly persons on common scams targeting seniors.
“To consider investing in a medical alert . To encourage participation in senior centers for socialization and activities.
“To curb elderly abuse, a multi-agency approach and community-based partnerships is needed, in order to effectively safeguard the elderly with government departments such as the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and those in the criminal justice system and civil society organizations for the successful conviction in cases which involve elderly abuse,” she said.
Shemane said anyone Anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused or has suffered abuse-related harm is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station or immediately call SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app or report to a social worker.
He said all information received will be treated confidentially.
Picture: The construction road project that links Matsheng and Molelema
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 October 2025- The residents of Matsheng and Molelema said the delays on the R112 million D206 road project continues to have a negative impact on their livelihoods. One of the residents who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said their roads are inaccessible and that makes it hard for them to access essential public services, hospitals and schools.
He said their living conditions have declined as they continue to be subjected to poor service delivery.
“When you look at Molelema, you just see dejection. No booming businesses here. We only have DIY that is owned by the same individual who was supposed to construct the D206 road.
“All roads that lead to town are in shambles, especially during the rainy season. We just wonder why the North West Department of Public Works and Roads continues giving the contract to the same individual who previously failed us,” he said.
In 2021, a road construction project worth over R65 million was brought to a grinding halt after the department terminated the contract of the contractor, Daddy Tong of Botong Nkolele JV Construction over the obligation dispute. The budget allocation was increased to R85 million, but the project continued to be marred by challenges.
In 2023, the budget was increased to R112 million, but a road construction project that was supposed to transform the lives of the residents was hit by the delays again.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The department notes public concern regarding the delays and lack of activity on the D206 road project between Matsheng and Molelema. The department appointed a CIDB 9CE graded contractor with the required technical strength and capability to execute the project.
“However, in the 2024/25 financial year, the province experienced cash-flow challenges, which regrettably impacted payments to contractors. The situation led to the suspension of work on the D206 road project in January 2025, as the contractor cited delayed payments.”
Tong said the outstanding invoice was settled in March 2025. She further said in terms of GCC clause 5.11.5, once payment is made following a suspension on the basis of non-payment, the contractor is obliged to resume work within seven days.
“Subsequent to receipt of payment, the contractor failed to proceed with construction works on site, despite continuous engagements and correspondence from the department.
“At present, the department is pursuing contract enforcement processes and exploring all available legal and administrative remedies to address what constitutes a breach of contract by the contractor,” added Tong.
She said the department remains committed to ensuring that this important road project is completed and delivered for the benefit of the affected communities. Tong said they will continue to take all necessary steps to enforce compliance and restore progress on site.
1 Diphalane 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya go thopa ka dikgoka le go tshwarwa poo ka sethunya. Se, se tla morago ga gore mosadi wa dingwaga di le 49, a kgorogelwe ke banna ba le babedi ba ba sa itsiweng ka Mosupulogo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, are motswasetlhabelo, Puseletso Sylvia Tapa (49) wa kwa motseng wa Rooiwal, gaufi le Taung, one a tsamaya mo mmileng fa a ne a kgorogelwa ke sejanaga se se neng se na le banna ba le babedi mo teng. Van Rooyen are banna ba, ba ile ba mo laela fa e le batlhankela ba sepodisi, mme ba shupa fa ba batlisisa kgetsi nngwe ya go tshwara poo.
“Banna ba, ba ile ba laela Tapa fa ele mmelaelwa mo kgetsing eo, mme ba mo pateletsa go tsena mo sejanageng. Go begwa fa ba ile ba leba le ene kwa tikwatikweng ya marekelo ya Taung, kwa ba ileng ba fitlha ba mo shupa ka sethunya le go mo tseela karata ya banka.
“Go begwa fa ba ile ba ya go goga madi a sa itsiweng kwa bankeng ya motswa-setlhabelo, pele ga ba ka go mo latlhela kwa nageng kwa Extension 6. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
1 October 2025- The police in Mmabatho request the community’s assistance in locating a missing woman, Sebokaeng Gladys Jakoba (55), who is residing at Morwatshetlha village, in Mahikeng. Jakoba was last seen by her brother on 9 September 2025, at around 8:30am when she left home to deposit stokvel money at a bank in Mahikeng.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said she never returned back home. Myburgh said a search was conducted around the village and at her place of work.
“An extensive investigation yielded no positive results. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing an orange dress with black dots, a blue and green doek on her head and she was carrying a hand bag.
“She is dark in complexion with black eyes, a tall and slim build body, with short black hair. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Golekane Senokwanyane on 079 897 1873,” she said.
Myburgh further said alternatively they can also contact their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. She added that anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from their smartphone.
1 Diphalane 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Mmabatho se ikuela go baagi go se thusa go batlana le monna wa dingwaga di le 75, eleng Tatolo Johannes Phiri. Go begwa fa Phiri a dula kwa motseng wa Magogoe Tlhabologo, gaufi le Mahikeng.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adéle Myburgh are Phiri o bonwe la bofelo fa Seetebosigo a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 4. Myburgh are go begwa fa Phiri a tswile kwa lelapeng la gagwe go ya go tsaya madi, fela ga boela gae.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo, fela maiteko a o a ile a itaya sefololetsa. Ka nako ya go nyelela ga ga Phiri, one a rwele hutshe e ntsho ka mmala, a apere borokgwe jo bontsho, jeresi e tala, baki e khunou, mme a rwele dirifi tse dintsho.
“Go begwa fa Phiri a le montsho ka mmala, mme ga a na meno. Phiri o na le matlho a ma khunou, o bokete jwa mmele jwa 56kg, mme o bolele jwa 1.5m, ka tlhogo e legwete,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le go timela ga ga Phiri, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, eleng Sarasanta Golekane Senokwanyane mo dinomorong tsa mogala tsa 079 897 1873. Myburgh are kgotsa ba ka letsetsa seteishene sa sepodisi se se gaufi mo dinomorong tsa 08600 10111.
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