Daily Archives: October 29, 2025

ANC welcomes approval of new HIV prevention injection by SAHPRA

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the approval of Lenacapavir by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), making South Africa the first country in Africa to register this ground-breaking twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.

The ANC said this milestone comes as its nation continues to carry one of the world’s largest HIV burdens with nearly 8 million South Africans living with HIV.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said while some African countries have higher prevalence rates, the scale of South Africa’s epidemic means that any major prevention breakthrough here has continental significance. Bhengu said Lenacapavir has shown near-complete protection against HIV infection in global trials.

“Supported by a R513 million Global Fund grant, rollout will begin in April 2026, prioritising vulnerable groups such as pregnant and breastfeeding women, men who have sex with men and sex workers. The ANC views this as a powerful addition to the government’s ongoing HIV response which combines treatment, testing, prevention, and education to end new infections by 2030.

“The expected arrival of affordable generic versions by 2027 will further expand access and sustainability. The ANC commends the efforts of the South African government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and calls on the international community, pharmaceutical companies, and global health institutions to ensure the affordability and accessibility of Lenacapavir, not only for South Africa, but for all developing and lesser-privileged countries, particularly across Africa,” she said.

Bhengu further said no lifesaving medicine should remain out of reach because of cost.

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Motsumi lambasts learners over misleading pictures

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Picture: Learners posing on beds with no matresses/Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said it is disheartened and shocked to learn that some learners, when they arrived at an incubation camp, posed on beds without mattresses to mislead the public as if the department had not provided the mattresses to the learners at a camp held at Itereleng Skills Training Centre in Vaal Reefs on 26 October 2025. Motsumi said her department learnt about this irresponsible act posed by learners from the social media platforms.

She further said the learners were shown sleeping on beds directly without mattresses. Motsumi added that her department in its efforts of improving the matric results organized an incubation camp at Vaal Reefs and Itereleng for three schools, Kanana Secondary School, Mathlaleng Secondary School and Mmonkeng Secondary Schools.

“The department has always hosted the incubation camps at the same venue since 2019. We condemn the posing of learners on beds without mattresses. On behalf of the entire department, I am extremely disappointed by the irresponsible act committed by some learners who attended the incubation camp at Vaal Reefs.

“This venue has more than enough mattresses to accommodate all learners from the three schools. I believe this act was aimed at causing a sensation to create fear and anxiety in the parents. As we speak now, all learners have slept very well without any inconvenience. I want to sincerely assure parents that their children are safe and well taken care of,” she said.

Motsumi said parents should not panic at all because the department is taking good care of their children. She highlighted that these camps assist learners to avoid distraction which they sometimes experience when they study at home.

“Learners are expected to be at the incubation camp until they finish writing all their subjects. Teachers and Subject Specialists of different subjects will be available to assist learners,” she said.

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A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend granted bail

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By OBAKENG MAJE

29 October 2025- A man, Atlholang William Mosiane (36), who is accused of killing his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Dimpo Motlodi was granted bail by the North West High Court. Mosiane faces charges of murder and two counts of pointing a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said Mosiane’s release follows a successful appeal after bail was previously denied by the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court in August 2025. Gunya said on 25 March 2021, Mosiane allegedly went to Motlodi’s residence looking for her.

“Upon his arrival, he enquired from her father about her whereabouts and was informed that she had not yet returned from work. He then left the premises. After a short while, the deceased’s father reportedly heard gunshots coming from his daughter’s shack. When he went to investigate, he allegedly saw Mosiane exiting the shack holding a firearm.

“Inside, he discovered his daughter lying on the floor with gunshot wounds. Mosiane was arrested and initially sentenced to life imprisonment. However, his conviction and sentence were later set aside due to procedural technicalities. He was re-arrested in August 2025, for the same offence and denied bail by the lower court before successfully appealing to the North West High Court,” he said.

Gunya further said Mosiane was granted a R5000 bail with strict conditions. He added that the court ordered Mosiane to report to the Tlhabane Police Station every Monday between 6am and 8pm until the conclusion of the trial.

“He must refrain from any contact, communication, or visits to the complainants or their premises; avoid interfering with witnesses. He should notify the investigating officer of any change of address. Mosiane is expected to appear again at the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 11 December 2025, for the allocation of a High Court trial date.

“The NPA remains committed to pursuing justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through due legal processes,” said Gunya.

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