Monthly Archives: October 2025

Lehari Strengthens Ties with Traditional Leaders

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Picture: Traditional leaders engaging with North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

22 October 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working closely with Traditional Leaders (Dikgosi) to address pressing healthcare challenges and strengthen service delivery across the province. Lehari met with dikgosi at Kings Gate in Rustenburg as part of his ongoing stakeholder engagement programme aimed at building strong partnerships to improve healthcare access and quality.

During the engagement, he apologised for the delay in convening the meeting and emphasised the importance of establishing a consistent communication channel between the department and dikgosi. He further assured the leaders that his department is ready to work hand-in-hand with them on health issues affecting their communities and committed to consulting them regularly on developments and challenges within health facilities located in their traditional areas.

“The department will prioritise mobile clinics in rural villages and hold quarterly engagements with dikgosi to monitor progress and ensure accountability,” added Lehari.

He assured dikgosi that they will have direct access to operational managers, chief directors, and hospital CEOs for swift resolution of service-related issues. Lehari also announced that Mmabonyana Lerumo, Director for Special Programmes, will serve as a direct liaison between the department and traditional leaders to ensure quick responses to operational matters.

Meanwhile, Traditional Leaders welcomed Lehari’s open-door approach and raised several issues requiring urgent attention. Kgosi Montshioa encouraged the department to fast-track the finalisation of the North West School of Medicine, which he said is crucial for building capacity and producing home-grown healthcare professionals.

“We call for improved functionality of hospital boards and clinic committees. In the past, poor communication and irregular meetings had undermined their effectiveness,” said Montshioa.

The Chief of Batlhaping BaGa-Maidi Tribal Authority, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane, raised concerns about the lack of timeous communication between the department and traditional leaders regarding health-related activities in their villages. Motlhabane stressed that dikgosi should be notified well in advance to allow them to mobilise their communities effectively, instead of being informed at the same time as residents.

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GOOD LUCK THE CLASS OF 2025!

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Picture: Grade 12 learners at Batlhaping High School/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

22 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they had a smooth start of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations in the province. Motsumi said more than 2760 registered National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) P1 (Practical) wrote well in 89 schools across the province. 

She further said the paper was well monitored and all schools were covered. Motsumi added that there are no major challenges that were reported during the writing of the paper in all centres. 

“We would like to convey our satisfaction with the smooth start of the examination process at these 89 schools. It is promising to mention that our learners are receiving the necessary support to excel in their examinations. 

“We extend our best wishes for their continued success as they progress and we remain committed to ensuring that every learner is given a fair and equitable opportunity to attain their academic aspirations in these examinations,” she said. 

Motsumi said on Wednesday, candidates sat for a three-hour Information Technology Paper 1 from 9am. She encouraged learners to thoroughly prepare in order to succeed in their exams. 

“Prepare early by creating a study plan. Also, understand the format of the examination papers. Use active study techniques like practice tests and previous exam papers. Create summary notes and during the exams, manage your time, read all questions carefully and stay calm by taking deep breaths. 

“Remember to prioritise your well-being by getting enough sleep. Eat nutritious food and drink water regularly. Take regular breaks when studying and organise your study space. Organise study groups, draw a study time-table and incorporate physical activity into your routine to help focus and manage stress,” said Motsumi. 

Meanwhile, the Convenor of the MRM Provincial Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele urged communities to allow learners the opportunity to write their final exams in a peaceful and conducive environment.

“We are appealing for suspension of disruptive protests or alternatively their planning must consider that disruption of schooling and the public transport system will adversely affect learners who are on the verge of achieving a qualification that will open opportunities for them. 

“The sacrifices and extra effort that matriculants have had to put as part of preparing for the exams throughout the year, must be safeguarded so that they achieve their objective to pursue their dreams,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya bogodu kgatlhanong le motlhankela wa sepodisi mono Taung e boela kgotlha-tshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Mmatlisisi wa sepodisi, Constable Nicolas Motlhankane/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Diphalane 2025- Kgetsi ya go utswa bojalwa kgatlhanong le motlhankela wa sepodisi kwa Seteisheng sa Taung, Constable Nicolas Motlhankane (28), e solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Hartswater mo letsatsing la gompieno. Motlhankane o ile a tshwarwa ke lephata la sepodisi se se batlisisang dikgetsi tsa bonwenwe kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, le go molatofatsa ka bogodu.

Go begwa fa ka di 31 Phatwe 2023, Motlhankane, yo oneng a tsenetse thupelelong (training) kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Kgomotso, a ile a tsaya sejanaga sa sepodisi, mme a leba kwa Pampierstad. Go begwa fa Motlhankane a ile a tsena kwa lebenkeleng le le rekisang nnotagi la batswa-kwa ba kwa nageng ya China, mme a ba kaela fa a tlile go puruputsha.

Go begwa fa Motlhankane, a ile a utswa bojalwa teng kwa lebenkeleng leo la nnotagi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Sergeant Molefi Shemane are Motlhankane one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Pampierstad mabapi le ditatofatso tsa bogodu. Shemane are kgetsi kgatlhanong le Motlhankane, e ile ya busediwa kwa morago go fitlha di 22 Diphalane 2025.

“Molatofadiwa o ile a neelwa beile ya R500, fa kgetsi e ile ya sitlhamolosediwa kwa kgotlhatsekelo ya sedika ya Hartswater,” Shemane wa tlhalosa.

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Ditheetso tsa beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa kwa Boxer Liquor Store di a tswelela

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Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi wa kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

22 Diphalane 2025- Ditheetso tsa beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store mono Taung, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi (32), di solofetswe go tswelela kwa kgotlha-tshekelong ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mahusi one a tshwarwa mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go betelela modiri wa mosadi wa teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ya Lamatlhatso motshegare kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store. Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di tsweletse.

Go begwa fa modiri wa dingwaga di le 20, teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store, a ne a tsweletse ka tiro ya gagwe ya go paka dilo fa motsamaisi a ne a mo biletsa kwa kantorong ya gagwe ka Lamatlhatso motshegare. Go begwa fa go tseneng ga bone kwa kantorong eo, Mahusi o ile a lotlela lebati la kantoro.

Go begwa fa e ne ya re fa modiri o a sentse a maketse gore go diragalang, ke fa Mahusi a mo phamola a mo atla ka nkane. Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo fekeetsa ka maatla, mme a mo apola borokgwe.

Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo rapamisa mo tafoleng le go mo betelela a mo tlhaga kwa morago.

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‘Let’s work together to ensure no person goes hungry’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 October 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, the 7th Social Justice Summit, organised by the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University, reflected on the country’s progress towards achieving food security as a key component of social justice. Ramaphosa said government, policy makers, academia and civil society organisations, discussed what they must do to ensure that no South African goes hungry and to chart a new course as countries of the world strive to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He further said the centre has developed the Musa Plan, which aims to use data-driven research and collaborative resource mobilisation to end poverty. Ramaphosa added that overcoming poverty and tackling the cost of living for South Africans is one of the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“Access to nutritious food directly affects the physical health and development of individuals and societies. Around 15 to 16 million people in South Africa have inadequate or severely inadequate access to food.

“South Africa is amongst 29 countries where the right to food and water is enshrined in the Constitution, and where citizens have resources in the legal system to ensure that this right is enforced. Our Constitution imposes a duty on the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to progressively realise this right,” he said.

Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy in 1994, successive administrations have adopted a multifaceted approach to tackling hunger and food security. He said this has included legislative and policy reform, nutrition at primary healthcare level, and programmes that deliver nutrition directly to communities and institutions, such as the school feeding scheme.

“To further bolster food security, the provision of social grants, free basic services, free basic and tertiary education, and free primary healthcare have freed up money in households to buy food.

“In South Africa, the social wage accounts for approximately 60% of spending by the Government before interest payments. This is amongst the highest of upper-middle income countries. A 2021 World Bank report noted that South Africa’s system of programmes were effective, well-targeted and provided sizable benefits to the poorest households,” said Ramaphosa.

He said their social assistance system “effectively reduces poverty and inequality rates”. Ramaphosa said the School Nutrition Programme has been one of the most far-reaching and transformative policies implemented under democracy to address poverty.

“This programme provides nutrition to more than 9 million learners from poor households on a daily basis. The provision of meals at schools, with nutritious ingredients sourced from school and community food gardens, has had a positive impact on learner attendance, concentration and overall academic performance.

“The long-term impact of this programme is evident. Last year, learners from the poorest schools, 60% of schools, accounted for 67% of all bachelor passes achieved. Supporting communities to grow their own food has been an integral feature of the Government’s food security strategy,” he said.

Ramaphosa said provincial agricultural departments run programmes across the country to support school, household and community food gardens, and provide implements like seedlings, tools and training. He said despite a range of interventions by national and provincial governments, a large portion of South African households are food insecure.

“In a context of high unemployment and poverty and limited economic growth, many households across the country are finding it difficult to afford nutritious food. It is, therefore, necessary that together with measures to eradicate extreme food poverty, we have to also look at market factors that are making the cost of nutritious food increasingly out of reach.

“According to Statistics South Africa data, annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages continues to rise. Last month, headline consumer inflation hit a 10-month high. Meat and vegetables are more expensive, putting household food budgets under pressure,” said Ramaphosa.

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ANC in North West Provincial Legislature wishes Grade 12 learners well

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Picture: The ANC Chief Whip in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Motlalepula Rosho/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

22 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) Caucus in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday wished the Matric Class of 2025 that commenced with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) well in its final examinations. The ANC Caucus called on everyone in the education sector as well as parents to be supportive of candidates throughout their exams.

The ANC Chief Whip, Motlalepula Rosho on behalf of Caucus said, it is a very strenuous time in the learners’ academic life which is a culmination of 12 years of schooling. Rosho said they therefore call on parents, family, friends, educators, officials and the community at large to help create the best conditions and environment for these learners to study.

She further expressed hope that the stringent measures that the department has put in place will minimise the potential for question paper leaks, fraud and cheating. Rosho added that, the appointment of additional invigilator as well as installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) to step up security at some examination venues will minimise disruptions and guarantee the integrity of the examinations.

“This can only be possible if learners adhere to the NSC Examination Code of Conduct and the oath they have undertaken committing to honesty and ethical conduct. The emotional and psychological well-being of all learners will be paramount during this stressful period.

“We appeal to parents and guardians to keep a watchful eye over them to ensure they are in a good place. We wish teachers, invigilators and markers all the strength they need to tackle the mammoth task at hand with all the zeal and fortitude that it requires,” she said.  

Rosho remarked that the patriotic duty at hand requires vigilance, leaving nothing to chance but execution to the highest level of professionalism to make the province and the nation proud.

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Mass shooting in Westbury leaves two dead 

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Picture: Six teenagers shot in Westbury

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

20 October 2025- The police in Sophiatown have responded to a shooting incident in Westbury, where six teenagers were shot. The police said the victims were rushed to hospital. 

The Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili said two of them were declared dead on arrival and four are receiving medical attention. Muridili said preliminary reports suggest that the shooting was gang-related.

“It is reported that the six aged between 14 and 19 years, were shot at by three suspects believed to be from a rival gang. The Provincial Anti-Gang Unit is on the scene together with SAPS Forensic Services.

“District Crime Intelligence has also been mobilised to assist the Anti-Gang Unit with the tracing of the suspects,” she said.

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Taung Cultural Calabash is back with a bang!

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Picture: Taung Cultural Calabash 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 October 2025- The Mmabana Foundation said the iconic Taung Cultural Calabash Festival returns this year under the lively theme: “Revived, Refreshed and Reloaded”, a celebration of creativity, culture and the resurgence of the arts in the North West. The Foundation said the festival will take place from 30 October to 1 November 2025 at the Mmabana Taung Centre, promising a cultural experience for patrons across the North West Province.

The Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kgalalelo Molotsi said an exciting festival programme will kick-off with master classes for fashion designers, led by the internationally acclaimed fashion icon David Tlale, offering young and emerging designers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry. Molotsi said the master class will be followed by a Fashion Show featuring North West’s finest design talent, showcasing the vibrancy and originality of the province’s creative scene.

“On Friday, the spotlight turns to comedy with a powerful line-up featuring household names such as Chris Mampane, Tall As Mo, Mashabela, and more comedians, promising an evening filled with laughter, wit, and local humour.

“The festival will close with a bang on Saturday, with the music festival bringing together some of South Africa’s hottest acts. The youthful and energetic line-up includes DJ Karri, Kharishma, Fifi Cooper, Paige, Maglera Doe Boy, and many more, ensuring a dynamic mix of genres from Lekompo to Hip Hop that reflects the evolving spirit of South African music,” she said.

Molotsi further said early bird tickets are now available starting at R100, giving patrons the chance to secure their place early for what promises to be a highlight on the cultural calendar.

She added that the 2025 Taung Cultural Calabash continues to uphold its vision of revitalising the Taung creative scene, supporting local talent and positioning the North West as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.

Meanwhile, for ticket information, stall applications, and updates on the full programme, follow Mmabana Foundation official pages and visit the Mmabana website: www.mmabana.org.za.

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A man nabbed for possession of endangered plant species  

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Picture: Endangered plant species seized by the police/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 October 2025- A man (44) was arrested for possession of endangered plant species by the police while conducting foot patrols in the Springbok Central Business District (CBD). The arrest comes after the vigilance and alertness of members of Delta Platoon of Springbok Public Order Policing between 20 and 21 October 2025, where they seized a substantial amount of protected plants.

The Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the arrest was executed at a fuel station in Voortrekker Street in Springbok when the members conducted random stop and searches. Magerman said the suspect was found in possession of a large amount of plants, valued at a substantial amount concealed in a SASKO flour bag inside his travel bag.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Springbok magistrate court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their vigilance and also issued a stern warning to the public, that efforts will be enhanced with more boots on the ground as we are in the festive season period. Andrews said the police will not allow the trafficking, movement and smuggling of protected fauna and flora in the district inclusive of drugs, illegal firearms, stolen goods and illicit items.

“The police will combat crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement during the festive period and beyond,” he said.

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A learner from Mokassa takes the world by storm

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Picture: Mokgareng Secondary School learner, Boago Itumeleng/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE 

21 October 2025- A Grade 12 learner from Mokgareng Secondary School in Taung, Boago Itumeleng (18), who is aspiring to become a Biomedical Engineer, takes the world by storm. Itumeleng recently took part in Eskom International Expo for Young Thinkers, where she competed against international learners and became one of the top performers.  

Mokassa 2 village-born learner, urges learners not to let their backgrounds determine their future. Itumeleng designed and created a medical device (prototype) to assist diabetic patients to improve their diagnosis. According to Itumeleng, most diabetic patients, especially in rural areas, end-up losing their eyesight unnecessarily due to lack of resources. 

“I was part of the Eskom Expo for Young Thinkers initiative, whereby a learner is required to come up with solutions that never existed before to resolve problems that are experienced in daily lives. However, a learner can also come up with an existing, but modified solution to resolve a problem. 

“I participated in the Biomedical and Medical Sciences category during regional and provincial phases. However, at the international level, I was placed in the engineering category. So, the app I created would assist patients, especially in rural areas, to detect the disease called diabetic retina that affects diabetic patients’ eyesight,” she said. 

Itumeleng further said it assists to monitor the retina and collect data. She added that diabetics patients lose eyesight primarily because high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. 

“This damage causes the vessels to leak, swell, or close off, leading to blurred vision, floaters, and vision loss. In advanced stages, new, abnormal blood vessels grow and can bleed, detach the retina, or lead to other complications like glaucoma.  

“However, we can use a smartphone to detect if the patient has diabetic retinopathy. I have also created a website, where one can upload the picture of the retina and run the tests. Most patients in rural areas cannot afford to go to the optometrist because it is too costly. So, this will lead to the patients losing eyesight unnecessarily,” said Itumeleng. 

So, during the Eskom Expo International Young Thinkers competition, she managed to scoop bronze. 

Meanwhile, the Mokgareng Secondary School principal, Mphato Melamu applauded Itumeleng. Melamu said he is grateful and humbled to have a learner of Itumeleng’s calibre.

“You understand that in order for a learner to reach that international stage, it goes down to the quality of education she receives from the school. So, as a starting point, we really need to send our gratitude and honour to her Physical Science teacher.

“In essence, she is the best performing Physical Science teacher in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and North West province at large. So, we have seen her pedigree and the measurement of her work for the past two years. She produced learners who could hold their own and compete on the international stage against the best,” he said. 

Melamu said last year, two learners from his school produced a portable machine that can produce solar energy. He said now, the project only needs funding to take it forward. 

“As we know that electricity is too expensive, that solar machine will come in handy, especially for those who are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Itumeleng managed to win from all levels, be it at local, regional, provincial, national, including international arena. 

“We are proud of her achievements and remember our children’s education is what we invest in as people from rural backgrounds. We are trying hard as teachers in rural areas to give our learners the best education they can find, despite various challenges,” said Melamu. 

He said fortunately, they have a modern school with necessary resources. Melamu said Mokgareng Secondary School has a computer lab and it was designed to be ICT and Science school with highly-trained educators. 

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