4 November 2025- The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has directed officials to launch an urgent investigation into reports that participants in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Bojanala District Municipality were allegedly forced to perform domestic chores for a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) and pressured to pay political party membership fees for her party.
Macpherson said the allegations first published in the Sunday Times, are deeply disturbing and contrary to the very purpose of the EPWP, which was intended to be a programme intended to create dignified, skills-based work opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
“If these claims are true, they represent a serious abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. The EPWP was created to empower communities, not to serve anyone’s personal or political interests, which is why I have requested departmental officials to work with their provincial counterparts in the North West, as well as the Bojanala District Municipality, to verify the allegations and determine whether national EPWP funds were misused and if the recruitment policy was abused.
“Any individual found to have benefited improperly would face swift and appropriate action, including possible criminal referral. There will be zero tolerance for any misuse of this programme. Public money must never be used to advance private gain, and I look forward to soon communicating with the public on the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
Macpherson further said it is because of allegations such as those levelled in Bojanala District Municipality that he launched a nationwide EPWP listening tour over the past year to listen to the concerns of the community as he works to reform the programme. He added that he is committed to removing corruption and abuse from EPWP to ensure that it meaningfully empowers participants through skills transfers to ensure that they find permanent employment.
“We are determined to make the EPWP programme transparent, accountable, and focused squarely on improving people’s lives because we are committed to ensuring that every rand allocated to the EPWP benefits those it was meant for, creating work, building skills, and restoring dignity,” said Macpherson.
4 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng said the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has thrown its weight behind Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi following its tabling of a motion of no confidence against Lesufi, shockingly labelling him as a “beacon of decisive leadership.” The DA said this demonstrates that the trade union has taken sides, seemingly prioritising the protection of politicians over thousands of unemployed Gauteng residents whose circumstances have worsened because of Lesufi’s poor job creation programmes and failure to deal with corruption.
Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Solly Msimanga said they call on COSATU to reconsider its stance, as history will hold it accountable for choosing political loyalty over the needs of the people. Msimanga said in its statement, COSATU notes that the Public Protector (PP) did not find Lesufi guilty of financial mismanagement or corruption.
“Instead, the findings centre on the Department of Community Safety acting inconsistently with Sections 41(1)(h) and (g) of the Constitution. The problem with this statement is that it is driven by a desire to nitpick. The DA’s motion focuses not only on the PP’s revelations on Amapanyaza but also on a broad range of other issues, including the Premier’s failure to release all the forensic investigative reports, address corruption in the Tembisa hospital corruption saga and hold those implicated accountable.
“COSATU further suggests that the PP has already prescribed remedial action and expects the Premier to use his constitutional powers under Section 125 to ensure that “option 3” of the TC report is implemented within 180 days. While this is a reasonable expectation, the trade union should remember that the Premier is known for ignoring investigative reports and failing to implement their recommendations,” he said.
Msimanga further said it took years to release the 2018 BDO and Bowmans reports on mismanagement in the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and the recommendations have still not been implemented. He added that what leads COSATU to believe that the PP’s recommendations on Amapanyaza will be any different?
“Furthermore, COSATU’s statement is misleading in claiming that Lesufi pursues policies that address the province’s most pressing challenges, from combating unemployment to rooting out corruption and spearheading innovative infrastructure projects.
“The reality is that we are sitting with a failed project, Amapanyaza, which has brought more pain than relief to unemployed citizens. This failure significantly undermines COSATU’s claim. Surely, a progressive leader should be able to assess, or at least anticipate, whether a project will yield a lasting positive impact before implementing it. Moreover, a leader genuinely committed to addressing unemployment would not have prioritised a gimmick like Amapanyaza without proper consultation. Nor would they have ignored warnings from the then Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, that the programme was illegal, or the DA’s questions regarding its source of funding,” said Msimanga.
He said the DA challenges COSATU to cite even a few innovative infrastructure projects successfully spearheaded by Lesufi, as they currently have over 40 abandoned projects that have cost Gauteng billions of rand and have not been completed within budget or on time. Msimanga said these are not just projects.
“They are homes for over 1 million Gauteng residents, some of whom have been waiting for housing since 1996. It is also worth asking why the so-called champion of progressive policies is refusing to implement the Hostel Redevelopment Plan, which would enable the upgrading of all 65 Gauteng hostels.
“COSATU should stop being selective in its judgment, as this approach only serves to confuse other political parties, trade unions, faith-based organisations, and the Gauteng citizenry. Lesufi has insisted on Amapanyaza, a project doomed from its inception, and must be held accountable for his actions,” he said.
Msimanga said Lesufi has not addressed corruption in the province, despite whistle-blowers presenting credible information that required action from him. People have died both because of his ill-conceived Amapanyaza project and his failure to address corruption exposed under his watch. He said a self-respecting trade union that understands its mandate would put politics aside and support this motion for the benefit of their people, who are in desperate need of jobs and improved service delivery hampered by corruption and impunity.
“There is nothing frivolous about a motion aimed at freeing Gauteng from a leader who has overseen a period of severe corruption and failed to work collaboratively with businesses to create jobs.
“The DA in Gauteng stands in solidarity with residents and everyone who believes that the disruption of people’s lives by Lesufi’s choices was unjustified and motivated solely by a desire for political gain. History will undoubtedly hold accountable those who chose to turn a blind eye to protect him,” said Msimanga.
Picture: A body of a missing man found in the veld/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
4 November 2025- A body of a missing Letshabang Lazarus Sekete (68), who resided in Garsfontein village, Bakerville, near Lichtenburg, was found by a passer-by on Saturday morning, 1 November 2025, at around 10am lying in a veld. The police said they are investigating a judicial enquiry into his death.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said at this stage no foul play is suspected. Myburgh said they appreciate the communities’ assistance.
“Sekete was last seen by his son at a neighbour’s wedding on 4 October 2025 at about 8pm. According to information received, he had dementia and was wearing brown jeans, a brown long-sleeve shirt, a yellow cap and brown formal shoes.
“A search was conducted, extensive investigations were done and all leads were followed up with no success. Keep following our social media pages to stay informed,” she said.
Picture: The VIP Protection Unit vehicle/Screengrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 November 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said a VIP Protection Unit vehicle with registration KTR 824 NW circulating on various social media pages, does not belong to any Member of the Executive Council (MEC) as purported in the video. Mokgosi said they can confirm that the said vehicle belongs to the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and has been allocated to the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to strengthen its work.
He further said he has since issued an instruction to the department to investigate circumstances around the use of this vehicle on matters not related to government work. Mokgosi added that the investigation will also include what appears to be fitment of blue lights on the vehicle and whether due processes were followed within the relevant prescripts of the law.
Meanwhile, the said vehicle was seen parked at one of the filling stations in Mahikeng with an unknown woman seen coming out of driver’ seat suggesting that she might have been driving the vehicle.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during march/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he is concerned about the police killings, which appear to be random. However, Morweng said a life lost is one too many.
He led a march against police killings on Monday following the murder of off-duty police officer, Constable Boikanyo Molale (29) in Ganyesa, outside Vryburg. Molale’s body was found on Saturday morning at 5:30am. Morweng said four accused, Beziwe Kiet (27), Phemelo Kiet (22), Thabiso Kgosiencho(22) and Keookantse Kgosiencho (23), briefly appeared in Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court on 3 November 2025.
“This is the second incident of police murder in the same area in seven months following that of a murder of Constable Eric Tekolo (41) in April 2025. Three accused were arrested and their court case is ongoing. What is disturbing is that the accused in both murders are young people.
“They are very young and that makes one wonder what could lead young people to commit such heinous crimes. What is wrong with our society to take the life of someone protecting the society? We must send a message to stop police killings,” he said.
Meanwhile, the murder case against four accused was postponed to 1 December 2025, pending investigation. The accused decided to abandon bail.
4 November 2025- The accused, Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu (33) from Brentwood Park in Benoni abandoned his bail application at the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. Xulu is facing five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that in the early hours of 5 October 2025, at approximately 3am, the accused was at Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, where he allegedly shot and killed five people and attempted to kill three others. Mahanjana said following an intensive police investigation, the accused was arrested on 21 October 2025.
“The matter has been postponed to 13 January 2026, for further investigation and DPP instructions,” she said.
4 Ngwanatsele 2025- Kgetsi ya go thopa ka dikgoka, kgothoso e tseneletseng, petelelo ga mmogo le polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa kgaolong ya ga Manyai kwa motseng wa Tlakgameng, gaufi le Ganyesa, e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mongwe wa balatofadiwa, Tshepiso Montswane (33), o tsentse kopo ya beile.
Montswane ga mmogo le Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), ba latofadiwa ka go thopa ka dikgoka, kgothoso e tseneletseng, petelelo ga mmogo le go bolaya Motlalepula Kau (43), wa kwa motsesetoropong wa Montshioa kwa Mahikeng. Go begwa fa Montswane ga mmogo le Rantsho, ba ne ba itira dingaka tsa setso, mme ba tsietsa Kau ka leleme gore a lebe kwa motseng wa Tlakgameng gore ba mo thuse.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are lelapa la ga Kau le ne la itsise sepodisi fa a timetse. Mokgwabone are kgetsi ya motho o timetseng ene ya bulwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Mahikeng ka di 23 Moranang 2025, mme sepodisi sa bolotsa dipatlisiso.
“Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Kau se ile sa bonwa kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng magareng ga motse wa Tlakgameng le Kudunkgwane fa Moranang a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 24.
“Setopo seo, se ile sa shupiwa ke mongwe wa leloko la lelapa fa ele sa ga Kau. Sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa dipatlisiso mabapi le go bolawa ga ga Kau, mme seo sa ba lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga ga Rantsho le Motswane. Banna ba, ba ile ba tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa, mme ba bolelela lekgotlha fa ba na le kgetsi e nngwe gape ya petelelo kgatlhanong le bone,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Banna ba, ba ne ba ganelwa ka beile, fela Montswane ene are o tswelela ka kopo ya beile fa Rantsho ene a boleletse lekgotlha fa a sa tlhoke beile. Dipoelo tsa forensiki di solofetswe go goroga fa kgwedi ya Ngwanatsele e tlhola matsatsi a le 5.
4 November 2025- A man (26) from Kenhardt was convicted and sentenced for sexual intimidation by the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court on 27 October 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 20 November 2024 at approximately 04:40 in Dassierand, Kenhardt, when the accused, Richard Roberts, sexually intimidated a woman (22).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the victim was at home when the accused arrived and knocked at her door. Shemane said upon opening, the accused pushed her inside the house and demanded to have sexual intercourse with her.
“He attempted to grab her by the arm, but the victim acted swiftly, ran out of the house and Roberts fled the scene. The victim immediately reported the incident at the local police station. A case of sexual intimidation was opened and investigated.
“On 27 October 2025, the Kenhardt Magistrate’s Court convicted and sentenced Roberts to four years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management commended Detective Constable Claudine Esau of the Kakamas Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for her diligent investigative work, which ensured that perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) are brought to justice.
Picture: Hip Hop artist, Maglera Doe Boy performing at Taung Cultural Calabash
By OBAKENG MAJE
4 November 2025- Most revellers who attended the much-anticipated iconic Taung Cultural Calabash event gave a general positive feedback. They are happy to see the event that used to be a ‘centre of attraction’ during heritage month being revived, refreshed and reloaded.
One of the revellers, Tshiamo Modisakeng from Schweizer Reneke said they are happy to see organisers going all out, although the event has not reached its former level. However, Modisakeng said the event is growing and soon it will reach its iconic standard.
“We enjoyed the performances from various artists such as Maglera Doe Boy, Pabi Cooper, Paige and others. We just hope the event continues to grow and eventually become what is known for,” she said.
Some local artists such as Black Cheetah and Trokid said it was impressive to see the Taung Cultural Calabash event organisers giving them a platform to showcase their talents.
Matsheng-born Hip Hop artist, Black Cheetah said: “We have spent most of our time in the side lines and events like this will assist us to hone our talents. The aim is to reach our dreams and claim our niche in the music industry. So, Taung Cultural Calabash event will assist us to achieve our dreams.
“So, we are grateful to the organisers for considering us. It is difficult to develop one’ skill without any assistance with business opportunities where possible. It was an eye-opener sharing a stage with big artists you have already made their mark in the music industry.”
Trokid said he was happy to share his music with the broader audience. He further said given platforms like this will nurture their talents.
“Honestly, it was inspiring and encouraging to live out our own unique dreams. Mostly, I share the stories of hopeless dreamers that become victorious through my music. So, we appreciate the platform given to us,” added Trokid.
Meanwhile, the The Mmabana Foundation spokesperson, Kgalalelo Molotsi said they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all patrons, artists, partners, and the people of Taung for making the 2025 Taung Cultural Calabash a resounding success. Molotsi said over three unforgettable days, the festival truly lived up to its theme: “Revived, Refreshed, Reloaded” reigniting the creative spirit of the North West through powerful performances in fashion, theatre, comedy, and music.
“From the inspiring David Tlale Master Class and the vibrant Art Exhibition, to the electric energy of the Music Spectacle, the festival showcased the best of local and national talent. We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, our partners, and the Greater Taung community for their hospitality and participation.
“The Taung Cultural Calabash continues to stand as a symbol of unity, creativity, and cultural pride. We look forward to seeing you again in 2026 revived, refreshed, and reloaded,” she said.
4 November 2025- The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) said a Yellow Level 2 Warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms in different parts of the province. The department said thunderstorms that could lead to localized flooding especially in low-lying areas, roads and bridges may occur.
The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi said localised flooding may cause damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock. Molapisi said residents are advised to exercise extreme caution as the wet weather conditions continue.
“Motorists and pedestrians are also advised not to cross flooded roads and bridges. Those living in low lying areas must continue to monitor the water levels and relocate if the situation worsens. Disaster Management Teams in all our municipalities in the province are on high to respond to any eventuality,” he said.
The Guardian 