Daily Archives: December 18, 2025

SA mourns the death of Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura

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Picture: The Chief of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape, Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura of Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape. Hlabisa said Mahura was the eldest member of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

“It is sad that the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership loses one of its elders when we were still looking forward to continuing to draw from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom.

“Mahura was known for speaking truth to power and was one of our exceptional leaders who led from the front on all key matters relating to the development of communities,” he said.

Hlabisa further said in meetings of the National House and government, he clearly articulated the priorities of the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and shared proposed solutions. He added that notwithstanding the fact that he was fluent in both English and Afrikaans, he took pride in expressing himself in his home language of Setswana, demonstrating his commitment to the promotion of our indigenous languages as a nation.

“We will also remember Mahura for his admirable recollection of the history of traditional leadership in the country. He would often remind us of how things were during the homelands system and the lessons that we should draw from those years, as well as the mistakes that we should not repeat.

“His passing symbolises a burning library, and it is indeed a loss to the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and those of us who work with the institution to address the plight of traditional and khoi-san communities,” said Hlabisa.

He said on behalf of the government and the Ministry of CoGTA, he wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the Mahura Royal Family, the traditional community he served, the leadership and members of the Northern Cape National Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and all those who were touched by his life. Hlabisa said South Africa has lost a revered traditional leader, a custodian of culture, and a servant of the people.

“May our good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said: “Mahura served as a member of the John Taolo Gaetsewe Local House of Traditional Leaders, He also represented Dikgosi at the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, in line with Section 81 of the Municipal Systems Act, which interfaced with municipal council’s, through participation of Traditional Leaders in Municipalities.

“Mahura was a member of the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, where he served in the Gender and Social Development Committee.”

Saul said Mahura was also the longest serving member of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as one of the three Dikgosi representing the Northern Cape. He said in serving his community with fairness, wisdom and distinction, Mahura served with a deep sense of Ubuntu and great care.

“Moreover his polite yet warm demeanour coupled with inexorably championing the interests of the Baga Mahura Traditional Community, are indelibly etched in the memory of his community which he served with unflinching commitment.

“In mourning the great loss of Mahura, we trust that his legacy in matters of community building, cultural preservation and the stability of the Ba ga Mahura Traditional Community will live on in perpetuity for the people he so caringly served,” said Saul.

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Opinion: Withholding of equitable share will have adverse result

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Picture: Umkhonto WeSizwe Party member, Thabo Sehloho/Supplied

By THABO SEHLOHO

18 December 2025- The National Treasury’s decision to withhold equitable share allocations to 15 municipalities in the North West, including Mamusa, Ditsobotla, and Madibeng, has a serious negative impact on human life. This decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the affected municipalities, their employees and the communities they serve.

The withholding of equitable share allocations will severely impact the ability of these municipalities to deliver basic services to their communities, including water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management. The impact will be felt in various areas such as service delivery.

Disruptions in essential services will negatively affect the health, safety, and well-being of residents. Municipalities are struggling to maintain infrastructure and provide basic services.

Municipal employees already struggling with delayed salary payments will be hardest hit.

Further delays or non-payment of salaries will have devastating consequences for workers and their families. The lack of equitable share allocations will cripple the financial capacity of these municipalities, making it challenging to meet operational expenses, pay service providers, contractors and creditors.

The communities served by these municipalities will face increased risks of water-borne diseases, power outages, and uncollected waste, among other challenges. Local businesses will also suffer.

I call on the National Treasury and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and address the underlying issues affecting these municipalities, to ensure the continued delivery of essential services to our communities.

(Note: Mr Thabo Sehloho writes this article in his personal capacity and the content of the article does not represent the views of The Guardian Newspaper or its associates. The content of the article remains the views of the author and The Guardian Newspaper does not agree nor disagree with the content)

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Four traffic officers accused of killing a Nigerian man denied bail

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Picture: Four traffic officers arrested for murder and defeating the ends of justice in Klerksdorp

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 December 2025- Four national traffic police officers, who are accused of murder, briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. The accused, Inspector Rudolph Foromo (29), Inspector Smanga Dladla (31), Inspector Colani Senzo Dlamini (34) and Inspector Vusumuzi Justice Simelane (36) are facing murder and defeating the ends of justice case.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that, they shot and killed a Nigerian national, Osinakachukwu Macus Onu (37), at approximately 3am on the N12 road in Klerksdorp on 17 December 2025. Myburgh said it is alleged that the deceased who was reportedly legal in the country, was chased by four traffic police officers while conducting operations.

“In pursuit, the Onu was allegedly shot and his vehicle was later found in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12 road. The police were notified of the incident and swiftly responded.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the traffic officials involved had already left the scene. Information received and preliminary investigations by detectives led the team to a place in Klerkdorp, where the accused’ official firearms were seized for forensic ballistic analysis,” she said.

Myburgh further said the murder and defeating the ends of justice case against the accused was postponed until Friday, for formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, commended the Klerksdorp Detectives police for their swift and effective response. Naidoo thanked those who assisted the police with information that led to the arrest to ensure that justice is served.

“We urge members of the community to continue to work with the police in resolving crime,” he added.

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Two suspects nabbed separately for possession of suspected mandrax tablets

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Picture: Drugs confiscated during the operation/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 December 2025- A woman (29) was arrested for possession of suspected mandrax tablets. This comes after the members of the Kimberley Crime Prevention and Task Teams, who were conducting routine patrols in the Samaria area, stopped and searched two women.

The Kimberley Police spokesperson, Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said in a separate incident, the Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit was performing duties in the Beaconsfield area when they apprehended a man (21) who was found in possession of suspected mandrax tablets and dagga. Gopane said both suspects were arrested for possession of suspected drugs and are expected to appear at the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

“Drug related crimes remain a key priority for SAPS and efforts will be bolstered during the festive season to police these crimes,” she said.

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Beneficiaries receive RDP houses in Concordia

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 December 2025- As part of the Northern Cape’s 1 Billion Rand Housing Project launched in January 2024, the Northern Cape MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, handed over 10 of 29 houses to some of the beneficiaries of the Concordia 29 Housing Project, in the Nama-Khoi Local Municipality, in the Namakwa District. Vass was accompanied by the Executive Mayor of the Namakwa District, Mervin Cloete, and other local councillors from the District.

He further said these houses form part of the province’s broader commitment to accelerate housing delivery and improve the living conditions of communities across the Northern Cape by providing quality, dignified, and sustainable human settlements. Vass added that they are making rapid progress despite a slow start at the initial stages of this project.

“We are intolerant of non-performing contractors, as demonstrated by the recent termination of six contractors in four districts. In the past five weeks, we have delivered a total of 100 houses to beneficiaries as we continue to speed up progress. In the next two months, we anticipate delivering 310 more houses, and for the first phase of this project to be concluded by November 2026.

“We also planted trees at the houses of the beneficiaries as part of the greening and beautification of the project sites. The department ensures that completed houses are handed over immediately to prevent vandalism and enable families to occupy their homes without delay,” he said.

Several of the other beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude upon receiving their keys, acknowledging how these new homes would change their lives and the lives of their families.

Meanwhile, one of the happy beneficiaries, Lezaan Witbooi said: “I am over the moon that I finally received the keys to my own house from our government and that this comes just a few days before Christmas. My four dependants and I are now having a proper house that we can call home, and that provides us with security and comfort.’’

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11 illegal foreigners nabbed during Festive Season Operations  

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Picture: The police during Festive Season Operations/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 December 2025- As part of the Festive Season Operations and ongoing efforts to eradicate illicit mining, a multi-disciplinary operation led by the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, was conducted in the Namakwa District on 16 December 2025. Early morning clean-up operations were executed simultaneously in Kleinzee, Nuttabooi, and Bontekoe.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the operation involved multi-disciplinary teams comprising various SAPS units from the district and provincial components, supported by the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration), the Border Management Authority, and the National Prosecuting Authority. Ehlers said the joint efforts focused on addressing illicit mining activities and the presence of undocumented foreign nationals.

“During the operation, 11 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended and handed over to Immigration officials for further processing. Tools and equipment believed to have been used in the commission of illicit mining activities were also confiscated.

“Phase two of the operation focused on targeted raids at identified premises in Port Nolloth, conducted in collaboration with Crime Intelligence. Crime Intelligence-driven and targeted disruptive operations will continue unabated across the province during the festive season and beyond to curb illicit mining and related criminal activities,” she said.

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Messages of condolences continue to pour in amid Lusanda Dumke’s death

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Picture: Rugby player, Lusanda Dumke

By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 December 2025- The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said he has received with great sadness the news of the passing of Lusanda Dumke, one of South Africa’s most respected and influential women’s rugby players. McKenzie said Dumke served her country with distinction, earning 33 Test caps for the Springbok Women and captaining the national side.

He further said she was also a central figure in the rise of the Bulls Daisies, leading them to three successive Women’s Premier Division titles and becoming a symbol of excellence and resilience in the women’s game.

McKenzie added that Dumke will be remembered as a leader who carried the hopes of her teammates and the pride of her nation every time she stepped on to the field.

“She represented courage, discipline and an unbreakable competitive spirit. We acknowledge that women’s rugby had seen major growth and development during the period that Dumke had dedicated herself to the sport. Her passing, following a battle with a rare form of gastric cancer, had greatly impoverished the rugby community.

“Dumke was a role model whose journey inspired young women across South Africa to believe in their place in rugby and in sport more broadly.

“Her passing is a devastating loss to the rugby community and to the country. We honour her contribution, her leadership, and the doors she opened for future generations,” he said.

McKenzie said they extend their heartfelt condolences to Dumke’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters. He said may Dumke’s legacy continue to uplift and inspire South African sport.

“She will always be remembered in the hearts of all the women and girls she has inspired,” said McKenzie.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Buffalo City Constituency Leader and Member of Provincial Leader (MPL), Leander Kruger said: “They mourn the passing of Springbok Women’s rugby player and Mdantsane trailblazer, Dumke, who lost her battle with cancer at the age of 28. South Africa has lost an exceptional athlete, a leader, and a source of inspiration to countless young people, particularly young women who saw in Dumke as a powerful example of what dedication, resilience, and belief can achieve.

“Dumke’s journey from Mdantsane to representing South Africa in the green and gold was one of exceptional determination, resilience, and courage. Her impact extended far beyond the rugby field. She was a role model rooted in her community, never forgetting where she came from, and always carrying herself with humility and grace.”

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Urgent intervention underway to assist young South African stranded in China

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Picture: Young artist, Austin Hendricks

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said an urgent situation involving a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China, has been brought to their attention, raising serious concerns about his immediate safety, accommodation, and ability to return home. The DA said Austin Hendricks, an emerging artist from Nelson Mandela Bay, travelled to China after being offered what was presented as a three-month opportunity.

DA NMB mayoral candidate, Retief Odendaal said upon arrival, promised documentation and contractual arrangements failed to materialise. Odendaal said he has since been informed by hotel management that he must vacate his accommodation, while efforts to contact the liaison and agency involved have been unsuccessful.

“With no local support and no funds to secure alternative accommodation or return travel, he faces the very real risk of being left on the streets in a foreign country.  The DA has acted swiftly to address this matter with the urgency it requires, ensuring his safe departure and return to South Africa, with arrangements now focused on securing immediate travel from China.

“In parallel, as mayoral candidate, I have been able to mobilise financial assistance to cover the costs associated with return travel so that Austin can return safely. Support has been confirmed from party structures and additional assistance has been coordinated to ensure that Hendricks can return home without further delay,” he said.

Odendaal further said this intervention is about safeguarding a young person who pursued an opportunity in good faith and now finds himself exposed and vulnerable far from home. He added that ensuring his safety, dignity and return is the immediate priority and every reasonable step is being taken to achieve that outcome.

“This incident serves as a caution to individuals, particularly young artists, to exercise due diligence when accepting overseas opportunities, including verifying contracts, accommodation arrangements, and return travel before departure. Families are encouraged to seek independent confirmation and professional advice where possible to avoid similar situations.

“We will also be lodging a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities against the company involved to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this matter are thoroughly investigated. The DA remains committed to leadership that acts decisively when residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are in distress, whether at home or abroad,” said Odendaal.

He said the people of this city deserve leadership that responds with compassion, accountability, and practical action when it matters most.

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ACSR funding a boost for local artists and filmmakers

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.

“Adjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.

“These projects are in line with the department’s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,” she said.

Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.

“Owing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.

“On 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 – March 2026,” said Tlhapi.

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Committee congratulates India for 2026 BRICS Presidency

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo

By REGINALD KANYANE  

18 December 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo has congratulated India on taking over the BRICS Presidency from Brazil for 2026. Mahumapelo said the Presidency was officially handed over by Brazil to India this week in a symbolic gesture.

He further said the 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026, bringing together the 11 member states to discuss key issues and shape the group’s future agenda.  Mahumapelo added that the priorities for 2026 are structured around four pillars such as resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.

“India’s Presidency will also focus on reforming global governance institutions, promoting multi-polarity, and strengthening South-South cooperation. We are confident in the success of the upcoming India Presidency and we wish them well in the year ahead.

“We also thank the President of Brazil for his leadership and accomplishments in the strides that have been made in ensuring that the BRICS member countries are strengthened economically, politically and socially this year,” he said.

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