Monthly Archives: December 2025

DA demands accountability after systemic ‘negligence’ in hospitals

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The Metsimaholo Municipality Constituency Head, Dr Igor Scheurkogel

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it demands full accountability from the Free State Department of Health following documented medical negligence that left a patient permanently harmed and facing a future hip replacement. The party said this case exposes deep systemic failures across multiple public hospitals and underscores the urgent need for reform in the province’s healthcare system.

The Metsimaholo Municipality Constituency Head, Dr Igor Scheurkogel said a patient’s life changed dramatically after a pedestrian vehicle accident in April 2025. Scheurkogel said what should have been the routine management of superficial burn wounds escalated into severe sepsis, invasive debridement and long-term disability due to repeated failures at Fezi Ngubentombi, Pelonomi Regional, and Boitumelo Regional Hospitals.

“A formal complaint details a pattern of professional misconduct, including failure to diagnose and treat burn wounds, ignored signs of deterioration, refusal to perform necessary wound care, and reliance on informal, inappropriate clinical instructions.

“The FSDoH failed to provide appropriate, timely care, denying the right to access healthcare services under our Constitution. The hospitals breached the National Health Act by delivering sub-standard services and ignoring their mandated duties of care,” he said.

Scheurkogel further said following persistent by pressure from him as a Member of Parliament (MP) via the Minister of Health, the FSDoH has reclassified the complaint as a Patient Safety Incident (PSI). He added that this move is more than administrative.

“It confirms that FSDoH management is under direct scrutiny for clinical failure rather than poor service. The department has also extended its investigation timeframe from 25 to 60 working days, projecting a resolution deadline of 9 February 2026. Officials have confirmed that a Redress Meeting will be convened once the investigation concludes.

“This meeting will be the formal negotiation stage before a settlement offer is made. Given the seriousness of the PSI classification, legal representation will be essential during this redress process,” said Scheurkogel.

He said they call on the Free State Department of Health to acknowledge liability and compensate the patient for the physical, emotional and financial harm suffered, implement systemic reforms to prevent similar negligence and engage transparently in the redress process with the patient’s legal representatives. Scheurkogel further urges the department to address broader systemic failures and honour its constitutional obligation to provide accessible, dignified, and safe healthcare to all residents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to support the ongoing campaign for accountability by signing the Democratic Alliance petition. Free State Health Services Have Become a Death Trap. Together, we can demand that no patient endures preventable harm at the hands of those entrusted with their care,” he said.

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Northern Cape welcomes 43 newly-born babies in Christmas Day

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Picture: The acting Northern Cape MEC for Health, Mase Manople visiting new mothers in hospital/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 December 2025- The acting Northern Cape MEC for Health, Mase Manopole said 43 children were born during Christmas Day in the province. Manopole said among the new mothers are two 18-year-olds and one 16-year-old who gave birth.

She further said this highlights the importance of continued maternal health support for young mothers. Monopole added that the province’s first Christmas baby – a healthy boy weighing 3.6kg, was born at Wege Community Health Centre in Hopetown at 00:30am.

“We would like to congratulate all the new families and commended healthcare workers for their dedication and sacrifice during the festive season,” she said.

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Molwetsi o tshabile kwa Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital kwa Vryburg

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Setshwantsho: Molwetsi o tshabile kwa Joe Morolong Moemorial Hospital kwa Vryburg/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

26 Sedimonthole 2025- Baagi ba kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi, gaufi le Vryburg, ba re ba makaditswe ke go bona molwetsi yo o neng a apere diapara tsa kwa Taung District Hospital a kaola-kaola le mebila mo letsatsing la keresemose. Baagi ba, ba tlhalositse fa monna o, a ne a sa bue sepe se se dirang tlhaloganyo, mme go bontsha e le motho a sa tseye sentle mo tlhogong.

Mongwe wa baagi o sa batleng leina la gagwe le itsewe are: “Re ile ra makala thata go bona se se diragala. Fela, re makaditswe ke gore molwetsi o, one a apere diapara tsa bookelo jwa kwa Taung, mme a le mo Vryburg. Re ile ra letsetsa sepodisi gore molwetsi o, a bone thuso.

Setshwantsho: Molwetsi o tshabile kwa Joe Morolong Moemorial Hospital kwa Vryburg/Facebook

“Dipatlisiso di shupa fa molwetsi o, a tshabile kwa bookelong jwa Joe Morolong mono Vryburg, kwa a neng a amogetswe teng. Re ikuela go balaodi ba bookelo go netefatsa fa balwetsi ba sireletsegile kwa maokelong. Ga go kgonagale gore molwetsi a tshabe kwa bookelo, mme go se nne le ope o rwalang maikarabelo.”

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha la Boitekanelo mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Tebogo Lekgethwane are, lefapha le ile la dira dipatlisiso, mme go bontsha fa molwetsi o, a tshabile kwa bookelong jwa Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital kwa Vryburg. Lekgethwane are go bontsha fa molwetsi o, a tshabile fa nako e ne e ka nna metsotso e le lesome morago ga ura ya bobedi mo motshegareng.

“Ditsela tse di maleba di ile tsa latelwa go ka itsise ba lelapa la molwetsi o, mabapi le go tshaba ga gagwe kwa bookelong. Sepodisi se ile sa netefatsa fa molwetsi o, a boela kwa bookelong ka tshireletsego le go tswelela go amogela kalafi.

“Molwetsi o, o amogetswe kwa lephatheng la batho ba ba sa itekanelang mo tlhaloganyong, mme ga nkitla re kgona go ntsha tshedimosetso e e fetang eo mabapi le botlhoko jwa gagwe e le go mo sireletsa. Bookelo bo boloditse dipatlisiso tsa ka mogare mabapi le go tshaba ga molwetsi o kwa bookelong,” Lekgethwane wa tlhalosa.  

Lekgethwane are dipatlisiso di tla shupa gore go diragetseng gore molwetsi o a tshabe kwa bookelong. Lekgethwane are seo se tla ba thusa gore ba netefatse fa balwetsi botlhe ba sireletsegile ka dinako tsotlhe kwa bookelong.

“Tshedimosetso e e feletseng, e tla buisanelwa le batsaya-karolo botlhe ga mmogo le ba lelapa la molwetsi o,” Lekgethwane wa tlhalosa.

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Banna ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga magareng ga Pudimoe le Taung

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Setshwantsho: Batho ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

26 Sedimonthole 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga kwa motseng wa Dryharts, gaufi le Taung mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa leotwana la sejanaga seo, le ile la thubega, mme mokgweetsi wa sone a latlhegelwa ke taolo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, are bapagami ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 30 le 48, ba ile ba tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo.

“Sepodisi sa itse ka tiragalo eo, mme kgetsi e butswe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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Lenkopane to probe mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at NWPTB   

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Picture: The North West MEC DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

26 December 2025- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said they welcome the settlement of long outstanding third-party obligations affecting employees of the Golden Leopard Resorts (Soc) Ltd (GLR) and Madikwe, following decisive steps by the department and the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB). Lenkopane said for more than three years, pension contributions were deducted from salaries but never paid over to the pension fund administrators.

She further said this failure left employees without retirement security and in tragic cases, families of deceased staff unable to access benefits. Lenkopane added that previous allocations from the department to address the arrears were never implemented, deepening the hardship.

“In the latest adjustment, DEDECT allocated R42.5 million to resolve these issues, R12.5 million for pension fund arrears, R26 million to settle SARS obligations including VAT and payroll taxes and R4 million for overdue salary increases covering 19 months from April 2024 to October 2025.

“Payments have now been made in full, bringing pension contributions up to date for all staff members affected.

This settlement benefits more than 300 employees of GLR and Madikwe,” she said.

Lenkopane commended the current leadership of the departmental accounting office and the entity for taking decisive action to resolve the matter, describing it as a significant relief and a worthy Christmas gift to affected employees and their families. She said the resolution of this matter demonstrates that the 7th administration continues to place the interests of the people at the centre of its work and remains committed to addressing historical challenges, restoring confidence in public entities and ensuring accountability and sound financial management.

“In addition to the settlement, we have an intensified investigation into the matter, aimed at holding those responsible accountable. The probe will cover the period when GLR was still a subsidiary of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and criminal charges will be pursued against individuals implicated in depriving employees and families of their rightful benefits.

“DEDECT and its entities have also strengthened governance and accountability measures to ensure such failures never recur. Enhanced monitoring of salary deductions and third-party payments is now embedded in GLR’s turnaround strategy, which has been endorsed by the provincial executive council,” said Lenkopane.

She said this correction is a promise kept—and a trust restored. Lenkopane said their work does not stop here.

“We remain committed to sustainable, ethical, and people-centred operations across all DEDECT entities,” she said.

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A move to unblock delays at Brits Water Treatment Works upgrade

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, together with Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 December 2025- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, together with Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, conducted an oversight visit on 22 December 2025, to the Brits Water Treatment Works in Madibeng, North West, to confront prolonged delays in the upgrade of the critical bulk water infrastructure and demand urgent corrective action.

The Deputy Ministers were frank and unequivocal in their engagement with officials, stressing that the Madibeng Local Municipality and Magalies Water must move with urgency to complete the project. They warned that continued delays will not be tolerated and that consequence management will be enforced should timelines continue to slip.

Mahlobo issued a clear directive that the municipality should urgently develop and submit an efficiency improvement plan, which must not only fast-track the completion of the upgrade, but also address the long-term operation, maintenance and upkeep of the Plant to prevent future system failures.

“This project cannot remain in a perpetual state of completion. We want a clear efficiency improvement plan that accelerates delivery and ensures proper maintenance of the plant once completed. Communities cannot continue to suffer because of weak planning and poor execution. If delays persist, officials will be held accountable.

“The Brits Water Treatment Works is a strategic bulk water supply project funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and implemented by the Magalies Water Board,” he said.

Mahlobo further said the project is key to the government’s broader efforts to support Water Services Authorities in meeting their constitutional obligation to provide safe, reliable and dignified water services. He added that, once fully operational, the upgraded Plant will increase its treatment capacity from 60 to 80 megalitres per day, strengthening raw water treatment, pumping and pipeline systems and improving distribution to bulk reservoirs.

Morolong said more than 75 000 households in areas including Letlhabile, Mathotlung, Oukasie, Oskraal, Sonop, Brits CBD, Elansrand and surrounding industrial zones stand to benefit. He emphasised that from the Presidency’s perspective, the timely completion of infrastructure projects is central to restoring public trust and ensuring that government commitments translate into real improvements in people’s lives.

“From the Presidency’s point of view, the completion of projects is non-negotiable.

Delays undermine service delivery outcomes and erode public confidence in government.

“Infrastructure must move from plans and budgets to functioning assets that improve the daily lives of communities,” said Morolong.

He expressed concern that despite the completion of phases one and two of the project in 2020, which included refurbishment of the water treatment works, upgrading of the raw water pump station, and mechanical and electrical works, the project remains unfinished after multiple delays over an extended period. Morolong called for firm milestones and strict monitoring to fast-track the outstanding phases, including the expansion of plant capacity and the upgrading of final water and distribution pipelines to command reservoirs.

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Bafana fully focused on Egypt challenge

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 December 2025- Bafana Bafana was hard at work on Christmas Day and preparing for Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B match against Egypt. Coach Hugo Broos said the South African senior men’s national team is looking forward to facing Egypt at the Grand Stade D’Agadir after beating Angola 2-1 in their opening match of the continental tournament in Marrakech this week.

“We all know what kind of team Egypt is and they are a very good team. They are seven-time AFCON winners and record holders, so that means something. They also have some amazing players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

“So, we know them well but on the other hand, we are confident. Again, we’re looking forward to playing that game today,” said Broos.

Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster, who scored the winning goal and was also voted Man of the Match in the game against Angola, said the team is in high spirits following that first outing of the tournament.

“Merry Christmas to everyone. Yeah, the morale in the camp is good. I think, as the coach said, the first game was very important and for us to get maximum points.

“I think that helped a lot going into the rest of the tournament. So yeah, the morale in camp is good. It has always been good, the spirit is high, and we are confident and ready for the next game,” said Foster.

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana arrived in Agadir on Wednesday.

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Dreary Christmas marked by high rate of unemployment, hunger and deepening economic exclusion  

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Picture: Unemployment rate continues to be a challenge/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 December 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) said it notes that while today is Christmas Day, traditionally a period of joy, rest and family, millions of young people across South Africa are experiencing a black Christmas marked by unemployment, hunger and deepening economic exclusion.

The ANCYL said youth unemployment remains the single greatest threat to social stability, dignity and the future of the country.

The ANCYL Secretary General, Tsakani Shiviti said with millions of young people unable to access work, education or economic opportunities, Christmas arrives not as a season of hope, but as a painful reminder of broken promises and deepening inequality. Shiviti said many young South Africans are unable to provide for themselves or their families, while others face the daily reality of dependency, mental distress and loss of purpose.

“The ANCYL reiterates its call on the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently declare youth unemployment a national disaster. The scale and persistence of the unemployment crisis, particularly among young people, demand an extraordinary and coordinated response from the state.

“This crisis meets all the criteria of a national disaster and must be treated with the urgency it deserves,” she said.

Shiviti further said declaring unemployment a national disaster, will allow the state to mobilise resources, fast-track interventions, remove bureaucratic delays and implement bold, youth-centred economic programmes at scale. She added that it will also send a clear message that the government recognises the depth of the crisis and is prepared to act decisively in the interests of the people.

“The ANCYL calls on all spheres of government to prioritise mass youth employment, industrialisation, skills development, localisation, support for youth-owned enterprises and the expansion of public employment programmes as immediate relief measures.

“Long-term structural reforms must also be accelerated to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” said Shiviti.

She said as the world marks Christmas today, the ANCYL affirms its unwavering commitment to continue fighting for the economic freedom, dignity and future of young people. Shiviti said they refuse to normalise unemployment and poverty as permanent features of our democracy.

“The youth of South Africa deserve more than survival, they deserve opportunity, hope and a future,” she said.

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Five accused remanded in custody

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By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2025 – A business robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition case against five accused, Lennox Serobatse (47), Sam Kgethe (58), Ignatius Kgwadibane (44), Kleinboy Ntsako (44) and George Bisente (42) was postponed by the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court to 30 December 2025, for a bail application.

The accused persons, who made an initial court appearance on 23 December 2025, are facing charges of business robbery, possession of suspected stolen goods, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested on Sunday evening, on 21 December 2025, at Goedgevonden village, outside Ventersdorp. Mokgwabone said according to reports, the accused entered a tavern in the village, then robbed patrons of 10 cell phones.

“They further robbed the owner of liquor and cigarettes. The matter was reported to the police, who responded swiftly and arrested five suspects who were found in possession of two firearms.

“The suspects’ red Toyota Corolla was confiscated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrest and commended the police for a quick response, which led to the success.

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Church leader denied bail

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Picture: Leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

25 December 2025- The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court denied bail to a leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64). His co-accused, a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Judge, Portia Phahlane (57), her son Kagiso Phahlane (32) and Vusi Soli Ndala (49), were granted bail.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said all four accused are collectively facing 19 counts of corruption. Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana made payments of about R2.4 million on different occasions to different banking accounts, to and for the benefit of Phahlane, in order for her to preside over Sandlana’s ongoing civil case at the high court and ultimately rule in his favour.

“After intensive prosecution-led investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team led to the arrest of the four accused persons on 25 and 26 November 2025. 

“In court, during the bail application, Sandlana, through his legal representative, asked to be released on bail claiming that the state does not have a strong case against him and that he cooperated with the police because he handed himself over,” she said.

Mahanjana said furthermore, Sandlana told the court that he has nine children, three of whom are minors that he is taking care of and that he is leading an NGO named Michael Sandlana Foundation that is currently helping to fund 22 students studying at a Russian University and also provides education and housing to the less fortunate across South Africa and SADC regions.

She added that he said that he had knowledge of an alleged scuffle between his security and the police at his church premises on the night of his arrest, however he was not present at his premises.

“He said that he suffers from a life-threatening chronic ailment, he does not have any previous convictions as they have been expunged and that he is currently on trial in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where he is facing charges of fraud.

“However, the state opposed his release on bail and read into the record an affidavit by the Investigating Officer stating that the accused filed an urgent motion application to the Pretoria High Court on 1 December 2025, requesting to be released on bail due to his medical condition,” said Mahanjana.

She said the state further argued that after Sandlana committed these offenses while on bail on an unrelated matter at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where he is downplaying his involvement in the matter which then shows the court that his release on bail will not stop him from committing other offences. Mahanjana said it was said that Sandlana has changed his ID number thrice, blaming it on the Department of Home Affairs and has two birth certificates that were tempered with.

“In addition, the state mentioned that Sandlana submitted two different addresses stating them as his place of residence and that through cellular evidence, it shows that on the night of the alleged scuffle, Sandlana was indeed at the church premises.

“The Magistrate agreed with the state that the accused is charged with serious offences that are not only prevalent in our country, but also globally and that both Sandlana’s birth certificates are tempered with,” she said.

Meanwhile, the magistrate highlighted that the two home addresses provided by Sandlana and him moving from one location to another may result in difficulties locating him. Moreover, she said that through the evidence provided, the court can conclude that Sandlana was present at his church premises on the night of the alleged scuffle, but did not want to get arrested.

“In addition, this is a high-profile case that will be made a historical matter in the judiciary and legal fraternity.

“The negative factors of his conduct may jeopardise and undermine the peace and security of the public, invite public disturbance and jeopardise the public confidence in the criminal justice system,” she said.

The magistrate found that the evidence shows that Sandlana poses a flight risk and that he has a blatant disregard of the law, therefore bail was denied. The matter was postponed to 6 March 2026, for further investigations.

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