Daily Archives: January 29, 2026

ANC in North West prepares for its highly-anticipated ANC provincial elective conference    

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Picture: ANC Top 5 in North West

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 January 2026- The ANC in North West said it will hold its 10th Provincial Elective Conference on 26 until 30 March 2026. This comes after the ANC Provincial Executive Committee’s decision taken during the Provincial General Council outcome held at Madiba Banquet Hall, in Potchefstroom on 29 until 30 November 2025.

The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said all branches in the province were represented, resolved unanimously and agreed with the PEC that the 10th ANC Provincial Elective Conference must be held on 26 – 30 March 2026. Diremelo said in the PGC, the approved roadmap outlined that membership cut-off date was on 31 December 2025.

“The resolution of the PGC affects 403 potential branches in the province. In other words, the current ward boundaries (2021 maps) as per the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) apply. The recent publication of the maps by the MDB leading to the Local Government Elections which must be held anytime from November 2026 – February 2027, do not apply for the purposes of convening the 10th ANC Provincial Elective Conference.

“Where members and/or branches have sought to realign ANC branches according to the recent publication of maps by the MDB outside the directive of the ANC PEC, that process must be reversed,” he said.

Diremelo further said Rules 7.2 as read together with Rules 19.9.12.1 and 21 of the ANC Constitution, 2022 are clear where the authority lies in so far as establishment and/or re-establishment of branches is concerned. He added that all branches are directed to begin convening their pre BBGMs/BGMs to attend to membership challenges and any other matter/s pertaining to the convening of successful BBGMs/BGMs.

“Branches must also start submitting dates for their BBGMs/BGMS, the deadline for convening these meetings en route to the 10th ANC NW Provincial Conference is 15 February 2026. All branches with membership challenges must contact the ANC NW Membership Officer, Cde Yonela Mtwa on 084 275 6541 or at mtwaayonela@gmail.com,” said Diremelo.

The current ANC deputy chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi is contesting for the provincial chairperson position, while the current ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi wants to be elected for the second term amid factional politics at play.

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Agri X Fusion 2026 launched to align research and industry for South Africa’s red meat sector

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Picture: Gerhard Diedericks and Koos Nel (Agri X Group), Corlia Oberholzer (RMIS), Prof Simon Letsoalo (North-West University School of Agricultural Sciences – Mahikeng Campus), Lwandisa Makapula (IDC) and Prof HB Klopper (Agri X Group)/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 January 2026- Agri X officially launched the Agri X Fusion Series of Events in Pretoria, starting with the Red Meat Value Chain, marking the first in a series of initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and secure the future of South Africa’s agricultural value chains. The Agri X Fusion Red Meat Value Chain event will be held on 4–5 March 2026 at the North West University (Mahikeng Campus), bringing together producers, researchers, feedlots, processors, industry bodies, policymakers and value-chain partners in a first-of-its-kind, outcomes-driven initiative.

Agri X Director, Gerhard Diedericks said with rising input costs, climate pressure and biosecurity risks and shifting export markets, stronger coordination between research, industry and policy has become a business necessity rather than a long-term ideal. Diedericks said Agri X Fusion 2026 will address the most pressing challenges facing the major value chains, ensuring closer alignment between industry needs, research priorities, innovation investment, and skills development.

“The Fusion Series is designed to move beyond discussion and produce tangible outcomes, including research pilots, commercial partnerships, skills initiatives, and innovation projects aligned with real industry needs. The programme in March covers genetics, feeding strategies, biosecurity, market access, climate resilience, and value-chain competitiveness.

“Structured matchmaking sessions will enable direct collaboration between industry stakeholders, researchers, and key role players, ensuring that discussions translate into practical action,” he said.

CEO of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), Dewald Olivier said they welcomed the initiative saying: “The sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s red meat value chain depend on stronger alignment between industry needs and research capacity. Agri X Fusion 2026 provides a bridge to tackle real challenges with evidence-based

solutions.

“RMIS fully supports this platform as a crucial step toward securing the future of our industry. Programme for Action and Impact Day one will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions. Day two will also focus on pre-booked, one-on-one meetings, allowing participants to engage directly with industry leaders, researchers, and potential business partners, translating insights into concrete collaboration and strategic partnerships.”

Olivier further said these sessions are structured around predefined industry needs and research capabilities, ensuring that meetings are purposeful and geared toward concrete collaboration and follow-through. He added that, in parallel, Agri X has developed a digital collaboration platform (http://agrix-fusion.com/) to support the Fusion initiative before, during, and after each event.

“The platform will help connect stakeholders, structure engagements, and carry conversations forward into practical projects and partnerships. The web platform will evolve into the full app-enabled platform as the initiative grows. The invitation to platform also creates structured visibility and partnership opportunities for sponsors, funders, and solution providers seeking credible access to industry-led innovation and applied research.

“All industry role-players are invited to attend, sponsor, or partner with Agri X Fusion 2026 to enhance visibility, secure high-value networking opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to shaping South Africa’s red meat sector,” said Olivier.

The Red Meat Value Chain event is the first in a national Fusion Series that will extend to other strategic agricultural value chains over the next two years.

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Opinion: The pain of being labelled Goolam: Convicted without evidence

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(Note: Mr Cornelius Tanana Monama is the spokesperson to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodin. He wrote the above content in his personal capacity and the utterances shared here do not represent The Guardian Newspaper nor its associates. The content remains of Mr Monama) 

By Cornelius Tanana Monama

29 January 2026- The news of Goolam’s death is opening old wounds. For far too long, I lived under the shadow of a lie. I was wrongly accused with malicious intent of being the person behind the notorious “Goolam” Twitter account – a baseless allegation built on nothing more than suspicion and rumour.

That falsehood inflicted deep and lasting pain, isolating me within government circles and within the very movement I continue to serve with unwavering dedication. People I once regarded as friends, comrades and respected leaders began to treat me as a pariah – a persona non grata. I carried that anguish alone, wrapped in the heavy silence of loneliness. My life and the lives of my family were threatened.

Fear became my constant companion. At first, when the accusations came from those in opposing camps, I tried to brush them off and take them in stride. But when my own comrades and leaders joined the chorus, echoing the same unfounded claims without a shred of evidence, my modest world was shattered.

Doors to opportunities were slammed shut in my face. In meetings, I endured snide remarks meant to unsettle and humiliate me. When I crossed paths with certain leaders, their looks carried unmistakable contempt and hostility. If looks could kill, I know I would have died a million times. I sat in meetings, cutting a lonely figure – defeated, withdrawn, my spirit quietly eroded.

Not one of those who chose to believe the lie paused to seek the truth. In that moment, I learned what it means to stand accused of a crime I did not commit. Not one asked the simplest, most fundamental question: Where is the evidence? Instead, I was convicted in the court of public opinion without trial, publicly skinned alive and left to the wolves by people I thought were my comrades and leaders.

My feelings, my truth, my side of the story simply did not matter. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I knew that one day – perhaps not even in my lifetime – these lies would be subjected to honest scrutiny, and that only history would be capable of absolving me. I have always trusted the moon would be my witness.

I have borne this wound quietly for far too long. The last two years have been the loneliest and most painful years of my life. Today, I hope and pray that those who placed me in this cruel position will one day find it within their hearts to acknowledge their error. This is all that justice and simple humanity demand. Apology is about healing.

It is about restoring what was so unjustly torn apart. And it is about reclaiming the dignity that every human being deserves.

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