Daily Archives: February 3, 2026

Upcoming dancer ready for the bigger stage 

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Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 February 2026- Even though dancing is a legitimate albeit challenging career that encompasses roles like company performers, commercial dancers for film, TV, music videos and instructors, most individuals do not regard it as a career. However, Tlapeng-born dancer, Remofilwe Senwedi (18) said she wants to turn dancing into her oyster. 

Senwedi started dancing when she was a kid. According to her, she has always been drawn to the energy and creativity of performance.

“I am a passionate performer, dancer, and MC. I am a versatile dancer with a background in Amapiano. Honestly, dancing requires intense physical training, high commitment and often involves juggling multiple jobs. What I like about it is a professional field with opportunities for growth.

Picture: A dancer and MC, Remofilwe Senwedi/Supplied

“One can work with professional dance companies, performing in musical theatre, working on cruise ships, in theme parks, or teaching at dance schools. I hope to inspire others with my passion and talent, including finding my niche within the industry,” she said. 

Senwedi further said she has been performing at various events and shared the stage with some amazing artists such as Amapiano. She added that even though many dancers work as freelancers due to inconsistency of employment within the field, she would like to see growth on her side and eventually touring the world. 

“I would also love to even have my own dancing school. Normally, most dancers have multiple jobs within the industry. Remember, a successful career requires extensive training in various genres, discipline and the ability to accept constructive criticism.

“I also MCing at various events, including music festivals, corporate functions, and dance competitions. I believe that will broaden my horizon and assist in building my portfolio. To be MC, you need confidence, charisma, and the ability to think on your feet – plus a bit of humour does not hurt,” giggles Senwedi. 

Currently, Senwedi is doing Grade 11 at Keretetse Secondary School in Tlapeng village, Taung. She also emphasised the importance of education. 

“Truly speaking, education serves as the foundational cornerstone for building a robust, equitable, and sustainable future. So, I would like to further my studies after finishing my matric. It is imperative as a woman to be well-educated, especially when embarking in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done to create equal opportunities for women in the arts, however, there is progress,” she said.

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Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass to attend IBTs Summit

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass will attend and participate at the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit, hosted by the National Department of Human Settlements at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg from 3 to 4 February 2026.

Vass spokesperson, Tebogo Monyo said the gathering brings together government, the building and construction industry, academia, investors, and civil society to advance innovative solutions for the delivery of sustainable human settlements, and the keynote address will be delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 February 2026.

Monyo said held under the theme: “Mainstreaming Innovative Building Technologies for Sustainable Human Settlements”, the IBT Summit aims to accelerate the adoption of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) to enhance the delivery of housing across South Africa.

“IBT’s offer viable and cost-effective alternatives that enhance efficiency through lightweight structures, energy-efficient designs, prefabrication and environmentally sustainable construction methods,” he said.

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Director of Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, Kabelo Masango sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for fraud and money laundering  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The accused, Kabelo John Masango (32) and his company, Creative Ideas Nonstop Trading and Projects (Pty) LTD, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Rustenburg for fraud and money laundering. Masango and his company were sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for 10 counts of fraud, 10 years imprisonment for money laundering and 10 months imprisonment for Contravening Section 7, read with Sections 8 and 36 of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 15 years imprisonment for both accused. Gunya said between June 2017 and April 2018, Masango approached victims, mainly from Dikebu village, near Rustenburg, including close relatives and persuaded them to invest money with his company by promising high returns.

“He frequently visited potential investors at their homes to convince them to invest their hard-earned savings. To gain the trust of investors, Masango paid interest to the first investor from his personal bank account. Some investors received payments for the first two months, while others did not benefit at all.

“Thereafter, Masango failed to honour the agreements, ignored calls from investors and disappeared with their funds. The victims reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest on 28 November 2021. Evidence before the court revealed that Masango siphoned off more than R1.7 million from unsuspecting victims during the period 2017 to 2018,” he said.

Gunya further said during the trial, Masango and his company pleaded not guilty. He added that, in aggravation of sentence, advocate Nkhetheni Mudau submitted that the accused deliberately defrauded elderly persons, some of whom were known to him and others who were related to him.

“The court heard that Masango made false promises of monthly interest payments, which were either short-lived or never honoured,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, commended Mudau and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to finality. Makhari said this sentence should send a strong message to those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain.

“The NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to combat commercial crimes, uphold the principles of justice, and protect the interests of vulnerable communities,” she said.

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Madibeng mayor’s VIP Protectors in court for alleged murder

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Picture: The deceased, Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton

By STAFF REPORTER  

3 February 2026- Two VIP protection officers, Thabang Eugene Sohole (41) and Michael Makampe (42), assigned to the Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane, briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 28 January 2026 at approximately 8pm, the deceased and his wife, both members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), were travelling along Eskia Mphahlele Drive towards the R80 when they were flagged down by a dark BMW SUV fitted with flashing blue lights. Mahanjana said the couple then turned onto the R80 towards Mabopane, where they were allegedly forced to pull over on the side of the road.

“It is alleged that Sohole and Makampe exited the BMW, one of them armed with an R5 rifle and approached the couple’s vehicle. The deceased was seated in the passenger seat, while his wife was the driver. The two allegedly questioned the couple about a missing rear number plate before returning to their vehicle.

“The deceased then followed them to check their identification and establish whether they were police officials with lawful authority to stop and question them. As he approached the BMW, he was allegedly shot in the head and died at the scene,” she said.

Mahanjana further said a few hours later, the two accused handed themselves over at the Hercules Police Station, claiming that they were victims of an attempted hijacking and that a shooting had occurred on the R80. She added that the matter was postponed to 4 February 2026, for a formal bail application.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police and Member of Parliament (MP), Lisa Schickerling said they strongly condemn the tragic killing of Air Force Sergeant Michael Swanton and extend their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Schickerling said the killing occurred on the Mabopane main road within Madibeng Local Municipality, where an unmarked vehicle fitted with a single blue light allegedly stopped Sergeant Swanton before he was fatally shot.

“The bodyguards involved were attached to the mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality, Douglas Maimane, and reports indicate that the vehicle had no clear official markings, while armed bodyguards dressed in civilian clothing confronted him. This raises serious questions about conduct, identification procedures, and the rules governing VIP protection operations.

“This incident once again exposes the dangerous culture surrounding the so-called “blue light brigade”, where armed bodyguards operate with impunity, intimidate road users and place innocent lives at risk. No public official or their security detail is above the law,” she said.

Schickerling further said this culture of impunity is not isolated. She added that South Africans will recall how members of a blue light convoy attached to the Deputy President were filmed assaulting a civilian motorist on a public highway, illustrating a broader pattern of abuse, lawlessness, and disregard for human life among certain VIP protection units.

“It is deeply concerning that an unmarked vehicle with limited identification was used in an operation that ended in the loss of an innocent life. This points to a serious failure in protocols, oversight and accountability within VIP protection services.

“The DA calls for a swift, transparent investigation and for those responsible to face the full consequences of the law. We further demand an urgent review of VIP protection policies to prevent the continued abuse of power and to ensure that public safety, not political privilege, remains the priority,” said Schickerling.

She said South Africans deserve leadership that respects the rule of law, not armed convoys that behave like untouchable elites.

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DA: “Lesufi reshuffles suspended officials, has no intention of rooting out corruption”

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Picture: Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi is playing musical chairs by redeploying high-ranking officials who were placed on precautionary suspension. The DA said moving officials who have a cloud hanging over their heads is not solving the problems faced by the province, which is a lack of service delivery and corruption.

The Official Leader of the Opposition in Gauteng and Member of Provincial Legislature in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga said some officials such as Lesiba Arnold Malotana is a suspended Head of Department (HOD) for the Gauteng Health Department, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, suspended HOD for Community Safety and Mduduzi Malope, suspended Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Community Safety. Msimanga said Lesufi has provided no update on whether disciplinary action has been taken against these officials and has instead moved them to other departments that provide critical services to the province.

“While the DA is relieved that the suspended HOD for Health will not be returning to the department, the shift to the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is of concern. This department is already failing on its core mandate to assist municipalities in delivering services to the residents of this province. The only municipality that can do so seamlessly is the DA-led Midvaal Local Municipality.

“Furthermore, the HOD for Community Safety will be deployed to the Premier’s office to assist with service delivery priorities, and the CFO for Community Safety will be deployed to the Gauteng Department of Environment to help with the financial administration process,” he said.

Lesufi further said three undisclosed officials failed the lifestyle audits and one tends to wonder if these are the officials who had failed their lifestyle audits. He added that Lesufi must disclose what these officials may have on him that is making him reward them with senior positions again within the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands that Lesufi immediately explain to the residents of this province what consequences management took against these officials and the outcome of any disciplinary action. Moving officials from one department to another is not stamping out corruption. It is sending a message that if you are corrupt, no action will be taken.

“The DA Gauteng will continue to push for speedy disciplinary action to be taken against all three officials who have been placed on suspension. The DA Gauteng will be tabling further questions to the Premier through the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to determine the reasons for redeploying the implicated officials,” said Msimanga. 

He said they will also determine why no formal action has been taken against any of the officials who have been moved to new departments. Msimanga said a DA-led Gauteng provincial government would immediately suspend and take disciplinary action against any official who is accused of misconduct in the GPG.

“Yes, this can be done,” he said.

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MK Party lambasts Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi’s refusal to appear before Parly’s Ad-Hoc Committee citing security concerns

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Picture: Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi 

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 February 2026- The uMkhonto weSizwe Party said it disapprovingly notes the refusal by Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi to appear before Parliament’s Ad-Hoc Committee, each citing alleged security concerns. The MK Party said that no individual is above the law and that all persons lawfully summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee are required to comply without exception or preferential treatment.

The MK Party national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee is conducted in the interests of national security and constitutional accountability. Ndhlela said any attempts to evade or delay this process under the guise of unsubstantiated security concerns will not be entertained.

“With respect to O’Sullivan, we note an inconsistency between his current position in which he cites security concerns, yet his prior conduct included threats and intimidation directed at prior witnesses who appeared before the Committee.

“In relation to Mogotsi, adequate parliamentary security arrangements were offered, but he has since declined the services offered to him. The MK Party remains committed to the call to strengthen security measures surrounding the Ad-Hoc Committee for both Members of Parliament (MPs) and witnesses,” he said.

Ndhlela further said, however, they refuse to entertain unreasonable demands by individuals seeking to obstruct, delay or avoid legitimate Parliamentary processes of accountability.

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Brixton residents’ health at risk due to vermin infestation and raw sewage running in on the roads

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Picture: Alleged illegal scrapyard in Brixton/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 February 2026- Brixton residents’ health is put at risk daily due to the deteriorating environment. This comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng made this startling discovery during a recent oversight inspection of one of the affected streets.

According to the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Environmental Affairs and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Leanne De Jager, the residents in the area face multiple challenges, including sewage overflowing onto streets due to overburdened infrastructure and increased vermin infestation. De Jager said residents should not have to endure untreated sewage flowing through their streets.

“This represents a fundamental failure of enforcement and coordination among responsible authorities. Furthermore, illegal businesses are operating, such as scrap metal operations in residential zones. These activities have attracted criminal elements, leading to metal theft and a general atmosphere of lawlessness that endangers law-abiding residents and devalues their property.

“The DA in Gauteng demands immediate, coordinated joint operations between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to clamp down on crime in the area. Yes, this can be done under a DA-led Gauteng provincial government. We would conduct regular law enforcement inspections, and businesses operating illegally would be closed immediately,” she said.

De Jager further said they would accelerate sewage infrastructure upgrades and deploy additional environmental health officers and law enforcement personnel. She added that the people of Brixton deserve a safe, clean and healthy environment.

“We will continue engaging all stakeholders to resolve this crisis urgently,” said De Jager.

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AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers  

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Picture: AmaPanyaza now declared as Peace Officers

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 February 2026- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng said it unequivocally welcomes and supports the formal declaration of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, popularly known as amaPanyaza as Peace Officers in terms of Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, as gazetted by government. The structure said this decisive intervention affirms the capacity of a democratic, developmental state to correct itself, strengthen legality and advance progressive solutions in the interests of the people.

The ANCYL provincial secretary, Mpume Sangweni said following the implementation of remedial actions arising from the Public Protector’s findings, the establishment, appointment and deployment of the wardens are now firmly grounded within a sound legislative framework, restoring both legality and public confidence. Sangweni said at the centre of this declaration is the protection of over 9 000 jobs that were previously placed at risk.

“In a province confronted by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment — with young people bearing the heaviest burden ,this intervention represents a bold and necessary act of economic justice. Any attempt to undermine or discredit this achievement is an affront to the lived realities of thousands of working-class families whose livelihoods depend on a capable and responsive state.

“The ANCYL Gauteng further welcomes the emphasis on professionalisation, accredited training, clearly defined powers, strict jurisdictional limits and compliance mechanisms. This approach strengthens the rule of law, safeguards communities from abuse of authority and ensures that Peace Officers operate as disciplined, accountable and effective partners in crime prevention and law enforcement,” he said.

Sangweni further said they are clear and unapologetic. He added that those who posture as critics of this declaration, without offering viable alternatives, position themselves as enemies of progress and enemies of the people.

“At a time when decisive action is required to confront crime, unemployment and social instability, cynicism and obstructionism serve only to delay transformation and frustrate the developmental agenda.

Gauteng is a young, modern and dynamic province – the economic engine of South Africa and a centre of innovation and migration.

“It demands bold, integrated and forward-looking approaches to safety and development. The formalisation of the Prevention Wardens as Peace Officers strengthens state capacity, enhances visibility on the ground and reinforces the collective effort to reclaim communities from criminality. The ANCYL Gauteng remains resolute in its commitment to revolutionary, people-centred governance that defends jobs, upholds the rule of law and advances the struggle for a safe, just and transformed Gauteng,” said Sangweni.

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DA congratulates Tyla on her second Grammy win

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Picture: Two-time Grammy Awards winner, Tyla Laura Seethal

By STAFF REPORTER

3 February 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) congratulated South African singer, Tyla Laura Seethal on winning her second Grammy Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. DA said Tyla once again took home the trophy in the Best African Music Performance category for her hit single Push 2 Start, following her previous win with Water, making her the first artist to win this award twice.

DA national spokesperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Jan de Villiers said this milestone not only underscores Tyla’s extraordinary talent and global appeal, but also highlights the world-class creativity emerging from South Africa and across the African continent. De Villiers said her success on the international stage brings pride to the country and showcases the powerful influence of South African music in the global cultural landscape.

“The DA applauds Tyla’s dedication to her craft and the inspiration she provides to young artists. We wish her continued success in her career and future artistic endeavours. Congratulations, Tyla, a true trailblazer for South African music,” he said.

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Ramaphosa pays tribute to struggle veteran Leon Levy

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Picture: The deceased, Leon Levy

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Leon Levy aged 96, who was the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and Accused No 4 in the 1956 Treason Trial. Ramaphosa offers his deep sympathy to the family and friends of Levy who took on numerous roles in the struggle alongside his equally committed identical twin brother, Norman, who passed away in July 2021.

He further said Levy, whose parents had emigrated from Lithuania, joined the Communist Party of South Africa when he was a teenager and became a trade unionist when he was 24 – two years before he was elected president of the South African Congress of Trade Unions that he had helped to establish. Rampahosa added that Levy was among the organisers of the Congress of the People which adopted the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955.

“The six Charter signatories were African National Congress President Chief Albert Luthuli; Jimmy La Guma of the South African Coloured People’s Congress; Monty Naicker of the Natal Indian Congress; Pieter Beyleveld of the Congress of Democrats and Leon Levy of the South African Congress of Trade Unions.

“In December 1956, security police arrested the Levy brothers as part of a crackdown on liberation movement leaders and charged the activists with high treason, which carried the death penalty as a possible sentence. While Norman Levy was discharged later, Leon Levy remained on trial until his acquittal in 1961,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the brothers remained politically active, with Norman Levy serving three years after being convicted under the Suppression of Communism Act. He said Leon Levy was subjected to two periods of detention, after which he went into exile in England, where Norman joined him after being released from prison.

“The passing of Leon Levy is a sad moment for us as fellow human beings. It is particularly sad for us as citizens of a South Africa that attained freedom from apartheid through the hard and sacrificial activism of Leon Levy and those who were in the trenches with him, including his brother, Norman.

“As we mark 70 years since the Treason Trial of 1956, we are obliged to pay tribute to the cohort of leaders and other activists who fought the apartheid state based on their belief in the inherent equality and dignity of all people. Leon Levy attached his signature to the Freedom Charter that lives on in our Constitution whose 30th anniversary we observe as well in 2026,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Leon Levy was part of a generation whose contributions to a better life and a better world for all South Africans and humanity globally must never be forgotten or dishonoured.

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