Daily Archives: February 17, 2026

North West Premier aims to turn the tide against litany of socio-economic challenges

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they are hard at work to turn the tide against a litany of socio-economic challenges afflicting their developmental path. Mokgosi said the upward trajectory in audit outcomes speaks to the systems they have put in place to ensure that they put emphasis on ethical leadership.

Mokgosi, who was delivering his speech during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Cape Town on Tuesday, said eight out of ten departments in the province received clean and unqualified outcomes in the last audit cycle. He said this stability has trickled down to the Departments such as Health as it continues to lead the pack in drug-resistant TB management in the country with a success rate of between 84% and 86%.

“These efforts have also been bolstered by an allocation of additional R200 million rand for the employment of nurses, doctors as well as procurement of new ambulances.

Furthermore, the NSC results of 2025, which currently sits at 88.94%, the fourth highest in the country after affluent provinces, is consistent with our efforts of infrastructure development in our distressed communities.

“There are equally improvements in the overall outcome of these results in rural and farm schools. As a consequence, we managed to reduce the learner performance gap between disadvantaged schools with resourced ones, and as a matter of fact 54% of Bachelor passes in our province were recorded in no-fee schools,” he said.

Mokgosi further said they are fixing the local government and working hand in glove with the national government. He added that they have brought stability in Ditsobotla Local Municipality following the introduction of the National Cabinet Representative.

“We are monitoring developments in Matlosana Local Municipality with a view of strengthening existing intervention measures to improve the situation. On a positive note the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality will this Friday sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa under the auspices of Adopt A Municipality Initiative.

“This will see the municipality benefiting from various infrastructure projects that are aimed at expediting provision of services for residents. This municipality has ticked all the right boxes in the form of improved audit outcomes as well as honouring payments with third parties,” said Mokgosi.

He said they have recently held the Local Government Kgotha-Kgothe under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”. Mokgosi said this is part of the ongoing commitment by the provincial government to ensure that all municipalities are functional, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve.

“There are encouraging signs of recovery after the province recorded 42 000 new jobs in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Our efforts of creating an additional 12 000 jobs are gaining traction as we seek to implement the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, which will be anchored on investment commitments amounting to R12 billion.

“We envision the SEZ to be licensed in the next financial year.

In giving impetus to these bold pronouncements we will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure this Friday, to resuscitate the Pilanesberg Airport,” he said.

Mokgosi said once fully operational the airport will serve as a strategic access point to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, as well as the Special Economic Zone, thus creating various economic opportunities for locals. He said this economic drive is further amplified by the implementation of four critical road projects at Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Taung Local Municipalities and they will serve as strategic corridor routes between the provinces of Gauteng and Northern Cape.

“A total budget of R980 million has been set aside for this initiative. The Department of Public Works and Roads has been allocated an additional R256 million, which includes R150 million in the form of a disaster relief fund to address repairs of roads and bridges that were damaged by floods last year.

“Moreover, the construction of 2900 housing units across the four districts of our province is well underway. We have resolved to allocate 80% of the budget to complete all blocked housing projects,” said Mokgosi.

He said to date 70% of these projects have been completed. Mokgosi said just last year, they handed over 300 housing units to residents of Tshing Extension 19, near Ventersdorp.

“Through Operation Bulela Metsi, several water infrastructure projects in Dinokana, Tlhabane, Ipelegeng, Ikageng, Lonely Park, Jourbeton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma are at different stages of completion to ensure consistent supply of water in these areas.

“Plans are already in motion for the commercialisation of rural and communal farms, at Springbokpan in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Over 100 farmers across 23 villages will benefit from these R40 million initiatives in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality,” he said.

Mokgosi said the provincial disaster management centre has been activated to assist farmers and help arrest the spread of foot and mouth disease. He said they have also put measures in place for farmers to adhere to the dictates of the protocols for the movement of cattle as a means to avert and curb new infections.

“We have never claimed to be perfect, but we will be true to the course of reversing all the injustices meted on our people by over 300 years of Colonial-Apartheid Rule,” said Mokgosi.

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71 learners ferried to school involved in an accident

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Picture: A school bus veered off the road after hitting a hump/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 February 2026- Seventy one learners have been involved in a school bus accident on Tuesday. The learners from Gamaloka village, near Coligny were being transported to school when the accident occurred on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessles Morweng said according to the preliminary paramedic report, 37 learners sustained injuries with the condition of one learner described as “of serious concern”. Morweng said they are being treated at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg.

“Thirty four other learners are undergoing further medical assessment and observation at the Coligny Clinic. According to the driver, the bus hit a hump on a gravel road leading to the steering wheel disengaging and becoming non-functional. Unable to control the bus, it veered off the road and overturned.

“We wish all learners speedy recovery. The department has begun full investigation into the accident and appropriate remedial and corrective measures will be taken thereafter. An operator as per the Service Level Agreement (SLA) will provide learners with an alternative transport. The department has however a panel of operators who if needed will be assigned the reasonability of transporting learners,” he said.

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Police concerned over malicious damage to property incidents

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Picture: The police conduct search and patrol duirng Operation Shanela/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District has expressed concern over incidents of malicious damage to property, particularly those linked to domestic violence. The police said it has been observed that many of these incidents originate from domestic disputes at private residences, where disagreements between individuals escalate and result in the destruction of property.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said malicious damage to property is a serious criminal offence in terms of South African law. Magerman said perpetrators will be arrested, prosecuted and held accountable, regardless of the domestic circumstances under which the offence was committed.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, calls on communities within the district to act responsibly and assist in curbing such incidents. Andrews said any person who wilfully damages or destroys the property of another commits a criminal offence and may be arrested.

“Domestic disputes do not justify criminal conduct, and SAPS will respond decisively to all reported incidents. Victims of domestic violence and related property destruction are encouraged to report incidents immediately at their nearest police station, by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or by using the MySAPS App.

“The SAPS in the Namakwa District remains committed to ensuring the safety and stability of all communities. District Management further urges communities to work in partnership with law enforcement and community structures to address and prevent incidents of domestic violence,” he said.

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Multilingualism makes NWU distinctive

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Picture: North West University (NWU) Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 February 2026 – North West University (NWU) Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis said the term ‘multilingualism’ can often be used as window-dressing to obscure a lack of commitment to their national inclusivity. Du Plessis said, however, proclaiming a commitment to multilingualism is very different from being an active participant in the promotion of multilingualism.

According to du Plessis, it is imperative that South Africa’s higher education institutions realise that multilingualism is more than policy compliance. She said it is a critical life skill in an interconnected, multicultural and digitally driven world.

“To study in a multilingual environment equips students and staff with adaptability, cultural intelligence, empathy, and cognitive flexibility. It nurtures the ability to engage across differences, which is a competency increasingly demanded in workplaces, research collaborations, and civic life.

“In this sense, multilingualism prepares graduates not only for employment, but for leadership in diverse societies. In this regard, the NWU has distinguished itself as an institution where multilingualism is not only embraced but incorporated into its many facets,” said du Plessis.

She further said at the NWU, multilingualism is not an abstract ideal. Du Plessis added that it is a lived institutional commitment.

“Our functional multilingual policy ensures that, where possible and not restricted by resources or regulatory factors, classes are offered in more than one language, specifically Afrikaans and English, while materials and communication are provided in the other official NWU languages, namely Setswana and Sesotho, wherever possible.

“In doing so, we move beyond symbolic recognition of languages and actively embed multilingualism in teaching, learning, communication, and community engagement, while taking into account the diversity and multiplicity of our students and staff,” she said.

Du Plessis said they also ensure that they demonstrate their multilingual commitment across their communication platforms, including websites, and by supporting their deaf staff and students through the provision of South African Sign Language (SASL). She said the Language Directorate was founded to ensure that multilingualism is prioritised both institutionally and operationally.

“The Directorate provides a coordinated and structured approach to language planning, implementation, and monitoring across faculties and divisions. By embedding multilingualism into governance structures, academic processes, and student support systems, the Language Directorate reinforces the understanding that language is central to academic excellence, equity, and institutional transformation.

“We note how the rise of multilingualism is embraced both by national and multinational organisations. The United Nations’ Multilingualism Matters campaign and the planned launch of the UNESCO Global Roadmap on Multilingualism in the Digital Era in December 2025 signal a renewed international commitment to language equity,” she said.

Du Plessis said since the adoption of the UN General Assembly’s Multilingualism Resolution in June 2022, momentum has continued to build worldwide. She said this global movement affirms what South Africa’s Constitution (Section 6(4)), the Official Languages Use Act (2012), and the 2020 Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions have long recognised: language equity and respect for all official languages are essential to dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation.

“At the NWU, we take this responsibility seriously. We have expanded our official languages to four — English, Afrikaans, Setswana, and Sesotho — and continue to invest in multilingual teaching, terminology development, interpreting and translation services, and accessible language learning opportunities for staff and students.

“Progress since the approval of faculty and support unit language plans in 2019 has been encouraging, particularly in advancing Setswana and Sesotho as languages of learning and teaching. However, the development of African languages for scholarship and innovation remains an ongoing priority requiring sustained investment and collaboration,” said du Plessis.

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Mokua engages with Dithakong residents over Z473 project developments

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Picture: Residents during engagement with the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has met with the community of Dithakong village, outside Mahikeng to provide an update on the status of the upgrade of Z473 road from D3545 to D41 roads. Mokua said the engagement follows the withdrawal of the initially appointed contractor, who officially communicated his withdrawal in December 2025.

She further said the unfortunate development led to delays in the commencement of construction works. Mokua added that the project is aimed at upgrading the existing gravel road to a surfaced road using paving blocks.

“The scope of work includes the construction of a new pavement structure comprising surfacing, base and sub-base layers, and paved walkways. The department has since initiated a new procurement process. Project specifications were approved in January 2026, and the project was re-advertised in February 2026.

“We assure the community through the tribal leadership of Kgosi Tawana that the re-advertisement process is being handled with urgency to ensure that the project resumes as soon as possible,” she said.

Mokua said the people of Dithakong have waited patiently for this development. She said, as a department, they have accelerated the process of the appointment of a new contractor.

“We remain committed to delivering quality infrastructure that improves mobility, enhances safety, and stimulates local economic growth. We will not abandon this project. The department aimed to conclude the appointment of a replacement contractor anticipated by March 2026.

“Beyond improving road infrastructure, the project carries significant socio-economic benefits. A minimum of 30% of the contract value will be subcontracted to targeted local enterprises. The project will maximise labour-intensive construction methods to create employment opportunities for local residents,” said Mokua.

She said in the meantime, her department will use internal teams to ensure the road is trafficable.

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R75 000 offer in assisting to locate missing David Waterbroer

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Picture: A missing David Waterboer/Supplied 

By STAFF REPORTER

17 February 2026- Detectives from Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences and SAPS from Springbok and Nababeep are still tirelessly investigating the disappearance of David Waterboer (14) on 7 February 2025, in Nababeep. The police said Waterboer was last seen at approximately 10:50am by his mother before she left for work.   

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said he reportedly intended to attend a sporting event in Concordia. Ehlers said Waterboer was last seen wearing black short pants, a black t-shirt and navy blue sandals.

“A reward of R75 000 is offered by SAPS to any individual who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators and locating Waterboer. All information will be handled confidentially and can be relayed to Colonel Browers at 082 447 1829, Sergeant Mpasa at 083 690 4790 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App,” she said.

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A man nabbed for possession of suspected stolen bakkie

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Picture: A suspected stolen bakkie discovered on N1 road in Three Sisters/Supplied   

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 February 2026- A man (35) was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. This comes after the members of Richmond A shift swiftly responded to a tip-off of a possible stolen vehicle that was left abandoned on the N1 road in the direction of Three Sisters.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the suspect was arrested in Richmond on 16 February 2026, after he was linked to the theft of a vehicle at a car wash in Cape Town on 15 February 2026. Litabe said the police in Richmond, in conjunction with the Local Criminal Record Centre and the Vehicle Crime Investigating Units based in Richmond, were acting on  intelligence-driven information when they found an abandoned vehicle near the N1 road about 15km from Three Sisters.

“One suspect was traced to a mechanic’s shop in Richmond and was subsequently arrested. He was charged for the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and will be appearing in court in Richmond soon. The vehicle was confiscated and further investigations are underway,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the swift action and commended all the role-players that were involved in recovering the vehicle and apprehending the perpetrator.

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‘Creating opportunities for young people while strengthening schools’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2026- In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, spoke about the work they are doing in schools to prepare young people to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Ramaphosa said while they have made significant progress over the last three decades from expanding access to school to steadily improving matric results, there are still huge challenges in education.

He further said access to resources and quality teaching is uneven. Ramaphosa added that schools in townships and rural areas often struggle with overcrowding and educators have limited access to professional development and support.

“One of the efforts helping to fill this gap is the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which was founded in 2020 as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The initiative deploys young people to schools as education assistants.

“To date, the school assistants’ programme has created more than 1.3 million work opportunities. It is the largest youth employment programme in our country’s history, giving young people their first foothold in the world of work while strengthening the foundations of learning in the schools that need it most,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the young people involved in the programme go into schools well prepared. He said general school assistants need to at least have Grade 9, while education assistants need at least a matric certificate.

“In the most recent phase of the programme, 32% of education assistants had some sort of tertiary qualification and 14% had a teaching qualification. Education assistants are provided with both compulsory and optional training including on school safety, online safety, financial literacy, word processing, AI fluency and coding.

“The initiative provides work experience and livelihood support while at the same time advancing the public good. This is part of the goal of the Public Employment Stimulus to deliver public employment and livelihood programmes on a large scale while providing social value in the process,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the work of the education assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and on lesson preparation, thereby contributing directly to improved educational outcomes. Ramaphosa said education assistants have been placed at 19 000 no-fee primary schools to support numeracy and as Reading Champions to support literacy and bilingual reading.

“The effect of this intervention is being seen in rapid improvements in foundational literacy skills in many schools. Beyond educational and curriculum support, education assistants are supporting digital learning, working in care and support with at-risk learners, and serving as laboratory and workshop assistants.

“This is not only good for the schools. For many of the school assistants, this experience is transformative. They are gaining skills and real work experience that will serve them well in finding employment and succeeding in their careers,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as they work to expand access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) through the Bana Pele mass registration of ECD facilities and an increase in subsidies for ECD learners, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has stepped up support to the sector through the Social Employment Fund. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, working with an implementing partner, is helping more than 1,000 previously disadvantaged, underfunded ECD centres to meet the qualifying criteria for ECD subsidy.

“The centres are also receiving nutritional support for learners, as well as toys, books and learning materials. The work supported by the Social Employment Fund now reaches over 50,000 children in ECD centres across the country.

“Meeting the constitutional imperative to provide quality education to our nation’s young is an all-of-society effort. These initiatives illustrate clearly the benefits of multisectoral cooperation between government, the private sector and civil society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said it is their aspiration that this successful programme should continue to grow as we strive to create more work opportunities for young South Africans and at the same time deliver quality education for all.

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