9 February 2026 – The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, is scheduled to hear the testimony of forensic analyst, Paul O’Sullivan tomorrow. The committee said the meeting will be in Parliament and live-streamed on YouTube.
9 February 2026 – The North West Department of Education has expressed its gratitude to Mokete Flatela, the Science teacher of Nkang Mahlale Secondary School in Jouberton Township, near Klerksdorp and the Harmony Mine for delivering the outstanding 100 double desks for the learners. The department said last year, Flatela was allocated a classroom that did not have adequate school furniture.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said every time when learners had to change periods, teachers were frustrated because the learners did not have furniture in the classes they were moving to. Motsumi said this situation necessitated Flatela to write letters to the private sector to request for the school furniture for his learners.
“The Harmony Gold Mine responded positively to his request of the 400 desks. Harmony Mine agreed to donate the 200 double desks but started with the delivery of 100 desks in 2025. In 2026 Harmony Mine delivered the remaining 100 double desks.
“We welcome the donation of desks from Harmony Mine. On behalf of the department, I wish to thank Harmony Mine for keeping their promise to deliver the outstanding desks. As a department, we also wish to thank Flatela for his tireless efforts in seeking assistance for his learners,” she said.
Motsumi further said they need more Flatelas in their schools, educators who are willing to go the extra mile to secure support for their learners. She added that, the school has received a total number of 200 double desks which accommodate 400 learners.
Picture: Students leave the campus at the North-West University in Mahikeng, South Africa, (also known as Mafikeng) Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016. Protesting students burned down several buildings on the campus Wednesday forcing the evacuation and indefinite closure till further notice a spokesman said Thursday. (AP Photo)
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
9 February 2026 – The North West University (NWU) warns the public against scammers and fraudsters during registration period. The university said it wishes to alert prospective students, parents and guardians, and members of the public that scammers and fraudsters are actively operating during the registration period.
The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said these individuals falsely pose as NWU officials with the intention of deceiving innocent citizens, particularly prospective students and their parents or guardians into paying money under false pretences. Tyoybeka said their goal is to unlawfully obtain hard-earned funds by promising admission, registration or accommodation placement at the university.
“The NWU wishes to state categorically that the university does not charge any fees for application or admission. Fees are charged only for registration and such payments can be made exclusively at the Student Finance Offices on the NWU’s three campuses.
“During the institutional welcome of first-year students, we strongly condemned these fraudulent activities. We warn in the strongest terms against any form of scamming or the selling of student spaces,” he said.
Tyobeka further said at NWU, they do not sell admission spaces. He added that students do not pay to be admitted to the university, nor do they pay to be placed in their residences.
“If we catch any official or any person selling spaces, they will be arrested. The university urges all students and parents to be extremely cautious of anyone, including individuals claiming to be NWU staff who offers to secure admission or accommodation in exchange for payment.
“All applications and registrations are handled exclusively through the official NWU Admissions Office. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or cases related to corruption, bribery or fraud through the following independent whistle-blowing channels: Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd Toll-free number: 0800 666 361,” said Tyobeka.
He said students can Email: nwu@whistleblowing.co.za or use Toll-free fax: 0800 212 689. Tyobeka said they can also SMS: 33490 or WhatsApp: 031 308 4664 Post: Freepost, KZN665, Musgrave, 4062
“The North West University calls on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and to verify all information through official NWU communication channels,” he said.
Picture: Dipak Patel appointed as PCC Deputy Chair
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 February 2026- The Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), Dorah Modise has welcomed the appointment and designation of Dipak Patel as its Deputy Chairperson. Modise said the designation of Patel follows the appointment of 24 other eminent South Africans as commissioners for a five-year tenure from 2026–2030 in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024.
She further said this was announced by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2026. Modise added that Patel joined the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in 2021 as Head of Climate Finance and Innovation, responsible for the Portfolio of Climate Finance Mapping, financing a just transition and developing a strategy for financing our just transition and climate action interventions.
“Soon after South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy in 1994, Patel was appointed as Director-General of the National Department of Transport in 1998 under the government of the late President Nelson Mandela.
“Prior to joining the PCC, Patel was a Special Advisor to the late Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan from 2018 to 2020. Dipak is a Chemical Engineer with an MSc in Development Economics (University of London) and an MBA (University of the Witwatersrand),” she said.
Modise further said they are elated by the choice of Patel. She added that his appointment brings continuity from his previous roles in the commission and adds value to the already diverse and well-suited commissioners.
Patel said: “I am humbled by the responsibility bestowed on me by the President, as we collectively undertake this task of navigating a complex transformation.
“Our strength, relevance and value remain in our commitment to maintain integrity in our advice and recommendations to government and society, and the commitment to engaging the diverse sectors of our society in shaping climate and development policy.”
Picture: SAPS and GCIS conducting pre-SONA blitz/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 February 2026 – The Northern Cape SAPS Provincial Corporate Communication, in collaboration with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), conducted a pre–State of the Nation Address (SONA) awareness blitz in Galeshewe on Monday. The police said the purpose of the initiative was to educate residents on the meaning and importance of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), its link to the national budget and what takes place during the SONA proceedings.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said SAPS, GCIS, the Office of the Public Prosecutor in the Northern Cape, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Safety Participants, and Women of Wisdom jointly distributed pamphlets on the 2026 SONA to motorists and community members. Shemane said residents were encouraged to watch the televised SONA on 12 February 2026 at 7pm.
“The SAPS remains committed to strengthening collaboration with provincial government departments to enhance community awareness through coordinated outreach initiatives,” he said.
9 February 2026- A man (36) from Carnarvon was found guilty of assault with the intention to cause Griveous Bodily Harm (GBH) by the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court on 4 February 2026. The accused was sentenced to six years imprisonment, wholly suspended for a period of five years.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the accused, Jonathan Masima, went in search of his girlfriend on the evening of Thursday, 23 January 2025, while the victim was hosting friends at her residence in De Aar Camp, Carnarvon.Litabe said upon arrival, the Masima unlawfully entered the house through a window and found the victim sleeping.
“Due to the darkness inside the house, he used a cellphone torch to search for her. When he found her, he assaulted her severely until one of the victim’s neighbours intervened and came to her rescue.
“During the assault, the accused choked the victim, pulled her hair, pressed on her eyes, and pushed her against a mirror. The mirror shattered and the victim sustained cuts to her knees when she fell,” he said.
Litabe further said the incident was reported to the police in Carnarvon and a case of assault GBH was registered. He added that, it was allocated to Detective Constable Rosemary Potjeng of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
“Three days after the case was registered, the accused was arrested and subsequently released on bail of R500. Following several court appearances, the accused was convicted and sentenced as indicated.
“Matima was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The Pixley ka Seme District District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Potjeng for her excellent investigative work and congratulated her on a job well done.
9 February 2026- A high level delegation of the North West Provincial Government led by Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, is expected to engage with Industry Leaders in Mining on the side lines of the Mining Africa Indaba currently underway in Cape Town. The North West province is positioning itself as an ideal and preferred destination for investments and expansion in mining operations.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said the province forms part of the world largest belt, which boasts 70% of reserves in Platinum Group Metal Groups (PGMs). Tatai said issues ranging from mineral beneficiation, social labour plans, preferential procurement for small enterprises are expected to top the agenda of the meetings.
“Of critical importance is the commercialisation of the Bojanala Special Economic Special Zone for long term partnership in areas such as mineral processing, services and specialised equipment.
“The creation of logistical hubs and corridors which link the province with other commercially sound regions on the African continent and Southern African Developing Community (SADC) will also occupy centre stage during discussions,” he said.
Tatai further said Mokgosi maintains government is gearing itself up to commercialise the province’s two airports as part of its ongoing efforts to see to the full implementation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). He added that, with the Growth and Development Strategy officially adopted by the Executive Council, Mokgosi believes the province is more than ready to the turn tide against low investment patterns bedevilling its developmental trajectory.
9 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, he visited the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Command Centre in Tshwane to commend and congratulate its staff and leadership on their outstanding work. Ramaphosa said in the last financial year, SARS achieved the highest revenue collection in the tax authority’s history, collecting R2.3 trillion.
He further said these revenues collected into the fiscus return to our citizens as lifeblood. Ramaphosa added that basic services are delivered, social grants are paid out to society’s most vulnerable, public infrastructure is built and maintained, and the machinery of government is kept running.
“In many ways, SARS is a standard-bearer for a capable state. It has been a trailblazer in the use of technology to construct a citizen-friendly ecosystem, making it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations.
“It is little wonder that SARS is regarded as one of the best tax authorities in the world. The South African Revenue Service also stands as a credible blueprint for rebuilding institutional capacity in the wake of the state capture era,” he said.
Ramaphosa said in 2018, he appointed a commission of inquiry into SARS headed by Judge Robert Nugent. He said when the commission began with its work, SARS was crippled by political interference, leadership purges were commonplace, and specialist enforcement capacity had been substantially dismantled.
“Morale at the tax authority was at an all-time low and revenue collection had been significantly weakened. Levels of compliance were steadily declining, with both corporate income tax and personal tax collections down.
“Seven years since the Nugent Commission issued its recommendations, nearly all those recommendations have been implemented. Among the key recommendations were restoring capable independent leadership and governance, restoring compliance and enforcement capabilities, modernising systems and improving efficiency and services to taxpayers,” said Ramaphosa.
He said as a consequence, the tax authority has achieved a turnaround that has exceeded expectations. Just five years ago, public trust in SARS stood at 48%. Ramaphosa said it is now around 75%.
“Attitudes towards tax compliance also continue to improve. SARS played an important role in South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and in the sovereign credit ratings upgrade from S&P last year.
“Certainty in tax policy and honesty and efficiency in tax administration is a key consideration for investors looking to bring their business to our country. It sends a strong signal that South Africa is serious about institutional integrity and regulatory certainty,” he said.
Ramaphosa said it is confidence that is hard to price, but easy to feel when a core institution like SARS regains public and investor trust. He said for citizens, an efficient tax administration translates into a more reliable revenue stream for grants, infrastructure and basic services.
“For businesses, this means fairness and predictability. The rebuilding of SARS illustrates the value of commissions of inquiry. Not only did the commission unearth the full architecture of wrongdoing but it proposed steps to ensure that there is no recurrence.
“Credit must go to the leadership and staff of SARS for implementing the recommendations with diligence. As we continue in our efforts to build an ethical, capable state and prevent a recurrence of that dark period in our nation’s history, we will look to SARS as an example of what can be done when institutional integrity is restored,” said Ramaphosa.
He said just as state capture took place over a prolonged period of time, the work of rebuilding will not happen overnight. Ramaphosa said recommendations have been and will continue to be acted upon.
“Laws and processes have changed. Investigations have been undertaken and prosecutions have been initiated. Most importantly, institutions have been rebuilt.
“The turnaround of SARS has shown what is possible with a clear mission, committed leadership and capable people,” he said.
Picture: Matlosa Local Municipality mayor, Fikile Mahlophe
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 February 2026- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West said it has directed its deployees in Provincial Government to swiftly invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. The party said the Section 139(1)(b) empowers the provincial government to assume executive powers of a municipality that is unable or fails to fulfil its constitutional and legislative mandate.
The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said the intervention is both political and administratively necessary, aimed to restore effective governance, ensure service delivery and safeguard the interests and dignity of the masses of our people in Matlosana. Diremelo said the intervention team will be expected to implement the findings of the investigation report as empowered by Section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, and these findings will be implemented without any fear or favour.
“This revolutionary mandate follows an in-depth and heightened engagement between the ANC Caucus of Matlosana Local Municipality and the ANC North West Provincial Leadership, convened at the J.B Marks Municipal Chamber on 8 February 2026, this action remains part of a high-paced and smart approach implementation on fixing local government as resolved in the Extended Provincial Executive Committee Lekgotla which was held in Matlosana Local Municipality.
“As the governing movement based on the will of the people, the African National Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to ethical leadership, cooperative governance, and constitutional accountability across all spheres of government,” he said.
Diremelo further said the movement will continue to exercise political oversight and leadership to ensure that the objectives of this awaited intervention are people-centred, governance is restored and the municipality is returned to a path of sustainable service delivery and developmental approach.
Picture: Police Officer, Constable Gift Mota drowned/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
9 February 2026 – A police officer, Constable Gift Mota (25) attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit at Phokeng, drowned while on duty. Mota was performing patrol duties with fellow members when they were approached by a community member, who alleged that they had spotted a suspect linked to cases of robbery and burglary.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police members accompanied the community member to the Masosobane and Raffredy Sections, a bushy area with a nearby dam. Myburgh said upon spotting the suspect, the members gave chase.
“The suspect ran into the dam and during the pursuit, Mota entered the water. He subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect. The diving unit was activated, who sadly recovered the body of the Mota from the dam shortly after the incident.
“An inquest docket has been opened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mota had been transferred to Phokeng in November 2025 and is originally from Ermelo in Mpumalanga,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. Naidoo calls on communities to continue working closely with the police in the fight against crime, while also acknowledging the dangers that police officers face daily in the execution of their duties.
“We have lost a dedicated police officer, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving and protecting the community.Mota’s bravery and commitment will not be forgotten.
“The police stands with his family during this painful time and will ensure that they receive the necessary support,” said Naidoo.
The Guardian 