Daily Archives: March 8, 2026

Former Minister accorded special official funeral  

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Picture: Former COPE leader, the late Mosiuoa Lekota

By AGISANANG SCUFF

8 March 2026- Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late former Minister of Defence and leader of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosiuoa Terror Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on 14 March 2026. Lekota, who served the nation as a struggle activist, inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Premier of the Free State, Minister of Defence, and co-founder of the Congress of the People (COPE), passed away on 4 March 2026, at the age of 77.

Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Lekota family, the COPE and Lekota’s comrades and associates across the political spectrum. He has paid tribute to Lekota as “a patriot, freedom fighter, and servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with their journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy.

“We honour him especially for his principled dedication to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa. We deeply value his service to his home province, where he served as Premier and to our Armed Forces and our national security, in his role as Minister of Defence.

“Reflecting the nation’s appreciation, we have declared that Lekota will be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2 which will take place in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 14 March 2026,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from 7 until 14 March 2026.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo sent his condolences to the family, friends and members of the COPE party on the passing of Lekota. Mahumapelo said Lekota has left behind a legacy of activism and service.

“His name is synonymous with courage, resilience and dedication to the people of South Africa. As a veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle, Lekota’s life has been a testament to the power of conviction and the pursuit of justice.

“His contributions to the fight against apartheid, including his time on Robben Island, are a testament to his unshakeable resolve. As a leader, Lekota has inspired countless individuals to join the struggle for freedom and equality,” he said.

He said Lekota showed the ability to serve and lead with integrity. Mahumapelo said he also served on the Portfolio Committee of International Relations and Cooperation with diligence and commitment.

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NWU appoints Comrades Marathon champion

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Picture: Comrade Marathon champion, Tete Dijana

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 March 2026- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed marathon champion, Tete Dijana, as a protection officer at its Mahikeng Campus, effective 1 April 2026. Dijana, a three-time Comrades Marathon champion, has become a symbol of endurance, discipline, humility and excellence in South Africa and beyond.

His remarkable athletic achievements have inspired millions, and his journey reflects resilience and determination of the highest order.

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, welcomed Tete to the NWU community.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Tete to the NWU family. His appointment reflects our belief that excellence is not confined to titles or accolades, but is embodied in character, discipline and service.

“Dijana’s presence at our Mahikeng Campus has and will continue to inspire both staff and students, reminding us that greatness and humility can walk hand in hand. The appointment is testament to the NWU’s commitment to recognising and embracing individuals who exemplify the university’s core values of responsibility, integrity, accountability and perseverance,” he said.

Tyobeka further said while Dijana’s achievements on the international athletics stage have brought immense pride to the nation, his new role affirms the dignity of work and the university’s appreciation for every member of its community who contributes to a safe and enabling learning environment. He added that protection officers are the custodians of safety on our campuses.

“They are often the first point of contact for students and visitors. To have an individual of his stature join this critical function is both a privilege and a powerful statement about service and community.

“Endurance and excellence are not values reserved for the athletics arena alone but are foundational to the life of an academic institution. Universities, like marathon runners, operate in the realm of endurance,” said Tyobeka.

He said academic success requires sustained focus, intellectual stamina, resilience in the face of complexity, and the courage to pursue excellence over the long distance. Tyobeka said Dijana’s journey mirrors the discipline, perseverance and consistency that define scholarly achievement.

“His presence among us symbolises the alignment between athletic endurance and academic excellence — both demand commitment, sacrifice and an unwavering pursuit of purpose.

“While Dijana is employed as a protection officer, the NWU would, without doubt, leverage on his athletics skills and experience, and involve him in the development of student athletes for high-performance sport, especially athletics,” he said.

Tyobeka said the NWU looks forward to formally welcoming him when he assumes his duties on 1 April 2026.

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Betway Premiership fan wins R50 000

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Hlompho Kekana and Betway S’bonise and Win Winner during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 4 March 2026 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 March 2026- The excitement of the Betway Premiership S’bonise & Win campaign continued in Polokwane as supporter Maria Mokgahlane walked away with R50 000 during the Dial Up fixture between Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening. Mokgahlane became the eighth Dial Up winner of the season, with the prize doubled courtesy of her active Betway account.

The Betway Premiership S’bonise & Win campaign rewards supporters who show up to matches proudly dressed in their club colours, turning their passion for the game into a chance to win. Dial Up fixtures take the experience even further, giving fans the opportunity to win bigger prizes and enjoy special matchday moments.

Following the announcement, Mokgahlane expressed her gratitude, sharing that part of her winnings will go towards finishing the construction of her crèche, a project that had come to a standstill due to financial constraints. She further said the prize will help ensure the project can finally be completed, something she described as a meaningful step for both her and the children in her community.

Betway Squad member, Hlompho Kekana was also in attendance to hand over the cheque, adding to the excitement and celebration on the night. Kekana said moments like this are what make campaigns like S’bonise & Win so special.

“Seeing supporters rewarded in this way and hearing how the winnings will make a real difference in their lives is incredibly meaningful. It shows how powerful football can be in bringing positive change to communities,” he added.

With eight Dial Up winners now confirmed, attention now turns to Rustenburg, where the next Betway Premiership S’bonise & Win Dial Up fixture will take place as Orbit College FC take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Monday evening, continuing the campaign’s mission to bring even more excitement to the matchday experience. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation using #BetwayPrem and #BetwaySboniseAndWin.

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COSATMA rocked by corruption and bribery allegations

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 March 2026- Rampant corruption and bribery allegations have been levelled against the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management amid systemic failure of scholar transport tender. There are allegations that some service providers are bribing traffic officers not to impound their unroadworthy buses.      

The Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) of Umkhonto weSizwe Party at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Lerato Tsholo said they condemn the alleged ongoing rampant corruption and bribery within the scholar transport sector. Tsholo said the scholar transport service providers who pay bribes to avoid impoundment of their non-compliant buses are undermining the safety of their passengers and perpetuating a culture of corruption.

“By paying off officials, and Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs), who are doing oversight on them, these service providers are essentially buying their way out of accountability, putting the lives of innocent children and other road users at risk.

“This behaviour is not only unethical, but also illegal. So, it is high time we call it out for what it is – a blatant disregard for the law and human life. Furthermore, this practice creates an unfair advantage for those who are willing to bribe, making it difficult for compliant transport service providers to compete,” she said.

Tsholo further said it is a vicious cycle or chain that needs to be broken. She added that, instead of paying bribes, scholar transport service providers should prioritize maintaining their buses to ensure they meet safety standards.

“Let’s condemn this behaviour and advocate for a safer, more transparent transportation system. On the other hand, while condemning the behaviour of scholar transport service providers as far as bribery and corrupt elements are concerned, an appeal is thereby made to the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to make sure that they pay them timeously so that they are able to maintain and service their buses to meet the compliance requirements,” said Tsholo.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “There are allegations of corrupt officials from my department and some MPLs. Corruption must immediately be reported to the relevant authorities.

“I also indicated that in the process of corruption, there is always a corruptor and a corruptee. Now, my hands are itching and if you can give me the names of those corrupt officials, I will put them on suspension pending investigation.”

Morweng said the issue of scholar transport is very painful. He said these corrupt officials go and collect bribes from service providers, which their buses are unroadworthy and risk the lives of the learners in the process.

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Dagga worth R478 000 confiscated  

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Picture: Dagga worth R478 000 confiscated/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 March 2026- Alleged drug dealer (25) was arrested after the police discovered dagga worth R478 000 in his vehicle in Upington. The police were conducting routine patrols along Schroder Street in Upington when they noticed a vehicle and the driver acting suspicious after seeing the police vehicle.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the suspect allegedly attempted to change lanes abruptly, prompting officers to pull the vehicle over. Litabe said when requested to produce his driver’s licence, the suspect failed to do so.

“While speaking to the driver, vigilant members detected a strong smell of dagga emanating from the vehicle. They subsequently conducted a search and discovered multiple bags of dagga loaded inside the vehicle.

“The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with dealing in dagga. He is expected to appear in the Upington Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the police for their vigilance and for disrupting the supply of drugs to local communities. Sebili also issued a stern warning to potential drug dealers, that the police in the ZFM District have adopted a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to drug trafficking and will squeeze their space to operate.

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