Picture: Former Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane and former Single Whip, Peter Padi
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 April 2026 – The ANC has fired controversial Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane. This comes after Maimane was recorded allegedly offering R200 000 to opposition councillors to campaign against his own party.
The ANC spokesperson in North West, Tumelo Maruping, said following a consultative engagement with the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, the organisation has taken a decision to recall Maimane. Maruping said this follows a controversial audio leak of a meeting, where Maimane allegedly connived with opposition councillors in an attempt to oust the ANC from power in Madibeng Local Municipality.
“Over and above, the ANC has also taken a decision to remove and demote the Single Whip of Madibeng Local Municipality, Peter Padi to an ordinary councillor. The replacement of these two individuals will be communicated within 48 hours,” he said.
Picture: The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola in court
By STAFF REPORTER
21 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron has called on the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president Cyril Ramaphosa to act without delay and suspend the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, following his court appearance today. Mr Cameron made it clear that while this is not a pronouncement of guilt, the credibility of SAPS cannot be left to further erosion.
“The continued hesitation to act decisively is no longer tenable. At a time when South Africans are under siege from crime, uncertainty at the very top of SAPS is unacceptable. The President must act now, suspend the National Commissioner and appoint a credible acting leader immediately.
“We warn that the paralysis at senior leadership level is deepening an already critical crisis within SAPS. Both the executive and administrative leadership of SAPS are effectively compromised,” he said.
Cameron further said this is not a routine matter, but a full-blown leadership crisis in an institution already struggling to meet its most basic mandate. He added that the unfolding allegations and counter-allegations point to systemic failure within the police service.
“This is what institutional collapse looks like. When those entrusted with upholding the law are themselves embroiled in controversy, public confidence is destroyed and criminals are emboldened.
“The committee’s call for urgent lifestyle audits across SAPS, stressing that accountability can no longer be optional. South Africans deserve a police service that is beyond reproach. Transparency and accountability must be enforced, not negotiated,” said Cameron.
He said he is unequivocal on the appointment of an acting National Commissioner. Cameron said there can be no recycling of compromised leadership.
“The acting appointment must be a person of unquestionable integrity, free from any implication in ongoing investigations, including matters before the Madlanga Commission and the Ad Hoc Committee. Anything less will further damage the institution.
“Failure to act decisively will send a dangerous signal. Inaction at this stage will not be neutrality, but complicity in the continued decline of SAPS,” he said.
21 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed grave concern over imminent budget cuts to the Department of Water and Sanitation, warning that the reductions come at a time when South Africa is grappling with worsening water shortages. The committee today received briefings on the Annual Performance Plans of the Department, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Water Research Commission (WRC).
The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation Committee, Leon Basson said the decision to reduce the department’s budget from R23 billion to R21 billion is fundamentally at odds with the country’s water reality. Basson said the drastic budget cuts stand in direct contrast to the acknowledgement that South Africa is facing a serious water crisis.
“This decision is incongruent with the scale of the challenge and will only deepen the crisis, with severe socio-economic consequences. While the committee welcomed the establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee as an interim measure, it stressed that addressing systemic water challenges requires sustained funding, long-term planning and the accelerated rollout of major infrastructure projects.
“The committee warned that reduced funding undermines these critical pillars and risks derailing efforts to stabilise water provision across the country. Of particular concern is the impact on infrastructure investment,” he said.
Basson further said they noted that cuts to grants such as the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant will further weaken municipalities’ capacity to build and maintain essential water and sanitation infrastructure. He added that municipalities like the City of Johannesburg are already grappling with high levels of non-revenue water.
“Addressing this requires sustained investment in maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Budget cuts directly undermine this effort and threaten reliable access to water.
“The committee further noted that South Africa’s growing water demand requires diversification of the water mix, including desalination and water reuse. However, these interventions are capital-intensive and depend on adequate and sustained funding,” emphasised Basson.
He said while acknowledging the fiscal constraints facing the country, the committee cautioned that reducing investment in the water sector is counterproductive. Basson said cutting investment does not resolve the crisis, it exacerbates it.
“The committee also raised concerns about the department’s inability to provide independently verifiable data on progress made in implementing recommendations from the 2025 Water and Sanitation Indaba.
“This lack of accountability, the committee warned, risks reinforcing public perceptions of government inaction in the face of daily service delivery challenges. In addition, the committee criticised municipalities for delays in ringfencing water revenue and implementing the utility model, key reforms intended to improve sustainability, efficiency and revenue collection,” he said.
Basson said the committee has urged the department, through the National Water Crisis Committee, to drive urgency and accountability in implementing these reforms. He said the committee reiterated the need for stronger planning, project management and oversight to prevent costly delays in major infrastructure projects.
“While welcoming progress on strategic projects such as the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, the committee warned that continued delays could expose the fiscus to escalating costs and increased financial risk.
“The committee also called for a smooth and well-managed transition towards the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency. The committee remains concerned about the low uptake of innovations developed by the Water Research Commission, particularly given the country’s pressing water challenges,” said Basson.
He said it emphasised that many of the issues within the water -value chain could be addressed through existing technologies and innovations and called for stronger efforts to translate research into practical implementation.
21 April 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries will tomorrow kick-start its oversight visit to schools around Matlosana in the North West. The committee said the visit is in line with the objectives of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to ensure that challenges schools face in providing quality services to the learners in the North West are eliminated.
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Chairperson of the committee, Makhi Feni said above infrastructure challenges, the committee will seek an update on themes such as challenges of school children without birth certificates, state of ECDs, status on the provision of National School Nutrition Programme and status on the provision of scholar transport. Feni said this includes the status of safety and security in schools and incidences of bullying in schools.
“We will have Keurhof Special School, Vukani Mawethu Secondary School and Mofatlhosi Secondary School,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie donates school uniform to disadvantaged learners/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
21 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie donated school uniforms to 50 disadvantaged learners in Blydeville, Lichtenburg during a flagship programme called Re Thuse Re Go Thuse. Dantjie said while 50 learners received a complete set of school uniforms, the rampant pandemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) still flourished within communities.
She further said this is happening because many survivors tolerate it. Dantjie added that the main driver for GBV is silence and tolerance.
“At the first slap, be decisive and leave. You cannot jeopardise your life over lavish lifestyles. Parents must also reject gifts and food that woo their children, only to pay the ultimate price. The ever-growing flagship programme of Re Thuse Re Go Thuse was in action and 22 boys and 28 girls received brand new school uniforms.
“We appeal to parents to ensure good hygiene for children. In the package, there is enough uniform to allow washing, while the child is at school. We want to see the child presentable at all times,” she said.
Dantjie acknowledged that given the living conditions of the children, a school uniform is not enough. She said they will see to it that all recipients get nutritious packs of food parcels.
“Our department will look beyond the selected, with additional 50 food packages to be given to other vulnerable people in the community. Our order of priority is for child-headed families, survivors of GBV and persons with disabilities.
“However, our social workers may use discretion to give those who desperately need assistance. I want to warn parents against abusing child support grants. We understand your difficulties, but the grant is for children, not your personal leisure,” said Dantjie.
She said they have heard of incidents where parents gamble in an attempt to double the money. Dantjie said that is wrong and they have frowned upon it.
“It is similar to moving to different towns, leaving the child behind, but not their cards. The grandparents must not be burdened with extra mouth, while you use the child’s grant as your salary,” she said.
District Manager of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Ngaka Modiri Molema, Solly Nobela, indicated that out of 719 learners enrolled at the school, 612 of them receive monthly child support grants. Nobela said this expenditure to see a child is about R500 000 each month.
“This is our commitment to see a better future for our children. The combined sum for the uniform of both girls and boys is estimated at R271 000,” he said.
Meanwhile, the principal of the school, Tladi Sedikane appreciated the gesture from SASSA and Dantjie.
“This is life-changing. You have in one swoop restored the sense of confidence and equality to our learners. This powerful gesture brings hope not only to learners and their families, but to the community at large,” said Sedikane.
Picture: The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 April 2026 – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi will on Wednesday, at 9am, address the third day of the Second High-Level Meeting of Women Judicial Leaders of Africa. Kubayi said the meeting will be held at the Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg.
“The meeting is convened in conjunction with the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa, an independent body of forty-nine constitutional jurisdictions and four observer members, aimed at strengthening democracy through the rule of law. South Africa has been a member since 2012.
“Hosted by the South African Judiciary under Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the meeting is held against the backdrop of key international instruments on women’s rights and coincides with significant milestones, including the anniversaries of the Maputo Protocol, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and the 1956 Women’s March,” she said.
21 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has today officiated the formal swearing-in ceremony of the newly-appointed Board Members of the North West Gambling Board and the North West Liquor Authority at Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg.
Lekopane said the swearing-in marks a critical governance milestone aimed at strengthening oversight, accountability and effective regulation within the province’s gambling and liquor sectors. She further said the two Boards play a strategic role in ensuring compliance with legislation, promoting responsible trading practices, protecting communities and contributing to economic growth and revenue generation.
“The weight of responsibility entrusted to the new Board Members, describing the oath of office as a solemn commitment to serve with integrity, discipline, and accountability. There is seriousness of commitment undertaken by the Board Members.
“This oath is not ceremonial, it demands loyalty, integrity, and discipline requires that you always act in a manner that is beyond reproach. The gambling and liquor sectors remain highly sensitive, operating at the intersection of economic activity and social responsibility,” added Lenkopane.
She called on the Boards to strike a careful balance between industry growth and addressing societal challenges. Lenkopane said the North West Liquor Authority, through its Board, is responsible for adjudicating liquor license applications and ensuring compliance with trading conditions across approximately 8,000 licensed establishments in the province, including taverns, pubs, night clubs, liquor restaurants, accommodation establishments and bottle stores.
“Similarly, the North West Gambling Board is mandated to regulate the gambling industry through licensing, compliance monitoring, and enforcement, while combating illegal gambling activities and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly young people.
“The Gambling Board is in a stable state with a clean audit and strong performance. We call on the new Board to build on this foundation. We are handing over an institution that is stable and performing well,” she said.
Lenkopane said this must be protected and improved. She said they will not accept regression.
“The responsibility now rests with you to restore confidence and demonstrate professionalism. I want to issue a firm warning against misconduct and weak enforcement. There must be no corruption, no selective enforcement and no inaction.
“We expect these Boards to regulate fairly, act decisively against non-compliance, and contribute to rebuilding public trust. The appointment of the Boards fulfils a commitment made during the 2025/26 Budget Speech to strengthen governance, improve accountability and enhance the performance of departmental entities,” said Lenkopane.
She further announced that a 15 to 18-day compliance operation will be rolled out across districts, focusing on illegal gambling, unlawful liquor trading and strengthening inspections. Lenkopane said this forms part of efforts to reposition compliance as a pathway to economic empowerment, ensuring that liquor outlets are properly licensed and registered, while decisively addressing non-compliant practices, including proxy operations.
“The department will intensify compliance monitoring in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, including targeted operations to address illegal gambling and unlawful liquor trading.
“These efforts are also aimed at contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), often linked to substance abuse,” she said.
21 April 2026 – A 30-YEAR-OLD man was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by the Warrenton Magistrate’s Court for murder. This comes after the accused, Moleli Motlatsi killed Sakia Segolodi (32).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 23 February 2025, at approximately 00:45am. Shemane said the members of Warrenton SAPS responded to a complaint of a stabbing in Mocumi Street, Ikhutseng, Warrenton.
“It is reported that Motlatsi, Segolodi and a witness, were returning from a local tavern when an argument broke out between the accused and the deceased. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation, during which the accused fatally stabbed the victim.
“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) declared the victim dead at the scene. The accused was promptly arrested by members of Warrenton SAPS,” he said.
Shemane further said the Frances Baard District Management commended the Detective Warrant Officer, Thys Mokoroane for his meticulous investigative work, which ensured the successful conviction and sentencing of the accused, thereby removing a dangerous offender from the community.
21 April 2026 – Two accused, Alam Kuruneri (35) and Nelson Ngwenya (32) briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 20 and 21 April 2026, respectively, on charges of contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. It is alleged that on 17 April 2026, members of Mabeskraal SAPS spotted a white truck with two occupants and stopped it.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu said a passenger reportedly fled on foot soon after the truck had stopped. Ndlovu said it is reported that the police requested the driver to open at the back of the truck.
“Upon searching the truck, the police reportedly found fully packed 239 boxes of different types of cigarettes concealed in garbage plastics. The recovered cigarettes are estimated at the value at R2.5 million.
“The driver failed to give proper explanation to the police about the recovered cigarettes. He was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of illicit cigarettes,” he said.
Ndlovu further said an investigation conducted by Rustenburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, who had fled on foot on 17 April 2026. He added that both accused appeared in court and their matter was postponed to 28 April 2026, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Nombuso Khoza, commended the team for ensuring that the accused are brought to justice.
21 April 2026 – On 16 April 2026, at approximately 10pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) divers recovered the body of an unidentified man near Ifafi Aquatic Club in Hartbeespoort Dam. According to the initial report, the SAPS divers were following up on information received regarding an individual who allegedly drowned on 12 April 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said during the search operation, the body of an unidentified man, estimated to be approximately 20, was discovered. Skalkie said the deceased was wearing black trousers.
“An inquest docket has been opened and investigations are ongoing. Members of the community who may have information that could assist in identifying the deceased are urged to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Abinaar Mohlaki of the Hartbeespoort Dam Detectives, on 082 492 3994.
“The SAPS urges the public to treat all open water sources as potentially dangerous and to prioritise safety at all times,” she said.
The Guardian 