Daily Archives: April 29, 2026

‘Firing of Madibeng mayor not enough’

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Picture: Former Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 April 2026 – Forum for South Africa (FOSA) said it has noted the reported dismissal of Madibeng Local Municipality mayor, Douglas Maimane by the African National Congress (ANC), following serious allegations of bribery. FOSA said this development is yet another damning reflection of the deep-rooted culture of corruption, manipulation, and political opportunism that continues to plague governance within Madibeng Local Municipality.

FOSA national leader, Tebogo Mashilompane said for far too long, Madibeng has been subjected to instability, collapsing service delivery and leadership that prioritises internal power battles over the needs of residents. Mashilompane said the latest allegations — if proven true — confirm what communities have been experiencing on the ground.

“The municipality has been captured by political survival tactics rather than public service. Fosa is clear that removing individuals after exposure is not accountability — it is damage control.

“So, we demand a full, transparent investigation into all allegations. Criminal accountability where wrongdoing is confirmed. Immediate measures to stabilise governance in the municipality,” he said.

Mashilompane further said they demand protection of municipal processes from political interference and bribery. He added that the people of Madibeng deserve ethical leadership, functional service delivery and a government that serves them — not one that treats public office as a bargaining tool.

“We will continue to stand with the community and hold those in power accountable,” said Mashilompane.

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Motsumi urges parents to prioritise safety of learners

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 April 2026 – The North West Department of Education urges all parents and guardians across the province to ensure that learners are safe to travel to school during the torrential rains currently impacting various areas in the province. The department said this request follows multiple videos shared on social media platforms showing flooded roads and hazardous conditions that may endanger the lives of learners while travelling or commuting to and from school.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi firmly cautions parents against taking risks by sending learners to go to school when heavy rains are ongoing in their respective areas. Motsumi said the safety of the learners remains their highest priority.

“Parents must avoid risky situations by taking precautions when roads are flooded, bridges are unsafe or weather conditions pose a danger to children travelling to school. Parents are urged to keep learners at home if they see that it is not safe for them to go to school.

“The department has arranged with schools to implement catch-up programmes for learners who have missed lessons due to the heavy rains,” she said.

Motsumi further pleaded with parents to stay vigilant, keep a close watch on weather conditions and work closely with schools to prevent avoidable tragedies during this period of severe weather. She added that parents should maintain active contact with schools, especially during these adverse weather conditions to ensure access and to prioritise the safety of learners above attendance during dangerous conditions.

“The department will continue to oversee the situation and provide necessary support to affected schools,” said Motsumi.

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DEDECT Supports Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative

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Picture: The Head of Department (HOD), Relebohile Mofokane/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

29 April 2026 – The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has welcomed the Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative (ECCI 2030) located in Mogwase, near Rustenburg. The department said this is a strategic investment that advances energy security, stimulates economic growth and supports environmental sustainability in the province.

Speaking on behalf of the North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, the Head of Department (HOD), Relebohile Mofokane said, the initiative demonstrates how reliable energy access can be leveraged to unlock economic opportunities while improving the wellbeing of communities. Mofokane said this initiative represents a practical response to energy poverty, while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. 

“The department supports the transition away from environmentally harmful and hazardous fuels, noting that clean-burning LPG provides a safer, efficient and dependable energy source for households, small businesses and industry.

“As a department responsible for both economic growth and environmental stewardship, we welcome the shift to cleaner energy alternatives. This initiative reflects the type of sustainable development we seek to promote across the North West,” he said.

Mofokane further said the commissioning of the women-led LPG bulk facility, together with its last-mile distribution network, would strengthen local supply chains, encourage enterprise development and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people. He added that this investment goes beyond infrastructure delivery.

“It is about inclusive growth, improved quality of life and creating meaningful economic participation for our communities.          The department further noted that the location of the facility in Moses Kotane enhances the regional economy and aligns with broader industrial ambitions linked to the Bojanala Platinum Special Economic Zone.

“The department emphasised that reliable and affordable energy remains essential for attracting investment, supporting industrialisation and enabling business expansion, particularly in emerging local economies,” said Mofokane.

He said at household level, the Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative is expected to improve health and safety outcomes by replacing unsafe traditional fuels with cleaner energy sources. Mofokane said the programme will also reduce the time burden associated with fuel collection and inefficient cooking methods, particularly for women in rural and peri-urban communities.

“The department commended the National Department of Electricity and Energy, together with The Chief Executive Officer of Easigas, Mr Jeremie Tromp and the The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Amani Africa and Hakem Energies, Ms Refilwe Sebothoma, and its partners for their leadership and investment in clean energy infrastructure, inclusive growth and community empowerment.

“The department confirms that strong public-private partnerships remain critical to accelerating development, expanding energy access and ensuring that economic opportunities are shared more broadly across society,” he said.

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