Daily Archives: June 29, 2026

North West municipalities show signs of improvement

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

29 June 2026 – Several North West municipalities have shown signs of improvement following Interventions instituted to strengthen governance, restore stability and improve service delivery, with Ditsobotla Local Municipality on its way to recovery, said the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Gaoage Molapisi who was tabling the department’s 2026/27 Budget Vote before the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) to outline progress made through ongoing municipal interventions.

He further said Ditsobotla Local Municipality, which remains under a Section 139(7) intervention and administered by the National Executive, recorded an encouraging progress. Molapisi added that the intervention has eliminated duplicated mayor, speaker and municipal manager positions, improved council and committee’s functionality, enabled the adoption of the 2026/27 budget and advanced the filling of critical senior management posts.

“This includes strengthened financial stability and enhanced partnerships to improve bulk water provision, as well as securing engineering capacity to stabilise electricity supply. The provincial legislature that issued directives under Section 139(1)(a) to Kagisano-Molopo and Mamusa Local Municipalities, have yielded mixed results.

“While Kagisano-Molopo has made notable progress, particularly in strengthening administrative leadership through the recruitment of senior managers, Mamusa has not achieved satisfactory progress, prompting the government to consider further intervention measures,” he said.

Molapisi further announced that the Section 16(5) investigation into Ramotshere-Moiloa Local Municipality has been concluded, with implementation of the recommendations already underway to restore institutional stability. He said Section 106 interventions in The City of Matlosana, Madibeng, Tswaing and Kgetlengrivier Local Municipalities were instituted to investigate allegations of fraud, maladministration and malfeasance involving office bearers, officials and third parties, as reported by whistle-blowers.

“The investigations in Madibeng and Tswaing have been concluded and reports submitted to both municipalities with outcomes referred to councils. In Tswaing, the findings also necessitated referral to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. In Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, the work has started and we have introduced the investigation team. The investigation is envisaged to be completed within the next three (3) months.

“In the City of Matlosana, investigations were concluded and recommendations tabled in council. Despite these efforts, challenges persisted and this necessitated the Provincial EXCO to strengthen and reinforce the current intervention through Section 139(5)(a)(c) of the Constitution by deploying the Provincial Executive Representative,” said Molapisi.

He said the new Terms of Reference for the Provincial Executive Representative – PER include implementation of Section 106 investigation findings. Molapisi said they reaffirm that the department is committed to act decisively against maladministration and governance failures.

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A man sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for rape

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 June 2026 – The accused, Tebogo Mokeng (48) from Danielskuil was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for raping a woman (27). The police said the incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 4 August 2024, at approximately 1am in Danielskuil.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the victim was socialising at a local nightclub when the accused, who was known to her, called her outside the premises. Shemane said during their conversation, the accused suddenly grabbed the victim and forcibly dragged her to an abandoned building nearby, where he undressed and raped her.

“The victim screamed for help, prompting two bystanders to come to her assistance. The accused fled the scene and the two men immediately contacted the police.

“Members of the Danielskuil SAPS responded swiftly and arrested the accused in the vicinity of the crime scene. The victim opened a rape case and received the necessary medical treatment,” he said.

Shemane further said following a thorough investigation by Detective Sergeant Maletsatse Smous of the Postmasburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Mokeng, was convicted and sentenced in the Postmasburg Regional Court on 23 June 2026. He added that Mokeng was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for rape.

“He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, and the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sibili, commended Detective Sergeant Maletsatse Smous for her diligence, dedication and professionalism throughout the investigation. Sibili said the successful conviction demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensuring justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.

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‘Protest is both a right and a responsibility’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 June 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said on 30 June 2026, marks the date that several groupings have been identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa. Ramaphosa said South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit the immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities.

He further said these concerns are real and they deserve to be heard. Ramaphosa added that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution.

“It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence. South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law.

“The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law. What we should seek as citizens and as a society is to work together to address the legitimate concerns that many South Africans have raised,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the government has a responsibility not only to listen to these concerns, but to respond with effective action. He said citizens have a responsibility to pursue change peacefully and within the framework of the constitution.

“Government has accepted that our immigration system requires substantial reform. We are strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of the asylum and visa systems and taking action against corruption that has weakened immigration control.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve. Over the last few weeks, we have seen support for these measures and for the government’s stance from across society,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they have held meetings with the country’s traditional monarchs and other traditional and Khoi-San leaders, with trade union and business leaders, with the religious community and with other formations in society. Ramaphosa said freedom comes with responsibility.

“The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course. We must reject the idea that acts of violence or intimidation are justified on the basis of a grievance, for political reasons, or because those who commit such acts claim they were somehow provoked,” he said.

Ramaphosa said some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully. He said they work, study, raise families, invest in the economy and contribute positively to society.

“They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our constitution. We welcome the assurances by some of the organisers of the planned protests that they stand against violence on the part of their supporters. They will be held to this undertaking, because no cause, no matter how legitimate, will be an excuse to shift responsibility for violent acts.

“We further welcome the support received from traditional, religious and community leaders, from business, labour and civil society organisations that have called for tolerance and respect for the rule of law. Achieving a legitimate end does not justify unlawful means, whether it is reform of the country’s immigration frameworks or better service delivery,” said Ramaphosa. 

He said the painful history of the passed laws reminds them why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law-enforcement officers acting within the constitution—not to private individuals. Ramaphosa said whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in constitutional democracy.

“This is a betrayal of the very constitutional order those who commit such acts claim to be defending. It is vigilantism thinly disguised in the language of patriotism.

“We must never allow ourselves to return to that painful chapter of our history, where people were stopped on the street, had their physical identities scrutinised and their right to move freely in the country hindered by suspicion and humiliation,” he said.

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‘Xenophobic tendencies will kill our South African dream’

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Picture: The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2026 – The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka said twice, he was there when South Africa was the centre of the universe. Tyobeka said the last decade of the 20th century heralded the arrival of a nation poised to lead through moral example, as they pledged never again to repeat their tainted history.

“Today, many citizens threaten violence against foreigners, and once again we face becoming one of the world’s pariahs. On 11 February 1990, I was glued to the television in my sister’s home in the township of Selosesha in Thaba Nchu, where I had just started Standard 8 (Grade 10) at Moroka High School.

“I had taken a weekend off from the school hostel and together with a global audience, watched as Nelson Mandela walked free from Victor Verster Prison. Four years later, on 27 April 1994, I was in my village of Nonceba, where I cast my vote at Nonceba Primary School. South Africa opened its arms to all who live in it and in turn, the world opened its arms to us,” he said.

Tyobeka further said now, 32 years and two months later, as principal and vice-chancellor of the North West University (NWU), he is aghast at the danger of large-scale violence and disruptions aimed at illegal immigrants. He added that first, he wants them to be honest.

“There is no place for illegal immigration. We have limited resources and it is our obligation to look after and safeguard our citizens. After the recent spate of xenophobic attacks and the promise of more to come, South Africans are once again being asked to choose between two false extremes.

“Either they must tolerate xenophobia or they must ignore illegal immigration. Collectively, we should choose neither. We have to acknowledge that when governments fail to manage immigration properly, ordinary migrants often become scapegoats for failures that belong to the state,” said Tyobeka.

He said this is just as great an injustice as immigrants crossing the borders illegally. Tyobeka said violence, however, is never the answer.

“I want to bring the argument closer to home. My home. The North West University. The word university stems from the Latin universitas, which translates as “a community united as a whole”. At the NWU, we have lecturers, researchers and students from across our continent because we know that major scientific breakthroughs cross borders, that we have as much to teach others as we have to learn from them and that ideas have passports far more powerful than those carried by people.

“Students become better graduates because they encounter people who think differently, and a university that isolates itself quickly becomes intellectually poorer,” he said.

Tyobeka said in the public’s eye, the distinction between lawful migrants, refugees, international students and skilled professionals and those who deliberately circumvent immigration law, is disappearing. He said when that happens, they arrive at the toxic situation they face today.

“As public universities, I believe it is our duty to demonstrate that openness and order are not opposing ideals, but complementary ones. We thrive because we combine openness to people and ideas with accountability, merit and respect for the rule of law.

“International students do not simply arrive; they obtain the necessary visas. International academics are appointed through rigorous processes and are expected to comply with the same regulations and standards as everyone else,” said Tyobeka.

He said openness works precisely because it is underpinned by clear rules that are applied fairly and consistently. Tyobeka said a recent article in the respected British publication The Economist states that there is ample evidence to challenge many common assumptions about migration.

“Foreign-born residents make up only about 5% of South Africa’s population, and research by the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggests that migrants are often net job creators who establish businesses and stimulate economic activity.

“Studies have also found that foreign nationals are, on average, less likely to commit crime than South African citizens. These are hard truths, but are they widely known? The word universitas reminds us that humanity advances not by turning away from one another, but by learning together,” he said.  

Tyobeka said yet communities also endure because they respect rules. He said South Africa does not have to choose between openness and order.

“We need both. We must reject xenophobia without reservation, enforce immigration law without apology and continue building universities that welcome ideas from every corner of the world while remaining firmly rooted in the rule of law.

“The colours of our Rainbow Nation are fading. The dreams of our founders are being deferred. The blood spilled in the pursuit of freedom has been forgotten and their beliefs are being neglected and misused. More than 11 750 days after I cast my first democratic vote, the legacy of reconciliation over revenge and hope over hatred remains ours to protect,” said Tyobeka.

He said let them take up a new canvas and use this opportunity to paint it brightly once again, so that the world may see that South Africa is more than a place on a map. Tyobeka said it is an idea to aspire to.

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Bafana Bafana bow out after a disappointing 1-0 defeat

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players during World Cup game/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE\x

29 June 2026 – Bafana Bafana bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a heart-breaking 0-1 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in a Last 32 match played at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Stephen Eustáquio broke South African hearts when he powered Canada to the Last 16 of the global tournament following his goal scored in the 92nd minute.

The Canadians will now face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the next round.

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said: “We are disappointed because we wanted to win. It would have been a little miracle to get to the third round, but we do not have to be too disappointed. What we achieved here was good and I am very happy and very proud of my team.”

Meanwhile, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said while the defeat was disappointing, Bafana Bafana can hold their heads high after making history during this tournament.

“It is sad that we are bowing out of the World Cup today, but we have to applaud this team after what they did in this tournament. They made history on Wednesday this week when we qualified for the second round for the first time ever after beating South Korea 1-0 in the last group match in Monterrey.

“We will take this with us when we go back home and build on it,” said Jordaan.

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‘Government committed to manage irregular immigration through constitutional means’

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Picture: Illegal immigrants waiting to be deported/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

29 June 2026 – The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) said it has received progress reports from the NATJOINTS on the implementations of the comprehensive approach for managing migration as announced by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa on 7 June 2026. The committee reaffirms the government’s commitment to managing irregular migration through lawful, coordinated and constitutional means.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi said Ramaphosa established this committee to oversee the execution of the five-point strategy which includes a crackdown on violations of the law and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals, securing the borders through deployment of ground sensors, satellite monitoring and drones, strengthening of the country’s migration system, closing the gaps in laws and policies and working with other countries on the continent. Kubayi said they deal with progress made in these areas in greater detail below.

She further said they are making substantial progress with the deportation and repatriation of the foreign nationals across the affected provinces. Kubayi added that over and above the work that they have been undertaking in enforcing the immigration laws, mostly through deportations from the Lindela Repatriation Centre, several countries have come forward to offer the voluntary repatriation of their respective nationals.

“Among these are Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo being the latest to make the request. As you are aware, the repatriation process is voluntary and requesting countries bear the primary responsibility for transportation cost and management of logistics in this regard.

“Under normal circumstances, the responsibility of the host country only involves verification and issuance of orders to leave. However, in certain circumstances the need does arise for financial and humanitarian assistance which is handled on a case-by-case basis,” she said.  

Kubayi said as the people might have observed from the scenes in Sherwood and Che Guevara, Durban Drive-in, eMsunduzi areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Malawian nationals’ situation had become untenable in terms of numbers and the humanitarian emergency that has arisen henceforth. She said to date (close of business – 25/06/20206), a total of 15 162 Malawian nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, and more are still undergoing the verification process for repatriation from various temporary repatriation centres in the country.

“Given the gravity of this situation and the need to expedite the deportation and repatriation of these foreign nationals, we have taken a decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Musina Refugee Reception Office in the Limpopo Province to also conduct verifications.

“We have as a result activated all logistics relating to the repatriation of foreign nationals in Musina. We will work with various stakeholders such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Red Cross, Feature Family, Musina Legal Advice Office (MLAO), Outreach foundation and Save the Children foundation to facilitate this process, including the Consul General of Malawi,” said Kubayi.

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Monna o atlholetswe dingwaga di le 12 kwa kgolegelo

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

29 Seetebosigo 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 36 wa kwa motseng wa kwa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung o atlholetswe dingwaga di le 12 kwa kgolegelong mabapi le polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng tshwarwe morago ga go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba.

Tiragalo e, e diragetse ka ngwaga wa 2024. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.

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Two suspects arrested for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

29 June 2026 – The unwavering commitment of the Namakwa District Task Team together with Springbok K9 Unit to rid communities of drugs led to the arrest of two suspects aged 25 and 28 during a targeted operation in Sundown, Okiep on 27 June 2026 at 8am. Acting on a tip-off, the police obtained a search warrant and proceeded to the identified residence.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon arrival, the police found two men and a woman inside the premises. Magerman said a thorough search was conducted, resulting in the discovery of suspected tik and quarters of mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R1 736.65.

“The suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and will appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, issued a stern warning that drug‑related activities will not be tolerated in the district and urged communities to provide information on drug activities to assist police in creating safer neighbourhoods.

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271 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: The police conducting stop and search/Supplied   

By REGINALD KANYANE

29 June 2026 – The Deputy Provincial Commissioners, District Commissioners, Senior officers together with members in collaboration with community structures and various government departments across the Northern Cape, intensified crime-fighting initiatives by leading coordinated operations throughout all five districts. The province’s zero-tolerance approach to crime resulted in the arrest of 271 suspects during week-long operations conducted from 22 until 28 June 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said during the operations, the police searched numerous premises, while 6686 individuals and 2830 vehicles were stopped and searched. Ehlers said Detectives also executed tracing operations, leading to the arrest of a number of wanted suspects who had been evading law enforcement and failing to appear in court for various offences.

“Operational activities included stop-and-searches, high-visibility patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), and roadblocks. In addition, multi-disciplinary compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recycling facilities, firearm dealerships, informal businesses, and food outlets, to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.

“As a result of these inspections, 31 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for operating in contravention of various laws and regulations. Additionally, visits were intensified at tuckshops and foreign owned businesses across the province in preparation for shutdown actions on 30 June,” she said.

Ehlers further said law enforcement called on all residents to reject violence, hate speech and actions that may cause division within communities. She added that in total, 271 suspects were arrested for offences including drug-related crimes, illegal liquor trading, property-related crimes, murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“The police also confiscated large quantities of liquor and drugs and dangerous weapons during stop-and-search operations. Several community outreaches programmes, awareness campaigns and engagements with tuckshop owners across the province were conducted in support of SAPS priorities and in anticipation of the looming 30 June shutdown.

“The Northern Cape SAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a safer environment for all residents. Law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify operations to bring criminals to justice and ensure that lawlessness finds no place in our communities,” said Ehlers.

She said the members of the public can be assured that these operations will continue to safeguard lives and protect property.

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Suspended Crime Intelligence Boss, Major General Feroz Khan shot in attempted hit

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Picture: A crime scene where Major General Feroz Khan was shot/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

29 June 2026 – The police have launched a high-level investigation following the attempted assassination on the suspended South African Crime Intelligence, Major General Feroz Khan who was critically injured in a targeted shooting in Houghton, Johannesburg on Sunday. The police said the investigation is being led by the Gauteng Hawks, Gauteng Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service.

The acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be incorporated into the investigation to ensure that every possible lead is pursued and that those responsible are brought to book. Dimpane said Khan was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission on 1 July 2026.

“While SAPS is aware of public speculation regarding the timing of the attack, it is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the Commission. Detectives will follow evidence wherever it leads.

“The South African Police Service views any attempt to intimidate, silence or attack any individual involved in judicial processes in the most serious light and any attempt to interfere with the administration of justice or the work of the commission will be met with the full might of the law,” she said.

Dimpane has condemned the attack and assured the public that no resource will be spared in identifying, tracing and arresting those responsible. She further said the SAPS remains resolute in protecting the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails.

“We would like to wish Khan a speedy recovery and our thoughts are also with his family during this period,” added Dimpane.

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