Picture: SANDF participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026
By REGINALD KANYANE
22 July 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) alleged that the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s promised investigation into the alleged failure to stop Iran from participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026 has stalled. The DA said although Ramaphosa ordered that the investigation be completed within one month, he has confirmed that he has still not received the report, which is now only expected within six months.
However, DA Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh said no reason has been given for the delay. Hattingh said in January 2026, the Minister of Defence announced a Board of Inquiry and undertook that it would report within one week, but it never did.
“The investigation was then removed from the Ministry and transferred to the Presidency. On 26 February 2026, the Presidency stated that the matter had been taken over to ensure an independent and timeous investigation into the alleged failure to implement the President’s instruction regarding Iran’s participation.
“The panel was directed to report within one calendar month, subject only to an extension on compelling cause shown. This is no longer merely about a naval exercise. It is about the constitutional principle of civilian control over the military,” he said.
Hattingh further said Section 202 of the Constitution vests supreme command of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the President. He added that if his instruction was ignored, South Africans deserve to know.
“If it was not, the President should say so unequivocally. The basic command-and-control facts should have been established within days, not months. Instead, Parliament still does not know who authorised Iran’s participation, why the President’s instruction was allegedly not implemented or who is accountable.
“The DA will pursue this matter until South Africans know what happened, who was responsible and what corrective action has been taken. The authority of the Commander-in-Chief is not negotiable, civilian control of the military is not optional and accountability cannot be delayed indefinitely,” said Hattingh.
22 July 2026 – The Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) has lambasted the National Treasury’s decision to temporarily withhold the July 2026 local government equitable share (LGES) transfers to 69 municipalities. AIDC said more than a quarter of South Africa’s 257 municipalities have been affected by the decision and this will be pretentious towards service delivery.
AIDC spokesperson, Busi Mtabane said National Treasury cited “persistent and serious non-compliance” with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). Mtabane further said roughly R13.5 billion of the R110 billion 2026/27 LGES envelope was affected.
She further said since then, NT has begun releasing funds to municipalities that met its conditions, while continuing to withhold funds to others. Mtabane added that while it is necessary and urgent to address financial mismanagement and corruption, AIDC argues that this is not the only reason for financial challenges faced by the majority of municipalities in the country.
“Underlying the financial problems is an unsustainable and irrational financing model that is based on the assumption that municipalities can generate 90% of their own income. Overwhelmingly, this is meant to be achieved through service charges and tariffs. This arises from the adoption of the full cost recovery model.
“Nowhere has the full cost recovery model delivered affordable, reliable, universal basic services for the poor. Everywhere it has been applied at scale, it has produced exactly the pattern now visible in South African local government such as rising arrears, disconnections, deteriorating infrastructure and a widening gap between well-resourced and poor municipalities,” said Mtabane.
She said while not unusual, the problem of the full cost recovery model is magnified in a country defined by mass unemployment and entrenched inequality. Mtabane said raising sufficient revenue in this context is a guaranteed impossibility.
“The outcome is that most municipalities find themselves with very little funding to cover operational expenses. In such cases, withholding of funding is not only a false solution, but it also punishes the poor.
“As a result of the withholding of the equitable share transfers, many households will not receive the free basic services that they are dependent on. Furthermore, in the long term the measures taken by NT will not result in a fundamental change to the unsustainable financial situation that municipalities find themselves in,” she said.
However, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana has defended his department’s decision. Godongwana said they have temporarily withheld the equitable share transfers to selected municipalities to instill fiscal discipline and ensure that public money is properly managed.
“We doing this to ensure that unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE) is addressed and municipal officials and office-bearers are held accountable where required by law.
“The decision follows persistent and serious non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its supporting regulations, despite support provided by the National Treasury through guidance, engagement, and formal or informal communication,” he said.
Godongwana said the selected municipalities are Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Makana, Sundays River Valley, Inxuba Yethemba, Port St Johns in Eastern Cape, Mangaung, Letsemeng, Kopanong, Mohokare, Xhariep District Municipality, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Matjhabeng, Nala, Dihlabeng, Nketoana, Maluti-a-Phofung, Phumelela, Mantsopa, Ngwathe, Mafube in Free state.
He said this includes City of Johannesburg, Emfuleni, Lesedi, Sedibeng District Municipality, Merafong City and Rand West City in Gauteng and iMpendle, uMzinyathi District Municipality, Newcastle, eMadlangeni, Amajuba District Municipality, AbaQulusi, uMkhanyakude District Municipality in Kwazulu Natal.
“Affected municipalities in Limpopo are Mopani District Municipality, Musina, Thabazimbi, Modimolle-Mookgopong, Fetakgomo Tubatse and Victor Khanye, Emakhazeni, Nkomazi in Mpumalanga.
“In Northern Cape, Kamiesberg, Khâi-Ma, Ubuntu, Umsobomvu, Emthanjeni, Renosterberg, Thembelihle, Siyathemba, !Kai !Garib, Magareng, Phokwane municipalities were affected, while Madibeng, Kgetlengrivier, Tswaing, Mafikeng, Ditsobotla, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi, Mompati District Municipality, City of Matlosana, Maquassi Hills, JB Marks in North West were affected.
Godongwana said in Western Cape, Theewaterskloof, Laingsburg, and Beaufort West are affected. He said the municipalities have been given sufficient notice in writing and urged to take measures to change their financial management positions ahead of the withholding of funds.
21 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education is delighted to announce that all schools in the province have officially reopened for term three of the 2026 academic year. The department said no incidents have been reported from all areas where schools are located.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department continues to encourage parents and residents to prioritise teaching and learning by working closely with schools, ensuring that learners arrive on time every day and are prepared for their lessons. Motsumi said this term is one of the most critical academic terms of the school calendar, more especially for the class of 2026.
“Remember, preparations for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) are intensified. So, this is a critical academic term during which learners will need to demonstrate their understanding of the content covered in their subjects.
“On behalf of the entire department, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all learners back to school for term three. We are now in the most critical period of the academic year and we expect learners to demonstrate a clear understanding of the content in their various subjects,” she said.
Motsumi further said many educators have completed the syllabus and are now focusing on revision. She added that they encourage learners to work closely with their educators to address any areas they find challenging.
“They should take full advantage of this period by revising the work covered in class and seeking clarification on concepts they do not understand.
“Our target remains a 95% matric pass rate and I am confident that the Class of 2026 will rise to the occasion and help us achieve this goal,” said Motsumi.
She said her department further urges all learners to regularly attend classes, remain focused and make use of all programmes of intervention brought forward by the department.
21 July 2026 – The police in Potchefstroom request the community’s assistance in locating missing Tlotliso Miya (18), who is residing in Die Bult, Dwars Street. The police said Miya is originally from Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State and he is currently a student at North West University (Potchefstroom campus).
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said he last spoke with his father telephonically on 2 June 2026, informing him that he would be home around 19 June 2026. Skalkie said, however, he never arrived home.
“A search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted, but police could not locate him. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance. Miya is light in complexion, has a slender build body with black afro hair, a black moustache and a black beard.
“The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tlotliso Miya’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Ithuteng Legotlo on 073 034 7852. Alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” she said.
Skalkie further said anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from smart phones.
Picture: Leading from the front: MEC Madoda Sambatha on the ground during the recent FMD vaccination campaign/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
21 July 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reached a significant milestone in its fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) with more than one million animals vaccinated as part of an intensive province-wide campaign to protect livestock. The department said this will contain the outbreak and restore confidence in the livestock sector.
The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha said mass vaccination programme, which commenced in March 2026, forms part of the national intervention aimed at vaccinating the provincial cattle herd and limiting the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Sambatha said as of 19 July 2026, a total of 1 033 615 cattle had been vaccinated against FMD, making the North West one of the leading provinces in implementing the national FMD vaccination programme.
He further said this achievement places provincial vaccination coverage at approximately 74% of the estimated cattle population, with the department remaining firmly on track to achieve its target of 80% coverage by the end of August 2026, a critical threshold in establishing herd immunity. Sambatha commended veterinary professionals, animal health technicians and support teams for their dedication in reaching this importantmilestone.
“Reaching more than one million vaccinated cattle is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the commitment, professionalismand hard work of our veterinary teams, who have worked tirelessly across all four districts of the province.
“This milestone brings us closer to our goal of vaccinating at least 80% of the provincial herd by the end of August and, ultimately, every eligible animal in the province,” he said.
Sambatha added that while they celebrate this progress, they must remain focused on the work that still lies ahead. He said this is not the finish line, but it is an important step in a much longer journey towards controlling and eventually eradicating the disease.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to Veterinary Services, farmers, industry stakeholders and every individual who has contributed to the success of this campaign. The milestone should not lead to complacency as the vaccination campaign is entering a critical phase.
“This achievement does not mean that officials or farmers can relax. We have completed a significant portion of the first round of vaccinations, but once this phase is concluded, we must return to administer a second dose to all vaccinated animals” said Sambatha.
He said full protection depends on completing the vaccination schedule. Sambatha said vaccination activities are continuing in affected and high-risk areas to ensure maximum coverage and protection of the provincial herd.
“So, farmers are urged to continue adhering to strict biosecurity measures and to ensure that all eligible animals are presented for vaccination.
“The department reiterates its commitment to working closely with livestock farmers, organised agriculture, traditional leaders and allstakeholders to safeguard animal health, protect the agricultural economy and secure the future of the province’s livestock industry,” he said.
21 July 2026 – A man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder. On 27 November 2025, a man (36) was fatally stabbed during an incident in Carolusberg.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the victim was admitted to hospital for medical treatment, but sadly succumbed to his injuries on 4 December 2025. The accused, Sipheto Sobekwa was arrested on the day of the incident and remained in custody after being denied bail.
“On 9 July 2026, Sobetwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment of which three years are suspended for a period of five years on condition that he is not convicted of assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), attempted murder or murder committed during the period of suspension.
“Furthermore, in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000), the court declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Magerman further said the successful outcome is attributed to the diligent investigation conducted by Detective Sergeant Clarence Olyn and the effective prosecution led by Basil Kock. He added that their dedication and professionalism ensured that justice prevailed and brought a measure of closure to the victim’s family and the Carolusberg community.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended all those involved in securing the conviction and sentence. Andrews said this sentence sends a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated.
“We commend the investigating officer and the prosecution team for their commitment and professionalism in ensuring that justice was served. SAPS remains steadfast in its mission to protect our communities and to ensure that perpetrators of violent crime are held accountable,” he said.
21 July 2026- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has congratulated hundreds of initiates who successfully completed their sacred rite of passage on Friday, marking the official conclusion of the 2026 Winter Initiation Season. The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), approved and registered 151 initiation schools—comprising 126 male and 25 female schools—to facilitate this long-standing cultural practice, which serves as an important transition of young men and women into adulthood.
Molapisi said they once again commend the PICC for the successful conclusion of another initiation season. He further said the committee continues to safeguard this important cultural practice against individuals who refuse to comply with the law and seek to commercialise a sacred tradition for personal gain.
“We are encouraged that hundreds of initiates have returned home safely to their families. The successful conclusion of the season was achieved despite several challenges encountered during monitoring operations. A total of 18 illegal initiation schools were shut down, while more than 200 initiates were rescued and removed from unsafe environments.
“In addition, 18 criminal cases relating to alleged contraventions of the Customary Initiation Act were opened at various police stations across the province. Regrettably, six initiation-related fatalities were recorded during the season. This includes two deaths at illegal initiation schools in Khuma Township near Stilfontein and Majemantsho village near Mahikeng, respectively, as well as four deaths at legally registered initiation schools across the province,” added Molapisi.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the six initiates who lost their lives. Molapisi reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening measures aimed at preventing further loss of life.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these six young lives. Our commitment to achieving zero initiation-related deaths remains unwavering. Together with all stakeholders, we will strengthen our monitoring, enforcement and awareness initiatives to ensure that every initiation season is safer than the last.
“We also call upon the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to support efforts to eradicate illegal initiation schools by ensuring the successful prosecution and conviction of repeat offenders. Those who continue to undermine this sacred cultural practice through unlawful activities must face the full might of the law,” he said.
Molapisi further called on all stakeholders, particularly parents, community members, traditional leaders and initiation practitioners, to play an active role in protecting initiates. He urged communities to participate in awareness campaigns, ensure that initiation schools are properly registered, encourage medical screening of prospective initiates, publicise approved initiation schools and promptly report any suspected illegal initiation activities to the relevant authorities.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for COGHSTA, Bentley Vass handing over RDP houses/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
21 July 2026- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass officially handed over 25 completed RDP houses to local beneficiaries at the Calvinia 200 Housing Project 20 July 2026. Vass said the Calvinia 200 Housing Project forms part of the provincial government’s broader One Billion Rand Housing Project aimed at tackling the Northern Cape’s housing backlog.
He further said with this latest handover, 151 out of 200 houses (75%) have now been delivered to beneficiaries in Calvinia. Vass added that the remaining houses are currently at various stages of construction and scheduled for completion and handover by the end of September 2026.
“To protect the infrastructure from potential vandalism, the department adheres to a policy of handing over houses immediately upon completion, while construction continues on remaining units. The handover aligns with the department’s Nelson Mandela Month commemorations. This week, as per the announcement I made at the start of July, we are continuing the handover completed houses across the province in honour of Nelson Mandela Month.
“Our plan as the department is to handover a total of 108 houses to beneficiaries across all five districts during July, commemorating what would have been the 108th anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela’s birth. Following the Calvinia ceremony, the department’s housing handover drive will continue later this week with visits to the Nama-Khoi and Khâi-Ma local municipalities,” he said.
Vass also planted trees at the completed houses as part of the greening and beautification of the project sites.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Gertruida Isaks (63) who received the keys to her new brick-and-mortar home, marks the end of a 15-year wait. Isaks said moving out of a temporary zinc structure is a great moment.
“I would like to express deep gratitude for a permanent home that provides security to my family against the harsh Namakwa weather conditions,” she said.
21 July 2026- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region has accused the ANC Regional Task Team of flouting the organisation’s guidelines and sidelining it in the process. The ANCYL in the region alleged that organisational decisions and political programmes appear to be administered with limited consultation of constitutional structures.
The ANCYL regional secretary, Kagiso Kgabo said this behaviour weakens organisational cohesion and confidence among the members. Kgabo said they have observed with growing concern regarding the current organisational environment within the ANC across their region.
“As the democratically elected leadership of the ANCYL, we believe it is our revolutionary responsibility to speak whenever the organisational integrity of our movement is placed under strain. The ANCYL remains unwavering in its commitment to the unity, renewal and electoral success of the ANC.
“It is because of this commitment that we cannot remain silent while organisational practices increasingly depart from the principles of collective leadership, consultation, transparency and internal democracy that have defined the ANC throughout its proud history,” he said.
Kgabo alleged that on 7 July 2026, they formally requested an urgent engagement with the ANC Regional Task Team to introduce the newly-elected ANCYL leadership, but they were met with refusal. He said the continued refusal to engage the elected leadership of the ANCYL reflects a worrying deterioration in organisational relations and undermines one of the ANC’s most important constitutional components.
“The ANCYL is deeply concerned by its continued exclusion from strategic organisational processes, including Regional Interview and Vetting Panel (RIVP) processes, political deployments and other activities directly linked to the 2026 Local Government Elections. The ANCYL cannot be expected to mobilise communities, defend the organisation and campaign for the ANC, while simultaneously being excluded from processes that determine the political future of the movement.
“The ANCYL is not merely an election campaign structure. It is the political school of the ANC and has historically produced generations of leaders who continue to serve the movement with distinction. The ANCYL has observed an increasing departure from the ANC’s long-established tradition of collective leadership,” said Kgabo.
He further said the ANC has never been built on unilateral decision-making. Kgabo added that it has always been strengthened through consultation, accountability and collective leadership.
However, ANC RTT coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola refuted the allegations and described them as absurd. Mabogola said the newly-elected ANCYL regional structure is being ‘weaponised’.
“The ANCYL structure refused to execute a mandate. So, what they are saying is hogwash. How can they say they are being sidelined while they refused to take a mandate? That structure is being used as a weapon by individuals to sow divisions. So, we deny the allegations in contempt they deserve,” he concluded.
21 Phukwi 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa ba le supa e leng Flora Mogwera (66), Tshwaro Katong (53), Mosimanegape Gabonewe (55), Victor Maphasane (63), Tekoetsile Katong (63), Losilatau Charles Sakiele (58) ga mmogo le Mompati Mocumi (62), e buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Phatwe e tlhola matsatsi a le 17. Balatofadiwa ba, ba ile ba tshwarwa kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya monna wa kwa motseng wa Mothanthanyaneng, Robert Rapelang Molale morago ga go molatofatsa ka bogodu jwa leruo.
Go begwa fa Molale a ile a teketwa le go tsenngwa mo metsing kwa molapong ka kgwedi ya Sedimonthole 2025. Go begwa fa Molale a ile a tlhokafala morago ga moo.
Go dumelwa fa dinku tse di utswitsweng ele tsa molatofadiwa, Flora Mogwera (66).
Kgabagare, balatofadiwa botlhe ba neetswe beile ya R500 mongwe le mongwe.
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