Daily Archives: July 15, 2026

Volkswagen’s Global Restructuring A Wake-Up Call

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Picture: Volkswagen plant in South Africa/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff has expressed serious concerns following reports that Volkswagen is considering one of the largest corporate restructurings in the history of the global automotive industry with as many as 100 000 positions reportedly under review worldwide. Boshoff said while no decisions affecting Volkswagen South Africa have been announced, these developments serve as a stark reminder that South Africa cannot afford to become complacent in an increasingly competitive global manufacturing environment.

“The reality is that every country is competing aggressively to retain automotive investment. South Africa cannot simply assume that future production lines and new model allocations will come our way. We have to earn them by creating an environment where manufacturers can compete successfully.

“The pressures facing Volkswagen, including rising production costs, shrinking profit margins on electric vehicles, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and global trade tensions, are challenges confronting the automotive industry worldwide,” she said.

Boshoff further said the automotive sector remains one of South Africa’s most strategic industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, component suppliers, logistics, dealerships and small businesses. She added that any weakening of this sector would have consequences that extend far beyond the factory floor.

“We call on government to treat the latest developments as an urgent reminder to accelerate reforms aimed at strengthening South Africa’s investment competitiveness. We need policy certainty, reliable electricity, efficient ports and rail infrastructure, reduced regulatory burdens and the rapid implementation of measures that position South Africa to remain a preferred destination for automotive investment.

“South Africa should use this moment to reassess whether current industrial policies are sufficiently competitive in an era where investment decisions are increasingly influenced by speed, flexibility and the cost of doing business,” said Boshoff.

She said the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) should become genuine engines of competitiveness by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, streamlining approvals and creating conditions that encourage investment, innovation and job creation. Boshoff said as global manufacturers rethink where they invest, South Africa must ensure it is among the most attractive destinations.

“So, we urge all stakeholders, including government, organised labour and industry, to work together to safeguard one of the country’s most important economic sectors. Every automotive investment secured in South Africa protects livelihoods, strengthens local supply chains and contributes to economic growth.

“We cannot wait until jobs are under threat before we act. The time to strengthen our competitiveness is now,” she said.

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Police looking for missing Angelo Albino Gulela

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Picture: A missing person, Angelo Albino Gulela/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2026 – The police in Rustenburg request the community’s assistance in locating Angelo Albino Gulela (65) from Kroondal in Rustenburg. The police said Gulela was last seen on Sunday,17 May 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around the surrounding areas. Bobelo said it is unknown what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance.

“Gulela is dark in complexion with a heavy built body and has a black moustache and beard. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Gulela’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Thandeka Mosiane on 082 772 4265.

“Alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” he said.

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ANC councillor nabbed for alleged stolen cables

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Picture: Cable theft/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 July 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes reports that an ANC councillor serving in Nama Khoi Municipality, together with two other individuals, was arrested by the police in Garies after they were allegedly found in possession of suspected stolen copper and aluminium cables yesterday. The DA said infrastructure theft, particularly cable and metal theft, continues to disrupt essential municipal services across Nama Khoi and places an unnecessary burden on already strained municipal resources.

DA Caucus leader of Nama Khoi, Rodney Kritzinger said just last night, copper water meters were stolen in Springbok and surrounding areas. Kritzinger said previous theft of Eskom electricity cables has also caused prolonged power outages in Steinkopf, Buffelsrivier and Komaggas, severely impacting residents and businesses.

“During the current term, Nama Khoi Municipality took important steps to protect critical infrastructure by installing surveillance cameras at key sites. However, recent service interruptions have also been linked to deliberate sabotage, including tampering with transformers and electrical infrastructure.

“Given the seriousness of these allegations and the significant cost of infrastructure crime to communities and taxpayers, the DA calls on the ANC to immediately suspend the councillor, who is expected to appear in court on Thursday,” he said.

Kritzinger further said councillors swear an oath to uphold the constitution and serve their communities with integrity. He added that allegations of this nature are deeply concerning and undermine the trust residents place in their elected representatives.

“The DA will continue working with all stakeholders to combat infrastructure theft, dismantle organised criminal syndicates, and root out corruption. We urge residents to report any suspicious activity or incidents of infrastructure theft to SAPS or the municipality so that those responsible can be caught and brought to justice,” said Kritzinger.

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Chairperson: “Ad Committee yet to complete its report”

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Soviet Lekganyane

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate the allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Soviet Lekganyane, has noted with concern misleading viral reports on several media platforms alleging that the committee has “exonerated”/”cleared” various individuals of wrongdoing. Lekganyane dismisses these reports as premature, irrational and gullible.

He further said he wishes to place on record that while the committee has begun deliberations on the draft preliminary report, no conclusion has been made. Lekganyane added that during its meeting yesterday, the committee considered inputs from its members on the second draft preliminary report, which was significantly enriched by the members.

“The third draft preliminary report may be available for further deliberations by next week.  The committee’s adoption of the report will only happen two or more weeks after it has been shared with affected parties.

“The media commentary is akin to putting the cart before the horse based on a draft preliminary report that is subject to deliberations. Though members of the committee are in agreement with most of the contents of the report, there are equally varying findings and recommendations that have to be incorporated into the report for further deliberations,” he said.

Lekganyane appealed to members of the public to have confidence in the committee and in parliament to act in their best interests in the quest to safeguard South Africa’s criminal justice system and to ensure robust oversight is conducted. He said once the committee has concluded its processes, the Speaker of the National Assembly will inform the public accordingly.

“We further appeal to the public to exercise restraint and patience while the committee completes its work. We urge the public to trust the process and their elected representatives to make determinations that are evidence-based, impartial and judicious,” said Lekganyane.

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North West Media Awards nominees announced   

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Picture: Attendees at NWMA gala dinner/Generic 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2026 – The North West Media Awards (NWMA) said it is proud to announce the official nominees for the 2026 North West Media Awards following an overwhelming response from the province’s media and communications sector. NWMA organisers said this year, the awards received more than 600 nominations from which 180 nominees have been selected to compete across 18 categories celebrating excellence in journalism, broadcasting, communications, digital media and content creation.

The founder and organiser of the NWMA, Ananias Ndlovu said the 2026 awards also introduce two exciting new categories such as Podcast of the Year and Videographer of the Year. Ndlovu said these categories recognise the growing influence of digital storytelling and multimedia content in today’s media landscape.

“The nominees represent a wide range of media organisations, including community newspapers, radio stations, television broadcasters, online media platforms, government communication units and independent content creators from across the North West.

“So, we would like to congratulate all nominees and thank everyone who participated in this year’s nomination process. Congratulations to every nominee on your outstanding achievement. Being nominated is recognition of your hard work, professionalism and commitment to informing and serving our communities,” he said.

Ndlovu further said they are encouraged by the quality and diversity of entries received this year. He added that they would like to thank every journalist, communicator, radio presenter, producer, photographer, videographer, podcaster, newsroom, media house and organisation that submitted nominations.

“Your continued support has helped grow the North West Media Awards into one of the province’s most respected platforms for recognising media excellence. We are also excited to introduce the Podcast of the Year and Videographer of the Year categories, reflecting the continued evolution of the media industry and recognising excellence in digital storytelling.

“The awards now move into the next phase, where nominees will receive acceptance forms and judging guidelines. Public voting and judging will take place in accordance with the official 2026 awards programme before the winners are announced at the prestigious North West Media Awards Gala Ceremony, which will be held on 10 December 2026, at the Sun City Resort near Rustenburg,” said Ndlovu.

He said the North West Media Awards remains committed to recognising excellence, promoting ethical journalism and celebrating the important role the media plays in strengthening democracy and informing communities across the province.

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School winter camps underway

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Picture: A Grade 12 learner during winter camp/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has launched Winter Camps across the province as part of its ongoing efforts to improve Grade 12 learners’ performance in the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. A total of 131 winter camps are being hosted during the winter school holidays, comprising 117 residential camps and 14 walk-in camps.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said these camps are expected to benefit approximately 35 943 Grade 12 learners from across the province. Motsumi said in 117 residential camps, candidates reside full-time at the camp to guarantee high discipline, complete focus and continuous tutoring access.

“Learners have been given rules of the camp that they should obey and parents have also signed the commitment thereof. The department has created structured day-intervention points for learners where non-residential access is logistically more practical or preferred.

“The primary objective for the winter camps is to help struggling candidates break through key mental roadblocks to comfortably secure good/passing grades at the end of the year. General revision is replaced by highly intensive deep dives into high-weight, complex topics inside core gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Accounting,” she said.

Motsumi emphasised that the winter camps it’s a strategy aimed at providing support and revision to the Learners. She further said the winter camps provide learners with intensive academic support, revision sessions and examination preparation in key subjects to strengthen their readiness for the final matric examinations.

“They provide a general revision and these interventions operate as highly coordinated, syllabus-focused and targeted academic exercises designed to lift our provincial matric results to greater heights.

“The department has prioritised safety in all the camps. A Provincial Rapid Response Team (PRRT) composed of officials from different units has been established to monitor issues of safety above the security personnel appointed in all the camps,” added Motsumi.

She said they are pleading with the general community to support learners who are in the camps by giving them a peaceful moment. Motsumi said the winter camp programme commenced on 26 June 2026, during the winter vacation and will conclude on 19 July 2026.

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Cleaning campaign in honour of Madiba

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Picture: The late Dr Nelson Mandela 

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2026 – As South Africa prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of its revered leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africans are reminded of one of the inspiring quotes widely attributed to him: “It always seems impossible until it is done”. Inspired by this spirit, the Nchafatso ya Ga-Rankuwa Community Initiative is organising another Letsema community clean-up campaign as part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations.

Nchafatso ya Ga-Rankuwa Community Initiative spokesperson, Otsile Pelo said this initiative follows the successful Youth Day project held on 16 June 2026, during which community members came together to clean an unused open space in Ward 31, Zone 4, near the mountain range. Pelo said the neglected site had become a threat to the health, safety and well-being of residents.

“The Mandela Day clean-up campaign forms part of a broader vision to facilitate the adoption of the site by the community, in partnership with the City of Tshwane Municipality. The aim is to transform the area into a safe recreational and social space that can be enjoyed by residents for generations to come.

“The site has previously been associated with criminal activity and neglect, posing a significant safety risk to surrounding residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly,” he said.

Pelo further said through this initiative, the community seeks to reclaim and restore the space while promoting safety, environmental responsibility, and social cohesion. He added that this initiative is about more than cleaning a piece of land—it is about fostering a sense of ownership, active citizenship, and community pride.

“As the saying goes: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. This sentiment resonates strongly with the Setswana proverb, Kopano ke maatla (Unity is strength). The initiative has already demonstrated the positive impact of collective action. Through the active participation of residents and the support of the City of Tshwane Municipality, significant progress has been made.

“Most recently, the installation of a high-mast light has greatly improved visibility in the area, enhancing safety and helping to deter criminal activity. The growing sense of pride among community members continues to inspire greater participation in maintaining clean, safe and welcoming public spaces,” said Pelo.

He said the residents are encouraged to join the Mandela Day Letsema campaign as they honour the legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Pelo said as Nelson Mandela reminded them that, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”

“Creating a better world begins with caring for our own environment and working together to build stronger, safer, and more united communities. Let us continue to work together towards the better society envisioned by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” he said.

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Grade 7 learner participate in spelling competition in China

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Picture: Grade 7 learner, Mbulelo Tolom/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education extends its heartfelt best wishes to Team South Africa as they prepare to represent the nation at the Spelling Bee World Cup taking place in Shanghai, China from 13 to 20 July 2026. The department is especially proud of a Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School, Mbulelo Tolom (12), who has earned a place in the national team.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said Tolom is one of six outstanding learners who will proudly represent South Africa on the global stage, showcasing their exceptional spelling abilities and academic excellence. Motsumi said last year, Tolom won the 2025 South African National Spelling Bee Finals held in Sun City.

She further said by winning the national title, he earned the opportunity to represent South Africa at the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition, which was held in Zimbabwe. Motsumi added that Team South Africa won the first position, followed by Nigeria in second and Zimbabwe in third.

“The participants in the competition won the spelling competition from School, Cluster, Local Education Area, District and National level. The Spelling Bee Competition promotes literacy, reading, language skills, and academic excellence among learners.

“We wish Team South Africa every success as they prepare to compete at the Spelling Bee World Cup. On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I would like to wish Team South Africa the very best as they compete at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” she said.

Motsumi said she encourages their learners to remain calm, confident and believe in their abilities. She said this is their moment to demonstrate to the world that South Africa is home to some of the finest young spellers.

“Their achievement is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers, who continue to provide quality education and nurture excellence in our schools. We are proud of you and wish you every success. Go and make South Africa proud.

“The department wishes Tolom, his teammates, and the entire Team South Africa every success as they compete against the world’s best young spellers. May this experience be rewarding, inspiring, and filled with memorable achievements.

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Morweng calls on scholar transport operators to comply ahead of reopening of schools

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

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has encouraged all contracted scholar transport operators to bring their vehicles for verification and inspection process. The department said this is to ensure that all applicable legislation and contractual obligations have been abided by and complied with, before the schools’ commencement for the Third Term of the academic year on 21 July 2026. 

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said in line with stringent measures to ensure leaner safety, his department has begun a process of conducting a compulsory inspection and verification process for all leaner transport buses. Morweng said all contracted operators had been informed of the process, but not all brought their vehicles for inspection.

“The inspections will focus on roadworthiness, safety requirements, authenticating the number of vehicles deployed per route and confirming the validity of operating licenses amongst others. Of concern is that 558 operators have not as yet submitted the required documentation as part of the inspection. 

“Operators are advised that as per the Service Level Agreement, (SLA), a vehicle which has failed inspection or has not been verified, will not be permitted to provide scholar transport services. No payment will be processed for services rendered with non-compliant vehicles,” he said.

Morweng further said his department wishes to once again reiterate that learner safety will not be compromised and as has happened before, the contract of any non-complying service provider will be terminated as detailed in SLA. He added that operators are therefore implored to present their vehicles at various Vehicle Testing Stations (VTS) between 8am and 4:30pm for inspection and verification.

“They can go to Bapong T.C.C (VTS), Mogwase (VTS), Madikwe (VTS), Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, JB Marks Local Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality (VTS), Ditsobotla Local Municipality (VTS), Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality (VTS), Ganyesa (VTS), Taung (VTS) and Vryburg (Naledi Local Municipality).

“The verification and inspection process period ends on 17 July 2026,” said Morweng.

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Molapisi to unveil housing projects worth over R62 million  

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Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2026 – In an effort to accelerate housing delivery in the province, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi will on 16 July 2026, unveil two housing projects worth over R62 million in THE Greater Taung and Naledi Local municipalities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Molapisi will introduce the two contractors appointed to implement these projects to the councillors in both the municipalities.

He further said the Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality will deliver 216 housing units, while the Geduldspan project in the Naledi Local Municipality will deliver 40 new housing units and the completion of 69 units which were left incomplete by the previous contractor. Molapisis added that both projects, valued at R62 million are expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Molapisi will be accompanied by the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe, Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Cllr Clifton Groep and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana in Taung.

Part A of the event will take place at Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana Community Hall in Taung on 16 July 2026 at 11am, while Part B of the programme will take place at Naledi Local Municipality Council Chamber in Vryburg at 3pm.

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