By OBAKENG MAJE

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.

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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.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

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. 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

21 July 2026- Tributes continue to pour in for legendary actor, playwright, director and theatre practitioner Seputla Sebogodi who died aged 62. Born and raised in Pretoria, Sebogodi devoted his life to the arts and became one of South Africa’s most loved and respected performers. 

His career stretched over more than 40 years, during which he entertained, inspired and mentored generations of South Africans. He will forever be remembered for his iconic role as Kenneth Mashaba in Generations, a character that became part of South African television history. 

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said Sebogodi’s talent was also seen in productions such as Yizo Yizo, Scandal, Rhythm City, The River, The Republic and the internationally acclaimed film The Woman King.

McKenzie said long before television made him a household name, Sebogodi had already earned respect on the theatre stage as an actor, playwright and director. 

“He dedicated much of his career to developing young talent and telling authentic South African stories. His outstanding contribution to the industry earned him several honours, including a Shell Road to Fame Award and South African Film and Television Awards for his performances in Generations and The Republic.

“Bra Seputla was not just an actor, he was family to millions of South Africans who welcomed him into their homes for decades. Kenneth Mashaba became a legend because Seputla brought that character to life in a way that nobody else could. He opened doors for so many young artists and showed the world what South African talent looks like. We have lost one of the greatest to ever do it. We thank him for everything he gave this country. May he rest in peace,” he said.

Deputy Minister Peace Mabe shared the same sentiments. Mabe further said Bra Seputla’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched on stage, on screen and behind the scenes. Mabe added that he was a gifted storyteller, a mentor and a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. 

“We have lost a true icon and our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and the entire creative community. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture extends its deepest condolences to the Sebogodi family, his friends, colleagues and the entire South African creative sector.

“His contribution to South African arts and culture will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.

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