Daily Archives: July 23, 2026

ANCYL in Bojanala flagged ‘rigged’ ANC councillor candidate selection processes

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

23 July 2026 – The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in Bojanala Region has raised concerns on the state of the ANC and the ongoing ANC councillor candidate selection processes across all municipalities in Bojanala. The ANCYL regional executive committee (REC) said it has noted with grave concern the allegations of manipulation, interference and undemocratic practices in the candidate selection processes across various ANC branches in Bojanala. 

According to the ANCYL Bojanala regional spokesperson, Pako Mokua, this conduct is a direct attack on the democratic character of the ANC and a betrayal of the trust placed in it by communities. Mokua said it is particularly alarming that this is happening at a time when young people, who remain largely non-aligned to narrow factional interests are voluntarily stepping forward to offer themselves for public office and community service.

“We must state categorically clear that the ANC is in a crisis of electoral decline, currently sitting at 40% nationally. What we are witnessing in Bojanala is not organisational renewal, but self-destruction. The current infighting and alleged manipulations are not a result of external infiltration. They are a self-inflicted wound intended to weaken and bury the ANC ahead of the next local government elections.

“The organisational report confirmed a disturbing and consistent pattern in branches across Bojanala, where young candidates who emerged through legitimate, democratic community processes are being systematically targeted, removed and replaced by ANC branch executive committees and certain regional deployees,” he said.

Mokua further said the REC cites, as a case in point, the unjustifiable re-run ordered in Rustenburg Sub-Region, Ward 1-Phatsima village by the ANC BEC leadership. This decision is a blatant subversion of the will of the people and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens to collapse confidence in the ANC. He added that the ANCYL condemns in the strongest terms the tendency to undermine community outcomes through rigged branch general meetings (BGMs), where membership registers are manipulated by ANC branch secretaries.

“This is an attack on the sovereignty of the branch and on the renewal agenda of the ANC. We call on all young people who were elected and endorsed in community meetings to report any acts of victimisation, removal or manipulation to us.

“The ANCYL Bojanala will closely monitor all selection processes and provide immediate political and organisational support to all young people contesting both ward and proportional representation councillors in line with the ANC’s commitment on generational mix and renewal. The REC resolved that every third name on the PR list must be a young person during the reordering process,” said Mokua.

He said this is a non-negotiable principle to guarantee the future leadership of the ANC. Mokua said any attempt to tamper with this principle will be challenged.

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Former Speaker NA, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption case to resume in court

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Former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2026 – The trial against the former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula commenced at the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Pretoria, wherein the first witness took the stand. The state has called upon its first witness, General Bantubonke Holomisa to testify as one of the complainants in this matter.

Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Mapisa-Nqakula is facing 12 counts of corruption and money laundering wherein she is accused of soliciting and receiving R4.5 million, with R2.1 million allegedly received as cash from a service provider. Mamothame said the matter was postponed to 23 July 2026, for further trial and the state is expected to call on its next witness to the stand.

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Moretele Local Municipality mayor, Geroge Manyike engages with community members during Imbizo

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Picture: Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2026 – The Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike has today hosted a community Imbizo at the Dipetlelwane Sports Ground, where he accounted to residents on the municipality’s programmes and service delivery commitments. Community members from wards 2, 3, 6, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, and surrounding areas, gathered to engage directly with Manyike, who was accompanied by Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), councillors, and senior municipal officials.

According to Manyike, the Imbizo provided residents with an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and receive updates on key municipal programmes and development initiatives. He further said the discussions focused on critical issues affecting communities such as water provision, sanitation, electricity, roads, housing, infrastructure development and local economic opportunities.

“By bringing together residents from several wards, the municipality encouraged a broader and more inclusive dialogue on matters affecting the wider Moretele community, while reinforcing the principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

“We encouraged residents to continue working closely with the municipality to improve service delivery and community development. These community engagements are an important platform for ensuring that local government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of our people. Together, we can build a better Moretele through active public participation,” he added.

Manyike said the municipality remains committed to strengthening engagement with communities through regular public participation platforms that promote transparency, responsiveness, and collaborative governance.

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Team SA displays exceptional performance at World Spelling Bee Championship

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Picture: Team SA during World Spelling Bee Championship competition/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has congratulated Team South Africa after securing a fourth place at the World Spelling Bee Championship held in Shanghai, China, from 13 to 20 July 2026. The department said among the team’s outstanding performers was a Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School, Mbulelo Tolom (13).

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said Tolom was the youngest member of the six-member Team South Africa. Motsumi said individually, Tolom achieved an impressive 6th place in the World Spelling Bee Championship.

“He competed against learners from higher grades and demonstrating exceptional spelling ability, determination and resilience on the international stage. So, we would like to commend the team’s outstanding performance on the international stage.

“This is exceptional achievement at an international level and their performance demonstrates the high quality of education provided in our schools and confirms that South African learners can compete with the very best in the world,” she said.

Motsumi further said she is also exceptionally proud of Mbulelo Tolom for achieving the 6th place overall in the World Spelling Bee Championship. She added that as the youngest member of Team South Africa, Tolom competed against learners from higher grades and from some of the best schools across the world.

“His achievement proves that one’s background does not determine one’s destination, but hard work, determination and commitment can lead to success. Tolom has shown that South African learners have the talent and confidence to compete on the global stage. He is an inspiration and a positive role model for many young people in the North West and across the country.

“Team South Africa returned home with a gold medal from the World Spelling Bee Championship after delivering an outstanding performance at the prestigious international competition,” said Motsumi.

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