Daily Archives: July 23, 2026

Municipality did not undertake any financial obligation in respect of the funeral arrangements of the late Lesego Baikedi

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Joe Morolong Local Municipality/Facebook

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 July 2026 – The Joe Morolong Local Municipality said it has noted the concerns and allegations circulating on various platforms regarding the funeral arrangements of the late Lesego Baikedi. The municipality said it believes it is important to provide clarity on its role in this matter and to address any misunderstanding that may have arisen.

The Joe Morolong Local Municipality spokesperson, Joe Morolong Local Municipality Dineo Leutlwetse said following the severe weather conditions, heavy rainfall and flooding that affected the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, a National State of Disaster was declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002). Leutlwetse said Joe Morlong was among the municipalities hardest hit by the disaster, which resulted in widespread damage to infrastructure, disruption to communities, and the tragic loss of lives.

“The municipality once again extends its heartfelt condolences to the Baikedi family, as well as to all families who lost loved ones during this difficult period. In terms of the Disaster Management Act, municipalities are required to coordinate and support disaster response initiatives, assess the impact of disasters, and work with the relevant provincial and national structures to facilitate relief and recovery efforts.

“While the municipality plays an important coordinating role during disasters, any financial commitments relating to assistance or services must be undertaken in accordance with the applicable legislative and financial management processes,” she said.

Leutlwetse further said in this instance, the municipality did not issue any formal commitment or appoint a service provider in relation to the funeral arrangements of Baikedi. She added that it is therefore important to clarify that the municipality did not undertake any financial obligation in respect of the funeral arrangements.

“Any official municipal commitment would ordinarily be supported by the necessary approvals and formal documentation, which were not applicable in this case. The municipality appreciates the concerns expressed by members of the community and understands the sensitivity surrounding this matter. It remains committed to engaging openly with affected families and communities and to ensuring that accurate information is shared through official communication channels,” said Leutlwetse.

She said the municipality remains dedicated to serving its communities with compassion, accountability and transparency while fulfilling its responsibilities within the framework of the law. Leutlwetse said the municipality once again conveys its sincere condolences to the Baikedi family and wishes them strength and comfort during this difficult time.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Dagga worth R7.5 million seized by the police

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Dagga worth R7.5 million seized/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 July 2026 – The police in the Northern Cape together with the provincial traffic officers, continue to intensify efforts to stop the cross-border transport of drugs. This comes after a foreign national (37) was arrested and 379.3 kilograms of suspected dagga valued at more than R7 586 000 was seized during an operation at the Weigh Bridge on the N1 in Colesberg on 22 July 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said at approximately 1:50pm, the provincial traffic officials stopped a white Foton truck transporting mobile toilets after receiving a tip-off that it was being used to transport conceal dagga. Gamieldien said during the inspection, they detected a strong smell of dagga coming from one of the toilets and found a large bag inside.

“The police were called to the scene and after a thorough search, they discovered seven bulk bags wrapped in seal tape containing suspected dagga. The driver was arrested by Colesberg SAPS and charged with dealing in dagga. The truck and trailer were also confiscated. He is expected to appear in the Colesberg Magistrate’s Court soon,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the officials for their vigilance and swift response, saying the seizure shows the value of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in disrupting drug trafficking. Otola also cited that the police will continue working with partners to stop the movement of illicit drugs across provincial borders.

“The SAPS in the Northern Cape remains committed to fighting the drug trade and ensuring safer communities across the province,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAPS hosts integrated crime and violence prevention strategy

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: SAPS hosts integrated crime and violence prevention strategy/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

23 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Head Office: Organisational Development and Strategic Management hosted an Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS) work session at the Kimberley SAPS Gymnasium in the Frances Baard District on Monday. The SAPS said Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy has been identified as a national priority by the acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia during a Parliamentary briefing held on 17 February 2026.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said in response to this directive, the SAPS National Head Office: Organisational Development and Strategic Management embarked on a nationwide rollout of awareness and capacity-building sessions to outline the objectives of the Strategy and the expectations for priority police stations. Shemane said the work session was facilitated by Brigadier Sandra Pillay and Colonel Jenny Ganess from SAPS National Head Office: Organisational Development and Strategic Management.

“Among those in attendance, were the Provincial Head for Organisational Development and Strategic Management, Brigadier Merle Coghlan, the Provincial Head: Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopaledi, senior SAPS officers, Station Commanders and Detective Branch Commanders from the Frances Baard, John Taolo Gaetsewe and Namakwa Districts.

“The workshop focused on the six strategic pillars of the ICVPS, such as an effective criminal justice system, early intervention to prevent crime and violence and promote safety, victim support, effective and integrated service delivery for safety, security and violence prevention,” he said.

Shemane further said this includes crime prevention through environmental design and active public and community participation. He added that the strategy is informed by the White Paper on Safety and Security (2016), which gives effect to the vision of safe communities as articulated in the National Development Plan 2030.

Shemane said it envisions communities where people feel safe at home, at school in the workplace and in public spaces, where women can move freely without fear, and where children can play safely. He said that the ICVPS provides a framework to guide the implementation of a comprehensive, holistic and integrated approach to community safety, crime prevention and violence reduction.

“It’s further advocates for a collaborative approach involving state and non-state stakeholders across all three spheres of government to strengthen integrated planning, coordinated service delivery and meaningful partnerships with communities and civil society.

“SAPS remains committed to service excellence and continues to promote collaboration in building safer communities through proactive crime prevention initiatives, information sharing, violence prevention and community empowerment,” said Shemane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

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

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Team SA displays exceptional performance at World Spelling Bee Championship

NEWS Leave a comment

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com