Monthly Archives: July 2026

PICC praised as winter initiation season concluded

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Picture: Initiation schools’ ceremony/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

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.

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Vass handover RDP houses in honour of Mandela

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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. 

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ANCYL accuses ANC RTT of flouting guidelines

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Picture: ANC logo

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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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Robert Rapelang Molale

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

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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Kgetsi ya petelelo le polao e siametse go seka

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Ogorogile John Motsoathebe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Phukwi 2026- Tsheko mo kgetsing ya petelelo le polao kgatlhanong le monna wa dingwaga di le 26, Ogorogile John Motsoathebe, e solofetswe go tshimolola kwa kgotlhatshekelo kgolo ya Bokone Bophirima. Kgetsi e, e buseditswe morago go fitlha fa Phatwe a tlhola matsatsi a le 28, go tla go utlwa ka dithulaganyo tsa tsheko. 

Go begwa fa Motsoathebe a beteletse le go bolaya mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 6, Bokao Gaseimelwe kwa motseng wa Tseoge, gaufi le Ganyesa ka di 28 Phukwi 2025. Go begwa Gaseimelwe a ne a tsamaya le mmagwe fa sejanaga se ba neng ba se palame se ne se ema kwa ntlung e rekisang nnotagi ya Hlokoloza.

Sebueledi se se setseng se rotse marapo mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone one a tlhalosa fa go begwa fa mmagwe ngwana a ile a lemoga fa mosetsanyana o a seo, mme ba tshimolola go batlana le ene. Mokgwabone are tiragalo e ke ya bosigo jwa 28 Phukwi 2025.

 “Se, se bontsha fa go nnile le itlhokomoloso ya ngwana, mme sepodisi se tlile go samagana le kgetsi eo. Re ikuela go baagi go se itseele molao mo matsogo, mme mmelaelwa ene o tshwerwe ka Labobedi.

“O lebagane le tatofatso ya petelelo le polao. O tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Ganyesa mo letsatsing la maabane. Dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di a tswelela,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Setopo sa ga Gaseimelwe se seneng se sa apara ka bontlhabongwe, se bonwe kwa ntlwana boithusetso mo letsatsing le le latelang.

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Tributes for legendary actor, Seputla Sebogodi continue to pour in

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Picture: Legendary actor, late Seputla Sebogod

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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 Thuntsha Lerole brings improved road infrastructure

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Picture: The road maintenance in Extension 4, Kgakala Township, in Leeudoringstad/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

20 July 2026 – The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has continued to improve road infrastructure in communities through its contribution to the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, with road maintenance interventions undertaken on 17 July 2026, in Kgakala Extension 4, Leeudoringstad, near Wolmaranstad.

The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said as part of the department’s service delivery programme, the road maintenance team prepared and processed the base layers for a 200-metre internal road in Kgakala Extension 4, enabling the municipality to proceed with installing block paving bricks. Mokua said the department also bladed 0.3 kilometres of internal access roads in Leeudoringstad and undertook maintenance work on a targeted 2.5kilometre stretch of roads in Kgakala Extensions 7 and 8 to improve accessibility for residents.

“The interventions form part of the department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable road network that enhances mobility, supports local economic activity and improves access to essential services. The department will continue working with municipalities and other stakeholders to deliver sustainable road infrastructure solutions that improve the daily lives of communities across the North West,” she said.

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Building on Madiba’s legacy by expanding access to water

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

20 July 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said this past weekend, they celebrated the birthday of the nation’s founding father, President Nelson Mandela. Ramaphosa said celebrating Madiba’s birthday through good works is significant because it turns their remembrance of this global icon into action.

He further said it reflects the belief that the most meaningful way to honour him is not merely to praise what he achieved, but to continue the work to which he devoted his life. Ramaphosa added that for Madiba, the freedom he fought for was not merely the right to vote.

“It was the freedom to live with dignity, to live in decent conditions and to enjoy the basic necessities of life. In honour of Madiba’s legacy, we are responding to the need to expand access to safe and reliable water to underserved communities across South Africa. We launched the National Water Access Acceleration Programme through the decentralised water supply schemes.

“This is part of one of the priorities identified in this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), to address the water crisis that is causing immense hardship for households, communities and businesses across the country. The programme was launched in Hammanskraal in Gauteng, a community that has had longstanding challenges with water access, and where lives were tragically lost three years ago due to a cholera outbreak,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as part of the programme, boreholes were handed over to the Hammanskraal community, and the Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant was officially commissioned. Similar interventions were rolled out in other parts of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. He said these include borehole drilling and groundwater development, rainwater harvesting and rehabilitating existing water supply schemes.

“The programme is intended to shorten the time between identifying a community’s need and delivering a working water supply. It will use solutions suited to local conditions rather than waiting in every instance for large, complex infrastructure projects. Expanding water access has been one of the most important achievements of our democracy.

“According to the 2022 Census, over 82% of households in the country had access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard. The proportion of households with no access to piped water more than halved between 1996 and 2022. We must acknowledge that in too many municipalities, the government has not succeeded to maintain infrastructure, to manage water services properly and to respond with sufficient urgency,” said Ramaphosa.

He said parts of the country are experiencing worsening water shortages and deteriorating water quality. Ramaphosa said in some places, ageing water infrastructure has collapsed.

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Bana ba le batlhano ba shetse mo mogwafatshe

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Bana ba le ba tlhano ba shetse mo mogwafatshe

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

20 Phukwi 2026 – Bana ba le ba tlhano ba shetse le go tlhokafalela mo mogwafatshe kwa lefelong le le sa tlhomamang la bonno la Sonderwater kwa motsesetoropong wa Ikageng, gaufi le Potchefstroom ka letsatsi la Tshipi. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse pele ga bosigo-gare.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Boiphirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme ba fitlhela mogwafatshe ono, o sentswe ke molelo. Myburgh are le ba thuso ya potlako le bone ba ile ba bilediwa kwa lefelong leo.

“Batlhankela ba thuso ya potlako (Emergency Medical Rescue Services), ba ile ba tsena mo mogwafatshe o, mme ba fitlhela ditopo tsa bana ba le batlhano tse di sheleng. Ba ile ba netefatsa fa bana bao, ba setse ba tlhokafetse. Dipatlisiso tsa go sa le gale, di shupa fa batsadi ba bana ba, e leng motho le ausi wa gagwe, ba ile ba tlogela bana ba ba le nosi morago ga go etela tulo nngwe e e gaufi.

“Ba ile ba itsisiwe ka go runya ga molelo kwa mogwafatsheng wa bone. Ba ile ba tabogela kwa lefelong leo ga mmogo le bangwe ba baagi, mme ba leka go tima molelo o. Fela ka maswabi, matsapa a bone e nnile a bophiri gonne tulo eo ga e kgone go tsamaega,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are bana ba dingwaga di le 1,7 le 9, ke ba motsadi a le mongwe fa ba dingwaga di le 1 le 8, e le ba motsadi o mongwe. Are se se tlhodileng molelo ga se itsiwe go fitlha ga jaana.

“Sepodisi se ikuela go baagi go nna kelotlhoko le go efoga go ka runya ga molelo. Baagi ba kopiwa go se tlogele kerese, setofo sa paraffin, kgotsa molelo mongwe le mongwe o tuka o le nosi. Baagi gape ba kopiwa go tima dikerese, dihitara kgotsa didiriswa tsa molelo pele ga ba ya go robala. Se beye dikerese, dihitara, kgotsa sengwe se se tukang gaufi le bolao.

“Gape, re ikuela go batsadi go se tlogele bana ba le nosi. E, ke tiragalo ya bobedi mo dibekeng di le pedi. Mo tiragalong ya ntlha, masea a le mabedi a mawelana a dikgwedi di le nne, a ile a tlhokafala kwa lefelong la bonno jo bo sa tlhomamang kwa Hashtag teng kwa motsesetoropong wa Ikageng fa kgwedi ya Phukwi e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 6. Go begwa fa masea ao, le one a shetse mo mogwafatsheng,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

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AHC builds a bridge between classrooms and communities

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Picture: The NWU’s Dale Beighle Animal Health Centre features modern facilities that support animal healthcare practical student training and veterinary services for surrounding communities/Supplied 

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU  

20 July 2026 – For many farmers and animal owners in the North West Province, access to animal healthcare can determine the health of their livestock, household income and food security. At the North West University (NWU), the Dale Beighle Animal Health Centre has become a link between academic training and community service, providing animal healthcare, while preparing graduates to serve South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Located on the Mahikeng campus, the centre provides vaccinations, surgeries, diagnostic services, disease prevention programmes and animal health outreach to surrounding communities. It also serves as a practical training facility, where animal health students gain experience before entering the workplace.

NWU’s Director of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Prof Simon Letsoalo, said these services have made the Dale Beighle Animal Health Centre a strategic community resource. Letsoalo said it strengthens livestock productivity, improves companion animal welfare, enhances public health and supports sustainable agricultural development across the North West.

He further said the centre provides primary animal healthcare to communities that have limited access to veterinary services. Letsoalo added that beyond treating livestock and companion animals, its work includes disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, parasite control, reproductive support, nutrition guidance and biosecurity advice for farmers.

“These services help reduce disease outbreaks, while supporting livestock production and rural livelihoods. Its work also contributes to public health by monitoring diseases that can spread between animals and people such as rabies and ringworm.

“This supports the one health approach, which recognises the connection between animal, human and environmental health. Healthy livestock translate directly into improved household income, food security and rural livelihoods, making the centre an important contributor to agricultural development in the province. The centre also plays a leading role in training animal health technicians,” he said.

Letsoalo said students receive practical exposure through clinical diagnosis, surgery, laboratory diagnostics, farm consultations, disease investigations and community outreach. He said the experience prepares graduates to work in government veterinary services, research institutions, the livestock industry and private practice after graduation.

“This practical training responds to South Africa’s need for skilled animal health professionals, particularly in rural and agricultural communities. Students graduate work-ready because they have already gained practical experience in diagnosing diseases, handling animals, conducting farm visits and working directly with livestock owners,” said Letsoalo.

He said this strengthens veterinary capacity, while improving services available to communities. Letsoalo said community engagement remains part of the centre’s work.

“Staff and students participate in vaccination campaigns, deworming programmes, sterilisation initiatives, animal welfare awareness campaigns and farmer education workshops. These activities extend services beyond the university campus while strengthening relationships with surrounding communities.

“Looking ahead, the university plans to strengthen animal health sciences through expanded clinical services, research and community engagement,” he said.

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