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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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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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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