By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
19 August 2026 – The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) said it condemns in the strongest terms the improper and unauthorised use of its intellectual property by any individual, entity or collective. The department said it reserves the right to take appropriate legal action to protect its good name and symbols from being used for dubious purposes.
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said an electronic poster currently circulating on social media, calling for a meeting to discuss Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, gives the impression that it has the support of the organisers of Mahika Mahikeng, that being ACSR. Sebolecwe said the department calls on the organiser(s) of the meeting to retract the poster using the Mahika Mahikeng logo and desist from doing so in the future.
“ACSR enjoys the protection of the law and that includes the protection of its logos or name(s). The organiser(s) of the meeting do not have the authorisation to use the Mahika Mahikeng logo and are therefore transgressing the law.
“The department will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone or entity using any of its Intellectual Property and Trademarks in an improper manner. We therefore distance ourselves from such a meeting and urge members of the public not to be misled,” he said.
Sebolecwe further said they warn members of the public to respect state property, intellectual or otherwise.
The Guardian 