Picture: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 August 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that the exposed deployment of now even more insider cadres of Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader, Gayton McKenzie to key jobs in his department, shows that he is unfit to be a Minister. The DA alleges that McKenzie is not the PA’s leader when he is deploying insiders to taxpayer-funded jobs, he is meant to be the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture for all South Africans.
DA Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture, Leah Potgieter said this conduct cannot be allowed to stand. Potgieter said the DA will hold him to account in every way possible because all South Africans deserve a fair shot at opportunities, not just McKenzie’s insiders.
“Now at least 19 senior government jobs are occupied by Gayton’s own insiders, not by independent, non-political experts. Are South Africans to be excluded by McKenzie at every turn?
“The DA has long raised the alarm about his cadre deployment. PA members appointed to the previous Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) adjudication panel or leading positions at entities such as the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), Boxing South Africa, and many others, is a practice that must end,” she said.
Potgieter further said she will not let McKenzie escape the rules and the law on this disgraceful cadre deployment.
24 August 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent answers from Gamagara Local Municipality after allegedly a road contractor that received millions of rands in public funds, despite completing only a fraction of the work, disappeared. The DA said according to a Section 71 report received this week, R8.396 million was paid to Selenane in connection with the project.
DA Gamagara Local Municipality’s mayoral candidate, Henriette du Plessis said in June 2026, they raised concerns over the R15 million pothole-repair project after it emerged that work had been scheduled on roads showing little to no evidence of pothole damage. Du Plessis said to date, the contractor has only completed partial work in Hendrik van Eck Street and Frikkie Meyer Road.
“This could not have cost anywhere near R8 million. The contractor has since disappeared from the site, while the municipality has resumed filling potholes itself. The DA previously questioned the source of funding for the project, which was not included in the municipality’s budget.
“The municipality claims the money comes from disaster-response funding related to last year’s heavy rainfall. However, the municipality did not receive any disaster funding. The contractor’s apparent disappearance raises serious questions about a project already plagued by controversy,” she said.
Du Plessis further said despite the substantial payment, Gamagara has provided no clarity on the contractor’s whereabouts, the outstanding work or what steps have been taken to ensure the project is completed. She added that the DA is also still awaiting answers on why the municipality’s own road-repair team was not better capacitated to undertake the work.
“The DA has given the municipality a week to provide clear answers on the contractor’s whereabouts, the state of the project and the outstanding questions surrounding it. Should the municipality fail to provide satisfactory answers, we will consider further escalation. A DA-governed municipality will prioritise road maintenance and upgrades through better budget prioritisation and oversight.
“We will also make public procurement more transparent by requiring disclosure of all goods and services procured, including contracts awarded and contract prices. Gamagara residents deserve accountability. Every rand intended to improve local roads must be used to fix roads, not line pockets,” said du Plessis.
Picture: Warona Setsome crowned 1st Princess Little Miss Universe/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 August 2026 – A Grade 5 learner, Warona Setsome (10) from R.B. Dithupe Primary School in Welvedagt Township, near Zeerust was crowned as the 1st Princess Little Miss Universe. Warona received the prestigious title at the Little Miss Universe pageant held in the Philippines on 19 August 2026.
She only started modelling in 2025 and within a very short space of time. Warona had the opportunity to walk for international fashion shows and designers, participate in events, develop her skills as a motivational speaker to children and became a host and young public figure.
Warona’s mother and manager, Kedijang Hendrietta Setsome highlighted how she saw her daughter’s interest in modelling and supported her dream.
“What started as a young girl’s interest in modelling has grown into something much bigger. I saw her potential and decided to nurture it, supported her and gave her every opportunity to grow. As her manager, I have had the privilege of walking alongside her, prepared her and watched her develop not only as a model, but also as a confident young girl who understands the importance of using her voice and platform positively.
“The journey to Little Miss Universe was not easy. Warona became unwell during the competition, but despite not feeling her best, she showed incredible determination. She continued to participate and represented herself, her family, the North West and South Africa with grace, discipline and commitment,” she said.
Kedijang further said Warona gave every activity her absolute best and carried herself with such strength and professionalism. She added that watching her push through those difficult moments and still perform at her best, is something that made her even more proud of her.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, commended Warona for this outstanding achievement, describing it as a source of pride for her family, school, community and the North West. Mohono said Warona’s achievement is a testament to the talent, determination and potential of young people in our province.
“We are extremely proud of her for representing North West and South Africa with distinction on an international stage. Last month, we had Mbulelo Tolom from Klerksdorp, who represented the North West and the entire country in the Spelling Bee competition held in China, where he obtained 6th position.
“This achievement shows that this province has talent that can conquer the world in different areas. On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I extend our warmest congratulations to Warona,” she said.
Mohono said may this achievement inspire her to continue pursuing her dreams and encourage other young learners to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. She further congratulated Warona’s parents, teachers and everyone who supported her throughout her journey, noting that their encouragement and commitment played an important role in helping her reach this significant milestone.
“The North West Department of Education wishes Warona continued success as she carries the title of 1st Princess at Little Miss Universe and looks forward to celebrating many more achievements throughout her journey ahead,” said Mohono.
The Guardian 