Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 September 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, together with the Northern Cape MEC for Women, Children, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mirriam Kibi, will be joining the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola for the presentation and release of the crime statistics for the Northern Cape for the first Quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
The event will be held at the Northern Cape Office of the Premier, T&I Building, 69 Memorial Road, Kimberley on Friday at 8am.
Picture: The acting Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Joint Portfolio Committees on Premier and Finance and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair, Nathan Oliphant/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
2 September 2026 – The North West Provincial Legislature Joint Portfolio Committees on Premier and Finance and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has urged the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to cautiously implement the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy (PDTS), which include implementation of the Broadband connectivity infrastructure and SMARTGOV projects in the North West.
The committee said this is pursuant to a follow-up oversight meeting with the department together with State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Provincial Treasury, National Treasury – Accountant General, Auditor General South Africa on the questions raised during the meeting of the 31 August 2026, on the implementation of the strategy in provincial and local government including budgets involved.
The acting Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature Joint Portfolio Committees on Premier and Finance and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affair, Nathan Oliphant said during the previous meeting of the Joint Committees, several questions were raised which include the intended participation in the City of Erkurheleni broadband roll out tender as per Section 217 of the Constitution; source of funds for the overall Digital Transformation Strategy, allocation of R15 million allocated during the 2025/26 adjustment budget for ICT Infrastructure.
“We had asked the provincial government and the National Treasury to prepare progress reports on the approvals for the procurement of the financial systems on the SmartGov project and prepayments of the ICT service providers including those mentioned at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry,” he said.
Oliphant further said committee cautioned the Office of the Premier about the reputational risk of entering into a broadband roll-out contract that had the City Of Ekurhuleni and was already mentioned in the Madlanga Commission. He added that the committee raised persistent concerns in respect of possible prepayments made to service providers made to the value of approximately R35 million as well as contracting to participate in the broadband rollout without an available budget.
“The committee awaits signed contracts and submissions made to Extech, EXCO and the Provincial Treasury. Both departments must be cautious when implementing this project.
“This committee raises no objection with SMARTGOV and the rollout of broadband, however, we are seriously concerned by what appear to be significant SCM breaches in respect of both SMARTGOV and the rollout of broadband and, equally there should be no duplication in financial systems as National treasury reserves the authority to approve such systems and they already have certain modules which now appear to be a duplication like invoice tracking,” said Oliphant.
He said the committee is considering options in respect of further investigations on issues identified.
The Director General in the Office of the Premier, Paul Mogotlhe said as part of the implementation of the digital transformation strategy and resolving broadband infrastructure challenges, the provincial government together with SITA has embarked on a benchmarking exercise across the country to establish best practices on rolling out broadband infrastructure.
“Our findings revealed that the City of Ekurhuleni had the best implementation systems that matched our standards as their infrastructure connects public spaces such as schools, clinics and municipalities but their contract with appointed service providers was ending, we never participated on it.
“The North West Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy that was approved by EXCO in October 2025 and serves as the province’s overarching framework for leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to modernize government, improve public service delivery and strengthen governance,” he said.
Mogotlhe said the strategy will be implemented in planned phases from the current financial year of 2026/27 at a cost of two-three percent of the ICT budget in the entire provincial government which involves roll-out of the broadband infrastructure. He said that the SMARTGOV Programme is the province’s flagship digital transformation initiative aimed at modernizing government administration through the automation of business processes and the implementation of integrated digital services.
“Phase 1 implementation focuses on high-impact business processes, including electronic submissions, e-leave, e-recruitment, invoice tracking, contract management and quotation management,” said Mogotlhe.
Head of Department at Provincial Treasury, Ndlela Kunene said the earmarked funds for ICT Transformation programme inclusive of SMARTGOV allocation for 2026, MTEF amount to R135 million for 2026/27, R140 million in 2027/28 and R92,7 million in 2028/29 financial years.
2 September 2026 – The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the North West said it is deeply concerned about the reported incident at Batlhaping Secondary School in Taung involving a learner allegedly directing insulting and disrespectful language towards an educator. SADTU said it is seriously disturbed by the escalating levels of learner indiscipline and the growing incidents of verbal abuse, threats, intimidation and physical attacks against educators in schools.
SADTU provincial secretary, George Themba said they cannot accept a situation where educators report for duty every day uncertain about whether they will be safe in the classroom. Themba said educators cannot be expected to perform their professional responsibilities effectively while being subjected to threats, insults, intimidation or violence.
“The safety and dignity of educators must be treated as a fundamental condition for quality education. We are particularly concerned that incidents of serious learner misconduct are sometimes allowed to continue without decisive intervention.
“Where an educator is assaulted or threatened, there must be an immediate and appropriate response. Violence against educators must never be normalised or treated as merely a disciplinary matter,” he said.
Themba further said where criminal conduct has occurred, the relevant law- enforcement agencies must be involved. He added that SADTU therefore calls on the North West Department of Education and the North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono to urgently strengthen measures aimed at protecting educators and restoring discipline in schools.
“We demand stronger implementation of school safety and learner-discipline policies, with clear consequences for serious misconduct. Immediate intervention in cases involving threats, intimidation or physical attacks against educators.
“Proper support for principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to manage serious disciplinary cases. Improved collaboration between schools, parents, the Department of Education, South African Police Services (SAPS) and other relevant stakeholders,” said Themba.
He said appropriate psychosocial and professional support for educators who experience violence or trauma in the workplace. Themba said the monitoring of schools where serious disciplinary and safety challenges have been identified.
“Greater accountability for parents and guardians who fail to support reasonable disciplinary measures or who themselves threaten and intimidate educators. A comprehensive review of measures aimed at preventing weapons, drugs and other dangerous substances from entering school premises.
“We emphasise that SADTU does not advocate for the violation of learners’ rights. Learners have rights, but rights come with responsibilities. The protection of learners cannot be interpreted in a manner that leaves educators exposed to abuse, intimidation or violence,” he said.
Themba said a balanced approach must protect everyone in the school community. He said parents also have a critical role to play.
“Schools cannot carry the responsibility for discipline alone. Parents and guardians must reinforce respect, responsibility and acceptable behaviour among learners.
“Equally, educators must continue to uphold professional standards and exercise their authority responsibly. The crisis of learner indiscipline must also be understood within the broader challenges facing education, including overcrowding, social problems, substance abuse, inadequate psychosocial services and pressure on educators,” said Themba.
He said these challenges require a whole-of-society response, rather than placing the entire burden on teachers. Themba said SADTU North West remains committed to defending the rights and interests of educators, while championing a public education system that is safe, disciplined and conducive to effective teaching and learning.
“Teaching cannot be an attractive and respected profession when educators are expected to work in unsafe environments. An attack on an educator is not only an attack on an individual—it is an attack on the teaching profession and the right of every learner to quality education.
“SADTU calls upon the Department of Education to act decisively, urgently and consistently. The time has come to move beyond statements of concern towards concrete interventions that restore discipline, protect educators and reclaim schools as safe spaces for teaching and learning,” he said.
2 September 2026 – A man (61) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for five counts of burglary of a residential house. The accused, Rapula Edwin Moatlhodi was linked to the offences through forensic evidence.
The Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said investigations established that Moatlhodi would travel from Rustenburg to Mabeskraal, break into residential properties and steal household items, which he would subsequently sell around the Rustenburg taxi rank. Mokgadi said Moatlhodi was arrested on 22 May 2026, in Bapong after he was found breaking into a house.
“He was subsequently linked through fingerprints to four additional housebreaking cases in Mabeskraal. The investigation further revealed that the accused had violated his parole conditions and had been sought by Correctional Services.
“On 28 August 2026, the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court sentenced Moatlhodi to eight years imprisonment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 District Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, applauded Detective Sergeant Unathi Tiem for the thorough investigation and effective use of forensic evidence which successfully linked the accused to multiple housebreaking cases. Ntoagae commended the detective for ensuring that the accused was brought before court and ultimately sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
2 September 2026 – A man (37) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment or alternative fine of R100 000 by the Mogwase Regional Court for attempted murder. On 7 April 2024, at Tweelagte, the accused, Henry Tsamai and the victim, were drinking with other people.
The Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi said an argument ensued when Tsamai stated that the victim had assaulted him in 2015. Mokgadi said the court heard evidence that the accused attacked the victim and later returned from a house armed with an axe and a tonfa.
“During the altercation, the victim struck the accused with a beer bottle. The accused then got into his vehicle, started the vehicle and deliberately drove over the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries, including a fractured left leg, broken ribs and an eye injury.
“The court further made no order in terms of Section 103(1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000). The accused was fined R100 000, or alternatively to 10 years imprisonment with half of the sentence suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of assault or attempted murder committed during the period of suspension,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 District Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, commended Detective Sergeant Modise Sehunoe and all the role players involved in the investigation and prosecution of the matter for their dedication and commitment in ensuring that the accused was brought to justice. Ntoagae welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are held accountable.
2 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the sentencing of a man (28) from Sesalong village to an effective 20 years imprisonment for the rape of a woman (95). The Limpopo High Court sitting in Polokwane sentenced the accused to 20 years imprisonment for rape and a further eight years imprisonment for housebreaking with intent to rape.
The NPA regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi said the court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Malabi said in addition, the court ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and that his identity be withheld to protect the victim and prevent secondary victimisation.
“The accused pleaded guilty in terms of Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Act and admitted that he knew the victim as the grandmother of his friend. The court heard that on 4 October 2025, the accused went to the victim’s homestead in Sesalong village looking for his friend.
“After finding the doors unlocked, he entered the house where the elderly woman was alone. He informed the victim that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her. When she refused, he overpowered and raped her twice before fleeing the scene,” she said.
Malabi further said the accused was apprehended by community members the following day and handed over to the police. She added that the DNA evidence subsequently linked him positively to the offence.
In aggravation of sentence, state prosecutor advocate Lerato Mohlaka, handed in a Victim Impact Statement facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Morongwe Moifo. Mohlaka said the statement revealed the profound emotional impact of the crime on the victim.
“The victim felt humiliated, disgraced and deeply disrespected, particularly because she regarded the accused as a great-grandchild. During consultations with the prosecution team, the victim expressed that the attack had profoundly affected her outlook on life and dignity.
“The state argued that the accused’s reliance on intoxication, youthfulness and remorse should not be regarded as substantial and compelling circumstances. The prosecution urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment, emphasising that elderly persons are among the most vulnerable members of society and deserve the full protection of the law,” she said.
Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga said this sentence affirms the NPA’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), particularly the most vulnerable members of our society. Thenga said crimes of this nature violate the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of victims and cannot be tolerated.
“We would like to commend Mohlaka, the investigating officer and all stakeholders involved in the successful prosecution of the matter. The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions,” she said.
Picture: Pitso Mosimane announced as new Bafana Bafana coach/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 September 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed the highly decorated Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana coach. The revered Mosimane – who has won multiple titles during an illustrious career – replaces Belgian Hugo Broos, who stepped down on 31 July 2026, after five years at the helm weeks after leading the South African senior men’s national team to the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach (he has won continental football’s biggest club title with Mamelodi Sundowns and twice with Egyptian side Al Ahly) will be joined by Kabelo Rangoaga and Musi Matlaba on the technical team. More announcements will be made in the coming days as Bafana Bafana starts to take shape.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed Mosimane back to SAFA House as he began his journey as the Bafana Bafana coach.
“For South African football and for our national team, Bafana Bafana, there are three major competitions that we will face. The first is the Africa Cup of Nations. The second, CAF will introduce a new competition called the African Nations League,” the SAFA President said.
“The old CHAN tournament will now be scrapped, but in its place, there will be a competition called the Nations League, which is a major competition and will be run over two years. We hope that we make a bid to host the final of the Nations League,” he said.
Jordaan said then finally in 2030, is the major objective for SAFA and that is the 2030 World Cup which will be held in Portugal, Spain and Morocco. He further said it’s the second time that there will be a World Cup competition on the African continent (the first was in 2010 in South Africa) and it will of course be a huge honour for us as previous hosts to participate in Africa’s second World Cup.
“Those are the main areas of focus and where we want Bafana Bafana to go. Then you of course have the COSAFA Cup which is in our view an opportunity for the next level of players to graduate into international competitions,” he added.
Mosimane: “We may come from different places, speak different languages, support rival clubs and have different aspirations or arguments, but when that national anthem plays, those differences fall away.
“And when Bafana Bafana takes to the field, we have an opportunity to make those words in the anthem, to make them real – One South Africa, behind one team. I want to thank the President (Dr Jordaan) and the leadership of SAFA for entrusting me with this big task and responsibility.”
He said he also wants to acknowledge Coach Hugo Broos, his technical team and more importantly the players who have travelled the journey with him. Mosimane said the team has made important strides and given South Africa the reason to believe again.
“We need to believe again. In doing so, it has set a new benchmark for Bafana Bafana, and we know where the benchmark is. My responsibility is to build on that foundation, to take the team forward and raise the standard even further,” he said.
Broos congratulated his successor following the confirmation of Mosimane’s appointment.
“President, congratulations to the new Bafana Bafana coach. I wish the coach and SAFA all the luck and success in the next few months,” he said from Belgium.
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said: “We believe that your achievements speak for themselves. You are without exaggeration one of the most successful coaches South Africa has ever produced. Your remarkable success in the PSL, in Egypt, in Saudi Arabia and everywhere you have gone, they speak for themselves.
“We are delighted to have you back home. The work starts now because we have an important AFCON campaign ahead of us and our preparations start immediately. Actually, as soon as yesterday.”
Mosimane has hit the ground running as Bafana Bafana open their CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 account when they host Guinea in a home qualifier on 26 September 2026. The venue will be announced in the coming days.
The South African senior men’s national team will then travel to face Eritrea away on 30 September 2026. The next AFCON tournament takes place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, and will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The coach will announce a preliminary squad in the coming days as he quickly familiarises himself with his new surroundings.
2 Lwetse 2026 – Go begwa fa badiri ba kliniki ya Manthe, gaufi le Taung, ba ile ba tlhaselwa le go shupiwa ka sethunya ke monna mongwe ka letsatsi la Lamatlhatso. Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano magareng ga baratani bangwe, mme lekau le ne la teketa lekgarebe la gagwe.
Go begwa fa lekgarebe le, ga mmogo le ba lelapa la gagwe, ba ne ba leba kwa kliniking ya selegae go ya go mo bonela kalafi. Go begwa fa monna o, a ne a sala lekgarebe le morago go ya teng kwa kliniking eo.
Go begwa fa a ile a fitlha a ntsha sethunya le go shupa badiri ba kliniki eo.
Fela sebueledi sa mokhuduthamaga wa Lefapha la Boitekanelo, Sello Lehari, e leng Tshegofatso Mothibedi, o ganeditse dipego tseno. Mothibedi are ee, ke nnete go nnile le tiragalo ya gore monna mongwe a latele lekgarebe la gagwe kwa kliniking, fela ga gona kwa a ntshitseng sethunya gone.
“Go begwa fa go nnile le ntwa magareng ga baratani ba kwa lelapeng la bone. Monna o, o ile a latela mosadi yo kwa kliniking ya selegae kwa a neng a ile go bona thuso ya kalafi gone morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo.
“Monna o, o ile a leka go tsena ka dikago tsa kliniki ka kgang, fela batlhankedi ba tshireletso ba ile ba mo thibela. Go ile ga tsoga ntwa ya mafoko magareng ga monna o le ba lelapa la mosadi o. Jaanong ga se nnete gore badiri ba rona ba ile ba shupiwa ka sethunya,” Mothibedi wa tlhalosa.
2 September 2026 – A man (22) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Carnarvon Regional Court for raping his mother (42) at their home in Vosburg on 23 November 2025. The conviction and sentence follow a thorough investigation conducted by Detective Constable Leevirne Nathalie Raaf of the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, after the case was allocated to her for further investigation.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said during the court proceedings, it emerged that while the victim was asleep, she felt someone on top of her and realised that the perpetrator was her own son. Litabe said she screamed and questioned him about his actions, prompting the accused to immediately get off her.
“The victim woke her husband, whereafter the accused suddenly got up and fled from the house. The matter was subsequently reported to the police and an investigation was launched. The accused was later arrested after DNA analysis results linked him to the incident.
“He appeared in court on several occasions, during which Raaf successfully opposed his bail application. On 28 August 2026, the Carnarvon Regional Court found the accused guilty of rape and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment,” he said.
Litabe further said the court ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Raaf for her dedication and meticulous investigative work, which contributed to securing the successful conviction and lengthy sentence. Mtukushe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains committed to implementing its Reset Agenda, which seeks to improve the effectiveness of policing, strengthen the investigation and detection of crime, and ensure that everyone in the province is and feels safe in their homes and communities.
“The combating of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a focused area for the SAPS and efforts will continue unabated beyond Women’s Month,” he said.
2 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa president, Cyril Ramaphosa said like him, many South Africans carry memories of the place of Volkswagen cars in their lives. Ramaphosa, who delivered a keynote address at in Kariega, where Volkwagen was celebrating 75 years of manufacturing in South Africa, said this brand is so woven into their culture that they sometimes have to remind themselves that VW is not a South African vehicle.
He further said as Volkswagen itself says: “It is a German brand, with a South African heart.” Ramaphosa added that on the 31st of August 1951, the first Volkswagen Beetle rolled off the production line in what was then Uitenhage.
“That moment marked the beginning of what would become the largest German investment in Southern Africa. This plant is the oldest Volkswagen manufacturing facility outside Europe. It is today the only plant in the world that manufactures the Volkswagen Polo, and the sole exporter of the Polo to Europe and the Asia‑Pacific.
“Every Polo you see outside South Africa was built right here. Close to five million vehicles have been built here – the Beetle, the Kombi, the Golf, the Jetta, the Citi Golf, the Polo and the Polo Vivo. These vehicles have been built for South Africa and for the world,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this is a remarkable achievement. He said Volkswagen has never been content simply to do business in South Africa.
“It has sought to become part of the fabric of our nation. At the height of apartheid, when it was neither easy nor popular to do so, Volkswagen was the first company in this industry to recognise black trade unions and to employ black artisans.
“Tonight, we celebrate this proud history. We celebrate generations of Volkswagen employees who have built this company. We celebrate the suppliers, dealers, organised labour and communities that have been part of this journey,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they celebrate the contribution that Volkswagen has made to Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape and the South African economy. Ramaphosa said tonight is about honouring the past, celebrating today and driving tomorrow.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the last 75 years and to look to the future. The automotive sector is one of the largest manufacturing industries in our country. It supports more than 115000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than half a million jobs across the automotive value chain.
“The industry accounts for just over 5% of our gross domestic product and reaches 155 export destinations. Vehicles manufactured by our plants reach markets across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Africa and many other parts of the world,” he said.
