Monthly Archives: September 2026

SAPS commemorates fallen hero, Constable Gift Mota

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Picture: The late Constable Gift Mota/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 September 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi together with the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, led the 2026 Commemoration Ceremony in honour of Constable Gift Mota (25), a South African Police Service (SAPS) fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in February 2026, while pursuing a suspect.

The event held at Police Commemoration Memorial Site, Westpol Square in Potchefstroom, was attended by men and women in blue across all ranks, including his colleagues, alongside Constable Gift Mota’s family. In her address, Tlhapi acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have lost their lives both on and off duty.

“The police officers are constantly exposed to victimisation and the dangers of living among the very criminals they pursue daily. As such, it is our collective responsibility to protect our police officers. Government must strengthen legislation to ensure the protection and safety of law enforcement officers.

“So, we convey our message of condolences to the family, noting that Mota died a hero in the service of the people of the North West. The depth of his family pain cannot be measured, nor can the void left by his passing, ever truly be filled,” she said.

Tlhapi further said such a loss leaves a wound that time may only soften, but never fully heal. She added that no amount of tribute or pension can compensate for the loss of their son and he can never be forgotten.

Tlhapi said Mota who was attached to the Visible Policing Crime Prevention Unit in Phokeng Police Station, died this year in February, while with his colleagues were chasing a suspect allegedly linked to cases of robbery and burglary at Masosobane and Raffredy Sections. She said it is reported that the suspect ran into the nearby dam and during the pursuit, Mota entered the water, where he subsequently disappeared from sight, whilst swimming behind the suspect and his body was later recovered by the SAPS diving unit.

“We continue to call on communities across the province to work with the police in the fight against crime. Our cooperation and partnership across government, citizens and the private sector must be intensified because the government alone cannot combat criminal syndicates taking place in every corner of our townships and villages.

“Communities must cooperate in providing information and identifying criminals that cause chaos and disruptions in our respective residential areas,” pleaded Tlhapi.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Adams, implored the police to continue serving the communities of the North West with pride and dignity in honour of the late Mota, who originates from Ermelo in Mpumalanga and he was transferred to Phokeng in November 2025.

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‘We must use our BRICS membership to improve the lives of our people’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 September 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said over this past weekend, they were in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, an event that cemented the pivotal role of the group in building a more inclusive global economy and world order. Ramaphosa said at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, it was decided to expand the group beyond Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He further said in addition to these five countries, BRICS now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Ramaphosa added that together, these countries account for around half of the world’s population and around a quarter of global trade.

“For South Africa, BRICS is an important platform for building political and economic ties that benefit our country and people. Through BRICS, we can help to build a fairer multilateral world order governed by international law with the United Nations at its centre.

“Through our BRICS membership, we have deepened practical cooperation in fields such as science and technology, research, education and skills development. We have led people-to-people exchange through bodies like the BRICS Youth Council, BRICS Think Tanks Council, the BRICS Network University and others,” he said.

Ramaphosa said while BRICS Summits may seem far removed from the daily lives of South Africans, the country gains a lot from its membership of the group. He said it is an important forum for investment and trade.

“More than a fifth of South Africa’s trade is with BRICS countries. As a shareholder in the New Development Bank – also known as the BRICS Bank – South Africa has been able to access development finance to support major energy, water and transportation infrastructure investments.

“Through the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, South Africa is able to access a pool of $100 billion in currency reserves in the case of a liquidity crisis. We also benefit from BRICS cooperation across areas such as health, science, agriculture and skills development,” said Ramaphosa.

He said cooperation between BRICS countries extends beyond government. Ramaphosa said a number of sectors of society participate in BRICS activities, most notably the private sector.

“While in New Delhi, we took part in the BRICS Business Forum, where heads of state, ministers and business leaders discussed how to deepen trade and investment between our countries. We used the opportunity of being in India to strengthen links between South African and Indian business.

“We already have strong ties. India is South Africa’s fourth largest trading partner. More than 150 Indian companies have invested over $10 billion in our country, creating employment for over 18 000 South Africans. A number of leading South African firms like Naspers, FirstRand Bank, Sanlam and Momentum also have significant investments in India,” he said.

Ramaphosa said building on these links, they convened the South Africa-India CEOs Roundtable with leaders from some of India’s leading firms and a number of South African companies. He said they also held a number of meetings with individual Indian companies that either want to expand existing interests in South Africa or explore new opportunities.

“The Indian companies commended South Africa for the structural transformation that is underway in the energy, logistics, telecommunications and water sectors, and the reforms being undertaken in visas, public digital infrastructure and other areas.

“We highlighted various opportunities for investment and partnership in areas such as green industrialisation, critical minerals and beneficiation, infrastructure, agriculture and the digital economy. South Africa and India have complementary resources and capabilities that when combined can create great value for both countries,” said Ramaphosa.

He said for example, India’s strengths in pharmaceuticals and health technology can support their ambition to expand the local production of medicines and vaccines. Ramaphosa said it has capabilities in information technology, financial technology and digital public infrastructure that can support the modernisation of our own systems and services.

“Our endowment of critical minerals can feed India’s fast-growing renewable energy, battery and automotive value chains, while ensuring that more of the processing of these minerals happens on South African soil.

“To turn this potential into practical partnerships, we are keen to restore direct flights between South Africa and India. We also need closer working relationships between our business chambers. Looking ahead, our priority as South Africa is to continue to use our membership of BRICS to deepen bilateral cooperation and expand trade and investment ties,” he said.

Ramaphosa said through BRICS, they will continue to add their voice to the growing call from the Global South for an inclusive world order rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity. He said they will continue to use their membership of BRICS to develop the economy and improve the lives of their people.

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DA e amogela go tshwarwa gape ga motshabi wa Rooigrond

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Lwetse 2026 – Lekoko la sepolotiki la Democratic Alliance (DA) mono Bokone Bophirima, le amogetse go tshwarwa gape ka bonako ga ga Edward Khomotso Madiba, yo o neng a tshaba kwa kgolegelo ya Rooigrond kwa Mahikeng. Lekoko la DA la re le batla dikarabo mabapi le go tshaba ga ga Madiba kwa kgolegelo e e sireletsegileng.

Moeteledipele wa DA mono Bokone Bophirima, Freddy Sonakile yo gape e leng leloko la Kwokwanotheo-molao, o lebogile setlhopa sa babatlisise sa bosetshaba, ditheo tsa tiragatso ya molao le botlhe ba ba nnileng le seabe mo go netefatseng gore Madiba o busediwa kwa kgolegelong.

“Re itumetse thata gore Madiba a tshwarwe gape pele ga mongwe a ka gobadiwa. Le fa go ntse jalo, go tshwarwa ga gagwe gape ga go fedise kgang. Jaaka DA, re tla leta diphitlhelelo tsa dipatlisiso tsa Lefapha la Kgopololo mabapi le maemo a a dikologileng go tshaba ga gagwe.

“Gape, re tla tswelela ka loeto la go netefatsa fa batshwarwa bas a ngwege kwa setheong sa kgopololo ya batshwarwa kwa Rooigrond. Tiragalo eno, e ka nna sesupo sa mathata a a anameng a a amanang le mafaratlhatlha a lefelo leo, ditsamaiso tsa pabalesego le botsamaisi,” Sonakile wa tlhalosa.

Sonakile are tiragalo eno e ka nna ya bontsha dikgwetlho tse di fetang mo go badiri ka bongwe fela, mme di akaretsa mafaratlhatlha, ditsamaiso tsa pabalesego, botsamaisi le seemo ka kakaretso sa lefelo leo. Sonakile are loeto lwa DA lwa tlhokomelo le botlhokwa segolo jang ka ntlha ya diphitlhelelo tsa sesheng tsa South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) tse di amanang le maemo le go dira ga mafelo a dikgolegelo mono Bokone Bophirima.

“Setšhaba se tshwanetswe ke go fiwa tlhaloso e e tletseng ya se se diragetseng le gore a go ne go na le diphoso tsa tsamaiso tse di nnileng le seabe mo go tshabeng ga ga Madiba. Setšhaba se tlhoka go itse go feta fela gore motshabi o tshwerwe gape. Se tlhoka dikarabo tsa gore go tlile jang gore a kgone go tshaba, gore ke mang yo o ikarabelang, gore a go ne go na le diphoso tsa tsamaiso, le gore go dirwa eng go netefatsa gore seno ga se kitla se diragala gape.

“Re tlile go dirisa maikarabelo a rona a tlhokomelo go bona gore dintlha tsotlhe di a tlhomamisiwa le gore diphoso di rarabololwa ka tshwanelo. Madiba o boetse mo kgolegelong. Jaanong dipotso tse di mabapi le Rooigrond di tshwanetse go arabiwa,” Sonakile o buile jalo.

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Setshwantsho: Motshabi wa kwa setheong sa kgopololo sa Rooigrond, Edward Khomotso Madiba

DA warns Tswaing Local Municipality as acting Municipal Manager appears in court

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Picture: Adv Lesang Cyril Lobakeng

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 September 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has warned the ANC-led Tswaing Local Municipality against continuing with “business as usual” amid serious allegations surrounding its acting municipal manager, Adv Lesang Cyril Lobakeng. DA said Lobakeng appeared in the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2026, following an investigation by the Hawks into alleged contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

DA Constituency Head for Tswaing Local Municipality and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Jóhni Steenkamp said the party had already called for Lobakeng’s immediate suspension on 21 August 2026, pending investigations into allegations of financial misconduct.

According Steenkamp, the case relates to a security contract that was initially awarded for one month at R452 000. He said the company allegedly continued providing services after the contract had expired, after which council reportedly resolved to pay more than R886 000.

“Lobakeng is accused of authorising the payment and failing to advise council that the payment would be unlawful and irregular. The allegations must still be tested through due legal process. The allegation was justified when DA raised concerns before public funds became the subject of a criminal case.

“The ANC-led administration must stop waiting for law enforcement to force its hand. Serious allegations involving senior officials require decisive action, proper investigation and accountability – not business as usual,” said Steenkamp.

He further said the DA would pursue further criminal charges, if evidence of corruption or financial misconduct was uncovered. Steenkamp added that they are finalising further matters involving alleged wrongdoing at Tswaing Local Municipality and will lay additional criminal charges with the relevant law-enforcement authorities, where the evidence warrants it.

“We also warn that no municipal official, political connection or position should place anyone above accountability. The money involved could have been used to address pressing service delivery challenges facing residents, including dry taps, deteriorating roads, failing infrastructure and unreliable basic services.

“Every rand lost through corruption, irregular expenditure or financial mismanagement is a rand that cannot be spent maintaining water infrastructure, keeping electricity networks operational or fixing roads,” he said.

Steenkamp said the DA’s Working for All Manifesto calls for municipalities to be professionally managed, public funds to be protected, procurement processes to be transparent and corruption to have consequences. He said Tswaing residents deserved to know that municipal funds were being used for the services they pay for.

“We will keep exposing wrongdoing, taking evidence to the authorities and fighting for every rand of residents’ money to be used where it belongs: delivering services to communities,” said Steenkamp.

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Storm winds leave six households affected in Dipudi

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Picture: One of the damaged houses/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 September 2026 – Six households have been affected after a severe storm accompanied by strong winds struck Dipudi Village, near Ganyesa over the weekend of 5 September 2026. The storm caused significant damage to homes, with more than six households reportedly having their structures destroyed or blown away.

Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality spokesperson, Mosimaneotsile Khumalo said five families have been left destitute. Khumalo said following the incident, the ward councillor and the municipality’s Disaster Management Unit visited the village to assess the damage and inspect the affected properties.

“The preliminary assessment confirmed structural damage to houses, the loss of household belongings and the temporary displacement of affected families. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.

“The municipality had activated its disaster response processes and was working with relevant authorities to ensure that affected families receive urgent humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Khumalo further said the priority is to make sure that families who have lost their homes have access to temporary shelter, food, blankets and other essential support while longer-term assistance is arranged. He said the matter has been escalated to the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Disaster Management Centre, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Social Development.

“Assistance for the affected families includes temporary shelter, blankets, food parcels and building materials. We also appeal to community members and other stakeholders who are able to assist to coordinate their support with the Municipal Disaster Management Unit.

“This is a difficult time for the affected families, and support from the broader community can make an important difference as they recover from the damage caused by the storm,” said Khumalo.

He said the municipality will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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Isuzu recalls 2586 RG19 bakkies over potential brake defect

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Picture: 2586 RG19 bakkie/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 September 2026 – Isuzu has recalled 2 586 RG19 bakkies in South Africa following concerns that a potential defect could affect the vehicles’ braking performance. The recall affects single-cab, double-cab and extended-cab RG19 models sold between 11 May and 3 July 2026.

The affected vehicles were also exported to several African countries, including Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Eswatini and Uganda. The recall relates to a potential problem with the brake pedal pivot pin, which may become loose.

The National Consumer Council (NCC) spokesperson, Pheto Ntaba said this could cause the brake pedal to move sideways when the brakes are applied, potentially preventing the driver from fully depressing the pedal. Ntaba said as a result, the vehicle’s braking performance may be affected, increasing the risk of an accident.

“We urge owners of affected vehicles to respond to the recall without delay. Vehicle owners should take this recall seriously because any defect that may affect braking performance can pose a significant safety risk.

“Affected owners should visit their nearest authorised Isuzu dealership for an inspection and the necessary repairs,” she said.

Ntaba further said inspection and replacement of the affected component will be carried out free of charge to consumers. She encouraged motorists to contact an authorised Isuzu dealership to establish whether their vehicle is included in the recall and to arrange the required remedial work.

“We would also like to remind motorists that addressing vehicle safety recalls promptly is essential to protecting drivers, passengers and other road users,” said Ntaba.

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North West public healthcare system in crisis as critical medication runs out

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By REGINALD KANYANE

11 September 2026 – The North West public healthcare system is facing a serious medication shortage, with patients reportedly being left without essential treatment for chronic conditions. Forum for South Africa (Forum 4 SA) has raised alarm over reports that a number of public healthcare facilities across the province are running short of critical medication, including medicines required by people living with diabetes.

The organisation said some patients are being turned away or sent home without the medication they need, while family planning medication is also reportedly unavailable at certain facilities.

The National Leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilopane said the situation was unacceptable and placed vulnerable patients at unnecessary risk. Mashilopane said patients should not have to arrive at public healthcare facilities only to be told that their essential medication is unavailable.

“People living with chronic illnesses depend on a consistent supply of medication to manage their conditions. Forum 4 SA has expressed particular concern about communities such as Madibeng, where residents already face difficulties accessing reliable public services.

“The organisation cited the case of a Madibeng patient who reportedly received only one bottle of diabetes medication for an entire month, despite the medication allegedly not being enough to last until the next collection,” he said.

Mashilopane further said this raised serious questions about medication forecasting, procurement, stock management and distribution within the provincial health system. He added that how can government expect patients to manage chronic illnesses when the health system cannot guarantee the medication they need?

“This situation requires urgent investigation and decisive action. Forum 4 SA is calling for the immediate dismissal of the North West Health MEC, Sello Lehari, as well as an urgent province-wide audit of medication availability at public healthcare facilities.

“The organisation is also demanding a full investigation into procurement, stock management and distribution failures, together with immediate intervention to ensure that diabetic patients receive enough medication for their prescribed treatment periods,” said Mashilopane .

He said they further call for the restoration of family planning medication supplies and accountability for officials responsible for persistent shortages and poor planning. Mashilopane said the public should also receive regular information about medication stock levels at clinics and hospitals.

“Healthcare is a basic service, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford private medical care. Poor and working-class communities deserve dignity, quality healthcare and reliable access to essential medication.

“We would continue to monitor the situation and supporting affected patients and communities in their calls for accountability and improved public healthcare services,” he said.

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North West Treasury strengthens SCM officials on CSD changes

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Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 September 2026 – The North West Provincial Treasury in collaboration with National Treasury, is set to host a workshop aimed at strengthening the knowledge of Supply Chain Management (SCM) officials on recent changes to the Central Supplier Database (CSD). The workshop scheduled for 9 September 2026, in Rustenburg, focused on challenges experienced by SCM officials when using the CSD, as well as recent developments and changes to the system.

The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the SCM officials from provincial government departments, public entities and municipalities in the Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipalities participated. Mosenogi said the workshop helped officials better understand the CSD and address challenges that may affect supplier administration.

“It is important for Supply Chain Management officials to remain informed about changes to the Central Supplier Database. This will strengthen their ability to resolve challenges and provide effective assistance to suppliers.

“Representatives from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the country’s four major banks also participated in the workshop,” she said.

Mosenogi further said their involvement focused on challenges relating to SARS information and banking details, including the capturing and verification of information on the CSD. She added that the workshop also provided training on the new CSD User Management Information System (MIS) introduced by the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer.

“Improving officials’ knowledge of the system could help streamline procurement processes and reduce delays affecting suppliers. Efficient supply chain management requires officials to have the necessary knowledge and skills to use these systems effectively.

“Addressing challenges on the CSD can contribute to smoother processes and improved service delivery,” she said.

Mosenogi said her department’s workshop forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen SCM practices and ensure that officials are better equipped to manage supplier-related matters efficiently.

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Picture: North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi

Big Daddy Events appointed as organiser of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival

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Picture: Mahika Mahikeng Mahika Cultural Music Festival/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

11 September 2026 – The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) has appointed Big Daddy Events as the official organiser of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival for next three years. The department announced the appointment on 7 September 2026, and advised members of the public, vendors and prospective service providers to direct enquiries relating to the festival to the appointed organiser.

The North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Wessels Morweng said the appointment would help ensure that the festival is properly coordinated and that the public receives clear and reliable information about opportunities linked to the event. Morweng said the members of the public and prospective vendors should obtain information through the appointed organiser to avoid confusion and to ensure that they receive accurate information about participation and business opportunities.

“The department does not appoint vendors or service providers for the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. So, members of the public have therefore been urged to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to represent the department in connection with vendor or service provider appointments.

“The 2026 festival programme includes several events. On 28 November 2026, the event organiser will host a Fun Walk at Mmabatho Stadium Parking, on 3 December 2026, a Gospel Festival at Mmabatho Convention Centre and a Youth Festival on 4 December 2026 at Mmabatho Stadium,” he said.

Morweng further said the event organiser will also host a Jazz Festival atMmabatho Stadium on 6 December 2026. He added that further information regarding vendors, service providers and other opportunities would be communicated by Big Daddy Events.

“The festival is an important platform for showcasing the province’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for communities and businesses. It is important that all participants use the correct channels when seeking information.

“The department encouraged the public to rely on official communication and information from the appointed organiser to avoid falling victim to scams or misleading claims,” said Morweng.

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Breaking News: Six Nigerians accused of defrauding women R100m in love scam to be extradited to USA

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 September 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks in collaboration with INTERPOL South Africa, will today facilitate the extradition of six Nigerian nationals to the United States of America (USA). The six men are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network and are wanted by the US authorities in connection with charges of wire fraud and money laundering.

The Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects are alleged to have targeted more than 100 women in the United States of America, allegedly defrauding them of more than R100 million through online romance or love scams. Mogale said among the alleged victims, were pensioners and businesspeople, who were reportedly targeted through sophisticated online relationships used to defraud them of their money.

“The six Nigerian nationals were arrested in South Africa in 2021, following a major takedown operation conducted by the Hawks/DPCI.

“Through the coordination of INTERPOL South Africa, the six will today be transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport, where they will be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service, who arrived in South Africa this morning,” she said.

Mogale further said the formal handover is expected to take place this afternoon. She added that, the extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organised crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process.

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