Daily Archives: November 14, 2026

Water Supply Restored at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital After Disruption

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Picture: Mafikeng Provincial Hospital

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 November 2026 – The North West Department of Health has confirmed that the water supply at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital (MPH) has been fully restored following a recent interruption that affected most areas of the healthcare facility. The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, said the disruption resulted in limited water availability across the hospital, prompting urgent interventions to minimise interruptions to essential healthcare services.

Lehari said that, following consultations with relevant stakeholders, hospital management established that the disruption was caused by low water pressure from Magalies Water, the hospital’s main water supplier.

He explained that the reduced pressure prevented the hospital’s two main water storage tanks from being adequately replenished to meet the high demand for water, particularly in the hospital wards. However, the water supply has since been restored following an emergency intervention by the Fire Department and the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, which provided additional water to the facility.

“Meanwhile, hospital management is considering permanent measures to strengthen the facility’s water storage capacity and ensure a more reliable supply. These interventions will help minimise the impact of similar disruptions on hospital operations in the future,” said Lehari.

He pointed out that the hospital’s existing water storage capacity was limited and had not kept pace with population growth over the past 58 years. Furthermore, the current water storage infrastructure serves both Mafikeng Provincial Hospital and Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, placing additional pressure on the available capacity.

Lehari said the department was exploring long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents, including refurbishing existing boreholes and procuring a water monitoring system. The proposed monitoring system will enable hospital management to continuously track water levels across all storage tanks, ensuring that available water resources are monitored and managed effectively.

“The hospital sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused to patients, visitors, healthcare workers and other stakeholders during the water supply interruption. Management wishes to extend its appreciation to everyone who contributed towards restoring the water supply, including nurses, doctors, support staff and the municipality.

“The hospital remains committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of patients while ensuring that essential healthcare services continue to be delivered to the best of its ability,” he said.

The department’s assurance comes as hospital management considers infrastructure improvements aimed at strengthening water security and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services in the future.

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Mokua to launch disability framework to promote inclusive employment in North West

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Picture: EPWP employees at work/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 November 2026 – The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua will launch the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Disability Framework on 18 November 2026, as part of efforts to promote inclusive employment opportunities and strengthen the participation of persons with disabilities in public employment programmes. Mokua said the launch aims to advance the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities by promoting equal opportunities and addressing unfair discriminatory practices in the infrastructure sector.

She further said the framework provides guidelines for mainstreaming the participation of persons with disabilities in EPWP, developing appropriate identification criteria, designing inclusive and accessible projects, and assisting public bodies to implement best practices on reasonable accommodation. Mokua added that as part of efforts to translate the framework into practical interventions, her department will also showcase its district-based Call Centre initiative, which will be exclusively managed by designated groups of persons with disabilities.

“The initiative will run for two years and will include soft-skills training as part of the empowerment interventions for eligible participants.

“The initiative is aimed at creating meaningful opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in public employment programmes while promoting their skills development and economic empowerment,” she said.

Mokua said the provincial launch will take place at the Mmabatho Parking Lot, in front of the Old Parliament Complex, in Mmabatho, starting at 9am. She said the launch seeks to advance inclusive employment opportunities and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the public employment sector.

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Disappointment as Bafana are held to a 2-2 draw

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player against Kenya/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 November 2026 – Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane could not hide his disappointment After the South African senior men’s national team was held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night. The home side appeared to be heading to a hard-fought 2-1 win until Ryan Ogam broke South African hearts when he scored the equaliser in the 89th minute to snatch a share of the spoils right at the death.

It was a hard pill to swallow for Mosimane after his charges created a litany of chances that would have been enough to win this game on another day.

“Football tells you that it is not about ball possession, it is not about how many chances you create, it is about the chances you take. Kenya showed that they did not need much to cause an upset. The few chances they got, they used them. If you want to see how many chances we missed, it was a series,” said Mosimane.

Bafana Bafana were the first to get their name on the stadium scoreboard after Amos Wanjala scored an own goal to put the hosts in the lead in the eighth minute. Kenya was awarded a penalty late in the first half and captain Michael Olunga scored from the spot to bring the visitors level in the 42nd minute.

Bafana Bafana regained the lead after Man of the Match, Relebohile Mofokeng found the back of the net in the 77th minute. The points seemed to be in the bag until Ogam’s late equaliser.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy was satisfied with the outcome.

“In the end, I think it was a deserved draw for both teams. Whoever would have won this game, I do not think that people would have been angry or say one team was lucky. Over 90 minutes, both teams had their moments, both goalkeepers performed and kept their teams in the game,” he said.

The South African senior men’s national team remains top of the group with seven points after three games, while rivals Guinea are second with six from the same number of matches. Shortly after the game, Bafana Bafana travelled to Nairobi where they will face the Kenyans in the corresponding qualifier on 17 November 2026.

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Lehari calls for early diabetes detection as World Diabetes Day is observed

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari

By STAFF REPORTER

14 November 2026 – The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, has joined millions of people across the globe in commemorating World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14 November, by calling for greater awareness, early detection and improved management of the disease.

Lehari said World Diabetes Day provides an important opportunity to highlight diabetes as a major global public health concern and to encourage collective efforts to improve its prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.

He said this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes”, places the spotlight on the importance of early diagnosis, particularly as an estimated 40% to 50% of people living with diabetes remain undiagnosed or are already experiencing complications when the condition is detected.

According to Lehari, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes and encourage people to undergo regular screening.

It also aims to promote timely treatment, comprehensive healthcare and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the condition.

“Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.

“With Type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin, while in Type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby is born,” he said.

Lehari explained that women who have experienced gestational diabetes face an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. He added that Type 2 diabetes can also sometimes be diagnosed during pregnancy.

He further highlighted the dangers of prediabetes, explaining that the condition occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.

“People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. This makes early detection and lifestyle changes particularly important,” he said.

Lehari warned that diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the kidneys, nerves, heart and eyes if left unmanaged.

He said some of the common warning signs and symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, persistent fatigue, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss.

Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing wounds or cuts, as well as recurring skin and vaginal yeast infections.

The MEC urged members of the public to take responsibility for their health by adopting healthier lifestyles and following recommended medical advice to prevent or manage the condition.

He emphasised that diabetes can be managed through regular blood glucose monitoring, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity and achieving a healthy body weight.

He also encouraged people to get sufficient sleep and consistently take their prescribed medication, including medication for managing blood pressure and cholesterol where necessary.

Lehari cautioned that poorly managed diabetes can result in severe long-term complications, significantly affecting an individual’s quality of life.

These complications include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, recurring skin infections, sexual dysfunction caused by nerve and blood vessel damage, hearing loss and, in severe cases, amputations.

He urged residents to remain informed about diabetes, recognise its warning signs and seek medical attention early rather than waiting for serious complications to develop.

As the world marks World Diabetes Day, the MEC’s message serves as a reminder that early screening, timely treatment and healthy lifestyle choices remain essential in reducing the impact of diabetes on individuals, families and communities.

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