23 June 2026 – A man was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Kenhardt District Court for theft out of motor vehicle. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred between 17 and 20 March 2023.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the complainant had parked his vehicle and found everything to be in order. Shemane said upon returning to the vehicle on Monday morning to go to work, he discovered that it had been broken into.
“Further inspection revealed that a jack and spare wheel, valued at R2 500, had been stolen. A case was opened with the police and fingerprints lifted from the vehicle were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.
“The results positively linked the accused, Cameron Congo (27) to the crime, leading to his arrest. Congo was subsequently charged with theft out of a motor vehicle and was ultimately convicted and sentenced on 17 June 2026,” he said.
Shemane further said the accused was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. He added that the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management welcomed the conviction and sentence handed down to the accused.
“They also aapplauded Detective Constable Charlton Januarie of the Kenhardt Detectives for his dedication and commitment during the investigation, which culminated in the successful incarceration of the offender,” added Shemane.
23 June 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will table the Office of the Premier’s 2026/27 Budget Vote and Policy Speech on Friday at the North West Provincial Legislature. The Budget Vote and Policy Speech is expected to outline the Office’s strategic priorities and planned interventions for the 2026/27 financial year, as well as measures aimed at strengthening coordination of service delivery, enhancing good governance and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
Mokgosi is also expected to reaffirm the Office’s commitment to empowering youth, women and persons with disabilities through programmes that are aimed at enhancing skills development, creating employment opportunities and promoting inclusive socio-economic participation.
The Office of the Premier Budget Vote and Policy Speech will be delivered at the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Friday at 9am.
Picture: North West University (NWU) Political Science and International Relations lecturer, Dr Naledi Modise/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 June 2026 – South Africa’s voter turnout has been falling for more than two decades even as the country’s electoral system was designed to broaden political participation. The new research by the North West University (NWU) Political Science and International Relations lecturer, Dr Naledi Modise, suggests that the decline is not only a matter of voter attitudes, but also a consequence of how the country’s electoral institution’s function.
In her doctoral study, Modise examined the influence of South Africa’s electoral system and electoral laws on voter turnout between 1999 and 2019. She further said using existing literature, Human Sciences Research Council Voter Participation Survey data and Afrobarometer survey data, she found that decreasing participation is the result of a combination of institutional and attitudinal factors.
“The study addresses a gap in South African electoral research, which has traditionally focused on socio-economic and demographic explanations for voter behaviour, while paying limited attention to the role of electoral institutions such as electoral laws and electoral system.
“Our understanding of voter turnout cannot be limited to socio-economic factors alone. Electoral institutions shape how citizens experience democracy and whether they believe participation in elections can influence political outcomes,” added Modise.
She found that the structure of the party system has played a significant role. Modise said proportional representation systems are often associated with higher voter turnout because they encourage multiparty competition, but the South African experience tells a different story.
“Prior to 2024, although the country had over 500 registered political parties, the electoral system produced prolonged one-party dominance. In South Africa, the dominance of a single party has shaped voter perceptions and contributed to declining engagement in the electoral process.
“The study argues that one-party dominance weakened accountability and contributed to dissatisfaction with governance. As concerns about service delivery, unemployment, poverty and inequality persisted, levels of voter apathy and disillusionment increased,” she said.
Modise said another key finding relates to voter efficacy – the belief that an individual’s vote can make a difference. She said the research found evidence of declining voter efficacy during the period under review, accompanied by growing uncertainty among voters about the value of participating in elections.
“The research points to a relationship between institutions and attitudes. When voters question whether their participation matters, turnout is likely to decline regardless of the opportunities available within the electoral system.
“The study also examined electoral laws and found that certain legal mechanisms, including the voters’ roll and provisions for special votes, played a direct role in supporting voter participation. Other legislative changes, however, had limited impact on turnout levels,” said Modise.
She said turnout levels such as reforms to party registration requirements, campaign finance regulations, and the administration of elections by the Independent Electoral Commission, which improved the management and transparency of elections but did not substantially increase voter turnout. Modise concludes that voter turnout in South Africa cannot be explained through a single lens.
“Instead, it reflects the interaction between electoral institutions and voter attitudes, offering a broader framework for understanding democratic participation in the country,” she said.
23 June 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Kathu Regional Court for rape, sexual grooming of a minor and creation or manufacture of child pornography material. The accused was convicted after being linked to the rape and sexual grooming of a victim (10) in Kathu, near Kuruman in February 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the offences came to light on 16 February 2025, when the accused lent his cell phone to a witness. Litabe said while using the device, the witness discovered photographs and videos depicting the accused having sexual intercourse with the victim.
“The witness immediately reported the matter to the victim’s mother, who subsequently informed the police. Following the registration of the case at Siyathemba Police Station, the investigation was assigned to Detective Constable Bele.
“Through diligent investigative work and the gathering of substantial evidence, he secured the arrest of the suspect three days later. The accused appeared in court on several occasions and remained in custody throughout the proceedings after his bail application was successfully opposed,” he said.
Litabe further said the Kathu Regional Court ultimately found the accused guilty and imposed a 25 years imprisonment for rape, of which five years are suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of a similar offence committed during the period of suspension. He added that the accused was also sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for sexual grooming of a minor and 10 years imprisonment for creation or manufacture of child pornography material.
“The sentences imposed on counts 2 and 3 will run concurrently with the sentence imposed in count 1. The court further ordered that the accused’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Litabe.
Meanwhile, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, praised Bele for his dedication and hard work in ensuring that justice was served. Baloyi cited that he hopes that the conviction and sentence would serve as a strong deterrent to individuals who prey on vulnerable children and commit crimes against minors.
Picture: Dilapidating Mothelesi Primary School in Shaleng/Facebook
By OBAKENG MAJE
23 June 2026 – There is growing concern regarding infrastructure deficiencies at Mothelesi Primary School in Shaleng village, near Taung. The poor safety conditions were found to be detrimental to teaching and learning at the school.
The School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Sinah Gaoagwe raised concerns and highlighted the urgent need for attention to school infrastructure. According to Gaoagwe, the situation at Mothelesi Primary School hinders learners and teachers’ effectiveness in teaching and learning.
“As the SGB chairperson at the school, I can attest that the building is dilapidating. So, I am seeking any advice on how to deal with this matter. The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi promised to build a new school.
“However, there is no commitment letter nor timeframe for that. So, I would like to know if the school buildings should plunge learners before the department can respond? It is heart-wrenching to see this happening. However, the minute we embark on a protest, they will call the police on us,” she said.
However, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has welcomed the significant progress achieved in the construction of the proposed replacement schools for Shaleng Secondary and Mothelesi Primary Schools in Shaleng village, near Taung. In 2024, Motsumi visited the area to assess and monitor the condition of schools within the community.
“Following our inspection, I expressed concern about the state of the existing school infrastructure and emphasised the urgent need to prioritise the community for the construction of new schools. So, as a result of this commitment, construction preparations commenced in September 2024, when Cochrane Construction erected a ClearVu security fence around the project site.
“The fencing project was successfully completed on 9 December 2024, marking an important milestone and signalling the beginning of the long-awaited school replacement project for the community,” she said.
Motsumi further said this project forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving educational infrastructure and providing learners with safe, modern and quality learning environments that support teaching and learning. She added that her department appointed the Independent Development Trust (IDT) as the implementing agent to oversee the planning and implementation of the project.
“In turn, the IDT appointed a professional team to undertake the necessary planning, investigations and design work required for the development. The project has successfully progressed through the needs assessment and feasibility stages.
“During the feasibility process, geotechnical investigations established that the hard shale underlying the proposed development site is underlain by dolomitic formations. To ensure the suitability and safety of the site, a detailed dolomite assessment was commissioned,” said Motsumi.
She said the study, which was reviewed and approved by the Council for Geoscience, concluded that the underlying dolomite does not pose a risk to the proposed development. Motsumi said based on these findings, the department approved the project as feasible and subsequently approved the Site Development Plan.
“The appointed professional team has also completed the Concept Design Stage, which is currently under review by the department. Once this review process has been concluded, the project will proceed to the Detailed Design Stage.
“The Detailed Design Stage is expected to take approximately five months to complete and will culminate in the preparation of construction tender documentation. The current project programme anticipates the milestones such as Completion of Detailed Design in October 2026,” she said.
Motsumi said Finalisation of Tender Documentation will be in November 2026. She said this will include Advertisement of Construction Tender in January 2027, and Appointment of Contractor in March 2027. She reaffirmed the department’s commitment to improving learning and teaching conditions for learners in Shaleng village and ensuring that the new school facilities provide a safe, conducive and modern learning environment for future generations.
“We are encouraged by the steady progress being made towards the delivery of this important school infrastructure project. The successful completion of the feasibility studies, including the specialised dolomite investigation, provides assurance that the proposed site is suitable for development and that the project can proceed with confidence.
“This replacement school will not only provide modern facilities for learners and educators but will also contribute towards restoring the dignity of education in the Shaleng community. We remain committed to ensuring that the project moves through the remaining planning and procurement stages as efficiently as possible so that construction can commence and the community can begin to realise the benefits of this investment,” said Motsumi.
She thanked the professional team, the IDT, the Council for Geoscience and all stakeholders involved in advancing the project through the planning stages. Motsumi said the department remains committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses towards construction and eventual completion.
23 June 2026 – As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is celebrating the energy, dedication and leadership of its young officers through the national campaign: “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda”. SAPS said this year’s campaign recognises young men and women in blue, who are playing an active role in advancing the SAPS’ vision of professional, ethical and community-focused policing.
Under the banner: “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS is highlighting inspiring stories of young officers, who have committed themselves to serving and protecting the people of South Africa. Their passion, integrity and sense of duty reflect the values of the SAPS Reset Agenda and underscore the important role young people are playing in shaping the future of policing.
SAPS introduces the nation to Constable Tshepang Bafana (34), who is the only female Tactical Response Team (TRT) Operator in the North West. Resilience, willingness and a drive to learn have enabled Bafana to strive to do her best and succeed.
She would at all costs take any opportunity that enables her to better herself. Bafana was born in Taung and later relocated to Ikageng Township, in Potchefstroom at an early age due to the loss of her mother. As a child, she embraced physical fitness, beauty and mental
readiness. Bafana also made sure she acquired skills in computer literacy and obtained her driver’s licence just after she matriculated.
Bafana worked in retail around Potchefstroom for about three years before moving from one job to another. She explored different opportunities and developed herself for financial growth.
Bafana later moved to Gauteng, where she registered for modelling with two agencies and ultimately entered the Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant. She ended up in the Miss SA regional round of judging.
Her passion for fitness and healthy habits landed her a job at a fitness centre for five years. Bafana joined the SAPS in 2019 and completed her basic training at Tshwane SAPS Academy.
Her commitment and focus mounted even further as she was elected a platoon leader. Upon completing basic training, Bafana was placed in the Klerksdorp Community Service Centre (CSC).
She moved to Crime Prevention in Potchefstroom, two years later. However, in October 2023, Bafana went to Mpumalanga and attended the TRT Preparation and Conditioning Phase Training in Moloto.
She was part of the first 100 candidates selected nationally (11 females and 89 males). The training consisted of rigorous physical training which she excelled in.
Out of 100 candidates, only 23 males were declared competent and Bafana was the only female that made it to the top structure in that phase. She proceeded to the next three phases (weapon, rural and urban), completed the training and was found competent.
In 2024, Bafana represented the North West at the championships in Free State, participated in Functional Fitness and won a gold medal. In November 2024, she also represented North West province at the SWAT challenge hosted by Special Task Force, with over 70 teams that participated, the province finished in position 4.
Bafana is currently an assistant TRT trainer and recently completed her National certificate in Personal training. One of the momentous situations since becoming a TRT operator was when she jumped fences and personally apprehended one of the suspects wanted in connection with the murder of eight people in Kanana Township, Orkney in July 2024.
“I am the legacy of strength. I was not called to fit in, but called to stand out. I am a difference maker. Nothing is impossible until it is done. Remember, God will not provide you without moving,” she said.
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for CoCGHSTA, Bentley Vass/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
23 June 2026 – The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Bentley Vass together with the Hantam Local Municipality mayor, Koos Alexander, rolled out critical service delivery initiatives across the Hantam Local Municipality as part of the build-up to the highly anticipated Departmental Budget Vote. Vass handed over title deeds to several long-awaited beneficiaries in Loeriesfontein, followed by the presentation of keys to 25 newly-completed houses under the Calvinia 200 Housing Project.
Speaking during the handover ceremonies, he emphasised that these pre-budget vote activities are a tangible demonstration of how the province’s financial allocations are translating into real change on the ground.
“A house is much more than brick and mortar, but a restoration of human dignity. By handing over these 25 houses in Calvinia and providing legal security of tenure through title deeds in Loeriesfontein, we are empowering families and ensuring they own a piece of the South African economy.
“These activities set the stage for our upcoming Budget Vote, highlighting our uncompromised commitment to accelerating fast, high-quality, and transparent housing delivery. The Calvinia 200 Housing Project is part of the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape and has already yielded 126 houses, whilst work is continuing to finish the remaining houses,” said Vass.
He further said by combining the security of formal land titles with immediate keys to safe, quality shelter, his department continues to prioritise vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women, and persons living with disabilities.
Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
23 June 2026 – The North West Province has successfully administered its first Lenacapavir HIV prevention injection, marking a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and reduce new infections. North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari officially launched the rollout in Brits, during the Thuntsha Lerole Phase 6 Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.
The provincial rollout follows the national launch of Lenacapavir by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Secunda, Mpumalanga, two weeks ago. Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered only twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication for people at high risk of HIV infection.
Speaking at the launch, Mokgosi welcomed the breakthrough and encouraged residents to take advantage of the new prevention option.
“We are proud to witness this historic moment in our province. As Co-Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council in the North West, I encourage our people to come forward and protect themselves against HIV infection.
“We need groundbreaking interventions such as this now more than ever as we intensify our fight against HIV and AIDS,” he said.
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said they will roll out Lenacapavir through 31 selected healthcare facilities across the province during the pilot phase. Lehari further said the province has already received more than 12 000 doses as part of the first consignment with additional stock expected as the programme expands.
“The selected facilities are mainly clinics and community health centres located in areas with a high HIV burden and elevated risk of infection. Members of the public are encouraged to visit participating facilities to determine their eligibility.
“Individuals will first undergo an HIV test and those who test negative will receive further clinical assessment and counselling before being considered for the Lenacapavir injection,” he added.
Lehari reaffirmed the province’s readiness to implement the programme successfully. He said he is pleased that the Mokgosi, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders were there to witness this important milestone.
“We have trained our healthcare professionals on the administration of Lenacapavir and have put systems in place to ensure proper management and monitoring of the programme. While this is currently a pilot initiative, we are committed to expanding access as we continue strengthening HIV prevention efforts across the province,” said Lehari.
He emphasised that while Lenacapavir represents a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, it does not replace the use of condoms, which remain essential in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and providing additional protection against HIV.
Meanwhile, in a historic first for the province, Given Pashe (19) from Letlhabile, became the first recipient of the Lenacapavir injection at the Letlhabile Community Health Centre during the Thuntsha Lerole programme. Following the administration of the two injections, Pashe expressed excitement and relief.
“I am very happy. I felt no pain at all. The nurses helped me stay calm and explained the entire process thoroughly. I would encourage other young people to come and protect themselves,” he said.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 June 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs, Mosa Chabane, has commended the largely incident-free voter registration weekend and applauded all South Africans who took time to verify their details and register to vote ahead of the Local Government Elections in November 2026. Chabane said it is important that South Africans continue to participate in elections which remain a primary platform of democracy.
He further said the largely incident-free voter registration weekend is testament to the vitality of South Africa’s democracy. Chabane added that he encourage South Africans who have not yet registered to take advantage of the various registration platforms provided by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to ensure they are able to participate in the upcoming elections.
“While the registration weekend was largely free of incidents, we would like to express concern about a social media video showing an IEC official allegedly in possession of multiple identity documents at the Okela Primary School registration station.
“The incident cannot be left without thorough investigation and transparency. The credibility of the elections can be undermined by such incidents, and corrective measures must be taken at the identified station and, where necessary, within the IEC more broadly,” he said.
Chabane has called on the IEC to urgently investigate the matter and submit a report to the committee outlining the circumstances surrounding the incident and any remedial action taken. He said the committee will also request a comprehensive report on the voter registration process, including lessons learnt and improvements required ahead of the November 2026 Local Government Elections.
23 June 2026 – The South African Music Awards (SAMA32) is proud to announce that the nominees for this year’s awards will be revealed on 25 June 2026 through a hybrid announcement ceremony that will bring together members of the music industry, media, stakeholders, and music lovers from across the country. Dubbed the “Homecoming Edition”, SAMA32 marks a significant return to the North West province, celebrating the rich cultural heritage, creative excellence, and enduring contribution of South African music to the nation’s social and economic development.
The awards ceremony will be hosted in the North West province through a strategic partnership between the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, South African Tourism and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SAMPRA, SAMRO, RAV, and RiSA whose support continues to strengthen the role of music as a catalyst for tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
SAMA spokesperson, Unati Gwija said the nomination announcement on 25 June 2026, will unveil the artists, albums, producers, composers and industry professionals who have distinguished themselves through outstanding musical achievement during the eligibility period. Gwija said the event will offer audiences both physical and digital access, ensuring
broad participation and engagement from stakeholders throughout South Africa and beyond.
“The Homecoming Edition represents more than an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of South African creativity, resilience and innovation. By returning to the North West province, we are creating opportunities to showcase the region’s tourism attractions, cultural assets and economic potential, while honouring the remarkable achievements of our musicians.
“The SAMAs remain the country’s premier music recognition platform, celebrating excellence across genres while highlighting the vital role music plays in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity and global reputation. The partnership with the North West province aligns with broader efforts to position music and cultural events as drivers of local economic development, job creation, destination marketing and community pride,” she said.
Gwija further said through the Homecoming Edition, SAMA32 aims to strengthen the connection between music, heritage, tourism, and sustainable growth. She added that music fans, industry practitioners, media partners and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the official SAMA platforms for updates, nominee announcements and information regarding the main awards events scheduled to take place later this year in the province.
“As the countdown begins, South Africa prepares to celebrate another year of musical excellence, innovation, and storytelling through the voices and sounds that continue to inspire the nation.
The Guardian 