Author Archives: The Guardian

ANC in North West yet to apply its mind amid Olifant’s arrest

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The embattled ANC LET coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

26 August 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West said it will apply its mind on whether to implement the ‘step aside’ rule against embattled ANC Local Elections Team (LET) coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) or not. Olifant was arrested for alleged fraud alongside the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45) by The Hawks’ Corruption Team in Taung and Vryburg on 16 August 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.

“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.

“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said.

Mathebula further said the case has been postponed and transferred to the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit in Vryburg until 30 September 2025. He added that Olifant and Letsapa were granted R2000 bail each.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said they are yet to receive a report from the region regarding what Olifant is charged for. He said the step aside rule has different schedules of offences.

“So, it will depend on the schedule of the offense. If indeed the offence warrants immediate redeployment, the ANC will most definitely apply the step aside rule,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of ANC members who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “In broad strokes, the guidelines required that ANC members facing allegations or charges of corruption (or other serious crimes) should present themselves to the Integrity Commission and should step aside voluntarily if indicted.

“So, the ANC must suspend Olifant in line with the ANC constitution – rule 25.56 that provides for leadership bodies to impose temporary suspension of members prior to the commencement of disciplinary proceedings.”

The ANC member also refers the ANC to a letter sent out to all provincial secretaries on 15 August 2025 with the subject: “Appointment of the 2026 Local Government Elections Candidate Selection Process”.  

“The letter serves to request all the provincial secretaries to urgently direct all ANC branches in good standing to each recommend 2 Electoral Officers who shall preside over the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“The Electoral Officers must meet the following minimum requirements: They must be ANC members in good standing, proven experience in presiding over branch nominations processes within the ANC, no criminal record and no disciplinary sanction by the ANC over the past ten years.

“Not facing any pending disciplinary action by the ANC, not facing any criminal charges in the court of law, one of the two Electoral Officers nominated by each branch in good standing must be a female.”   

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Five bodies discovered at an open cast mine

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF

25 August 2025- Five bodies were discovered at an open cast mine in Tlhatlaganyane village, near Rustenburg. The police said they have launched an investigation into an incident and the circumstances that led to the shooting.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team is currently on the scene to gather information and evidence that would not only help unravel the cause of the murders, but also help identify the perpetrators. Mokgwabone said while the area is known for and has been previously visited by three National Parliament Portfolio Committees on Police, Home Affairs and Minerals following complaints of illegal mining including by the local tribal authority, it cannot at this point in time be speculated or even ruled out that the killings are linked to the rival mining operations.

“As such, the police will conduct an extensive investigation that will ensure that those responsible are identified and arrested. 

“All clues, leads are going to be investigated including the identity and reasons for the deceased to be on the site before they were shot and killed,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Court Ruling Restores Hope for Ngaka Commuters

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Atamelang Buses at the depot

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 August 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), welcomes the judgment delivered on Friday by the North West Division of the High Court, which set aside the interdict obtained by Atamelang Bus Company. The Committee said the interdict had delayed the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management from appointing a new service provider to restore commuter bus services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Freddy Sonakile said this ruling clears the way for thousands of residents, who have endured months without reliable transport, to finally regain access to essential commuter services.

Sonakile, hailed the judgment as a victory for ordinary people: “This ruling is a win for our communities who have been stranded for far too long. Public transport is not a privilege but a necessity for workers, learners, and job seekers.

“We cannot allow endless legal processes to hold commuters hostage while livelihoods suffer.”

He further said the Committee welcomes the assurance by the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng that services will resume within seven days, as preparations by the department had already been well advanced before the interdict.

“Importantly, the department has already begun implementing the Committee’s resolution on the absorption of former Atamelang Bus Company workers, ensuring that their jobs and livelihoods are protected as the new operator takes over.

“In a province facing a deep unemployment crisis, every job counts. We are encouraged that the Department has started this process, and we expect it to be carried through without compromise,” he said.

Sonakile added that to strengthen its oversight, the Committee will also formally request a copy of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) of the new service provider, setting out contractual obligations, performance standards, and accountability mechanisms. He said this will enable the Committee to monitor the operator closely and ensure commuters receive safe, reliable, and sustainable transport services.

Sonakile concluded: “Our residents must never again be subjected to unnecessary suffering because of legal disputes without proper alternatives in place.

“This judgment marks a new beginning, but our oversight continues to ensure that promises translate into action.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsumi Attends 20th National Basic Education Indaba

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

25 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has joined the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, provincial MECs, Heads of Departments, teacher unions, academia, School Governing Bodies, principals, and quality assurance bodies such as Umalusi at the G20 National Basic Education Indaba held in Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre on 25 August 2025.

Motsumi said held under the theme: “Taking the G20 to the People”, the Indaba is a critical platform to consolidate actions and intentions that will take the education sector forward and create a lasting impact in shaping foundational learning, professional teacher development, and an inclusive system that serves every learner and teacher.

“Delegates engaged in robust, thought-provoking conversations on revisiting and realigning teacher training and development to empower teachers in the Early Childhood Development, GET, and FET phases with the tools and knowledge required for modern classrooms.

“Redesigning pedagogy for South Africa’s multicultural and multilingual context moving beyond English as the sole language of instruction. Equality in education to address challenges of rural and under-resourced schools where there is an absence and whether or not it translates to cognitive poverty,” she said.

Motsumi further said this includes future-focused education that explores the role of Artificial Intelligence, integration of e-assessment tools, and equipping teachers and learners to respond to climate change and a fast-changing global environment.

She added that she welcomes the platform as an opportunity to strengthen the province’s education priorities.

“I am pleased that we are advancing to conversations that shape both the teacher and learner at a national level. From a provincial level, as the North West province we will continue aligning our strategies to national priorities while ensuring that the unique challenges of learners and teachers in the province are addressed.

“I am pleased that the discourse has also moved toward the robust inclusion of technology in our pedagogy where the gap is bridged between learners in urban and rural areas for both the teacher and the learner in the classroom,” said Motsumi.

She said the 20th Indaba reaffirms the collective commitment of national and provincial education leaders and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards an education system that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘Escalating trend of church robberies worrisome’

NEWS Leave a comment

 

Picture: Church priests during service/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Monday expressed concern regarding the escalating trend of church robberies particularly in Mpumalanga. The latest armed robbery occurred on Sunday around midday in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches, condemned the robbery reportedly carried out by three suspects armed with firearms.   

“Brazen robberies and opportunistic violent crimes of this nature targeted at churches viewed as soft targets are despicable acts that defile the sanctity of the house of the LORD.

“The firing of shots in the house of the LORD shows the extent to which the criminals are desperate and will not stop at anything,” he said.  

Shole further said according to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping and ordered everyone to lie down and proceeded to rob them of their cell phones, cash and car keys. He added that several shots were reportedly fired inside the church before the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo, which belongs to one of the congregants.

“We express gratitude that even though they were shaken, the pastor and congregants were not hurt during the traumatic ordeal. Opportunistic violent crimes targeted at church gatherings and other places of worship are threatening congregants’ constitutional right of freedom of assembly.

“We advise churches to take precautionary measures, minimise cash transactions for tithes as well as offerings and to tighten their security during services,” said Shole.

He said they are appealing to police not to leave any stone unturned until the culprits that defiled the House of the LORD and put the lives of the congregants at risk are behind bars. Shole said none of the communities will be safer with armed heartless criminals responsible for such heinous acts roaming our streets and neighbourhoods.

“Increased police visibility around church neighbourhoods will contribute towards addressing opportunistic crimes that are terrorising churches and communities,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Monna o bolailwe ka go tlhabiwa ka thipa kwa Mokgareng

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 30 o tlhabilwe le go bolailwa ka thipa kwa motseng wa Mokgareng, gaufi le Taung. Se se tla morago ga gore setopo sa ga Olopeng Obert Serekwane se fitlhetswe mo mogwafatshe kwa gagabo mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga ntwa e matlho-mahibidu mo letsatsing la maabane magareng ga Serekwane le banna bangwe ba ba sa itsiweng. Go begwa fa moswi a ne a tlhabiwa ke banna bao, mme ba inaya naga morago ga moo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are moswi o ile a supiwa ke mamalomagwe mo letsatsing la gompieno. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

399 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Police in Northern Cape conducting stop and search/Sipplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 August 2025- The police said Operation Shanela II remains steadfast and intentional in its efforts to combat crime through high-density policing operations conducted across all five districts of the province. The police said the week-long actions, which took place from 18-24 August 2025, focused on priority crimes in identified hotspot areas.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said during this period, multi-disciplinary teams affected 399 arrests, including several wanted suspects who had been evading the police. Kock said the majority of arrests were linked to possession of dangerous weapons, drug dealing and possession, illegal liquor trading, murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), burglary and malicious damage to property.

“The police conducted numerous actions, which included roadblocks, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and high-visibility patrols. A total of 14 442 persons and 7 582 vehicles were stopped and searched.

 “Compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, and liquor outlets resulted in the closure of 19 unlicensed liquor outlets,” he said.

Kock further said to enhance rural safety, high-visibility patrols were carried out in farming and mining areas. He added that these disruptive actions led to the confiscation of significant quantities of liquor, drugs, dangerous weapons, and copper cables.

“In addition, several awareness campaigns were hosted, including Women’s Month programmes focusing on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“These engagements highlighted personal safety and awareness initiatives aimed at protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” said Kock.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all SAPS members and stakeholders for their commitment and acknowledged the vital role of communities in supporting these initiatives. Otola encouraged continued collaboration between law enforcement and the public to ensure safer communities across the province.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mong wa lefelo le le rekisang nnotagi o tshwerwe poo

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Sepodisi mono Taung se kaile fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya go tshwara poo o tlhometse. Se se tla morago ga gore mong wa ntlo e rekisang nnotagi a tshwarwe poo le go tseelwa madi a seatleng a sa totobalang.

Go begwa fa monna wa dingwaga di le 35, a ne a tswa kwa lefelong la gagwe la kgwebo kwa motseng wa Lokaleng ga mmogo le mokapelo wa gagwe go leba kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa Extension 7.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa monna o, a ne a kgorogelwa ke banna ba le bane ba ba sa itsiweng ba ba neng ba rwele dithiba nko le molomo.

“Tiragalo e, ke ya ka Labotlhano ka tlatlana. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga gona ope o tshwerweng, mme kgetsi e butswe. Sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso go letsetsa seteishene sa sepodisi se se gaufi,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NSA in partnership with Zimbabwe  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: NSA players against the opponent during match/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 August 2025- Netball South Africa (NSA) said it has partnered with the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) to enhance netball in Zimbabwe through targeted administrative workshops and training programs. NSA said a team from South Africa will travel to Zimbabwe to share their expertise in various facets of the sport.

NSA spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said these workshops will cover essential topics, including a Structural Course, Team Managers Course, Technical Officials Course, Umpires Course, and Coaches Course. Experienced professionals from NSA, including Claudine Classen, Magriet Bester, Adrian Abrahams, and Marchelle Maroun, will lead the sessions. Mokgalagadi said the Structural Workshop focuses on reviewing and improving ZINA’s organisational frameworks, equipping administrators with the skills and tools needed to excel in their roles.

“Coaches, technical officials, and umpires will also engage in specialised training sessions designed to enhance their competencies, further strengthening the sport in Zimbabwe.

“This initiative reflects NSA’s commitment to regional collaboration and capacity building. It builds on a history of partnership, including the Zimbabwe Under-21 National Team, known as the Zambezi Eagles, participating in the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL),” she said.

Mokgalagadi further said the workshops are scheduled for 27 until 31 August 2025. She added that this partnership aligns with African Union initiatives aimed at uniting and growing sports across the continent.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao e buseditswe morago

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Kgaugelo Marota ga mmogo le mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, molatofadiwa Lazarus Antonio/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

25 Phatwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao le maiteko a polao kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Lazarus Lito Anthonio (27), e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Temba mo letsatsing la gompieno go fitlha fa Lwetse a tlhola matsatsi a le 5. Se, ke go neela sepodisi nako ya go netefatsa dintlha dingwe pele ga molatofadiwa a ka dira kopo ya semmuso ya beile.

Go begwa fa Antonio a ile a tlhaba le go bolaya mokapelo wa gagwe wa maloba, Kgaugelo Marota (20) le go gobatsa mokapelo wa gagwe wa ga jaana ka go mo tlhaba ka thipa.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Mybugh, setopo sa ga Marota se se neng sena le dintho tsa go tlhabiwa, se bonwe se rapaletse kwa mmileng gaufi le ntlo e rekisang nnotagi e bidiwang Dubai kwa motseng wa Carousel View, gaufi le Maubane ka Labone bosigo. Myburgh are ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba biletswa kwa lefelo la tiragalo, fela ba ile ba shupa fa Marota a setse a balelelwa le badimo.

“Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo le go batlana le mmelaelwa mo kgetsing e. Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ile leba kwa le lapeng la gagwe morago ga tiragalo e, mme a fitlha a tlhaba lekgarebe la gagwe ka thiba. Lekgarebe leo, le ile la rwalelwa kwa bookelo go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa ka Labotlhano mo mosong, mme o lebagane le ditatofatso tsa go bolaya le maiteko a polao,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng are sepodisi se tla netefatsa fa se nna le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com