Author Archives: The Guardian

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul extends his sincere appreciation to Makatong

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamai Saul

ByBAKANG MOKOTO

19 August 2026 – The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said following thorough consultations, he decided to accept the resignation of the Northern Cape MEC for Public Works and Roads, Fufe Makatong. Saul extended his sincere appreciation to Makatong for her service to the people of the Northern Cape during her tenure as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC).

He further thanks Makatong for her contribution to the work of the provincial government and wishes her success in all her future endeavours. Saul added that the resignation of Makatong has necessitated a reshuffling of the current Executive

Council.

“So, I have accordingly appointed the Bentley Vass as MEC responsible for Roads and Public Works, Lebogang Motlhaping as MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance, Human

Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Newreen Klaaste as MEC responsible for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural

Development and Land Reform and Mirriam Kibi as MEC in the Premier’s Office, responsible for Children, Women,

Youth and Persons living with Disabilities.

“These changes take place at an important time for the Northern Cape, as the province

continues to make significant progress in growing its economy, creating employment and

improving the lives of its people,” he said.

Saul said the province has recorded the highest decline in unemployment in the country in the second

quarter of 2026. He said according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Quarter 2 of 2026, the

province’s unemployment rate stands at 28.7%, representing a 1.7 percentage-point decrease from the previous quarter and a 4 percentage-point decrease compared to the same period

last year.

“This progress is a clear indication that we are making major strides in our efforts to expand economic opportunities and create sustainable employment for the people of the Northern

Cape.

“While we welcome this positive development, we recognise that much more work

remains to be done, particularly in addressing the high levels of unemployment among young

people and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful opportunities across all

communities,” said Saul.

He said they remain focused and firmly committed to achieving their targets of growing the Northern

Cape economy to a R200 billion GDP and creating 60,000 new and sustainable jobs by 2030. Saul said reshuffling of the Executive Council is therefore intended to further strengthen the capacity

of the provincial government to respond to the challenges facing the province, accelerate the

implementation of government programmes and build on the progress already achieved.

“Therefore, I call on all Members of the Executive Council and the public service to

continue working with dedication, integrity and urgency in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to

them by the people of this province.

“The Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to being of service to the

people of the Northern Cape,” said Saul.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation condemns unauthorised usage of Mahika Mahikeng logo

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The picture depicting Mahika Mahikeng logo/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

19 August 2026 – The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) said it condemns in the strongest terms the improper and unauthorised use of its intellectual property by any individual, entity or collective. The department said it reserves the right to take appropriate legal action to protect its good name and symbols from being used for dubious purposes.

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said an electronic poster currently circulating on social media, calling for a meeting to discuss Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival, gives the impression that it has the support of the organisers of Mahika Mahikeng, that being ACSR. Sebolecwe said the department calls on the organiser(s) of the meeting to retract the poster using the Mahika Mahikeng logo and desist from doing so in the future.

“ACSR enjoys the protection of the law and that includes the protection of its logos or name(s). The organiser(s) of the meeting do not have the authorisation to use the Mahika Mahikeng logo and are therefore transgressing the law.

“The department will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone or entity using any of its Intellectual Property and Trademarks in an improper manner. We therefore distance ourselves from such a meeting and urge members of the public not to be misled,” he said.

Sebolecwe further said they warn members of the public to respect state property, intellectual or otherwise.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Tlhapi leads NCOP engagement on GD Montshioa Airport overnight

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi leads NCOP engagement on GD Montshioa Airport overnight

By REGINALD KANYANE

19 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi has led an National Council of Provinces (NCOP) engagement on oversight of GD Montshioa Airport. Tlhapi, accompanied by Head of the Department, Dr Hans Kekana, said the purpose of the engagement was to present the department’s plans on the development of GD Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports.

The NCOP is currently conducting its long week oversight over key public infrastructure and service delivery projects as part of the annual NCOP Provincial Week programme.

The 2026 Provincial Week, an annual flagship oversight and public participation programme of the NCOP, is taking place under the themes: “Confronting the Challenges Facing the Timely Delivery of Viable Public Infrastructure to Communities” and “Building Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities.”

“This year’s programme marks an important report-back phase in the NCOP’s oversight cycle. The programme includes site inspections, engagements with provincial executives, municipalities and other stakeholders, as well as direct interaction with communities to verify progress and identify outstanding service delivery challenges,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DPWR moves to strengthen institutional capacity through organisational restructuring

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West Public Works and Roads’ Head of Department (HOD), Moses Kgantsi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

19 August 2026 – The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has on Monday, convened a Technical Executive Management Committee to strength it’s institutional capacity following the concurrence of its new structure. The committee discussed the job evaluation process following the Minister of Public Service and Administration’s concurrence with the new organisational structure in March 2026.

The North West Public Works and Roads’ Head of Department (HOD), Moses Kgantsi said one of the conditions of the concurrence is that newly created and redesigned posts be subjected to job evaluation, which is meant to systematically determine the relative worth of different posts within an organisation. Kgantsi indicated that the department embarked on a review of its organisational structure to align it with its constitutional mandate, strategic objectives and service delivery requirements.

“During consultation on the new structure and the Minister’s recommendations, additional operational gaps were identified. Amongst the additional positions identified was a Directorate to specifically deal with state buildings’ compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.

“With this unit, we envisage reducing and ultimately doing away with the closing of government buildings by the Department of Labour due to noncompliance with OHS standards which leads to the use of private leasing as an alternative which is something that government is working towards reducing,” he said.

Kgantsi further said linked to the above gap was the department’s struggle to reach its revenue collection targets hence the additional proposed Directorate for Property Sales and Rentals. He added that they are currently dealing with the challenge of not having a dedicated maintenance budget as a department that would enable them to ensure OHS compliance for their 140 state buildings.

“Elevating this Property Sales and Rentals unit to Directorate level will ensure there is a dedicated unit to focus on revenue collection so we can motivate for the Provincial Treasury to ringfence the monies collected towards maintenance of state properties.

“The meeting further discussed the recruitment of critical vacant posts. We are currently accelerating the filling of prioritised critical vacant posts and thus far we have made 50 appointments during July and August. We are ramping up our recruitment drive to contribute to the reduction of the unemployment rate,” said Kgantsi.

He said more than 100 vacant posts are still to be filled and are at various stages of recruitment across the department’s head office and the four district offices.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Tlhapi calls on employees to pull together

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 August 2026 – The newly- appointed North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi said unity is strength and calls staff members to pull together inquest of moving the department forward. In her meet and greet meeting with Mahikeng based senior management and staff, Tlhapi said there is nothing that beats commitment and hard work which enables seamless service delivery to communities.

Meanwhile, the Head of Department (HoD), Dr Hans Kekana assured Tlhapi that the Team COSATMA has a spring in their steps and will ensure that as she hits the ground running, they will sprint for her. Kekana said Tlhapi will meet other staff in other districts at a date still to be determined.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Polo VW o thudile setlhare

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Mokgweetsi wa sejanaga sa Polo VW o thudile setlhare

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

18 Phatwe 2026 – Mokgweetsi (30) wa sejanaga sa modiri wa Polo Volkswagen o letse a rwaletswe kwa bookelong jwa selegae morago ga go bona dikgobalo. Go begwa fa mokgweetsi o, a latlhegetswe ke taolo ya sejanaga mo tseleng e gaufi le Masimo kwa Extension 6, gaufi le Taung mo bosigong jwa maabane.

Go ya ka dipego, mokgweetsi o, o ne a sega tsebe sejanaga sengwe ka motsi wa tiragalo e, mme a thula setlhare.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa mokgweetsi, a ne a le mongwe mo sejanageng. Van Rooyen are mokgweetsi o ile a itemogela dikgobalo le go rwalelwa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsumi vows to make NWPL more democratic and accountable

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Newly-appointed speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Viola Motsumi/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 August 2026 – The former North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi was elected as the new speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) on Tuesday during a special sitting. Motsumi becomes the 8th speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature since the advent of democracy in 1994, and the first former deputy speaker of the Legislature to subsequently ascend to the position of the speaker.

Delivering her maiden address following her election, Motsumi pledged to protect the dignity and constitutional authority of the Legislature, uphold the rights of Members and preside over the House fairly and impartially, irrespective of political affiliation. She placed strong emphasis on the Legislature’s constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight and hold the Executive accountable, stressing that robust oversight should not be regarded as hostility towards government.

“Oversight is not hostility. Accountability is not an act of opposition. And scrutiny is not disrespectful. A strong Legislature does not weaken the government. A strong Legislature helps the government govern better. We commit to creating an environment in which Members can ask difficult questions, disagree and engage in vigorous debate, while respecting the Rules, the Constitution and the dignity of the House.

“There is a need for the Legislature to remain connected to the everyday realities of the people of the North West, including their concerns about employment opportunities, education, healthcare, roads, water, responsible use of public resources and the delivery of government services,” she said.

Motsumi further said the Legislature must continue taking Parliament to the people and ensure that no citizen feels that the institution is distant from their daily struggles. Reflecting on the responsibility entrusted to her, she added that the speaker’s chair does not belong to the individual occupying it, but to the institution and ultimately to the people.

“The speaker’s chair does not belong to the person who occupies it. It belongs to the institution. And the institution belongs to the people. So, I pledge to pursue an institutional rather than personal legacy, with the objective of strengthening the Legislature and making it more democratic, accountable, accessible and effective.

“I will seek to make this House larger than any one of us. More democratic, more accountable, more accessible, more effective and more worthy of the people of Bokone Bophirima,” said Motsumi.

She concluded her maiden address by committing herself to serving the House with humility, protecting its dignity, upholding its Rules, defending its constitutional authority and ultimately leaving the institution stronger than she found it. Following the conclusion of the special sitting, Motsumi also presided over the swearing-in of Rosina Ntshetsana Komane as a new Member of the North West Provincial Legislature representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), in accordance with Section 107 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

“Komane fills the vacancy in the Legislature following the passing of the late Primrose Bogatsu last month,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Taung District Hospital doctor suspended for assaulting a cleaner

NEWS Leave a comment

  

Picture: A medical doctor, Kingsley Idugboe/Twitter

By OBAKENG MAJE 

18 August 2026 – A medical doctor, Kingsley Idugboe who allegedly assaulted a cleaner at Taung District Hospital has been suspended. This comes after the North West Department of Health has finalised its investigation into the matter. 

On 8 July 2025, Idugboe allegedly assaulted a cleaner, Kegomoditswe Monogwe (58). Monogwe previously told The Guardian Newspaper that there was a certain doctor who was staying at the doctors’ residential area within the hospital vicinity and gave her some belongings when he moved out. 

However, it is alleged that Idugboe took those items instead.

“So, there was a confrontation between Igduboe and I that led to an assault. We were fighting for the key of the house and he bit my finger. I reported the matter to the hospital management and also opened an assault case at Taung Police Station.

“I spoke to the doctor who said I should take the belongings from the house and alluded that he never gave Igduboe any right to take them,” she said.

However, Monogwe raised some concerns after Igduboe returned to work. She alleged that she feels like her case was not taken seriously as the hospital management has not communicated with her the outcome of the investigation, including the police as there was no arrest.  

Now, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “We can confirm that the department has conducted an internal investigation following allegations of assault involving a medical officer, Idugboe to a cleaner at Taung District Hospital.

“The investigation has since been finalised and adverse findings were made against the implicated doctor. The recommendation was that disciplinary action should be taken against the implicated medical officer. The department has approved the investigation report.” 

Lekgethwane further said the findings and recommendations of the investigation were formally communicated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Taung District Hospital for implementation. He added that, for the record, the complainant was interviewed during the course of the investigation and was fully-informed about the process. 

Meanwhile, by the time of going to press, the CEO of the Taung District Hospital was still studying the outcome of the hearing and the verdict and is yet to share a report with the provincial department.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

South African journalists honoured at 2026 SADC Media Awards

NEWS Leave a comment

18 August 2026 – South African journalism has earned regional recognition, with two media professionals honoured for excellence at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards in Durban on Monday.

The awards, presented on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, celebrate outstanding journalism that advances understanding of regional integration, development and cooperation among SADC Member States.

Government has congratulated the two South African journalists on their achievement, describing the recognition as a reflection of the important role the media plays in strengthening regional understanding and cooperation.

The awards recognise media practitioners in four categories: Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism.  

Siyabulela Duda, a photojournalist at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) clinched second prize in the photo category, while Seakga Relebogile Tladi from Spunik Radio Africa, who works as a radio reporter, was awarded second prize in the radio category.

“Government extends its warmest congratulations to Messrs Duda and Tladi for this important achievement and for demonstrating the professionalism, creativity and commitment that characterise the best of South African journalism. 

“Their recognition is also a reflection of the important role played by the media in strengthening regional cooperation and promoting greater public understanding of the SADC agenda.

“Through compelling visual storytelling, radio journalism and other forms of reporting, journalists help connect citizens across the region and bring the work of SADC closer to communities,” the GCIS said in a statement. 

Duda was awarded second prize of US$1,000 for his entry captioned: “Former Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, congratulates newly inaugurated Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek, Namibia”.

The photo appeared under the headline: “Women’s Hour”. The entry highlighted the SADC region’s progress in placing women in high-level decision-making positions, including the Presidency.

Tladi won second prize of US$1,000 for his entry: “SADC Solidarity and Sanctions in Zimbabwe,” which analysed the impact of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe, a SADC Member State, and Zimbabwe’s resilience in the face of these sanctions.

The entry featured officials from SADC Member States, including Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe, who highlighted SADC’s solidarity with Zimbabwe and called for the lifting of the sanctions.

“The South African Government further commends all South African journalists who continue to report on regional and continental developments with integrity, professionalism and dedication.

“Government believes that a vibrant, ethical and professional media is essential to advancing informed public discourse, strengthening democracy and deepening people-to-people solidarity across the Southern African region,” the GCIS said.

The Government of South Africa wished Messrs Duda and Tladi continued success in their respective careers and congratulated them once again on this well-deserved recognition at the SADC Media Awards. – SAnews.gov.za

taungdailynews@gmail.com

DA in North West raises concerns as 15 000 jobs are shed

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 August 2026 – South Africans continue to grapple with unemployment. This comes after Statistics South Africa showed that a narrow definition of unemployment has risen by 0.9% to 33.6% with the number of unemployed persons rising by 345 000. 

The statistics showed that the expanded definition of unemployment rose overall by 0.1% to 43.8% with a total decrease in the number of employed persons by 16 000. Particularly concerning losses were seen in community and social services (57 000), mining (26 000), and agriculture and manufacturing (15 000 each). 

According to the statistics, the job losses in provinces included the Western Cape (48 000), Gauteng (22 000), and North West (15 000). However, the positive gains were recorded in trade (70 000), construction (39 000), finance (11 000), Mpumalanga (41 000), Eastern Cape (13 000) and Free State (9 000).

The Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial leader, Freddy Sonakile said: “The ANC has failed the North West. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey delivers a devastating verdict on the ANC government’s handling of the North West economy.

“The province’s official unemployment rate has jumped from 35.3% to 38.1% in just one quarter, an increase of 2.8 percentage points, among the largest increases recorded nationally. Even more alarming, the North West now has a combined unemployment and potential labour force rate of 56.0%, the highest in South Africa.”

Sonakile further said the 56% figure tells the real story. He added that it includes not only those officially unemployed, but also people who want to work yet are no longer actively looking or are otherwise part of the potential labour force.

“More than half of the province’s potential workforce is effectively locked out of meaningful economic participation. The economy is moving in the wrong direction. The North West shed 15,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2026, placing it among the provinces that recorded employment declines.

“These are not merely statistics. They represent households losing income, businesses struggling to survive and people losing hope that there is a future for them in the province. Yet what has the ANC government offered?” asked Sonakile.

He said another summit, another strategy, another task team and another announcement. Sonakile said municipalities are failing, infrastructure is deteriorating, businesses face red tape, basic services remain unreliable and the provincial government continues to make excuses for an economy that is simply not creating enough jobs.

“The irony is that the North West has everything it needs to succeed. We have mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and our strategic proximity to Gauteng. What we lack is a government capable of turning these advantages into sustained economic opportunity.

“The problem is not a lack of potential. The problem is a lack of competent government. The DA will take a fundamentally different approach. We want a North West where municipalities work, infrastructure supports economic activity, businesses can operate without unnecessary political and bureaucratic obstacles, procurement is transparent, investors have confidence and small businesses are given room to grow,” he said.

Meanwhile, ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said they are deeply concerned about the alarming unemployment rate in the province, which stands at approximately 56%. Diremelo said this level of unemployment, particularly among young people, remains one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges confronting the province and requires urgent and coordinated intervention. 

“The ANC therefore directs the Executive Council (EXCO), municipalities and private-sector partners to fast-track the implementation of already planned and established employment drives, job-creation programmes and economic development initiatives aimed at fighting the scourge of unemployment. 

“Government at all levels must work closely with the private sector to unlock economic opportunities, support investment, empower small and emerging businesses and ensure that employment programmes translate into sustainable jobs for the people of the North West,” he said. 

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Some of residents sitting at traffic lights looking for employment/Generic