Picture: Some of the drugs seized by the police/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
2 October 2026 – Four men have been arrested for possession of drugs during ongoing stop-and-search operations in Springbok, Nababeep and Okiep in the Namakwa District. The police said the operations were part of sustained efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and substance abuse.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the police in the Namakwa District continue to intensify its efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and substance abuse through sustained crime prevention operations and stop-and-search activities. Magerman said on Monday night, members of the Delta and Alpha Platoons stopped and searched a man (52) from Durban along Voortrekker Street in Springbok.
“The police allegedly found tablets suspected to contain heroin, with an estimated street value of R1 250, resulting in his arrest for possession of drugs. The following afternoon, SAPS members conducting stop-and-search operations in Nababeep arrested a man (41), who was allegedly found in possession of drugs.
“Two further arrests were made in Okiep later that evening, including a man (33), after both suspects were allegedly found in possession of drugs. All four suspects are expected to appear in court on the respective charges,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended police members for their vigilance and efforts to disrupt the drug trade. Andrews said the police also appealed to communities to report suspected drug dealing, trafficking and other criminal activities.
“Information from the public could assist in preventing and combating crime and protecting vulnerable members of the community, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of substance abuse,” he said.
2 October 2026 – A seasoned detective’s investigations into two separate rape cases have resulted in two men being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court. Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated both cases, which dated back to 2019 and 2020.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said his work reflected the “diligence, tenacity and meticulous investigative work” that ultimately secured the convictions. Ehlers said in the first case, a woman (31) was socialising at a tavern in Lerato Park, Roodepan in May 2019, when she was approached by an acquaintance and two other men.
“She later left with the men to visit another tavern, but during the journey she refused a sexual proposition from the acquaintance, who allegedly assaulted her before pushing her from a moving vehicle.
“The woman regained consciousness the following morning and realised she had been sexually assaulted. Forensic evidence linked a 38-year-old man to the offence in February 2023, after which he was traced and arrested in Barkly West before being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment,” she said.
Ehlers further said in the second case, a woman (26) was returning home from a tavern in Soul City, Galeshewe Township in Kimberley in September 2020, when she was accosted by an unknown man wearing a balaclava and allegedly raped in a nearby veld. She added that forensic evidence linked a man (26) to that offence in 2025.
“He was traced and arrested in February 2025 before the Kimberley Regional Court convicted him of rape and imposed a life sentence,” said Ehlers.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentences and praised Satisfied for his persistence. Otola said investigators remained committed to pursuing cases regardless of how much time has passed since an offence was committed.
“Survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) must be treated with dignity and respect, while SAPS would continue strengthening its response through professional investigations and victim-centred policing,” she said.
2 October 2026 – As geopolitical pressures drive up household costs, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says government is advancing an integrated transport system designed to make public transport safer and more affordable.
“This year has been a difficult one for households, bus and taxi operators, and the broader freight and logistics industry. Our geopolitical environment is not of our choosing. Its impact on supply chains, trade routes and the fuel price is there for all to see. From our side, we are doing everything in our power to make public transport more affordable,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the launch of Transport Month, which is observed in the month of October, Creecy said the recovery of passenger rail services by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is providing commuters with an alternative mode of transport.
Creecy said PRASA had recovered 35 of its 40 priority passenger rail lines over the past two years, most recently restoring part of the Midway–Lenz route.
“PRASA passenger trips rose from 10 million in 2020/21, after the pandemic, to an audited figure of 101 million at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
“On average, a Prasa passenger pays between R12 and R15 for a return trip at peak hours, depending on the distance travelled,” the Minister said.
This year, PRASA will continue refurbishing tracks, signalling systems and stations to accommodate more passengers and provide services that are more frequent and punctual.
“The integration of passenger and road transport systems is central to improving affordability and safety for commuters. Bus and minibus taxis remain central to our transport system.
“We are in the process of reforming our public transport grant system into a unified support model available on selected routes to bus and taxi operators alike. Our reform is guided by foundational principles including integration, sustainability, fairness, safety and commuter affordability. Consultation continues with all affected parties to develop a workable model,” the Minister said.
The Department of Transport is also working with the taxi industry to reform and formalise the sector through the following measures:
Repurposing the taxi recapitalisation grant and reducing risk in the industry so that operators can buy more affordable vehicles with lower repayments; and
Formalising and right-sizing the industry through pilot Transport Operating Companies – one in each province – to test new management and investment models.
Creecy launched Transport Month under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”, marking 21 years since the inaugural October Transport Month in 2005.
Rail and ports
Last week, Cabinet supported the establishment of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as a stand-alone, state-owned company, underscoring the central role of rail and port reform in government’s transport agenda.
The separation is intended to improve the operational performance, infrastructure reliability and competitiveness of South Africa’s freight and logistics system.
“As an independent company, TNPA will be able to use its revenue to invest in port infrastructure and equipment, thereby accelerating the journey, which has already seen three of South Africa’s ports tagged as most improved in a recent World Bank study,” Creecy said.
According to Creecy, the separation will be guided by several principles, including fair compensation for Transnet based on an independent valuation of TNPA, long-term financial sustainability, and the equitable allocation of liabilities between the Transnet Group and TNPA.
Other principles include protecting workers, jobs and customers; preserving strategic state ownership and control of national ports infrastructure; and improving the investment capacity and infrastructure development of both TNPA and Transnet.
Cabinet also approved a TNPA investigation into the feasibility of bringing in a minority equity partner from one of the country’s development finance institutions (DFIs).
Creecy said the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy and the 2023 National Freight Logistics Roadmap are beginning to deliver results.
The policies aim to attract private-sector funding for infrastructure development and reposition rail as the country’s transport backbone.
“In March, the Department approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to use the state-owned national rail network, bringing private expertise and capital into operations. Operations are due to begin in April 2027.
“In July, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager published a second Network Statement, creating the necessary certainty to ensure the TOCs can secure rolling stock, staff and capital,” the Minister said.
Approved for public comment earlier this year, the Draft National Rail Master Plan sets out a vision for an interoperable, regulated and well-maintained state-owned railway network that will form the backbone of an integrated system for moving people and goods.
“Transnet’s 2025/26 results show rail volumes of about 167.9 million tonnes against a target of 180.6 million tonnes—progress towards our goal of 250 million tonnes a year on the Transnet network by the end of the political term,” the Minister said.
Creecy explained that increasing rail tonnage will require significant investment from both the state and the private sector.
Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion in public investment has already been approved and is being deployed across the coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. Applications for a further R23.6 billion are being developed.
“On Monday 12 October we will invite you to the Northern Cape to view current rail upgrades to the iron ore line during the annual “shut”.
“Private-sector investment in the rail and port infrastructure is being facilitated through projects currently in the market for the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, and later this year the container corridor between Gauteng and Durban,” the Ministers said. –SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Health has recorded 767 laboratory-confirmed measles cases since October 2025, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing and vaccination campaigns across affected districts. The department said the continued rise in cases had placed it on high alert as it worked with districts to strengthen the response.
THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi said the outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or measles/rubella vaccine. Vilakazi said the highest numbers reported by the department are in the ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, with 303 and 282 cases respectively.
“Frances Baard has recorded 156 cases, while Pixley ka Seme has reported 27. The second-dose Measles/Rubella immunisation coverage remains below 70% in all affected districts. The low coverage had contributed to the increase in cases, including infections among some people who had previously been vaccinated and some adults.
“In John Taolo Gaetsewe, targeted vaccination campaigns involving close contacts at schools have resulted in more than 4 700 people being vaccinated. Inter-facility immunisation has also started, with measles-rubella booster doses being offered to people of all ages regardless of their previous vaccination history,” she said.
Vilakazi further said in ZF Mgcawu, the outbreak previously affecting Postmasburg had ended after 42 days without a new case. She added that attention has now shifted to Upington in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, where 204 cases have been reported and Kai! Garib Municipality, which has recorded 37 cases.
“Pixley ka Seme, which has recorded 27 cases from Griekwastad in the Siyancuma Local Municipality, has also completed its outbreak period after 42 days without a laboratory-confirmed case. More than 444 asymptomatic close contacts in the municipality have been vaccinated.
“Frances Baard remains on high alert, with health teams conducting immediate contact tracing and vaccinating close contacts. Health facilities have also been instructed to isolate suspected cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately,” said Vilakazi.
She said people infected with measles should isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. Vilakazi said suspected cases are treated symptomatically and provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications.
“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. We urge parents and guardians to ensure children are vaccinated and to cooperate with health teams conducting school and community campaigns,” she concluded.
Picture: Some of beneficiaries receive title deeds
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) has handed over title deeds to beneficiaries in Paballelo, Upington, as part of its #TitleDeedsFridays campaign, which it says is aimed at addressing the province’s title deed backlog. The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, MEC Lebogang Motlhaping, handed over the documents at the Michael Bongela Community Hall in the Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality.
According to Saul, the campaign is intended to help verified beneficiaries move from being occupants of properties to registered owners with security of tenure. He further said the latest handover followed the distribution of keys to beneficiaries at the Dakotaweg and Jurgenskamp Housing Projects in Upington.
“#TitleDeedsFridays is a direct initiative aimed at eradicating the provincial title deed backlog. Ten conveyancing firms have been appointed to assist with processing and registering title deeds across the province. The move was intended to expedite this critical process and eliminate delays in conveyancing.
“The appointment of the conveyancing firms would help families receive their ownership documents “swiftly and efficiently. It also described the latest handover as evidence of its stated commitment to continued service delivery in the province,” added Saul.
He said the campaign forms part of its broader effort to provide beneficiaries with formal proof of property ownership and security of tenure.
2 October 2026 – The Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) will host its quarterly anti-corruption campaign at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
The BMIACF is chaired by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and seeks to proactively root out corruption from South Africa’s ports of entry.
The Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, together with the SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, and Home Affairs Director General, Tommy Makhode, together with representatives from other government institutions, will lead the campaign.
“The leaders will demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption by publicly signing a pledge to take a firm stand against corruption, while also calling on officials at this port of entry to emulate their lead,” the Border Management Authority (BMA) said in a statement.
On the day, incarcerated offenders who have been sentenced on charges of fraud and corruption related activities will share the human and financial cost of engaging in corrupt activities.
In addition, the Hawks will share details on how the entity is cracking down on corruption at ports of entry, while also sharing conviction statistics. – SAnews.gov.za
2 October 2026- The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Women’s Rugby made history on 25 September 2026 after being crowned national First Division champions at the Betway Women’s Club Championship in Alberton. Organised by the South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby), the championship featured eight teams competing in the First Division, with the winner determined by the tournament standings.
SPU finished at the top after recording three victories to claim its first national Betway First Division title.
The championship campaign was led by Head Coach Alvero Baartman, with assistant coach, Khanya Kama, Team Manager Theo Ngqwala and Strength and Conditioning Coach Mandolene Norman forming part of the team’s management structure. SPU began its campaign with a 19–7 victory over the University of Limpopo.
Maserati Bangaza, Jennielee van Nel and Nonkosi Ngema scored tries, while Juanine Jacobs added two conversions. Bangaza was named Player of the Match.
The team followed this with a narrow 15–14 win over Titans. Bangaza scored one try, while Van Nel crossed the try line twice. Evelyn Maile was named Player of the Match for her performance at flanker.
Head Coach Alvero Baartman said the SPU sealed the championship with a 17–12 victory over Nelspruit. Baartman said Bangaza scored two tries and Jaen-Mari Owies added another, while Jacobs was named Player of the Match.
“The three victories placed SPU at the summit of the First Division standings and secured the university its first national title in the competition. SPU’s success was further highlighted by the selection of three of its players for the Betway Dream Team. Jacobs, Bangaza and Maile were recognised among the championship’s top performers in their respective positions.
“Jacobs is enrolled in the BA General programme, Bangaza is studying towards a Bachelor of Education, while Maile is pursuing a BCom in Accounting. Their selection highlights the depth of talent within SPU’s women’s rugby programme and the university’s ability to combine sporting achievement with academic development,” he said.
Baartman further said the national triumph follows a successful provincial campaign in which SPU Women’s Rugby won the inaugural AVBOB Griquas Women’s Rugby Super League. He added that the victory earned the team an opportunity to compete against the country’s leading First Division sides at the Betway Women’s Club Championship.
“The national title marks another milestone in SPU’s development of high-performance sport and its commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes to excel both academically and on the sporting field,” said Baartman.
Meanwhile, SPU congratulated the players, coaches, management and support team on the historic achievement, which further strengthens the university’s growing sporting profile on the national stage.
Picture: Some of initiation school owners/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
1 October 2026 – Authorities in the North West have intensified awareness efforts aimed at ensuring lawful, safe and responsible customary initiation practices ahead of the 2026 Summer Initiation Season. The National Department of Traditional Affairs, together with the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, recently conducted an awareness campaign in Mahikeng to strengthen compliance with the Customary Initiation Act of 2021.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said the engagement brought together government departments, initiation practitioners, caregivers, parents and prospective initiates, with a focus on achieving zero deaths and zero illegal initiation schools. Molapisi said the 2026 Summer Initiation Season is scheduled to commence on 6 November 2026 for non-schooling initiates and 10 December 2026 for school-going initiates, with all pass-out activities expected to be completed by 8 January 2027.
He further said the province was committed to ensuring that customary initiation is conducted in accordance with the law while protecting the safety and wellbeing of initiates. Molapisi added that customary initiation remains an important part of their cultural heritage, but it must be practised within the law and with the safety, dignity and wellbeing of initiates as a priority.
“We are calling on traditional leaders, initiation practitioners, parents, communities and all relevant stakeholders to work together to prevent illegal initiation schools, negligence, abuse and other practices that place initiates at risk.
“Compliance with the Customary Initiation Act was essential in strengthening accountability and ensuring that initiation schools operated legally,” he said.
Molapisi said the awareness campaign forms part of broader preparations to ensure that the upcoming initiation season is conducted safely, lawfully and in accordance with customary practices and legislation.
The North West Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee (PICC) Deputy Chairperson, Andries Stemmer, highlighted the requirements of the Act, including the application for permits, registration of initiation schools, health and legal requirements, and reporting of non-compliance. Stemmer said registration of initiation schools was mandatory and had to be completed at least three months before the commencement of an initiation season.
“Mahikeng has been identified as one of the areas experiencing illegal initiation school operations, with concerns including the alleged kidnapping of children, fronting and gangsterism,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Mahikeng Initiation School Committee, Mamelani Tshabalala called for greater community involvement and parental responsibility, particularly in addressing challenges affecting initiates and young people.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Abram Sithole, called on traditional councils to establish Makgotla for young people to strengthen intergenerational dialogue and the transfer of indigenous knowledge. Sithole also urged communities to openly address challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide and substance abuse, which can contribute to harmful behaviour in society.
Picture: Learners stationery found for sale at Mahikeng shop/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 October 2026 – The North West Department of Education has raised concern after learner stationery intended for pupils in various grades was discovered being sold at a shop in Unit 9, Mahikeng. Members of the Community Police Forum (CPF), who were monitoring the area on Wednesday, discovered the stationery displayed on shelves and offered for sale to members of the public.
The North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono said the police and officials from the North West Department of Education were called to the scene, where the department confirmed that the stationery belonged to government and had been procured for distribution to learners. Mohono condemned the sale of the learner support materials and called for those responsible to face the law.
“I wish to strongly condemn the selling of learner stationery. Government stationery is strictly not to be sold because the department has paid for it for the benefit of learners.
“The sale of the stationery meant that government was being forced to spend additional funds to replace materials that had already been procured,” she said.
Mohono further said the people who are found to be selling learner stationery should face the full might of the law. She added that the department is now paying twice for the same product and that is totally unacceptable.
“A learner somewhere is sitting without stationery because someone decided to sell it for a price. The police arrested the shop owner at the scene.
“The following learner materials were confiscated at Jackpot Supermarket in Unit 9. Thirty five packs of learner materials for Grades 10, 11 and 12, 39 packs for Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7,” said Mohono.
She said 39 packs for Grades 1, 2 and 3 and 46 counter books. The department welcomed the intervention by law enforcement and the CPF, reiterating that learner support materials procured by government are intended solely for the benefit of learners. Mohono said the department would continue working with law enforcement agencies and community structures to safeguard government resources and ensure that learner support materials reach their intended beneficiaries.
Picture: The late professor and palaeoanthropologist Phillip Vallentine Tobias holds the Taung skull. / Wikipedia
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 October 2026 – Taung Skull Fossil Site is best known for discovery of an endocranial skull of a juvenile ape-man in 1924 during the course of commercial mining. It was later classified by Professor Raymond Dart as Australopithecus Africanus.
The recognition of this early hominid is the first ever that confirmed that human ancestry originated in Africa. Taung Skull Fossil includes much more than just the site where the skull was found.
The site displays a rich history of early 20th century limestone mining with various buildings constructed in a variety of methods with aestheticism at different time frames. Archaeological and paleontological sites that contain rich fossil deposits that predate the mining area.
It has a fascinating natural and man-made landscape. A visit to the Taung Skull Fossil Site will introduce you to diverse wonders and attractions.
Due to the activities such as blasting and digging that took place during the mining era, a unique eye-catching landscape was formed. This has a fascinating geological and geomorphological appearance, which exposed different and interesting types of rocks and breccia that are visible over a distance of 10km (e.g: Leopard Rock).
The majestic beautiful waterfall (visible during rainy season) at the Blue Pools flows through the Thabasikwa river down the cliff of the Ghaap Escarpment. They slowly flow through the blue pools several meters below. The mixture of sounds of nature draws your attention to the uniqueness of this part of the world heritage while having a relaxed moment at the picnic site, which offers seating benches and tables (made out of local stone), as well as braai areas and other social infrastructures.
The memorial site represents a place where the skull was found during the mining operations in 1924 – indicated by the Dart pinnacle on the left and Hrdlicka pinnacle on the right. The area offers breath-taking views of the mine dumps, Harts valley, a clear view of the Buxton village and awesome landscape.
Taung Skull Fossil Site has 17 recognisable and preserved fossil sites (archaeological and paleontological). Some of these archaeological sites yielded numerous fauna (animal) and flora (plants) remnants as well as Middle Stone Age artefacts dating back as far as 2.3 million years ago.
The relics of limestone mining are clearly represented not only by the mine dumps, but also by the historical architectural styles on various buildings and structures present on site. Buildings show different designs, styles and methods used during different time frames throughout the 1900’s.
The use of local material, in the fusion of old and modern is prevalent on both old and new buildings as applied during the restoration process.
The World Heritage Site is located along the flank of the Ghaap Escarpment and forms an elevated backdrop and provides extraordinary viewpoints over the valley of the Harts and the site. It is habitat to a variety of animals, birds, rocks, vegetation and plant commodities.
A local travel agent and a storyteller, Ontshebile Joseph Shambok said: “I would like to encourage people to visit Taung Skull Fossil and know more about our heritage. The Taung Skull Fossil is one of the oldest heritage sites, where the origins of humankind commenced.”
The Greater Taung Local Municipality Chairperson of Finance, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said Taung is rich in history and Taung Skull World Heritage Site can be turned into an economic driver.
“It is important to balance public or private investment in infrastructure with community-led commercial activities that generate sustainable tourism revenue. The Taung Skull World Heritage Site should benefit the locals.
“The site should boost the economy of the area and create job opportunities for locals, especially the youths. We need to preserve our heritage sites and ensure that they offer a range of benefits for tourism,” he said.
Moeti further said upgraded infrastructure and accessible roads are contributing factors to lure tourists to the area. He added that the Taung Skull should be returned to the area from Witwatersrand University as that will boost the economy.
