24 Phatwe 2026 – Sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le loso la mosimanyana wa dingwaga di le 15 wa kwa motseng wa Madipelesa, gaufi le Taung. Se, se tla morago ga magatwe a go teketiwa le go bolawa ga ga Tlhalefo Mokgosi.
Go ya ka tshedimosetso, go begwa fa Mokgosi a ile a teketiwa ke monna wa ga mmakgwebo mongwe teng kwa motseng o. Go begwa fa Mokgosi a ile a utswa dibotlolo tsa ga mmakgwebo o, mme a ya g di rekisa.
Go begwa fa monna wa ga mmakgwebo o, ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe, ba ne ba tswa letsholo le go batlana le Mokgosi.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa go utlwala.
Fela sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are go begwa fa Mokgosi a ne a kaya fa a opiwa ke tlhogo, mme ba lelapa la gagwe ba mo rwalela kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Van Rooyen are baooki ba ile ba kaya fa Mokgosi a na le dikgobalo tse di tseneletseng mo tlhogong.
“Go begwa fa Mokgosi a sa tlhalosa gore o bone jang dikgobalo tseo. Jaanong, diteko tsa morago ga loso di tla shupa gore Mokgosi o bone jang dikgobalo tseo. Dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi di tsweletse mo kgetsing e, mme ga go ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: Some of dagga seized by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 August 2026 – Four suspects aged between 20 and 26, were arrested for dealing in dagga. This comes after the police received a tip-off at approximately 10:45pm, and followed up on the information.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the police proceeded to a residence in Commercial Street, Fraserburg. Magerman said upon arrival, they found four suspects allegedly busy packaging dagga into small bankies, suspected to be intended for distribution.
“The police seized dagga with an estimated street value of R6 700. A woman (21) and three men aged between 20 and 26, were arrested for dealing in drugs. The suspects are expected to appear before the Fraserburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2026.
“In an unrelated incident, members of SAPS Port Nolloth discovered hydroponic dagga abandoned in the business area of Port Nolloth on 22 August 2026, at approximately 11am. The hydroponic dagga has an estimated street value of R60 600,” he said.
Magerman further said an enquiry has been opened and police investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the drugs and to identify those responsible. He added that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District continues to strengthen its partnership with communities in the fight against crime, in line with the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places emphasis on visible policing, community participation, accountability and responsive policing.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, applauded the police for their swift response and importantly, expressed appreciation to the community members who continue to provide valuable information to the police. Andrews said the success of this operation demonstrates the importance of a strong partnership between the SAPS and the communities they serve.
“Community members are our eyes and ears on the ground and information provided by vigilant residents enables the police to respond swiftly and decisively to criminal activities. The fight against drugs requires a collective effort and that the SAPS Reset Agenda reinforces the importance of community-
centred, professional and accountable policing.
“Removing drugs from our communities is not only the responsibility of the police. It requires the active participation of all sectors of society. We encourage residents to continue working with the SAPS and to report suspicious and criminal activities,” he said.
Andrews said together, they can disrupt the drug trade and create safer communities for all. He said the SAPS in Namakwa remains committed to intensifying operations, following up on information and working closely with communities and other stakeholders to prevent and combat crime.
24 August 2026– The residents of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality have expressed overwhelming support for the Water Services Amendment Bill (B24-2025), while calling for effective mechanisms to ensure that the proposed legislation translates into tangible improvements in water and sanitation services. The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation conducted the first of three public participation sessions in the North West at the Depot Hall in Taung, where residents welcomed the Bill, emphasising that its success would ultimately depend on enforced effective implementation.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Leon Basson said the participants cautioned against the culture of well-intentioned legislation with poor or no implementation on the ground. Basson said they argued that poor implementation of the Bill diminishes the purpose of legislation and more importantly, denies communities’ constitutional rights to access quality water and sanitation services.
He further said a significant concern raised during the hearing was municipalities’ poor performance in providing reliable, quality water services. Basson added that participants expressed their hope in the Bill that it would lay new foundations of accountability and a culture of performance in the municipalities and of forcing water service providers to deliver on their obligations.
“Participants also welcomed the Bill’s provisions on consequence management for licence holders, stressing that the possibility of sanctions, including the forfeiture of a licence, could lead to water service providers improving their performance and ensuring better service delivery.
“Some community members described the Bill as a direct response to their longstanding concerns and prayers for improved water services. They argued that many of the challenges experienced by communities are rooted in poor governance and management at the municipal level,” he said.
Basson said calls were also made for stronger law enforcement to address alleged corruption within local government. He said participants argued that corrupt practices and poor governance contribute directly to failures in the provision of water services and that those responsible should be held accountable.
“Participants further called for improved communication channels through which residents can report poor or inadequate water services. They argued that effective enforcement of the proposed licensing regime would require communities to be able to provide information to the relevant licensing authorities about service-delivery failures.
“Participants also called for greater transparency, including public access to information on approved licence holders, as a means of strengthening accountability and enabling communities to know which entities are authorised to provide water services and what obligations they are required to fulfil,” said Basson.
He said the proposed enforcement powers of the Minister were also supported by participants, who also argued that the ability of the Minister to intervene where water service providers persistently fail to deliver quality services could help prevent lengthy delays in addressing serious service-delivery failures. Basson said although the public hearing focused on the provisions of the Bill, community members also used the opportunity to bring their immediate water challenges to the attention of the committee.
“In Taung, participants raised concerns about the perceived disconnect between the area’s water resources and the services received by local communities. Some participants told the committee that in spite of the existence of a dam with water in Taung, local communities do not sufficiently benefit from this water resource.
“They alleged that the dam supplies water to other areas. Another major concern was the overreliance on water tankers as a means of addressing water shortages. Participants argued that tanker provision is costly and often irregular, leaving communities without reliable access to water. Concerns were also raised over municipalities purchasing water tankers when, in the view of participants, those resources could be better utilised to address underlying infrastructure and service-delivery challenges,” said Basson.
24 August 2026 – The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Northern Cape delegation commended the provincial departments for the improvements it described as remarkable in implementing infrastructure projects since the last two Provincial Week visits. However, the delegation remains concerned about the persistent implementation gaps in areas, including municipal capacity, financial management and accountability as the central challenges confronting the province.
The Provincial Whip, Patrick Mabilo said while the delegation acknowledged pockets of progress, it highlighted the recurring patterns of contractor failures, project delays, reliance on consultants and inadequate financial management that continue to undermine service delivery and diminish public trust. Mabilo said the Auditor-General highlighted excessive reliance on consultants and R656 million in irregular expenditure across municipalities.
“Nine municipalities remain distressed with 30 of 144 senior management posts vacant. Non-revenue water stands at approximately 45%, resulting in an estimated R2.93 billion annual revenue loss. No water system achieved Blue Drop certification in the 2023 assessment.
“The visit of the delegation to the province was part of the annual Provincial Week of the NCOP – an oversight and public participation programme, to assess progress on previous recommendations and examine the state of service delivery in the Sol Plaatje, Siyancuma and Siyathemba local municipalities,” he said.
Mabilo further said during the visit, the delegation inspected water treatment plants, housing projects and a tiger-eye mining plant. He added that they have seen that the Northern Cape’s principal challenge is not the absence of plans or commitments, but weak implementation and follow-through.
“The effectiveness of the NCOP oversight process will depend on time-bound implementation of recommendations, regular reporting on undertakings and firm consequence management where commitments are not honoured. In the Siyancuma Local Municipality, significant delays plague the 150 low-cost Housing Programme in Griekwastad, Schmidtsdrift, Campbell and Bongani. The project, originally intended to take eight months, has now been running for approximately 24 months, with only 20 of 150 houses completed.
“The municipality has qualified audit opinions for four consecutive years, with R66 million in unauthorised expenditure and approximately R21.256 million in irregular expenditure. The municipality owes approximately R321 million to Eskom and water boards,” said Mabilo.
He said revenue collection sits at approximately 49%, contributing to cash-flow constraints. Mabilo said the Schmidtsdrift Communal Property Association raised serious concerns regarding insufficient post-restitution support, lack of financial and institutional capacity, and poor cooperation from government departments.
“The community also reported severe water shortages and a poor gravel road to Douglas that is used daily by learners. In the Siyathemba Local Municipality, the municipality has received qualified audits for five consecutive years, with R611 million in unfunded budget overspend (dating back to 2011) and R350 million in Eskom debt.
“The stalled housing development in Prieska remains a critical concern. Phase 2 of the project, comprising 200 units, has 61 incomplete houses following contractor default in 2023. The incomplete site has become a hub for vandalism and criminal activities,” he said.
Picture: Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality building
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 August 2026 – The residents of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality have overwhelmingly supported the Water Services Amendment Bill, particularly the solidification of provisions to suspend and revoke the licences of water service providers that fail to deliver quality water services. The residents expressed their views on the Bill during the second leg of the North West public hearings on the Bill held at the Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng.
Participants argued that due to the current challenges within the district, they are of the view that the licence of Ngaka Modiri Molema should be the first to be revoked with immediate effect as they spend countless days without water. They also argued that, in most cases, municipalities are not adequately capacitated to meet the standards of their licences, and that renders them unable to deliver quality services.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation, Leon Basson said they told the committee that their support for the Bill is largely based on the Bill’s potential to address the lack of access to quality water and sanitation within the municipality. Basson said they pointed out that their support for the Bill should translate into legislation that will work for the people.
“They called for the effective implementation of the Bill to ensure that it yields the expected fruit. There were concerns that were highlighted that the Bill does not specifically address the plight of rural communities and the quality of water they should expect.
“There was a proposal for a clause in the Bill which explains, among other things, the quality of water the people will receive, and sanctions for non-compliance by water services licence holders,” he said.
Basson further said participants expressed concerns over the continued overreliance on water tankers. He added that they argued that the financial resources used on water tankers could be used for a long-term water provision arrangement.
“Some participants told the committee that water tankers supply questionable water and expose communities to health hazards. Some participants raised concerns that the provision of quality water was overemphasised than the provision of sanitation services, yet both are equally essential.
“Similar to other hearings already held in other provinces, participants raised various challenges regarding the provision of water, with many of them highlighting that they depend on untested boreholes,” said Basson.
He said some participants told the committee that communities rely on very few boreholes, despite the rising number of people that results in more demand. Basson said participants also told the committee that they live without water for a number of days sometimes in their communities.
“They described that as a gross deprivation of their constitutional rights to water,” he said.
Picture: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 August 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that the exposed deployment of now even more insider cadres of Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader, Gayton McKenzie to key jobs in his department, shows that he is unfit to be a Minister. The DA alleges that McKenzie is not the PA’s leader when he is deploying insiders to taxpayer-funded jobs, he is meant to be the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture for all South Africans.
DA Member of Parliament (MP) and spokesperson on Sport, Arts and Culture, Leah Potgieter said this conduct cannot be allowed to stand. Potgieter said the DA will hold him to account in every way possible because all South Africans deserve a fair shot at opportunities, not just McKenzie’s insiders.
“Now at least 19 senior government jobs are occupied by Gayton’s own insiders, not by independent, non-political experts. Are South Africans to be excluded by McKenzie at every turn?
“The DA has long raised the alarm about his cadre deployment. PA members appointed to the previous Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) adjudication panel or leading positions at entities such as the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), Boxing South Africa, and many others, is a practice that must end,” she said.
Potgieter further said she will not let McKenzie escape the rules and the law on this disgraceful cadre deployment.
24 August 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent answers from Gamagara Local Municipality after allegedly a road contractor that received millions of rands in public funds, despite completing only a fraction of the work, disappeared. The DA said according to a Section 71 report received this week, R8.396 million was paid to Selenane in connection with the project.
DA Gamagara Local Municipality’s mayoral candidate, Henriette du Plessis said in June 2026, they raised concerns over the R15 million pothole-repair project after it emerged that work had been scheduled on roads showing little to no evidence of pothole damage. Du Plessis said to date, the contractor has only completed partial work in Hendrik van Eck Street and Frikkie Meyer Road.
“This could not have cost anywhere near R8 million. The contractor has since disappeared from the site, while the municipality has resumed filling potholes itself. The DA previously questioned the source of funding for the project, which was not included in the municipality’s budget.
“The municipality claims the money comes from disaster-response funding related to last year’s heavy rainfall. However, the municipality did not receive any disaster funding. The contractor’s apparent disappearance raises serious questions about a project already plagued by controversy,” she said.
Du Plessis further said despite the substantial payment, Gamagara has provided no clarity on the contractor’s whereabouts, the outstanding work or what steps have been taken to ensure the project is completed. She added that the DA is also still awaiting answers on why the municipality’s own road-repair team was not better capacitated to undertake the work.
“The DA has given the municipality a week to provide clear answers on the contractor’s whereabouts, the state of the project and the outstanding questions surrounding it. Should the municipality fail to provide satisfactory answers, we will consider further escalation. A DA-governed municipality will prioritise road maintenance and upgrades through better budget prioritisation and oversight.
“We will also make public procurement more transparent by requiring disclosure of all goods and services procured, including contracts awarded and contract prices. Gamagara residents deserve accountability. Every rand intended to improve local roads must be used to fix roads, not line pockets,” said du Plessis.
Picture: Warona Setsome crowned 1st Princess Little Miss Universe/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 August 2026 – A Grade 5 learner, Warona Setsome (10) from R.B. Dithupe Primary School in Welvedagt Township, near Zeerust was crowned as the 1st Princess Little Miss Universe. Warona received the prestigious title at the Little Miss Universe pageant held in the Philippines on 19 August 2026.
She only started modelling in 2025 and within a very short space of time. Warona had the opportunity to walk for international fashion shows and designers, participate in events, develop her skills as a motivational speaker to children and became a host and young public figure.
Warona’s mother and manager, Kedijang Hendrietta Setsome highlighted how she saw her daughter’s interest in modelling and supported her dream.
“What started as a young girl’s interest in modelling has grown into something much bigger. I saw her potential and decided to nurture it, supported her and gave her every opportunity to grow. As her manager, I have had the privilege of walking alongside her, prepared her and watched her develop not only as a model, but also as a confident young girl who understands the importance of using her voice and platform positively.
“The journey to Little Miss Universe was not easy. Warona became unwell during the competition, but despite not feeling her best, she showed incredible determination. She continued to participate and represented herself, her family, the North West and South Africa with grace, discipline and commitment,” she said.
Kedijang further said Warona gave every activity her absolute best and carried herself with such strength and professionalism. She added that watching her push through those difficult moments and still perform at her best, is something that made her even more proud of her.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, commended Warona for this outstanding achievement, describing it as a source of pride for her family, school, community and the North West. Mohono said Warona’s achievement is a testament to the talent, determination and potential of young people in our province.
“We are extremely proud of her for representing North West and South Africa with distinction on an international stage. Last month, we had Mbulelo Tolom from Klerksdorp, who represented the North West and the entire country in the Spelling Bee competition held in China, where he obtained 6th position.
“This achievement shows that this province has talent that can conquer the world in different areas. On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I extend our warmest congratulations to Warona,” she said.
Mohono said may this achievement inspire her to continue pursuing her dreams and encourage other young learners to believe in themselves and strive for excellence. She further congratulated Warona’s parents, teachers and everyone who supported her throughout her journey, noting that their encouragement and commitment played an important role in helping her reach this significant milestone.
“The North West Department of Education wishes Warona continued success as she carries the title of 1st Princess at Little Miss Universe and looks forward to celebrating many more achievements throughout her journey ahead,” said Mohono.
Picture: A missing teenager, Thembeka Mqweba/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 August 2026 – The police in Taung request the community’s assistance in locating Thembeka Mqweba (19). Mqweba was last seen on 24 July 2026.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around the surrounding area without any positive results. Skalkie said at the time of her disappearance, Mqweba was wearing a black track suit pants with a black top. She has a slim-built body and has black afro hair.
“The police request anyone who may have information regarding Thembeka Mqweba’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Kgosiyagae Monchoe, on 076 510 9418.
“Alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 August 2026 – The North West Provincial Treasury today convened all 22 municipalities in the province to assess their readiness to submit the 2025/26 annual financial statements to the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) by the legislated deadline of 31 August 2026. The engagement forms part of the province’s drive to achieve full, credible and timely compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The North West MEC for Treasury, Kenetswe Mosenogi said Section 126(1)(a) of the MFMA requires each accounting officer to submit annual financial statements to the Auditor-General within two months of the end of the municipal financial year. Mosenogi said in the 2024/25 cycle, 21 of the 22 municipalities in North West submitted their Annual Financial Statements on time.
“Several of the statements submitted contained material misstatements and were not adequately supported by documentation. The Provincial Treasury has identified the credibility of financial data and municipalities’ reliance on consultants to prepare their statements, as key areas requiring attention ahead of the 2025/26 deadline.
“Today’s session set four objectives such as to achieve 100% submission of annual financial statements across the province, to improve the credibility of financial statements, to improve compliance with legislated timeframes and to improve accountability,” she said.
Mosenogi expressed that each municipality was required to account for its state of readiness, outstanding work, key risks, responsible officials and corrective action. She further said municipalities need to strengthen their internal review processes ahead of submission.
“Municipalities need to pay more attention to the credibility of their financial data and reduce their unsustainable reliance on consultants. Active participation by internal audit units and audit committees, reviewing financial statements before they go to the Auditor-General, will help us improve our audit outcomes.
“The gathering was attended by executive mayors, municipal managers, chief financial officers, managers responsible for financial management and internal audit officials and they all committed that their respective municipalities will be ready to submit their 2025/26 annual financial statements to the Auditor General of South Africa on 31 August 2026,” added Mosenogi.
She said the Provincial Treasury, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), have committed to working together to close support gaps and address risks in the remaining weeks before the deadline.
The Guardian 