Category Archives: NEWS

Football Officials Development Programme opens new pathways for students

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Picture: NWU students exploring many career opportunities that exist in the football industry/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 September 2026 – For many aspiring footballers, the dream is to make it onto the pitch as a player. At the North West University (NWU), however, students are being encouraged to look beyond playing and explore the many career opportunities that exist in the football industry.

The North West University (NWU) Football Club spokesperson, Oscar Mosiane said through the NWU Football Officials Development Programme, the university is creating opportunities for students to learn the laws of the game, gain practical match-day experience and develop the skills needed to pursue football officiating as a potential career pathway. Mosiane said the initiative forms part of the broader commitment of the NWU to using sport as a platform for holistic student development.

“While player and coaching development remain important components of football, the programme recognises that competent and knowledgeable officials are equally essential to ensuring that matches are conducted fairly, professionally and in accordance with the laws of the game.

“Since its introduction, the programme has made encouraging progress, providing students with valuable exposure to the world of football officiating. It is envisioned that the initiative will develop into a sustainable pathway through which students can progress from learning the fundamentals of refereeing to gaining practical experience and, ultimately, officiating at higher levels,” he said.

Mosiane further said beyond knowledge of the laws of football, participants are exposed to skills that are valuable both on and off the field. He added that these include decision-making, communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence and the ability to manage different match situations under pressure.

“These skills are particularly important in modern football, where officials are required to make quick and informed decisions while communicating effectively with players, coaches and fellow officials.

“The programme also seeks to create a progression pathway for students who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to officiating. Through continued training, mentorship and practical exposure, students can potentially progress into local football structures and pursue opportunities at higher levels of the game,” said Mosiane.

Meanwhile, Thabo Raborifi from the Sports Department shared the same sentiments. Raborifi said the the programme is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students to develop in the football environment.

“This programme is about creating opportunities for our students to learn, develop and grow in football beyond simply being players. We are encouraged by the progress we have made so far and we believe that with continued support, the programme can grow into a strong pathway for developing quality football officials who can go on to serve in local football associations and the ABC Motsepe League.

“Our vision is to empower students with practical opportunities and the confidence to build a future in football officiating. We acknowledge the contribution of student leadership structures to the initiative, particularly the support provided by residence officer Sabelo Mlangeni, whose involvement has helped strengthen student participation in the programme.

“For the NWU, the value of the initiative extends beyond the development of individual officials. It also provides an opportunity for the university to strengthen relationships with football stakeholders and contribute to the development of the sport in the North West,” he said.

Raborifi said the university hopes that some of the officials developed through the programme will eventually serve in local football associations and the ABC Motsepe League, contributing to the availability of knowledgeable, confident and professionally prepared officials in the regional football ecosystem. He said the initiative is also an important reminder that a career in football does not necessarily mean becoming a professional player.

“The football industry offers a wide range of opportunities, including officiating, coaching, sports administration, sports management, media, marketing and event management.

“As the Football Officials Development Programme continues to grow, the NWU remains committed to creating opportunities that enable students to discover and pursue these different pathways. By investing in the development of football officials, the university is not only helping students acquire practical skills and experience, but is also contributing to the broader growth and professionalisation of football in the region,” said Raborifi.

He said the programme demonstrates the belief of the NWU that sport is more than competition – it is a vehicle for learning, leadership, opportunity and lifelong development.

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Mokgosi: “Municipalities are entrusted with delivering accountable governance, promoting socio-economic development”  

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 September 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said 30 years ago, South Africa emerged from a history of exclusion and injustice to establish a constitutional order founded on human dignity, equality, freedom, accountability and the rule of law. Mokgosi address this final session of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) North West Provincial Members Assembly at Seasons Golf, Leisure and Spar in Hartbeespoort on Wednesday, said since then, the constitution has guided the democratic institutions and provided the framework through which provinces such as the North West have pursued social transformation and inclusive development.

He further said these constitutional values find practical expression in local government. Mokgosi added that municipalities are entrusted with delivering accountable governance, providing essential services, promoting socio-economic development and enabling meaningful public participation. 

“As we reflect on this journey, we honour the sacrifices, resilience, and visionary leadership that secured our democracy. The commitment of generations of South Africans laid the foundation for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. 

“As the sphere of government closest to the people, local government remains central to improving quality of life and advancing the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and human rights,” he said.

He said as former President Nelson Mandela observed, “The Constitution of South Africa is a mirror of the nation’s soul. It reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.” Mokgosi said over the past five years, municipalities across the North West have demonstrated resilience in advancing service delivery despite fiscal and governance challenges. 

“Supported by the Municipal Turnaround Programme, municipalities continue to make progress in strengthening financial management and governance. Moses Kotane, JB Marks and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and Moretele Local Municipality. 

“Mamusa Local Municipality improved from an adverse to a qualified opinion, while disclaimer opinions declined significantly from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one in 2024/25, namely Ditsobotla. Ratlou Local Municipality also recorded notable progress, moving from a disclaimer to a qualified opinion,” he said.

Mokgosi said these improvements reflect the commitment of municipal councils, officials and communities to building capable, responsive and developmental local government institutions. He said a week ago, municipalities across the province submitted their Annual Financial Statements to the Auditor-General for the 2025/26 financial year. 

“This milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to accountability, transparency, and sound financial management. These submissions coincide with continued improvements in governance across the province.

“Most significantly, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs achieved its first clean audit outcome since the advent of democracy. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to financial discipline, accountability, and effective governance,” said Mokgosi.

He said they commend the department for leading by example and for its ongoing support to municipalities across the province. Mokgosi said as local government leaders, they occupy a unique position within the democratic system. 

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Escaped offender, Edward Kgomotso Madiba captured

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Picture: Escapee, Edward Kgomotso Madiba/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 September 2026 – Edward Kgomotso Madiba, who escaped from the Rooigrond Maximum Correctional Centre in Mahikeng on 6 September 2026, was rearrested on 9 September 2026. This follows a tip-off received by the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding his movements in the Bojanala Sub-District.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Madiba was serving a 20-year sentence for robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and parole violation. Myburgh said following information that the escapee had been seen in the vicinity of Legonyane Village, a coordinated search operation was activated.

“The operation brought together members of SAPS, the Department of Correctional Services and local farmers, with teams conducting searches and following up on intelligence leads.

“Further intelligence received by the Brits SAPS Detectives indicated that Madiba was moving between the Brits and Damonsville areas. The information was promptly followed up, resulting in the escapee being located and arrested at a licensed liquor restaurant in Brits,” she said.

Myburgh further said Madiba was subsequently handed over to officials from the Department of Correctional Services and transported back to the Rooigrond facility, where he will face further charges of escaping from lawful custody.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Arthur Adams, welcomed the successful outcome of the operation and praised all those who contributed to the search and arrest. Adams added: “This successful rearrest demonstrates the value of timely intelligence, coordinated operations and strong cooperation between law enforcement agencies, correctional services and communities.

“I commend every member who remained committed to locating this escapee and ensuring that he was returned to custody.”

Lastly, he thanked the members of the public and farming community who provided information and assisted the authorities during the search.

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Should South Africa keep under-16s off social media?

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Picture: NWU’s Centre for Health and Human Performance, Linique Hanekom/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 September 2026 – As more countries restrict social media access for children, should South Africa follow suit or find a solution better suited to its own realities? Social media may expose children to cyberbullying and harmful content, but its developmental cost could also lie in the conversations, play and sleep it displaces.

Linique Hanekom who works at the North West University’s Centre for Health and Human Performance said the issue is not simply what a screen does to a child. Hanekom said it is what the screen may prevent the child from doing.

She further said keeping under-16s off social media will not be enough unless parents, schools, government and technology companies share responsibility for children’s online safety. Hanekom added that children need sleep, play, movement, friendships and responsive adults more than another feed to scroll.

“Technology must never become a substitute for childhood.

Australia has done it. Indonesia has followed and the United Kingdom intends to do so from 2027. As governments move to keep children below a prescribed age off social media, South Africa faces the same difficult question: should it shut the door too?

Hanekom whose work includes a special interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, early communication intervention, and language and specific learning disorders, believes the country should seriously consider an under-16 restriction. She said she is careful, however, about what it should be called—and what it could accomplish.

“I would prefer the language of an ‘age restriction’ rather than simply a punitive ‘ban’. I would not view a restriction as a complete solution. It should form part of a broader child-development and online-safety strategy involving parents, schools, government and technology companies.

“Australia became the first country to enforce a national minimum age of 16. Since 10 December 2025, designated platforms have had to take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from creating or retaining accounts. The burden rests on the companies, not children or their parents,” said Hanekom.

She said Indonesia subsequently began enforcing restrictions for users under 16, while the UK has announced that certain social media services will become unavailable to under-16s from spring 2027. Hanekom said South Africa should study these approaches, not copy them blindly.

“Local policy would have to account for unequal access to technology, digital literacy, education, data costs and the reality that many children also go online to learn, create, find community and seek support. Age checks introduce privacy questions, while determined adolescents may simply circumvent them.

“A restriction without education, platform accountability and accessible alternatives is unlikely to be sufficient. The developmental concern reaches far beyond offensive content. For younger children, real human interaction is developmental work,” she said.

Hanekom said language is not learnt merely by hearing words on a screen. She said it develops through joint attention, taking turns, reading faces and body language, asking questions and repairing misunderstandings.

“The issue is not simply what a screen does to a child; it is what the screen may prevent the child from doing. That distinction is supported by research. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Pediatrics found that greater programme viewing and background television exposure among children under six were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes.

“Age-inappropriate content and caregiver screen use during children’s routines were associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. The study also found positive associations between co-use and cognitive outcomes, underscoring that context matters. For older children, social media arrives while identity, emotional regulation and self-concept are still developing,” said Hanekom.

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NPA ready to proceed with Jub Jub firearm-related case

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Picture: The accused, Molemo Katleho Maarohanye, who is popularly known as Jub Jub  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 September 2026 – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has finalised its investigations in the matter involving media personality, Molemo Katleho Maarohanye, who is popularly known as Jub Jub and is ready to proceed with the prosecution. Maarohanye briefly appeared before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court after failing to appear at the previous court proceedings.

The NPA regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said during the court appearance, the state requested a postponement to allow sufficient time to fully furnish the defence with the docket contents. Mohlatlole said the matter was subsequently postponed to 17 September 2026.

“Maarohanye faces charges of possession of an imitation firearm with the intent to commit an offence and pointing of anything likely to cause a person to believe that it is a firearm. The charges arise from an incident involving an e-hailing driver in Edenvale on 14 June 2026.

“During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement officials seized a pellet gun at Maarohanye’s residence. The NPA reiterates its readiness to proceed with the matter and remains committed to ensuring that the prosecution is conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the law,” she said.

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Orlando Stadium to host Bafana’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier against Guinea

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

9 September 2026 – Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea on 26 September 2026. It will be coach Pitso Mosimane’s first match at the helm since taking over from Belgian Hugo Broos a few days ago.

Following that opening AFCON assignment against Guinea, the South Africa senior men’s national team will then face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt in the second group match on 30 September 2026.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said South Africans will wrap up their assignments on the road with an international friendly match against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October 2026.

“We encourage families and fans to come in their numbers to support the team as we begin this new era under coach Pitso Mosimane.

“More Bafana Bafana announcements will be made as the buildup to the clash against Guinea continues. Mosimane announced his preliminary squad for the two AFCON qualifiers last week and will reveal the final list to the nation in the coming days,” he said.

Meanwhile, tickets have gone on sale, including the hospitality packages. Tickets are available at R100 for adults and R40 for kids under 12 years old.

IMPORTANT: To purchase a child’s ticket, please select at least one adult ticket first. Kids’ tickets cannot be purchased separately.

BOOKING INFORMATION for hospitality packages: Mobile Contact 082 805 3150 or bookings@sail.co.za

The link for the tickets is below:

https://shop.ticketpro.co.za/event/south-africa-vs-guinea-8fluaj

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Matlhako 2 e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Banna ba le babedi ba ba latofadiwang ka polao

Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

9 Lwetse 2026 – Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha 7 Diphalane 2026, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Taung. Balatofadiwa, Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Okemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya Boingotlo Makaota (16).

Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2. Go ya ka moagisani, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya ga Maine.

Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.

Sebueledi sa maloba sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.

“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se phuthetswe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”

Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.

“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o a bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Phatlhanyane ene o setse a inkeme fela ka la gore a neelwe beile.

Kgabagare, Maine one a ipona molato mabapi le ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, fela one a fetola mogopolo mo go seo. Ga jaana, mosekisi jwa re bo ipaakantse gore kgetsi e ka ya tshekong.

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Adverse weather leaves trail of damage on both private and public property

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Picture: One of the houses damaged/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 September 2026 – The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has commenced a comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment to determine the extent and severity of damage caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and storms across the province. The PDMC said the province experienced severe weather conditions between 4 and 6 September 2026, following an Orange Level 6 severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The Head of the PDMC, Tebogo Gaolaolwe said the adverse weather resulted in widespread damage to both private and public property, flooding of roads and bridges and power outages in some areas. Gaolaolwe said following the issuance of the warning, the PDMC activated the Provincial Joint Coordinating Committee (PJCC), working through the Heads of District Management Centres (DMCs), to ensure a coordinated and integrated response to potential disaster incidents across the province.

“The North West is among the provinces that have been severely affected by the adverse weather conditions. According to our preliminary reports, critical infrastructure has been affected, including healthcare facilities, libraries and roads.

“We can also confirm that 60 schools have been affected. The most significant impact has been recorded on residential properties. In the Bojanala District, 53 houses and 21 informal structures or shacks were affected,” he said.

Gaolaolwe further said in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, 94 houses were affected. He added that two people sustained injuries in Danville as a result of a house fire, while one fatality was reported in Mareetsane Village, outside Mahikeng.

Gaolaolwe said in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, 32 houses were damaged, with 11 experiencing flooding in the Mamusa, Greater Taung and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. He said in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Matlosana and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities were affected, with 13 houses reported damaged.

“Furthermore, water-level indicators erected along the N14 road between Vryburg and Kuruman recorded a significant rise in water levels following the heavy rainfall. This has affected the reopening of the road to heavy motor vehicles.

“The PDMC is currently consolidating and verifying preliminary reports received from affected municipalities and districts. The information will inform requests for assistance through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC),” said Gaolaolwe.

Gaolaolwe said they are already engaging with the NDMC through our advisory forum. He said at this stage, they have moved beyond the declaration and have reached the classification phase of the disaster.

“This will enable the reprioritisation and reallocation of funding to support affected sector departments and municipalities,” said Gaolaolwe.

He said affected families in various local municipalities have already received assistance, including blankets, mattresses and food parcels. Gaolaolwe said other affected households have been referred to the North West Department of Social Development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Red Cross and other relevant organisations for further assistance.

“The PDMC, as the coordinating authority of the PJCC, which comprises provincial sector departments, municipalities, traditional authorities and government entities, continues to closely monitor the situation across the province.

“The Centre will continue to coordinate and facilitate relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support and that damaged infrastructure is restored as swiftly as possible,” he said.

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A man who was found with carcass of a sheep arrested

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Picture: A carcass of a sheep found in a bag/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

9 September 2026 – A man (18) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen stock. At approximately 5:30pm, the police received a tip-off about a man allegedly carrying stolen stock produce.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said they followed up at an open field near Riemvasmaak, where they stopped and searched the suspect. Shemane said a sheep carcass was found in his bag and he was unable to explain its possession.

“He is expected to appear in court soon. Investigations are continuing to establish the carcass’s origin and whether it is linked to stock theft. The SAPS thanks the community for providing information and urges livestock owners to mark and regularly account for their animals, reporting missing livestock immediately.

“Members of the public should report suspicious activities and avoid confronting suspected criminals,” he said.

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A foreign tuckshop owner nabbed for contravention of Immigration Act 13 of 2024

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Picture: An illegal foreign tuckshop owner nabbed/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 September 2026 – As part of ongoing efforts to disrupt illegal activities and ensure compliance with the law, members of Vispol Nababeep conducted a compliance inspection at a tuckshop in Nababeep on Tuesday at approximately 11am. During the inspection, police discovered several crates of liquor concealed in a back room on the premises.

The Namakwa District Police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said further investigation established that alcohol was being sold from the premises without a valid liquor licence. Magerman said liquor with an estimated street value of R5000 was confiscated by the police.

“The investigation further revealed that the foreign tuckshop owner (35), was allegedly residing and operating in South Africa without the required documentation. He was subsequently arrested and faces charges in terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2024, as well as a charge relating to the illegal sale of liquor.

“The Namakwa District Management has reiterated that compliance inspections and disruptive operations remain an integral part of Operation Shanela II, aimed at addressing illegal activities that have a negative impact on communities,” he said.

Magerman further said the SAPS is issuing a stern warning to all persons involved in the illegal sale and distribution of liquor that such activities will not be tolerated. He added that the police will continue conducting intelligence-driven operations and compliance inspections throughout the district and those found operating outside the law will be dealt with accordingly.

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