Category Archives: NEWS

DWS in North West announce the provincial winners of the South African Youth Water Prize competition

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Picture: Winners of the Provincial SAYWP competition from ZM Seatlholo Secondary school, Boitumelo Platjies and Neo Mokgapi/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 May 2026 – As part of the provincial adjudication of the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in North West hosted the 2026 Provincial adjudications in Vryburg, Klerksdorp, Makapanstad and Mahikeng from 21 to 24 April 2026, respectively. The SAYWP is one of the projects that the DWS is implementing in its water and sanitation education programme (WSEP) where winners of the provincial adjudication proceed to compete with their counterparts nationally.

DWS Project Manager of WSEP in the North West, Motlagomang Moreosele said the winners of the Provincial adjudication stand a chance to win bursaries to study towards water and sanitation related careers while nationally they compete with other provinces. Moreosele said after that, they stand a chance to join the internationally community at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden, where they test their abilities against winners from 35 countries. 

“As a result, fourteen schools namely Thuto Tsebo Secondary School, Hoerskool Orkney, Tigane Secondary School from Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and Setswakgosing Secondary School, Pinagare High School from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality entered the SAYWP competitions.

“The other schools included Matlaisane Secondary School, Mmankala Technical and Commercial High School, Molebatsi Secondary School, Mmanotshe Moduane Secondary School from Bojanala Platinum District, Ramotshere High School, Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, Tirisano High School and ZM Seatlholo Secondary School from Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality,” she said.

Moreosele further said the schools were each represented by one to two learners who competed in one of the two categories, namely Awareness and Innovation. She added that in the awareness category, learners present ideas on how to solve water and sanitation challenges in their communities, schools or households.

“On the innovation category they follow the same approach but come up with a model to solve the challenges. I would like to congratulate the winners of our Provincial SAYWP competition and wish them all the best in their endeavours. We are proud of their outstanding achievements.

“Their talent, hard work and dedication have truly set them apart from their peers,” said Moreosele.

This year’s Provincial SAYWP competition winners are as follows:

1ST POSITION—ZM Seatlholo Secondary School (Invention)-cash prize R11 000 and will represent the North West Province at this year’s national competition from 28-29 May 2026 in Gauteng Province.

2ND POSITION— Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School-cash prize R9 000

3RD POSITION— Pinagare High School-cash prize R7 500

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Residents urged to brace themselves for severe weather conditions

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 May 2026 – As the Northern Cape province braces itself for severe weather conditions expected, the police are appealing to residents to implement the following safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert during extreme cold and wet weather. The police said ice and snow have been observed in the Pixley Ka Seme District, specifically along the N1 and N10 routes.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution. Ehlers said regarding road safety, motorists should reduce speed and increase following distance to allow for adequate reaction time in case of sudden stops or changing road conditions.

“Use headlights at all times to enhance visibility and ensure your vehicle is visible to others. Ensure windshield wipers are functioning properly to maintain clear visibility. Avoid puddles and standing water, which may conceal potholes.

“Be cautious of large vehicles that may reduce your visibility due to spray. Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. If necessary, pull over safely,” she said.

Ehlers further said residents should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed. She added that they should never sleep with burning candles and refrain from using “Umbolas” inside their houses.

“Leave a door or window partially open when using a fuel fired heater to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition. Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires.

“Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances. Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter. Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this spreads the fire. Rather, use a fire extinguisher,” said Ehlers.

She said they should keep matches, lighters and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Ehlers said when cooking, keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves and paper towels far away from burners and stoves.

“Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care. If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings. Keep heaters away from flammable or combustible materials.

“Never dry wet or damp clothes or fabrics on an electric heater. Be responsible and safe at all times,” she said.

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Breaking News: Three ATM Bombing suspects shot dead in Mahikeng

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Picture: A firearm confiscated by the police/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

Breaking News: Three ATM bombing suspects allegedly being shot dead in a confrontation with the police at Magogoe village, near Mahikeng. It is alleged that the police cornered the suspects in a house, where the shooting took place.

More details will follow.

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NWU to honour SA cultural icon, Kgotlaetsile Pule

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Picture: the esteemed South African cultural icon, Kgotlaetsile Henderson Pule/Supplied 

By STAFF REPORTER

6 May 2026 – The North West University (NWU) said it will proudly confer an honorary doctorate on the esteemed South African cultural icon, Kgotlaetsile Henderson Pule, in recognition of his remarkable and lifelong dedication to the preservation and advancement of South African choral music. The university said this momentous event will take place during the autumn graduation ceremony in the Great Hall at the Mahikeng Campus on 8 May 2026 at 10am, when the NWU will be celebrating academic excellence alongside cultural distinction.

The NWU (Mafikeng campus) Communication Manager, Oscar Mosiane said the honorary degree will be awarded during the university’s graduation ceremony at its Mahikeng Campus. Mosiane said Pule obtained a BA Degree in Linguistics and Setswana from University of South Africa in 1984.

“Over a distinguished career spanning four decades, he has served as a dedicated educator in schools across Lehurutshe, while simultaneously building a formidable legacy as one of South Africa’s leading choral music composers. Widely respected as a cultural educationalist and composer, his work has played a critical role in preserving and promoting the Setswana language through music.

“His compositions are regularly prescribed for school and church choirs, as well as national choral festivals, and continue to be performed and celebrated across the country. Pule has devoted more than 60 years to choral music, serving in various leadership roles, including conducting school and church choirs and the acclaimed Lehurutshe Community Choir, all of which have achieved notable excellence,” he said.

Mosiane further said in 2024, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Buang Moloto Choral Festival, recognising his role in fostering choral excellence, promoting South African musical heritage and strengthening Afrocentric values within communities. He added that his relationship with the NWU continues to grow, following a public lecture he delivered at the university in 2023 on indigenous languages and global cultural shifts.

“During this visit, he also donated 27 academic books to the Mahikeng Campus library. In honouring Pule, the NWU celebrates not only his musical excellence but also his enduring contribution to the development and preservation of the Setswana language, ensuring its continued relevance for future generations,” said Mosiane.

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Stepfather in court for rape

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By STAFF REPORTER

5 May 2026 – A stepfather (46) from Olievenhoutbosch appeared briefly at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court for his first appearance. He is facing two counts of rape for allegedly raping his stepdaughter (16).

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said on two separate occasions, on 31 January 2026 and 18 April 2026, the stepfather raped his stepdaughter at their place of residence in Olievenhoutbosch when the mother was not around, and the victim was left in his care. Mahanjana said after the second incident, the victim reported the matter to the aunt, who in turn told the mother. 

“The mother then reported the matter to the police, and the stepfather was arrested on 03 May 2026 and is remanded in custody. The matter has been postponed to 12 May 2026 for bail investigations. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) intends to oppose his release on bail,” she said.

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Committee to receive responses on investigations into social development ministerial appointments

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Picture: Embattled Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development will receive a briefing tomorrow from the Department of Social Development on a forensic investigation into departmental appointments. The committee will also hear the outcome of an investigation conducted by the Public Service Commission into appointments linked to the Minister.

The Chairperson of the Social Development, Bridget Masango said the department will further be required to account for the Presidency’s findings that the Minister of Social Development violated provisions of the Public Service Act. Masango said these relate specifically to the handling of disciplinary action against the former Director-General, as well as the process followed in advertising the vacancy for a new Director-General.

“Furthermore, the committee will also receive responses from the department on allegations surrounding the appointment of the Minister’s so-called “Food Aide”. The meeting will take place at M514, 5th Floor, Marks Building, Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday at 9am.

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Committee concerned by high number of disciplinary matters at Drakenstein

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Picture: Drakenstein Correctional Centre in the Western Cape

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI  

5 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today conducted an oversight visit to the Drakenstein Correctional Centre in the Western Cape, expressing concern over the high number of suspensions of officials linked to disciplinary cases in the management area. The committee said the Drakenstein Management Area includes the Maximum Section, Maximum A Section, Maximum B Section, and Stellenbosch Correctional Centre.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said during the 2025/26 financial year, 65 disciplinary cases were registered. Ramolobeng noted that nationally the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) recorded 130 such cases, making Drakenstein the largest contributor.

“This is a significant number of disciplinary cases. The figure is extremely high and may point to management failures or a lack of effective systems. We previously urged the National Commissioner to focus on the Drakenstein Management Area, and this confirms why.

“The committee had resolved at the start of its term to prioritise physical oversight visits to correctional facilities. To date, the committee has visited Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo, and last week conducted oversight visits in Mpumalanga,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said during today’s visit, the committee conducted a walkabout of the kitchen, bakery, school, medical unit, several workshops, and inmate cells. She added that the bakery unit was commended for producing approximately 1,500 loaves of bread per day, supplying several other centres.

“This is commendable and contributes to self-sustainability. It is also an effective cost-cutting measure for the department. However, we observed that two of the three mixers are not functioning and one oven is also broken. In the kitchen, four of the 10 pots are not working, and some workshop machinery is also out of order.

“This is concerning, as it places additional strain on the remaining equipment and increases the risk of further breakdowns. These issues require urgent attention,” said Ramolobeng.

She said following the debriefing session, the committee also raised concerns about the amount of contraband found in the management area during 2025/26. Ramolobeng said this included 634 cell phones and 595 mandrax tablets.

“The committee also raised concerns about the practice of serving lunch and dinner together to inmates, noting that this is not in line with the department’s standard operating procedures. Overcrowding was another key issue highlighted.

“We have noted that overcrowding generally contributes to security incidents. The Drakenstein Management Area’s facilities can accommodate 1 361 bed spaces but currently houses 1 851 inmates, including 227 mental healthcare users,” she said.

Ramolobeng said the committee also received a preliminary report on the unnatural death of an inmate in March. She said it was informed that the investigation has not yet been concluded, with early indications suggesting gang-related causes.

“The committee was unable to cover all areas of the facility during the visit and will return for a more comprehensive inspection, as well as to follow up on its recommendations to the department,” said Ramolobeng.

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A call to strengthen SA’s health security systems amid hantavirus outbreak

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Picture: A fear over hantavirus outbreak

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Health will on 6 May 2026, be briefed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on the implications of the hantavirus outbreak. The committee said the briefing will focus on the findings of the department’s investigation into the outbreak, the measures that have been implemented to contain the spread of the virus, and the lessons identified to strengthen the resilience and effectiveness of South Africa’s health security systems.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Faith Muthambi said the briefing follows a media statement issued yesterday by the committee, in which the committee noted the Department of Health’s confirmation of fatalities and a critical illness linked to a severe acute respiratory infection involving international cruise ship passengers, as well as the subsequent confirmation that one patient in a South African hospital tested positive for the hantavirus.

Muthambi said the committee also noted the coordinated response by national and provincial health authorities, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and international partners, and reiterated the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols, transparency, vigilance and ongoing public communication as investigations continue.

“The briefing will take place virtually on 6 May 2026 at 8:30am. Members of the public may follow sittings live on Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408), via live stream on Parliament YouTube channel and Twitter page on the links below. You may subscribe to the Parliament YouTube channel to receive instant notification of live feeds,” she said.

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