Category Archives: NEWS

JST Hospital procured R7.5m Digital Mammography X Ray Machine to accelerate service delivery

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Picture: Deputy Board Chairperson, Batsile Ramosepele and the acting CEO of Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, Ellen Moromane/Supplied    

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 June 2025- The Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg said the procurement of Digital Mammography X Ray Machine will accelerate the turnaround time of mammography results for patients. The Hospital’s Deputy Board Chairperson, Batsile Ramosepele, indicated that the procurement of this machine was as a result of improving access to care for patients, as they had to travel to Mahikeng Provincial Hospital to access this service.

Ramosepele further said the procurement of the Digital Mammography X Ray machine cost R7.5 million and was awarded in February 2025 to June 2025. She added that it took four months to complete the project.

“The Commissioning of Digital Mammography X Ray Machine on 25 June 2025, brought excitement to Hospital Management and Staff as patients will access the results within 72 hours. The sole purpose of this machine is to screen and diagnose breast changes, cancer calcification in patients both female and male.

“Through this machine, the hospital aims to attain increased cancer screening and further do biopsies for full investigations of the abnormalities,” said Ramosepele.

She further said the project also entailed staff kitchen, installation and training of staff members on how the machine operates. Ramosepele added that currently, the hospital boasts two qualified mammographers to operate this machine, as it is a prerequisite to have a qualification in mammography.

“Now, the hospital can detect tumors and do biopsies to confirm the nature of the tumors. We, as the Board, are delighted with this state-of-the-art unit commissioned today as it will improve the health of our people,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting CEO of Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital, Ellen Moromane shared the same sentiments. Moromane said this is a good milestone for them.

“We are ultimately getting there to provide tertiary services that patients deserve,” she concluded.

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DA welcomes arrests of former !Kheis municipal manager for pension fund crimes

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By BAKANG MOKOTO  

30 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes further progress in the fight against pension fund crime in the Northern Cape, where municipalities reportedly owe more than R100 million in outstanding pension fund contributions. This follows the arrest of the former Municipal Manager of !Kheis Local Municipality, Joseph Floyd Leeuw, on 30 counts of contravening the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956.

The DA Northern Cape Provincial Leader, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) said Leeuw stands accused of failing to pay over pension deductions for the period of October 2019 to June 2022, resulting in late payment interest ballooning to R8 545 980. McGluwa said they are relieved that more municipalities are being exposed for robbing employees of their hard-earned pensions.

“The DA has been actively fighting against municipal pension fund crime in the Northern Cape for years. In 2017, the DA laid a criminal charge against Kai !Garib for failing to pay over contributions to third parties, also reporting our concerns to the Office of the Public Protector in 2020.

“In October 2022, we protested outside the Upington Magistrate’s Court following the arrest of the former Municipal Manager of Kai !Garib Local Municipality, Johnny Mackay for pension fund crime totaling more than R9 million.

“In October 2023, the DA laid criminal charges against the Renosterberg MM for pension fund crime. In October 2024, we picketed outside the Petrusville Magistrate’s Court, following the arrest of multiple senior managers of Renosterberg, in relation to pension fund prejudice suffered to the value of R73 563 652,” he said.

McGluwa further said the DA also came out in full support of the arrests of the Municipal Manager of Kamiesberg, Rufus Beukes in November last year, as well as the ex-CFO of Thembelihle Local Municipality earlier this year, both in relation to contravention of the Pension Fund Act. He added that late payment interest in these cases exceeds R2 million and R6 million respectively.

“Pension crimes are an assault on the future and dignity of municipal employees. The DA will continue to monitor all five criminal cases closely. We hope that they will expose the true extent of pension injustices suffered and allow for a swift remediation process to unfold for affected employees,” said McGluwa.

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Municipalities in North West urged to foster a culture of accountability

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Picture: Embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 June 2025- In a decisive move to transform municipalities’ audit reputation, the North West Provincial Treasury convened a high-level stakeholder engagement session on Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Audit Cycle Readiness ahead of the 2024/25 Annual Financial Statements (AFS) submission deadline at the end of August 2025.

The session which aimed to strengthen municipal compliance and improve audit outcomes brought together key stakeholders such as National Treasury, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Office of the Auditor-General (AG), and representatives from 22 provincial municipalities.

Delivering a compelling address, Auditor-General Mthokozisi Sibisi, called for a collective commitment to change the province’s reputation for poor audit outcomes.

Sibisi said the AG has issued a clear call to action.

“Enough is enough. It is time to rebrand the North West Province by turning the tide on poor audit outcomes. Communities are weary of negative perceptions, and municipalities must confront the gaps head-on.

“This proactive engagement before the audit cycle begins. It is a critical step toward credible financial reporting and improved service delivery. Support mechanisms like today’s session will help municipalities to compile credible financial statements timeously, which may significantly improve audit results and municipal functionality,” he said.

Sibisi further said they welcome the province’s development of an Audit Improvement Strategy for 2024/25–2028/29 financial years as a bold framework for long-term transformation and highlighted the importance of the Quadrilateral Consolidated Support Plan, which outlines coordinated support to municipalities focused on key drivers of audit opinion enhancement.

He added that officials from top-performing municipalities, including the City of Ekurhuleni and Capricorn

District Municipality, shared best practices, emphasizing financial discipline, minimal reliance on consultants, robust internal audit processes, and a culture of compliance as key to their success.

The North West Provincial Treasury’s Head of Department, Ndlela Kunene, described the session as unprecedented and pivotal. Kunene said for the first time, they are creating a platform for all key role players to engage directly on overcoming barriers to credible financial reporting.

“The time for reactive responses is over. Municipalities must now implement tangible post-audit action plans that

address root causes, establish steering committees, and meet regularly to drive progress toward clean audits.

“We urge municipalities to demonstrate commitment by working closely with the North West Provincial Government and ensuring that the right personnel are allocated to implement agreed support interventions,” he said.

Kunene said the Provincial Treasury reiterates its unwavering support for municipalities in this endeavour and remains committed to fostering a culture of accountability, compliance, and improved governance across the province.

He said the session concluded with a unified pledge to sustain this momentum and transform the North West into a benchmark for good governance and fiscal accountability.

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Mopagami o tlhokafetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga

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Setshwantsho: Mokgweetsi o tlhokafetse mo kotsi ya sejanaga

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

30 June 2025- Mopagami o tlhokofetse mo kotsing ya sejanaga mo letsatsing la maabane mo tseleng ya N18, kwa ntlenyana ga Vryburg. Go begwa fa dijanaga di le tharo, Mercedes Benz, Toyota Quantum and Nissan Micra di thulane.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, mopagami mo sejanaga sa Nissan Micra o ile a balelelwa le badimo kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Mokgwabone are bapagami ba le barataro, go akaretsa le mokgweetsi wa Toyota Quantum, ba bone dikgobalo.

“Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe. Fela, ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa mokgweetsi wa Nissan Micra a amogatwe kwa bookelong jwa Joe Morolong kwa Vryburg.

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South Africa to participate at international development finance summit in Spain

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30 June 2025- International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Ronald Lamola will lead South Africa’s delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit, scheduled to take place in Seville, Spain, from 30 June – 3 July 2025.  

The conference is convened at the invitation of President Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón of the Government of Spain and United Nations Secretary – General António Guterres. 

In a statement on Saturday, The Presidency said the conference aims to address new and emerging issues in financing for development, including the need to fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reform the international financial architecture.

“President Ramaphosa has delegated Minister Lamola as the Head of Delegation for the Summit following recent political developments that require close monitoring and management in the country. 

“South Africa’s participation at the Summit aligns with its G20 Presidency objectives of solidarity, equality and sustainability in complementing and supporting the Summits’ goals of reshaping the global financial system in support of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency said. 

On the margins of the 4th Financing for Development Summit, South Africa will convene a side event under the theme: “Forging a common agenda to achieve debt sustainability in developing economies”.
 
South Africa seeks to advance through cooperation and collaboration, sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges, and to extend debt relief to developing economies which disproportionately affects countries in Africa.  

The side event will bring together leading voices from various debt-related initiatives to identify synergies and areas of convergence. It will seek consensus and highlight solutions that enjoy broad support.

South Africa’s delegation to the 4th International Conference on the Financing for Development Summit comprises the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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Lekgarebe le tlhokofetse morago ga go thulwa ke sejanaga

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Setshwantsho: Moswi Oratile Chwao

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

30 Seetebosigo 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se butse kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se, se tla morago ga gore Oratile Chwao (22), a thulwe ke sejanaga kwa motseng wa Cokonyane, gaufi le Taung. Sepodisi se bega fa Chwao a ne a kgabaganya tsela fa a ka thulwa ke sejanaga.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Go begwa fa moswi a ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Ga gona ope o tshwerweng go fitlha ga jaana.

“Fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse mo morerong o.”

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Candice Chirwa redefines what it means to lead with purpose

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Picture: Candice Chirwa with young people/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 June 2025- Engen has congratulated Candice Chirwa on her inclusion in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. A leading voice in menstrual health education and youth advocacy, Chirwa continues to blaze a trail across South Africa and beyond.

At just 29, the founder and director of Qrate is redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Through Qrate, a youth-run non-profit that uses education and empowerment to dismantle menstrual stigma, Candice has made it her mission to spark bold discussions, influence policy, and empower young girls to reclaim their dignity and take up space even during their period.

In 2024, Chirwa partnered with Engen. Her contributions brought significant value to Engen’s community engagement initiatives, where she leveraged her voice and platform to inspire youth and ignite important conversations about dignity, confidence, and self-worth – particularly among young girls facing challenges in under-resourced communities. 

“Being named a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree is a remarkable achievement and Candice has truly earned her place among the continent’s brightest changemakers,” commented Tsholo Tiro, brand & sponsorship manager at Engen.

Tiro said Chirwa’s fearless advocacy and meaningful partnership with Engen have enriched our community programmes in powerful ways. She said they are proud to celebrate this milestone with her and support her continued journey as one of South Africa’s most inspiring youth leaders.

“Chirwa’s recognition aligns with Engen’s broader commitment to nurturing young talent through programmes like the Engen Knockout Challenge and Engen Champ of Champs football tournaments, and community-based educational initiatives such as the Engen Maths & Science Schools and Engen Computer School programmes.

“Chirwa’s influence, particularly in the space of gender equity and health literacy, mirrors Engen’s values of growth, empowerment, and creating lasting societal change,” said Tiro.

Tiro further said as Chirwa steps into the global spotlight, they salute her unwavering passion and celebrate the future she continues to shape one courageous conversation at a time.

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Ipelegeng murder case back in court

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Mafane

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 June 2025- A case of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and murder against three accused, Reginald Sepoko Moeme (30), Tumelo Ernest Riberry Bart (26) and Otlotleng Berry Kagisho Segole (28), will resume today at Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court, for formal bail application.

Moeme, Bart and Segole, were arrested following the outbreak of violent confrontations apparently between two local rival groups known as TRT allegedly operating from the Ahmed Kathrada Section and the Hawks Patrollers from Extension 8, in Ipelegeng Township, near Schweizer Reneke.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said in response to this violence which posed a serious threat to peace and stability in Ipelegeng Township, he immediately directed the acting Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Commissioner, Brigadier Tshelo Tlotleng, to activate the Joint Operational Command Centre (JOC). Asaneng said the JOC was constituted by among others, local ward councillors, Community Police Forum (CPF), local businesses, taxi associations, different government departments such as the Department of Education, Health and Traffic to ensure that the situation is dealt with speedily and without further escalation of unrest and tension.

“In order to speedily respond to this public unrest, Tlotleng has further issued a stern warning to those involved and  instructed that those responsible for incitement of  public violence that have seen throngs of mostly youth from these rival groupings running amok in Ipelegeng, be identified, tracked and arrested.

“Unfortunately this senseless anarchy and violence has resulted in the brutal death of Onalenna Mafane (19). Mafane was allegedly found lying dead with stab wounds in the chest on Tuesday evening, 20 May 2025, along the Amalia/Schweizer-Reneke road,” he said.

Asaneng further said the reports of local residents, neighbours, friends and fellow residents, including adults brandishing and attacking one another with an assortment of dangerous weapons points to a serious disintegration of the social fabric and moral decay within Ipelegeng.

He added that, the public violence in Ipelegeng is not a spontaneous occurrence, but the result of a long primed ticking time-bomb which happened under the watch of parents and community leaders.

“Surely the signs have been there for local community leaders and parents, who should have acted swiftly and decisively. This violent confrontation involving mostly young persons could have been averted.

“We have deployed a large contingent of police units that include Public Order Police (POP), Provincial Anti-Gang, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Mounted Unit and K9 to normalise the situation and to prevent damage to public and private property, loss of lives, injuries and the escalation of violence that may result in the disruption of day-to-day activities, which include schooling, public transport, businesses, health and emergency services,” said Asaneng.

Meanwhile, Moeme is facing four cases including two of assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property and a murder. Bart and Segole are both linked to a house robbery case.

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‘Situation in Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality is deeply concerning’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng  Molapisi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Oageng  Molapisi said he has noted the statement issued by the Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) regarding the state of governance in the Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality. Molapisi said he agrees with the committee that the continued failure by the municipal council to elect a mayor is a “clear violation of governance norms, with serious implications for oversight, service delivery, and accountability.”

He said he also supports the permanent appointment of the mayor for municipal governance stability. Molapisi further said during the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), he had directed the municipality to finalize the election of the mayor.

“Although notable progress and commitment on the side of the administration since the invocation of Section 139(1)(a), the situation in Kagisano-Molopo is deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. The residents of the municipality deserve effective, accountable leadership and a council that upholds the rule of law and serves the public interest.

“In addition to the report to be submitted by the Speaker of Council as directed by SCOPA, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will send a senior delegation to Kagisano-Molopo in the coming week to engage with the municipal council, provide legal guidance, and ensure that the municipality urgently complies with the legislative requirements for the election of a mayor or acting mayor,” he added.

Molapisi thanks SCOPA for its vigilant oversight and reiterates his department’s commitment to clean governance, ethical leadership, and the urgent restoration of the rule of law across all municipalities in the province.

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