Picture: The police conducting cross-border operations/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026- The police in the Northern Cape in collaboration with their Namibian counterparts, conducted joint cross-border operations between South Africa and Namibia from 26 February to 1 March 2026. The police said several external stakeholders from the South African side participated in the operations, including Customs DDU, Customs/SARS, Department of Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation and South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the Border Management Authority and Traffic Department were also part of the operations. Litabe said the coordinated operations included patrols along the borderline in both countries, the establishment of vehicle control points, searches of vehicles and persons, farm visits, as well as the inspection and verification of travel and other required documentation of persons entering and departing both countries.
Litabe said as a result of these operations, four men were arrested in Vioolsdrift for being illegally present in South Africa.
“In addition, nine fines were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act, and one warrant of arrest was executed, which resulted in the payment of an outstanding traffic-related fine.
“The joint teams also confiscated illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of R90 000. Furthermore, four individuals were declared undesirable for overstaying in South Africa,” he said.
Upon being informed of the outcomes of the operations, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all members and stakeholders involved for their dedication and hard work in ensuring border security and law enforcement.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By OBAKENG MAJE
2 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has expressed grave concern regarding the audio clip circulating in the public domain, which allegedly captured gossip and divisive conduct involving the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, together with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine.SANCO said it is widely understood that as political parties approach elective conferences, leadership contests often become factional, with some individuals resorting to discrediting opponents in pursuit of positions within executive structures.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said in such instances, personal ambition is placed above the interests of the organisation, sometimes resulting in the mobilisation of support for leaders, who may lack the necessary competence, but who are elevated due to factional victories and subsequently deployed into government. Jam said these unhealthy political practices are beginning to manifest within the ANC in the North West as it moves closer to its provincial elective conference.
“SANCO is deeply disappointed by the conduct of certain ANC leaders in the lead-up to this critical gathering. Recent public developments during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) have revealed the extent to which internal factional battles have shaped how members of the same political party speak about one another.
“It has now become evident to the people of the North West that ANC leaders who publicly preach unity and renewal hold deeply opposing views behind the scenes. The reported utterances by Motsumi concerning her Deputy Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi raise serious concerns. Such statements, emerging from the livestream of SOPA, appear not merely factional, but explicitly hostile toward Mokgosi,” he said.
Jam further said this behaviour reflects a troubling pattern of internal sabotage within ANC leadership ranks and raises doubts about the movement’s commitment to its renewal agenda. He added that one cannot help, but wonder what message this sends to communities about the state of ANC leadership.
“The people of the North West deserve leaders who rise above personal grudges and factional battles. Hostility directed at Mokgosi or any elected leader eventually leads to weakened governance and undermines service delivery.
“It is deeply concerning when such attitudes appear to emanate from within the ranks of the ANC itself, particularly from a member of the provincial executive, when it is centered around the Premier. This is reckless and dangerous. It undermines organisational cohesion and sends a damaging message to communities who expect stability, maturity, and discipline from their leaders,” said Jam.
He said unity cannot be selective. Jam said one cannot profess loyalty to the movement while simultaneously fueling divisions against its democratically elected leadership.
“The Premier was entrusted with his responsibilities through established organisational processes and any grievances must be addressed through proper internal structures, not through gossip.
SANCO is further concerned that ANC deployee, North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, took his employer and superior, Mokgosi to court over governance disputes that could have been
resolved internally, thereby risking the unnecessary use of public funds.
“This is one of many incidents that demonstrate that the ANC’s renewal project is merely a fallacy, while the organisation itself continues to bleed. As SANCO and the community of the North West, we are aware and witnessing a serious factional effort in the ANC aimed at discrediting the Premier, as seen and echoed in the Ad Hoc committee established to investigate allegations that Mokgosi interfered with the appointment of Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Segapo at Naledi Local Municipality a matter that could have been addressed internally,” he said.
Jam said the resort to legal processes to settle internal governance matters signals a troubling erosion of cohesion and suggests that the contestation for political power within the ANC is taking precedence over stability and effective service delivery. He said this raises serious concerns about whether the centre is holding in the ANC.
“SANCO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity within the ANC and safeguarding the integrity of our liberation movement.
“We call on all comrades to prioritise organisational discipline over personal vendettas and to recognise that internal division serves only to weaken the movement. History teaches us that unity builds, while division destroys,” said Jam.
2 March 2026- Three National Department of Health (NDoH) senior managers, The Deputy Director General of Tertiary Health and Hospital Services, Dr Malixole Percival Mahlati (67), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Phineas Phaswa Mamogale (45) and the Director General, Sabelo Siyabonga Sandile Buthelezi (55), briefly appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. They were each granted bail of R10 000 with conditions that they should not be allowed at their work premises until the conclusion of the matter, hand over their passports to the investigating officer, inform the investigating officer when intending to travel outside Gauteng and not to directly or indirectly contact any witnesses.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said they are all facing two counts of fraud worth more than R1 million and theft. Mahanjana said Buthelezi is facing an additional charge of contravention of Section 38 (1) (a) (11) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of No.1 of 1999.
“It is alleged that between 30 August 2023 and 28 September 2023 the three accused acted in common purpose and irregularly appointed two service providers, Ithani Amen (PTY) Ltd and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane Inc in a labour related matter. Ithani Amen was appointed as an independent investigator and N Mbileni J Tohlang-Nkopane as chairperson for a disciplinary hearing held against the suspended Chief Director of Labour Relations at the NDoH.
“Both service providers were paid via the Global Fund, aimed to assist the department in training and relief in outbreaks. The accused were reported by the Forensic Investigator to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation. After investigations by members of the Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigations the three accused were arrested after they handed themselves over to the Pretoria Central Police station on 02 March 2026,” she said.
Mahanjana further said in court the state did not oppose their release on bail. She added that the state submitted an affidavit from Investigating Officer Captain Clinton Leonard Arrikum, stating that the accused have no previous convictions or pending matters against them, that they do not pose a flight risk and that they will not disturb the public order when released on bail.
“The magistrate found that it was in the interest of justice that the trio be granted bail. The case was postponed to 3 June 2026 for further investigations,” said Mahanjana.
2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana presented a Budget that will accelerate the momentum of inclusive growth, create jobs and tackle poverty. Ramaphosa said every budgetary allocation is a developmental choice ensuring there are teachers in classrooms, nurses and doctors in clinics, electricity and basic services in homes and businesses, infrastructure to grow the economy, and employment opportunities for communities.
He further said after a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, this budget builds on the progress made over the last few years to stabilise, reform and transform our economy. Ramaphosa added that improvements in public finances, stabilising debt, a narrowing budget deficit, credit rating upgrades and improved market confidence all signal the beginning of an economic recovery.
“A stable macroeconomic environment boosts investor confidence and increases the government’s capacity to invest in both growth and poverty relief without compromising sustainability.
“The stabilisation of public finances gives us space to accelerate public investment, sustain the social wage, and direct resources to reforms that drive growth and job creation. The social wage accounts for over 60% of government spending after interest payments,” he said.
Ramaphosa further said the allocation for this financial year will enable them to provide healthcare services to 84% of the population, social grants to 26.5 million beneficiaries and free basic services to over 11 million indigent households. He added that it will support approximately 13.6 million learners at school.
“This is a redistributive budget that reduces inequality, builds the capabilities of our people and strengthens the foundations for inclusive growth.
“Basic education is one of those key foundations. We will be allocating additional spending to employ more educators. Additional funds have been allocated to the early childhood development grant to reach an additional 300,000 children and to align the National School Nutrition Programme to food inflation,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the budget supports inclusive growth by accelerating public investment, particularly on infrastructure. Ramaphosa said improved infrastructure lowers the cost of doing business, raises productivity and supports our country’s exports.
“Over the next three years, public spending on infrastructure will exceed R1 trillion to build and maintain roads and rail lines, expand energy infrastructure, and build and maintain water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Government alone cannot finance the scale of infrastructure our country needs. We are therefore mobilising investment from private and other sources, and opening the space for public-private partnerships,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as they encourage private investment in electricity, rail and port operations, they are maintaining state ownership of strategic national infrastructure. He said under Operation Vulindlela, government departments and public entities are undertaking impactful reforms in energy, telecommunications, water and logistics.
“The budget acknowledges that many municipalities are in financial distress, driven by weak revenue collection, poor management and substantial service delivery backlogs.
“Many municipalities are not spending appropriately. For several years, water and electricity revenue has not been invested in infrastructure maintenance or expansion, but has been redirected to cover other municipal costs,” said Ramaphosa.
He said local government finances have to be placed on a more sustainable footing to support the delivery of basic services. Ramaphosa said over the medium term, R19.2 billion will be reallocated to the reform of electricity, water, sanitation and solid waste trading services in metros.
“These allocations will be linked to performance against clear targets. The Municipal Infrastructure Grant is being reformed to address underspending and misuse of funds. Over the next three years, R86.9 billion has been allocated to support the provision of free basic services to indigent households.
“This year’s budget reflects the government’s goals of inclusive growth and job creation through additional support for mass public employment programmes and relief for small businesses,” he said.
Ramaphosa said an additional R4.1 billion has been allocated to the Presidential Employment Stimulus to provide work opportunities to more young South Africans. He said to ease the regulatory burden for small businesses, the threshold for businesses to register for VAT has been increased by more than double.
“For small business owners who wish to sell or transfer their businesses, the capital gains tax exemption has also been significantly increased. Together, these measures will help small and informal businesses to grow and employ more South Africans.
“This year’s Budget focuses on three imperatives: maintaining fiscal sustainability, driving inclusive growth and protecting society’s most vulnerable. It is a balanced budget that reflects the realities of our economy, limited financial resources, high unemployment and urgent infrastructure needs,” said Ramphosa.
He said as they build on the momentum of our recovery, they will continue to be guided by fiscal discipline, structural reform, targeted investment and an overarching commitment to improving the material conditions of every South African.
Picture: NWPL Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By STAFF REPORTER
2 March 2026- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono will hold a Legislature House Sitting, where members of all political parties represented in the Legislature will debate the State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2026 in the Legislature Chamber at 9am.
Mohono said SOPA was delivered by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi on 26 February 2026, during the official opening of the Legislature. She said the proceedings of the House Sitting will be streamed live on the Legislature’s Facebook page.
2 March 2026- The Saving Lives Institute said it is proud to announce the implementation of a comprehensive skills development programme aimed at empowering communities through education, training, and employment opportunities. The institute said it will provide accredited learnership and training programmes designed to equip participants with practical skills that will improve employability and promote economic growth.
The Saving Lives Institute spokesperson, Mercy Mabunda said the programme will benefit a total of 1300 participants across various fields of study. Mabunda said the training opportunities will benefit 400 participants in the Security Training Programme for 6 months, and 100 participants in the Information Technology (IT) Programme for 12 months.
“We will also train 100 participants in Microsoft Skills Programme for 12 months, 100 participants for Sewing and Clothing Production Programme for 12 months and 600 participants – Short Skills Learnership Programme for 2 weeks.
“These programmes aim to address unemployment by providing young people and community members with industry-relevant skills, practical experience, and opportunities for personal and professional development,” she said.
Mabunda further said Saving Lives Institute remains committed to uplifting communities by investing in education, skills transfer, and sustainable empowerment initiatives. She added that through partnerships and community support, the institute continues to create pathways toward self-reliance and economic participation.
“Members of the community are encouraged to participate and take advantage of these life changing opportunities,” said Mabunda.
2 March 2026- The accused, Tshepang Mogapi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for raping a girl (16). Mogapi also received a concurrent two-year sentence for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court further ordered that Mogapi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the offence took place on 18 December 2022, in Mokgola village.
“The victim was walking alone in the early hours when Mogapi approached from behind, grabbed her, and strangled her. Her screams alerted a nearby resident, who attempted to intervene but was overpowered and threatened with a knife, forcing him to seek help.
“By the time assistance returned, both Mogapi and the victim had left the scene. Investigations showed that Mogapi dragged her to his home, where he raped her. Afterwards, he walked her partway home, but assaulted her again, strangling and slapping her, before they parted ways,” he said.
Gunya further said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Mogapi’s arrest. He added that Mogapi was released on bail pending trial.
“Mogapi pleaded not guilty, but the court convicted him based on strong prosecution evidence. The state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi argued in aggravation that rape is a serious and prevalent crime, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.
“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged the offence’s severe impact on the victim’s dignity and the judiciary’s duty to protect vulnerable individuals. However, it deviated from life imprisonment due to mitigating factors,” said Gunya.
He said Mogapi’s youth at the time of the offence, his status as a first-time offender, and the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended Modibedi and all involved role-players for ensuring justice was served for the victim.
Picture: A firearm seized during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 March 2026 – Unannounced Operation Shanela 2 has continued with stop-and-search actions, high-density operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any form of crime that threatens the safety and stability of communities. The operation conducted on 27 February 2026, in Letlhabile, involved the collaboration between the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, North West Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) and Corporate Communications and Liaison.
The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said multi- disciplinary operation focused on high-visibility patrols, addressing violent crime related to gangsterism, drug- and firearm-related offences, disrupting criminal activities, executing arrests of wanted suspects, and conducting compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers to enforce the authority of the state amid prevailing levels of criminality in the area. Bobelo said eight suspects were arrested for various offences.
“Seized items included a revolver, alcoholic beverages and several bags containing cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Among those arrested was a man (35) charged with possession of a firearm without a license. This includes a man (22) and woman (49) charged with possession of suspected illegal substances.
“A woman (19) and a man (37) were charged with contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (18), a woman (23) and a man (30), were charged for selling liquor without a license. These three suspects were released with a warning to appear in court,” he said.
Bobele further said all suspects are expected to make their first court appearances before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 March 2026.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.
2 March 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis was full of praise of her young brigade, despite falling 2-1 to Namibia in the final of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday. Ellis said she also had an eye on the future while participating in the regional tournament.
“I am very proud of the team, they were brave, they showed a lot of courage, they were stretched to the limits and we have a bigger core group now because of this. We have a couple of 16/17/18-year-olds in the team, not the experience they would have wanted but I think that the medal will remind them to never get the same feeling.
“This was a worthwhile exercise, and we can now safely say there is a great future for South African women’s football. On a hot Polokwane afternoon, Banyana Banyana had made three changes to the team that defeated Zimbabwe in the semifinals, with Sibongakonke Mzobe, Bongiwe Thusi and Bonolo Mokoma getting the nod ahead of Sibulele Holweni, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Isabella Ludwig,” she said.
Ellis further said the move seemed to pay dividends as Mokoma hit the crossbar with a thunderous shot early in the game before Nthabiseng Majiya put the home side ahead in the 38th minute, her second of the tournament. She added that the Brave Warriors returned rejuvenated from the break and restored parity shortly thereafter in the 54th minute through substitute Muhinatjo Hanavi with a long-range shot.
“Neither side was able to get a goal with the match going into extra time. It was Namibia who stunned the hosts in the first half of extra-time with a goal that gave them the lead for the first time in the game, and they held on for a win, lifting their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship trophy.
“Goals win you matches, and I think throughout the game even before extra-time we had enough chances to make sure that we won the game. I thought we conceded poorly, but as I said this is a young group. We played five games, obviously they (Namibia) looked a bit fresher towards the end of the game, they played four games,” said Ellis.
She said winning a gold medal would have been fantastic, but they fell short. Ellis said they must also congratulate Namibia, they were resolute, they defended really well.
“South Africa had six different scorers in the tournament with Majiya grabbing two, while Mokoma, Moodaly-Salgado, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thorisho Mphelo and Sibulele Holweni scored one each. Zambia clinched bronze when they defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in the third and fourth place play-off,” she said.
Picture: North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi
By VIOLA MOTSUMI
2 March 2026- The recent article authored by a certain Mr China Dodovu, a discredited and embittered political opportunist deserves no credibility. It is a desperate attempt by a failed figure to remain relevant in the political discourse of our movement and society. The piece is not grounded in fact, principle, or genuine concern for the African National Congress (ANC) or its renewal, but rather in personal bitterness, jealousy, and a long-standing record of failure and manipulation.
Dodovu’s history speaks louder than his words. He is a casino activist and an armchair revolutionary, known more for gossip and self-promotion than for any tangible contribution to the renewal of the movement. His repeated failures to secure leadership positions within the ANC are not the result of conspiracies, but of his own lack of integrity, discipline, and vision.
This is a bitter and aggrieved individual, rejected by the very movement he now seeks to undermine. Having lost every court case he and his associates initiated against the legitimate ANC PEC, he has become a symbol of political irrelevance, a man who refuses to be led, yet demands to lead.
When entrusted with leadership responsibilities, this individual failed to unite or advance the ANC. His tenure as Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC and a mayor of Matlosana was marred by political instability, legal conflicts and administrative chaos, leaving behind a legacy of divisions and incompetence.
Instead of introspection, he has chosen to lash out at the new generation of leaders who are actually rebuilding and modernizing the ANC. His association with the formation of forum for service delivery an organisation opposed to the ANC further exposes his hypocrisy.
Having abandoned the ANC’s principles, he now positions himself as a self-appointed moral authority in its direction. This is not ideology, it is opportunism of the worst kind.
This person has become the biggest wedge driver in contemporary ANC politics. He thrives on lies, gossip, and corridor talk, attempting to sow division where unity is needed most.
His politics are not about service, unity, renewal or transformation they are about personal relevance and ego. He embodies the mentality of either me or nobody, a destructive mindset that has no place in a democratic movement.
His attacks on my person are motivated not by principle, but by jealousy toward the younger, more capable generation now leading the organization forward. I will not be distracted by the noise of failed politicians seeking attention.
The movement remains focused on renewal, unity, and service to the people of South Africa. The public can see through the bitterness and self-interest of those who thrive on division.
History has already judged this individual a palooka of ANC politics, trapped in the past, consumed by resentment, and irrelevant to the future. The ANC’s new generation will continue to lead with integrity, discipline, and a commitment to the collective good, not the personal ambitions of the discredited few.
This malicious article is nothing more than the last gasp of a failed political career. I will not dignify such propaganda with prolonged engagement.
Our focus remains on building, uniting, and serving while others remain stuck in their own bitterness and failure. In conclusion, while the author’s record of failure and duplicity is well known, I will not descend into the gutter of personal exposure or vindictiveness.
For the sake of the ANC’s integrity and unity the details surrounding his resignation as mayor, including the serious issues of other malfeasance and misconduct that accompanied it will, for now, remain undisclosed. However, should circumstances so permit and if the ongoing campaign of misinformation and character assassination continues, the full facts will be placed before the public.
I will always defend myself with truth and principle, and when the time comes, the record will speak for itself clearly, factually, and decisively. I was emotionally abused, threatened, showered with insults, silenced, bullied and humiliated many times, not this time I refuse to be buried alive.
I am responding in my personal capacity as I am also a human being with feelings. As I pause.
(Note: Viola Motsumi is ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, but wrote this in her personal capacity. The content of the letter remains her views. The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with content of the letter)
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