Category Archives: NEWS

Committees’ welcome decision to terminate SADC mission in DRC

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Picture: The SANDF soldIers in DRC

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 March 2025 –The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala, have welcomed the decision by the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to terminate the mandate of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) amid the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC.

The Chairpersons welcomed the decision, especially following the death of 14 SANDF soldiers in the DRC and the need to explore other political and diplomatic options to resolve the impasse. The Chairpersons stressed that the termination of the mandate should not be viewed as the complete abandonment of the DRC, but as a refocus on using other diplomatic options to achieve the objective of peace and stability in the DRC.

Gigaba said: “The recommendation by SADC Heads of State to support other interventions aimed at bringing lasting peace and security in the DRC reaffirms our belief that dialogue should be placed at the centre of efforts to resolve the DRC conflict.

“Achieving peace and stability in the eastern DRC is a precondition for economic growth and development of not only the DRC but of the region.

Phala said they are encouraged by the reassurance that SADC will continue to work with the East African Community (EAC) to merge the Luanda and Nairobi processes to enhance peace-building in the DRC. He further said, while they acknowledged that the details of the phased withdrawal of SANDF soldiers who form part of the SAMIDRC remain unclear for now, an urgent meeting where the minister provides the committee with details is needed.

“We will schedule an urgent meeting to get the envisioned phased plan of action to implement the decision by Heads of State.

“Also, this meeting must address the implications of the withdrawal in the context of the soldiers that will remain part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the assessment of the security risk thereof,” said Phala.

He added that the meeting envisioned will also provide details of how the SANDF plans will ensure the safe return of the SANDF’s Prime Mission Equipment, given the volatile and unpredictable dynamics in the eastern DRC. Phala said they reiterated their previous call for all parties in the conflict to commit to a ceasefire and stress dialogue as a way to resolve the conflict.

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Monna o latofadiwang ka go bolaya mmagwe o tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

14 Mopitlwe 2025- Monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Modutung kwa Magogong, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go rotola matlho fa pele ga magistrata wa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Monna o, o ile a tshwarwa mabapi le polao ya ga mmagwe, Masego Irene Nkwane (56).

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga thefosano ya mafoko magareng ga moswi le mmelaelwa. Go ya ka dipego, mmelaelwa one a tsaya garawe le go kgenetha mmagwe ka yone.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are, kegtsi e butswe, mme mmelaelwa o lebagane ke kgetsi ya polao.

Go begwa fa mmelaelwa a ne a lebotsa phokoje morago ga tiragalo. Sepodisi se ile sa mo tshwara ka Laboraro.

Kgabagare, baagi ba ikuela go puso go ka tlhoma seteishene sa sepodisi kwa motseng wa Magogong, gonne o fetogile kgapamadi.

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A woman who strangled another to death jailed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

13 March 2025- A woman (36) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Postmasburg Regional Court for murder. On 24 December 2023, the accused, Ilse Freemen, went to the victim’s shack at Maranteng in Postmasburg.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Freemen, confronted the victim (32), about a stolen door and gossip stories that were spread. Shemane said an argument ensued between the two women and the accused strangled the victim to death.

“The accused reported the incident to the victim’s boyfriend, who then called the police. The accused was subsequently arrested,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZF Mgcawu District management commended Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Tshonto Kgomonyane, for his thorough investigation work in ensuring that the accused served time for the heinous crime.

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SANDF applauded for assisting bus crash victims 

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Picture: A bus crashed killing numerous people/Google

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

13 March 2025- The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, Jane Mananiso, has noted with appreciation the outstanding assistance provided by members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) yesterday to the victims of a bus crash in Ekurhuleni. The accident occurred on the R21 near the OR Tambo International Airport where, according to media reports, 12 people died and several others were injured, three of whom later died of their injuries.

Mananiso said the presence and assistance of the SANDF members calmed and reassured the survivors of the accident. 

“We are really grateful that defence force members are able to assist in emergency situations like that one. We should see more of such actions, as they reflect positively on our defence force. 

“South Africans should note these kinds of acts and acknowledge them. Gauteng government leaders from all spheres quickly arrived at the site of the accident and victims were taken swiftly,” she said. 

Mananiso emphasised the value of acknowledging the goodwill demonstrated by soldiers at times such as these, when they are helping society outside of conflict zones and times of war.

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Vass meet with contractors appointed for 1 Billion Rand Housing project 

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Picture: Some of contractors appointed/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE 

13 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass on Thursday, met with the Implementing Agents (IAs) and contractors appointed for the 1 Billion Rand Housing Project for the Northern Cape, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, in January 2024.

Vass said the project was launched to address the huge housing backlog in the Northern Cape and will deliver a total of 2500 units as part of the first phase of the project, across 13 local municipalities, in the 5 districts of the province. He further said the meeting was part of ongoing engagements with the contractors to address delays in the building process that may delay the delivery of these houses to the beneficiaries.

“There is a need for contractors to accelerate the pace and to meet their contractual obligations and agreed timelines. We are not going to tolerate undue delays or shoddy workmanship, because our communities deserve good quality houses, sooner than later, from this government. 

“We are monitoring your performances closely across the five districts, and we are going to ultimately terminate non-performing contractors because we cannot continue at this slow pace,’’ said Vass.

He added that two Implementing Agents (IAs) and nineteen contractors, were appointed by the department in 2024 to be part of this project. Vass said the IAs are responsible for overseeing the entire project. 

“They committed to monitoring the contractors closely and to apply necessary proactive measures to prevent any delays,” he said.

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Committee on Higher Education calls for ethical governance 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

13 March 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education said it welcomes the briefing from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) regarding the appointments of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) board members. The committee said it has acknowledged the progress made by some SETAs, such as achieving clean audit reports, but emphasised that others still require significant improvements in their governance systems.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Tebogo Letsie said the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, informed them that the Skills Development Act is among the key pieces of legislation targeted by her department for amendment in the near future. Letsie said according to the DHET, the National Skills Authority assessed SETA boards to evaluate their effectiveness in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities. 

“The study revealed that there are 315 board member positions across all 21 SETAs, with each SETA comprising 15 members as per the standard SETA Constitution. 

“The DHET also highlighted that board members generally possess high levels of educational qualifications, which align with the specific skills and knowledge required for effective governance within their respective sectors,” he said.

Letsie further said there have been cases where SETA board members’ frequent attendance at meetings involved substantial travel and accommodation expenses. He added that this is concerning and to address these measures, lifestyle audits should be implemented to ensure transparency and reinforce boards’ commitment to public service. 

“We implore the DHET to ensure the appointment of ethical board members for SETAs. We do not want individuals who view this as an opportunity to enrich themselves at the expense of the sector. Instead, they must see this sector as a vehicle for uplifting young people and driving meaningful change.”

“SETAs must critically review their annual performance plans to ensure they are not merely target-driven exercises but are instead informed by the country’s needs and aligned with the aspirations of young people,” said Letsie.

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Police urge community members to protest within the ambits of the law  

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Picture: Community members of Zeerust embark on protest/Screenshot

By REGINALD KANYANE 

13 March 2025 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it has noted with concern public violence inciting voicenotes doing the rounds on social media platforms. The voice notes, among others, allegedly notify the Zeerust and Lehurutshe community members about a march or shutdown on 14 March 2025, and warn taxi operators not to provide transport to commuters. 

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this comes pending water restoration feedback following the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s address to the community seven days ago. Mokgwabone said the police would like to send a warning to members of the community that all citizens have rights enshrined in the constitution, including the right to peacefully picket and protest.

“Shutdowns, barricading of roads, damage to properties, and other unlawful actions are unconstitutional and cannot be tolerated. In the same breath, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure that law-abiding citizens’ rights are neither infringed upon nor denied by anyone. 

“As such, the police will not hesitate to take drastic steps against anyone who embarks on or incites violence, regardless of how legitimate their concerns or grievances are,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said members of the community are urged to work with the police through Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to report any acts of violence or lawlessness intended to undermine the authority of the state.

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A trial set for a corruption case 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

13 March 2025- The Pretoria North Regional Court postponed the fraud case against Salamina Khoza (70), to 22 July 2025 for trial. Khoza is facing charges of The Contravention of the Social Assistance Act, Contravention of the Justice of Peace and Commissioners Oaths Act, fraud and theft. 

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said these charges relate to approximately R152 000 which she received from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) as pension payout, while she was a director of three companies which received contracts from the SAPS, valued at over R60 million between September 2014 and August 2022. Mamothame said her companies are also a subject of criminal proceedings in various courts, wherein she is charged with other accused for corruption relating to alleged irregular tenders within the SAPS. 

“Meanwhile, the case against 69-year-old Devi Sigamoney was postponed to 20 March 2025, for arguments after she filed for leave to appeal on her 10 years direct imprisonment. Her new legal representative requested for a postponement in order to study all the court transcripts. 

“The sentence was imposed after she was found guilty of defrauding SASSA pension payouts of approximately R135 000 while she was also a director of a company that received contracts valued at about R88 million from the SAPS. The state will oppose this application,” he said.

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MINMEC will discuss a wide range of issues

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Picture: MECs for COGHSTA from various provinces/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

13 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass said he had joined other MECs of Human Settlements, from other provinces, hosted by the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, visited Conradie Park, in Pinelands, Western Cape, as a build up to the MINMEC (Minister and MECs) Meeting, hosted in Cape Town, today. Conradie Park is an integrated human settlements development expected to yield 3500 residential units of which 1715 of them will be allocated to the Social Housing Programme and First Home Finance.

Vass said the fully integrated precinct development will on completion include two schools, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility, retail and commercial space and recreational facilities. He said he was joined by the Head of the Department (HoD), Bafedile Lenkoe, Chief Director for Human Settlements, Mr Gratitude Booysen and Head of Ministry (HoM), Mayenzeke Mbekushe, at this important MINMEC.

“The MINMEC will discuss a wide range of issues related to Human Settlements including, the Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) performance by Provinces and Metro Municipalities; progress that has been made in the upgrading of Informal Settlements to Phase 3 (final phase) of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Program as per the National Housing Code of 2009, progress report on the Military Veterans Housing Programme (MVHP). 

“This includes an account of the emergency housing operations for the 2024/25 financial year. The Human Settlements MINMEC is a strategic high-level meeting between the Minister and the MECs to discuss critical matters related to human settlements development throughout the country,” said Vass.

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New research offers hope in Africa’s malaria crisis

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By PHENYO MOKGOTHU

13 March 2025- A new weapon in the battle against malaria is emerging, and this time not from a laboratory, but rather driven by machine learning.

Researchers at the North-West University (NWU) have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the search for life-saving drugs, a breakthrough that could shift the tide against this deadly disease.

The researchers have focused on a specific protein that is essential for the survival of the malaria parasite. By using machine learning, they have been able to screen thousands of potential compounds that could block this protein and prevent the parasite from thriving. This approach significantly speeds up the drug discovery process compared to traditional methods.

Malaria continues to be a major health crisis, particularly in Africa, where most cases and deaths occur.

Existing treatments are becoming less effective as the malaria parasite becomes resistant to commonly used drugs.

“We need to stay ahead of the parasite by continuously developing innovative treatments,” says Dr Fortunate Mokoena from the subject group Biochemistry and one of the lead researchers.

Machine learning vs malaria

Dr Mokoena emphasises the potential impact of their work. “By using AI and machine learning, we were able to analyse a vast number of compounds in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional approaches. This allows us to identify promising drug candidates much faster.”

The study identified several compounds that show strong potential in targeting the malaria parasite. “One compound, called FTN-T5, emerged as a promising candidate. In laboratory tests, FTN-T5 demonstrated its ability to kill the malaria parasite while remaining safe for human cells. However, further optimisation, including pre-clinical trials, is necessary before it can be developed into an approved treatment,” adds Dr Mokoena.

The use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery marks a significant shift in how scientists approach finding treatments for diseases such as malaria. Traditional drug development can take years, but AI-driven methods can streamline the process, identifying viable compounds more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. The researchers stress that additional funding and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies will be crucial in advancing these findings toward real-world applications. Clinical trials, regulatory approvals and large-scale manufacturing are still hurdles that must be overcome before a new malaria treatment reaches patients.

“These findings provide a strong starting point for developing new malaria drugs,” says Dr Mokoena. “Our goal is to create medicines that are not only effective but also have a lower risk of resistance. Our interest is to develop affordable medicines for neglected African populations.”

The research highlights how technology is transforming medicine, offering a glimpse into the future of drug discovery. If successful, this AI-driven approach could pave the way for faster and more efficient treatments, not just for malaria but for a wide range of infectious diseases.

Source: http://www.nwu.ac.za

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