Category Archives: NEWS

SA’s infrastructure drive is gathering pace

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 February 2025- To achieve the levels of growth, the country needs to create enough jobs for its people, said the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly letter. Ramaphosa said they need far more construction and more reliable and consistent infrastructure maintenance.

He further said that is why infrastructure development is a strategic priority for the government. Ramaphosa added that airports, roads, railways, public transit systems, water, energy and telecoms infrastructure all play a vital role in driving economic growth.

“Infrastructure development has a multiplier effect, driving productivity and job creation and improving the delivery of basic services. For many years, capital investment by both the public and private sectors was in decline.

“This was due, among other things, to a difficult economic environment, the diversion of resources through state capture, bureaucratic obstacles and low investor confidence,” he said.

Ramaphosa said following various reforms and initiatives, the infrastructure drive is gathering pace. He said a recent report by Nedbank, found that the total value of new projects announced by both the public and private sectors last year amounted to R445 billion.

“This was more than double the year before and represents the largest fixed investment in infrastructure in South Africa since 2021. It is significant that more than 78% of the value of this infrastructure investment was from government and state-owned enterprises.

“According to Statistics South Africa, capital spending by state-owned enterprises and national, provincial and local governments continues to rise. The private sector is lagging behind the state on infrastructure development spend,” said Ramaphosa.

He said, however, private sector entities announced investment plans in 2024, with a total value of R95 billion. Ramaphosa said these included an R18 billion mixed-use development in Gauteng, a R4 billion investment by Volkswagen to upgrade its Kariega facility in the Eastern Cape and a new private university for the Western Cape.  

“During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and debate, the government outlined a number of infrastructure projects underway across the country.

“These include projects in water and sanitation, human settlements, renewable energy, recreational, heritage and maritime infrastructure. They also include road rehabilitation, the refurbishing of state-owned buildings to attract investors, and upgrading health facilities,” he said.

Ramaphosa said Infrastructure SA, established under the 6th administration, leads infrastructure planning, management and delivery. He said the work of Infrastructure SA has enabled progress in the implementation of the designated Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPS) in areas such as energy, water and sanitation, student accommodation and transport.

“To date, 34 out of 50 SIPs are in the implementation stage, to the value of R281 billion. An additional pipeline of catalytic projects to the value of R21 billion will break ground this year.

“To ensure that construction projects get going faster and are finished sooner, Infrastructure SA has launched a project preparation fund worth R180 million to prepare and package infrastructure projects across government,” said Ramphosa.

He said recently revised regulations for public private partnerships will help to further unlock private sector expertise and funds for infrastructure. Ramaphosa said the challenge of the construction mafia that the industry has faced is being tackled head on by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Its Economic Infrastructure Task Teams are making headway in dealing with this criminality. Last year, stakeholders attending the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Sites agreed to collaborate to address construction-site disruptions.

“Some of the measures agreed on included enhanced security measures on sites, community engagement and the development of the emerging construction sector,” he said.

Ramaphosa said construction stoppages are on the decrease since these efforts commenced. He said the construction sector is a major source of employment.

“It accounted for the largest job increases between the second and third quarters of last year. As work continues pace on structural reforms to improve the business operating environment and facilitate investment, our country’s infrastructure build programme will play an increasingly prominent role.

“We will intensify our efforts to ensure that infrastructure investment by both the state and business drives economic recovery, growth and job creation,” said Ramaphosa.

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Mayor accused of blocking a R5m road construction project

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Picture: The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe 

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2025- The embattled Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Gaoraelwe, is accused of blocking a R5.1 million road construction project. This is a municipal project, which is an internal road from Extension 7 to 5, near Taung.

According to Kgosi Benjamin Kgwatlhang Moshweu, Gaoraelwe halted construction workers who were extracting soil in Khibicwane village.

“Indeed, it is alleged that the mayor has stopped the project. I heard that from the ANC ward councillor, Ntesang Montewa. As we speak, we are at the tribal office as council to have a consultative meeting regarding the matter.

“I asked Montewa why Gaoraelwe interfered in this project because that is the traditional authority’s prerogative. So, she said she has met with the municipal speaker, Grace Moipolai to engage Gaoraelwe on this matter,” he said.

Moshweu further said they have issued an official letter that gives the contractor permission to extract soil from the area. He added that they have been trying numerous times to engage Gaoraelwe, but their attempts were futile as he refused.

“Gaoraelwe told us that we do not have any rights to call him to our office as he only deals with the Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority. This really shows that he undermines us,” said Moshweu.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “The mayor is aware of the allegation. He attempted to intervene in the situation, where the community wanted to stop the contractors from getting the soil from the borrow pit in Khibicwane. 

“Gaoraelwe insisted that there should be consultation before the drawing of the soil for the project, which is taking place in another section of the community. The mayor is the custodian and face of service delivery in the municipal area.” 

Oliphant said to that extent, he cannot stop the project. He said Gaoraelwe spoke to all concerned as part of his effort to resolve the problem.

“The road construction project, which is 800m long, its duration is four months and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025,” said Oliphant.

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North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha accused of mismanagement

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Picture: The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

17 February 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, to urgently address the critical feed crisis at the Armoedsvlakte Livestock Research Station in Vryburg. According to the DA, the station, which is home to approximately 700 livestock animals, is facing severe nutritional shortages due to the department’s failure to procure the necessary feed, lick, and salt supplements.

The DA Constituency Head in Naledi Local Municipality, Hendriëtte van Huyssteen said the department’s administrative failure threatens both the health of the livestock and the station’s vital agricultural research. Van Huyssteen said, to ensure the health of livestock and the attainment of research objectives, Armoedsvlakte requires 2028 bags of feed, lick, and salt annually.

“These supplements are essential for maintaining the animals’ health and productivity, particularly during the winter months when natural grazing is insufficient. Shockingly, only 360 bags were procured for the entire 2024 year—a mere 18% of the required amount.

“This severe shortfall has dire consequences, including mineral deficiencies, malnutrition, arthrosis, and even death during calving.

This crisis is a direct result of provincial-level administrative failures. Budget votes under the guidance of Sambatha, have been misallocated, with funds meant for feed, lick, and salt procurement being placed on the wrong budget vote,” she said.

Van Huyssteen further said this misalignment has effectively tied the hands of the department’s supply chain office, preventing timely procurement. She added that, the DA cannot and will not sit idly by while such negligence continues.

“The MEC must be held accountable for this mismanagement. We will call on him to explain why these budget vote misallocations have persisted since his appointment and what immediate corrective steps he plans to implement.

“Furthermore, we demand a comprehensive plan to ensure that procurement processes are streamlined and that feed, lick, and salt are delivered on time for each season,” said van Huyssteen.

She said to escalate the matter, the DA will formally report the department’s administrative shortcomings to the National Minister for Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, for his monitoring and intervention, where needed. Van Huyssteen said it is crucial that national oversight helps rectify the issues at a provincial level and ensures that such failures are not repeated.

“It is unacceptable that poor governance continues to hinder agricultural progress and job creation in a province with the highest unemployment rate in South Africa at 53.6%.

“The DA will continue to fight for a well-functioning, accountable government that prioritises the needs of its people,” she said.

Van Huyssteen said they believe in a future, where the agricultural sector thrives, job opportunities are abundant, and every resident of the North West province has the chance to live a life of dignity and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said they wish to clarify that the claim of a feed crisis at the Armoedsvlakte Livestock Research Station is inaccurate and exaggerated. Setlhako said the department has consistently procured the necessary feed, including lick and salt supplements, to support the well-being of the livestock.

“While the department, like any other government entity, has faced budgetary constraints, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring adequate nutrition for all animals at the station. The department acknowledges the budgetary constraints that have impacted the provision of feed.

“However, we wish to clarify that while there have been challenges, there has not been a severe shortage of feed. The department remains committed to ensuring that available resources are allocated equally to these critical state-owned farms,” said Setlhako.

She said the department has consistently procured feed for the animals at Armoedsvlakte and remains committed to their well-being. Setlhako said there has never been a failure to meet these requirements.

“In addition to previous procurements, a purchase order has been issued to secure additional feed, further supplementing the existing supply at the farm.

“For the current financial year, over six hundred bags of essential feed, including lick and salt supplements, have been procured for the farm in question. An active purchase order is in place to secure additional bags of this feed,” she said.

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A man sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for murder

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By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2025- A man (24) was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for murder. According to information, Jody Mckuur brutally killed Eugene Bronston Daniels (29) in Roodepan on 23 May 2024.

This comes after Mckuur and his cousin, Evahn Peters (27), had an argument with Daniels that escalated into a fight. Mckuur fatally stabbed the deceased.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said: “Both accused were found guilty and accused number 1 was sentenced to 14 years and 9 months imprisonment for murder, and accused number 2, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for assault common, with an option of a R600 fine, wholly suspended for five years.

“The duo was declared unfit to possess firearms. The Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Mojalefa Setlai, was commended for his thorough and meticulous investigation of the case.”

Sam further said the police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services and to report criminal behaviour via the MySAPS App and 08600 10111. He added that all information will be handled confidentially.

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NWU rugby residence to be named after Siya Kolisi

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Picture: Springbok captain, Siyamthanda Kolisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

17 February 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it will rename its rugby residence after the Springbok captain, Siyamthanda Kolisi. According to the university, on 24 February 2025, the Dennedorp residence at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus, which provides housing predominantly for the university’s large contingent of rugby players affiliated with the NWU Rugby Institute, will be renamed the Siya Kolisi Residence.

The NWU Council Chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager said, Kolisi is as beloved at the university, as he is across South Africa. Sorgdrager said now, the Springboks’ inspirational captain, Siya Kolisi, will forever have his name associated with the third biggest university in the country.

“Kolisi will be in attendance to officially unveil the residence’s new name thus ensuring that it embodies the spirit of leadership, resilience and a touch of Springbok magic.

“On the same day, a newly established multi-sport residence on the Potchefstroom Campus will be named Invictus Residence, and this residence will be officially opened by Springbok coach, Dr Rassie Erasmus,” he said.

Sorgdrager further said the two residences will accommodate 104 residents. He added that Erasmus received an honorary doctorate from the NWU on 2 May 2023, and this coming Monday he will also deliver a guest lecture at the university titled “From the Sidelines to the Spotlight”.

“The name Invictus is derived from Latin, meaning unconquered or undefeated in and holds historical significance as it symbolises resilience, strength and an indomitable spirit.

“The term is widely recognised due to the famous poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley, which embodies themes of perseverance and self-mastery in the face of adversity,” said Sorgdrager.

He said in an era where universities strive to create inclusive and inspiring environments, naming Dennedorp residence after Siya Kolisi would not only honour his remarkable achievements, but also embody the core values of resilience and community engagement that he represents.

Sorgdrager said Kolisi’s journey from the township of Zwide to captaining the South African national rugby team exemplifies the aspirations of many students who face challenges yet strive for excellence.

“The name Siya Kolisi reinforces the values of perseverance, leadership, and sportsmanship, while encouraging students to strive for greatness both on and off the field,” he said.

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, said the national rugby captain has a legacy worthy of others to aspire to. 

“We know Siya for his uncompromising tackles, his head-first charges with ball in hand and his no 6 jersey that is always a reassuring sight at the side of the scrum.

“We love him for his leadership and we have endless respect for the exemplary way he has served South Africa as a global ambassador. With the naming of the Siya Kolisi Residence, we not only honour the player, the man and the leader for his achievements,” said Tyobeka.

He said they ask all those that will call the residence home, to follow in his footsteps to have a positive impact and to set an example for others to follow with pride. Tyobeka said they are looking forward to welcoming future champions to these residences.

Meanwhile, he said Kolisi and Erasmus share the NWU’s vision of a united South Africa, characterised by inclusivity and caring. Tyobeka said they are part of the NWU family, and it is always a joy to welcome family home.

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Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship elects new leadership

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Picture: Newly-elected leadership of Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 February 2025- A newly-elected leadership of Mahikeng Ministers Fellowship (MMF) was inaugurated at the Tri-Annual Elective Conference that was held at the Mocoseng Sundown Resort, outside Mahikeng over the weekend. The MMF also celebrated its 24th anniversary.

The new committee that emerged at the watershed conference was mandated to lead the process of intensive membership renewal and recruitment that will ultimately culminate into establishment of District and Provincial structures that will constitute the National Minister Fellowship (NMF).

Pastor Dr Moss Tlalang, who was re-elected to serve as the Chairperson for the third term said a constitutional review process to be led by Working Committees that will be established will inform a consultative engagement with Christian leaders from other provinces that share the objective to unite the body of Christ behind the vision of a prevailing church to impact families and communities through integrity, accountability, discipleship as well as selfless and ethical leadership.

Tlalang remarked that the new committee to lead the transition is expected to finalise the realignment process within six months.

“Though this might seem a daunting task, we are confident that we collectively have the required depth of organisational experience, skill and capacity. We will tap on our diverse networks and through the support of our members, I see God doing great things and us growing from glory to glory.

“Through prayer, dependence on God and relying on him as the source of their strength and wisdom as well as the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the committee will strive to build a formidable organization that will make a difference in the nation and beyond,” he said.

Tlalang further said among key achievements of the outgone MMF committee, was the launch of the MMF Youth Forum that it earmarked to be strengthened and developed into a Youth Commission.

In his message of support delivered to the conference via virtual platform, President of South African Community of Faith Based Fraternals (SACOFF), Pastor Bert Pretorious, encouraged church leaders not to be fearful nor lose sight of the vision to win souls and discipleship.

“We are trusting God for many lives to be transformed and many souls to be saved this year. Let us step out to raise the next generation in line with the G12 Legacy theme for 2025. Ours is a generational God.

“It is not the government’s responsibility to raise the next generation but that of the church. Where there are orphans, we should be responsible for those who have no fathers or mothers to make a difference in their lives,” he added.

Pretorious said they are not just called for Mahikeng, but for the North West, South Africa and for nations.

Meanwhile, the National Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa in wishing MRM a successful conference, commended delegates for taking the church where it rightfully belongs – the broader society.

“That is the only way we can become the salt of the earth and not the light hidden under the bushel. MRM appreciates the key role pastors can play in rekindling the moral fibre of our nation,” said Mkhatshwa. 

Other members of the committee elected with Dr Tlalang are:

Deputy Chairperson-Ps Piet Tlhabanyane

Secretary- Ps Lesiba Kgwele

Deputy Secretary- Ps Dr Hessie Wessie

Treasurer- Ps Cassius Mpya

Additional Members- Prophetess Letta Bogatsu and Bishop Zola Matlhoko.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Lokgabeng e boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa polao, Simon Molale

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

17 Tlhakole 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le lekawana la kwa motseng wa Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Simon Molale (22), yo a latofadiwang ka go tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe la gagwe, Tshepiso Medichane (21), o kwa ntlo-lefitshwana morago ga go ganelwa ka beile ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung mo nakong e e fetileng.

Go begwa fa Molale a ne a tlhaba Medichane le go mo bolaya, mme one a tshaba kwa lefelong la tiragalo morago ga go bona batho.

Fela, go begwa fa ba lelapa la gagwe ba ne ba mo tshwara le go mo isa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi sa Taung di ura morago ga tiragalo e. Go begwa fa Molale a lekile go tsaya botshelo jwa gagwe pele ga ba lelapa la gagwe ba ka mo neela sepodisi ka motsi o.

Molale o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelo jwa selegae jwa Taung morago ga magatwe a gore o ile a itlhaba ka thipa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are Molale one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ya ga Medichane.

“Ke nnete molatofadiwa mo kgetsing e ya polao o tshwerwe. Molatofadiwa one a isiwa kwa seteisheneng sa sepodisi ke ba lelapa la gagwe.

“One a na le dikgobalo, mme o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa selegae. Molatofadiwa o lebagane le kgetsi ya polao, mme thipa e e dirisitsweng go bolaya moswi ene ya fitlhelwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo.”

Go fitlha ga jaana, bosekisi bo tlhalositse fa bo setse bo emetse dipholo tsa diteko tsa thipa e go begwang fa Molale a e dirisitse go bolaya Medichane, mme dipatlisiso mo kgetsing di a tswelela.

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More than 180 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during operation/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 February 2025- More than 180 suspects were arrested for crimes, including attempted murder, assault GBH, illegal dealing in drugs and liquor during week-long disruptive actions. The detectives also embarked on tracing operations to trace wanted suspects.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson,

Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said these actions resulted in the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor and drugs, such as dagga, Tik, and Mandrax. Ehlers said multiple roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols, and stop and search actions were executed during which 5614 persons and 2157 vehicles were searched.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, and recyclers, as well as informal businesses, which led to the closure of 12 unlicensed liquor outlets and the destruction of homemade concoctions.

“In an effort to ensure rural safety, a total of 78 farms were visited by police together with officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Labour.

“Several community outreach programmes were conducted to create awareness regarding child safety and crimes related to gender-based violence and femicide,” she said.

Ehlers further said these actions will continue unabated, and communities are encouraged to share valuable information and to continue aiding the police by reporting incidents via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111. She added that the police will continue to display a zero-tolerance approach and together with other government departments, will clamp down on priority crimes in hotspot areas across all five districts in the province.

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Community Safety Forum Launched

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Picture: Community members during the launch/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 February 2025- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management together with the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality and other stakeholders, have officially launched the Community Safety Forum (CSF) on the 13 February 2025. The work of the forum is to coordinate government entities, private organisations and community structures to effectively deal with safety issues in a more integrated manner.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said this was done by realising the objectives of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Morweng said therefore, addressing the needs of the community, effectively closing gaps within a society and isolating criminals.

Morweng further described the activation of the forum as a commitment by government to address crime on all fronts.

“I am acutely aware of trust deficit that exists between our communities and us as public representatives and the law enforcement agencies, the time is now to rebuild this fragile relationship.

“We request municipalities who are at the coalface of service delivery to play an active role in ensuring CSFs are functioning optimally. This can be done by simply giving the forum adequate support,” said Morweng.

He added that, as has been emphasised many times before, they have entered into a social compact with the communities to ensure they live in a safe environment. Morweng said this social compact calls on all of them to ensure that they collectively create a safe, secure and conducive environment.

“An environment where the elderly can take a brisk walk with no fear, where children can play freely without thinking they may be attacked,where mothers can buy groceries at a local store without fear of being mugged.

“This is the environment people have voted for and this is the environment I am challenging all of us  to ensure it exists within our communities,” he said.

Morweng said the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality is the second in the Bojanala District to launch a CSF.

Meanwhile, the KgetlhengrivierLocal Municipalitymayor, Thabo Jacobs shared the same sentiments. Jacobs said the partnership offers an opportunity to form a united front on safety matters.

“This is an opportunity to create a community that we have always wanted to create for our people. This occasion marks the beginning of a long and difficult but necessary task of working together to fight crime.

“Creating a safe environment will drive investment into our municipality, bring much needed development and transform the lives of our people,” said Jacobs.

He said the establishment of CSFs at a local municipality level is coordinated through the District Development Model (DDM). Jacobs said this enables a broader and integrated approach with all role players to effectively address service delivery issues.

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More than 17 suspects arrested for evading courts

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Picture: One of suspects nabbed during tracing operations/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 February 2025- More than 17 suspects, who have been on the run from the police for various offences such as murder, pointing of firearm, assault GBH, theft, robbery, assault common, and contravention of protection orders, were arrested. The suspects have allegedly been evading court appearances and court orders.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said all suspects were arrested at their respective residences in and around Roodepan. Sam said they will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services.

“Information relating to crime can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111 and will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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