13 May 2026 – The Kimberley Public Order Police Unit (POP), together with members attached to Crime Intelligence, disrupted the distribution of drugs in the Diamond Park informal settlement in Greenpoint, Kimberley on Tuesday. The police acted on information regarding alleged drug dealing activities and executed search warrants at identified premises suspected of being used as drug outlets.
The North West police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said during the search and seizure operation, three premises were raided. Shemane said at the first premises, police confiscated mandrax tablets, dagga and cash.
“A suspect (26) was arrested for dealing in drugs. The operation continued to a second identified location, where the police found a woman (23) in possession of buckets containing dagga. She was subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs.
“At the third premises, a man was arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of suspected mandrax tablets. Drugs with an estimated street value of R147 000 were confiscated during the operation, along with cash believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, welcomed the arrests and commended the members for their continued efforts in combating drug-related crimes. Makgari reiterated that the police remain steadfast in their commitment to removing drugs from communities and streets through ongoing collaboration with community members.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi during handing over of the school/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
12 May 2026 – The North West Department of Education handed over the newly-built Batho Batho Primary School to the community of Mareetsane, outside Mahikeng on 12 May 2026. The department said this R58 million project replaced the old school infrastructure with a modern, state of the art facility featuring 16 classrooms, library, science labs, three Grade R classrooms heightening a safe and conducive teaching and learning environment.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said her department truly signifies a total commitment to develop rural areas and afford learners quality education by having access to amenities. Motsumi emphasised to the community of Mareetsane to take good care of the infrastructure and not to be tempted to burn it when there are any protests within the community.
“This handover is a great practical step that the Department is taking to shape the education of learners with skills and foster early exposure to technology. I would like to make a call to the community of Mareetsane to take care of these amenities as a valuable asset that will in future redefine this village as a Centre of Excellence.
“The community is today pleased that learners from Mareetsane village will be taught in an environment that will not only uplift their dignity, but boost their morale and ultimately motivate them to do well and excel in their studies,” she said.
Motsumi further said this will also encourage educators to focus more on the sustained delivery of
quality education and promote meaningful learning experiences for learners.
12 May 2026 – The police have confirmed an accident involving the official vehicle of the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, occurred on the N1 near Bela-Bela, Limpopo on Saturday. The police said the state vehicle was at the time driven by a member from the Protection Security Services (PSS).
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a preliminary investigation suggests that a woman was attempting to cross the road with her two children, one of whom was strapped to her back. Mathe said the trio was attempting to get to the other side of the road to attend to an earlier incident in which the woman’s husband was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an off-duty police officer and died at the scene.
“It is further alleged that while crossing the road, the woman and her children were involved in a collision with the Minister’s official vehicle. Tragically, the mother and baby succumbed to their injuries.
“In line with standard protocol, the Minister’s close protector and the driver immediately stopped at the scene together with the Minister and remained there until police and emergency medical services arrived,” she said.
Mathe further said the statements were subsequently obtained from those present at the scene. She added that two separate cases of culpable homicide are under investigation and the circumstances surrounding both accidents form part of ongoing police investigations.
“The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time. IPID has taken over investigations as both drivers are SAPS members,” said Mathe.
12 Motsheganong 2026 – Sepodisi sa kwa motsesetoropong wa Huhudi kwa Vryburg se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 20, le fitlhelwe le ikgwageditse kwa phaphosing ya gagwe ya bonno ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo motshegareng.
Go begwa fa moswi, Boipelo Cawe wa kwa motseng wa Morokweng, gaufi le Ganyesa, a ne a dira kwa lebekeleng le le rekisang diaparo kwa tikwatikweng ya marekelo ya Mompati Mall mono Vryburg.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are setopo sa ga Cawe se ile sa bonwa ke ba lelapa. Van Rooyen are moswi o ile a netefatswa fa a tlhokafaletse kwa lefelong la tiragalo.
“Sepodisi ga se belaele fa go nnile le letsogo la tshwene mo losong la ga Cawe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The NurseLead collaboration team: Prof. SK Coetzee, Dr M Matandela, L Chisale, F Musehane, Prof. K Jooste, Dr N Barnard, Prof. T Crowley, Prof. S Duma, Prof. V Matahela, Prof. N Mbombo, Dr S Mthembu, Prof. C Prinsloo, Prof. S Rothman, Prof. N Scheepers, Prof. J Scribante, Prof. K Shopo/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
12 May 2026 – A powerful new chapter in South African nursing leadership began on 5 and 6 May 2026, when the National Department of Health and the North West University (NWU) officially initiated the ground-breaking Nurse Lead programme – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower current and emerging nurse leaders across the country. The programme is led by Prof Siedine Coetzee, the NWU National Research Foundation (NRF) Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science (SARChI), together with South Africa’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Dr Mirriam Matandela of the National Department of Health.
Coetzee said the NurseLead programme aims to empower and transform nursing leadership across South Africa through an innovative national education programme for current and emerging nurse leaders. She further said the two-day collaboration workshop united top academics in nursing science with influential nursing practice leaders and experts.
“Representatives included the South African Nursing Council, the National Department of Health, Provincial Directors of Nursing Services, Hospital Nursing Directors, and nursing managers across the country.
“What makes NurseLead truly ground-breaking is its collaborative approach. Top nursing science researchers teamed up with influential nursing practice leaders and experts to develop a cutting-edge curriculum tailored for current and emerging nurse leaders nationwide,” said Coetzee.
She added that anchored in the National Department of Health’s South African Nursing Leadership Competency Framework (released July 2025), it bridges theoretical innovation with the realities of South African hospitals and frontline staff pressures – empowering leaders to thrive amid real-world challenges. Coetzee said this is a dream come true.
“I first envisioned a national nurse leadership academy when I applied for my NRF SARChI Chair, but this collaboration has far surpassed anything I imagined. The passion, expertise and commitment around the table have been extraordinary.
“The national education programme will be completed by the end of 2026 and thereafter piloted at hospital sites across South Africa,” she said.
Matandela describes the initiative as a significant milestone for both nursing education and healthcare leadership in the country.
“This is indeed a great opportunity. Nursing education and practice came together to share their experience in developing a curriculum that will produce nurse leaders who can function efficiently and effectively within health establishments facing complex challenges that require commitment, dedication and ethical decision-making.
“The programme places strong emphasis on clinical governance and leadership, identified as a critical component within the World Health Organisation building blocks for achieving Universal Health Coverage,” she said.
According to Matandela, the initiative also aligns closely with the 2026 International Nurses Day theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses save lives”. She said the collaboration between the National Department of Health and the NWU is attributed to the excellent engagement with a passionate and committed nurse academic, Coetzee, who initiated the programme and actively engaged the National Department of Health.
12 May 2026 – Most political parties have expressed mixed reactions over the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to take Section 89 Panel report over Phala Phala saga on review. Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation last night, said he is exercising his judicial rights because he believes that the report is flawed.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis said Ramaphosa’s decision to take the Section 89 Panel report on review must not be used to delay the work of Parliament. Hill-Lewis said it is his legal right to approach the High Court and the DA respects due process, the courts and the rule of law.
“Ramaphosa should bring any review application with due haste and on an expedited basis, so that the legal position is clarified quickly and this matter is not delayed unnecessarily. Parliament must also now take urgent legal advice on the implications of the President’s incoming review, including whether it affects the establishment and work of the impeachment committee, or whether the committee may proceed while the review is underway.
“Given the serious constitutional consequences of this matter, and the massive public interest in it, Parliament must take the South African people into its confidence by sharing that legal advice once it receives it,” he said.
Hill-Lewis further said this matter must be handled lawfully, transparently and with the constitutional seriousness it deserves. He added that the DA will continue to be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the legal position before Parliament.
“This remains an ANC-made crisis, rooted in serious unanswered questions about the President’s conduct and the ANC’s long record of shielding its own leaders from accountability,” said Hill-Lewis.
The ATM spokesperson, Zama Ntshona said as the initiators of this motion, they must state without hesitation that any further delay in the proper processing of this matter, particularly through the introduction of what appears to be a judicial review process, stands in direct contradiction to the spirit of the Constitution and the demands of justice. Ntshona said the South African people have waited long enough for finality.
“They have a right to closure, not continuous postponement. It is important to remember that had Arthur Fraser not come forward publicly, the nation would not have been made aware of the seriousness of the Phala Phala allegations.
“That disclosure triggered a constitutional obligation on Parliament to act, not to evade or defer responsibility. A judicial review does not and cannot suspend the impeachment or accountability processes of Parliament,” she said.
Ntshona said these are separate constitutional domains. She said the Parliament remains seized with its own independent duty to hold the Executive accountable, and that duty cannot be delegated to the courts or paused through litigation strategies.
“The terms of reference for any renewed or continued inquiry must be sufficiently wide and unrestrained to fully interrogate the nature of what transpired. This includes, but is not limited to, all key individuals who may have direct or indirect knowledge of the events in question.
“This must include Fraser, the farm manager, the domestic worker who was reportedly subjected to torture or intimidation, the Sudanese businessman allegedly involved, and any other person who may have relevant information,” said Ntshona.
She said no effort should be made to narrow or sanitise the inquiry in a manner that weakens the pursuit of truth. Ntshona said the African National Congress (ANC) must resist any temptation to dilute the seriousness and magnitude of this matter.
“The President was found by the Independent Panel to have a case to answer, and the Constitutional Court, the apex court in the land, itself has confirmed serious procedural and constitutional failures in how Parliament previously handled its obligations.
“That confirmation cannot be ignored, reinterpreted, or politically managed away. It is deeply concerning that a judicial review is now being used in a manner that appears to challenge the wisdom and authority of the judiciary, particularly when this matter was already subjected to prolonged delay over a period of years,” she said.
Ntshona said it is ironic, and frankly troubling, that this comes from a President who consistently asserts respect for the rule of law, yet the process continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency. She said the Speaker of the National Assembly now carries a historic responsibility to defend the integrity of Parliament.
COPE leader, Teboho Loate said they acknowledge and respect the President’s constitutional right to seek judicial review of the findings of the independent parliamentary panel. Loate said in a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, every person, including the President, is entitled to exercise legal remedies available under the Constitution.
“The Constitutional Court judgment was not merely a technical procedural matter. It was a serious indictment of Parliament’s failure to fulfil its constitutional oversight obligations after the National Assembly improperly used its rules and majority power to shield the Executive from scrutiny.
“COPE therefore reiterates that South Africa must avoid two dangerous extremes by protecting leaders from accountability through political majorities and pursuing political instability and institutional paralysis through reckless opportunism,” he said.
Loate said: “We do not believe that constitutional accountability should be reduced to political theater, factional battles, or populist grandstanding. Equally, we reject any attempt to minimize the significance of the Constitutional Court judgment.
“The impeachment process must now proceed independently, transparently, fairly, and without political interference. COPE remains consistent in its long-standing position that Parliament must never serve as a protective mechanism for the Executive.”
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie visiting Treatment Centre/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie along with the Departmental Head, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele on Monday conducted a fact-finding mission dubbed Re Thuse Re Go Thuse oversight to establish the facts that led some staff to put down tools at JB Marks treatment centre in Potchefstroom. The state-run facility was opened in 2020 to offer free drug treatment to service users which includes detoxification and administration inpatient treatment services.
Dantjie said since its establishment, the facility has provided much needed rehabilitation services to users across the province. She further said for a week, some disillusioned staff members suspended their services due to unresolved challenges ranging from shortage of staff to capacity building.
“During my day-long oversight visit to a 40-bed capacity facility, I convened a meeting with the management of the facility, officials from head office and the consent staff to get first-hand information before intervention.
“I have directed the Institution Manager, the District, Programme Managers, Infrastructure Unit and Supply Chain Management to develop a programme of action with timelines within seven days to address staff concerns with a view to stabilise the facility,” she added.
Dantjie said many people in the province still require rehabilitation services of this centre. She said with substance abuse being on the rise among young people and adults alike, they emphasised that officials should find common ground to render rehabilitation services at a brisker pace at JB Marks treatment centre.
Picture: Situation at Khunotswane village from aerial view/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2026 – The Democratic Alliance in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality expresses serious concern over the continued flooding crisis in Khunotswane village, despite earlier warnings, oversight visits, and provincial escalation by the DA. In May 2025, the DA conducted oversight inspections in the affected area and raised concerns regarding inadequate stormwater infrastructure, blocked drainage flow and the impact of flooding on residents, schools and healthcare facilities.
DA Constituency Head in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Cornél Dreyer said these concerns were further escalated to the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs. Dreyer said at the time, residents already warned that the interventions implemented by the municipality were inadequate and momentary.
“Today, those concerns have proven correct. The flooding has returned, once again affecting homes, roads, schools, and clinics in Khunotswane. Learners continue to face disruptions to their education, while patients and vulnerable residents struggle to access healthcare services safely.
“It is deeply concerning that drainage channels previously opened now appear to have been closed again, while uncertainty remains over whether proper stormwater pipes were ever installed,” he said.
Dreyer further said this raises serious questions about the effectiveness, quality and sustainability of the municipality’s interventions. He added that residents are once again exposed to contaminated stagnant water, increased health risks, and deteriorating living conditions.
“This is unacceptable. The municipality has a legal and constitutional obligation to ensure proper stormwater management, disaster relief, and the maintenance of essential services during emergencies. Communities cannot continue to suffer because of poor planning, delayed responses, and short-term measures that fail to address the root causes of the flooding.
“The DA therefore calls for urgent intervention, including immediate inspection and public confirmation regarding the installation and condition of stormwater pipes. Proper reconstruction and reopening of drainage channels and culverts to restore natural water flow,” said Dreyer.
He said the deployment of the municipal yellow fleet to assist with clean-up operations and repairs to damaged infrastructure. Dreyer said provision of safe drinking water and urgent public health interventions to prevent waterborne diseases. Dreyer said they call for restoration of safe access routes to schools and clinics.
“Deployment of temporary support measures where necessary, including mobile healthcare and temporary learning facilities. The people of Khunotswane deserve sustainable infrastructure solutions and decisive leadership, and not repeated promises followed by recurring disasters,” he said.
12 May 2026 – The defiant Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in that judgment, the Constitutional Court found that certain aspects of the National Assembly rules that govern the process for the removal of the President from office are inconsistent with the Constitution. Ramaphosa said the judgment has given rise to much commentary, debate and speculation.
He further said there has been much concern and uncertainty in the country over the last few days following the delivery of the Constitutional Court Judgement. Ramphosa said when he assumed the office of President of the Republic of South Africa, he said that it was a responsibility that he would discharge with the greatest of care.
“I said that it was a responsibility that I would undertake mindful of the needs, aspirations and expectations of the people of this land. I pledged that I would serve you, the people of South Africa.
“I said that I would work with you, side by side, to build the South Africa that we all want and deserve. It is these undertakings that compel me to address you this evening. There have been calls from certain quarters calling on me to resign. At the same time, there have also been calls for me not to resign,” he said.
Ramphosa said the matter before the Constitutional Court arose from the report of an independent panel that was appointed by the National Assembly in September 2022 in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution to conduct a preliminary inquiry into certain allegations that had been made against him. He said these allegations related to a theft that took place at my farm in February 2020.
“The independent panel concluded that the information that was presented to it disclosed, prima facie, that the President may have committed serious misconduct and a serious violation of the Constitution.
“The Panel concluded that I, as the President, may have acted in a way that was inconsistent with my office and may have exposed myself to a situation involving a conflict between my official responsibilities and my private business,” said Ramaphosa.
He said on 13 December 2022, in accordance with its rules, the National Assembly voted not to refer the independent panel’s report to an impeachment committee that would consider the veracity and, where required, the seriousness of the charges contained in the motion. Ramphosa said the Constitutional Court has now ruled, on the basis of the flaw it found in the National Assembly rules, that the vote the National Assembly exercised on this matter in 2022 should be set aside.
“The Court has accordingly ordered that the report of the independent panel be referred to the Impeachment Committee of the National Assembly. In the judgment, the Constitutional Court declares that where the Panel recommends that a Section 89 inquiry be proceeded with, it must be implemented through a referral to an Impeachment Committee, “unless and until the Report is set aside on review”.
“I accept and respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling. I reiterate my firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” he said.
Ramphosa said since the judgment was handed down, he had reflected on what the judgment means for the country, for the rule of law and for the office that he occupies. He said he is mindful of the severe difficulties that the country is confronted with today.
“I am mindful of the need for stability at this time more than any other. At times of such uncertainty and contestation, our Constitution remains our guide. The drafters of the Constitution provided a clear, carefully considered process to deal with allegations of serious misconduct and a serious violation of the Constitution against a President.
“They foresaw that it would be necessary to provide recourse in the event that these allegations could be established, while at the same time protecting against spurious or malicious agendas,” said Ramphosa.
He said since a criminal complaint was laid against him in June 2022, he has consistently maintained that he has not stolen public money, committed any crime nor violated his oath of office. Ramphosa said from the beginning, he said that he would cooperate with all institutions that are mandated to deal with these types of matters.
“I have indeed cooperated with all investigations and enquiries into the matter. And I will continue to cooperate with all institutions that are mandated to deal with these matters.
“When the independent panel submitted its report in December 2022, I said that I disagreed with its findings and the process of reasoning that led to those findings. In my submission to the panel, I said the complaints against me are based on hearsay allegations,” he said.
Ramphosa said there was no evidence, let alone sufficient evidence, to prove that he committed any violation, let alone a serious violation of the Constitution or law, or serious misconduct as set out in the Constitution. He said as a consequence, he decided then to approach the courts to take the report of the independent panel on review.
Picture: The speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 May 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it noted the statement by the Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono issued on Sunday. This comes after Mohono ‘clarified’ issues relating to the alleged instances of perjury by witnesses during the public hearings held by the Ad Hoc Committee.
Christiaan Jacobus Steyl who is DA North West spokesperson on the Ad Hoc Committee into allegations against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, said it is true that the Ad Hoc Committee is yet to finalise its report as per the terms of reference of its establishment, which is broadly, to investigate and ascertain whether there was any political interference by members in the recruitment of a Municipal Manager in the Naledi Local Municipality as alleged by mayor Clifton Groep.
Steyl said Mohono is also correct in that fair opportunity would be afforded to all implicated parties to comment and make submissions to the final draft report for consideration by the Ad Hoc Committee in finalising its report and tabling it to the House for consideration.
“However, Mohono is misguided on the matter of alleged perjury identified by the Ad Hoc Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee, while conducting its investigation, identified discrepancies in the written affidavits and oral testimony of several witnesses. Both written affidavits and oral testimony are given under oath.
“As such, as per the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Legislatures Act (Act 4 of 2004), Section 13, it is a criminal offence to present false testimony before a committee of Parliament or Provincial Legislatures, with appropriate sanction which may include financial penalties or imprisonment of up to two years or both,” he said.
Steyl further said on 7 May 2026, the Ad Hoc Committee adopted a report in which instances of misleading and/or contradictory evidence were presented before the Ad Hoc Committee by witnesses, with the recommendation that this report be submitted to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) for consideration towards further investigation and possible prosecution. He added that it is regrettable that Mohono failed to table the Ad Hoc Committee’s report in the Legislature’s ATC today.
“The Ad Hoc Committee, which is established by a House Resolution, with clearly defined, and limited, terms of reference, is also protected and empowered beyond this House Resolution by the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Legislatures Act.
“As such, the report on alleged instances of perjury is a final report by the Ad Hoc Committee, with a clear recommendation, which is to refer the report to the NDPP. Mohono has an obligation to ensure that the constitutional mandate and authority of the North West Provincial Legislature is maintained, specifically to act against instances where this constitutional mandate and authority is being undermined, such as may be the case flowing from the work of the Ad Hoc Committee,” said Steyl.
He said the Ad Hoc Committee’s report on alleged instances of perjury is a crucial report that will reinforce the Legislature’s constitutional mandate and authority, by taking tangible action which may result in criminal prosecution. Steyl said it is perhaps the first such report emanating from the work of a committee of the North West Provincial Legislature and should be celebrated.
“Initiating action following this Ad Hoc report will strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms and will go a long way to regain the public’s lost trust in the North West Provincial Legislature.
“It will set a precedent that will ensure that current and future Premiers, MECs, Director-Generals, Heads of Departments and any other witness called before the Legislature account transparently and truthfully or else there will be consequences,” he said.
Steyl said Mohono must table the report and submit it to the NDPP without delay or face the same consequences as Parliament had following the debacle not only of the Nkandla matter of Jacob Zuma previously, but also the Phala Phala issue of Cyril Ramaphosa currently. He said the ANC’s time of abusing Legislatures and Parliament in the ANC’s interest is over.
Meanwhile, Mohono said: “We have noted reports and commentary circulating across various media platforms suggesting that Mokgosi will face charges of perjury following the work of the Ad Hoc Committee established by the Legislature to investigate allegations made by the mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Clifton Groep.
“The Legislature confirms that the Ad Hoc Committee was duly established by the House with a specific mandate to investigate the allegations and subsequently report its findings and recommendations to the Speaker for consideration.”
She said in line with applicable procedural fairness and the Committee’s adopted processes, any person who may be implicated in the draft report of the Ad Hoc Committee will first be afforded an opportunity to comment before the report is finalised and formally submitted to the Office of the Speaker.
Mohono said the Legislature therefore wishes to clarify that the Ad Hoc Committee has not yet concluded all its processes, nor has a final report been tabled before the House of the North West Provincial Legislature for consideration.
“Any assertions or speculation suggesting that the Premier, or any other individual, will face criminal charges, including allegations relating to perjury, remain premature and speculative at this stage.
“Members of the public and the media are accordingly urged to allow the Committee and the Legislature to conclude the process in accordance with the applicable rules, principles of fairness, and institutional procedures,” she said.
Mohono further appeals to members of the media to exercise restraint, avoid speculative reporting and allow due process to unfold until the final report has been formally considered and communicated through the appropriate institutional channels.
The Guardian 