North West welcomes improved dam levels


By REGINALD KANYANE

15 January 2025- North West province has experienced a significant amount of rainfall this season, bringing much-needed relief to the region’s water resources. As a result, the province’s dam levels have shown notable improvements over the past week.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation latest report on the country’s water levels, the overall dam levels in the North West have increased from 64.7% to 72.5%.

The department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said the upward trend will bring a relief to the province, and the department is optimistic that this upward trajectory will continue. Mavasa said several dams in the province have experienced significant increases in their water levels.

“The Olifantsnek Dam has shown a notable increase from 48.0% to 60.4%, while the Vaalkop Dam has jumped from 28.9% to 65.9% this week. The Bospoort Dam has risen from last week’s 92.7% to 102.2% this week, indicating a substantial improvement in water storage.

“Other dams that have experienced an increase include the Ngotwane dam, which has risen from 32.0% to 35.0%. Buffelspoort Dam has increased from 84.5% to 91.3% this week. Lindleyspoort Dam from 17.5% to 30.0% and Roodekopjes Dam from 78.9% to 87.8% this week,” he said.

Mavasa further said Marico-Bosveld Dam has risen from 20.0% to 27.4%, Molatedi Dam, which has increased from 27.5% to 37.1%, Madikwe Dam and Pella Dam has risen from 36.8% to 47.7%, and 36.0% to 37.8% respectively. He added that in addition, the Disaneng Dam has reached full capacity, increasing from 75.0% to 100.0%.

“On the other hand, some dams in the province have experienced decreases in their water levels. Hartbeespoort Dam has decreased slightly from 97.6% to 95.1%. Taung and Setumo Dams have maintained their levels at 82.3% and 98.9%, respectively.

“Moving forward, the department remains committed to ensuring sustainable management of water resources by continuing to work closely with all stakeholders to maintain a positive momentum and to guarantee a reliable water supply to the province’s residents, businesses, and industries,” said Mavasa.

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Forensic Pathology Services facilities in North West has enough space to cater for bodies of illegal miners in Stilfontein  


By OBAKENG MAJE

15 January 2025- The North West Department of Health has refuted allegations that the provincial Forensic Pathology Services facilities are unable to cope with the increasing number of illegal miners’ corpses extracted underground in Stilfontein in the ongoing national rescue operation.

The department said its plan of readiness has been approved and shared by the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari during his briefing session yesterday at Stilfontein.

Lehari spokesperson, Lucas Mothibedi said the department has identified several forensic pathology services facilities to deal with the expected, sizable number of corpses as the operation is ongoing. Mothibedi said as of this morning, 51 bodies have been retrieved underground in the last three days of the rescue operation.

“All corpses have been handed over to the department’s forensic facilities. We have also beefed up our medical personnel by contracting more nurses, radiographers, doctors and other medical personnel.

“The department is also assisting with identification processes through DNA and other medical means, including post mortems to determine whether these deaths were as a result of hunger, illness or injuries,” he said.

Mothibedi further said the department cautions members of the public and media against disinformation and misinformation peddled by some groups at Stilfontein, aimed at discrediting all efforts and strides made by the department so far.  He added that 36 bodies were retrieved on 13 Jan 2025, while 51 were extracted on 14 Jan 2025.

“Total bodies retrieved by yesterday were 87. We have 70 space at Forensic Pathology Services facility in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and 240 in Bojanala District. So, there is enough space in the province to store the bodies for now.

“On the issue of Gauteng Forensic vans, the province has 20 vehicles that can carry 4 bodies each. Due to the high number of bodies in a short space, Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services has been asked to assist with vehicles to deliver the deceased to North West Forensic Pathology Services mortuaries. All bodies remain in the North West,” said Mothibedi.

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Motsumi: “It is not over until we win”


By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 January 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said unlike the preceding years, her department was confronted with many internal and external challenges, which had the potential to sway it off the rails. Motsumi said, however, against all odds, driven by their unshaken beliefs in serving the best interest of the child and in advancing the boundless potential of the learners, they weathered every storm and soldiered on.

She further said finally, they have successfully reached their destination and that moment of eagerly awaiting the release of the 2024 NSC results is over. Motsumi added that the Class of 2024 holds a special historic significance as a transitional Grade 12 cohort that she led from the then 6th administration to the current 7th administration.

“For 2024, a total of 40 575 candidates sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. For the record, an overwhelming majority of the candidates that made up the Class of 2024 enrolled for Grade 1 in 2013.

“Technically, their results, for which we are gathered here to celebrate, are the first for the 7th administration, which took over the government in June 2024. I am thrilled to announce that the Class of 2024 obtained a spectacular pass rate of 87,52% and position 4 nationally,” she said.

Motsumi said this ground-breaking achievement represents an increase of 5,89% from 81,63% by 2023. She said the NSC pass rate by that margin and retaining position 4 is no mean feat, taking into account the tightness of the competition among the nine provinces for at least a top 3 spot, which they missed by a percentage point.

“It is not mere rhetoric when we say that for us, the game is never over until we win. We are determined to do everything in our power to reach the top three of the national NSC Examination results league table.

“Nonetheless, this accomplishment of 87,52% matric pass rate is not only a source of pride for the province. It also indicates that the department has out-done itself as it is above the 2024/25 APP target of 87% matric pass rate,” said Motsumi.

She said besides being unprecedented in the history of the province, at least in the last five years, it is a quantum leap that needs to be sustained. Motsumi said it is important to remember that the 2024 provincial matric pass rate is not the only significant figure in their records, but it is a robust sign of progress registered by the maturing provincial education system.

“Needless to say, this achievement was not a coincidence and it did not happen overnight. It is a product of years of hard work, the power of collective effort, shared vision, numerous interventions and dedication, with a firm desire for quality over quantity.

“To confirm this, the quality of our passes has also improved dramatically. To start with, the Class of 2024 obtained a total of 7 901 distinctions in various subjects, excluding Life Orientation, compared to 7067 in the previous year. The number of candidates who passed with admission to Bachelor Studies has increased to 18 279 (45,05%) from 15 059 (36,36%) of the Class of 2023,” she said.

Motsumi said the admission to Diploma Studies has also improved to 11 455 (28,23%) compared to 11 646 (28,12%) of 2023, and to further demonstrate their sharp appetite for quality over quantity. She said the number of those who passed with Higher Certificate has dropped to 5 777 (14,2%) against 7 089 (17,11%) of 2023.

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Police accused of turning a blind eye against drug peddlers


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 January 2025- The police in Rustenburg said they have noted with concern a video doing the rounds on social media platforms, especially tik-tok wherein they are unfairly accused of doing nothing about alleged drug peddling at a block of flats.

The flats, which are not far from the police station, are said to be occupied mainly by Nigerian foreign nationals.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mogwabone said while the police are constitutionally mandated to prevent, combat and investigate crime, it must be emphasised that they cannot fight crime alone. Mokgwabone said therefore, there is nothing wrong about exposing criminals and criminality, but it is important to share such information with the police so that necessary steps can be taken. 

“This must be done not only in Rustenburg, but other places. It must also be stated that a number of drug related operations were previously conducted at the flats and the neighbouring streets and that led to the arrest of suspects, including foreign nationals.

“Furthermore, drugs were confiscated during the operations, which were in most instances, intelligence driven. We would also like to advise members of the community to engage relevant authorities, especially on issues pertaining to acquiring of flats, payments of rates and services, the legal status of the tenants in the country, among others,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, however, some of these issues, particularly contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 and dealing in drugs, are dealt with weekly by the police and other law enforcement agencies through the high density Operation Shanela.

He added that police request anyone who may have information about any criminality, to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“Alternatively, tip-offs can be shared via MySAPS App,” said Mokgwabone.

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North West police officer gunned down!


By REGINALD KANYANE

15 January 2025 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng conveys his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, relatives and colleagues of the late Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45) who was allegedly gunned down on Tuesday afternoon, 14 January 2025, at Randlespark, Klerksdorp.

According to Asaneng, Motlhaoleng who is stationed at Jouberton Visible Policing and in full uniform, was shot by unknown suspects while in her private vehicle, on her way to work. He further said the incident took place on Taljaart Kruger Street, Randlespark, where three empty cartridges and ammunition were found.

“Motlhaoleng’s body was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds on the right jaw and hand respectively. A black Volkswagen Polo vehicle with four occupants, was allegedly spotted driving off from the scene at a high speed.

“The motive of the incident is yet to be determined and no arrest has been effected and investigations into the matter by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) are underway,” said Asaneng.

He added that they condemn the incident, which he described as intolerable and callous, considering that the loss of a police officer impacts negatively on service delivery and the entire organisation. Asaneng ordered the investigation team to work around the clock to ensure that alleged perpetrators are arrested. “We remind our members to constantly be alert whether on or off-duty,” he said.

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Northern Cape Premier Wishes Learners, Teachers, and SGBs Well for the 2025 Academic Year


By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 January 2025 – The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul, extends his best wishes to all learners, teachers, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), and communities as they embark on the 2025 academic year. Saul emphasizes that education is a societal responsibility that requires collective effort.

According to Saul’s spokesperson, Naledi Gaosekwe, the Premier will kick off the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) Back-to-School campaign. As part of this initiative, Saul will visit Khiba Secondary School in Gamopedi, located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. He will be accompanied by the District Mayor, Queen Mogatle-Thaone.

“The Northern Cape Provincial Government’s Back-to-School Campaign aims to ensure that all teachers and learners arrive in class on time and begin their learning activities on the first day of school. Through this campaign, the government will confirm that everything is in place for the academic year,” said Gaosekwe.

She further noted that Saul’s government is committed to collaborating with its social partners to invest in initiatives that enhance access to quality basic education. This includes upgrades to school facilities, the construction of new schools, the expansion of modern digital learning opportunities, and the provision of additional resources for students in need.

Additionally, Saul encourages those who faced challenges in the previous year to take advantage of all opportunities provided by the government for a second chance.

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Mokgosi visits schools in Stilfontein as part of back-to-school


By REGINALD KANYANE

15 January 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi set to visit Dirang Ka Natla Comprehensive School and Khuma Primary School in Stilfontein, on Wednesday to assess their state of readiness as schools will be re-opening for the 2025 academic year.

Mokgosi’s visit to these schools is part of the province-wide Back-to-School campaign, which is aimed at ensuring that teaching and learning take place on the first day of schools re-opening, and to reaffirm the provincial leadership’s support to learners, teachers and School Governing Bodies (SGBs).

Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said Dirang Ka Natla Comprehensive School achieved a pass rate of 90.1% in the 2024 matric results, which is an improvement from 80.7% achieved in 2023.

Meanwhile, on 15-17 January 2025, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Desbo Mohono together with Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will conduct oversight visits at various school across the North West to check and assess their state of readiness for the 2025 school year.

The visits will be conducted as follows;

Member of the Provincial LegislatureSchools to be visited on 15/01/2025Schools to be visited on 16/01/2025Schools to be visited on 17/01/2025Time     
Hon. Desbo Mohono  – SpeakerKwenatlase Seconadry SchoolMotlhaputseng Secondary SchoolMotsatsi Primary School08h00 –11h00 
Bojating Primary School 
Hon. Collen Maine – Deputy SpeakerModise Kanono Secondary SchoolKudunkgwane Primary SchoolTlotlang-Thuto Secondary School 
Gaeonale Primary SchoolTasman Middle SchoolBonabona Primary School   
Hon. Motlalepula Rosho – Chief Whip of NWPLUitschot Primary SchoolLebogang Primary SchoolAgisanang Primary School   
Boschpoort Combined SchoolOttosdal LaerskoolRfethuto Primary School 
Hon. Tebogo Modise – Chairperson of CommitteesMojamorago Primary SchoolSlurry Primary SchoolMantsa Primary School 
Rankudu Secondary SchoolPhakisang Primary SchoolMosikare Secondary School 
Hon. Priscilla WilliamsAG Malebe Primary SchoolDitsobotla Primary School                                 Gaborone Secondary School                              
Bontle Primary SchoolShukran Primary SchoolMorweng Primary School 
Hon. Karabo MagaganeMathews Mangope Secondary SchoolHoerskool ZeerustMmajane Secondary School 
Suping Primary SchoolIkageleng Primary SchoolRatsela Primary School 
Hon. Kgalalelo MakgokgowaJan Masibi Primary SchoolMasamane Primary School 
Tshoganyetso Primary SchoolTshidilamolomo Primary School  Tsoseletso Independent School   
Hon. Kwena MangopeDiphetogo Primary SchoolThutong Primary SchoolLelokwane Primary School 
Bodiri Primary SchoolMatlhonyane Primary School    Seshupo Primary School 
Hon. Matshidiso BotsweHoerskool ColignyLichtenburg English Primary SchoolNaletsana Primary School 
Thuto Mmelegi Primary School  Doornhoek Primary SchoolBodibe Secondary School 
Hon. Paul SebegoeRethusegile SSLesele Secondary SchoolBoons Mega Farm School 
Ruskraal Primary School  HF Tlou Secondary SchoolMeriting Secondary School 
Hon. Sipho DialMogwase Technical SchoolMelotong Primary SchoolModise Secondary School 
Morongwa Primary SchoolBakubung Primary SchoolMpherebere Primary School 
Hon. Freddy SonakileSedibelo Secondary SchoolDikgatlhong Primary SchoolDamons Primary School 
  Nthebe Primary SchoolBatleng Secondary SchoolDie Hoerskool Wagpos 
Hon. Smuts MatsheThuto Boswa Secondary SchoolPhiri High School  
  Toevlug Primary SchoolMotaung Primary School   
Hon. Mpho Khunou  Haartebeesport HoerskoolEnnis Thabong Primary SchoolRe e lwele Primary School 
Morekolodi Primary SchoolEletsa Secondary SchoolMothotlung Secondary School   
Hon. Primrose BogatsuBergsig High SchoolLaerskool RustenburgKutlwanong Special 
Laerskool Protea ParkRauwane Sepeng Secondary School  Reuben Monareng Primary School 
Hon. Lerato TemeSenwamatsa Primary SchoolObuditse Secondary SchoolMeyeyane Primary School 
Thutlwane Primary School  Tsogang Primary School 
Hon. Christiaan SteylGeysdorp Secondary SchoolMoshoette Primary SchoolKelebogile Primary School   
Duikerbos Primary School  Goo Seleka Secondary SchoolKopela Primary School 
Hon. Justice DabampeTiragalo Secondary SchoolMakwassie LaerskoolRebona Secondary School 
Thusang Primary School  Skietpan Primary 
Hon. Michal GroenewaldAreaganeng Secondary SchoolMoitshoki Mofenyi Primary SchoolMathopestad Primary School 
 
Hon. Van HuyssteenReivilo High SchoolGobopamang Primary SchoolReikagile Secondary School 
Reivilo Combined SchoolTshite Primary School  Lokgabeng Primary School   
Hon. Ofentse Moema      Zakheleni Secondary SchoolSakalengwe Secondary SchoolLefoko Primary School 
Moshana Primary SchoolMmasebudule Primary School  Tlhomeso Primary School 
Hon. Papikie BabuileSarafina Secondary SchoolMadibeng Primary SchoolMathopestad Primary School   
Bert’s Bricks Secondary SchoolES Le Grange Secondary SchoolAreaganeng Secondary School 
  Hon. Johanna Steenkamp  Potchefstroom Technical High SchoolBoikhutsong Primary School  
M.L Flick Primary SchoolRegorogile Secondary School
Hon. Nathan OliphantDirang Ka Natla Secondary School  Pinnacle Private School     
Khuma Primary SchoolStilfontein Laerskool
Hon. Wolfgang Wallhorn  S Sekwati Primary SchoolSt Catherine Primary SchoolSt Theresa Secondary School
Tsogo Secondary School
Hon. Modiegi Dikolomela    Batlhaping Secondary SchoolSt Pauls Secondary SchoolMokgareng High School
Pinagare Secondary SchoolBaisitse Primary SchoolTshipu Primary School
Hon. Kwena Mangope  Diphetogo Primary SchoolThutong Primary SchoolLelokwane Primary School
Bodiri Primary SchoolMatlhonyane Primary SchoolSeshupo Primary School
Ho. Nolanga Sonti      Reivilo High SchoolGobopamang Primary SchoolReikagile Secondary School
Reivilo Combined SchoolTshite Primary SchoolLokgabeng Primary School
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51 bodies of illegal miners retrieved from Stilfontein mine


By OBAKENG MAJE

15 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said during yesterday, a total of 106 alive illegal miners were retrieved and arrested for illegal mining in Stilfontein Mine. The police said 51 illegal miners were certified dead.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they have arrested 67 Mozambicans, 26 Lesotho nationals, 11 Zimbabweans and 2 South Africans.

“Operations will resume on 15 January 2025. From August 2024 until 12 January 2025, over 1576 illegal miners were arrested before the extraction operation commenced.

“Those arrested include 997 of the arrested are Mozambicans, 427 are Zimbabweans, 118 are Basotho nationals from Lesotho, 21 are South Africans, while one is from Malawi and another one from Congo,” she said.

Mathe further said 1540 illegal miners are still in police custody. She added that 121 illegal miners have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans and one Malawian.

“Over 46 illegal miners have already been found guilty of illegal mining, trespassing and contravening the immigration act. The court handed down a sentence of R12 000 or six months wholly suspended imprisonment sentence for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of similar crimes.

“Confiscated materials since the start of operations in Stilfontein (December 2023), include over 640kg of gold-bearing material, 6.2 kg of refined gold, explosives, firearms, and cash amounting to R52.49 million seized,” said Mathe.

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More than 10 houses destroyed by heavy rains in Kgomotso village


By REGIBALD KANYANE

14 January 2025- More than 10 houses in Kgomotso village, near Taung, were destroyed by disruptive rains on Monday afternoon. Heavy rains driven by a tropical low-pressure system hit the area and left a trails of destruction and some individuals were forced to seek refuge from relatives and good Samaritans.

The Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsibly for Infrastructure, in Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), councillor Itumeleng Mribe said the heavy rains caused significant damages.

“There was power outage due to the severity of heavy rains and more than ten houses were affected. However, the municipality has activated disaster management protocols and teams continue to monitor conditions in the wake of heavy rains.

“We advise residents to take precautionary measure. The roofs of those houses were blown away. Walls of others collapsed and we are busy doing assessment. We will also engage other stakeholders to ensure that those affected receive remedy to the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi said the North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PMDC), working together with Municipal Disaster Centres said it remains on high alert for incidents of disaster across the province.

Molapisi said there is as disaster management teams are on the ground conducting needs and impact assessment following heavy rainfall that affected many parts of the province and damaged infrastructure, properties and possessions. 

“North West province has experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days and the district municipalities that were largely affected included Bojanala Platinum and Ngaka Modiri Molema.

“Both formal and informal houses were damaged by the heavy rains including municipal infrastructure such as culverts, roads and bridges. Kromkuil bridge in Moretele has collapsed, scores of houses in Moretele, Rustenburg, JB Marks, Ditsobotla, Ratlou and Mahikeng Local Municipalities were flooded,” he said.

Molapisi further said roofs of houses at Mokgola in Ramotshere Moiloa and Ledig in Moses Kotane were blown away. He added that mud houses at Moshwaneng in Ratlou Local Municipalities were affected and faced possibilities of collapsing.

“Public amenities such as hospitals, clinics and schools were also not spared. Lehurutshe Hospital, Moses Kotane Hospital in Ledig and General Delarey in Lichtenburg are some of those which were affected. Bogosi Clinic and Primary School in Moretele was also water-logged.

“Mop-up operations are underway to bring all affected facilities back to full operation. We have directed coordination on the ground to assist affected residents and communities across the province. The provincial preparedness and response contingency plan have been developed and are being implemented,” he said.

Molapisi said various sector departments and municipalities have been briefed and activated in line with their roles and responsibilities, and they use their own resources to respond to emergencies/disasters incidents.

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Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul lauds Class of 2024


By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 January 2025- The Northern Cape Premier, Zamani Saul said his government has recorded a number of milestones in 2024. Saul, who delivered a keynote address during the release of provincial 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results on 14 January 2025 in Kimberley.

He further said as a province, they received the highest number of clean audits, 8 clean audits in total. Saul added that they have achieved this by putting proper systems in place in an effort to enhance accountability and transparency.

“We also managed to create a huge number of jobs last year. In the first three quarters of the year, we created 27 000 jobs. This, we managed to achieve due to the initiatives rolled out by the provincial government with our key stakeholders.

“Last year, amongst our key highlights for the year is the matric results that we are celebrating here today. We broke an all-time record by receiving 84.2%. So for the provincial government, 2024 was a good year and we are working towards an even better year in 2025,” he said.

Saul said reaching many little milestones that might seem insignificant for some, but for them and the people of the Northern Cape, it is the little milestones that count. He said although they will do it again when they enter the hall, allow him to, on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) to congratulate the top three learners and their parents for the sterling performance last year.

“Kutlo Motlhoioa (Kimberley Technical High School), Petrus Nel (Duineveld High School) and Kutlo Motshwana (Galaletsang High School). You have made us proud. We sincerely wish you well in your future endeavour and look forward to welcoming you back into the province to come and help us build a Northern Cape we are all proud of.

“Today, we can proudly state that we are reaping the rewards of years of investment into a system that we believe can change the Northern Cape. You will remember that in 2019, The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) took a conscious decision to prioritise Health and Education,” said Saul.

He said they will not be able to attain their vision of modernising, growing and making the Northern Cape a successful province, if they do not educate the young people. Saul said they went out galvanising support from their key stakeholders to help them improve the education system. 

“The annual release of the matric results provides us with the opportunity to benchmark our education system against national standards. It further allows us to give recognition to our top achievers, who have excelled academically and prepare for their tertiary education.

“The Class of 2024 has done remarkably well and exceeded our expectations. This is also an indication that our education system in the province has stabilised and we are witnessing a gradual improvement in our matric results year on year,” he said.

Meanwhile, a total of 179 978 answered scripts were marked by 839 markers, 45 chief markers and 45 internal moderators. The quality assurer, Umalusi found that they have sound systems in place and the whole examination process was conducted with integrity.

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