Setshwantsho-papiso: Monna wa kwa motseng wa Modimong o lomilwe ke noga
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
14 Ferikgong 2025- Monna wa dingwaga di le 60 go tswa kwa motseng wa Modimong, gaufi le Taung, o tlhokafetse morago ga go lomiwa ke noga. Go begwa fa Majojo Seboco a ne a longwa ke noga mo letsatsing la maabane, mme a tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa Taung go bona thuso ya potlako.
Fela go begwa fa Seboco a ile a tlhokafala moragonyana kwa bookelo, mme kgetsi ya morago ga loso e ile ya bulwa ke sepodisi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Sarasanta Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Ee, ke nnete kgetsi ya morago ga loso e butswe morago ga gore monna o, a longwe ke noga.
“Go fitlha ga jana ga go itsiwe mofuta wa noga e e mo lomileng.”
Picture: A baby boy discovered behind a house in Galeshewe Township, Kimberley/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
14 January 2025- The Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit seeks assistance in locating the family and mother of a new-born baby boy, who was discovered behind a house in Jerusalem in Lerato park.
On 23 December 2024, occupants of a house in Jerusalem heard a baby crying behind the house. Upon investigation, they discovered the baby boy.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the police were informed and the child is currently under the care of the Department of Social Development. Pilane said any person with information is requested to contact Captain Godfrey Kgatwane on 082 495 4725 or 053 807 6161.
“Information can be reported via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.
14 January 2025- Rescue operations at shaft 11 in Stilfontein commenced yesterday afternoon with the retrieval of 35 illegal miners. This follows the clearing of the site over the weekend and the arrival of the 45 tonne Mobile Rescue Winder crane that can reach a depth of 3000 meters underground.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) spokesperson, Makhosonke Buthelezi said once they are extracted, the illegal miners are inspected for any illicit items such as gold nuggets, illegal firearms and thereafter assessed by paramedics on site. Buthelezi said those that require further medical care are taken to a health facility for further medical care, while those who are in good health are immediately detained.
“All illegal miners are processed to determine their nationality and their immigration status, and once that is done they are detained in police cells. Regrettably and it is unfortunate that of the 35, nine corpses were recovered in yesterday’s operation and pathology services have removed them from the scene.
“Following the deaths of these illegal miners, the police are investigating allegations that the food that was sent down, was allegedly limited and kept from these illegal miners as well as allegations of abuse and cases of assault, following videos that emerged from underground showing some illegal miners being beaten and tortured,” he said.
He further said Mine Rescue Services will resume operations in the morning and the operation is anticipated to last for the next 10 to 16 days.
Picture: The executive mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num along with other dignitaries/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 January 2025- The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality said it has taken a significant step towards revitalizing the economy of Leeudoringstad and its neighbouring areas by acquiring a state-of-the-art building for its municipal offices.
The official handover of the facility took place on 13 January 2025, marking a historic moment for the region. The building, formerly the head office of SENWES, was handed over to the municipality.
The executive mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num said the impressive 225-room double-story facility boasts modern amenities tailored to meet the needs of the municipality and its staff. Num said key features include an IT internet server room with internet infrastructure already in place, a gym, a welcome room for guests, and a dedicated standalone building for the fire department.
“Additionally, the premises offer an open field with tennis courts, enhancing its multifunctional appeal. A built-in generator, linked to the entire building, ensures uninterrupted operations during power outages.
“The acquisition of this building is expected to have far-reaching impacts, consolidating the municipality’s offices in Orkney, while accommodating the fire department previously based in Wolmaransstad,” she said.
Num further said this centralization of services will improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery across the district. She added that this signifies economic development.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to not only improving municipal operations but also contributing to the economic revival of Leeudoringstad and its surroundings.
“By bringing employees and services closer to the community, we are fostering accessibility and growth. This building represents more than just infrastructure,” said Num.
She said it is a ‘beacon of progress and hope’ for the community. Num said they are excited to begin a new chapter of enhanced service delivery and economic stimulation.
“The state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for municipal operations and a catalyst for economic activity in Leeudoringstad, positioning the area as a key player in the district’s development agenda,” she said.
Picture: The Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube
By OBAKENG MAJE
14 January 2025- The Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube said while the matric pass rate does not tell them about the quality of education outcomes that the schooling system is achieving, it is an important indicator of progress.
Gwarube said this during the 2024 Matric Results announcement at the Mosaic Church in Fairlands, Johannesburg. She further said it simply tells them what percentage of learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate achieved the minimum pass requirements for this qualification.
Gwarube added that, to pass the National Senior Certificate, learners are not required simply to get 30% across all subjects, which is often misconceived to be the only pass requirement for the National Senior Certificate.
“Instead, they are required to get at least 40% in their Home Language and two other subjects and at least 30% for three other subjects and must pass at least 6 out of their 7 subjects.
“I am proud to announce that in 2024, 615 429 learners passed the National Senior Certificate – more than any other time in our history. South Africa’s national pass rate for the 2024 National Senior Certificate has therefore increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3%,” she said.
Gwarube said this is the highest matric pass rate in the history of the country and should be a moment of great pride and celebration for all of them. She said when they consider the number of learners that progressed from Grade 10 to Grade 12, they have achieved a throughput rate of 63%.
“This is in line with other middle-income countries. As I have indicated, there are many factors that impact on this rate, including, for example, subject choice changes, shifts to part-time candidature and movements to TVET colleges from Grade 10.
“At a provincial level, I am pleased to announce that every province improved on its performance from 2023 and every province achieved above 84%. Free State is the best performing province at 91.0%, increasing its pass rate from 89.0% in 2023.
“KwaZulu Natal is at number 2 with a pass rate of 89.5%, marking an increase of 3.2% from 2023. Number 3 is Gauteng, which increased its pass rate from 85.4% in 2023 to 88.4% in 2024. North-West comes in at number 4 with 87.5%, which represents an increase of 5.9% from 2023,” said Gwarube.
She said number 5 is the Western Cape at 86.6%, which represents an increase of 5% from 2023. Gwarube said the three provinces all received a rounded off pass rate of 85%.
“However, they are ranked according to highest raw percentage points achieved. Limpopo comes in at number 6, with a pass rate of 85.01%. This represents an increase of 5.5% from 2023. Mpumalanga with a pass rate of 84.99% is at number 7 – a significant increase of 8% from 2023. Eastern Cape achieved a pass rate of 84.98% and comes in at number 8 with a 3.6% increase from 2023. Northern Cape is at number 9 with 84.2%.
“It is also important to add that the Northern Cape is the most improved province. It surged by 8.3% from 2023. No-fee schools improved their pass rate from 81% in 2023 to 85.8% in 2024.
“This too is another sign that our schooling system is maturing. 19 Our education districts have also made us very proud with all districts improving on their performance from 2023,” she said.
14 January 2025- A trial on a murder case against a rapist and alleged murderer, Bakang Katong (32), his co-accused, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31), and Phenyo Katong (34), is expected to commence today at Taung Regional Court.
The accused persons were arrested two years ago for allegedly killing Thabiso Mothibedi (35), in cold blood. This comes after they accused Mothibedi of stealing R20 000 cash and cigarettes worth R600 from Katong’s house in Manthe village, near Taung.
The North West police spokesperson, Capt Sam Tselanyane said the preliminary investigation revealed that on 29 April 2022, the deceased was at Longaneng village in Taung, when the accused fetched and ferried him back to Manthe village.
“Upon arrival, the deceased was allegedly chained to a generator and assaulted. After the assault, the victim was reportedly transported to a local clinic by the accused, however, he was declared dead upon arrival.
“The accused were arrested and charged with murder,” he said.
On 1 May 2022, the community members were up in arms and torched three houses and a bakkie belonging to Katong’s family.
13 Ferikgong 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le babedi ba kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2, gaufi le Pudimoe, e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 16 Ferikgong 2025.
Phemelo Maine (40) ga mmogo le Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), ba tlhotse ba shadikantse matlho kwa Khotlhatshekelo ya Taung, mme ba lebagane le tatofatso ya go bolaya lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 16, teng kwa Matlhako 2.
Go begwa fa setopo sa ga Boingotlo Makaota, se bonwe kwa lebitleng le le seng boteng kwa nageng kwa motseng wa Matlhako 2 ka Labotlhano. Sepodisi se begile fa Makaota a ka tswa a bolailwe ka Labone bosigo.
Go ya ka moagisani wa Maine, one a utlwa segajaja sa lekgarebe mo bosigong jwa Labone kwa ntlung ya gagwe. Go begwa fa moagisani o, gape a tlhalositse fa a ne a bona Maine ga mmogo le ditsala tsa gagwe ba kgorometsa kereibaye e go bontshang fa ene e pegile sengwe mo teng mo mosong wa Labotlhano.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Sepodisi se ile sa tswa letsholo, mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go epololweng ga setopo sa ga Makaota.
“Go begwa fa setopo seo, sene se thatilwe ka kobo, mme moswi one a supiwa ke ba lelapa la gagwe. Dipatlisiso di shupa fa setopo sa ga Makaota, se ne se na le dintho mo tlhogong, mo diropeng ga mmogo le mo maotong.”
Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso di ile tsa bolodiwa kwa lelapeng la ga Maine, mme diaparo tsa moswi di ile tsa fitlhelwa teng. Mokgwabone are, Maine o tshwerwe ka Lamatlhatso morago ga go ineele kwa sepodising.
“Monna o, o ile a isiwa kwa sepodisi ke morwa rragwe, mme one a tshwarwa. Sepodisi se ile sa botsolotsa Phatlhanyane o bonweng a tsamaya le Maine fa a ne a kgorometsa kereibaye, mme le ene o ile a lelelwa ke ditshipi,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.
Mokomishinara wa Sepodisi wa nama o sa tshwere mo Bokone Bophirima, Major General Patrick Asaneng, o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e. Asaneng are polao eo ya go tlhorontshiwa ga bong e kabo e efogilwe fa baagi ba ne ba le malala-a-laotswe.
Kgabagare, modula-setilo wa mokgatlho wa baagi wa South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) mo Taung, Joseph Tanyane are: “Re utlwile ka tiragalo eo, mme re tlhabilwe ke ditlhong thata. Re dira boikuelo go makgarebe a atlhogang gore ba itlhokomele thata jang mo makawaneng a tlang kwa morago a.
“Ko bofelo, ba feleletsa ba ba tseela matshelo, mme re ba rotloetsa thata gore ba itlhokomele. Re leboga sepodisi sa rona sa Afrika Borwa gore ka se sebaka ba be ba setse ba tshwere babelaelwa. Ba dira tiro entle go baagi ba rona.
“Re romela matshidiso go ba lelapa la ga Makaota gore ba beye tshotlhe fa pele ga Modimo, gonne ke ene fela o a itseng.”
Picture: Grade 12 top achievers during breakfast with Minister of Department of Basic Education, Minister Siviwe Gwarube/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
13 January 2025- Determination has paid off for a Rustenburg-based Grade 12 learner, Thobeka Langa (17). Despite coming from a financially poor background, without parental support, Langa was among the country’s 2024 matric top achievers, who were honoured by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube during a Ministerial Breakfast held in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday.
She said this has proven that determination and hard work can change one’s outcomes.
The 39 top achievers were honoured ahead of the announcement of the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, which takes place later today.
Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the event, Langa admitted that she was not expecting to be among the top achievers, especially after a challenging Physics exam.
“It has been a really rough journey, and after writing that Physics Paper, I really thought that all my chances of coming here were shattered, but God had other plans.
“As a social grant beneficiary, I will be studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. My dream is to be among those who make an impact in the world,” she said.
Langa emphasised the importance of education as a means of opening up doors to a brighter future. She further said as SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grant beneficiaries, they are often undermined.
“Having grown up without both parents, I really thought that I would not become anything, but here I am now. This is confirmation, clarification, fulfilment, and coming to an end of a marathon.
“After completing my studies, I will be a qualified engineer, probably specialising somewhere. Maybe I will still be in South Africa or abroad. Who knows?” said Langa.
Another top achiever, Nqubeko Bekwa from Emzamweni High School in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, said he could not believe that he was among the top students.
The 19-year-old, who will be pursuing his Actuarial Science studies at the University of Cape Town, maintained that in life, there are no miracles, but “one must push hard, have a vision and be disciplined” in order to see positive results.
“You must work hard, even though you feel tired and sleepy. I could not sleep at night because I wanted to be here, and once you change your mind set, everything just happens without any struggle,” Bekwa said.
According to the Department of Social Development, out of 882 336 registered learners who sat for the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, 697 502 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 79% of registered learners.
“Out of this number, 1 068 of the learners were children who were in conflict with the law during their schooling years,” the department said in a statement.
Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule will announce the NSC results for the class of 2024 in Johannesburg at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: The school patrollers during school/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
13 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape police said they aim to ensure the protection of all learners from violence, exposure to dangerous weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds and other emergencies during the 2025 school year.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said they urge learners, teachers and parents to implement safety tips to ensure their safety. Sam said learners should stay alert – walk attentively, should not use electronic devices or earphones while walking to and from school.
“Only walk on the pavement and cross walks, look both ways before you cross a road. Check your crossing distance from the school transport, if you are crossing infront of it. Make eye contact with the driver of a vehicle when crossing a street.
“It is advisable to always go to the bathroom with a buddy. Never accept lifts from strangers and trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong, report it. If you are a victim- get help immediately,” he said.
Sam further said learners should make as much noise as they can to alert teachers and other learners when they are in trouble. He added that they should not physically intervene in fights – they could get hurt, rather inform the teacher or school security.
“Always have an emergency contact with you. Report school bullying and any criminality to your teacher, principal and parents. School transport drivers should stop and yield for pedestrians crossing at a crosswalk or intersection.
“Do not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. Slow down and be attentive around school zones. Stay off cell phones, while driving around school zones. Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard,” said Sam.
He said drivers should also watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars. Sam said they should make eye contact with pedestrians, who are crossing the street.
“Parents should teach their children the proper way to get on and off the school transport. Always remind your child to walk on the pavement or walk facing oncoming traffic in the absence of a pavement.
“Ensure that your child is buckled up when transported to school. Have regular conversations with your child about school safety, driving practices, and road traffic laws to ensure they understand the rules of the road,” he said.
13 January 2025- The Ministries of Police and Mineral Resources and Energy, will visit Stilfontein Mine on 14 January 2025, ahead of the commencement of rescue operations aimed at ensuring that all illegal miners resurface. The national spokesperson of Police, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said this follows the implementation of Operation Vala Umgodi last year in the North West, which led to significant success in curbing illegal mining activities and forcing scores of illegal miners to resurface.
Mathe said the ministries have been working closely with mine owners and a specialised company experienced in mine rescue operations to finalise detailed plans for the operations, including safety measures and the anticipated duration.
“To date, more than 1000 individuals involved in illegal mining have surfaced and been apprehended. SAPS remains resolute in its commitment to uphold law and order and urges all remaining illegal miners to adhere to police calls to resurface.
“The visit will be at Stilfontein Mine on 14 January 2025, at 11h30,” she said.
The Guardian 