Category Archives: NEWS

Committee perturbed after Vryburg teen impregnated by older man

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Picture: Teenager impregnated by older man/Generic 

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 January 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development Committee has expressed sadness over the disturbing rise of teenage pregnancy in the province. The committee said it is gravely dismayed by recent media reports highlighting a deeply disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies in the North West.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Karabo Magagane said this crisis came into sharp focus during the North west Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi’s visit to Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg on New Year’s Day. Magaganae said it is with profound shock and sadness that they learned of a girl (16), giving birth to her second child, fathered by a 35-year-old man.

“This is a crime that began when she was just 15. Such appalling revelations cast a dark shadow on the future of our young girls and demand urgent action from all sectors of society.

“The implications of teenage pregnancies are devastating, creating a ripple effect that undermines the potential and well-being of our girls,” she said.

Magagane further said early pregnancies often force young girls to drop out of school, limiting their opportunities and entrenching cycles of poverty. She added that these young mothers are frequently stigmatised, dependent on public assistance, and in some cases, coerced into early marriages.

“We are deeply troubled by the systemic factors exacerbating this crisis, including gender inequality, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), substance abuse, poor access to contraceptives, inadequate sexual education and barriers to accessing safe termination of pregnancy services.

“Challenges within the healthcare system further compound this dire situation. While we recognise and commend the strides our government has made in improving access to quality maternal care for pregnant and parenting adolescents, the vulnerability of young girls to child marriage, teenage pregnancy, GBV and HIV infection persists,” said Magagane.

She said these intersecting issues require intensified and coordinated efforts. Magagane said as the Portfolio Committee, they call for strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders—government, civil society, law enforcement and communities—to combat this scourge.

“We support the Premier’s directive for clinics and hospitals to report such incidents to the relevant authorities, ensuring swift and decisive action against perpetrators. Law enforcement agencies must act expeditiously in cases of statutory rape and ensure justice is served.

“Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee emphasises the urgent need to bolster protection services, enhance prevention programs and respond more effectively to sexual and gender-based violence,” she said.

According to Magagane, this alarming trend of teenage pregnancies is not merely a social issue. She said it is a profound violation of the rights and dignity of the young girls.

“We call upon all South Africans to take a firm stance against this heinous crime. Let us collectively champion the rights of our girls to live free from exploitation, pursue education and thrive during the critical years of their development.

“It is only through united action and unwavering commitment that we can eradicate this scourge and safeguard the future of our youth,” said Magagane.

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Minister McKenzie joins calls for Afghanistan cricket boycott

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Picture: Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

9 January 2025- Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie has made a public call for the Proteas cricket team to boycott their International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy match against the Afghanistan men’s cricket team next month. McKenzie said this comes on the basis that the Taliban government in Afghanistan allegedly banned women’s sport and disbanded the female cricket team when they came to power in 2021.

He further said this is a position that he feels morally bound to support, despite the deep complications of Afghanistan’s recent and tragic history. McKenzie added that, to be clear, the (ICC) has accepted the principle of equality in sport and that member nations should be developing both male and female players. 

“This does not happen in the case of Afghanistan, suggesting that political interference in the administration of sport is being tolerated there. In the same breath, Sri Lanka was banned in 2023 for political interference.

“I am aware that the ICC, like most international sporting mother bodies, professes not to tolerate political interference in the administration of sport, despite its obvious inconsistency with Afghanistan,” he said.

McKenzie said it is not for him to make the final decision on whether South Africa should honour cricketing fixtures against Afghanistan. He said if it was his decision, then it certainly would not happen.

“As a man who comes from a race that was not allowed equal access to sporting opportunities during apartheid, it would be hypocritical and immoral to look the other way today when the same is being done towards women anywhere in the world.

“Cricket South Africa, the federations of other countries and the ICC will have to think carefully about the message the sport of cricket wishes to send the world, and especially the women in sports,” said McKenzie.

He said he hopes that the consciences of all those involved in cricket, including the supporters, players and administrators, will take a firm stand in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan.

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Ke Senya Plek single on high rotation

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Picture: Hip Hop artist, Trust Eddie Galeboe

By OBAKENG MAJE

9 January 2025- A local Hip Hop artist, Trokid who is christened Trust Eddie Galeboe (35) said, even though he is not happy with his progress in the music industry, he is making inroads. This comes after Trokid’s single called Ke Senya Plek continues to break all barriers.

The Ke Senya Plek single is on high rotation in various community radio stations across South Africa and also made it to the Trace Africa hit songs list.

“I am happy with my progress as that inspires me to work harder. I continue to find my niche in the music industry, even though the support I receive from my hometown, Taung is not enough.

“As we speak, I get more support from Vryburg, Rustenburg and other areas compared to my hometown. However, when you read Luke 4:24, it says, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.” So, I guess that might be the case,” said Galeboe.  

He further said even though his single has reached over eight countries on Spotify, he still wants to push it until it reaches various mainstream radio stations such as Motsweding FM, Metro FM, Kaya FM, Radio 2000 and others. Galeboe added that he will then focus on releasing a second single.  

“I believe in talent, but being disciplined, dedicated and determined, is my way of life. If you believe in hard-work and perseverance, nothing is impossible.

“I started to develop interest in hip hop at my tender age and back in 2005, I started to take my music career seriously,” said Galeboe.

He was born in Gauteng and bred in Mokassa 2 village, near Taung, even though his father is a Zimbabwean.

“I released a much-anticipated single called Get Down back in 2012, but my turning point was my single called Mashala Ke Mang, which was on high rotation on community radio stations such Vaaltar FM and other national radio stations.

“My music is a metaphor that reflects my personal journey through challenging times. You know, music communicates a message of hope and inspiration to those following in my footsteps,” said Galeboe.

He said if they could all play their part in the world, they can have a better society. Galeboe said he was happy to share the stage with various world renowned artists at 2024 Dj Sphere Annual Bash.

Meanwhile, the hyper-active artist worked with producers and artists like OB, Gee-Cliff, Dr Dogg, Zebar, Qausure, Grayshadow and the list is endless.

You can follow him on Twitter@Trokidmashala01

Facebook: Mashala Aga Trokid

Youtube: Trokid Mashala

WhatsApp: 0614856177 for any bookings.

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Dialogane di rotloediwa go itshwara sentle 

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Setshwantsho: Dialogane go tswa sekolong sa setso  

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

9 Ferikgong 2025- Makolwane a feta 400 go tswa kwa mephatong e farologaneng kwa karolong ya Baga-Maidi, ba alogile ka letsatsi la Lamatlhatso. Makolowane a shelweng leina la Maboledisa Kgosi, ba rotloeditswe go itshwara sentle, mme ba sireletse morafe ga mmogo le kgosi.   

Kgosi ya morafe wa Batlhaping Baga-Maidi, Nnyoko Motlhabane are o tletse boitumelo go bona makolwane a, a tlile a feletse, mme go sena ope o setse kwa morago. Gape Motlhabane o tlhomamisitse fa ele ene yo a sainileng dipampiri tsa gore mophato o tsene. 

“Jaanong, ke fa go tla go tlhomamisa gore se re se dirileng rele bogosi ke se se siameng. Se ke se itumelelang ke gore re boile rotlhe. Le fa ka nako e mophato oneng o tsene, ga ise ke tsamaye ke amogele dingongorego. 

“Re ne re beile melao e thata bagaetsho, mme ke itumelela gore e tlotlilwe. Re ile ra tlhalosa gore ga gona ope o tlile go isiwa mophatong ka nkane, ebile ga gona ope o tlileng go thobelang,” Motlhabane wa tlhalosa. 

Motlhabane are fa ele gore go na le bothata magareng ga batsadi, gonne nako tse dingwe o fitlhele rre a batla go isa ngwana, mme mmagwe ngwana a gana, bogolo batsadi bao ba ka tla kwa kgotlheng go ka tla go thusiwa. 

“Bagaetsho, gwa tshosa ebile re bone mo dikgannyeng kwa porofenseng ya Eastern Cape gore go tlhokafetse bana ba le 28. Fela rona ga re batle go bona dilo tseo mo Baga-Maidi gonne bana ba, ke bokamoso jwa rona, mme re tshwanetse gore re ba sireletse,” Motlhabane wa tlhalosa. 

Kgabagare, motlatsa modusasetilo wa Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Andries Stemmer are: “Le ile la dira jalo go tla mo go rona pele ga le ka tsamaya. Le ile la go tsenya kopo kwa bogosing gore la tlhatlhela. Moono wa letsatsi la gompieno ke go tla go leboga le go itumelela gore kgosi one a re rumile go ya go lwa ntwa, mme re tswa go bolaya tau ebile re boetse gae. 

“Ga gona ope o setseng kwa morago, mme ke leboga bo rra mophato ba baneng ba tsamaile le bana. Jaaka PICC, ke tsaya tshono e, le go raya batsadi botlhe go ralala Bokone Bophirima ba bana ba bone ba ba sa kgonang go boa kere, re romela mantswe a kgothatso gonne ga re itse gore tsela e, e ka tswa e tlile gore khutlhisa kae.”

Stemmer are ba solofetse gore kamoso makolwane a, a tla tsoga a sireletsa kgosi le morafe wa gagwe. Stemmer are ga ba tshwanela go fetoga ditau tse di tlileng go tlhasela motse, mme molao ke sekgabo. 

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Tlhokego ya metso e pateletsa baagi go nwa metsi kwa molapong

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Setshwantsho: Baagi ba patelesega goga metsi kwa molapong 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

8 Ferikgong 2025- Tlhokego ya metsi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati e tsweletse go nna tlhoba boroko. Jaanong baagi ba kwa Tamasikwa, gaufi le Taung, ba patelesega goga metsi kwa molapong le go nwa le diphologolo. 

Baagi ba tlhalosa fa ba amilwe ke tlhokego ya metsi lobaka le letelele, mme masepala wa Sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati kwa Vryburg, o itshetse moriti o tsididi. 

Go ya ka mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa Tamasikwa, Gaolatlhwe Raito, leroborobo la tlhokego ya metsi fa e sale le ba tlhasetse dingwaga-ngwaga. Raito are jaanong fa e sale ba itemogela tlhokego ya metsi go tloga ka Lamatlhatso. 

“Re ikuela go masepala wa sedika go ka re tsenyetsa egine e pompiwang ka motlakase, gonne tlhokego ya oli le diesel, ke tsone bothata. Gape, madutelo a rona a onetse, mme re ne re ikuela go masepala go ka re tsenyetsa metshini e mentsha. 

“Ga se ga ntlha re itemogela tlhokego ya metsi, gonne nako enngwe go nna le tlhokego ya oli kgotsa ya diesel. Fela re itumeletse go bona metsi mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Raito wa tlhalosa.     

Kgabagare, yo e leng leloko la komiti ya ga meyara, mme a ikarabela mo go tsa mafaratlhatlha kwa masepaleng, Pico Seepamere are: “Jaaka ke bua le wena jana, ke mo motseng wa Tamasikwa, mme ke tlile ka sengwe le sengwe se se tlhokegang. Akere nako enngwe fa go nna le bodipa, jaaka morongwa-pusong, o tshwanetse gore o tseye matsapa gore bagaetsho ba se nne le mathata. 

“Re nnile le kopano mo letsatsing la gompieno go seka-seka thebolo ya metsi mo kgweding ya Sedimonthole 2024. Fela, re ile ra tlhalosa gore re amogetse mogala go tswa go baagi ba kwa Tamasikwa, mme ba lela ka tlhokego ya metsi.” 

Seepamere are go bua nnete fela, fa e sale baagi ba sena metsi go tloga ka Lamatlhatso. Are ba ile ba neela ditaelo go mokaedi, ga mmogo le motsamaisi go ka leka go thusa le go reba bothata jwa tlhokego ya metsi kwa Tamasikwa. 

“Re ile ra kopa gore ba re thuse ka jojo tank ya dilitara di le 10 000, ga mmogo le oli. Se re ka se tlhalosang ke gore diesel yone e gone. Jaanong, engine ya kwa Tamasikwa ke ya kgale, ga mmogo le lehuti la teng. 

“O tla gopola gore modutelo o, ke wa ngwaga wa 1995. Jaanong, re tshwanetse gore re ba epele lehuti le lengwe. Ka bokhutshwane, se se wela mo kgatong ya rona ya karolo ya boraro ya go ka leka go tokafatsa mafaratlhatlha a kwa Tamasikwa,” Seepamere wa tlhalosa.

Seepamere are motse wa Tamasikwa o godile, mme modutelo o neelang baagi metsi ga o tlhole o ba kgona. Seepamere are ba tlile go tsenyetsa baagi modutelo o montsha.

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Farmers urged to apply safety hints to prevent stock-theft  

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Picture: Some of cattle allegedly stolen/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said livestock theft is a serious issue that affects farmers in many parts of the province and severely threatens the physical security of farmers. The police urge farmers to protect their livestock from theft as it is important to take proactive steps in securing both property and animals.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said farmers are therefore requested to implement stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock. Sam said farmers should ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect their livestock. 

“Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate but take charge by inspecting their livestock. The yards or kraals where the stock is kept should be secured. 

“Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon over the weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from experience when stock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said. 

Sam further said farmers should know their neighbours. He added that livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. 

“The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, brand your stock. Go to SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates to the Department of Agriculture. 

“Owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them. Farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft,” said Sam. 

He said owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between the police, local farmers unions and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report it to the police and their neighbours immediately. 

“Refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on your farm. Ensure that you have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft. 

“Cooperate with the local South African Police Service (SAPS), STESU and assist the police in their efforts to curb stock theft. Anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft units,” he said.

Sam 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. 

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SA singer, Winnie Khumalo dies! 

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Picture: South African singer, Winnie Khumalo 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

8 January 2025- The heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the passing of South African singer and actress, Winnie Khumalo at the age of 51. Khumalo, who was an Afro-pop singer, and known for her hit song Live My Life, died on Tuesday on her way to hospital after a short illness.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said it is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025. McKenzie said her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry.

“Khumalo was raised by her grandmother in a time of vibrant cultural life. Her early education began at Vuyo Lower Primary and continued at Esiyalwini Higher Primary, ultimately culminating in her matriculation at Mncube Senior Secondary School.

“At the tender age of 15, Khumalo released her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, produced by the renowned Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this with another album, Dlamini, setting the stage for a prolific music career that spanned decades,” he said.

McKenzie further said her musical journey was nothing short of remarkable. He added that, in the 1990s, Khumalo recorded the gospel album Izono Zami, produced by Pastor Langa Dube and collaborated with iconic artists and groups such as the late Brenda Fassie, Brothers of Peace, Bongo Maffin, DJ Cleo, and Zonke Dikana. 

“She was not only a talented lead vocalist, but a formidable backing vocalist, enriching the work of those she collaborated with. After a seven-year hiatus, she returned with the electrifying album Live My Life, which became an instant classic. 

“The title track, I Just Wanna Live My Life, dominated music charts, earning gold certification with over 25,000 copies sold and 50,000 mobile downloads,” said McKenzie. 

He said the song’s success saw Khumalo nominated for prestigious awards such as the Channel O Music Awards and the South African Music Awards, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.

McKenzie said she collaborated with Twala on Mina Ngiyohlala Nginje, and starred as Brenda Fassie in The Brenda Fassie Musical under the direction of Jerry Mofokeng.

“Her later albums, including Woman (2013), Higher and Higher (2013), Ncgocgo Lo Mfazi (2015), and The Storm: Isivunguvungu (2022),reflected her personal growth and resilience. Tracks like Woman and Impilo, showcased her ability to channel life’s challenges into powerful and relatable music,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said: “Khumalo was a legend. It fills us with great pride that she has left us some good memories of her undeniable artistic abilities. 

“The music industry benefited greatly from her distinct voice and song-writing ability.” 

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Five occupants nabbed for possession of drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs and cell phone confiscated by drugs/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 January 2025- The five suspects aged between 29 and 42, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs. The suspects were arrested for possession of suspected drugs estimated to the value of R10 000, and a cell phone as well as a vehicle estimated to the value of R200 000, were confiscated.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Operation Vala Umgodi, which is a disruptive operation, continues to stamp the authority of the state in the Frances Baard District. Shemane said the multi-disciplinary teams on 6 January 2025, received a tip-off regarding a vehicle traveling on the N8 road.

“The occupants were allegedly in possession of drugs. The information was operationalised and the police spotted the identified vehicle en route to Kimberley.

“The police tactically intercepted, stopped and approached the vehicle on the N8 road. They conducted a search and found suspected mandrax tablets inside the vehicle,” he said.

Shemane further said the police remain committed in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes. He added that they encourage communities to report criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.

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Residents embark on protest over lack of water

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Picture: The residents embark on protest due to water shortage/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 January 2025- The police in North West said it is seriously concerned about a group of protesters, who allegedly barricaded the R503 (Lichtenburg) and R503 (Hartbeesfontein) intersections and N14 road in Coligny, outside Lichtenburg due to apparent shortage of water in their area.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they would like to indicate that blocking a road is unacceptable and unlawful. Mokgwabone said the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993, permits peaceful protests, which does not infringe on other people’s rights. 

“Those who protest cannot be allowed to break the law irrespective of how legitimate their concerns or demands are.

“In executing their mandate in terms of Section 205(1) (3) of the Constitution, the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who embarks on unlawful activities, not only in Coligny, but also in other areas in the province,” he said.     

Mokgwabone further said motorists travelling from Ventersdorp to Coligny and Lichtenburg, are urged to turn right at Putfontein road or as directed by law enforcement officials. He added that motorists who are travelling from Hartbeesfontein to Coligny and Lichtenburg, are requested to exercise patience, but also comply with instructions of the law enforcement officials.

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19 illegal miners sentenced to six months imprisonment

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Picture: Illegal miners arrested/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 January 2025- Ten 10 Lesotho, 4 Mozambique and 5 Zimbabwe undocumented foreign nationals aged between 20 and 43, were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a R12 000 fine each by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for illegal mining on 31 December 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this is the second batch of illegal miners for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

Mokgwabone said the sentences are wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused persons are not convicted for contravention of Section 5A of Act 28 of 2002 as amended by Act 49 of 2008 and read with Section 1, illegal mining committed during the period of suspension. 

“The accused were further sentenced to three months imprisonment or R6000 fine, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that they are not convicted for contravention of Section 49(1) (a) read with Section 1, 9(3) & (4) of Act No. 13 of 2002 (illegal immigrant – illegal entry) committed during the period of suspension.

“Following the sentences, the accused were on 7 January 2025, deported to their countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. The accused were arrested at Margaret Shaft, where they resurfaced in November 2024. This group was sentenced 20 days after the first one,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, five illegal miners resurfaced at Margaret Shaft on Tuesday morning, 7 January 2024. He added that this brings the total number of illegal miners arrested between 18 August 2024 and 7 January 2025, to 1 567.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the conviction and subsequent deportation of the convicts, and reiterated that Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to ensure that those who commit crime are dealt with in accordance with the law.

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