Category Archives: NEWS

80% of children in SA are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10

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Picture: ECD learners/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the country should share belief in the profound importance of Bana Pele – putting children first. Ramaphosa who addressed the Bana Pele 2030 Roadmap Leadership Summit at Atlas Studios, Johannesburg recently, said this belief is the cornerstone of their vision for a brighter future for South Africa.

Ramaphosa further said it is because of this shared vision that they unite and collaborate today, committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive by the age of five. He added that their immediate focus is to extend access to early childhood development to every child.

“It is one of the most powerful levers we have to unlock the potential of our nation. We recognise today that investing in ECD is not just about education. It is about shaping the next generation of skilled, capable and entrepreneurial citizens who will drive our economy forward.

“Early childhood development provides children with the foundational skills they need to build a successful future. It helps to break the cycle of poverty that is handed down from one generation to the next,” said Ramaphosa.

He said Early Childhood Development is about giving children from all backgrounds the opportunity to grow into confident, capable citizens who contribute positively to society. Ramaphosa said children who receive a strong start are more likely to succeed in school and the workforce, reducing societal costs in areas such healthcare, crime prevention and welfare.

“A research report published to coincide with Brazil’s G20 Presidency, estimated that in South Africa, an investment of 2.1% GDP in universal childcare could have supported 10.5 million women to join the workforce over three years.

“Because of the profound effect that ECD can have on social well-being and development, we have decided to put our children first. Last week, the Minister of Finance announced an additional investment of R10 billion in ECD over the next three years,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they are all aware of the statistic that 80% of children in South Africa are unable to read for meaning by the age of 10. He said early childhood is critical for developing foundational skills such as language, literacy and numeracy.

“The experiences and interactions children have can significantly influence their future learning potential. This is why ECD must be treated as an urgent priority. We therefore welcome this wonderful initiative for business, civil society and government to work together to shape the future of early childhood development.

“This initiative will assist the strategic reorientation of the basic education sector to strengthen foundation learning. The benefits of universal access to ECD extend beyond the education of the child,” said Ramaphosa.

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North West Provincial Team secures 3rd position

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Picture: The North West Provincial Team/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 March 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is pleased to announce that the North West Provincial Team has secured 3rd place at the National Primary Schools Track and Field Championships, held at Germiston Stadium from 20 to 22 March 2025. Motsumi said the team’s impressive performance is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork displayed by the learners and coaches.

She further said her department is proud to recognize their efforts and congratulates the team on their outstanding achievement. Motsumi added that they are incredibly proud of the team for securing third place at the national championships.

“This is a remarkable achievement, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication displayed by our learners and coaches. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated educators and supportive parents who have played a vital role in nurturing and guiding our young champions.

“The North West Department of Education wishes to extend its congratulations to the North West Provincial Team on their outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours,” she said.

Meanwhile, the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships are expected to take place in Bloemfontein in the first week of April 2025.

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SA U20 men’s team shines in friendly victory against Botswana

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Picture: SA football club/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2025– South Africa’s U20 men’s national team delivered an impressive display on Saturday afternoon, securing a dominant 6-0 win over a determined Botswana side in the first of their two-match international friendlies at UJ Soweto Campus.

The home side took control very early in the match, netting three goals in the first half before adding another three in the second. Jody Ah Shene scored a brace while Shakeel April added a third before the break. Notably, the three goal scorers in the second half were different from those in the first – a clear reflection of the depth and attacking variety within the squad. Mfundo Vilakazi also scored a brace with Langelihle Phili completing the rout.

The fixture is part of South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Ivory Coast from 26 April to 18 May 2025. South Africa has been drawn in a challenging group alongside Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco, making every opportunity to refine tactics and build chemistry all the more important.

Botswana showed resilience throughout the encounter, growing in the game in the second half and gaining valuable experience against one of the continent’s stronger sides.

Botswana coach Kabelo Secholho said: “We were slow in the first half compared to the second period in building up an attack, and when playing against a strong side like South Africa, we can’t afford to make these mistakes.”

South Africa coach Raymond Mdaka was satisfied with the result but highlighted that there are areas for improvement ahead of the AFCON.

“The team did well but in certain parts I’d say we played to our opponents’ level, which we need to be wary of going into the AFCON,” he said.

The two sides will meet again in the second match on Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 10h00 at the same venue. With the continental tournament fast approaching, South Africa will be eager to maintain momentum, while Botswana will look to respond positively in the return fixture.

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Do you know him?

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Picture: One of the persons of interest/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 March 2025- The police in Kimberley are requesting public assistance in tracing three persons of interest, who may assist in solving an armed robbery and hijacking. It is alleged that on 28 February 2025, a driver (43) of a delivery truck together with crew, were traveling on the N12 road when they were stopped by a male person in traffic uniform.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said one of the suspects allegedly conducted inspections around the truck after requesting the driver’s license. Pilane said the driver was instructed to alight from the truck and follow the officer to a white Volkswagen Sedan, with registration number CSL634NC.

“Two more men emerged from the nearby bushes, pointed the driver and his crew with firearms, tied them up and shoved them into the backseat of the sedan before driving off with them. They were later dropped off 5km outside town on Douglas road.

“The truck was later recovered, but all goods valued at R148 864, were stolen. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the assailants can contact Detective Constable Jon-Ross Webb on 076 419 4115/ 0538384200 or contact the SAPS crime stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively utilise the MySAPS App, all information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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A man nabbed for assaulting his girlfriend

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Picture: A man arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 March 2025- A 32-YEAR-OLD man was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend (26) in Greenpoint, Kimberley.  The police were busy with an outreach campaign activation in Greenpoint when they uncovered the assaulted woman who was in pain at her grandparent’s home.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim had a swollen face and could not give an account of the assault to the police due to injuries to her jaws. Sam said police immediately assisted the victim in opening a criminal case on 21 March 2025 and activated all resources and relevant units in order to track, trace and apprehend the suspect.

“The suspect was arrested on 22 March 2024, and charged for attempted murder and domestic violence. He is expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate Court soon,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, applauded the police for ensuring access to justice for the victim of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and bringing the perpetrator to justice.

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237 suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Shanela

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Picture: The police conducting patrol and search during Operation Shanela/Suppliee

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 March 2025- More than 237 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The police in collaboration with other government departments and law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to address priority crimes across the Northern Cape province.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said between 17 until 23 March 2025, extensive disruptive operations were conducted under the auspices of Operation Shanela, leading to the arrest of 237 individuals, including wanted suspects. Ehlers said these arrests were linked to serious offenses such as drug dealing and possession, murder, rape, burglary, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and contravening the Firearms Control Act.

“Dedicated detective teams also carried out targeted tracing operations to apprehend suspects evading justice. As part of these operations, 477 stop-and-search actions were conducted as well as 34 vehicle checkpoints and roadblocks were set up, resulting in the search of 2 247 individuals and 1 546 vehicles.

“Compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, and informal businesses, leading to the closure of unlicensed liquor outlets and the confiscation of significant quantities of alcohol,” she said.

Ehlers further said the law enforcement also seized large quantities of drugs, including dagga, and Tik, as well as dangerous weapons and handgun and rifle ammunition. She added that in addition to enforcement actions, various awareness programmes were conducted across all five districts, focusing on school safety (including bullying and teenage pregnancy), domestic violence, online fraud and cybercrime, and substance abuse.

“A team from Gift of the Givers provided humanitarian assistance in the ZF Mgcawu District, distributing food parcels and blankets to families affected by recent storms and strong winds. The police in Northern Cape remain committed to maintaining safety and order through ongoing disruptive operations. Community members are encouraged to share valuable information and report criminal activities via the MySAPS app or by calling 08600 10111,” said Ehlers.

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More than 11 suspects nabbed for various offences during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: Some of suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 March 2025- Eleven suspects were arrested for various offenses, including contravention of the Illicit Mining Act during weekend operations that began on 21 March 2025. In ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, the Northern Cape’s multi-disciplinary teams execute Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the arrested suspects face charges for the contravention of the Illicit Mining Act, the Immigration Act, and charges related to the possession and dealing of drugs. Sam said the suspects were apprehended while engaging in illicit activities at the Samaria and Nuttabooi mining areas in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, respectively in the Northern Cape.

“Additionally, arrests were made during stop-and-search operations at Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), as well as during the execution of search warrants. A variety of mining implements were confiscated, including generators, extension cords, spades, bags containing suspected diamond-bearing gravel, sieves, and a range of illegal drugs such as mandrax, dagga, and crystal meth.

“Meanwhile, motorists found to be in violation of traffic laws were fined for contravening the Road Traffic Management Act. The arrested suspects are scheduled to appear in the respective Magistrate’s courts soon,” he said.

Sam said people should say something, if they see something. He said they can report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

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‘We need to stand up for the human rights of all people’

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 March 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, they observed Human Rights Day, a day that honours the 69 unarmed protestors who were killed by the apartheid police in Sharpeville on 21 March 1960. Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy, they have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of the past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity.

He further said that is why as a country, they have chosen 21 March as an occasion to recommit themselves to the advancement of human rights for all. Ramaphosa added that, at the dawn of democracy, they chose the path of reconciliation and nation-building.

“The people of this country supported the adoption of a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that guarantees the human dignity of all regardless of their race, gender, culture, religion ethnic or social origin, age, disability, language or birth.

“South Africans should be proud of the fact that the majority of them continue to believe in democracy, human rights and the rule of law as universal values. Since the dawn of democracy, South Africans have been able to exercise their rights freely and many know that they can approach our independent courts and the institutions supporting democracy if their rights are infringed or violated,” he said.

Ramaphosa said they can be proud that South Africans are confident they have a voice and a say in how their country is run, demonstrated by the fact that they have held successive free and fair elections since 1994. He said in South Africa today, all citizens, African, white, Indian and coloured, male and female, enjoy equal rights and freedoms that the state is obliged to uphold, protect and advance.

“In South Africa today, there are constitutional protections guaranteed to all racial, cultural and linguistic groups, including their right to enjoy their culture and to use their language. As South Africans, we should therefore reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world.

“In particular, we should challenge the completely false narrative that our country is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution. We should not allow events beyond our shores to divide us or turn us against each other,” said Ramaphosa.

He said since the end of apartheid, the country has been recognised globally for upholding human rights. Ramaphosa said the free flow of ideas and opinions are vital to democracy and to having a vibrant society.

“Even those with the most offensive views should know that in democratic South Africa, and unlike many other parts of the world, our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, as long as it does not include incitement to violence or advocacy of racial and other hatred.

“Reflecting on the perilous state of human rights in many parts of the world today, including the resurgence of racism, South Africa’s path of reconciliation and nation-building becomes all the more important,” he said.  

Ramaphosa said as the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has observed, “a toxic legacy of historic enslavement, colonialism and discrimination” continues to infect many parts of the world. He said since they attained our freedom, South Africans have been steadfast in their solidarity with people everywhere who are facing persecution, discrimination and the violation of their rights.

“Human rights are universal and indivisible. As South Africa we stand in solidarity with all those whose right to lead lives of dignity are being undermined by conflict and war. The UN human rights system must be strengthened so that the enjoyment of human rights is no longer the preserve of some.

“As a country we will continue to repeat our call for a renewed global human rights movement so that the rights and dignity of all people should be upheld. As we reflect on the state of human rights in South Africa during this month, let us be proud of our achievements as a country,” said Ramaphosa.

He said at the same time, he said they should recommit themselves to working together to ensure the human rights culture is upheld and strengthened.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa 

11 suspected undocumented foreign nationals nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi  

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Picture: Some of items confiscated by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 March 2025- Eleven suspected undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a disruptive Vala Umgodi Operations conducted between 18 and 19 March 2025. Of the 11 arrests, nine were effected in Ramochana village, near Boitekong and two in Tlhatlaganyane village in the policing area of Sun City.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said a man (36), was fined R1500, for contravening Section 38 (1) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (employing undocumented foreign nationals). Manyoba said the suspects comprised one Lesotho, five Malawi, two Zimbabwe, and three Mozambique foreign nationals.

“The cases against the two suspects who appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court was postponed

until 27 March 2025. In Rustenburg, the accused were remanded in custody and will reappear on different dates between 25 March and 8 April 2025.

“In effecting the arrests, the team confiscated two water pumps, fuel pump and connector hose with filter. The operations are ongoing to bring perpetrators to book and curb illegal economic activities,” she said.

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Learners forced to evacuate faulty scholar transport bus

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Picture: Learners evacuating scholar transport bus/Screengrab

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 March 2025- As the scholar transport crisis continues to paint a grim picture, concerned parents in Mokgareng village, near Taung, call on the North West Departments of Education and Community Safety and Transport Management, to address scholar transport challenges.

This comes after learners from Thapang Secondary School in Matlapaneng village were forced to evacuate the scholar transport that emitted a cloud of smoke last week. According to one of the parents, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said, the scholar transport bus was ferrying learners from Mokgareng to Matlapaneng when this happened.

“It is worrisome to see this happening. We cannot have challenges of unroadworthy buses year in, year out without any action. So, we express our deepest concern over the situation, and I hope both departments will react timeously.

“Also, it is most probable that other learners across the province are affected by the same crisis across all rural provinces. Either are being left stranded due to the failure of scholar transport services or they are given unroadworthy buses,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department is aware of the incident that occurred. The bus experienced a mechanical failure due to a substance that was deliberately introduced into the diesel tank by unknown individuals, as reported by both the driver and the service provider.

“This act resulted in engine complications, which is the reason for the considerable smoke emitted from the exhaust. There was no emergency evacuation and all the learners were safe.”

Molokwane further said they went to their respective school without any reported injuries. He added that the situation was managed effectively, prioritising the well-being of the learners.

“The service provider dispatched an intervention bus. Thereafter, the officials from the learner transport department convened with the service provider today to address the situation.

“The Department of Education will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the smoke, as we cannot solely depend on the driver’s account,” said Molokwane.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said the Lethina Trading Enterprises is appointed to provide scholar transport services to learners attending school in Thapama Secondary School situated in Matlapaneng village. Matlou said the operator informed the department about the incident on 17 March 2025.

“The department conducts ad hoc monitoring of scholar transport and the recent one was on 11 March 2025. The bus in question was in good condition according to the monitoring tool utilised by the monitors.

“It must be noted that the monitoring tool of the department does not cover the engine related aspects due to the assumption that once the vehicle has a certificate of fitness it is in good condition,” he said.

Matlou said in total, the department spends R450 000 000 on scholar transport every year.

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