Category Archives: NEWS

Official unemployment rate decreases

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13 November 12, 2024- The official unemployment rate has decreased by 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024 to 32.1% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. This is according to the Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2024.

“There was an increase of 294 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.9 million in Q3: 2024, while there was a decrease of 373 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.0 million. This resulted in a decrease of 79 000 (down by 0.3%) in the labour force during the same period.

“Discouraged work-seekers increased by 160 000 (up by 5.0%), and the number of persons who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement increased by 54 000 (up by 0.4%) between the second quarter and third quarter of 2024. This led to an increase of 214 000 in the number of the not economically active population to 16.5 million,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024 to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024.

“The expanded unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 0.7 of a percentage point to 41.9% when compared with the second quarter of 2024.

“The number of persons employed in the formal sector increased by 122 000 in Q3: 2024, and the informal sector employment increased by 165 000 over the same period,” Stats SA said.

The largest increases in employment were recorded in community and social services (194 000), construction (176 000) and trade (109 000).

Decreases in employment were recorded in finance (189 000), private households (32 000), manufacturing (20 000) and transport (18 000).

“The results also indicate that the largest increases in employment were observed in the Eastern Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000), North West (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000), while decreases were only observed in Gauteng (66 000) and KwaZulu-Natal (2 000).

“The youth (15 to 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. The third quarter of 2024 results show that the total number of unemployed youth decreased by 171 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded an increase of 66 000 to 5.8 million.

“As a result, the youth unemployment rate decreased from 46.6% in the second quarter of 2024 to 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Banyana Banyana coach, Ellis to be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis will be inducted into the South African Hall of Fame this month. The revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach – who led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022 in Morocco – will be inducted with several figures from South African football on 20 November 2024.

According to the South African Hall of Fame, Ellis and her fellow inductees are “legends”, who have shaped the history of South African football and will be celebrated in a grand ceremony that recognises their unparalleled contributions both on and off the field.

Distinguished guests from across sports, entertainment, and government, including prominent figures in the world of football, will gather to honour these champions whose legacies have inspired generations. The event will pay tribute to their accomplishments, from the victories that brought South Africa to the forefront of international soccer to their continuous influence on the sport and society.

The inductees include legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace”Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.

Ellis said she was humbled by the honour and thanked SAFA, her players, her support staff, Sasol and numerous other people who have contributed to her growth over the years.

“I am truly humbled and blessed. A big thank you to the South African Hall of Fame for the induction. A big thank you to the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol for the unwavering support. I have to also say a very big thank you to the Banyana Banyana players and the staff, because we always speak about teamwork.

“We always say that individuals will get recognition, and I’m just blessed that I’m one of those individuals. I’m really, really happy and really excited,” she said.

Ellis further said this is a very high honour, and she is very appreciative of it to be with a group of such esteemed individuals. She added that to her family, who’ve always been there to support her, thank you very much, and she is just so blessed.

Meanwhile, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said Ellis has continued to be a shining beacon and a huge ambassador for South African football.

“We are immensely proud of Desiree, and this is such an honour. This recognition is truly well-deserved. She is someone who continues to inspire a lot of people from different walks of life.

“She is someone that many aspiring players look up to, someone that aspiring coaches look up to and someone whose impact is felt across different sporting codes,” he said.

Previous inductees include former South Africa President Nelson Mandela, legendary golfer Gary Player, the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok teams, Dr Kaizer Motaung, and most recently, dozens of Team South Africa Olympic Medallists.

The Induction event will be hosted at the Montecasino Ballroom.

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Three of nine accused in murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case to know their fate

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Picture: A house belonging to a traditional healer, Omphile Mothisuemang-Legodu set alight

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 November 2024- Three of nine accused in a murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property and arson case from Modutung village, near Taung, will know their fate on Monday.

Letlhogonolo Mothibi (38), Thomas Morakanele (29) and Itumeleng Boikanyo (45), are facing charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and malicious damage to property, while Othusitse Oshubile (31), Paul Kwati (43), Tshepo Sekgetho (31), Lesego Mongale (34), Lebogang Morakabe (44) and Ogopoleng Semau (33), were charged with attempted murder, murder and arson.

The verdict on bail application against Mothibi, Morakanele and Boikanyo, will be announced on Monday. The bail application against Mongale, Oshubile, Kwati, Sekgetho, Semau and Morakabe was postponed until Thursday.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said a multi-disciplinary team assembled to investigate criminal activities that engulfed Modutung village in Taung on 20 October 2024. Mokgwabone said the accused persons were arrested for allegedly committing crimes after a missing girl, Rethabile Molapo’s burnt body was found and retrieved from an unused pit latrine.

“Following the discovery and the funeral of Molapo, some community members took the law into their own hands. Among others, they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted the traditional healer’ son, Kopano Legodu, set alight the traditional healer, Omphile Mothusiemang-Legodu’s house and ultimately killed her after she managed to get out of the house.

“They allegedly looted goods from a tavern and a tuckshop, which were then set ablaze. The investigations into the matter are underway and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the success and commended the police involved in the investigation, tracing and subsequent arrests of the suspects. Kwena urged community members to remain calm and work with the police to ensure that all those who perpetrated acts of mob justice and the killing of a young girl are brought to book to face the full might of the law.

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Kgetsi ya polao ya kwa Majaneng e buseditswe morago

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

13 Ngwanatsele 2024- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlha-tshekelo ya Taung go fitlha di 6 Tlhakole 2025. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng (35), o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba le go bolaya tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31), ka thiba.

Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe.

Kgabagare, mmagwe moswi, Pulane Van Wyk are: “Pelo ya ka e setse e rotha kgodu e khibidu. Jaaka ke bua le wena jaana, ke dula ke tshogile ka gore monnawe molatofadiwa, Tshotlhego, o dula a mpolelela gore molatofadiwa o dula a mo letsetsa, mme are nna ke mo ntshe mo kgolegelong, mme o tla nnaya madi.

“Jaanong, potso ke gore a ke sireletsegile fa go direga dilo tse. Ke ile ka itsise le sepodisi gore a go siame gore ere molatofadiwa a mmpolaetse ngwana a be a dula a romela batho mo go nna gore ke mo ntshe mo kholegelong o tla nnaya madi.”

Van Wyk are o boleletse monnawe molatofadiwa gore fa a sa batle a mo tsenya ka ntlo-lefitshwana, a ye go mo nnaya ngwana wa gagwe. Are Motseothata ene o botokwa gonne ba lelapa la gagwe ba dula ba mo bona kwa kgotlha-tshekelo, mme ene ngwana wa gagwe ga a mo bone.

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Three nabbed for being in possession of rhino horns

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Picture: Rhino horns seized by the police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2024- Three suspects were arrested for being in possession of rhino horns and protected plants in Springbok on 11 November 2024. The suspects were arrested by vigilance of a Springbok SAPS K9 team.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police received a tip-off about an unknown vehicle transporting rhino horns on the R355 road between Springbok and Gamoep. Sam said a tip-off was operationalised and a vehicle check point (VCP) was set up on the said road to stop and search all vehicles.

“The police K9 protected species dog, Ozzy, positively responded to the luggage in one of the vehicles stopped and searched. The police found protected plants with an estimated value of R45 400 and rhino horns valued at approximately R449 000.

“Three suspects aged 23, 47 and 56 respectively, were arrested. The trio appeared in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 12 November 2024,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, thanked the community for being the eyes and ears of the police, by reporting criminality, enabling the police to act swiftly. Andrews reiterated that the police, with the assistance of other stakeholders, will squeeze the space for criminals to operate.

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A copper worth R21 000 confiscated during raid

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Picture: A Transnet feeder copper cables valued at approximately R21 500 confiscated/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 November 2024- A man (46) was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after the police confiscated Transnet feeder copper cables valued at approximately R21 500.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect was arrested by the SAPS Provincial Second Hand Goods Office, the Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) in conjunction with Eskom, Telkom and Transnet. Sam said all stakeholders conducted compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Douglas in the Pixley Ka Seme District.

“The multi-disciplinary compliance inspections focused on illicit metals, contrabands, stolen cables, batteries, concealed business activities and combating transit crimes. A written warning was issued to the dealer for contravention of the Second-Hand Goods Act 6 of 2009.

“In an effort to create awareness amongst the dealers and the community at large, the police distributed crime awareness pamphlets pertaining to dealing and possession of stolen goods,” he said.

Sam further said if community members see something, they should say something. He added that dealing in stolen goods is a crime.

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ANC welcomes encouraging employment gains

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By REGINALD KANYANE

12 November 2024- The ANC said it welcomes the positive employment outcomes highlighted in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2024, released by Statistics South Africa. The report demonstrated the significant strides in job creation and economic stabilisation, which are testament to the ANC’s ongoing economic transformation initiatives as intended in our 2024 election manifesto.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said according to the QLFS, the number of employed South Africans rose by 294 000, while unemployment decreased by 373 000. Bhengu-Motsiri said this progress has led to a notable 1.4% reduction in the official unemployment rate, now standing at 32.1%.

“These milestones underscore the ANC’s commitment to economic transformation and poverty alleviation, as we work towards a non-racial, prosperous South Africa that reflects our enduring values.

“The ANC is particularly encouraged by the substantial employment growth in Community and Social Services (+194,000), Construction (+176,000), and Trade (+109,000),” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said these sectors are vital to communities, directly impacting on people’s lives in alignment with their manifesto commitments to foster job creation and support essential services. She added that their focus on infrastructure revitalisation, community-led projects, and social service enhancement is yielding tangible results for South Africans.

“Nonetheless, the ANC remains vigilant to challenges such as employment declines in the Finance and Private Household sectors and persistently high youth unemployment.

“Our vision extends beyond immediate gains. We are dedicated to sustainable growth and addressing labour market inequalities. We emphasise the need for continuous skills development, particularly for youth, women, disabled and other historically marginalised groups,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She said the QLFS findings affirms the ANC commitment to implementing national conference resolutions that prioritise economic growth through job creation, poverty reduction, and increased participation of the African majority, especially youth and women in the economy.

Bhengu-Motsiri said these advancements mark a concrete realisation of the ANC economic transformation agenda, aiming to establish a resilient economy that supports job creation and improves the quality of life for all South Africans.

“As we build on these accomplishments, we remain resilient in our mission to create a South Africa, where every citizen can achieve dignified employment. We call on all South Africans to support our efforts in advancing economic growth and fostering opportunities for all as outlined in our election manifesto.

“The ANC recognises that much work remains to be done to uplift the nation, but we are committed to growing employment through quality opportunities for the African majority in general, and youth and women in particular,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri said this effort is part of their holistic approach to economic transformation and reflects the belief that South Africa’s best days are still ahead. She said the people shall share in the country’s wealth.

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Human Settlements to promote social housing in North West

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Picture: SHRA’s acting Compliance, Accreditation and Regulations (CAR) Executive, Biansha Van Staden/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 November 2024- The North West Department of Human Settlements said it has partnered with Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) on a pursuit to address the housing challenges the province is faced with as an intervention strategy to speed up the development of rental accommodation in the province.

The Director for Research and Policy Development and also the acting Director for Rental Housing Tribunal, Hildegarde Du Plessis said, the department needs to ensure that the people of North West are provided with rental accommodation that is affordable and nearer to their workplace.

Du Plesis said the department needs to cater for the needs of communities as one of its priorities.

 “There is an urgent need to address this matter, and this collaborative effort aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the priorities of the department which is provision of houses to beneficiaries.

“We urge officials to make use of the online training provided by SHRA on the following website address: http://www.shra.org.za. The fruitful and informative training teaches about property management and it is free of charge,” she said.         

According to SHRA’s acting Compliance, Accreditation and Regulations (CAR) Executive, Biansha Van Staden, the initiative is essential in order to provide provinces with individual attention as their challenges are not the same. Van Staden said they will offer training to empower them and provide support.

“We are working together with Rental Housing and Community Scheme Ombud Services (CSOs), to ensure that the rental space is given a priority. Social housing is a state subsidised rental housing targeted at low to medium income groups who earn between R1500 and R15 000 and do not qualify for RDP houses or mortgage bond.

“The purpose of social housing is to contribute to restructuring provinces to address structural economic and spatial dysfunctionalities, Social housing contributes to widening the range of housing options to the poor,” she said.

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Suspected stolen vehicles allegedly used in CIT robbery seized

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Picture: Suspected stolen vehicles/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 November 2024 – As part of combating aggravated robberies in line with the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela, a suspect was arrested in Tlhabane following a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery. The incident occurred at about 5:30pm on 11 November 2024.

It is alleged that a white Mercedes Benz vehicle rammed into a Cash In Transit security vehicle on the R104 road at Kroondal in Rustenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said although the security guard (driver) continued driving, he was forced to stop after shots were fired at their vehicle. Myburgh said as a result, he and his colleague jumped out of the vehicle, but were caught by suspects who robbed them of their 9mm pistols.

“The suspects then blew the security van up with explosives and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, driving in two vehicles. The security officers were not harmed.

“Following the incident, intelligence gathered led the police to an address in Kagiso Township, in Krugersdorp, whereby a Toyota Quantum suspected to have been used to transport the suspects between Gauteng and North West, was confiscated,” she said.

Myburgh further said the police then proceeded to Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, and with the assistance of Rustenburg Flying Squad, a woman (40), was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning for possession of suspected stolen/hijacked motor vehicles. She added that the police confiscated two vehicles.

“A Toyota Bakkie that was allegedly stolen in Bloemfontein in August 2024, and a Volkswagen Tiguan allegedly hijacked from its owner in August 2024, in Boitekong. The vehicles were confiscated on suspicion that they were used during the commission of the crime.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court soon,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all members involved in tracking the suspect and vehicles for their diligence and applying a multi-disciplinary approach to bring the suspect to book and to ensure a safe and secure environment for all, especially during the festive season. 

Kwena is also requesting members of the community to refrain from tampering and/or contaminating the crime scene as it happened in this instance. 

“Anyone who may have information that can assist the police in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Capt Mollo Kgekoane of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) on Cell: 082 338 3140,” she said.

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Nigerian man sentenced to six months imprisonment for possession of cocaine

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Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by police/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 November 2024- A Nigerian man (37) was sentenced to six months imprisonment by the Bafokeng Regional Court, sitting in Tlhabane, for possession of cocaine. The court further ordered that Chukwyemeka Okafor (37), be deported to his country of origin upon the completion of his sentence.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, the charges against Okafor stem from an incident that took place at Lafaragatlhe, near Rustenburg on 28 July 2022. Gunya said the police officers noticed a stationary vehicle belonging to the accused with its lights on beside the road.

“Their suspicion led them to approach the vehicle, where they searched the three occupants inside and discovered the cocaine in Okafor’s trouser pocket. Okafor was arrested on the spot and has been in custody since that day.

“During the court proceedings, he pleaded not guilty. However, the state successfully proved its case through the evidence provided. Despite one of the arresting officers being deceased, the court accepted the remaining officer’s statement under the hearsay rule, allowing the prosecution to move forward,” he said.

Gunya further said the state advocate, Zola Mphayipheli urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime, despite the small weight of the drug involved. He added that Mphayipheli argued that the possession of even a small amount of cocaine poses a significant threat, particularly if it reaches the hands of vulnerable individuals.

“The court acknowledged the serious implications of drug-related offences, especially concerning the involvement of foreign nationals in drug trafficking, emphasizing this concern during its deliberation.

“The magistrate expressed the importance of protecting society while delivering justice,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the diligent efforts of the police, state prosecutor, and all role players involved in this case.

“The DPP emphasised the need for community cooperation with authorities in reporting drug-related activities, highlighting the negative impact of these substances on the country’s youth.

“The NPA remains committed to tackling drug-related crime and protecting the youth and broader communities from the detrimental effects of narcotics,” she said.

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