Picture: Bafana Bafana players during training/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
26 February 2026 – Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium and DHL Cape Town Stadium will host Bafana Bafana’s two international friendly matches against Panama next month. The South African senior men’s national team host the first match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 March 2026, before facing the Central American country in the second game in Cape Town on 31 March 2026.
The matches form a critical component of head coach Hugo Broos’ build-up programme ahead of the global tournament, which will be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Bafana Bafana return to Durban for the first time since they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in October 2025.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said the South Africans threw everything they had at the Zimbabweans, but luck was not on their side as the ball was cleared off the line and then the goalposts kept it out of the back of the net on two occasions. Broos said they picked themselves up and wrapped up qualification after they beat Rwanda 3-0 in an exhilarating match in Mbombela.
“Tickets to the two matches between Bafana Bafana and Panama will open from R80 for adults and R50 for children under 12 years old. The tickets will be available from 26 February 2026,” he said.
26 February 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have an almost full complement of players in camp following the arrival of six more at their current training base in Polokwane in Limpopo. Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau (both Mexico-based), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark), Jessica Wade (Finland) and Lebo Ramalepe have all arrived at the hotel, where the 2022 African Champions are camping while participating in the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Desiree Ellis said none of these players have been registered for the regional women’s tournament. Ellis said they are excited to have these players in camp as they bring more experience.
“I believe this is an exciting time for the youngsters in the squad as they get to mix with their heroes. We have been saying this is an alignment camp for both the COSAFA and the WAFCON, so the arrival of these players helps us take our preparations a notch higher.
“What is also pleasing is that the trio of Linda, Thembi and Amo all scored in their last games at their respective clubs before joining camp, and they come here in good form, which is very encouraging. But we are very excited to have them around so we can look to finalize our team for WAFCON,” she said.
Ellis further said Hildah Magaia is the only player still to arrive. She added that Magaia has just signed for a new team in Spain and following a long wait for her documentation, she only just joined them now.
“We are working together with the club to see what’s best for them, for Magaia and for Sasol Banyana Banyana, but she will be joining us soon.
“Banyana Banyana will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025 on 27 February 2026 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kickoff is at 3pm. In the final, scheduled for Sunday, the winners will meet with either Namibia or Zambia, who will contest the other semi-final.
“I will be making an announcement for the final WAFCON 2026 squad in the next coming days once the COSAFA tournament has concluded,” said Ellis.
Picture: EFF MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Amogelang Matuane with the Speaker of NWPL, Dr Desbo Mohono/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 February 2026- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono has welcomed Amogelang Jeannette Matuane as the new Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL). Mohono said this follows the passing on of the late Modiegi Dikolomela from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on 2 February 2026.
She further said the EFF nominated Matuane who hails from Moretele village, near Taung. Mohono added that she is a former ward councillor at the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) as the next candidate to fill the casual vacancy.
“In terms of Section 107 of the Constitution, before a MPL begins to perform his or her functions in the legislature, he or she must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Constitution.
“Matuane will benefit the legislature on its three mandates of oversight, law making and public participation. We welcome her as our member as we believe that she will work hard on fulfilling the work of different Portfolio and Select Committees of the Legislature,” she said.
Mohono said they will continue to celebrate the spirit of the late Dikolomela, who played a significant role on various committees which include Agriculture and Economic Development as well as the Multiparty Women Caucus.
Picture: The NWPL Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
24 February 2026- The North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) made up of various government departments and security forces, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), is ready to ensure a safe and secure State of the Province Address (SOPA), which will take place on 26 February 2026.
PROVJOINTS said in order to ensure that the event is incidents free, law enforcement and safety officers will be deployed on all the main roads leading into Mahikeng, as well at the identified key points which include the Mega City, government offices, the North West University, the Courts and the parliament precinct.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said normal daily activities will not be affected by security arrangements, but it is equally important for the public, motorists and pedestrians to take note of the regulated or restricted access into certain roads and thoroughfares around the parliament precinct between 8:30am and 10:00 on 26 February 2026. Myburgh said, however, the police and traffic officers will be on site to re-direct motorists and pedestrians to other alternative roads.
“Civil servants in the complex and neighbouring government buildings will still be allowed to access their offices. The streets / roads that will be affected are Sekame road and Ngaka Modiri Molema Road.
“This includes Sekame road and Dr James Moroka Drive, Sekame Road and First Street, Dr Albert Luthuli Drive and Ngaka Modiri Molema Road and Dr James Moroka Drive and Dr Albert Luthuli Drive,” she said.
Myburgh further said that Dr James Moroka Drive and Stadium Road, including Dr Albert Luthuli Drive and University Drive, Dr James Moroka Drive and Hector Petersen Street will be affected. She added that the PROVJOINTS is making an appeal to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officials, who will be manning and working in the area.
“The deployment of law enforcement officials is intended to ensure that normal day to day activities are not unduly affected or obstructed and the cooperation of everyone is important in this regard,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), advocate Lutendo Netshitumbu, invites members of the media for a media briefing on readiness for the official opening of the Legislature and State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2026, that will be held on 26 February 2026, in the Legislature Chamber at 9am.
Netshitumbu said the media briefing session is scheduled to take place at the Legislature Conference Room, First Floor on 25 February 2026, at 2pm. He said the session is compulsory as a briefing on the rules of the chamber and programme that will be outlined for members of the media that will be attending SOPA.
“The media should note that the accreditation cards will be issued on 25 February 2026, from 2pm until 4pm, at the Conference Room, First floor, NWPL. No accreditation will be issued after 4pm. Only those that applied, have been screened and cleared will be accredited.
“Smart ID cards / Green ID books must be produced when collecting accreditation cards. Accreditation cards are not transferable, each individual must collect in person – no one will be allowed to collect for / on behalf of others. No accreditation will be issued on 26 February 2026, the day of SOPA,” said Netshitumbu.
He said all invited members of the media are advised to be seated by 9h45am, as the Legislature Precinct will be closed and no one will be allowed in the precinct after 10am.
24 February 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo reiterated that the police across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals in response to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela 2, which focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combatting criminal activities. Naidoo said consequent to operations conducted between 16 and 22 February 2026, a total of 869 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common assault, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, to driving under the influence of alcohol.
He further said 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Naidoo added that during the operations, 491 premises, 10 839 persons and 5 916 vehicles were searched.
“Moreover, the police working together with other law enforcement agencies confiscated alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellular phones, contraband goods, a variety of drugs, nine dangerous weapons, four handguns, four rifles, a shotgun, 13kg of copper cables, 12 kg of precious metals, tobacco products, vehicles and electrical equipment.
“On Monday night, 16 February 2026, information received was operationalised and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Arendskloof, Safari Tuine in Rustenburg. Two unlicensed firearms were found with numerous rounds of ammunition that the resident could not account for,” he said.
Naidoo said the accused, Barend Johannes De Lange (32) was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the negligent handling of a firearm. He said De Lange briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2026, and was granted bail of R2 000.
“His case was postponed to 14 May 2026. In a second unrelated incident reported on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, information received led police to Vreesgewaagde Village, near Delareyville.
“The accused, Ezekiel Mosikimang Mongwegi (46) was arrested after a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as ammunition, was found in his possession. He briefly appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 20 February 2026, for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. His case was remanded in custody until 10 March 2026,” said Naidoo.
He said in a third unrelated incident reported in Bloemhof on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, a tuck shop was robbed in Boitumelong. Naidoo said an accused, Goitsemodimo Kenny Pitso (20) allegedly entered the tuck shop, pointed a firearm at the owner (32) and fired one shot in his direction.
“He then fled the scene without taking anything, no injuries were sustained. The community members who heard the gunshot immediately reported the incident to police, who responded swiftly. Members of Public Order Policing (POP), with the assistance of community members, traced Pitso to a nearby house where he was hiding.
“He was arrested and a 9mm firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found and confiscated. Further investigation revealed that the firearm, which belonged to a family member of Pitso, had been stolen by him. The owner of the firearm is also under investigation for the negligent handling of a firearm,” he said.
Naidoo said Pitso appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder and theft of a firearm on Friday, 20 February 2026. He said the case was remanded in custody until 11 March 2026.
“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the North West Province. Operation Shanela 2 demonstrates the police’s commitment to proactive policing, high-visibility operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts.
“We encouraged all law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly towards building safer communities and urged members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities,” said Naidoo.
Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
24 February 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said his province continues to demonstrate an upward trend in job creation following the recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Mokgosi said according to Statistics South Africa (SSA), whilst the official unemployment rate in the country decreased by 0.5% point, the province recorded the largest drop of 6.2% in the country last year.
He further said in the last two quarters of 2025, the province cumulatively created close to 80 000 jobs, with agriculture, construction and public service being the largest contributors in employment. Mokgosi maintains the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) is well underway and is beginning to yield desired results.
“We officially adopted the PGDS last year to drive economic growth and create jobs. We are now starting to witness an upward trajectory on our job creation initiatives, which have culminated in the reduction of unemployment by over six percent.
“Of concern is the extended unemployment rate which was reduced by a measly 1.9% in the same period. Participating in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate more recently, I flagged a litany of intervention measures aimed at addressing the scourge of unemployment in the province,” he added.
Mokgosi said this includes the resuscitation of the Pilanesberg International Airport to reincarnate commercial activities in the tourism sector in and around the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. He said this Friday, they will be signing a memorandum of understanding with the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to see the full implementation of our plans for the Pilanesberg Airport.
“I am therefore hopeful that these activities will result in more job creation opportunities for the people of North West,” concluded Mokgosi.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in North West, Freddy Sonakile said: “Mokgosi celebrates a drop in numbers while the province drops the ball. The government is turning the corner. While any real job creation is welcome, the people of this province deserve substance, not selective statistics, recycled promises, and governance by press release.
“A year-on-year decline in the official unemployment rate does not, in itself, demonstrate a sustainable economic recovery. The lived reality across the North West remains one of collapsing municipal services, deteriorating roads, unreliable water supply, failing infrastructure, and shrinking local economies.”
Picture: A man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
23 Tlhakole 2026- Monna o solofotswe go tlhagelela lwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le polao. Go begwa fa monna o, a tlhabile le go bolaya monna wa kwa nageng ya Nigeria, Ike John Chukwu Okike ka thipa.
Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse kwa toropong ya Taung fa kgwedi ya Sedimonthole e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 13 ngwaga o fetileng. Go begwa fa mmelaelwa o tshwerwe ka Labone o fetileng.
Picture: Community members workshopped on currency-related issues/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 February 2026 – The Community Police Forum (CPF) and its sub-structures, small businesses, and community members, were workshopped by members of the Reserve Bank on currency-related matters. This initiative was spearheaded by the Reserve Bank of South Africa and facilitated by Phenyo Marumo and his team.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said Currency Management Department of the South African Reserve Bank proactively selected three towns in the Namakwa region as part of a deliberate outreach initiative, recognising that these communities had no direct involvement with the institution. Magerman said the intervention was aimed at ensuring proactive awareness and education on banknotes and coins is provided before being exposed and subjected to criminal activities.
“Given the geographical distance of areas such as Steinkopf, Springbok and Port Nolloth and the limited access to first-hand information due to geographical constraints, the on-site activation enabled the SARB to extend its reach and engage with a broader audience across the Northern Cape.
“Participants were also reminded that 10c, 20c and 50c coins remain legal tender and must be accepted for transactions. The sessions concluded with a practical demonstration of the look, feel, tilt method, empowering the audience to authenticate banknotes using visible and tactile security features, without the need for specialised equipment such as UV lights,” he said.
Magerman further said this hands-on approach equipped communities with the knowledge. He added that, this will also bring confidence to them, transact with confidence and identify genuine currency to safeguard themselves against counterfeit currency.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, extended his gratitude to the team from the Reserve Bank for their invaluable contribution towards educating local communities about counterfeit currency and to prevent them from falling victim to such related crimes.
22 February 2026 – On 20 February 2026, a man (58) from Brandvlei, found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was found in possession of a protected tortoise, which he allegedly intended to sell. Acting on a tip-off, the police swiftly operationalised the information and proceeded to a street in Brandvlei, where the suspect was located.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the man was found in possession of a tortoise and was unable to produce the required permit authorising him to keep the protected animal. Magerman said the suspect was subsequently arrested and charged under the Nature Conservation Act for the illegal possession of a protected animal.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, reminded the public that the possession, trade, or transportation of protected wildlife without the necessary permits is a serious criminal offence. Andrews said they are also urged to report such incidents to the nearest police station or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySaps app.
22 February 2026 – The police in Nababeep are requesting the public to assist with information following a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an unidentified man in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at approximately 5:25am. The police responded to a complaint of an unknown person lying unresponsive in the middle of the Goodhouse road in Concordia. Upon arrival of the police , an unknown man was discovered with injuries.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the medical personnel declared him dead on the scene. Magerman said the preliminary investigations confirmed that the victim had been struck by a motor vehicle and the driver allegedly fled the scene.
“The victim was found in possession of one pair of beige veldskoene with dark brown shoe laces, which may assist in identifying him. Nababeep police are investigating a culpable homicide case.
“The investigating officer, Sergeant Enrico Cloete of the Nababeep Detective Branch can be contacted on 076 110 3174 or the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or via the MySaps app,” he said.
Magerman further said the police are requesting any person who can assist in identifying the deceased based on the information provided or has information on the vehicle that was involved in the accident to contact Cloete. He added that all information will be treated confidentially.
The Guardian 