Picture: The NWU’s professor in Zoology, Prof Henk Bouwman/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
28 April 2026 – The North West University (NWU) said civilisations are rising and crumbling over eons and across galaxies. The university said interplanetary conflicts, alien races and worlds as vivid in description as they are difficult to conceive.
The NWU’s professor in Zoology, Prof Henk Bouwman who is specialising in ecotoxicology across multiple biological systems, said these were the realms in which his imagination roamed during his formative years. Bouwman said and still does.
“The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov — which follows a mathematician predicting the collapse of a vast galactic empire and attempting to preserve knowledge — and the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which follows the adventures of John Carter on Mars, were among the worlds to which he gravitated. Their influence, however, extended far beyond escapism.
“To me, thoughts framed by perceived reality throttle imagination and creativity. I would like to reference Arthur C. Clarke, who argued that progress is often hindered not by a lack of facts but by “a failure of imagination,” he said.
For Bouwman, fiction helped shape how he thinks as a researcher. Yet he fears many learners and young academics are increasingly missing out on the imaginative breadth that fiction can provide.
“Reading beyond strictly scientific material is not always something people prioritise, but fiction books, especially science fiction, have had a profound influence on how I think. Fiction is deeply inspiring because it broadens the mind and encourages you to think beyond narrow objectives. It prevents you from moving through life with blinkers on, focused only on completing a task and moving on.
“I sometimes see this limitation in students who are highly goal-driven; once the objective is achieved, the thinking stops, without always recognising wider consequences, implications and possibilities,” said Bouwman.
He further said in a time when entertainment is consumed in seconds rather than hours, imagination is rarely given the space to mature, let alone to listen to the back-of-your-mind thoughts. Bouwman added that niggling voice telling you something.
“How, then, will future researchers cultivate the ideas that drive ingenuity? Now may be the time to turn that page, embrace a sense of wonder, and be daring,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By REGINALD KANYANE
28 April 2026 – The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said she has noted concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the recent implementation of the Biodiversity Permit System (CivicPAL) in the province. Lenkopane said the department has received feedback indicating that users are experiencing challenges with system access, registration and the submission of permit applications.
“These concerns arise at a particularly important time as the province enters a key period of the hunting tourism season. The MEC acknowledges the importance of a well-functioning permitting system during this period and wishes to assure stakeholders that the matter is receiving immediate attention.
“An urgent internal engagement has been convened with the relevant departmental units, permitting officials, and technical teams to obtain a full report on the implementation of the system and the challenges being experienced,” she said.
Lenkopane further said the department is currently undertaking a focused assessment, including a review of all relevant documentation, technical processes and operational arrangements, in order to identify the causes of the current challenges and implement appropriate corrective measures. She added that in the interim, the department is working to ensure continuity in the processing of permit applications and will communicate further guidance to stakeholders as soon as possible.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the biodiversity permitting system operates efficiently and supports both conservation objectives and economic activity in the province. Further updates will be provided following the conclusion of the current assessment.
“The department appreciates the cooperation and understanding of stakeholders during this period,” said Lenkopane.
28 April 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said 32 years ago, South Africa was born. Ramaphosa said the morning of 27 April 1994 did not begin like an ordinary day.
He further said it began with great anticipation, excitement and a determination by millions of South Africans to participate in the birth of a nation. Ramaphosa added that before sunrise millions of people stood in long lines – young and old, rural and urban, black and white.
“Many were exposed to heavy rain and burning sun but they waited with patience, pride and dignity to cast their votes for the very first time. More than 20 million South Africans participated in an election that was peaceful, free and fair. It was a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity.
“It is an honour to mark this occasion here in Bloemfontein, where the flame of freedom was lit. It was here in Mangaung that the African National Congress (ANC) was born in 1912, bringing together for the first-time people from across our country to stand against oppression and dispossession,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this is a province that suffered terribly from the cruelty of colonialism and apartheid. He said here in Bloemfontein and in towns across the province, tens of thousands of Afrikaners and Africans were held in inhuman conditions in British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.
“Many thousands, mostly women and children, died. Their suffering stands as a shared, though unevenly remembered, chapter of South Africa’s past, one that calls for remembrance, honesty and humanity.
“This is a province with a history of courageous resistance. Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of pass laws in 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein, Winburg and Bloemfontein,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they were arrested and imprisoned and their families were left without caregivers. Ramaphosa said instead of being broken, the women of the Orange Free State became more determined because they would not accept a system that denied them dignity and freedom.
“This was the site of the Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt of 1950 against the apartheid government’s oppressive land control policies. This was one of the most significant acts of resistance in rural South Africa.
“The revolt was about the livelihood of rural people regarding their cattle, wealth, security, identity and dignity that an oppressive government wanted to destroy. The Witsieshoek Peasants’ Revolt demonstrated that the struggle for freedom was also fought in the valleys, in the fields and in the hearts of rural communities,” he said.
Ramaphosa said it was fought by farmers in the rural areas, families and ordinary people who choose courage over silence. He said it was the people of this province that took Mama Winnie Mandela into their hearts and gave her comfort when she was banished to Brandfort in 1977.
“History is often told through great speeches and grand events. But sometimes, its most powerful chapters are written by ordinary people who choose humanity over fear. When Mama Winnie Mandela was banished to Brandfort, the apartheid rulers thought they were isolating her and breaking her spirit and influence.
“The people of Brandfort here in the Free State did something remarkable: they did not let that voice fade. They carried it. They strengthened it. And they made it their own. They united in compassion and that became stronger than the system of a apartheid itself,” said Ramaphosa.
He said last month, they laid to rest a son of this province, the first Premier of the Free State and a stalwart of the liberation struggle, Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota. Ramaphosa said he was a brave and principled leader who served this country with distinction.
“On this Freedom Day, we honour his memory. On that first day of our freedom, as a nation, we entered into a social contract to build a society anchored in human dignity, equal rights and freedom for all.
“Thirty years ago, the Constitution of the Republic, the legal foundation of that contract, was signed into law. That constitution became our birth certificate as a nation. Our Constitution, which is widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as our collective shield – protecting the freedom our people fought for,” said Ramaphosa.
He said out of struggle came freedom. Ramaphosa said through the constitution, they have entrenched it as the unshakable foundation of the nation.
“We have come far. We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom. A legacy won in struggle. A legacy shaped by sacrifice, courage and an unbreakable belief in freedom and justice. There was a time in this country when freedom was not a right but a dream.
“It was a time when voices were silenced, dignity was denied to millions who were excluded from the life of the country they called home. But our people refused to accept that fate. They organised. They resisted. They endured. And they won their freedom,” he said.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré
By STAFF REPORTER
28 April 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré will be the keynote speaker at the Easigas Clean Cooking Initiative (ECCI 2030) in Mogwase, near Rustenburg on 28 April 2026. Graham-Maré said Easigas is set to introduce its first-of-a-kind, women-led LPG bulk facility.
She said the ECCI 2030 is a scalable, community-driven programme accelerating access to clean, safe and affordable cooking solutions across underserved communities. Graham-Maré further said this initiative demonstrates how their G20 clean cooking legacy continues to expand across various parts of the country.
“I’m thrilled to speak at this event, particularly since the private sector is showing its commitment to advancing clean cooking. These interventions are empowering, life-changing and needed in many parts of South Africa. I am also pleased that a woman will be leading this LPG bulk facility,” she added.
Picture: An unroadworth scholar transport inspected by traffic official
By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 April 2026 – The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it is expediting all outstanding scholar transport payments. The department said it is engaging with the Provincial Treasury to ensure a seamless process.
The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Charles Matlou said the outstanding payments were being processed on a weekly basis beginning last week. Matlou said they anticipated that all outstanding payments would have been cleared soon.
“The department wishes to express sincerest gratitude to scholar transport operators for fruitful engagements and for continuing to provide the service in spite of inadvertent delays in payments,” he said.
28 April 2026 – A man (40) was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 24 April 2026. The police said the search warrants were successfully obtained following the analysis of information received from North West Crime Intelligence Covert Operations.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said an intelligence-driven operation was subsequently conducted by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit in collaboration with North West Crime Intelligence Covert Operations. Morake said during the search, one rifle with a magazine, one replica blow pistol and a magazine containing blank rounds.
“The suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court in due course,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, extended his appreciation to the team involved and emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven operations. Naidoo further urged the police to continue efforts to eradicate illegal firearms from communities.
Picture: A rifle confiscated by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
27 April 2026 – Two suspects briefly appeared at the Mogwase Magistrate Court after being arrested during the self-initiated operation conducted by members of Mogwase Visible Policing. On 21 April 2026, two men were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Segakwaneng, Matangwaneng Section and Phiring Section in Moruleng, near Rustenburg.
The operation was conducted after the police received information that there’s a group of men involved in a spree of business and residential burglaries in the areas of Manamakgoteng and Moruleng.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said it is alleged that the said group was seen shooting with rifles that are suspected to be stolen in a burglary residential at nearby veld. Morake said information was followed and the first suspect was arrested.
“He led the team to Segakwaneng where a hunting rifle, rifle stand and ammunition were recovered. He further led the team to the second location at Matangwaneng Section in Moruleng, where a second suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and ammunition.
“The third address at the Phiring Section in Moruleng, a rifle, magazine and ammunition were recovered. The two accused, Oratile Mosome (24) and Godfrey Mpuane (29), were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and briefly appeared at the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 23 April 2026,” she said.
Morake further said the matter was postponed to 7 May 2026, while the accused are remanded in custody.
27 April 2026 – It is alleged that the owner of a construction company was lured to Mmabatho in the North West with promises of securing a tender to install solar geysers. The complainant reportedly met with the suspects, who allegedly posed as officials from a tender committee and the Department of Public Works.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said during the meeting, they demanded undue gratification from the complainant in exchange for securing the tender. Morake said the complainant made payments into the suspects’ bank accounts, but later became suspicious and reported the matter to the North West Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit.
“On 23 April 2026, three suspects were traced and arrested in Potchefstroom, Wolmaransstad, Mahikeng and Mmabatho. Dingaan David Seabe (57), who is also a well-known pastor in Mahikeng, Ernest Thabang Phillips (47), and Wakgale Johannes Mosiane (39) have been charged with tender fraud and appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on 24 April 2026.
“The accused were remanded in custody until 30 April 2026, for a formal bail application. Anyone who can assist the police with information regarding this investigation is requested to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Thebeyagae Molatlhegi on 071 481 2432,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for swiftly arresting the trio. Naidoo further urged members of the public and business community to exercise extreme caution when approached with promises of securing tenders, especially where upfront payments or “facilitation fees” are requested. “Legitimate government tender processes are transparent, regulated, and do not require any form of undue gratification to secure contracts. Individuals should verify the authenticity of officials, confirm tender advertisements through official government platforms and avoid making payments into personal bank accounts.
“Reporting suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement can prevent financial loss and assist in bringing perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Picture: 36 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
26 April 2026 – With the guidance of the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, Operation Shanela 2 continued on 25 April 2026, into the early hours of Sunday morning, 26 April 2026, to combat illegal activities in Potchefstroom. The police said the area of concern, Walter Sisulu Street, within a section of the CBD known as the Wandelaan, was revisited again as an identified hotspot of illegal immigrants and numerous crimes.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said the operation resulted in the arrest of 36 illegal immigrants, both males and females. Morake said two Nigerian men were taken in on enquiry by the Department of Home Affairs to verify their status.
“Stop and search operations were conducted in and around Potchefstroom area for drugs and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. In two separate incidents in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, a Lesotho national (35), was arrested for allegedly being found in possession of possible illegal substances (Mandrax) to the street value of more than R700.
“Furthermore, a replica firearm, magazine and a weighing scale was seized and the man was also charged for being an illegal immigrant as his passport expired. A man (25) was arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances (Crystal Meth) to the estimated street value of close to R2000,” she said.
Morake further said the multi-disciplinary operation was successfully conducted by members from various units, including the North West Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP) and Provincial Communications.
Meanwhile, Naidoo expressed his appreciation towards the members involved for their dedication and cooperation in protecting communities. He added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We would like to assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” said Naidoo.
Picture: The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on COSATMA, Freddy Sonakile
By BAKANG MOKOTO
27 April 2026 – The Chairperson of North West Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA), Freddy Sonakile, will convene a three-day engagement session with key stakeholders as part of its ongoing inquiry into the affairs of the North West Transport Investment (NTI) SOC Ltd. Sonakile said the meeting will take place at NWPL Committee Room 2 from 28 – 30 April 2026 at 8am.
“Since October 2024, the committee has been conducting a comprehensive fact-finding process into governance, financial, and operational challenges affecting NTI. This includes matters relating to the business rescue process, contractual obligations, financial management, and decisions taken by various role players.
“The upcoming engagements form part of the final phase of the inquiry and will include appearances by identified stakeholders, affected parties, and relevant entities. These sessions aim to provide a platform for submissions, clarification of outstanding issues, and to ensure that all relevant persons are afforded an opportunity to be heard before the committee concludes its work,” he said.
Sonakile further said the outcomes of these engagements will inform the committee’s final report and recommendations to the North West Provincial Legislature on interventions required to address the challenges at NTI and strengthen oversight, accountability, and service delivery within the transport sector.
The Guardian 