Annual Road Safety Debate and PET School Competition commences

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Picture: Learners awarded after taking part in the safety school competition/ Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 August 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said his department will once again embark on the annual Road Safety Debate and Participatory Education Technique (PET) schools’ competition. Morweng said over the years, the province has produced an excellent team of debaters, who went on to showcase their skills at the national competitions and flying the Provincial flag high.

He further said in 2022, Vryburg High School from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Onkabetse Thuto Technical School in Setlagole village, in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, produced best speakers in the urban and rural categories respectively.

Morweng added that in 2023, the province secured a triple win by producing a best speaker from Kismet Secondary School (Vryburg), who went on to obtain the second position of the urban category.

“Setilo Secondary School (Mareetsane) in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District came third in the rural category. Tiger Kloof Secondary School in Vryburg came third position in the urban category at last year’s national competitions held in Bloemfontein.

“For the Participatory Education Technique (PET) competition, learners are required to identify road safety challenges in their own communities,” he said.

Morweng said once this is done, they then conduct extensive research in order to develop and implement sustainable solutions to address those challenges. He said learners are thereafter evaluated on creative models and presentations that serve as examples of the solutions.

“For those competing in the debates, motions related to road safety are provided beforehand so as to conduct thorough research as part of the preparation.

“Through a deliberation of ideas, learners create a dialogue around responsible road use backed up by scientific evidence,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Management, Director Motshabi Tshukudu said this programme is pivotal in the promotion of road safety behaviour amongst the young people. Tshikudu said these programmes aim to foster a positive mindset and encourage behavioural change among the young people.

“This enables them to be proactive road safety ambassadors who champion safer road usage practices in their communities.

“They not only equip learners with innovative ways of promoting road safety but also help them develop leadership and presentation skills,” she said.

Tshukudu said they are now underway for the district leg of competition. She said the winners will go on to the provincial lap, where the best of the best will be selected to represent the North West later this year as part of the October Transport Month activities.

“The upcoming debate and PET competitions are scheduled to take place Bojanala Platinum Municipality Council Chambers, Rustenburg.

“They will also take place on 20 August 2025, at Reabona Secondary School in Wolmaransstad, on 21 August 2025 at Tau Rapulana High School in Bodibe and Public Works Industrial Site in Vryburg on 22 August 2025,” said Morweng.

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Debates and PET is a national initiative that is coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and is implemented across all nine provinces on an annual basis. This effort is targeted forGrades 10 and 11 learners.

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North West intensifies initiation awareness to curb the emergence of illegal initiation schools

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Picture: The initiates at the initiation school

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 August 2025- The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will roll out an awareness campaign on the provision of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) on 21 August 2025 at Bahurutshe Baga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana village, near Lehurutshe.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said the campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of safe, lawful cultural practice, including the right of initiates, the role of traditional leaders, parents and initiation schools’ principals.

Gambu said the campaign follows the mushrooming of illegal initiation schools during the past winter initiation season, which led to over 100 initiates being rescued and tragic death of six initiates.

“The campaign is also targeted at attaining zero deaths during initiation seasons as well as eradicating unnecessary fatalities through strict enforcement of the CIA and by fostering collaboration between government, traditional leaders and communities.

“The event will be attended by the Chairperson of NIOC, Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu, North West PICC Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone, Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, traditional leaders and representatives from government departments,” he said.

Gambu further said Gasebone has thrown his weight behind the campaign and said the emergence of illegal initiation schools, especially by chance takers who are chasing money, will never be tolerated.

Gambu added that the Customary Initiation Act aims to protect, promote and regulate initiation.

“It provides for acceptable norms and standards; initiation oversight and coordinating structures; protection of life, prevention of injuries and all forms of abuse against initiates, address the governance aspects of initiation, protect the customary practice of initiation and ensure that it is practiced within the constitutional and other legal prescripts.

“As per the Act, no person must be forced or coerced into attending the initiation school, no person under the age of 16 may attend the initiation, a person between 16 and 18 years of age may only attend after obtaining a written consent letter from parents,” he said.

Gasebone said that they call upon on all traditional school principals to work with local traditional authorities, the department and the PICC to ensure compliance and approval of hosting the initiation school.

“If we all comply, this will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of our young people,” he said.

Meanwhile, initiation school principals have until 3 October 2025, to apply to operate schools during summer initiation season. The traditional surgeon must also be 40 years-old and above, must have undergone initiation over 10 years ago, must have been mentored as a surgeon for a period of five years.

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14 NTI employees take their own lives amid months of non-payments

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Picture: NTI Depot

By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 August 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it would like to express its deep concern and outrage following reports that 14 employees of North West Transport Investments’ (NTI) bus companies have taken their own lives due to months of unpaid salaries. The Committee said families are suffering, homes are being repossessed and in some cases, workers have reportedly died of hunger, while a legal impasse continues to drag on.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Freddy Sonakile said they are firm in their view that the entire province cannot be held to ransom by one individual, NTI’s first Business Rescue Practitioner, Thomas Sammons, whose alleged repeated appeals stalled progress. Sonakile said legal circus cannot continue, while workers and their families bear the brunt of the crisis.

“We insist that urgent measures must be facilitated to ensure that salaries are paid without further delay, irrespective of the ongoing court processes.

“Workers continue to serve the public, and their dignity must be restore. We have resolved to call on the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, together with the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, and North West MEC for Treasury, Keneetswe Mosenogi, to amongst others urgently meet with NTI’s Acting CEO, Ben Dikobe and the current Business Rescue Practitioner, Mahomed Tayob, to devise immediate strategies that will allow salary payments to flow while the legal case continues,” he said.

Sonakile further said they have also noted that workers cannot remain the collateral damage of protracted litigation and government indecision. He added that, they call on the North West Provincial Government to vigorously defend the current business rescue process in the courts, pursue cost orders against Sammons to deter further frivolous appeals and demonstrate its seriousness by providing full support to the workers during this transition.

“The committee demands that the Mokgosi and MECs provide formal feedback within 14 days on the concrete steps being taken to ensure that workers are paid.

“In parallel, the committee will also engage with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to establish progress on the case it previously referred regarding NTI’s affairs,” said Sonakile.

He said failure by government to act with urgency, will render it equally complicit in the suffering of employees, especially since it was government that invoked voluntary business rescue in the first place. Sonakile said they will continue to monitor this matter closely and will not hesitate to hold both the department and the entity accountable.

“The lives and livelihoods of workers must come before any legal theatrics,” he said.

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Nominees for 2025 North West Media Awards announced

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Picture:
North West Media Awards:
Ms Nyakallo Mosala (Award Team), Mr Ralph Makhanya (Board Member) Ms Mabu Mosadikwena (Board Member) and Mr Ananias Ndlovu (Founder)

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 August 2025- The organisers of the North West Media Awards (NWMA) have officially announced the nominees for the 2025 edition during a ceremony at BMW Rustenburg on 15 August 2025. The organisers said this year’s honours feature more than 150 nominees across 16 categories, with over 600 participants taking part in the process — highlighting the depth, diversity and dedication of media practitioners in the province.

The founder of NWMA, Ananias Ndlovu said for the first time, the awards will be hosted under the Compassion Awards Foundation and Investments (CAFI), a registered Non-Profit Company dedicated to community development, social impact and recognising excellence across various sectors. Ndlovu said CAFI will also manage a variety of other community-focused awards and projects.

“The North West Media Awards are more than just a ceremony — they are a platform to safeguard journalistic integrity, reward commitment, and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

“This year’s record participation is proof of the impact and importance of community media in shaping our society,” he said.

CAFI Board Members

Chairperson: Ms. Brenda Ramokopelwa

Ms. Berlina Lekgethwane

Mr. Ralph Makhanya

Dr. Koketso Rakhudu

Mr. Gaisang Mogale

Ms. Mabu Mosadikwena

Mr. Gili Ramalekana

Panel of Judges

Ms. Liza Jay

Mr. Oupa Segalwe

Mr. Cornelius Monama

Ms. Shirley Montsho

Mr. Lucky Mediwane

Ms. Annemarie Marx

Awards Timeline

15 August 2025: Official Nominees Announcement.

15 – 30 August 2025: Nominees receive acceptance letters and must confirm participation. Those in voting categories must submit professional head-and-shoulder photographs for in-house designed promotional posters.

1 September – 30 November 2025: Public voting and judging period. 1 – 4 December 2025: Independent auditors verify results.

5 December 2025: Awards Gala

The full list of nominees is available at:

Nominees

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Five suspects nabbed for stock theft in separate raids

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Picture: The meat seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

18 August 2025- The Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended the community members for a tip-off provided regarding alleged stock theft activities in the district. This cooperation led to the successful arrest of five suspects in Philipstown for possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said on 15 August 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, police received a tip-off regarding stock theft activities at a farm in Philipstown. Shemane said a follow-up by the police led to the discovery of two suspects, aged 31 and 35, who were found allegedly busy packaging meat.

“They were immediately arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the origin of the meat.

In a separate incident on 17 August 2025, at approximately 4:30pm, police received further information from community members about individuals in possession of suspected stolen meat.

“Upon investigation, three suspects, two aged 31 and 33 and a woman (58), were apprehended. The Northern Cape SAPS once again appeals to both emerging and commercial livestock farmers to maintain proper livestock registers,” he said.

Shemane further said they should report incidents of stock theft immediately to their nearest police station. He added that they should also brand-mark their livestock for easy identification.

“These measures assist the police in tracing, recovering stolen animals, and positively linking livestock to their rightful owners,” he said.

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ANC LET coordinator in Taung, Moreotsile Olifant and co-accused who are facing a fraud case are back in court

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Picture: ANC LET coordinator, Moreotsile Israel Olifant/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 August 2025- The accused, Malane Abraham Letsapa (45) and ANC Local Election Team (LET) coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50), who were arrested by the Hawks in Vryburg and Taung on 16 August 2025, for alleged fraud, are back in Taung Magistrate’s Court today. Letsapa was the Expanded Public Works Programne (EPWP) District Coordinator, while Oliphant was the former PR Councillor in the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipalityduring the commission of the alleged crime.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the reports indicate that, in December 2020, Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality approved the implementation of the Presidential Stimulus Project (PSP) under the Department of Public Works and Roads’ EPWP. Mathebula said the project was allegedly intended to be rolled out in Matsheng and Tlapeng villages in the Greater Taung Municipality, which involved cutting of trees and grass along the main road leading to and from the two villages.

“It is alleged that the Oliphant facilitated the process of head hunting beneficiaries, while Letsapa processed claims for payment of beneficiaries for a period of three months. Investigation revealed that no services were rendered, resulting in the department suffering a loss of over R87 000.

“The accused made an urgent bail application on 17 August 2025, in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng and they were granted R2000 bail each. They will appear in Taung Magistrate’s Court on 18 August 2025, on charges of fraud,” he said. 

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One suspect nabbed for attempted murder and murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

18 August 2025- The Northern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit is investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a tragic incident at a local shebeen in Ganspan. The police said preliminary reports indicate that on 27 July 2025, at approximately 03:30am, a group of 14 adult men and women were socialising and drinking around a fire.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is alleged that during a temporary power outage, an unknown individual allegedly threw an unidentified object into the fire, resulting in a violent explosion. Ehlers said 14 individuals sustained burn injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

“Three of the victims succumbed to their injuries. On 15 August 2025, members from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit together with Hartswater Crime Intelligence Unit, followed up on information and successfully apprehended a suspect (28) in Ganspan, near Jan Kempdorp in connection with the incident.

“Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is urged to contact Colonel Letlhogonolo Kanakang at 071 686 1360 or Colonel Corrie Coghlan at 071 686 0020,” she said.

Ehlers further said information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. The investigation is ongoing.

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SANTACO dispels false reports on private vehicles use

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Picture: Minibus taxis blocking the road in protest/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 August 2025- The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said it has noted with concern, the circulation of false information on social media suggesting that the council has instructed South Africans not to use their private vehicles and to travel with their families. SANTACO said it wishes to place it on record that it has never issued such communication and has never imposed any mode of transport on the public.

SANTACO national spokesperson, Rebecca Phala said: “Any individual making such claims is not and has never been, speaking on behalf of the council. The council strongly condemns these acts in the strongest terms.

“Like all other paid-for transport services, taxi operations are voluntary and remain a choice available to commuters. We strongly urge members of the media to exercise caution and verify information with us before publishing reports of this nature.”

Phala further said publishing misleading information without affording SANTACO a right of reply misleads the public and damages trust in the sector. She added that for clarity, only law enforcement authorities hold the legal mandate to enforce regulations relating to transport in South Africa.

“We encourage members of the public to report any incidents of harassment or unlawful enforcement directly to law enforcement agencies.

“SANTACO remains committed to serving the nation with integrity and transparency,” said Phala.

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Foundation towards National Dialogue inspire hope for delivering of social compact

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Picture: SAUCIC president, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole

By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said the foundation laid by the first National Convention inspire hope that the National Dialogue will deliver a Social Compact that will reset the country’s development agenda and address challenges facing the country. SAUCIC said that the completion of nomination of a national steering committee that is representative of sectors will pave the way for work to start in earnest.

SAUCIC president, Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said though unrealistic expectations and suspicion characterised engagements with representatives in the National Convention held over the weekend, they are confident that these were part of the birthing process to usher a new chapter for our maturing democracy. Shole ascribed this to multiple factors that include social distance that had developed mistrust, self-interest and lack of effective communication that had left stakeholders and most communities behind.

“The National Dialogue processes that are to unfold will afford ordinary citizens the opportunity to reclaim their voices for an active citizenry that will come up with a comprehensive plan for radical change as well as a rapid response to rebuild the nation.

“For this to be achieved, trust must be reestablished and stronger partnerships entrenched because South Africans have achieved a lot through dialogue in the past, from adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955, CODESA in 1991& 1992 and adoption of the country’s democratic constitution in 1996,” he said.

Shole further said it is not late for unpatriotic pessimists to also come on board because failure is not an option. He added that they owe it to future generations to reclaim their deferred dream of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, peaceful and prosperous nation characterized by economic development, shared growth including social cohesion.

“SAUCIC as part of the faith-based sector is encouraged that National Dialogue values, its principles as well as the citizen-led roadmap has eliminated exclusion as well as elitism by bringing ordinary citizens to be architects of their own destinies through an inclusive process that will take into account our people’s lived experiences.

“We commend the adopted engagement modalities for public participation, diverse platforms such as community, sector dialogues, digital engagements, use of mobile Dialogue units to reach all remote rural communities including youth labs and mass media, i.e. Radio, TV, social media for reach and feedback,” said Shole.

He said they are confident that person-to-person engagements, including community meetings in their churches, schools, traditional councils (kgotlas), social clubs and digital platforms including the involvement of youth and children will allow for maximum reach to exceed the targeted 10 million citizens. Shole said that the national effort will among others contribute towards addressing rising youth unemployment, moral decay characterized by corruption, escalating violent crime, migration of illegal foreign nationals, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as well as deepening poverty and inequality.

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Crunch time as CHAN reaches decisive group stage final day 

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Picture: Bafana Bafana interim coach, Molefi Ntseki

18 August 2025 – A rollercoaster of emotions awaits fans of South Africa, Uganda and Algeria in the African Nations Championship when their tightly contested group reaches its climax on Monday night.

Group C will be decided on the final day on Monday, 18 August 2025 and after the dust has settled, leaders Uganda (six points), second-placed Algeria (five points) and third-placed South Africa (five points) will know whether they are progressing to the knockout stages or going home.

With the group balanced on a knife edge, the South Africans face the hosts Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium while Algeria and Niger had to travel from Kampala to Nairobi, Kenya, this weekend ahead of their equally decisive final group match at Nyayo National Stadium. Kick-off is at 19h00 (South Africa time) for both matches.

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki said they simply have to beat the hosts Uganda if they are to remain in control of their own destiny in the business end of the group stages of this continental tournament.

“Things will be very interesting for all the teams that will be playing tomorrow. We as South Africa are fully aware that if we are to go to the next stage of this tournament, it is a must-win game tomorrow as much as it’s a must-win game for Uganda,” he said.

“In terms of our technical approach to this game, we are fully aware of the demands and expectations, the mental side of it in terms of how we carry ourselves going into this game, and the technical preparations. We have seen all the (top three) teams playing three matches and in the three matches, there were technical changes made in terms of player selection and the approach.”

A huge crowd is expected at the Mandela National Stadium and Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama said the players have to be mentally prepared for the atmosphere that will greet them in such a crucial match against the host nation.

“As the coach has said, tomorrow is not going to be an easy one for us. But we are aware of everything and what we should expect, especially tomorrow. As South Africa, we need to win the game so that we can go through. Uganda also have to beat us to go through. So, it’s not going to be an easy one, but we’ve got to fight. We are ready and we need to be mentally prepared, which is one of the most important things for tomorrow’s game.”

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