Picture: The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 August 2025- The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala will on Monday, lead a team of inspectors and other law enforcement agencies on a blitz inspection targeting the iron and steel sectors in the North West.
Nemadzinga-Tshabalala said the blitz inspection will test the compliance with the labour laws and regulations that include among others, Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA, National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
“This includes Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act (UICA) and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA).
“This blitz inspection is part of a series of interventions by the department and its social partners to ensure safe and conducive workplaces,” she said.
African Ministers of Water have used the AU–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025 to highlight the multibillion dollar opportunities in the water sector.
The Ministers presented bulk water projects currently underway in their countries during a ministerial roundtable on how they are de-risking the water sector.
Among the large water projects presented included the construction of dams, climate-resilient financing, and nationwide water supply programmes.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, told delegates that the country presents abundant opportunities for discerning investors, as it has “the highest density of dams in Africa”, with 10 600 dams built to date, creating vast investment potential.
“The new paradigm is that ‘a dam is an economy’,” Masuka said when outlining government’s ‘Infrastructure 6.0’ model, which integrates hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, potable water, fisheries, tourism and wastewater management.
To attract private investors, Masuka said Zimbabwe has developed Special Economic Zones, which are spearheaded by a one-stop investment centre — the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA), working alongside the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to fast track government’s water projects.
“The two institutions, ZIDA and ZINWA, would be able to handle world investors in the water sector to ensure the acceleration of the last mile development of the 10 600 dams. If you are looking for investment, start in Zimbabwe,” the Minister said.
Climate resilient financing strategy
Malawi Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, said while water is not only a basic human right, but also a strategic asset for resilience, economic growth, and sustainable development, access to water remains a privilege for the “lucky few” across the African continent.
She said Malawi’s Climate Resilient WASH [Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene] Financing Strategy, has assisted the country to shift from “reactive funding to proactive planning”, boosting investor confidence and unlocking new financing.
“The financing strategy is not just a technical document – it is a strategic planning instrument that brings clarity on the financing needs, identifies sources of financing, and aligns investment areas with national priorities, filling the gaps where we need.
“Financing strategies effectively signal government seriousness, readiness, and strategic intent,” Mia said.
Water for all
In Côte d’Ivoire, Water and Forests Minister Laurent Chagba highlighted the country’s biggest project in the water sector, the ‘Water for All’ programme, valued at 1 320 billion CFA francs (US$2.3 billion).
He said the initiative aims to guarantee fair and sustainable access to drinking water for all populations, both in rural and urban areas. It also integrates water resources management in the context of climate change.
The major achievements of the first phase of the project include strengthening the storage capacity of the country’s economic capital, which is the Autonomous District of Abidjan; the increase in the production of drinking water in 27 regions and departments, as well as the equipment of 200 chiefs from sub-prefectures to people deprived of water supply systems.
The initiative also aims to implement 450 000 social water connections over three years.
“It also [facilitated] the rehabilitation and maintenance of human-powered pumps between 2017 and 2020,” Chagba said.
In the area of water resources, Chagba highlighted the implementation of the Integrated Development and Adaptation Programme for Climate Change in the Niger River Basin, financed by a consortium of donors and led by the African Development Bank.
The programme covers eight regions and an autonomous district, mainly in the northern and central regions of the country.
“This programme illustrates the commitment of the Ivory Coast to making water a lever for sustainable development, social inclusion and climate resilience,” he said.
Ministers including the Senegal Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Sheikha Atidi-Anediye; Abdallah Ahmed Balala, Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability in the UAE, and Dr Engineer Abtamu Ittefa, the Minister of Water and Energy of the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, also took part in the plenary.
The Ministers commended South Africa and the African Union for hosting a successful summit, held in the lead-up to South Africa hosting the G20 Summit in November. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Some of the suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 August 2025- The police in Northern Cape said fostering of a holistic approach through the execution of Operation Shanela II ensures a unified and cohesive response to criminal activities in the province. The police said multi-disciplinary actions conducted from 11 until 17 August 2025, resulted to in the arrest of 318 perpetrators.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said teams operating in all five districts, inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law. Ehlers said this led to the closure of 16 unlicensed establishments.
“The concerted interaction with other law enforcement agencies resulted in the searching of 8010 persons and 3717 vehicles at vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks, as well as high visibility patrols conducted across the province.
“In reflection of Women’s Month, Operation Basadi under the umbrella of Operation Shanela II, performed targeted actions across all five districts as part of the province’s coordinated crime combatting strategy to address gender-based violence, extortion, drug related offences, illegal firearms, contact crimes and vehicle related crimes,” she said.
Ehlers further said suspects were arrested for serious crimes, including dealing in drugs, murder and attempted murder, rape and burglary.
“Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued,” said Ehlers.
She added that compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, and scrapyards. Ehlers said during the execution of the operations, police confiscated a significant amount of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons, firearms and ammunition and copper cables.
“Ongoing community engagements and awareness programmes focusing on women, children and vulnerable groups were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments to address prevalent crime trends, such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), youth and crime as well as alcohol and substance abuse,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola expressed her sincere appreciation for the forceful collaboration between various government departments and community structures in the successful execution of recent operations. Otola reiterated that heightened and enhanced high-density operations will continue to target crime hotspots in the identified high crime areas across the province.
Picture: ANC LET coordinator in Taung Sun-region, Moreotsile Olifant
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 August 2025- The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in North West has arrested Malane Abraham Letsapa (45) and ANC Local Election Team (LET) coordinator in Taung Sub-region, Moreotsile Israel Olifant (50) on 16 August 2025, for alleged fraud. Letsapa, who was the Expanded Public Works Programne (EPWP) District Coordinator and Oliphant, the former PR Councillor in the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality, were arrested in Vryburg and Taung.
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.
17 Phatwe 2025- Banna ba le babedi ba di ngwaga di le 42 le 49, ba tshwere mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa kgomo. Sepodisi sa kwa Marydale, gaufi le Kimberley, se tlhalositse fa banna ba, ba ile ba utswa le go bolaya kgomo eo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers are ka Labotlhano, mongongoregi o ile a itsise sepodisi ka kgomo ya gagwe e utswilweng e be e bolaiwa kwa Koegas. Ehlers are sepodisi se ile sa betsegela kwa lefelong la tiragalo ka gangwe.
“Sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela masaledi a kgomo eo kwa lefelong leo. Dipatlisiso di ile tsa ba lebisa kwa ntlung nngwe kwa ba fitlhetseng babelaelwa ba le babedi gone.
“Bogodu jwa leruo ke tlhoba boroko mo kgaolong ya rona, mme sepodisi se tla tswelela go lwa kgatlhanong le seo. Barui ba kopiwa go latela melawana ya tshireletso go efoga bogodu jwa leruo,” Ehlers wa tlhalosa.
Ehlers are ba ikuela go batho botlhe go ka ba itsise ka bosenyi jo bo diragalang. Are ba ka letsetsa di nomoro tsa 08600 10111 kgotsa ba tla dirisa MySAPS App.
Setshwantsho: Monna o go begwang fa a nyeletse, Xolisile William Manju
Ka REGINALD KANYANE
15 Phatwe 2025- Sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirina se ikuela go baagi go ba thusa go batlana le Xolisile William Manju wa dingwaga di le 50, yo go begwang fa a nyeletse. Go ya ka sepodisi, Manju o dula kwa lefelong le le bodiwang Baipei gaufi le Monti’s Tavern kwa Extension 6, kwa motsesetoropong wa Ikageng, Potchefstroom.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are, go begwa fa Manju a bonwe la bofelo fa kgwedi ya Mopitlwe ene e tlhola matsatsi a le 31 mono ngwaga ka ura ya bo supa mo mosong.
“Go begwa fa Manju a ile a tswa kwa lelapeng la gagwe, mme a tlhalosa fa a ya go tsaya lekwalo-itshupo la gagwe la karata kwa Lefapheng la Merero ya Selegae. Fela ga ka a boela gae.
“Go ile ga bolodiwa letsholo-patlo, fela seo ga sa ka sa ntsha maungo a namatshang. Fa Manju a ne a nyelela, one a apere borokgwe jo bo khunou, baki ya ubarolo e pududu ga mmogo le ditlhako tsa di grasshopper le tlhoro e marabaka,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Myburgh are go begwa fa Manju a le montsho ka mmala, mme a na le moriri o mokhutsane, mme one o le mo pududu le bontsho, matlho a ma khunou, o mo telele, ditedu go dukuloga molomo fa tse dingwe di tsamaya mo thoko ga ditlhaa go ya go kopana le moriri.
Myburgh are Manju ona le lebadi mo tsebeng ya molema le mo letsogong la molema gaufi le sekgono.
“Go begwa fa Manju a bone mabadi ao, ka motsi wa fa a ne a amegile mo kotsing ya sejanaga. Mongwe le mongwe yo a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso mabapi le go nyelela ga ga Manju, a ka letsetsa mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, Konsetabole Thabang Khumalo mo di nomorong tsa 078 553 4353.
“Kgotsa a ka letsetsa sepodisi sa selegae mo nomorong ya 08600 10111. Gape a ka neelana ka tsibogo ka go dirisa MySAPS App mo mogaleng wa letheka wa se gompieno,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The missing of Alfred Gameni Bokvel/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 August 2025- The police in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom appeal to the public to assist them in locating Alfred Gameni Bokvel (47), who is residing in Boifang Street, Extension 7, in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Bokvel would normally leave home and come back after a few months. Mburgh said, however, on 1 December 2021 at around 10am, he left home but never came back.
“A search was conducted in the surrounding areas and extensive investigations did not yield positive results.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a beige jacket, blue t-shirt, a mustard colour trouser and black shoes,” she said.
Myburgh further said Bokvel is dark in complexion with black eyes, a moustache and beard, a scar on the right side of his nose and a knife scar on the left side of the chest. She added that he weighs about 60kg and is 1.6m tall with black medium-length, afro hair.
“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Pholoso Mosenogi on 063 369 8023.
“You can also phone your local police station or South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Myburgh.
She further said extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.
Picture: 849 SAPS recruits welcomed during a pass-out/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
15 August 2025- The acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia today welcomed 849 police officers during a pass-out in Bisho, Eastern Cape. Cachalia said these police officers who will be stationed in various police stations across the country, have walked a demanding journey.
He further said today marks the culmination of six months of rigorous training under the Introductory Police Development Learning Programme. Cachalia added that they are not here by accident.
“You are here because you chose to serve. You chose to be counted among those who step forward, not back – even when the danger is great and the path uncertain.
“As members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), you are now bearers of a critical constitutional mandate. The Constitution of our democratic republic, the highest law of our land, entrusts the SAPS with the task of preventing, combating and investigating crime,” he said.
Cachalia said their mandate is also to ensure public order, protecting and securing the inhabitants of South Africa. Cachalia said this includes upholding and enforcing the law.
“This is not a small task. It is, in fact, one of the most vital responsibilities in any democratic society. Without safety and security, all other rights – to life, to dignity, to equality – are placed at risk. You are now guardians of those rights.
“I commend you for your decision to walk this path. You have persevered through the challenges of training and emerged prepared – disciplined, focused, and resolute,” he said.
Cachalia said they have taken an oath and pledged their allegiance to the values enshrined in the SAPS Code of Conduct. He said let that not be just a formality.
“Let it be a way of life. Uphold it with honour and integrity. Do right – not when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Be in service of our people – not in word only, but in action.
“Respect every individual’s rights, and never abuse the authority that now rests with you. You enter into service at a time when our country faces immense challenges,” said Cachalia.
He said criminals are becoming more organised, more violent and more daring. Cachalia said crime levels remain high – violent crime, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, organised criminal networks – they pose serious threats to the safety of our communities.
“As the SAPS, we have a great task before us – one we dare not fail in. The people of
South Africa is looking to us for leadership, protection, and justice. You have been given tools of the trade – equipment, training, resources.
“Use them as intended – not for fear, not for abuse – but to protect, to serve, and to uphold the rule of law,” he said.
Cachalia said they will not walk this journey alone. He said SAPS has established a range of support programmes to assist the police officers as they grow in their role – take full advantage of them.
“Keep your body fit. Keep your mind sharp. Policing is not just physical – it’s mental, emotional and moral. You will face tough moments. Be prepared. Be resilient.
“As the Ministry, we are also there to ensure that we enhance the conditions under which you work; we are working towards professionalising the police service and ensuring that your working environment supports your morale and your ability to serve the community,” said Cachalia.
Picture: Informal Settlements in South Africa/Generic
By BAKANG MOKOTO
15 August 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has expressed concern on various challenges which affect the living conditions of communities in the province. Molapisis said this calls for the government to intervene and implement strategies to remove these challenges.
He further said the department has completed provincial informal settlements upgrading strategy, which is aligned with the National White Paper on Human Settlements. Molapisi added that the informal settlements strategy will enable the upgrade of 219 informal settlements for full upgrading to phase three, which will enable the commencement of informal settlements upgrading projects.
“This upgrading program follows three critical phases, that is land acquisition, formalization of land rights; and phase three which is the installation of essential services (water, sewer, roads and stormwater).
“These phases are linked to the identification of the priority services in informal settlements,” he said.
Molapisi further said in the 2024/2025 financial year, the department had upgraded seven settlements in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. He added that they have upgraded settlements in Mamusa, Amalia Ext 5, Maquassi Hills, Wolmaranstad Ext 17 and 19, Lebaleng Ext 6, Matlosana Kanana Ext 17 in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
“We have also upgraded informal settlements in Rustenburg, Popo Molefe and Mbeki Sun to Phase 3 in Bojanala District and managed to deliver 2504) units through the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant.
“For the current financial year, the department has planned to deliver two thousand five hundred (2,257) service sites, at a total budget of R166 567 170 million,” said Molapisi.
He highlighted that the remaining funds will be allocated to land acquisition and formalization in priority areas. Molapisi emphasised that the department is committed in transforming informal settlements into thriving communities and to prioritise housing and to implement a long-term plan for societal changes as this would leave lasting and positive impact in the lives of the communities.
Picture: The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 August 2025- The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel said that the National Convention and National Dialogue are important reminders of their joint responsibility to keep building a cohesive, inclusive society. Nel addressed the participants during the Closing Plenary of the Dullah Omar School for Paralegalism held at Southern Sun Hotel, Sandton on Thursday.
He further said they hope that one of matters that their National Dialogue will discuss is the practice of reciting the Preamble to the Constitution — a reminder never to take their democracy or hard-won freedoms for granted.
Nel added that the people of South Africa, recognise the injustices of their past and honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in their land.
“Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
“We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” said Nel.
He said they lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law. Nel said they improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.
“This includes building a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
“May God protect our people. Community Advice Offices – Champions of Participatory Democracy Community advice offices (CAOs) have been the heartbeat of grassroots justice in South Africa for nearly a century,” he said.
Nel said emerging in the 1930s from the activism of civic movements, churches, and labour unions, they were never simply offices – they were lifelines, sanctuaries, and centres of hope for those deprived of rights and resources.
He said during apartheid’s darkest days, advice offices stood firm – challenging pass laws, resisting evictions, and confronting a system designed to dehumanise.
“In rural villages and informal settlements, they provided trusted legal advice, advocacy, and moral support to the most vulnerable. Jackie Dugard and Katherine Drage observe in their 2013 paper “To whom do the people take their issues?
“The Contribution of Community-Based Paralegals to Access to Justice in South Africa, that advice offices often worked with progressive legal organisations like the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Legal Resources Centre, and Lawyers for Human Rights – enduring harassment and operating in an environment of state hostility, yet persisting in advancing justice,” said Nel.
The Guardian 