1 October 2025- The police in Northern Cape said in an endeavour to protect your personal safety and property, is urging the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant during the pay-out period. The police said in order to stay safe when accessing your SASSA grant, safety tips are recommended.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said individuals should keep their personal and payment information confidential. Sam said they should protect their SASSA card and PIN at all times.
“Be cautious of strangers around ATMs. Be aware of your payment dates and consider waiting a few days after the scheduled date to avoid large crowds at payment points. Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages asking for your personal details or card information.
“Be alert and aware of your surroundings before and after using an ATM. Avoid using ATMs with blank screens or those located in poorly lit or secluded areas. Consider going with a friend and or a family member when collecting cash,” he said.
Sam further said they should also be suspicious of strangers who offer help or claim there’s a problem with the ATM. He added that the security personnel stationed at ATMs are there to deter criminal activity and are not authorised to assist with transactions.
“The South African Police Service encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or criminal incidents by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, the SASSA grant and fraud hotline 0800 601 or via the MySAPS App,” said Sam.
2 October 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on Friday lead the roll-out of the Thuntsha Lerole programme in Tswaing Local Municipality, which falls under Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Identified as one of the ten local municipalities prioritised for implementation of phase 5 of the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole, Tswaing Local Municipality is experiencing several service delivery challenges, including inconsistent water supply and poor state of roads infrastructure.
Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said through a coordinated effort to enhance access to quality services, Mokgosi who will be joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs), will officially hand over an internal road in Matshelapad. Tatai said as an ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, potholes patching will be undertaken from Delareyville to Ottosdal, while blading will be conducted in identified internal roads across the local municipality.
“As part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, a nationwide title deeds restoration programme, Mokgosi will symbolically issue 10 out of the available 1 282 title deeds to the rightful owners, while three completed RDP houses will be handed over to the identified beneficiaries.
“The provincial leadership will also undertake an oversight visit to the new Delareyville Bulk Pharmacy construction site, which once completed, will not only strengthen medicine supply across the local municipality and neighbouring health facilities, but will also improve availability and equitable healthcare delivery,” he said.
Tatai further said as part of the day’s programme, fresh produce will be handed over to indigent families in Matshelapad, Jachtkraal, and Skierlik, while 105 food parcels will be distributed to households in Thawane village. He added that in support of youth development, sports equipment will be issued to nine identified schools, while traditional attire will be presented to Agisanang Traditional Group.
“To enhance access to economic opportunities, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be available on-site to assist with the registration, updating, and amendment of company profiles.
“In addition, integrated primary health care services will be offered to ensure that community members receive vital health screenings and support,” said Tatai.
He said in support of the clean cities initiative, the clearing of illegal dumping sites will also be undertaken across the local municipality. Tatai said the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will also be rolled out in two other districts.
“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the programme will be rolled out at Greater Taung Local Municipality – Pitsong Community Hall in Taung, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be rendered at Tswelelang Township, in Wolmaranstad, Maquassi Hills Local Municipality,” he said.
2 October 2025- The South African U20 Men’s National Team, Amajita said it will not underestimate New Caledonia when the two teams meet in their second match of the 2025 FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup in Chile. Raymond Mdaka’s charges got their Group E campaign off to a shaky start, narrowly losing 2-1 to France on 29 September 2025, while New Caledonia suffered a devastating 9-1 defeat at the hands of the United States of America.
Amajita and their French-speaking opponents will do battle on Friday morning (01h00 SA Time) Thursday night 20h00 local time at Estadio El Teniente en Rancagua.
“We will go there with the mentality of getting maximum points so that we know in our match against the USA we can also try to get maximum points. The France game was a wake-up call for us, so we are looking forward to the clash against New Caledonia. We don’t feel the pressure, but we experienced this in Egypt (losing the first game), so this was just a wakeup call.
“We respect all teams even though they (New Caledonia) lost 9-1. We should not go there with that mentality of saying we can also beat them with the same scoreline, as much as they lost heavily, we respect them and what they are capable of,” said Amajita midfielder Lazola Maku.
The South Africans got off to a good start against France in the opening stages of their fixture but lost the grip of the match, allowing the Europeans to dictate matters, which ended with a defeat.
Maku further said: “I think the nerves got the better of us, after all it’s the World Cup stage, but we will go back and fight for maximum points.”
As matters stand in Group E, the USA and France lead the group with three points each – the Americans are top due to a superior goal difference. South Africa and New Caledonia are yet to collect points, lying in positions three and four respectively.
The USA and Les Bleues faced off in an earlier kick off time of 17h00 and a draw between them could throw the group wide open.
Amajita have a clean bill of health with coach Mdaka spoilt for choice for his starting 11.
2 October 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it welcomes the resumption of commuter transport services in Ngaka Modiri Molema District. The committee applauded the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management for this decisive action.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Freddy Sonakile said after 8 months of no commuter bus services in Ngaka and years of unreliable service that left residents stranded and exposed to unsafe conditions, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.
“We particularly commend the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng for implementing the committee’s advice on the absorption of former Atamelang employees into the new service. This demonstrates a commitment to justice and the protection of workers’ livelihoods.
“We urge all affected employees to cooperate fully with the transition process, which will be carried out in three phases to ensure smooth and orderly service restoration. We also note the appointment of the new service provider, Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture, which takes over the service and has cooperated with the department thus far,” said Sonakile.
He further said cooperation between bus and taxi operators will remain critical in ensuring uninterrupted service to commuters. Sonakile added that the committee affirms its commitment to ongoing oversight, monitoring the department and the new operator to ensure that service delivery, commuter safety, and employee welfare are fully restored and maintained.
2 October 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) urges the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa to expand the SIU probe to Hangwani Maumela, his syndicate and all other ‘corrupt’ actors identified by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The DA said Maumela, linked to the R2.3 billion Tembisa looting, is chasing another R1 billion tender using fake documents.
DA spokesperson on Health and Member of Parliament (MP), Michele Clarke said they demand all corrupt companies and individuals be blacklisted to protect public funds. Clarke said they were calling on Ramaphosa to immediately expand the SIU investigation into Tembisa Hospital corruption.
“This must include all dealings of Maumela and his syndicate, including Maumela’s latest attempt to secure a R1 billion food supply tender in the North West, as well as all other companies and individuals identified by the SIU as part of corrupt networks.
“There can be no question of family bias. Maumela is linked to the president through his former wife, Hope Mudau, who is Maumela’s aunt. Maumela, already tied to the R2.3 billion Tembisa Hospital looting syndicate revealed in the SIU’s interim report, is now chasing another huge government contract,” she said.
Clarke further said his company, Aloo Construction and Supply, relied on a fake BEE certificate to bid. She added that the tender was properly awarded to another company, yet Aloo successfully obtained an interim interdict from the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng to block the award.
“It is scandalous that someone implicated in one of the country’s largest hospital corruption syndicates can still try to win massive public contracts. The DA has repeatedly called for corrupt companies to be blacklisted, a measure that would have prevented this audacity.
“Ramaphosa must act now. Expanding the SIU investigation is the only way to ensure accountability, protect public trust, and demonstrate that no one is above the law. The DA again calls for all companies and individuals linked to corruption to be blacklisted immediately. South Africans cannot continue to watch public funds being siphoned off while the government does nothing,” said Clarke.
Picture: Minister of Human Settlements, Thembisile Simelane, and North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi, along with the beneficiary/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
2 October 2025- Handing over title deeds to residents of Mothutlung in the Madibeng Local Municipality as part of the ongoing title deeds restoration programme, Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane, has appealed with the beneficiaries to value their properties and safeguard them for future generations. The programme started off with a door-to-door delivery of title deeds to three beneficiaries at Mothutlung Extension 1 & 2, and continued with a handover of 397 Title Deeds to beneficiaries at a community engagement.
This is part of the provincial government’s target for this financial year to deliver 6718 title deeds across the province, contributing to the national goal of 80 000 deeds by 2029.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Simelane said that a title deed is not just a piece of paper, but rather an assurance of security, economic empowerment, restoration of dignity, and a promise for a better future.
“This house and title deed is the ultimate security for you and your grandkids. Love it and take care of it to the best of your ability. The department has made a commitment to eliminate the nationwide title deed backlog, by doing so, we will be able to unlock over R200 billion in asset value for fully subsidised government houses across the country,” she said.
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, urged residents to look after their title deeds as they do not only define proof of ownership to property or piece of land but also means restoration of dignity, human rights and self-esteem. Molapisi said these are not just any documents, they are testament that the house you have lived in for years is officially yours.
“Please take care of them, they are proof of security for your descendants. The title deed restoration programme is part of a broader effort to promote social justice, stability, and economic development by restoring homeownership rights to citizens. The initiative is supported by the title deeds Friday’s campaign, a nationwide drive to raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders to deliver title deeds to rightful owners,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries was 64-year-old Pauline Maleka. Maleka has three children and lives on grants.
In response to finally receiving her title deed she said: “I feel so happy, I could jump on top of my roof and scream in excitement. I’m very thankful to our government”.
The second beneficiary was Joseph Donoro Thipe, 63, he lives on grants and lives with his three children. Thipe expressed feeling “happy and thankful” to be receiving his title deed.
The last beneficiary was Catherine Monareng (65) who is blind and survives on grants. Monareng lives with her son and they have been living in their house since 2010.
“I am happy that today I get to receive my title deed handed over by the minister herself. This is proof that the house is truly mine. Thank you for my title deed and thank you for being here today,” she said.
Picture: SAFA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya
By OBAKENG MAJE
2 October 2025- The South African U20 Men’s National Team was visited by a familiar face in Chile after South African Football Association (SAFA) Chief Medical Officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya came to show his support for coach Ray Mdaka’s side. Ngwenya is serving as a Doping Control Officer (DOC) and Sample Collection for the duration of the FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup in Chile.
The well-respected SAFA official has once again been invited to serve as a Doping Control Officer at a major tournament and he is based in Rancagua, Chile, and the Estadio El Teniente is the main venue for his assignment. His duties are primarily focused on conducting in-competition and out-of-competition anti-doping controls, including sample collection.
The assignment will primarily be conducted at the venue, but it may also include travel to nearby training facilities, hotels or other locations, where players and teams are located, and where out-of-competition or no advance notice testing may also be required and directed.
Ngwenya’s experience in this area is rooted back to 2022, when he was appointed as the Doping Control Officer for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was also appointed by FIFA as a Doping Control Officer for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023.
Ngwenya was then awarded the same position during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon in 2022.
The SAFA Chief Medical Officer frequently contributed his extensive expertise to FIFA, CAF, COSAFA, and recently this year, he was part of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Seychelles from 26 April – 12 May 2025 and the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America from 17 June – 1 July 2025. Ngwenya remains a huge representative of SAFA and continues to fly the flag of the Association.
The South African Under-20 side was beaten 1-2 by France in their opening match of the tournament on Monday night and their next opponents will be debutants New Caledonia on Friday morning 3 October (1am South African time) 20h00 local time in Chile. It will be a battle of two teams who lost their opening games – New Caledonia were defeated 9-1 by the USA in a later kick-off.
Picture: The former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla
By AGISANANG SCUFF
1 October 2025- The former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla appeared before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges relating to the contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud, after his arrest by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Makwetla was granted R10 000 bail and his matter was postponed to 4 November 2025, for disclosure.
The IDAC spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said charges emanate from the alleged security upgrade to his home by BOSASA in 2015, valued at approximately R350 000. Mamothame said his repeated failure to disclose this material benefit to Parliament over four years, violated his legal and ethical duty under the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests.
Picture: Martin Manmohan of the bhive Enterprise Development Centre at North West University (NWU)/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 October 2025- Martin Manmohan of the bhive Enterprise Development Centre at North West University (NWU) said entrepreneurship, often touted as a remedy, is still seen by many as a last resort rather than a viable career path. Manmohan said with limited job opportunities, graduates tend to prioritise stable employment over risky entrepreneurial ventures.
He further said bureaucratic obstacles add another layer, as red tape and compliance rules discourage many would-be entrepreneurs before they begin. Manmohan added that if South Africa is to reduce youth unemployment, diversify its economy and unlock growth, it must reframe entrepreneurship from fallback option to first choice.
“In South Africa, a degree no longer guarantees a job. Youth unemployment hovers at crisis levels, and many graduates struggle to find stable work. Entrepreneurship, often touted as a remedy, is still seen by many as a last resort rather than a viable career path.
“The result is a paradox: at a time when the economy urgently needs new ventures, the very people best positioned to create them hesitate to take the leap. The socio-economic barriers are real,” he said.
Manmohan said many of their young graduates lack personal savings or collateral to secure loans. He said venture capital and angel investment ecosystems are still developing and often favour experienced entrepreneurs, rather than side-hustles and start-ups.
“With limited job opportunities, graduates tend to prioritise stable employment over risky entrepreneurial ventures. Universities must take a more active role in reshaping this dynamic. We should establish an enterprise development fund to support emerging businesses.
“Alongside funding, we must provide non-financial services such as business plans, financial projections and mentoring. Our final-year and master’s students in accounting and business can contribute directly to these efforts,” said Manmohan.
He said money is only one part of the puzzle. Manmohan said equally vital are networks, which many graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds lack.
“Graduates may not have access to mentors, industry contacts or professional networks. This isolation hinders idea validation, partnerships and market access. To address this, NWU convenes networking sessions that connect students with industry partners, government agencies and organisations such as the SAB Foundation, Black Umbrellas and the NYDA.
“Universities themselves are implicated. While we teach theory well, many institutions lack practical entrepreneurship training, such as financial literacy, business planning and digital marketing,” he said.
Manmohan said they also need to support students with soft skills like negotiation, leadership and resilience, which are often underdeveloped. He said bureaucratic obstacles add another layer, as red tape and compliance rules discourage many would-be founders before they begin.
“Cultural expectations can be just as powerful. Families often push graduates towards “safe” careers, while others see entrepreneurship as unstable or unsuitable, particularly in poorer communities. Most of our students lack confidence, or in some cases, they’re overconfident. Both need careful guidance.
“Fear of the unknown also holds many back, as they simply have little exposure to entrepreneurship. Resilience and leadership training must form a core part of entrepreneurship education. We already offer experiential modules, bootcamps and mentorship programmes,” said Manmohan.
He said students can role-play leadership situations, engage in peer-led resilience circles, and take part in ‘fail-forward’ workshops where failure is treated as a learning opportunity. Manmohansaid but participation is low, because entrepreneurship is not yet seen as a key activity by students.
“I believe storytelling has a role. Most South African entrepreneurs start with little or no capital. Take Theo Baloyi, who built Bathu from scratch, or Soweto’s Nokuthla Tshabalala, who began collecting waste by hand and now employs 12 people through her company Trash2Treasure.
“These stories prove that resilience and vision can overcome extraordinary odds. Students need to see these examples and realise entrepreneurship is possible. The missing piece is partnership. Real-world exposure, access to resources and infrastructure, industry mentorship and coaching, seed funding, skills transfer, market validation – these are what make the difference,” he argues.
Manmohan said universities cannot nurture entrepreneurs in a vacuum. He said collaborations with incubators, local businesses and government ensure that student ventures align with community needs and promote inclusive growth.
“The task, he believes, is urgent. If South Africa is to reduce youth unemployment, diversify its economy and unlock growth, it must reframe entrepreneurship from fallback option to first choice. That requires systemic support: funding mechanisms, network-building, practical training, and above all, a cultural shift that rewards resilience and innovation.
“Entrepreneurship builds discipline, character and lifelong friendships,” Manmohan concludes.
1 October 2025- The Delportshoop General Detectives have successfully secured a 10-year prison sentence for the accused, Thomas Gundry (51), who was convicted of killing Katriena Buffel (31) between 20 and 21 June 2015 in Delportshoop. The police said during proceedings in the Kimberley Regional Court, it was revealed that on 21 June 2015, the body of the deceased was found lying motionless along a road in Kesiekama, Delportshoop.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the victim had sustained visible bruises and a swollen face. Sam said investigations linked her partner, who was the last person seen with her alive, to the crime.
“He was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Gundry was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
The acting Frances Baard District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, praised Detective Sergeant Raphael Khoboko for his diligent and meticulous investigation, which ensured the successful prosecution and incarceration of the accused. Mtongana said the South African Police Service continues to encourage the public to provide feedback on policing services through the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey and to report criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by contacting 08600 10111.
“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” he said.
The Guardian 