Lenkopane Leads Strategic Planning Session

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane/Supplied

By AGISANANG SCUFF                                                                                                                                    11 October 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane and Head of Department (HoD), Relebohile Mofokane, have concluded a two-day Strategic Planning Session aimed at refining the departmental 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Operational Plan (AOP). Lenkopane said the session held from 8–9 October 2025 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng, was attended by senior management, Heads of Entities, and strategic partners.

She further said it served as a platform to ensure that departmental priorities are aligned with the 7th Administration’s vision of inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. Lenkopane added that there should be urgency in implementing impactful programmes that stimulate local economies, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities.

“This department contributes exceedingly to the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), which is the cornerstone of economic transformation in our province. We must collectively drive investment, tackle poverty, and reduce unemployment; the people of this province depend on our success.

“Departmental strategic plans must be bold and solution-driven. Our province has immense mineral wealth, yet it continues to face high unemployment. We must change this narrative by packaging our investment pillars to attract meaningful economic growth and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.

Lenkopane said for the 2025/26 financial year, DEDECT and its public entities, the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWP&TB), and North West Gambling Board (NWGB), will strengthen partnerships with the private sector to stimulate job creation, promote compliance, and advance inclusive economic development across the province. She said the session aimed to consolidate departmental strategies and ensure alignment with key policy frameworks, including the PGDS, Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), Departmental Budget Speech, Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and other special project plans. 

“We urge departmental leaders, programme managers, and entity CEOs to use the session as a platform for robust engagement and evidence-based planning. Our strategies must directly address the challenges faced by our businesses, particularly in the energy and mining sectors.

“High electricity costs are crippling industries and leading to retrenchments. As the engine of economic development, DEDECT must champion investment in alternative energy solutions to stabilise and revitalise the provincial economy,” said Lenkopane.

                                                                                                                                                                        She said to strengthen investment readiness, she has directed that feasibility studies by various entities be finalised and presented to ensure that investor targeting is precise and aligned with district-specific economic priorities. Lenkopane said highlighting logistics as a key enabler of growth, she has instructed the department to enhance coordination in the transport sector, including revitalising the province’s airports and improving airline connectivity to stimulate trade, tourism, and investment.

“We also announced plans for beneficiation initiatives in the chrome and platinum sectors, in partnership with the Limpopo Province, to advance industrialisation and value addition. Outcomes of this collaboration will be presented to the Premier and the President in due course.

“The effective management of mega projects remains critical. Coordination, monitoring, and timely implementation are essential to ensure these projects deliver tangible results in job creation and economic growth. As part of ongoing efforts to attract investment, we also announced that the department will host its own Investment Conference and Jobs Summit by the end of November 2025,” she said.

Lenkopane said this will assist in focusing on sector-specific opportunities and building on existing international market engagements. She said this initiative will build upon existing international market profiling, particularly where demand for products such as citrus fruit has already been identified.

                                                                                                                                                                        “We urge delegates to ensure that the APP for 2025/26 reflects practical, measurable strategies that align with the 7th Administration’s priorities, driving inclusive economic growth, promoting industrial development, and creating sustainable jobs. The collaboration across all programmes, entities, and stakeholders will be essential to ensure the successful implementation of these strategic interventions.

“We need to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the 2026/27 plans are actionable, measurable, and transformative, our people depend on us to position the North West as a competitive hub for economic growth and sustainable development,” said Lenkopane.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      She said the strategic planning session was attended by DEDECT’s key partners, including the Provincial Treasury (Internal Audit), Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), National Department of Tourism (NDT), Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), Office of the Premier, and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Lenkopane said additional strategic partners in attendance include the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), universities such as North-West University (NWU), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and representatives from District Municipalities’ Local Economic Development (LED) units all contributing valuable insights to the session.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Magalies Water notes circulating hoax email involving names and photographs of its executives

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 October 2025- Magalies Water said it has noted with concern a hoax email, bearing the face of its General Manager – Water Services, Dr Vhahangwele Akinwekomi and the name of the entity’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Matshidiso Tabane.

The WATER UTILITY SPOKESPERSON, David Magae said the email puts into question the manner in which Magalies Water conducts business, including by way of accepting unsolicited goods and services, without taking into account the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Magae said Magalies Water fully complies with all statutes and regulations governing public procurement of goods and services.

“Consequently, we will not enter into any agreement with any supplier of goods and services without following its prescribed Supply Chain Management (SCM) policy read together with the National Treasury regulations.

“The public is encouraged to apply caution to all electronic communication received using the name of Magalies Water, particularly from third parties relating to procurement of goods and services and are also encouraged to authenticate this information by directly contacting the entity when in doubt,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations levelled against North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi convene  

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 October 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West said it welcomes the newly-established Ad Hoc Committee by the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL). The North West Provincial Legislature’s Joint Portfolio Committees on the Premier and Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have established an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations of improper conduct made against the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi by the Naledi Local Municipality mayor, Clifton Groep.

EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Justice Dabampe said these allegations were made during the oversight visit by the National Parliament’s Joint Portfolio Committees to municipalities in the North West Province on 1-3 September 2025 held at the North West Provincial Legislature’s Auditorium.

“As the EFF, we fully support the recently established Ad Hoc Committee of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), which is looking into the allegations levelled against the Mokgosi.  

“Groep raised serious allegations against Mokgosi. We fully believe that this committee will come up with clear findings towards what happened and test these allegations. We also hope that the committee will get credible witnesses as many as possible and come up with clear recommendations without casting any aspersions on the affected parties,” he said.  

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile shared the same sentiments. Sonakile said they welcome the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee by the North West Provincial Legislature.

“Following the visit by the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) of the National Assembly, chaired by Zweli Mkhize, last month, the Mayor alleged that the Premier and three ANC members visited Thabo Appolus, a former employee of Naledi Local Municipality, on his farm and allegedly instructed him to alter a report concerning the appointment of the Municipal Manager, Modisanyane Segapo.

“In response, the National Assembly Committee resolved that the Legislature must conduct its own process, while the National Assembly proceeds with its own. Consequently, the North West Provincial Legislature mandated the Joint Committee on the Office of the Premier and Finance, together with the Portfolio Committee on CoGTA, to deliberate on the matter and propose a way forward,” he said.

Sonakile further said the Joint Committee subsequently recommended the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee, which the House has now adopted. He added that the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to investigate the matter and report to the House by 31 November 2025.

“The DA welcomes this resolution as a sign of maturity and accountability, consistent with the rule of law and democratic principles. It is crucial that such serious allegations are investigated with transparency rather than being swept under the carpet.

“We further urge that ANC internal politics should not be allowed to influence the work of the committee. The people of the North West deserve an unbiased, fair and independent process that upholds the integrity of our democratic institutions,” said Sonakile.

He said the North West municipalities continue to rank among the worst-performing in the country and this process presents an opportunity to uncover whether there is underlying political interference that affects governance, appointments, and service delivery at the local level. Somnakile said the DA’s representative on the Ad Hoc Committee is Chris Steyl, who will be the party spokesperson on the matter and monitor that the process is fair, transparent and free from political manipulation, in the best interests of accountability and good governance.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said following consultations with Leaders of Represented Parties, in accordance with Rule 187 of the Standing Rules of the Legislature, the following Members of the Legislature have been appointed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee, as per the resolution of the House sitting on 16 September 2025.

“Nathan Oliphant (ANC) – Chairperson, Tebogo Modise (ANC), Paul Sebegoe (ANC), Kgalalelo Makgokgowa (ANC), Ofentse Moema (EFF), Chris Steyl (DA) and Lerato Tsholo (MKP) – representing all minority parties in the Legislature, including the Freedom Front Plus, Action SA, and uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

“The Committee has officially commenced its work and has appointed an evidence leader, Advocate Pule Seleka SC, who met with Committee members on 10 October 2025. The public will be kept informed of all developments,” said Oliphant.

He said: “As of 13 October, the evidence leader will begin meeting with witnesses in preparation for the Committee’s work. The Committee aims to complete its work by the end of November 2025. However, depending on administrative challenges, there may be a need to request an extension until January 2026.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

‘So close, yet so far for Bafana Bafana’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe during WC qualifier match/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 October 2025- Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw by defiant Zimbabwe in a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges 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.

While the outcome was a huge disappointment, Broos insisted that his charges will pick themselves up and resume the fight in the coming days as there is still so much to play for in qualifying Group C. The South Africans, who remain second on the standings and two points behind leaders Benin, host Rwanda in their final match of the group in Mbombela on Tuesday.

Broos’ charges need to beat Rwanda and then hope that the Nigerians beat Benin at home on the same day.

“It will be very important to see what happens in the game between Nigeria and Benin. We will see what the result will be there. But on the other side, we do not really have to look. If we win the game (against Rwanda) we will then see what happens.

“That is the most important thing. It will not be easy, certainly not. But as long as it’s possible, you have to believe. I think we will be a little bit down for one or two days. But, I will do everything to once again have a team that believes on Tuesday, one that will try to win the game with as many goals as possible because (the group) may be decided on goal difference,” he said.

Meanwhile, the two sides finished with 10 men after Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona was sent off in the 62nd minute. Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi then followed suit on the stroke of full time.

Bafana Bafana travel to Mbombela on Saturday.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Department of Education shines brighter at NTA

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Department of Education delegates/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 October 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the province walked away again this year with top positions during the National Teaching Awards Gala event held at Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park on 9 October 2025. Motsumi said it has sent a delegation of 15 finalists to compete at the national level and the province brought home seven awards.

She further said Reverend Dr David Tlhowe from Tlhabane West Primary School in Bojanala District obtained first position in Primary School Leadership. Motsumi added that, Tshepiso Seshoane from Thuto Neo Primary School in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained first position in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET).

“Bongumusa Mabuza from Reabona Secondary School in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda obtained second position in Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences. Tlhalefang Zwane from Bolokang Secondary School in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained second position in Excellence in Teaching.

“Magaretta Bornman from Laerskool Sannieshof in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained position three Excellence in Primary School Teaching. Ronewa Tshikhudu from Noka ya Lorato Primary School in Bojanala District obtained position three in Excellence in Technology Enhanced Teaching,” she said.

Motsumi said Koketso Motaung from Tebogo Special School in Bojanala District obtained position three in Excellence in Special Needs Teaching. She emphasized that the North West is consistent in dominating at the national level.

“On behalf of the entire department, I would like to congratulate Team North West and we are proud of all our candidates. As a province we have now been consistent in dominating at the national level. In two successive years we have been obtaining the top positions consistently.

“This achievement shows that the department is in the correct direction. As we are preparing ourselves for the final examinations, our learners will be inspired to even work hard in the examinations,” said Motsumi.

She said they have taken seven awards in their bag and they are very proud of the province. Motsumi said the province is the overall winner with most trophies compared to other provinces.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Masito e buseditswe morago

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Oratile Masito

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

10 Diphalane 2025- Kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 6 tsa kgwedi ya Ngwanaatsele 2025. Go begwa fa molatofadiwa, Oratile Masito (22) a beteletse lekgarebe lengwe teng kwa Lokaleng.

Go ya ka kgotlhatshekelo, Masito o beteletse lekgarebe le makgetlho a le mararo mo bosigong jwa tiragalo. Go begwa fa Masito a ile a kgorogelwa ke baagi kwa legaeng la gagwe fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola letsatsi, mme ba mo latofatsa ka petelelo.

Fela Masito ene are o bopelwa kgomo ya mmopa. Lekgotlha le timile Masito beile, mme le tlhalositse fa mabaka a a nelaneng ka one ese a ikgethileng. Gape, Masito o latofadiwa ka go tshosetsa dipaki mo kgetsing e.  

Lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le rometse dipoelo tsa DNA kwa Forensic Laboratory fa kgwedi ya Lwetse e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 29. Jaanong lekgotlha le tlhalositse fa le setse le emetse dipoelo tseo.

Kgabagare, Modulasetilo wa Women’s Forum mono Greater Taung, Dineo Motlhetlhi are: “Re dira ka dilo di le dintsi jaaka tshotlakako ya bong ga mmogo le go emela ditshwanelo tsa batho ba ba tshelang ka bogole. Gompieno jaana, re ne re tlile go reetsa kgetsi ya petelelo kgatlhanong le Masito.

“Jaanong, re ikutlwa re itumetse, mme re leboga Modimo gonne kopo ya rona e diragetse. Masito ga neelwa beile, mme kgetsi e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 6 Ngwanaatsele 2025.”

Motlhetlhi are ba ne ba tsweleditse mogwanto wa kagiso jaaka ba ne ba tshwere di placard jaana. Motlhetlhi are ba dira le mekgatlho e farologaneng, mme ba kgatlhanong le dipetelelo tse di kana-kana.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two men sentenced for statutory rape and assault in separate cases

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF

10 October 2025- The Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe commended the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for securing guilty verdicts in two separate child abuse cases. In the first case, the court heard that on 8 October 2024, a girl (14) was at home with her mother and uncle when an argument ensued.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said during the altercation, the suspect assaulted the victim with an electric cord. Pilane said he then continued the attack by kicking and punching her and was only stopped by a nearby community member who intervened.

“The severely assaulted victim was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment, and the matter was promptly reported to the police. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“In an unrelated case, the parents of a girl (15) became concerned about her suspicious behaviour during the course of 2024. Upon questioning her, they discovered that she had been involved in a sexual relationship with a man (43).

“The suspect was arrested and charged with statutory rape. Both accused were convicted by the Carnarvon Magistrate’s Court and received suspended sentences,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mtukushe praised Detective Constable Dineo Potjeng and Detective Warrant Officer Jacobus Fritz, for their dedication and the swift finalization of both cases. She emphasized the importance of protecting children from all forms of abuse and ensuring they grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Drugs recovered in Carnarvon

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Drugs recovered in Carnarvon/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 October 2025- The intelligence-driven operations conducted in the Pixley Ka Seme District on 8 October 2025, resulted in several arrests and the recovery of drugs in Carnarvon and De Aar. In Carnarvon, police members acted on intelligence indicating that drugs were being sold at specific premises.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the identified house was searched, leading to the confiscation of dagga and tik with an estimated combined street value of R5000, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of crime. Shemane said two suspects aged 23 and 26, were arrested for possession of drugs.

“In a separate incident in De Aar, police pounced on a foreign national male and found drugs and cash in his possession. The suspect (39) was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of drugs and resisting arrest,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended the police for their swift action and dedication in responding to information that led to the removal of drugs from the streets. Mtukushe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to encourage the public to report any criminal activity to their nearest police station, or anonymously via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for statutory rape

NEWS Leave a comment

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 October 2025- A man (19), who impregnated a girl (15), was sentenced to five years imprisonment for statutory rape by the Victoria West Regional Court on Wednesday. However, the sentence was wholly suspended for five years.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said in June 2025, a social worker from the Northern Cape Department of Social Development in Victoria West, received a tip-off from a community member regarding a girl in Loxton, who was reportedly pregnant. Shemane said acting on the information, the social worker visited the mother of the victim and confirmed the pregnancy.

“During the investigation, the victim disclosed that she was in a relationship with the accused. The victim’s mother subsequently opened a case against him. The case was assigned to the Carnarvon Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

“The accused was arrested and later released on bail. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.

Shemane further said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains committed to thoroughly investigating crimes committed against women and children, as these offences affect all sectors of society.

Meanwhile, he added that the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended Detective Constable Bedwell of the Carnarvon FCS Unit for her dedication and commitment in ensuring that justice was served for one of the most vulnerable members of society.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West businessman, Ben Gumbi’s killers jailed

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West businessman, Ben Gumbi

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 October 2025- Two men sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court sitting in Mogwase. The accused, Sibongiseni Ngubane (33) and Thabani Lethukuthula Gwala (30), were convicted of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm following the brutal killing of Rustenburg businessman, Ben Gumbi (50) in August 2023.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the conviction stems from a tragic incident on 23 August 2023, when Gumbi and his wife stopped at a local coffee shop. Gumbi went inside to order coffee while his wife remained in the locked vehicle. Gunya said while waiting for his order, he stepped outside to take a phone call.

“Moments later, a car pulled up and two men got out and opened fire on him, fatally wounding him before fleeing the scene. The suspects later abandoned the getaway vehicle and switched to another car.

“The police investigations, aided by surveillance footage from the coffee shop and fingerprints found on the abandoned vehicle, led to the arrest of Ngubane and Gwala in September and December 2023, respectively,” he said.

Gunya further said in court, both accused pleaded not guilty, but were convicted based on the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution. He added that during sentencing, the state prosecutor advocate Dibuseng Ntsala, argued that violent crime has reached alarming levels in South Africa, leaving many families in grief.

“Ntsala told the court that Gumbi’s life was taken in an extremely brutal, violent and callous manner. He was shot in cold blood and in full public view. The state urged the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment for the murder.

“The court agreed with the prosecution and sentenced both men to life imprisonment for murder and 15 years each for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The sentences will run concurrently,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, welcoming the outcome, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended Ntsala for her diligence in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Makhari emphasised that the sentence serves as a strong deterrent to perpetrators of violent crime.

taungdailynews@gmail.com