22 Lwetse 2025- Babelwaelwa ba le bararo ba dingwaga di le 42, 52 ga mmogo le 70, ba solofetswe go rotola matlho fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao. Go begwa fa babelaelwa ba, ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya monna wa dingwaga di le 36.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba teketa monna o go fitlha a tlhokafala morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu jwa leruo. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba, ba ne ba le babedi, mme o mongwe o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ka dikgobalo tse di masisi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segoomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelo la tiragalo kwa Etos Farm kwa motseng wa Choseng, gaufi le Pudimoe fa Lwetse a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 20 ka ura ya bosupa mo mosong. Van Rooyen are batlhakela ba sepodisi ba fitlhetse moswi a rebegile sefatlhego ka dintho tsa go teketikwa.
“Go tshwerwe banna ba le bararo mabapi le ditatofatso tse, mme bone ba tlile go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Babelaelwa ba, ke baagi ba naga ya Afrika Borwa,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa moswi ele moaagi wa kwa motse wa kwa Maganeng, gaufi le Taung, fa mong ka ene yo a amogetsweng kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, ele moagi wa Choseng.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Mxolisi Kaunda
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 September 2025– The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation) will this week visit Knysna Local Municipality in the Western Cape. This follows a notice sent by the Western Cape government to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that it intends to invoke provisions of Section 139 (1) (c) of the Constitution and dissolve the municipal council.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mxolisi Kaunda said Section 139 of the Constitution authorises the provincial executive to intervene in a municipality when it does not fulfil its executive obligation in terms of legislation. Kaunda said Section 139(3)(b) provides that the dissolution will be effective after 14 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the NCOP unless the relevant cabinet member sets it aside before the expiry of those 14 days.
“The committee viewed it necessary to interact with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to get inputs on the constitutional, procedural and substantive matters related to invoking Section 139 (1) (c) of the Constitution in the municipality. Consultation remains a critical pillar of Parliament’s work.
“The provincial executive cited years of governance and service delivery failures, chronic infrastructure breakdowns, ongoing sewage spillages, and water supply disruptions, which left communities vulnerable to health and safety risks,” he said.
Kaunda further said in undertaking the visit, the committee is guided by the belief that municipalities must be viable and able to achieve the objects of local government as set out in Section 152 of the Constitution. He added that the residents of all municipalities deserve quality services and any decision must be taken with the interest of the people at heart.
“The committee will thoroughly consider the basis for the decision, as required in Section 139(3), which empowers the NCOP to approve or disapprove the dissolution before the expiry of 14 days from the date of receipt of the notice for intervention.
“Some of the stakeholders the committee will interact with include the MEC of the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, political parties represented in the municipal council, organised labour, business forums, and women’s and youth structures. The municipal leadership will also be allowed to share its perspective on the intention to invoke Section 139 by the provincial government,” said Kaunda.
He said the visit will take place at Knysna Local Municipality Offices at 10am on Tuesday.
Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 September 2025- Two men aged 60 and 63 were arrested for dealing in drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi in Frances Baard District. This comes after the police received a tip-off and identified hotspots such as Phutanang, the CBD in the Greater Kimberley on 20 September 2025. The targeted actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), visits to informal and formal businesses, shopping centres and high visibility patrols.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said identified premises were searched and drugs, including mandrax tablets, Tik and dagga with an estimated value of R5 405 and a significant amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were recovered and confiscated.
Ehlers said Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape continues to intensify efforts aimed at curbing illicit mining activities and related crimes.
21 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, has called on the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau to urgently convene a national crisis summit on job losses. Boshoff said mass retrenchments and downsizing by big companies have become “far too routine” in South Africa.
She further urged the ministers of trade, employment and labour, and small business development to act immediately. Boshoff added that the summit must bring together affected companies, trade unions and provincial and local government to find urgent solutions.
“Policy levers to protect jobs must be on the table. Relief on electricity and freight costs for vulnerable manufacturers, faster support for localisation, stronger interventions in the steel and automotive industries, and trade remedies against unfair imports, all need urgent consideration.
“We call for Section 189/189A consultations to be strengthened to ensure transparency, proper engagement with workers, fair severance and more retraining and redeployment opportunities,” she said.
Boshoff said regions hardest hit, such as the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Free State, need targeted economic stimulus, labour absorption programmes and infrastructure to attract investment. She said the call comes after media reports that Coca-Cola plans to cut 680 jobs, while ArcelorMittal is considering further drastic cuts and possible closure.
“We do not need another national dialogue talk shop. Our economy is stagnant and paralysed by contradictory policies. Workers and communities are counting on decisive leadership.
“These job losses are too many, too frequent, and under too much avoidable pressure. We must act now, not just to protect livelihoods, but to safeguard South Africa’s industrial future,” said Boshoff.
21 September 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it informs consumers about the recall of VW Amarok vehicles as notified by Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd (VW), affecting 374 vehicles. The commission said affected vehicles were made available from 10 January to 12 June 2025.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said VW has informed them that these vehicles are being recalled due to the possible loss of braking assistance that may be caused by the electromechanical brake servo control unit. Ntaba said according to VW, the braking system remains functional but requires additional effort when applying the brakes.
“If the issue manifests whilst the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle will require increased braking distance. Consumers of the affected vehicles are urged to take their vehicles to any VW or Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles approved dealership for assessment, at no cost to the consumer.
“The NCC reminds consumers that product recalls are vital to ensure the safety of products in the marketplace, and prompt action is essential. The NCC is monitoring this recall in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act,” she said.
21 Lwetse 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Pudimoe se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore motho a bolawe kwa Choseng Etos Farm mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go begwa fa moswi a bolailwe ke badisa ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho morago ga go mo latofatsa ka go utswa leruo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa polasing eo morago ga gore ba itsisiwe ka polao e ka ura ya bosupa mo mosong. Myburgh are batlhankela ba sepodisi ba fitlhetse moswi a rapaletse fa fatshe, mme a ribegile sefatlhego.
“Moswi one a na le dintho tsa go teketiwa mmele wa gagwe otlhe. Go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba mo kaya fa a setse a balelelwa le badimo.
“Moswi ga ise a itsiwe gore ke mang go fitlha ga jaana. Kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa, mme ga ise go tshwarwe ope,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The ANC MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Pricilla Williams/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 September 2025- Magaliesberg Biosphere and the Moruleng Cultural Precinct are jewels of heritage that should empower locals, African National Congress (ANC) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature, Priscilla Williams emphasised in her Heritage Month debate speech delivered on Tuesday. The North West Provincial Legislature held a debate on Heritage Month 2025 under the theme: ‘Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era’ during its last sitting to conclude the 2nd Quarter legislature programme before adjourning for a two weeks recess that starts on the 22 September 2025.
Williams mentioned that the theme for this year has been chosen to mark an important milestone in the country’s achievements and to mark a turning point, highlighting that South Africa’s heritage economy must belong to all.
“True heritage means that a young entrepreneur in Moruleng, a craftswoman in Rustenburg, and a tour guide in Hartbeespoort all share in the dignity and wealth created. All our people have stories to tell. We are determined to give an opportunity to make a distinction between history and heritage and, at the same time, reconcile with heroic figures as they shape a new identity.
“The sites must not only honour cultural diversity but also the sacrifices of workers who’s sweat and unity across colour lines helped shape the provincial economy. This year’s theme challenges us to reposition museums, archives and sites as active contributors to identity, social change and development,” she said.
Williams further said this is not rhetoric — it is policy direction for the year: reimagining heritage as a catalyst for a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future. She added that there is a need for establishment of community-anchored hubs, libraries, archives, maker-spaces as well as small galleries to be located at or near transport nodes and equipped with Wi-Fi, digitisation labs and multimedia studios led by youth interns.
“We call for government procurement to be biased towards women crafters and bappegi who make dihele, xibelani, mbhaco and Setswana crafts as well as incubation of Cooperatives including formalised routes that link cultural villages, memorials and farms to township tourism in order to boost local value chains.
“We welcome the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation’s efforts towards digitising to monetise, 3D scanning of artefacts, recording of oral histories to preserve our rich cultural heritage, licensing of content to schools, broadcasters and platforms as well as training of creators in Intellectual Property, e-commerce and touring circuits,” said Williams.
She said as the Freedom Charter continues to be the lodestar that inspires them, they recommit that the people shall share in the wealth of history and the wealth that heritage can create. Williams said from memory to momentum — that is how they reimagine for a new era to accelerate service delivery, deepen transformation and advance their people’s interest.
“The ANC conference resolutions on Arts, Culture & Heritage instruct us to integrate heritage with economic transformation, social cohesion, and the creative industries — using technology, public-private partnerships, and community participation,” she concluded.
18 September 2025- The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) will on 19 September 2025 intensify its service delivery efforts in the City of Matlosana, where the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, will lead the handing over of several completed projects, joined by Members of Executive Council (MECs) and executive mayors.
Mokgosi spokesperson Sello Tatai said among these projects will be the handing over of newly constructed classrooms and a cleared VU fence at Ithuseng Primary School, the additional classrooms and an administrative block at Are-Bokeng Primary School, while five classrooms and an administrative block will be officially handed over at Atamela Primary School. Tatai said these three schools are all in Kanana Township, near Orkney.
“To bolster mobile healthcare services, two TB Mobile Vehicles, generously donated by the Global Fund, will be officially handed over to support and expand access to health services in the City of Matlosana.
“Moreover, the paving of taxi routes and stormwater drainage improvements projects will be handed over in Khuma Township, near Stilfontein,” he said.
Tatai further said to encourage increased food production among localities, 11 goats (10 Does and 1 Buck) and 30 garden equipment and related packages will be handed over to identified beneficiaries. He added that environmental maintenance efforts will be heightened, with cemetery cleaning operations and the clearing of illegal dumping sites next to Tower Mall and at the corner of Tilo and Boikhutsong.
“Potholes patching and road markings will be carried out at targeted streets across the local municipality. Furthermore, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be present on-site to assist local businesses with company registration, updates, and amendments on the system.
“In a bid to strengthen government’s ability to accelerate service delivery across the province, the Thuntsha Lerole programme will be carried out at other district municipalities such in Longaneng Community Hall in Madibogo village in Ngaka Modiri Molema District,” said Tatai.
He said the programme will take place at Mmadinonyane Community Hall in Mmadinonyane village in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Picture: The Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the North West University (NWU), Dr Marelize Vergottini/Supplied
By AGISANANG SCUFF
18 September 2025- At a time when teachers are often regarded as the unsung heroes of society, growing attention is being paid to the emotional burden they carry on a daily basis. The question is no longer whether teachers are under pressure, but rather how long they can withstand it without severe consequences for their own well-being and for the future of South Africa’s children.
The Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the North West University (NWU), Dr Marelize Vergottini cautioned that the emotional well-being of the teachers is in a state of crisis – one that can no longer be ignored. Vergottini said teaching has always been a challenging profession – a “calling”, as the saying goes – but in South Africa, it is currently taking an emotional toll on teachers that cannot be ignored.
“Teachers are the backbone of the education system, and play one of the most important roles in the future of our children, but they are expected to work in unbearable conditions.
“Their emotional welfare causes concern and many teachers leave the profession, which has far-reaching consequences. Let us be honest now: the conditions are extremely difficult – not just for the teachers themselves, but also for learners and the bigger education system,” she said.
Vergottini further said one of the most urgent challenges is workload. She added that teachers have been responsible for more than just teaching for a long time.
“They have to deal with an overflowing list of tasks: lesson planning, assessments, moderating, extramural activities, disciplinary interventions, parent meetings, committees and other administrative duties.
“The emphasis of the Department of Basic Education on accountability and performance measurement has unwittingly increased the pressure on teachers. Many teachers spend hours after school on paperwork and other tasks that leave them emotionally drained, with little time to rest and take care of family responsibilities,” said Vergottini.
She said inclusive education, although it is an essential and idealistic policy, adds another layer of complexity. Vergottini said classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse, with learners having a wide range of learning needs and barriers to learning – including physical disabilities, learning problems and psychosocial, emotional or behavioral challenges.
“Although the intention behind inclusive education is good, many teachers are not adequately trained and receive little support to meet these divergent needs. The lack of appropriate resources, specialist support and manageable class sizes leads to feelings of helplessness and frustration.
“Discipline is a major problem, with the rights of learners being totally overemphasised and little responsibility accompanying these rights,” she said.
18 September 2025- The Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) was ordered to pay its employee, Thuso Bloem, close to R3 million and reinstate him. This comes after the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria, dismissed the municipality’s attempt to take the Public Protector’s decision on review.
The municipality’s core issue was to determine whether the Public Protector had jurisdiction to consider Bloem’s complaint and whether the remedial action was a lawful attempt to take this case on review.
In 2011, Bloem reported the misuse of public funds, irregular tender awards, and other issues to the municipal council. He was subsequently dismissed, but submitted a complaint of victimisation on account of his whistleblowing to the Public Protector of South Africa.
The Public Protector’s 2018 report found the municipality violated Section 3 of the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA), South Africa’s primary legislation protecting whistleblowers. The Public Protector therefore ordered the whistleblower’s reinstatement, the issuing of backpay, and other relief measures.
However, the municipality applied for the report to be taken on review, but with Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa’ support, Bloem opposed this application.
PPLAAF’s Southern Africa Director, Roshnee Narrandes said Bloem was dismissed by the municipality and left in limbo for over a decade after uncovering alleged maladministration and corruption under the then acting Municipal Manager, Mpho Mofokeng. Narrandes said at the beginning of August, the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria, ruled in favour of Bloem, reaffirming the Public Protector’s remit to order remedial action for whistleblowers.
“This ruling buttresses whistleblowers in South Africa, affirming their rights to protection. Municipalities, the coal-face of service delivery, form the majority of government departments in South Africa that have qualified audits.
“Extending protection beyond the labour process is necessary for a culture of accountability in a country that so desperately needs it,” she said.
Narrandes further said Bloem joined the municipality in 2003, working his way up to senior administrative clerk whilst simultaneously occupying the role of shop steward for the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU). She added that in 2011, on the same day as his complaint, Bloem was served a notice of suspension, purportedly on charges of misconduct.
“Following this, Bloem was unfairly charged and subsequently dismissed in 2012. He challenged his dismissal on the basis that it was an unlawful breach of contract, filing an application at the Labour Court which was dismissed for falling outside of the Court’s purview.
“The whistleblower approached the Public Protector to file a complaint of occupational detriment against the municipality as a result of having made a protected disclosure,” said Narrandes.
She said her investigation into Bloem’s allegations of misconduct and victimisation not only vindicated his concerns, but also confirmed that he had indeed suffered financial and emotional prejudice as a result of his whistleblowing. Narrandes said this detriment amounts to a contravention of Section 3 of the PDA, allowing for remedies as outlined in Section 4 to be put in place.
Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said they will take the matter on review again.
“The municipality is aware of the judgement. The municipality is unable to respond to the questions as the matter is sub judice as certain aspects of the judgement are being challenged,” he said.
The Guardian 