Medical and space science research takes centre stage 

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Picture: Prof Binu Luke and Prof Molekodi Matsipane from the Faculty of Health Sciences visited the Department of Anatomy at Otago University/Supplied 

By PHENYO MOKGOTHU 

8 December 2025- Strengthening ties in two fast-growing scientific fields, medicine and space science, was the central focus of high-level engagements at Otago University in New Zealand where the North-West University (NWU) explored opportunities to advance its internationalisation drive. The visit on 28 November brought together academics working in medical training, health research and astrophysics to map out areas where their institutions can work together in coming years.

Founded in 1869, Otago University is New Zealand’s oldest institution of higher learning with more than 21 000 students across several campuses. It is ranked among the top 200 universities globally and is the only institution in New Zealand listed in the global top 20 across several subject areas. Its medical and science faculties are among its most recognised academic strengths.

The Otago University Medical School admits approximately 350 medical students annually and the NWU delegation met with senior academic teams across three campuses – Dunedin, Wellington and Christchurch. In addition to its five-year programme that combines foundational medical sciences with clinical rotations, the school also conducts tuberculosis genomic research through its microbiology and immunology units.

Reflecting on the health science discussions, Prof Luke Binu, extraordinary associate professor in the NWU’s Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, said the engagements created clear academic touchpoints. 

“Otago’s medical training structure and its research focus form a strong basis for student mobility, shared teaching and structured academic projects. These areas can support institutional growth on both sides,” he said.

In space science, the NWU’s Centre for Space Research (CSR) met with Prof Florian Beyer, associate dean of Science for Internationalisation, and Prof. Jonathan Squire of the Astrophysical Plasmas and Fluids Group. Their discussions highlighted shared interests in cosmic-ray transport, heliospheric physics, plasma astrophysics and mathematical modelling – all areas that support long-term scientific projects and postgraduate training.

Prof Amare Abebe Gidelew, research director at the CSR, said the meetings would contribute to shaping the NWU’s scientific direction. 

“Our research programmes intersect in meaningful ways. Focused postgraduate supervision and joint scientific work can strengthen both our research outputs and our student training pipeline,” he said.

Looking back on the broader tour to Australia and New Zealand by administrators and academics from the NWU, Nontsikelelo Kote-Nkomo, executive director for strategy and strategic projects at the NWU, said the visit offered key lessons for the university’s future.

“A major takeaway was how universities integrate the Aboriginal and Māori communities into their academic systems. We were also struck by the depth of work in astrophysics and astronomy, particularly the modelling, the long-term planning and the scale of their scientific infrastructure. 

“There is much we are bringing back. As we move into 2026, we are looking beyond memoranda of understanding and toward practical action,” she said.

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Kgetsi ya go rulaganya polao e butswe  

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Wandile Bozwana

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

8 Sedimonthole 2025- Ba lelapa ba rrakgwebo o a itsegeng mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima yo o bolailweng, Wandile Bozwana, ba butse kgetsi ya go rulaganya polao (conspiracy to commit murder) kgatlhanong le bo rra dipolotiki ba le babedi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima. Go begwa fa ba lelapa ba latofatsa tonakgolo ya pele ya porofense ya Bokone Bophirima ga mmogo le meiyara wa pele wa Rustenburg, ka go tsaya karolo mo go rulaganyeng polao ya ga Bozwana.    

Benedict Bozwana, yo eleng mogoloe Wandile, o boleletse SABC News gore ba butse kgetsi kgatlhanong le bo rra dipolotiki bano. Benedict are ba tlhaloganya gore go na le batho ba ba tshwerweng ba be ba atlholelwa dingwaga di le 30 kwa kgolegelong mabapi le go bolaya Wandile. 

“Fela, batho ba e leng bone ba rulaganyi ba polao, ba sentse ba sasanka le mebila ntle le go tshwarwa. Jaanong, ke utlwile gotwe bangwe ba ba neng ba thapilwe go bolaya Wandile, ba ikemiseditse go ka bua gore ba ne ba romilwe ke bo mang. Fela, go sentse go le thari, gonne ba setse ba atlhotswe,” Bozwana wa tlhalosa. 

O mongwe wa ba lelapa, Thabang Kotsedi, are ba tshwere ditlankana tse iseng di batlisisiwe go fitlha ga jaana. Kotsedi are gape ba tshwere bopaki jwa Section 205, jo bo ileng jwa ntshiwa ke mongwe yo eneng e le karolo ya setlhopa se se neng se rulagantswe go ka bolaya Bozwana. 

“Setlhopa seo, ke se se tsweletseng go thapiwa mo porofenseng go ka bolaya bo rra dipolotiki ba ba farologaneng. Setlhopa se, ga e sale se le teng go simolola ka ngwaga wa 2012. O tla gopola gore bo rra dipolotiki ba tshwana le bo Moss Phakoe, Happy Serungwane, Kabelo Nonyane le ba bangwe ba ile ba bolawa,” Kotsedi wa tlhalosa.

Ba lelapa ba re go ile ga ntshiwa makwalo a go tshwarwa kgatlhanong le bo rra dipolotiki ba, fela a ile a gogelwa kwa morago ka ntlheng ya go itshona nko ga dipolotiki. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are: “Ke nnete go butswe kgetsi ya go rulaganya polao kgatlhanong le bo rra dipolotiki ba le ba bedi mo porofenseng, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

Bozwana o ile a thuntsiwa le go bolawa fa o fapoga tsela ya Garsfontein kwa Pretoria. Go begwa fa Bozwana a ne a setswe morago go tloga kwa Sandton. 

Bangwe ba dumela fa polao ya ga Bozwana e tlhotlheleditswe ke ntwa magareng ga gagwe le porofense ya Bokone Bophirima mabapi le konteraka ya R30 million. 

Kgabagare, mogwebi wa kwa Pretoria, Vusi ‘Khekhe’ Mathibela, Sipho Patrick Hudla, Matamela Robert Mutapa ga mmogo le Bonginkosi Paul Khumalo, ba ile ba tshwarwa le go atlholelwa dingwaga di le 30 kwa kgolegelong mabapi le polao ya ga Bozwana. Ba atlholetswe polao e rulagantswe morago ga go bolaya Bozwana ka ngwaga wa 2015, ga mmogo le maiteko a polao morago ga go thuntsa modiri-mmogo wa ga Bozwana, eleng Mpho Baloyi. 

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Bakgaratlhi Ba Ngwao founder vows to preserve traditional music  

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Picture: Bakgaratlhi Ba Ngwao Traditional Group founder and leading vocalist, Tlaleng Refilwe Setlhatsoe/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE 

8 December 2025- Bakgaratlhi Ba Ngwao Traditional Music Group founder and leading vocalist, Tlaleng Refilwe Setlhatsoe (26) from Tlapeng village, near Pampierstad, said she established the group in 2020, after she was inspired by the rich cultural heritage and passionate individuals who kept the traditions alive. Setlhatsoe said seeing the impact that traditional art had on bringing people together and telling their stories, sparked a desire in her to be part of it and contribute in preserving its history and culture.

She further said their group consists of 12 members and they have released two songs thus far. Setlhatsoe added that they have shared the stage with world renowned artists such as Mmausi Lekoma, Cici,Winnie Mashaba and others. 

She said being a lead vocalist comes with responsibilities. 

“I always tell our group members to respect their voices as an instrument and immerse themselves in the music community. A blend of technical skill, deep musical knowledge and dedication to the craft over raw talent is necessary to be a great singer. 

“As a group, we would like to achieve a platform where we can showcase our rich cultural heritage and traditional music to a wider audience both locally and internationally, while inspiring younger generation to appreciate and preserve our traditions,” she said. 

Setlhatsoe said as a group, they have come across some challenges and one of them is dealing with negativity and jealousy. However, she said they focused on staying true to their craft and forge ahead. 

“In five years, I’d like to see ourselves performing on bigger stages, collaborating with big artists and taking our traditional music to new heights, both locally and internationally. I’d also love to be involved in music education and share our culture with the next generation. What I have realised is that, people still listen to traditional music and appreciate it. 

“So, many modern artists are incorporating traditional elements into their music, which is helping to keep it relevant and fresh. But, to be honest, it’s not always easy to get younger generation to listen to traditional music as they like their Amapiano and Lekompo. It is remarkable that as a youth, I am part of keeping traditional music alive,” said Setlhatsoe. 

She said their music has received a positive reception and it is been an amazing journey. Setlhatsoe said people really respond positively to their music and appreciate the cultural elements they bring to the table.

“Our songs are on high rotation on various radio stations and we are also being booked to perform at various events. Even though I do not have formal training regarding music, I am driven by my passion as I have spent countless hours teaching myself the ins and outs of the music production and performance. 

“I am honoured regarding our achievements and always looking for new ways to challenge myself so that I can grow as an artist. Music is a powerful tool for social commentary and change. So, we also use music to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF),” she said. 

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Seitlholo assesses urgent sanitation challenges    

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

7 December 2025- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo has concluded the National Sanitation Month with an oversight visit to the Tswaing Local Municipality on 3 December 2025, where he assessed urgent sanitation challenges in Sannieshof and championed key interventions to restore safe, reliable and dignified services. Seitlholo said the National Sanitation Month commemorated in the month of November, has been a country-wide drive to accelerate access to dignified sanitation, promote innovation in wastewater management and highlight the sector’s critical role in public health, environmental protection and economic development.

He further said they conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Sannieshof Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs), which is designed to process 770 kℓ per day, but is currently receiving inflows far beyond its capacity. Seitlholo added that this persistent overloading has resulted in severe system failures, frequent spillages and escalating environmental pollution.

“We call on both the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality and Tswaing Local Municipality, to work in earnest to turn the situation around, adding that the department will not hesitate to act where there is non-compliance or neglect. Sanitation is about dignity and each one of us deserves safe and functional services. 

“When a Wastewater Treatment Plant fails, it is families who suffer. It is children who live with the consequences. The District and Local Municipalities must move with urgency to ensure that the situation changes because we will not hesitate to act and we will enforce compliance, where needed,” he said. 

Seitlholo then led a community engagement session that formed the heart of the day’s programme, where residents spoke openly about their experiences, frustrations and the daily realities of living with failing sanitation. By listening directly to the community, he emphasised that meaningful solutions must be shaped by the people who are most affected. 

“The engagement reaffirmed that restoring trust and improving service delivery begins with honest dialogue, genuine accountability and ensuring that communities remain central to every intervention. One of the most emotional moments of the day came when I visited a family in Sannieshof. 

“The family has been caring for a teenager with disabilities while living without a toilet, forced to rely on unsafe and undignified alternatives for years. I was deeply moved by their circumstances and committed to ensuring that a Ventilated Pit (VIP) toilet will be built for the family and completed before Christmas, bringing them the dignity, safety and relief they have long deserved,” said Seitlholo. 

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Saulsville hostel massacre a senseless brutal act of terror 

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Picture: Saulsville hostel shooting scene

By REGINALD KANYANE 

7 December 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) said it is horrified by the massacre of people killed during an attack at the Saulsville hostel west of Pretoria, which it described as a senseless brutal act of terror. The death toll rose from 11 to 12 after one more victim from the early Saturday morning shooting died in hospital.  

The Union Council of affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches called on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the indiscriminate shooting of hostel dwellers that included a three-year-old child, 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl are unmasked and behind bars.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Patrick Modiri Shole said they wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the horrendous and ghastly act that has sent a shockwave across all of their communities and convey their deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in such a heartrending manner. Shole said they wish the 13 hospitalised victims that survived the massacre a speedy recovery.

“South African Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that police have launched a manhunt for three suspects reportedly behind the attack. We urge communities to assist police in their investigation to ensure that the heartless murderers are speedily removed from society.

“While appealing for calm, fervent prayers and united action, we also call for intensified effort to rid our communities of proliferation of guns and senseless violence claiming innocent lives,” he stressed.

Shole remarked that violent crime cannot continue to reign havoc while terrorized communities watch helplessly. He emphasised that the speedy arrest of those responsible for the vicious killings will restore confidence in the police and the criminal justice system.

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Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project marred with irregularities and disputes 

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Picture: Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project

By OBAKENG MAJE 

7 December 2025- The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) has raised a flag against the R28 million refurbishment and upgrades to the existing Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project. This comes after the project was brought to a grinding halt due to irregularities and disputes. 

The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane said the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project is one of the six projects that are all clustered together. Lenkopane said other projects are the hotel gate construction, security fence, residential area for learners and water reticulation and sewer control system. 

“Now, this is the sixth project related to the construction of the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre. This is a multi-year project that started a long time ago. In the 2025/26 financial year, we had an audit which has to cover the work from 2016 till to date. And it revealed a number of things that the department has to undergo as part of the audit action plan.

“Amongst those would be to look into the irregularities that happened and to apply corrective measures. Yes, there is no work happening in terms of construction, but there is a lot of work that is happening to respond to the issues that were raised by the AGSA, which I think the department is almost at the point of concluding the investigations,” she said. 

Lenkopane further said her department is also in the process of concluding the dispute between the department and the implementing agency, which is Independent Development Trust (IDT). She added that they had to respond to the findings of the investigations, including things that AGSA has revealed. 

“Now, we urge the community to bear with us because we are at the point where immediately after the conclusion of the dispute between the department and the IDT, we are intending to explore other avenues of coming up with implementing agency that will then carry the contract of the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project.

“The contractor was not fired, but he could not reach an agreement with IDT, which is the implementing agency that appointed him. However, this matter is between the two, but where we are as government, we are confident that in the new commencement of the year, we would have then dealt with all these issues that were raised and have new implementing agency, which would be able to sped up the process,” said Lenkopane.

She said the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre construction project is also in line with Taung Skull where they also have six projects. Lenkopane said they have other projects like Thomeng toilets that were abandoned due to investigation surrounding it since 2014.

“However, as the department, we will proceed upon conclusion of the investigations and disputes, which are unavoidable,” she said.

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A child neglect case transferred to regional court 

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Picture: Former local artist, Masego Sebigi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 December 2025- A child neglect case against a former hip hop artist, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi (28), was transferred to the Taung Regional Court until 8 December 2025. Sebigi was arrested for allegedly leaving her daughter (10) alone in her rented room in Extension 7, near Taung, on several occasions.

It is alleged that in August 2025, Sebigi’s daughter approached the state prosecutor at around 8:30pm, who is also residing in the same vicinity and requested her to call the landlord, so that she can give her mother’s contact number. The said prosecutor assisted the child.

It is alleged that in two weeks, the same scenario repeated itself again. It is alleged that Sebigi, who left her child alone at the time, highlighted that she was in Kuruman.

The prosecutor called social workers for intervention and a child neglect case was opened. It is alleged that the social workers found the rented room filthy.      

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “It is true that a woman is facing a child neglect case and the case has been transferred to the Taung Regional Court. 

According to http://www.scielo.org.za child maltreatment rates in South Africa are extremely high. The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) said this fact is attributable to excessive levels of poverty and wide-spread violence.

“The United Nations (UN) and its signatories acknowledge that children are a vulnerable group and provide some guidelines on how children and their rights should be protected by signatories to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Parents are urged to take all appropriate social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse.”

The website said the Article 19(2) of the Convention makes it clear that measures used to protect children need to be protective and preventive and should encompass the identification, reporting, referral, investigation and treatment of child abuse. It said Article 16 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child [11] echoes the obligations set out in the UN Convention.

“The Charter obligates the African Union (AU) and its signatories to establish special monitoring units and to provide the necessary support for the abused child and his/her caretakers.

“The South African Constitution [12] explicitly addresses the rights of children and affords them specific protection. Section 28(1)(d) holds that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and/or degradation,” said Scielo.

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Shortage of orthopaedic implants caused by influx of patients 

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Picture: Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital

By OBAKENG MAJE 

7 December 2025- The family of Lesego Daniel Sebego (71) from Moretele village, in Taung, said it is concerned regarding his deteriorating health at Taung District Hospital. According to one of the family members who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, his family member was admitted at Taung District Hospital on 4 November 2025, with a broken hip. 

“However, he is still flagging at the hospital bed without any assistance. We do not get a straight explanation on why he has not undergone operation yet. However, we heard some allegations that there are shortages of orthopaedic implants at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital due to unpaid invoices of the suppliers.  

“This has left Sebego in a predicament with prolonged pain. Sebego is already losing hope and he is now developing bed sores. We just hope that these delays will not lead to permanent disability due to the progression of his conditions, while awaiting treatment,” he said.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the Taung District Hospital acknowledges receipt of the enquiry regarding a patient who is currently admitted at the facility. Lehari said the hospital is fully aware of his case and continues to monitor his condition closely.

“The patient has not yet been transferred to the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex due to supply-related challenges. At present, the Complex does not have the required orthopaedic implant necessary for his surgical procedure. 

“It is important to clarify that this delay is not due to bed shortages or a lack of surgeons, but rather a supply chain issue affecting the availability of the specialised implant. The hospital management is doing everything possible to resolve the supply constraints and to ensure that the patient receives the required surgical intervention as soon as possible,” he said.

Lehari further said the Sebego family has been informed of the situation, and communication channels remain open to provide regular updates and reassurance. He added that they regret the distress caused to the patient and his family and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that all patients receive timely and appropriate care.

“The challenges are caused largely by exceptionally high demand from orthopaedic intervention. The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Complex Hospital has been receiving a significant influx of patients from outside its jurisdiction including Free State, Northern Cape and Gauteng provinces, as well as foreign nationals from neighbouring countries.

“So, this is the reason why we are having this challenge. However, there are measures in place to ensure that patients receive timely and adequate treatment which includes correct referral pathways through the gatekeeping, adequate budget and proper revenue collection especially on those who can afford according to their financial classification,” said Lehari.

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Madlanga Commission of Inquiry witness killed

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Picture: A slain Mandlanga Commission of Inquiry witness, Marius van der Merwe/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE   

A ‘Witness D’ who recently gave evidence before Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan, Gauteng in an apparent hit on Friday evening. According to the police, Marius van der Merwe who was also known as Witness D at Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was gunned down by unknown assailants who were driving NP200 bakkie with a canopy.

The National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola said the evidence gathered at the scene, confirms that an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime. Masemola said at the crime scene outside the home of van der Merwe, various units of the SAPS including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers and members of the serious and violent crime unit worked until the early hours of this morning, combing the scene for available material evidence.

“According to a preliminary investigation, van der Merwe arrived at his home just after 8:30pm with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body. He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from van der Merwe, seeing that his firearm, cell phone and wallet were still in his possession.

“A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon. I will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D,” he said.

Masemola further said he will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. He added that he has also ordered the NATJOINTS Co-chair, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend to discuss and look at ways of improving and or enhancing the safety and security of commission officials as well as all witnesses.

Meanwhile, Marius van der Merwe was said to expose more details about illegal mining operations linking to high ranking officials. He was the owner of QRF Task Team.

“He had already testified about a body Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of.

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Hollywoodbets Durban July doubles prize money to R10m

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Picture: The Real Prince reigns supreme at 2025 Durban July event   

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

6 December 2025- Africa’s greatest horse racing and social event is now the continent’s richest horse race with the announcement that the prize money for the Hollywoodbets Durban July will double to R10 million in 2026. This comes after the revamped handicaps honour the iconic event’s 130 year-old roots and give more horses better chances to win.

Unveiling the new record stakes at the “July in Christmas” event at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on 5 December, the Group’s Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer announced that next year’s 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July will return the race to its traditional true handicap roots. Heffer said the winner’s prize will double to R6 million and the rest of the prize money on 4 July 2026, will be shared among the next 11 finishers, rather than the nine of previous years.

“Weights are allocated in handicap races, which enable horses of varied ability to race competitively against each other. Taking into account the variables of age and sex, the fundamental is that the higher a horse’s official merit rating, the more weight that horse will carry. 

“This opens the Hollywoodbets Durban July to a wider competitive spectrum of owners and horses. By reducing the lightest weight horses carry – that is from 54kgs to 52kgs – and increasing the heaviest weight, we’re levelling the playing field and honouring the true handicap heritage of a race that was first run in 1897,” he said. 

Heffer further said this is the race that belongs to Mzansi and the true handicap will add hugely to its excitement. He added that it gives punters more chances to win and it means that even long-shot horses have a real chance of glory in a race that is the pinnacle achievement of every owner, trainer, breeder, jockey and groom in South Africa.

Heffer said Hollywoodbets took over sponsorship of the Durban July in 2022, when it raised the stakes from R2 million to R5 million. 

“Every year since, the July meeting has been bigger and better, and we decided the prize money should match the growing prestige and popularity of the feature race. The whole country comes to a standstill for the two minutes of the Hollywoodbets Durban July and doubling the stakes is part of our mission to return South African horse racing to its glory days.

“The greater betting opportunities from the more open handicap, as well as the chance for rank outsiders to win, will make next year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July a race no one will want to miss. This is the biggest day of the year for Hollywoodbets, with record audiences online and in our 90 bricks and mortar stores throughout the country,” said Heffer. 

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