Learners receive donations from Gift of the Givers

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Picture: Learners receive gifts/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 June 2026 – The North West Department of Education and Moretele Local Municipality schools received donations for learners from Gift of the Givers Foundation in partnership with Moretele Local Municipality on 9 June 2026. Learners from Modimokwane Primary School in Mathibestad and Mmamudu Primary School in Makapanstad, received 1500 beanies, 150 sanitary packs, 2 food bulks, detergent bulks, 50 breakfast packs, pairs of school shoes and stationery packs from the Gift of the Givers Foundation.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the primary objective for the gifts is to motivate learners to attend school throughout winter and summer seasons. Motsumi said the gifts are aimed at complimenting the food that is provided at school and to restore the dignity of learners.

“As a gesture of gratitude, learners and staff at Modimokwane Primary School welcomed the donations with songs, poems and performances. The school further demonstrated its commitment to education by having learners recite and sign a pledge in which they committed to working hard, arriving at school on time and respecting their teachers.

“I also signed the pledge and expressed gratitude for the donations. So, on behalf of the entire department, we appreciate the positive gesture by the Gift of the Givers Foundation. It is true that education is a societal matter,” she said.

Motsumi further said it is important to invest in the future of this country by supporting learners at an early age. She added that next year, they are going to turn things around by putting more focus on primary schools.

“For many years, we have focused mostly on high schools. Primary schools are the foundation of our results, and we must make sure they get the necessary support from the department. We encourage parents and guardians to register learners across since learner registration will end on 30 September 2026.

“The winter warmer campaign continues to bring hope, dignity and much-needed relief to vulnerable learners, while strengthening collaboration between government, communities and humanitarian organisations,” said Motsumi.

Meanwhile, the Moretele Local Municipality mayor, George Manyike, received a framed photograph accompanied by a message of appreciation, while Motsumi and Bojanala District Education Director, were each presented with trophies in recognition of their support and commitment to education.

Manyike said they are pleased that the dignity of learners in the municipality will be restored.

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Two women nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 June 2026 – The vigilance and alertness of the police in Brandvlei, resulted in the apprehension and arrest of two alleged female drug dealers on 9 June 2026 at approximately 19:40. The police said the information indicated that duo who were believed to be in possession of drugs, were seen in Burger Street in Brandvlei.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said they were apprehended and escorted to the police station, where a search was conducted. Magerman said the two females aged between 21 and 27, were found in possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R30 260.  

“They were subsequently charged for possession of drugs and are expected to appear in the local court soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, issued a stern warning to the public that drug activities will not be tolerated and encouraged the community to play their part and take responsibility by cooperating with the police and provide vital information in order for SAPS to respond decisively especially drug related matters.

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Concerns over increased incidents of essential infrastructure

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Picture: Some items allegedly used during commission of crime/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 June 2026 – The police in the Greater Kimberley area said they have noted with concern the increase in incidents of damage to electrical boxes causing widespread power outages. They said addressing essential infrastructure related crimes remains a priority for the police in the Northern Cape.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the SAPS recognises the importance of essential infrastructure in providing basic services. Ehlers said the unacceptable occurrence of crimes relating to essential infrastructure, which poses a risk to inter alia, public safety, electricity supply, water, sanitation, communications and transportation is concerning.

“Tampering, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure, is a criminal offence. The following precautionary measure can be implemented to curb crimes relating to essential infrastructure. Install physical deterrents such as fences, impact resistant glass and strong locks and doors.

“Have bright security lights inside and outside the property. Clean up vandalism and remove or repair any damaged item as soon as possible. Install video surveillance and hire security services companies to provide security guards,” she said.

Ehlers further said the public should provide SAPS with information on illegal activities and the whereabouts of criminals. She added that the theft of ferrous and non-ferrous metal is an economic threat, which requires immediate intervention by all stakeholders concerned in an integrated and coherent manner.

“Reject and report any goods you suspect could have been stolen to the police and blow the whistle on acts of essential infrastructure theft, unscrupulous dealers, suspicious individuals, suspected stolen goods and cable theft to your nearest police station or anonymously contact SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Ehlers.

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Police are looking for missing Letitia Anita Bucks

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Picture: Missing Letitia Anita Bucks/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

10 June 2026 – The Kimberley Serious and Violent Crimes unit is appealing to the public to assist in locating missing Letitia Anita Bucks (32) of 46501 Diamond Park, Greenpoint in Kimberley. The police said Bucks was last seen on 4 June 2026, at her residence by her mother, Linda Visagie.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a dark blue jacket, pink tracksuit top and light blue tracksuit pants. Shemane said anyone with information about the whereabouts of Bucks can contact Detective Sergeant Kelaegile Mosala on 082 302 0407 or crime stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the MySAPS app.

“The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.

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BMA processes 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation

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9 June 2026 – BMA processes 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriationCommissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed that the BMA has successfully processed 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation from South Africa to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend. 

The repatriation process was coordinated through the Port Management Committee (PMC), comprising various government stakeholders responsible for facilitating lawful and orderly movement across the port of entry.

On Saturday, a group of 332 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria for repatriation. Following an extensive check-in process, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for verification and clearance.

“Of the travelers processed, 170 were travelling on Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 162 were using Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. Emergency Travel Certificates are single-use travel documents issued to facilitate the return of citizens to their country of origin,” the BMA said in a statement.

During immigration processing, 321 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer. Consequently, they were declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the conclusion of the immigration process, 323 passengers were found eligible to depart and subsequently boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria.

Nine passengers were, however, offloaded from the flight. These included two couples and their five children. 

“The wife of one couple and the husband of the other were declared medically unfit to travel by airline personnel. Airport paramedics were called to assist and subsequently transferred the two travelers to the airport clinic for further medical attention.

“On Sunday, a further group of 331 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission for repatriation. Following check-in procedures, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for processing.

“Among those processed, 117 travelers were using Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 90 were travelling on Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. In addition, 37 minor children born in South Africa were also processed using Emergency Travel Certificates,” the BMA said.

BMA Immigration officials further processed 25 asylum seekers, who voluntarily submitted withdrawal letters to cancel their asylum applications. 

During the verification process, 170 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer and were consequently declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the end of the process, 341 passengers, including 10 deportees brought by the Department of Home Affairs from Lindela Holding Facility, were cleared for departure. 

One traveler did not check in, but the remaining 340 boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria. The flight departed at 09h30 SA local time.

The repatriation of these Ghanaian nationals demonstrates effective cooperation between the Government of Ghana, through its High Commission in Pretoria, and South African authorities responsible for migration management and border security.

Masiapato commended the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in facilitating the operation. 

He further encouraged foreign missions to continue working closely with relevant government departments and entities to ensure the smooth and lawful facilitation of repatriation movements.

“The successful processing of these repatriation movements reflects the importance of coordinated efforts between foreign missions and South African authorities. Such cooperation contributes to effective migration management, while ensuring compliance with the country’s immigration laws,” said Masiapato. – SAnews.gov.za

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Monna o thuntsitse lekgarebe la gagwe, lesea pele ga a ipolaya kwa Tlolas

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Setshwantsho: Moswi, Tebogo Seboko/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Seetebosigo 2026 – Sepodisi mono Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya morago ga loso le dikgetsi di le pedi tsa maiteko a polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 36, eleng Tebogo Seboko, go begwe fa a thuntsitse lesea la gagwe la dikgwedi di le thataro ga mmogo le lekgarebe la gagwe la dingwaga di le (18).

Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka letsatsi la Tshipi kwa motseng wa Khibitswane Extension kgotsa Tlolas jaaka o itsege mono Taung.  Go begwa fa Seboko a ile a ithuntsa morago ga moo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, are ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba biletswa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Van Rooyen are moswi le batswasetlhabelo ba ile ba tabogisetswa kwa bookelo jwa selegae go bona thuso ya potlako.

“Fela, moswi o ile a tlhokafala mo mosong wa Moshupulogo kwa bookelong, fa lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 18 ga mmogo le lesea la gagwe ba kokotlegela sentle kwa bookelong. Go begwa fa sethunya se moswi a se dirisitseng se le mo molao.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le pedi tsa maiteko a polao ga mmogo le kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” van Rooyen wa bega.

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Monna o fitlhetswe a tlhokafetse kwa Matsheng

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Setshwantsho: Monna o fitlhetswe a tlhokafetse

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Seetebosigo 2026- Sepodisi sa Taung se butse kgetsi ya morago ga loso. Se, se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 20 a fitlhelwe a tlhokafetse kwa mmileng kwa motseng wa Matsheng, gaufi le Taung ka letsatsi la Tshipi mo mosong.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are: “Sepodisi se ile sa itelekela kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Ba ile ba fitlhela setopo sa monna wa dingwaga di le 20 kwa lefelong leo.

“Monna o, o ile a netefadiwa fa a tlhokafetse, mme kgetsi ya morago ga loso e ile ya bulwa. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga go itsiwe se se ka tswang se tlhodile loso la gagwe, fela dipatlisiso di tsweletse.”

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‘Together we can manage migration and stay true to our shared humanity’

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 June 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in recent months, many South Africans have raised concerns about illegal immigration, asking whether our borders are secure and our laws are being enforced. Ramaphosa said it is in this context that he addressed the nation last night on the action’s government is taking to manage migration in the country and specifically to address the challenge of illegal immigration.

“We are responding to real concerns communities have about the effects that unchecked illegal immigration has on jobs and economic opportunities. We know that some companies employ – and exploit – undocumented foreign nationals in violation of the law. There is also a perception that spaza shops owned by foreign nationals are squeezing out local traders in communities.

“People are also concerned that illegal immigration puts increased pressure on public services like clinics, hospitals and schools. In reality, when one looks at the statistics, foreign nationals account for a very small proportion of users of these public services,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said nevertheless, there is a perception among some people that the public services are being overwhelmed. He added that some people associate illegal immigration with crime.

“While there are organised syndicates that exploit weaknesses in our immigration system to commit crimes like drug trafficking, illegal mining and extortion, we know that the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals in South Africa have no involvement in crime.

“In conditions of unemployment and poverty, crime, violence and service delivery challenges, people often direct their frustrations at those perceived to be competitors for jobs and resources,” said Ramaphosa.

He said as they work to address the causes of the economic challenges – by driving faster and inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, industrial expansion and the creation of new jobs – they are taking decisive action to tackle illegal immigration. Ramaphosa further said through the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management that was adopted last week by Cabinet, they are cracking down on violations of the immigration, labour and other laws.

“We are deploying more resources and technology to secure our borders. Government is also stamping out corruption and improving the efficiency of our immigration system. Another part of our comprehensive approach is to close the gaps in our citizenship and immigration laws.

“We are introducing legislation which allows quotas for foreign nationals in different sectors and ensuring that informal businesses are properly registered. Lastly, we are seeking to work with countries across our region and continent to address the conflict, instability and economic hardship that compel people to leave their homes,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the task of managing migration belongs to all of them. He said that does not mean that communities should take the law into their own hands – only authorised officials of the state may enforce the immigration laws – but there is a role for all South Africans in upholding the laws and building social cohesion.

“As we undertake all these actions, we are guided by our constitution, our laws and our international obligations. As a society, we must hold firmly to the rule of law. We must work to reduce tensions in our communities.

“We must stand together against violence, intimidation and intolerance. Importantly, we must not allow anyone to exploit the genuine concerns of South Africans to incite violence, spread misinformation or destabilise our country,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they call on traditional and religious leaders, civil society, business, labour, political parties and every South African to work with the government to support the actions they have announced to tackle illegal immigration. Ramaphosa said they must actively work against efforts to divide them.

“We must confront racism, sexism, xenophobia and Afrophobia. Our goal must be to build united and cohesive communities where all laws are respected and upheld. We are a nation built by migration and we are more diverse, dynamic and stronger for it.

“By strengthening our laws and enforcing them fairly, we can tackle illegal immigration while remaining true to our Constitution and to our shared humanity,” he concluded.

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Committee to be briefed over ex-mine workers intervention project

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Picture: A mine worker underground/Generic 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 June 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources will on Tuesday, be briefed by the departments of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Employment and Labour and Health on progress made in the implementation of the Ex-Mine Workers Intervention Project. The project is a government initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare services, compensation benefits and social support for former mineworkers and their dependents, particularly those affected by occupational diseases contracted during their employment in the mining sector.

The National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the briefing is expected to provide the committee with an update on efforts to identify and trace ex-mineworkers, facilitate medical examinations, process compensation claims, and address outstanding challenges affecting the payment of benefits. Mothapo said the committee will also assess the extent of interdepartmental coordination in ensuring that former mineworkers receive the support and services to which they are entitled.

“The meeting will take place on the Virtual platform (Link will be shared on Parliament WhatsApp media group) on Tuesday from 9:30am until 1pm,” he said.

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46 Taung Agricultural College graduates encouraged to be innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators  

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Picture: Taung Agricultural College graduation ceremony/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 June 2026 – The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Taung Agricultural College (TAC), the only institution in the country offering a NQF Level 6 (Diploma in Agriculture Irrigation), celebrated a significant milestone on 5 June 2026, by conferring diplomas on 46 graduates from the 2025 academic cohort during its Winter Graduation Ceremony. Held during Youth Month and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising under the theme: “RESET@50: The Future Calls”, the ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive academic and practical training programme aimed at producing highly skilled agricultural professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of the sector.

Addressing the graduates, the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, challenged them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators, highlighting the vast opportunities available within farming, agro-processing and agricultural services. Sambatha encouraged them not to limit themselves, but to be bold and fearless.

“Explore opportunities not only within our country, but beyond our borders. Exposure to new environments, technologies and markets will enrich your skills and broaden your horizons. Go out there and participate meaningfully in the development of our agricultural sector and contribute towards building a province that works for all.

“We further encouraged them to develop bankable business plans that can attract investment and unlock access to funding opportunities. We also urged them to take advantage of government support programmes and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering young people in agriculture,” he said.

Sambatha further emphasised that the agricultural sector presents immense opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship and called on graduates to use their knowledge and skills to establish enterprises that create jobs, strengthen food security and stimulate economic growth. He added that TAC reaffirmed its commitment to producing the next generation of agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs.

“The institution remains dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security and contributing to economic development through quality agricultural education and training.

“The graduation ceremony stands as a testament to the College’s continued role in developing competent and industry-ready graduates equipped to respond to the evolving needs and challenges of the agricultural sector,” said Sambatha.

Speaking to the overall achiever, Aobakwe Molatowagae (22) from Cokonyane village in Taung said: “Life is going to pull

us in opposite directions, but we all share the same vision. We all want to become well-established farmers in the future. Let us continue to thrive and work hard to ensure that the vision we share today becomes a reality.”

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