Golden Fireballs crowned 2025 Telkom Netball League Champions

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Picture: 2025 TNL Champions – Golden Fireballs: Fireballs celebrate their victory after clinching the Telkom Netball League title at the Durban ICC on Sunday, 20 July 2025. They defeated the Crinums 47–40 in a thrilling final/Supplied

By KARABO MOKGALAGADI  

21 July 2025- The Durban ICC was indeed electrified with spectators, making the 2025 Telkom Netball League (TNL) Final a memorable one. The Golden Fireballs secured the championship title with a convincing 47-40 victory.

The Fireballs showcased their dominance throughout the 2025 season, finishing with a perfect record and no losses. Guided by coaches, Dr Elsje Jordaan and Bongi Msomi, their consistency and determination were key. The players’ mutual respect and strong chemistry contributed significantly to their success.

The match was intense, with both teams vying for dominance. The Crinums led 13-11 after the first quarter, but the Fireballs fought back to level the score at 23-23 by halftime. The Fireballs took control in the third quarter, leading 34-30, and maintained their momentum in the final quarter despite a strong effort from the Crinums.

A red card for the Crinums’ Refiloe Nketsa and Ane Retief, further impacted their chances, ultimately falling short.

“It’s been a 12-player effort, and to see how everybody contributed to every game, it’s just massive,” said Jordaan.

“We are very grateful for the seamless collaboration between the team management, including myself, Bongi, Tass, and Amy, which contributed to a truly fantastic season.”

KD STARS PROMOTED TO DIVISION 1

The Kingdom Stars dominated the Baobabs in a repeat of last year’s Telkom Netball League (TNL) promotion/relegation match, thrashing them 60-42. This convincing win secures Kingdom Stars’ spot in Division 1, showcasing their strength and determination.  The Baobabs’ towering Goal Shooter, Muhluri Hlatshwayo, led the team to an early 14-10 lead in the first quarter.  However, Baobabs’ inconsistent play allowed the Stars to dominate the second quarter, taking control 25-20.

The KwaZulu-Natal team, uplifted by their victory over the Tornados in the group finals, entered the game with renewed energy. Goal Shooter Sbonga Mdletshe excelled in the quarter, consistently converting shots, while her opponent struggled to find rhythm.

Nompumelelo Mthembu’s side maintained their dominance, leading 48-29 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter sealed Emily Mathosa’s team’s fate, a dreaded demotion to Division 2 in the 2026 Season.

TNL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:

Best Shooter – Olwethu Ngubane (Fireballs)

Best Centre – Refiloe Nketsa (Crinums)

Best Defender – Jamie van Wyk (Jaguars)

Player of the Tournament – Tarle Mathe (Fireballs)

Sunday, 20 July 2025 Results:

13:00 – Relegation Match: Baobabs 42 – 60 Kingdom Stars

15:00 – Final D1: Golden Fireballs 47 – 40 Crinums

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A man accused of rape back in court

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Picture: The rape accused, Kagalelo Setlhare

By REGINALD KANYANE

21 July 2025- A rape case against the accused, Kagalelo Setlhare (45), will resume today at the Taung Magistrate’s Court. Setlhare, who is affectionately known as Starzen, was arrested and charged with rape.

He was granted a R2000 bail.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was attending a Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival at PH Moeketsi High School in Taung, a few months ago and she went outside the venue to look for her friend. Mokgwabone said Setlhare allegedly grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her.

“Although the complainant works at the place in question, she was not on duty on the day of the incident, but attending a gospel festival. The accused appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court. He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said it is disillusioned that despite constant talk, there has been no tangible action to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Cameron said the seeming inability and unwillingness to implement strategies is evidenced by the continued non-compliance with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act.

“Despite the commitment made to the committee in a meeting held on 30 October 2024, there remain a substantial number of administrative and operational non-compliances at police station level. The direct consequence of the non-compliance is that the lives of the victims are endangered.

“It is concerning that of the 243 police stations visited, 60 non-compliance incidents were reported, including the failure to properly record reported incidents, which can be used in a court of law should the need arise,” he said.

Cameron said such records are necessary to ensure effective conviction of GBV crimes and gaps must be eradicated. He said the committee underscored that, while the presentation painted an improvement in certain areas, the reality on the ground is that many victims are still turned away from police stations when reporting GBV or the police do not deliver protection orders within the stipulated timeframes.

“The lack of consequence management within the South African Police Service (SAPS) is the root cause of this inability to change course and to adhere to prescripts. Until the SAPS ensure that errant police officers are held accountable, there will be no change.

“It is still concerning that to this day, there are police stations that do not have Victim-Friendly Rooms (VFR) that enable victims to report crime in a safe and discreet room. The SAPS reported that there are 95 Stations without designated VFR,” said Cameron.

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Banyana Banyana face Nigeria in WAFCON semi-final

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Picture: South Africa celebrates during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match between South Africa and Senegal at Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco/©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 July 2025- Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis was full of praise for her charges after they managed to defeat a resolute Senegal in the quarterfinals of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against the old enemy, Super Falcons of Nigeria.

South Africa beat the Lionesses of Teranga 4-1 on penalties as both sides could not be separated at the end of extra time with no goals on the board on 19 July at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco.

Ellis introduced fresh legs in the second half, bringing on Amogelang Motau, Nonhlanhla Mthandi and Bongeka Gamede for Lebohang Ramalepe, Sibulele Holweni and Linda Motlhalo. Gamede was making her first appearance in the tournament.

“I said the game was not going to be easy. I said it was going to be a difficult game because of the group they were in and how they got out – and we did not expect anything less. The first 15 minutes, we showed a bit of nerves, trying to get into the game but once we got into the game, we nullified the threat, their two tall strikers.

“We dealt very well with their long ball, but sometimes we gave the ball away too cheaply. Senegal has improved from the last time we played them, the coach has done a fantastic job,” she said.

Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made two great saves in the penalty shootout, while Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado and Bambanani Mbane ensured that South Africa stayed in the game to give the defending champions a massive 4-1 win.

“We have been practicing penalties and we knew who our kickers were going to be and that’s why we made the changes we made. We always knew that Andile could save one or two – she had done it before.

“This was our first penalty shoot victory in the WAFCON – we lost it in 2006 and in 2018 in the final. I don’t have enough words to describe this team – the resilience, the courage, the never-say-die attitude, the willingness to fight for each other,” said Ellis.

She further said no matter what Senegal threw at them, they were able to withstand that. Ellis added that South Africa and Nigeria will meet in the last four on 22 July at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

“We are not thinking about Nigeria right now, we will think about the next match tomorrow. Let’s celebrate what we have done,” she said.

Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana headed to Casablanca as they departed Oujda, a place they have called home over the last 16 days where they played all their four matches in the tournament. In the other semi-final, hosts Morocco will face Ghana.

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Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Phukwi 2025- Kgetsi ya go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, Korononea Jeremia Modise (34) wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago go fitlha fa Phukwi a tlhola matsatsi a le 22. Se, ke go letla molatofadiwa go tsenya kopo ya beile.

Modise o buseditsweng kwa ntlou-lefitshwana, o tlhotse a shadikantse matlho fa pele ga magistrata kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya. Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke Modise ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga.

Go begwa fa Sebico a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna bangwe ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le molatofadiwa, eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.

“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore banna ba, ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

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Manopole to lead series of impactful outreach activities

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

17 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, will on 18 July 2025, lead a series of impactful community outreach activities in Roodepan in honour of Nelson Mandela Day. Manopole said under the 2025 theme: “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity,” this initiative reaffirms the department’s unwavering commitment to social justice and active citizenship by directly addressing the needs of vulnerable communities across the Northern Cape.

“Mandela Day is a global call to action that reminds us all of our ability and responsibility to make a positive difference in our communities. It is in this spirit that the department has

curated a three-part programme that seeks to promote the spirit of humanity among citizens, support vulnerable households and uplift under-resourced areas through service delivery and social care.

“The day’s programme will unfold at a Community Soup Kitchen, where over 300 residents of Roodepan will be served a warm meal, offering not just nourishment, but a tangible reminder of collective compassion and support,” she said.

Manopole further said they will also visit the Household Garden Establishment in Lethabo Park, where 10 vulnerable homes in Lethabo Park Informal Settlement are identified and will be supported with garden tools and seeds.

“I will personally hand over the materials, launching household food gardens as a step toward long-term food security and self-sufficiency. In partnership with volunteers and departmental officials, we will visit the Refurbishment of Harvest Time Church afterwards.

“The Harvest Time Church is a home to many early childhood development activities that will be refurbished. This effort will restore dignity and improve the learning environment for young children and their Educators,” said Manopole.

She said they call on all residents, institutions and stakeholders to embody the spirit of Ubuntu and continue working together in the fight against poverty and inequality. Manopole said Mandela Day serves as a reminder that the legacy of Madiba is best honoured through action that transforms lives and restores hope.

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A doctor at Taung District Hospital suspended over assault incident  

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Picture: The injured finger of Kegomoditswe Monogwe/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

17 July 2025- A medical doctor and a cleaner at the Taung District Hospital have been suspended pending investigation. This comes after an assault incident, where the medical doctor, Kingsley Idugboe allegedly assaulted a cleaner, Kegomoditswe Monogwe (58).

According to Monogwe, there was a certain doctor who was staying at the doctors’ residential area within the hospital vicinity and gave her some belongings when he moved out. However, it is alleged that Idugboe took those items instead.

“So, there was a confrontation between Igduboe and I that led to an assault. We were fighting for the key of the house and he bit my finger. I reported the matter to the hospital management and also opened an assault case at Taung Police Station.

“I spoke to the doctor who said I should take the belongings from the house and alluded that he never gave Igduboe any right to take them,” she said.

The North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said they are aware of the alleged incident. Lekgethwane said at this stage, the incident and the fight over the belongings is treated as allegations.

“There is an investigation team appointed to probe the alleged incident. Both the doctor and the cleaner have been placed on precautionary leave to allow smooth proceeding of the investigation. The belongings are withheld as part of asset verification, which is also part of the investigation. The investigation will reveal if they belong to the state, the doctor or the cleaner and will be distributed accordingly once the investigation is complete,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen said: “It is alleged that the suspect removed items from the house of the complainant’s employer without permission. The complainant approached the suspect in order to get the property back and in turn was assaulted.

“An assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) case was opened, but the suspect is unknown. The investigating officer is still obtaining statements at this point in time.”

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Police urge individuals to be cautious at all times

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By REGINALD KANYANE

17 July 2025- The police in Northern Cape said policing of contact crimes remains their priority. The police urge the public not to overindulge, to enjoy responsibly and know one’s limit.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said it is against this backdrop that communities are urged to adhere to safety hints to prevent falling prey or be victim of contact crimes. Sam said they urge community members to stay alert – awareness is their best defence.

“Taking self-defence lessons is a valuable option. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers and always stay in well-lit areas.

“Never walk alone in secluded areas. Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.

Sam further said individuals should have their keys available when they reach their homes or cars. He added that they should keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it.

“Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim- get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you are in trouble. If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence.

“Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of contact crimes. If you have had your keys taken, robbed or lost, ensure you change the locks. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Sam.

He said individuals should never leave their drinks unattended. Sam said it could be tampered with and leaves them as victims of date rape.

“Stay alert and safe. Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call the police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember however, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence.

“Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on. If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your mobile phone or write a draft text message. Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or the police,” he said.

Sam said individuals should always have an emergency contact on speed dial. He advises them to call their nearest police station or 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime using the MySAPS app,” said Sam.

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Monna wa kwa Dikhuting o tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

17 Phukwi 2025- Monna wa kwa motseng wa Dikhuting, gaufi le Taung, o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Se, se tla morago ga gore a latofatswe ka go teketa le go shupa ka sethunya.

Go ya ka dipego, monna wa kwa Picong, Batsile Eric Sebico (43) one a tlhaselwa le go teketwa ke mmelaelwa ka kgwedi ya Seetebosigo mono ngwaga. Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a kgorogelwa ke banna ba ba neng ba tsamaya ka sejanaga sa Toyota GD6 ga mmogo le Volkswagen Polo e khibidu ka mmala kwa legaeng la gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tsena kwa legae la mongongoregi le go mo teketa. Mokgwabone are go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba thuntsa dokolo di le pedi mo setswalong sa mongongoregi pele ga ba ka tsamaya.

“Sepodisi se butse dikgetsi di le tharo kgatlhanong le babelaelwa eleng kgetsi ya go teketa, tshenyo ya dithoto ga mmogo le go shupa ka sethunya.

“Jaaka sepodisi, ga re na bopaki jwa gore babelaelwa ba tshabiwa ke sepodisi, ebile ba amega mo dikgetsing tse dingwe. Jaanong, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a nang le bopaki mabapi le seo go tsenya ngongora gore sepodisi se batlisise ntlha eo,” Mokgwabone wa tlhalosa.

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IEC introspection on 2024 National and Provincial elections

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes.

The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mosa Chabane said areas of improvement identified by the IEC, such as challenges with the IT system, faults with the voter management devices, voting station inefficiencies and the need for improved training of electoral staff assure the committee that the Commission is doing everything to improve the quality of voting experience and efficiency of a voting station.

Chabane said the committee highlighted that the report also reaffirms the IEC’s credibility as a body that delivers quality, verifiable and open elections.

“Despite this, the committee emphasised the need for a reassessment of how to address the challenge of voter apathy and declining voter turnout. The committee has emphasised that enhanced civic and democratic education strategies must be urgently implemented to ensure that the number of voters increases, thereby strengthening the country’s democracy.

“There must be a reflection, not only from the IEC’s perspective but from society in general, that voter turnout is unacceptably low and impacts on the strength of South African democracy, a hard-fought right,” he said.

Chabane further said the committee reaffirmed the IEC’s integrity and system veracity over time, and acknowledged improvement since its establishment. He added that, additionally, IEC has been recognised as a benchmark for election machinery on the continent.

“The committee reflected on the impact of Section 24 (A) provision in the Electoral Amendment Act. The committee called on the IEC to develop a report on both the positive and negative impacts of this section during the 2024 elections.

“The committee highlighted its strong view on the need to review this provision, especially in the context of the unintended consequences for voter apathy,” said Chabane.

He said the committee welcomed the assurance from the IEC that it is working on a reimagined voter experience that includes the value proposition that a voter does not spend more than 30 minutes in a voting station.

“This would require improving the quality of staff employed at voting stations, optimising processes, ironing out problems with technical tools and improving the response rate to challenges arising in voting stations,” said Chabane.

Meanwhile, he said the committee has urged the IEC to highlight any legislative gaps that the committee and Parliament can work on to ensure that elections are seamless. He said the committee welcomed the 59% increase in the number of voting districts over the past 25 years, which reduces the average spread of voters per voting station.

“The committee continued to highlight that voting stations must be as close as possible to the people to ensure ease of access. Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the processing of the legal matter relating to IEC Commissioner, Dr Nomsa Masuku in line with and within the framework of the Constitution.

“The committee welcomes the fact that the Commissioner has not participated in IEC affairs since her legal challenges. On the expiry of the term of the IEC Chairperson, Mosotho Moepya, and those of Judge Dhaya Pillay and Dr Masuku, the committee thanked them for their service and integrity in advancing the work of the IEC,” said Chabane.

He said their dedication and sleepless nights have contributed to strengthening South Africa’s democracy. Chabane said the committee has reiterated the need for continued protection of the IEC’s credibility, as it plays a crucial role in promoting democratic processes.         

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Committee recommended probing Mkhwanazi’s allegations

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Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 July 2025 – A joint meeting between the Portfolio Committee on Police and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development said it has resolved to recommend to the National Assembly (NA) that an ad hoc committee is the best parliamentary process to consider allegations made by the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.

The Chairperson of Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said following consideration of a Parliamentary Legal Service legal opinion, the committees were of the view that an ad hoc committee is the best format to interrogate the allegations. Cameron said ad hoc committees are formed as per Rule 253 of the National Assembly.

“The rationale for this option is that the scope of such a committee is specific and time-bound. The committee was presented with two alternative options: a full-blown investigative inquiry and two committees exercising their conferring powers in terms of NA Rule 169.

“The majority of committee members present in the meeting were in favour of the ad hoc committee, as members felt Parliament would thereby remain involved in such a process exercising their oversight responsibility,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola shared the same sentiments. Nqola said the committee reiterated the urgency of the matter and the need to reach findings on the allegations to protect the integrity and standing of the entire criminal justice system.

“Also, the committee highlighted the need to avoid duplication of the work of the commission of inquiry established by the President. Lastly, the committee emphasised the need for continuous oversight over the work of the Presidential commission of inquiry and requested that the interim reports submitted to the President be made available to Parliament.

“At the next meeting, the committee is expected to discuss the terms of reference and timelines for such an ad hoc committee. The committees will on 23 July 2025, as per the directive from the Speaker, recommend to the NA that an ad hoc committee be established to consider the matter,” he said.

Nqola said furthermore, the committees’ recommendations will emphasise the need for urgency in considering the matter.

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