Plethora of activities lined-up for Mandela Day   

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 July 2025- On 18 July 2025, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Dr Desbo Mohono, together with Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and Legislature staff, will commemorate International Nelson Mandela Day at various centres and schools across all four districts of the North West. Mohono said the commemoration aims to inspire citizens to take-action and help build a better world by fostering a spirit of service, responsibility, and compassion—values championed by the late global icon Nelson Mandela.

“The day is also intended to encourage communities to observe this humanitarian occasion by promoting the ethos of ‘Vukuzenzele’ (self-initiative) in honour of Madiba’s enduring legacy. Activities planned for the day include Presiding Officers, MPLs and Legislature staff will participate in various community service activities such as painting, cleaning, and plumbing at selected centres.

“Donating 50 blankets to each of the identified care centres.

Distributing grocery hampers sanitary towels, snake repellent solutions, beanies, socks, and other essentials. In some centres lunch will be hosted for the elderly and beneficiaries. Donating netball kits to vulnerable teams in the Madikwe area,” she said.

Mohono further said this includes distributing 200 school shoes per district to schools across all districts after reopening as part of the Mandela Day continuation. She added that the programme will begin at 9am.

“Accompanied by some MPLs and staff, I will lead activities at Madikwe clinic, Lesedi Day Care Centre in Madikwe and Cywerskraal in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The Deputy Speaker, Collen Maine, will visit the Thusong Centre in Ntswanahatshe village and Molelema Primary School in Taung.

“The Chief Whip, Motlalepula Rosho will be at Itirele Service Club and Sizanani Old Age Centre in Kgakala Township, in Maquassi. The Chairperson of Chairpersons, Tebogo Modise will lead activities at Thari Mpepe Feeding Scheme, Bua MoAfrika Centre (Sangalala), and Sebakwane Social Club in Imperial Reserve, Ext. 38, and Golf View, Mahikeng,” said Mohono.  

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ANC in North West expected to expel its 10 councillors from embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

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By OBAKENG MAJE

16 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) in North West is expected to expel 10 of its councillors at the embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg. This comes after Mazwi Moruri, Jairous Modisakeng, Aaron Motlung, Manti Motsepo, Bafana Nkutha, Koos Rabeng, Titus Maxongo, Dolph Ngake, Tshepiso Mere and Sibusiso Thamaga, accused of violating the party’s constitution.

It is alleged that, the above-mentioned individuals, refused to obey the party’s instruction by supporting the election of Molefe Morutshe as the new mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality among others. The ANC’s Provincial Disciplinary Committee found them guilty after undergoing a disciplinary process.

According to the ANC representative, Tebogo Mohlamme’ submission, the appropriate sanction in terms of paragraph 59 of the appendix 3 of the Constitution of the ANC as amended and adopted at the 55th National Conference should be implemented. Mohlamme’s report said the ANC reached an agreement with these councillors on 27 May 2025, however, they went against it.

“The charged members refused to drink and therefore, the matter must be finalised by the Provincial Disciplinary Committee in terms of the provision of Rule 25.21 and Rule 25.22 of the constitution of the ANC.  The ANC deployed all charged members as its public representatives at Ditsobotla Local Municipality following bi-elections, which were held on 14 December 2022. 

“The bi-elections were scheduled by the IEC after the municipal council was dissolved in terms of Section 139 (1) (c) of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 as amended. The ANC managed to obtain 16 seats from 39 available at the municipal council. 

“The facts before the Provincial Disciplinary Committee are that the party caucus is highly divided and there is nothing that can unite the comrades deployed at Ditsobotla Local Municipality. ANC PEC decision to deploy comrade Molefe Morutshe as the intervention mayor at the Ditsobotla Local Municipality,” he said.  

Mohlamme further said as the results of political and administrative challenges at Ditsobotla Local Municipality, the ANC PEC resolved that Morutshe be deployed as the mayor of Ditsobotla Local Municipality and such mandate was communicated to the party caucus of the organisation on 28 February 2025.  He added that for record purposes, the deployment of the mayor, speaker and chief whip of any municipality, falls within the deployment process of the organisation.

“The party caucus did not implement the mandate as expected by the organisation and another party caucus was convened at Mpekwa House on 3 March 2025 as the mayoral candidate of the Ditsobotla Local Municipality. However, the meeting was not successful due to no show of the above-mentioned individuals. 

“The decision was taken by the organisation to initiate the disciplinary proceedings against the above-mentioned comrades in terms of the provision of Rule 25.17 of the constitution of the ANC and here under are the misconduct charges which were preferred against the ten members,” said Mohlamme.

He said the councillors are guilty of contravention of Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as amended and adopted at the 55th National Congress in Nasrec in Johannesburg in that you have acted in breach of membership oath. Mohlamme said on being accepted as the member of the ANC, in language that was well understood by them as provided for in Rule 4.16 of the constitution of ANC, they made solemn declarations to the body or person designated to administer such oaths.

“When joining the organisation as a member, you agreed that you will respect the constitution and the structure and work as the loyal members of the organisation and further that you will place your energies and skills at the disposal of the organisation and carry out tasks given to yourselves,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is expected to present verdicts of cases tabled before the provincial disciplinary committee today at the ANC Chief Whip’s Boardroom in the North West Provincial Legislature in Mahikeng at 2pm.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said: “In terms of Appendix 3 of the ANC Constitution on disciplinary procedure, the organisation is required to publicise the verdicts of matters processed by the Disciplinary Committee of the ANC.

“In light of these requisites, the PDC has finalised a number of cases, which includes amongst others, matters relating to embattled comrades and deployees in Ditsobotla.”

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Presidency condemns DA’s harassment to presidential envoy, Mcebisi Jonas

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Picture: Former Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 July 2025- The Presidency said it cautions South Africa against treating Democratic Alliance (DA) ‘disinformation’ on matters of international relations and diplomacy as official government policy. This comes after DA’s allegations that Mcebisi Jonas, who was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to restore working relations with the US government, has so far received a cold-shoulder.

However, Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the DA’s latest effort to embarrass Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to North America, Jonas Mcebisi, involves claims – in the DA’s framing – that the United States has rejected Jonas’s “credentials” and that Jonas is therefore unable to perform his role as Special Envoy. Magwenya said the DA seeks to add sensationalism to its claim by suggesting Ramaphosa and Jonas face a crisis in view of the United States’ pending implementation of trade tariffs announced several days ago by President Donald Trump.

“The facts around this matter include the reality that Special Envoys do not present diplomatic credentials to host countries in the way designated Heads of Mission or other diplomats are. While envoys are not required to account publicly for the work they undertake, the President’s own accounts of his performance include elements facilitated by envoys.

“Jonas’s outreach does not in any way supersede the leading role played by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in our difficult, but constructive trade negotiations with the United States, or in our diplomatic relations with this long standing partner,” he said.

Magwenya further said Jonas has, however, played an important role in working with the DTIC to develop the trade proposals in which South Africa is currently engaging the United States in good faith and with the expectation of mutually beneficial terms. He added that, similarly, he has been assisting DIRCO in the government’s efforts to reset diplomatic relations and all areas of cooperation between South Africa and the United States.

“While these processes are underway and in view of Ramaphosa’s telephonic contact with Trump as well as his Working Visit to Washington in May 2025, Ramaphosa has not had a need for Jonas to visit the United States on urgent business.

“The Presidency is therefore concerned about the Democratic Alliance’s persistent campaign against South Africa’s national interest and its posture of trying to embarrass and belittle our country and in this specific circumstance, Jonas,” said Magwenya.

He said this campaign has its origins in a Democratic Alliance visit to the United States earlier this year, to advance an ideological agenda rather than their national interest. Magwenya said the DA has positioned itself as part of a right-wing nexus that seeks to use a foreign state to effect changes to democratically developed national policies in their own country.

“The DA is trying cheaply, but dangerously to exploit a critical engagement between South Africa and the United States to protest Ramaphosa’s removal of Andrew Whitfield as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The DA’s pronouncements and insults against countries and international organisations – such as the Republic of Cuba or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – offends South Africa’s international relations and posture. If the DA were to succeed in undermining South Africa relations with various nations or institutions, the party would harm the viability of businesses and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of South Africans who work in sectors that depend on the expansion of our trade relations with the world,” he said.

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Committee calls for transformation in infrastructure sector

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 July 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency reiterated on Tuesday the importance of improving service delivery and ensuring the transformation of the infrastructure sector. The committee received a briefing from the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the entities’ strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Rikus Badenhorst, reminded the members of the role that infrastructure development plays in the nation’s development. Badenhorst said some members also stressed the importance of delivering essential social infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities.

“Stressing the importance of empowering local communities, members wanted to know how the IDT plans to source materials locally for infrastructure projects to stimulate local economies.

“Other issues they sought clarity on were gender mainstreaming and youth empowerment in infrastructure projects. There were also concerns about allegations of contractors who receive grades without completing any projects, and members wanted to know how the IDT verifies contractor qualifications,” he said.

Badenhorst further said in response, the IDT committed to setting clear targets for including youth and women in its projects. He added that the entity also assured the committee that efforts are underway to strengthen verification and compliance processes.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tebogo Malaka, told the committee that the entity is committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.

“We are actively working to establish partnerships with local suppliers and contractors to ensure that our projects benefit the communities they serve,” she said.

Badenhorst said the CIDB, as a crucial regulatory body, is a Schedule 3a public entity created to lead industry stakeholders in construction development. He said among its main focuses is to “facilitate and promote the improved contribution of the construction industry to South Africa’s economy and society” – a role the committee acknowledged and welcomed.

“Members heard that professionalising the contractor base and empowering and supporting emerging contractors were among the entity’s strategic goals. The committee was also concerned about budget constraints and their impact on transformation initiatives.

“Members also wanted to know about legislative amendments that may strengthen the CIDB’s regulatory powers, as some were concerned about the increase in non-compliance,” said Badenhorst.

The CEO of the CIDB, Bongani Dladla, assured the committee of the entity’s commitment to address the impact of budget cuts.

“While we have had to navigate some fiscal constraints, we are consolidating our efforts through the BUILD programme, which will enhance our support for emerging contractors and ensure that we maintain our commitment to transformation,” he said.

Badenhorst said the committee also heard that steps are underway to improve enforcement and reduce non-compliance on its contractor register. He said they reaffirmed the committee’s support for programmes that create jobs and promote local economic development.

“It is important for continuous monitoring to ensure that infrastructure development delivers meaningful change with tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans. The deliberations today reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensure that infrastructure development is responsive, inclusive and accountable,” said Badenhorst.

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National Schools Football Championship wraps up in Durban

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 July 2025- The National Schools Football Championship 2025 wrapped up at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Sports Grounds in Durban on Monday after three days of action that featured some of the most promising young talent from across the country. In addition to being a competition, the Championship also serves as a platform for growth.

Following the conclusion of the event, 18 Boys and 18 Girls will be selected for the national phase (Winter Games) to represent South Africa in the COSAFA Schools Championship. The two finals played on Monday were tightly contested affairs with both Boys and Girls going to penalties.

In the Girls’ final, KwaZulu-Natal edged past Mpumalanga Girls with a 4-2 win on penalties. In the Boys’ final, Free State beat Mpumalanga 5-3 on penalties.

Department of Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation director Mamoruti Monama commended all the teams that participated in the tournament.

“The tournament started well and ended well with new provinces crowned as winners. This shows that the national team that is going to be selected for the COSAFA competition is going to deliver good results,” she said.

Meanwhile, individual accolades were presented after the event with the Fair Play award going to Limpopo (Girls) and Western Cape (Boys).

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A man nabbed for ‘stealing’ a sheep  

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Picture: A meat from alleged stolen sheep/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 July 2025- A man (33) was arrested by the Petrusville police in connection with alleged stock-theft in the Revonia Township, near Petrusville. The incident occurred between 13 and 15 July 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the arrest followed a report by a local small-scale farmer, who noticed one of his sheep missing and requested police interventions. Sam said upon investigation, the police traced the suspect to a residence where they discovered a sheep carcass and skin matching the description provided by the complainant.

“The suspect was immediately apprehended. The South African Police Service (SAPS) urges farmers and livestock owners to implement safety tips to help prevent stock theft. They should ensure all fences and gates are in good condition and regularly maintained.

“Promptly repair any holes in or under fences. Personally inspect livestock rather than relying solely on employees. Secure kraals or enclosures where animals are kept. Be especially vigilant during full moons, weekends, month-ends, and other high-risk periods,” he said.

Sam further encouraged them to get to know their neighbours. He added that farmers should conduct regular livestock counts—at least once per week.

“Maintain an up-to-date and thorough stock register. Brand livestock in accordance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). Visit the SAPS Stock Theft Unit to obtain branding application forms.

“Consider installing CCTV cameras and other security technologies. Make use of community helplines established in partnership with SAPS, farmers’ unions, and local communities,” said Sam.

He said they should immediately report unfamiliar animals or suspicious individuals at grazing or kraal sites to SAPS and your neighbours. Sam said they should also avoid employing undocumented individuals.

“Ensure all employees are properly vetted and documented to assist with investigations if necessary. SAPS encourages all livestock owners to cooperate with the South African Police Service and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (STESU) to combat stock theft effectively.

“Members of the public with information on illegal stock theft activities are urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, via the MySAPS App, or report directly to their nearest Stock Theft Unit,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for rape

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By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the Northern Cape on Wednesday welcomes the convictions and sentences handed down by the Hopetown Regional Court against three accused individuals. The accused, Klaas van Rooyen (27) was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for rape and an additional three years imprisonment for house-breaking and theft.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the sentences are to run consecutively. Another accused, Jack Jantjies (29) and Jaco Demas (34), were each sentenced to three years imprisonment for house-breaking and theft. Shemane said all three accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“On 17 May 2019, the victim (28) and her sister were at home when they noticed an unfamiliar smell inside the house. They later went to their respective bedrooms. The following morning, the victim awoke to find that she had been raped and that several valuable items, including a music box, had been stolen.

“The matter was reported to the police and assigned to Detective Sergeant Frans Louw of the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. His thorough investigation led to the recovery of the stolen property, including the music box,” he said.

Shemane further said four suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident. He added that one of them passed away during the trial.

“Forensic evidence later linked one of the accused to the rape,” said Shemane.

Meanwhile, the SAPS Provincial Management commended Detective Sergeant Frans Louw for his meticulous investigation and further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and state prosecutor advocate Nicola van Niekerk in securing justice for the victim.

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Breaking News: Gwede Mantashe appointed as acting Minister of Police

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Picture: The acting Minister of Police, Gwede Mantashe

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, as Acting Minister of Police with immediate effect. Ramaphosa said Mantashe will serve in this capacity until Prof Firoz Cachalia, who will retire from his position at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of this month, assumes his position at the start of August.

“Mantashe will retain his responsibilities as Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources,” he said.

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Top cop, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya placed on special leave

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Picture: South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2025- The police crisis deepens as South African Police Service (SAPS) Deputy Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, is placed on leave. News this afternoon has been asked to take a leave of absence raises serious questions about governance and accountability in the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on Police, Ian Cameron, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said in policing, placing someone on leave of absence instead of suspending them for a disciplinary transgression is highly irregular and highlights the growing crisis of executive oversight at the top of SAPS. Cameron said this distinction is not a technicality, it is fundamental.

“A leave of absence is typically voluntary and granted for personal reasons, such as medical or family needs. It carries no disciplinary implications and is not defined anywhere in the SAPS Discipline Regulations. A suspension, by contrast, is imposed by the employer, either as a precautionary or disciplinary measure where serious allegations arise.

“The SAPS Discipline Regulations explicitly empower the National Commissioner to suspend a member on full pay, if they are alleged to have committed misconduct and their presence could jeopardise an investigation or endanger safety or state property,” he said.

Cameron further said that standard clearly applies here. He added that Sibiya remains subject to the SAPS Discipline Regulations.

“Only the National Commissioner and the nine Provincial Commissioners are excluded from the disciplinary code. By asking him to take “leave of absence,” SAPS has sidestepped its own disciplinary framework, undermining both the integrity of the investigation and the credibility of the institution.

“The DA will submit urgent Parliamentary questions to establish what exactly the allegations against Sibiya are. Why was the proper suspension or transfer process bypassed? What safeguards exist to ensure a credible, interference-free investigation?

“Under normal circumstances, the Minister of Police would be expected to exercise oversight and provide legal and policy clarity on such a serious step. Yet South Africa has now gone almost 48 hours with no appointed Minister of Police,” said Cameron.

He said this leadership vacuum compounds the crisis and raises further doubts about whether the SAPS leadership is being held to account in line with the law and the public interest. Cameron said accountability, transparency and the rule of law demand immediate action.

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Taxi driver sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor

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Picture: (Police Tape)

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 July 2025- A taxi driver, Nkululeko Nkabinde (39) from Nellmapius Extension 6 was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of rape. This comes after Nkabinde raped a girl (12) on 29 November 2020.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the court also ordered his inclusion on the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Mahanjana said this will reinforce the NPA’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and protecting vulnerable children.

“On 29 November 2020, around 8pm, Nkabinde visited the victim’s home in Nellmapius Extension 12, where her mother was selling alcohol. After purchasing alcohol, he met the victim walking home from a shop.

“He lured her to his residence with a promise of R200.  He drove with her and stopped his taxi at his gate, and insisted she enter his room for sexual intercourse. When she refused, Nkabinde raped her twice in the front seat of the taxi,” she said.

Mahanjana further said Nkabinde then drove her back, dropping her off near a bridge close to her home and threatened her not to tell anyone. She added that the victim, upon returning home, met her mother and friends who were searching for her and told them what had happened.

“The mother reported the incident to the South African Police Service, leading to Nkabinde’s arrest on 2 December 2020. Nkabinde pleaded not guilty, claiming the sexual intercourse was consensual and that he believed the victim was older,” said Mahanjana.

She said the state prosecutor, Advocate Corrine Maria Sam presented compelling evidence, including the victim’s testimony, facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma and the mother’s corroborating account. Mahanjana said Sam highlighted that the medical evidence confirmed the assault, noting the victim was a virgin at the time.

“The court rejected Nkabinde’s defence as implausible, finding the prosecution’s evidence credible and convicting him on both counts of rape. In mitigation, Nkabinde requested leniency, citing his responsibilities as a provider for his wife and two children.

“Sam opposed deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment under Section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, arguing that Nkabinde committed a grave act of GBV against a child the same age as his daughter,” she said. 

Sam said he took away the innocence of the child and exposed her to sexual acts, because at the time of the incident the victim was still virgin. Furthermore, Sam said Nkabinde showed no remorse for the offences, because even after being convicted he continued to lie to the court and said the child enjoyed it.  

Magistrate Adrian Bekker agreed with the state that Nkabinde’s cruel violation of a vulnerable child, coupled with his lack of remorse, demands the severest penalty to protect society. Bekker said he finds no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing life imprisonment.

Mahanjana said: “The NPA commends the courage of the victim, whose disclosure, supported by her mother and community, ensured accountability. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Marika Jansen Van Vuuren praised Sam and the investigating officer for their meticulous work, stating.

“This life sentence sends a powerful message. The NPA will relentlessly pursue perpetrators of GBV ensuring justice restores dignity for victims.”

She said the NPA urges communities to remain vigilant, report abuse promptly, and support survivors through Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs,) which offer medical, psychological, and legal assistance. Mahanjana said this case underscores the critical role of families and communities in protecting children and empowering them to disclose abuse.

“The NPA calls on South Africans to unite against GBV, fostering safe environments where children’s constitutional rights to dignity and safety are upheld and predators’ face the full might of the law,” she said.

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