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.
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.”
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole
By BAKANG MOKOTO
8 June 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole led the provincial Child Protection Week programme in Victoria West, Ubuntu Local Municipality, under the theme: “Working Together in Ending Violence Against Children.” The event, supported by Ubuntu Local Municipality mayor, Sheryl Jantjies and local councillors, brought together government departments, SAPS, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, parents, caregivers and children to strengthen efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence.
Manopole said key stakeholders delivered messages of support, highlighting the importance of collaboration in safeguarding children. She further said SAPS underscored the role of law enforcement in combating child abuse, Legal Aid South Africa outlined available legal support services, while Child Ambassador Olothando Brys encouraged young people to make informed choices and remain focused on their education and future aspirations.
“Child protection is a shared responsibility. Children are the heart of our nation. Protecting them requires families, communities and the government to work together to create safe homes, schools and communities.
“We also raised concern over child abuse, sexual violence and teenage pregnancy in the province, noting that 396 child abuse cases were reported in the Northern Cape during the 2025/26 financial year, highlighting the need for stronger prevention and early intervention programmes,” added Manopole.
She said the Child Protection Week programme forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection services, family preservation programmes and community-based interventions addressing challenges such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), substance abuse, family violence and teenage pregnancy.
She said the department also promoted awareness of reporting mechanisms and support services available to children and families, while encouraging communities to speak out against abuse and support child safety. Manopole called on parents, caregivers and community members to remain vigilant and to take children seriously when they report abuse or unsafe situations.
“Together, we can end violence against children and build a safer future for every child in the Northern Cape. In support of vulnerable families, we handed over 100 fleece blankets to parents and caregivers and distributed dignity packs to children during the programme.
“The initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to improving the wellbeing of children and families, while ensuring that vulnerable members of the community receive much-needed support and care during the winter season,” she said.
Manopole said the department extends its appreciation to all stakeholders, including SAPS, the Departments of Health, Education and Justice, municipalities, NGOs, faith-based organisations and community structures for their continued commitment to protecting children’s rights and wellbeing. She said as Child Protection Week continues, communities across the Northern Cape are encouraged to participate in awareness programmes, report abuse and help create safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive.
8 June 2026- President Cyril Ramaphosa says government will undertake a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre this year.
“Many other countries have refugee reception centres close to the place where refugees enter the country seeking asylum or refuge,” the President said.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said moving refugee reception centres closer to the country’s borders is intended to ensure asylum applications are processed more efficiently, securely and fairly.
“This will enable government to determine protection needs at the point of entry to ensure that those who genuinely require protection receive assistance as quickly as possible,” he said.
The President said a key part of government’s response to migration challenges is strengthening the immigration system by stamping out corruption and deploying cutting-edge technology.
“We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs. We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption.
“Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. We will pursue these cases relentlessly.
“Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law,” he said.
President Ramaphosa reiterated that migration is a global reality and that South Africa must be prepared to embrace it.
“South Africa is a better country for migration. And we can become better still. But that means our laws need to be strengthened and more effectively enforced.
“It means that we must end illegal immigration and deal with the social, economic and security challenges to which it contributes.
“We must not allow ourselves to turn against foreign nationals or each other. We must all respect the Constitution, uphold the basic human rights of all people and consistently uphold the law of the land.
“We reject the notion that we must tolerate illegal immigration. We can protect our borders while protecting human dignity,” the President said.
He expressed confidence that South Africa can overcome the challenge of illegal immigration, just as it has overcome division, conflict and injustice in the past.
“South Africa has overcome far greater challenges than this. We will overcome this challenge too,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: The Chief Director of the NWU Business School, Prof Joseph Sekhampu/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 June 2026 – South Africa’s higher education system continues to expand at a time when the economy into which it feeds remains largely unchanged. Universities are expected to serve as engines of social mobility, offering individuals a path out of poverty and into the middle class.
However, the Chief Director of the NWU Business School, Prof Joseph Sekhampu said this expectation depends on an economy capable of absorbing and productively deploying those skills. Sekhampu said that assumption is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.
“Degrees continue to accumulate faster than the demand for high-skilled labour. The tension reflects a deeper misalignment between human capital formation and the structure of the economy. A degree functions not only as a qualification but also as a signal of future economic position.
“Students pursue higher education in part because it promises access to occupations, incomes, and social status associated with middle-class life. The value of that signal depends not only on what graduates know, but also on whether the economy continues to generate enough opportunities for those expectations to be realised,” he said.
Sekhampu further said human capital theory assumes that investment in education leads to higher productivity and growth, provided that labour markets are responsive. He added that in South Africa, however, the structure of growth has remained narrow.
“Over the past two decades, economic activity has been concentrated in capital-intensive sectors, protected industries, and segments of the public sector. While specialised and globally connected sectors continue to absorb skilled graduates, they do so at a scale far below overall graduate output.
“The challenge is not simply the number of jobs available, but the absence of broad labour absorption across the economy. Universities operate within incentives shaped largely by the broader economy,” said Sekhampu.
He said the result is a system that successfully produces graduates, but within an economy that has not expanded the sectors capable of absorbing and rewarding those skills. Sekhampu said the way success is measured reinforces this pattern.
“Funding models and institutional rankings emphasise enrolment growth, graduation rates, and research output. These metrics provide an internal view of performance but reveal little about the external outcomes facing graduates.
“Graduate unemployment is frequently framed as a problem of skill mismatches rather than a labour market unable to expand at the required pace. Skills mismatches undoubtedly exist, particularly in specialised technical occupations,” he said.
Sekhampu said, yet, mismatches alone cannot explain persistent graduate unemployment in an economy where overall labour absorption remains weak and the creation of professional opportunities has lagged educational expansion. He said better matching cannot solve a shortage of opportunities when the vacancies themselves remain scarce.
“For many students, a degree represents entry into a different social and economic position. When that expectation is not realised, the result is not simply unemployment, but a form of deferred mobility.
“Graduates adapt through further study, informal work, entrepreneurship, or migration, but these responses do not resolve the underlying constraint,” said Sekhampu.
He said higher education increasingly plays a positional function within the labour market. Sekhampu said Degrees help individuals compete for a limited number of professional and managerial positions, but do not necessarily increase the number of such positions available.
“As credential acquisition expands, graduates often require higher levels of qualification to secure outcomes that previous generations achieved with fewer credentials. Therefore, the challenge is not simply graduate unemployment.
“It is the possibility that educational expansion is beginning to outpace the economy’s capacity to reproduce middle-class opportunities. None of this implies that South Africa produces too many graduates,” he said.
Sekhampu said by international standards, participation in higher education remains relatively low and expanding access remains essential. He said the issue is not educational expansion itself, but the growing gap between the pace of educational expansion and the pace at which the economy generates productive opportunities for those graduates.
“Policy responses have focused on improving access and strengthening the transition from school to university. These remain important, but they do not address the central constraint.
“The problem lies beyond the educational system itself. It lies in an economy that has struggled to generate enough opportunities for meaningful inclusion. Even where reforms are pursued, their effects are likely to be gradual relative to the scale of the current imbalance,” said Sekhampu.
He said a degree remains one of the strongest predictors of job success in South Africa. Sekhampu said the concern is not that degrees have lost value but that they are becoming less reliable as guarantees of upward mobility than many students and families assume.
“Universities can continue to expand enrolment, qualifications, and aspirations, but signals only retain their power when the economy can still honour them.
“Every society needs a credible answer to a simple question: how do we get ahead? For decades, education has been one of South Africa’s most important answers. Not because it guaranteed success, but because it made success appear attainable through effort and achievement,” he said.
Sekhampu said the challenge is not merely graduate unemployment. He said this is what happens when the connection between achievement and advancement becomes increasingly uncertain.
8 June 2026 – AVBOB said it can confirm that the recent disruption to certain of its digital platforms and services is the result of an incident involving external malicious actors. AVBOB said the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and its technical teams, together with specialist partners are working around the clock to restore functionality.
AVBOB General Manager: Corporate Affairs, Adriaan Bester said while investigations are still underway to determine the full nature and extent of the incident, including whether any personal information may have been impacted, they can confirm that steady progress has already been made. Bester said work continues at a rapid pace to restore functionality as quickly and safely as possible.
“We wish to assure our policyholders, partners and stakeholders that we are actively managing the situation and prioritising the continuity of essential services. While some systems and branch services remain affected, all AVBOB branches nationwide remain operational and available to assist with payments, claims registration and funeral arrangements through manual procedures.
“Clients who may experience delays in making payments during this period will not be negatively affected. Policyholders will not be prejudiced as a result of this temporary disruption. In the interim, clients who experience technical difficulties accessing AVBOB’s digital platforms may pay their premiums online using the following secure link: https://payat.io/qr/11745,” he said.
Bester further said policyholders should use their policy numbers as reference. He added that they also urge everybody to make sure not to use any other link to make payments.
“Always take great care to ensure that any payment link is real since these links can be changed by fraudsters. Clients who need to lodge new claims may do so directly via email at: myclaim@avbob.co.za.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank our clients and partners for their patience and understanding. We are committed to restoring all systems as soon as possible and returning to normal operations,” concluded Bester.
8 June 2026 – The NWU Soccer Institute has secured promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mkhambathi FC. After a goalless first half, the Eagles as the NWU Soccer Institute is affectionately known, found another gear, scoring twice in the second half, including a crucial penalty, to get the job done and achieve their primary objective, securing professional football status.
The NWU Soccer Institute said this historic achievement is a testament to the hard work, resilience and excellence that define NWU. The university said as the institute approaches its 20th anniversary, the team has written a new chapter in its proud legacy.
“Today, the Eagles will compete in the national final for bragging rights.”
Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
8 June 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong conducted a full day of service delivery engagements in Pampierstad, combining an oversight visit of Operation Vala Zonke, a structural assessment of the Kolong bridge in Pampierstad and a laptop handover ceremony at Pampierstad High School. Makatong said the engagements form part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure development, and empowering young people through access to technology and education.
“We conducted an on-site oversight visit to monitor progress on the implementation of Operation Vala Zonke in the Phokwane Local Municipality, with particular focus on roads affected by the recent devastating floods across the Northern Cape.
“The floods have been devastating not just in terms of the physical damage to our road infrastructure, but in terms of the impact on communities who depend on these roads for access to hospitals, schools and economic opportunity,” she said.
Makatong further said Operation Vala Zonke has been activated specifically to address this damage. She added that she came to see with her own eyes that the work is happening and that their communities are being restored.
“Our department has moved swiftly to conduct comprehensive damage assessments across all affected regions with emergency repairs prioritized on key routes. We will not simply patch, we will rebuild with the changed climate in mind. Every road we fix is a lifeline restored.
“The collaboration between provincial government and local municipalities is essential in responding to flood damage. A road network is only as strong as its weakest link and many of those links fall under municipal jurisdiction. That is why the provincial government is partnering directly with municipalities sharing equipment, technical expertise, and resources,” said Makatong.
She said they have a duty to support the local government in fulfilling their mandate to communities. Makatong also conducted a hands-on assessment of the Pampierstad Bridge (Kolong Bridge) on the MR933 road following recent concerns regarding infrastructure conditions and mobility in the area.
“We acknowledge the broader challenge of ageing infrastructure in the context of rapidly changing climate conditions. I received the report from the engineers who are part of this assessment and they did indicate to me that the bridge is still in good condition.
“During the recent rainfalls, the Harts river was full to the brink, which led to the water spilling over the bridge and I think that caused panic to the community as they thought that the bridge would collapse. I can assure the community of Phokwane, especially the one here in Pampierstad that their bridge is in good condition and is driveable,” she said.
Makatong said she officially handed over laptops to learners at Pampierstad High School in support of digital learning and educational excellence. Addressing learners during the handover ceremony, she said: “Today, by placing these laptops in your hands, we are saying to you, your education matters, your future matters, and this government is investing in both.
“The laptop handover forms part of the government’s broader commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that learners in rural and under-resourced communities have access to the tools they need to succeed.”
8 June 2026 – The police in Marikana request the community’s assistance in locating Dimakatso (Makgato) Mokabatlhobolo (36) of Marikana. The police said Mokabatlhobolo was last seen by her husband at their residence in Redcliff, Lekgalong in Marikana, near Rustenburg, on 3 October 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted in Marikana and surrounding areas, without positive results. Morake said at the time of her disappearance, Mokabatlhobolo was possibly wearing a blue night dress.
“She is light in complexion, with a slender build body and black bob haircut. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Mokabatlhobolo’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Cebo Mnyakama on 072 707 9790.
“Alternatively, they can call their local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.
8 June 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said over recent months, South Africans from every walk of life have raised concerns about migration and illegal immigration. Ramaphosa said these concerns are being expressed in communities, workplaces, schools, clinics and across social media platforms.
He further said many South Africans are asking difficult, but legitimate questions. Ramaphosa added that they are asking whether the borders are secure.
“They are concerned about jobs. South Africans are raising these matters because they are concerned about pressure on public services. They are concerned about safety, security and the rule of law. These concerns are real, they deserve to be heard and they deserve to be addressed.
“South Africans are asking whether the government is taking the necessary steps to address these challenges. Tonight, I want to address these concerns. I want to explain what the government is doing to address them. And I want to outline the principles that must guide us as we confront this challenge together,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they must be honest about the context in which these concerns arise. He said South Africa faces persistently high levels of unemployment, especially among young people.
“Too many families are struggling to make ends meet. Too many communities are experiencing poverty and inadequate access to opportunities. In such circumstances, frustration can easily be directed at those perceived to be competitors for jobs and resources. Yet, we must recognise that illegal immigration is not the cause of all our economic challenges.
“The answer must be faster economic growth, greater investment, industrial expansion, infrastructure development and the creation of millions of new jobs. We know that migration is a global issue. It affects all countries,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the country – like many others throughout history – is a product of migration. Ramaphosa said it is the reason for their diversity and contributes to their vibrancy.
“As a democracy, we have welcomed visitors to our country. In line with our international obligations and our constitutional values, we accept people from other countries in need of protection from wars, conflicts, discrimination and violence. Like every other country in the world, we have laws that determine who can come to our country, what they can do here and how long they can stay.
“The basic principle, on which we all agree, is that every person within the borders of South Africa should be here legally. Every person who works in our country must be legally permitted to work. Every person who runs a business here must be legally permitted to run a business,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the challenge they have is that some people have migrated to the country irregularly and are here illegally. He said South Africa has a right to implement policies and measures that prevent irregular migration.
“South Africa is committed to protect, uphold and advance the human rights of all people in our country, whether citizens or foreign nationals. We are committed to honour our international obligations. The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state and the state alone.
“There have been weaknesses in the way migration has been managed. There have been weaknesses in rigorous and focused enforcement. There have been instances of corruption. There have been gaps in our systems that have undermined public confidence. South Africans are entitled to expect better,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they accept that responsibility and they are taking decisive action to correct these shortcomings. Ramaphosa said South Africans have a right to expect a state that is effective, professional and capable of enforcing its own laws.
“Government will accordingly take action to address the expectations of our people in dealing with the challenge of the violations of our immigration laws. I must make it clear that only the authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violation of our immigration laws.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality. We know that South Africans are not xenophobic as there is no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance in South Africa,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as communities and as a society, they must not be tempted to join those who want them to turn against people who were not born in South Africa and who are in their midst. He said they will and must not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise the country through inciting lawlessness and violence.
“We will act against forces who are exploiting the concerns of our people about illegal immigration to further their own political, personal or criminal agendas. We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals.
“We must be concerned that anti-foreigner sentiment is at times accompanied by tribal and ethnic slurs, insults or attacks aimed at other South Africans. We expect foreign nationals to respect our laws. We therefore need to respect them ourselves. Almost all South Africans recognise that illegal immigration is a significant challenge,” said Ramaphosa.
The Guardian 