Picture: The North West Department of Health and NWU sign a historical MOA for first medical school in the province
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 June 2024- The North West Health Department in partnership with the North West University (NWU) today hosted a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). The department, together with NWU has embarked on a journey to establish the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine and the process is at an advanced stage.
Hailed as a beacon of hope, the School of Medicine is envisioned to produce a high calibre of medical professionals who will assist in the development and acceleration of healthcare services upon qualification. While expressing the university’s commitment to the MoU, the NWU Principal and Vice Chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said the occasion represents a formal expression to a relationship rooted in mutual purposes.
“We commit to this MoU because we are determined to equip the medical profession. So this procedural milestone is an embodiment of public private collaboration in service of the public good,” said Tyobeka.
Meanwhile, in his keynote address, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari labelled the School of Medicine a compelling and urgent need.
“By establishing our own medical school, the North West Province is stepping up to be part of the solution. We are investing in a pipeline of home-grown health professionals who understand our communities, the language of our patients, our challenges and who will be more likely to remain and serve here.
“The objective of this milestone is that I call it a game-changer, catalysing socio-economic development across the province. The significance of placing a medical school in a predominantly rural province cannot be overstated. Rural areas are often underserved, not only in terms of infrastructure and resources but also in the availability of skilled health workers,” he said.
Lehari further said a medical school in the North West will contribute to rural retention, improve health equity and promote research focused on the specific health challenges of our communities. He added that there is a need to start confidently by believing that the medical school will contribute to advancements in healthcare by conducting ground-breaking studies that will lead to new treatments, technologies and understanding of diseases.
“I also believe that this medical school’s collaboration with our hospitals and clinics will translate research into real-world solutions, thereby directly improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of medicine.
“We highly appreciate the NWU management for their steadfast engagement, through complex consultative processes that reflect a potential of strong public partnerships,” said Lehari.
Picture: The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 June 2025- The Democratic Alliance in the North West said it has opened criminal cases against the Ditsobotla mayor, Molefe Morutse , the municipal speaker, Manana Bogatsu and the Municipal Manager, Oloatse Bojosinyane, under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, for fraud, intimidation, coercion and extortion. The DA said these criminal cases relate to the establishment of an illegal parallel municipal council at a meeting held in March 2025, where it is alleged that fraudulent resignation letters from the ‘legitimate’ mayor, speaker and legally appointed acting Municipal Manager, were presented and where they were illegally removed from office.
The DA North West Spokesperson on Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Chris Steyl said after this illegal parallel council meeting, Bojosinyane allegedly managed to gain access to the Ditsobotla municipal offices, resulting in two gunfights which saw two persons injured and the death of another. Steyl said in addition, by some form of manipulation, it is alleged that Bojosinyane gained access to the Ditsobotla municipal bank account, completely subverting the authority of the legitimate council and its officials.
“All transactions facilitated by Bojosinyane since his hostile takeover is tantamount to fraud, if not theft. In addition, this unlawful parallel troika and council have not only resorted to violence, but now employ mafia tactics like intimidation, coercion and extortion by withholding the salaries of councillors and municipal workers, who refuse to legitimise the unlawful behaviour of these pretenders, Morutse, Bogatsu and Bojosinyane, under the guise of an employee verification exercise.
“There are no less than four High Court judgements confirming that the legitimate Ditsobotla Troika consists of Mazwi Moruri as the mayor, Jarious Modisakeng as the speaker, and Rasupang Mooketsi as the acting Municipal Manager,” he said.
Steyl further said the High Court handed down its judgements on 15 March, 10 April, 30 April, and 9 May 2025. He added that the SAPS must investigate these charges swiftly to ensure arrest and successful prosecution.
“In addition, the DA has also written to the National Minister of COGTA, Velenkosini Hlabisa, bringing these latest criminal developments to his attention and urging him to place the Ditsobotla Local Municipality under Section 139(7) national government administration, as we requested in January 2025.
“Ditsobotla residents continue to suffer unimaginable hardship as electricity blackouts and water shutdowns continue unabated while ANC factions fight over who is mayor and who is not. This must be put to an end immediately,” said Steyl.
He said while the situation in Ditsobotla is dire, hope remains. Steyl said the DA in North West will continue to pursue every mechanism at its disposal to fight for the rights and services residents are entitled to.
“DA councillors in Ditsobotla remain resolute and will continue to serve residents, working with community members and business stakeholders to respond to service delivery needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the municipal speaker of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Jairous Modisakeng said the municipality continues to be plagued by the unlawful actions of dismissed Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane, who, in concert with Morutse (who illegally presents himself as mayor) and Bogatsu (who illegally presents herself as the speaker), maintains an illegal tenure through force and division within the council. Modisakeng said these individuals, having been explicitly ordered by a court to cease representing themselves as municipal authorities, have systematically excluded the majority of councillors and employees from the municipal payroll.
“This punitive action is taken against those who refuse to recognize their illegitimate authority. On 18 June 2025, councillors and employees who sought clarification regarding their non-payment were met with violence.
“Private security personnel, acting under the direct instruction of Morutse and Bojosinyane, denied them entry to the municipal premises. While standing peacefully outside, these security personnel launched an unprovoked and brutal assault, severely injuring at least one councillor and several employees,” he said.
Modisakeng said this alarming incident occurred directly in the presence of South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, who failed to intervene. He said this inaction by SAPS Lichtenburg is part of a disturbing pattern.
“Previously, SAPS Lichtenburg refused to open a case of trespassing against these security personnel, and cases involving employees shot with live ammunition (by one of the security personnel) have seen the perpetrator released just after two days and the case not pursued any further.
“I was assaulted by the same security personnel in front of police, with no subsequent action taken on the opened case. Evidence strongly suggests that SAPS Lichtenburg, and by extension, the province under the Acting Provincial Commissioner, is compromised by local politics,” said Moadisakeng.
He said their failure to act against criminal conduct, even when committed in their full view, severely undermines their willingness to combat crime and uphold the law. Modisakeng said this grave dereliction of duty will be formally reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
“Such conduct by SAPS effectively enables Bojosinyane and his associates to disregard the rule of law with impunity.
Furthermore, ABSA Bank, the municipality’s primary banking institution, has consistently refused to remove the dismissed Municipal Manager, Bojosinyane from accessing public funds.
“This refusal persists despite multiple court orders. By enabling Bojosinyane to access these funds, ABSA Bank is effectively enabling the use of public money for his personal legal battles and to pay for a private security company that was controversially appointed even before he officially reported for duty,” he said.
Modisakeng said this raises serious concerns regarding corporate ethical standards. He said the communities of Ditsobotla are bearing the severe consequences of this ongoing governance crisis, manifested in a profound lack of service delivery.
“Every attempt to secure intervention from sector government or establish service delivery collaborations with the private sector is actively disrupted by those who benefit from the prevailing dysfunction and collapse of governance. The Ditsobotla Local Municipality has been reduced to a mere “spending center” incapable of sustaining itself.
“We reiterate our urgent call for a national government intervention. Such intervention is critical and must be expedited for the benefit and well-being of the communities of Ditsobotla,” he said.
24 June 2025 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has today resolved to launch a full committee inquiry into allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, wasteful and reckless expenditure and related financial misconduct at the Road Accident Fund (RAF). This decision follows months of repeated attempts by the committee to obtain truthful, complete information from the RAF Board and executive management, to little avail.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Songezo Zibi said the committee cannot perform its work effectively, if state entities do not provide it with complete and truthful information, with adequate context and supporting information.
Zibi said some of the issues of concern for the committee include but are not limited to failure to perform adequate background checks on senior management and executive appointments, who nonetheless have access to and manage significant sums of public funds despite having a deeply concerning employment and disciplinary history involving allegations of reckless financial management decisions.
“Subsequent refusal by the RAF to disclose to the committee, where such funds are kept and for what purpose. Failure to appoint critical officials such as a Chief Claims Officer, Head of Claims Operations, Head of Legal, Chief Corporate Support Officer, Head of People Management etc, for an unacceptably long time while decisions with a significant financial impact on the RAF are being taken, alternatively not being taken when they should.
“Apparent failures of governance with a direct impact on the rule of law, the authority and powers of Parliament as well as Chapter 9 institutions tasked with performing oversight on behalf of the South African people,” he said.
Zibi further said numerous whistle-blower accounts relating to supply chain irregularities involving more than R1 billion while internal management controls appear to not be applied. He added that these allegations point to failure by the Board to properly oversee management’s decisions and actions in line with their statutory mandate.
“The committee will approve terms of reference on 1 July 2025, and the inquiry will take place after the August recess. The volume of complaints and related documentary disclosures to the committee about the RAF make it necessary to examine them thoroughly, and make such recommendations as may be necessary to ensure that the institution does its work within legal and constitutional prescripts, and serves the public interest as intended.
“An inquiry will also give everyone involved or implicated the opportunity to state their case under oath, and receive a fair hearing before the committee draws its conclusions,” said Zibi.
Picture: A gold bar worth R10m seized by the police/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 June 2025- The accused, Itumeleng Dinku (52) made a brief appearance before Postmasburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of possession of suspected illegal melted gold bar. Dinku was arrested by the police in Postmasburg after intelligence was received that there was somebody who was selling a gold bar at Mountain View in Postmasburg.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said upon arrival at the identified property, the police searched and found a heavy gold bar hidden inside the house. Thebe said the suspect failed to properly explain how he got to be in possession of the bar, and he was immediately placed under arrest.
“The gold bar value is estimated to be around R10 million. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation took over the investigation and presented the accused before court on 23 June 2025. The matter was postponed to 7 July 2025, for formal bail application,” said Thebe.
24 June 2025- The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) said public consultations on ward configurations will conclude on 30 June 2025. The board urges members of the public to submit their proposals on preferred ward boundaries by this deadline.
The acting Chairperson of the Board, Dr Matheakuena Mohale said the submission forms are available in all official languages and can be accessed on the MDB website: www.demarcation.org.za. Mohale said completed proposals must be emailed to registry@demarcation.org.za.
“No late submissions will be accepted. This marks the final stage of a nationwide three-month consultation process that began in April 2025.
“We have held successful public consultations despite challenges encountered. As the process concludes, we encourage all citizens to participate by submitting their proposals by 30 June 2025,” he said.
Mohale further said they thank the public and all key stakeholders for their involvement in this important and inclusive process, which forms part of preparations for free and fair local government elections. He added that, after reviewing all submissions, the MDB will publish a second draft set of wards in Provincial Gazettes.
“At that stage, members of the public will have 14 days from the publication date in their respective provincial gazettes to submit objections. This phase is scheduled to take place in July/August 2025,” said Mohale.
24 June 2025- A kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case against two accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), who are from Ga-Manyai Section in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, will resume today at the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court. The duo was arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).
It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search was commenced.
The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.
“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 24 June 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.
The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.
Picture: A police officer guilty of transporting drugs/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
24 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said is dumbfounded by the decision to overturn the sanction to dismiss a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who was caught transporting drugs to a mere two-month suspension.
According to Cameron, the decision is not only illogical but it tarnishes the reputation of the SAPS.
He said: “We have over the past few weeks, questioned the SAPS leadership on its commitment to their disciplinary code, the law and commitment to law-abiding South Africans. This decision spews on the face of all South Africans who hope that the SAPS would always act in their best interest and in the service to protect the people.
“At face value, the decision confirms a perception that the police would go to the far extremes in protecting their own irrespective of the crime committed.”
Cameron further said this case demonstrates a general trend of lack of meaningful consequences against rogue, corrupt and criminal elements within the SAPS. He added that, the question is, how will SAPS ever overturn the state of trust deficit that this police entity is experiencing when such cases are treated with impunity and no due regard from senior management.
“This decision is illogical on many fronts, but the two most important is the criminality involved as well as the unilateral power given to senior management to reverse the decision.
“Firstly, South Africa, and the Cape Flats in the Western Cape are struggling with a high rate of substance abuse and gang-related murders. The fact that the officer was caught transporting drugs using a marked police vehicle with a known gangster as a passenger, renders the assurances that SAPS is working hard to combat drug trafficking and gangsterism in the Cape Flats mythical,” said Cameron.
He said furthermore, the arrest of this officer disproves the claim by the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner that the SAPS are making inroads in combating gangs when police themselves are involved in gangsterism. Cameron said it is unacceptable that the Western Cape Provincial Head can suggest that the employer/employee relationship has not irrevocably broken down when the officer in question was caught breaking the law.
“The SAPS leadership have on numerous occasions assured the committee that they will dismiss any errant officers, but their actions are inconsistent with this assurance. As a result of this irrational decision, the committee will invite the Minister of Police, the National Commissioner and the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner to account for the reversal of the initial sanction.
“The committee will not be complicit in the clear breaking of the law. Such impunity must never be tolerated. The envisaged meeting will broadly interrogate the framework of the SAPS disciplinary code, its effectiveness, and the number of police officers criminally charged who have been cleared in internal disciplinary processes,” he said.
Cameron said they repeat that rogue police officers have no place in the service and they must be removed urgently.
24 June 2025- The Turkey-based clothing company delivered a consignment of suits to Banyana Banyana in France during the FIFA Women’s World Cup and did the same with Bafana Bafana at the AFCON tournament in Egypt. Bafana Bafana was eliminated at the last 8 of the competition when they lost 2-1 to Nigeria through a last minute goal by defender Ekong.
They however, eliminated hosts Egypt in the last 16 in a match described by CAF Technical Committee as the best match in the tournament.
Their match against Nigeria was rated second.
Bafana Bafana earned lots of friends especially on the continent and were given VIP treatment at Cairo International Airport as well as Addis Ababa, where thousands of supporters welcomed them before being presented with a big cake and champagne on their way home.
“When you look nice, your self-confidence is at an all-time high and I would like to commend D’S Damat for making sure our national teams look the part.
“Both Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana looked immaculate in their sponsored suits, thanks to Damat,” said Ngwenya.
The clothing company will dress SAFA national teams, the SAFA NEC members and staff.
23 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron said they welcome the announcement of the agreement reached between organised labour and the South African Police Service (SAPS) on grade progression at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council. Cameron said the agreement is a commendable step in improving the working conditions of SAPS members, albeit in the short term.
“The committee has been steadfast in advocating for better conditions of service, as it contributes to maintaining the morale of the serving members. This is critical as officers are an important pillar in efforts to combat crime, and career stagnation as a result of the lack of a well-defined and budgeted grade progression scheme was unacceptable.
“According to the agreement, constables and sergeants with 11 plus years of service by 31 March 2025, will progress to the next rank from 1 December 2025. And Warrant Officers on notch 14 and 15 of Band B1 on 31 March 2025, will move from Band B1 to B2 on 1 December 2025,” he said.
Cameron further said, while the committee acknowledges the fiscal pressures facing all government departments, it remains of the view that career stagnation can be avoided through proper planning and foresight. He added that it is unacceptable that SAPS management enlists recruits without a clear plan for the lifecycle of the employee.
“This omission exposes limited planning and stop-gap measures that are not forward-looking. As a result, the committee will demand a comprehensive, long-term Human Resources strategy.
“Promotions must be predictable, transparent, and budgeted for, especially for career officers who hold the line in high-pressure roles,” said Cameron.
He said the strategy must include comprehensive promotion forecasting and workforce planning, budget impact and sustainability, morale and retention plans for members affected by stagnation in ranks. Cameron emphasised that plans to professionalise the SAPS as demanded by the National Development Plan cannot be achieved, if experienced and committed members are treated as an afterthought by the SAPS.
“Meanwhile, the committee received a revised briefing on the 2025/26 annual performance plan and the 2025-2030 strategic plan. The committee commends the SAPS for internalising the recommendations by the committee and amendments to come as vital key performance areas.
“For example, the revision of the target of obtaining buccal samples from schedule 8 arrested offenders from 94.87% to 100% to bring it in line with the DNA Act, is welcomed as the previous target represented the undermining of an act of Parliament,” he said.
Cameron said also, the detection rate for extortions has been increased to 60%, which will give an impetus to the growing trend of extortions. He said it is critical that this target is revised as extortions continue to choke businesses to death impacting on job creation and economic activity.
“Furthermore, as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to ravage the country, the increased target for contact crimes against women and children is appreciated.
“The committee has recommitted itself to monitoring the implementation of the revised targets to ensure that people receive quality services,” said Cameron.
Picture: The missing woman, Ursula Nomalanga Noni/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
23 June 2025- The police in Delportshoop are requesting assistance in locating Ursula Nomalanga Noni (20), who went missing in Delportshoop. Noni was last seen at her home in Elko Block, Delportshoop on 17 May 2025 when she was on her way to town, but never returned.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said Noni is light in complexion, has medium build with short dark hair, and has an old burn scar on her left shin. Kock said she was dressed in dark blue jeans, blue suede sweater, and black and white checked sneakers.
“She is Xhosa speaking and originally from Koffiefontein, but resides in Delportshoop for the past seven years. Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Boitumelo Marosela on 082 448 4850/060 972 3270 or contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilize the MySaps app.
“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues. The public is reminded that there is no waiting period to report a person missing,” he said.
The Guardian 