FIREBALLS AND JAGUARS DOMINATE WHILE CRINUMS BOUNCE BACK

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16 June 2025- On Day 3 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL) Power Week 2, the atmosphere in Sun City was electric. The Jaguars took an early lead and managed to maintain their momentum throughout the match. Although the Southern Stings improved in the second half, they struggled to find their rhythm and could not overcome the Jaguars’ substantial lead.

Strong defensive play from Zane Bodenstein and Jamie van Wyk was crucial for the Jaguars, along with an impressive offensive partnership between Ine-Mari Venter and Kamo Maseko. Under Coach Rozanne Matthyse’s guidance, the Jaguars executed their game plan, finishing with a score of 61-49. Naledi Makoa earned her first TNL Player of the Match award.

“I’m proud of my girls for executing the game plan. Our preparation paid off, and we’ll stay focused as we prepare for our next game,” said Matthyse.

Dr. Freda Kemp, coach of the Stings, acknowledged their progress but highlighted the need for improvement. “We’re not satisfied with our 40% shooting in the first quarter. We’ll work on that and build on our new shooter combination.”

In another match, the Eastern Cape Aloes faced a close finish against the North West Flames but ultimately fell short, with a final score of 49-54. Inconsistencies plagued the Aloes, particularly in the shooting circle, where Coach Sameisha Esau experimented with different combinations. Meanwhile, the North West Flames executed their clear plan and strategy effectively. A significant momentum shift occurred in the third quarter, allowing the Flames to dominate the remainder of the game.

The Aloes had a tough day in the office, losing both of their matches.  Additionally, the Diamonds and the Lillies also suffered defeats today.

The Golden Fireballs continued their unbeaten streak, overpowering the Limpopo Baobabs and maintaining a lead in every quarter. While the Baobabs tried to stay competitive in the first quarter, the Fireballs pulled ahead decisively in the third quarter due to their strong defence and effective offensive strategies. The Gauteng side made significant gains through interceptions and utilised their super shots effectively, concluding the match with a score of 63-38.

Fireballs’ coach, Dr. Elsje Jordaan, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their consistency and determination. In contrast, Baobabs’ coach, Emily Mathosa, noted that her team started strong but struggled with turnovers and advancing the ball.  Cornelia Mupenda from the Fireballs received the Player of the Match award for her exceptional performance. The Fireballs’ next challenge will be against their Gauteng rivals, the Jaguars, at 1:00 PM.

In an early morning matchup, the defending champions, the Free State Crinums, secured their first two points of the second Power Week. After analysing their errors from previous games, the team improved and thrashed the Aloes with a score of 62-38. Refiloe Nketsa was recognised for her hard work and received the player of the match accolade.

You can catch the action live on SuperSport Variety 4 channel 209 or check out the Netball South Africa website for fixtures and updates.

Tickets are available on the Netball South Africa (NSA) website at just R100.


Full Day Results:

Crinums 62-38 Aloes
Diamonds 41-66 Sonoblomo
KD Queens 53-35 Lillies
Baobabs 38-63 Fireballs
Tornados 58-35 Comets
Aloes 49-54 Flames
Stings 49-61 Jaguars


Monday 16 June 2025 Fixtures:

07:00 SA U21 vs Baobabs
09:00 Lillies vs Comets
11:00 Tornados vs KD Stars
13:00 Fireballs vs Jaguars
15:00 Tshukudu vs Sunbirds
17:00 SA U21 vs Stings
19:00 Crinums vs Flames

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Committee concludes North West public hearings on Marriage Bill

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Picture: A happily married couple/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs said it concluded the North West leg of the public hearings on the Marriage Bill. Committee said this was the 5th province to host the public hearings on the Bill after Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, as part of the committee’s nationwide public consultation exercise to gather citizens’ input on the draft legislation.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Mosa Chabane said they held public hearings in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where the Bill continued to receive general support from members of the public. Chabane said political parties, representatives from the religious sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and the LGBTQI+ community were among stakeholders who made submissions to the committee at Banquet Hall in Vryburg.

“Most of the citizens welcomed the Bill’s objectives to consolidate all the existing marriage laws into one legislation and recognise Muslim marriages which were previously excluded.

“The public had reservations about the proposed 18 years age of consent for marriage and suggested to the committee it must be increased to 21 years,” she said.

Chabane further said this view was motivated by the feeling among citizens that 18 years was too young and must be upped to 21 years. She added that they argued that most people at that age were still finishing high school and must focus on school and not marriage.

“There were also calls for the law to impose harsh prison sentences for anyone who marries an underage and parents who married off their children who were below the legal age of consent.

“The public believe that poverty was one of the main drivers for this. Religious leaders continued to voice their objections to the clauses on same sex marriage, using biblical scriptures to back their argument, while others told the committee that same sex marriages were a threat to procreation,” said Chabane.

She said other members of the community warned religious leaders against imposing their belief system on others and infringing on individuals’ right of choice. Chabane said other submissions included proposals for the Bill to have provisions that will protect individuals, who were cohabiting, also called “vat en sit” colloquially.

“Some of the submissions such as husband getting consent of the first wife before marrying another wife and the issue of marrying in community or out of community of property are already included in the draft Bill.

“We thank the public, religious community, political parties, NGOs and everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We welcome all your valuable inputs,” she said.

Chabane said the committee will continue with the public consultations until all nine provinces are covered before making its decision on the Marriage Bill. She said the Bill aims to consolidate the different marriage laws, which include the Marriage Act, Recognition of Customary Marriages Act and the Civil Union Act, into one inclusive legislation for all types of marriages.

“It will also implement a judgment of the Constitutional Court to recognise Muslims marriages which have been previously excluded from the current legislation,” said Chabane.

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Police bolster efforts to address priority crimes 

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Picture: Police during search and patrol/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 June 2025- The police in the Northern Cape said they will continue to focus on priority crimes during targeted crime prevention operations. The police said following the release of the 4th quarter crime statistics for 2024/2025 on 10 June 2025, Operation Shanela has bolstered efforts to address priority crimes across all five districts in the province.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a multi-disciplinary approach led by District Police Commissioners, entailed high visibility patrols, stop and search actions, roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), as well as the tracing of wanted suspects led to the arrests between 9 and 15 June 2025. Ehlers said it has been established that alcohol abuse is a leading contributor in the commission of crimes, especially contact crimes.

“The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law, this led to the closure of several unlicensed establishments. Through high visibility actions, vehicle and foot patrols and stop and search actions, 2 825 vehicles and 5 011 persons were stopped and searched at Vehicle Check Points (VCPs) and roadblocks conducted across the province.

 “The adherence to road traffic regulations was also addressed during these actions. Suspects were arrested for serious crimes including murder, rape, burglary, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and drug related offences. Detectives also conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances or for whom warrants of arrests were issued,” she said.

Ehlers further said compliance inspections were conducted at numerous second-hand dealers and liquor premises as well as formal and informal businesses, farms, scrapyards. She added that, during the execution of the operations, police confiscated a significant amount of alcohol, ammunition and firearms, dangerous weapons, drugs and a stolen vehicle.

“Various community engagements and awareness programmes were held in conjunction with community policing structures and government departments to address current issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and child protection,” said Ehlers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed sincere appreciation for the strong collaboration between various government departments and community structures in the successful execution of recent operations. Otola also extended heartfelt thanks to members of the public for their ongoing support and active participation in the fight against crime, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital in creating safer and more resilient communities.

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‘Many young people in SA not living the future they hoped for’

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Picture: Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 June 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said today they honour and pay tribute to the valiant and fearless young people who stood at the forefront of the liberation struggle on 16 June 1976. Mashatile who delivered a keynote address at NWU REC Farm stadium in Potchefstroom said, regardless of their youthful stature, the youth of 1976 stood strong in the face of the oppressive system of the apartheid regime.

He further said they faced death with unwavering determination, fuelled by a vision of equal rights and a more just society. Mashatile added that, as former president, Dr Nelson Mandela recounted in his address on Youth Day on June 16, 1996, “When freedom beckoned, you faced death and bullets and did not flinch. You responded to the call to build the underground and the mass democratic movement.

“You swelled the ranks of the people’s army and acquitted yourselves with distinction on the battlefield.”

“It has been 49 years since that significant day, yet we will always remember the student leaders like Tsietsi Mashinini and Hastings Ndlovu who orchestrated the mass demonstration that transformed our nation.

“We must never forget those who joined the long list of martyrs and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. These are the young brave souls who fought for a dream that they never saw come to life, a dream that continues to inspire and guide us,” he said.

Mashatile said by taking action in 1976 against an enforced Afrikaans language as the exclusive medium of instruction in African schools, those young learners were carrying out the path of struggle defined by their forefathers through the Freedom Charter. 

He said ten days from now, they will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.

“The adoption of the Freedom Charter on June 26, 1955, and the Soweto Uprising on June 16, 1976, are significant milestones in South Africa’s journey towards freedom. Both occurring under unique circumstances but inspired by the shared vision of a free and equal South Africa for all.

“The Freedom Charter continues to be a pillar of South Africa’s Constitution, influencing the political and social climate of the country. It demands that, “The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall Be Opened,” said Mashatile.

He said this clause signifying the Charter’s commitment to equality and access to education for all South Africans. Mashatile said in this regard, this year’s theme, “Skills for a Changing World—Embracing Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation,” is more relevant to the noble cause for which the generation of 1976 and those who came before them were prepared to lay down their lives.

“It embodies the essence of what we aim to achieve together – a future where our youth are not just empowered, but actively engaged in shaping a better tomorrow.

“The reality is that many young people in South Africa are not living the future they hoped for.

They are confronted by high levels of unemployment, inequality and a lack of access to opportunities, especially in the digital world,” he said.

Mashatile said, as a government, they acknowledge that, for these young people, their reality remains untenable, undesirable, and unsustainable. He said according to Stats SA, young people between the ages of 15 and 34 make up just over half of South Africa’s working-age population, about 20.9 million people.

“However, far too many of them can’t find work, especially those between the ages of 15 and 24. Currently, South Africa’s unemployment rate has gone up to 32.9%, and if we include people who have given up looking for work, the rate jumps to 43.1%.

“The latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that more than half of young people aged between 18 and 34 are unemployed. This is one of the highest levels we have ever seen, and it is of grave concern,” said Mashatile.

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Many young people at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for change

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By REGINALD KANYANE

16 June 2025 – The National Assembly (NA) has joined South Africans in commemorating Youth Day. The NA said on 16 June 1976, over 500 protesting youths were massacred by heavily armed apartheid security forces in Soweto, while hundreds more sustained injuries.

The NA speaker, Thoko Didiza said among those brutally killed were Hastings Ndlovu, the first child to die in the shootings and Hector Pieterson (12). Didiza said led by Tsietsi Mashinini, the youth had taken to the streets 49 years ago, to protest the imposition of an Afrikaans-centred educational policy and the oppressive apartheid regime at large.

“This tragedy became a rallying point that inspired a nation and led a people to rise up against the brutal apartheid system.

“Each year on this day, South Africans reflect on the contribution of the 1976 generation, which sparked a massive wave of resistance against the regime and inspired the oppressed black majority to rise against the apartheid machinery,” she said.

Didiza further said this day’s significance cannot be overemphasised. She added that they must honour the legacy of the class of 1976 by reaffirming their commitment to equipping the nation’s youth with the skills, opportunities and platforms needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said this year, Youth Day is commemorated under the theme, “Skills for the changing world – empowering youth for meaningful economic emancipation”.

Mtshweni-Tsipane said youth matters are under sharp focus as the country champions Africa’s interests in the G20 agenda, especially on the climate economy and advancing technology for job creation. She said in reflecting on this year’s theme, they need to recognise that economic emancipation is not just a goal, but a necessity for sustainable development and social justice.

“South Africa’s youth, who constitute over a third of the population, face an unemployment rate of 46.1%, with 3.7 million young people not in education, employment or training.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution, climate change, and shifting labour markets demand a workforce adept in digital literacy, green technologies and entrepreneurial innovation,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.

She said despite these various challenges, including socio-economic obstacles, the youth are resilient, resourceful and actively engaged in various aspects of society. Mtshweni-Tsipane said many young people have been at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for change and addressing issues such as gender inequality, racial discrimination and environmental sustainability, among others.

“Parliament acknowledges that without targeted interventions, this generation risks further marginalisation. 

“Parliament over the past 30 years has worked tirelessly to ensure that the legal framework addresses the challenges facing the country’s youth,” she said.

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Two foreign nationals nabbed for contravention of Immigration Laws

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Picture: The police seized the gun during operation/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 June 2025- The police in Northern Cape said the law enforcement efforts to combat cross-border crimes between the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and Botswana remain steadfast with continued Joint Cross Border Operations. The police said between 12 and 15 June 2025, targeted operations were conducted across borderlines, including Witdraai, VanZylsrus and Rietfontein.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said several South African Police Service (SAPS) specialised units in collaboration with officials from Border Management Authority and SANParks, executed coordinated actions to curb criminal activities along borderlines. Ehlers said this multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals for the contravention of Immigration Laws.

“Fines totalling R6700 were issued for offences related to Road Traffic Regulations, drug possession, selling liquor without a license, and failure to brand livestock.

“Disruptive actions carried out during the operation included compliance inspections at tuck shops, liquor premises, farms as well as high visibility patrols along borderlines,” she said.

Ehlers further said during these actions, a total of 504 persons and 236 vehicles were stopped and searched.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola commended all involved agencies for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the borders along the province. Otola urged community members to actively support law enforcement efforts by reporting any suspicious activities and criminality.

“Information can be shared anonymously via the MySAPS app or by contacting the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111,” she added.

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ANC lambasts Moroccan propaganda machine and re-affims support for people of Western Sahara

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Picture: ANC supporters during event/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 June 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted with contempt the recent disinformation peddled by an article that was published by Morocco World News, falsely claiming that South Africa has possible shifts on the Morocco’s so-called sovereignty over Western Sahara. The ANC said this is nothing more than a desperate fabrication by a monarchy bent on whitewashing its illegal occupation of Africa’s last colony.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said they should be unequivocal that South Africa’s revolutionary support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Polisario Front is unwavering, principled and historically just. Bhengu said it is not a foreign policy of convenience.

“It is born of solidarity, forged in the trenches of liberation struggles from Algeria to Cuba, from Palestine to Namibia, and from Angola to South Africa. We reject with contempt the falsehood that Morocco trained President Nelson Mandela or uMkhonto weSizwe.

“These claims are an insult to the memory of Madiba and a distortion of history. Mandela was trained by the FLN of Algeria, a fraternal liberation movement that hosted ANC cadres through progressive internationalist solidarity, not through Moroccan imperial grace,” she said.

Bhengu further said the FLN had logistical presence in Morocco, but Morocco the state, as an institution, neither trained nor supported MK. She added that, no propagandist dare try to inherit their struggle retroactively.

“No revolutionary movement worth its name can cross the picket lines of dehumanising and opposing the struggles of the people of Western Sahara, Palestine or Cuba. Those who do so are collaborators in the erosion of our collective liberation memory and must be called out for what they are, agents of imperial convenience, not comrades of principle.

“The ANC reminds all who care to listen and all who pretend not to, that our support for the people of Western Sahara is not an emotional gesture, but a moral obligation and a duty of conscience,” said Bhengu.

She said the self-determination of the Sahrawi people is enshrined in international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the founding principles of the African Union. Bhengu said Mandela said in 1997, that “The struggle of the Sahrawi people is our struggle. The last colony in Africa must be free.”

“We caution the African continent not to fall into the trap of transactional diplomacy that forgets the blood that continues to nourish the tree of our freedom. We urge vigilance against regime-change puppetry, misinformation campaigns, and the creeping legitimisation of colonialism in our lifetime.

“In this context, we express deep concern at the conduct of former President Jacob Zuma. For a man who once benefited from the same revolutionary internationalism that lifted the ANC, his flirtation with Morocco’s imperial narrative is more than disappointing, it is an act of political bankruptcy,” she said.

Bhengu said having once witnessed the dignity of the Sahrawi people and heard their cry for freedom, Zuma now chooses to lend his image to their oppressor. She said this not the conduct of a liberation veteran, it is the vanity of a man chasing relevance at the expense of revolutionary principle.

“This hypocrisy must be exposed for what it is; it is nothing but counter-revolutionary opportunism masked in fake diplomacy President OR Tambo reminded us: “We do not seek peace at the expense of justice. We do not barter principle for expediency”.

“This message serves to remind us that our struggle was never waged for selective justice but was waged to dismantle systems of oppression, wherever those exist. Hands off Western Sahara and long live the legacy of Madiba, Tambo and the anti-colonial front,” said Bhengu.

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Roodepan Police Station’s new numbers

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 June 2025- The police said it is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all the people in South Africa. The police said the community of Roodepan and surrounding areas in Kimberley are informed about the new telephone numbers of the Roodepan Police Station.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said for the public to reach Roodepan Community Service Centre (CSC), the following telephone number must be used to report to the Roodepan SAPS via the new land line number (053) 873 9111.

Shemane said the public can also utilize the SAPS emergency number 08600 10111 for emergencies or visit the police station in person or alternatively report crime via the mobile application, MySAPS App.

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Pastor sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for attempted murder and robbery

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 June 2025- A pastor, Petrus Phuthego Gasengake (48), who was convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Molopo Regional Court.

On 4 April 2021, Gasengake went to the house of a female congregant in Ramosadi village, near Mahikeng.  

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said at the time, the congregant was in the company of another male church member. Gunya said upon arrival, Gasengake bypassed them and proceeded directly to the complainant’s bedroom.

“An argument ensued in the bedroom, during which he choked the complainant and threatened her with a knife. Driven by rage, he stole R4000 in cash, bank cards, and the keys to her motor vehicle, which he then used to flee the scene.

“The court heard that after leaving the complainant’s home, he drove to his house in Lichtenburg, where he stabbed his wife without provocation and fled,” he said.

Gunya further said a case of robbery and attempted murder was subsequently opened. He added that the stolen vehicle was circulated and Gasengake was arrested in Vryburg on 6 April 2021.

“He was positively identified by the complainant. Gasengake was previously sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted murder of his wife on 11 November 2022. Despite pleading not guilty to the robbery charge, he was convicted based on compelling evidence led by the prosecution.

“In aggravation of sentence, state advocate Ntebaleng Mabale emphasised the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region and highlighted the importance of strong court action in protecting victims and communities,” said Gunya.

He said Mbale argued that there were no substantial or compelling circumstances to warrant deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years. Gunya said in delivering judgment, Magistrate Ndade Maphango, cited the aggravating nature of the offence and noted that the accused showed no remorse and failed to apologise to the complainant.

Meanwhile, welcoming the verdict, Dr Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the prosecutor’s diligence and the bravery of the investigating officers. Makhari reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of crime and ensuring community safety.

“The NPA welcomes the 15-year direct imprisonment sentence,” she said.

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