Khumalo targets winning COSAFA start against Mozambique

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Picture: Amajita players

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 June 2025 – Coach Vela Khumalo is fully focused and ready as South Africa prepares to face Mozambique in the opening match of the 2025 COSAFA Cup at Free State Stadium on Wednesday. Kickoff is at 3pm.

The encounter between the two neighbouring countries marks the beginning of what Khumalo hopes will be a strong campaign for his side in this year’s regional tournament. Speaking ahead of the clash, the coach emphasized the importance of starting on the right footing.

“We actually had a good session. One will understand that this is not for the first time one is doing this. If you remember while we were here, I was the defending champion because we won this with COSAFA before and I was also a head coach together with coach Morena Ramoreboli back then.

“The transition from coaching the South African men’s U17 team at the U17 AFCON a few weeks ago to leading the South African men’s national team in this tournament was not a significant leap for me,” he said.

Khumalo further said the experience gained at youth level provided a strong foundation as many of the core principles, strategies, and challenges remain consistent across age groups. He added that confidence in his ability to adapt quickly, highlighting that working closely with young talents has equipped him with the insight and flexibility needed to succeed at the senior level.

“From Bafana Bafana to DDC, from DDC to Under 17, from Under 17 to Bafana Bafana, it is not really much of a big gap. It’s how you impact the knowledge of these bigger ones (players). This is a talented team, but most of these boys I coached them at an earlier age. So, it’s a smooth translation for me.

“The team is determined to secure a win in today’s match. Their focus and preparations have been geared towards delivering a strong performance, and he expressed confidence in the players’ mindset and commitment,” said Khumalo.

He said what they want to see is them winning the first game so that they can be at ease. Khumalo said then they can start playing exactly how they want to play, keeping position and playing the philosophy of the country’s style.

“If we can keep to that and maybe importantly win the game, then we’ll be in a good space where we can try and explore other things, and we’re hopeful that we’re going to do it right,” he said.

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Committee expressed concerns over mixed performance of govt departments  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 June 2025 – The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Ministries in the Presidency said it has received a briefing from the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa on the audit outcomes for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Brand SA and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The committee expressed serious concerns about the mixed performance of these critical government institutions that report to the department.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Rikus Badenhorst said he noted that while Brand SA maintained its clean audit status, the regression in the DPME’s audit outcome from clean to unqualified with findings, as well as the persistent material findings at Stats SA, point to systemic weaknesses in expenditure management, internal controls and consequence management across the portfolio.

Badenhorst said what emerges most clearly from the Auditor-General’s presentation is a culture of stagnation.

“Recommendations are noted but not acted upon, plans are drafted but not internalised, and repeat findings accumulate without resolution. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised.

“The committee was particularly concerned about the significant backlog of unresolved irregular and fruitless expenditure cases at Stats SA, some dating back over a decade,” he said.

Badenhorst further said members of the committee argued that the vacancies in key positions, including the CFO role which has been vacant for eight years, have severely weakened the control environment and accountability mechanisms at the entity. He added that the credibility of the data and statistics produced by Stats SA is critical for effective government planning and service delivery.

“The persistence of these governance and financial management failures is deeply troubling and requires urgent intervention. The committee welcomed the Auditor General’s recommendations for the accounting officers including ensuring vacant positions are timeously filled to maintain effective internal controls, enhancing reviews of performance planning and reporting processes and swiftly resolving all cases of irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

“This includes monitoring the implementation of action plans with a focus on daily controls and reconciliations. Members emphasised the need for the executive authority and accounting officers to be held accountable for addressing these persistent weaknesses,” said Badenhorst.

He said the committee committed to regularly engage the DPME, Brand SA and Stats SA to monitor progress on implementing the AG’s recommendations and achieving tangible improvements in audit outcomes, performance and accountability.

“This report must be our guide when we engage these departments during the upcoming budget process. We cannot allow inaction to become institutionalised.

“The people of South Africa deserve efficient, transparent and accountable public institutions that deliver on their developmental mandate,” he concluded.

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More than 771 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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By REGINALD KANYANE

4 June 2025- The police in North West said as part of stamping the authority of the state, the weekly high density Operation Shanela conducted between 26 May to 1 June 2025, resulted in the arrest of 771 suspects for different transgressions across the province. The operation, among others, focused on stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects, the confiscation of illegal firearms, as well as visits to liquor outlets and taverns.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the police have arrested suspects include 10 for murder, five for robbery aggravating, five for rape, 161 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common. Manyoba said this includes 28 for burglary at business and residential premises, 25 for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 69 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 41 for illegal dealing in liquor and 30 for possession of drugs.

“Out of the 833 suspects, 558 were circulated wanted suspects nabbed after being linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Furthermore, police confiscated eight firearms, 20 fireworks, six television sets, 36 rounds of ammunition, four laptops, liquor and a variety of drugs,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, indicated that the police in the province are going to intensify their operations including the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects who are responsible for the high number of serious and violent crimes. Asaneng said crime intelligence, all detectives and the provincial tracking team, are as part of their weekly suspect tracing operations, instructed to prioritise long outstanding cases in which suspects were linked to crimes through forensic leads, especially recidivists who are linked to two or more serious crimes committed mostly with illegal firearms.

“There will be no place for criminals to hide and a stern warning is made also to those who knowingly harbour wanted criminals or are conduits or enablers of crime through buying stolen or robbed goods, as well as dealing in and peddling drugs that destroy the youth.

“All those who sell liquor without licenses or run shebeens, including those who organised or host events which are in violation of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010, are not going to be spared as these have been identified as generators of serious contact crimes including assaults, murders, rapes and sexual assaults,” said Asaneng.

He said members of the public and law abiding community members are warned and advised not to visit these unlicensed or non-compliant events or places as they are risking their lives and property by frequenting such places where health and safety regulations are disregarded.

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Banyana crowned #ThreeNations champions  

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players celebrating a win against Zambia

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 June 2025 – Banyana Banyana wrapped up the #ThreeNations Challenge in style on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Zambia 2–0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville in a tightly contested and often physical clash between the two regional neighbours. After a goalless first half, the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team stepped up the intensity in the second half, with Bongeka Gamede breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute with a stunning free kick, her first goal for coach Dr Desiree’s Ellis’ side.

The momentum stayed with Banyana Banyana and Jermaine Seoposenwe doubled the lead in the 82nd minute to secure the win and the tournament title. Gamede, whose standout goal shifted the momentum of the match, was proud of the team’s approach to neutralising Zambia’s strengths.

“I think we played well. We knew their strengths and how to capitalise on that. We tried to make sure they didn’t attack us as much as possible,” she said.

Reflecting on the performance, Dr Ellis commended her players for sticking to the plan, while also highlighting areas the team still needs to improve on as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco in July.

“Today, this was a true team effort. We stuck to the game plan, we denied them space, and we moved the ball around quickly. We still have a lot of work to do. There were moments where Zambia got behind us, and we need to get better at that.

Especially in the middle of the park, we gave the ball away unnecessarily. Zambia, who came into the fixture after a 1–1 draw with Botswana a few days ago, posed a tough test for Banyana Banyana throughout the game,” she said.

Zambian coach Nora Häuptle, admitted that her side struggled to convert key moments into goals.

“There were some good actions and also some bad actions. We didn’t have enough players in the box when it mattered, and today, our top players were not at their best and that can happen,” said Hauptle.

Meanwhile, with two wins from two games in the series, including a 3–2 victory over Botswana, Banyana Banyana now shift focus to WAFCON 2025, carrying with them momentum and valuable match experience.

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North West Department of Education justifies R100m contract  

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 June 2025- The North West Department of Education has been under scrutiny over a R100 million contract for the printing, packaging and delivery of examination papers for 2025. The department is accused of increasing the tender from R27 million to R100 million.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said the tender was increased due to enhanced security requirements. Molokwane said in previous years, the province faced challenges with paper leaks and compromised examinations.

“The department could no longer rely solely on public printing facilities that lacked modern security infrastructure. The new contract includes tight security measures such as biometric access, CCTV-monitored printing zones, GPS-tracked logistics, and 24/7 secure storage to eliminate leak risks and ensure examination integrity.

“Previously, the R27 million contract covered only the printing. The current R100 million contract is a comprehensive end-to-end solution that includes high-volume printing, secure packaging and labelling per school, delivery to and collection from all districts,” he said.

Molokwane further said this includes the storage of question and answer booklets, retrieval and delivery of scripts to marking centres. He added that the number of learners writing examinations has increased significantly in the past five years.

“This results in a higher volume of scripts, requiring more paper, more logistics, and more coordination. Over time, the cost of materials, security, fuel, and staffing have increased. The department cannot compromise exam integrity by underfunding these critical functions.

“The price reflects current market realities for secure national-standard examination handling. The department’s plans and vision going forward is to protect the integrity of exams,” said Molokwane.

He said this contract ensures that every child in every corner of the province receives their paper on time and that no learner is disadvantaged due to logistics failures or leaks. Molokwane said the department has structured the agreement to ensure that North West-based logistics, printing, and support service companies benefit from sub-contracting, job creation and training opportunities.

“The contract includes strict performance KPIs, penalties for non-delivery, and quarterly public reporting. An internal oversight committee has been established to ensure transparency and value for money.

“The department is partnering with the contractor to open a skills program for local youth interested in logistics, printing, and digital document security – aligning with our long-term plan to internalize these services through state capacity,” he said.

Molokwane said this R100 million contract is not just an expense – it is an investment in the credibility of their education system and most importantly, in the future of their children. He said the department has moved away from a minimal-cost model to a security-first, learner-focused approach that ensures no child is left behind due to inefficiencies.

“The department remains fully accountable to the public,” said Molokwane.

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4838 job opportunities created through BEEI in Northern Cape

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Picture: The Northern Cape Department of Education logo

By OBAKENG MAJE  

3 June 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it has officially launched the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), creating employment opportunities for 4 838 young people as Educator Assistants and General School Assistants. The department said these roles provide vital support to schools, both inside and outside the classroom.

The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said the initiative introduces several categories of support roles, including Curriculum Assistants, E-cadres, Reading Champions, Care and Support Assistants, Sport Enrichment Assistants and Laboratory and Workshop Assistants. Van der Merwe said these roles aim to address critical academic challenges such as, curriculum coverage, literacy and reading development.

“This includes mathematics and science support and remedial education. In addition, the initiative helps tackle long-standing systemic issues by supporting such as school infrastructure maintenance and learner psychosocial services.

“A key objective of the BEEI is to modernize the basic education system by integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classrooms. This equips learners with digital skills essential for success in an evolving, technology-driven world,” he said.

Van der Merwe further said the BEEI is designed to empower unemployed youth by providing them with valuable skills and real-world experience. He added that training is provided in various areas such as classroom support and curriculum management, reading and literacy coaching, ICT skills for managing school administration systems such as SASAMS and HRMS.

“Although the current intake includes 4 838 youth, the broader initiative has created opportunities for young people across the province. In doing so, it not only strengthens the capacity of the education sector but also opens up pathways for long-term employment and professional development.

“The department would like to thank all School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams for their unwavering support in ensuring the successful administration process in the appointment of youth applicants onto the BEEI project,” said van der Merwe.

He said this initiative is a significant step toward improving education outcomes, while empowering the youth of the Northern Cape to build brighter futures.

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Matlosana Local Municipality to appear before SCOPA over R1.1 billion unauthorised expenditure

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Picture: The executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlope

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) said it will hold a Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) public hearings with the Matlosana Local Municipality to account on the R1.1 billion unauthorised expenditure incurred on the 2023/24 financial year. The committee said according to the 2023/24 audit report, the unauthorised expenditure was as a result of overspending of budget.

The Provincial Chairperson of SCOPA, Smuts Matshe said they will also meet with Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality, which has notably been receiving Disclaimer Audit Opinions, the JB Marks and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities over the 2023/24 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.

“The MFMA public hearings will take place at the City of Matlosana Municipal Chamber, in Klerksdorp on Wednesday. We will meet the JB Marks Local Municipality at 9am until 11am, Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality at 11am until 1pm, and Lekwa Teemane Local Municipality at 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

“We will also meet the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality at 1:30pm until 3:30pm and Matlosana Local Municipality at 3:30pm until 5pm,” he said.

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Shivambu removed as MK Party Secretary-General, redeploys him to parly

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Picture: Former MKP Secretary-General, Floyd Shivambu

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 June 2025- The Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said its president Jacob Zuma, met with the national officials yesterday to reflect on the state of the organisation. Zuma said as part of the deliberations of the national officials, the matter pertaining to the recent trip undertaken by the Secretary General, Floyd Shivambu to Malawi was reflected upon.

He further said after lengthy discussions and considerable inputs from the national officials, it was concluded that the actions by Shivambu were found to be against the spirit and the prescripts of the party constitution. Zuma added that most specifically, Section 3 (j) under “Offences”, which stipulates that the undertaking international trips and participating in activities and programmes that are opposed to the agenda of the MK Party or an allied party, noting that on the 12 March 2025, the Republic of Malawi’s Chief Resident Magistrate delivered a ruling that granted the South African Republic’s request for the extradition, it is common knowledge that Bishop Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary Bushiri who allegedly skipped bail and are to return to South Africa to stand trial on various charges.

“Based on the deliberations by the national officials, it was reaffirmed that the trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the president, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party.

“The MK Party and its leadership, has been approached by members of various sectors of civil society and has taken due consideration of the gravity of this matter. Due to the serious nature of this matter and its implications for the party, its image, values and principles, the president and the national officials were left with no other option, but to act swiftly in addressing this matter,” he said.

Zuma said consequently, as a responsible organisation accountable to its electorate and the broader society, the national officials have come to a decision to redeploy Shivambu to the National Assembly. He said they believe that his redeployment will strengthen the MK

Party caucus as the official opposition, as Shivambu carries a wealth of experience as a former Member of Parliament.

“We would like to thank and acknowledge Shivambu’s contribution as both the national organiser and Secretary General of the MK Party and the role he has played in contributing to the advancement of the organisation.

“His invaluable skills and experience as a politician will continue to benefit the MK Party in the new role to which he will be redeployed. The national officials have had discussions with Shivambu pertaining to his deployment, and he has duly accepted,” said Zuma.

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NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine breaks new ground

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Picture: The NWU delegates duirng a sod-turning event at Potchefstroom campus/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 June 2025- The North West University (NWU) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said they have turned the first sod at the Potchefstroom Campus construction site of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. Tyobeka said this ceremonial gesture marked the official commencement of construction of South Africa’s 11th medical school, with the first cohort of students expected to enrol in 2028.

He further said with this milestone, the NWU sets a firm course towards addressing the critical shortage of medical practitioners in the North West and across the country. Tyobeka added that it also heralds the start of a journey that will see the university navigate new frontiers in medical education.

“This ceremony marks the symbolic start of construction and the laying of the cornerstone for a bold vision, one that aims to transform lives, uplift communities, and reshape the healthcare landscape of our nation.

“It represents the formal launch of a scholarly pursuit of the highest order: the establishment of a premier centre for medical education, research, and professional training,” he said.

Tyobeka said the state-of-the-art facility scheduled for completion in 2027, will serve as a flagship academic and intellectual hub at the university. He said it will house the foundational years of medical training, eventually expanding to include clinical platforms at Tshepong and Klerksdorp hospitals.

“It is here. We will shape the minds and characters of future physicians and individuals, who will shoulder profound responsibilities with dignity, scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to service.

“We also express gratitude to the university’s government partners, regulatory bodies, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, and local community leadership, whose guidance, support, and faith in the NWU’s vision have been pivotal,” said Tyobeka.

He said this is not merely an infrastructure project. According to Tyobeka, tt is a promise to future generations, a commitment to educate, to heal, and to uplift.

“As we break ground today, let us do so with purpose. And let us always serve with compassion. Thank you and may the Almighty bless this endeavour and all who contribute to it,” he said.       

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Khumalo happy with his players after first COSAFA session

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Picture: Amajita players

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 June 2025 – Coach Vela Khumalo said he was happy to get his first training session with his players under his belt in Bloemfontein on Monday as South Africa continues preparations ahead of the 2025 COSAFA Cup. South Africa opened their COSAFA Cup account against Mozambique in their first Group A match at the Free State Stadium on 4 June 2025.

Khumalo’s charges have been pitted against Mauritius, Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the group. Fresh from the recent U17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he secured South Africa’s qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile, Khumalo is planning to mount a strong challenge for the regional title.

“I think we are happy that everyone is here, and it was our first session. Remember, with just two days before our (first) match, tomorrow will be the walk through, so we are happy with the number of players who showed up on our first training session.

“We are playing against Mozambique, and we don’t know much about them, but it’s all about how we want to express ourselves when playing at home. We need to show that we are playing at home, we promise to play good football, but most importantly, we need to win the game,” he said.

Khumalo further said they want to see themselves going into the semi-finals. He added that is the most important thing.

“I am very happy with the squad and the players he has with him in camp have shown great determination to succeed. I’m happy with the players because they look sharp.

“I was not expecting them to look as sharp as they do as they have been in recess for two weeks. But we are in good shape and in a good space as we look forward to the next session,” said Khumalo.

Mduduzi Shabalala and Darren Johnson, who replaced Bruce Bvuma, were the latest players to join the camp on Monday.

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