Day 1 filled with intense showdowns

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Picture: Stings vs Crinums: Stings and Crinums in action during the Telkom Netball League Power Week 3 played at Durban ICC on Monday/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2025- The Telkom Netball League (TNL) kicked off Power Week 3 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), with intense matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The Golden Fireballs showcased their dominance in an electrifying match, outperforming the Aloes in all aspects of the game.

After a closely contested first quarter (13-13), the Fireballs took control, with coach, Dr Elsje Jordaan making crucial changes that paid off. The team’s impressive performance sealed a convincing 64-40 win. Standout performances came from Jeante Strydom, who had a stellar game with impressive interceptions, and Owethu Ngubane made a notable impact and was awarded the player of the match accolade.

The Fireballs’ execution proved to be a winning formula, and they remain undefeated.

“We have got a good vibe in the camp at the moment. Confidence is good. We trust each other when we’re out there. But we take it game by game,” said Jordaan.

Reigning 2025 USSA champion coach and Fireballs assistant coach Bongi Msomi added: “We know that the big playoffs are coming, and we want to make sure that we end the pool games well, so that by semi-final time, we’re as sharp as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Aloes’ coach, Sameisha Esau, reflected on her team’s performance: “I think my girls really had a good start, but we could not sustain that performance throughout the whole match. We weren’t clinical in our play, and having to work twice for our centre passes is a concern. We’ll go back and look at how we can capitalise on our centre passes.”

The Stings and Crinums clashed in the last match of the day, with the Stings initially taking a one-goal lead in the first quarter, 12-11. However, the Crinums regained control and dominated the match after impactful changes in the third quarter, including Zandre Smit’s introduction at GS.  The Crinums’ strong performance paid off, securing a convincing 9-goal win, 44-53.

Stings coach Dr Freda Kemp said: “Obviously, I’m not happy with the loss… We can’t afford to make any mistakes. We turned the ball, and then we lost possession down the court. So that’s really something we have to clean up going forward.”

Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm said: “We struggled in our shooting circle, but I’m happy with the intensity and how hard we fought for each ball. Team effort pulled us through today.”

Division 2 wrap-up

The Tornados had a fantastic day on the court, securing two impressive victories. In a nail-biting encounter, they edged out the Kingdom Queens by a single goal, winning 42-41. The Tornados then went on to dominate the Lillies, winning 57-27 in a commanding display of dexterity.  The Tornados’ wins secured their position at the summit of the Division 2 log.

Tshukudu continued their winning streak with a convincing 43-37 victory over the Diamonds, demonstrating their strength and consistency in the league and the likelihood of booking their spot in the playoffs.

The TNL is shaping up to be an exciting competition, with teams battling it out for top spots. The action continues tomorrow, with more exciting matches expected.

Monday, 14 July 2025: Results:

D2: KD Queens 41 – 42 Tornados

D2: Sonoblomo 53 – 54 Sunbirds

D2: Diamonds 37 – 43 Tshukudu

D2: KD Stars 54 – 29 Comets

D1: Fireballs 64 – 40 Aloes

D2: Tornados 57 – 37 Lilies

D1: Stings 44 – 53 Crinums

Tuesday 15 July 2025 Fixtures:

07:00 – D2: Comets vs KD Queens

09:00 – D2: Lilies vs KD Stars

11:00 – D2: Sunbirds vs Diamonds

13:00 – D1: Flames vs Jaguars

15:00 – D1: Stings vs Baobabs

17:00 – D2: KD Queens vs Tshukudu

19:00 – D2: Sonoblomo vs Comets

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Banyana Banyana walloped Mali

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players in celebratory mood

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 July 2025- Banyana Banyana cruised past Mali in their final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group match as the African champions stepped up a gear at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda, Morocco, on Monday. Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges beat the West Africans 4-0 in a comfortable display that will have pleased the South African senior women’s national team coach.

The South Africans were always in control and never looked back after Lebohang Ramalepe opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Captain Refiloe Jane increased the lead when she scored a curling free kick in the 31st minute.

The South Africans continued where they left off in the second half and it came as no surprise when Hildah Magaia scored the third goal in the 60th minute. Second half substitute Ronnel Donnelly completed the rout when she scored the fourth and final goal of the match in the 78th minute to complete a memorable night for the South Africans.

Ellis and her charges now march on to the quarterfinals as they continue the defense of the title they won in Morocco in 2022.

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90 Days Later: Where is Mcebisi Jonas?

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Picture: Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas

By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said more than 90 days have passed since the Republic of South Africa (RSA)President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa’s Special Envoy to the United States of America (USA). The DA said Jonas’ appointment came on the back of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool’ expulsion, and was billed as a critical intervention to stave off the impending collapse of vital export industries under punitive liberation day tariffs.

The DA spokesperson on International Relations and Cooperation and Member of Parliament (MP),

Emma Louise Powell said with just over two weeks to go before the 30% tariffs come into effect on 1 August, industries that support hundreds of thousands of jobs – from citrus to automotives – remain on knife’s edge.

Powell said whilst former Deputy Trade Minister Andrew Whitfield was unceremoniously fired from Cabinet for taking the initiative to travel to the USA in a bid to rebuild bilateral trust, Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy is nowhere to be seen.

“The DA will in coming days submit a Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) application compelling the Presidency to disclose the full details of Jonas government-sponsored activities over the last 90 days.

“South Africans must now ask exactly what motivated Jonas’ appointment as the President’s Special Envoy, and whether his business interests put him entirely at odds with this mandate,” she said.

Powell further said Jonas currently serves as Chairperson of the MTN Group. She added that MTN is embroiled in serious legal action in US courts under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

“The primary lawsuit alleges that the group violated anti-terrorism laws by providing support to militant groups in Afghanistan, including the Taliban. MTN’s business ties in Iran have drawn further criticism due to its joint venture, MTN Irancell, in which MTN holds a 49% stake.

“The remaining 51% is owned by the Iran Electronic Development Company (IEDC), a state-linked entity connected to Iran’s Bonyad Mostazafan Foundation, which has ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is sanctioned by the US treasury,” said Powell.

She said allegations that MTN offered kickbacks to South African government officials and diplomats to secure support for its Irancell deal remain rife, and are cited in multiple court documents. Powell said in light of these grave concerns, the DA calls on the President to urgently provide full details of all engagements, negotiations, and interventions Jonas has taken in an effort to stabilise bilateral relations and safeguarded trade between South Africa and the U.S.

“If Jonas is unable to perform his functions as designated by the President, he must urgently be replaced by a suitably qualified interlocutor, whose business interests do not pose a grave conflict of interest,” she said.

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Seven suspects nabbed for alleged public violence in Kimberley

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Picture: Suspects arrested during protests/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The Public Order Police (POP) in Kimberley have arrested seven individuals, including one minor for alleged public violence. The police said the suspects were arrested on the N8 near Greenpoint on 14 July 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the police continue to monitor the volatile situation. Ehlers said motorists are urged to proceed with caution and use alternative routes where possible.

“Additionally, the SAPS urge residents to refrain from posting unverified social media posts. The SAPS will issue verified statements on official platforms,” she said.

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Committee receives update on petitions

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Picture: Residents of Slovo Park doing laundry/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 July 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has received updates from the Department of Human Settlements, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, and the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane and City of Cape Town on various petitions the committee is considering and has highlighted mixed reactions to the reports.

The committee said it remains of the view that all stakeholders must not rest on their laurels in bringing finality to the petitions.

SLOVO PARK INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS UPGRADING

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nocks Seabi said they welcome the progress made by both the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and the City of Johannesburg, including the completion of the electrification of households. Seabi said also, the committee welcomed the appointment of Joburg Water for the installation of water and sewage infrastructure.

“The committee has highlighted that in the context of the history of the promises made to the residents of Slovo Park, the movement is welcomed, albeit long overdue. The committee also welcomed the collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the provincial department to achieve the medium and long-term interventions planned for the area.

“The committee has also urged all stakeholders to expedite procurement and other related processes to ensure the achievement of targets. The committee welcomed the assurance that community engagements and sharing of information with residents have been enhanced to ensure a free flow of information between the government and the people,” he said.

Seabi further said the issue of stakeholder engagement is critical to allay fears and eliminate any flare-up of protests. He added that it is critical that as new developments arise and some impediments delay projects, people are informed.

MAWIGA PETITION

Seabi said members of the committee were disappointed with the slow response to finding solutions to the petitioners’ challenges. He said while the committee acknowledged that there is progress with sites identified and agreed to by two petitioners, the fact that the building of top structures will only commence next year is concerning.

“Despite this, the committee called for clear monitoring of the progress to ensure that timelines are adhered to, especially in the context of the length of time it has taken to get to this point.

“The MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa petitioners) submitted a petition alleging maladministration against the City of Tshwane and North West Housing Corporation officials for illegally selling and transferring their properties without their consent,” said Seabi.

He said the committee has called on the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng Provincial Government to expedite the processes to obtain the clearance certificate on the identified land for Mr Mere. Seabi said the committee has mandated the city to provide regular progress reports on processes to obtain the clearance certificate.

“With regards to the North West Provincial Government, the committee is concerned that the Rustenburg Local Municipality does not have the appetite to approve a house on the military veteran’s quantum on the site identified because the site is on prime land.

“The committee has called on the department to heighten engagement to ensure that an alternative site is found and that Mr Kgasoe is engaged to ascertain that he agrees with the site,” he said.

Seabi said despite these challenges, the committee noted that commendable work has been done to resolve the petitions.

New Mandela Square (Western Cape)

He said the committee has welcomed commendable progress in achieving the project milestones promised to the committee. Seabi said despite this, the committee has called for mechanisms to ensure that the implementation of the projects is not hampered by inter-departmental dependencies, such as the procurement of private land and installation of bulk services.

“The committee is cognisant that in most cases, projects are affected by delays from varying spheres of government and has called for proactive measures to ensure that this does not hamper progress.

“The committee remains committed to receiving regular reports to ensure the resolution of the various petitions being considered by the committee,” he said.

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A man nabbed with ‘illegal’ firearm

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Picture: An illegal firearm seized/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

14 July 2025 – The weekly Joint Law Enforcement operations conducted under Operation Shanela II, have resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of illegal contrabands, including illegal firearms, a variety of drugs, liquor and dangerous weapons.

In the space of a week from 7 to 13 July 2025, a total of 894 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes. The suspects included 15 for murder, 19 for robberies, 11 for attempted murders, 21 for burglaries, 162 for assaults, five for illegal dealing of drugs, 178 for possession of drugs, 46 for selling of liquor without licences, 65 for driving under the influence of liquor, 14 for malicious damage to property and six for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said during these operations, a total of 67 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of Section 49 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, and are currently being processed through the courts before being deported by the department of Home Affairs back to their countries.

She further said 411 out of the 894 arrested suspects, were circulated wanted suspects after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. Myburgh added that in Mahikeng information received was operationalized and a search warrant obtained.

“On Monday evening, 7 July 2025, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Proactive Drug Operations Unit and Mahikeng Public Order Policing (POP) effected the warrant at an identified house in Lonely Park. Police discovered a pistol with serial numbers filed off, ammunition and suspected crystal meth.

“The police immediately arrested Poloko Lentswana (23), who appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition as well as possession of drugs,” he said.  

Myburgh said Lentswana was remanded in custody until 15 July 2025.

Meanwhile, the acting North Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said the arrests of these suspects as well as the confiscations of drugs, illicit liquor and unlicensed firearms are the results of the determined, steadfast, unrelenting and tireless efforts by District Commissioners through on-going intelligence led weekly high density operations to combat and prevention serious and violent crimes.

Asaneng said these targeted weekly Operation Shanela, will continue not only to assert the authority of the state, but also to maintain public order, respect for peaceful co-existence and the rule of law by adopting a zero-tolerance approach to social fabric crimes and deviant behaviour caused by excessive drinking and use of drugs.

He said the public is advised to report crime at their nearest police stations or anonymously through the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” said Asaneng.

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12 people died across North West roads

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Picture: Twelve people died in separate car accidents/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

14 July 2025 The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said 12 people lost their lives in road accidents across the province between 11 and 13 July 2025. Morweng said one life was lost on N14 near Tshing in Ventersdorp.

He further said on Saturday, there was a hit and run on N12 road outside Potchefstroom towards Stilfontein, which claimed one life. Morweng added that still on Friday evening at around 6pm on N4 near Groot Marico, a head-on collision involving four vehicles claimed five lives.

“It is reported that two delivery vehicles belonging to the same company were towing each and driving towards Swartruggens from Groot Marico. They were allegedly overtaking over the barrier line and collided with two oncoming vehicles.

“Four women and one man in the other two vehicles succumbed to injuries. The occupants of the two vehicles that were towing each other, three Zimbabwean nationals and one Malawian, were taken to the hospital with injuries,” said Morweng.

He said on Sunday evening at around 7pm, two vehicles collided head-on on N18 approximately 40km south of Mahikeng towards Setlagole. Morweng said a light sedan with three occupants driving towards Setlagole was overtaking and collided with an oncoming light delivery vehicle with one occupant.

“All four, three men and one woman, died at the scene of the crash. Just a little further up near Madiba-a-Makgabana village, a vehicle driving towards Mahikeng hit a stray cow. The vehicle coming behind it ran over the cow and three occupants sustained serious injuries. A child traveling with them unfortunately died at the scene of the accident.

“We send a message of condolences to the bereaved families and wish speedy recovery to the injured. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated in all accidents,” he said.

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ANC welcomes establishment of Commission of Inquiry

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

14 July 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the serious allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. The ANC said it welcomes and supports Ramaphosa’s decision to place Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said: “This decisive action reaffirms the President’s commitment to the rule of law. It is a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which the President and government respond to allegations of corruption and criminal conduct, regardless of who is involved.

“To provide further clarity and the ANC’s expectations on this critical development, the Secretary General of the ANC will lead a media briefing at Chief Albert Luthuli House, Johannesburg on Tuesday at 2pm.”

Bhengu further said the ANC reiterates its full support for all lawful and constitutional processes that seek to uphold the integrity of the institutions and restore public trust in the state.

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Consumers urged to stay vigilant as rogue suppliers disappear without a trace

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it has identified 20 additional suppliers who have accepted payments from consumers, but failed to deliver goods or services or delivered defective goods. The NCC said consumers are urged to be cautious when transacting with these suppliers.

The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in many cases, these suppliers have vanished from their known addresses, while some have shut down their websites, making it impossible for consumers to contact them for redress. Ntaba said consumers filed complaints with the NCC alleging that they cannot obtain redress as the suppliers are unresponsive.

“The NCC’s efforts to contact these suppliers to facilitate redress for consumers failed, as the preliminary assessment indicates that these suppliers have either closed down or never existed.

“The NCC views this conduct as a deliberate attempt to evade the law and avoid accountability. The purpose and policy of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), amongst others, is to protect consumers from unconscionable, unfair, unreasonable, unjust or improper trade descriptions, and deceptive, misleading, unfair, or fraudulent conduct,” she said. 

Ntaba further said the CPA also mandates that suppliers provide consumers with their addresses and communication channels to reach those suppliers. She added that consumers are urged to exercise caution when transacting with these suppliers.

“Suppliers who believe they have been listed erroneously are encouraged to contact the NCC. Meanwhile, the NCC has appointed tracing agents to locate these suppliers,” said Ntaba.

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Ga go dikgobalo mo kotsing ya dijanaga

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Setshwantsho: Sejanaga se amegile mo kotsing

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

14 Phukwi 2025- Sepodisi sa Vryburg se tlhalosistse fa se boloditse dipatlisiso morago ga gore dijanaga di le pedi di thulane mo tseleng ya N18 gaufi le Mompati Mall kwa Vryburg mo letsatsing la maabane. Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are ga gona ope o bone dikgobalo mo kotsing eo.

“Dijanaga ke tsone fela tse di iponetsteng ditshenyegelo, mme kgetsi ya kotsi ya dijanaga e butswe,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

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