2 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore monna wa kwa Machonisa Section, kwa motseng wa Lokaleng, gaufi le Taung, Buti Godhlo (42), a bolawa setlhogo ka Laboraro bosigo.
Go begwa fa Godhlo a ne a robetse kwa ntlung ya gagwe, mme a tsenelelwa ke batho ba ba sa itsiweng. Go begwa fa go ile ga runya ntwa magareng ga moswi le banna bao, mme ba ile ba mo thuntsha mo tlhogong le mo legetleng, pele ga ba ka mo fisa ka oil.
Go begwa fa sepodisi se bone sekupu sa oil se se neng se diriswa ke dilalome tse kwa lefelo la tiragalo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe, mme ga ise go tshwarwe ope.
“Re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le kitso mabapi le polao e, a letsetse mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Sergeant Monchwe mo dinomorong tsa 082 469 0332,” Van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, baagi ba tlhalositse Godhlo jaaka motho o neng a na le lerato, ebile a sa tshwenyane le batho. Ba tlhalositse fa loso la gagwe le ba amile thata, gonne Godhlo ene ele motho oneng a tsena kereke, mme a sa romulane.
2 May 2025- Dear Mr Rantsho Gincane, I hope this finds you well. This would be my second public apology to you. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.
Growing up in Mamusa, I was fortunate enough to have known your Boy Akapana “Tumi” during my high school days. We would go to town as a class, if not two classes, saying we are going kobo Wezy ( referring to the Library and the park both clean and green).
You did not know many of us, but not even once did you look down on us. My point is, at a personal level, I do not have anything against you Papa Ga Tumi.
It is also politically rude and uncalled for to be calling leaders of your calibre, Rantsho Gincane, lack of respect. Given that, I’m also a human and not immune to any form of mistakes.
Politically or otherwise, neither do I pose any monopoly of wisdom.
POLITICALLY
Mr Gincane, irrespective of how many are in denial about your administration including me, I have come to a realization that I was wrong about your administration. In fact, your administration is the best compared to many.
You are not an administrative saint. There will be shortcomings, even in the best developed public administration states in the world such as Sweden, there are hiccups.
The reason I am now fully supporting your reinstatement is that you are the first Municipal Manager at Mamusa Local Municipality post-apartheid to have brought infrastructure in the township, where the majority of our people can access it. You gave us an adequate library near all schools, adequate multi-purpose, which was a great idea.
Post-apartheid, you have increased the availability of electricity into households, especially in informal settlements. Out of jealousy and sabotage, many stood in the way of ensuring that Mamusa became one the first paved throughout the province.
In fact, the national government started loving your idea of a pavement because it is suitable, thus the Minister of Transport used pavement to sustain the N12 route T-junction between Wolmaranstad and Klerksdorp to Schweizer Reneke. It was during your administration that we saw high employment opportunities, be it permanent or temporary.
This one is important, out of all Municipal Managers in the country, you are the only one who never drove a luxury car, yet boldly accused you of embezzlement. You never left your people and went straight to fancy new townhouses at the expense of the taxpayers’ money.
The reason why your administration cannot get a clean audit is because of poor revenue divisions laws, which the national parliament has to address. The intergovernmental relation is failing municipalities throughout the country.
I wish I could expand on this, but it will consume much time. Ke mang Mr Mabokela ene?
You know, I just realized that deployed ANV cadre from nowhere is sabotaging our hometown, which we all love. You know I just realized that Mr Mabokela terminated EPWP programs, which were meant to abolish and root out hunger.
His faction is increasing our unemployment rate in a place, where there are few opportunities and some do not have the privilege to seek greener pastures elsewhere. Imagine, if one person works at EPWP and has a household of seven people and you terminate the contract?
That decision will affect seven people, who are completely depending on that individual. So, if you terminate over 100 jobs, where will they go?
After your term, you will be going to your hometown, leaving us to deal with your mess.
Bagolo, go botlhoko gore baeteledipele ba rona ba senngwa (destoeweng) ka ntlheng ya gore gona le batho, kgotsa motho o a batlang ale one, motho o competeng a batle gore gohle go tlage ene ale one.
My fellow people guard against propaganda. To those who are confused, I’m not a friend of party politics, I’m guided by left ideologies without any fear of contraction. I’m a Marxist.
Bye Batsi and his crew
Your comrade
Bongani Madevu
(Note: The views or content raised in this article does not necessarily represent The Guardian Newspaper or its associates. The content remains of the author and The Guardian Newspaper does not agree nor disagree with it.)
2 May 2025 – Coach Molefi Ntseki’s Bafana Bafana squad departed for Malawi on Thursday afternoon ahead of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) first leg qualifier against their COSAFA neighbours. The two countries meet at the Republic Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday and Ntseki said the main objective is to find the back of the net away from home.
He further said after initially struggling to secure players, he is happy to have a team that he believes can compete over two legs.
“The good thing is that they are all here and we are ready to go. We just have to play a game in Malawi with a very clear understanding that a goal in Malawi will be very important for us.
“We have spent a considerable amount of time analysing their opponents and they are anticipating a tough clash in Lilongwe,” said Ntseki.
He added that he thinks they have gone through the team that they have selected. Ntseki said, basically, they have selected all their best local players and these are the players that are playing for the national team.
“Local players, these are the players that are playing in the AFCON qualifiers. These are the players that are playing in the World Cup qualifiers.
“So, we are expecting a very tough team in Malawi, but I think we have done our homework and our players are looking forward to this game. So irrespective of whoever they have in camp, we also have to bring our A game,” he said.
Ntseki said their A game is more of a very good attitude, high level of determination, and high level of self-belief to say. He said they will go into Malawi and implement their tactics, their approach and come back with a point or come back with three points.
Meanwhile, the team will return home on Monday, 5 May 2025 ahead of hosting the return match at Loftus Stadium in Tshwane on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
2 May 2025- In most cases, event organisers said it is not easy to organise a world-class event. However, with a clear vision and detailed planning, Shandis Events Crew can do that flawlessly.
The Best Event Organisers Award they scooped at Mzansi Arts and Media Awards (MAMA) is evidential on how focused the masterminds behind Taung Kids Festival and Taung Comedy show are on creating a unique and memorable experience for attendees.
One of the organisers, Olebogeng Moshwene said there are so many aspects that come into play before the actual event. Moshwene said defining your event’s purpose and goals is imperative.
“Know what you want to achieve and determine the event’s objectives. Also, creates a sense of belonging among the communities. Make sure that you know who your target audience is and it is crucial to have a clear understanding of their needs.
“So, as Shandis Events Crew, we are beyond humble. It is an honour to announce that we have been awarded the Best Event Organiser Award at the Mzansi Arts and Media Awards,” he said.
Moshwene further thanked everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to vote for them as that means a lot. He added that they highly appreciate that and they will carry their unwavering support with pride.
“This award does not just belong to us, it belongs to every artist who trusted us. Every team member who went the extra mile, every partner who believed in our vision and of course you, the people who showed up and showed some love.
“From the sleepless nights to the moments of magic on stage, this has been a journey of passion, grit and heart. Winning this award is not just recognition,” said Moshwene.
He said winning an award is a reminder that what they are building is soaring. Moshwene said this is a Shandis and this is only the beginning.
“Lastly, victory tastes even sweeter when it is shared with those who believed in the dream before the world could see it. So, to our team that ensured that our audience’s needs and preferences are met, thank you.
“They ensured that their planning and execution was out of this world. They also developed a creative concept that aligns with our objectives and target audience,” he said.
Moshwene said they now walk tall today because they are standing on the shoulders of giants. He said Ngwana ke sejo wa tlhakanelwa, loosely translated that, A Child Is Raised By A Village. He dedicated the award to their mentors, family, friends, partners and clients.
Picture: COSATU celebrates International Workers Day
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
1 May 2025– Parliament has joined millions of workers around the world in celebrating International Workers’ Day today. The first day of May has been recognized as an international holiday since 1891 and was officially declared a public holiday in South Africa following the attainment of freedom in 1994.
Parliament said it regards this public holiday as more than a celebration of workers’ rights.
The National Assembly (NA) speaker, Thoko Didiza said it is also a tribute to the critical role that the working class and trade unions played in resisting apartheid and advancing South Africa’s journey towards democracy. Didiza said they salute workers as the backbone of South Africa’s economy and democracy.
“Since 1994, Parliament has strengthened and protected workers’ rights through an extensive body of legislation, including the National Minimum Wage Act (and its amendments), the Employment Equity Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Act — which, notably, extended protection to domestic workers for the first time.
“Parliament remains committed to holding the Executive accountable in labour matters, overseeing issues of workplace safety, labour rights, unemployment mitigation, and job creation through committee inquiries, oversight visits, and budgetary scrutiny,” she said.
Didiza further said as the world of work evolves, Parliament is actively engaging on matters such as basic income support proposals and the regulation of digital and platform work to ensure fair treatment, benefits and protection for gig economy workers. She added that according to the 2024 Fourth Quarter Labour Force Survey by Statistics South Africa, youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24, remains unacceptably high at over 60%, highlighting persistent challenges in absorbing young jobseekers.
“Stats SA further notes that women and black Africans continue to bear the brunt of unemployment disparities, underscoring the need for Parliament to prioritize gender-responsive and equitable economic policies.
“Parliament will continue to prioritize legislative and oversight efforts to protect the rights of workers and to create an inclusive, prosperous society where all South Africans enjoy dignity, fairness, and opportunity,” said Didiza.
She said they wish all South Africans a happy Workers’ Day.
Picture: North West cheerleaders fly SA flag high/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
1 May 2025- Four talented young athletes from the North West have returned home triumphant after making history at the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Championships in Orlando, USA. Larona Pooe (13) fromSunrise View Secondary School, Nicoleen Maluleke and Tshiamo Nkele, both learners from Grenswag Hoerskool, and Oratile Mmeti from Geelhoutpark High School, all hailing from Rustenburg, were part of the first-ever South African youth all-girls cheerleading team to compete at the prestigious global event.
The North West Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping
Sebolecwe said South African team, which included these exceptional North West athletes,
achieved an impressive fifth-place at the ICU World Championships 2025, which took
place from April 23rd to 25th, 2025. Sebolwcwe said their remarkable achievement on the world stage marks a significant milestone for cheerleading in South Africa.
“The journey to the world championships for the four participants began in 27 April 2024, through their club based at Tlhabane West Primary School. Their dedication and skill propelled them through the regional finals held at Klerksdorp High School on 8 June 2024, and at Lahoff Primary School on 20 July 2024.
“Following their success at the regional level, they advanced to the provincial event and subsequently to the national competition, where they were selected to represent South Africa,” he said.
Sebolecwe further said adding to the celebratory homecoming, the team was welcomed by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mackenzie, at OR Tambo International Airport
this morning.
Meanwhile, the Chief Director of Sports & Recreation for the North West Province, George Marindi expressed his pride and support, stating the provincial government is incredibly excited to have been able to assist these talented young individuals in their journey to represent South Africa on this prestigious global platform. Their success at the ICU World Championships is a testament to their hard work and dedication, starting from their local club.
Marindi said the Department of Sports & Recreation in the North West Province played a crucial role in enabling the athletes’ participation by covering all associated costs, including attire, flight tickets, registration fees, training facilities, and meals. He said this support underscores the department’s commitment to fostering youth development and recognizing sporting excellence within the province.
“The ICU World Championships is the pinnacle of international cheerleading, showcasing the dynamic blend of dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics that defines the sport.
“Teams from across the globe perform intricate choreographed routines featuring stunts, tumbling and cheerchants. The achievements of Larona, Nicoleen, Tshiamo, and Oratile serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes across the North West and highlight the growing prominence of cheerleading in South Africa.
1 May 2025- Following last week’s successful hosting of the G20 Stakeholder Consultation session on Women Empowerment which was held at the North West University, Potchefstroom campus, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the North West Provincial Government will this week hold the second and last G20 Stakeholder Consultation session on the Empowerment of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Working Group at the MM Sebitloane Special School in Lokaleng village in Taung on Friday.
The Head of Communications, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Cassius Selala the Stakeholders Consultation sessions serve as build-up activities ahead of next week’s G20 Financial Inclusion Conference and the second G20 Technical Meeting on the Empowerment of Women Working Group at Sun City.
“South Africa places Inclusive Economic Growth at the centre of its national agenda. As Chair of the Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG), the country aims to build on Brazil’s initiatives and further contextualise the objectives of the EWWG, which are Removing Barriers To Work, Enabling Decent Work, Supporting Women’s Enterprises, and Financial Inclusion, among others.
“Targeted stakeholders from across Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, include among others, women and youth in business, Small and Medium Enterprises particularly for persons with disabilities, the local traditional and Khoi-San leaders and Civil Society,” he said.
Picture: Netball South Africa president, Cecilia Molokwane
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 May 2025- The Netball South Africa (NSA) said it acknowledges the public discourse currently circulating in media reports and on social media amid precautionary suspension of its president, Cecilia Molokwane by the World Netball. Netball South Africa (NSA) said it remains fully committed to upholding the principles and values of corporate governance, including accountability, transparency, institutional integrity and the prioritisation of athlete welfare above all else.
Netball South Africa spokesperson, Karabo Mokgalagadi said they can confirm that, World Netball, the international governing body, has instituted a disciplinary process involving Molokwane and placed her under precautionary suspension. Mokgalagadi said in accordance with the instructions received from World Netball, NSA has been directed not to interfere in this process.
“World Netball has clarified that the investigation into the allegations is being conducted in accordance with its disciplinary regulations. It has confirmed that all actions taken thus far align with its published policies, including the jurisdiction outlined in Clause 4.1 of the World Netball disciplinary regulations.
“Additionally, World Netball emphasised that this is a procedural, rather than punitive step, intended solely to determine whether there is a case to answer,” she said.
Mokgalagadi further said Netball South Africa respects all applicable governance frameworks and is fully cooperating with World Netball in the interest of due process and lawful resolution. She added that the situation in which they find themselves is difficult for all concerned, however for the good of the sport, they must ensure that any allegations put to them are addressed with complete integrity and respect for the individuals involved.
“During a recent parliamentary session, questions were raised, including specific line-item expenditures from NSA’s past financial records. In keeping with Parliamentary House Rules, Netball South Africa’s leadership (CEO) requested time to consult the appropriate records to ensure the accuracy of our responses.
“It is not only within our rights, but also our responsibility to ensure that the information submitted to Parliament is factually correct and verifiable,” said Mokgalagadi.
She said despite this, NSA leadership was unfairly pressured to respond immediately to detailed financial queries, specific to the 2023/24 Financial Year. Mokgalagadi said such expectations are inconsistent with standard Parliamentary practice and risk undermining the integrity of governance processes.
“In terms of the Parliamentary rules regarding oral questioning, NSA is within its rights. The manner in which these questions were posed raises serious concerns.
“Safeguarding is a fundamental policy in sport and must never be taken lightly. However, the interrogative approach directed at our leadership risks undermining the very principles this policy seeks to uphold,” she said.
Mokgalagadi said while they acknowledge that gender should not exempt anyone from accountability, it equally must not render them vulnerable to politically motivated targeting. She said the Portfolio Committee has seen 6 Federations (Boxing SA, SANABO, Basketball SA, Athletics SA, Swimming SA), but none of them has trending videos on social media platforms published by a Member of Parliament (MP) for public humiliation.
“Is this because NSA is a women led federation? We confirm that a detailed written response addressing all financial queries is currently being consolidated and will be submitted to Parliament in line with proper procedure.
“It is critical to clarify that the Netball World Cup 2023 was overseen by a separate and independent World Cup Board, registered under CIPC, with its own Directors, and funded by government amongst others, distinct from the current board and leadership of Netball South Africa – noting that the President of Netball South Africa and the former CEO were part of the 2023 NWC Board,” said Mokgalagadi.
She said the concerns and financial reports around the 2023 Netball World Cup should be accounted for by the 2023 NWC Board. Mokgalagadi said those two entities need to be separated.
Picture: An inmate died in Correctional Services facility
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 May 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed its deep concern that the death of another inmate has now been found to be due to unnatural causes, this time multiple blunt force injuries. Four officials from the Goodwood Correctional Centre have been suspended.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said they noted the reports about the four officials being suspended following the death of inmate, Quinton Fortuin. Ramolobeng said they noted the reports that Fortuin allegedly attacked a correctional official, causing a broken arm.
“We noted that other officers had to intervene to subdue him. We further note that the post-mortem indicated that the cause of Fortuin’s death was a result of multiple blunt force injuries.
“This is extremely concerning as it comes across as excessive force or extreme measures are used in bringing inmates under control. We saw another incident recently at the Mangaung Correctional Centre,” she said.
Ramolobeng further said this is totally unacceptable. She added that, they call on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to thoroughly and speedily conduct its investigation into the inmate’s death in Goodwood.
“We want to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends in their time of sorrow. The committee will call the Department of Correctional Services and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services to brief it on these matters,” said Ramolobeng.
1 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had joined South Africans in marking Workers’ Day. The party said it is doing that by recognising the millions who are able to work every day with freedoms and protections, to put food on the table, to better themselves and their families and to grow the economy.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen said also, tragically, by recognizing the millions of South Africans, who cannot find work in the face of one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. Steenhuisen said at a staggering 44.6% youth unemployment, up from 43.2% in the previous quarter, young South Africans may look at this Workers’ Day with despair – but the DA commitment on this Workers’ Day is that their despair can be transformed into hope.
“There is hope for economic growth and job creation in South Africa today, because the course and path of South Africa changed fundamentally in last year’s election.
“The DA is committed to economic growth and job creation. We are proud of our track record of growing local economies, and creating the best job opportunities at municipal and provincial level where we govern,” he said.
Steenhuisen further said as of 2024, in the various ministries they are responsible for in the National Government of Unity (GNU). He added that this enables them to say today: ‘South Africa, Jobs Are On The Way’.
“In the DA-led Western Cape, you have the best chance of getting a job compared to any other province – because voters there have empowered the DA to lead and to create jobs.
“In the Western Cape youth unemployment is around half the national average and over 80% of people who want to work in the Western Cape get a job – this is the highest in South Africa,” said Steenhuisen.
He said DA’s action in parliament and court and hard political work recently led to the scrapping of the VAT hike and a redrafting of the entire national budget so that it can be focused on economic growth and jobs, because they could not accept doing more of the same and expecting new results.
Steenhuisen said their supporters voted them into these positions and gave them a mandate to work for this kind of change and they are delivering.
“In the Government of National Unity (GNU), the DA’s six ministries show what is possible when the DA’s national job creation plans can be implemented.
“For example in Home Affairs, the DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber, has introduced visa reforms to boost annual GDP growth by 1.2% and create 78 000 new jobs. In Public Works, the DA’s Dean Macpherson is overseeing R437 billion worth of infrastructure projects in transport, water, energy, and housing, to create jobs,” he said.
Steenhuisen said in Communications, the DA’s Solly Malatsi is improving access to affordable smartphones and high-speed internet to millions of South Africans to create jobs in the digital economy. He said while they focus on growth and jobs, they must also cut down the obstacles to growth, fairness and opportunities because talented South Africans are being held back by a legacy of outdated race-based policies that stifle potential and deter investment.
“For example, BEE in its current form is no longer seen by a majority of South Africans as the best path to redress or growth – this was confirmed by a national poll by IPSOS.
“While South Africa must experience redress and economic transformation, it cannot be through BEE scorecards, fronting, enriched cadres and head counting. This only leads to more exclusion,” said Steenhuisen.
He said on 6 May 2025, the DA will be in the North Gauteng High Court to challenge the Minister of Labour’s new racial employment targets, under the Employment Equity Amendment Act’s Section 15A – because this is an impediment to inclusion, economic growth and jobs. Steenhuisen said outdated policies that stand in the way of growth and jobs are in the DA’s crosshairs.
“We will do everything we can to take down these barriers. Rest assured this Workers’ Day, South Africa, jobs are on the way,” he said.
The Guardian 