Congratulatory messages continue to pour in after Orbit College FC marches to Betway Premiership

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Picture: One of Orbit College FC fans welcoming them to Betway Premiership

By REGINALD KANYANE

26 June 2025- Congratulatory messages continue to pour in after Orbit College FC’s historical promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League yesterday. The Mswenko Boys as Orbit College FC is affectionately known, had a hard fought 1-0 win against Cape Town City FC at the packed Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.

The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West Province has also extended its warmest congratulations to the team on their remarkable achievement. The party said this is a watershed ticket to form part of the South Africa’s Premier Soccer League.

The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said Orbit College FC historic victory marks their rise from the Motsepe Foundation League to the Premiership in just two seasons, but also ends the province’s seven-year absence from the division of football’s biggest names. Maruping said this not only marks a moment of immense pride for the people of the North West, but also demonstrates the power of sport in uplifting communities, inspiring youth, and building social cohesion.

“Orbit College FC has become a shining example of dedication, discipline, and resilience, real qualities that reflect the spirit of our province. We commend the club’s management, technical team, players, and supporters for their hard work and unwavering commitment.

“This success speaks volumes about the talent and potential existing in our townships and rural communities when given the necessary support and development opportunities,” he said.

Maruping further said as the ANC, they are proud of the club’s roots in education and youth empowerment. He added that they view this milestone as a testament to the value of investing in grassroots sport.

“Orbit College FC’s promotion reaffirms our belief that North West can become a hub for sporting excellence in South Africa. We urge our government, the private sector and communities to rally behind the team, as they embark on this new and challenging journey in the Betway Premiership,” said Maruping.

He urged the people of North West to stand united in support and ensure that the team continues to flourish and represent the province with dignity and distinction.

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party Student Movement provincial convenor, Tswellopele Senne shared the same sentiments. Senne said they celebrate the hard work and commitment of both the players and coaching staff, who have made the province proud by competing on the national stage against esteemed teams such as Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

“Your victory not only reflects the talent within our region, but serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the North West. We urge local business leaders and entrepreneurs to rally behind the Orbit College FC as they embark on this exciting journey in the PSL.

“Your support can make a significant difference in their preparation and competitiveness at this elite level, fostering a culture of sporting excellence and teamwork throughout our communities,” he said.

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Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa sekgweng   

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Setshwantsho-papiso- Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa nageng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

26 Seetebosigo 2025- Marapo a motho a bonwe kwa sekgweng kwa motseng wa Kudunkgwane, gaufi le Ganyesa ka di 10 Seetebosigo 2025. Sepodisi se tlhalositse fa se belaela fa marapo ao, a ka tswa ele a lekgarebe le le magareng ga dingwaga di le 20 le 30.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone o tlhalositse fa go fitlhetswe meriri e logilweng (plaited braids) gaufi le marapo ao. Mokgwabone are sepodisi se ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a na le tshedimosetso kgotsa mongwe wa lelapa o timetseng go ka ikgolaganya le mmatlisisi mo kgetsing e, eleng Detective Constable Allen Moyo mo dinomorong tsa mogala eleng 071 423 2669.

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Committee welcome presentations on 2025-2030 strategic and APP for 2025/26

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 June 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour has welcomed presentations on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and budget estimates of the Compensation Fund and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).  The Compensation Fund and UIF are entities of the Department of Employment and Labour.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Boyce Maneli said they encouraged them to work in a coordinated manner together with sister entities within the portfolio, such as the Supported Employment Enterprises. Maneli said the committee believes that there is a minimal impact when the department and its entities work in silos on skills training and programmes to empower people living with disabilities.

“The committee has directed the UIF to put measures in place to monitor and evaluate the impact made through its Labour Activation Programme. This programme is the department’s initiative to minimise unemployment and stimulate job creation through skills development and financial assistance to employers and employees through the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS); it is implemented through the UIF.

“The committee has encouraged the Compensation Fund and UIF to strengthen their ICT infrastructure to improve the turnaround time on benefit payments and minimise queues at service centres,” he said.

Having been briefed on the 2025-2030 strategic plans, 2025/26 annual performance plans and the medium-term expenditure framework of the department and its entities, Maneli further said they will now meet on 27 June 2025, to consider its 2025 budget vote report.

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Committee calls on department to be clear about its intentions regarding any labour legislation review

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 June 2025- The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade said it has called on the Department of Employment and Labour to give careful thought to what it aims to achieve through the review of South Africa’s labour legislation. This comes after the department informed the committee that it intends to review and amend approximately six pieces of labour legislation – a process that has already commenced at Cabinet level.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Sonja Boshoff said on Wednesday, the department presented its strategic plan and annual performance plan to the committee. Boshoff emphasised that the review of labour legislation must take into account the country’s stagnant economy and soaring unemployment rate.

“Any review or future amendment to labour legislation must be practical and responsive to the realities faced by small players in the economy. Legislation must serve as an enabler for job creation and economic growth.

“In today’s South Africa, we should be preoccupied with reducing red tape and moving away from race-based policy positions. This is not to suggest that the economic empowerment of the previously disadvantaged should be abandoned, but rather that we must rethink our priorities and focus on the broader population – not just the politically connected,” she said.

Boshoff further said the legislative review process must unlock economic participation, particularly for emerging and marginalised market players. She added that, they will not tire in advocating for conditions that make it easier to do business and that create opportunities for deserving and competent individuals.

“It is truly ironic that labour legislation, which should be designed to protect and promote employment, is in some cases the very reason job creation is being stifled. We still owe it to South Africans to empower both job seekers and potential employers alike,” said Boshoff.

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Orbit College FC promoted to the Betway PSL

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Picture: Orbit College FC players

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 June 2025- The Orbit College FC coach, Pogiso Makhoye who guided his team to promotion to South Africa’s top-flight after beating Cape Town City FC 1-0 at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday said, even though it was hard, they managed through discipline, dedication and determination. Makhoye said their promotion to the Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) is a momentous achievement as they started this journey 15 years ago.

“The promotion highlights the culmination of effort, strategic planning and a strong team identity. It was difficult and when we played Durban City FC, I thought we would not make it, but with the grace of God, here we are.  

“So, I would like to thank Mr Mosito. When we started this team 15 years ago, he was the man who was behind me. I would also like to thank Nkosana and Mpume Khoza for always guiding me. They are my mentors and they believed in me,” he said.

Makhoye further said they always believed that, one day they will make history. He added that they signed players in January 2025, to bring experience because they were the second best team in the ABC Motsepe League.

“Truly speaking, we deserve to be here. We took Durban City FC toe-to-toe to the last day and we knew this was our moment. We would also like to thank the people of Bokone Bophirima for rallied behind us.

“I always wanted to promote this team to the elite league. I said to my players that, every time when I opened the scripture, it spoke about Moses, now today I am that Moses who takes Israelites from Egypt to the land of honey, which is Canaan,” said Makhoye.

He also congratulated his players.  

Meanwhile, the Cape Town City FC coach, Roger De Sa said: “We created scoring opportunities, but we did not use them. Truly, we had many chances, but we gave them away. So, I guess this is what it is.

“This is a horrible situation we have found ourselves in since the start of the season. We created many chances, but we did not take them.”

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Couple in court for allegedly defrauding SARS R2m

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 June 2025- The accused, Tebogo Vincent Mashabe (38) representing Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd and in his personal capacity together with his wife, Refilwe Fancy Mashabe (39), briefly appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of fraud and money laundering. The pair was arrested by the Hawks Mmabatho Serious Commercial Crime Unit.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NOA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said their arrest comes after a thorough investigation between South African Revenue Services (SARS) and DPCI as guided by the Specialised Tax Unit through the Jan Vas Project. Gunya said this project involves a fraud syndicate that operates in the North West, Gauteng North, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

“The syndicate has been defrauding SARS of huge amounts of money through submitting fraudulent VAT returns. The syndicate used companies that are registered at SARS as taxpayers. The companies used tax practitioners and accountants as e-filers for the companies.

“The court heard that Tebogo is the sole director of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, which was registered as a company on 14 February 2012. This company further registered with SARS for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT). Tebogo also registered with SARS for e-filing.

“The state alleges that the e-filing profile of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd was frequently accessed by Tebogo Mashabe, the tax practitioner, and the accountant in submitting fraudulent VAT returns from 8 December 2012 to 24 August 2021. A total of eleven fraudulent VAT returns were submitted to SARS during this period and a total amount of R3 million was claimed through the fraudulent VAT returns.

“A sum of R2 million was paid by SARS in the bank accounts of Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd. Investigations revealed that immediately after SARS made a transfer of a sum of money relating to the fraudulent claim to Tebocent Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, Tebogo would redirect the money to his personal bank account, his wife’s bank account (Fancy Mashabe) and six other accounts,” he said.

Gunya further said the money would then be used on items that have nothing to do with the business of the company. He added that both accused were granted bail set at R10,000 each with normal bail conditions that they should not interfere with investigations or witnesses and leave the country.

“The case has been adjourned to 30 September 2025, for the arrest of other suspects,” said Gunya.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended the collaboration between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) that culminated in the accused’s court appearance.

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Greater Taung Local Municipality incurred R383 million in irregular expenditure

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Picture: The Greater Taung Local Municipality logo

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 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 Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality to account over the R1,1 billion, Naledi Local Municipality on R600 million, Greater Taung Local Municipality on R383 million and Mamusa Local Municipality on R284 million Irregular Expenditure incurred on the 2023/24 financial year.

The SCOPA provincial chairperson, Smuts Matshe said municipalities acquired disclaimer and adverse audit opinions during the financial year under review. Matshe said Naledi Local Municipality has ESKOM debt of over RR812,3 million and water boards an amount of R33 million.

“The MFMA public hearings will take place at Kismet Community Hall in Vryburg on Thursday,” he said.

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A rape and murder case postponed

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Picture: The deceased, Motlalepule Kau

By OBAKENG MAJE

24 June 2025- A kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder case against two accused, Tshepiso Montswane (33) and Gaonapotso Rantsho (33), who are from Ga-Manyai Section in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, has been postponed by the Ganyesa Magistrate’s Court to 1 September 2025. The duo was arrested after they allegedly kidnapped, robbed, rape and killed Motlalepule Kau (43).

It is alleged that Kau who resided in Montshioa Township, near Mahikeng, was lured by Rantsho and Montswane to Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa under false pretence of being traditional healers. It is alleged that Kau was reported missing by her family at Mahikeng Police Station on 23 April 2025, and a search was commenced.

The accused allegedly kidnapped, robbed, raped and killed her. Kau’s lifeless body was found buried in a shallow grave in the bushes between Tlakgameng and Kudunkgwane on 24 April 2025.  

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Kau’s body was positively identified by a next-of-kin. Mokgwabone said the gruesome discovery came after forensic leads led the investigation teams that worked tirelessly to the area.

“Ransho and Motswane were remanded in custody until 24 June 2025, for possible bail application. They are facing charges of kidnapping, robbery aggravating, rape and murder,” he said.

The duo told the court that, they have a pending rape case.

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SAPS urge public to report cable theft

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Picture: A man nabbed by the police for allegedly committing criminal offence/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 June 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has accomplished significant operational successes in terms of crimes related to essential infrastructure, however the prevention and policing of these crimes remains a priority. The SAPS said a Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015 clearly states that it is a criminal offence to tamper, destroy or damage essential infrastructure. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said it is also an offence to collude with, or assist another person in any such activity. Kock said offences which may interfere with the provision of a basic service relating to energy, transport, water, sanitation and communication are covered under the act. 

He further said if convicted, it provides a severe penalty of imprisonment. Kock added that precautionary measures can be implemented to prevent these crimes.

“Install physical deterrents such as fences, impact resistant glass and strong locks and doors. Have bright security lights inside and outside the property. Clean up vandalism and remove or repair any damaged item as soon as possible.

“Install video surveillance. Hire security service companies to provide security guards. The SAPS encourages the community to report suspicious behaviour and activities related to cable theft. The public and second hand goods dealers must discourage the market for stolen goods by refusing to purchase these items from criminals,” he said.

Kock said authorities should educate the public and raise awareness about the dangers of cable theft and the importance of reporting it. He said they warn that cable theft is a criminal offence and unlawful and intentional tampering with or damaging or destroying of essential infrastructure, and provides for the possibility of the imposition of a severe penalty, namely imprisonment which may be up to 30 years.

“The public is urged to report incidents of this nature to the police via the MySAPS app or 08600 10111. Alternatively report incidents to the 24-hour Toll-Free Number 0800 222 771 to report incidents to the Cable Theft Unit.

“Incidents of extortion can be reported to the National Hotline at 0800 911 011. All information will be treated confidentially,” said Kock.

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Youth Voices to Take Centre Stage at Platfontein Social Cohesion Dialogue

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 June 2025- The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said it will host a Youth Month Social Cohesion Dialogue at the !XunKhwesa Combined School in Platfontein on 27 June 2025 from 11am. The department said the event will be held in collaboration with the !Khu and Khwe communities.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson, Conrad Fortune said it is important that dialogue forms part of the department’s Youth Month commemorative activities, which seek to empower young people through inclusive platforms that foster unity, development, and economic opportunity. Fortune said the theme for the dialogue is: “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation.”

“The event will bring together youth leaders, community representatives, and key stakeholders to engage in robust discussions on skills development, innovation, and the role of cultural identity in shaping a resilient and economically active generation.

“Through this initiative, the department reaffirms its commitment to building a socially cohesive society by creating opportunities for young people, especially in historically marginalised communities, to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” he said.

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