North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng to appear before committee over GD Montshioa Airport saga

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 June 2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng is expected to appear before the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management on Thursday. Morweng is expected to provide the committee with answers regarding illegal occupation of GD Montshioa Airport.

According to the Chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature’ on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile, they will also engage the department on its final Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Budget allocations for 2025/26 too. Sonakile said this comes after a prior meeting where the committee expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the department’s failure to provide adequate responses to key questions and referred the matter back for further clarity.

“To ensure transparency and gather all relevant perspectives, the committee has formally invited the two aviation schools allegedly operating at the airport to appear before it.

“This engagement aims to clarify their legal status, understand the scope of their operations, and determine whether due processes have been followed in relation to airport use and lease agreements,” he said.

Sonakile further said the members of the committee will also be available for media interviews immediately after the meeting, where they will outline the way forward in resolving this matter and reaffirm the Legislature’s commitment to accountability, lawful governance and the protection of public assets. He added that the meeting will be held at GD Montshioa Airport on 5 June 2025 at 10am.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in North West Provincial Secretary, Papiki Babuile said he is not surprised by these kinds of allegations because South Africa has incompetent and pitiable police intelligence. Babuile said two months ago, they embarked on an oversight visit at the airport and noticed infrequent activities, where planes were allegedly illegally landing.

“Remember, when it comes to police intelligence, we are very weak in South Africa, particularly in the North West. We actually embarked on an oversight visit two months ago at the airport and noticed that there were planes landing, which were not supposed to be at that airport.

“The department was not even aware of such activities. We were wondering as the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management that, who are these individuals, who authorised them and who are they working for and what kind of activities are they running,” he said.

Babuile said they want Morweng to be held accountable. He said they will engage with the police and ensure that a criminal case is opened against malefactors.

“Not long ago, there was illegal mining taking place in Stilfontein for months and our police intelligence could not even pick that up. So, we are vulnerable when it comes to police intelligence,” he said.

The department has not responded to The Guardian Newspaper media inquiry citing that the matter will be dealt with during the meeting with the committee.

Meanwhile, the department has sent a notice of suspension or transfer letter to the Director, Thabo Sematle, who was allegedly responsible for day-to-day duties at the airport.    

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Monna o a itsegeng o tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa petelelo

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Setshwantsho: Monna o latofadiwang ka petelelo

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Seetebosigo 2025- Monna o a itsegeng wa kwa Taung o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le ditatofatso tsa petelelo. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse kwa sekolong se segolwane sa PH Moeketsi mono Taung, ka motsi wa fa go ne go tshwerwe moletlo wa mmino wa sedumedi, Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival mono ngwaga.

Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a betelela motlhankedi wa tshireletso ka motsi o.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, are o tla neelana ka dintlha tse di feletseng moragonyana.

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Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le mmeteledi, Bakang Katong e boela kgotlhatshekelo  

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Setshwantsho: Balatofadiwa ba polao, Bakang, Phenyo Katong le Katlego Mosimege

OBAKENG MAJE

4 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e tla boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Bakang Katong (32), yo o atlholetsweng dingwaga di le robedi kwa kgolegelong mo kgetsing ya petelelo, ga mmogo le balatofadiwa nae mo kgetsing ya polao, Thabang Lenyai (23), Katlego Mosimege (31) le Phenyo Katong (34), ba ne ba tshwarwa dingwaga di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go latofadiwa ka go bolaya Thabiso Mothibedi (35), setlhogo.

Go begwa fa ba ile ba mo teketa le go mo golegelela mo generateng. Seno se tla morago ga gore ba mo latofatse ka go ba utswetsa madi a seatleng a lekang ka R20 000 le motsoko wa R600.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Sam Tselanyane, o ile a tlhalosetsa ba lekwalo-dikgang la The Guardian Newspaper gore dipatlisiso di shupa fa tiragalo e, ele ya di 29 Moranang 2022. Tselanyane are go ile ga begwa fa moswi a ile a siela kwa motseng wa Longaneng.

“Fela, go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tswa letsholo le go mo latela. Go begwa fa go gorogeng ga bone kwa motseng wa Manthe, ba ile ba mo gokelela mo generateng, mme ba mo teketa go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.

“Go begwa fa balatofadiwa ba ile ba tabogisetsa moswi kwa kliniking ya selegae fa ba bona a neela mowa. Baoki ba ne ba tlhalosa fa go se sepe se ba ka se dirang go boloka moswi, gonne one a setse a balelelwa le badimo,” Tselanyane wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, ka di 1 Motsheganong 2022, baagi ba ile ba bolotsa mogwanto kgatlhanong le balatofadiwa, mme ba ile ba fisa matlo a bone a le mararo mo tiragalong e. Gape, baagi ba ile thuba le go senya ntlo-maitiso ya balatofadiwa, mme ba itseela le nnotagi.

Go begwa fa Katong a boleletse lekgotlha ka mokgwa wa tiriso ya lekwalo gore o ipona molato mo ditatofatso tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene. Lenyai le ene go ne ga begwa fa a ipone molato mo ditatofatsong tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, fela one a fetoga mme a kopa lekgotlha fa a batla go fetola mmueledi wa gagwe.

Katong o tlhaloseditse lekgotlha fa Mosimege le mogoloe, Phenyo, ba ne ba sena seabe mo tiragalong e.

Kgabagare, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bona le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane.

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A decline on NSC candidates in Mathematics and Physical Science subjects in North West  

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By OBAKENG MAJE

4 June 2025- The North West province has experienced a decline in National School Certificate (NSC) candidates, particularly in subjects like Mathematics and Physical Sciences. This comes after the province experienced a decline in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

According to the statistics, the decline is concerning, as these subjects are considered crucial for higher education in STEM fields. While the province’s overall NSC pass rate was 76.2%, a decline from 2019, specific areas like Mathematics and Physical Science saw a decrease in performance.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said they are aware of the declining Mathematics and Science participation, however, the list of schools not offering such subjects has been developed and supported. Molokwane said the visits are currently taking place to establish the reasons and for schools to come up with plans of ensuring that come 2026, Grade 10 learners are offering both Mathematics and Physical Science.

“The introduction of Technical Mathematics and Technical Science in Technical Schools, which learners are utilizing to replace Mathematics and Physical Science might be one of the contributing factors. This includes the increased availability of university courses, which only require Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics.

“These subjects are comparatively easy compared to pure Mathematics. Also, parents and learners often pursue attainment of the aggregate score, which is easier to score through Mathematical Literacy,” he said.

Molokwane further said individuals opt for subjects that will boost their chances of ensuring the career course that they are aiming at. He added that policy allows for learners to change their subject should they believe that they are not coping or wishing to pursue a particular career path.

“So, this is the reason the number of learners are opting for Mathematical Literacy. Yes, it is true that percentage of full-time NSC candidates writing Mathematics dropped

from 53% in 2008 to 38.5% in 2023, while the percentage writing Physical Science dropped from 38.6% to 29.7% the same period.

“The department does not have qualified personnel to teach these kinds of subjects, especially the Technical Subjects. Candidates who have completed tertiary education often do not pursue teacher training, hence these challenges,” said Molokwane.

He said, also there is a high demand in the job market for those skills, leading to teachers not staying in the system. Molokwane said the department already embarked on Mathematics Lekgotla aimed at increasing participation, which comprised all stakeholders, parents, teachers and learners.

“There is a Mathematics Forum, which is aimed at looking into contextual factors in every school, to increase participation. Isolated schools which are not offering mathematics and district officials are zooming into the possibility of introducing Maths stream in 2026.

“Furthermore, plans are in place to explore the possibility of increasing each school’s Grade 10 maths participation by 5 to 10% enrolment in 2026,” he said.

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North West MEC for Community Safety and Management, Wessels Morweng fingered in ‘jobs for pals’ saga

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 June 2025- Disgruntled whistle-blower at the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said ‘jobs for pals’ at the department has demoralised them. The highly-placed source who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, accused the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng of interference.

“There is a traffic officers’ recruitment learnership program at the department. However, those who were initially selected were removed from the list and replaced by individuals who are close to Morweng and his associates.

“A culture of jobs for pals at the department has led to maladministration. You bring individuals without skills simply because they have connections. The department continues to make poor decision-making under the stewardship of the Head of Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana and Morweng as political head,” said the source.

The source said most of the names on the list are related to some panellists, including Morweng. The source said there is a certain Kabelo Morweng on the list, who is believed to be Morweng’s brother.

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse said: “I’ve just spoken to HOD. He says we will reply after the Portfolio Committee meeting tomorrow.”

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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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