Banyana assemble for their final training camp ahead of WAFCON

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 June 2025 – African champions Banyana Banyana have assembled for their final training camp ahead of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to be played in Morocco from 5-26 July 2025.

All but three players have reported for national team duty with the remaining trio of Jermaine Seoposenwe (Mexico), Kgaelebane Mohlakoana (DRC Congo) and Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) expected in the next few days.

Bongiwe Thusi has been called up as a replacement for Michelle Sampson, who withdrew as she was not feeling well. South African senior women’s national team coach Dr Desiree Ellis will on Monday, announce the final 21 players that are heading to Morocco, with a further two placed on standby.

“We haven’t had any conversations yet, it’s still a selection camp and we just had conversations with players coming into camp, asking them how they are doing, what their expectations are.

“Some are somewhat nervous, some are very excited, but we wanted to make them feel welcome because there are places to fight for. We are looking at taking a versatile squad like we’ve done in the past. So, we’re trying to look at players these next couple of days in as many positions as we know they can play and how they can add value to the team,” she said.

The four-time CAF Woman Coach of the Year also touched on the recent announcement made by Banyana Banyana goal poacher, Seoposenwe that she will retire from the Sasol-sponsored national team after the WAFCON.

“Jermaine has been a fantastic servant and whenever she has needed to step up, she stepped up and the 2022 WAFCON was that because she hadn’t played for us for more than a year due to visa issues.

“I just want to say to Jermaine ‘thank you for the service that you’ve given.’ I don’t think we can thank her enough for what she’s done, but when a player makes a decision, then you have to respect that,” said Ellis.

She further said she had conversations with Jermaine, so it wasn’t a surprise for her, but she has to respect the decision. Ellis said the African champions are expected to depart for Morocco on 24 June 2025.

Meanwhile, the WAFCON defending champions are in Group C and they were drawn against Ghana, Tanzania and Mali.

Banyana Banyana Provisional WAFCON Morocco 2024 squad:

GOALKEEPERS:

Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon

DEFENDERS:

Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O’Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede,

MIDFIELDERS

Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Bongiwe Thusi, Adrielle Mibe, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana

FORWARDS:

Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Nthabiseng Majiya, Bonolo Mokoma, Ronnel Donnely

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Committee urges executive to address uncertain guarantee to kick-start renewal of Denel

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By REGINALD KANYANE

21 June 2025 – The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has urged the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to strengthen engagements to find workable solutions around the challenge facing Denel of acquiring guarantees necessary to deliver on contracts required to improve the liquidity challenges facing the entity. The committee held an introductory meeting with the senior management of the entity to assess progress in implementing the turnaround strategy of the entity.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Phiroane Phala said, while the committee acknowledged the challenge with the unwillingness of the financial institutions to issue guarantees, mainly due to administrative and governance challenges, it is necessary to find solutions as a means of breathing new life into the entity. Phala said the committee highlighted the importance of Denel in supporting the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to deliver on its mandate, skills development as well as potential impact on economic growth.

“While finding solutions to address the guarantee challenge and the importance of that, the overriding issue is the stabilisation of the entity, re-establishing the reputation of the entity on the global defence market, and improving the liquidity of the entity.

“The skills drain occasioned by the challenges faced by the entity must be addressed to ensure that there are adequate skills to deliver on any probable contracts. Denel has to be supported to exploit the huge potential inherent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Malusi Gigaba said they welcome the assurance by the Minister that processes are underway to appoint a new board following the expiry of the current board’s term of office. Gigaba said, despite this, the committee highlighted that the shareholder representative must provide a long-term growth plan on how Denel can contribute to the skills base development and economic development of the country.

“The committee also welcomed the assurance that there is improvement in the alignment between Armscor and Denel, especially on the finalisation of Project Hoefyster.

“The committee highlighted that the support Denel offers to the SANDF is critical to create a platform for exposure to the international market. Any potential contract will be dependent on Denel proving the extensive use in the home country,” said Gigaba.

Gigaba further said it is on this basis that the alignment between Armscor and Denel is critical. He added that despite this, the committee highlighted the long-term risk posed to Denel and the entire defence industry by continuing underfunding of the SANDF.

“The committee has, since its establishment, highlighted the need for a reconsideration of the dwindling budgets to the SANDF as it has unmitigable impact on the defence industry and the ability of the SANDF to acquire and maintain necessary capabilities to safeguard South Africa’s sovereign integrity.

“The committee welcomed the information that there are green shoots in the stabilisation of the entity. For example, the committee was informed that Denel is now profitable despite its debt burden and skills shortages,” he said.

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Monna o fitlhetse a kaleditswe mo setlhareng

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Setshwantsho: Setopo sa monna se akgega mo setlhareng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

21 Seetebosigo 2025- Setopo sa monna wa dingwaga di le 31 se bonwe se akgega mo setlhareng kwa Unit 14, Mmabatho, gaufi le Mahikeng mo letsatsing la maabane. Go begwa fa monna o, a ile a bolaiwa ke rragwe lekgarebe le a neng a ratana le lone.

Go ya ka dipego tse di sa totobalang, go begwa fa moswi a ne a ratana le lekgarebe la dingwaga di le 15, fela rragwe lekgarebe leo, ga ka a tsaya kgang eo sentle. Go begwa fa rragwe lekgarebe leo, a ile a latela moswi le go mo kopa gore a kgaogane le ngwana wa gagwe.

Fela go begwa fa moswi a ile a gana go kgaogana le lekgarebe leo. Go begwa fa rragwe lekgarebe le, a ile a ja sejanaga sa moswi ka molelo pele ga a ka mo kaletsa.     

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Mokaptein Mpho Manyoba are: “Sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe ka tiragalo e, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. Go fitlha ga jaana, ga ise go tshwarwe ope.”

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Northern Cape MEC, Manopole commemorate Youth Month through cleaning and greening campaign

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Land Reform, Agriculture and Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs, Mase Manopole

By OBAKENG MAJE

21 June 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Land Reform, Agriculture and Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs, Mase Manopole, together with Sol Plaatje Municipality’s acting Executive Mayor, Diteko Dioka, successfully led the commemoration of Youth Month and Environmental Month in Roodepan, Northern Cape yesterday.

Monopole said the day featured a series of impactful activities, including a Cleaning and Greening Campaign , a Veterinary Outreach Service and a vibrant Youth Market Day — all aimed at empowering young people and promoting sustainable community development.

“The department extends its heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders, youth participants, and community members who contributed to the success of this integrated event, which underscores our commitment to resilient youth, sustainable communities, and a greener Northern Cape,” she said.

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A double murder case against two accused postponed  

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 June 2025- The double murder case against two men was postponed by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court until 2 July 2025, for a formal bail application. Two accused aged 29 and 41, allegedly connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on 14 June 2025.

The accused, who the court ordered that their names be withheld, were arrested by the team composed of Rustenburg Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg and Boitekong Visible Policing, Phokeng K9 and District Trio Task Team.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said their tireless work led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a vehicle and firearm connected to the fatal shooting of an elderly couple at a shopping mall in Rustenburg on Saturday afternoon. Myburgh said the arrests are a result of excellent crime intelligence work in identifying, locating and tracking the vehicle that was used to flee from the crime scene.

“The vehicle was traced, found and seized at Ndamoyi, Boitekong. Upon being questioned by the police, the first suspect conceded that on that fateful day, he was traveling in and driving the Kia Rio vehicle and that he was with his friend who was the one who allegedly shot the elderly couple before they fled from the scene.

“He then took the police to Rustenburg East, where his accomplice is staying.  Upon arrival, the police found the second person who showed them a pistol. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and the firearm seized.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “These swift arrests should send a strong message to those who commit crime that the police in the province will relentlessly track them down and that they will have no place to hide.”

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Committee on Electricity briefed on revised strategic plan and APP

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

20 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy received a briefing yesterday from the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa on public allegations made by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party relating to the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer (IPP) Procurement Programme.

In addition, the committee said it was briefed by the Department of Electricity and Energy on its revised strategic plan 2025-2030, annual performance plan (APP) 2025/26 and Budget Vote No 10 for 2025/26, including the impact on its entities. During their deliberations, members of the committee including the Minister were of the view that the meeting should ideally occur in an in-person setup rather than on a virtual platform.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said members requested that the one agenda item be moved where the committee would meet in-person. Mvana said the committee agreed to postpone the contentious battery energy storage IPP matter to an in-person meeting next week while proceeding with the departmental presentation.

“Regarding the revised strategic plan and APP, the committee expressed a view that the Just Energy Transition could disproportionately benefit a select few individuals while neglecting the working class.

“Some committee members emphasised that any transition from carbon-based energy sources to renewables must consider the livelihoods of those who may be adversely affected,” she said.

Mvana further said committee members sought clarity on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities such as Eskom and the National Electricity Regulator of SA. She added that questions were raised regarding the root causes of their ongoing financial instability, which necessitates continuous bailouts.

“Members requested a detailed plan and timeline for achieving improved financial stability by 2030, along with specific metrics to track progress. Additionally, there was a call for transparency regarding the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds.

“Particularly, since a significant portion of the department’s budget is allocated to the Integrated National Electrification Programme. The delay in finalising the Gas Master Plan and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) was another critical issue highlighted by committee members,” said Mvana.

She said the urgency of these frameworks was underscored, particularly in light of the impending “gas-supply cliff” and the need for a cohesive energy strategy. Mvana said members expressed concerns that the absence of these plans could hinder the country’s ability to transition effectively to renewable energy sources.

“Another important point raised during the discussions was the department’s approach to climate change. Committee members requested clarity on the initiatives being implemented to address climate objectives and the tangible results expected in terms of emissions control and air quality improvement.

“The need for a comprehensive strategy to mitigate climate change impacts was underscored. Furthermore, the committee discussed the importance of addressing the national skills shortage within the energy sector,” she said.

Mvana said members sought information on how the department plans to enhance workforce skills to meet the demands of the energy transition. She said, additionally, the role of digitisation in combating corruption and promoting efficiency within the department was also a topic of interest.

“In response, the department acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to providing detailed information on the financial sustainability of state-owned entities, including the steps being taken to reduce reliance on bailouts.

“The department outlined ongoing efforts to create a more accountable budget framework and emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in finalising the Gas Master Plan and IRP,” said Mvana.

She said the department assured the committee that measures are being implemented to address load reduction issues and enhance energy distribution. Mvana said regarding skill development, they indicated that partnerships with educational institutions and training programmes are being explored to build capacity in the energy sector.

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Teenage pregnancies hit Christiana

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Picture: Teenage pregnacies hit Christiana/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

20 June 2025 – Three cases of statutory rape were opened by a nursing sister and medical practitioner at the Christiana Police Station on 6 June 2025, after three teenage girls aged 14, 15 and 16, visited the local clinic for check-ups and confirmed to be pregnant. Three girls who are supposed to be attending school, visited the clinic unaccompanied by their parents and this raised the suspicion and concerns of the health professionals about possible breach of duty of care by their guardians.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone  said taking into account the seriousness and prevalence of incidents of Gender Based Violence (GBV), especially crimes against women and girl children, the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, was notified to immediately investigate the possible contravention of the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No. 32 of 2007).

Mokgwabone said the Act does not only broaden the crime of rape, but also prohibits acts of consensual sexual violation with certain children as statutory sexual assault.

“Investigation has revealed that all three girls have been involved in consensual intimate relationships and unprotected sex with their boyfriends that led to all three falling pregnant. The girl (14) is impregnated by a boy (17), a girl (16) was impregnated by a man (18), while the age of the boyfriend of the girl (15) is still to be verified,” he said. 

Mokgwabone further said the case dockets will be referred to the Senior Public Prosecutor for decisions.

Meanwhile, reacting to this, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has instructed that the Provincial GBVF Implementation Plan Committee comprised of the Police, Social Workers, Educators, Health, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other formations such as Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), School Governing Bodies (SGBs), Community Police Forums (CPFs) and Ward Councillors to as a matter of priority, visit and intensify their community awareness and outreach programmes not only in Christiana, but in other identified GBV&F/Domestic Violence ridden communities in the province. 

“The fact that these incidents were brought to the attention of the police by the local clinic should not only serve as a warning about the prevalent dangers of crimes by and against children, but must galvanise government and civil society to take decisive actions to eliminate the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F) and immorality in the society,” said Asaneng.

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Committee welcomes turnaround strategy for Madikwe Game Reserve

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Picture: Elephants at Madikwe Game Reserve/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism said it welcomes the turnaround strategy presented by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) regarding the management of the Madikwe Game Reserve. This follows a recent oversight visit by the committee to the Madikwe Game Reserve, attended by the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, as well as senior officials from the department and NWPTB.

The engagements focused on challenges facing the reserve, the strategic direction of the Madikwe Future Company and reports of animal welfare concerns, particularly in relation to elephant mortality.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mpho Khunou sought clarity after reports surfaced in the media highlighting high rates of elephant deaths allegedly linked to negligence. Khunou said during the session, the acting CEO of NWPTB, Jonathan Denga, confirmed that the reserve has lost 75 animals—mostly young elephants—due to malnutrition caused by overpopulation.

“With 1,633 elephants, Madikwe faces significant ecological strain, far exceeding the carrying capacity of its 60,000-hectare footprint. Current elephant density is at 2.7 per km², compared to the recommended 0.79 per km² for state-run reserves.

Lenkopane informed the committee that a provincial task team has been established, in collaboration with the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. She said the task team includes NWPTB, SANBI, SANParks, DFFE and academic institutions, and will oversee the implementation of the turnaround strategy.  

“The proposed measures include sustainable elephant population management through regulated trophy hunting, contraception, and selective culling of animals with health deficiencies, aiming to preserve biodiversity and strengthen the wildlife economy.

“The strategy also aims to recover at least 65% of the R85 million in outstanding debt, improve contract consistency for concessionaires and traversing rights, and introduce access control systems at Pilanesberg and Madikwe gates to reduce revenue losses,” said Lenkopane.

Khunou said they are pleased to note this strategy and look forward to its implementation as it will resolve long outstanding issues that have seen the deterioration of the NWPTB—especially regarding employee salary payments, poaching control systems, and ensuring the surrounding communities benefit meaningfully from tourism activities.

He said the committee requested several reports from the department and NWPTB, including a comprehensive audit report on Maape and Kgomo, and Golden Leopard Resorts.

“This includes clarification on the Pilanesberg Landing Strip governance, inclusion of unaddressed infrastructure challenges in the turnaround plan and a detailed financial strategy with clear implementation timelines

“The Committee further recommended that the department strengthen its communications strategy to keep communities better informed of opportunities and developments in the conservation and tourism sectors,” said Khunou.

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Committee calls for investigations into non-compliance in senior govt appointments in North West

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance has requested urgent investigations by the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission (PSC) into alleged non-compliance with recruitment and selection procedures by the Office of the Premier.

This follows the appointments of Heads of Department (HoDs) for Education and for Economic Development.

During a recent follow-up meeting with the Office of the Premier, Director-General, Paul Mogotlhe acknowledged that, while advertisements for the HoD positions—along with the post for the Department of Social Development—encouraged applications from women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities, the selection panel ultimately recommended two male candidates for the vacancy in the Departments of DEDECT and Education. Mogotlhe said two male Heads of Department have since been appointed.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nathan Oliphant said he noted with concern the continuing underrepresentation of women in senior roles. Oliphant said currently, there are 324 males and only 127 females occupying positions at level 13 and above across provincial departments and entities.

“We express disappointment that the report from the provincial government showed no progress since the previous meeting. We were misled. The provincial government indicated that no appointments were made in our sitting on 5 June 2025, and subsequent report that two men have been appointed for vacancies preferred for female candidates and persons with disability.

“Despite this, the appointments proceeded and did not reflect the advertised criteria. We are calling on both the Commission for Gender Equality and the Public Service Commission to investigate potential bias and discrimination against women, people with disabilities, and marginalised communities,” he said.

Oliphant further said the Office of the Premier, which should be leading by example, has failed to meet its employment equity obligations. He added that they will also request the Department of Labour to investigate the provincial government’s overall non-compliance with employment equity targets set for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025, as no meaningful progress has been made.

“The committee’s position is that the provincial government must review these appointments, as they undermine the employment equity framework and continue to exclude those it is meant to uplift.

“The Premier and selection panels will be called to account. The Premier, as the appointing authority, apologised for his absence from the committee,” said Oliphant.

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality CEO, Dr Dennis Matotoka, confirmed that the Commission has engaged the provincial government on employment transformation since 2011, but progress remains slow.

“Equitable representation of previously disadvantaged groups—particularly women—in leadership roles is critical. Departments must adopt innovative, inclusive strategies to meet employment equity targets. Unfortunately, current recruitment practices are falling short,” said Matotoka.

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Molapisi commits to advancing housing for Military Veterans

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Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi

By OBAKENG MAJE

202 June 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said his department has promised to expeditiously arrange a meeting between North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi and the province’s military veterans. This comes after a Provincial Imbizo on the Military Veterans Housing Programme held at Mogwase, near Rustenburg.  

Molapisi further said the Imbizo was held in line with the resolution of the Human Settlements MINMEC, provided feedback and information on the interventions approved by Cabinet to fast-track the delivery of adequate housing to Military Veterans.

He added that key challenges affecting the programme include disagreements about approved plans by the Department of Military Veterans, locations, where homes are built, qualifying criteria, untraceable members and beneficiaries, and a lack of serviced sites amongst others.

“This is despite veterans of the armed forces being either homeless, living with their families, or living in unfavourable conditions as a result of the programme’s poor performance.

“Before the start of the Imbizo, we handed over three completed houses to Military Veterans at Mabele-A-Pudi village and Bapong. We urge the veterans to exercise patience as the government works in their best interest,” said Molapisi.

He said that as a caring government, they recognise the sacrifices of military veterans towards achievement of democracy and freedom. Molapisi said he will personally facilitate the meeting between the departments and Mokgosi to address their challenges.

“We are aware of most of them and we are more than willing to address them. We further promise to engage with municipalities through the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to encourage them to also address their needs, such as the provision of service sites for the construction of houses.

“The Department of Human Settlements should also ensure that they make provision for those who are still in service and earning more and are not qualifying for the houses through the First Home Finance Programme,” he said.

Molapisi said other resolutions he made were to engage the Department of Public Works to avail properties that are no longer in use.

“To track and monitor progress, the Military Veterans Housing Programme will now be discussed at MUNIMEC meetings, where I interact with municipalities on a range of issues about service delivery.

“As our liberators, I pledge to do everything in my power to make sure you get what you deserve, and I will use the departmental budget speech to further address your concerns. There will be less talk and more action this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to military veterans, most of their challenges emanate from mistreatment from government officials, as most of their calls are not being answered. They said their applications take forever to be processed and the fact that they do not want to be served by people who have never been in the military, as they would not understand their plight.

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