26 May 2025 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will have an oral question-and-answer session with the Members of Parliament (MPs) at the National Assembly (NA). Oral question sessions with the President are scheduled at least once a quarter during Parliament’s annual programme.
The National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said these sessions are one of the mechanisms parliament uses to hold the executive to account as stipulated in Section 92(2) of the Constitution, which states that members of the executive are accountable collectively and individually to parliament for exercising powers and performing their functions.
Mothapo said for the full list of questions to the President, individuals can click on the following hyperlink:
“The sitting will take place at Good Hope Chamber and Virtual platforms on 27 May 2025, at 2pm. On the same day at 2pm, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) hybrid plenary will hold a debate on Africa Day.
“The day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now called the African Union) on 25 May 1963. The African Union’s primary objectives are to achieve greater unity and solidarity among African nations, defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity and accelerate political and socio-economic integration,” he said.
Mothapo said the sitting will take place at NCOP Chamber and Virtual platforms on Tuesday and 2pm.
26 May 2025- Rows of parked cars and rooftops on the North West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, now share space with banks of solar panels, part of a campus-wide plan to reshape how electricity is sourced, used and sustained.
The new decentralised solar energy system is being installed across most parking areas and rooftops at the campus. The system includes 1 820 panels, each generating 550 watts of power, with a collective capacity of 1 megawatt peak (1MWp).
The NWU representative from who is dealing with Energy Infrastructure, Hendrik Esterhuizen said panels are connected through 15 mini-systems that feed directly into the campus’s internal power grid.
“The systems connect to the university’s grid through inverters, ensuring that the power generated is used entirely on campus. The system is designed to meet the campus’ base load requirements and does not feed power back into Eskom’s grid.
“This is important because it ensures the solar system directly supports the campus’s energy needs without relying on the national grid. With the new solar plants the university enhances energy independence, reduces pressure on the public system, and improves resilience during load-shedding or power interruptions,” he said.
Esterhuizen further said it effectively acts as a virtual emergency power generator, supporting the campus’s diesel generators by adding additional capacity during load-shedding. He added that the investment carries long-term cost benefits.
“Each 100 kWp solar unit costs about R2 million, including infrastructure and carport installation. While solar is cheaper than grid electricity in the long run, the capital investment must first be recouped.
“The expected payback period is five to seven years. Diesel use is the most expensive option, costing roughly four times more than grid electricity,” said Esterhuizen.
He said their solar systems are already helping to reduce carbon emissions and they calculate these reductions monthly. Esterhuizen said building and connecting the systems on a functioning university campus has presented challenges.
“Construction teams have worked around academic schedules, including tests and exams. Infrastructural limitations, such as available roof space and electrical access points, have required tailored solutions.
“This solar installation forms part of a broader, phased energy project across the university’s three campuses. A 385 kWp plant is in place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, with a 2 500 kWp system at Potchefstroom and 1 500 kWp at Mahikeng,” he said.
Esterhuizen said future construction and major renovations will include similar solar energy components. He said the roll-out reflects a university-wide shift toward greater energy independence and measured investment in long-term sustainability.
Picture: Some of community members during protests/Screengrab
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 May 2025- Inaccessible roads across the North West province, particularly in rural areas, continue to be a challenge. The residents of Madipelesa village, near Taung said, this has affected their livelihoods for the longest time and the North West Department of Public Works and Roads ignores their plea.
The community embarked on a peaceful protest last week and submitted a memorandum of demand to the North West Department of Public Works and Roads. Teaching and Learning was also affected as all roads in the village were barricaded with stones and tree branches.
One of the community leaders, Bolelang Mogamisi said they demand a tarred road and improved infrastructure. Mogamisi said the community demanded a tarred road from Madipelesa to Seoding village.
“That road is crucial for our daily execution. We use it to and from town. So, we are in desperation regarding its deplorable state. Truly speaking, the road is gravel and its overall state is poor.
“Despite numerous attempts to engage the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to construct a tarred road for us, our plea fell in deaf ears,” he said.
Mogamisi further said they demand an upgrade and the existing gravel road be tarred. He added that the department must ensure that the road is safe and durable.
“We have written letters in the previous juncture. Given the department’s lack of response to our concerns, we are left with no choice but to take drastic measures.
“We urge the department to take immediate action in addressing our concerns and avoid further disruption within our community. We are united in our demand for a tarred road,” said Mogamisi.
He said as a community, they deserve safe, durable and well-maintained infrastructure that supports their daily lives and economic activities.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads spokesperson, Mmakgori Tong said: “The department is aware of the community’s demand. We have also received a memorandum and we will respond to it within 14 days.”
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said access to schools in Madipelesa has been blocked due to barricades and burning tyres, resulting in the suspension of teaching and learning activities. Molokwane said the disruption was linked to community protests concerning service delivery issues.
“The District Office has informed the principals of the affected schools to adjust schedules and allocate additional time for learners to catch up on missed lessons.
“This measure aims to reduce the adverse effects of the disruption on learners’ education. Police personnel were on sight to maintain safety and order during the protests,” he said.
Molokwane said the department strongly advises learners to avoid participating in the demonstrations, warning that involvement could jeopardize their safety and may lead to legal consequences.
Picture: Patients sleeping on the floor at Kuruman Hospital/Screengrab
By REGINALD KANYANE
26 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has reported the terrible state of the Kuruman Hospital to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The DA said this comes after an oversight inspection confirmed serious violations of the rights of patients and workers, to render and receive care health care in a conducive environment.
The DA councillor at Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, Braam van der Westhuizen said the inspection was prompted by a social media video earlier in the week that went viral. Van der Westhuizen said patients allegedly complained about sitting on the cold floor on blankets, waiting for days to be attended to.
“Wards were found overcrowded and patients were lined up on stretchers in the corridors. Some were also accommodated on beds on the floor. One patient showed us a drip in her arm that was not refilled for two days.
“One of the nurses indicated that she was wearing a mask because there were a lot of TB patients in the congested facility, causing hazardous working conditions. Despite the high-risk environment, patients were not offered masks,” he said.
Van der Westhuizen further said in the maternity section, a baby lay all alone on a machine, crying, with no one to care for it. He added that the baby was at risk of falling from the open machine that was a long distance from the ground.
“The medical supply storeroom was also found wide open with no one inside, posing the risk of theft of medication. Garbage was lying around, including empty boxes and burn wound dressings that had not been disposed of.
“The courtyards were also unkempt and overgrown, and used as a dumpsite. Last year, DA spokesperson for Health, Isak Fritz, shone the spotlight on the dire state of care at Kuruman Hospital during a separate oversight inspection,” said Van der Westhuizen.
He said it is disappointing that a year later, the Northern Cape Department of Health has failed to address these shortcomings, despite promises made by the district manager and hospital CEO. Van der Westhuizen said ongoing attempts by the provincial health department and even the premier, to pretend that the state of health care in the province is satisfactory, are blatant lies.
“We have reported our findings to the SAHRC and we hope that, through their intervention, the provincial health department will be forced to own up to its serious health care failures and fix them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting Director for Infrastructure, Planning and Maintenance at Northern Cape Department of Health, Xola Mpekelana said: “There is a limited space in the casualty of the hospital, including the wards. However, there is a temporary intervention in place.
“We are going to put up park homes to alleviate the pressure from the casualties and the wards. We also have a long term plan to build an extended casualty in the hospital.”
Mpekelana said the project will take about 12 months and the service provider has already been appointed. He said the project will commence in July 2025.
“The park homes will accommodate over 50 people,” said Mpekelana.
26 May 2025- The North West University (NWU) Council said it has appointed Professor Hennie Goede, currently serving as the executive dean of the Faculty of Theology, as registrar designate. The university said the appointment was made during an extraordinary Council meeting held on 22 May 2025.
The Chairperson of the Council, Bert Sorgdrager said the date from which Goede will commence his duties as registrar designate will be determined and communicated very soon to ensure a smooth transition at the Faculty of Theology. Sorgdrager said upon such determination, Goede will work alongside and report to the current registrar, Prof. Marlene Verhoef, until 31 December 2025.
“Goede will officially commence his term as the NWU registrar on 1 January 2026 for a five-year period, concluding on 31 December 2031. We extend our congratulations to Goede and wish him success in his new role.
“Council is confident that Goede’s wealth of knowledge and experience in both academic and faculty administration will make an invaluable contribution to the NWU as we implement the new strategy – Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond,” he said.
Sorgdrager further said as executive dean, Goede has played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Faculty of Theology during the past six years. He added that Goede serves on the university’s Senior Management Committee, the Senate, and various subcommittees.
“He currently chairs the Senate task team on postgraduate enrolments and is also a member of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Review Panel for Private Higher Education Institutions.
“Goede’s association with the NWU began in 2003, when he was appointed as locum tenens in Greek at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education,” said Sorgdrager.
He said between 2008 and 2016, he served as Minister in the Reformed Church. Sorgdrager said since 2016, he has held various academic and leadership roles in the Faculty of Theology at the NWU, including as senior lecturer, subject chair, acting executive dean, and as executive dean since 2019.
“In 2024, he was promoted to associate professor in New Testament Studies. Goede’s academic journey began at the former Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg), where he earned BCom and LLB degrees in 1992 and 1995 respectively, after which he practiced law as an attorney.
“He thereafter pursued honours degrees in Theology and Bible Translation at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (North West University), both completed in 2002,” he said.
Sorgdrager said this was followed by two master’s degrees, obtained in 2003 and 2005, and a doctoral degree in Greek at the NWU in 2011. He said Goede’s professional career reflects his multifaceted expertise, spanning law, the ministry and academia.
“In addition to his pastoral and legal experience, he has supervised and co-supervised numerous master’s-degree students. His scholarly work has been widely published in academic journals and edited volumes, and he has presented research at both national and international conferences.
“Once again, I wish Goede well on his new journey at the NWU. The NWU Council has full confidence in his abilities and knows that he will add value to the extensive role of the Office of the Registrar and the NWU,” said Sorgdrager.
Picture: Former ANCWL president, the late Getrude Shope
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 May 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of former ANCWL president and Member of Parliament (MP), Getrude Shope who passed away at the age of 99. The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa who has expressed his profound sadness, described Shope as an educator, freedom fighter and a trade unionist.
Ramaphosa said Ma Shope, as she was affectionately known, was a recipient in 2003 of the official Order for Meritorious Service (Silver), which recognised South Africans who had rendered exceptional public service, and which preceded the present-day National Orders. He further offered his deep condolences to Ma Shope’s daughters, Lyndall Shope-Mafole and South African Ambassador to Cuba, Thaninga Shope-Linney.
“Their father was the late trade unionist, freedom fighter and revolutionary intellectual Mark Shope, and their brother, Lenin Magigwane Shope, who had been South Africa’s Ambassador to Senegal, passed away in December 2020.
“We have lost an eminent national heroine and mother to our nation. During a lifetime of close to a century, Ma Shope made a monumental contribution to our struggle for a free and inclusive South Africa, while inspiring generations of women and men to emulate her commitment,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that Ma Shope’ sacrifice, service and revolutionary bravery played out in formations from the African National Congress – where she was elected President of the Women’s League in 1990 – to the Federation of South African Women, the World Federation of Trade Unions and the first Parliament of the democratic South Africa.
“Her sacrifice included almost a quarter century in exile with her husband Mark and children in locations ranging from Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia to the then Czechoslovakia.
“She organised women and communities in our country as well as international organisations to oppose apartheid and alleviate the plight of oppressed communities while the struggle was underway,” said Ramaphosa.
He said Ma Shope also had the distinction of being listed as a co-conspirator in the Rivonia Trial, alongside Oliver Tambo, Joe Slovo, Ben Turok, Duma Nokwe, Joe Modise, Jack Hodgson and others. Ramaphosa said she was indeed an mbokodo that apartheid failed to erode or fracture, and she entered our first democratic Parliament in 1994, with a vibrancy and vision that made her an exemplary first-generation parliamentarian.
“Shope lives on in our national memory and her life’s work is reflected in the transformation we have attained and continue to effect in our society.
“May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza said Shope was a principled and pioneering woman, a fearless voice for justice and a towering figure whose life embodied the spirit of South Africa’s long and painful struggle for freedom. Didiza said following the historic democratic breakthrough and South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Ma-Shope became part of the first generation of Members of Parliament in a free and democratic South Africa.
“In this historic role, she was instrumental in transforming Parliament from a symbol of oppression into a people’s institution rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and constitutional values.
“She helped lay the foundations of a democratic legislature that would reflect the will of all South Africans, contributing to the building of laws and institutions anchored in human dignity, equality, and justice,” she said.
Meanwhile, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) national spokesperson, Zanele Sabela said: “It is through stalwarts of Ma Shope’s caliber and many others who dedicated their lives through the liberation movement to serving the masses that the nation attained the democracy it now enjoys.
“Her character was revealed early in her life in her 20s, when she abandoned her personal aspirations, joining the African National Congress (ANC) to resist a brutal political system.”
Sabela said Shope’s initial resistance to the apartheid regime was proven by the bold decision to relinquish her teaching career as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education. She said Shope was instrumental in carving the recognition of human rights, the amplification of the voice of women, fearless in pursuit of justice for the vulnerable and equality for women, carrying these principles to Parliament after the 1994 elections.
26 May 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation received a briefing from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) on the National State Enterprises (NSE) Bill. The committee said NSE Bill aims to centralize the management of state-owned companies’ shareholdings under a holding company, the State Asset Management SOC Limited, to improve operational efficiency, governance and alignment with the state’s developmental objectives.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Teliswa Mgweba, welcomed the presentation by NEDLAC and said it will deepen the committee’s understanding of the Bill’s broader policy and developmental institution. Mgweba said she was also hopeful that the NSE Bill will significantly transform the governance, ownership and the architecture of state-owned companies.
“The legislation will also strengthen the oversight mechanism, accountability and performance monitoring to promote a transparent and inclusive legislative process.
“The committee will invite different other stakeholders to make submissions on the Bill as part of the extensive consultation process and public participation,” she said.
Picture: Some of candidates sitting for NSC examinations/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
26 May 2025- The North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, wishes all the best to the National Senior Certificate and Senior Certificate candidates who are currently writing their final examinations, which commenced on 12 May 2025, and will conclude on 25 June 2025.
Motsumi said this year, there are 22 014 candidates, a decrease from 27 010 in 2024.
She further said the examinations are being written in 73 Senior Certificate and 403 National Senior Certificate centres across the province. Motsumi added that the number of candidates has decreased by 4997 compared to last year.
“Printing, packing, packaging and storage of question papers has been 70% completed and stored securely. Distribution of the Question papers will be done daily at least two hours before the commencement of the examination.
“The May/June 2025 examination is prepared for those candidates who wish to improve their previous results. Second Chance Matric programme candidates and other previous Senior Certificate candidates, who are above the age of 21 and could not attain their matric,” she said.
Motsumi said marking guidelines will be released daily after the papers are written. She said the marking process will be conducted from 30 June to 10 July 2025, at the identified venues in the province under strict security protocol.
“Markers will be trained fully by the Chief Markers and Internal Moderators before marking could commence. External moderation will be conducted by both DBE and UMALUSI to quality assure the marking of the candidates’ scripts.
“We attribute the decrease in the number of candidates to the performance of last year. On behalf of the department, I wish all candidates the best of luck for their examinations,” said Motsumi.
She said they are pleased to see a significant decrease in the number of candidates, which they attribute to the high pass rate achieved by the Class of 2024. Motsumi said many learners performed exceptionally well, resulting in fewer candidates needing to rewrite.
“I encourage all registered candidates aiming to improve their results to use this opportunity to write their examinations. Unlike in previous years, where some candidates did not show up for their papers, I urge our candidates to commit to writing all their examination papers.
“This will ultimately enable them to pursue their dreams of furthering their studies at tertiary institutions and beyond. Candidates who wrote these examinations will receive their results from 8 August 2025, at the district offices for Senior Certificate and schools, where they were registered for National Senior Certificate,” she said.
Motsumi said candidates who have registered for the examination are encouraged to arrive on time for the examinations and avoid irregular conduct during examinations.
Picture: North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
25 May 2025- In line with Chapter 6, Section 131(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, has appointed the North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi as the acting Premier effective from 24 May 2025 to 8 June 2025. Mokgosi said as acting Premier, Mosenogi will execute all responsibilities entrusted to her in line with the provisions of the constitution.
25 May 2025- Cyril Ramaphosa has officially betrayed the people of South Africa. He stood before Donald Trump, the president of the United States, and bowed. He chose the side of white monopoly capital. He spat on the graves of our liberation heroes.
He denounced our victory songs that carried us through the darkest days of apartheid. He turned his back on the struggle and chose to serve those who benefit from our oppression.
How can an African leader go and kneel before Trump with no evidence of genocide in this country? He did not defend our sovereignty.
He made us look like beggars in the eyes of the world. He made us look like we have no backbone, no pride, no history.
He betrayed the spirit of Biko, Sobukwe, Chris Hani and every freedom fighter who bled for this land. Let’s be clear.
The capitalist system does not solve problems. It creates them.
Then the same capitalists return in suits and say they have the solution. That’s how white monopoly capital operates.
That’s what Johann Rupert does. He creates a crisis then raises his hand and says, “I can fix it,” and fools call him a saviour.
He is not. He is the problem. He is the symbol of economic apartheid. He has captured the state and owns the president.
Africans do not need Donald Trump. We do not need Elon Musk. We do not need Rupert. We need economic justice. We need dignity. We need land. Elon Musk insulted South Africa before.
Now, he wants to skip our laws and operate Starlink without following BEE requirements. We say no. He must follow the law like everyone else. No exceptions. No favours. No billionaires above the constitution.
And now Trump dares to call for the arrest of the Commander in Chief, Julius Malema on 21 May 2025. This is how the USA starts its campaigns of assassination.
It begins with propaganda, then false charges, then bullets. We have seen it before. They killed Lumumba, Sankara, Gaddafi. And now they want to come for Malema.
We say Hands off Malema. We will protect our own. If Ramaphosa truly cared about bilateral relations, why didn’t he speak out about the police brutality in America?
Why didn’t he confront them about the murder of black people by their police? He remained silent because he was not there for the people. He was there for business, for billionaires.
For those who feast while our people starve. He went there not as a president of the people, but as a servant of imperialism. He has surrendered our dignity, our sovereignty, and our future.
Cyril Ramaphosa is not the people. He is not the constitution. He is not Parliament. He is not the revolution. We the people are the voice of this country.
Donald Trump or no Donald Trump
Elon Musk or no Elon Musk
Johann Rupert or no Johann Rupert
The land will be expropriated without compensation
(Note: The Guardian Newspaper does not agree nor disagree with content raised in this article. The content in this article remains of the author and it does not represent The Guardian Newspaper and its associates.)
The Guardian 