Picture: Bafana Bafana player against Mozambican player during COSAFA Cup
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
5 June 2025- South Africa suffered a disappointing start to their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign, falling 0-1 to Mozambique in the opening match of the tournament at Free State Stadium on Wednesday. The South Africans missed several opportunities in the first half and then struggled to find their rhythm in the second period, eventually conceding the crushing goal by Antonio Sumbane in the 73rd minute that ultimately cost the home side the match.
Coach Vela Khumalo could not contain his disappointment following the defeat on the opening day of the regional tournament.
“It is not the best way to start the tournament. Performance-wise, I thought we played well, we played the way we wanted to play. One will then say what needs to be improved on, going back to the training sessions and how we convert our chances.
“I think in the first stanza we had too many entries into the box and in the final third, we could not score. We were rushing things when we got into the box,” said Khumalo.
He further said in the second half, they spoke to the players about this and made the team aware of it. Khumalo added that they even made the team aware that the only way Mozambique could score was if they got them in transition, which is exactly what they did.
“You know when you are a position-based team, you get carried away with the moment. I think we need to concentrate more, tactically be disciplined and convert our chances. We created enough chances to win the game, but we couldn’t.
“Performance-wise, we will go far, never mind the setback of today. When we went back to what we wanted to achieve in the tournament, it was not to concede a goal, but unfortunately, we did,” he said.
Khumalo said they have to go back and work on our finishing. He said it sounds like deja vu because when he was with the U17s, they suffered the same thing of not scoring goals.
“VAR is a good thing because it is where the world is going. But I think the officials are taking too long to make decisions and that kills the momentum of the game.
“South Africa will face Zimbabwe in their second Group A match of the COSAFA Cup on Saturday, June 7. The encounter is crucial for both teams as only the top team in each group advances to the semi-finals,” said Khumalo.
Picture: A worker in the steel and metal industry/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
5 June 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition said it has engaged stakeholders from the steel industry on the progress made in implementing the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan. The committee said this stakeholder engagement follows its meeting with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), which was held on 6 May 2025, to ascertain the progress made in implementing the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan, as part of its oversight function.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mzwandile Masina said they agreed to meet with industry stakeholders to solicit their views on the implementation of the Master Plan thus far and to highlight any challenges facing the industry in this regard.
Masina said they engaged various key associations across the value chain such as South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI), Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of SA (SEIFSA), International Steel Fabricators of Southern Africa (ISF) and Steel Tube Export Association of SA (STEASA). He further said this includes the Metal Recyclers Association (MRA), Recycling Association of SA (RASA), African Rail Industry Association (ARIA), South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC), South African Wire Association (SAWA), and Powerline and Substation Association (POLASA).
“The industry welcomed the establishment of the Master Plan which sought to ensure short-term survival of the industry and build ongoing support measures for the longer-term growth and sustainability of the industry.
“While stakeholders noted that its implementation was, and continues to be critical for reindustrialisation, there have been few positive outcomes, particularly on the supply side, such as an increase in the quality of locally produced long steel and short steel, which led to increased investment.
“This includes standards revival and enforcement by the South African Bureau of Standards and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications respectively,” said Masina.
He said, however, stakeholders noted that the Master Plan has not significantly addressed the key industry challenges it had identified. Masina added that, as a result, the industry continues to decline and experience job losses, particularly in light of changes in the geopolitical landscape.
“Therefore, the industry continues to be adversely affected by increasing imports of steel particularly from China, high production costs including energy and labour costs, increasing transportation costs, continued importation of steel by State-Owned Enterprises instead of sourcing it locally, and the limited investment in infrastructure or signalling of such investment.
“These challenges have led to South Africa’s steel industry losing global competitiveness. Industry highlighted challenges in the implementation of the Master Plan,” he said.
Masina said there is a perceived disconnect between the DTIC and industry, industry and government operating in silos, leading to the fragmented implementation of the Master Plan, failure of State-Owned Enterprises and government departments and entities to drive demand for local steel products through their infrastructure projects.
He said decisive and coherent government policy and buy-in across the industry’s value chain is needed and composition of the Master Plan Steering Committee, where representatives were from individual companies rather than industry associations, is necessary.
“There were also concerns expressed about importation of steel products at price levels equivalent to or lower than the cost of the inputs, lack of sufficient demand for steel in the country, and measures implemented, such as the scrap metal interventions, namely the Price Preference System and export controls on scrap metal, are adversely affecting certain sub-sectors, including waste pickers, scrap metal dealers, the metal recyclers and steel producers.
“The stakeholders made several proposals to turn around the decline of the industry. Clearly, there is a need for a Steel Indaba to ensure that stakeholders, the DTIC and other relevant government departments and State-Owned Enterprises can develop short-term interventions,” said Masina.
He said this will assist in saving the steel industry and for the industry to make inputs and proposals to the country’s industrial policy to address its long-term sustainability and contribution to the economy. Masina said, however, the necessary immediate interventions needed to support the industry should be urgently implemented in light of the geopolitical changes.
Picture: The accused arrested for alleged fraud/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 June 2025- Three accused, Tshiamo Justice Makwati (51), the Director of TJ Mampe Trading and Projects Close Corporation, Mosimaneapula Jonas Molefe (65), the former North West Housing Corporation Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Shanice Ditlhare Morubane (46), the former secretary at Koikanyang Incorporated Attorneys, briefly appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing charges of fraud.
Makwati, Molefe and Morubane were arrested on Wednesday morning by The Hawks’ members of the Mahikeng-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. It is alleged that, between 2005 and 2009, the accused participated in the fraudulent sale of properties owned by the North West Housing Corporation.
Reports indicate that Makwati paid deposits on different occasions as per an agreement with the Housing Corporation. The purchase prices of the properties ranged from R14 000 to R124 000. Investigation revealed that ten properties were transferred to Makwati’s company. Molefe reportedly confirmed that one of the properties transferred to Makwati’s company was fully paid. Morubane allegedly forged the signature of an attorney in respect of the power of attorney on one of the properties. It was established during the investigation that Makwati did not pay the purchase prices in full, and as a result, the Housing Corporation suffered a loss of over R455 000.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the accused made a brief court appearance and were granted bail. Gunya said Makwati was granted R3000 bail, while Molefe and Morubane were granted R1000 bail each.
“Their matter was postponed to 11 July 2025 for first appearance in the Regional Court. Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the North West acting Hawks Head and Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused,” he said.
Setshwantsho: Bangwe ba banna ba ba latofadiwang ka polao
OBAKENG MAJE
4 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le banna ba le bane ba kwa motseng wa Manthe, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha kgwedi ya Seetebosigo e tlhola matsatsi a le 18. Se, se tla morago ga gore mongwe wa balatofadiwa, Thabang Lenyai (23), a ipatlele mmueledi o mosha.
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 lekanang 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.
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 ba 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 ipona molato mo ditatofatsong tsotlhe kgatlhanong le ene, fela one a fetoga mme a bolelela 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. Go begwa fa Bakang a ile a tshepisa Lenyai mausausa a dirata a kanang ka R300 000, gore a amogele molato, fela go begwa fa a sa diragatsa tumalano eo.
Kgetsi e, e buseditswe morago go neela mmueledi o mosha wa ga Lenyai go ka seka-seka ditlankana tsa kgetsi le go ipaakanyetse tsheko.
Kgabagare, bosekisi le bone bo tlhalositse fa boitekanetse go ka tswelela ka tsheko, mme bo shupa fa bo na le kgetsi e kwenneng kgatlhanong le banna ba, ba le bane.
4 June 2025- A rape case against a well-known man (45) in Taung, has been rolled over to Thursday. This comes after the unavailability of a court official who is responsible for dockets screening.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the complainant was attending a Taung Annual Gospel Music Festival at PH Moeketsi High School a few months ago and she went outside the venue to look for her friend. Mokgwabone said the suspect allegedly grabbed and pulled her to the nearby bushes, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her.
“Although the complainant works at the place in question, she was not on duty on the day of the incident, but attending a gospel festival. The suspect was set to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court today.
“He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with rape,” he said.
Picture: The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille
By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 June 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said she noted the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. De Lille said they respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad.
She further said they also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed. De Lille added that, however, it is important to offer broader context and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all visitors to their country.
“South Africa remains one of the most sought-after and rewarding travel destinations in the world- known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the warm hospitality of its people.
“While challenges such as crime exist, as they do in many countries globally, the overwhelming majority of international visitors travel safely and leave with positive, enriching experiences. Visitor safety is, and continues to be, a national priority,” she said.
De Lille said it is actively addressed through a range of coordinated efforts between government, law enforcement, the tourism sector and local communities. She said their tourism infrastructure remains robust and resilient, with several established safety measures, including increased security presence in key tourism nodes, supported by trained Tourism Monitors stationed at popular attractions and visitor hotspots.
“This includes the ongoing collaboration between government, law enforcement and the private sector to ensure proactive safety monitoring and swift incident response. It is worth highlighting that travel demand from the United States remains robust.
“In 2024, arrivals from the U.S. returned to pre-pandemic levels and the United States surpassed the United Kingdom as South Africa’s largest source market. In the first four months of 2025 alone, South Africa welcomed 111,491 visitors from the USA — reaffirming the destination’s enduring appeal and strong market confidence,” said de Lille.
She said they understand that travellers may have concerns, and they encourage all visitors to exercise the same level of vigilance and awareness they would when visiting any international destination. De Lille said they also call on media outlets and government agencies globally to report on South Africa with accuracy and balance, recognising the distinction between isolated incidents and the broader reality experienced by millions of safe and satisfied travellers.
“We are engaging closely with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on this matter and wish to reassure all travellers that South Africa remains open, welcoming, and committed to ensuring a safe and pleasurable journey for all who visit.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome travellers from the United States and across the globe, to share in the richness of our landscapes, the depth of our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said.
4 JUNE 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it is proud to announce the 25th edition of the National Teaching Awards (NTA) — a prestigious initiative that recognises and celebrates the dedication, innovation and excellence of South African educators. The department said the nominations are now open and will close on 27 June 2025.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said the objectives of the National Teaching Awards is to raise the public image of the teaching profession, to recognise and promote excellence in teaching and to honour dedicated, creative and effective educators and schools.
He said this includes encouraging best practices in education.
“The award categories are Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Leadership, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership and Excellence in Special Needs Teaching.
“Excellence in Special Needs Leadership, Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET), Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET), Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences, Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences, Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning, Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award, National Best Teacher Award and Excellence in Teaching Life Skills,” said van der Merwe.
He further said they encourage all schools, officials and educators to submit nominations for outstanding individuals or teams making a difference in education. Van der Merwe added that, those who want to nominate their preferred candidates can obtain the nomination form from their school, the HRMS portal, or download it from www.education.gov.za.
“Submit the completed form to your District Office no later than 27 June 2025. This is our opportunity to shine a light on the passionate professionals transforming education across the province and beyond.
“The NTA also serves as a pathway to greater recognition through the African Union Teacher Prize, where our educators compete on a continental and global stage. Let us celebrate the heroes of the classroom,” he said.
The deadline for nominations for the three vacancies at the Electoral Commission has been extended to 6 June 2025.
According to the Office of the Chief Justice, the deadline was extended following a “request by certain organisations”.
“This will allow interested persons who may not have been aware of the advertisement to submit their nominations by no later than the abovementioned date,” the office said in a statement.
Potential applicants must be:
South African citizens;
fit and proper persons to hold that office;
and do not at that stage have a high party-political profile.
Members of the Commission are appointed by the President for a term of seven years. Nominees must indicate their availability to serve full-time or part time, the statement read.
Nominations must be accompanied by:
a motivation of suitability;
if any, a candidate’s written consent;
a copy of RSA identity document;
a comprehensive curriculum vitae.
Nominations must be sent on or before 6 June to:
The Office of the Chief Justice, Private Bag X10, Marshalltown, 2107 or hand delivered at 188, 14th Road, Noordwyk, Midrand, for attention: Ms M Songca.
Nominees are encouraged to submit their nominations via email to MSongca@judiciary.org.za or DiRamaisa@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Picture: Three farmers nabbed for allegedly assaulting an off-duty policeman/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 June 2025- Three farmers aged 74, 42 and 52, briefly appeared in the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court for pointing of firearm, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). This comes after the trio allegedly assaulted an off-duty policeman (51).
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the off-duty policeman went to a farm, allegedly to chase jackals that were killing and eating cattle. Mokgwabone said he was apparently approached by three men, who accused him of illegal hunting.
“The suspects allegedly assaulted the victim and damaged his cell phone. They are facing pointing of firearm, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) charges.
“They will appear in court on 30 June 2025,” he said.
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.
The Guardian 