12 Motsheganong 2025- Sepodisi sa Taung se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo. Se se tla morago ga gore monna wa dingwaga di le 31, a tlhokafale mo kotsing ya sejanaga.
Go begwa fa sejanaga sa modiro wa Polo Volkswagen le sa Citi Golf Volkswagen, di ile tsa thulana ka dinko mo tseleng e magareng ga motse wa Mokassa 2 le Lokgabeng, gaufi le Taung, mo letsatsing la Tshipi.
Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are moswi, Lebogang Dhlomo yo go begwang fa ele moagi wa kwa motseng wa Buxton, gaufi le Taung, o ile a gaelelwa mo sejanageng se a neng a se palame modiro Citi Golf. Van Rooyen are Dhlomo o ile a tlhokafalela kwa lefelo la tiragalo, fa bapagami ba le bararo ba ile ba tabogisetswa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, morago ga go itemogela dikgobalo.
“Kgetsi ya polao ntle le maikaelelo e butswe, fela ga gona ope o tshwerweng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Picture: African Historian, Professor Toyin Falola
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2025- One of the world’s most-cited African scholars, Professor Toyin Falola, has received an honorary doctorate from the North West University (NWU). The university said the degree was conferred on 9 May 2025 during a graduation ceremony held at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.
The NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said Falola’s recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s relationship with the eminent historian, who delivered a public lecture recently on humanities education for African futures. Tyobeka said Falola, renowned for his extensive scholarship in African history of University of Texas at Austin, culture and decolonial studies, received the degree in recognition of his academic achievements, global influence and decades-long public engagement that has shaped African historical discourse across continents.
“Falola is standing out for social justice and decolonisation. This highlights the university’s contributions to curriculum transformation and African-centred scholarship. The North West University distinguishes itself from its contemporaries through its commitment to social justice and the decolonisation of the curriculum.
“This approach emphasises equality and enables students to engage freely with diverse populations from Africa and beyond without fear,” he said.
Tyobeka further said in 2023, Falola donated 27 books to the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus library, 12 of which he either authored or co-authored. He added the volumes exploring topics such as decolonisation, African politics, philosophy and historical methodology.
“That was also the year he delivered his public lecture on the campus, hosted by the Indigenous Language and Media in Africa research focus area. His global influence includes advisory roles for institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, particularly on issues related to refugees, peace-building and cultural policy.
“The NWU honorary doctorate adds to a long list of awards Prof Fabola has received, including the Lincoln Award, the Amistad Award and the Nigerian Diaspora Academic Prize. For the NWU, the recognition is not only retrospective but forward-looking – part of a broader mission to honour scholarship that originates in Africa and speaks to the world,” said Tyobeka.
Meanwhile, Falola praised the university’s reputation for research excellence and graduate impact, acknowledging its efforts to equip students for real-world challenges and celebrate African identity through education. He pointed to the university’s role in producing socially responsible, value-driven graduates who excel in fields ranging from politics and governance to economics, science, engineering, sports, arts and academia.
“I wish to emphasise the value of knowledge beyond classroom walls. Numerous studies have shown that education transcends official instructions since values are first taught at home or in the community.
“I would like to commend the NWU for integrating formal instruction with value-based education. I feel fulfilled whenever I see an institution that passionately integrates these two elements because that is what education is truly about. Education liberates the mind from mental slavery,” said Falola.
Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi
By OBAKENG MAJE
12 May 2025- The uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) in the North West is calling for the immediate resignation of the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi. The party alleged that there is administrative paralysis at various municipalities under the leadership of Molapisi.
The uMkhonto weSizwe provincial convenor, Alfred Motsi said they strongly condemns the continued administrative paralysis and lack of governance across multiple municipalities in the province. Motsi said the recent placement of Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality under Section 139(1)(a) is yet another indication of a systemic collapse that has become a norm under the ANC-led government.
“We call for the immediate and total dissolution of municipalities such as Ditsobotla, Kagisano-Molopo, Madibeng, Matlosana, Moses Kotane and Mamusa Local Municipalities. These municipalities have become synonymous with instability, maladministration and deliberate evasion of accountability.
“Year after year, some of them are placed under administration without any lasting solutions—proof of a governance system that is both broken and deliberately kept dysfunctional. The ANC continues to use its majority in municipal councils to shield corrupt officials and councillors from accountability,” he said.
Motsi further said investigative reports—particularly close-up reports are consistently left incomplete or are never tabled at all, because they expose deep-rooted corruption and incompetence among both senior officials and ANC councillors. He added that this is not just negligence—it is a deliberate and strategic cover-up.
“We further demand the immediate resignation of the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and the North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi, whose continued tenure only serves to maintain the decay and dysfunction. They, along with many other provincial leaders and administrators, have failed to serve the people of North West with the dignity and urgency they deserve.
“It is time to clean the house. All officials and councillors who have consistently failed to deliver basic services, mismanaged resources and ignored the cries of our people must go. The people of the North West deserve clean, transparent, and accountable local government. Enough is enough,” said Motsi.
Meanwhile, Molapisi spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said: “Ditsobotla, Mamusa, and Kagisano-Molopo are among the municipalities that are struggling in both the administration and the council. Ditsobotla Local Municipality has been experiencing challenges because of instability in both council and the administration, which resulted in poor service delivery.
“The municipality is currently placed under Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read with section 139 the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003, which gives the provincial government authority to impose the Financial Recovery Plan in this municipality.”
Gambu said the Mamusa Local Municipality has also been experiencing challenges in the administration. He said at the council’s request, COGTA seconded Frans Mabokela as an acting Municipal Manager in accordance with Regulation 20 of the Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers and Section 54A (6) of the Municipal Systems Act.
“Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality has been placed under Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution, which states that when a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the constitution or legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation, including— (a) issuing a directive to the Municipal Council, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its responsibilities and stating any steps required to meet its obligations,” said Gambu.
He said, additionally, the municipality faces some difficulties, including a high vacancy rate, inability to table an adjustment budget and instability in the administration and council. However, Gambu said Molapisi will not entertain the call to resign by the MKP.
“These views are nothing, but a political witch-hunt and borders on populism of the highest order. Municipalities are functional with systemic challenges, which make it difficult for them to function optimally. Some of the challenges include the political instability in few councils, vacancies in senior management positions, debt owed to Eskom and Bulk Water accounts, as well as little or no revenue generation.
“Through the one-on-one engagement sessions with municipalities, performance plans for each municipality were drafted with clear directives to be implemented to turn around the situation,” he said.
Gambu said this is just one of many initiatives that the department is implementing in an effort to achieve “ideal municipalities” as they push towards ensuring that “every municipality must work”. He said through this initiative, all municipalities must be viable and able to collect revenue.
“They must be able to deliver basic services to communities. This includes being accountable and responsive to the needs of the communities. All municipalities must also have capable, ethical and principled leaders in both council and administration.
“Councils must exercise zero tolerance on corruption, maladministration, and nepotism. What is happening in Kagisano-Molopo is not a systematic failure by the ANC-led government, but the constitution of the Republic of South Africa empowers both the national and provincial governments through Section 154, to support and capacitate municipalities,” said Gambu.
He said the support is aimed at ensuring that municipalities can render basic services. Gambu said therefore, invocation of Section 139(1)(a) by the provincial government should be viewed in the spirit of addressing anomalies at municipalities and ensuring that local government functions optimally, with service delivery as its apex priority. Gambu said the dissolution of municipalities is not an end in itself.
“We have identified the existing challenges across our municipalities. We continue to work in partnership with both SALGA and the provincial treasury and other stakeholders to arrive at an ideal state of municipalities.
“We aim to assist municipalities in achieving clean audits. The national department of COGTA supports our efforts and plans to turn around municipalities and we believe if we set our eyes on the ball and avoid noise, we will achieve our goals,” he said.
12 May 2025- The ANC Deputy President, Paul Mashatile is set to attend the proceedings of the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Nobel Peace Laureate and former President-General of the African National Congress (ANC), Chief Albert Luthuli. The inquest, currently underway at the Pietermaritzburg High Court, seeks to uncover the truth behind Luthuli’s tragic and contested death in 1967.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said Mashatile’s presence affirms the ANC’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth, restoring dignity to the families of victims of apartheid-era atrocities and ensuring historical accountability.
Picture: Bafana Bafana players in celebration mood after scoring against Malawi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 May 2025 – South Africa has qualified for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating Malawi 2-0 at Loftus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Malawi arrived in Tshwane with a confident swagger after winning the first leg 1-0 at home in Lilongwe a week ago, but the South Africans quickly found their rhythm and opened the scoring through Victor Letsoalo in the 12th minute.
Captain Neo Maema put the issue beyond doubt when he scored the second in the 87th minute to win 2-1 on aggregate over the two legs. Coach Molefi Ntseki was elated after securing qualification to the continental tournament to be co-hosted for the first time by three East African countries – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – in August 2025.
“My voice might not be what I want it to be, but I think it is out of the celebration that we have been doing after we qualified for the CHAN tournament after a period of 12 years.
“This is for the country, this is for SAFA, this is for all the players that were part of the first and second leg against Egypt, the first leg against Malawi, and now the second leg where we came out victorious and qualified the country to go and play in the CHAN tournament,” he said.
Ntseki further said the most important thing was for them to call all the players that they have today in the camp, even though the first group of players that they sent call-ups to could not make it in the first leg against Malawi. He added that those who reported for camp did their best and then they managed to play the game until the 87th minute, of which their game management in terms of their concentration levels dropped a bit, and then they conceded from a set-play.
“But today, I think we were very resolute in terms of our technical plan, the application of each individual player who was on the pitch. So we really say thanks to the players and the whole technical team and SAFA as a whole,” said Ntseki.
Picture: One of the suspects arrested by the police/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 May 2025– A total of 249 suspects were arrested for various offences such as, including, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug dealing, illicit liquor trading, robbery, murder and attempted murder. Some of the suspects were also arrested for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Burglary at business and residential premises.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said the detective unit also continued with the tracing of wanted suspects who were evading the law for an array of crimes. Pilane said significant quantities of alcohol, drugs, dangerous weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of crime were confiscated.
“Stolen livestock was also recovered and two suspects arrested in Upington in the ZFM District. Community engagements and awareness campaigns remain ongoing, with the aim of educating the public on crime trends, prevention strategies, and safety measures.
“The weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela continues to yield positive results in the fight against crime across the Northern Cape province,” he said.
Pilane further said the week-long operation, which ran from 5 to 11 May 2025, was conducted across all five districts and led by District Commissioners and senior officers of the province.
He added that crime prevention initiatives included stop-and-search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), compliance inspections, and targeted interventions aimed at addressing drug and alcohol related crimes as well as trio crimes.
“The operation saw collaboration from various external stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Liquor Board.
“During the operation, 3456 vehicles and 7237 persons were stopped and searched at VCPs and roadblocks. In addition, over 500 individuals were searched during high-visibility patrols,” said Pilane.
He said numerous liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers were inspected for compliance, resulting in the closure of multiple non-compliant and illegal liquor outlets.
Meanwhile, acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the collaborative efforts of all participating departments, law enforcement agencies, and community policing forums, citing that nobody will be left behind. Ngunelanga said the public is encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
11 May 2025– The Joint Standing Committee on Defence welcomed assurances from senior commanders of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) that the steady and safe withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo forces has commenced and that two convoys have already reached the transit camp.
The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Malusi Gigaba said the assurance that all measures have been put in place to ensure that the movement and withdrawal of both personnel and equipment will be done safely and securely and the arrival of the two convoys at the transit camp is a testament to the effective planning that has taken place. Gigaba said the committee also emphasised the safety and security of prime mission equipment that will be moved by sea to South Africa.
“The security of this equipment is critical, especially as private contractors will be used. The committee acknowledged that it would receive a full exit report on the mission upon conclusion of the withdrawal, including the cost associated with the deployment.
“We are cognisant that some of the details around the mission could not be discussed, as it has the potential to endanger the forces still in the deployment area. But concerning cost, the committee highlighted that when the total breakdown is tabled, the committee takes into consideration the cost-benefit analysis of the deployment,” he said.
Gigaba further said the committee has called for effective support of the elements of the SADC peacekeeping mission that remain in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC. He added the committee acknowledges that South Africa’s efforts to establish peace and security in Africa continue to be a crucial element of the country’s foreign policy, as guided by the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework.
“To advance this role played by the SANDF in peacekeeping missions, adequate support must always be provided. The committee highlighted its continued support for the peacekeeping mission as a key diplomatic tool while political engagements continue.
“The commitment to diplomatic engagement aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict is welcomed, as it is only through genuine engagement that solutions will be found. The people of the DRC and the region in general deserve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to unlocking the socio-economic potential of the area,”he said.
The Co-Chairperson of the Committee, Phiroane Phala said they have expressed its full support for the extension of the employment of 200 SANDF members in support of the SADC Maritime Security Strategy, under Operation Copper. Phala said the committee deliberated on the letter of 2 April sent by the President to both houses of Parliament, informing Parliament of his decision to extend the employment.
“The mission aims to counter the threat of piracy and other illicit maritime activities along the northern Mozambique Channel have been successful, hence the decrease in piracy activities.
“It is essential that this crucial intervention is maintained to enable trade, which will lead to economic growth and improved standard of living for the people of the region,” he said.
11 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it welcomes the revelation in Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, that the DRC calamity may soon be subjected to a board of inquiry. The DA alleged that this was revealed by Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, because Minister Motshekga snubbed Parliament and chose instead to travel to Russia for a military celebration.
The DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), said they strongly condemn Motshekga’s repeated refusal to account before the Joint Standing Committee on Defence. Hattingh said in the absence of Motshekga, scant information was shared with the committee by the senior leadership of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and more questions than answers remain.
“What is of serious concern is that our troops are in no way safe and secure yet – the seemingly poor logistical planning of the withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of the Congo could leave our troops further exposed in an increasingly hostile conflict environment.
“Despite posing probing questions on the logistical aspects of the withdrawal, these questions could not be answered as no SANDF Chief of Logistics was present in the meeting, despite it being scheduled weeks in advance,” he said.
Hattingh further said, the SANDF contributed a total of R1.6 billion to the DRC SAMIDRC mission, in terms of equipment, personnel, and military costs. He added that the SANDF in today’s committee, however, could provide no definitive answer as to how much weaponry and equipment was either lost or damaged as part of the mission in the DRC.
“It is high time that the truth of the DRC calamity comes out and that the families of our brave fallen soldiers may know what happened to their loved ones.
Those who lead our soldiers to their peril must be held accountable and brought to book where necessary,” said Hattingh.
Picture: Residents struggling with water in rural area
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 May 2025- CorpsAfrica, a pan-African Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) said it is pleased to announce its volunteer program in South Africa. The organisation was founded in 2011 by former Peace Corps volunteer, Liz Fanning.
The Country Director for South Africa, Kelo Kubu said CorpsAfrica has recruited and trained African youth as volunteers to live and work in rural and under-resourced communities in their own countries. Kubu said since its inception, CorpsAfrica has established a presence in 10 countries, including Morocco, Senegal, Malawi and Rwanda.
“The organisation has trained and deployed over 900 volunteers, who have successfully implemented more than 800 community-driven projects, impacting the lives of thousands of people.
“The first cohort of volunteers are placed in two provinces (North West and Limpopo) under four local municipalities including, Moretele, Greater Taung, Polokwane and Maruleng Local Municipalities. The duration of their service is 10 months and volunteers are working on a variety of projects tailored to the needs of these communities, focussing on areas such as education, health, agriculture and economic development,” she said.
Kubu further said CorpsAfrica’s entry into the country is a testament to the incredible growth and impact the organisation has achieved over the years. She added they are excited to bring this transformation program to SA, where they believe their volunteers will make a meaningful difference in the lives of communities.
“For more information about CorpsAfrica and its programs, please visit www.corpsafrica.org,” she said.
11 May 2025– Five suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining and drug-related activities. The suspects were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi. The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said on 10 May 2025, the police received a tipoff regarding drug dealing at the Samaria Informal Settlement, near Ikapa Mine. Sam said the information was swiftly operationalised.
“Three suspects aged between 26 and 30, were arrested after police discovered mandrax tablets and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activity at their premises. Continued efforts on 11 May 2025, led to the arrest of two additional suspects aged 38 and 42, for illegal mining at the Colville Old Mine.
“Numerous fines were also issued for violations of the Road Traffic Management Act during vehicle check points (VCPs) and stop-and-search operations conducted in both the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts,” he said.
Sam further said all arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. He added that Operation Vala Umgodi continues its relentless efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts in the Northern Cape.
“The operation remains a key initiative in asserting the authority of the state and curbing illegal mining and related crimes in the province. See something? SAY something. Report illegal mining to SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 or MySAPS App,”said Sam.
The Guardian 