ANC welcomes SAPS investigation into incident involving Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

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Picture: The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

23 April 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has noted the media reports and subsequent confirmation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) regarding an incident involving the convoy of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The former liberation movement said it welcomes the assurance by the National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, that the matter is under active investigation by a high-level team, with a completed ballistics report and ongoing threat assessments by Crime Intelligence.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said these efforts affirm the seriousness with which their security agencies protect the national executive and safeguard their democratic institutions. Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC is further reassured by confirmation that both the President and the Deputy President remain under the capable protection of the Presidential Protection Service, with the necessary reinforcements effected.

“We commend the Deputy President for continuing to carry out his duties with calm resolve and steadfast commitment. His poise in the face of this incident is testament to the maturity and discipline required of national leadership.

“The ANC strongly condemns any actions that seek to undermine the security of the leadership or destabilise the constitutional order. We call for calm and vigilance, and reiterate our confidence in the ongoing investigation,” she said.

Bhengu-Motsiri further said they will await its final outcome before offering any further comment.

Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola said he wants to assure the nation that the executive of the country, including the President and the Deputy President, are in safe hands. Masmola said Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS), who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President, are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat.

“The resources assigned to safeguard the executive are also adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives. While it is not common practice to discuss safety and security aspects of the executive, we deem it fit to assure the country that sufficient resources are always assigned to safeguard members of the national executive.

“We confirm a shooting incident involving the Deputy President’s convoy. Following the incident, an extensive investigation was conducted and still underway with the ballistics report already concluded,” he said.

Masemola said crime intelligence is also continuing with its regular risk and threat assessment on both the President and the Deputy President. He confirmed the reinforcement of security detail to both principals and has also expressed gratitude with the manner in which members of the PPS safeguard and handle the safety of both principals.

“The incident remains under investigation with a high level team assigned to investigate this case,” said Masemola.

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Ba lelapa la kwa ga Mdi ba batla mmatlisisi le mosekisi mo kgetsing ya maiteko a polao le polao kgatlhanong le Mangwegape ba itokolole

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa mo kgetsing ya maiteko a polao le polao, Tshwaro Mangwegape

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

23 Moranang 2025- Kgetsi ya maiteko a polao le polao kgatlhanong le mong wa lebenkele le le rekisang nnotagi la The Meat Brother’s Pub, Tshwaro Mangwegape (42) e buseditswe morago go fitlha ka di 25 Seetebosigo 2025, ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Mangwegape one a tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ka di 17 Moranang 2025.

Mangwegape o latofadiwa ka go bolaya motshameki o diphatsa wa setlhopha sa kgwele ya dinao sa NWU Institute, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28), ga mmogo le go tlogela tsala ya gagwe ya tlhogo ya kgomo, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (35) ka dikgobalo tse di masisi. Go begwa fa Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba le gareng ga batho ba ba neng ba etetse lefelo la The Meat Brother’s Pub ka di 16 Sedimonthole 2023, go ya go ijesa monate fa gone go runya thuntso.

Go ya ka Mangwegape, Mdi le Kokwe, ba ne ba le gareng ga setlhotshwana se seneng sa tsena ka dikgoka kwa lefelo la gagwe le go senya dithoto. Morago ga tiragalo e, Mangwegape one a ineela kwa sepodising. One a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka polao ga mmogo le maiteko a polao.

Kgabagare, go begwa fa ba lelapa la ga Mdi ba kwaletse tlhogo ya bosekisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, mme ba ikuela gore mosekisi ga mmogo le mmatlisisi mo kgetsi e, ba ikgogele morago. Se se tla morago ga dipego tsa gore phetishini e e neng e kwadilwe ke baagi e ntshiwe mo doketeng ya kgetsi ka motsi o molatofadiwa a ne a tsenya kopo ya beile kwa North West High Court kwa Mahikeng. Seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go reng Mangwegape a neelwe beile ya R5000.

Fela, ba bueledi ba molatofadiwa, le bone ba ile ba tlhalosa fa ba tlile go dira kopo ya gore magistrate mo kgetsing e, le ene a itokolole, gonne ba sena tshepo mo go ene.   

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A probe into ‘unauthorised’ security appointment for Matlosana councillor, Wesley Kgang

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Picture: The Matlosana councillor, Wesley Kgang

By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Klerksdorp said it will request the Matlosana Council for an urgent investigation into the recent appointment of security personnel for a sitting councillor, Wesley Kgang. The DA said it demanded that the council determine the motivations behind the alleged illegal and irregular, wasteful expenditure, the total cost implications and whether there were any undue influences or conflict of interest.

The DA caucus leader at the Matlosana Local Municipality, Gerhard Strydom said it seems that the appointment of these personnel was carried out without adherence to established municipal protocols, policies, and procedures. Strydom alleged the appointment of security was made without approval by the council, a formal risk assessment, or compliance with procedure and government regulations.

“Under the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers Act, 1998 (determination of upper limits for members of municipal councils), security may be provided to a councillor subject to a threat and risk analysis conducted by the SAPS, and then only two bodyguards per shift of a two-shift system.

“Kgang is provided with six bodyguards at a cost of R179 000 per month from October 2024, which calculates to R1 253 000 by the end of April 2025, while service delivery to our community is close to non-existent,” he said.

Strydom further said questions raised with the Municipal Manager on this issue were not answered other than to acknowledge that no risk assessment by the SAPS was done. He added that, this is a serious breach of municipal processes.  

“Public resources cannot be used at the discretion of unqualified and ignorant individuals. There must be transparency and accountability, especially where taxpayers’ money is involved.

“We demand clarity and assurances that corrective action will be taken and that individuals, who were involved in these illegal actions be held liable for the cost that our taxpayers are expected to pay,” said Strydom.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Matlosa Local Municipality, Fikile Mahlophe said: “Remember this thing has emanated from the City Press article. So, my media statement is very simple that, upon receiving that, I then wrote to the Municipal Manager to further probe and request a full investigation report.

“I wanted to know what had transpired. So, I cannot give you facts now until I receive a full report from the Municipal Manager. Remember the executive mayor is not responsible for administration processes.”

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Applications officially open for 2026 intake at Taung and Potchefstroom Agricultural Colleges

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Picture: Taung Agricultural College graduates

By REGINALD KANYANE

23 April 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said it invites aspiring agriculturists to apply for the 2026 academic intake at Taung Agricultural College (TAC) and Potchefstroom College of Agriculture (PCA). The department said applications officially opened on 1 April 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025.

The North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, has called on all prospective students to apply early to avoid late submissions and the risk of missing this life-changing opportunity. Sambatha said agriculture is the backbone of the province’s economy and the youth are the future of this vital sector.

“I urge all young people with a passion for farming and food production to apply without delay. Do not wait until the last minute, secure your space now and prepare to grow with the industry.

“TAC and PCA are more than academic institutions. They are catalysts for cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. Whether aspiring to become innovative farmers, cutting-edge researchers, skilled technicians, or forward-thinking agribusiness professionals, students are equipped with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the sector,” he said.

Sambatha further said these colleges offer in-demand diploma programmes tailored to meet the evolving needs of agriculture: a Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation) at Taung Agricultural College and a Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Agriculture) at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture. He added that, admission requirements for TAC’s Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation) include a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, with English at Level 4, Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences at Level 3, Mathematics at Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 4, and Physical Sciences at Level 3 as an advantage.

“PCA’s Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Agriculture) requires Afrikaans or English at a minimum of Level 4 (50–59%), with compulsory subjects such as Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Management Practices, or Agricultural Technology.

“Mathematics, Physical Science, Business Economics, Life Sciences, Accounting, Mathematical Literacy, and Engineering are recommended. Applicants must obtain at least 24 points on the Swedish Rating Scale, with Level 3 or higher in six relevant subjects, excluding Life Orientation,” said Sambatha.

He said application forms can be collected directly from the respective colleges or downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dard.nwpg.gov.za. Sambatha said enrolling at TAC or PCA is not just a choice, it is a must for anyone serious about becoming a force in agriculture.

“TAC is the only institution in South Africa offering a Diploma in Agriculture (Irrigation), equipping students with niche skills in water-smart farming. PCA offers a robust and comprehensive Diploma in Agriculture (Mixed Agriculture), opening doors across the agricultural value chain.

“Both colleges are known for practical training, expert instruction, and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Choosing one of these colleges means choosing a future of purpose, productivity, and agricultural excellence,” he said.

Sambatha said interested individuals can apply now by visiting the Department’s website or contacting the colleges directly for assistance with the application process.

Taung Agricultural College (TAC):

Vuyiswa Mziwakhe: +27 60 504 814

Neo Makhobela: +27 68 379 3026

Potchefstroom College of Agriculture (PCA):

Mr Ismail Haffejee: +27 18 285 0701

Ms Lebo Mpiti: +27 18 285 0700

Ms Patricia Mngomezulu: +27 18 285 0735

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Embattled Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality placed under administration

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By OBAKENG MAJE

23 April 2025- The embattled Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality has officially been placed under Section 139 (1) (a) of the Constitution of South Africa with immediate effect. This was announced by the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi after he officially communicated the decision by the Provincial Executive (EXCO) to place the Kagiso-Molopo Local Municipality under Section 139(1) (a) of the Constitution of South Africa, effective immediately.

Molapisi said Section 139 (1)(a) of the Constitution authorises the Provincial Executive Committee to intervene by taking appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation, including issuing a directive to the council describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating required steps to be undertaken by the municipality to meet its obligations.

Addressing a special meeting with the municipal council, he announced directives to be implemented within the prescribed period.

“The directives to council include amongst others, to stabilise and strengthen the governance and oversight structures of council, improve compliance with legislative requirements for recruitment of personnel and acting appointment of senior managers.

“Improve the administrative capacity of the municipality, improve financial management and improve prudential management of litigations and related ancillary processes in the municipality.  Amongst the issues which the municipality is expected to attend to include filling of vacant positions, especially at senior management level,” said Molapisi.

He further said this includes developing and adopting payment plans informed by sustainable cash flow projections, and dealing with ongoing disputes between the municipality and the substantive Municipal Manager.  Molapisi added that EXCO took the decision to give the council an opportunity to remedy the current situation before it reaches a state of paralysis.

“The directives should serve as an opportunity for councillors as elected by the people to reclaim their space, play their role and champion service delivery. The municipality has been for a considerable period characterised by instability in both administration and council which affected the ability of the municipality to operate effectively,” he said.

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Council reconfiguration at Mamusa Local Municipality

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Picture: The Mamusa Local Municipality offices

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 20255- On 14 April 2025, the majority of councillors—consisting of 9 out of 16 councillors at Mamusa Local Municipality, petitioned the now former speaker, councillor John Batsi, the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, and the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi, to convene a virtual council meeting on 16 April 2025.

According to the Municipal Manager, Rantsho Gincane, the meeting was convened in terms of Section 29(1A) of the Municipal Structures Act (as amended)(Act), which provides: “If the speaker or acting speaker refuses to call a meeting of the council as requested in terms of subsection (1), the Municipal Manager or in the absence or refusal by the Municipal Manager, a person designated by the MEC for local government in the province, may call and chair the meeting.

“The speaker refused to comply with the request of the majority of councillors, prompting them to approach me. On 17 April 2025, I acceded to the request and issued a notice for the council meeting to be convened on 22 April 2025 via a virtual platform,” he said.

Gincane further said the primary purpose of the meeting was to allow councillors to deliberate on a motion of no confidence against Batsi and Chairperson, Ephraim Chubisi. He added that, the meeting was intended to confirm his appointment, as well as the termination of acting Municipal Manager, FT Mabokela.

“As the convenor of the meeting, I wish to affirm that the council meeting was convened and satisfied the necessary quorum. Residents and stakeholders are hereby informed about the council resolutions.

“A motion of no confidence against Batsi was unanimously passed and he has been replaced by councillor Lesego Motlapele following his uncontested election. Chubisi has been removed as the Chairperson of Finance and Corporate Services and replaced by Councillor Nthabiseng Modise after a motion of no confidence was passed, unanimously,” said Gincane.

He said the council reaffirmed its previous decisions of the meeting held on 18 March 2025, to reinstate him as the substantive Municipal Manager and terminate Mabokela as the acting Municipal Manager. Gincane said the council wishes to categorically state that Mabokela is no longer in the employ of the Mamusa Local Municipality.

“Our immediate concentration and preoccupation is on restoring the confidence of our people and all stakeholders by providing the most basic services and strengthening the municipal administration,” he said.

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MRM in North West to host ASP session   

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Picture: The MRM Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

22 April 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West is set to host its two days Annual Strategic Planning session that will commence at Protea Hotel, in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

The MRM Provincial Convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the session that includes MRM National Office, Members of the Provincial interim Committee and other stakeholders including government, will be held in partnership with the Directorate Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration in the Office of the Premier under the theme: “Greater Relevance and Visibility”.

Kgwele said among expected outcomes of the session will be a 2025/6 Programme of Action (POA) to roll-out the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) in partnership with SALGA and COGTA, campaign to tackle Gender Based Violence & Femicide (GBVF), Teenage Pregnancies, as well as Value Driven Schools Programme to address violence and bullying in Schools as well as crime and gangsterism in communities.

“The session will also concretise follow-up to the MRM Dialogue with Youth to address unemployment affecting young people, District launch programme as well as strengthening partnership with traditional leaders to confront unscrupulous individuals operating bogus initiation schools that are contributing towards erosion of cultural and community values.

“It will also adopt a Programme for Voter Education and Promotion of the Charter for Local Elections Ethics ahead of the local government elections to be held in 2026,” he said.

Kgwele further said the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, is expected to address the networking session on Strengthening Partnership with Civil society for Accountability, ethical leadership and good governance, while the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie’s address to be delivered on Day 2.

He added that Dantjie will focus on collaborative programmes to address social ills-Gender Based Violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, drug and substance abuse.

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Committee to receive APSP of Public Service and Administration

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Picture: The National Parliament in Cape Town

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

22 April 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration will receive a briefing on the annual performance and strategic plans of the department and its entities on Wednesday. The National School of Government, the Public Service Commission, the Government Employees Medical Scheme, and the Centre for Public Service Innovation, will also present their reports.

The committee spokesperson, Alicestine October said the departments present these reports and plans to parliamentary committees to ensure accountability, transparency and effective resource management, enabling committees to scrutinise departmental performance and spending and hold them accountable to the public.

“The meeting will be held at S26, First Floor, NCOP Building, and Parliament on Wednesday at 10am,” said October.

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A Nigerian man nabbed with illegal firearm and ammunition

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Picture: A firearm and drugs seized by police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE  

22 April 2025- A Nigerian man, Augustin Chukwudi Anokwuru (48), briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of drugs. Anokwuru was arrested by the Rustenburg based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with Phokeng and Stilfontein K9, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), during a disruptive operation at his guesthouse in Rustenburg on 16 April 2025.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said it is alleged that, during the operation in which a search was conducted, a revolver with rounds and two pistols, live ammunition, pellet gun and small sachets containing cocaine and hard rock were found. Malwetse said the drugs were estimated to the value of R45 000.

“Anokwuru briefly appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 29 April 2025, for formal bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation and prosecution team for their commitment in the fight against drugs and unlawful firearms.

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NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028

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Picture: NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

22 April 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The official naming ceremony took place at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton on 22 April 2025. The name was unveiled by the NWU Chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, the Chairperson of NWU Council, Bert Sorgdrager, NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and the Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, Dr Mamphela Ramphele.

The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church. Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.

“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of,” said Ramphele.

Mokgosi reflected on Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle.

“His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens,” he said.

Sorgdrager said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual’s intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background.

“His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are,’ he said.

Sorgdrager said Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. He said Tutu’s approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.

Mokgokong said the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. She said the project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders.

“One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.

“South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1000,” said Mokgokong.

She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.

“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation.

“That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity,” said Mokgokong.

Meanwhile, the first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.

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