Award-winning young farmer determined to rise to the top

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Picture: Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala/Supplied

10 February 2026- Despite facing several obstacles farming on communal land, a 36-year-old producer of Lichtenburg, was announced Grain SA’s New Era Commercial Farmer of 2025 in October.

Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala is being described by his mentors as eager to learn and with a strong will to succeed. It is precisely these qualities that have seen him go from strength to strength since taking up farming in 2013.

Qualified, but jobless

He was born in Itsoseng and the family relocated to Lichtenburg when he was nine years old. Botlhale obtained matric at Hoërskool Lichtenburg in 2009 and completed a course in fitting and turning after which he applied for apprenticeships at several mines in the area.

His numerous attempts were to no avail. By this time his father, David, had been leasing communal land at Driehoek near Lichtenburg where he produced maize and farmed with Brahman cattle.

Unemployed, his father invited Botlhale to join him on the farm. ‘He bought me production inputs for 15 ha in a year that was severely dry. I didn’t even break even on that land,’ Botlhale recalls. However, he did not let that deter him.

His father had a business in town where Botlhale worked for a salary, which he used the following year to buy his own inputs and try his hand at farming again.

He explains his motivation to persevere: ‘I don’t know how to explain it, but I enjoy farming. I don’t want to work for anyone else, but myself. I want to grow my own legacy for my children. It is difficult, but I’m determined to farm and I don’t want to do anything else.’

Asking for help

Armed with the limited farming knowledge he had acquired from his father, Botlhale then decided to reach out to other producers who could mentor him.

He approached Heinrich Krüger, former chairman of NWK’s board of directors. ‘I went to school with his son, Hansie, and decided to ask him for advice. He didn’t hesitate to share his knowledge. ‘One year he even donated a boom sprayer to me for free as he saw I had been struggling with weed control. Another person who helped me is Marco van Rensburg. All of these guys were very open and helped me a lot.’

In 2016 he became a member of Itsoseng’s study group of which Du Toit van der Westhuizen (Grain SA’s regional development manager of the Phahama Grain Phakama office in North West) was the study leader. Botlhale became a member of Grain SA in 2018.

He also credits David Whitfield, a mentor at Nedbank, for advising him on his Brahman herd.

By 2020 Botlhale wanted to expand and approached NWK for a production loan. ‘I lacked certain documents, but NWK explained its requirements. I returned the following year with all the relevant information and I was granted the loan.’

Once a client of NWK, Botlhale also became a member of the company’s Developing Farmer Project, under the mentorship of the former manager of the project, Leonard Thaphathi. ‘That guy! He believed in me from the start. He has played a big part in my success. I still miss his presence, but I’m fortunate to now get the same support from Klaston (Sefiti) at NWK.’

He also credits Lourie Rootman (area representative of Midchem) for advising him on the optimal use of chemical inputs.

When accepting his award as the Grain SA/Absa/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year, on 2 Octo­ber at Nampo Park near Bothaville, Botlhale thanked NWK as his financier.

He speaks with great gratitude, not only about the individuals who have mentored him throughout his journey, but also institutions like Grain SA, Absa, Nedbank as well as Kgodiso Development Fund which have assisted him.

Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala, the 2025 Grain SA/Absa/John Deere Financial New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year at

Grain SA’s Farmer of the Year function in 2025.

Photo: Grain SA

The difficulties of farming on communal land

Botlhale dreams of being a successful Brahman stud breeder. ‘I have a fully fledged commercial Brahman herd and want to join the (Brahman SA) Society to become a stud breeder.

‘My father had been farming with Brahman cattle for years, and I fell in love with them. I saw red Brahmans at the farm of Chris Badenhorst – a farmer whom we usually buy our bulls from – and suggested to my father that we switch from the white Brahman to the red one, which I find more beautiful.’

However, this dream is unlikely to come true as long as Botlhale farms on communal land. ‘There is no fencing, so animal invasion from other herds is a big issue. I also cannot keep my bulls separate to let them rest or apply selection criteria as I’d like,’ he explains.

In 2014, 26 of his cows, of which many were pregnant, were stolen and never recovered. “Crop theft is another issue, and the crops also get damaged from animals walking freely there. I must hire individuals to guard my maize at an additional expense.’

Botlhale cannot plant on the communal land before the other farmers do, as it would increase the chances of animal invasion and crop theft. ‘Even if I prepare my lands on time, I have to wait for my neighbours so that we can plant around the same time. Therefore, I’m often delayed in my operations.’

He says he has applied twice to lease state-owned land, but without success. ‘I don’t know why my applications have been denied, since the department (North West Department of Land Reform and Rural Development) never gives feedback.’

He is now buying as many NWK shares as he can with the hopes of presenting it as collateral for a loan to buy his own farm one day.

Botlhale added that North West’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had donated seed and diesel for the new planting season to him and fellow communal farmers. However, the diesel was apparently mixed with paraffin and unsuitable for use.

Frank Lesenyego, spokesman for North West’s Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, on enquiry confirmed that Botlhale had applied for two farms in 2019 and 2020, and added that there is simply not enough land available for all applicants with the desire to farm.

‘Due to the high volume of applications for land allocation the department receives, it is not always possible to revert to each applicant who had applied. We can confirm that the demand for land allocation far surpasses the need for land for agricultural purposes. The department continues to acquire land on an annual basis and the applicant should look for advertised farms on the departmental website for future consideration.’

NWK Arena also enquired about the alleged substandard fuel that had been given to communal farmers. Another spokesperson for the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Emelda Setlhako, said that these allegations were under internal investigation.

Louis Olivier (Senwes Lichtenburg John Deere) handed over the keys of a brand-new John Deere 5075E to Bothlale. On the left is Sibusiso Mabuza, CEO of Phahama Grain Phakama.

‘Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get’

As with many other farms in the area, Botlhale was subjected to a severe drought in 2023. ‘In 2024, I consequently planted only 185 ha of sunflower and adjusted my planting dates according to the different fields and their potential.

‘I’ve never had such a perfect emergence of sunflower! The stand was as high as 45 000 and I increased fertiliser to 150 kg/ha.’ Alas, the heavy rains later in the season resulted in much lower yields than Botlhale had anticipated. ‘I was supposed to average 2 t/ha and above, but on most fields I harvested as little as 600 kg/ha. It was devastating!’

By early November 2025, Driehoek had received good rains and Botlhale was optimistic that the upcoming season would be a good one. ‘I am aiming to plant 150 ha of maize and 50 ha sunflower.’ He usually plants small white beans too, but was reluctant to do so in a wet year when it would be more susceptible to rust.

‘Farmers can’t complain. We must adapt, have resilience as well as faith and pray.’

Take baby steps to expand

Although Botlhale is eager to acquire his own land and expand his farming operation, he believes in doing it in small increments. ‘NWK’s Developing Farmer Project taught me the ‘low hectare, high yield’ method, whereby you only work what you can manage.

‘If you stay within your capacity, you can better work your lands on time, manage them better and consequently obtain a better yield. Especially with today’s more unpredictable weather conditions, it’s important to expand in smaller increments such as 45 ha, rather than 100 ha.’

Botlhale has acquired his own tractors and implements throughout the years and leases them to farmers in need.

He received a brand-new John Deere 5075E as part of his prize. ‘I am very thankful towards John Deere SA. They have paved the way for me with this donation.’

Fellow contestants and family members celebrate with the winner at Grain SA’s Day of Celebration on 2 October 2025.

Photo: Grain SA

Support is crucial for success

Du Toit describes Botlhale as a loyal member of Grain SA who grabs every opportunity to gather information and learn more. ‘He loves agriculture and is actively involved in his own farming operation and daily tasks on the farm. There are numerous challenges when farming commercially on communal land. He is someone who should have his own land.’

Heinrich added: ‘Jacob is someone with a will to succeed and this is exactly what he’ll do! It is encouraging if someone approaches you for advice and he achieves success by using it.’

Apart from his mentors, Botlhale says his father has played an important role in his success. ‘I have to single out my brother, Thapelo. He works at Afrimat, but whenever he is on leave and supposed to rest, he lends a helping hand on the farm.’

Botlhale also paid tribute to his late mother, Melitah. ‘She was actually disappointed when she learned I wanted to farm fulltime, as she wanted me to rather have a professional job. I think she was scared by farming’s difficulty and the unpredictable weather. However, once I explained to her why I wanted to farm, she gave me her full support and blessings.’

Botlhale is immensely grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, Lerato. They have a son, Samkelo (11) and a seven-month old baby, Yamihle.

Source: https://www.nwkarena.co.za/2026/01/22/award-winning-young-farmer-determined-to-rise-to-the-top/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPtExZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeLHnOiKs8NJzP1nZR3oUc-T4Xqev8D5yAE0R4XtSi7p1wruJ2armmrtDpgMc_aem_zqgY-l1gMiZQKWBq0tB6Dw

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Municipality delivers integrated services to the community

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Picture: Thuntsa Lerole blitz hits Mamusa/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2026- On Friday the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality held Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole within the Mamusa Local Municipality. The municipality said the programme brought together various government departments that collaborated to deliver integrated services to the community.

The Mamusa Local Municipality mayor, Seitebaleng Chelechele said the municipality, together with the Department of Public Works, patched potholes in town and graded roads in Extensions 6 and 8. Chelechele said the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development handed over fertilisers, gardening equipment and tools, and distributed seeds to deserving beneficiaries.

“Arts, Sport, Culture and Recreation visited Remmogo ECD Centre to conduct activities on national symbols and handed over sports and recreational equipment to Phaphama Community Care Centre. Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Mamusa Local Municipality, Public Works and Roads, Water and Sanitation, and Human Settlements conducted an oversight visit at Ikgomotseng Primary School.

“The Traffic Department conducted roadblocks, inspections of scholar transport vehicles, and road safety awareness campaigns. Local Economic Development and Tourism, together with Dr RSM District Health Inspectors, conducted inspections and compliance checks of tuck shops,” she said.

Chelechele further said the Department of Home Affairs conducted late birth registration services from 26 January to 29 January. She added that the Department of Social Development identified five beneficiaries for Operation Dignity food parcels.

“The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to bringing services closer to communities and improving the quality of life for residents,” said Chelechele.

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SAPS in Northern Cape welcomes Alaya

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Picture: (SAPS) in Kimberley welcomed Alaya, who has embarked on the longest walkable route on Earth to promote peace across the world/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

10 February 2026- On Tuesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Kimberley welcomed Alaya, who has embarked on the longest walkable route on Earth to promote peace across the world. Alaya, originally from the Kingdom of Jordan, was received by members from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, the Frances Baard District Commissioner’s Office, and Kimberley SAPS.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari, accompanied by the Provincial Head of Corporate Communication and Liaison, Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, officially welcomed him to Kimberley on a wet and cool morning. Ehlers said during a gathering at the Kimberley Big Hole, Makgari commended Alaya for undertaking such an extraordinary journey in support of a noble cause that affects the global community.

“She conveyed her heartfelt admiration for his bravery, dedication, and perseverance, and wished him well for the remainder of his journey. Alaya addressed the men and women in blue, sharing the purpose of his project and inspiring those in attendance through his humility and passion for promoting peace.

“He also emphasised the importance of education and investing in the youth as a foundation for a peaceful future. Alaya commenced his remarkable journey on 1 January 2026 from Cape Agulhas and reached Kimberley after completing approximately 1000 kilometres on foot,” she said.

Ehlers further said he will continue his 23 000km journey through 18 countries over a period of 730 days, with Magadan in Russia as his final destination. She added that the management of the Kimberley Big Hole hosted Alaya and the SAPS delegation on a tour of the Open Mine, where the history of Kimberley and the diamond industry was shared.

“During his stay, Alaya will visit several schools in the Greater Kimberley area to promote the peace initiative and motivate learners on the importance of education. Upon departing the Northern Cape, he will proceed through the North West as his journey continues.

“Members of the public who encounter Alaya along his route are encouraged to join and accompany him in support of this peace initiative,” said Ehlers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, wished Alaya well on his journey and reaffirmed SAPS’ support for initiatives that promote peace, unity, and social cohesion. Otola further acknowledged the continued participation and generosity displayed by law enforcement officials in supporting this extraordinary and worthy cause.

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‘Ramaphosa operates in political climate that is no longer simmering’

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Picture: NWU political analyst, Prof André Duvenhage/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 February 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 12 February 2026, and he will do so in a world starkly different from that of a year ago. Political uncertainty, strained international relations and domestic pressures mean the president is operating in a political climate that is no longer simmering, but rapidly reaching boiling point.

According to the North West University (NWU) political analyst, Prof André Duvenhage said SONA 2026 is likely to reflect domestic tensions and demands, as well as shifting global dynamics, rather than signalling a dramatic policy shift. Duvenhage said before getting to the SONA itself, he would like to sketch a bit of the broader context.

“We are living in dramatically changing times — at the level of local government, nationally in terms of political developments, but especially internationally. I think all of these environments will, in one way or another, be reflected in the SONA.

“At the local level, I expect the president to highlight certain aspects relating to local government. He may possibly announce an election date or offer particular perspectives in that regard. The fact remains that local government — not only within an electoral context but also as a governance focus — will receive considerable attention,” he said.

Duvenhage further said the ANC is very concerned about its declining support and therefore, he expects both the SONA and the subsequent Budget Speech to place particular emphasis on local government, especially service delivery and related issues. He added that at the national level, he thinks the focus will very strongly be on the Government of National Unity (GNU), its performance and perhaps somewhat concealed its lack of performance.

“Much of the recent populist legislation that has been passed or is in progress — such as land expropriation without compensation, the BELA Act, higher education matters and National Health Insurance — will likely be presented in a positive light.

“The president will attempt to ‘sell’ these developments to South Africans and highlight achievements in particular ways. Naturally, he is unlikely to focus on failures or limited successes, but I do not think that should necessarily dominate our interpretation of the address,” said Duvenhage.

He said internationally, he expects the government to adopt a stance that leans towards Russia, China, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba, which implies a fairly strong anti-American posture. Duvenhage said the relations between the United States and South Africa have clearly deteriorated significantly.

“One can think, for example, of legislation currently being considered in the US Congress that increasingly identifies South Africa not merely as an opponent of the US, but potentially even as an adversary. Donald Trump has spoken quite explicitly on this matter.

“I also expect that there may be passing references to issues of perceived disloyalty. Here one might think of organisations such as Solidarity and AfriForum, which the president has suggested are not acting patriotically, as well as debates around farm murders, transformation and minority concerns. I expect he may respond quite strongly to those narratives,” he said.

Duvenhage said furthermore, the president is likely to follow traditional ANC themes. He said he thinks he will refer to commissions of inquiry and investigative processes, emphasising that committees have been appointed, that investigations are underway, and that progress will continue over the course of the year.

“The identification of certain police officials in ongoing matters may also be presented as evidence that action is being taken. Economic growth will almost certainly receive strong emphasis. Figures will probably be cited to suggest either improved growth or improved prospects, despite the reality that the economy has grown at less than 1% annually over the past decade.

“Infrastructure development should also feature prominently. Issues relating to women and children, gender inequality, crime prevention and related social concerns will likely form part of the familiar political rhetoric. The recent appointment of a new National Director of Public Prosecutions may also be highlighted, although arguably this is simply another Ramaphosa-era appointment,” said Duvenhage.

He said it will be interesting to observe the behaviour of opposition parties in this context. Duvenhage said he knows for a fact that within the Government of National Unity there is no consensus on certain issues, particularly foreign policy.

“We are also seeing a significant repositioning of political forces and alliances, and this could in some way be reflected in the State of the Nation Address. In short, I do not believe the president has much genuinely positive to report, and I expect the aftermath of the address to involve substantial and possibly intense criticism, both of him personally and of the substance of the speech.

“This brings me back to my opening point: we are living in very uncertain times. Political dynamics are being reshaped rapidly, and in my personal view — which is simply an opinion — South Africa is struggling to adapt to these changing circumstances,” he said.

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Outcry as N7 road turned deadly

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Picture: Concerns regarding number of road accidents occurred on the N7 road/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 February 2026 – The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews has expressed his concern regarding the number of road accidents which occurred in the district recently. Andrews said three accidents   this weekend on the N7 road, claimed the lives of five individuals and injured others.

He further said against this backdrop, he is urgently appealing to all road users, including motorists and pedestrians to implement the following safety measures. Andrews cited that the roads have become scenes of tragedy due to reckless driving behaviour.

“We are witnessing an alarming trend of road users racing and speeding on the N7, especially during weekends, showing complete disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. We further emphasize that reckless driving and lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated.

“Investigations have also revealed that intoxicated passengers are a common factor in these incidents, contributing to dangerous conditions on the N7. We urge all road users to obey speed limits and traffic regulations. We urge them to avoid reckless and racing behaviour,” he said.

Andrews said motorists should never drive under the influence of alcohol. He added that they should ensure passengers are sober and responsible.

“Respect the rules of the road. The police in the Namakwa District in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies will prioritize road safety and enforce the law on all roads leading into and out of the district. A zero tolerance approach will be adopted and no person will be treated preferentially and will be subjected to the full might of the law.

“We call on the community to work with us in making our roads safer. Due to the recent tragic deaths on the Namakwa roads, stakeholders will have prayer services at the entrances of all towns on the N7 road on 12 February 2026 at 9am,” said Andrews. 

He said stakeholders who will form part of the prayer sessions include SAPS, Radio NFM, Traffic, CPF structures, schools, religious fraternities and truck drivers. Andrews said all participants are kindly requested to wear black.

“Anyone with information about reckless driving or road incidents can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder

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Picture: A bloody knife/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

10 February 2026- The Namakwa District Management welcomed the sentence handed down by the Port Nolloth Regional Court to Khwezilomso Godfrey Gebuza (31) on 6 February 2026. The court heard that on 19 February 2023, at approximately 00:45, the accused fatally stabbed a man (20) in Motlomelo Street, Sizamele in Port Nolloth.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said Gebuza made his first court appearance on 27 February 2023, facing a charge of murder. Magerman said following the conclusion of the trial, he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

“In addition to the prison sentence, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm. The successful prosecution was a collective effort by the investigating officer, Detective Constable Denver Van Den Heever and Basil Kock from the NPA.

“The collaboration between SAPS and the NPA is a clear indication that justice will be served to victims of crime,” he said.

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Court dismisses Sandlana’s bail appeal

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IPHC leader, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2026- The Pretoria High Court has dismissed the bail appeal of International Pentecost Holiness Church leader, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64). The appeal followed Sandlana’s unsuccessful bail application, which was dismissed by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 22 December 2025.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said Sandlana is facing 19 counts of corruption. Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Sandlana made payments totalling approximately R2.4 million into various bank accounts for the benefit of Judge Portia Phahlane, with the intention that she preside over his ongoing civil matter in the High Court and rule in his favour.

“In his bail appeal, Sandlana argued that the magistrate erred in finding that he failed to satisfy the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail. His legal team submitted that his possession of multiple identity documents resulted from attempts to correct administrative errors for which he was not responsible.

“They further argued that Sandlana was not a flight risk, citing his church, ownership of multiple properties, and strong ties to South Africa. However, state advocates Phumla Dwane and Willem van Zyl opposed the appeal, arguing that Sandlana posed a flight risk due to his possession of multiple identity documents and his ability to travel outside the country without using a passport,” she said.

Mahanjana said they further submitted that Sandlana allegedly committed the offences while out on bail in another matter before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court. She added that the High Court agreed with the State’s submissions and found that Sandlana failed to satisfy the court that his release on bail would be in the interests of justice. Consequently, the bail appeal was dismissed.

“The matter involving Sandlana and his four co-accused will return to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 06 March 2026,” said Mahanjana.

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SCOPA moves to final phase of RAF oversight enquiry

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 February 2026 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) will this week consider the draft framework of its report, marking the final phase of its Oversight Enquiry into the financial matters of the Road Accident Fund (RAF). The consideration of the framework follows a ten-week enquiry during which the committee received extensive briefings from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the Accountant General, the Accounting Standards Board, witnesses with inside knowledge of the RAF’s operations, former RAF Board, Interim RAF Board and the Ministry of Transport.

The SCOPA chairperson, Songezo Zibi said briefings by the AGSA showed the RAF’s financial decline over several years. Zibi said audit outcomes deteriorated from a clean audit in the 2019/20 financial year to two disclaimers and three adverse audit opinions in the years that followed, covering the period from 2018/19 to 2024/25.

“SCOPA was also briefed by the SIU on investigations currently under way at the RAF, including preliminary findings. In addition, the committee received submissions from whistleblowers raising concerns about the handling of finances, claims management and governance practices at the Fund.

“Several issues emerged during the enquiry and will be addressed in the final report. These include RAF’s decision to cancel its Panel of Attorneys without a plan in place, a move that resulted in thousands of court cases going undefended.

“This partly led to default court judgments which now total R15.7 billion. The introduction of the new RAF 1 claim form which requires claimants to spend up to R100 000 to register a claim, costs which the RAF must later repay. The committee has raised concerns that this denies access to poor South Africans,” he said.

Zibi further said it emerged that despite the RAF’s management insistence that people can claim directly, the RAF management took active steps to reduce direct claims which have now fallen from over 35 000 a few years ago to just over 2000 in the last financial year.

He added that allegations of fraud involving legal firms and a claims processing strategy negatively affected members of the public who tried to submit claims directly to the RAF.

“RAF’s widening financial gap, with estimated liabilities of nearly R100 billion compared to an annual income of about R50 billion.

Former chairpersons of the RAF Board indicated that critical information was withheld during the decision-making process regarding the change in accounting policy.

“This resulted in litigation against the AGSA, with total litigation costs of over R20 million between the RAF and the AGSA.

The financial cost of suspending large numbers of employees on full pay for extended periods,” said Zibi.

He said once the framework of the report is approved, SCOPA plans to begin deliberations on the full draft report by the end of February 2026. Zibi said as part of the process, sections of the report that affect individuals or institutions outside of the RAF will be shared with them for comment before the report is finalised.

“The completed report will be tabled in the National Assembly where it will be debated and voted on,” he said.

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“Growing instability within municipalities caused by internal power struggles and unethical conduct among ANC deployees”

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Picture: ANC Provincial Chairperson, Nono Maloyi

By OBAKENG MAJE

10 February 2026- The ANC Provincial Chairperson, Nono Maloyi said they are concerned about the growing instability within municipalities caused by internal power struggles and unethical conduct among their deployees. Maloyi who delivered a keynote address during the ANC Provincial Extended Lekgotla held at Matlosana Local Municipality’s auditorium in Klerksdorp said many of their municipalities are not failing because of a lack of resources, laws, or capable public servants, but because of instability deliberately manufactured from within.

He further said this instability is not accidental. Maloyi added that it is as a result of sustained infighting amongst comrades, often sponsored and enabled by those entrusted with the highest levels of authority.

“Municipal instability thrives when leadership becomes divided and governance is reduced to factional control. Instead of serving communities, people’s institutions become battlegrounds for influence, tenders, and personal enrichment. Decision-making stalls, councils become polarized, and lose coherence.

“Service delivery suffers, not due to incapacity, but because energy and resources are redirected toward internal conflict. At the centre of this instability are individuals who wield significant power such as executive mayors, mayors, speakers, chief whips, municipal managers, chief financial officers, and other senior managers,” he said.

Maloyi said when these eminent persons abandon ethical leadership, they become sponsors of division rather than custodians of good governance. He said through bribery, procurement manipulation, and deliberate obstruction, they finance factions within councils and administrations, ensuring loyalty to individuals rather than to the institution.

“Corruption is not merely an outcome of instability, it is often the mechanism that sustains it. Bribes are used to silence oversight, reward compliance, and punish independence. Financial mismanagement and irregular expenditure become tools to consolidate power.

“Those who resist are isolated, suspended, or forced out, while those who participate are protected. This creates a culture where malfeasance is normalized and integrity is treated as a threat,” said Maloyi.

He said the true victims of this infighting are communities. Maloyi said projects are delayed or abandoned, basic services deteriorate, and public confidence collapses.

“Residents experience failing infrastructure, unreliable utilities, and unresponsive administrations. Over time, anger replaces trust, and municipalities become symbols of dysfunction rather than engines of development.

“Instability persists because accountability mechanisms are deliberately weakened. Internal controls are undermined, audit findings are ignored, and disciplinary processes are manipulated. Oversight bodies are misled or overwhelmed, allowing misconduct to continue with little consequence,” he said.

Maloyi said when accountability disappears, instability becomes self-perpetuating. He said stability cannot be restored without confronting the source of the problem.

“Ethical leadership must replace factional loyalty. Municipal Managers and senior officials must be held to the highest standards of conduct, with clear consequences for corruption and abuse of power. Procurement systems must be transparent, financial controls enforced, and whistleblowers protected.

“Remember, municipalities exist to serve communities, not to enrich individuals or sustain political wars. Stability comes from professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. When leadership is principled and accountable, infighting loses its power, corruption is exposed, and public institutions regain their legitimacy,” said Maloyi.

He said people should not forget that municipal instability driven by sponsored infighting is a choice, not a coincidence. Maloyi said it is sustained by corruption and enabled by silence.

“Ending it requires courage, decisiveness, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to ethical governance. The office of the Chief Whip is the backbone of caucus coherence. Yet too often, Chief Whips are expected to enforce discipline without adequate authority to act decisively.

“To correct this imbalance, ANC Chief Whips must be formally empowered with three important powers and that is the authority to suspend rogue and ill-disciplined ANC councillors from caucus activities,” he said.

Maloyi said this includes, the power to initiate and recommend disciplinary action where conduct violates ANC rules and caucus decisions and the ability to recommend removal from office when misconduct or persistent defiance renders a member unfit to serve. He said without these powers, the role of the Chief Whip becomes symbolic rather than effective, granting these powers does not mean abandoning fairness or due process.

“On the contrary, it strengthens accountability by ensuring that discipline is applied consistently and transparently. Our people are watching. They see public disagreements, council paralysis, and leaders who defy organizational decisions without consequence.

“This creates an image of an organization unable to govern itself, let alone the country. Comrades, the strength of the ANC has always rested on unity, discipline, and collective leadership. Empowering Chief Whips to suspend ill-disciplined members and recommend removal from office is not a threat to democracy within the movement. It is a defense of it,” said Maloyi.

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DA in North West elects Freddy Sonakile as its provincial leader

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 February 2026- The Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Freddy Sonakile has been elected as the Democratic Alliance’s Provincial Leader over the weekend. This comes after the DA in North West held its Provincial Elective Conference in Potchefstroom.

Sonakile thanked those who elected him. He said they showed that they have confidence and trust in him. 

“Thank you for giving me the honour of leading this great movement in the North West. Today is not a personal victory, but it is a victory for unity. It is a victory for renewal. It is a victory for every activist who knocks on doors, every councillor who serves their community and every member who believes that this province deserves better.

“I accept this responsibility with humility, determination, and a deep sense of duty. The DA in the North West is at a turning point. We have grown, we have survived difficult moments and we have built strong foundations in municipalities and communities,” said Sonakile.

He further said that now, they must move from growth to breakthrough. Sonakile added that they need to move from opposition to governance.

“We need to move from potential to power. We are no longer a small party with big dreams.  We are a serious political force and we must start acting like one by listening to our people. Over the past months, I have engaged intensively with our members in this province. 

“I listened to branches, councillors and to activists. And one message came through clearly was, our leaders must be more visible.  Our structures need stronger support.  We must prepare earlier and better for elections. These were not complaints, but they were a call to action. Today, I stand before you to say, I have heard you and I will act,” he said.

Sonakile said he believes leadership is not about titles, but it is about service.  He said it is about humility, it is about presence.

“So, as a Provincial Leader, I will not lead from an office.  I will lead from the ground. I will put the suit aside and wear khaki with our farmers. Stand shoulder to shoulder with activists in our townships.  Respect and engage our traditional leaders.  Walk our villages and informal settlements.

“Leadership that is not visible is not leadership at all, that is how trust is built. That is how the DA becomes real to people. Let me be clear: I will not lead alone.  I am proud to work alongside my Deputy Provincial Leader.  We will function as one leadership team,” said Sonakile.

He commits to hands-on political work across this province.  Sonakile said he will delegate clear political responsibilities to his Deputy, so that their agenda is understood everywhere.

“Because I cannot be everywhere, but together, we can be everywhere. We will ensure that our messaging is consistent.  That our priorities are clear, that our branches are supported, that our councillors are defended and strengthened.

“This will be a leadership of teamwork, not ego. Fellow Democrats, Let us be honest about where we are. In the North West today, we have four hung municipalities.  That is not weakness, but opportunity,” he said.

Sonakile said it means voters are open to change. He said it means no party has a monopoly. 

“It means power is within reach. We also know JB Marks is within striking distance. Winning it outright is possible. But, let me be honest, it will not happen by chance.  It will not happen by luck. It will only happen through hard work.

“Through door-to-door campaigns.  Through community presence.  Through disciplined organisation.  Through strong candidates.  Through united structures. That is the work we start now,” said Sonakile.

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Picture: MPL in North West Provincial Legislature and DA Provincial Leader, Freddy Sonakile