Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market together with DEDECT officials/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 April 2025- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane, has enhanced support for local businesses during an oversight visit to Mahikeng Trade Fair Market. Lenkopane conducted an oversight visit to the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market as part of her aftercare programme aimed at supporting local enterprises.
She further said the visit focused on assessing the condition of the facility that accommodates small businesses and exploring opportunities to enhance their operations. Lenkopane added that the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, which houses 20 small factories, serves as a flagship initiative, which highlights the provincial government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable local economic development.
“My visit formed part of the Thuntsha Lerole Programme under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, a proactive initiative aimed at boosting economic growth through comprehensive aftercare services.
“These services include site evaluations of funded projects to assess business viability, identify operational challenges, and enhance support mechanisms for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives,” she said.
Lenkopane said a collaborative venture between DEDECT, the North West Development Corporation (NWDC), the Mahikeng Local Municipality and the Mahikeng Trade Fair Market, represents a foundation in the province’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation and contribute to the broader provincial economy. She said during the aftercare service tour, they also visited several successful empowerment beneficiaries.
“Among them was Mum to Be Wellness Centre (Pty) in Setumo Park, Mahikeng, a wellness spa offering personal care services using DEDECT-funded equipment, which remains in pristine condition.
“In Montshioa, Chomza Technologies showcased its progress after receiving funding for the installation of a network tower located in Ramatlabama village, significantly improving connectivity in the surrounding communities,” said Lenkopane.
She said in Moletsamongwe village, Mahikeng, Lonaka Projects Group demonstrated its growing footprint in agriculture through poultry, egg production and vegetable farming. Lenkopane said the business has shown commendable progress, bolstered by resources provided by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).
“In a further show of support for informal and micro enterprises, DEDECT also hosted a flea market in Kopela village, featuring six informal traders and four Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
“The programme also profiled 14 MSMEs, the majority of which are women-owned, connecting them to developmental opportunities and support services,” she said.
Lenkopane said the department will continue with aftercare services and engagement platforms throughout the province to continue to empower local businesses and reinforce its mandate to create a sustainable and competitive business environment in the North West.
15 April 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi will on 16 April 2025, host a roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries to discuss areas for collaboration towards the successful and comprehensive implementation of key 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) pronouncements. The engagement will afford the provincial government and business sector the opportunity to also explore strategic enablers and barriers to economic growth in the North West province, focusing on sectors that are dominant in the economy of the province including Mining, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, ICT, Engineering and Construction.
The North West Provincial Government spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said: “Hosted in collaboration with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the roundtable will underscore ways of creating sustainable job opportunities and alternative strategies to alleviate poverty in line with the 2025 SOPA injunctions.
“The roundtable discussion will be attended by Captains of Industries, Members of Executive Council (MECs), Premier’s Economic and Investment Advisory Council and Heads of Departments.”
Setswambung further said this engagement will be followed by Premier’s maiden Charity Golf Tournament, which will be attended by prominent golfers from business fraternity and professional organisations. He added that, the proceeds from Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament will be awarded to a school in Moretele Local Municipality, Kgomo-Kgomo, and another in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where Mokgosi, together with MTN and Metropolitan will donate laptops, sanitary towels, and Wi-Fi for the Grade 12 learners.
“The two-day programme with Captains of Industries will be held in Sun City Resort, near Rustenburg on Wednesday, where Mokgosi will engage in Premier’s roundtable discussion with Captains of Industries from 2pm to 5pm.
“On Thursday, Mokgosi will embark on Premier’s Charity Golf Tournament at Sun City Golf Course
15 April 2025- A tourist (66) from Cape Town has been reported missing in the Augrabies Falls National Park. This comes after the individual booked into the park on 10 April 2025.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said it is believed that he went hiking on 11 April 2025. Ehlers said when he failed to return at 4:30pm, the park rangers became concerned and promptly reported the matter to the police in Augrabies.
“His personal belongings and vehicle were still at the park. A comprehensive search operation was immediately launched into his disappearance. The police from Augrabies, SAPS Airwing, Upington Search and Rescue Unit, Upington K9 Unit and a drone pilot are actively involved in the ongoing search efforts.
“Anyone who may have information that could assist in locating the missing person is urged to contact Captain Robert Turner at 082 770 4208 or Sergeant Tshepo Marungwana at 084 298 5101 or the SAPS Crime Stop Number 08600 10111,” she said.
Ehlers said all information will be handled confidentially.
14 April 2025- The North West Transport Investment (NTI) has appointed the new Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP). The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has in November 2024, guided that an application be made to the Gauteng High Court sitting in Pretoria to remove the then BRP, Thomas Hendrick Samons.
Morweng said after experiencing financial challenges, the NTI had in July 2022, applied for a voluntary business rescue process in July 2022. He further said Samons was then appointed as the Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP).
“His primary responsibility was to turn the entity around to make it more sustainable and generate income to pay creditors primarily of who are the employees. To do this, the BRP was supposed to have developed a plan within 25 days of his appointment as stipulated by the Companies Act.
“The BRP has since failed to do all that including accounting for the money the Government has paid to the entity. Following the department’s successful application to remove him at Gauteng High Court, the BRP then applied for a leave to appeal the Gauteng High Court ruling,” said Morweng.
He said the department then lodged a Section 18 of the Superior Court Act application seeking an implementation of the initial order for his removal. Morweng said the purpose of this Section 18 is to ensure that the court ruling is enforced in spite of the BRP application for a leave to appeal.
“The judgement, which was handed down electronically on 27 March 2025, enforced the initial ruling that removed the BRP from NTI. It is following this judgement that the NTI has now appointed Mahomed Mahier Tayob as the new BRP. This, as the entity still needs to be rescued and be turned around to be profitable.
“Tayob is a senior business rescue practitioner with impressive qualifications obtained in South Africa and the UK. Among other entities Tayob has rescued include a state bus company in Gauteng and has also investigated a R2.6 billion investment scheme on behalf of the Hawks,” he said.
Morweng said Tayob will work closely with Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe, who has been seconded by the department as the NTI acting CEO. He said Tayob is expected to present a turnaround plan and report regularly to the shareholder representative and ensure the NTI is restored to profitability.
14 April 2025- A man (37), who is facing charges of reckless driving and common assault for allegedly assaulting a high school learner (18), briefly appeared at the Nigel Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that on 10 April 2025, the victim was a passenger in a school transport on their way back from school, while there was traffic on the road.
It is alleged that the accused, Xolane Qhubeke was driving on the wrong side of the road, thus blocking the scholar transport.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said an altercation between the accused and the driver of the scholar transport allegedly ensued, while the two were standing outside next to the scholar transport vehicle. Mahanjana said, while standing outside, it is alleged that the accused put his upper body inside the scholar transport and disengaged the hand brake of the vehicle.
“The complainant, who was sitting at the back of the car, then pulled the hand brake back up. At that point, it is alleged that the accused began to assault the learner by hitting her with an open hand multiple times.
“The learner reported the matter to the police and the accused was arrested on 12 April 2025, and released the same day on police bail. In court, the matter was postponed to 22 April 2025 for legal representation,” she said.
14 April 2025- A man (42) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Atamelang Regional Court for murder. This comes after Itumeleng Gabonewe (42) killed his girlfriend, Manana Rosina Ditsebe (29).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the atrocity took place at Khunwana village, near Kraaipan on 28 April 2024. Gunya said Gabonewe and Ditsebe were in a romantic relationship and they have a child together.
“Ditsebe came from a nearby tavern in the company of her boyfriend. Upon arrival at the accused person’s residence, they had an altercation. They were heard by the accused’s cousin, who was in the same house.
“The cousin heard a banging sound of a person being hit against the wall and shortly after the sound stopped, she heard the door of the bedroom being opened and heard footsteps of a person leaving the house. The cousin told the court that she was afraid of the accused, hence she did not intervene,” he said.
Gunya further said she then went to the bedroom to go and observe what happened. He added that she found the deceased badly injured with visible injuries to her face and body.
“The accused’s cousin then tried to awaken the deceased to no response. She then went outside the house and called on their neighbours for assistance. Upon the neighbour’s arrival, the neighbour informed her that Ditsebe had passed on and the police were then called.
“Subsequently, the deceased was declared dead by the EMRS personnel, who were called to the scene by the police. The suspect, Itumeleng Gabonewe, was then traced and arrested by the police,” said Gunya.
He said in court, the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder. Gunya said during sentencing, the state prosecutor, advocate Edward Manicus, in his argument, argued for life imprisonment to be imposed as there were insufficient grounds adduced by the defence for the court to deviate from the applicable and prescribed minimum sentence.
“The Presiding Officer, Magistrate Stephan Du Toit, agreed with the state and subsequently sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and declared him unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
Meanwhile, welcoming the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the investigative and prosecution teams for their dedication. Makhari reaffirmed the unwavering commitment by the NPA in fighting gender-based violence.
14 April 2025- A man was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by the Galeshewe Sexual Offences Court for rape. On the night of 18 December 2022, a woman (20), was socializing with her boyfriend, friends and the accused, Tshwaro Sebogodi in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said later, together with her boyfriend, retired to bed because she was not feeling well. Senokoatsane said during the night, she awoke to the horrifying reality of being sexually violated by Sebogodi, a person she did not personally know.
“Despite her efforts to resist, she was overpowered and she passed out. When she woke up in the morning, she found herself naked, alongside the accused that was also undressed. She asked her boyfriend what is the accused doing naked in the same bed and the boyfriend also did not have answers.
“The forensic analysis confirmed the presence of the accused’s semen on the victim’s underwear, which was submitted for DNA testing. Sebogodi pleaded not guilty and maintained a bare denial throughout the trial,” he said.
Senokoatsane further said, however, after hearing the evidence, the court found the victim to be a credible and reliable witness. The accused, on the other hand, was found to have been evasive under cross-examination and failed to account truthfully for his actions. He added that, in sentencing, the court took into account the grave psychological and emotional trauma endured by the victim, as outlined in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) compiled by the Court Preparation Officer, Thandi Diphae.
“The victim expressed her ongoing fear, her withdrawal from social life, and the profound impact the incident has had on her mental health. She continues to receive counselling for the severe distress caused by this ordeal.
“The state prosecutor, advocate Shareen Links, emphasised that women should not be reduced to mere objects and condemned the persistent violence faced by women in South Africa. The accused should be sentenced to lengthy prison terms, as he did not even show remorse for his crimes. Links further argued how rape is prevalent in this jurisdiction, but also in the country,” said Senokoatsane.
He said Links said women are not even free anymore in households, let alone on the streets. Senokoatsane said women live in fear daily, fearful that this barbaric, monstrous act might also happen to them.
“The news is full of rape cases daily. The court highlighted the ongoing prevalence of rape cases and reinforced the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women. The court held that a woman should not be treated as an entity/sex toy.
“The court ordered that Sebogodi’s name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA remains steadfast in its mission to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and will continue to advocate for the protection and empowerment of victims,” he said.
Picture: Some of suspects nabbed during Operation Vala Umgodi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
12 April 2025- Twenty seven suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi. The suspects were nabbed by a multi-disciplinary team executed in the Northern Cape that include the Mission Area Joint Operations Centre (MAJOC) roving team, the Department of Home Affairs Immigrations Services and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,Sergeant Timothy Sam said some of the suspects were arrested for contravention of the Illicit Mining and Immigration statutes, as well as other related crimes. Sam said the police’s weekly operations focused on tracing and searching illegal and undocumented immigrants that are suspected to be conducting illegal mining in the Northern Cape.
“The weekly disruptive activities included vehicle and foot patrols, stop and searches, vehicle check points as well as executing raids at identified addresses. The team in the Namakwa District, near Kleinsee, arrested suspects at Sandkop mine and Port Nolloth for illegal mining, trespassing, dealing in drugs, as well as the apprehension of two women for drug trafficking.
“The team in the Frances Baard District Kimberley, pounced on numerous undocumented suspects at construction sites and during stop and searches, that included jobseekers standing at street corners around Kimberley mining areas,” he said.
Sam further said several illegal mining implements, drugs and cash that is believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated. He added that, the undocumented suspects were processed and verified by the immigration officials before being formally charged and presented to court for deportation.
“The police in partnership with all stakeholders will tirelessly heighten efforts to eradicate illegal mining in the Northern Cape,” said Sam.
12 April 2025- The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu said they gathered to discuss a crucial pillar of the tourism industry, which is the sustainability and development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). Sotyu said the event is essential for fostering collaboration, understanding and shared ownership of key initiatives.
She further said she hope the gathering will provide a platform for diverse voices to exchange ideas and contribute to shaping outcomes that reflect the needs and priorities of the Fezile Dabi District Municipality. Sotyu added that, as they are all aware, this is the month, which South Africa celebrates its Freedom Month and Freedom Day on 27 April.
“The month marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history as the first democratic elections was held on 27 April 1994. This milestone symbolises the triumph over oppression and the beginning of a new era of economic and social transformation. We must recognise that true liberation extends beyond political rights and economic empowerment.
“Sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty alleviation. By supporting and nurturing SMMEs, we honour the legacy of Freedom Month by ensuring that economic opportunities reach all South Africans, particularly those who were historically marginalised,” she said.
Sotyu said a thriving SMME sector not only strengthens the economy, but it also upholds the values of resilience, self-reliance and shared prosperity that define the spirit of freedom. She said on 26 to 27 February 2025, she attended the Sustainable Tourism Conference.
“It is at that conference that we determined that a platform of this kind is necessary. By engaging stakeholders and communities in meaningful dialogue, we build trust, establish transparency and encourage active participation. At the same time, it gives us a chance to ensure that all perspectives are considered as we move forward.
“Tourism in South Africa is not just about destinations. It is about people, it is about the small business owners of Zamdela offering authentic township experiences, guesthouse operators in Sharpeville welcoming travellers with warm hospitality and tourist guides in Batho sharing hidden gems of our rich country and those around Mangaung.
“These types of enterprises are the lifeblood of our tourism sector, and their success is our nation’s success. SMMEs are very important in the tourism industry. It contributes significantly to employment, economic transformation and community upliftment,” said Sotyu.
She said they bring innovation, diversity and authenticity to the tourism offerings, making South Africa a worldwide competitive and unique destination. Sotyu said despite their enormous potential, it is a fact that many SMMEs face challenges that threaten their survival and growth.
“Such threats include – limited access to funding and financial support, skills gap in business management and digital transformation, market access and lack of exposure to international tourists. Not to mention the impact external shocks, such as Covid-19 and global shifts have on these enterprises.
“As the government, our role is to enable and empower SMMEs to overcome these barriers and
it is our duty to maximise every opportunity to empower these enterprises. As much as the conversation is about preserving the environment, it is also about building long-term economic opportunities to ensure inclusive growth and to position black-owned businesses at the forefront of a thriving and responsible tourism sector,” she said.
Sotyu said tourism is indeed a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation, but if
not managed responsibly it can have a negative impact on the natural resources, displace
communities and leave more harm than good. She said embracing sustainable tourism by black-owned enterprises is not just about being part of a
global trend, but is a necessity for resilience, competitiveness and profitability.
“Speaking of opportunities, the Department of Tourism is dedicated to creating an inclusive,
sustainable, and resilient tourism economy. Allow me to put the spotlight on our departmental
programmes. We have a variety of programmes with the specific aim of promoting tourism, alleviating poverty and creating jobs.
“Our Market Access Support Programme offers financial support to small tourism enterprises to exhibit at tourism platforms. I want to urge you to visit the Department of Tourism website at
Sotyu said this week they are assisting 49 tourism SMMEs to promote their services at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town. She said sadly, only three of the 49 are from the Free State.
“I really hope to see a larger number of you at the Africa’s Travel Indaba in May. We also want to encourage you to apply for our Green Tourism Incentive Programme, which offers a win-win solution to tourism establishments and our greening objectives. This programme is a resource efficiency programme which aims to support tourism enterprises to reduce the cost of investing in energy and water efficient solutions.
“This incentive can greatly
assist a tourism establishment to reduce their electricity and water bills in the long term. The department also established a Tourism Transformation Fund and Tourism Equity Fund to support the transformation efforts in the sector,” said Sotyu.
She said the Transformation Fund offers a combination of debt finance and grant funding for new and expansion tourism development projects with majority black shareholding. Sotyu said for tourist guides, the department has a number of programmes, including language training.
“We recently advertised for youth to apply for tourist guide training in Vredefort Dome and we
are currently conducting tourist guide training in Golden Gate National Park. For youth in tourism, the department offers annually a bursary programme and learnership programmes, focusing on professional cooking, wine appreciation and hospitality, targeting youth with a specific interest in tourism.
“I urge all young people here to visit the departmental website and social media pages regularly
for these opportunities. Please familiarise yourselves with all the projects that are offered by the department to assist in promoting tourism,” she said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 April2025- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said stock theft appears to be a huge challenge in the areas of Mareetsane, Mooifontein, neighbouring villages and farms. Morweng said this came during the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP) Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded held in Weltevrede village, outside Mahikeng.
He further said, he was made aware of this challenge during his unannounced visit to the Mareetsane and Mooifontein Police Stations, as part of oversight monitoring. Morweng added that, at Mareetsane Police Station, he found about 200 stock theft dockets that are under investigation and it serves five villages as well as over 40 farms with variation in size.
“The Mooifontein Police Station serves eight villages and neighbouring farms. The station has a serious challenge of stock theft cases reported from time to time, but the community doesn’t get feedback on any progress.
“An extraordinary approach is needed to clamp down on the concerning rate of stock theft. I have received a detailed account of the challenges experienced by both police stations,” said Morweng.
He said they have an obligation as a government to protect the communities and their properties, so they need to have a solution. Morweng said they need to urgently re-strategise and find innovative ways to root it out.
“We definitely need to demolish the syndicate if there is one around here. Following a number of complaints that we received from communities, we called on station managers to constantly provide feedback to communities on cases that are being reported and under investigation.
“Police station managers are obliged to attend community meetings within the jurisdiction of their stations. It is important to give feedback on cases reported,” he said.
Morweng said the police are doing a good job, but failing to give feedback to the concerned regarding their cases. He encouraged communities to improve their security and measures of taking care of their livestock through brand marking.
“Recently, the Mooifontein Police Station assisted communities to apply for brand marks as part of measures to deal with stock theft. With regard to other challenges raised by both police stations such as personnel and resources, we will engage with the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng.
“In order to provide them with the support they require, I will engage Asaneng to see how we can increase the station’s capacity and ensure that they service the community adequately,” said Morweng.
The Guardian 