A budget to accelerate our economic and social recovery

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana presented a Budget that will accelerate the momentum of inclusive growth, create jobs and tackle poverty. Ramaphosa said every budgetary allocation is a developmental choice ensuring there are teachers in classrooms, nurses and doctors in clinics, electricity and basic services in homes and businesses, infrastructure to grow the economy, and employment opportunities for communities.

He further said after a prolonged period of economic uncertainty, this budget builds on the progress made over the last few years to stabilise, reform and transform our economy. Ramaphosa added that improvements in public finances, stabilising debt, a narrowing budget deficit, credit rating upgrades and improved market confidence all signal the beginning of an economic recovery.

“A stable macroeconomic environment boosts investor confidence and increases the government’s capacity to invest in both growth and poverty relief without compromising sustainability.

“The stabilisation of public finances gives us space to accelerate public investment, sustain the social wage, and direct resources to reforms that drive growth and job creation. The social wage accounts for over 60% of government spending after interest payments,” he said.

Ramaphosa further said the allocation for this financial year will enable them to provide healthcare services to 84% of the population, social grants to 26.5 million beneficiaries and free basic services to over 11 million indigent households. He added that it will support approximately 13.6 million learners at school.

“This is a redistributive budget that reduces inequality, builds the capabilities of our people and strengthens the foundations for inclusive growth.

“Basic education is one of those key foundations. We will be allocating additional spending to employ more educators. Additional funds have been allocated to the early childhood development grant to reach an additional 300,000 children and to align the National School Nutrition Programme to food inflation,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the budget supports inclusive growth by accelerating public investment, particularly on infrastructure. Ramaphosa said improved infrastructure lowers the cost of doing business, raises productivity and supports our country’s exports.

“Over the next three years, public spending on infrastructure will exceed R1 trillion to build and maintain roads and rail lines, expand energy infrastructure, and build and maintain water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Government alone cannot finance the scale of infrastructure our country needs. We are therefore mobilising investment from private and other sources, and opening the space for public-private partnerships,” he said.

Ramaphosa said as they encourage private investment in electricity, rail and port operations, they are maintaining state ownership of strategic national infrastructure. He said under Operation Vulindlela, government departments and public entities are undertaking impactful reforms in energy, telecommunications, water and logistics.

“The budget acknowledges that many municipalities are in financial distress, driven by weak revenue collection, poor management and substantial service delivery backlogs.

“Many municipalities are not spending appropriately. For several years, water and electricity revenue has not been invested in infrastructure maintenance or expansion, but has been redirected to cover other municipal costs,” said Ramaphosa.

He said local government finances have to be placed on a more sustainable footing to support the delivery of basic services. Ramaphosa said over the medium term, R19.2 billion will be reallocated to the reform of electricity, water, sanitation and solid waste trading services in metros.

“These allocations will be linked to performance against clear targets. The Municipal Infrastructure Grant is being reformed to address underspending and misuse of funds. Over the next three years, R86.9 billion has been allocated to support the provision of free basic services to indigent households.

“This year’s budget reflects the government’s goals of inclusive growth and job creation through additional support for mass public employment programmes and relief for small businesses,” he said.

Ramaphosa said an additional R4.1 billion has been allocated to the Presidential Employment Stimulus to provide work opportunities to more young South Africans. He said to ease the regulatory burden for small businesses, the threshold for businesses to register for VAT has been increased by more than double.

“For small business owners who wish to sell or transfer their businesses, the capital gains tax exemption has also been significantly increased. Together, these measures will help small and informal businesses to grow and employ more South Africans.

“This year’s Budget focuses on three imperatives: maintaining fiscal sustainability, driving inclusive growth and protecting society’s most vulnerable. It is a balanced budget that reflects the realities of our economy, limited financial resources, high unemployment and urgent infrastructure needs,” said Ramphosa.

He said as they build on the momentum of our recovery, they will continue to be guided by fiscal discipline, structural reform, targeted investment and an overarching commitment to improving the material conditions of every South African.

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NWPL to Host House Sitting to Debate State of the Province Address 2026  

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Picture: NWPL Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By STAFF REPORTER

2 March 2026- The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Dr Desbo Mohono will hold a Legislature House Sitting, where members of all political parties represented in the Legislature will debate the State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2026 in the Legislature Chamber at 9am.

Mohono said SOPA was delivered by the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi on 26 February 2026, during the official opening of the Legislature. She said the proceedings of the House Sitting will be streamed live on the Legislature’s Facebook page.

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Saving Lives Institute Launches Skills Development Learnership Programme

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Picture: Security Guards duirng training/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 March 2026- The Saving Lives Institute said it is proud to announce the implementation of a comprehensive skills development programme aimed at empowering communities through education, training, and employment opportunities. The institute said it will provide accredited learnership and training programmes designed to equip participants with practical skills that will improve employability and promote economic growth.

The Saving Lives Institute spokesperson, Mercy Mabunda said the programme will benefit a total of 1300 participants across various fields of study. Mabunda said the training opportunities will benefit 400 participants in the Security Training Programme for 6 months, and 100 participants in the Information Technology (IT) Programme for 12 months.

“We will also train 100 participants in Microsoft Skills Programme for 12 months, 100 participants for Sewing and Clothing Production Programme for 12 months and 600 participants – Short Skills Learnership Programme for 2 weeks.

“These programmes aim to address unemployment by providing young people and community members with industry-relevant skills, practical experience, and opportunities for personal and professional development,” she said.

Mabunda further said Saving Lives Institute remains committed to uplifting communities by investing in education, skills transfer, and sustainable empowerment initiatives. She added that through partnerships and community support, the institute continues to create pathways toward self-reliance and economic participation.

“Members of the community are encouraged to participate and take advantage of these life changing opportunities,” said Mabunda.

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Rapist sentenced to 20 years imprisonment

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By KEDIBONE MOLETSI

2 March 2026- The accused, Tshepang Mogapi was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Zeerust Regional Court for raping a girl (16). Mogapi also received a concurrent two-year sentence for assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the court further ordered that Mogapi’s name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm. Gunya said the offence took place on 18 December 2022, in Mokgola village.

“The victim was walking alone in the early hours when Mogapi approached from behind, grabbed her, and strangled her. Her screams alerted a nearby resident, who attempted to intervene but was overpowered and threatened with a knife, forcing him to seek help.

“By the time assistance returned, both Mogapi and the victim had left the scene. Investigations showed that Mogapi dragged her to his home, where he raped her. Afterwards, he walked her partway home, but assaulted her again, strangling and slapping her, before they parted ways,” he said.

Gunya further said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to Mogapi’s arrest. He added that Mogapi was released on bail pending trial.

“Mogapi pleaded not guilty, but the court convicted him based on strong prosecution evidence. The state prosecutor, Kagiso Modibedi argued in aggravation that rape is a serious and prevalent crime, urging the court to impose the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged the offence’s severe impact on the victim’s dignity and the judiciary’s duty to protect vulnerable individuals. However, it deviated from life imprisonment due to mitigating factors,” said Gunya.

He said Mogapi’s youth at the time of the offence, his status as a first-time offender, and the influence of alcohol.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions for North West, Dr Rachel Makhari commended Modibedi and all involved role-players for ensuring justice was served for the victim.

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Police seized a firearm during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: A firearm seized during Operation Shanela II/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 March 2026 – Unannounced Operation Shanela 2 has continued with stop-and-search actions, high-density operations and intelligence-driven interventions aimed at enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any form of crime that threatens the safety and stability of communities. The operation conducted on 27 February 2026, in Letlhabile, involved the collaboration between the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Tracking Team, North West Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) and Corporate Communications and Liaison.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said multi- disciplinary operation focused on high-visibility patrols, addressing violent crime related to gangsterism, drug- and firearm-related offences, disrupting criminal activities, executing arrests of wanted suspects, and conducting compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers to enforce the authority of the state amid prevailing levels of criminality in the area. Bobelo said eight suspects were arrested for various offences.

“Seized items included a revolver, alcoholic beverages and several bags containing cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. Among those arrested was a man (35) charged with possession of a firearm without a license. This includes a man (22) and woman (49) charged with possession of suspected illegal substances.

“A woman (19) and a man (37) were charged with contravention of the Immigration Act. A man (18), a woman (23) and a man (30), were charged for selling liquor without a license. These three suspects were released with a warning to appear in court,” he said.

Bobele further said all suspects are expected to make their first court appearances before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 2 March 2026.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, expressed his appreciation to the members involved for their dedication to protecting communities. Naidoo added that their commitment to excellence and professionalism reflects positively on the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“We assure the public that police will remain vigilant and steadfast in bringing criminals to justice,” he said.

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Ellis proud of Banyana despite falling in the COSAFA final

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Picture: Banyana Banyana during the Hollywodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025 Final match between South Africa and Namibia at Peter Mokaba Stadium, in Polokwane on 01 March 2026 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix

By STAFF REPORTER

2 March 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis was full of praise of her young brigade, despite falling 2-1 to Namibia in the final of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday. Ellis said she also had an eye on the future while participating in the regional tournament.

“I am very proud of the team, they were brave, they showed a lot of courage, they were stretched to the limits and we have a bigger core group now because of this. We have a couple of 16/17/18-year-olds in the team, not the experience they would have wanted but I think that the medal will remind them to never get the same feeling.

“This was a worthwhile exercise, and we can now safely say there is a great future for South African women’s football. On a hot Polokwane afternoon, Banyana Banyana had made three changes to the team that defeated Zimbabwe in the semifinals, with Sibongakonke Mzobe, Bongiwe Thusi and Bonolo Mokoma getting the nod ahead of Sibulele Holweni, Gabriela Moodaly-Salgado and Isabella Ludwig,” she said.

Ellis further said the move seemed to pay dividends as Mokoma hit the crossbar with a thunderous shot early in the game before Nthabiseng Majiya put the home side ahead in the 38th minute, her second of the tournament. She added that the Brave Warriors returned rejuvenated from the break and restored parity shortly thereafter in the 54th minute through substitute Muhinatjo Hanavi with a long-range shot.

“Neither side was able to get a goal with the match going into extra time. It was Namibia who stunned the hosts in the first half of extra-time with a goal that gave them the lead for the first time in the game, and they held on for a win, lifting their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship trophy.

“Goals win you matches, and I think throughout the game even before extra-time we had enough chances to make sure that we won the game. I thought we conceded poorly, but as I said this is a young group. We played five games, obviously they (Namibia) looked a bit fresher towards the end of the game, they played four games,” said Ellis.

She said winning a gold medal would have been fantastic, but they fell short. Ellis said they must also congratulate Namibia, they were resolute, they defended really well.

“South Africa had six different scorers in the tournament with Majiya grabbing two, while Mokoma, Moodaly-Salgado, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Thorisho Mphelo and Sibulele Holweni scored one each. Zambia clinched bronze when they defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in the third and fourth place play-off,” she said.

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Opinion: ‘Dodovu is a discredited and embittered political opportunist’

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Picture: North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi

By VIOLA MOTSUMI

2 March 2026- The recent article authored by a certain Mr China Dodovu, a discredited and embittered political opportunist deserves no credibility. It is a desperate attempt by a failed figure to remain relevant in the political discourse of our movement and society. The piece is not grounded in fact, principle, or genuine concern for the African National Congress (ANC) or its renewal, but rather in personal bitterness, jealousy, and a long-standing record of failure and manipulation.

Dodovu’s history speaks louder than his words. He is a casino activist and an armchair revolutionary, known more for gossip and self-promotion than for any tangible contribution to the renewal of the movement. His repeated failures to secure leadership positions within the ANC are not the result of conspiracies, but of his own lack of integrity, discipline, and vision. 

This is a bitter and aggrieved individual, rejected by the very movement he now seeks to undermine. Having lost every court case he and his associates initiated against the legitimate ANC PEC, he has become a symbol of political irrelevance, a man who refuses to be led, yet demands to lead. 

When entrusted with leadership responsibilities, this individual failed to unite or advance the ANC. His tenure as Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC and a mayor of Matlosana was marred by political instability, legal conflicts and administrative chaos, leaving behind a legacy of divisions and incompetence.

Instead of introspection, he has chosen to lash out at the new generation of leaders who are actually rebuilding and modernizing the ANC. His association with the formation of forum for service delivery an organisation opposed to the ANC further exposes his hypocrisy.

Having abandoned the ANC’s principles, he now positions himself as a self-appointed moral authority in its direction. This is not ideology, it is opportunism of the worst kind. 

This person has become the biggest wedge driver in contemporary ANC politics. He thrives on lies, gossip, and corridor talk, attempting to sow division where unity is needed most.

His politics are not about service, unity, renewal or transformation they are about personal relevance and ego. He embodies the mentality of either me or nobody, a destructive mindset that has no place in a democratic movement.

His attacks on my person are motivated not by principle, but by jealousy toward the younger, more capable generation now leading the organization forward.  I will not be distracted by the noise of failed politicians seeking attention.

The movement remains focused on renewal, unity, and service to the people of South Africa. The public can see through the bitterness and self-interest of those who thrive on division. 

History has already judged this individual a palooka of ANC politics, trapped in the past, consumed by resentment, and irrelevant to the future. The ANC’s new generation will continue to lead with integrity, discipline, and a commitment to the collective good, not the personal ambitions of the discredited few. 

This malicious article is nothing more than the last gasp of a failed political career. I will not dignify such propaganda with prolonged engagement.

Our focus remains on building, uniting, and serving while others remain stuck in their own bitterness and failure. In conclusion, while the author’s record of failure and duplicity is well known, I will not descend into the gutter of personal exposure or vindictiveness.

For the sake of the ANC’s integrity and unity the details surrounding his resignation as mayor, including the serious issues of other malfeasance and misconduct that accompanied it will, for now, remain undisclosed.  However, should circumstances so permit and if the ongoing campaign of misinformation and character assassination continues, the full facts will be placed before the public.

I will always defend myself with truth and principle, and when the time comes, the record will speak for itself clearly, factually, and decisively. I was emotionally abused, threatened, showered with insults, silenced, bullied and humiliated many times, not this time I refuse to be buried alive.

I am responding in my personal capacity as I am also a human being with feelings. As I pause.

(Note: Viola Motsumi is ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, but wrote this in her personal capacity. The content of the letter remains her views. The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with content of the letter)

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Opinion: “A Hand of God or a Sign of Decay? How the Viola Motsumi–Collen Maine Recording Exposes the ANC’s Deepening Crisis and Betrayal of Renewal”

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Picture: Former Matlosana Local Municipality mayor, China Dodovu

By China Dodovu

2 March 2026- I analogies that the recording widely circulating ostensibly featuring Viola Motsumi, the MEC of Education (also ANC Provincial Deputy Secretary) in North West and the former ANC Youth League President, Collin Maine is “A Hand of God” and symbolises the ANC ancestors who are tirelessly working to free our movement from the grip of the evil agendas characterising it.

Lo and behold, the recording is clear-cut, tangible material evidence to vindicate my long-standing claims that the counter revolutionary forces have infiltrated the ANC in the North West and are hellbent to bury it alive in their uncontrollable appetite for self-enrichment to feed their greed and to sustain their patronage networks.

Thinking deep about the recording makes me very angry as I see it as an epitome, a manifestation and a tip of an iceberg of what the ANC has become. It is not the only scandal that we have seen lately but it’s just an example of what is so glaring in our faces, representing how our leaders continue to spit in the face of the ANC’s renewal program – no wonder Unity in the ANC can’t get off the ground.

Viola Motsumi’s utterances signify the worst cunning ANC leader who is resolute in her conviction to unflinchingly work against its renewal project even ready to die if the unity of ANC cadres is to happen. What we are witnessing here doesn’t only stem from her political ignorance or deficiencies but is a direct insult of what the ANC has stood for over decades.

Motsumi’s arrogance has blinded her and grown her too fat to a point where she can’t realize the enormity of her utterances as she is sucked into a vortex of factional battles rather than uniting the cadres of her movement.

In the face of the political crisis facing the ANC caused by divisions and factions, she exhibits a “don’t care attitude and arrogance of the first degree”, making a renewal project a mirage.

Unfortunately, she can say or behave as she likes because she knows there won’t be consequences. Motsumi is a product of a deeply rotten patronage system that rewards political loyalty and pays no regard to merit or competence. After all merit or competence were not the requirements for her election and they will not be the benchmarks on which to judge her actions.

She is just one part of a vast system of cronyism, degeneracy and greed that has engulfed our movement – a system that is also fraught with buying votes and rigging electoral processes.

Looking at the totality of the situation, Motsumi is a reflection of a lot that is wrong within the ANC today. With such an obvious, overwhelming political scandal of bringing disunity in the ANC, how possible we still call her our leader? How do we allow such a third grade and a reckless junkie to represent our movement in government? How do we take such a wedge driver seriously to chart a prosperous future for a united ANC?

If the ANC was a stable organisation and not tainted by foreign tendencies, Motsumi would be reprimanded, ordered to redress or even be fired for her statements which are colored with venom and perennial hatred for the organisation she leads and claims to love.

Today our movement is standing at the precipice of upheaval and crisis as a result of factions and divisions. If we are not careful, the replication and proliferation of Motsumi’s wayward behaviour to the ANC and other collegial constructs of our society will be detrimental and fatal especially to the ANC’s future electoral fortunes.

In the face of this reckless enthusiasm by Motsumi, as loyal and dedicated cadres, our determination to live and walk with the ANC’s renewal project must not falter. Our awe and wonder must not falter either, for if we don’t push on, the ANC itself will succumb and be blown into insubstantial wisps of nothingness by these instant coffee creamers like Motsumi who survive and lead through rigging and manipulation of ANC electoral processes to emerge as leaders.

Only decisive disciplinary actions can help to quickly downgrade such leaders like Motsumi to junk status so that they are obliterated from the political scenes and evaporate into oblivion. We must have confidence and belief in the renewal project and we must act – for if we don’t act, our call for unity in our movement will be a pipedream.

(Note: China Dodovu is a member of the ANC and the content of the letter remains his views. The Guardian Newspaper and its associates do not agree nor disagree with content of the letter)

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Six gang members nabbed for double murder

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By STAFF REPORTER

2 March 2026- Following violent confrontations between two apparent rival groups in Letlhabile, near Brits, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has deployed a dedicated Task Team to stabilise the area and investigate the recent incidents of gang-related violence. Naidoo said this decisive intervention resulted in the arrest of six suspects who appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 26 February 2026, on charges of murder.

He further said the arrests relate to an incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February 2026, at a tavern in Maboloka. Naidoo added that it is alleged that the six suspects believed to be members of the so-called “6-4 Gang”, attacked and assaulted two men, Tshiamo Mokomane (18) and Godfrey Pitsi (31).

“The victims sustained multiple injuries and were transported to a local clinic, where they were both certified dead. The accused, Phumelelo Fortunate Mokoena (21), Mpumelelo Thapelo Masilela (22), Koketso Tumanyane (20), Amogelang Mathimba (20), Vincent Ntsanko Chabalala (20) and Keabetse Phiri (20) — were remanded in custody until 24 March 2026.

“In addition to the murder charges, Keabetse Phiri is also facing a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), arising from a separate incident reported on the same night,” he said.

Meanwhile, Naidoo emphasised that the police will not tolerate any form of gang-related violence that threatens the safety and stability of communities. He said police have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gang-related criminality in Letlhabile and surrounding areas and the deployment of the Task Team demonstrates police’s commitment to restoring calm and ensuring that those responsible for these senseless acts of violence are brought to book.

“We assure the community that police visibility will be intensified through high-density operations, stop-and-search actions, and intelligence-driven interventions. Lastly, we urge community members to work with law enforcement by providing information that can assist ongoing investigations.

“Investigations into related incidents are ongoing,” said Naidoo.

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Two men nabbed for allegedly selling drugs

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Picture: Some of drugs confiscated during the search/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 March 2026- The multi-disciplinary Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team is intentional in squeezing the operational space of criminals in the Frances Baard District. On 27 February 2026, the police who were conducting routine vehicle patrols in and around the central business district, received a tip-off about a red Toyota Etios parked in Belgravia with occupants allegedly suspected to be selling drugs.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police swiftly responded and on arrival, found two men sitting inside the vehicle. Shemane said the police instructed them to disembark the vehicle.

“During the search, police found and confiscated drugs with an estimated value of R 26 600, substantial amounts of cash and the vehicle as it was used in a commission of crime. Further police operations led to the confiscation of dangerous weapons.

“The two suspects aged 41and 42 were subsequently arrested for dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear in court soon. The multi-disciplinary task team will continue with heightened visibility patrols in its quest to squeeze the operational space of criminals,” he said.

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