‘TB continues to be a serial killer’ 

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Picture: Deputy President, Paul Mashatile

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

26 March 2025- The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile said they joined the global community to commemorate World TB Day. Mashatile said they unite as a nation with a shared purpose, which is to end tuberculosis (TB).

He further said South Africa bears one of the highest TB burdens in the world, but they also stand on the threshold of real change. Mashatile added that they can end TB and together, they will. 

“Two years ago, SANAC embarked on a process to develop Human Rights Charters for key populations in all provinces. These include Human Rights issues identified in communities. That process has now been completed, although some provinces are yet to launch their Charters. 

“The Charters emphasise the need to protect TB and HIV-related human rights, particularly the need to address stigma against people with TB. The Human Rights hubs in the provinces, supported by AIDS Councils, will ensure that these issues are followed up and addressed,” he said.

Mashatile said there is a need to develop national-level plans for scaling up and institutionalising HIV, TB, and human rights training for health workers and law enforcers. He said the next financial year will be key in developing those plans.

“TB programmes remain under-served compared to HIV and human rights programmes. There is an urgent need to implement national-level TB stigma and discrimination reduction programmes and to engage community-level networks and organisations in district-level efforts. 

“This will also be prioritised in the next financial year.

The Stigma Index Report by People Living with HIV is being finalised, and the recommendations from the survey will guide the country’s response to TB and HIV stigma,” said Mashatile.

He said that he is also aware that SANAC is in the process of developing the next human rights strategy for HIV and TB, which will strengthen and guide the country’s human rights interventions in alignment with Goal One of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs, which speaks to breaking down barriers. Mashatile said TB continues to claim too many lives around the world. 

“In South Africa in 2023, around 270 000 people were diagnosed with TB, and tragically, 56 000 lives were lost, which translates to 153 people every day. TB knows no boundaries—it affects people across all communities, but the burden falls most heavily on the poor and vulnerable.

“These are our mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters—people who deserve care and dignity. We must reach them! TB is not just a medical issue. It is a human rights issue,” he said. 

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A jealous ex-boyfriend jailed for attempted murder

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 March 2025- A man Jan Maarman (60) was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the Springbok Regional Court, for the attempted murder of his former girlfriend, Lena Swartbooi (46), in Bergsig, Springbok. Maarman and Swartbooi, who have a son (13) together, were previously in a cohabiting relationship. 

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, however, their relationship ended when Maarman engaged in multiple affairs. Senokoatsane said on 13 August 2024, after an argument over her new relationship, the accused viciously attacked Swartbooi, stabbing her multiple times on her face, arms, hands, back, and legs. 

“He left her with severe injuries, including fractures to her face and permanent loss of hand function. After the attack, Maarman left her for dead, returned home, prepared for work, and proceeded with his day as if nothing had happened.

“Swartbooi was later rescued by bystanders and rushed to Dr Izak van Niekerk Hospital in Springbok before being transferred to Upington Hospital for emergency surgeries. A J88 medical report confirmed that she had suffered life-threatening injuries and would never be able to work again due to the permanent damage inflicted,” he said.

Senokoatsane further said this case underscores the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicides (GBV&F) and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law. He added the successful prosecution of these cases provides some justice and closure to the victims and their families and removes violent criminals from our streets.

During sentencing, the court noted that Maarman committed this crime while on parole for a previous murder conviction and that his previous victim was also a former partner. The state prosecutor, Basil Kock, emphasized that the accused had shown no remorse and that the crime was driven by possessiveness and an intent to exert control over the victim’s life. 

Kock argued for a sentence exceeding the prescribed minimum of 20 years, given the heinous nature of the crime and its devastating impact on the victim.

In her ruling, Magistrate Numfeneko Mbalo stated that this was a clear case of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), where the accused sought to eliminate his former partner simply because she had moved on. Mbalo ultimately sentenced Maarman to 22 years imprisonment, with the sentence set to run concurrently with the remaining term of his previous murder conviction, as his parole had been revoked. 

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Molapisi calls for the institutionalisation of DDM

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Picture: The North West MEC for COGHSTA, Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 March 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has called on senior managers of the department to ensure the institutionalisation of District Development Model (DDM), to address challenges faced by municipalities in the province. Molapisi was addressing the strategic planning session of COGTA, held recently in Mahikeng to draft plans with clear targets, aimed at changing the face of local government and upscale support to institutions of traditional councils.

He further said service delivery challenges that as experienced by the communities, rest on ineffective local government. Molapisi added that, many municipalities lack the technical skill and resources to deal with unmaintained roads, frequent disruption in the supply of water and electricity, uncollected refuse as well as sewerage that runs in the streets.

“I demand immediate actions on amongst others the filling of vacant funded positions, inputs to the White Paper on Local Government, finalisation of policy on Traditional Leadership, particularly on issues of coronational and tools of trades as directed. 

“The department must play a leading role in the institutionalisation of the DDM as the key vehicle for service delivery. We will host the local government focused summit soon to discuss how best we can institutionalise the DDM approach. The DDM is more than a policy. It is a call to honour our constitution,” he said. 

Molapisi said they must never tire, but continue to work to resolve key challenges in the municipalities. He said they might consider aligning their strategic documents with One District Plans.

“We must also develop a tool to monitor the implementation of DDM across four districts. We need to take the lead in ensuring full participation of National and Provincial champions. We must ensure DDM champions take the lead in various interventions and programmes within their respective deployments. 

“Local Economic Development leg of our interventions will also be upscaled to deal with socio-economic challenges faced by different communities. The priorities of the government include driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” said Molapisi. 

He said, therefore, they need a leverage on this commitment to improve the state of local economic development in the municipalities. Molapisi said all officials were urged to do everything humanly possible to ensure that “Every Municipality Must Work” as local government it is the closest sphere of government to the people.
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‘Libraries play a pivotal role shaping the future’

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Picture: Pupils in a library/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE 

26 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), Mangaliso Matika said libraries play a crucial role in shaping the future of generations. Matika said this during a celebration of South African Library Week from 17 until 23 March 2025. 

He further said the celebration was under the theme: “Libraries for Sustainable Communities.” Matika added that this theme highlights the vital role libraries play in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience within communities.

“Throughout the week, libraries across the province hosted various activities, including library drives aimed at promoting literacy, environmental awareness, and community engagement.

“Librarians across the Northern Cape remain deeply committed to their profession, even in the face of economic, political, and social challenges impacting the library sector,” he said. 

Matika said rapid technological advancements, constrained budgets that limit access to modern resources and inadequate security services have resulted in unfortunate incidents of vandalism—factors beyond the library’s control, as they stem from broader community circumstances. He said despite these challenges, librarians continue to fulfil their essential roles, fostering a culture of reading, promoting literacy, and ensuring communities have access to valuable information.

“Working in collaboration with the Department of Education, trained reading coaches have been deployed to schools, allowing librarians to focus on enhancing the library experience within dedicated library spaces rather than being school-bound. 

“This approach ensures that learners engage with books in an environment designed to inspire a lifelong love for reading. The library is an inclusive space that caters to individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly, offering a diverse range of reading materials to suit everyone’s interests and needs,” said Matika.

He said the Library Week campaign was a resounding success, with several officials, who were not previously library members registering for library cards. Matika said to apply for a library card, individuals must provide a valid South African ID, proof of residence in

the form of a municipal utility bill or an official rental letter—other forms of proof of address are not accepted.

“Looking ahead, the department remains committed to upgrading and maintaining library facilities to sustain their role as vibrant hubs of knowledge. Through these

efforts, libraries will continue to inspire communities and reinforce just how incredible books truly are,” he said.

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‘Allegations of jobs-for-pals, intimidation or even sexual exploitation within EPWP are unacceptable’

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Picture: Some of EPWP employees at work/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE 

25 March 2025- The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson said the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employees’ contribution will play an important role as they work to reform the programme for future success. Macpherson, who visited Upington said, in the months ahead, they will be visiting many more communities in various provinces across the country to hear about their experiences and hold frank conversations on how they can rethink and reform the EPWP programme.

He further said he understands that by working with communities, they will be able to address the biggest challenges facing society. Macpherson added that they are on a journey to reform EPWP to change the narrative around it. 

“We will restore trust in its ability to make a meaningful difference and to ensure that every participant is treated with the dignity they deserve. Because, I am determined that where something is broken in the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, it must be fixed.

“The days of turning a blind eye to failures in the department have come to an end. Shortly after I was appointed the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure 10 months ago, I emphasised the important role EPWP has to play in poverty alleviation and short-term job creation,” he said.

Macpherson said indeed, in the subsequent EPWP listening tours they have held, it has been incredibly encouraging to hear how the programme has provided opportunities to many who had not had them before.

He said as they have heard today, it is clear that EPWP is an important tool to instil hope, provide work, and bring dignity to millions of South Africans in communities across the country.

“It also plays an important role in addressing service delivery challenges, from road maintenance to grass cutting and, in some places, even library services.

The EPWP programme provides the Government of National Unity with a great opportunity to improve service delivery in communities that need it most.

“However, let me be clear: based on what I’ve heard today from members of this community, it is clear that EPWP has been vulnerable to abuse for, among others, jobs for pals, corruption, and political patronage,” said Macpherson.

He said he simply heard too many allegations in this community to allow the status quo to continue. Macpherson said as so many people today shared courageously, people in this community have often been let down by a programme, which was intended to benefit them.

“It is simply unjust to expect recipients to clean streets, repair roads, or maintain parks while receiving a few benefits at their expense. How will community members ever be able to believe in a programme which was intended to empower them when the abuse and corruption within it are widely known?

“How will people ever want to participate in a programme where their personal dignity has been compromised? Let me be clear: Allegations of jobs-for-pals, intimidation – or even worse – sexual exploitation are unacceptable,” he said. 

Macpherson said he will not stand by and allow this conduct to happen, and where any official is found guilty, he will take the strongest action possible. He said this is why it is imperative that they build a better EPWP programme, where these abuses are eliminated.

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Portfolio Committee concerned about high rate of employment amongst youth

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025– Starting its week-long oversight visit programme in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yesterday, the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities visited the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said it is set to assess progress and outcomes on programmes aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), gender equality and youth unemployment.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe, said even though the two entities have viable programmes and policies in place, there is still room for improvement in order to increase their impact. Van der Merwe highlighted the need for the CGE to be more accessible and visible, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.

She further said the committee expressed its appreciation for the programmes and their milestones in its engagement with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Van der Merwe added that, they also noted with concern the high youth unemployment figures and called on the NYDA to accelerate its youth development initiatives and strategies.

“Today, the committee will visit Inkosi Albert Luthuli School (a mainstream school for learners with disabilities) and hold an engagement with stakeholders from the disability sector, including with parents of children with disabilities.

“The committee will also conduct a site visit to NYDA projects – Phohlolizile Pty Ltd, Lilitha Othopro Solutions, Zonke Bonke Clothing and Accessories,” she added.

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DA calls for AG probe into petrol card abuse across all North West municipalities

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Picture: The Democratic Alliance supporters during rally/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature, Freddy Sonakile said they call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation by the Auditor-General (AG) into the misuse of petrol cards across all municipalities in the province. This follows alarming concerns over potential fraud, irregular spending, and a complete lack of accountability in municipal fuel expenditures.

Sonakile said during the presentation of the 2023/24 municipal audit outcomes to the Legislature’s Provincial Public Accounts Committee, the AG confirmed that petrol card usage was audited in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. He further said given the widespread governance failures across the province, the DA demands that this specialised audit be extended to all North West municipalities to uncover the full extent of possible abuse.

“Not one North West municipality received a clean audit for the 2023/24 financial year—a damning indictment of the province’s financial mismanagement and systemic corruption.

“Reports of fuel card fraud in various municipalities point to a deeper culture of looting, where public funds meant for service delivery are syphoned with impunity.

Municipal budgets are already stretched thin, and every cent lost to corruption means fewer resources for basic services such as water, electricity, and road maintenance,” said Sonakile.

He added that the DA is committed to taking action to ensure that the people of North West receive the efficient and accountable governance they deserve. Sonakile said they demand immediate action from the AG and the provincial government to conduct a full-scale audit into petrol card usage, implement stringent financial controls, and hold accountable those who have abused public resources.

“The DA will continue to fight for clean governance, transparency, and the responsible use of taxpayers’ money,” he said.

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Lack of infrastructure and abuse of power allegations at Nqunde Secondary School put North West Department of Education under scrutiny    

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi  

By OBAKENG MAJE  

25 March 2025- A frustrated teacher from Nqunde Secondary School in Dithakwaneng village, near Vryburg, alleged that the school principal ill-treats him. These allegations were made and recorded by the alleged affected teacher on a video that has since gone viral on various social media platforms.

In the video, the teacher alleged that the classroom that is allocated to him is not in good condition. The teacher alleged that even learners are afraid to go to that specific classroom.

“Look, there is no furniture and the classroom is damaged. Now, learners are afraid to come to this class because they have to carry some desks. That means every time my period will be disrupted because I have to wait close to 20 minutes before everyone settles down. 

“So, that is the strategy that the principal of the school is using to frustrate me and make sure that my learners fail. She will then tell community members that I am not qualified, lacking classroom management and all these other things,” he said.

The teacher further alleged that he knows that the school principal has reserved the position he is currently occupying for one of the residents, who is still studying at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley. The teacher added that, currently, he is only teaching in this shandy because the principal alleged that he is not qualified to teach in high school. 

“This is actually a human rights violation because you will find that I’m in one class for six periods, where I’ll be teaching Natural Sciences, Creative Arts and Technology.

“So, this is the kind of frustration that I am subjected to. The high school that I’m appointed to teach does not have a building. You will find the principal always in the kitchen making sure that she monitors all those who are cooking,” he said.

The teacher also accused the principal of being a gossip monger and always surrounded herself with women from the township who do not have matric. He alleged that the staff room is in shambles and looks like a pigsty.

“She also tells the AA not to open the staff room before 8am. The principal and her crew will sometimes arrive at 8:30am. I have laid complaints to the North West Department of Education, however, no one is doing anything because I am seen as a trouble maker.

“Some teachers also take food from school,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi refuted these allegations. Motsumi said the allegations, which are irresponsible, were shared on social media and have since gone viral.

“They misrepresent the department’s efforts to improve school infrastructure. The department confirms that a request for additional funding to relocate unused mobile classrooms was submitted by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District office in 2024, with Nqunde Secondary identified as a recipient.

“On 9 January 2025, additional funding was approved, and a site handover took place on 25 February 2025, with the SGB Chairperson signing the handover certificate,” she said. 

Motsumi said by 13 March 2025, the project had been completed, with mobile classrooms assembled, renovated, and furnished. She said a completion certificate was signed by both the principal and the SGB Chairperson, confirming that the necessary infrastructure improvements had been made. 

“We strongly caution against the irresponsible use of social media to spread misinformation and discredit the efforts of the department. It is deeply concerning that some educators, instead of focusing on their core duty of teaching and uplifting learners, are engaging in the deliberate spread of falsehoods.

“The department remains committed to transparency and service delivery, and we urge teachers to follow proper channels to address concerns rather than resorting to social media theatrics,” said Motsumi.

She said the department urges all educators to uphold their professional responsibilities and refrain from misleading the public by distorting facts. 

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A body of a man retrieved from a dam

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Picture: Police divers retrieved a body of a man from the dam/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2025- A man (21) allegedly drowned at Kareenpan Dam in Postmasburg on 23 March 2025. The body was retrieved today at 10:45am by the Northern Cape SAPS Search and Rescue Unit and North West SAPS Diving Unit.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the Postmasburg SAPS are investigating an inquest. Shemane said anyone with information can contact the Postmasburg SAPS detectives on 082 302 0391or 082 878 0920 or the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report it on the MySaps app.

“All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” he said.

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NWPL to conduct Public Hearings on North West Appropriation Bill 2025

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nathan Oliphant/Facebook

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 March 2025- On Wednesday, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Premier and Finance, will be conducting public hearings on the North West Appropriation Bill 2025 at White Hall in Brits, Madibeng Local Municipality, Tigane Community Hall in Tigane, Matlosana Local Municipality, Bona Bona Community Hall in Bona Bona, Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipality and Delareyville Municipal Hall, Delareyville, Tswaing Local Municipality at 10h00.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Nathan Oliphant said the North West Appropriation Bill 2025 aims to effect the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund for the requirements of the Province in respect of the 2025/26 financial year, and to provide for matters incidental thereto. Oliphant said relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearing.

The public hearings will be streamed live on the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page.

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