3 May 2026 – The police from different units led by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo continued with the unannounced, high-density Operation Shanela 2 from 1 May 2026, into the early hours of Saturday, 2 May 2026, in Rustenburg, within the Bojanala 2 sub-district (Rustenburg). Naidoo said the operation was supported by members from various units, including the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Operations, K9 Unit, Provincial Corporate Communication, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Hostage Negotiators and FLASH.
He further said the operation continued focusing on the Rustenburg Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas. Naidoo added that focusing on crimes relating to illegal firearms and ammunition, undocumented foreign nationals, trio crimes, and drug trafficking.
“Stop-and-search operations were conducted in the Rustenburg CBD, Tlhabane, Boitekong, Phokeng, and several nightclubs were visited. During the operation, 10 undocumented foreign nationals were found hiding inside the roof of a hardware premises on Fatima Bhayard Street and four search warrants were executed.
“Operations such as Shanela 2 demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the police to tackle crime and restore public confidence. The police will continue to intensify high-density operations and work collaboratively to ensure that communities across the province feel safe and protected,” he said.
3 May 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis said as South Africa marks Workers’ Day, they should be honest about the contradiction at the heart of this occasion. Hill-Lewis said this is a country in which work is still out of reach for millions.
He further said on the latest official figures, 31.4% of South Africans are unemployed. Hill-Lewis added that on the expanded definition, which includes those who have given up looking for work, that figure rises to 42.1%.
“Around 7.8 million South Africans are officially unemployed. Joblessness in South Africa is a national crisis. Workers’ Day should be a day on which a country celebrates the dignity of work and the opportunity that comes with it.
“In South Africa, it increasingly is a reminder of how many people have been denied both. There is little dignity in being locked out of the economy. There is little justice in telling young South Africans to celebrate workers when so many of them have never had the chance to become workers at all,” he said.
Hill-Lewis said there is little credibility in the annual parade of speeches from leaders, whose policies have helped to produce one of the worst unemployment crises in the world. He said the truth is that jobs are not created by slogans.
“They are created when an economy grows, when businesses can invest with confidence, when infrastructure works, when streets are safe, when electricity is reliable, and when the government understands that its role is to open the door to opportunity rather than stand in the doorway blocking it.
“That is why the contrast within South Africa matters. The Western Cape has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 18.1%, far below the national rate of 31.4%. The province’s expanded unemployment rate is 23.7%, also dramatically better than the national figure,” said Hill-Lewis
He said in the last quarter of 2025 alone, the Western Cape added 93 000 jobs. Hill-Lewis said over the year, it added 95 000 jobs.
“Cape Town’s official unemployment rate has fallen to 19.8%, and the city added 113,000 jobs year on year. That does not mean the work is done. But it does mean that better government produces better outcomes.
“Where government is cleaner, more capable, and more focused on growth, more people find a pathway into work. And while too many people are still unemployed, the successes achieved where the DA governs does show that South Africa’s jobs crisis is not inevitable,” he said.
Hill-Lewis said it is the result of choices. He said different choices produce different results.
“If we truly want to honour workers, then we must build a country that creates more of them. That means backing economic growth instead of throttling it. It means fixing ports, rail, energy and policing. It means making South Africa investable again.
“On the Workers’ Day, the Democratic Alliance renews the commitment to fight for a South Africa in which more people can work, earn, build, provide and live with dignity. Because the true measure of a pro-worker government is not what it says on 1 May. It is how many workers it helps create on every other day of the year,” said Hill-Lewis.
3 May 2026 – The acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commends the extraordinary bravery and selflessness displayed by Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, whose actions are an example of the highest standards of service and dedication. Dimpane said in a highly dangerous and complex operation along the Komati River, Potgieter was hoisted from a SANPARKS helicopter into a crocodile-infested river, where he courageously secured a crocodile using a rope under extremely dangerous conditions.
She further said the animal which was already euthanized was then safely lifted and relocated, enabling the police and other experts to recover the remains of a suspected missing person. Dimpane added that the discovery of the remains means that the police have now taken the body parts found in the intestines of the crocodile for DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the deceased.
“We praise Potgieter for his bravery. Potgieter’s willingness to place his own life at risk, going far beyond the call of duty, reflects the unwavering commitment of SAPS members to serve and protect, even in the face of danger that could have cost him his life.
“SAPS salutes Potgieter for his heroism, bravery, professionalism and dedication. His actions are a reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS),” she said.
Picture: ANCYL REC member in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region
By TSHWARO SERE
2 May 2026- As an ANC member in good standing from Greater Taung Ward 12, let me reflect on the conference of the ANC in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region that went ahead irrespective of a High Court order interdicting it.
The events of 30 April 2026 exposed a deep crisis in the ANC North West Province.
A lawful High Court order was issued — clear, unambiguous, and binding.
Yet senior ANC officials chose to defy it openly, as if the rule of law is optional in this province.
This is not an accident. This is a political culture of impunity that has taken root under the current provincial leadership.
Under this leadership, the province has become a space where:
* Court orders are treated as political suggestions
* Internal disputes are settled through force, not law
* Regional structures operate as if they are accountable to individuals, not the Constitution
* And leaders believe they can govern by decree, not by democratic process
The contempt of court we witnessed is not an isolated incident — it is a symptom of a broader provincial decay.
A TROUBLING SIGNAL FROM THE ANCYL LEADERSHIP
Wessels Morweng, the ANCYL North West Provincial Chairperson, was present at the conference and supported a process that unfolded in direct violation of a High Court order.
As an ANCYL member observing this, it raises a serious question:
What does this say about the future of the ANCYL as a preparatory school for the ANC if its own provincial leadership is associated with actions that undermine the Constitution and the authority of the courts?
The Youth League is meant to be the training ground for principled leadership —
not a space where constitutional obligations are ignored or normalised.
If the ANCYL leadership embraces or tolerates conduct that contradicts the rule of law,
what kind of leadership culture is being prepared for the ANC of tomorrow?
YOUR ADDED REFLECTION ABOUT THE PROVINCIAL CHAIRPERSON
As part of my reflection, I must also express a concern shared by many ordinary members on the ground:
that the ANC North West Provincial Chairperson, Cde Nono Maloyi, who presided over this conference despite the court interdict, and that this contributes to a growing perception that the organisation in the province is drifting away from constitutional discipline and organisational renewal.
For many of us, this raises a painful question about the direction of the movement in the North West and the kind of political culture being normalised under the current leadership environment.
THE SAME ANC THAT WATCHED JACOB ZUMA GO TO PRISON FOR CONTEMPT NOW DEFIES COURT ORDERS ITSELF
South Africans have not forgotten that the Constitutional Court imprisoned former President Jacob Zuma for contempt of court.
The message was clear:
No one — not even a former head of state — is above the law.
Yet in the North West, senior officials behaved as though they were untouchable.
If Jacob Zuma could be imprisoned for contempt, why should provincial leaders believe they can ignore a High Court order without consequences?
The law does not bend for factions.
The courts do not negotiate with political arrogance.
THE EASTERN CAPE SHOWED RESPECT FOR THE COURTS — WHY IS THE NORTH WEST DIFFERENT?
When the ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Conference was interdicted, the organisation complied.
It paused.
It respected the judiciary.
It allowed the legal process to unfold.
But in the North West, the leadership chose the opposite path:
* Defy the court
* Proceed with an unlawful conference
* Pretend that legal processes do not apply here
This is not leadership.
This is lawlessness disguised as political authority.
THE PEOPLE OF THE NORTH WEST DESERVE BETTER
The province cannot be held hostage by leaders who:
* Undermine the judiciary
* Ignore constitutional obligations
* Treat court orders as political irritations
* Drag the ANC into repeated legal crises
The contempt application is not just a legal matter — It is a defence of constitutional democracy in a province where political power has begun to overshadow the rule of law.
If the courts are ignored today, what will be ignored tomorrow?
If leaders can defy judges, what stops them from defying the people?
THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION
To every branch, every delegate, every young activist, every community member:
Stand up. Speak out. Reject leadership that treats the law as an inconvenience.
The North West cannot be rebuilt under a culture of contempt.
It cannot stabilise under leaders who believe they are untouchable.
It cannot progress while court orders are trampled for factional gain.
This province deserves accountability —
not arrogance.
Leadership —
not lawlessness.
Respect for the Constitution —
not contempt for it.
What a very sad day for the ANC and the entire membership.
(Note: Tshwaro Sere is ANC Youth League REC member in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region. The Guardian Newspaper and its Associates do not agree nor disagree with the content of this article. The views raised in the article belongs to Mr Sere and does not represent the views of The Guardian Newspaper nor its Associate)
Picture: North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 May 2026 – In a decisive move to strengthen environmental governance, unlock economic opportunities, and enhance revenue generation, the North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane will officially publish the North West Hunting Regulations, 2026 in the Provincial Gazette on 1 May 2026. Lenkopane said this milestone follows the conclusion of all required processes, with the regulations already submitted to Government Printing Works for publication.
She said the department will further communicate the details through various media platforms, including newspapers and stakeholder engagements, where the full implications and operational details will be unpacked. Lenkopane added that the gazetting of these regulations marks a new era for the province—one that balances sustainable environmental management with economic growth, while providing long-awaited regulatory certainty to the wildlife and hunting industry.
“The 2026 Hunting Regulations are a strategic instrument aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the wildlife sector, enhancing investor confidence, creating structured revenue streams, and supporting growth in game farming, eco-tourism, and hunting industries.
“The regulations recognise the critical role of traditional leaders, communal landowners, private operators, and local communities. This ensures inclusive participation and economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas,” she said.
Lenkopane said the regulations build on the Online Electronic Biodiversity Permit System. She said training has been conducted with stakeholders and businesses.
“The system allows real-time reporting of challenges. A System Testing and Support Committee will be announced to ensure efficient, reliable, and uninterrupted service.
“The province will establish clear hunting seasons, quotas, and compliance mechanisms, ensuring responsible and sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources,” said Lenkopane.
She said all stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the regulations and participate in upcoming engagements.
1 May 2026 – Two ‘corrupt’ police officers, Warrant Officer Make Johannes Nkgweng (47) and Sergeant Lebogang Antoinette Itumeleng (47) both attached to Marikana Visible Policing, were each granted bail of R2000 by the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 April 2026. Their court appearance follows their arrest on 28 April 2026, by members of the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit (ACIU).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that on 3 December 2024, the accused transported suspects who had been detained from Marikana Police station to Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for their court appearances. Myburgh said one of the suspects, who had been detained for contravening immigration laws, was not granted bail and was supposed to be returned to Marikana Police Station for further detention.
“However, upon realising that the accused was not returned, the matter was reported to the ACIU for investigation. The accused’s case was postponed to 22 May 2026, on charges of defeating the ends of justice and aiding escape,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the ACIU for their thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of Nkgweng and Itumeleng. Naidoo strongly condemned the alleged actions of the police officers and said their conduct is a serious violation of the law and a betrayal of the trust that the public places in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“No form of corruption or misconduct within the ranks will be tolerated and that the accused will face the full might of the law as integrity and accountability remain non-negotiable in the organisation,” he said.
Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied
By KEOLEBOGILE GWABENI
1 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie has congratulated 353 compliant Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), who have been approved for funding for the 2026/2027 financial year. Dantjie said the well-deserved congratulations were exchanged at her consultation session with funded non-profit organisations (NPOs).
She further said the approval at the beginning of the financial year marks a significant achievement for the department. Dantjie added that the entire process was completed in record time.
“It reflects improved efficiency, strengthened systems and a commitment to timely support for the sector. The approvals follow the successful finalisation of service level agreements (SLAs), which further strengthen collaboration between government and the non-profit sector in advancing service delivery to communities.
“This achievement is made possible through the Re Thuse Re Go Thuse flagship programme, a collaborative initiative led by the department, fully supported by SASSA and National Development Agency (NDA),” she said.
Dantjie said through this programme, the department continues to reaffirm its commitment to building a strong, compliant, and sustainable NPO sector that plays a vital role in addressing social challenges and improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families across the province. She said among the recipients was Ntshalle le Bana Care Centre from Lekgalong village, in Rustenburg that operates 24 hours caring for children with disabilities.
“In their employ is 30 personnel. For this financial year, the centre will be funded to the tune of R1.4 million. Bopang Motho from Ngaka Modiri Molema and Tshireletsego from Boikhutso in JB Marks (Dr Kenneth Kaunda) offer similar services of providing warm nutritious meals to the needy under community nutrition development centres.
“Bopang Motho received R1.4 million while Tshireletsego, which offers 43 job opportunities, was funded with R2.3 million. From Magogong in Greater Taung, Tshwaragano Disability Day Care Centre is funded to the tune of R250 000. They have 21 beneficiaries aged between18 to 35, who receive daily services,” said Dantjie.
1 May 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie said he has noted a statement made by Universities South Africa (USAf) regarding Members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education’s probing of foreign academics employed at South African universities. Letsie said the statement made by USAf ‘s Chief Executive Officer, Phethiwe Matutu, with the following headline: “USAf makes the case for global talent in SA’s universities,” is both unfortunate and out of touch with reality.
“Members of the Committee, through oversight, are confronted with growing concerns about the employment of foreign academics. South Africans from across the country brought forward information and experiences that cannot be ignored.
“As the Chairperson of the Committee, I wrote to the Minister of Higher Education requesting information about foreign nationals employed at public universities. This request to the Department of Higher Education was not committee members playing politics. We were responding to issues that kept coming up during oversight visits,” he said.
Letsie further said as public representatives, it is their duty to interrogate the information they received both formally and informally from the sector over which they conduct oversight. He added that public universities are funded by the people of South Africa.
“They exist to advance the interests of the people. They cannot stand apart from the laws of the Republic or from the realities faced by millions of unemployed graduates. Members of the Committee have never said they were against Internationalisation.
“We understand it very well. Internationalisation can never be at the expense of South Africans. USAf is spreading a false and mischievous narrative that the committee’s probing of employment of foreign academics is a political ploy,” emphasised Letsie.
He said USAf failed to read the room. Letsie said their own statement on social media has garnered reactions that clearly point to an organisation that is out of touch with people.
“We can never be apologetic about putting the future of our young people first. The only part we agree with USAf on is that fraud and improper appointments must be addressed,” he emphasised.
He said the committee is not hostile towards people from other countries. Letsie said South Africa is part of a global academic community and many foreign academics have made valuable contributions to the institutions, especially in scarce and critical skills areas such as science, engineering and health sciences.
“Their expertise has strengthened research, enriched teaching and supported academic development in our universities. Let us be clear, South Africa comes first. Everything else follows,” he said.
1 May 2026 – Ten suspects were arrested for various crimes by the Vryburg K9, Visible Policing, Crime Prevention, Crime Intelligence and the Local Criminal Record Centre in Vryburg. This comes after the police received a tip-off relating to stolen property and drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said this resulted in a disruptive operation during which search warrants were executed. Myburgh said the first arrest was effected at approximately 11:20am in Vry Street.
“A suspect (23) was arrested for possession of drugs after police discovered substances believed to be nyaope in his possession. He was charged for possession of drugs. A second suspect (29) was arrested in Ferris Street, Colridge after tablets suspected to be mandrax were found in his possession. He was also charged for possession of drugs.
“In a separate incident, a vehicle was stopped in Kelebogile Segaecho Street. Upon approaching the vehicle, a suspect fled the scene. The police pursued and apprehended him. A suspect (41) was found in possession of numerous tablets suspected to be mandrax and was subsequently charged with dealing in drugs,” she said.
Myburgh further said the team then proceeded to Royden Street, where the first search warrant was executed. She added that electrical equipment, which the suspect could not account for, was confiscated.
“A suspect (36) was immediately arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property. Further investigation linked him to a burglary at a school premises reported on 28 April 2026.
“Lastly, six additional suspects aged between 19 and 35 were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday morning, 29 April 2026, in Voortrekker Street. This followed the execution of another search warrant, during which police discovered numerous cellular phones and a laptop, suspected to be stolen,” said Myburgh.
She said the preliminary investigations have positively linked the recovered items to three house robbery cases reported in Delareyville between 28 and 29 April 2026. Myburgh said all ten suspects are expected to appear before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 4 May 2026.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for their dedication and vigilance and said their conduct demonstrates the impact of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of members to dismantle criminal networks. Naidoo emphasized that police will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in crime are brought to justice to ensure the safety of the community.
1 May 2026 – The police in North West urge community members to exercise extreme caution around dams that are filled to capacity, as well as overflowing rivers and flooded roads. This follows heavy rainfall, particularly in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, which borders the Northern Cape.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said since this morning, police divers have been activated to separate incidents where motorists became trapped in their vehicles and individuals were swept into rivers due to strong currents. My burgh said fortunately, no life was lost yet.
“The public is advised to take note of safety precautions when crossing or swimming in rivers, lakes or dams. Do not cross a road that is closed due to water that is overflowing the road service. Before entering the water, assess the strength of the current.
“If caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first, this will absorb the head and body from serious injury. If you fall into water and are unable to stand and reach the side, you should stay calm. Also, try not to swallow water. Keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time,” she said.
Myburgh further said when an individual swims in open water, it’s much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool. She added that this means they may tire faster and that can lead to trouble very quickly.
“When swimming in rivers or lakes, the murky water can make it difficult to find people who go under. If you swim in a place with a strong current, such as where two rivers meet, it can be easy to be pulled under and swept away,” said Myburgh.
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