17 February 2026- Parliament has expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rev Jesse Jackson, a distinguished civil rights leader, global advocate for justice, and a steadfast voice for equality and human dignity. Jackson’s lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights, social justice and economic inclusion inspired millions across the world and resonated deeply with South Africa’s own struggle for freedom and equality.
The National Assembly (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said Jackson’s unwavering advocacy for peace, dialogue and human rights contributed to the global movement against discrimination and oppression and bonds of solidarity among nations striving for justice. Mothapo said Africa remembers with appreciation Jackson’s consistent support for the anti-apartheid struggle and his efforts to promote international awareness of the injustices faced by oppressed communities.
“His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of principled leadership, courage and compassion in advancing democratic values. On behalf of the people of South Africa and Parliament, the Presiding Officers extend sincere sympathies to his family, loved ones, colleagues and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and service.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his enduring legacy continue to inspire generations in the pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity,” he said.
17 February 2026- The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) has launched a Revenue Enhancement and Debt Collection Campaign to assist beneficiaries in regularising their accounts and securing legal ownership of the houses they occupy through the issuing of title deeds. The campaign seeks to correct a long-standing misconception that government houses are free.
The NWHC CEO, Sello Mogodiri emphasised that the properties under its management are not RDP houses, but rental stock inherited from the former Bophuthatswana government. Mogodiri said these properties were transferred to the corporation with a mandate to manage rental housing, generate revenue and enable occupants to become lawful homeowners once their financial obligations have been met.
“Established in 1982 as the Bophuthatswana Housing Corporation, the entity was restructured and renamed after 1994 to align with the North West Provincial Government. Although it faced financial challenges leading to its closure in 2009, it was successfully resuscitated in 2014 with a clear mandate to restore financial sustainability, collect outstanding debts, and assist qualifying beneficiaries to obtain title deeds.
“The campaign is developmental, not punitive. It aims to encourage settlement of outstanding balances, regularise occupancy records, resolve legacy account issues, and secure ownership for qualifying occupants.
Many original beneficiaries were elderly, and in numerous cases their children or grandchildren now occupy the properties without formal ownership,” he said.
Mogodiri further said the corporation calls on current occupants and families of deceased beneficiaries to come forward and engage. He added that securing a title deed provides legal ownership, protects families from disputes, and allows property to be passed on to future generations.
“Improved revenue collection will also enable the NWHC to invest in new housing programmes and continue serving communities sustainably,” said Mogodiri.
Picture: Learners involved in an accident/Screengrab
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 February 2026- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has expressed serious concern following the recent school bus accident involving learners in Coligny, noting that the incident reflects deeper systemic failures within the province’s scholar transport system. The committee said it notes the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management’s briefing last week, following the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) report and its assurances regarding inspections, monitoring and enforcement.
The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, Freddy Sonakile said, however, the committee’s own oversight visit conducted two weeks ago in the Dr Ruth Mompati District, revealed unroadworthy vehicles, weak operational controls and troubling gaps in accountability. Sonakile stated that the accident must be treated as a warning sign rather than an isolated incident.
“This accident is not an isolated event. It confirms what the committee witnessed during oversight, that the rot in the scholar transport system runs deep and requires urgent structural correction. The committee further raised concern that some findings during oversight point to possible departmental complicity in irregular practices, adding that any conduct of a criminal nature must be investigated and acted upon without delay.
“In this context, the committee supports the department’s intention to terminate and restart the current scholar transport contract, but stresses that a simple change of operators will not be sufficient. We cannot solve a systemic safety problem by merely changing contractors. The entire contracting model, monitoring framework and accountability chain must be rebuilt to place learner safety at the centre,” he said.
Sonakile further said the committee emphasised that any new Service Level Agreements must include a mandatory vetting of operators, subcontractors and all drivers, proper regulation of driver working conditions to prevent unsafe practices and uniform provincial safety and operational standards. He added that this includes strict departmental adherence to payment schedules, regular and independently verified roadworthy testing and automatic contract revocation for non-roadworthy vehicles.
“There should be penalties for school principals or officials who authorise transport, despite known non-compliance. Learner transport is not just another government service, but is about the safety of children. Where vehicles are unsafe, contracts must fall.
“Where officials ignore non-compliance, accountability must follow. The committee will continue exercising strict oversight over the department and all corrective processes to ensure that the scholar transport system is restored to a safe, lawful and fully accountable standard,” said Sonakile.
Picture: Police conducting patrol and search/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
17 February 2026- The Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating the scourge of illegal mining and drug trafficking in the district. A multi-disciplinary Illicit Mining Task Team, led by Crime Intelligence, conducted coordinated operations in Galeshewe and Roodepan in Kimberley on Tuesday.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the information regarding drugs allegedly being sold at identified premises was operationalised. Shemane said armed with search warrants, members executed raids at the identified suspected drug outlets.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects aged between 38 and 58, for dealing in drugs. The police confiscated mandrax tablets, crystal methamphetamine and dagga with an estimated combined street value of R20 000.
“During the operation, police also confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, cell phones, alcoholic beverages, and a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds of crime,” he said.
Shemane further said the police also conducted vehicle checkpoints (VCPs), during which 36 vehicles were stopped and searched. He added that 78 persons were searched.
“The South African Police Service will continue to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining and drug-related activities. Communities are encouraged to report criminal activities to their nearest police station, contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or make use of the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said Shemane.
Picture: The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman, accompanied by Pastor Marsha Baard from Employee Health and Wellness, appeared on Radio NFM with Robin-Lee Milford/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 February 2026- The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman, accompanied by Pastor Marsha Baard from Employee Health and Wellness, appeared on Radio NFM with Robin-Lee Milford on the weekly “Meet and Greet” programme. Magerman said the purpose of the engagement was to extend sincere appreciation to the Namakwa community for their meaningful participation in the recent prayer sessions held along the N7 national route.
“The prayer initiative focused on promoting road safety and honouring the memory of those who tragically lost their lives on the roads. The support received from the community during this initiative, led by SAPS in collaboration with Radio NFM, was overwhelming and deeply appreciated.
“During the programme, we also addressed the issue of bullying in schools, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the moral well-being of learners. A heartfelt appeal was made to learners to uphold positive values and respectful conduct within the school environment,” he said.
Magerman further said it was further announced that SAPS will visit another school in Carolusberg to engage directly with learners on bullying and related behavioural concerns. He added that they conveyed the SAPS’ concern regarding the increasing incidents of malicious damage to property, identified as a trending crime in the district and often linked to domestic violence-related matters.
“SAPS in the Namakwa District remain committed to working collaboratively with communities, schools and stakeholders to address crime and promote safety across the district,” said Magerman.
Picture: NTI employees marched to the North West Provincial Legislature over unpaid salaries/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with NTI employees this morning and committed to ensure that they will be paid this week. The North West Provincial Legislature precinct was this morning blockaded with buses by the Northwest Transport Investment (NTI) employees due to unpaid salaries by the entity.
Morweng met the employees accompanied by acting Head of Department (HOD), Molefi Morule, acting NTI CEO, Dr Ntlhopeng Dikobe and Chief Director for Transport Operation, Patrick Mohono. He said the meeting was also attended virtually by General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Solly Phetoe, General Secretary of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU) and NTI recognised worker union, Jack Mazibuko.
“We have committed that a one-month salary will be processed by the department on or before Friday 20 February 2026. Further engagements to find a permanent solution to the NTI salary debacle will be embarked upon by all stakeholders,” he said.
Picture: Liquor traders marched to the North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane’s office in Mahikeng/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane has today formally received a memorandum from liquor traders who marched to the department’s offices in Mahikeng to raise concerns on the on the North West Liquor Licensing Act 06 of 2016, which came into effect in April 2025. Lenkopane said the key issue raised is an increase in the annual renewal fees to R2000.
She further said the memorandum submitted by representatives of liquor traders operating in Mahikeng and the surrounding areas, outlines several key concerns, including an increase in licence renewal fees, a request to extend the renewal deadline, financialsupport measures for traders, and clarity on the transitional arrangements provided for in the new legislation. She added that the traders have given the her 48 hours to provide a formal response.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised and confirmed government’s commitment to constructive engagement and due process. We appreciate the orderly manner in which the liquor traders have exercised their constitutional right to engage with the government.
“I will be consulting with the Liquor Board and the management of the department to ensure that we make an informed, fair and responsible decision in responding to the issues raised in the memorandum within the stipulated timeframe,” said Lenkopane.
Lenkopane emphasised that the consultative process is critical to ensure that any response considers legislative requirements, the sustainability of the liquor industry, and the broader public interest. She further reaffirmed that the implementation of the North West Liquor Licensing Act is aimed at strengthening regulation, promoting responsible trading, and ensuring the sustainability and transformation of the liquor industry to contribute the economy of the province.
“The department will ensure that liquor traders are in compliant with business legislative prescripts to able to access government support programmes for creation of jobs to the people of the North West.
“The department has urged all stakeholders to allow the engagement process to unfold and has reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and cooperative governance,” she added.
Picture: A Toyota Fortuner and a CIT vehicle set alight/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
17 February 2026- The police have launched an investigation following a Cash-In-Transit robbery that occurred at approximately 4:40pm on 16 February 2026, in Old Geelhout Park, Rustenburg. It is alleged that security personnel were travelling in a cash-in-transit vehicle along Kremetart Street when a Toyota Fortuner travelling in the opposite direction collided with the driver’s side door of the cash-in-transit vehicle.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the vehicle was forced to stop and was subsequently blocked by a Toyota Hilux (Legend) double cab bakkie. Myburgh said approximately 15 armed suspects allegedly overpowered the security officers and instructed them to unlock the doors.
“The guards were removed from the vehicle, dragged a short distance away from the cash vehicle and made to lie face down on the ground. One armed guard was disarmed while the suspects gained access to the vehicle and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The suspects allegedly set alight both the cash-in-transit vehicle and the Toyota Fortuner used in the collision. Several shots were fired during the incident. The suspect fled the scene and no injuries were reported,” she said.
Myburgh further said the investigations are ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, urged members of the public to report serious crimes immediately and cautioned that suspects involve in such crimes are dangerous and should not be confronted. Naidoo said anyone with information that could assist the investigation is requested to contact their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySaps App on their smartphone.
17 February 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said they are hard at work to turn the tide against a litany of socio-economic challenges afflicting their developmental path. Mokgosi said the upward trajectory in audit outcomes speaks to the systems they have put in place to ensure that they put emphasis on ethical leadership.
Mokgosi, who was delivering his speech during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate in Cape Town on Tuesday, said eight out of ten departments in the province received clean and unqualified outcomes in the last audit cycle. He said this stability has trickled down to the Departments such as Health as it continues to lead the pack in drug-resistant TB management in the country with a success rate of between 84% and 86%.
“These efforts have also been bolstered by an allocation of additional R200 million rand for the employment of nurses, doctors as well as procurement of new ambulances.
Furthermore, the NSC results of 2025, which currently sits at 88.94%, the fourth highest in the country after affluent provinces, is consistent with our efforts of infrastructure development in our distressed communities.
“There are equally improvements in the overall outcome of these results in rural and farm schools. As a consequence, we managed to reduce the learner performance gap between disadvantaged schools with resourced ones, and as a matter of fact 54% of Bachelor passes in our province were recorded in no-fee schools,” he said.
Mokgosi further said they are fixing the local government and working hand in glove with the national government. He added that they have brought stability in Ditsobotla Local Municipality following the introduction of the National Cabinet Representative.
“We are monitoring developments in Matlosana Local Municipality with a view of strengthening existing intervention measures to improve the situation. On a positive note the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality will this Friday sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with Infrastructure South Africa under the auspices of Adopt A Municipality Initiative.
“This will see the municipality benefiting from various infrastructure projects that are aimed at expediting provision of services for residents. This municipality has ticked all the right boxes in the form of improved audit outcomes as well as honouring payments with third parties,” said Mokgosi.
He said they have recently held the Local Government Kgotha-Kgothe under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”. Mokgosi said this is part of the ongoing commitment by the provincial government to ensure that all municipalities are functional, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve.
“There are encouraging signs of recovery after the province recorded 42 000 new jobs in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Our efforts of creating an additional 12 000 jobs are gaining traction as we seek to implement the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, which will be anchored on investment commitments amounting to R12 billion.
“We envision the SEZ to be licensed in the next financial year.
In giving impetus to these bold pronouncements we will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure this Friday, to resuscitate the Pilanesberg Airport,” he said.
Mokgosi said once fully operational the airport will serve as a strategic access point to Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park, as well as the Special Economic Zone, thus creating various economic opportunities for locals. He said this economic drive is further amplified by the implementation of four critical road projects at Madibeng, Moses Kotane and Taung Local Municipalities and they will serve as strategic corridor routes between the provinces of Gauteng and Northern Cape.
“A total budget of R980 million has been set aside for this initiative. The Department of Public Works and Roads has been allocated an additional R256 million, which includes R150 million in the form of a disaster relief fund to address repairs of roads and bridges that were damaged by floods last year.
“Moreover, the construction of 2900 housing units across the four districts of our province is well underway. We have resolved to allocate 80% of the budget to complete all blocked housing projects,” said Mokgosi.
He said to date 70% of these projects have been completed. Mokgosi said just last year, they handed over 300 housing units to residents of Tshing Extension 19, near Ventersdorp.
“Through Operation Bulela Metsi, several water infrastructure projects in Dinokana, Tlhabane, Ipelegeng, Ikageng, Lonely Park, Jourbeton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma are at different stages of completion to ensure consistent supply of water in these areas.
“Plans are already in motion for the commercialisation of rural and communal farms, at Springbokpan in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. Over 100 farmers across 23 villages will benefit from these R40 million initiatives in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality,” he said.
Mokgosi said the provincial disaster management centre has been activated to assist farmers and help arrest the spread of foot and mouth disease. He said they have also put measures in place for farmers to adhere to the dictates of the protocols for the movement of cattle as a means to avert and curb new infections.
“We have never claimed to be perfect, but we will be true to the course of reversing all the injustices meted on our people by over 300 years of Colonial-Apartheid Rule,” said Mokgosi.
Picture: A school bus veered off the road after hitting a hump/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 February 2026- Seventy one learners have been involved in a school bus accident on Tuesday. The learners from Gamaloka village, near Coligny were being transported to school when the accident occurred on a gravel road between Sleepsteen and Gerdau Farms.
The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessles Morweng said according to the preliminary paramedic report, 37 learners sustained injuries with the condition of one learner described as “of serious concern”. Morweng said they are being treated at the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg.
“Thirty four other learners are undergoing further medical assessment and observation at the Coligny Clinic. According to the driver, the bus hit a hump on a gravel road leading to the steering wheel disengaging and becoming non-functional. Unable to control the bus, it veered off the road and overturned.
“We wish all learners speedy recovery. The department has begun full investigation into the accident and appropriate remedial and corrective measures will be taken thereafter. An operator as per the Service Level Agreement (SLA) will provide learners with an alternative transport. The department has however a panel of operators who if needed will be assigned the reasonability of transporting learners,” he said.
The Guardian 