North West Health intensifies efforts to improve medicine availability

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 November 2026 – The North West Department of Health has intensified interventions to improve the availability of medicines at healthcare facilities across the province amid ongoing national and provincial supply constraints. During the second quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year, provincial medicine availability declined from 84% to 81%, largely due to medicine stockouts and supply disruptions.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said his department has prioritised the challenge through a dedicated medicine availability turnaround strategy, supported by pharmacist-led interventions and regular progress monitoring. Lehari said the latest district update shows encouraging improvements in Bojanala District, where the availability of essential medicines increased from 78% last week to 80% this week.

“The availability of epilepsy medicines improved from 70% to 75%, while contraceptive availability increased from 71% to 73%. Further improvements in contraceptive availability are expected in the coming weeks.

“However, the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines, tuberculosis (TB) medicines and vaccines remained unchanged during the latest reporting period,” he said.

Lehari further said medicine availability was fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and ensuring that patients received the treatment they needed. He added that the availability of medicines is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and ensuring that patients receive the treatment they need.

“We recognise the concerns experienced by patients and healthcare professionals when medicines are unavailable. We are therefore intensifying our efforts to strengthen medicine availability through improved stock monitoring, the redistribution of available medicines between facilities, engagement with suppliers, and the prioritisation of payments to suppliers whose accounts have been placed on hold.

“Our focus is to ensure that available resources are used effectively and that facilities experiencing the greatest challenges receive the necessary support,” said Lehari.

He said the department’s turnaround plan includes accelerating the distribution of medicines from depots to hospitals, ensuring the equitable allocation of limited stock, conducting regular medicine availability meetings and assigning clear responsibilities and timeframes for corrective action. Lehari said his department is also exploring clinically appropriate alternative medicines, where necessary, reviewing facility stock levels according to patient numbers and disease profiles, and monitoring supplier performance.

“These interventions are aimed at reducing the impact of supply disruptions while strengthening medicine management across all levels of healthcare.

“The department further acknowledged that medicine supply constraints affecting the treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases are being experienced nationally,” he said.

Lehari said while these challenges require coordinated action across the health sector, healthcare professionals have been advised to consider actual local stock levels when determining the quantities of medicines to prescribe or dispense, particularly where routine multi-month dispensing could place additional pressure on limited supplies. He said patients have been urged to consult their nurses, pharmacists or doctors if their prescribed medicines are unavailable so that appropriate alternatives or collection arrangements can be considered.

“The department cautioned patients against stopping or changing their treatment without seeking professional medical advice. We reaffirm that the department’s commitment to improving medicine availability and strengthening the reliability of the provincial medicine supply chain.

“We will continue working with national health authorities, suppliers, pharmacy teams and healthcare facilities to address supply challenges and monitor progress,” said Lehari.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Lekgarebe la kwa Madipelesa le le neng le timetse le bonwe

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Lekgarebe le le neng le timetse le bonwe, Matumelo Malgas

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

3 Ngwanatsele 2026 – Lekgarebe le le neng le begwa fa le timetse, Matumelo Malgas (17) wa kwa motseng wa Madipelesa, gaufi le Taung, bo bonwe. Ba lelapa ba ne ba bega fa Malgas a tsamaile kwa lelapeng la gagwe fa kgwedi ya Diphalane e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 27.

Ba lelapa ba ne ba tlhalosa fa Malgas a ne a utlwalelwa fa a fetile kwa dipolasing tsa Poroki. Go ne ga begwa fa Malgas a tlhalositse fa a ya kwa molapong kwa Barkly West.

Go begwa fa a ne a apere jeresi e pududu, sekipa se se tshweu, borokgwe jo bo pududu. Ba lelapa ba re ba lebogile thata gonne Malgas a letse a boetse gae maabane.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Majang Skalkie are ga gona kgetsi epe e begilweng kwa sepodising mabapi le go nyelela ga ga Malgas.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokgosi urges residents to vote in large numbers and maintain peace during elections

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 November 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has called on all eligible residents of the province to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections. Mokgosi emphasised that voting remains one of the most powerful tools through which citizens can influence the future of their communities and ensure that their voices are represented in government.

“The strength of our democracy lies in the participation of its people. Every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard. I urge all eligible voters to go out in their numbers and cast their ballots peacefully and responsibly.

“By voting, we play our part in building a better future and ensuring that our collective aspirations are reflected in the leadership and policies that guide our country,” he said.

Mokgosi further urged residents not to become complacent, highlighting that active participation in elections is essential for promoting accountability, development and good governance. He particularly encouraged young people, first-time voters and other eligible residents to take advantage of the opportunity to influence the country’s leadership through the ballot box.

Mokgosi also appealed to political parties, supporters and all stakeholders to maintain peace, tolerance and mutual respect throughout the electoral process.

“As we head to the polls, let us uphold the values of peace, unity and mutual respect. Elections should never divide us. I call on all residents, political parties, supporters and stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully, respect differing views, and allow the democratic process to unfold without intimidation, violence or disruption. Let us demonstrate political maturity and preserve the peace and stability that our nation is known for.

““Let us make our voices heard through the ballot box and not through conflict. Together, by voting in large numbers and maintaining peace, we can strengthen our democracy and contribute to the continued progress and prosperity of our province,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mokgosi is expected to cast his vote on 4 November 2026 at 10am at the Kismet Park Hall Voting District in Ward 3 of the Naledi Local Municipality in Vryburg. He will join fellow residents in exercising his democratic right and reaffirming the importance of active participation in the electoral process.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

PICC strengthens measures for a safe, lawful and incident-free initiation

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Picture: Initiates at initiation school

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 November 2026 – The North West Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee (PICC) has strengthened preparations and enforcement measures to ensure a safe, lawful and incident-free 2026 Summer Initiation Season, with the protection of initiates’ lives, dignity and wellbeing remaining its highest priority. The preparations form part of the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ commitment to ensuring that customary initiation practices are conducted in accordance with the law while preserving the cultural significance of this important custom.

The PICC has received and processed 249 applications, comprising 172 male and 77 female initiation schools. Following the assessment process, five applications were not approved due to insufficient documentation and failure to meet the prescribed requirements.

The Committee is at an advanced stage of finalising the gazetting and public announcement of permitted initiation schools for the season.

The Deputy Chairperson of the PICC, Andries Stemmer said the 2026 Summer Initiation Season will open this 6 November 2026, for non-school going prospective initiates, while the school going cohort would commence on Tuesday, 08 December 2026. Stemmer said the season is expected to conclude on 8 January 2027.

“Extensive preparations have been undertaken, including capacity-building programmes for initiation school principals, caregivers and practitioners, with emphasis on safeguarding initiates, compliance with the law and adherence to health and safety requirements.

“We have also strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and the Departments of Health and Social Development, to ensure a coordinated approach to monitoring, prevention and response to initiation related incidents,” he said.

Stemmer further said to strengthen compliance, a team of initiation school inspectors will be deployed to monitor schools throughout the season, identify illegal operations and enforce the relevant legislation. He added that additional inspectors will also be recruited to enhance field operations, monitoring and reporting.

“The Department of Health, together with supporting non-governmental organisations, will assist in monitoring the health and wellbeing of initiates. These interventions will complement the pre-initiation health screenings conducted before prospective initiates are admitted to schools.

“The SAPS has also prioritised initiation-related policing operations as part of its Safer Festive Season Plan. Police stations across the province will be sensitised on initiation-related offences, while Community Service Centres will remain operational 24 hours a day to ensure that incidents are reported and attended to promptly,” said Stemmer.

The Provincial Head of the SAPS Crime Prevention Unit, Brigadier Sebang Molate, said law enforcement agencies would remain vigilant throughout the season.

“Our police stations have been sensitised on initiation related matters to strengthen policing operations and improve response times. We will maintain these operations until the initiation season concludes and will act against individuals who endanger the lives of initiates or operate illegal schools.

“Community participation will also be critical in preventing illegal initiation practices. Community Policing Forums (CPFs) will work with law enforcement agencies and local communities to identify suspicious activities, promote awareness and encourage the reporting of illegal schools,” he said.

Provincial Chairperson of the CPFs, Robert Malungane, said district level mobilisation would be prioritised, particularly in identified hotspots such as Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts.

“We will convene stakeholder meetings to mobilise communities against illegal initiation schools and ensure that parents, traditional leaders and community structures understand the dangers associated with unlawful practices. Protecting initiates is a collective responsibility, and communities must report any suspected illegal activities to the relevant authorities,” he said.

Stemmer said the PICC is also mindful of potential risks associated with extreme weather conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon. He said permitted initiation schools have therefore been urged to put contingency measures in place to protect initiates against excessive heat, dehydration, heavy rainfall and other weather-related risks.

“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will remain on standby to provide assistance where required. The North West Provincial Government reiterates that customary initiation must be conducted responsibly, lawfully and with the utmost respect for human life. Parents, guardians, traditional leaders and communities are urged to ensure that prospective initiates attend only permitted schools and that any unlawful activities are reported immediately.

“The province maintains a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal initiation schools, abuse and negligence. The collective objective remains clear: to preserve cultural practices while ensuring a safe, lawful and incident free 2026 Summer Initiation Season, with zero initiation related fatalities and injuries,” said Stemmer.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

AFU secures R31m forfeiture order in fraudulent land restitution claim

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 November 2026 – The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in KwaZulu-Natal has secured a R31 million forfeiture order from the Pietermaritzburg High Court. The order is in respect of a fraudulent land claim made to the Department of Land Affairs (the Department) in 2008.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Kwazulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said in 2008 the department embarked on a land restitution project mandated by parliament to provide for the restitution of rights because of past racial discriminatory laws and practices. Ramkisson-Kara said subsequently, in June 2008, the department received land claims from two land restitution claimants (Trusts).

“The claims were approved, and approximately R45 million was made available for the acquisition of land. Portions of the land were subsequently registered in the names of the trusts for the benefit of the claimants. In October 2008, the Department together with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) interviewed 26 land claimants under the two Trusts and it was established that some of the claimants were fraudulent.

“It came to light that during the application for land restitution to the Department in June 2008, fraudulent supporting documentation ‘purportedly’ from the Master of the High Court (the Master) was submitted to the Department. The Master confirmed that no documents were ever lodged or existed in the Master’s office for the Trusts,” she said.

Ramkisson-Kara further said in 2013, the matter was referred to the AFU who argued that the land bought with R45 million was the proceeds of unlawful activity. She added that a High Court Preservation Order was obtained in March 2016 in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998.

“After lengthy opposition and court disputes, the Pietermaritzburg High Court issued a final Forfeiture Order for the land, which is currently appraised at R31m, being the proceeds of unlawful activity. This Forfeiture order was successfully secured by Adv Sakhile P. Ngcobo from the AFU in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The NPA welcomes the order as part of the AFU’s mandate to ensure that proceeds of unlawful activities are recovered,” said Ramkisson-Kara.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Boikanyo Kealeboga Modise who is accused of being in possession of suspected stolen livestock to apply for bail

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 November 2026 – An accused, Boikanyo Kealeboga Modise (39) was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Gang Visible Policing Unit, Brits Crime Prevention, Hartbeespoortdam K9, Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit, during an intelligence-driven operation for possession of suspected stolen livestock in Dikhuting village,near Taung. Modise briefly appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 29 October 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said his next court appearance is on 3 November 2026, for a bail application. Skalkie said Modise was remanded in custody.

“Investigation continues,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams said: “We do not make empty promises, but respond to the challenges that are facing the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“Just on Friday, the team that was deployed by the management of the SAPS in North West across small towns leading to Taung, made a huge breakthrough.”

Adams further said they have arrested two suspects belonging to the notorious family allegedly involved in stock-theft. He added that a number of livestock such as goats, sheep and cattle have been seized including firearms.

“The police have also recovered some vehicles and we do not just go around and broadcast to everyone what we are busy with. We go back to the drawing board, look at what are the challenges and respond diligently.

“We have received calls of appreciation from farmers. Actually, this is just the beginning and we will not relent until we are satisfied that the scourge of stock-theft is brought under control,” said Adams.

He said they will continue to work with various stakeholders such as farming communities, security services companies, including law-abiding citizens to ensure that perpetrators are being arrested.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Tlhapi warns against corruption at licensing centres as Moretele DLTC opens

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 November 2026 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi has issued a stern warning against fraud and corruption at driver licensing centres across the North West province. Tlhapi delivered the warning on 20 October 2026, during the official opening of the Moretele Driver Learner Testing Centre (DLTC) in the Moretele Local Municipality, held as part of October Transport Month (OTM).

“We caution that corruption at public service centres must be dealt with decisively, warning that failure to address the problem could undermine service delivery, particularly at facilities established to bring government services closer to communities.

“I would also like to emphasise the importance of protecting the integrity of licensing centres to ensure that residents receive accessible and efficient services without being exposed to fraudulent practices,” she said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Prisoner found with drugs appears in court

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A prisoner found with drugs in court/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

3 November 2026 – An inmate, Joshua Belden Swarts (41), has appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court after being arrested for alleged drug dealing at Boksburg Correctional Centre. Swarts was arrested by members of the Northern Cape Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), following intelligence received as part of Project Ditto.

The investigation team visited Boksburg Correctional Centre, where they searched the accused’s prison cell. Two cellphones were allegedly found under his pillow. A subsequent search of his locker led to the discovery of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Tik, with an estimated street value of R12 000.

The Department of Correctional Services had also conducted an internal search on Swarts a week earlier, during which another cellphone was allegedly found in his possession. This brought the total number of cellphones recovered from him to three.

Swarts is also facing an additional charge of possession of a stolen motor vehicle after a vehicle allegedly found in his possession before his incarceration was identified as stolen during the Project Ditto takedown operation.

He made a brief appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was postponed to 26 January 2027, for further investigation.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Tebogo Thebe said they remained committed to tackling organised crime and ensuring that those involved in criminal activities were brought before the courts.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two accused convicted in Phala Phala farm theft case

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Imanuwela David and Froliana Joseph were convicted in the Modimolle Regional Court on Monday, while Ndilinasho Joseph was acquitted on all charges/iol

By STAFF REPORTER

2 November 2026 – The Modimolle Regional Court has convicted two accused in connection with the theft of US$580 000 from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020. The judgment in the case of S v Imanuwela David and Others was delivered on 2 November 2026, by Magistrate Peter Manthata.

Imanuwela David (Accused 1) was found guilty of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal, housebreaking with intent to steal, theft at Phala Phala farm and money laundering. Froliana Joseph (Accused 2) was convicted of conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Limpopo, Limpopo Mashudu Malabi said, however, the court found the accused not guilty of the charge relating to housebreaking with intent to steal at Stokkiedraai farm. Malabi said Ndilinasho Joseph (Accused 3) was acquitted on all charges.

“In delivering judgment, the court noted that there was no direct evidence identifying the accused as the people who stole the US dollars, with the state relying largely on circumstantial evidence.

“The court also highlighted shortcomings in the investigation, including the fact that the criminal case was opened approximately two years after the incident,” she said.

Malabi further said despite these concerns, the court ruled that the circumstantial evidence presented by the state was sufficient to secure convictions against the first and second accused on the respective charges. She added that evidence presented before the court showed that shortly after the burglary, David acquired several assets, including a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C200 for his girlfriend, two Mercedes-Benz ML vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf, a Volkswagen Polo, a Porsche, diamond-encrusted Rolex watches and a house in Rustenburg.

“The court further found that witness Takallo was not being truthful when he denied receiving payment in US dollars. During cross-examination, David confirmed that the money in question was in US dollars.

“David’s explanations regarding the source of his wealth were also rejected by the court. These included claims that he assisted businessmen, delivered mercury, had a friendship with a diamond dealer and accumulated wealth through Bitcoin,” said Malabi.

She said regarding Joseph, the court considered evidence of communication between her and David, noting that she was the only domestic worker who communicated with him, while the other two cleaners did not. Malabi said, however, the court also noted that no money linked to the alleged theft was found in her bank account.

“In the case of the third accused, Ndilinasho Joseph, the court found that although he had communicated with David, he had never been employed at Phala Phala farm and there was no evidence placing him at the farm. He was therefore acquitted on all charges.

“The matter has been postponed to 13 November 2026 for pre-sentencing proceedings in respect of the convicted accused,” she said.

Malabi said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo welcomed the convictions, saying the prosecution team would now prepare for the pre-sentencing proceedings and continue presenting its case in accordance with the law and the evidence before the court. She said the authority welcomed the outcome and remained committed to ensuring that justice was served through the proper application of the law.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ba lelapa ba kopiwa go batlisiwa Matumelo Malgas

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Matumelo Malgas

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

2 Ngwanatsele 2026 – Ba lelapa la ga Matumelo Malgas (17) kwa motseng wa Madipelesa, gaufi le Taung, ba re ba kopa go batlisiwa ngwana wa bone o a nyeletseng. Ba lelapa ba bega fa Malgas a tsamaile kwa lelapeng la gagwe fa kgwedi ya Diphalane e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 27.

Mongwe wa lelapa, Basimane Moremedi, are go utlwala fa Malgas a fetile kwa dipolasing tsa Poroki. Moremodi are go begwa fa Malgas a tlhalositse fa a ya kwa molapong kwa Barkly West.

“O ne a apere jeresi e pududu, sekipa se se tshweu, borokgwe jo bo pududu. A ka tswa a le kwa Deelport kgotsa kwa Barkly West. Mongwe le mongwe o a tla mo bonang, a ka letsetsa ba lelapa go 0687646161,” Moremedi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, mokaptein Majang Skalkie are ga gona kgetsi epe e begilweng kwa sepodising mabapi le go nyelela ga ga Malgas.

taungdailynews@gmail.com