A second chance for aspiring engineers: NWU welcomes 2025 Xcel students 

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Tobias Brits (Winner) Prof Johann Holm (Project coordinator), Jaco Boshoff (Director – Rapid Mobile, Sponsor), Prof. George van Schoor (School Director)

By BELINDA BANTHAM

1 March 2025- For many aspiring engineers, the disappointment of not qualifying for admission can feel overwhelming. Failing to meet the requirements in key subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences can dash hopes.

However, those determined to pursue their dreams now have a lifeline through the North West University’s (NWU) Xcel programme. On 10 February 2025, the Faculty of Engineering welcomed the new cohort of Xcel students.

This innovative programme offers matric learners a second chance to improve their mathematics and physical science marks, helping them meet the entry requirements for engineering studies. The programme also opens doors to other areas of study, giving students the flexibility to explore new academic opportunities after improving their results.

Xcel enables students to repeat grades 11 and 12, with a focus on rebuilding their school-based assessment portfolios, which are crucial for final matric evaluations. After completing the programme, students rewrite the National Senior Certificate exams in mathematics and physical sciences under the Department of Basic Education’s supervision.

With improved results, students can qualify to study engineering or other disciplines.

The one-year, full-time Xcel programme covers core education in mathematics and physical sciences, alongside higher education modules in Academic Literacy Development. In addition, students gain valuable skills through courses in computer-aided design and programming, which prepare them for success in future studies.

The Xcel programme has helped many passionate students regain hope and achieve their dreams of studying engineering. Many have gone on to graduate as proud alumni of the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.

One recent Xcel programme success story worth noting is Tobias Brits, 2020 Xcel Programme students who was awarded First Place for the Best Final Year Project in Mechatronics at the 2024 annual Final Year Project Day of the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering. Initially, he did not meet the minimum Grade 12 requirements for entry into the engineering programme.

However, after retaking Grade 12 through the Xcel Programme, he went on to complete his BEng in four years with exemplary results, ultimately earning top recognition for his outstanding project.

This is just one of many success stories the Xcel Programme has produced – and continues to inspire.

The faculty is confident that the 2025 cohort will continue this legacy, inspiring even more success stories that will make the NWU proud.

Source: www.nwu.ac.za

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North West Premier allocates R690m for NSNP

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Picture: Learners receiving food in school through NSNP/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

1 March 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said his government has allocated over R690 million to the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the next financial year. Mokgosi will assist to feed more than 750 000 learners in 1300 schools across the province.

He further said the monthly stipend that they pay to food handlers will be increased to R2190. Mokgosi added that North West is the first province to introduce breakfast in 300 schools across the province to cushion learners in impoverished communities against high poverty levels in their communities through the NSNP.

“We can report to the people of the North West that breakfast will now be rolled out to cover all secondary schools, while the number of primary schools benefiting from this initiative will be increased from 272 to 350.

“This means that the government will serve two meals per day in these schools. This includes Bonwakgogo Primary School in Chaneng in Rustenburg, Gaetsho Secondary School in Boikhutso, Ditsobotla, Saruchera Primary School in Huhudi and Mmokeng Secondary

School in Kanana, Orkney,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said NSNP is the government programme that provides one nutritious meal to all learners in poorer primary and secondary schools. The department said its objective is to provide nutritious meals to learners so as to improve their ability to learn. The DBE said according to its 2013/14 annual report, the programme has reached more than 9 million learners in quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools.

“The programme also teaches learners and parents how to lead a healthy lifestyle, and promotes development of school vegetable gardens.”

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Two men nabbed for being in possession of copper cables worth R400 000  

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Picture: The copper cables worth R400 000 seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 March 2025- Four suspects from Dichibidung Informal Settlement, near Boitekong in Rustenburg, were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation executed by Boitekong Visible Policing members, for being in possession of copper worth over R400 000.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the police received a tip-off regarding the people, who were allegedly seen loading copper cables into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Dichibidung Informal Settlement. Manyoba said the police kept an observation and eventually intercepted the vehicle at Sunrise Park. 

“During the search, stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R424 000, were found inside the boot. Consequently, the two occupants aged 44 and 29, respectively were arrested after failing to give a proper account for the copper cables.   

“Further investigation led the police to another address in Dichibidung Informal Settlement, where two more suspects aged 19 and 30, were also arrested for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002,” she said. 

Manyoba further said the preliminary investigation showed that one of the first two suspects to be arrested, is the owner of a reclaim scrap metal in Tlhabane.  She added that, of the four suspects, two appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 28 February 2025.

“The duo, Mateo Simango (19) and Lucas Manave (21),

 who are both Mozambicans, pleaded guilty for contravention of Section 41 and 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.

“The duo was respectively sentenced to three months imprisonment or fine of R5000 and deportation to Mozambique. The other two accused, Aurangzeb Raja (44) and David Ngobeni (29), who also appeared on the same day for possession of copper cables, were remanded in custody until 3 March 2025, for a bail application,” said Manyoba. 

She said the investigation into the matter, including confirmation of the legal status of the accused who are from Pakistan and Mozambique, is underway.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded all members involved for a job well done.

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A man nabbed for theft and house breaking

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Picture: Someof the house appliances seized by the police/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 March 2025- A man (37) was arrested by the police in Phillipstown for theft. This comes after the police swiftly responded to an alleged housebreaking and theft.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said the police pounced on the suspect and allegedly retrieved most of the suspected stolen goods.

“The incident allegedly occurred between 24 and 25 February 2025, when a house in Phillipstown was broken into and several valuables were stolen. The police received a tip-off and operationalised it.

“They recovered several suspected stolen items, including a microwave, clothing, iron, kettle, and gas cylinder bottle. The suspect will appear in court soon on charges of housebreaking and theft,” he said.

Kock further said anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Zwelandile Nolusu on 073 363 4133 or via the MySAPS App or the crime stop number 08600 10111. He added that, the SAPS Management commends the police in Phillipstown and the community for the swift arrest and recovery of stolen items.

“The public is once again reminded that buying stolen goods is a criminal offence. If you are found in possession of suspected stolen goods, you will face criminal charges and can be convicted and sentenced accordingly. This can include fines, incarceration, probation, and a criminal record. If you see something, say something,” he said.

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A man sentenced to 52 years imprisonment for murder, arson

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

28 February 2025- A man (28) sentenced to 52 years by the Mothibistad Regional Court for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, arson and contravention of Immigration act. The accused, Thabang Lesenyeho was found guilty on all charges. 

On 18 June 2023, the police in Batlharos, received a complaint of a house that was burning in Maruping village. Upon arrival at the homestead, the lifeless body of Joseph Dithupe was found lying in a pool of blood in one of the half-burned rooms, with a stab wound on his upper body. 

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said it was later discovered that some of the house hold items, including sound system, a television set, a cell phone and clothes belonging to the victim were missing. Pilane said Lesenyeho was arrested later on with the assistance of community members. 

“Some of the stolen items were recovered. The accused was also found wearing the deceased’s clothes. Lesenyeho was found guilty on all charges, and he was sentenced to 52 years imprisonment. 

“The court further ordered that the accused be declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and her management, welcomed the conviction and appropriate sentence.

Otola applauded Warrant Officer Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping from the Provincial Serious and Organized Crime Investigation unit for their hard work and dedication and securing a significant conviction. 

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Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Committee concludes interviews for NYDA Board

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

28 February 2025– The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said it has concluded its interviews of the 20 shortlisted candidates to fill vacancies at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board on Thursday. The committee conducted the interviews over three days and the interviews were live-streamed on Parliament TV and social media platforms. 

However, on the last day of the interviews, one candidate withdrew from the process. 

The Committee Chairperson, Liezl van der Merwe made the announcement and informed the other committee members that Bongani Bhengu has withdrawn his name and will no longer participate in the process, citing a recent promotion at work. Van der Merwe thanked all the candidates who made themselves available for the process. 

“The interviewed applicants reflected a diverse demographic, in line with the NYDA’s mandate to represent South Africa’s demographics and geography. Last year, the committee received 1412 applications for the vacancies. 

“The committee will deliberate on all the candidates and prepare a report with the committee’s recommendations, which will be sent to the National Assembly and ultimately the President to make the final selection of the seven NYDA board members,” she said.

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MRM calls for a harsher sentenced against police killers 

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Picture: Four of the accused persons/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

28 February 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Friday, applauded the recent conviction of four men found guilty for the brutal murder of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, Constable Simon Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Molete (42) in Mareetsane village, outside Mahikeng.

The civil society led body advocating for ethical, moral leadership and accountability called for stiffer sentences for the culprits found guilty of multiple charges, including stock theft, robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said, they trust that the court will send an unambiguous message that the killing of the police, who are the last defence. Kgwele said the police are the protectors of the communities against senseless violent crime and threatening them is not only a heinous crime, but a despicable and abhorrent crime that undermines the authority of the state. 

“The accused persons are expected to be sentenced in the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng on 7 March 2025. If such barbaric acts are not dealt with harshly and decisively to serve as a strong deterrent, it could see communities slide towards anarchy and lawlessness.

“The Ntsekeletsa and Molete families will only find closure knowing that their loved ones did not die in vain when justice concomitant with the severity of the heartless crimes is served,” he said. 

Kgwele further said nothing short of a harsher and befitting sentence will send a resounding message of zero tolerance to police killings, as well as restore public confidence in the criminal justice system. He added that, Benjamin Kemeels Jacobs (45) Gaorekwe Jeremiah Mongale (28), Rapula George Keaikitse (27) and Matthews Modukanele(23), murdered the two officers in cold blood without any regard for the sanctity of their lives. 

“Such callous and heinous acts undermine community values, and the spirit of Ubuntu that should characterise safer and economically viable communities envisaged by the rural safety strategy. 

“The conviction stem from a tragic incident on 25 July 2021, when the officers stopped a vehicle carrying 18 goats. The court established that the occupants failed to provide a valid permit for transporting the livestock and were instructed to follow the officers to the police station,” said Kgwele.

He said on the way, the suspects’ vehicle experienced mechanical issues, prompting them to ask the officers for assistance. Kgwele said as one of the officers attempted to secure a tow rope, the suspects attacked both officers with harmers, restrained them with a rope, and tossed the injured pair into the back of the police van.

“They were later found burnt beyond recognition when the vehicle discovered at Mosita Wildlife Farm, near Vryburg. The police investigations led to the arrest of three of the accused at a residence in Logageng village, where a Z88 police service pistol with nine live rounds was also recovered hidden under a mattress.

“The fifth accused said to be the son to accused number one who was 16 years old at the time, turned state witness and provided crucial testimony that assisted the prosecution,” he said.

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Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe mabapi le dinku tsa bogodu

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Setshwantsho: Banna ba le bararo ba tshwerwe mabapi le dinku tsa bogodu

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

28 Tlhakole 2025- Banna ba ke bararo ba ba nang le dingwaga di le 60, 37, ga mmogo le 38, ba tshwerwe morago ga go fitlhelwa ka leruo le go belaelwang ele la bogodu kwa motseng wa Magojaneng, gaufi le Kuruman. Go begwa fa ka di 27 Tlhakole 2025, sepodisi se ile sa amogela pegelo mabapi le leruo la bogodu le le beilweng kwa ntlung nngwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, mokaptein Nomvuyo Makoloi are, sepodisi se ile sa bona sejanaga se se neng se belaelwa fa se pegile leruo la bogodu, mme ba se baya marebele. Makoloi are, sepodisi se ile sa sala banna ba morago go fitlhela kwa lefelong le leneng le belaelwa kwa motseng wa Seoding.

“Fela ka maswabi, go ne ga begwa fa banna bao ba fetsa go tsamaya, enile ba pegile nku ele nngwe mo sejanageng seo sa modiro wa Isuzu. Go begwa fa sepodisi se se dirang ka leruo, se ile sa letsetswa, mme ba ile ba fitlhelela sejanaga seo kwa Bankhara Bodulong. Banna bao, ba ile ba fitlhelwa ka nku ele nngwe, mme ba botsolotswa.

“Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa ba tsaya le go leba kwa legaeng la mongwe wa ba belaelwa kwa ntlung nngwe kwa motseng wa Magojaneng. Go begwa fa sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela dinku di le supa di hapilwe ka terata mo ntlung. Mong wa ntlo o ile a palelwa ke go araba gore dinku tseo ke tsa ga mang, le go ntsha boshupi,” Makoloi wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, banna bao, ba ile ba tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go tshwara ka leruo le go belaelwang fa le utswilwe. Ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Mothibistad mo bogautshwaneng.

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‘Participation in sports can positively impact employee’s performance’

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By REGINALD KANYANE

28 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape hosted the Provincial Sports Day at the 8SAI Army Base in Upington on 27 February 2025. The police said they held the event under the theme: “Get ready to play, cheer and shine”.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam, the event commenced early in the morning with a 5km fun run, followed by volleyball, darts, cricket, netball, tug of war, bowls, rugby and soccer. Sam said teams from all five districts in the province participated in the event.

“The acting Provincial Head for Human Resource and Development, Brigadier Gilroy Tait, outlined the purpose of the day and cited that police involvement in sports can positively impact employee performance and commitment to the organisation.

“The event envisaged to encourage members to participate in sports interventions in order to promote SAPS relations with communities,” he said.

The Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola and ZF Mgcawu District Police Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commenced by congratulating Sergeant Shonnie Pule from Deben Police Station for her remarkable achievement. Pule achieved the 3rd place in the female 42.2km Balwin Pretoria Marathon, as well as all other participants who represented the province on 23 February 2025.

Meanwhile, Sebili pleaded with members to take responsibility for restoring the culture of sports within the SAPS as it is part of the organisation’s wellness programme and promoting healthy lifestyles. She said all members and teams who excelled in their different sporting codes were presented with medals and trophies.

Lieutenant Colonel, Anette Moses, on behalf of the Provincial Organising Committee, thanked all stakeholders, including the ZFM District Office, the South African National Defence Force, the Department of Correctional Services in the District for their hospitality and for supporting the SAPS.

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Municipalities owe Eskom R94bn

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

28 February 2025 – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) said it supports efforts by Eskom and the national government to resolve the growing municipal debt, which contributes to the power utility’s weak balance sheet. The committee said municipalities have an Eskom debt of R94 billion that is overdue. 

The Chairperson of the SCOPA, Songezo Zibi said in the current financial year, Eskom is contending with R8.9 billion revenue that cannot be recognised in its balance sheet because municipalities do not have the ability to raise and pay that amount of money. Zibi said this figure increased from R6.3 billion in 2023, and is expected to double by the end of 2025. 

“The Eskom Board and management appeared before SCOPA yesterday to respond to the audit outcomes and financial performance of the 2023/24 financial year. They also outlined cost saving measures in the first six months of the 2024/25 financial year as well as future plans. 

“The elements of Eskom’s municipal debt elimination proposal in the distribution agency agreement are that Eskom is prepared to freeze collection of the amount in areas if municipalities accept assistance from Eskom with engineering skills, debt collection capacity and improvement of electricity distribution infrastructure.

“This includes that municipalities must stay up to date on their current consumption. If they stay up to date for a year then Eskom will write off 33.3% of the historical debt. They will write off the same amount if the conditions are met in year 2 and year 3, which means all historical debt will have been written off,” he said.

Zibi further said Eskom is recommending that municipalities move to pre-paid metres. He added that Eskom is recommending all municipal electricity revenue be ring-fenced for paying Eskom and maintaining electrical infrastructure.

“Eskom will initially focus on the top 14 defaulting municipalities, representing 58% of overdue municipal debt. Eskom’s financial performance in the first six months of the 2024/25 financial year compared to March 2023, shows a projected profit of R10 billion for 2024/25 financial year. 

“Cost saving measures include profit before tax improved from R2.2 billion to R23 billion. Operating profit increased from R20.9 billion in 2023 to R46.3 billion. Revenue increased by 16% from R158.6 billion to R183.7,” said Zibi.

He said Eskom’s net finance costs have decreased from R19.7 billion to R17.8 billion. Zibi said this includes debt securities and borrowings decreased from R412.2 billion in 2023 to R395.3 billion.

“Eskom’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization increased from R37.6 to R61.7 billion. We welcome Eskom’s efforts to improve governance, operational performance and efforts to resolve the municipal debt crisis. 

“We also call upon the Department of Electricity and Energy, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and National Treasury to move as fast as possible to implement the plan,” said Zibi. 

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