Team to represent North West at the national golden games

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Picture: 220-member team has been selected to represent the North West at the national golden games/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

3 February 2025- A 220-member team has been selected to represent the North West at the national golden games to be held in Rustenburg in February 2025. This comes after the participants from the province’s four districts, composed of the elderly aged 60 and above, converged at Mmabatho Stadium in Mahikeng on 30 January 2025.

These older persons competed fiercely in various sporting codes, which include brisk walk, soccer, athletics, ring the ball, dress up, jukskei, rugby ball throw and singing. According to the research, the inherent paradox of sport participation has the potential to provide considerable positive growth.  

In addressing the participants at the games, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie, called on the winners at the provincial golden games to train regularly to enhance their fitness for the national golden games. Dantjie said the annual golden games, which are held in collaboration with the provincial departments of health, arts, culture, sport and recreation are meant to enhance the quality of life, improve the health of older persons and to embrace active ageing.

“For you to win in various sporting codes, you must form a formidable team solely because you are representing the province. Form a strong team composed of participants who perform well. 

“We have a mandate to ensure that our senior citizens participate and share in active ageing initiatives and programmes of government. We are further committed to ensuring that our older persons remain physically and mentally active through the active ageing programme,” she said. 

Dantjie further said this, in turn, will ensure their good health and longevity. She added that young people should emulate the elderly so that they should live a healthy lifestyle, free from obesity and other opportunistic diseases.

“We are confident that the North West team will represent the province well in all the sporting codes and bring medals home at the national golden games. 

“Remember, it is evident that sport can help older persons to fight, monitor, adapt to avoid and accept the aging process,” said Dantjie. 

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SPAR Proteas upset England at Vitality Nations Cup 

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Picture: The SPAR Proteas players against England/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE  

3 February 2025- The courageous SPAR Proteas upset England on home soil at the 2025 Vitality Nations Cup 61-59 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Sunday evening. South Africa are the only unbeaten side in the tournament following an impressive 75-40 victory over Uganda on Saturday in their tournament opener.

Before the match against England, currently ranked 4th in the world, the hosts had a stronger historical record against 5th ranked South Africa. England has dominated their encounters, winning 52 out of 69 matches, while South Africa had claimed victory in 16, with the remainder ending in a draw.

SPAR Proteas head coach, Jenny van Dyk expressed satisfaction with the outcome, but stressed that much work remains. Van Dyk praised the team for their consistent hard work.

“The work is not done yet. We still have another weekend to go and the final spot that we need to secure. I think it’s secured, but we want to win that one as well. So there’s still a lot we need to do. 

“Sunday’s match was tightly contested, with scores level at the end of the first three quarters. South Africa started strong in the first quarter, but England fought back to equalise. Both teams exchanged goals in the later stages of the opening quarter, with South Africa displaying patience in defence and determination in attack. The opening quarter score was 14-14,” she said.

Van Dyk further said in the second quarter, both teams battled fiercely, concluding a closely contested first half with scores tied at 30-30. She added that it was clear that the final quarter would determine the match’s outcome. 

“With the score tied at 46-46 at the end of the third quarter, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. As has become the norm in SPAR Proteas games, the 4th quarter was their strongest. 

“They shifted gears in the final quarter and were able to breach the hosts’ defence in quick succession.Thanks to their impressive shooting, the SPAR Proteas maintained a consistent lead. With ten minutes remaining, the SPAR Proteas held a three-goal advantage,” said van Dyk.

Meanwhile, England struggled to keep up with the pace at which South Africa moved the ball in the final quarter, complemented by swift movement and agility. With seven minutes to go, South Africa extended their lead to nine points.

A late onslaught by the host nation was not enough to draw level, as they fell short by two points, losing the final quarter 13-15. This 61-59 win propelled the SPAR Proteas to the top of the four-team table.

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RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver State of the Nation Address

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Picture: The RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

1 February 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 6 February 2024 at 7pm. The address will take place before a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.

Ramaphisa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. Magwenya said it demonstrates that South Africa’s democracy remains robust.

“In the address, Ramaphosa sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock our nation’s potential.During his address, the President also highlights what has been achieved since his last address in 2023.

“He also reflects on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP). The State of the Nation Address (Sona) is divided into three parts. The first is the important public participation role in the ceremony when the Civil Guard of Honour welcomes the President and his guests as they walk along the red carpet,” he said.

Magwenya further said this is followed by a state ceremonial, which includes a 21-gun salute and the South African Air Force flypast and finally the official address by Ramaphosa. He added that, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) line the route that Ramaphosa takes to Parliament.

“The Military Guard of Honour participates in the ceremony and the military band plays South Africa’s national anthem. In a general election year, two State of the Nation Addresses are delivered.

“The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions, where the three arms of State, namely the Executive represented by the President, Deputy President and Ministers, the Judiciary, represented by the country’s Chief Justice and the Judge Presidents and the Legislature, represented by the Members of Parliament (MPs) gather in one place,” said Magwenya.

He said the provincial and local spheres of government are also represented.

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Four police officers nabbed for ‘aiding underground kingpin to escape  

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Picture: The underground kingpin, Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 January 2025- Four police officers were arrested in connection with the escape of underground kingpin, Neo James Tiger Tshwaeli from lawful custody in Stilfontein. The accused persons, Warrant Officer Jack Motlhabya (37), Warrant Officer Menzi Shabalala (38), Sergeant Ntutuko Dladla (40), and Sergeant Samkelo Mbotho (38), who are attached to the Stilfontein Vala Umgodi operation, were arrested this morning in Stilfontein. 

“They have already appeared before the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on a charge of defeating the ends of justice. They were all granted bail of R1000 each. Internal departmental processes are underway,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng has welcomed the arrest of four police officers. Asaneng said no one is above the law.

“We are pleased but at the same time disappointed in the arrest of our own. Let the law take its course. We are still searching for Tiger and believe we will get answers soon from those allegedly responsible for his release from lawful custody,” he said. 

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ANCYL in North West postponed its much-anticipated congress 

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Picture: The ANCYL logo

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 January 2025- The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the North West Provincial Task Team (PTT) said it convened its latest meeting on 31 January 2025, to assess the state of readiness for the highly anticipated provincial congress. The structure said after thorough and robust deliberations guided by the principles of organisational discipline, unity and renewal, the PTT has resolved to postpone the provincial congress to a later date.

The ANCYL provincial convener, Wessels Morweng said this decision was not taken lightly, but was deemed necessary to ensure that the congress is held in an environment that is conducive to the advancement of the revolutionary agenda of the ANCYL, Economic Freedom and Social Change Now and Not Later and the broader National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

“The PTT recognises the immense responsibility placed upon its shoulders to deliver a congress. The PTT remains steadfast in its commitment to the renewal and rebuilding of the Youth League as a radical, militant, and disciplined organisation.

“We call upon all members, supporters and stakeholders to remain disciplined, patient and focused during this period of preparation. We remain guided by the timeless wisdom of our forebears, who taught us that discipline and unity are the bedrock of any successful revolution,” he said.

Morweng further said the ANCYL North West PTT is confident that this decision will ultimately strengthen the organisation and ensure that the upcoming provincial congress is a resounding success.

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Two suspects nabbed for rhino poaching 

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Picture: The suspects nabbed for rhino poaching/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

31 January 2025- Two suspects were arrested for rhino poaching during a multi-disciplinary team for arresting two suspected rhino poachers during joint operations on 28 and 30 January 2025, respectively. The team comprising of Lehurutshe Stock theft & Endangered Species (STES) Unit, Rustenburg Tactical Response Team (TRT), Madikwe Game Reserve Anti-Poaching Unit and SANPARKS officials, arrested Eric Ndlovu (47) at Hartbeesfontein Police Station, where he was in detention for rhino poaching allegedly committed earlier this month.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused has been on the radar following the linkage to four rhino poaching cases reported in Madikwe Game Reserve between June and August 2023. Mokgwabone said ensuing investigations into the matter led the police to Sghandaff in Soshanguve Township, Gauteng Province, where the second suspect (27), was caught on 30 January 2025. 

“This brings to six, the number of suspects arrested in connection with the four Madikwe cases. The initial four suspects were nabbed between October 2023 and March 2024. Following his arrest, Ndlovu appeared in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 30 January 2025. 

“He was remanded in custody until 5 February 2025, for possible bail application. Ndlovu is also facing separate charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition following his arrest during a crime intelligence-led tactical operation in Rustenburg on 8 January 2025. 

“He was then linked to the Hartbeesfontein rhino poaching case. Meanwhile, the suspect (27), is expected to make first appearance before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on 3 February 2025,” he said.

The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended extolled the police for their team work and dedication that led to the arrests.

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Transnet locomotives corruption case postponed for trial

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 January 2025- The former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Anoj Singh, Siyabonga Gama, Garry Pita, Phetolo Ramosebudi, as well as Regiments Capital Directors Niven Pillay and Litha Nyhonhya, Trillian Asset Management’s Director Daniel Roy (Novum Asset Management), Kuben Moodley, and Albatime Pty LTD owner, appeared before the Johannesburg High Court on charges of the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud, money laundering and corruption.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamomothame said the matter was postponed to 2 February 2026, for trial. Mamothame said the state and defence teams will in the interim engage on the issue of further particulars, which they intend to request from the state, and the judge ordered that it be resolved by 30 June 2025.

“The matter relating to Adv Shaun Abrahams will be adjudicated by the ombudsman, following the state’s opposition of Adv Abrahams, who was the NDPP, representing an accused in this matter.

“Their charges which include fraud, corruption, and money laundering, stem from the locomotives transaction advisory tender awarded to the McKinsey-led consortium in 2012, resulting in the procurement of 1064 locomotives valued at over R54 billion,” he said.

Mamothame further said it is alleged that Regiments Capital, who benefitted, was irregularly brought into the contract, increasing the contract value and scope to over R395 million.

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Lehari roll out integrated healthcare services in Schweizer Reneke

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Picture: Some community members attending Thuntsa Lerole campaign in Schweizer Reneke

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 January 2025- As part of array of community-impact Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari oversaw the roll-out of integrated health services at Glaudin, Migdol and other surrounding areas in Schweizer Reneke. Lehari said the high impact health services on provision, included immunisation, hypertension, diabetes, mental health, TB screening and Body Mass Index (BMI) screening.

“Tackling issues related to behavioural patterns and lifestyle, the Department Healthy Lifestyle flagship programme, Tshela Ka Itekanelo rolled out services that included health education on nutrition programme and awereness on food poisoning at schools. The department also donated sanitary towels at Itshupeng Primary School in Ipelegeng Township, in Schweize Reneke.

“The delegation then proceeded to conduct the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight programme at Glaudina clinic, where we held talks with both clinic management, operational and sub-district managers, including patients. We emphasised that patient-care, especially to the most disenfranchised communities remains high on the agenda of the 7th administration,” he said.

Lehari further said his department also had exhibitions at the feedback session, where professionals were assisting communities with all health-care services available on sight. He added that, departmental officials also distributed both female and male condoms including encouraging communities to visit facilities for regular checkups.

“The department then wrapped up its health package by distributing assistive devices in a form of wheelchairs to the elderlies and people living with disabilities. These activities were part of broader activities rolled out by the North West Provincial Government,” said Lehari.

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SMMEs and spaza shop owners encouraged to continue to register their businesses before deadline

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Picture: Environmental Health Practitioners inspecting some of tuckshops

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 January 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass encourages all Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), spaza shops owners and other food-handling convenience stores across the Northern Cape to register their businesses by the extended deadline of 28 February 2025. Vass said those who would lime to register, they should approach their local municipalities across the province.

“Those who have registered their businesses and have duly received their registration acknowledgment, still need to undertake a further process to obtain their trading licenses. For this process, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and other regulatory authorities will still inspect registered food-related trading businesses to ensure that these businesses are eligible to trade.

“The government will continue to implement the action plan across all its spheres to address the crisis of foodborne illnesses and the illicit trade of goods across the province,” he said.

Vass applauded businesses that have already approached their municipalities across the province to register their businesses in line with the address by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 November 2024. He further said in the address to the nation following the deaths of children due to food-borne illnesses, amongst measures adopted by the government, Ramaphosa outlined a key compliance intervention on the regulation of spaza shops.

Vass added: “We plead with all businesses that have not yet registered to heed the call and to comply with the requirements to register no later than 28 February 2025. This will assist the government to better support this important sector of the economy and ensure that we preserve lives.

“South Africans who are landlords are also prohibited by law, not to register businesses on behalf of illegal foreign nationals. Any South African who has been found to have fraudulently registered a business on behalf of an illegal foreign national will face the might of the law.”

He said the multi-disciplinary inspections to strengthen adherence to legal frameworks governing trade and food safety across the Northern Cape are continuing. Vass said the government is committed to safeguarding public safety and preventing future outbreaks through sustainable practices and partnerships.

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Two men nabbed for allegedly damaging essential infrastructure remanded in custody

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Picture: The accused, Orekeng Mooketsi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 January 2025- Two men who were arrested for allegedly damaging the essential infrastructure, were remanded in custody until 4 February 2025, for formal bail application. Monyashe Thembeni (35) and Orekeng Mooketsi (32), were arrested at around 7pm on 28 January 2025, after the police responded to a complaint about two men, who were allegedly seen damaging and removing the roof of a small structure adjacent to the water reservoir in Burgersdorp, Lichtenburg.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “In effecting the arrest, the police allegedly found the pair in possession of a water pump.”

Picture: The accused, Monyashe Thembeni/Supplied

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, lauded the police for the swift reaction and cooperation with members of the community, which led to the arrest. Asaneng further warned that tampering with and / or damaging essential infrastructure is a pure criminality that interferes with the provision or distribution of basic services.

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Picture: Two men who were arrested for allegedly damaging essential infrastructure/Supplied