Tlhokego ya metso e pateletsa baagi go nwa metsi kwa molapong


Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

8 Ferikgong 2025- Tlhokego ya metsi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati e tsweletse go nna tlhoba boroko. Jaanong baagi ba kwa Tamasikwa, gaufi le Taung, ba patelesega goga metsi kwa molapong le go nwa le diphologolo. 

Baagi ba tlhalosa fa ba amilwe ke tlhokego ya metsi lobaka le letelele, mme masepala wa Sedika wa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati kwa Vryburg, o itshetse moriti o tsididi. 

Go ya ka mongwe wa baeteledipele wa baagi kwa Tamasikwa, Gaolatlhwe Raito, leroborobo la tlhokego ya metsi fa e sale le ba tlhasetse dingwaga-ngwaga. Raito are jaanong fa e sale ba itemogela tlhokego ya metsi go tloga ka Lamatlhatso. 

“Re ikuela go masepala wa sedika go ka re tsenyetsa egine e pompiwang ka motlakase, gonne tlhokego ya oli le diesel, ke tsone bothata. Gape, madutelo a rona a onetse, mme re ne re ikuela go masepala go ka re tsenyetsa metshini e mentsha. 

“Ga se ga ntlha re itemogela tlhokego ya metsi, gonne nako enngwe go nna le tlhokego ya oli kgotsa ya diesel. Fela re itumeletse go bona metsi mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Raito wa tlhalosa.     

Kgabagare, yo e leng leloko la komiti ya ga meyara, mme a ikarabela mo go tsa mafaratlhatlha kwa masepaleng, Pico Seepamere are: “Jaaka ke bua le wena jana, ke mo motseng wa Tamasikwa, mme ke tlile ka sengwe le sengwe se se tlhokegang. Akere nako enngwe fa go nna le bodipa, jaaka morongwa-pusong, o tshwanetse gore o tseye matsapa gore bagaetsho ba se nne le mathata. 

“Re nnile le kopano mo letsatsing la gompieno go seka-seka thebolo ya metsi mo kgweding ya Sedimonthole 2024. Fela, re ile ra tlhalosa gore re amogetse mogala go tswa go baagi ba kwa Tamasikwa, mme ba lela ka tlhokego ya metsi.” 

Seepamere are go bua nnete fela, fa e sale baagi ba sena metsi go tloga ka Lamatlhatso. Are ba ile ba neela ditaelo go mokaedi, ga mmogo le motsamaisi go ka leka go thusa le go reba bothata jwa tlhokego ya metsi kwa Tamasikwa. 

“Re ile ra kopa gore ba re thuse ka jojo tank ya dilitara di le 10 000, ga mmogo le oli. Se re ka se tlhalosang ke gore diesel yone e gone. Jaanong, engine ya kwa Tamasikwa ke ya kgale, ga mmogo le lehuti la teng. 

“O tla gopola gore modutelo o, ke wa ngwaga wa 1995. Jaanong, re tshwanetse gore re ba epele lehuti le lengwe. Ka bokhutshwane, se se wela mo kgatong ya rona ya karolo ya boraro ya go ka leka go tokafatsa mafaratlhatlha a kwa Tamasikwa,” Seepamere wa tlhalosa.

Seepamere are motse wa Tamasikwa o godile, mme modutelo o neelang baagi metsi ga o tlhole o ba kgona. Seepamere are ba tlile go tsenyetsa baagi modutelo o montsha.

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Farmers urged to apply safety hints to prevent stock-theft  


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 January 2025- The police in Northern Cape said livestock theft is a serious issue that affects farmers in many parts of the province and severely threatens the physical security of farmers. The police urge farmers to protect their livestock from theft as it is important to take proactive steps in securing both property and animals.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said farmers are therefore requested to implement stock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock. Sam said farmers should ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect their livestock. 

“Ensure that holes in and under fences are repaired immediately. Property owners should not merely delegate but take charge by inspecting their livestock. The yards or kraals where the stock is kept should be secured. 

“Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon over the weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from experience when stock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said. 

Sam further said farmers should know their neighbours. He added that livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. 

“The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, brand your stock. Go to SAPS Stock Theft Unit offices, where you will be issued with application forms and apply for branding certificates to the Department of Agriculture. 

“Owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act, 2002(Act No 6 of 2002), preferably by branding them. Farmers are advised to invest in technology such as CCTV cameras to curb stock theft,” said Sam. 

He said owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between the police, local farmers unions and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report it to the police and their neighbours immediately. 

“Refrain from hiring undocumented persons as employees on your farm. Ensure that you have full details of labourers as this can assist police with investigations of stock theft. 

“Cooperate with the local South African Police Service (SAPS), STESU and assist the police in their efforts to curb stock theft. Anyone with information about illegal stock theft activities can contact the police on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or their local Stock Theft units,” he said.

Sam said the police are encouraging the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the RATE OUR SERVICE online survey to assist the police in improving services. 

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SA singer, Winnie Khumalo dies! 


By REGINALD KANYANE 

8 January 2025- The heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in after the passing of South African singer and actress, Winnie Khumalo at the age of 51. Khumalo, who was an Afro-pop singer, and known for her hit song Live My Life, died on Tuesday on her way to hospital after a short illness.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie said it is with profound sadness to learn of the passing of the legendary Khumalo, who tragically left us on 7 January 2025. McKenzie said her untimely death marks a great loss for South Africa and the music industry.

“Khumalo was raised by her grandmother in a time of vibrant cultural life. Her early education began at Vuyo Lower Primary and continued at Esiyalwini Higher Primary, ultimately culminating in her matriculation at Mncube Senior Secondary School.

“At the tender age of 15, Khumalo released her debut album, Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, produced by the renowned Sello Chicco Twala. She followed this with another album, Dlamini, setting the stage for a prolific music career that spanned decades,” he said.

McKenzie further said her musical journey was nothing short of remarkable. He added that, in the 1990s, Khumalo recorded the gospel album Izono Zami, produced by Pastor Langa Dube and collaborated with iconic artists and groups such as the late Brenda Fassie, Brothers of Peace, Bongo Maffin, DJ Cleo, and Zonke Dikana. 

“She was not only a talented lead vocalist, but a formidable backing vocalist, enriching the work of those she collaborated with. After a seven-year hiatus, she returned with the electrifying album Live My Life, which became an instant classic. 

“The title track, I Just Wanna Live My Life, dominated music charts, earning gold certification with over 25,000 copies sold and 50,000 mobile downloads,” said McKenzie. 

He said the song’s success saw Khumalo nominated for prestigious awards such as the Channel O Music Awards and the South African Music Awards, cementing her place as a trailblazer in the industry.

McKenzie said she collaborated with Twala on Mina Ngiyohlala Nginje, and starred as Brenda Fassie in The Brenda Fassie Musical under the direction of Jerry Mofokeng.

“Her later albums, including Woman (2013), Higher and Higher (2013), Ncgocgo Lo Mfazi (2015), and The Storm: Isivunguvungu (2022),reflected her personal growth and resilience. Tracks like Woman and Impilo, showcased her ability to channel life’s challenges into powerful and relatable music,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa said: “Khumalo was a legend. It fills us with great pride that she has left us some good memories of her undeniable artistic abilities. 

“The music industry benefited greatly from her distinct voice and song-writing ability.” 

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Five occupants nabbed for possession of drugs


By OBAKENG MAJE

8 January 2025- The five suspects aged between 29 and 42, were arrested for possession of suspected drugs. The suspects were arrested for possession of suspected drugs estimated to the value of R10 000, and a cell phone as well as a vehicle estimated to the value of R200 000, were confiscated.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said Operation Vala Umgodi, which is a disruptive operation, continues to stamp the authority of the state in the Frances Baard District. Shemane said the multi-disciplinary teams on 6 January 2025, received a tip-off regarding a vehicle traveling on the N8 road.

“The occupants were allegedly in possession of drugs. The information was operationalised and the police spotted the identified vehicle en route to Kimberley.

“The police tactically intercepted, stopped and approached the vehicle on the N8 road. They conducted a search and found suspected mandrax tablets inside the vehicle,” he said.

Shemane further said the police remain committed in the fight against illicit mining and other related crimes. He added that they encourage communities to report criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” said Shemane.

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Residents embark on protest over lack of water


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 January 2025- The police in North West said it is seriously concerned about a group of protesters, who allegedly barricaded the R503 (Lichtenburg) and R503 (Hartbeesfontein) intersections and N14 road in Coligny, outside Lichtenburg due to apparent shortage of water in their area.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said they would like to indicate that blocking a road is unacceptable and unlawful. Mokgwabone said the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993, permits peaceful protests, which does not infringe on other people’s rights. 

“Those who protest cannot be allowed to break the law irrespective of how legitimate their concerns or demands are.

“In executing their mandate in terms of Section 205(1) (3) of the Constitution, the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who embarks on unlawful activities, not only in Coligny, but also in other areas in the province,” he said.     

Mokgwabone further said motorists travelling from Ventersdorp to Coligny and Lichtenburg, are urged to turn right at Putfontein road or as directed by law enforcement officials. He added that motorists who are travelling from Hartbeesfontein to Coligny and Lichtenburg, are requested to exercise patience, but also comply with instructions of the law enforcement officials.

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19 illegal miners sentenced to six months imprisonment


By REGINALD KANYANE

8 January 2025- Ten 10 Lesotho, 4 Mozambique and 5 Zimbabwe undocumented foreign nationals aged between 20 and 43, were sentenced to six months imprisonment or a R12 000 fine each by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court for illegal mining on 31 December 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said this is the second batch of illegal miners for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002.

Mokgwabone said the sentences are wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused persons are not convicted for contravention of Section 5A of Act 28 of 2002 as amended by Act 49 of 2008 and read with Section 1, illegal mining committed during the period of suspension. 

“The accused were further sentenced to three months imprisonment or R6000 fine, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that they are not convicted for contravention of Section 49(1) (a) read with Section 1, 9(3) & (4) of Act No. 13 of 2002 (illegal immigrant – illegal entry) committed during the period of suspension.

“Following the sentences, the accused were on 7 January 2025, deported to their countries of origin by the Department of Home Affairs. The accused were arrested at Margaret Shaft, where they resurfaced in November 2024. This group was sentenced 20 days after the first one,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, five illegal miners resurfaced at Margaret Shaft on Tuesday morning, 7 January 2024. He added that this brings the total number of illegal miners arrested between 18 August 2024 and 7 January 2025, to 1 567.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the conviction and subsequent deportation of the convicts, and reiterated that Operation Vala Umgodi will continue to ensure that those who commit crime are dealt with in accordance with the law.

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Police Stations in JTG District receive VFRs


By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 January 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in John Taolo Gaetsewe District received furniture for Victim Friendly Rooms. An official handing over event was held in Heuningvlei on 7 January 2025, where several stations within the district were beneficiaries.  

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johnny Besnaar, the acting District Commissioner for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi and the Provincial Head for Pro-Active Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeledi, handed over a vehicle and furniture to be utilised by Heuningvlei, Severn and VanZylsrus SAPS to efficiently equip Victim Friendly Rooms.

Otola said the services offered by the police in these rooms are of vital importance to ensure that victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and sexual offences receive comfort and support after suffering traumatic experiences.

“This occasion is symbolic of our dedication and obligation towards creating a safe and secure environment for the vulnerable members of our community. These facilities provide a safe haven for victims, where they will receive counselling and other related essential services where they can feel safe and protected from their abusers.

“The policing of crimes against women, children, and vulnerable groups remains a priority for the police. The victims are urged to break the silence and report incidents to the police via the MySAPS App or 08600 10111,” she said.

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Agricultural colleges set to register new and returning students for 2025 academic year


By REGINALD KANYANE

7 January 2025- The Potchefstroom Agriculture of College and Taung Agricultural College are gearing up to commence the 2025 academic year. Both institutions will reopen on 13 January 2025, and preparations are underway for the registration of first-year and returning students.

Prospective students are reminded to adhere to the registration dates and ensure that all required documentation is ready and complete on the day. Qualifying late or walk-in applications will only be considered subject to space availability during the registration period.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said those interested in studying at the colleges are encouraged to apply during the next application window later in the year. Setlhako said students requiring on-campus accommodation are advised that there is limited accommodation space and alternative accommodation arrangements should be made.

“Early planning is strongly encouraged to secure a spot. The Potchefstroom College of Agriculture will re-open on 13 January 2025. First year registration will commence on 20 and 21 January 2025.

“Second and Third-Year Registration will be on 22 January 2025. Taung Agricultural College will reopen on 13 January 2025. First year registration will commence on 20 and 21 January 2025,” she said.

Setlhako further said second and third-year registration will be on 15 and 16 January 2025.

She added that for further details, prospective and returning students can contact the colleges directly.

“For Potchefstroom Agricultural College, Ismail Haffejee may be contacted during office hours on 079 515 8714 or via email at IHaffejee@nwpg.gov.za. While for Taung Agricultural College, the contact person is Vuyiswa Mziwakhe, who can be reached on 060 504 8149 or via email at charmmyv@icloud.com during office hours,” said Setlhako.

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Spar Proteas aim for netball glory in Jamaica


Picture: The Spar Proteas team during the match/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 January 2025- The SPAR Proteas national netball team, who finished 2024 on a high as the number one ranked team in Africa, start the New Year with an exciting challenge when they travel to the Caribbean to take on Jamaica in the three-Test Margaret Beckford Sunshine series in Kingston.

Jamaica recently moved into third spot, behind Australia and New Zealand, on the world rankings, after beating England in a Test series. The SPAR Proteas and the Sunshine Girls have played each other 18 times, with the SPAR Proteas winning three times – most notably in the Netball World Cup in Liverpool in 2019, where the South African s won by 55 goals to 52 earning them a spot in the semi-finals.

The Spar Protea coach, Jenny van Dyk. “It’s my biggest challenge since taking over as coach. It’s always tough playing in the Caribbean, but I went to the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023, so I am used to that kind of atmosphere.

“The humidity may also be a problem. Our strategy will be to close the gap in the score-line and then to go in hard, looking for the win.”

Van Dyk said the star goal defence, Karla Pretorius, was being rested for the tour and would be replaced by rising star San-Marie Visser. She said Karla has a young child, and they will be going to the UK after Jamaica, and that’s a long time to be away from her child.

“I am very excited about San-Marie and we need to start building for the future,” she said.

Assistant coach, Zanele Mdodana who was a member of the SPAR Proteas team when they last played in Jamaica, is aware of the challenges involved in playing Jamaica at home. She said it is tough to play Jamaica at home.

“They fill those arenas to capacity, they’ve got the dance, the song. Those spectators come out in full support of their team. But, we made history when we went there under coach Elize Kotze and beat them.

“They’ve got a very vibrant team, dynamic, athletic.  Most of their players play in Australia, so they have great international experience. But we want to be the best, so we need to play the best,” said Mdodana.

Van Dyk further said the matches in Jamaica will be played on January 18, 22 and 25 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. She added that from Jamaica, the SPAR Proteas will travel to the United Kingdom to play in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup next month. 

“The other teams taking part are England, Uganda, and Malawi. We have big ambitions for the Nations Cup. We want to force England to take us seriously and to play their best players against us.

“The gap between England, New Zealand and Jamaica is very narrow and we want to show that we belong up there with them,” said Van Dyk.

She said the South African national under 21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas will also travel with the senior side to Jamaica to play a friendly series during the Margaret Beckford Sunshine series against the Jamaican national under 21 team.

Van Dyk said this forms part of the SPAR Baby Proteas build-up preparation for the Netball World Youth Cup to be staged in Gibraltar in September.

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Ranking agencies sing NWU’s praise


By WILLIE du PLESSIS

7 January 2025- Three rankings confirm that the North West University (NWU) is an institution that shines not only locally, but also internationally. The university can stand tall among some of the world’s greatest universities.

Students can be assured that when they decide on the NWU as their preferred choice for higher education, they also choose a university that is not only known for excellence but is making an impact in addressing pressing issues in Africa.

This is evident in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) University Rankings for 2024 by Times Higher Education (THE). According to this ranking, the NWU is 6th in South Africa and 17th in Africa out of 129 universities from 22 countries. These rankings specifically assess the impact of universities in addressing some of the toughest challenges faced in the region. It considers, among other things, the impact a university has in Africa, as well as the factors such as student engagement, access and fairness, and ethical leadership.

It explores themes that include university education, teaching quality, financial strength and addressing inequality. According to the SSA, the rankings not only assess current performance, but also help universities to identify key areas where they can improve. This was the first year the NWU participated in the SSA rankings. For more information about the SSA, visit https://www.timeshighereducation.com/sub-saharan-africa-university-rank….

Leading the way in social and environmental sustainability

The NWU is among the leading higher-education institutions locally and in Africa in responding to crucial environmental, social and governance issues. This is according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025. QS published their results on 10 December.

This ranking places the NWU among the top seven out of 13 universities in South Africa, top eight in Africa out of 70 institutions on the continent, and overall 505th out of the 1 751 institutions that qualified for the ranking internationally.

The three performance lenses applied in each of the three categories are environmental impact, social impact and governance. Each performance lens is made up of separate indicators that are used to calculate a score.

The NWU was 176th for Governance, 524th for Social Impact, and 637th for Environmental Impact.

According to QS World University Rankings for Sustainability in 2025, universities must be eligible for the QS World University Rankings and the QS Rankings by Region or the QS Rankings by Subject to qualify for the Sustainability ranking.

For more information about the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2025, visit https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings.

NWU excelling through research and innovation in Africa

The 2024 SCImago Institutions Rankings highlight African universities that have excelled in research output, societal impact and innovation. This ranking placed the NWU in the top 10 of its rankings – a significant achievement, as 283 universities were considered in the rankings.

The ranking placed the NWU 25th overall in their universities category.

SCImago’s three different sets of indicators (20 in total) are divided into three groups intended to reflect scientific, economic and social characteristics of institutions measured by their web visibility. For more information about this ranking, visit https://www.scimagoir.com/rankings.php?country=Africa.

Source: www.nwu.ac.za

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