‘It’s always difficult to lose such a player’ 

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Themba Zwane after injury 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 October 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos believes that the early loss of Themba Zwane due to injury, contributed to his charges sharing the spoils against Congo Brazzaville in an away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat de Brazzaville on Tuesday evening.

Broos was forced to make a substitution five minutes before half-time break after Zwane suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Patrick Maswanganyi. The two sides went on to draw this AFCON qualifier after first half goals from Elias Mokwana in the 33rd minute and Congolese striker Andre Bassouamina just before the break.

“Themba Zwane is a very important player for us. It was not a good thing for us that Themba had to go out with an Achilles tendon injury. I’m afraid he will be out for months. So, again, when you lose such an important player, it’s difficult, certainly in a game where you dominated. 

“It’s always difficult to lose such a player because Zwane is someone who can keep the ball, who can give the last pass. So, he was not there and maybe that was also a reason why we didn’t play so well,” he said.

Broos conceded that the Congolese were a tougher nut to crack at home after losing 5-0 to Bafana Bafana in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape a few days ago. He said Congo surprised them at home and they could not find a way to score. 

Bafana Bafana remains in second place in Group K with eight points, just two behind group leaders Uganda (10 points). The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume in November 2024, when the South African senior national team travels to Uganda to face the East Africans away from home, and then returns to host South Sudan in the final match of the group.

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NWU urges Grade 12 learners to be resolute during NSC final examinations 

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By BAKANG MAKOTO 

16 October 2024- Only a few days left before over 41 000 Grade 12 learners across North West, sit for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations. Dr Judicial Sebatana from the North West University’s Faculty of Education urges learners to focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.

Sebatana said the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. He further said it is important for learners to remember that it’s not too late. 

“Assessing the readiness of matriculants is a complex task due to multiple factors. We need to consider the content factor, which includes curriculum coverage and learner performance in school-based assessments, mid-year exams and preparatory exams.

“For subjects that require practical experimentation, a key issue to consider is the availability of resources and whether schools were able to conduct those experiments,” said Sebatana. 

He also highlighted the strategic measures in place to assist learners, who have struggled academically during the school year, such as after-hours and weekend classes run by teachers in partnership with school governing bodies. Sebatana added that the NWU’s Ikateleng project has also been assisting learners across the North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State provinces. 

“There are also various support programmes such as the Last Push initiated by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The department’s Mathematics, Science and Technology unit offers further support, both in person and through virtual learning to schools that have struggled to perform.

“I identified Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting and Economics, as subjects where learners may face more challenges. Mathematics had a pass rate of 53% in 2023 and 61% of Physical Science,” he said. 

According to Sebatana, these subjects are difficult for both learners and teachers, partly due to the need for various teaching and learning resources. He advised learners to prepare for these exams by working through past exam papers, using Physics Education Technology simulations for certain Physical Science topics and accessing recorded lessons made available by the Department of Basic Education.

“A final piece of advice for learners is to focus their revision on simpler topics before moving on to more difficult ones. This can help them manage their study time better and enhance their exam readiness,” said Sebatana.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube said: “We are ready to administer the 2024 NSC final examinations. We have done a lot of work to prepare both the candidates and the system for this year’s examination.

“This was a pivotal moment for the learners who were in their last weeks in the basic education system. In terms of system readiness, there are 772 448 full time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year.”

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Picture: Grade 12 learners ready to write their NSC final examinations

A man sentenced to 3 years for livestock theft 

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Picture: Stolen cattle seized by the police/Generic 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

16 October 2024- A man (32) was sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court for livestock theft. The accused, Freddie Jacobs was caught stealing livestock at Marseilles Farm in Victoria West on 14 April 2024.

 The Northern Cape police spokesperson,  Sergeant Timothy Sam said Jacobs was caught in the act and was subsequently arrested. Sam said the police request farmers to implement livestock theft safety hints in order to safeguard their stock. 

“Ensure that all fences and gates are maintained in order to protect your 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 livestock is kept should be secured. Be particularly watchful when there is a full moon, over weekends and at the end or beginning of a month, or during periods that you know from experience when livestock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occurs,” he said.

Sam also urge farmers to know their neighbours. He further said livestock owners should count livestock at least once a week. 

“The necessity of a thorough stock register cannot be emphasized enough. Owners, kindly brand your stock and 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 added that owners of livestock are encouraged to make use of helplines created through cooperation between SAPS, local farmers’ unions, and communities. Sam said if they notice strange animals or suspicious persons at a cattle post, they should report that 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 South African Police Service (SAPS) and STESU. 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,” said Sam. 

He 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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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his partner

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By REGINALD KANYANE 

16 October 2024- A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley for killing his partner, Rene Lillian Lachporia (43) in Delportshoop back in 2021.  

This comes after the accused, Jakob Rattel, was involved in multiple relationships.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said on 15 May 2021, Rattel engaged in an argument with Lachporia that resulted in a fight. Sam said the duo was separated by the other girlfriend, who later left with the accused.

“Rattel later went back to the deceased and killed her. The lifeless body of Lachporia was discovered two days later in her house. 

“Rattel was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and 3 years imprisonment for assault with the intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH),” he said. 

Sam further said the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the life imprisonment sentence handed down to Rattel. Otola, praised the Investigation and Prosecution team, Detective Sergeant Olebogeng Raphael Khoboko and Anel Stellenberg for ensuring that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes are dealt with harshly and ensured that the accused is brought to book.

“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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A man who shot and killed his girlfriend sentenced to life imprisonment  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 October 2024- A man (39), who killed his girlfriend was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Pretoria High Court. Ngagalela Kekana from Olievenhoutbosch, Ext 7, killed his girlfriend, Realeboga Georgina Joels.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana, the couple had been in a relationship for seven years. Mahanjana said the tragic incident occurred on the night of 21 October 2022, after they returned from a local tuck shop to Joels’ rented shack.

“An argument broke out between them, during which Kekana shot Joels in the head, resulting in her death at the scene. The following morning, Kekana approached a neighbour, claiming that Joels had been injured and left.

“A concerned neighbour approached the landlord, and together they went to Joels’ shack. Upon entering, they discovered Joels’ naked body on the bed, with her head wrapped in a towel soaked in blood,’ she said.

Mahanjana further said the neighbours then called the police and community members, when the community arrived at the scene, Kekana also returned. She added that upon his return, he was arrested and has been remanded in custody since.

In court, Kekana pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining that he was not present at the time of Joels’ death. However, state advocate David Molokomme presented compelling evidence and called witnesses that conclusively proved Kekana’s guilt. 

During the sentencing proceedings, Kekana’s legal representative requested the court to consider alternatives to the prescribed minimum sentence, citing the two years he spent in custody awaiting trial. However, Molokomme argued vehemently for life imprisonment, emphasizing both the severity of the offence and its prevalence in South Africa.

“The victim had been killed by her partner, a person who should have been her protector, especially given that she did not have family in Gauteng. The state also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) facilitated by the Court Preparation Officer (CPO), Lebogang Lebese, in which the landlord who was also a friend of the deceased expressed her grief over the loss,” said Molokomme.

He said the landlord noted that Joels had no family in Gauteng, she only had three dogs, which were given away after her death. She said, however, one of the dogs continues to visit her home daily.

“Not only that, she said, she was also left with a burden of having to bury her friend since her family in the Free State was unable to,” he said.

Judge Edwin Masopa concurred with the state’s position, noting Kekana’s lack of remorse and the brutal nature of the crime. Masopa underscored that no sentence could bring back the deceased or heal the hearts of those affected by his actions.

“Therefore, Kekana needs to be permanently removed from society so that children and women can live knowing that he can never harm them. As such, I found no substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from imposing the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment,” he said.

Meanwhile, after being sentenced, Kekana applied for leave to appeal his conviction and sentence. However, the state successfully opposed this application, which was subsequently denied.

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Couple irked as their RDP house is ‘illegally’ occupied  

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Picture: Gopolang Joseph Motsumi with his wife, Keolebogile Evy Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

15 October 2024- Even though illegal occupation of RDP houses is a serious offence, many houses in Extension 6, in Taung, are being illegally occupied. It is alleged that they bought those houses from some of the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) officials. 

One of the victims, Gopolang Joseph Motsumi (60) from Mokgareng village, near Taung, said he applied for a RDP house many years ago, but he was surprised to see it being illegally allocated to somebody else. Motsumi said he was looking for a job around the area when he noticed his RDP house in Extension 6.

“I went to the municipality to inquire about my house. Indeed, they confirmed that the house belongs to me. They gave me a letter to hand it over to the illegal occupant.  

“However, even though he agreed that he is aware that the house belongs to me, he does not budge. He said he will only leave the house when his RDP house he applied for is ready,” he said.

Motsumi, who stays in a one-roomed shack with his wife and children, said his livelihood has been affected over the years due to this matter. He further said the municipality is not doing enough to help him recover his house. 

“It’s been years since I tried to get any assistance from the municipality, but I’m being sent from pillar to post. From my understanding, illegal occupation of RDP houses is unlawful. 

“But, it seems the municipality is doing nothing to prevent residents who jump the housing queue by embarking on illegal acts by occupying RDP houses,” said Motsumi. 

He added that it is disgusting to have a situation, where people just break the law with impunity.

Meanwhile, the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) spokesperson, Ricky Oliphant said: “We have had engagements with two gentlemen in an effort to resolve the matter. The municipality cannot be able to comment on the reasons for the allocation as that was effected by another party.

“The allocation was done by the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC). We are aware that there are many RDP houses being illegally occupied in the area. These are normally resolved through eviction of the wrong party.”

Oliphant said such problems might have been caused by difficulties to trace the rightful beneficiaries, in that case, other people on the list would be granted the right to occupy the property until the rightful beneficiary is traced. He said the municipality is exploring possibilities of assisting Motsumi to access his rightful house. 

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A stakeholder structure to address racial tensions in Hartbeespoort Dam

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Picture: The owner of the business that was torched/Twitter

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 October 2024- The Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo said they will establish a structure consisting of all stakeholders to address issues over the use of the state-owned land, promote inclusive economic growth and advance the healthy ecosystem of the water resource at the Hartbeespoort Dam. This comes after a stakeholder engagement meeting led by Mahlobo at the department’s offices at the Dam on 14 October 2024. 

He further said the structure will be led by him and the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi or a designate will include business owners operating around the state-owned land, civil society organisations, community representatives, provincial and local government as well traditional leaders, and is expected to have its first sitting early next month.

Mahlobo added that the Hartbeespoort Dam has been a hub for business, tourism and socio-economic activities for locals for decades, but there has been on-going racial tension between the occupiers of the state-owned land, who are conducting business and the locals.

“Different representatives of various stakeholders came under one roof and had an opportunity to express their views on the on-going tensions at the dam. Eventually, there was a mutual agreement to establish a structure to be led by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, which will expand on issues raised during the stakeholder engagement and pave the way for co-existence among different stakeholders with a purpose of resolving the issues and advancing economic growth.

“We condemn acts of violence that were inflicted on some of the business owners and their businesses and call on law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those responsible face the might of the law,” he said.

Mahlobo expressed his satisfaction at the deliberations and highlighted that he believes the structure that is being set will bring peace among the stakeholders. He said they have had a fruitful meeting with different views from people with different backgrounds.

“There was a subsequent agreement to establish a structure that will deal decisively with the issues raised during the deliberations. We are of the view that this dam, which has become a source of conflict, can become a beacon of hope to many by bringing prosperity.

“It can also be a reflection of our unified and diversified democratic country, which is non-racist and non-sexist. We also addressed an issue of lease agreements on the state-owned land at the dam, which has been a contentious issue among some of the business owners,’ said Mahlobo.

He said previously, some of the business owners had 99-year-old leases and have been in occupation of the land through many generations without any formal documents and authorisation from the state. Mahlobo said as a result, the department developed a lease policy, which was finalised in 2020.

“This was to address previous gaps and to also guide and provide a comprehensive framework for managing leases and has subsequently established a lease committee to assess and recommend lease applications for approvals to the delegated authority.

“Between 2020 and 2022, DWS has approved 4 lease agreements for recreational purposes at the dam for a duration between 5 and 9 years and 11 months.

“This year, the Department has issued Expressions of interest (EOI) to private or public entities that are interested to lease the state-owned land and to obtain access rights to state dams, and/or to enter into lease agreements with the department in terms of its lease policy,” he said. 

Mahlobo said the purpose of the EOI is to provide equal opportunity for all potential applicants, both public and private and to address public concerns regarding the transparency, fairness, and competitiveness of the leasing process.

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Police are looking for missing man 

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Picture: The missing man, Simon Quincy Khumalo/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE 

15 October 2024– The police in Rustenburg request community assistance in locating a missing man, Simon Quincy Khumalo (26), who resides at Corner Heights in Adelaide Street, Cashan, Rustenburg. The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said according to information, Khumalo was last seen by his sister on 28 September 2024, when he left home to visit friends, but never returned.

“A search was conducted around Rustenburg and all leads were followed-up without successful results. At the time of his disappearance, Khumalo was wearing grey tracksuit pants, a blue top and red sneakers. 

“He is dark in complexion with brown eyes, a slender build body, 1.6m tall with afro hair. Furthermore, his upper teeth are gold and silver plated,” she said.  

Myburgh said anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts, can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Charles Tebeli on 082 772 3028 or the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. She said anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone.

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Ngwana o mongwe gape o nyeletse kwa Magogong 

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Setshwantsho: Rethabile Angel Molapo/Facebook 

Ka OBAKENG MAJE 

15 Diphalane 2024- Sepodisi sa Taung se tlhalositse fa se boloditse dipatlisiso tsa go nyelela ga motho. Se se tla morago ga go nyelela ga mosetsanyana wa kwa motseng wa Modutung, gaufi le Taung ka Lamatlhatso. 

Go begwa fa Rethabile Angel Molapo (11), a ile a rumiwa go ya go tsaya seaparo sa kereke kwa gagabo, mme o ile a nyelela mo go boeng ga gagwe. 

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se butse kgetsi mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse. 

“Molapo ke motho wa mmele o mosesanyane, ona le matlho a matonna, mme one a apere mosese o motala ka mmala, ebile a rwele ditekkie tsa Adidas tse dintsho fa a ne a timela. 

“Go fitlha ga jaana ga nkitla re shupa ope ka monwana, gonne ga rena dintlha. Fela, re ikuela go mongwe le mongwe o a ka tswang a mo bone, go ka itsise sepodisi ka bonako,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa. 

Mongwe wa baeteledipele ba baagi, Kenneth Jampane are: “Tota go bua nnete, kgang e ga ya re tsaya sentle. Baagi ba utlwile botlhoko thata ebile ba tlhobaela. Re a ipotsa gore, a mme selo se e tlile go nna selo modiro. Ngwaga le ngwaga ngwana wa nyelelang. 

“Jaanong, matsapa ke gore ga re itse mokgwa o dirisiwang wa go utswa bana. Ke belaela gore tsela e dirisiwang go ka utswa bana mo motseng, ke tsela nngwe e e tletseng setegeniki sa boloi.” 

Jampane are o belaela gore mokgwa o dirisiwang ke wa boloi, gonne fa ngwana a fetsa go nyelela, baagi ba tla be ba tlolaka, ba batlana le ngwana, mme go sena motlhala. Are, fale baagi ba tla be ba itlhoboga. 

“A jaanong, re tla feleletsa re patelesega gore re dumele gore ke mokgwa o o teng wa gore ngwaga le ngwaga ngwana wa nyelela mo motseng wa rona? Fela, ga re kitla re itlhoboga mo go lwantseng mokgwa o bosula o. 

“Selo seo se maswe, ebile ga se re itumedise. Batho ba rona ba tlolaka ba ya kwa dingakeng go batla thuso, fela ga go nko e tswang lemina. Re ikuela go bagolo gore ba leke ka natla go ka tlhokomela bana, gonne re a bona gore gona le setegeniki sa boloi se se dirisiwang go ka utswa bana mo motseng,” Jampane. 

Are o ile a feleletsa a ikuetse kwa baaging gore go botokwa fa ba ka ikega ka thapelo, mme ba boele kwa Modimong gonne mmaba o eme ka dinao.     

Kgabagare, ka ngwaga wa 2022, go ile ga nyelela lekgarebe, Oratile Mothibi teng kwa Modutung, mme le go fitlha ga jaana ga ise a bonwe. 

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Portfolio Committee conducts oversight visit to Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

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Picture: Koeberg Nuclear Power Station

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy conducted an oversight visit to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station (KNPS), recently to assess its operations, safety measures, and future plans. The committee said the aim of the visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the plant’s performance and its role in South Africa’s energy landscape, as well as to identify any challenges it faces in providing safe and reliable electricity.

During the visit, the committee raised concerns about the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and the recent performance of Unit 1 since its last outage. The management addressed these concerns by highlighting the need for ongoing improvements and strategic planning to enhance reliability.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said the aging workforce was a significant part of discussions, with many employees nearing retirement. Mvana further said the committee noted the risk of skilled personnel being recruited by other countries, which could impact Koeberg’s operations.

“In response, management outlined plans for a robust recruitment strategy and training programmes to ensure a steady supply of skilled personnel in critical roles. They highlighted the importance of knowledge retention and initiatives aimed at developing skills within the workforce.

“Safety within the plant was a primary focus of the discussions. The committee sought clarification on the safety protocols in place to protect employees and the surrounding community from potential radiation exposure,” she said.

Mvana added that Koeberg officials reaffirmed their commitment to stringent safety standards and the importance of transparent communication regarding risks. She said the committee also expressed interest in Koeberg’s efforts to inspire young people to pursue careers in the nuclear energy sector.

“The management shared ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering interest in nuclear science and technology among youth, including partnerships with local schools and universities to cultivate the next generation of nuclear professionals.

“The committee commended Koeberg for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, particularly noting the appointment of a female manager at the plant,” said Mvana.

She said this reflects the ongoing efforts to create a more balanced workforce and empower women in the nuclear industry. Mvana implored the management of Eskom to communicate the success stories and empowerment initiatives that the entity has.

“The committee appreciated the hard work and dedication of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station team. The committee said their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and community engagement is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring a sustainable future for nuclear energy in South Africa,” she said.

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