21 December 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) welcomed the appointment of Penelope “Penny” Msimango as Head of Department (HoD) within the province’s Department of Health (DoH) – a role she has held in an acting capacity since last year. The DA has long held the view that prolonged acting appointments at senior management level carry inherent risks.
DA KZN spokesperson on Health and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Dr Imran Keeka said this includes instability, a lack of strategic continuity and the unintended undermining of the authority of the office. Keeka said the confirmation of Msimango’s permanent appointment is therefore both necessary and welcome.
“Msimango has served the DoH for many years and brings with her substantial institutional knowledge. This has been evident through her recent engagements and presentations before the Health Portfolio Committee, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and other oversight platforms.
“During this period, she has demonstrated leadership and has been instrumental in addressing a number of long-standing matters within the DoH. Notably, she becomes only the second female HoD in the provincial administration, after the Treasury,” he said.
Keeka further said the challenges facing KZN’s DoH remain significant. He added that the department’s financial position is fragile, workforce morale appears to be concerning low, critical posts remain vacant and aging infrastructure and equipment – particularly within Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – continue to place strain on service delivery.
“It is clear that the task ahead will be demanding and the HoD will have her hands full. The DA looks forward to working closely with the HoD at all levels to ensure that the health needs of KZN’s people are prioritised and met. As a constructive partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) our commitment to building a capable, ethical and caring state remains unwavering.
21 December 2025- Coach Hugo Broos will lead the South African senior men’s national soccer team for the 50th time when Bafana Bafana face Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on 22 December 2025. Kick-off is at 7pm (South African time).
It has been a long road at the helm for the Belgian mentor and his tenure with Bafana Bafana started on a winning note, setting the tone for his stay in the more than four years he has been steering the ship. On 5 May 2021, the South African Football Association (SAFA) appointed Broos to take charge of the country’s senior men’s national team.
In the following month (10 June 2021), he was in the dugout for the first time at Orlando Stadium, where Bafana Bafana ran out 3-2 winners against Uganda in an international friendly match. Over four years later, the 73-year-old mentor is on the brink of a half century of matches with the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said Broos has been in charge of 49 Bafana Bafana matches, bringing him to one away from reaching a half century, and in that time, Bafana Bafana have made great strides. Jrodaan congratulated Hugo for reaching this milestone.
“Notably, Bafana Bafana were ranked 75th when Broos arrived and they are now in 61st spot, with the top 50 well within sight for some time. The team took the Bronze medal at the last edition of AFCON, which was hosted by Côte d’Ivoire in 2024.
“Broos and his men took it up a notch when they qualified for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in October 2025, a tournament that will be held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June – 19 July 2026,” he said.
Jordaan further said on a personal note, on 5 May 2025, Broos equalled the late Clive Barker’s record of being Bafana Bafana’s longest-serving coach as he reached exactly four years at the helm. He added that Barker, who guided the South African senior men’s national soccer team to their 1996 AFCON triumph, was in charge from 1 Jan 1994 to 1 Jan 1998, while Broos now holds the record of having been in charge for well over four years.
“Most importantly, Bafana Bafana are now a force to be reckoned with and Broos’ record of 24 wins, 19 draws and just six defeats ranks amongst the best of the coaches that have guided the team. Broos has enjoyed some big victories along the way, including beating Sierra Leone 4-0 in a friendly and Namibia by the same scoreline at the previous Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 5-0 hammering of Congo Brazzaville in a qualifier for this year’s AFCON.
“He has indicated that he would step down after the World Cup next year, but for now he remains focused on the job at hand. If his time with Bafana Bafana is anything to go by, then there’s a very good reason for the nation to believe that Bafana Bafana will put on a great show at the AFCON in Morocco and then proceed to the World Cup full of confidence,” said Jordaan.
Below are coach Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana results from 2021 to date:
SA 3-2 Uganda (Friendly)
Zimbabwe 0-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Ghana (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Ethiopia 1-3 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Ethiopia (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 1-0 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Ghana 1-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Guinea 0-0 SA (Friendly)
France 5-0 SA (Friendly)
Morocco 2-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 4-0 Sierra Leone (Friendly)
SA 1-0 Botswana (Friendly)
SA 2-1 Mozambique (Friendly)
SA 1-1 Angola (Friendly)
SA 2-2 Liberia (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Liberia 1-2 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 2-1 Morocco (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 0-0 Namibia (Friendly)
SA 1-0 DR Congo (Friendly)
SA 0-0 Eswatini (Friendly)
SA 1-1 Ivory Coast (Friendly)
SA 2-1 Benin (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Rwanda 2-0 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Mali 2-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations)
SA 4-0 Namibia (Africa Cup of Nations)
Tunisia 0-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations)
SA 2-0 Morocco (Africa Cup of Nations)
Cape Verde 0-0 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals, Bafana won on penalties)
Nigeria 1-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Semi-finals, Bafana lost on penalties)
SA 0-0 DR Congo (Africa Cup of Nations third place playoff, Bafana won on penalties)
Andorra 1-1 SA (Friendly)
Algeria 3-3 SA (Friendly)
Nigeria 1-1 SA (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 3-1 Zimbabwe (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
SA 2-2 Uganda (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
South Sudan 2-3 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 5-0 Congo Brazzaville (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Congo Brazzaville 1-1 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
Uganda 0-2 SA (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 3-0 South Sudan (Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier)
SA 2-0 Lesotho (FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Bafana forfeit the match 3-0)
21 December 2025- World football governing body, FIFA, has added another layer of supporter tickets for participating nations’ fans. The pricing for these tickets will start at $60.00 in this supporter sales phase and it will close on 13 January 2026, where all requested tickets will be allocated via a lottery system as it was the case in previous tournaments.
South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO, Lydia Monyepao said this phase allows participating team fans to purchase tickets to a dedicated area and sit together. Monyepao said this means Bafana Bafana fans can bring the noise to the Mexicans just like they did in 2010 in South Africa.
“For South Africans looking to be part of the biggest sporting event in the world, they need to have a FIFA ID that is made available by the world football governing body. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has the Access Codes and will share those who have a FIFA ID and a valid South African passport.
“They will then be able to order their tickets on the FIFA website using their FIFA ID. Each SAFA FAN CODE allows South African fans to buy up to 4 tickets per match in the group stages. The possible matches in the knockout phase are also available for fans to purchase should Bafana Bafana progress all the way to the finals,” she said.
Monyepao further said should Bafana Bafana get knocked out, the South African allocated tickets will be refunded by FIFA. She added that, after 13 January 2026, fans will be notified of their ticket allocation via the lottery, and they will need to make the payments before 2 February 2026.
“The Bafana Bafana players, coach Hugo Broos and the staff are all looking forward to seeing South African fans in the stands during the tournament – whether they travel from South Africa or from other parts of the world – and create a vibe in Mexico City, Atlanta and Monterrey in the tournament group stages.
“Fans can also visit http://www.SAFA.net and see all the information on the FanZone page. If you want to purchase tickets, register with FIFA for your FIFA ID (FIFA.com is the ONLY authorised platform) – fifa-fwc26-us.tickets.fifa.com↗. Register and request your fan code from SAFA Fan Club (A valid SA passport is required) – https://mailchi.mp/safa.net/safa-fanclub,” said Monyepao.
21 December 2025- The police have launched an investigation following a Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robbery and murder that occurred at around 5:15pm on 19 December 2025, on the R510 road between Rustenburg and Northam, at Dikweipi village, outside Mogwase. It is alleged that security personnel were inside a CIT van, which was travelling from Northam to Rustenburg when they saw a burning vehicle in the middle of the road.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said they decided to take a detour through Dikweipi village, thinking there was a community protest. Myburgh said they were about to take the detour when a group of heavily armed men fired shots and injured the driver.
“The suspects then disarmed one of the security officers of his 9mm pistol and ammunition before exploding the CIT van with explosives. The suspects, who were using a Toyota GD6 and a Toyota Fortuner, were loading cash into the vehicles when an unknown man attempted to join the robbers to pick up money, but was allegedly shot dead by one of the robbers.
“Investigations into the matter are ongoing and no one has been arrested yet,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, called upon the public to refrain from picking up money and tampering with and contaminating crime scenes as this is life-threatening and jeopardises investigations.
21 December 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said the best way to secure the country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children. Ramaphosa said since the advent of democracy, they have made considerable progress in reducing child poverty and mortality.
He further said they have expanded access to education and are now focused on making sure every child has access to early childhood development. Ramaphosa added that earlier this month, cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC).
“It focuses on a range of interventions to improve the conditions and the development of our nation’s children and adolescents. The strategy follows extensive consultation with the children’s sector, relevant government departments and with children themselves.
“It identifies ten priorities for children and teenagers that seek to galvanise all of society. The strategy follows key milestones in the life of children, paying added attention to adolescents and children with disabilities. The strategy will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children 2025-2030,” he said.
Ramaphosa said this is a comprehensive roadmap to promote and protect the rights of children as enshrined in their constitution. He said it relies on closer collaboration between government, civil society organisations and all other social partners.
Rampahosa said business has a critical role to play. He said the private sector has considerable resources and logistics infrastructure that could be used to distribute food, toys, information to parents and books to children in thousands of under-resourced early learning programmes across the country.
“Trade unions also play an important role because most workers are parents and need time and support to nurture their children. Today, our children live on the edge of great possibility, but also great risk. Many children in our country continue to bear the ill-effects of poverty, which negatively affects their health, social, educational and other outcomes.
“A recent report by Statistics South Africa on poverty trends showed that while child poverty declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023, the child poverty rate in South Africa is still the highest for any age group. Nearly half of our country’s children live in poverty. Many children are disadvantaged before they are even born, with maternal undernutrition contributing to low-birth weights,” said Ramaphosa.
He said because it is difficult for malnourished mothers to breastfeed, babies are being weaned onto low-protein diets, which lower their immunity and make them susceptible to infections. Ramphosa said as they grow up, their health suffers and they fall further behind.
“As children’s advocates keep reminding us, this domino effect must be broken. Crimes against children, including abuse, neglect and abandonment, are worryingly high. Figures released during Child Protection Month in May revealed that there were more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect reported in the 2024/2025 financial year. The majority of cases involved sexual abuse.
“The experience of children today will determine our nation’s social and economic wellbeing over the next twenty years. If we protect and nurture them right from the time of conception until they leave school, they will be brighter, get better jobs and contribute more to their communities and the economy,” he said.
Ramaphosa said one of the initiatives emerging from the strategy is the national ‘Hold My Hand’ campaign. He said it calls on each of them to imagine what would happen, if every child born today, tomorrow, the next day and the next had enough love, enough food, safety and brainpower.
“It would change the future. As 2025 draws to a close and we look towards the new year’s ‘Hold my Hand’ calls on every person in South Africa to do just one thing to improve the lives of children. We pay tribute to the thousands of civil society activists who have championed child rights and provided care over many decades.
“Thank you to our health workers, teachers, child and youth care workers and social workers for protecting, developing and inspiring our children. We also pay tribute to the parents, grandparents and relatives who care for the young in our society,” said Ramaphosa.
He said for the sake of their shared future, they must work together to ensure that their nation’s children and young people grow, thrive and are happy.
21 December 2025- Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations together with Crime Detection Tracing Unit have launched a manhunt for the suspects involved in a multiple shooting incident during the early hours in Bekkersdal on 21 December 2025. The incident has resulted in nine people being killed and 10 being injured.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the incident occurred just before 1am, at Tambo Section. Muridili said it is reported that about 12 unknown suspects in a white kombi and a silver sedan, opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene.
“The tavern is licensed. The injured have been taken to medical facilities for treatment. The police have mobilised all the necessary resources including Forensic Crime Scene Management and Crime Intelligence. The motive for the shooting will be determined by investigation.
“Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation can contact SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send tip-offs on MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: One of the fleets seized by the police/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
21 December 2025- The newly-established Crime Combatting Team to address illegal mining in the Bapong area arrested 21 suspects from 11 until 20 December 2025, at Sarajevo Section, Legalaopeng, and Modderspruit villages in the policing precinct of Mooinooi. The suspects were nabbed mostly for contravention of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002), and for contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said 11 suspects were arrested on 12 December 2025 and a Toyota LDV loaded with chrome-bearing material, as well as other mining equipment was seized. Myburgh said on 13 December 2025, one suspect was arrested and a truck with two trailers containing chrome-bearing material was seized.
“On 14 December 2025, the team arrested five more suspects for drinking in public. Two of them were further charged for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. On 18 December 2025, the team arrested a suspect (51) for contravention of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act, 2002 and seized a Nissan 1-ton truck, an excavator, and mining equipment.
“On 20 December 2025, a suspect (19) was arrested in Sarajevo with a wheelbarrow containing chrome-bearing material and charged for illegal mining. The team apprehended two more suspects, a man (52) and a woman (41). They also seized the pair’s vehicle, a bakkie containing chrome-bearing material. The suspects are both undocumented Zimbabweans,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, thanked the members for their hard work and continued efforts in the fight against illicit mining activities in the Bapong area.
Picture: The Chief of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape, Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 December 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa said he is deeply saddened by the passing of Kgosi Bogosieng Mahura of Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana in the Northern Cape. Hlabisa said Mahura was the eldest member of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
“It is sad that the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership loses one of its elders when we were still looking forward to continuing to draw from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
“Mahura was known for speaking truth to power and was one of our exceptional leaders who led from the front on all key matters relating to the development of communities,” he said.
Hlabisa further said in meetings of the National House and government, he clearly articulated the priorities of the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and shared proposed solutions. He added that notwithstanding the fact that he was fluent in both English and Afrikaans, he took pride in expressing himself in his home language of Setswana, demonstrating his commitment to the promotion of our indigenous languages as a nation.
“We will also remember Mahura for his admirable recollection of the history of traditional leadership in the country. He would often remind us of how things were during the homelands system and the lessons that we should draw from those years, as well as the mistakes that we should not repeat.
“His passing symbolises a burning library, and it is indeed a loss to the institution of traditional and khoi-san leadership and those of us who work with the institution to address the plight of traditional and khoi-san communities,” said Hlabisa.
He said on behalf of the government and the Ministry of CoGTA, he wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the Mahura Royal Family, the traditional community he served, the leadership and members of the Northern Cape National Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders and all those who were touched by his life. Hlabisa said South Africa has lost a revered traditional leader, a custodian of culture, and a servant of the people.
“May our good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul said: “Mahura served as a member of the John Taolo Gaetsewe Local House of Traditional Leaders, He also represented Dikgosi at the Joe Morolong Local Municipality, in line with Section 81 of the Municipal Systems Act, which interfaced with municipal council’s, through participation of Traditional Leaders in Municipalities.
“Mahura was a member of the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, where he served in the Gender and Social Development Committee.”
Saul said Mahura was also the longest serving member of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as one of the three Dikgosi representing the Northern Cape. He said in serving his community with fairness, wisdom and distinction, Mahura served with a deep sense of Ubuntu and great care.
“Moreover his polite yet warm demeanour coupled with inexorably championing the interests of the Baga Mahura Traditional Community, are indelibly etched in the memory of his community which he served with unflinching commitment.
“In mourning the great loss of Mahura, we trust that his legacy in matters of community building, cultural preservation and the stability of the Ba ga Mahura Traditional Community will live on in perpetuity for the people he so caringly served,” said Saul.
Picture: Umkhonto WeSizwe Party member, Thabo Sehloho/Supplied
By THABO SEHLOHO
18 December 2025- The National Treasury’s decision to withhold equitable share allocations to 15 municipalities in the North West, including Mamusa, Ditsobotla, and Madibeng, has a serious negative impact on human life. This decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the affected municipalities, their employees and the communities they serve.
The withholding of equitable share allocations will severely impact the ability of these municipalities to deliver basic services to their communities, including water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management. The impact will be felt in various areas such as service delivery.
Disruptions in essential services will negatively affect the health, safety, and well-being of residents. Municipalities are struggling to maintain infrastructure and provide basic services.
Municipal employees already struggling with delayed salary payments will be hardest hit.
Further delays or non-payment of salaries will have devastating consequences for workers and their families. The lack of equitable share allocations will cripple the financial capacity of these municipalities, making it challenging to meet operational expenses, pay service providers, contractors and creditors.
The communities served by these municipalities will face increased risks of water-borne diseases, power outages, and uncollected waste, among other challenges. Local businesses will also suffer.
I call on the National Treasury and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and address the underlying issues affecting these municipalities, to ensure the continued delivery of essential services to our communities.
(Note: Mr Thabo Sehloho writes this article in his personal capacity and the content of the article does not represent the views of The Guardian Newspaper or its associates. The content of the article remains the views of the author and The Guardian Newspaper does not agree nor disagree with the content)
Picture: Four traffic officers arrested for murder and defeating the ends of justice in Klerksdorp
By REGINALD KANYANE
18 December 2025- Four national traffic police officers, who are accused of murder, briefly appeared at the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court today. The accused, Inspector Rudolph Foromo (29), Inspector Smanga Dladla (31), Inspector Colani Senzo Dlamini (34) and Inspector Vusumuzi Justice Simelane (36) are facing murder and defeating the ends of justice case.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said it is alleged that, they shot and killed a Nigerian national, Osinakachukwu Macus Onu (37), at approximately 3am on the N12 road in Klerksdorp on 17 December 2025. Myburgh said it is alleged that the deceased who was reportedly legal in the country, was chased by four traffic police officers while conducting operations.
“In pursuit, the Onu was allegedly shot and his vehicle was later found in the middle of the road on the opposite side of the N12 road. The police were notified of the incident and swiftly responded.
“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the traffic officials involved had already left the scene. Information received and preliminary investigations by detectives led the team to a place in Klerkdorp, where the accused’ official firearms were seized for forensic ballistic analysis,” she said.
Myburgh further said the murder and defeating the ends of justice case against the accused was postponed until Friday, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Naidoo, commended the Klerksdorp Detectives police for their swift and effective response. Naidoo thanked those who assisted the police with information that led to the arrest to ensure that justice is served.
“We urge members of the community to continue to work with the police in resolving crime,” he added.
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