Picture: The police conduct search and patrol duirng Operation Shanela/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
17 February 2026- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District has expressed concern over incidents of malicious damage to property, particularly those linked to domestic violence. The police said it has been observed that many of these incidents originate from domestic disputes at private residences, where disagreements between individuals escalate and result in the destruction of property.
The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said malicious damage to property is a serious criminal offence in terms of South African law. Magerman said perpetrators will be arrested, prosecuted and held accountable, regardless of the domestic circumstances under which the offence was committed.
Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, calls on communities within the district to act responsibly and assist in curbing such incidents. Andrews said any person who wilfully damages or destroys the property of another commits a criminal offence and may be arrested.
“Domestic disputes do not justify criminal conduct, and SAPS will respond decisively to all reported incidents. Victims of domestic violence and related property destruction are encouraged to report incidents immediately at their nearest police station, by contacting the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or by using the MySAPS App.
“The SAPS in the Namakwa District remains committed to ensuring the safety and stability of all communities. District Management further urges communities to work in partnership with law enforcement and community structures to address and prevent incidents of domestic violence,” he said.
Picture: North West University (NWU) Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
17 February 2026 – North West University (NWU) Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis said the term ‘multilingualism’ can often be used as window-dressing to obscure a lack of commitment to their national inclusivity. Du Plessis said, however, proclaiming a commitment to multilingualism is very different from being an active participant in the promotion of multilingualism.
According to du Plessis, it is imperative that South Africa’s higher education institutions realise that multilingualism is more than policy compliance. She said it is a critical life skill in an interconnected, multicultural and digitally driven world.
“To study in a multilingual environment equips students and staff with adaptability, cultural intelligence, empathy, and cognitive flexibility. It nurtures the ability to engage across differences, which is a competency increasingly demanded in workplaces, research collaborations, and civic life.
“In this sense, multilingualism prepares graduates not only for employment, but for leadership in diverse societies. In this regard, the NWU has distinguished itself as an institution where multilingualism is not only embraced but incorporated into its many facets,” said du Plessis.
She further said at the NWU, multilingualism is not an abstract ideal. Du Plessis added that it is a lived institutional commitment.
“Our functional multilingual policy ensures that, where possible and not restricted by resources or regulatory factors, classes are offered in more than one language, specifically Afrikaans and English, while materials and communication are provided in the other official NWU languages, namely Setswana and Sesotho, wherever possible.
“In doing so, we move beyond symbolic recognition of languages and actively embed multilingualism in teaching, learning, communication, and community engagement, while taking into account the diversity and multiplicity of our students and staff,” she said.
Du Plessis said they also ensure that they demonstrate their multilingual commitment across their communication platforms, including websites, and by supporting their deaf staff and students through the provision of South African Sign Language (SASL). She said the Language Directorate was founded to ensure that multilingualism is prioritised both institutionally and operationally.
“The Directorate provides a coordinated and structured approach to language planning, implementation, and monitoring across faculties and divisions. By embedding multilingualism into governance structures, academic processes, and student support systems, the Language Directorate reinforces the understanding that language is central to academic excellence, equity, and institutional transformation.
“We note how the rise of multilingualism is embraced both by national and multinational organisations. The United Nations’ Multilingualism Matters campaign and the planned launch of the UNESCO Global Roadmap on Multilingualism in the Digital Era in December 2025 signal a renewed international commitment to language equity,” she said.
Du Plessis said since the adoption of the UN General Assembly’s Multilingualism Resolution in June 2022, momentum has continued to build worldwide. She said this global movement affirms what South Africa’s Constitution (Section 6(4)), the Official Languages Use Act (2012), and the 2020 Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions have long recognised: language equity and respect for all official languages are essential to dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation.
“At the NWU, we take this responsibility seriously. We have expanded our official languages to four — English, Afrikaans, Setswana, and Sesotho — and continue to invest in multilingual teaching, terminology development, interpreting and translation services, and accessible language learning opportunities for staff and students.
“Progress since the approval of faculty and support unit language plans in 2019 has been encouraging, particularly in advancing Setswana and Sesotho as languages of learning and teaching. However, the development of African languages for scholarship and innovation remains an ongoing priority requiring sustained investment and collaboration,” said du Plessis.
Picture: Residents during engagement with the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
17 February 2026- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua has met with the community of Dithakong village, outside Mahikeng to provide an update on the status of the upgrade of Z473 road from D3545 to D41 roads. Mokua said the engagement follows the withdrawal of the initially appointed contractor, who officially communicated his withdrawal in December 2025.
She further said the unfortunate development led to delays in the commencement of construction works. Mokua added that the project is aimed at upgrading the existing gravel road to a surfaced road using paving blocks.
“The scope of work includes the construction of a new pavement structure comprising surfacing, base and sub-base layers, and paved walkways. The department has since initiated a new procurement process. Project specifications were approved in January 2026, and the project was re-advertised in February 2026.
“We assure the community through the tribal leadership of Kgosi Tawana that the re-advertisement process is being handled with urgency to ensure that the project resumes as soon as possible,” she said.
Mokua said the people of Dithakong have waited patiently for this development. She said, as a department, they have accelerated the process of the appointment of a new contractor.
“We remain committed to delivering quality infrastructure that improves mobility, enhances safety, and stimulates local economic growth. We will not abandon this project. The department aimed to conclude the appointment of a replacement contractor anticipated by March 2026.
“Beyond improving road infrastructure, the project carries significant socio-economic benefits. A minimum of 30% of the contract value will be subcontracted to targeted local enterprises. The project will maximise labour-intensive construction methods to create employment opportunities for local residents,” said Mokua.
She said in the meantime, her department will use internal teams to ensure the road is trafficable.
17 February 2026- Detectives from Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime Unit together with Springbok Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences and SAPS from Springbok and Nababeep are still tirelessly investigating the disappearance of David Waterboer (14) on 7 February 2025, in Nababeep. The police said Waterboer was last seen at approximately 10:50am by his mother before she left for work.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said he reportedly intended to attend a sporting event in Concordia. Ehlers said Waterboer was last seen wearing black short pants, a black t-shirt and navy blue sandals.
“A reward of R75 000 is offered by SAPS to any individual who can assist with the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators and locating Waterboer. All information will be handled confidentially and can be relayed to Colonel Browers at 082 447 1829, Sergeant Mpasa at 083 690 4790 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via the MySAPS App,” she said.
Picture: A suspected stolen bakkie discovered on N1 road in Three Sisters/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 February 2026- A man (35) was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle. This comes after the members of Richmond A shift swiftly responded to a tip-off of a possible stolen vehicle that was left abandoned on the N1 road in the direction of Three Sisters.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the suspect was arrested in Richmond on 16 February 2026, after he was linked to the theft of a vehicle at a car wash in Cape Town on 15 February 2026. Litabe said the police in Richmond, in conjunction with the Local Criminal Record Centre and the Vehicle Crime Investigating Units based in Richmond, were acting on intelligence-driven information when they found an abandoned vehicle near the N1 road about 15km from Three Sisters.
“One suspect was traced to a mechanic’s shop in Richmond and was subsequently arrested. He was charged for the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and will be appearing in court in Richmond soon. The vehicle was confiscated and further investigations are underway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Police Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, welcomed the swift action and commended all the role-players that were involved in recovering the vehicle and apprehending the perpetrator.
17 February 2026- In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, spoke about the work they are doing in schools to prepare young people to compete and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Ramaphosa said while they have made significant progress over the last three decades from expanding access to school to steadily improving matric results, there are still huge challenges in education.
He further said access to resources and quality teaching is uneven. Ramaphosa added that schools in townships and rural areas often struggle with overcrowding and educators have limited access to professional development and support.
“One of the efforts helping to fill this gap is the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which was founded in 2020 as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The initiative deploys young people to schools as education assistants.
“To date, the school assistants’ programme has created more than 1.3 million work opportunities. It is the largest youth employment programme in our country’s history, giving young people their first foothold in the world of work while strengthening the foundations of learning in the schools that need it most,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the young people involved in the programme go into schools well prepared. He said general school assistants need to at least have Grade 9, while education assistants need at least a matric certificate.
“In the most recent phase of the programme, 32% of education assistants had some sort of tertiary qualification and 14% had a teaching qualification. Education assistants are provided with both compulsory and optional training including on school safety, online safety, financial literacy, word processing, AI fluency and coding.
“The initiative provides work experience and livelihood support while at the same time advancing the public good. This is part of the goal of the Public Employment Stimulus to deliver public employment and livelihood programmes on a large scale while providing social value in the process,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the work of the education assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and on lesson preparation, thereby contributing directly to improved educational outcomes. Ramaphosa said education assistants have been placed at 19 000 no-fee primary schools to support numeracy and as Reading Champions to support literacy and bilingual reading.
“The effect of this intervention is being seen in rapid improvements in foundational literacy skills in many schools. Beyond educational and curriculum support, education assistants are supporting digital learning, working in care and support with at-risk learners, and serving as laboratory and workshop assistants.
“This is not only good for the schools. For many of the school assistants, this experience is transformative. They are gaining skills and real work experience that will serve them well in finding employment and succeeding in their careers,” he said.
Ramaphosa said as they work to expand access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) through the Bana Pele mass registration of ECD facilities and an increase in subsidies for ECD learners, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has stepped up support to the sector through the Social Employment Fund. He said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, working with an implementing partner, is helping more than 1,000 previously disadvantaged, underfunded ECD centres to meet the qualifying criteria for ECD subsidy.
“The centres are also receiving nutritional support for learners, as well as toys, books and learning materials. The work supported by the Social Employment Fund now reaches over 50,000 children in ECD centres across the country.
“Meeting the constitutional imperative to provide quality education to our nation’s young is an all-of-society effort. These initiatives illustrate clearly the benefits of multisectoral cooperation between government, the private sector and civil society,” said Ramaphosa.
He said it is their aspiration that this successful programme should continue to grow as we strive to create more work opportunities for young South Africans and at the same time deliver quality education for all.
16 February 2026- A Brigadier General attached to the Intelligence Division of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Johannes Prince Mkabela (53), appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on a charge of corruption involving R1.5 million. It is alleged that on 13 February 2026, the accused met with an Investigating Officer who is investigating a case of intimidation against the accused.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said during the meeting, the accused allegedly paid the Investigating Officer R50 000 as a deposit and promised to pay the outstanding balance by September 2026, in exchange for the investigating officer to destroy the case docket against him. Mahanjana said following the exchange, members of the Madlanga Commission Task Team arrested the accused.
“The matter was postponed to 20 February 2026 for bail investigations,” she said.
Picture: Three murder accused appear in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 February 2026- Three accused persons, Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25) and McClaren Mushwana (30) appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they abandoned their bail application. They face charges of premeditated murder of a Nigerian national, Isaac Satlat (23), who was an e-hailing driver.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said the accused are also facing a case of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 11 February 2026, the accused ordered e-hailing services using a mobile phone number that was not registered in their name.
“When the vehicle arrived, Mphela and an accomplice, who is still at large, got into the vehicle, while the other two accused followed in a separate car. Mphela and her accomplice allegedly forced the deceased to stop the vehicle, strangled him to death and robbed him of his cell phone and vehicle, which was later recovered.
“The incident was captured by a camera installed in the vehicle, and the footage was circulated on social media. Investigations by the South African Police Service led to the arrest of Mphela on 13 February 2026. The other two accused were arrested on 15 February 2026. The matter was postponed to 23 February 2026 for further investigations,” she said.
Mahanjana further said the NPA remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
Picture: A councillor in Matlosana Local Municipality, Sello Molefi/Facebook
By STAFF REPORTER
16 February 2026 – A man (35) is expected to briefly appear at Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for murder. This comes after he is accused of killing ANC councillor in Matlosana Local Municipality, Sello Molefi (46). On 13 February 2026, at approximately 5:35am, the police were alerted to an incident outside a tavern in Voortrekker Street in Klerksdorp Central Business District (CBD).
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said upon arrival at the scene, the police found the body of Molefi lying on the ground with a stab wound on the neck. Myburgh said emergency medical personnel were summoned and subsequently certified the victim dead at the scene.
“A multi-disciplinary investigation was immediately launched by members of the Potchefstroom Anti-Gang Investigation Unit, Klerksdorp Detectives, and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly stabbed during an argument reportedly linked to a dispute over a girlfriend,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has noted the swift arrest of a suspect. Naidoo commended the coordinated efforts of the investigating teams for their prompt response and professionalism in ensuring that the suspect was brought before the law without delay.
16 February 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana’s road to the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins in earnest when they participate in this year’s 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship. A few days ago coach, Desiree Ellis announced a 38-member squad in preparation for an Alignment camp for the COSAFA Women’s Championship and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The team went into camp on 13 February 2026, in preparation for the two tournaments to be played this year. The WAFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17-3 April 2026, while the COSAFA Women’s Championship will be held in Polokwane, South Africa, from 18 February – 1 March 2026.
Ellis said she will use the regional tournament as part of her preparations for WAFCON and a squad made up of only local-based players will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on Friday before making their way to Limpopo on Sunday. She said the overseas-based contingent is expected to start arriving from 25 February in line with the FIFA calendar window.
“The squad will be trimmed down to the required number after the COSAFA Women’s Championship before they travel to North Africa. In the regional tournament, the South African senior women’s national team was drawn in Group A alongside Malawi, Lesotho and Angola.
“The 2022 African Champions will kick off the competition with a clash against the Scorchers of Malawi on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Seshego Stadium. The action will move to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the next two matches where the South Africans will host Angola on 21 February 2026, followed by the last group stages game against Lesotho on 24 February 2026,” she said.
Ellis further said kick-off for all three fixtures is at 3pm. She said the semi-final clashes have been scheduled in for 27 February 2026.
“There is a third-place play-off match on Sunday, 1 March at midday, which will precede the final scheduled for 15h00 on the same day at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. In the WAFCON, Banyana Banyana will face off against the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.
“For the first time in the history of the competition, 16 nations will take part and the top four will qualify for the Brazil 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said Ellis.
The Guardian 