School winter camps underway

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Picture: A Grade 12 learner during winter camp/Supplied  

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has launched Winter Camps across the province as part of its ongoing efforts to improve Grade 12 learners’ performance in the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. A total of 131 winter camps are being hosted during the winter school holidays, comprising 117 residential camps and 14 walk-in camps.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said these camps are expected to benefit approximately 35 943 Grade 12 learners from across the province. Motsumi said in 117 residential camps, candidates reside full-time at the camp to guarantee high discipline, complete focus and continuous tutoring access.

“Learners have been given rules of the camp that they should obey and parents have also signed the commitment thereof. The department has created structured day-intervention points for learners where non-residential access is logistically more practical or preferred.

“The primary objective for the winter camps is to help struggling candidates break through key mental roadblocks to comfortably secure good/passing grades at the end of the year. General revision is replaced by highly intensive deep dives into high-weight, complex topics inside core gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Accounting,” she said.

Motsumi emphasised that the winter camps it’s a strategy aimed at providing support and revision to the Learners. She further said the winter camps provide learners with intensive academic support, revision sessions and examination preparation in key subjects to strengthen their readiness for the final matric examinations.

“They provide a general revision and these interventions operate as highly coordinated, syllabus-focused and targeted academic exercises designed to lift our provincial matric results to greater heights.

“The department has prioritised safety in all the camps. A Provincial Rapid Response Team (PRRT) composed of officials from different units has been established to monitor issues of safety above the security personnel appointed in all the camps,” added Motsumi.

She said they are pleading with the general community to support learners who are in the camps by giving them a peaceful moment. Motsumi said the winter camp programme commenced on 26 June 2026, during the winter vacation and will conclude on 19 July 2026.

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Cleaning campaign in honour of Madiba

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Picture: The late Dr Nelson Mandela 

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 July 2026 – As South Africa prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of its revered leader, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africans are reminded of one of the inspiring quotes widely attributed to him: “It always seems impossible until it is done”. Inspired by this spirit, the Nchafatso ya Ga-Rankuwa Community Initiative is organising another Letsema community clean-up campaign as part of the Nelson Mandela Day celebrations.

Nchafatso ya Ga-Rankuwa Community Initiative spokesperson, Otsile Pelo said this initiative follows the successful Youth Day project held on 16 June 2026, during which community members came together to clean an unused open space in Ward 31, Zone 4, near the mountain range. Pelo said the neglected site had become a threat to the health, safety and well-being of residents.

“The Mandela Day clean-up campaign forms part of a broader vision to facilitate the adoption of the site by the community, in partnership with the City of Tshwane Municipality. The aim is to transform the area into a safe recreational and social space that can be enjoyed by residents for generations to come.

“The site has previously been associated with criminal activity and neglect, posing a significant safety risk to surrounding residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly,” he said.

Pelo further said through this initiative, the community seeks to reclaim and restore the space while promoting safety, environmental responsibility, and social cohesion. He added that this initiative is about more than cleaning a piece of land—it is about fostering a sense of ownership, active citizenship, and community pride.

“As the saying goes: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”. This sentiment resonates strongly with the Setswana proverb, Kopano ke maatla (Unity is strength). The initiative has already demonstrated the positive impact of collective action. Through the active participation of residents and the support of the City of Tshwane Municipality, significant progress has been made.

“Most recently, the installation of a high-mast light has greatly improved visibility in the area, enhancing safety and helping to deter criminal activity. The growing sense of pride among community members continues to inspire greater participation in maintaining clean, safe and welcoming public spaces,” said Pelo.

He said the residents are encouraged to join the Mandela Day Letsema campaign as they honour the legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Pelo said as Nelson Mandela reminded them that, “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”

“Creating a better world begins with caring for our own environment and working together to build stronger, safer, and more united communities. Let us continue to work together towards the better society envisioned by Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” he said.

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Grade 7 learner participate in spelling competition in China

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Picture: Grade 7 learner, Mbulelo Tolom/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education extends its heartfelt best wishes to Team South Africa as they prepare to represent the nation at the Spelling Bee World Cup taking place in Shanghai, China from 13 to 20 July 2026. The department is especially proud of a Grade 7 learner from Klerksdorp Primary School, Mbulelo Tolom (12), who has earned a place in the national team.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said Tolom is one of six outstanding learners who will proudly represent South Africa on the global stage, showcasing their exceptional spelling abilities and academic excellence. Motsumi said last year, Tolom won the 2025 South African National Spelling Bee Finals held in Sun City.

She further said by winning the national title, he earned the opportunity to represent South Africa at the African Junior Championship Spelling Competition, which was held in Zimbabwe. Motsumi added that Team South Africa won the first position, followed by Nigeria in second and Zimbabwe in third.

“The participants in the competition won the spelling competition from School, Cluster, Local Education Area, District and National level. The Spelling Bee Competition promotes literacy, reading, language skills, and academic excellence among learners.

“We wish Team South Africa every success as they prepare to compete at the Spelling Bee World Cup. On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I would like to wish Team South Africa the very best as they compete at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China,” she said.

Motsumi said she encourages their learners to remain calm, confident and believe in their abilities. She said this is their moment to demonstrate to the world that South Africa is home to some of the finest young spellers.

“Their achievement is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teachers, who continue to provide quality education and nurture excellence in our schools. We are proud of you and wish you every success. Go and make South Africa proud.

“The department wishes Tolom, his teammates, and the entire Team South Africa every success as they compete against the world’s best young spellers. May this experience be rewarding, inspiring, and filled with memorable achievements.

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Morweng calls on scholar transport operators to comply ahead of reopening of schools

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has encouraged all contracted scholar transport operators to bring their vehicles for verification and inspection process. The department said this is to ensure that all applicable legislation and contractual obligations have been abided by and complied with, before the schools’ commencement for the Third Term of the academic year on 21 July 2026. 

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said in line with stringent measures to ensure leaner safety, his department has begun a process of conducting a compulsory inspection and verification process for all leaner transport buses. Morweng said all contracted operators had been informed of the process, but not all brought their vehicles for inspection.

“The inspections will focus on roadworthiness, safety requirements, authenticating the number of vehicles deployed per route and confirming the validity of operating licenses amongst others. Of concern is that 558 operators have not as yet submitted the required documentation as part of the inspection. 

“Operators are advised that as per the Service Level Agreement, (SLA), a vehicle which has failed inspection or has not been verified, will not be permitted to provide scholar transport services. No payment will be processed for services rendered with non-compliant vehicles,” he said.

Morweng further said his department wishes to once again reiterate that learner safety will not be compromised and as has happened before, the contract of any non-complying service provider will be terminated as detailed in SLA. He added that operators are therefore implored to present their vehicles at various Vehicle Testing Stations (VTS) between 8am and 4:30pm for inspection and verification.

“They can go to Bapong T.C.C (VTS), Mogwase (VTS), Madikwe (VTS), Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, JB Marks Local Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality (VTS), Ditsobotla Local Municipality (VTS), Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality (VTS), Ganyesa (VTS), Taung (VTS) and Vryburg (Naledi Local Municipality).

“The verification and inspection process period ends on 17 July 2026,” said Morweng.

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Molapisi to unveil housing projects worth over R62 million  

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Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 July 2026 – In an effort to accelerate housing delivery in the province, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi will on 16 July 2026, unveil two housing projects worth over R62 million in THE Greater Taung and Naledi Local municipalities in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District. Molapisi will introduce the two contractors appointed to implement these projects to the councillors in both the municipalities.

He further said the Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality will deliver 216 housing units, while the Geduldspan project in the Naledi Local Municipality will deliver 40 new housing units and the completion of 69 units which were left incomplete by the previous contractor. Molapisis added that both projects, valued at R62 million are expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Molapisi will be accompanied by the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe, Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, Cllr Clifton Groep and Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane of Batlhaping Baga Phuduhucwana in Taung.

Part A of the event will take place at Batlhaping ba ga Phuduhutswana Community Hall in Taung on 16 July 2026 at 11am, while Part B of the programme will take place at Naledi Local Municipality Council Chamber in Vryburg at 3pm.

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Young people receive equipment to grow their businesses

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Picture: North West Social Development HOD, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele (middle) presents material support and equipment to youth owned small businesses in Motswedi village, near Zeerust

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 July 2026 – The North West Department of Social Development has taken a significant step towards promoting youth economic empowerment by providing business equipment and material support to unemployed young entrepreneurs in Motswedi village, near Zeerust. The initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and stimulate local economic development by equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to advance their small businesses.

Addressing the beneficiaries during the handover ceremony, the Head of Department (HOD) of North West Department of Social Development, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and remain committed to building successful businesses that will contribute to the growth of the local economy. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said most of the beneficiaries, who received a range of equipment tailored to their respective business have been receiving cooked meals from Bopang Motho community project.

She further said Bopang Motho loosely translated as ‘moulding a person,’ is a community organisation that was established in 2021 to provide cooked meals to individuals and families facing hunger and starvation. Mhlongo-Kgaboesele added that it also provides skills to unemployed young people to enable them to become change agents in their own families.

“As part of the exit strategy, the department bought them equipment for car washing business, catering and beautification. The materials and equipment will enable them to provide services, generate income, and create employment opportunities within their communities.

“This support is an investment in the future of our young people. We believe that by providing the necessary resources and opportunities, we are empowering youth to become job creators rather than job seekers,” she said.

Mhlongo-Kgaboesele said most people think that becoming an entrepreneur requires a big idea and substantial capital, yet that is not always the case. She said small businesses are proving to be a powerful way to revive rural economies and at the same time beat unemployment by creating much-needed jobs.

“The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the support, noting that the equipment will help them overcome financial barriers that often prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from starting or growing their businesses.

“Twelve other young people received training on plant production and painting from an accredited SETA. The department remains committed to implementing programmes that empower young people, support small businesses and create sustainable livelihoods,” said Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.

She said through partnerships and targeted interventions, the department will continue to invest in initiatives that unlock economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents.

One of the beneficiaries, Tebogo Daniel said he is grateful to receive catering equipment from the department. Daniel started selling food at the post office in 2025 and has hired two unemployed youth.

Another beneficiary, Bopang Khutswane used his R370 social relief of distress grant to open a car wash. Khutswane said his car wash grew bit by bit until he established a structure to wash cars.

“Now that I have received some equipment including a jojo tank, I am looking forward to expanding the business by hiring more unemployed young people,” he said.

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Mokua launches R331m strategic road project

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Picture: North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 July 2026- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua, has 9 July 2026, officially turned the sod and introduced the contractor for the upgrading of the 17km Dwarsberg–Mankaipaya road in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure investment aimed at improving mobility, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs. The R331.7 million multi-year project will see the upgrading of the D506, Z559 and Z539 roads from Dwarsberg to Mankaipaya over an 18-month construction period, with work anticipated to commence in August 2026.

Mokua said the project also includes the construction of bridges, approximately 7km of re-gravelling, segmented paving block surfacing, drainage improvements and other road safety infrastructure. Implemented by TIG Construction (Pty) Ltd, she said the project forms Phase 1A of the broader corridor development programme and is expected to significantly improve access between communities while strengthening one of the province’s strategic transport routes.

“The project will also deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to surrounding communities. A minimum of 30% of the contract value has been earmarked for local SMMEs and subcontracting opportunities, while 120 work opportunities will be created for locals during construction.

“The programme further provides technical and generic skills training, including practical workplace experience for civil engineering students,” said Mokua.

She further said the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure investment translates into meaningful opportunities for communities. Mokua added that infrastructure is more than asphalt and bridges.

“It is an investment in people, economic growth and dignity. Through this project, we are connecting communities to opportunities, creating sustainable employment and empowering local businesses to participate meaningfully in the provincial economy.

“We further call the community to safeguard the project and work with the contractor to ensure its successful completion within the scheduled timeframe,” she said.

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Two men nabbed for drug-related cases

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

10 July 2026 – Two suspects were arrested in separate drug-related incidents by the Members of Charlie Platoon of the Public Order Police (POP) in the Namakwa District during a 12-hour deployment in the Springbok policing area. During the operation, the police stopped and searched a man at a hitchhiking spot in Okiep.

Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Irvin Captain Magerman, said suspected mandrax tablets were found in his possession, leading to his arrest. Magerman said in the early hours of 9 July 2026, the police acted on a tip-off regarding a vehicle allegedly linked to the transportation of drugs.

“Observation points were established around a local fuel station and along the N14 in anticipation of a bus expected to arrive in Springbok. Shortly after 3:30am, when the bus arrived, the police approached the driver of the identified vehicle and with his consent, conducted a search.

“A backpack found on the rear seat contained suspected drugs. A man (58) was arrested at the scene for drug trafficking,” he said.

Magerman further said the police confiscated a substantial amount of suspected mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of approximately R6000, as well as suspected methamphetamine (tik) with an estimated street value of R73 332.50. He added that the suspect briefly appeared in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2026.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the police for their vigilance and acknowledged the valuable cooperation received from the community. Andrews reiterated that the SAPS remains committed to combating drug-related crime and warned that those involved in the illegal drug trade will face the full might of the law.

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Kgetsi ya bogodu jwa leruo e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Nama ya kgomo e go belaelwang e utswitswe

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

10 Phukwi 2026 – Kgetsi kgatlhanong le banna ba le bararo ba dingwaga di le 21 le 42, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Vryburg ka Laboraro. Se, se tla morago ga gore banna ba, ba tshwarwe ke batlhankela ba sepodisi ba lekala la K9 la kwa Vryburg mabapi le go tshola nama e go belaelwang fa e utswilwe.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh, banna ba, ba ne ba emisiwa ke sepodisi kwa tselakgolo ya N18 magareng ga motse wa Dryharts le motsesetoropo wa Huhudi, kwa Vryburg. Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa amogela tshedimosetso ya gore banna bangwe ba ba kgweetsang sejanaga sa modiro wa Uno Fiat ba pegile nama ya kgomo mo sejanageng sa bone, mme ba lebile kwa Vryburg.

“Batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ile ba tsiboga ka bonako, mme ba emisa sejanaga seo. Go begwa fa banna ba, ba ile ba shadikanya matlho fa ba bodiwa gore ba tsaya kae nama e kana-kana. Seo, se ile sa lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga bone.

“Ba tlhageletse ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Vryburg mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go tshola nama e go belaelwang e ka tswa e utswitswe. Dipatlisiso tse di tseneletseng, di shupa fa go tlhabilwe dikgomo di le pedi kwa motsesetoropong wa Pudimoe mono Taung, ntle le kitso ya mong wa tsone,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

Myburgh are dipatlisiso di tsweletse le go bona gore a ka gongwe kgetsi e, e ka se amane le ya kwa Pudimoe.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa nakwana mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, o akgotse batlhankela ba sepodisi ka go tsiboga ka bonako. Naidoo are sepodisi se ikanne go lwa kgatlhanong le bogodu jwa leruo, mme ba tlile go dirisa lephata la bone la botlhodi go dira se.

“Re rotloetsa baagi go tswelela go itsise sepodisi mabapi le ditiragalo dingwe le dingwe tsa bosenyi. Tirisano mmogo magareng ga baagi le sepodisi e tshameka karolo e kgolo mo go rebeng bosenyi, mme seo se tlile go dira gore baagi ba sireletsege,” Naidoo wa tlhalosa.

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Mosadi o tshwaretswe polao le maiteko a polao

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

10 Phukwi 2026 – Mosadi wa dingwaga di le 40 o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Mmabatho mo letsatsing la gompieno mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao le maiteko a polao. Go begwa fa mosadi o, a ile a tlhaba le go bolaya lekgarebe (36) la monna (43) wa gagwe ka thiba le go tlogela monna o, ka dikgobalo tse di masisi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa sedikeng sa Ngaka Modiri Molema, Sarasanta Sipho Taliwe are go begwa fa monna wa mosadi o, a ile a tla le lekgarebe kwa lefelong la bone la bonno kwa motseng wa Ikopeleng, gaufi le Ramatlabama kwa Mahikeng ka masa a 7 Phukwi 2026. Taliwe are go begwa fa bana ba le babedi ba monna o, ba ne ba le teng mo ntlung fa tse tsotlhe di direga.

“Go begwa fa ba ile ba letsetsa mmabone le go mo itsise fa rrabone a tlile le lekgarebe. Go begwa fa mosadi o, a sa dule kgakajana le ba lelapa la gagwe. Go begwa fa seo se ile sa tshakgatsa mosadi o, mme a tla a tshotse thipa.

“Go begwa fa mosadi o, a ile a fetela kwa phaphosing ya borobalo kwa a fitlhetseng monna wa gagwe le lekgarebe le ba robetse. Go begwa fa a ile a tsatsanka lekgarebe le ka thipa le go tlhasela monna wa gagwe,” Taliwe wa tlhalosa.

Taliwe are go begwa fa lekgarebe le, le ile la leka go tshaba, mme a wela kwa ntlenyana ga ntlo kwa mmileng kwa a tlhokafaletseng gone. Taliwe are go begwa fa monna wa mosadi o, a ne a rwalelwa kwa bookelong go bona thuso ya potlako.      

“Sepodisi se ne sa bidiwa le go tshwara mosadi o. O solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao le maiteko a polao,” Taliwe wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa nama o sa tshwere wa sedika sa Ngaka Modiri Molema, Brigadier (Adv) Bigboy Dube o kgadile ka bogale tiragalo e, mme o akgotse sepodisi ka go tshwara mmelaelwa. Dube o ikuela go baagi go rarabolola mathata a bone ka kagiso ntle le dikgogakgogano.

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