Molapisi calls for extreme caution as cold front grips the province

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The extreme caution weather/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 August 2026 – The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) calls on communities across the province to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant as very cold and wet weather conditions continue to affect several parts of the North West. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the upper-air trough is expected to deepen further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country.

The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi said this will result in cold to very cold conditions, with rain and showers extending further inland. Molapisi said scattered to widespread rain and showers are also anticipated over several parts of the country.

“In light of these prevailing weather conditions, North West COGTA, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, is appealing to residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their property.

“We urge residents to exercise extreme caution when using candles, paraffin stoves, gas appliances, heaters, and other sources of heat or light. These items should never be left unattended, particularly around children, and must be kept away from curtains, bedding, clothing and other flammable materials,” he said.

Molapisi said communities are further discouraged from using hazardous or inappropriate substances and materials for heating purposes, as these can result in household fires, burns, poisoning, and other potentially fatal incidents. He added that they encourage residents, where possible, to use safe and appropriate heating methods and to ensure that rooms are adequately ventilated when using appliances that require combustion.

“Motorists and pedestrians are also urged to exercise extreme caution in areas experiencing rainfall and possible flooding. Even where the water appears shallow, strong currents can pose a serious threat to life and can sweep away people, vehicles, and other objects.

“The department calls on communities to monitor weather updates and official alerts from the South African Weather Service and relevant disaster-management authorities,” said Molapisi.

He said in cases of emergencies, members of the public are advised to report emergencies promptly to the relevant emergency services, assist vulnerable members of their communities, particularly children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, during periods of severe weather.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

15 000 jobs lost in North West

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Some of residents sitting at traffic lights looking for emmployment/Generic

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 August 2026 – South Africans continue to grapple with unemployment. This comes after Statistics South Africa showed that a narrow definition of unemployment has risen by 0.9% to 33.6% with the number of unemployed persons rising by 345 000. 

The statistics showed that the expanded definition of unemployment rose overall by 0.1% to 43.8% with a total decrease in the number of employed persons by 16 000. Particularly concerning losses were seen in community and social services (57 000), mining (26 000), and agriculture and manufacturing (15 000 each). 

According to the statistics, the job losses in provinces included the Western Cape (48 000), Gauteng (22 000), and North West (15 000). However, the positive gains were recorded in trade (70 000), construction (39 000), finance (11 000), Mpumalanga (41 000), Eastern Cape (13 000) and Free State (9 000).

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks said they demand bold and decisive action to tackle the unemployment crisis. Parks said the latest jobs report released by Statistics South Africa for the 2nd Quarter of 2026, is beyond depressing.

He further said the job losses for the 2nd Quarter of 2026 are extremely worrying. Parks added that the outlook for the 3rd Quarter is likely to be similarly bleak due to the unprovoked war in the Middle East and the devastating impact it has had on international oil and fuel prices.

“This has seen economic growth projections for South Africa for 2026, slashed from an already meagre 1.4% to 1.1%. Inflation for transport has spiked with food and other essential goods likely to soon follow suit, with inflation having reached 5% in June 2026. This will likely cause the Reserve Bank to raise the repo rate again, inflicting even further pain upon highly indebted workers and an embattled economy.

“We cannot continue to normalise 1% economic growth and dangerously high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality. The extent of this crisis requires a bold and aggressive stimulus package to kickstart the economy, rebuild public and municipal services, make capital affordable and accessible for SMMEs and industrial sectors and extend relief for the unemployed by expanding public employment programmes,” he said.

Parks said similarly, efforts to reduce the price of electricity, restore rail and ports to full capacity and invest in economic infrastructure and tackle crime and corruption must be accelerated. He said they will be requesting urgent engagements at Nedlac with government and business on a stimulus package mobilising every possible public and private financial resource to spur economic growth.

“Unemployment is the single greatest threat to the nation. It requires the same decisive and progressive response as was mobilised and led by President Cyril Ramaphosa during COVID-19. This is a ticking time bomb we cannot continue to blue tick.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “Following the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released today, it is clear that South Africa’s jobs crisis is worsening, not improving. Economic reform is happening far too slowly to spur growth at the pace required to create jobs. South Africa does not lack economic potential. It lacks urgency.

“The DA will continue to push for much greater urgency and ambition in the economic reform agenda of the Government of National Unity (GNU). South Africa cannot afford to lose another quarter to slow reform. We need urgency, clear priorities and a relentless focus on growth and jobs.”

He said businesses and investors are still held back by red tape, unreliable basic services, failing ports and rail, and crime that makes it harder and more expensive to build, invest and employ people. Hill-Lewis said South Africa’s central national mission must be to get the economy growing at a significantly faster pace to get people into work.

“Reform cannot continue at a pace completely disconnected from the scale of the unemployment crisis. Growth cannot be one priority among many. It must be the priority.

“The number of unemployed South Africans increased by 345 000 to 8.5 million in the second quarter of 2026, while employment declined by a further 16 000. Official unemployment increased from 32.7% to 33.6%, while the broader measure of unemployment and the potential labour force rose to 43.8%,” said Hill-Lewis.

He said this is the highest unemployment rate in 4 years.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Monna o fitlhetswe a ikgwageditse kwa Buxton

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Moswi, Bokamoso Gxaweni/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Phatwe 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 21 o tlhokofetse kwa motseng wa Buxton, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa moswi, Bokamoso Gxaweni a fitlhetswe a ikgwageditse kwa legaeng la gagwe ka Mosupulogo motshegare.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelong la tiragalo. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela Gxaweni a tlhokafetse, mme go ile ga bidiwa badiri ba thuso ya potlako.

“Batlhankedi ba thuso ya potlako ba ile ba netefatsa fa moswi a setse a tlhokafetse. Fela, sebakwa sa go ikgwagetsa ga ga Gxaweni ga go itsiwe. Sepodisi se boloditse dipatlisiso mabapi le tiragalo e,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima o tla bua le babega-dikgang morago ga go tlhokafala ga baepi ba ba seng mo molaong ba 14 kwa Marikana

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho-papiso: Baepi ba ba seng mo molaong ba tlhokofetse

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

11 Phatwe 2026 – Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams o solofetswe go ama babega-dikgang ka lefoko mabapi le go tlhokafala ga baepi ba le 14 ba ba seng mo molaong kwa lefelong la go latlhela matlakala kwa Nkaneng kwa Marikana, gaufi le Rustenburg. Se, se tla morago ga gore baepi ba, ba fitlhelwe ba tlhokafetse kwa lefelong leo morago ga go welwa ke leje ka letsatsi la Moshupulogo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are bontsi jwa baepi ba, ke ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho. Myburgh are baepi ba le robedi ba amogetswe kwa bookelong ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, fa bangwe ba baepi ba, ba gaeletswe kwa tlase ga moepo.

“Sepodisi se kwa lefelong la tiragalo, mme dipatlisiso di tsweletse,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Banna ba le bane ba tshwere morago ga go bonwa ga nama ya kgomo mo dijanageng tsa bone

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Nama ya kgomo e bonwe mo dijanageng

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

11 Phatwe 2026 – Banna ba le bane ba ba magareng ga dingwaga di le 20 le 58, ba tshwerwe kwa Amalia morago ga go fitlhelwa ka nama ya kgomo mo dijanageng tsa bone. Go begwa fa mong wa polasi, a ile a fitlhela nngwe ya dikgomo tsa gagwe ditlhabilwe le go bona tlhogo ya kgomo kwa polasing ya gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo are dipatlisiso tsa go sa le gale di shupa fa tiragalo e, e le ya letsatsi la Tshipi. Bobelo are sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe, mme kgetsi e ile ya bulwa.

“Molaetsa wa tsiboso o ile wa phasaladiwa go batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ba neng ba paterola. Go begwa fa batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ile ba bona dijanaga di le pedi tse di neng di belaetsa kwa mmileng wa Goven Mbeki kwa Amalia moragonyana.

“Batlhankela ba ba sepodisi, ba ile ba emisa dijanaga tseo, le go di puruputsha. Ba ile ba puruputsa sejanaga sa modiro wa Toyota Etios le sa Hyundai CRDi, mme ba fitlhela nama ya kgomo mo go tsone,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.

Bobelo are banna ba, ba ile ba tlhalosa fa nama eo e le ya tholo. Fela Bobelo are dipatlisiso di ile tsa shupa fa e le nama ya kgomo.

“Babelaelwa ba ile ba tshwarwa, mme dijanaga tsa bone di ile tsa thopiwa jaaka bopaki. Banna ba, ba lebane le kgetsi ya go tshola nama ya kgomo e go belaelwang fa e utswitswe. Mo godimo ga moo, ba tla golaganngwa le go utswiwa ga leruo.

“Babelaelwa ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Schweizer Reneke mo letsatsing la gompieno,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

NWU signs strategic agricultural partnership

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Signing the MoU are Phenyo Mogamisi, CEO of CIH Venture Capital, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, NWU chancellor and founder and group chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (CIH), and Duncan Raftesath, CEO of NWU Enterprises/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 August 2026 – The North West University (NWU) in partnership with Community Venture Capital (Pty) Ltd (CVC) and NWU Enterprises (Pty) LTD (NWUE), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 7 August 2026, to strengthen collaboration in agricultural development and community empowerment. The MoU, which aims to establish a strategic framework focused on agriculture financing, market access, logistics optimisations and business empowerment in South Africa and across the African region.

The North West University (NWU) principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka said the MoU aims to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen food security and develop sustainable agricultural value chains, while empowering smallholder farmers, rural enterprises and local cooperatives. Tyobeka said the objectives of the MoU are to develop innovative and creating accessible financing solutions to support smallholder farmers and emerging agri-businesses.

“This includes mobilising investment capital through blended finance models, public-private partnerships and institutional funding. It will also facilitate the entry of community-based producers and cooperatives into the mainstream supplier value chain, while supporting product aggregation, certification and quality assurance to meet retail and export standards.

“By collaborating on cost-effective logistics, warehousing cold chain solutions to enhance farm-to-market delivery, while exploring co-investment opportunities in logistics infrastructure in rural and agricultural hubs will strengthen logistics and supply chain optimisation,” he said.

Tyobeka further said they will strengthen business empowerment and skills development by implementing enterprise and suppliers’ development programmes, targeting women, young people and rural agricultural entrepreneurs and facilitating technical training, business mentorship and skills transfer in agribusiness management and innovation. He also highlighted the potential of the partnership to create meaningful opportunities for students, researchers and academic staff by linking teaching and research with practical industry engagement.

“Our farms will become laboratories, where students gain practical experience while contributing to agricultural innovation. Undergraduate students will develop hands-on skills, while postgraduate researchers will explore ways to improve crop resilience, increase yields and advance smart, water-efficient farming,” added Tyobeka.

He said at the same time, these opportunities will empower students to become entrepreneurs, support emerging farmers and contribute to the growth of rural communities. Tyobeka said this partnership expands far beyond agriculture.

“It will also focus on core social investments that are key to the economy like water and sanitation, energy, healthcare, housing, digitisation, logistics, mining and engineering, tourism and any other sector that contributes to poverty alleviation and improves economic participation for students and communities.

“Industry partners and government institutions that were present including Sanlam, ABSA, IDC, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller,” he said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the NWU chancellor and founder and group chairperson of Community Investment Holdings (CIH), Dr Anna Mokgokong, emphasised that universities should be active partners in the communities they serve. Mokgokong said that she has always regarded her role as chancellor as extending beyond ceremonial duties, using her experience to help reinforce the impact of the NWU and contribute meaningfully to the development of North West and beyond.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Mosadi o shetse mo mokhukhung kwa Matolong

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho-papiso: Mosadi o shetse mo mokhukhung kwa Matolong

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

11 Phatwe 2026 – Mosadi wa dingwaga di le 43 o tlhokafetse morago ga go shela mo mokhukhung kwa motseng wa Matolong, gaufi le Taung. Go begwa fa tiragalo e, e diragetse ka letsatsi la Tshipi bosigo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa itsisiwe ka ga motho o shetseng mo mokhukhung kwa tulong eo, mme ba tabogela teng. Van Rooyen are sepodisi se ile sa fitlhela batlhankela ba ditima-molelo ba setse ba le kwa lefelong la tiragalo le go leka go tima molelo o.

“Dipatlisiso di tsweletse mabapi le tiragalo e, mme di tla shupa gore sebakwa sa molelo ke eng,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Banna ba le babedi ba tshwerwe mabapi le bogodu jwa dipudi

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Dipudi di le 14 tse go begwang fa di ustwitswe

Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 Phatwe 2026 – Banna ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 32 le 48, ba tshwerwe mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go utswa dipudi. Banna ba, ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Lichtenburg mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Constable Thuto Bobelo are ba lephata la botlhodi ba sepodisi sa Afrika Borwa ba ile ba neelana ka tshedimosetso morago ga go utswiwa ga dipudi di le 14 tsa boleng jwa R28 000 kwa Lichtenburg. Bobelo are batlhankela ba sepodisi ba ile ba amogela tshedimosetso go tswa go lephata la bosinyi la Mahikeng mabapi le thulaganyo ya go utswa dipudi kwa lefelong la Delareyville le Vryburg.

“Ka Labotlhano, sepodisi se ile sa tsenya tirisong tshedimosetso e. Dipego di ile tsa shupa fa dipudi di setse di pegilwe mo sejanageng sa modiro wa NP200. Sepodisi se ile sa sala morago motlhala wa babelaelwa ba, go tswa kwa Broederspruit go leba kwa Lichtenburg.

“Tshedimosetso e ile ya neelwa ba sepodisi kwa Lichtenburg, mme ba e sala morago. Sepodisi se ile sa tshwara babelaelwa ba, go thopa le sejanaga sa bone ga mmogo le megala ya matheka e mebedi. Sejanaga se, se ne se na le ikwadiso ya di nomoro polata tsa maaka,” Bobelo wa tlhalosa.

Dipudi tse, di tla tlhatlhobiwa le go batlana le mong wa tsone.

Kgabagare, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse ba sepodisi ga mmogo le ba tsaya karolo botlhe. Adams o gateletse gore tirisano ya sepodisi ga mmogo le baagi e botlhokwa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Two suspects nabbed for business robbery

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Substantial amount of cash seized by police/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 August 2026 – The swift response, vigilance and effective coordination of a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team in the Pixley ka Seme District have resulted in the arrest of two suspects believed to be linked to a business robbery committed in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, on 7 August 2026. A substantial amount of money was reportedly stolen during the robbery.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers following the incident, the police in Kraaifontein shared information with law enforcement counterparts in the Northern Cape after receiving intelligence indicating that four suspects allegedly involved in the robbery had boarded buses travelling towards Zimbabwe. Ehlers said the police from Colesberg, Kuyasa, Hanover and Noupoort supported by De Aar Public Order Policing, a private security company and the Trompsburg Highway Patrol, immediately mobilised and initiated efforts to intercept the suspected vehicle.

“On 9 August 2026, at approximately 9pm, the bus believed to be transporting the suspects was intercepted and stopped approximately 20km outside Colesberg.

“A search of the vehicle resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals both aged 30, after a substantial amount of money was allegedly found in their possession,” she said.

Ehlers further said the suspects are expected to appear in court soon on a charge relating to the possession of suspected stolen property. She added that investigations are continuing and the possibility of further arrests has not been ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mthukushe, commended the police involved for their vigilance, swift response and effective coordination, which resulted in the successful interception of the suspects. Mthukushe welcomed the excellent cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Northern Cape and Western Cape, emphasising that effective information sharing and inter-provincial collaboration remain crucial in combating organised and cross-border criminal activities.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Dantjie condemns the killing of a girl

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: A girl (15) allegedly killed by her boyfriend/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 August 2026 – The North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a young girl, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend at Dinokana village, near Zeerust. Dantjie expressed deep sadness and concern over the tragic incident, describing the young woman’s death as a devastating loss that highlights the urgent need to intensify efforts to prevent Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“We applaud the police for arresting a suspect (17) for the recent murder of Amogelang Motshwaedi (15) in Dinokana.

“We are deeply saddened and angered by the senseless loss of a young life. No woman or girl should have to live in fear of violence, especially from someone she loves and trusts,” she said.

Dantjie further extended condolences to the family, friends and community of the deceased. She also urged communities to speak out against violence against women and girls and encouraged victims and survivors of abuse to seek help and report incidents of violence.

“GBVF is not a private family matter. It is a societal problem that requires all of us to take a stand. We must work together to build communities where women and girls are safe, respected and protected.

“So, we appeal to young people and communities to reject violence as a means of resolving conflict and to promote healthy, respectful relationships,” added Dantjie.

She said her department remains committed to working with communities and stakeholders to strengthen initiatives aimed at preventing GBVF and protecting vulnerable women and children.

taungdailynews@gmail.com