A nurse from Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital scoops top award   

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Picture: A nurse from Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, Constance Kanatu/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2024- A nurse from Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg, Constance Kanatu, honoured for her compassion and commitment. Kanatu scooped R15 000, after she received the 2024 Most Caring Nurse award in the country at the DENOSA Gala Dinner held at Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria recently.

According to DENOSA, the awards came about to honour the nursing staff for their compassion, commitment, love and dedication shown to patients.

“Kanatu is a professional nurse specialising in Ophthalmology. She was awarded with the Marilyn Lahana Caring National Award, named after Marilyn Lahana, a Johannesburg nurse from Johannesburg, who died after contracting Ebola virus after she cared for the patient selflessly.

“DENOSA administers the awarding of the Marilyn Lahana Caring Award to any deserving nurse voted for by fellow nurses in the workplace, who has shown outstanding commitment and selfless dedication to patient care,” the union said.

It further said Kanatu went home with a trophy, a certificate, and a R15 000 prize money. DENOSA added that as an ophthalmic nurse working without any doctor who is stationed at the facility, she is constantly faced with the challenge of referring all her patients who need higher care for their eye problems to other facilities.

“Taking the second place as the 1st runner-up at the awards was Majikela Dlangamandla from the Western Cape, who took home a trophy, a certificate, and R7500 in prize money.

“Coming in third position as a 2nd runner-up, was Mampe Konyama from Free State, who took home a trophy, a certificate, and a R5000 prize money. DENOSA congratulates and is proud of all the winners.”

Meanwhile, the union said their hard-work is promoting the nursing profession in the eyes of the public.

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Number of new babies born on Christmas Day in North West increases to 79

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari welcoming new babies/Supplied 

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2024- The number of babies born on Christmas Day in various healthcare centres across the North West province since 00:00, has been increased to 79. Of these Christmas Day babies, 44 are males and 35 are females.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said all mothers are in good condition with no complications reported. Lehari said Bojanala District is the biggest in the province after delivering more babies thus far.

This was followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

Lehari, accompanied by acting Superintendent General, Zenzo Ndabula, acting District Director for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and other departmental senior managers, have excitedly welcomed Christmas babies. He visited the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital complex today, as part of the celebrations and shared gifts with mothers and their new born babies.

“We are here as part of our drive to support our hardworking nurses and doctors and the general staff, who have sacrificed their family time to be here and secure lives.

“And to top it up, to deliver babies safely. I want to commend the good work done here by these patriotic men and women who diligently serve the general public,” said Lehari. 

He further congratulated these proud mothers for delivering bouncing healthy babies, with no complications reported thus far. Lehari added that this is a demonstration that they have capacity.

“We have specialists and people who really know what they are doing. We are proud of this auspicious moment. We will educate these new mothers thoroughly from here on how to care for them before we discharge them.

“I want to say Merry Christmas to them. The more the merrier. Of the new mothers, the youngest is 16 who gave birth to a baby boy at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital,” he said.

Lehari said another new and young mother is an 18 year-old, who gave birth at Boitekong Community Healthcare Centre in Bojanala District. He said as numbers continue to trickle in, the final statistics will be released upon collation.

“We will also be on the same drive on New Year’s Day, to give support to all medical personnel, who will be working and also congratulate mothers and welcome additional in the family.

“The department takes this time once again to wish everyone a cheerful and joyful Christmas Day,” said Lehari.

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A man accused of murder remanded in custody

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Picture: A man holding knife smeared with blood and still dripping/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 December 2024- A murder accused, Joseph Mothupi (24), who briefly appeared before the Schweizer Reneke Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly killing Lovejoy Mabunyane Mothibi (32), remanded in custody until 31 December 2024, for a formal bail application.

On Sunday evening, 22 December 2024, Mothupi allegedly visited the house of his ex-girlfriend to see his child (3). However, he allegedly became aggressive and was asked by Mothibi, who was a boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, to rather leave the property and return the next day.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said Mothupi left the house, but shortly thereafter returned and stabbed Mothibi numerous times with a knife in front of his ex-girlfriend and two children, aged 3 and 12 years.

“Mothibi was rushed to a local hospital, but declared dead on arrival,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said it is unacceptable that children were allegedly witnesses of such a gruesome act by someone they knew and trusted. Asaneng reiterated that police will continue to work hard to ensure domestic violence is removed from society.

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More than 50 babies born on Christmas Day in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari welcomes new babies on Christmas Day/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2024- More than 50 babies have been born in various healthcare centres across the North West province since 00:00 until 12pm. The Bojanala District is the biggest in the province after delivering 22 healthy babies thus far.

This was followed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda District at 11, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District at 9 and Ngaka Modiri Molema District at 8.

The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, accompanied by acting Superintendent General, Zenzo Ndabula, acting District Director for Dr Kenneth Kaunda, and other departmental senior managers, have excitedly welcomed Christmas babies.

Lehari visited the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital complex today, as part of the celebrations and shared gifts with mothers and their new born babies.

“We are here as part of our drive to support our hardworking nurses and doctors and the general staff, who have sacrificed their family time to be here and secure lives.

“And to top it up, to deliver babies safely. I want to commend the good work done here by these patriotic men and women who diligently serve the general public,” he said.  

Lehari further congratulated these proud mothers for delivering bouncing healthy babies, with no complications reported thus far. He added that this is a demonstration that they have capacity.

“We have specialists and people who really know what they are doing. We are proud of this auspicious moment. We will educate these new mothers thoroughly from here on how to care for them before we discharge them.

“I want to say Merry Christmas to them. The more the merrier. Of the new mothers, the youngest is 16 who gave birth to a baby boy at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital,” said Lehari.

He said another new and young mother is an 18 year-old, who gave birth at Boitekong Community Healthcare Centre in Bojanala District. Lehari said as numbers continue to trickle in, the final statistics will be released upon collation.

“We will also be on the same drive on New Year’s Day, to give support to all medical personnel, who will be working and also congratulate mothers and welcome additional in the family.

“The department takes this time once again to wish everyone a cheerful and joyful Christmas Day,” he said.

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Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival to be bigger and better in 2025

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Picture: The revellers at Mahika Mahikeng event/Supplied   

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 December 2024- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation said it appreciates everyone for their support during the 8th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. The department said it would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the patrons of Mahika Mahikeng, who have shown their loyalty to the brand.

The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the support from stakeholders and partners during the 2024 edition of Mahika Mahikeng, is highly appreciated. Tlhapi said the four-day event went according to their plans at various venues and was well supported.

“The support we received was undoubtedly indicative of the love for this art and culture music festival. Also, the North West Department of Economic, Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), commissioned the broader socio-economic impact of the festival, including the national department of Sports, Arts and Culture.

“Comparatively from the previous years, we are confident that the event has benefited Mahikeng business, including the SMME. Our local artists who participated in the festival continued an upward trajectory and were happy to share the stage and rub shoulders with legends in the music industry,” she said.

Tlhapi further said this year’s edition did not feature international artists, but attracted revellers from neighbouring countries. She added that they always believe that there’s ‘room for improvement’ and appreciation, comments, advice and constructive criticisms.

“The event is for the people and without them, it cannot be done better. The department committed that the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng will be bigger and better with surprises here and there.

“Notably, our law enforcement from SAPS and traffic officers, did a sterling work during the event in ensuring that every person is free and safe.

“We value the support and wish to thank everyone who participated and contributed towards the success of the event. Till we meet again at the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music festival in December 2025” said Tlhapi.

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NCPG intensifies Safer Festive Season Operations  

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass during operation/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

25 December 2024- The Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Transport, Safety and Liaison, Bentley Vass, led the safer festive season operations at a roadblock on the N12 Weighbridge in Kimberley on 24 December 2024.

Vass said similar operations including static roadblocks were executed across the other four districts of the province to intensify crime fighting efforts and ensure safer roads and less accidents and fatalities.

“A total of 1954 vehicles were stopped and searched, 3924 persons searched and a total of 114 traffic violations were issued across the operations. We encourage law enforcement officers to fight crime and criminality, to protect law abiding citizens.

“We wish the officials well as they execute various safer festive season operations throughout the Northern Cape,” he said.

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Six suspects nabbed for possession and dealing in drugs in Bloemhof

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Picture: The drugs seized by the police during raids/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 December 2024- Six suspects were arrested during a separate search for allegedly being in possession and dealing in drugs. The suspects were arrested by crime intelligence-led operation in identified premises in Bloemhof on Sunday morning, 22 December 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said search and seizure warrants were executed at five residences in Bloemhof town, Coverdale Extension 10 and Boitumelong Extension 4, by members of Bloemhof Crime Prevention Unit, Public Order Policing and the Anti-Gang Unit.

“Stanley Abuchi (40) was arrested for dealing in drugs, Kedirileng Kgwebane (39) was arrested for dealing in drugs, Chidi Emeodi (41) was arrested for being in possession of drugs and Davidson Okorie (55) was arrested for being in possession of drugs.

“Khayalethu Mothibi (28) was arrested for being in possession of drugs, while Victor Eytini Masiu (37) was nabbed for dealing in drugs. The police seized a variety of drugs, valued at R66 000,” she said.

Myburgh further said all six suspects appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody until 24 and 30 December 2024 respectively.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, welcomed the arrests and seizures of the drugs, which forms part of Operation Festive Season successes. Asaneng said the police will continue to work hard throughout this festive season.

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A girl who was killed by a vehicle identified

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By OBAKENG MAJE

25 December 2024- The girl who was knocked and killed by a vehicle, while allegedly trying to cross the road near Shell Ultra in Kimberly on 21 December 2024, at around 5am, was identified. This comes after the police requested the public to assist in identifying the deceased.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said on Tuesday,

The deceased who was light in complexion, black hair, about 1.6 meters tall, medium build and dressed in a pair of blue jeans, blue top and white Crocs, was positively identified as Innez Murial Prince (17).

“She is a resident from Roodepan, Kimberley. She was knocked over by a VW Transporter and died on the scene. The grey VW was traveling with six occupants and all escaped the accident unscathed,” he said.

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Deputy Minister to visit North West to address crime-related issues

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 December 2024- The Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP), will on Saturday, be joined by both the national and provincial management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to support and assess the implementation of the 2024/2025 annual Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela in the Bojanala District.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the objective of the ministerial visit is to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in improving the performance in dealing with the root causes of crime.

“This includes fighting against crime and corruption in relation to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster outcome. This is to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.

“The community will be given a platform to discuss

and engage with Boshielo and SAPS on solutions and interventions to address their crime-related concerns,” she said.

Myburgh further said the event will take place at 10111 Centre, Phokeng on Saturday at 8:30am.

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Team North West shows its pedigree during National School Sports Champions

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Picture: Team North West during National School Sports Championships/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 December 2024- Team North West was amongst young sports men and women who showcased their talent and ability during the National School Sports Championships that was held at Pretoria from 13 until 17 November 2024. Despite the slow start that Team North West displayed on day one of the games, their competitive spirits came out guns blazing in the coming days of the games.

The Chief Director of Sports and Recreation at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, George Marindi said it is evident on the number of games the teams triumphant over. Marindi said the Team North West may have received the overall position 4, but their dedication, passion and resilience on the field was nothing short of amazing.

“These young boys and girls are role models, who inspire other kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle within communities and schools they come from.

“The department is proud of the efforts, skills and comradery displayed during the championships. We urge our communities to celebrate their achievements with them as well,” he said.

North West was amongst eight provinces that participated in the National championships.

Meanwhile, the acting Deputy Director General for National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tebogo Thebehae also expressed his gratitude for the attendance.

“We have a total of 1400 learners from across the country to participate in these games. We have seen great talent displayed, fairness, equality and consistency in scoring.

“Future Olympians are amongst us here in these games who will fly the South African Flag high. I would like to encourage them to work very hard and ensure that they work harder than before with dedication and discipline,” said Thebehae.

He further said the sporting codes such as volleyball, abled and wheelchair basketball, abled and wheelchair tennis, table tennis, rugby, goal ball, soft ball, were in full display. Thebehae added that softball ladies from North West, who made it to the SA squad are Carla Maree and Miela Sittert.

“The softball boys also got a call to play for the national squad namely, Franco Steyn, Thabo Mangati, and Themba Molebatsi. Reotshepile Ditlhake and Olerato Malatsi were selected to join basketball SA U/15 team.

“One boy and one girl from North West, were also selected to join Wheelchair Basketball National team. Provinces standings announced during the 2024 National School Sport Championships closing ceremony were as follows:

8th Position- Northern Cape

7th Position- Eastern Cape

6th Position- Mpumalanga

6th Position- Free State

5th Position- Limpopo

4th Position- North West: 3 bronze, 2 Silvers and 1 Gold. 3rd Position- Western Cape: 5 Bronze,3 Silvers and 2 Gold.

2nd Position- Kwazulu Natal: 1 Bronze, 5 Silvers, 3 Gold. 1st Position- Gauteng Province: 3 Bronze, Silver and 7 Gold.

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