30 aspiring doctors heading to Cuba

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Picture: 30 young learners who have been selected to study medicine in the Republic of Cuba/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE 

19 January 2026- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has officially bid farewell to 30 young learners who have been selected to study medicine in the Republic of Cuba under the Nelson Mandela–Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Programme. The send-off was held at the Radisson Hotel in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.

Lehari said the farewell function, attended by senior management of the department, marked a significant milestone in the lives of the learners, who come from rural and historically disadvantaged communities across the province’s four districts. He congratulated the learners on their selection and reminded them of the responsibility that comes with the rare opportunity afforded to them.

“Your selection into this programme is not accidental. You were chosen because of your academic excellence and your potential to change lives. As you go to Cuba, you go as ambassadors of the North West Province and South Africa. 

“The NMFC Medical Programme was established to address shortages of doctors in rural and underserved areas, urging the students not to forget their roots. Do not forget where you come from, the communities you leave behind are the same communities that will welcome you back,” said Lehari. 

He further said upon completion of their studies, they must return and serve where the need is greatest. Lehari encouraged learners to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, cautioning them against behaviour that could derail their future and the objectives of the programme.

“Last year, the province sent 31 students to Cuba to pursue medical studies. This year, 30 learners have been successfully placed in the programme, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of medical doctors for the province,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Programme Coordinator for the Cuban Medical Scholarship, Ouma Kgori, outlined the rigorous selection process, noting that hundreds of applications were received from across the four districts.

“This was a difficult process as it meant that we had to select the best in line with the criteria. We are happy with the outcome because all of you meet the criteria, hence I am confident that you will represent us well,” said Kgori.

Acting Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Specialised Services, Professor Binu Luke, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening the health system through human resource development.

“The department is working hard to produce doctors, and you are part of that commitment. You must be ready to come back to work in our hospitals, where our patients need you the most,” said Luke.

The NMFC Medical Programme, rooted in the historic partnership between South Africa and Cuba, continues to play a critical role in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, by training doctors who understand the challenges faced by their communities.

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Parents looking for space encouraged to visit LEOs

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE 

19 January 2026- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi has encouraged all parents and guardians who are still looking for space for their children to visit the Local Education Offices in their areas, where they reside. Motsumi said her department has established Education Hubs specifically to assist parents and guardians who did not get space for learners. 

Motsumi further said the Education Hubs will assist with the placement of learners into different schools. She added that the issue of parents not getting their children to school has come to the attention of the department. 

“The constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasizes that every child has a right to education.

During the reopening of schools every learner should be in school. 

“I take this time again to encourage parents and guardians to visit Education Hubs in the Local Education Offices (LEOs). I have instructed that these hubs should ensure that all learners are placed in schools,” said Motsumi.

She said she wants to caution parents and guardians that schools of choice cannot be provided at this time. Motsumi said now it is very late for parents to demand schools of choice. 

“We are going to place learners where there is space not far from their place of stay. We are requesting cooperation from parents and guardians in order for teaching and learning to start on the first day of the reopening of schools.

“For more information on the placement of learners, parents and guardians should call the District Directors on various numbers. In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, they can call the District Director, Mojakhumo Dithejane on 072 616 4368,” she said.

Motsumi said in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, they can call N. Seokolo on 082 884 6423, in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, they can call E. Lesetedi on 082 356 0503, while in Bojanala District, Dr L. Ntwape will be ready to receive their calls on 076 927 2667. 

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Four suspects nabbed for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

18 January 2026- The police in Assen in collaboration with local farmers have arrested four suspects in connection with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The police said the arrests were effected on Saturday midday, 17 January 2026, after the members of Assen SAPS responded to a complaint at Kameeldrift on the R511 road.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said it is alleged that four suspects travelling in a white Hyundai i10 were stopped by the members of the local farming community. Bobelo said upon arrival at the scene, the police found four suspects lying on the ground under the supervision of a group of farmers.

“A search of the vehicle was conducted, during which police recovered a pistol with a magazine and several rounds of ammunition, for which no lawful ownership could be established. Cash and nine cellular phones were also seized.

“The preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects may be linked to an earlier robbery involving a police officer in Northam. All four suspects were arrested and are expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026, facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as robbery,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the cooperation of the farming community and reiterated the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat serious and violent crime in the province.

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DA welcomes classification of National Disaster following devastating floods

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Picture: DA welcomes classification of National Disaster following devastating floods

By BAKANG MOKOTO

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said at this stage, the unfolding disaster has been “classified” as a National Disaster, but has not (yet) been “declared”  as a National Disaster. The DA said classification has the effect of formally designating the National Executive as the coordinating authority and strengthens intergovernmental cooperation in responding to this calamity.

DA Limpopo spokesperson on Disaster Management and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Lindy Wilson said they welcome the classification of the unfolding disaster in Limpopo — and other affected provinces — as a national disaster, following severe weather experienced since late December 2025. Wilson said the heavy rainfall and flooding have tragically resulted in loss of life, widespread damage to property, infrastructure and the environment, and serious disruptions to basic services, particularly in the Mopani and Vhembe Districts.

“The magnitude of the devastation is such that it cannot be effectively managed by provincial and municipal governments alone, and requires a coordinated, whole-of-government response. We therefore welcome the classification, which formally designates the National Executive as the coordinating authority and strengthens intergovernmental cooperation in responding to this calamity.

“While the worst of the severe weather appears to be nearing an end and floodwaters begin to recede, urgent attention must now turn to strengthening humanitarian assistance, assessing the full extent of damage and losses, restoring essential services, and repairing and rebuilding infrastructure — particularly that which supports humanitarian relief, service delivery, and critical supply-chain and economic activity,” she said.

Wilson further said the consequences of this disaster — human, social and economic — will be felt for a long time to come. She added that they thank all those in government — across provincial and municipal structures, as well as the SAPS and SANDF — and in civil society, including individuals and organisations, who came together and who continue to work tirelessly in response to the many emergencies that unfolded and in ongoing humanitarian efforts.

“Among them are countless selfless heroes and heroines whose commitment and courage have made a real difference,” said Wilson.

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DA condemns ANC incitement that endangered learners and deepened racial tensions

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By KEDIBONE MOLATSI

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Witzenberg said it strongly condemns the ‘irresponsible’ and ‘dangerous’ conduct of an ANC public representative in Witzenberg, who on Friday, deliberately incited members of the Nduli community to stage a protest, directly placing the lives and safety of learners from Vredebes at risk. The DA said this incident occurred while children were en route to school, using scholar transport and resulted in heightened racial tensions and a scuffle between members of the Vredebes and Nduli communities.

The DA Constituency Head in Witzenberg, Wendy Kaizer-Philander said at no point should political opportunism be allowed to compromise the constitutional rights of children — particularly their right to safety and access to education. Kaizer-Philander said this escalation follows a sustained and misleading narrative advanced by the ANC, which has sought to politicise school infrastructure development in Witzenberg and deliberately distort the facts surrounding the proposed primary school in Vredebes.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been clear. The new school will serve the broader community, including learners from both Vredebes and Nduli. IsiXhosa will be offered as a Language of Teaching and Learning at the school. While construction is phased, the WCED has committed to urgent assessments and interim interventions to address immediate needs at Nduli Primary School.

“Despite these facts, the ANC has persisted in inflaming community anxieties, redirecting legitimate concerns into political mobilisation, and — most alarmingly — allowing this conduct to escalate into actions that endangered children,” she said.

Kaizer-Philander further said education is not a political bargaining chip, and children are not instruments of political agitation. He added that public representatives are entrusted with a duty to act transparently, honestly and in the best interests of the community.

“Inciting unrest, misrepresenting facts and placing anyone in harm’s way is a fundamental betrayal of that responsibility. The DA further calls on the SAPS to fulfil its constitutional mandate to serve and protect. The safety of learners must be prioritised, and any acts of incitement, intimidation or public disorder must be properly investigated and addressed without fear or favour.

“We call on all residents, who witnessed the incitement or intimidation of learners, to report it to the police. Parents are urged to remain calm, to rely on verified information, and not to allow their children’s futures to be jeopardised by reckless political behaviour,” said Kaizer-Philander.

He said they remain unwavering in its support for the WCED and will continue to work constructively to ensure that every child has access to safe, inclusive and quality education.

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DA calls urgent Parliament debate over SANDF’s apparent defiance of Ramaphosa order on Iranian warships

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Picture: The soldiers participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026

By REGINALD KANYANE

18 January 2026- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Iranian warships took part despite reports of a presidential order to exclude them. The DA said conflicting South African National Defence Force (SANDF) statements raise concerns that civilian authority was ignored.

DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans and Member of Parliament (MP), Chris Hattingh said they call for an urgent parliamentary debate to enforce accountability. Hattingh said what is now unfolding around Exercise Will for Peace 2026 looks less like confusion and more like defiance within the SANDF.

“Despite credible reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief, instructed that Iranian warships be excluded from the exercise, Iranian vessels nevertheless took part. This was followed by contradictory explanations, deleted SANDF communications, and a shifting official story that continues to change as more facts emerge.

“That is not normal nor is it acceptable. And it cannot be brushed aside. The situation is made worse by the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, publicly hailing Iran’s participation, only for events to unfold in a manner that appeared to defy a reported presidential instruction,” he said.

Hattingh further said when senior officers publicly signal one direction and events on the ground follow that direction, parliament is entitled to ask a hard question: “Was lawful civilian authority ignored?” He added that this is not a technical or procedural dispute.

“It goes to the heart of how our democracy works. In South Africa, the military is subordinate to elected civilian leadership. If orders from the Commander-in-Chief can be sidestepped, diluted, or quietly ignored, then civilian oversight becomes meaningless.

“The Minister announced a Board of Inquiry only after the exercise had concluded. That cannot put Parliament on hold. Boards of Inquiry are internal processes that often drag on for years behind closed doors. Accountability cannot wait,” said Hattingh.

He said that is why the DA has called for an urgent parliamentary debate. Hattingh said South Africans deserve immediate answers.

“Who gave the final approval? Whose instructions were followed? And why did senior SANDF leadership appear to act in defiance of a presidential directive? If this reflects a wider culture of insubordination at senior command level, including the Chief of the SANDF and the Chief of the Navy, it must be confronted now.

“The SANDF cannot be allowed to operate with parallel lines of authority. The DA will pursue full parliamentary accountability, insist on consequences where authority was defied, and defend the principle that the military remains firmly under civilian control,” he said.

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Two suspects to appear in court for alleged stock-theft

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Picture: Suspects nabbed for stock-theft/Supplied  

By OBAKENG MAJE

18 January 2026- The police in Kanana Township in Orkney, supported by the Provincial Crime Intelligence Overt Team, Provincial Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management and the Stilfontein Stock Theft and Endangered Species (STES) Unit successfully arrested two suspects on Saturday in connection with a case of stock-theft reported in the area.

The North West police spokesperson, Constable Thuto Bobelo said the preliminary investigations revealed that crime intelligence received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of suspects linked to the theft of eight cattle in Kanana.Bobelo said acting on this tip-off, the police traced the suspects and found them in possession of eight cattle that they could not account for.

“The suspects were immediately arrested and will be charged with possession of suspected stolen livestock. In addition, the suspects failed to provide valid identification documents and will therefore face further charges for contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Both suspects, aged 36, are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on 19 January 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their commendable efforts in tracing and arresting the suspects. Naidoo reminded all livestock owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that, it is compulsory to mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act (Act 6 of 2002).

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Maribe welcomes improved matric results

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Picture: Ward 20 councillor in Greater Taung Local Municipality, Itumeleng Maribe

By AGISANANG SCUFF

13 January 2026- The ward 20 councillor in the Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM), Itumeleng Maribe said they welcome the release of the latest matric results and wish to acknowledge the collective efforts of education stakeholders, school leadership, educators, parents, learners, and community members in advancing the quality of education within the municipality.

Maribe said of particular note is the significant improvement recorded at Majeng Secondary School.

He further said the matric pass rate increased from 31.7% to 81.8%. Maribe added that this improvement reflects the impact of strengthened leadership, renewed focus on teaching and learning, improved governance, and enhanced collaboration between the school, the Department of Education and the community.

“The progress made by Majeng Secondary School demonstrates that targeted interventions, accountability, and teamwork can yield meaningful results. The municipality also acknowledges the performance of Mammutla Secondary School, which achieved an 80.9% matric pass rate.

“Sustaining strong academic outcomes requires consistent effort and resilience and the school’s results reflect ongoing commitment from educators, learners, school management, and parents. The GTLM remains confident that, through continued dedication and support, the school will continue to strengthen its academic performance in the years ahead,” he said.

Maribe said the municipality also recognises the role played by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Mocumi, the District Director Mojakhumo Dithejane, the school principal, Gordon Letebele in providing oversight, guidance and support to schools within the area. He said their leadership remains critical in driving sustainable improvements in learner outcomes.

“Education remains a key priority for the municipality, as it is central to social development and the future prospects of young people.

“The municipality reaffirms its commitment to working closely with education authorities and communities to support initiatives that promote learner achievement and school improvement,” said Maribe.

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The Department of Human Settlements refutes R32m travelling expenditure allegations  

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Picture: Minister of Human Settlements, Thembisile Simelane

By AGISANANG SCUFF

13 January 2026- The Ministry of Human Settlements said it notes the media statement issued by the Action SA that the Ministry of Human Settlements has spent R32.98 million on travelling abroad. The department said all the incurred expenditure has been in line with the prescripts of cost containment measures of the National Treasury and in line or below the set caps.

The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembisile Simelane spokesperson, Tsekiso Machike said this is not Executive spending, but also administrative spending encompassing not only the previous and current Ministers, but also for the whole staff of the department incurred over a period of one and half years based on all housing projects scattered all over the country. Machike said the department is sensitive to the fiscal situation of the country and continues to comply with all the prescripts relative to cost containment and spending.

“Simelane has been the Executive Authority of the Department of Human Settlements since December 2024. Since she arrived in the department, she has only undertaken one trip to the UN-Habitat Assembly, which took place in 2025, Nairobi, Kenya and the amount related to the trip is far below what is mentioned by the Action SA.

“The Ministry believes in holding the Executive Authority accountable. However, this must be done fairly.  Any opportunistic attempts to secure media headlines and score political points must be treated with caution,” he said. 

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Matebesi’s passing a great loss to interfaith community

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Picture: The late Bishop Daniel Matebesi

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

13 January 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he learnt with deep sadness about the passing of Bishop Daniel Matebesi of the Independent Congregational Church of Southern Africa (ICCSA). Mokgosi said Matebesi was a devoted servant of God and a respected leader within the interfaith and broader community.

He further said Matebesi dedicated his life to ministry, offering spiritual guidance, wisdom and compassion to congregants and community members. Mokgosi added that beyond the pulpit, Matebesi was known for his humility, commitment to service and dedication to uplifting others.

“His consistent involvement in the provincial government’s programmes, notably, the Premier’s Operation Dignity Programme, as a Patron of the Gender Based Violence Forum and Chairperson of Moral Regeneration Movement in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, did not go unnoticed, as he selflessly dedicated his time and contribution to restoring dignity and hope to those in need.

“I wish to, on behalf of the North West Provincial Government, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Matebesi family, the faith-based organisations, and all who were touched by his life and ministry,” he said.

Mokgosi said may they all find comfort in the legacy of faith, love and service that Matebesi leaves behind. He said he will be amongst the mourners who will pay their last respect to Matebesi during his funeral service scheduled for 15 January 2026, at the Grace Bible Church in Mahikeng.

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