SAUCIC conveys condolences to families of Makhado bus crash victims      

NEWS Leave a comment

   

Picture: The bus that crashed in Makhado

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Tuesday conveyed condolences to the families of the 43 people who lost their lives in the N1 bus crash near Makhado in Limpopo and also wished more than 29 hospitalised passengers with serious injuries a speedy recovery.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Arch Bishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole called for intensified road traffic law enforcement to reduce the carnage on public roads, declaring that the crash that occurred on Sunday evening when the bus veered off the road and tumbled down a steep embankment in the mountainous area has marred October Transport Month.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastating loss of lives that have left the country and neighbouring countries reeling with shock and urge faith communities to keep families that are mourning the untimely deaths of their loved ones in their prayers.

“We commend the emergency rescue crew that worked throughout the night to retrieve bodies of 18 women, 18 men, seven children and survivors. Overloading, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving compromise passenger transport safety and should be clamped down,” said Shole.

He expressed concern about how the bus that left from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape destined for neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi overloaded with 91 passengers instead of 60 travelled through Free State, Gauteng and Limpopo until it reached the tragic site. Shole further said law enforcement agencies should extend their probe to possible corrupt practices by unethical road traffic law enforcement officials and tighten civilian and stakeholder oversight will contribute towards safer passenger transportation.

“The economic cost of the carnage and the burden that it imposes on the public health system is enormous. One life lost on public roads is a life too many. We urge motorists travelling long distances to rest after every two hours to avoid fatigue which he described as a killer.

“Public transport drivers and other road users must be cautious and vigilant. Observing safe following distance and the rules of the road will ensure that motorists are able to avoid accidents and fatalities on our roads,” he added.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Morweng welcomes North West High Court ruling over awarding of lucrative contract

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE

16 October 2025- The North West MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said he welcomes the North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng’s ruling on the Ngaka Modiri Molema commuter transport contract. This comes after a Johannesburg-based bus company owner took Morweng and his departmental officials to the North West High Court to interdict the award of a lucrative contract to a more alleged expensive competitor, after his own cheaper bid with a superior service rating was passed over.

According to Sunday World newspaper, Mohamed Essop’s Sizanani Mazulu Transport secured a place on the panel of four approved service providers to transport the province’s citizens. However, the company discovered that despite being ranked as the top bidder with the lowest price of R22 per kilometre, the department awarded the most profitable routes exclusively to Ikhwezi and Tasmica, a joint venture that had submitted a significantly higher bid of R39 per kilometre.

Aggrieved by the decision, Essop approached the high court on Friday, raising concerns about wasteful expenditure and potential bias. He noted that the Ikhwezi and Tasmica JV was ranked last among the four successful bidders on pricing.

“Yet, only the JV, ranked last and lowest of the successful bidders, received an award to the exclusion of and without notice to the other successful bidders,” Essop protested in his affidavit.

The Sunday World newspaper said the dispute intensified with the revelation that Ikhwezi and Tasmica JV received an appointment letter dated April 23, selecting them as the sole operators for district commuter services effective May 1. It says crucially, this letter was issued before the official bid closing date of August 4, suggesting that JV’s selection was predetermined and undermined the tender process’s fairness and transparency.

The situation escalated when Essop learnt of an October 1 media report in which Morweng announced the JV’s appointment. The report highlighted JV’s capacity to provide safe and reliable transport but failed to explain why it was chosen over other successful bidders, particularly Sizanani, which had offered the most competitive pricing.

Before the court action, Essop’s legal representatives, A Mothilal Attorneys, sent a letter to the department on Wednesday. It demanded an explanation by Thursday for awarding the contract to JV and requested details on how work would be equitably allocated among the four successful bidders.

Having received no response, Essop proceeded to the high court to seek a temporary order halting the contract.

Sunday World newspaper said the company argues that the award to the JV was unlawful, irrational and biased, violating the principles of fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement outlined in Section 217 of the South African Constitution.” It says Sizanani has also launched another lawsuit to challenge the legality of the JV’s contract in a lower court, requesting a full review and cancellation of the department’s decision, or order the department to re-advertise the tender fairly and openly.

However, Morweng said the matter has been struck off the roll.

“This follows a court challenge lodged by one of the companies that were bidding, indicating that the contract was not properly awarded. The newly-appointed company has since begun operations in various areas of Ngaka Modiri Molema District this morning as had been announced in a media briefing on 1 October 2025.

“The department also seeks to clarify the issue of the registration of the buses. Some of the buses had been registered and are operating with number plates whilst others which have not as yet been registered, are operating with a permit as per the regulations of any newly registered vehicle,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

People reaffirm their confidence as ANC wins by-elections  

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF

16 October 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it has extended its heartfelt appreciation to the people of South Africa following the outcomes of the recent by-elections. The party said these results reflect the people’s enduring confidence in the ANC and affirm the growing strength of their renewal and service delivery programme that continues to take shape following the recent Special NEC on Local Government and the Roll Call of Councillors.

The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said the ANC celebrates the people’s victories across the country. Bhengu said in Musina Local Municipality in the Vhembe Region (Limpopo), the ANC triumphed decisively, electing councillor Raymond Mashudu Nyathi to serve the community with dedication and accountability.

“In the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality in the Chris Hani Region (Eastern Cape), the people reaffirmed their confidence in the ANC through the election of councillor Vuyiswa Poswa. In the Langeberg Local Municipality in the Boland Region (Western Cape), councillor Daniel

Baadjies, successfully retained the ward for the ANC, demonstrating that even in contested terrain, the people continue to trust the ANC to lead them.

“We express our deepest gratitude to the communities of Musina, Dr AB Xuma and Langeberg, and to every voter, volunteer, activist and supporter who made these victories possible. We also thank the people of Soweto,

Swellendam and Ramotshere Moiloa for their participation and commitment to democracy,” she said.

Bhengu further said these outcomes reaffirm the ANC bond with the people and strengthen their resolve to work harder, rebuild confidence and serve with integrity. She added that the Local Government Action Plan, adopted earlier this year, has sharpened the movement’s focus on service delivery performance, discipline and accountability among councillors.

“It serves as a compass for ensuring that ANC-led municipalities deliver with urgency, efficiency and consistency. Guided by the principles of consultation, openness, transparency and redress, every ANC councillor is expected to embody the values of ethical leadership and people-centred governance in daily service to their communities.

“The recent by-elections have shown that renewal is not a slogan but a living reality. The ANC is regaining stability, unity and trust as our cadres reconnect with the people and serve with renewed discipline and purpose. We remain committed to delivery, accountability and ethical leadership,” said Bhengu.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Morweng to launch Provincial Safer Festive Season Operation

NEWS Leave a comment

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

By BAKANG MOKOTO

16 October 2025 – The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said during the festive holidays, the South African government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address the heightened risk of criminal activity. Morweng said this initiative, known as Safer Festive Season operations, is spearheaded by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.

He further said it is against this background that he and the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, will launch the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operations, which runs from 1 October 2025 until 31 January 2026, in conjunction with Operation Shanela. Morweng added that the launch will take place at Mpheqeke Stadium in Kanana Township, in Orkney on Friday.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

SAFA NEC recommends appointment of Desiree Ellis as Banyana Banyana coach

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 October 2025- The South African Football Association’s (SAFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Mbombela on Tuesday, where the members engaged on several important matters. The SAFA Technical Committee recommended to the NEC that Molefi Ntseki should be appointed as the Association’s Technical Director and Desiree Ellis should be appointed as the coach of the South African senior women’s national team, Banyana Banyana.

The Technical Committee recommended that they both be appointed on four-year contracts and the NEC endorsed both recommendations.

Ntseki has already had several engagements with FIFA and the world football governing body has agreed to support his programmes. FIFA has appreciated the fact that the South African national teams are doing well with both the SA U17 and the U20 teams participating in FIFA World Cup tournaments this year.

The NEC congratulated the South U20 Men’s National team, Amajita, after they made history by becoming the first South African National team to win two matches at a FIFA World Cup. Coach Raymond Mdaka’s team captured the imagination of the public as they flew the South African flag high at the FIFA Under-20 men’s World Cup in Chile recently.

It was also the first time since 2009 in Egypt (under Serame Letsoaka) that Amajita had progressed to the Round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to Ghana after extra time. The NEC then went to support Bafana Bafana at the Mbombela Stadium after the conclusion of the meeting and were on hand to witness coach Hugo Broos’ charges qualify for next year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico in June 2025.

Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 to qualify for the global showpiece.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Executive mayor, Motseokae Maje encourages Grade 12 learners to be committed

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Learners during District Prayer Session/Generic 

By REGINALD KANYANE

16 October 2025- The executive mayor of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Motseokae Maje, has wished all the Grade 12 learners well on their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations. Maje echoed his best wishes during the District Prayer Day for Grade 12 learners, which was held in Vryburg High School on 15 October 2025.

The event was organized by the North West Department of Education in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, where about 84 learners from across the district attended the event. They represented all learners who will be sitting for their final examination expected to commence on 21 October 2025.

About 6200 within the district will be writing their NSC final examinations.

“We call on learners to stay focused, strong and courageous. To all our Grade 12 learners, your commitment and dedication to your studies this year will enable you to follow a pathway in post school education that will shape the rest of your life.

“I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you on reaching your Grade 12 year. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Stay focused, stay calm and give it your all. Your efforts will undoubtedly be rewarded,” he said.

Maje further said there is a brighter and promising future that awaits them. He added that best of luck to the Grade 12 and called on all the deserving learners, especially those in financial need and from previously disadvantaged communities with strong academic records, to apply for bursaries within the district municipality.

“Bursaries are only offered to deserving students residing within the five municipalities in the district,” said Maje.

Meanwhile, the Director for Education in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mojakhumo Dithejane said: “The purpose is to pray for the examinations that are free of irregularities. I would like to talk to these learners. Learners, we had irregularities in the district because of learners who did not listen to their principals.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Ditheetso ya beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa kwa Boxer Liquor Store di tla reediwa

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Motsamaisi wa kwa lebenkeleng la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

16 Diphalane 2025- Kopo ya beile mo kgetsing ya petelelo kgatlhanong le motsamaisi wa lebenkele la Boxer Liquor Store, Tebogo Romeo Mahusi (32), e solofetswe go reediwa kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno. Mahusi one a tshwarwa le go tlhagelela ka boripana kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go betelela modiri wa mosadi wa teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone are tiragalo e, ke ka Lamatlhatsho motshegare kwa lenekeleng la Boxer Liquor Store. Mokgwabone are dipatlisiso mo kgetsing e, di tsweletse.

Go begwa fa modiri wa dingwaga di le 20, teng kwa Boxer Liquor Store, a ne a tsweletse ka tiro ya gagwe ya go paka dilo fa motsamaisi a ne a mo biletsa kwa kantorong ya gagwe ka Lamatlhatso motshegare. Go begwa fa go tseneng ga bone kwa kantorong eo, Mahusi o ile a lotlela lebati la kantoro. Go begwa fa e ne ya re fa modiri o a sentse a maketse gore go diragalang, ke fa Mahusi a mo phamola a mo atla ka nkane.

Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo fekeetsa ka maatla, mme a mo apola borogwe. Go begwa fa Mahusi a ile a mo rapamisa mo tafoleng le go mo betelela a mo tlhaga kwa morago.

Kgabagare, kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung, ene ya busetsa kgetsi e morago go netefatsa bodulo jwa ga Mahusi le theetso ya beile.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kago ya tsela ya Itireleng e emisitswe mabapi le tlhaelo ya matlole

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

15 Diphalane 2025- Kago ya tsela ya dikilomitara di le 2.5 e golaganyang motse wa Itireleng le tsela kgolo ya N18 mono Taung, e tsweletse go aparelwe ke mathata. Se, se tla morago ga gore badiri ba puaganye tiro ka ntlheng ya go sa duelwe. Go begwa fa badiri ba ba neng ba thapilwe go aga tsela e, ba na le dikgwedi di feta pedi ba sa amogele.

Ene ya re ka ngwaga wa 2023, baagi ba motse wa Itireleng, ba ne ba bolotsa mogwanto, mme ba ikuela gore ba agelwe tsela. Baagi ba, ba ile ba tlhalosa fa tsela ya bone e sa tsamaege segolo bogolo jang ka nako tsa dipula.

Ba ile ba latofatsa masepala o mogolwane wa Taung ka go ruga madi a lekanyediwang go R10 million, mme a ne a betswe thoto go ka aga tsela eo. Fela masepala o ile wa latola fa gone go sena letlole lepe le le neng la beelwa thoko go ka aga tsela eo, gonne ese maikarabelo a bone.

Go ya ka masepala, ene ele maikarabelo a Lefapha La Ditsela Le Dithoto Tsa Setshaba mono Bokone Bophirima go aga tsela eo.

Fela go begwa fa lefapha ga mmogo le masepala o mogolwane wa Taung, ba ile ba tsena mo tumalanong ya go thusana go aga tsela eo.

Kgabagare, sebueledi sa Lefapha La Ditsela Le Dithoto Tsa Setshaba mono Bokone Bophirima, Mmakgori Tong, are lefapha le itemogetse tlhokego ya matlole mabapi le kago e ya tsela. Tong are fela ba leka ka bojotlhe go rarabololo bothata jo.

“Badiri botlhe ba ile ba duelwa kgwedi ya Phatwe. Ga jaana, re tsweletse ka go fetisa dituelo tsa kgwedi ya Lwetse go fitlha ga jaana. Re tlile go duela badiri bao go ya ka dikarolwana tse pedi. Karolo ya ntlha e tla duelwa mo go yone beke e, fa karolo ya bobedi e tla duelwa mo bekeng e e tlang.

“Go le gantsi, dituelo di diriwa dibeke tse pedi tsa ntlha tsa kgwedi. Jaanong, dituelo tsa kgwedi ya Lwetse, di tla konosediwa mo bekeng e e tlang. Lefapha le ile la itsise badiri bao ka thulaganyo e, ebile bangwe ba setse ba bone dituelo tsa bone mo bekeng e e fetileng, fa ba bangwe ba tla amogela dituelo tsa bone mo go yone beke e,” Tong wa tlhalosa. 

Tong are dituelo di tla dula di konosediwa dibeke tse pedi tsa kgwedi e latelang. Tong are lefapha le tla tla ka toga-maano go rarabolola bothata jwa matlole mabapi le kago e ya tsela.

“Fa re setse re konoseditse go tla ka toga-maano, kago e ya tsela e tla tswelela,” Tong wa tlhalosa.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Title Deeds Fridays Campaign hits Pampierstad

NEWS Leave a comment

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 October 2025- The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane together with the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli and the Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will on Friday, hand over title deeds to the rightful owners in Pampierstad in Northern Cape. The department said this will be a significant step on its ongoing commitment to eliminate the national title deeds’ backlog.

Vass spokesperson, Tebogo Monyo said in August 2025, the Minister and the Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays Campaign, a nationwide drive aimed at mobilising all stakeholders to support the title deeds restoration programme. Monyo said the campaign seeks to restore dignity, strengthen tenure security and promote economic empowerment for beneficiaries.

“The executive mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Wende Marekwa, the mayor of Phokwane Local Municipality, Willem Harmse and other local mayors within the Frances Baard District, will also be in attendance.  

“We will embark on a door-to-door delivery of title deeds to five senior citizens at ward 1, Sakhile, Pampierstad at 10am. Then we will have a community engagement and title deeds handover at Condo Open Space, Sakhile, Pampierstad at around 10:30am,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Minister of Transport to evaluate road projects in Mahikeng

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 October 2025- The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy will visit various road projects in Mahikeng on Friday. Creecy and North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua, will also officially hand over a completed road infrastructure project leading to Kgora Farmer Training Centre and evaluate those that are still in progress.

The Department of Transport spokesperson, Collen Msibi said during their visit, Creecy and Mokua will also implement the Operation Vala Zonke programme on Martin Street in Mahikeng, which will involve significant repairs to part of the road. Msibi said they will also unveil the recently procured yellow fleet valued at R100 million that will be key to preventive and routine maintenance of the roads, especially rural and farming routes.

taungdailynews@gmail.com