Mothers need more support to breastfeed

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Picture: A woman breastfeeding/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 July 2026 – Associate Professor at the North West University’s (NWU) Centre of Excellence for Nutrition with an interest in public health nutrition, Prof Christine Taljaard-Krugell said breastfeeding is a public good – so why are mothers carrying the cost alone?

Taljaard-Krugell said South Africa has the policies, but has the country counted the cost for mothers to breastfeed? She further said breastfeeding should not be a choice between feeding a baby and feeding a family.

“We tell mothers to breastfeed, but do we make it possible? South Africa has among the most progressive infant feeding policies in the world. The Tshwane Declaration of 2011, signed by Ministers, MECs, traditional leaders, and representatives from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, committed the country to protecting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life.

“The R991 Regulations of 2012 imposed strict marketing restrictions on formula. South African law binds companies and citizens to R991 itself. It does not bind them to the subsequent WHO guidance, much of which has evolved since 2012. The country meets the letter of a decade-old law without necessarily meeting the spirit of where the evidence has since travelled,” said Taljaard-Krugell.

She added that exclusive breastfeeding rates tell a different story. Taljaard-Krugell said the most recent national figure puts exclusive breastfeeding at six months at 22%.

“A decade and a half of political commitment has not changed this trajectory in any sustained way. The standard response has been to strengthen the clinical chain: more lactation counsellors, better-trained community health workers, and expanded breastfeeding support at facility level.

“These interventions matter, and they address barriers that are very real. But evidence suggests that information and clinical support, while necessary, are not sufficient for many South African mothers. What is often missing is something more basic: time and income,” she said.

Taljaard-Krugell said the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child are well established. She said for infants, breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases and lowers the likelihood of stunting.

“For mothers, lactation itself lowers the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. These benefits belong first and foremost to the mother-infant pair, regardless of whether the milk reaches the baby directly at the breast or through other means.

“However, some of the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond the household. Healthier infant places less strain on public clinics and hospitals. Reduced childhood illness means fewer missed school days and, later in life, improved opportunities for the child and lower costs for the state,” said Taljaard-Krugell.

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A man sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for murder

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By REGINALD KANYANE

7 July 2026 – The diligent investigative work of the Prieska Detectives has resulted in the successful conviction and sentencing of Charlton Pieterse (25) for murder.

Pieterse was convicted and sentenced by the Prieska Regional Court to 10 years imprisonment.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said he was also declared unfit to possess a firearm on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. Shemane said the conviction stems from an incident that occurred on 21 December 2024, at approximately 08:30, at an informal settlement in Prieska.

“The deceased, Nathan Pienaar (21), was walking to a nearby shop with a friend when they were approached by the accused. Without any apparent provocation or altercation, Pieterse stabbed Pienaar once in the chest with an Okapi knife, fatally wounding him.

“The accused fled the scene, but was arrested later the same day. He was released on bail pending the finalisation of the case, which concluded with his conviction and sentencing in the Prieska Regional Court on 23 June 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pixley Ka Seme District Police Management commended Detective Constable Francois Mei of the Prieska Detectives for his professional investigation, dedication and commitment in ensuring that a violent offender was successfully brought to justice and removed from society.

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Two men sentenced to 16 years each for tampering with essential infrastructure

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By STAFF REPORTER

7 July 2026 – Two copper cable thieves will serve lengthy prison terms after they were found guilty of tampering with essential infrastructure and sentenced by the Regional Court in Victoria West. The successful convictions and sentences followed meticulous investigations conducted by Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses of the Organised Crime Investigation Unit, based in De Aar in the Pixley ka Seme District.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said on 23 January 2025, a Transnet employee was conducting routine patrols between Noblefontein and Hazel Station when he noticed two men digging up underground copper cables belonging to Transnet. Litabe said the employee immediately alerted the police.

“Upon their arrival at the scene, the two suspects fled in different directions, leaving behind a substantial quantity of copper cables. The police pursued and arrested Reboot Simon Ramphedi (34) and Tsela Morobi (41). They were subsequently charged with tampering with essential infrastructure.

“The court found both accused guilty and sentenced them to 16 years each for tampering with essential infrastructure. They were also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act and each received an additional three-month prison sentence” he said.

Litabe further said after the completion of their prison terms, both men will be deported.

Meanwhile, the Pixley ka Seme District Commissioner, Major General Nomana Mtukushe, commended Detective Sergeant Shawn Moses for his diligent investigation and unwavering commitment to ensuring that those who break the law are brought to justice and held accountable.

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Seabo High School mourns the passing of Grade 12 learner

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Picture: Grade 12 learner, the late Olerato Botshelo/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 July 2026- A Grade 12 learner, Olerato Botshelo (17) from Seabo High School in Kokomeng village, near Taung, has died. Botshelo, who comes from Khudutlou village, near Taung, allegedly experienced dizziness.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Vuyo Mantshule said they confirm that they are aware of the tragic passing of Botshelo. Mantshule said, as department, they extend their heartfelt condolences to the Botshelo family, the learners, educators and the entire Seabo High School community during this difficult time.

“At this stage the department is working closely with the school, the family and relevant authorities. The circumstances surrounding the passing of the deceased are still being verified with the family. We will share a comprehensive statement once all facts have been confirmed and the family has been fully consulted.

“In the interim, psycho-social support teams have been deployed to the school to provide counseling and support to learners and staff who are affected by this loss,” he said.

Mantshule further said they request that the media affords the family privacy during this period of mourning.

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North West shows its ‘fangs’ at the SASCE National Championship

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Picture: Head of Department of North West Department of Education, Lengane Bogatsu/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 July 2026 – The North West Department of Education has secured an impressive 3rd finish at the highly competitive 2026 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) National Championship, bringing home nine trophies on 3 July 2026. North West has obtained an overall third position amongst the nine provinces in the country.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said this accomplishment places the province among the country’s top three performing provinces in school choral music. Motsumi said outstanding performance is a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment of learners, choir conductors and educators, whose relentless efforts to develop and refine young musical talent continue to produce exceptional results on the national stage.

“Sunrise View Primary School from Sunrise in Rustenburg, Bojanala District obtained a first position in Folklore Category – IsiSwati and Own Culture. Reabona Secondary School form Wolmaranstad in Dr Kenneth Kunda District scooped a first position in Folklore Category – Setswana and Own Culture.

“Nkang Mahlale Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr KennethKaunda District obtained the second position in the Secondary Mixed Choir (Wester). Temogo Special School from Mogwase in Bojanala District obtained a Second position in the Special Schools SID (Own Song Choice),” she said.

Motsumi further said Christiana School for the Blind and the Partially Sighted from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained the Second position in the Special Schools (MID,PD Deaf and Blind) category. She added that Kamogelo Primary School from Migdol in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Sexted category.

“Matlosana Secondary School from Jouberton in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District obtained a third position Female Choir – Syncopated Clock category. Mmabatho Secondary School from Mmabatho in Ngaka Modiri Molema District obtained a third position in the Male Choir – Seventy-Six Trombones category.

“Gaopalelwe Secondary School from Christiana in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District obtained a third position in the Mezzo – Soprano category,” said Motsumi.

She expressed her appreciation for the sterling work demonstrated by learners, choir conductors and educators, whose dedication, hard work and commitment contributed to the province’s remarkable achievement. Motsumi said on behalf of the department, she extend her heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to all learners, educators, choir conductors, School Governing Bodies (SGBs), parents and departmental officials.

“I am truly proud of each one of you. You remained determined and gave your best until the very end. The 2026 Championships were highly competitive, with every province arriving well prepared.

“Despite the stiff competition, you rose to the occasion and represented the North West Province with distinction,” she said.

Motsumi said this achievement demonstrates that they are moving in the right direction in many areas. She said academically, the province continues to rank among the country’s top-performing provinces.

“Last year, the North West also emerged as one of the top provinces at the National Teaching Awards. These accomplishments affirm that our province is a formidable force to be reckoned with.

“As the province celebrate this momentous success, I encourage all our learners to enjoy the well-deserved winter school holidays. I wish everyone a safe journey back home and I look forward to welcoming you back when schools reopen”, highlighted Motsumi.

She said the outstanding achievements reflect the province’s continued commitment to nurturing musical excellence and promoting arts and culture in schools.

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Homeless man gets shelter in Sonop

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 July 2026 – The North West Department of Social Development has acted swiftly to find accommodation for an elderly man, who was shown on various social media platform in desperate need of shelter and warmth. The department said Madibeng-based social workers managed to track down an old man, who identified himself as Michael from Tlhatlhaganyane, near Rustenburg.

North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie said:“We are elated that our elderly has been removed from the freezing streets to a warm bed at our old age home in Sonop.

“We hold dear our elderly and highly appreciate our team in Sonop, who upon seeing the video acted very fast.  Our thanks also went to those who flighted the plight of our elderly.”  

Dankie further said this is how social media should be used positively to build society. She added that she is pleased to note that ubuntu can still finds its way through these platforms.

“The social workers have not rested after accommodating the elder, they are hard at work, trying to locate and reunite him with his family at Tlhatlhaganyane.

“We call on families and community members to take care of the elderly and report their abuse with social workers and law enforcement agencies,” she said.

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Committee calls on University of Fort Hare to get its house in order

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Picture: University of Fort Hare

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 July 2026 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Makhi Feni calls on the University of Fort Hare to resolve its governance challenges if it is to focus on academic programme and research output excellence. Feni said the recent happenings concerning court appearances do not bode well for the brand of the university as well as the academic programme.

“We therefore call on the university to speedily resolve issues of the registration of the Eastern Cape premier and not allow straightforward matters to compromise the image of the institution.

“The Vice Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu remains on suspension with serious governance lapses. The court matters should not even be happening as registration criteria and qualifications should be sole preserve of the university,” he said.

Feni further said the University of Fort Hare lost a case against Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane regarding deregistration for his MA studies, a program through which he applied using recognition of prior learning method, acceptable in the National Qualifications Framework. He added that the committee notes the ruling and calls for a speedy resolution to these matters.

“We accept the right to appeal will always be there in case the university wanted to take that route, but if they do, it must be done advisably and reservedly. As the committee we are keen on matters of the burned building, court processes concerning university staff regarding assassinations.

“These are the things that should occupy the university,” concluded Feni.

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Monna o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong mabapi le petelelo

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Phukwi 2026- Monna wa dingwaga di le 21 o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Atamelang. Go begwa fa Monnapula Abel Lobese a ile a betelela mosetsanyana wa dingwaga di le 15 fa kgwedi ya Phukwi e ne e tlhola matsatsi a le 19 ka ngwaga wa 2019.

Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Captain Majang Skalkie, motswasetlhabelo o ne a tsamaya le tsala ya gagwe go ya kwa garage ya peterolo (Filling Station) kwa Setlagole fa ba ne ba kgorogelwa ke Lobese. Skalkie are Lobese o ile a ba tshosetsa ka thipa, mme ba leka go tshaba.

“Lobese o ile a tshwara motswasetlhabelo le go mo gogela kwa ntlung nngwe ya letlotla kwa a ileng a mo betelela gone.

“Kgetsi ya petelelo e ne ya bulwa, Mme seo se ile sa lebisa kwa go tshwarweng ga ga Lobese. Kgotlhatshekelo ya sedika ya Atamelang, e ile ya bona Lobese molato le go mo atlholela botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong,” Skalkie wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Mokomishinara wa nakwana mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Major General Rayno Naidoo o akgotse mmatlisisi wa kgetsi, Detective Sergeant Modisaotsile Otto ka tiro e manontlhotlho e a e dirileng mabapi le go batlisisa kgetsi e. Naidoo are sepodisi se tlile go dira mmogo le lephata la bosekisi mabapi le go lwa kgatlhanong le tshotlakako ya bong.

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A call for a probe into Kgatla’s attempted hit

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Picture: Municipal Manager of Madibeng Local Municipality, Quite Kgatla

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 July 2026 – The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM)in the North West calls for an in-depth probe into the shooting of the Municipal Manager of Madibeng Local Municipality, Quiet Kgatla (42). MRM described the incident as an act of ‘terror and cowardice’.

MRM provincial convenor, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele condemned the shocking incident and urged police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous and barbaric act are behind bars. Kgwele said no one will be safe for as long as trigger happy and heartless hitmen are still roaming around the streets and neighbourhoods.

“The perpetrators as well as those behind them should be unmasked and speedily removed from society to neutralise the threat that they pose to local government administration. We would like to wish Kgatla, who is recuperating in hospital, a speedy recovery.

“We appeal for calm, urging members of the public to assist the police investigators to uncover the motive of those behind the attack. It is critical that a comprehensive threat analysis should be urgently conducted and proactive steps be taken to safeguard the lives of those whose lives could be at risk particularly as we approach the 2026 Local government elections,” he emphasised.

Kgwele further said values of ethical municipal leadership such as integrity, community centredness, accountability, diligence and courage must not be undermined by threats of senseless violence directed at municipal officials and candidate councillors. He added that the process leading to the 4 November 2026 LGE must set the tone for a culture that also promotes civic ethics in the community and not conduct that inhibits ethical governance.

Meanwhile, the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the police in Brits has launched an investigation into a case of attempted murder following a shooting incident. Myburgh said Kgatla sustained gunshot wounds.

“The preliminary reports indicated that Kgatla was travelling on the Zilkaatsnek Road towards Hartbeespoort Dam at approximately 6pm. It is alleged that a charcoal-coloured VW Polo TSI with Gauteng registration plates overtook his vehicle and two unidentified occupants allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.

“The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one to his leg and another to his arm. Despite his injuries, he managed to maintain control of his vehicle before coming to a stop near a petrol service station at Zilkaatsnek,” she said.

Myburgh said Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel responded to the scene and ferried the victim to a local hospital for medical treatment. She said at this stage, the motive for the attack remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

“The police appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist in identifying the suspects or the vehicle involved to contact Lt Col Ditau Malebati at Brits Detectives on 076 510 8262 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

“Information can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App,” said Myburgh.

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Police warn community members who conduct unauthorised ID inspections

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 July 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has reiterated its concerns regarding unauthorised identity document inspections recently conducted by individuals in the Greater Kimberley area. The police said only duly authorised law enforcement officials from the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents while performing their official duties.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the members of the public are urged not to be intimidated by individuals who have no legal authority to conduct identity document inspections. Litabe said communities were encouraged to report any suspicious or unlawful conduct at their nearest police station, anonymously via the MySAPS App, or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“The only recognised community structure with which the SAPS officially partners is the Community Policing Forum (CPF). Any person who intimidates, discriminates against or harasses individuals suspected of not being in possession of identity documents or other legal documentation may face criminal prosecution.

“The SAPS remains committed to maintaining law and order, protecting the constitutional rights of everyone within the Republic of South Africa and ensuring that all policing actions are carried out professionally, lawfully and without prejudice,” he said.

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