SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football

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Picture: SAFA, Standard Bank announce partnership to power South African football/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) and Standard Bank have announced a landmark sponsorship that will see Africa’s largest bank by assets become an official partner, supporting Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana and grassroots national teams from 2026 and beyond. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa, with Bafana Bafana set to compete on the grandest global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Former Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions Sasol Banyana Banyana are also preparing to contest the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations this year.

SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao said: “This partnership reflects the kind of investment that South African football needs. Standard Bank’s support will strengthen the competitiveness of our national teams and development structures as they represent our country on the continental and world stage.”

David Hodnett, CEO of Standard Bank South Africa said for Standard Bank, the sponsorship is a natural extension of our commitment to South Africa. Hodnett said football remains the most widely followed sport in South Africa, playing a unique role in uniting communities and inspiring national pride aligned to their purpose, “Africa is our home, we drive her growth”.

“Standard Bank’s partnership with SAFA builds on decades of supporting sport initiatives, from junior ranks through to national levels. Through this partnership, the bank is investing in the aspirations of a nation and its people, and that aligns squarely with our purpose of driving Africa’s growth.

“The people who fill those stadiums and paint the cities green and gold are our clients and they come from the communities we serve every day,” continues Hodnett.

Meanwhile, the South African national teams continue to deliver inspired performances on the field. Bafana Bafana finished with a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Banyana Banyana are the 2022 Women’s African champions and showed a competitive spirit at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup.

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NPA requests all dockets linked to a political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

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Picture: Political fixer, Brown Mogotsi

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 March 2026- The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has requested the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West to furbish it with all dockets related to the political fixer, Brown Mogotsi. This comes amid Mokgosi’s testimony at the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that SAPS, Justice and NPA have been infiltrated by criminal cartel.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a request was received from the NPA for all dockets relating to Mogotsi. Myburgh said there are quite a number of them.

“There are more than 10 dockets ranging from kidnapping, murder, assault, reckless and negligent driving, assault GBH and defeating the ends of justice to mention a few. The murder case was reported on 16 December 2011.

“The victim, Buthi Jan Mothusi (35) was allegedly assaulted by Mogotsi, who was 32 at the time of the incident. He died later the same day at a local clinic. On 13 October 2022, the case was withdrawn by NPA,” she said.

Meanwhile, the NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “We can confirm that the NPA has requested all the dockets linked to Mogotsi from SAPS. We are still waiting for those dockets.”

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Police officer dies in a horrific accident, three ferried to hospital

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Picture: The deceased, Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer/Facebook 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

12 March 2026 –The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it is saddened by the death of Constable Shalone Shandrey Meyer (37), who lost her life during a motor vehicle accident that occurred early on Wednesday morning on the N12 road, near Stilfontein. It is alleged that four police officers were travelling in a state motor vehicle (Nissan Lavina) when the driver lost control over the vehicle and collided with a tree.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adéle Myburgh said Meyer, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was declared dead on the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), whilst the three other police officers, two males and one female, aged between 24 and 33, were airlifted to a Gauteng hospital for treatment, after sustaining serious injuries.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member and wished the three injured members a speedy recovery.

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SAFA clarifies related party loans in draft financial statements

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Picture: SAFA president, Danny Jordaan

By REGINALD KANYANE

12 March 2026 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) wishes to categorically set the record straight and dispel the misleading narrative currently circulating regarding related party loan balances amounting to R1.774 million as reflected in the draft Audited Annual Financial Statements (Note 19 – Related Parties) that were scheduled for discussion at the previous National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

SAFA president, Danny Jordaan said contrary to the insinuations being made by some NEC members who are clearly ‘hellbent’ on ‘tarnishing’ the image of the association, these amounts do not represent irregular payments or advances of funds to NEC members, or unauthorised benefits and undisclosed transactions. Jordaan said they arise from the National Executive Committee (NEC) Motor Vehicle Scheme, a structured governance support programme implemented by SAFA in 2015.

“Under this scheme, SAFA secured a loan facility from a financial institution to procure vehicles on behalf of NEC members who voluntarily elected to participate. The vehicles were acquired by the Association and allocated to participating members strictly in terms of signed loan agreements between SAFA and the respective NEC members.

“These agreements clearly stipulate that the participating NEC members are fully responsible for reimbursing SAFA for the value of the vehicles. It is therefore important to emphasise that these are recoverable amounts, governed by legally binding agreements, and not grants or financial benefits as some have misleadingly suggested,” he said.

Jordaan further said they must also state that this NEC Members Vehicle Scheme was a once-off arrangement and is no longer available. He added that equally concerning is the fact that some of the individuals now attempting to cast aspersions on this scheme were beneficiaries of this NEC Motor Vehicle Scheme.

“They participated and benefited fully from these arrangements when the vehicles were procured. Their current posture therefore raises serious questions about the motives behind the deliberate mischaracterisation of this matter. SAFA will not allow misinformation, selective interpretation of financial statements or disclosures, or politically motivated narratives to undermine the integrity of the association or its governance structures.

“The association reiterates that the scheme was implemented through formal agreements and established financial processes in 2015. SAFA remains committed to transparency and accountability in all financial matters and will continue to provide clarity where necessary regarding the administration of its programmes,” said Jordaan.

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‘Water crisis inhumane and unacceptable’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

12 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) in North West said the ongoing water crisis in Taung that is tormenting the communities is inhumane and unacceptable. EFF said for over a year, the people of Dryharts and other villages have been forced to survive without a reliable supply of running water.

The EFF Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Amogelang Matuane said families, elderly school children and small businesses, have been subjected to depending on water tanks as their only source of water. Matuane said these tanks are irregularly filled, often arrive late and in many instances, do not meet the basic needs of the growing community.

She further said this is not merely an inconvenience, it is a gross violation of the constitutional right to access sufficient quality water and a direct insult to the dignity of our people. Matuane added that water is not a luxury, but a basic human right.

“The continued failure of the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the North West Provincial Government to provide consistent water supply to Dryharts, exposes the deep levels of incompetence, poor planning, and collapse of infrastructure under the ANC-led administration. For almost a year, there has been no sustainable intervention, no clear turnaround strategy, and no accountability for those responsible for this crisis.

“The most disturbing aspect of this matter is that when the residents of Dryharts exercise their democratic right to protest and demand basic service delivery, they are met with police brutality. Instead of water supply being dispatched urgently, what is dispatched is law enforcement armed to suppress frustrated and thirsty residents. Instead of leadership engaging the community with solutions, the state responds with intimidation and force,” she said.

Matuane said this is a cruel response to a community that is simply asking for water to drink, cook, bathe, and live. She said a government that responds to legitimate service delivery protests with violence is a government that has failed its people.

“The people of Dryharts are not criminals. They are victims of municipal collapse. They are not asking for favours, but demanding what is rightfully theirs. The EFF calls for an urgent, transparent report from the Greater Taung Local Municipality and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs detailing the root causes of the prolonged water crisis, the status of water infrastructure in Dryharts, the budget allocated for water services, and the immediate timelines for the restoration of consistent water supply.

“Furthermore, there must be an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality against residents who have been protesting for basic services. The people of Dryharts cannot continue to live like refugees in their own Province. The EFF stands firmly with the community and will fight until there is a permanent, reliable water solution and accountability for both service delivery failures and the repression of residents,” she said.

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Picture: Community members grappling with water challenges/SABC

Four men sentenced to two life terms imprisonment for double murder  

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

11 March 2026- Four accused were sentenced to two life imprisonments each for two counts of murder by the Taung Regional Court. The accused, Tlotlego Ntlhaeng (26), Vincent Gaanabo (28), Gofaone Thari (24) and Oratile Modisamongwe (22) were sentenced to two life imprisonments each for two counts of murder of Kutlo Mogapi (20) and Tumelo Gaehose (22).

The sentences run concurrently.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said the charges stem from tragic incidents that occurred on 17 March 2024, in the Pudimoe Township, in Taung. Gunya said the investigations revealed that on the day of the incident, the four accused went to a local tavern accompanied by a friend who later turned into a state witness.

“They met Gaehose, attacked him and stabbed him to death. After the brutal attack, they left the tavern together with the witness, while on the way from the tavern, they met Kutlo Mogapi (the deceased) and his friends and attempted to rob them. The state witness tried to reprimand them.

“His attempts to stop them were unsuccessful, violence escalated, and they started to attack them. Mogapi was stabbed and succumbed to the injuries whilst on the way to the hospital. Police were called, all four accused were arrested on the same day, and they were denied bail,” he said.

Gunya further said all four accused pleaded not guilty to charges of murder. Representing the state prosecutor, Rebaona Mokgopa, addressed the court on the seriousness of the offence and urged the court to impose sentences which will serve as a deterrent to other like offenders and send a message.

“The court concurred with the state, noting that their actions were motivated by nothing but criminality. The court described their actions as senseless, gruesome, and heartless. All four accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act,” he added.

Welcoming the sentence, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended Mokgopa and praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement.

“The NPA remains steadfast in ensuring accountability. Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face the full might of the law,” said Makhari.

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341 NPOs business plans approved

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Picture: North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 March 2026- With a day left before the North West Provincial Treasury tables the budgets for the departments, the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie said her department is ready to disburse funds to qualifying non-profit organisations at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Elated Dantjie has applauded her departmental officials for assessing and validating 341 business plans received from various NPOs within the sector in accordance with relevant mandates and prescripts.

She further said on yearly basis the department of Social Development embarks on ‘Request For Proposals’ which is a legalised process to urge NPOs that are operating within the province to submit their business plans in order to access funding for provision of social services such as crime prevention, residential care for older persons, prevention of HIV and Aids, substance abuse, care and support of families, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), service clubs and other social services.

Dantjie added that the aim is to partner with NPOs so as to extend the Departmental service delivery footprint in the province.

“I congratulate you for doing sterling work in processing NPOs business plans. Through your team effort, we will start the new financial year on the right footing whereby contracting with NPOs is almost concluded.

“This is a groundbreaking achievement for the department. You have worked around the clock to process the business plans and make them ready for implementation, by the beginning of the new financial year,” she said.

Dantjie said an amount of R239 million has been budgeted for NPOs which have signed Service Level Agreements with the department for 2026/2027 financial year – a move which will yield economic spin offs by creating job opportunities to 3 649 people across the province. She said her programme managers in her department should monitor compliance of NPOs with specific reference to the central system database.

“Non-compliance to central system database requirements might lead to delayed payments. We appeal to NPOs to return unspent funds to the department at the end of the financial year, not unless they have applied and got approval from the head of department to use such funds within the legal timelines,” said Dantjie.

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Nine persons accused of killing a TUT lecturer granted bail

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Picture: Some of nine accused persons in court/Screengrab 

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 March 2026- Nine persons who are accused of killing Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) lecturer, Madasi Sifundo were granted a R2000 bail each by the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court. The accused, Koketso Molambo (37), Thapelo Mothemani (33), Solomon Maunatlala (32), Kholofelo Phasha (20), Kabelo Mothiba (43), Koketso Masuku (34), Lerato Matlala (37), Marry Dudu Mogale (43), and Maggie Phasha (56) allegedly killed Sifundo in a mob justice.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that on 25 February 2026, at around midnight, police received a complaint about a mob justice incident in Soshanguve Block L. Mahanjana said the members of the community were alleging that Sifundo had raped two minor children aged 9 and 12.

“Upon arrival at the scene, police allegedly found Sifundo lying naked and face down in the street. Emergency medical services were called and certified him dead at the scene. Following investigations, police arrested the nine accused on 27 February 2026.

“During the bail application, the accused, through their legal representatives, applied to be released on bail. The state prosecutor, Thandi Nduli, opposed the application based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the accused are known to state witnesses, which raises concerns that they may intimidate them,” she said.

Mahanjana further said the court, however, found that exceptional circumstances exist which, in the interest of justice, permit the release of the accused on bail. She added that the matter has been postponed to 29 April 2026 for further investigations.

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Police looking for missing woman

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Picture: The missing woman, Mjekie Sarah Tinisa/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 March 2026 – The police in Mahikeng request the community’s assistance in locating a missing woman, Mjekie Sarah Tinisa (70) of Tsetse village, near Mahikeng. The police said Tinisa was last seen by her friend on 7 January 2026.

The North West police spokesperson, Captain Majang Skalkie said a search commenced and extensive investigations were conducted around Tsetse village and surrounding areas without any positive results. Skalkie said at the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a green skirt with a white top and white shoes.

“She is dark in complexion with a slender build body and has white and black plaited long hair. The police request anyone who may have information regarding Tinisa’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Saeed Lahri, on 060 228 7572 or 018 397 5310.

“Alternatively, call your local police station or Crime Stop on ‪08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” she said.

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‘Libraries are sanctuary spaces’

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Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over a library/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 March 2026- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi officially opened a new Community Library in Thekwane. The collaborative efforts of the strategic stakeholders that comprises Rustenburg Chrome mine, Royal Bafokeng institute, Rustenburg Local Municipality and the department, culminated into the establishment of Tshukudu Community Library.

Tlhapi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, officially handed a new library to the community of Thekwane on Friday, during the Provincial Thuntsha Lerole Programme in Marikana.  She said Tshukudu Community Library epitomises the commitment of the private sector collaboration with Government in developing and uplifting industry-hosting communities through infrastructural community development.

“Tshukudu Community Library offers a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to meet the diverse needs of Thekwane community. The library features a reception area and a dedicated librarian’s office, Internet and Wi-Fi access for patrons and ablution facilities for convenience.

“This includes a shelving area housing more than 2 500 books, a kitchenette for staff use, a children’s and toddlers’ collection area with age-appropriate resources, computer stations for research, study, and digital access and a specialized section equipped with resources and assistive technology for people living with Disabilities,” she said.

Tlhapi further said on behalf of the North West Provincial Government and the people of Thekwane, they convey a sense of gratitude to the Rustenburg Chrome mine and Royal Bafokeng institute for their courtesy and commitment to social investment. She added that they sincerely appreciate their strategic stakeholders in safeguarding the future of Thekwane by honouring their community with this invaluable information graveyard, it is now their property and they should protect it with their own lives, because protecting it, is securing the future of their young people.

“Libraries are sanctuary spaces, a place where silence and tranquillity meet and offer comfort and inspiration. Within the library walls, people can find comfort and peace that allows them to unlock their dreams and awaken their true potential,” said Tlhapi.

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