Picture: The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 September 2025- The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua said they will host MUNIMEC to strengthen intergovernmental relations within the province. Mokua said the structure was established in 2022 by the department and seeks to enhance collaboration and coordination between the provincial government and local municipalities in the North West.
She further said during the meeting, executive mayors, mayors and councillors, will explore effective strategies to improve service delivery and advance developmental objectives in the province. Mokua added that the session will also promote cooperative governance by serving as a consultative forum for exchanging information and addressing issues of mutual interest between provincial and municipal structures.
“The event is scheduled to take place at Khaya Ibhubesi Conference Centre, Parys on 23 September 2025,” she said.
22 September 2025- The United Democratic Movement (UDM) said it has noted with deep concern the alarming rise in drunken driving cases across South Africa. The UDM said in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) alone, 93 motorists were arrested in a single weekend, bringing the total number of arrests since 15 August to 293.
The acting Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Zandile Phiri said these included 33 arrests in Kokstad, 24 in Pietermaritzburg and 16 in Ladysmith. Phiri said these figures are a stark reminder that reckless behaviour on the roads continues to endanger lives.
“This is not unique to KZN. In June, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department reported 226 motorists arrested in a single week for driving under the influence. In the Western Cape, between 30 June and 6 July, 23 people lost their lives in road crashes while 57 motorists were arrested for drunk driving in that same week.
“These reports illustrate that drunk driving is not a provincial problem but a national crisis that requires urgent coordinated intervention.
As the festive season approaches, a period when alcohol consumption, travel and road use are at their highest, we must confront the devastating consequences of drunk driving,” said Phiri.
She said every arrest represents a life that could have been lost, a family that could have been shattered or a community left grieving. The UDM commends the dedication of law enforcement officers across the provinces, who have prevented potential tragedies.
“However, the numbers show that more must be done. The UDM therefore calls for stronger enforcement and visible policing on all major routes and in high-risk areas. Increased breathalyser checks, patrols and roadblocks, particularly during peak travel periods. Expanded public awareness campaigns that highlight the devastating human cost of drunk driving are needed.
“Greater community participation to support road safety initiatives and report reckless behaviour is needed. We also make a direct appeal to all South Africans to stop this behaviour before more innocent lives are lost. Do not drink and drive. Choose responsibility over recklessness. Protect yourself, your loved ones and every other road user,” said Phiri.
She said South Africa cannot afford to normalise drunk driving. Phiri said the safety of law-abiding motorists, passengers and pedestrians depends on a collective effort to change behaviour, enforce accountability and protect lives on their roads.
Picture: Drunk and driving accidents on the rise/Generic
By AGISANANG SCUFF
22 September 2025- The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety have intensified its fight against drunk driving through the Phuza Weekend Operation, conducted between 17 and 19 September 2025. The blitz resulted in the arrest of 17 motorists across the province. The department said in the Capricorn District, three motorists were arrested with the highest alcohol reading recorded at 0.93mg/1000ml.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene said Mopani District accounted for two arrests, the highest reading being 0.30mg/1000ml. Chuene said Vhembe District registered the highest number of arrests, with eight drivers taken off the road.
“The most severe case recorded was 0.60mg/1000ml. Waterberg District recorded four arrests, with the highest reading at 0.88mg/1000ml. Sekhukhune District reported no incidents of drunk driving during this period.
“These arrests highlight the Department’s unwavering commitment to road safety and its zero-tolerance stance against lawlessness. Motorists are reminded to never drink and drive. The decisions you make behind the wheel determine whether lives are saved or lost,” she said.
22 Lwetse 2025- Babelwaelwa ba le bararo ba dingwaga di le 42, 52 ga mmogo le 70, ba solofetswe go rotola matlho fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso mabapi le ditatofatso tsa polao. Go begwa fa babelaelwa ba, ba latofadiwa ka go bolaya monna wa dingwaga di le 36.
Go begwa fa ba ile ba teketa monna o go fitlha a tlhokafala morago ga go mo latofatsa ka bogodu jwa leruo. Go ya ka dipego, banna ba, ba ne ba le babedi, mme o mongwe o ile a amogelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ka dikgobalo tse di masisi.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segoomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa lefelo la tiragalo kwa Etos Farm kwa motseng wa Choseng, gaufi le Pudimoe fa Lwetse a ne a tlhola matsatsi a le 20 ka ura ya bosupa mo mosong. Van Rooyen are batlhakela ba sepodisi ba fitlhetse moswi a rebegile sefatlhego ka dintho tsa go teketikwa.
“Go tshwerwe banna ba le bararo mabapi le ditatofatso tse, mme bone ba tlile go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la kamoso. Babelaelwa ba, ke baagi ba naga ya Afrika Borwa,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.
Kgabagare, go begwa fa moswi ele moaagi wa kwa motse wa kwa Maganeng, gaufi le Taung, fa mong ka ene yo a amogetsweng kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung ka dikgobalo tse di masisi, ele moagi wa Choseng.
Picture: The Chairperson of the Committee, Mxolisi Kaunda
By BAKANG MOKOTO
22 September 2025– The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water and Sanitation) will this week visit Knysna Local Municipality in the Western Cape. This follows a notice sent by the Western Cape government to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that it intends to invoke provisions of Section 139 (1) (c) of the Constitution and dissolve the municipal council.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mxolisi Kaunda said Section 139 of the Constitution authorises the provincial executive to intervene in a municipality when it does not fulfil its executive obligation in terms of legislation. Kaunda said Section 139(3)(b) provides that the dissolution will be effective after 14 days from the date of receipt of the notice by the NCOP unless the relevant cabinet member sets it aside before the expiry of those 14 days.
“The committee viewed it necessary to interact with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to get inputs on the constitutional, procedural and substantive matters related to invoking Section 139 (1) (c) of the Constitution in the municipality. Consultation remains a critical pillar of Parliament’s work.
“The provincial executive cited years of governance and service delivery failures, chronic infrastructure breakdowns, ongoing sewage spillages, and water supply disruptions, which left communities vulnerable to health and safety risks,” he said.
Kaunda further said in undertaking the visit, the committee is guided by the belief that municipalities must be viable and able to achieve the objects of local government as set out in Section 152 of the Constitution. He added that the residents of all municipalities deserve quality services and any decision must be taken with the interest of the people at heart.
“The committee will thoroughly consider the basis for the decision, as required in Section 139(3), which empowers the NCOP to approve or disapprove the dissolution before the expiry of 14 days from the date of receipt of the notice for intervention.
“Some of the stakeholders the committee will interact with include the MEC of the Western Cape Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, political parties represented in the municipal council, organised labour, business forums, and women’s and youth structures. The municipal leadership will also be allowed to share its perspective on the intention to invoke Section 139 by the provincial government,” said Kaunda.
He said the visit will take place at Knysna Local Municipality Offices at 10am on Tuesday.
Picture: Some of the drugs confiscated by the police during raid/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 September 2025- Two men aged 60 and 63 were arrested for dealing in drugs during Operation Vala Umgodi in Frances Baard District. This comes after the police received a tip-off and identified hotspots such as Phutanang, the CBD in the Greater Kimberley on 20 September 2025. The targeted actions included stop and search actions, Vehicle Check Points (VCPs), visits to informal and formal businesses, shopping centres and high visibility patrols.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said identified premises were searched and drugs, including mandrax tablets, Tik and dagga with an estimated value of R5 405 and a significant amount of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were recovered and confiscated.
Ehlers said Operation Vala Umgodi in the Northern Cape continues to intensify efforts aimed at curbing illicit mining activities and related crimes.
21 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Sonja Boshoff, has called on the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau to urgently convene a national crisis summit on job losses. Boshoff said mass retrenchments and downsizing by big companies have become “far too routine” in South Africa.
She further urged the ministers of trade, employment and labour, and small business development to act immediately. Boshoff added that the summit must bring together affected companies, trade unions and provincial and local government to find urgent solutions.
“Policy levers to protect jobs must be on the table. Relief on electricity and freight costs for vulnerable manufacturers, faster support for localisation, stronger interventions in the steel and automotive industries, and trade remedies against unfair imports, all need urgent consideration.
“We call for Section 189/189A consultations to be strengthened to ensure transparency, proper engagement with workers, fair severance and more retraining and redeployment opportunities,” she said.
Boshoff said regions hardest hit, such as the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Free State, need targeted economic stimulus, labour absorption programmes and infrastructure to attract investment. She said the call comes after media reports that Coca-Cola plans to cut 680 jobs, while ArcelorMittal is considering further drastic cuts and possible closure.
“We do not need another national dialogue talk shop. Our economy is stagnant and paralysed by contradictory policies. Workers and communities are counting on decisive leadership.
“These job losses are too many, too frequent, and under too much avoidable pressure. We must act now, not just to protect livelihoods, but to safeguard South Africa’s industrial future,” said Boshoff.
21 September 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it informs consumers about the recall of VW Amarok vehicles as notified by Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd (VW), affecting 374 vehicles. The commission said affected vehicles were made available from 10 January to 12 June 2025.
The NCC spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said VW has informed them that these vehicles are being recalled due to the possible loss of braking assistance that may be caused by the electromechanical brake servo control unit. Ntaba said according to VW, the braking system remains functional but requires additional effort when applying the brakes.
“If the issue manifests whilst the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle will require increased braking distance. Consumers of the affected vehicles are urged to take their vehicles to any VW or Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles approved dealership for assessment, at no cost to the consumer.
“The NCC reminds consumers that product recalls are vital to ensure the safety of products in the marketplace, and prompt action is essential. The NCC is monitoring this recall in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act,” she said.
21 Lwetse 2025- Sepodisi sa kwa Pudimoe se batlisisa kgetsi ya polao. Se, se tla morago ga gore motho a bolawe kwa Choseng Etos Farm mo letsatsing la maabane.
Go begwa fa moswi a bolailwe ke badisa ba kwa nageng ya Lesotho morago ga go mo latofatsa ka go utswa leruo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Adele Myburgh are sepodisi se ile sa bilediwa kwa polasing eo morago ga gore ba itsisiwe ka polao e ka ura ya bosupa mo mosong. Myburgh are batlhankela ba sepodisi ba fitlhetse moswi a rapaletse fa fatshe, mme a ribegile sefatlhego.
“Moswi one a na le dintho tsa go teketiwa mmele wa gagwe otlhe. Go ile ga bidiwa ba thuso ya potlako, mme ba mo kaya fa a setse a balelelwa le badimo.
“Moswi ga ise a itsiwe gore ke mang go fitlha ga jaana. Kgetsi ya polao e ile ya bulwa, mme ga ise go tshwarwe ope,” Myburgh wa tlhalosa.
Picture: The ANC MPL in North West Provincial Legislature, Pricilla Williams/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
18 September 2025- Magaliesberg Biosphere and the Moruleng Cultural Precinct are jewels of heritage that should empower locals, African National Congress (ANC) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature, Priscilla Williams emphasised in her Heritage Month debate speech delivered on Tuesday. The North West Provincial Legislature held a debate on Heritage Month 2025 under the theme: ‘Reimagine Our Heritage Institutions for a New Era’ during its last sitting to conclude the 2nd Quarter legislature programme before adjourning for a two weeks recess that starts on the 22 September 2025.
Williams mentioned that the theme for this year has been chosen to mark an important milestone in the country’s achievements and to mark a turning point, highlighting that South Africa’s heritage economy must belong to all.
“True heritage means that a young entrepreneur in Moruleng, a craftswoman in Rustenburg, and a tour guide in Hartbeespoort all share in the dignity and wealth created. All our people have stories to tell. We are determined to give an opportunity to make a distinction between history and heritage and, at the same time, reconcile with heroic figures as they shape a new identity.
“The sites must not only honour cultural diversity but also the sacrifices of workers who’s sweat and unity across colour lines helped shape the provincial economy. This year’s theme challenges us to reposition museums, archives and sites as active contributors to identity, social change and development,” she said.
Williams further said this is not rhetoric — it is policy direction for the year: reimagining heritage as a catalyst for a dynamic, socially responsive, technologically innovative and economically inclusive future. She added that there is a need for establishment of community-anchored hubs, libraries, archives, maker-spaces as well as small galleries to be located at or near transport nodes and equipped with Wi-Fi, digitisation labs and multimedia studios led by youth interns.
“We call for government procurement to be biased towards women crafters and bappegi who make dihele, xibelani, mbhaco and Setswana crafts as well as incubation of Cooperatives including formalised routes that link cultural villages, memorials and farms to township tourism in order to boost local value chains.
“We welcome the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation’s efforts towards digitising to monetise, 3D scanning of artefacts, recording of oral histories to preserve our rich cultural heritage, licensing of content to schools, broadcasters and platforms as well as training of creators in Intellectual Property, e-commerce and touring circuits,” said Williams.
She said as the Freedom Charter continues to be the lodestar that inspires them, they recommit that the people shall share in the wealth of history and the wealth that heritage can create. Williams said from memory to momentum — that is how they reimagine for a new era to accelerate service delivery, deepen transformation and advance their people’s interest.
“The ANC conference resolutions on Arts, Culture & Heritage instruct us to integrate heritage with economic transformation, social cohesion, and the creative industries — using technology, public-private partnerships, and community participation,” she concluded.
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