Ramaphosa encourages North West to exploit public-private sector partnerships

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Picture: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 September 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a meeting of the national executive with the provincial executive council of the North West. Ramaphosa said the engagement was held under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All,” formed part of a series of engagements between him and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improving service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th administration.

“In accordance with the constitutional imperative for deepening cooperative governance, the meeting affirmed close cooperation in ensuring the successful delivery of critical infrastructure such as the rebuilding of roads, provision of water infrastructure and energy availability for powering the province’s industrial ambitions.

“The meeting recognised the improvements that have been achieved in the governance of the province. The national executive pledged to work closely with the provincial government to ensure the resolution of challenges currently plaguing municipalities in the province,” he said.

Ramaphosa further welcomed the demonstrated level of developmental ambition by the province. He encouraged the province to exploit public-private sector partnerships in the furtherance of development in the province.

“Previous sessions between the national and provincial executives include meetings with the Executive Councils of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and most recently, the Northern Cape.

“It is envisaged that the National Executive would have met with the leadership of the remaining two provinces, Free State and Western Cape, by the end of this financial year,” added Ramaphosa.

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A chance to make inputs to National Minimum Wage adjustments as the deadline looms

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Picture: NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 September 2025- The Department of Employment and Labour said the deadline for written submissions to possible adjustments to the NMW for 2026 is fast approaching – this follows the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission’s invitation to all interested parties or stakeholders to make written submissions.

The department said NMW Commission had invited written inputs on 19 August 2025 and said it will publish its annual report and recommendations concerning possible adjustments to the National Minimum Wage to the Minister of Employment and Labour later in 2025, in accordance with Section 6(2) of the NMW Act, No. 9 of 2018.

NMW Chairperson Imraan Valodia encourages interested parties to have their say in the possible adjustment. Valodia said the National Minimum Wage is the lowest remuneration rate that employers are obligated and legally permitted to pay their employees for each ordinary hour worked.

“It is illegal for employers to pay their employees less than the minimum threshold. The NMW was first introduced for implementation in South Africa in 2019. The minimum wage is currently fixed at R28,79 for each ordinary hour worked.

“The current rate was announced in February 2025 by the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth. The Commission is responsible for annually reviewing and recommending adjustments to the national minimum wage,” he said.

Valodia further said it also investigates and reports annually to the Minister on the impact of the national minimum wage on the economy, collective bargaining and income differentials, making this information available to the public. He added that representations should reach the directorate: Employment Standards, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X117, Pretoria, 0001, or be sent to nmwreview@labour.gov.za by 18 September 2025.

“In addition to making representations on NMW, the Commission is appealing to interested parties to complete a survey questionnaire on the link: https://forms.office.com/r/jXFtcZag90?origin=1prLink, and the link can also be accessed on the Department of Employment and Labour’s website and social media pages,” said Valodia.

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Debate on collapse of local government

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 September 2025- The North West Legislature Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono to preside over House Sitting for debates on Heritage Day and collapse of local government and the North West Premier, Mokgosi’s response to oral questions. Mohono will preside over Legislature House Sittings, where Members of all Political Parties represented in the Legislature will Debate on Heritage Day. 

She further said the debate will also focus on how the collapse of local government is driving environmental damage and what this means for the future of their natural resources and the wellbeing of residents. Mohono added that Mokgosi will also respond to oral questions sent by Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs).

“The House Sitting will be held at the Legislature Chamber on Tuesday at 9am,” she said.

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Mosenogi convenes Inaugural North West Provincial FRP Political Oversight Committee

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Picture: The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 September 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi said the North West Provincial Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) Political Oversight Committee has been instituted to ensure that municipalities placed under mandatory and voluntary Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) interventions register progress. Mosenogi held the inaugural meeting to lay the foundation and ensure that the interventions are implemented in ten identified municipalities.

She further said the North West Provincial FRP Political Oversight Committee is composed of mayors and speakers of these municipalities with the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi as the Deputy Chairperson. Mosenogi added that the primary responsibility to avoid, identify and resolve financial problems in a municipality rests with the municipality itself.

“In instances where these have not been done and mandatory and voluntary Financial Recovery Plans interventions instituted, the municipality must take responsibility for complete implementation. Municipal councils are directed to demonstrate leadership, exercise effective oversight and enforce accountability to ensure that the Financial Recovery Plan achieves its intended outcomes and lays foundation for long term municipal sustainability,” she said.

Mosenogi said successful implementation of the FRP relies on an environment characterized by political buy-in. She said political leaders must embrace the interventions as solutions to problems facing the municipalities, identifying and mobilizing human and financial resources needed, monthly and quarterly reporting as well as consequence management.

“The Executive Committee (EXCO) resolved in November 2021 to place eight municipalities such as Naledi, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, Madibeng, Kgetleng, Ramotshere Moiloa, Tswaing, Ditsobotla and Mafikeng under mandatory intervention in line with Section 139 (5) (a) and (c) of the Constitution read together with Section 139 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

“In addition to Section 139(5)(a) and (c) mandatory intervention, the Provincial Treasury provided support to Mamusa, City of Matlosana and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities with the voluntary financial recovery services, in line with Section 154(1) of the Constitution,” said Mosenogi.

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EFF welcomes intervention at embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality

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February 03, 2023.Ditsobotla Local Municipality office buildings in Lichtenburg North West Province.Picture:Freddy Mavunda © Financial Mail

By REGINALD KANYANE

15 September 2025- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it has taken note of the intervention by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, in terms of Section 139 (7) of the Constitution in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. The EFF said this intervention, which follows years of evident maladministration, misappropriation of funds and the substantial collapse of service delivery, is a clear indictment of the ANC’s absolute failure to govern.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said for too long, the people of Ditsobotla have been subjected to intolerable conditions as a result of corruption, instability and incompetence under the ANC leadership.

Moema said it is noteworthy that since the inclusion of the EFF in the municipal leadership, there has been a marked period of stability and a renewed focus on governance.

“Our presence has brought much needed accountability and a commitment to putting the interests of the community first. While the ANC’s internal factional battles and flagrant disregard for due process brought the municipality to its knees, the EFF has consistently advocated for clean governance and service delivery.

“The EFF welcomes the intervention’s strong measures, including the review of irregular appointments, the investigation of corruption by law enforcement agencies, and the implementation of strict financial controls. We are particularly supportive of the initiative to reverse irregular appointments and to hold those responsible

for any misconduct accountable,” he said.

Moema further said this aligns perfectly with their longstanding call for good governance and common good of all the residents of Ditsobotla. He added that, in light of these developments, the EFF reaffirms its commitment to work with all stakeholders, including the appointed administrator, Kopung Ralikontsane and political parties who are genuinely committed to restoring stability and accelerating service delivery to their people.

“We will not allow narrow political interests to stand in the way of progress.

The Minister and the intervention team have acknowledged the stability in the council, and the EFF stands ready to participate as a key partner in advancing the recovery process. Our mission is to ensure that the people of Ditsobotla receive the quality services they deserve and that their dignity is restored,” said Moema.

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Police need your assistance in locate a missing person

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Picture: The missing Eben van der Vyver/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 September 2025 – The police in Rustenburg request the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Eben van der Vyver (38), who is residing at a smallholding (Plot) in Rhenosterfontein in Rex Road, Rustenburg. According to the police, Vyver was last seen by his mother, when she dropped him off at a church on the R104 road on 13 December 2023.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said on 18 January 2024, the backpack of the missing person was found at a friend’s nearby farm in the Rustenburg area. Myburgh said a search was conducted and extensive investigations were done with no success.

“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing brown shorts with a brown check shirt and black shoes. He is tanned in complexion, has hazel eyes with brown and blond, curly, short hair. He was wearing a self-made necklace, made out of stone and beads and on his left arm a self-made black stone armband with silver, black and white colours.

“Furthermore, he has a David star tattoo on his left thigh, a scar on his left front finger, a dimple on his right cheek and a deep scar on his chin. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Sgt Amukelani Mashimbye on 082 772 9226, call the 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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Police need your assistance to locate a missing man

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Picture: The missing Richard Hammond

By BAKANG MOKOTO

15 September 2025 – The police in Mooinooi request the community’s assistance in locating a missing man, Richard Hammond (46), who is residing at a smallholding (Plot) in Barnardsvlei, Mooinooi. According to the police, Hammond left home in July 2023 to seek employment in Rustenburg, but never returned.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a search was conducted and extensive investigations were done with no success. Myburgh said at the time of his disappearance, he was wearing navy blue denim with a white shirt.

“He is about 1.85m tall with a slim build, blue eyes, brown, frizzy hair, a white, short moustache, and beard. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officers at Mooinooi Detectives, Sgt Brenda Metseleng on 065 515 7052 or Sgt Aaron Khunou on 076 565 85 76. 

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

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Nigerian man nabbed for dealing in drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

15 September 2025- The Nigerian national, Kenechi Ndukaife Atuchuku (45) briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 15 September 2025, facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs. Atuchuku’s court appearance emanates from a lengthy investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation with the guidance of the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component into allegations of selling drugs in and around Klerksdorp.

The NPA regional spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya said an undercover operation was conducted in 2022 and the accused was allegedly caught selling drugs to a customer. Gunya said following an investigation, a warrant of arrest was issued against the suspect and executed on 12 September 2025, in Klerksdorp.

“Atuchukwu is linked to a case involving his fellow countryman, Michael Okoya, who was arrested last week for alleged dealing in drugs. Atuchukwu was remanded in custody until 17 September 2025, where he is expected to appear alongside Okaya,” he said.

Meanwhile, the North West acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Georgia Moos and the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, have welcomed the arrest and subsequent court appearance of the accused.

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Former CFO of Ratlou Local Municipality and co-accused nabbed for fraud

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By REGINALD KANYANE

15 September 2025- A 35-YEAR-OLD former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Ratlou Local Municipality in Setlagole village, near Mahikeng and the Payroll Clerk (53) at the Ratlou Local Municipality, were arrested on Monday by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation in Potchefstroom for alleged fraud. The reports indicate that in March 2022, the CFO appointed the payroll clerk as an acting Expenditure Manager without the approval of the Municipal Manager.

The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said investigation revealed that in November 2022, the CFO allegedly authorised payment of over R49 000 to the acting Expenditure Manager for an acting allowance. Mathebula said it was further established that the alleged acting Expenditure Manager, did not perform any duties related to her acting position.

“The duo was apprehended and charged with fraud. They will appear in the Setlagole Magistrate’s Court on 16 August 2025,” he said.

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POPCRU condemns the brutal murder of a police officer  

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Picture: The deceased, Constable Sharon Hlongoane/Facebook

By AGISANANG SCUFF

15 September 2025- The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in Gauteng said it is appalled by the senseless and brazen killing of Constable Sharon Hlongoane (33), who was stationed at Temba Police Station in Moretele. POPCRU said it extends its deepest condolences to the member’s family, colleagues and loved ones.

POPCRU provincial secretary, Lerata Motsiri said according to the reports, the incident occurred on 12 September 2025 at approximately 7:45pm. Motsiri said members of the SAPS Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling near Rampie Garage in Manyeledi Section when they signalled a white VW Polo (POLO VIVO, registration FX85MJ GP) to stop.

“The vehicle initially stopped, but sped off when the officers exited their vehicle. A brief pursuit ended when the suspects’ vehicle was cornered in the Chris Hani Section. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby residential area.

“During the confrontation, the suspects reportedly fired at the police. In the exchange, Hlangoane was fatally shot in the chest as she was returning to the police vehicle. She later succumbed to her wounds and the suspects believed to be three in number, remain at large,” she said.

Motsiri further said POPCRU Gauteng notes that the Provincial Operational Co-ordinating Centre (POCC) has activated a multi-disciplinary team, and they welcome any measures that will assist in apprehending those responsible. She added that, however, the steady rise in attacks on law enforcement officers demands far more than reactive steps.

“Our members put their lives on the line every day to protect the public; they must not be left exposed and vulnerable while carrying out their duties. We repeat our long-standing call for authorities to treat the targeted killing of law-enforcement officers with the utmost seriousness. POPCRU has urged that the deliberate killing of police and correctional officers be declared an offence against the state, reflecting the gravity of such attacks.

“Until stronger, proactive protections and decisive action are in place, our members will continue to face unacceptable risks. In the strongest terms, POPCRU Gauteng condemns this fatal shooting and calls on the SAPS to spare no effort in hunting down the perpetrators and ensuring they face the full force of the law. We also call on the government to urgently review and strengthen measures that protect policing personnel in the line of duty,” said Motsiri.

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