Former Idols Finalist, KWANDA debuts heartfelt love anthem Ndizokunika

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Picture: Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 September 2025- Afro-Soul newcomer Kwanda Mahlombe, better known as KWANDA, first captured national attention as a Top 16 finalist on Idols South Africa. Today, he cements his artistry with the release of his emotive single Ndizokunika (feat. WalkMaTall) — a tender love letter in melody that is fast resonating with audiences across South Africa and beyond.

Born in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, KWANDA’s journey began in school Arts and Culture classes, where he discovered his voice alongside the keyboard. His raw talent soon propelled him from community stages to national television, where his stirring performances on Idols SA made him a household name.

Now signed under Nova Sounds, guided by acclaimed musician Vusi Nova, KWANDA is shaping a future rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and Afro-Soul excellence.

“For me, Ndizokunika is more than just a song — it’s my vow to give all of myself to the one I love. Whether big or small, what matters is that it comes from the heart. This single reflects my truth: love is not measured by possessions, but by how deeply you are willing to give of yourself,” said KWANDA.

Nova Sounds founder and mentor Vusi Nova said KWANDA’s star quality was evident from the beginning. Nova said when he first heard him sing, he knew he was special.

“His voice is powerful yet tender, and his artistry carries a rare authenticity. Ndizokunika is a shining example of what he has to offer the world. Featuring WalkMaTall, the track pairs soulful guitars and delicate keys with lyrics that speak directly to the human heart. It is an honest, stripped-down approach that highlights the purity of KWANDA’s artistry.

“Looking beyond his debut single, KWANDA is building a brand that blends music with creativity across disciplines. A self-taught instrumentalist with a background in software engineering, he is moving into production, mixing and mastering, and piano instruction,” he said.

Nova also envisions extending the KWANDA brand into fashion — crafting a unique blend of music, identity, and design.

“As an artist, I want to inspire people not just with music, but with creativity in every form,” KWANDA explains. “Ndizokunika is just the beginning of what I hope will be a journey that touches lives and encourages others to live and love authentically,” he said.

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Four men nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Drugs seized by the police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 September 2025- Four men were arrested for dealing in drugs during Operation Shanela II in Alexander Bay. The police seized drugs with an estimated street value of R19 553.17, as well as cash believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said the suspects aged between 26 and 44, are scheduled to appear in court soon. Magerman said on 5 September 2025, at approximately 12:00, members of the Namakwa District Task Team together with Namakwa Crime Intelligence executed a coordinated search and seizure operation at a residence in Merensky Laan, Alexander Bay.

“This successful operation underscores the Namakwa District’s unwavering commitment to combating drug related crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, welcomed the successful outcome of Operation Shanela II, which led to significant drug seizures and arrests in Alexander Bay.

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Police in Kimberley donates food and money to destitute family

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Picture: Police donating food parcels and money to disadvantaged family

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 September 2025- The police in Kimberley donated food hampers and monetary relief to a family in need in Florianville on Saturday. The Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in the Northern Cape, Major General Johnny Besnaar, together with his platoon members of the 1990 intake and the Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, initiated this.

Besnaar further said they initiated and pledged their support to the initiative following their quarterly meeting at the Horseshoe Inn in Kimberley. He added that their team was accompanied by members of Kimberley Social Crime Prevention, the Community Policing Forum, Kimberley Safety Participants, and Women Against Crime.

“This act of kindness was directed towards one of SAPS’ long-serving partners, Debbie Swartz (63), a dedicated member of both the Women Against Crime and Community Policing Forum. 

“Debbie played an integral and active part in the Kimberley Community Police Forum and structures, dedicated her time to the partnership and community over the years,” he said.

Besnaar said his team handed over groceries, as well as financial assistance to the family. He thanked all the role players who supported the initiative.

“I would like to emphasize that the role of the police extends beyond traditional law enforcement, encompassing efforts to build stronger community relationships and address a wider range of public safety needs, ultimately striving to create safer and more supportive communities for all,” said Besnaar.

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Health Services Rolled Out Across Ventersdorp Sub-district

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Picture: The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 September 2025- As part of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, #ThuntshaLeroleReloadedPhase5, the North West Department of Health rolled out a comprehensive package of healthcare services in the Ventersdorp Sub-district.

Leading the programme was the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, who was joined by Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Polaki Mokatsane, Acting Deputy Director-General for District Health Services, Grace Tsele, as well as senior managers from both the provincial and district offices.

Lehari said they oversaw the acceleration of integrated healthcare services in the area, ensuring that communities gain direct access to quality health interventions.

“The day’s programme began with the Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight visits to Wilgewonden Clinic and Ga-Mogopa Clinic. This initiative, designed to strengthen service delivery interventions, allows leaders to directly monitor the state of health facilities, engage with staff, and respond to community concerns.

“Underscoring the department’s commitment to strengthen primary healthcare, we met with Community Health Workers (CHWs), commending them for their dedication to home-based care and encouraging them to continue prioritising patient well-being,” he said.

Lehari further said in line with the department’s broader focus on integrated service delivery, healthcare professionals rendered a variety of services on-site. He added that these included childhood immunisations, cervical cancer screening, HIV and TB testing, hypertension and diabetes screening, eye care services and health education on non-communicable diseases.

“By offering these services collectively, the department ensured that community members could access a wide range of essential healthcare interventions in a single setting—reducing barriers to care, particularly for rural populations.

“Recognising the importance of addressing broader social determinants of health, the Department also donated sanitary towels and school shoes to learners at schools including Regorogile Secondary School,” said Lehari.

He said these contributions form part of the holistic approach that links health outcomes with education and social well-being. Lehari said at the community feedback session, residents were encouraged to raise service delivery concerns.

He directed the Thuntsha Lerole response team to return to the area for follow-ups, ensuring that issues raised are addressed and that service delivery is continuously improved. Lehari said integrated service delivery is at the heart of this programme.

“By combining health services with social support, we not only treat illness but also build healthier, more resilient communities. The department reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing rural access to quality healthcare and ensuring that all communities benefit from coordinated, people-centred service delivery,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya e buseditswe morago

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

5 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa motswakwa, Raji Mohamed Ibro (43) yo e leng moagi wa naga ya kwa Ethiopia, ebile a na le lebenkele kwa motseng wa Longaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung go fitlha Lwetse a le matsatsi a le 9.

Ibro one a tshwarwa le go latofadiwa ka go shupa ka sethunya le go thuntsha. Go begwa fa Ibro a ile a tshosetsa moagi wa kwa Longaneng, Sello Stephen Kokamo (43) ka sethunya le go thuntsa mo moyeng.

Go begwa fa go ile ga tsoga kgakgauthano ya mafoko magareng ga banna ba babedi ba. Ibro o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo go dira kopo ya beile.

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Dikgetsi tse pedi tsa go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le Kaalpens di buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Thato Kaalpens Gaobuse/Faceb

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

5 Lwetse 2025- Dikgetsi tse pedi tsa go shupa ka sethunya kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motseng wa Maphoitsile, gaufi le Taung, eleng Thato Gaobuse, mme a itsege thata ka leina la Kaalpens, di buseditswe morago go fitlha kgwedi ya Lwetse a tlhola matsatsi a le 11.

Kaalpens o ile a tshwarwa ka Labobedi wa beke e e fetileng mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go shupa ka sethunya. Go begwa fa monna o, e le kgale a batliwa ke sepodisi.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, o ganne go neelana ka ditlha tse di feletseng gore ditatofatso kgatlhanong le Kaalpens ke tsefe le gore di diragetse kae. Van Rooyen are tshedimosetso eo, e tla ama dipatlisiso tsa sepodisi.

Kgabagare, Kaalpens o tla nama a letile kwa ntlolefitshwana go fitlhelela a boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo.

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North West municipalities will continue to be under scrutiny

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Picture; The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 September 2025 – The joint parliamentary oversight delegation concluded the first leg of its oversight after three days in North West on Wednesday. The delegation, comprising the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, conducted oversight in conjunction with the North West Provincial Legislature.

This visit forms part of a broader engagement with underperforming municipalities across provinces and is part of a new model of oversight designed to align accountability across all three spheres of government. The oversight concluded with a call for ethical leadership across political parties.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Zweli Mkhize said, while noting that many of the challenges stem from councillors deployed by the majority party, he stressed that all councillors, regardless of political affiliation, are collectively responsible for ensuring stability, accountability and service delivery.

Mkhize said the delegation also observed deep political instability in several councils, with councillors divided into factions that, in some instances, attempted to install competing mayors or speakers.

“This paralysis was compounded by high vacancy rates in senior management posts, with many municipalities reliant on acting appointees due to an inability to attract or retain skilled personnel.

“In rural municipalities, especially, inadequate resourcing and reliance on grants have compromised institutional sustainability,” he said.

Mkhize further said the oversight also raised serious concerns about municipalities’ continued reliance on consultants, with little evidence of skills transfer or capacity-building. He added that members demanded the urgent development of consultant replacement plans to ensure that core governance and financial functions are restored to internal municipal structures.

“The visit highlighted several urgent cases requiring provincial intervention. In Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, councillor divisions created confusion over the position of mayor, prompting the intervention of the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance and the provincial police commissioner.

“The joint delegation asked the MEC to engage directly with councillors to enforce compliance with the law and restore stability,” said Mkhize.

He said in Tswaing Local Municipality, instability and leadership vacuums have severely compromised service delivery, with senior officials facing suspension and arrest. Mkhize said residents there continue to endure water shortages, poor waste management and failing road infrastructure.

“The delegation emphasised that these failures are not merely abstract administrative issues but have direct consequences for residents, who are bearing the brunt of political squabbles, financial recklessness, and governance paralysis.

“We would like to remind councillors and provincial leaders of their constitutional responsibilities. You have the authority given to you by the Constitution, and we expect you to use it,” he said.

Mkhize said municipalities cannot continue to function effectively without clean audits, effective financial management and political stability. He said residents deserve reliable services and accountable leadership, not dysfunction and neglect.

“The delegation has directed MECs to closely monitor council decisions, ensure that investigations into maladministration are completed, and intervene decisively where councils fail to act.

“Detailed reports, including timelines and measurable targets, must be submitted to Parliament and the provincial legislature. The committees warned that continued non-compliance will trigger further interventions,” said Mkhize.

He said parliament will continue to monitor developments in the North West municipalities, and the delegation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that consequence management is enforced and that communities receive the services and stability to which they are entitled.

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Three suspects nabbed for dealing in drugs

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Picture: Some of the drugs seized/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2025- On Thursday at approximately 2am, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted in Madeliefielaan, Pofadder, by the Namakwa Task Team in collaboration with the Crime Intelligence. The operation followed information received regarding alleged drug dealing activities at a residence in the area.

The Namakwa District police spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman said upon arrival, police members found a woman (47) and two men aged between 29 and 35, inside the premises. Magerman said a search of the house led to the discovery of mandrax tablets hidden underground with an estimated street value of R450.  

“While continuing the search, further information was received indicating that additional drugs were stored in a zinc structure at the back of the premises.

“The police proceeded to the structure, where they uncovered dagga and mandrax with a combined street value of approximately R40 000. All three suspects were arrested and charged with dealing in drugs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended the swift action and dedication of the members involved in the operation.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi takes legal actions amid explosive WhatsApp messages allegations   

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Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 September 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson, is alleged to be taking legal action against his detractors as ANC factional battles within the party play out.

This comes after explosive WhatsApp messages making rounds on various social media platforms alleging that he interfered with the appointment processes of the Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo by fabricating some evidence.

According to WhatsApp messages that depict and suggest Thabo Appolus’ as the author, alleged that Mokgosi and other three people met with Appolus to fabricate evidence on Segapo’s appointment. Currently, Appolus and others are challenging Segapo’s appointment in court and the matter is now with the Supreme of Appeal Court as the municipality challenged the outcome of the verdict that was in the applicants favour.

The WhatsApp messages read: “Good morning comrade Lazzy, today is 2 April 20225, three years later since you drove from Vryburg to pay me a visit like Nicodemus of the old. While Nicodemus meeting with Jesus Kreste in the middle of the night, your meeting on the day with me catered for three more people, Doreen Mariri, Aobakwe Mathontshi and Boy Sejake.

“Cde Premier, I wish you to know it is with much pain that I write you the reflections of that meeting on the 02nd April 2023. The pain is caused by the fact that you brought me a letter that spoke about Modisenyane Segapo, and this you made clear must never leak because even the then MEC of Cogta, Cde Nono Maloyi does not know about it.”

“Yes, as per your instructionI worked on that letter. Between you and me, of course with those 3 other persons, you have misled Cde Nono Maloyi as the MEC of Cogta hence Naledi is where it is today.

“Fast forward, on the dawn of March2025 you linked up with the EFF Senior Politician and called my lawyer with the intent to have my case jeopardized because of your wish to lure Segapo. To this end I will caution you Premier Lazy Mokgosi, you’re treading on thin ice. Let me bring this to your attention, the case of Segapo will be resolved not as per your wish to further cause confusion and divisions in the NorthWest Province.”

“In fact, as a revolutionary I am duty bound to defend Segapo against you AND that’s what is now going to happen. Kgale o betsa ke thiba, jaanong o thibe.

“Like Martin of old, what is about to happen to me I do not know, and I care less to know. But as the 1946 Youth League informed President General Alfred Xuma, I wish to inform you, you’re not going to be the next ANC Provincial Chairperson. Stay tuned.”

As chickens might be coming home to roost, Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has taken note of the allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, councillor Groep. Mokgosi won’t comment further on this matter as it is sub-judice.”          

Appolus could not be reached for comment as he did not respond to our messages and calls to confirm the eligibility of the WhatsApp messages.

Meanwhile, in the letter written by Professor of African Politics and International Relations, University of Pretoria, Christopher Isike with headlines: Factionalism and corruption could kill the ANC – unless it kills both first and published on May 12, 2019 12.39pm SAST said, the ANC suffers from all these anti-progress traits and must engage them head-on. Isike said this is because the regimental (command-and-obey) culture that drives liberation movements, fosters leadership arrogance, authoritarianism and corruption.

“It also stifles innovation, especially from youth. Growing disenchantment with the government of a ruling party over recurring high levels of corruption represents another reason for the loss of the hegemony,” he said.

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Parliament dispute R50m cost allegations

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By REGINALD KANYANE

5 September 2025- Parliament said it rejects as false and misleading recent media reports suggesting that it is planning to spend R50 million in 2026 on the hiring of venues and broadcasting equipment. The parliament said this allegation is blatantly untrue and cannot be substantiated by any facts or official decisions.

The National Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said the parliament clarified during the Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament on Wednesday that the R33,8 million for venue hire and R14,2 million for the hire of audio-visual and broadcasting equipment were merely estimates of potential future costs. Mothapo said these were included only as part of scenarios for consideration by the committee, to enable a comparative analysis of the most cost-effective options available.

“The scenarios and figures were part of options tabled for the committee’s consideration in light of ongoing challenges following the fire at Parliament in 2022 and the rebuilding process still underway

“At no stage did Parliament indicate or resolve that it intends to spend R50 million in 2026 on these items,” he said.

Mothapo further said the resolution taken by the committee was that Parliament should opt for the use of the dome, rather than the option of hiring venues and broadcasting equipment at a projected cost of R48 million. He added that the committee agreed that the dome presented a better and more cost-effective solution, as it requires a once-off amount of approximately R33 million to prepare it for appropriate functionality.

“This option further delivers long-term value because the dome will remain under government ownership and continue to be available for future events beyond the immediate project.

“As both the Department and Parliament do not currently have such a budget, a decision was taken that they will jointly approach the National Treasury for a possible further allocation,” said Mothapo.

He said this would ensure that cost constraints do not impede the ability of MPs to carry out their constitutional functions effectively and without disruption.

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