Steenhuisen visits troubled North West municipalities

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), John Steenhuisen

By REGINALD KANYANE

4 September 2025- The Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), John Steenhuisen, will be engaging residents, business and farming stakeholders in the JB Marks, Ditsobotla and Matlosana Local Municipalities in the North West today to champion the DA’s six-point economic growth plan.

Steenhuisen said the plan is a blueprint for fixing failing municipalities, lowering the cost of living, securing reliable energy and water, repairing infrastructure, creating jobs, and attracting investment.

“I will be joined by the DA North West Provincial Leader and Member of Parliament (MP), Leon Basson, Deputy Provincial Leader, Cornél Dreyer, Provincial Chairperson AND Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), Freddie Sonakile, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and councillors at the various stops.

“Our first engagement will be a meeting with agricultural stakeholders and farmers from JB Marks and surrounding areas at Lekwena Wildlife Estate, N12, Potchefstroom on 4 September 2025, at 12:30pm,” he said.

Steenhuisen further said he will then visit the historic railway station destroyed by fire in 2020 at

Potchefstroom Railway Station, Stasie Road, Potchefstroom at 2pm. He added that his third engagement will be a public meeting with community leaders, local chamber of business and members of the North West University (NWU) at Snowflake Venue, 2 Kock Street, Central, Potchefstroom at 5:30pm.

“On Friday, I will visit Matlosana Local Municipality as part of oversight of failing road infrastructure at several streets in Central Matlosana. That will commence at 1:15pm in Lautz Street, Klerksdorp.

“We will also embark on an oversight to out-of-order Klerksdorp Wastewater Treatment Plant at 2pm. Then we will have a roundtable with business and stakeholders on the decline of the Industrial Hub and the impact on jobs and investment. At Uraniaville Industrial Hub, Klerksdorp at 3pm,” said Steenhuisen.

He said he will inspect persistent sewer failures and service collapse at Orkney CBD and Golf Club around 5:10pm too.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Seven accused nabbed for illegal hunting and trespassing granted R500 bail each  

NEWS Leave a comment

By AGISANANG SCUFF

4 September 2025 – The case of trespassing and illegal hunting against seven accused, David Lefifi (52), Alphious Gaolaolwe (29), Tlogelang Mmono (39), Lebogang Lefifi (44), Mpho Mathakathata (38), Daniel Lefifi (32), and Bareng Lefifi (22), was postponed by the Atamelang Magistrate’s Court until 30 September 2025. The accused were granted R500 bail each.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said all accused persons were arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning, 30 August 2025, in Setlagole after the police were called to a farm where the suspects were found restrained by farm owners. Myburgh said the police allegedly found seven dead duiker buck with an estimated value of R35 000 loaded in a Nissan NP200 bakkie.

“A hunting rifle with silencer was also seized,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said: “In an effort to create a safe and secure environment within communities the SAPS has developed and implemented strategies such as the Community Policing and Rural Safety Strategies especially among farmers, tribal authorities, and adjacent communities.

“These strategies are intended to promote peaceful co-existence and respect not only of individual rights but also for the rule of law. The SAPS is therefore, calling upon members of the public and communities living adjacent to or near farms, including game farms, not to trespass or to hunt for game or collect firewood, without the permission or approval as such actions are prohibited by the law.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Nine suspects in court for kidnapping, murder and malicious damage to property

NEWS Leave a comment

By BAKANG MOKOTO

4 September 2025 – Nine suspects including a woman (54), believed to be a mine operator, her son (20) and six others believed to be her security enforcers from KwaZulu-Natal are expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2025, on charges of kidnapping, murder, assault, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.

The eight suspects were arrested on 2 and 3 September 2025, by a multidisciplinary Investigation Team comprised of Provincial Murder and Robbery, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Sun City Detectives, which was established by the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng following the killing of five men at an open cast mine in Tlhatlaganyane on 2 September 2025.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the suspects’ charges relate to the case of kidnapping and murder that was reported to the police in Sun City on 17 July 2025, where a victim was kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to take the suspects to a person they were looking for, who was eventually shot and killed.  

Myburgh said out of nine suspects, two were positively linked with another case opened in Sun City on 14 August 2025, and they will face additional charges of malicious damage to property, kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

“The police investigations are ongoing and there are possibilities for more arrests, including further charges against the suspects,” she said.

In reacting to the arrests, Asaneng said: “It is through the excellent and expeditious work by the multi-disciplinary team that was tasked to investigate circumstances that led to the killing of the five men at a chrome mining site in Tlhatlaganyane that has led to the arrest of these suspects and it is hoped that their arrest will help bring some semblance of stability and normalcy in the highly contested and violent and crime ridden chrome mining sector in that area, especially because they are linked to previously reported cases that were reported to the police in that area. 

“These arrests should send a stern warning to others who are still engaged in illegal mining and brazen lawlessness that they will soon face the full might of the law.”

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Diko to deliver keynote address at the Digital Content Creators Colloquium

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko,

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

4 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, will deliver a keynote address this morning at the Digital Content Creators Colloquium (DCCC) in Bloemfontein, Free State.

The DCCC is a three-day event which started on Wednesday, 2 September 2025, and it is organised through a partnership between several stakeholders, including the Free State Premier’s Office, Vodacom and the Central University of Technology, among others.

Diko will deliver her keynote address under the topic: Digital transition and regulation in South Africa. The keynote address will be delivered at   Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS), 12 First Avenue, Bloemfontein on 4 September 2025 at 9:10am.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kgetsi ya go shupa ka sethunya e boela kgotlhatshekelo

NEWS Leave a comment

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

4 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 solofetswe go boela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.

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.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kaalpens o soloftswe go dira kopo ya beile

NEWS Leave a comment

Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa, Thato Kaalpens Gaobuse/Facebook

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Lwetse 2025- Kgetsi 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, e solofetswe go boela kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung mo letsatsing la gompieno.

Kaalpens o ile a tshwarwa 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 one a busediwa kwa ntlolefitshwana, mme o solofetse go dira kopo ya beile.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

197 emerging farmers empowered

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: 197 emerging farmers empowered/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

3 September 2025- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture in partnership with the North West Farmers’ Association of South Africa (NWAFASA), AgriSETA, and BLC Academy, proudly hosted a first-of-its-kind historic certification ceremony on 3 September 2025, at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture.

A total of 197 emerging farmers were certified following intensive training programmes in Cattle, Goats, Grain, Poultry, and Horticulture.

The Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla said the initiative is a significant step towards equipping farmers with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to establish, grow sustainable and productive agricultural enterprises. Mokhatla said the certification took into account the triple challenges faced; it is for this reason that the department has collaborated with industries, both public and private, as well as farmer organisations and representatives, to further expose learners to other areas of opportunities, such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Program (CASP) funding models available.

“We would like to emphasise the department’s commitment to working in a close partnership with all stakeholders for the betterment of the performance of the sector.

“This programme demonstrates our collective commitment to building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security and drives rural economic development,” he said.

Mokhatla further said the department congratulates all 197 learners for their discipline, dedication, and passion for agriculture. He added that their achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening the province’s agricultural landscape.

“Agriculture in the North West is entering a bold new chapter.

Meanwhile, the NWAFASA Chairperson, Andrew Aphane extended his heartfelt appreciation to AgriSETA for their generous sponsorship, BLC as the training partner, and the department for its unwavering support in advancing the empowerment of emerging farmers.

“This partnership has been instrumental in equipping our farmers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to grow sustainable and productive agricultural enterprises,” said Aphane.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Picture: Head of Department, Thupi Mokhatla addressing the certification ceremony of the 197 emerging farmers in the North West Province/Supplied 

Illegal immigrant nabbed for dealing in drugs

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Drugs seized by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 September 2025- An illegal immigrant (31) was arrested for dealing in drugs during the intelligence-driven operation in Upington on 2 September 2025. The police said the suspect was arrested by off-duty members.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said this follows a tip-off about a consignment of drugs to be delivered in Upington. Masegela said the preliminary investigations conducted led to the identified vehicle being located at a local guesthouse.

“The alleged vehicle was searched and the police found methamphetamine with an estimated value of R620 400 stashed in a hidden compartment at the back. The vehicle was also confiscated as it was used in the commission of a crime,” she said.

Meanwhile, the ZFM District Commissioner, Major General Monica Sebili, commended the members for going the extra mile which is a clear display of their commitment and dedication to their calling as officers of the law. Sebili said in addition, she also appreciated the community’s partnership by providing pivotal information which led to the successful arrest and seizures.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Motsumi meets with Provincial NTA Winners Ahead of National NTA

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 September 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi met with the provincial winners of the National Teaching Awards (NTA), 2024 National NTA winners and teacher mentors at Bon Hotel in Rustenburg. Motsumi said the capacity building workshop was organised to prepare the teachers from the province for the upcoming National NTA which is scheduled for October 2025.

She further emphasised her satisfaction in the attainments of the provincial winners and emphasised the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence in teaching. Motsumi added that teachers remain the heart beat in building the future of the province and their children.

“It is important that we give support and encourage teachers as they will be competing on the national level. Bringing all trophies home from nationals will boost and encourage other teachers to do well in their respective roles.

“We encouraged the provincial winners to go further with their commitment to innovation and educational excellence in the classrooms,” she said.

Motsumi said the workshop served as a great chance for the 2025 provincial winners to discuss strategies they use in the classroom, share their work experiences and receive guidance ahead of the national competition from the previous winners of 2024 who represented the province at national level. She said provincial winners from North West continued to show exemplary commitment and dedication to their work, and the department looked forward to their success at the national level as the province scored 58% of the awards in 2024 and wished them all the best.

taungdailynews@gmail.com