Tributes after Moiloa’s passing

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Picture: Chairperson of the Mental Health Review Board (MHRB) in the West Rand District, the late Dikgang “Uhuru” Moiloa

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 August 2025- The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has paid tribute to the Chairperson of the Mental Health Review Board (MHRB) in the West Rand District, the late Dikgang “Uhuru” Moiloa, following his death on 30 August 2025. Nkomo-Ralehoko described Moiloa as a community leader who served until his last breath.

She further said Moiloa was among the newly-appointed chairpersons of MHRB across five districts serving a three-year term from December 2023 to November 2026.

“The passing on of ntate Moiloa is a huge blow given his vast experience on governance. We relied on leaders like him to lead the way in our journey towards enhancing mental health care and advocacy in the province.

“He was someone who’s commitment to serving the people of Gauteng and by extension the whole country saw him continuing to make a meaningful contribution even after retiring from active public office,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

She added that Moiloa had previously served in various roles within the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, including as the Deputy Speaker and the Gauteng Provincial Government as the MEC for Human Settlement and Local Government. Nkomo-Ralehoko said he was described by those that served with him in various structures as a devoted revolutionary, a selfless leader and a lifelong servant of the people.

“As a Chairperson of the West Rand District MHRB, Moiloa played an instrumental role to promote and safeguard the rights and justice of individuals with mental illness and intellectual disabilities in accordance with the Mental Health Care Act No 17 of 2002.

“We wish to extend heart-felt condolences to ntate Moiloa’s family, friends and comrades. We share their pain and remain inspired by the legacy of service he leaves behind,”

She said.

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DA pursues Minister of Defence summons after brazen robbery of Army Base

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Picture: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it condemns the brazen theft of ammunition from Bloemspruit Air Force Base and demands an immediate, system-wide security overhaul across all SANDF installations. The DA will today request that the Portfolio Committee Chairperson summon the Minister of Defence, the CSANDF, the SANDF Chief of Logistics and the Chief of the Air Force to, within seven days, table a dated, costed and funded base-security recovery plan with named responsible officers, deadlines and deliverables, together with the outstanding reports ordered on 28 May 2025.

The DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans and Member of Parliament (MP), Chris Hattingh said they will discuss a report on the functioning and results of the inter-departmental working group in terms of time-bound work plans with set milestones and funding and the report quantifying the total value of equipment and vehicle parts stolen across all base. Hattingh said this is not an isolated incident.

“It’s the predictable result of rotten perimeter security, dead alarms, unmonitored CCTV and broken lighting, risks flagged more than a year ago by the Inspector General in an inspection that warned theft was “a matter of time”.

“The recent break-in went unnoticed by roving guards; ammunition was being kept in a hangar because the ammunition store itself was deemed insecure,” he said.

Hattingh further said on 28 May 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Defence & Military Veterans heard evidence of encroachment, theft and infrastructure vandalism at bases and resolved that the Ministers establish an inter-departmental working group (DPWI, DMRE, DALRRD, Human Settlements) to fix security, and that the SANDF submit within seven days a report on the total value of equipment and vehicle parts stolen from bases.

He added that since the Committee’s 28 May 2025 resolutions, nothing has been done: no inter-departmental working group has reported and no seven-day theft-value report has been tabled.

“Persistent cable theft at military bases is knocking out lighting, alarms, CCTV and comms—darkening perimeters and leaving sites blind and inviting thieves and saboteurs, with direct national-security implications.

“Parliament has already been briefed on widespread trespassing on SANDF bases — due to informal settlements pressed against or inside base boundaries, fences cut, illegal electricity and water connections, cable theft, and even illegal mining and persistence farming authorised on defence land,” said Hattingh.

He said sites flagged include Marievale, Lenz, Defence HQ precinct, 93 Ammunition Depot (Jan Kempdorp), 43 SA Brigade and the Main Ordnance Sub Depot at Wallmannsthal and Wingfield, with partial or stalled evictions and weak inter departmental follow-through.

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52 committee meetings scheduled

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By REGINALD KANYANE  

31 August 2025 – The Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will return from the constituency period this week to a full programme of committee work. There are 52 committee meetings scheduled, with key items on the agenda including strategic planning sessions, a colloquium on readiness for the G20 Summit and oversight of the work of the executive and its entities.

The National Parliament (NA) spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo said on Tuesday, the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation will host a colloquium to discuss South Africa’s readiness for the G20 Summit. Mothapo said the colloquium will be held in partnership with the Southern African Liaison Office (SALO).

He further said SALO is a non-profit organisation that conducts in-depth research, particularly on matters related to African crises and conflicts. Mothapo added that the colloquium also aims to establish stakeholder expectations regarding South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

“A diverse range of stakeholders from all nine provinces will attend, including civil society, faith-based organisations, youth, women, LGBTQIA+ organisations, organised labour, the private sector, and academia.

“The aim is to ensure inclusivity and that no one is left behind in the processes leading up to the G20 Summit. Meanwhile, other committees will this week hold individual planning sessions to ensure alignment of their programmes with constitutional oversight functions, guided by the five key strategic outcomes of the 7th Parliament,” he said.

Mothapo said the strategic outcomes are strengthened oversight and executive accountability; improved, timely, and effective law-making; enhanced public participation with emphasis on rural and marginalised communities, increased member capacity and institutional performance, and internal performance optimisation through administrative reform.

He said the 52 committee meetings, scheduled for this week, include the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education to receive a briefing by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Curriculum: Capacity building of educators to strengthen performance in mathematics from grade 1 to 7; updated progress report on implementation of the General Education Certificate (GEC) in preparing youth beyond grade 9.

“Briefing by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on its Report on Paper and in Action: Assessing State Compliance with CEDAW (2020 – 2025). Committee Room 1, Ground Floor, 90 Plein Street, 09:30 – 12:30

“Portfolio Committee on Higher Education: To embark on a Strategic Planning Workshop of the committee with the committee Stakeholders composed of PSET Institutions, DHET and the Ministry. Venue: Saldanha Bay Hotel,” said Mothapo.

He said the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation: To hold a Strategic Planning Session. Venue: Committee Room 4031, 4th Floor, 90 Plein Street, 10:00 – 12:00. Mothapo said the Portfolio Committee on Transport Committee to embark on a Strategic Planning Session at Committee Room S12A, NCOP Building, Parliament. 08:45 – 17:00.

“Portfolio Committee on Tourism: To be briefed by the Minister of Tourism on the following: Reasons for the resignation of the Chairperson of the South African Tourism board; reasons for the Minister’s decision to dissolve the South African Tourism Board; appointment of the new South African Tourism Board.

“This includes the update on circumstances surrounding the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer; recommendations and implementation of the forensic investigation report; briefing by the dissolved board of South African Tourism on the governance challenges at South African Tourism. Good Hope Chamber. 10:00,” he said.

Mothapo said the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition Committee will hold a Strategic Planning Session. Venue: Virtual Meeting Platform. 09:30 – 15:00. He said the Standing Committee on Finance: Five-year Strategic and Annual Performance Plan for the financial year 2025/26 (Committee Plan). Committee Room 1, Ground Floor, 120 Plein Street. 10:00 – 16:00.

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308 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police seized home-made beer/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 August 2025- More than 308 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, burglary, theft, illegal possession of ammunition, malicious damage to property and illegal dealing in liquor.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said this includes possession of dangerous weapons, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft out of motor vehicles, possession and dealing in drugs, illicit mining, stock theft, as well as undocumented immigrants.

Sam said several wanted suspects were traced and brought to book for evading court appearances and contravention of court orders.

“The police confiscated large volumes of alcoholic beverages, drugs and cash that are believed to be the proceeds of crime. Numerous awareness campaigns aimed at women emancipation and gender-based violence were activated across the province in conjunction with the Women’s Network and Men for Change, as well as community policing structures.

“Operation Shanela remains focused in clamping down on crime in the province. This is evident in the weekly arrests and police actions executed from 25 until 31August 2025, with the focus on the reduction of contact and violent crimes in crime hotspot areas which netted 308 suspects,” he said.

Sam further said actions and police activities executed during the operations include, vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections, drugs and other commodities smuggling actions. He added that several VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which a total of 3546 vehicles and 6663 persons were stopped and searched.

“Numerous compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed,” said Sam.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for the collective efforts and actions executed during this period. Otola said Operation Shanela II successes are due to improved collaboration between the private sector and communities in the fight against crime.

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Families trapped in GBVF intergenerational trauma   

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 August 2025- The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) on Saturday said that most families are trapped in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) intergenerational trauma. The Union Council representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches expressed concern that victims and perpetrators of GBVF are getting younger.

SAUCIC cited the recent brutal murder of 20-year-old Likhona Ntandoyenkosi Maphanga from Phola Park, Thokoza, Gauteng, allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend, Zakhele Sibisi. SAUCIC said it also mentioned Friday afternoon’s killing of first year University of Venda (UNIVEN) student also aged 20 allegedly stabbed multiple times by her boyfriend at an accredited off-campus student residence in Ngovhela village, near Thohoyandou in Limpopo.

SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole said the 20-year-old boyfriend who is a second-year student at the university is reportedly in hospital under police guard after attempting suicide by jumping from the second-floor window after the heinous attack. Shole condemned both incidents highlighting that children  who witness violence either internalize the trauma or replicate the behaviour.

“They lose their self-esteem, learn to normalize violence and also think of it as an accepted way to solve disagreements. Children raised in abusive environments adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug and substance abuse resulting in a cycle of abuse.

“A culture of silence perpetuates vicious cycles across generations. Interventions must primarily focus on restoring the family as the first socialising unit,” he emphasised.

Shole decried that every incident of gender-based violence has far reaching implication and societal impact than previously thought.

“The seed of GBVF is sowed in individual abusive homes. Healing and restoration interventions targeted at secondary victims who in most cases happen to be boy children must be intensified by churches within all our communities” he added.

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DA mourns the passing of Joburg Councillor, Martin Williams

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picture the DA councillor, Martin Williams

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

31 August 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it has learnt with great sadness of the passing of its dedicated Johannesburg Ward 90 councillor, Martin Williams (74). The DA said Williams served the people of Johannesburg with distinction for over a decade as a public representative.

DA Johannesburg Regional Chairperson and Member of Parliament (MP), Wendy Alexander said his unwavering commitment to his community and his caucus has left an indelible mark that will be impossible to forget. Alexander said before entering public office, Williams was a respected journalistic voice and Editor-at-Large for The Citizen.

“It is clear that Williams devoted his career to holding power to account and giving a voice to the voiceless. Whether in the newsroom or in council, he lived a life of service, always fighting for the people.

“He will be remembered as a man of integrity, principle, and deep compassion. His passing is a great loss not only to the DA, but also to the City he loved so dearly,” she said.

Alexander further said they extend their deepest condolences to Martin’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this time of sorrow. She added that Williams will be profoundly missed.

“May his soul rest in peace,” she said.

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North West Provincial Teaching Awards Honour Excellence in Education

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Picture: Some of the winners/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 August 2025- The North West Department of Education successfully hosted the provincial leg of the National Teaching Awards (NTAs) at the Mmabatho Convention Centre on 28 August 2025, celebrating the invaluable role of teachers and school leaders who go above and beyond to transform education.

The ceremony recognised outstanding teaching across categories, with winners set to represent the province at the National Teaching Awards later this year.

Congratulating the winners and acknowledging the finalists, North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said dedication and resilience are commendable.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our award recipients, who will carry the North West flag with pride at the national stage. Your dedication, resilience, and innovation in shaping the future of our learners are commendable.

“I also want to acknowledge all the finalists; you are all winners in your own right. This year, Bojanala district demonstrated its strength by clinching 8 first positions, which translates to 53,3% of the awards,” she said.

Motsumi further said the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District emerged as the most improved district, also standing at 53.3%. She added that these milestones inspire them to keep striving for excellence.  

“Winners walk away with trophies, certificates, and prizes, and will now represent the North West Province at the prestigious National Teaching Awards,” said Motsumi.

The award recipients are as follows:

* Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Ms Carla Botha, Laerskool Unie (Dr Kenneth Kaunda district)

* Excellence in Teaching Life Skills: Me Letlhogonolo Moteu, Waterkloof Primary School (Bojanala district)

* Excellence in Primary School Teaching: Mrs Magaretha Bornman, Laerskool Sannieshof (Ngaka Modiri Molema district)

* Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Mr Ditshego Tlhowe, Tlhabane West Primary School (Bojanala district)

* Excellence in Secondary School Teaching: Ms Dorcus Diphoko, Iketleetse Secondary School (Bojanala district)

* Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Mr Adriaan Joubert, Hoërskool Wagpos (Bojanala district)

* Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Ma Koketso Motaung, Temogo Special School (Bojanala district)

* Excellence in Special Schools Leadership: Ms Mpho Jasson, Christian School for the Blind (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district)

* Excellence in Teaching Mathematics GET Phase: Mr Tshepiso Seshuwane, Thuto-Neo Primary School (Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district)

* Excellence in Teaching Mathematics FET Phase: Ms Masego Nchoe, Bodibe Secondary School (Ngaka Modiri Molema district)

* Excellence in Teaching Natural Science: Mr Bongumusa Mabuza, Reabona Secondary School (Dr Kenneth Kaunda district)

* Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Mr Tlhalefang Zwane, Mpolokang Secondary School (Ngaka Modiri Molema district)

* Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Mr Ronewa Tshikhido, Noka Ya Lerato Primary School (Bojanala district)

* Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr Yvonne Kube, Tidimane Secondary School (Bojanala district)

* National Best Teacher Award: Mra Johanna Robertse, Tebogo Primary School (Bojanala district)

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Motsumi encourages inclusivity and combat discriminations

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

31 August 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi hosted an interactive session with the LGBTQI+ community at Seasons Wedding and Conference Centre on 29 August 2025, under a theme: “Focusing a Culture of Fairness and Belonging”.

Motsumi said the interactive session with the community follows the National Teaching Awards event, whereby she honoured and celebrated teachers who have done excellent work in nurturing skills of many children in the province.

She said this interactive session was to further enhance and advance inclusivity while discussing challenges and strategies that teachers can use to foster a conducive, supportive working environment. Motsumi added that her department, through this platform, affirmed that it is valuing every individual regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“These interactive sessions will come with more efforts to fight discrimination and foster diversity, ultimately developing departmental policies that echo inclusivity in North West schools by ensuring safety.

“The aim here is to build schools where every teacher and learner feels safe, respected and valued regardless of their background. This session is the broader effort to build equality and diversity into all schools across the province,” she said.

Motsumi said her department will continue to make great efforts in capacitating teachers and creating a conducive working environment through the teacher development programmes.

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Drug Overdose campaign hits Khuma  

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By BOITUMELO BOWENI

30 August 2025- The National Department of Social Development alongside their North West counterparts and some representatives from various NPOs embarked on an anti-drug overdose awareness campaign at Khuma Township, in Stilfontein as part of the observance of the International Overdose Awareness Day.

Commemorated annually on the last day of August, International Overdose Awareness Day aims to raise awareness on the use, abuse and overdose of illicit substances and to reduce the stigma attached to the victims and their families. 

This year the annual anti-drug overdose is being commemorated under the theme : ‘One Big Family Driven By Hope.’

Addressing the residents at Philemon Masinga Stadium, Social Work Supervisor, Malefo Modipa at Matlosana Service Point highlighted that the Department of Social Development is readily available to assist individuals and families with rehabilitation processes.

“We have ward social workers who conduct frequent school and house visits to raise awareness on the dangers of substance abuse. We provide intervention and counselling services to families that require assistance in reconciling their relationships affected by the use of drugs.

“Treatment Centres situated in Potchefstroom and Taung respectively, serve as a rehabilitation centre for individuals that wish to be rehabilitated from drug use,” she said.

Modipa further said the focus on Khuma Township emanates from concerns raised by community members about various groups who indulge in substances. She added that some of the concerns raised by community members included Gender-Based Violence (GBV), high rate of crime, continuous harassment by zama zamas, teenage pregnancy, with substance abuse and unemployment leading the pack.

“Common drugs used in the area include marijuana, spirits, glue, alcohol, cigarette, matompo, crystal meth and chiff (home-made vape) with young people being at the forefront of the use of those substances,” said Modipa.

According to community members, the surge of the use and abuse of substance abuse has become a phenomenon, which not only affects families and communities but contributes to other social problems citing that the use of substances is mainly attributed to the need to escape reality, lack of employment and recreational activities, stress relief and peer pressure.

National DSD Substance Abuse and CDA programme, Faith Namathe said drugs are regarded to be for recreational and medical use which have a temporary effect on the physical and mental well-being of an individual.

“Addiction and overdose, starts with either a single sip of alcohol or puff of cigarette. Once in the system, your body adapts to that substance which then leads to frequent usage of that drug.

“You fail to function normally without the drug in your system, and eventually develop an addiction. Once addicted, you misuse the drug which then leads to an overdose,” she said.

Namathe emphasised that the key message “Ke Moja” is to live a drug free life. She said individuals are encouraged to live without the use of drugs.

“Addressing drug overdose and usage, requires the involvement and active participation of various stakeholders including, government departments, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), community members, Local Drug Action Committee members.

“These are change agents to advocate and build awareness on drug overdose. South African Police Services, SANPARK, North West Department of Health, Muslim Aids Programme and Restoring Youth Dignity joined social development officials in raising awareness on drug overdose,” said Namathe.

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Two men nabbed for dealing in drugs

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 August 2025- Two suspects aged between 35 and 37 were arrested by the Kathu based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on 29 August 2025, for dealing in drugs. This comes after the Hawks received a tip-off regarding men allegedly selling drugs around Siyathemba, in Kathu, near Kuruman.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape. Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said a search and seizure warrant was obtained and and operationalised. Mnisi said a house in Voelvanger Street, Siyathemba, Kathu, was searched.

“During the search, one transparent plastic bag containing mandrax, crystal meth (tik) and cat were found in the dustbin weighing 0.454 grams with an estimated street value of R67 904, small scales, small bantex and an undisclosed amount of cash were also seized.

“Both accused are expected to make a brief appearance before Kathu Magistrate’s Court on 1 September 2025,” she said.

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