Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.
“Adjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.
“These projects are in line with the department’s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.
“Owing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.
“On 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 – March 2026,” said Tlhapi.
13 October 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts will hold Public Finance Management Act public hearings with the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Social Development and Department of Health over the 2024/25 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Smuts Matshe said PFMA public hearings are scheduled to take place at Legislature Auditorium on Tuesday. Matshe said between 11h00 – 13h30, they will engage the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
“From 2pm to 4pm, we will engage the North West Department of Social Development, while the North West Department of Health will be engaged between 4pm and 6pm.
“The North West MEC for the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, Department of Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie and Department of Health, Sello Lehari and senior management of the departments are expected to attend the public hearings,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 September 2025- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi, will close the heritage month activities with the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations on 30 September 2025, at Tlhaalapitse Primary School in Mokgalwaneng village, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Tlhapi said the event will be celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating the lives of our heroes’ and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”, which invites all South Africans to reflect on and honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation and freedom of our country.
She further said the purpose of the Provincial Heritage Month Celebrations seeks to celebrate their rich cultural diversity and foster pride in the traditions, languages and practices that defines their collective identity. Tlhapi added that the event aims to showcase the government’s commitment to protecting cultural resources and promoting inclusive cultural expressions as part of sustainable development.
“Various government services such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) walk, wreath laying at the grave of Disake Dikeme, who is one of the local struggle icons, aerobics and self-defence exhibitions, which will be led by me, accompanied by Kgosi of Bakgatla ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala District Municipality mayor.
“Mokgalwaneng with its 32 surrounding villages had activities held as Heritage Day build-up. On 23 September 2025, we had Heritage through libraries in Bloemhof. On 24 until 26 September 2025, we had the Provincial Indigenous Games in Rustenburg and Oral History Colloquium in Mogwase on 25 to 26 September 2025,” she said.
Tlhapi said on 27 September 2025, they had a Batlharo Boo Tokwane Ba ga Masibi Cultural Event in Disaneng village, near Mahikeng. She said the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations will commence at 8am.
Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi
By BAKANG MOKOTO
11 August 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation said it will hold an oversight meeting with the Department of Education over the First Quarter 2025/26 Performance report.
The meeting will take place at NWPL Committee Room 2 on Tuesday at 8am.
Picture: The award-winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 May 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the sudden death of South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae. Chweneyagae died in the early hours of Tuesday at his home in Pretoria aged 40.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said they have learnt with a deep shock about the passing on of celebrated thespian, Presley Chweneyagae. Tlhapi said as a department, they extend their sympathies and support to the family, friends and the broader movie and theatre industry.
“This is a sad day for all of us as Chweneyagae’s talent was celebrated here and beyond. A son of the North West and an inspiration to the youth across the country, Chweneyagae cut his artistic teeth at the legendary Mmabana Sports, Arts and Culture Foundation in Mahikeng.
“We are proud to say he was a willing supporter of the work done at his alma mater, which is an arm of the department. He will be remembered for his warm personality and a sense of humour,” she said.
Tlhapi further said as the North West arts community, they are proud to have exported to the world such incredible talent. She added that his legacy will be that of an inspiration and motivation to the youth, not only in the province, but beyond the provincial and national borders.
“May his family and friends draw comfort in knowing that he lived a life with purpose and left an indelible mark in the artistic path he travelled with so many,” said Tlhapi.
20 May 2025- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Orbit College Football Club, a rising star in South African football, as the team is sitting on position 2 on its National First Division campaign with 53 points after 30 games. The department said Orbit College FC has made significant strides on the national football stage, and their journey has been met with admiration and support from the North West Provincial Government.
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said as a testament to this commitment, the department has already invested over R1 million into the team’s development and operations this season. Sebolecwe said during the playoffs held in Pietermaritzburg, the department covered critical expenses, including transport and accommodation totalling to R490 000.
“This support ensured that the players and technical staff could focus solely on their performance without the burden of logistical challenges. In celebration of the team’s historic promotion to the NFD, the department further
awarded Orbit College FC a financial token of appreciation amounting to R300 000, a move that was widely praised by sports lovers across the province.
“Beyond once-off contributions, for the 2024/25 financial year, the department signed a memorandum of understanding that will cover the costs of all accommodation for both home and away matches, a commitment worth more than R700 000,” he said.
Sebolecwe further said the long-term support is part of a broader strategy to develop grassroots talent and elevate the profile of sport in the North West. He added that Orbit College FC represents the talent and resilience of the province.
“Their dedication on and off the field reflects the spirit of the North West, and we are proud to walk this journey with them. The department is committed to supporting the team even further.
“The department has called on the people of the North West to rally behind the team as they continue their campaign. This is our team, our pride. Let us support them in every way possible in the stands, in our communities, and through our collective encouragement,” said Sebolecwe.
Picture: The Chief Director of North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The embattled Chief Director at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe, is accused of corruption, abuse of power and unethical behaviour. This comes after a startling letter written to the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi to intervene.
According to the author of the letter, the former acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Mabe, stands accused of leveraging his position to demand sexual favours in exchange for work opportunities—an outrageous abuse of power that perpetuates Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and corruption within the industry. The letter alleged that multiple artists in the North West, including women who have fought tirelessly to establish their presence in the arts sector, have come forward with shocking testimonies of their encounters against Mabe.
“A recent case study details how Mabe has stalled projects, refused funding and manipulated official processes to benefit only those who comply with his unethical demands. A formal email exchange, now made public, reveals the distress of artists whose career and livelihood have been severely impacted due to Mabe’s deliberate obstruction.
“The emails expose a pattern of manipulation, with promises made and broken, crucial work agreements delayed indefinitely, and projects sabotaged out of sheer spite. The cultural and creative community in the North West is reeling after disturbing allegations surfaced against Mabe,” it said.
In the letter, the victims, who have worked on nationally broadcast productions and led community-driven artistic initiatives, have allegedly faced professional exile simply for refusing to succumb to Mabe’s coercive tactics. It says many in the creative sector have been silent victims of Mabe’s abuse, with their careers deliberately stifled, while he fosters a network of favouritism based on personal gratification rather than merit.
“Despite mounting evidence, the department has failed to make any progress in investigating Mabe. This negligence raises serious concerns about accountability within the department and the protection of artists, who depend on these institutions for their professional survival.
“Mabe’s unchecked power is not only corrupting the system, but is also killing creativity and the potential of countless artists who refuse to compromise their dignity. The creative community is now calling for urgent intervention,” the letter said.
It says it is unacceptable that individuals like Mabe, who hold critical decision-making authority, is allowed to weaponize his position for personal gain, while artists struggle to make an honest living. The letter says it is time to speak up.
“The industry demands an independent investigation into Mabe’s conduct. Immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, protective measures for victims and whistleblowers coming forward and a complete overhaul of Mmabana’s leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in all artistic engagements.
“This is a defining moment for the North West’s artistic and cultural sector. The community will no longer stand by while careers are destroyed and dreams are crushed by corruption and abuse of power,” says the letter.
According to the letter, justice must prevail, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has noted with concern a “Media Statement” dated 25 March 2025, which came to our attention on or around 30 March 2025.
“The statement contains allegations that appear to be quite serious and have a potential to cause reputational damage. To this effect, an internal process has been initiated to seek clarity and further information from the official concerned, as the rights of parties are protected in terms of the law.”
Sebolecwe said the department intends to give this matter proper attention and can only do so provided there is a complaint with the identity of the said “victim/s”, which can be forwarded to the department or any other relevant legislated structure for investigation. He said if the information/records are provided to substantiate these allegations.
“On the strength of the aforesaid, we wish to assure the public that the department has a zero tolerance approach towards GBV, abuse of power, corruption and any other malfeasance.
“The department will do anything reasonably and practically possible to protect those who report such misconduct. The department will investigate such matters speedily, within the confines and provisions of all laws,” said Sebolecwe.
He said they appeal for calm, allowing the department to deal with this matter such that the rights of all affected parties are protected. Sebolecwe said any complaint should be directed to : HOD’s Office : 018- 388 2310/11 Legal Advisor : 018 – 388 3938 END Issued by Communication and IT Directorate For more info contact Director For Communication & Marketing Mr Shuping Sebolecwe on 018 388 2764 or 083 302 6318 email: ssebolecwe@nwpg.gov.za
Picture: Some of athletes who participated in provincial School Sports Championships/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
1 April 2025- The young athletes who performed well during the Provincial School Sports Championships, will represent the North West province during the 2025 Autumn National School Sports Championships that will take place in Bloemfontein from 2 to 8 April 2025. Team North West is going to the National Championships with the support of the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR).
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said they will be sending them off on the April 2 at Rio Hotel in Klerksdorp at 9am. Sebolecwe said the National Championships will include swimming, track and field activities with Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) and mainstream schools -Primary and Secondary Athletes.
“Events contested will be Javelin, Short Put, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Discuss and swimming with participation by both mainstream and LSEN. The province will be well-represented with as Athletics Mainstream boys will have 27 representatives from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 19 from Bojanala, 8 from Ngaka Modiri Molema and 6 from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati.
“The province will be represented by 21 girls from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 9 from Bojanala, 1 from Ngaka Modiri Molema and 1 from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati on the Athletics Mainstream girls,” he said.
Sebolecwe further said 16 boys from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 5 from Bojanala and 1 from Ngaka Modiri Molema, will represent the province on Athletics LSEN Boys. He added that 13 girls from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 5 from Bojanala and 1 from Ngaka Modiri Molema will represent the province on Athletics LSEN Girls.
“In Swimming Female category, 8 girls from Dr Kenneth Kaunda and 9 from Bojanala will represent the province, while in Swimming Male category, 14 boys from Dr Kenneth Kaunda, 15 from Bojanala and 2 from Ngaka Modiri Molema, will represent the province,” said Sebolecwe.
2 January 2025- Section 6 (2) of the constitution mandates the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation to put mechanisms in place to develop previously marginalized languages (Act 108 of 1996). The use of the official language Act, Act No. 12 of 2012 gives effect to the implementation of language policies, structures, and plans.
The Pan South African Language Board Act (Act 59 of 1995) provides for the promotion of multilingualism. North West Provincial Languages Act 1 of 2015, determines the provincial official languages of Bokone Bophirima regulates and provides for the languages by all organs of the state.
The department said it promotes multilingualism, redresses past linguistic imbalances, and develops the previously marginalized languages by facilitating equitable access to government services, knowledge, and information. It says it will continue to elevate the status and advance the use of South African Sign Language in the province.
“Encouraging the learning and use of other official Indigenous languages to promote national unity and linguistic and cultural diversity. Facilitate the formulation and implementation of provincial language policy and internal language policy of the Arts, Culture, Sport, and Recreation department. “Liaise with and advise various government departments, municipal authorities, and public entities on the equitable use of official languages in the province. Conduct advocacy campaigns on the promotion of multilingualism.”
The department said it also facilitates the establishment of the North West Provincial Language Council. It said this includes facilitating measures for the development of indigenous languages.
“Facilitate the establishment of language units in all government departments. Ensure that people receive information in the language of their choice by translating and editing documents from the source language to the targeted languages used in the province.
“Identify and coin terminology for various fields where there is a lack of terminology. Development and promotion of indigenous literature. Develop awareness programmes on South African Sign Language,” it said.
The department said it will continue to facilitate the development of systems to ensure access to information by deaf people. It said it liaises with stakeholders in terms of promotion and development of South African Sign Language.
“Facilitate the expansion of pool SASL literate employees in all government departments and municipalities. To provide SASL interpreting services, develop emerging interpreters and raise awareness about South African Sign Language interpreters.
“To advise the MEC on any language related matter in the province. Monitor the implementation of the use of official language act 12 of 2012 (UOLA) and the North West Provincial Languages Act of 2015 (NWPLA).”
Meanwhile, the department said the North West Publishing House preserves and promotes indigenous literary heritage. This includes encouraging a culture of reading and writing in all communities.
“To encourage publications of books from a broad variety of subjects in Indigenous languages. To promote the rights of and prevent the exploitation of emerging writers.
“To assist writers to become self-sustainable in marketing and selling their books and to implement skills development programs for the writers.”
The department is working with strategic partners such as Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and its structure. This includes North West Institute of Higher Learning, Provincial Legislature (Hansard Section), municipalities, all government departments, library and archive services, language activists across the province, community based organisations, deaf communities, deaf organisations, dead federation of south Africa (DeafSA) North West, South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) North West, Heritage and Museum Services, North West Communities and publishers.
South African Sign Language (SASL)
South African Sign Language is a language in its own right. It has its own grammatical structures, SASL can be used in every setting and represents cultural identity by deaf people.
Finger spelling
Alphabet chart aims to use a one-handed alphabet method of spelling words using hand movements. Deaf awareness and equitable treatment of South African Sign Language) SASL.
Aims to create awareness among deaf culture. Deafness, status of SASL, SASL, interpreting service. Deaf education and deaf rights. It also fosters parents of deaf children to learn SASL in order to be able to communicate with their deaf children. Language service: (018) 388-2822/25/28/3067
Picture: The revellers at Mahika Mahikeng event/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 December 2024- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation said it appreciates everyone for their support during the 8th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. The department said it would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the patrons of Mahika Mahikeng, who have shown their loyalty to the brand.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the support from stakeholders and partners during the 2024 edition of Mahika Mahikeng, is highly appreciated. Tlhapi said the four-day event went according to their plans at various venues and was well supported.
“The support we received was undoubtedly indicative of the love for this art and culture music festival. Also, the North West Department of Economic, Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), commissioned the broader socio-economic impact of the festival, including the national department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“Comparatively from the previous years, we are confident that the event has benefited Mahikeng business, including the SMME. Our local artists who participated in the festival continued an upward trajectory and were happy to share the stage and rub shoulders with legends in the music industry,” she said.
Tlhapi further said this year’s edition did not feature international artists, but attracted revellers from neighbouring countries. She added that they always believe that there’s ‘room for improvement’ and appreciation, comments, advice and constructive criticisms.
“The event is for the people and without them, it cannot be done better. The department committed that the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng will be bigger and better with surprises here and there.
“Notably, our law enforcement from SAPS and traffic officers, did a sterling work during the event in ensuring that every person is free and safe.
“We value the support and wish to thank everyone who participated and contributed towards the success of the event. Till we meet again at the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music festival in December 2025” said Tlhapi.
The Guardian 