Picture: The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape
By OBAKENG MAJE
11 November 2025- A murder and attempted murder case against The Meat Brother’s Pub owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape (41), was postponed to 19 and 23 January 2026 by the Taung Regional Court. The trial was supposed to commence on Monday, however, it is alleged that the defence lawyer is off sick.
Mangwegape who is out on a R5000 bail, is accused of shooting and killing the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28) and injuring his friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33).
On 17 December 2023, Mdi and Kokwe were amongst patrons who visited The Meat Brother’s Pub that was full to capacity. It is alleged that Mdi and Kokwe went outside and the security guards refused them entry on their return because the area was packed to capacity. Mdi and Kokowe allegedly tried to gain entry forcefully, but Mangwegape allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them.
Mdi was fatally shot, while his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds. The injuries led to Kokwe’s leg being amputated.
Picture: The missing of Alfred Gameni Bokvel/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
15 August 2025- The police in Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom appeal to the public to assist them in locating Alfred Gameni Bokvel (47), who is residing in Boifang Street, Extension 7, in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said Bokvel would normally leave home and come back after a few months. Mburgh said, however, on 1 December 2021 at around 10am, he left home but never came back.
“A search was conducted in the surrounding areas and extensive investigations did not yield positive results.
“At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a beige jacket, blue t-shirt, a mustard colour trouser and black shoes,” she said.
Myburgh further said Bokvel is dark in complexion with black eyes, a moustache and beard, a scar on the right side of his nose and a knife scar on the left side of the chest. She added that he weighs about 60kg and is 1.6m tall with black medium-length, afro hair.
“Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Pholoso Mosenogi on 063 369 8023.
“You can also phone your local police station or South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Myburgh.
She further said extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.
2 July 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will hold North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to account following his oral reply to my question regarding underspending by North West Provincial Departments. The DA said according to Mokgosi, based on pre-audited financial performance, most departments spent between 98% and 99% of their allocated budgets aligned with acceptable spending norms.
DA spokesperson on Office of the Premier, Freddy Sonakile said, however, the total provincial underspending still amounts to a staggering R383 million, which includes significant shortfalls in key departments. Sonakile said the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism recorded expenditure levels below 95%, together accounting for R143 million in underspending.
“The Premier has committed to assessing the severity of the underspending and the reasons behind it, with a view to instituting consequences in terms of applicable legislation for both MECs and Heads of Department (HODs). He further indicated, in response to a follow-up question, that this review would be completed within a month.
“Additionally, the Premier confirmed that the province lost R294 million in conditional grants, with only R172 million submitted for rollover consideration by departments such as Health, Arts and Culture, Education, Human Settlements, and Agriculture and Rural Development,” he said.
Sonakile further said the majority of these grants are linked to infrastructure delivery. He added that, in the words of President Cyril Ramaphosa at last week’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP) sitting: “Failure to spend funds by a department is tantamount to treason, regardless of how little those funds may seem.”
“So, we fully agree. Every cent of underspending reflects a lost opportunity to deliver services to the people of North West, whether it’s a road not fixed, a clinic not built, or support not given to farmers and entrepreneurs.
“The DA will monitor this matter closely, particularly the outcomes of the Premier’s promised review, and we will continue to hold the provincial government accountable, not just for spending funds, but for ensuring value for money in every expenditure undertaken,” said Sonakile.
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “As per the pre-audited 2024/5 financial expenditure performance almost all the departments spent their entire budget registering 98% to 99%, which is the expected performance as per legislation.
“This includes the Office of the Premier, Health, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Community Safety and Transport Management, Provincial Treasury, Education, Co- operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Social Development and Human Settlements.”
Tatai said this is a much-improved performance compared to the previous financial year. He said only the Departments of Agriculture and Rural as well as Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism whose expenditure is below 95% amounting to R143 million.
“A total amount of under-expenditure of all departments is R383 million respectively. The Office of the Premier working with the Provincial Treasury, would evaluate the severity and reasons for underspending, and thereafter all the necessary consequence management processes will ensue in line with both applicable legislations for both MECs and HoDs.
“Of the R294 million underspending on conditional grant an amount of R172.2 million has been submitted for rollover approval in the 2025/26 financial year in the Departments of Health, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Education, Public Works and Roads, Human Settlements and Agriculture and Rural Development,” said Tatai.
He said as indicated above, the funds relate to services rendered to citizens through various conditional grants and the bulk of these funding are attached to infrastructure projects.
Picture: The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille
By BAKANG MOKOTO
4 June 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said she noted the recent update by the United States Department of State to its travel advisory for South Africa. De Lille said they respect the sovereign right of all nations to provide guidance to their citizens travelling abroad.
She further said they also acknowledge the recent meeting between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump and the subsequent media coverage that has followed. De Lille added that, however, it is important to offer broader context and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all visitors to their country.
“South Africa remains one of the most sought-after and rewarding travel destinations in the world- known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the warm hospitality of its people.
“While challenges such as crime exist, as they do in many countries globally, the overwhelming majority of international visitors travel safely and leave with positive, enriching experiences. Visitor safety is, and continues to be, a national priority,” she said.
De Lille said it is actively addressed through a range of coordinated efforts between government, law enforcement, the tourism sector and local communities. She said their tourism infrastructure remains robust and resilient, with several established safety measures, including increased security presence in key tourism nodes, supported by trained Tourism Monitors stationed at popular attractions and visitor hotspots.
“This includes the ongoing collaboration between government, law enforcement and the private sector to ensure proactive safety monitoring and swift incident response. It is worth highlighting that travel demand from the United States remains robust.
“In 2024, arrivals from the U.S. returned to pre-pandemic levels and the United States surpassed the United Kingdom as South Africa’s largest source market. In the first four months of 2025 alone, South Africa welcomed 111,491 visitors from the USA — reaffirming the destination’s enduring appeal and strong market confidence,” said de Lille.
She said they understand that travellers may have concerns, and they encourage all visitors to exercise the same level of vigilance and awareness they would when visiting any international destination. De Lille said they also call on media outlets and government agencies globally to report on South Africa with accuracy and balance, recognising the distinction between isolated incidents and the broader reality experienced by millions of safe and satisfied travellers.
“We are engaging closely with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on this matter and wish to reassure all travellers that South Africa remains open, welcoming, and committed to ensuring a safe and pleasurable journey for all who visit.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome travellers from the United States and across the globe, to share in the richness of our landscapes, the depth of our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said.
2 June 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said today marks the ‘first day at school’ for about 200 000 young people at over 20 000 schools nationwide. Ramaphosa said this time, however, they are not arriving at school as learners, but as working adults.
He further said they are participants in the 5th phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative, the largest youth employment programme in South Africa’s history. Ramaphosa added that after a year’s pause, the initiative returns to townships, villages, inner cities, farms and special needs schools, bringing hope, energy and incomes to places where opportunities are too often out of reach.
“The initiative is a flagship programme of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has, since its inception in 2020, supported the delivery of jobs and livelihood opportunities in our country. The Basic Education Employment Initiative is implemented by the Department of Basic Education and by provincial education departments.
“It is now funded by the UIF Labour Activation Programme and national government. This programme is designed to develop the work skills that employers say they need, such as time management, task management, teamwork, problem solving, IT, admin and much more,” he said.
Ramaphosa said in the process, participants undertake roles aligned to school priorities to ensure these young people add real value, enhancing the learning environment for learners and strengthening learning outcomes. He said the Basic Education Employment Initiative offers opportunities for young people at all skills levels.
“Graduates are prioritised for work in the classroom, where their tasks allow teachers to spend more time on teaching and lesson preparation. Curriculum Assistants support maths, science and technology. Reading Champions promote literacy and a culture of reading. Lab and Workshop Assistants support technical subjects. Others support IT and school administration.
“They also tackle essential maintenance, such as fixing doors, painting peeling walls, maintaining school vegetable gardens and playgrounds. Care and Support Assistants work with School Support Teams to identify and support children at risk. Still others spark life into sports, art and music, activities that inspire learners, uncover their talents and build pride in communities,” said Ramaphosa.
He said, together, these roles provide real work experience to young people and vital support to our education system. Ramaphosa said the best possible advice to the young people starting at schools this week comes from a former participant in the programme.
“In 2023, Sibongile Joni was a Curriculum Assistant at Emsengeni Primary School in the Eastern Cape. She has since been employed in an NGO called Masinyusane. She has this advice for participants now starting in the programme: “Be reliable: your consistency builds trust. Be willing to learn, ask questions, accept feedback and grow daily.
“Take initiative: if something needs to be done, do it without waiting to be told. Treat every task as important, no matter how small, because excellence in the small things builds your reputation. Always be professional: your attitude, respect and conduct matter,” he said.
Ramaphosa urges those employed to build strong relationships with staff and learners. He said people open doors for those they trust and enjoy working with.
“Lastly, make the most of the training offered, they equip you with the skills you’ll need for your next step. She says this journey has taught her that growth doesn’t come overnight. She says: “Start strong. Stay consistent. You’re building your future today.”
“Every participant has their own hopes and dreams for their future beyond this programme. Whether they pursue a career in education, undertake further studies, search for a job or embrace self-employment, they won’t be starting from scratch,” said Ramaphosa.
He said from this programme, they will carry invaluable skills and experience. Ramaphosa said, yet, in a tough labour market, they will each need to tackle their next chapter with creativity and initiative.
“As a society, we cannot leave young people to navigate the transition into work alone. Together, we need to step up to assist them. These young people will leave the school environment having shown up, contributed and made a difference.
“They will have worked in high-pressure environments with limited resources and will understand deadlines and responsibility. To employers, we say: give them their next opportunity, mentor their enthusiasm, help take their potential to the next level,” he said.
Ramaphosa said they also need to reach those young people who want to be entrepreneurs. He said they need to find new ways to support those who want to create their own jobs and local value, to connect them to finance, training, markets and networks.
“Today, we celebrate this cohort of young people beginning meaningful work, many for the first time. But let us also not forget those who applied for these posts but who weren’t selected. Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we have demonstrated the government’s capacity to address the youth unemployment problem.
“Through this programme, we have been able to give young people work experience and a pathway to formal employment or even further education. We do believe that this will have a much longer term benefit for the employability of young people. This is but one initiative that seeks to address the youth unemployment challenge,” said Ramaphosa.
He said they still have much more to do to address the plight of young people. Ramaphosa said these young people are showing them what they are capable of.
“It is up to all of us in society to give them the opportunities they need to thrive,” he said.
Picture: A man sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
1 June 2025- A man (18) was sentenced to five years imprisonment for rape. On 22 October 20221, a girl (15) who was intoxicated, came back from a school function and found no one at home.
The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said the girl went looking for her brother at a local residence. Masegela said, however, she could not find him and she was offered a room to sleep in by one of her brother’s friends.
“Her brother woke her up during the night, but she was surprised to see that she was naked. She fell into sleep again and the next morning, she woke up and realised that she had been raped.
“She also had flashbacks of what transpired during the night. She confronted the accused (18) about it. He admitted that they had sex without her consent,” she said.
Masegela further said the victim then reported the matter to the police and a rape case was registered. She added that the accused, was found guilty of rape by the Postmasburg Regional Court on 26 May 2025, and sentenced to five years imprisonment.
“The meticulous investigation by Constable Keamogetswe Besson attached to Kakamas Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit and state prosecutor, Kenneth Motsatse, was applauded by the management in the district in ensuring that justice was served for the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) victim.
“The SAPS in the ZFM District welcomed the sentence,” said Masegela.
Picture: The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
14 May 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi visited Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School in Reagile Township, near Koster, to follow up on the ongoing construction delays and quality concerns at the site. The visit comes after a recent meeting held under the Thuntsa Lerole Programme, where local business representatives and the primary contractor discussed project challenges.
Motsumi said construction of Mphe Bana 2 Secondary School began in 2022 with an expected completion date in September 2024. She said, however, the project remains unfinished, raising concerns about workmanship and management.
“We express serious disappointment regarding the poor quality of work and multiple defaults observed at the site. We urge the main contractor to rectify these issues and ensure that all construction complies fully with the department’s standards and scope of work.
“During the follow-up meeting, local contractors highlighted difficulties in receiving payments from the main contractor, a factor that has further delayed progress,” said Motsumi.
She further announced a decisive step to protect the interests of local businesses. Motsumi added that, to safeguard the local contractors and ensure timely project completion, all outstanding payments from the main contractor will be redirected through the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) directly into the accounts of the local contractors.
“This move aims to prevent contractors from being left unpaid and to accelerate the completion of the school. We reaffirm the department’s commitment to delivering quality education infrastructure on time and stress the importance of supporting local enterprises in the region of Bojanala and North West at large,” she said.
2 May 2025- The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it acknowledges challenges faced by service providers as a result of delay in processing payments. The department said it has processed all invoices as received, however, there has been a delay due to internal system error.
The Head of Department (HoD) of North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Has Kekana said the error has been resolved and they can confirm that the service providers will receive payments as from 6 May 2025. Kekana said the department appreciates the patience exercised by service providers and inconvenience caused is regretted.
11 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance leader in Northern Cape, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPL) said foremost priority remains health and education. McGluwa who was part of the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate in Kimberley said, they acknowledge that the health budget is substantial, however, the latest District Health Barometer released by the Health Systems Trust, reveals inefficiencies in budget allocations.
He further said some districts like Namakwa, are spending excessively, while others, such as ZF Mgcawu district, are under-resourced. McGluwa added that, the disparity is reflected in the recent picketing by hospital staff at the Dr Harry Surtie Hospital, who are advocating for improved patient services.
“One sign reads, “Fix the system, save lives,” which also applies to our Emergency Medical Services, particularly concerning ambulance availability. We must ensure that every child receives quality education. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is facing numerous challenges, particularly in townships where many parents are unable to afford necessary support.
“We welcome the commitment to no retrenchments of educators as we strive to improve educational outcomes. This implementation highlights that our government is no longer merely a rubber stamp for decisions. It means that the GNU works for the country and its people,” he said.
McGluwa said it is important to strengthen the Technical and Vocational sector. He said they must strengthen the TVET colleges, shifting the focus from a mining to a university city with the Sol Plaatje University.
“This change will require close collaboration with the department of higher education, to ensure we align our educational system with the evolving job market. I saw Deputy Minister, Dr Gondwe, visited the Kuruman TVET already. Additionally, to combat the issue of impregnators of minors, we also need to begin initiatives at schools and workplaces.
“We must stop the sexual assault of minors who are not old enough to consent. Clinics and hospitals must voluntarily avail critical information to law enforcement. Social development must play their role as well,” said McGluwa.
He said water infrastructure project of R2.5 billion in the capital city is a significant step towards resolving the ongoing water crisis in Kimberley. McGluwa said they acknowledge that contractors have been appointed, and they trust that Saul’s commitment to resolving this issue is genuine.
“However, it is crucial that we engage skilled and capable contractors who can complete their projects. There have been instances where contractors, such as the one who handled the roads in Rietfontein, abandoned their work, leaving projects incomplete since 2023. I appreciate your initiative Premier to engage with the mining sector, which has been long overdue.
“The contributions of the 35 mining companies can significantly bolster the Northern Cape economy, creating jobs across various sectors. As you rightfully say, the Northern Cape is the second-best province in the country that created jobs. Premier, you know that the Western Cape is the best province in the country,” he said.
McGluwa said Boegoebaai Harbour project is a long-time in the making with blended financing and international partners. He said its potential to be a game changer for the Northern Cape must be safeguarded through transparent and accountable management and the inclusion of the local community in order for them to benefit.
“On the topic of renewable energy, it is crucial that we harness our renewable power potential. The establishment of new substations and power lines throughout the province, in partnership with Eskom, will unlock our renewable energy capabilities and integrate solar power into the grid.
“We hope SANRAL will facilitate local companies’ involvement in the R14 billion road projects. Regarding Infrastructure and Municipal Improvements, I commend the discussions with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS),” he said.
McGluwa said the Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Bentley Vass will be excited to collaborate with Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo on constructing dams that will undoubtedly mean a lot and improve water quality and the reliability of water supply to the communities. He said it is imperative that they expedite this process, as the deadline of 2030 is too far in the future.
“The commitment by the Premier to strengthen municipalities through improved infrastructure funding is commendable. However, it is concerning that some municipalities are returning unspent funds back to the National Treasury. Sewerage issues are indeed affecting business and tourism in the province, let alone creating a health risk to communities.
“The ongoing failure to get the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Plant fully operational is central to addressing the growing spills along the R31 and the N12, as well as the extremely high-water level at the Kamfers Dam. Sol Plaatje had to face this matter in court. It is concerning in all municipalities with Kimberley and Upington contributing largely to the sewage spills into our dams and rivers,” said McGluwa.
He said Sol Plaatje also lost R80 million in grant funding due to the gross underspending of grant allocations, while Kimberley residents struggle with water shortages and sewage spills. McGluwa said they must collectively hold municipalities accountable for their expenditure to ensure that these funds are utilised effectively.
5 March 2025- The embattled Ditsobotla Local Municipality said it has terminated the employment contract of the suspended Municipal Manager, Olaotse Bojosinyane. The municipality said in a statement that, this decision was taken on 30 January 2025, however, it was taken on a judicial review by the aggrieved party at labour court on 14 February 2025, on an urgent application and of which judgement was handed down by his lordship, Makhura J on 28 February 2025, ordering the reinstatement of Bojosinyane as a Municipal Manager.
The acting Municipal Manager of Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Rasupang Mooketsi said, on Monday, the whole judgement was appealed and the effects of which suspended the operation and or implementation of the judgement as regulated by Superior Court Act. Mooketsi said to that extent, a communication was done to Bojosinyane by the mayor, Mazwi Moruri, regarding the notice of application for a leave to appeal.
“Regrettably, Bojosinyane disregarded the communication and took office by force being aided by his private security. The chaos then erupted between a security company employed by the municipality, some municipal employees and the private security of Bojosinyane.
“During the chaos that erupted, live ammunition was used by the private security shooting at municipal employees and injured two. One employee sustained a gunshot to the chest and he is in a critical condition at hospital, whilst the other one sustained a gunshot to the lower leg,” he said.
Mooketsi further said on the fraudulent letters of resignations by municipal speaker, Jairous Modisakeng and Moruri, the municipality would like to put it on record that viral letters of resignation are fake and fraudulent. He added that, to this extent, cases are registered with South African Police Services (SAPS) for further investigation.
“The speaker and mayor view this as an attempt to cause confusion and uncertainty. Those committed to continuously change and undermine the political office bearers have today, unlawfully convened a council meeting out of jurisdiction of Ditsobotla Local Municipality. A notice of council meeting was circulated undersigned by Bojosinyane (who is no longer an employee of the municipality pending the finalisation of the appeal).
“These actions are nothing but desperate attempts to create parallel structures of governance. It is rather sad that few councillors are in support of this attempt to create a state of dysfunction. The public and stakeholders are cautioned not to interact with Bojosinyane in any capacity related to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality,” he said.
Mooketsi said on 5 March 2025, Modisakeng had convened a properly constituted special council sitting, at which the council received an update from Moruri regarding the visit by the Office of the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Department of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation. He said since the end of January 2025, their municipality through the intergovernmental relations, has been engaged in continuous engagements to source resourceful support and interventions to assist the municipality provide much needed basic services to residents.
“We would like to apologise to the public, residents, consumers as well as stakeholders about the recent incidents of public disorder that disrupted provision of services in the municipality. We wish to reaffirm the commitment to provide basic services within our financial limitations and daunting challenges confronting the municipality,” said Moruri.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor at Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Manana Bogatsu and ANC councillor, Molefe Morutse, were elected as municipal speaker and municipal mayor during a special council sitting today allegedly convened by Bojosinyane.
*Meanwhile, Bojosinyane has not responded to Taung DailyNews request regarding allegations levelled against him yet. His response will be incorporated in the article when received.
The Guardian 