Tag Archives: near Taung

A child neglect case transferred to regional court 

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Picture: Former local artist, Masego Sebigi/Facebook

By OBAKENG MAJE

7 December 2025- A child neglect case against a former hip hop artist, Masego “Meezy” Sebigi (28), was transferred to the Taung Regional Court until 8 December 2025. Sebigi was arrested for allegedly leaving her daughter (10) alone in her rented room in Extension 7, near Taung, on several occasions.

It is alleged that in August 2025, Sebigi’s daughter approached the state prosecutor at around 8:30pm, who is also residing in the same vicinity and requested her to call the landlord, so that she can give her mother’s contact number. The said prosecutor assisted the child.

It is alleged that in two weeks, the same scenario repeated itself again. It is alleged that Sebigi, who left her child alone at the time, highlighted that she was in Kuruman.

The prosecutor called social workers for intervention and a child neglect case was opened. It is alleged that the social workers found the rented room filthy.      

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said: “It is true that a woman is facing a child neglect case and the case has been transferred to the Taung Regional Court. 

According to http://www.scielo.org.za child maltreatment rates in South Africa are extremely high. The Non-Government Organisation (NGO) said this fact is attributable to excessive levels of poverty and wide-spread violence.

“The United Nations (UN) and its signatories acknowledge that children are a vulnerable group and provide some guidelines on how children and their rights should be protected by signatories to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Parents are urged to take all appropriate social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse.”

The website said the Article 19(2) of the Convention makes it clear that measures used to protect children need to be protective and preventive and should encompass the identification, reporting, referral, investigation and treatment of child abuse. It said Article 16 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child [11] echoes the obligations set out in the UN Convention.

“The Charter obligates the African Union (AU) and its signatories to establish special monitoring units and to provide the necessary support for the abused child and his/her caretakers.

“The South African Constitution [12] explicitly addresses the rights of children and affords them specific protection. Section 28(1)(d) holds that every child has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse and/or degradation,” said Scielo.

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Ramaphosa grateful over successful G20 Leaders’ Summit

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By AGISANANG SCUFF 

1 December 2025- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound gratitude to all South Africans for ensuring and enabling the beloved country to host a series of successful G20 meetings throughout the year, ending with the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Ramaphosa who addressed the nation last night said when they launched their G20 Presidency a year ago, he said that this must be the People’s G20.

He further said it cannot belong just to the leaders, but to the millions of people who have a stake in the discussions and decisions of the G20. Ramaphosa added that this was the first time the G20 Summit was held on African soil.

“We are humbled to have been that one country on the African continent to host the summit and represent the 1.4 billion people who live on our continent. Participants of the G20 who attended from other countries experienced the friendship, hospitality and generosity that define our nation and our continent.

“Many visitors commented on the vibrancy, warmth and hospitality of our people. World leaders, diplomats, delegates and observers have been sharing their impressions online as well. This is what I would like to thank the people of South Africa for. For showing up for your country and standing by it. For showing, time and again that no matter what difficulties we may face, when it comes down to it, you remain proudly South African,” he said.

Rampahosa said over the past year, the country has hosted tens of thousands of delegates in more than 130 meetings in every part of the country from Gqeberha to George, Cape Town to eThekwini, Hoedspruit to Polokwane. He said they have also held meetings in other cities on the African continent and beyond their shores.

“Drawing from Brazil’s G20 Presidency last year, we convened the G20 Social Summit to advance the voice of civil society. The Social Summit, which was attended by more than 5000 people from around the world, was an exceptional celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of global civil society.

“I know some of you might have been inconvenienced by the influx of visitors to our country, road closures and other disruptions to your daily lives. We thank you for being patient and we apologise for any difficulties you experienced. We thank the many people from across the country who welcomed visitors to our cities, towns, airports, hotels, conference centres, restaurants and tourist sites,” said Ramaphosa.

He said they thank their security services personnel, who ensured that all G20 events took place without incident. Ramaphosa said they thank all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year.

“We thank the business people who participated in the G20 business forums and the B20 for bringing together businesses from other countries. We thank the Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament, members of the Judiciary, academics and many others who organised G20 meetings. We also thank our media for keeping our people informed about the G20 processes that were unfolding all over the country.

“We thank our Premiers for having been such welcoming hosts. We thank our mayors, councillors and municipal workers that worked so hard to prepare our host cities for the arrival of our visitors, particularly in Johannesburg, which hosted the Leaders’ Summit. These cities showed what can be done when a concerted and coordinated effort is made to fix potholes and street lights, to clean up our streets and maintain our infrastructure,” he said.

Ramaphosa said this must continue past the G20 and must be expanded to areas of their towns and cities that have been neglected. He also thanked the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, G20 Sherpas and government officials, who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose.

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DA to report Umkhonto weSizwe MP, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla to Ethics Committee over human trafficking allegations

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Picture: MKP Member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 November 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling for urgent action from Parliament and law-enforcement after new and very disturbing information came to light about how 17 young South African men were lured into travelling to Russia and then forced into the Ukraine war. The DA said these men were promised bodyguard or security training.

DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) said but when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away. Hattingh said they were then moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting.

“Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.

“This is a chilling case of the powerful preying on the vulnerable. The promise of a job was a death trap, and an MP stands accused of holding the door open. The DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Zuma-Sambudla and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone,” he said.

He further said the matter has already been handed over to the Hawks. Hattingh added that they fully support the Hawks investigation and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.

“Provided that Zuma-Sambudla is a sitting Member of Parliament, I am also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation. Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored.

“If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

Hattingh said him and his DA counterpart on the Portfolio Committee for International Relations, Ryan Smith (MP), will both write to their respective Portfolio Committee Chairpersons to urge that their committees are urgently briefed on this concerning matter by the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, DIRCO, the Hawks and the Department of Defence. He said they need clarity on how this recruitment network operated inside South Africa, whether warning signs were missed and what the government is doing to bring the men home safely.

“South Africa cannot allow our young people to be tricked into fighting in foreign wars. We cannot allow political connections to be used to mislead vulnerable citizens. And we cannot allow Parliament to look the other way when one of its members faces allegations of this seriousness.

“The DA will continue pushing for full accountability, proper oversight and urgent action to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” said Hattingh.

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A suspect kills self in a failed Cash In Transit robbery

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Picture: A suspect who allegedly shot himself dead during a failed CIT robbery/ Facebook

By REGINALD KANYANE

20 November 2025- The police in Rustenburg have launched an investigation into a robbery with a firearm and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after an incident that occurred on Wednesday morning, 19 November 2025, at approximately 7am in the Rustenburg CBD. According to reports, two security officers were on duty conducting routine cash collections at various businesses in the CBD.

Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Communication Officer, Sergeant Ofentse Mokgadi said upon arriving at a store on Fatima Bhayat Street, one of the crew members returned to the cash van after collecting money from the shop. Mokgadi said while he approaching the vehicle, he was confronted by two armed suspects who emerged from a blue SUV and threatened him with firearms.

“The suspects prevented the security officer from closing the van door and demanded the cash. During the confrontation, a shot was fired. The crew member threw the cash bag onto the ground, which one of the suspects grabbed, while the other suspect forcibly took the officer’s service firearm. Both suspects then fled on foot.

“The driver of the cash van, who witnessed the robbery, was also threatened by one of the suspects. The driver fired a single shot at the suspect, who then ran a short distance before collapsing. While on the ground, the suspect allegedly fired two shots in the direction of the cash van before turning the firearm on himself,” he said.

Mokgadi further said he was declared dead on the scene. he added that a manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspect.

Meanwhile, acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen act of violence that endangered the lives of security personnel and members of the community. Ntoagae emphasized the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes targeting cash-in-transit operations.

“The police urge anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Phatshwana on 082 373 9571. Information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” she said.

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Banyana book their place in the 2026 WAFCON 

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29 October 2025 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating DR Congo 1-0 in a second leg qualifier (2-1 on aggregate) played at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday night.

The South African senior women’s national team officially qualified for the continental tournament after a dramatic 1–0 victory courtesy of a lone strike from Thembi Kgatlana.

After drawing 1–1 in Kinshasa during the first leg last week, Banyana Banyana entered the return fixture with a crucial away-goal advantage. The task was clear – protect their defensive line and avoid conceding, while looking for an insurance goal to seal qualification. That decisive moment arrived in the final minute of the game when Kgatlana delivered the winner to secure South Africa’s place at WAFCON 2026, which will take place in March next year in Morocco.

The home side were dominant in the first half, controlling possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities, while the second half saw DR Congo grow in confidence and threaten on the counter. Despite the mounting pressure, the home side held firm until Kgatlana’s strike confirmed the result. Acting coach Thinasonke Mbuli praised her team’s composure and resilience under pressure.

“I mentioned yesterday that we had to win and yes, we were frustrated towards the end of the game because it was 0-0 and they were coming at us. I give credit to the defenders for absorbing the pressure,” she said.

Mbuli reflected on the team’s preparations in the coming months and emphasized the importance of continued match fitness during the domestic off-season.

“We have a window that’s coming up now in November, which is the last FIFA window for the year. We’re hoping we can get a friendly match because the tricky part for us now is that WAFCON is in March and our league is off during that time.
“Our players in December will be off, and by the beginning of March, WAFCON kicks off. We’re going to have to find a balance between players going off-season and remaining active.”

Lebohang Ramalepe was named Queen of the Match for her outstanding defensive display and leadership at the back. DR Congo coach Lukamba Mbayo Omer acknowledged South Africa’s quality while expressing pride in his side’s performance.

“In preparations, we understood the style of South African football and Banyana Banyana, but not necessarily the individual players. We understood how the team plays as a collective, but we didn’t pick up on each individual player,” he said. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan congratulated the team after their qualification.

Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies to be briefed

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

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

27 October 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies will tomorrow be briefed by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies on progress in appointing the members of the evaluation panel tasked with monitoring and evaluating the performance of the chairperson and councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The committee said the briefing will take place 28 October 2025.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni said in addition, the committee will receive an update from the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council on its efforts toward advancing black economic empowerment within the ICT sector. Sangoni said the council, appointed by the Minister of the former Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services – now the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies – is responsible for the development, monitoring and implementation of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code.

“This includes ensuring compliance with the B-BBEE codes and playing a key role in shaping the B-BBEE scorecard specifically for the ICT industry. Meeting will be virtually on Tuesday from 9am until 1pm,” she said.

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North West educators jet-off to China

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Picture: Three North West educators/Supplied 

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

20 October 2025- Three educators from the North West are part of the Department of Basic Education contingent jetting off to the People’s Republic of China on a DBE-Chinese Embassy Partnership from 20 October to 13 November 2025. The partnership, among others, involves Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology E-learning educators who shall have emerged through the processes of the National Teaching Awards will take part in the learning exchange programme.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said one of the three educators is Dimakatso Sefora from Moremogolo Primary School in the Bojanala District. Motsumi said Sefora won the 2023 competition and obtained position 3 in the Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning Category.

“She is also a SchoolNet winner due to her integration of ICT-centred teaching. Her passion for digital learning had in the past earned her the award of Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) Super Teacher of the Year and the EduWeek Africa ICT Implementer of the Year (2018).  

“Another educator is Itumeleng Komane, is a young and vibrant North West University alumni who has just been promoted to be the Departmental Head at Boitekong II Secondary School in the Bojanala District. He is the 2024 national winner of the ICT-enhanced teaching category,” she said.

Motsumi further said another educator, Mxolisi Tyobeka, is the E-learning specialist in the North West Department of Education and has played a role both as a Provincial Adjudicator and coach of the Technology-enhanced teaching and learning category. She added that Tyobeka is an ardent proponent of digital learning and integration of ICT in teaching and learning.

“We wish them a wonderful journey and a productive learning experience in their three-week stay in the People’s Republic of China. On behalf of the department, I wish our educators a very safe journey to the Republic of China.

“They should ensure that they learn everything they come across during their tour, so they can share their experiences with peers in our schools. Let’s grow the North West and South Africa together,” said Motsumi.

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SA beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse ready for the bigger stage  

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Picture: Model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Keretetse  

By OBAKENG MAJE 

29 September 2025- To be a successful model, one needs to have a fierce character, professional attitude and work ethics beyond glittering gowns and radiant smiles. Fortunately, a South African model and beauty pageant, Gofaone Kitso Keretetse (20), possesses all that. Keretetse, who was born and bred in Khibitswane village, near Taung, is taking the entertainment industry by storm after finding her niche. 

A model and a beauty pageant in her own right, Keretetse is the finalist of Face Of Devotion competition that will take place at Johannesburg City Hall on 13 December 2025. She is currently a student at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State, pursuing her career in Education. 

“I am a compassionate, empathetic and inspirational young woman. Dignity and respect are what I value most. I firmly believe in a core principle of Ubuntu that says, “Motho Ke Motho Ka Batho Ba Bangwe”, which is loosely translated as, a person is a person through others, as it was correctly articulated by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

“My modelling journey started at the age of 10 after I attended one of my sister’s pageant competitions. I later participated in other pageants like Miss St Paul’s, Miss Heritage North West, Miss Ba Ga Maidi and Face Of Devotion South Africa,” said Keretetse. 

She was also crowned as Pinagare High School’s prom queen. Keretetse is currently the Face of Devotion Free State 2025 ambassador, which geared her to the national stage to represent the Free State province. 

“Being a model is more than walking on a stage and showing your beauty. Being a model means having good leadership skills and willing to lose self in the service of others. There are no requirements needed for one to be a model. 

“All you need is your confidence, communication and leadership skills and being persistent. As a student at the CUT, I believe that education is the key to success. I believe that education opens doors to new opportunities, improves socio-economic prospects and empowers the youth to become active citizens,” she said. 

Keretetse further said education plays a significant role in shaping the world, fostering creativity and promoting personal growth. She added that she sees herself as a qualified pedagogical practitioner after five years. 

“I also see myself embarking on community related projects and grooming aspiring models and beauty pageants. I believe that, in the world that we live in, women are given enough opportunities within society. Even though women are empowered, that seems to create despondency to certain individuals.

“However, I believe that women are not celebrated enough as they are supposed to. Women are the future leaders of the world. Remember, when you empower a woman, you empower the whole community. It is disheartening to see women living in fear due to the abuse they are subjected to,” said Keretetse. 

She said despite the living conditions that women are finding themselves living in, they should stand firm and fight against injustices. Keretetse said those who would like to vote for her, there are voting packages, for R50 which is equal to 10 votes, R100 to 20 votes, R200 to 50 votes, R300 to 80 votes, R500 to 150 votes and R1000 to 400 votes. 

“They can transfer their votes to: FNB Business 

Account Number: 63164524936

Branch Code: 250655

Reference: FDSA22. 

“It is requested that you send your proof of payment to 0632186945 after voting,” she said. 

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Atamelang Bus Service appeal North West High Court decision  

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Picture: Atamelang Bus Service

By AGISANANG SCUFF

2 September 2025- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it regrets to inform communities in Ngaka Modiri Molema District that the start of the subsidized commuter transport service will be delayed. The North West High Court recently set aside an interdict by Atamelang Bus Service, which had previously prevented the department from appointing a new service provider.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said this ruling had paved the way for the resumption of services in the district. Morweng said Atamelang Bus Service, which had stopped providing services since December 2024, went to court in an attempt to block the department from appointing a replacement operator.

“This failure to render services constituted a breach of its service level agreement with the department. Following the favourable court ruling, the department initiated processes to resume services, including the procurement of a new operator and engaging employees of the former service provider to ensure their absorption by the incoming company.

“However, Atamelang Bus Service has since lodged an appeal against last week’s ruling. This legal process unfortunately delays the resumption of the commuter service,” he said.

Morweng further said his department assures that communities will be kept informed of developments and will be notified as soon as a firm resumption date is confirmed.

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Concerns over repayment of R36m based on ‘ghost contract’

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 September 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on Monday said it has noted with concern reports relating to the repayment of R36 million based on a “ghost contract” of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA).

The committee said this follows earlier media reports alleging that the GPAA paid Shula Developers, who allegedly misrepresented themselves as the landlord, R36 million upfront to lease a building for the GPAA’s headquarters.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Jan de Villiers said according to media reports, the developers paid the refund only after earlier reports revealed alleged irregularities. De Villiers said the refund reportedly did not include interest, which amounts to approximately R4 million.

“Responding to the report by News24, the committee will seek clarity on why such a large upfront payment was allegedly authorised, if the underlying contract was fraudulent and why the repayment was allegedly made only after the matter was reported in the media.

“The committee also wants to know which GPAA officials authorised the payment and whether they will face consequences if wrongdoing is confirmed,” he said.

De Villiers further said the committee will also seek clarity on whether the arrangement between the GPAA and Shula Developers constitutes potential corruption that now requires accountability from both the company and implicated officials. He added that the committee also expressed concern about reports that R26 million was paid to Dikeamo Architects for office designs linked to the same building.

“Not only would this represent wasteful expenditure on a property that could never be leased, but the sum itself appears unusually high for architectural planning services,” said the Chairperson.

“The committee will seek clarity on whether this payment was justified and whether there was any misrepresentation,” said de Villiers.

He said the committee will invite the GPAA to appear before it to account and outline steps being taken to investigate and recover any losses. De Villiers said the committee will write to the Auditor-General, the National Treasury and relevant law enforcement authorities to ensure that the full facts are established.

“They should ensure that an appropriate financial recovery, including interest, is pursued and that any proven corruption is dealt with decisively through consequence management and prosecution.

“GEPF members and pensioners entrust the government with their life savings. To see those funds placed at risk through such allegations is unacceptable,” he said.

De Villiers said the committee remains committed to ensuring that this matter is thoroughly investigated and that accountability is enforced.

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