Setshwantsho: Terekere e amegile mo kotsing ya sejanaga
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
12 Tlhakole 2026- Sepodisi mono Taung se ikuelela go ba kgweetsi go kgweetsa ka kelo-tlhoko mo di tseleng tse di farologaneng. Se, se tla morago ga gore terekere e thulane le sejanaga sa poraevete kwa makopanelong a ditsela gaufi le seteishene sa sepodisi ka Labotlhano bosigo.
Go begwa fa sejanaga sa poraevete se se neng se tswa kwa ntlheng ya Mmabana Taung, se sa ema fa se ne se fitlha kwa makopanelong a ditsela, mme seo se ile sa dira gore mokgweetsi wa terekere a latlhegelwe ke taolo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are ga gona ope o boneng dikgobalo mo kotsing e.
“Kgetsi e ile ya bulwa, fela ke pego ya kotsi gonne ga gona ope o boneng dikgobalo. Sejanaga ga mmogo le terekere ke tsone tse di itemogetseng ditshenyegelo,” van Rooyen.
Picture: Dipak Patel appointed as PCC Deputy Chair
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 February 2026- The Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC), Dorah Modise has welcomed the appointment and designation of Dipak Patel as its Deputy Chairperson. Modise said the designation of Patel follows the appointment of 24 other eminent South Africans as commissioners for a five-year tenure from 2026–2030 in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024.
She further said this was announced by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa in January 2026. Modise added that Patel joined the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in 2021 as Head of Climate Finance and Innovation, responsible for the Portfolio of Climate Finance Mapping, financing a just transition and developing a strategy for financing our just transition and climate action interventions.
“Soon after South Africa transitioned from apartheid to democracy in 1994, Patel was appointed as Director-General of the National Department of Transport in 1998 under the government of the late President Nelson Mandela.
“Prior to joining the PCC, Patel was a Special Advisor to the late Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan from 2018 to 2020. Dipak is a Chemical Engineer with an MSc in Development Economics (University of London) and an MBA (University of the Witwatersrand),” she said.
Modise further said they are elated by the choice of Patel. She added that his appointment brings continuity from his previous roles in the commission and adds value to the already diverse and well-suited commissioners.
Patel said: “I am humbled by the responsibility bestowed on me by the President, as we collectively undertake this task of navigating a complex transformation.
“Our strength, relevance and value remain in our commitment to maintain integrity in our advice and recommendations to government and society, and the commitment to engaging the diverse sectors of our society in shaping climate and development policy.”
21 January 2026- The North West University (NWU) conveys its deepest condolences to the families, teachers, classmates and the basic education community affected by the recent scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark. The university said this tragic event has robbed the country of potential and promise – innocent young lives cut short and dreams permanently shattered.
The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka said as part of the Vanderbijlpark community, they stand in solidarity with the affected families, schools and the basic education department in the Sedibeng District and Gauteng Province in general. Tyobeka said they are once again called upon to review and improve scholars and public transport in the country to ensure maximum road safety.
“Our relevant experts and staff are already participating in offering the necessary support services to the affected families and schools. We are ready to offer any further counselling and psychological support that may be needed.
“We extend our thoughts and prayers to all those affected and trust that, through unity, support, and solidarity, they will have strength to deal with this tragic loss. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have arrested the scholar transport driver (22), who was involved in an accident that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark on 19 January 2026. He was arrested after he was discharged from hospital.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspect is expected to appear before Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours, facing charges of twelve counts of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving. Masondo said after the police visited the hospitals and the mortuary to verify the number of fatalities and injuries, it can be confirmed that twelve learners died at the accident scene and five were taken to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment, of which one has since been discharged.
“The driver of the truck that was involved in the accident escaped unharmed, while the passenger sustained injuries and was receiving treatment in hospital. Investigations are underway as police continue to obtain witness statements,” he said.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Guardian 