Tag Archives: north west

A move to unblock delays at Brits Water Treatment Works upgrade

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, together with Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong

By BAKANG MOKOTO

26 December 2025- The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, together with Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, conducted an oversight visit on 22 December 2025, to the Brits Water Treatment Works in Madibeng, North West, to confront prolonged delays in the upgrade of the critical bulk water infrastructure and demand urgent corrective action.

The Deputy Ministers were frank and unequivocal in their engagement with officials, stressing that the Madibeng Local Municipality and Magalies Water must move with urgency to complete the project. They warned that continued delays will not be tolerated and that consequence management will be enforced should timelines continue to slip.

Mahlobo issued a clear directive that the municipality should urgently develop and submit an efficiency improvement plan, which must not only fast-track the completion of the upgrade, but also address the long-term operation, maintenance and upkeep of the Plant to prevent future system failures.

“This project cannot remain in a perpetual state of completion. We want a clear efficiency improvement plan that accelerates delivery and ensures proper maintenance of the plant once completed. Communities cannot continue to suffer because of weak planning and poor execution. If delays persist, officials will be held accountable.

“The Brits Water Treatment Works is a strategic bulk water supply project funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and implemented by the Magalies Water Board,” he said.

Mahlobo further said the project is key to the government’s broader efforts to support Water Services Authorities in meeting their constitutional obligation to provide safe, reliable and dignified water services. He added that, once fully operational, the upgraded Plant will increase its treatment capacity from 60 to 80 megalitres per day, strengthening raw water treatment, pumping and pipeline systems and improving distribution to bulk reservoirs.

Morolong said more than 75 000 households in areas including Letlhabile, Mathotlung, Oukasie, Oskraal, Sonop, Brits CBD, Elansrand and surrounding industrial zones stand to benefit. He emphasised that from the Presidency’s perspective, the timely completion of infrastructure projects is central to restoring public trust and ensuring that government commitments translate into real improvements in people’s lives.

“From the Presidency’s point of view, the completion of projects is non-negotiable.

Delays undermine service delivery outcomes and erode public confidence in government.

“Infrastructure must move from plans and budgets to functioning assets that improve the daily lives of communities,” said Morolong.

He expressed concern that despite the completion of phases one and two of the project in 2020, which included refurbishment of the water treatment works, upgrading of the raw water pump station, and mechanical and electrical works, the project remains unfinished after multiple delays over an extended period. Morolong called for firm milestones and strict monitoring to fast-track the outstanding phases, including the expansion of plant capacity and the upgrading of final water and distribution pipelines to command reservoirs.

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Morolong visits Taung as part of Freedom Month activities

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Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 April 2025- The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, will on Tuesday, engage stakeholders in Taung, North West, as part of Freedom Month Outreach Programme. Morolong’s visit to Taung forms part of a series of provincial engagements that he is undertaking aimed at strengthening government’s relationship with stakeholders, enhancing service delivery and promoting active citizen participation in democratic governance.

Morolong spokesperson, Gapi Moleme said he will take this opportunity to engage stakeholders on the importance of the Expropriation Act, BELA Act, NHI Act and Public Procurement Act. Moleme said Morolong will pay a courtesy visit to the Chief of Batlhaping Baga-Phuduhucwana Tribal Authority, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane, ahead of his Freedom Month activities at Taung Depot Hall.

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A local writer addresses patriarchy, parenting and marriage through writing 

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Picture: A writer, Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul/Supplied

By Li Si

Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul, from Kuaneng in Taung, North West, has a diverse background in media and literature. She obtained a Media Consultant Qualification from Boston City Campus in 2010 and a B.A. in Social Work from the University of the Free State in 2014. Her career includes roles as a journalist, news anchor, and presenter at Vaaltar FM, as well as freelance work for Taung DailyNews and Tomboi Magazine. 

In 2016, she co-founded UNRECO Magazine, where she served as Editor in Chief, focusing on recognizing global talent and artistry. Setlhodi-Paul has also edited several books including Diary of a Zulu Girl books and Discord II, all books by Mike Maphoto; she also edited Diary of a Cheating Wife by Londiwe Xaba, Siphelele Masango and Book Launch by Charmaine Mrwebi.

Her first book, Being an African in the 21st Century: Modern African, explores themes of identity, parenting, marriage, and patriarchy. The book was launched in September of last year at the Central University of Technology in Welkom, Free State, and has sold over 200 copies nationwide. 

The book arose from Setlhodi-Paul’s quest to understand traditions and customs, driven by questions she found unanswered by elders. Setlhodi-Paul attributes her passion for writing to her mother, who emphasized the importance of reading and provided numerous books for her to read aloud. 

Despite the significant challenge of finding a publisher, which she overcame through persistence and support, she remains dedicated to proofreading, editing, and ghost-writing. She acknowledges the potential difficulty in writing another book but continues to inspire others by suggesting that even reading a page a day can lead to significant literary achievements.

“Through this book I hope that we get to do some self-introspection as Africans. It is crucial to know where we are coming from so that we know where we are going.”

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Lesedi Setlhodi-Paul 078 5963 582 – WhatsApp

Another fire outbreak in North West school

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

ANOTHER fire erupted at the Hoer Volk Skool in Potchefstroom on Monday. The department of Education in North West had witnessed this after a tragedy last week where three girls were killed.

The fire gutted the boys’ dormitory at around 20:50pm on Monday.

According to the school management, a banging noise was heard from the roof top of the school.  Fire came out and burnt 29 bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Although no official investigation report is issued as yet, the fire t is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

 

North West departmental spokesperson, Elias Malindi said no learners or officials were harmed during the altercation.

He said learners and officials gathered at an emergency assembly point and were immediately evacuated to a place of safety.

The hostel accommodated 50 learners and at the time of the incident and 47 learners was present and seven had gone home.

 

MEC Matsemela expressed her concern on the second tragedy only a week apart from the fire break out at North West School for the Deaf.

“We are relieved to say that all learners were saved due to the evacuation plan. Learners are safe with no reported fatalities. We are worried about these fires which have erupted in our schools. I believe all the people in the province are also worried” Matsemela said.

 

Matsemela said the exact cause of the fires is strange. They break out at night and they happen in the residence of learners where our soul capital resides.

“We are very much worried by these incidents of fire. Why the fire targeting hostel is remains a mystery. We will wait for the police report”, Matsemela added.

 

She appreciated the support from the community who came to assist in destroying the fire.

-TDN

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‘North West premier Mahumapelo to appear before SCOPA’

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts will be having a meeting with the Premier of the North West Province, Premier Supra Mahumapelo at the Legislature’s Committee Room 2 at 08h30 on Tuesday, to table an implementation plan of the Public Protector’s Recommendations of the investigations at the Department of Finance.

The Public Protector, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, was requested in 2013 by the North West Legislature SCOPA, to investigate allegations of maladministration, abuse of power and irregular expenditure in the appointment of a legal firm as service provider for the Department of Finance in the North West. The Premier will be tabling a report following a recent SCOPA meeting where the Premier was given a 7 working days to table an implementation plan of the Public Protector’s report.

-TDN

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North West Sport Department refutes DA’s claims

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
THE North West Department for Sport Development and Education refutes claims brought to light by Democratic Alliance that they left 8 athletes stranded without any help.

North West Education and Sport Development departmental spokesperson Elias Malindisi said “We will like to disagree in the strongest terms with the statement issued by the Democratic Alliance regarding 8 disabled athletes who have been selected by the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) to represent the country in the World games at Los Angeles, America from 20 July to 5 August 2015,”.

The North West Department of Education and Sport Development said they assisted these athletes long before they could participate at a National and International level.

“We supported these athletes during the time when they were still competing at the district level.

These athletes were selected from the 8 – 11 July 2014 at the National Special Olympics event held at Pietermaritzburg. The Department of Education and Sport Development assisted them with meals, transport, accommodation and the sports attire (tracksuits, dry necks, warm suitors’, t-shirts, sport bags, etc)” he said.

However Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Legislature in North West, Dr Tutu Faleni said they are adamant regarding their statement and they will ensure that the North West Provincial Government honours their responsibility to eight disabled athletes who were chosen to participate at the World Summer Games in Los Angeles from 20 July to 5 August 2015.

“The DA learned with shock that the North West Government has not given any recognition to these athletes who will join 62 other athletes (from the remaining eight provinces in South Africa) for this prestigious international event.

“Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) in North West, has also gone to great lengths to try and get financial assistance in order to ensure their participation in the event,” said Faleni.

According to DA, SOSA is worried, because to date, all correspondence to the NWPG by SOSA in North West were ignored.

“According to SOSA (NW) all the other provinces support their athletes in this venture.

“If the situation is not dealt with immediately these eight athletes will have to withdraw from the event” Faleni outlines.

He said they took the matter up after SOSA’s plea to the Democratic Alliance for help.

 “The DA will bring an urgent motion in the Legislature in order to help these athletes to participate on international level.

“The DA encourages and want to promote participation (to the fullest extent possible) of persons with disabilities in sporting activities at all levels,” concludes Faleni.

Malindisi put the matter into perspective and said on the 20 – 21 May 2015, these athletes went for their Visa interviews at the American Embassy and they were transported and accommodated at Stay Easy Hotel in Yeoville by the department.

“Now that these athletes will be representing the country not the province, the Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) is responsible for paying their air tickets to Los Angeles, America and the University of Los Angeles will accommodate all the athletes for free.

“However the department will still be paying for the departure camps which include transport and accommodation on the 18 – 20 July 2015 and still the department will collect them when they comeback from Los Angeles, America,” he said.

He said the department continues to support all disciplines of the disability sports in the province throughout the sporting calendar of 2015/16.

North West gogo raped, killed by grandson

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BY OBAKENG MAJE
A 20-year-old suspect will appear in Ganyesa Magistrates’ Court on Friday on the alleged murder and rape of a 77-year-old woman on Thursday. 

North West police spokesperson sergeant Kelebogile Moleko said it is alleged that on the said date, police received information of murder and rape that took place at Tlakgameng Village in Ganyesa at approximately 01:00.

“The police allegedly upon arrival at the scene, found an old woman lying in a pool of blood.  According to the information available, it appears that her grandson raped and strangled her to death in her bedroom. The motive of  incident is still unknown at this stage and police investigation continues” Moleko said.

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner; Major General Jacob Tsumane has condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms.

“It is the responsibility of the broader community to ensure the safety of the elderly and other vulnerable groups. As the police we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those who are abusing the elderly are brought to book”, said Major General Jacob Tsumane.      
-TDN
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North West premier saddened by the death of local journo

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Mahikeng: The Premier of Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government Mr Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo has received with deep shock news on the untimely death of Kabelo Monnapula, who until his death on Sunday evening was a Senior Journalist and co-owner of a local newspaper, North West Journal.

Joining the media fraternity, government communicators and the entire North West community in extending his condolences to the bereaved family, Premier Mahumapelo said the Province has lost one of the young and promising print journalist.

 

“Kabelo Monnapula was certainly not an ordinary media practitioner. He demonstrated his patriotism through his writing on government’s community development agenda and contributed credibly in the establishment and shaping up of a number of community newspapers; a legacy which must live on”, Premier Mahumapelo said.

“We will certainly miss his courage and unreserved commitment to bridge the information gap between the public and private sector and the communities of Bokone Bophirima Province. We pray for the bereaved family to find peace and comfort during this difficult time. May Kabelo’s soul rest in eternal peace”.

-TDN

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POTCHEFTROOM CLUSTER SPECIAL OPERATION SUCCESSES!!!

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BY Obakeng Maje

The Cluster Special Operation held at Ikageng and Potchefstroom on the 18th and 19th May 2012 yielded positive results.

This joint special operation was executed by members from Highway Patrol, Legal Services, Mounted Unit, Potchefstroom and Ikageng Police Stations, Detectives, CCU, TRT, K9, Local Traffic and Syntel.

During this joint Special Cluster Operation, 95 suspects were arrested for different crimes like possession of suspected stolen property, rape, drinking in public, assault GBH, house breaking and theft, loitering and 69 Traffic Act fines were issued with the assistance of SYNTEL SYSTEMS.

During the operation, 35 “Ladies of the night” were arrested. Some of them were able to afford a fine of R300.00 and was released. These arrests were done to send a clear message, that what they are doing, is not acceptable by Ikageng and Potchefstroom communities. These “Ladies of the

Night” are also contributing to escalating crime, because they are sometimes raped, assaulted, robbed and murdered.  

The Syntel Systems is a Secret Weapon that helps the Police and Traffic department in the fight against crime. This weapon is an average looking vehicle with three special cameras attached to the roof of the vehicle. Each continually scans number plates of parked cars, those driving in front, behind and in the opposite direction to this equipped vehicle.

“The plate numbers are relayed to an on board computer which in turn wirelessly sends and crosschecks them against the Enatis traffic information system database. The server then bounces back detailed information about each vehicle” Captain Adele Myburgh said.

The aim of this Cluster Crime Operation was to send out a clear message that the police and other supporting structures can work together in dealing with crime.                                                                                      

TWO ARRESTED FOR POSSSESSION OF SUSPECTED STOLEN STOCK

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ZEERUST:  Two suspects were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 May 2012 at about 01:05 at Leeufontein in Enselsburg road. 

Police were busy patrolling at Leeufontein area when they noticed a suspicious white open bakkie, (TATA Tipper) carrying a number of goats with one passenger at the back. 

The Police then followed the bakkie and attempted to pull it off the road.

 Allegedly the passenger who was seated at the back of the bakkie, when he realised that Police were following them, he jumped off from the bakkie and disappeared in the dark together with other goats. 

Only two goats remained behind in the bakkie.  The driver of the bakkie, Tshepo Abram Mogaladi (25) was arrested after the Police managed to stop him, he could not produce any proof of ownership and the other suspect Ernest Sibando Mogwe (26), who fled from the Police was arrested later the same day at Mokgola village.

 

“The two appeared briefly before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, 17 May 2012 for possession of suspected stolen goats to the value of R1200-00.  They were both remanded in custody and the case was remanded until Thursday, 24 May 2012 for formal bail application and further investigation” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.