Tag Archives: Sport and Recreation

‘Libraries are sanctuary spaces’

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi and North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi handing over a library/Supplied 

By AGISANANG SCUFF

11 March 2026- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi officially opened a new Community Library in Thekwane. The collaborative efforts of the strategic stakeholders that comprises Rustenburg Chrome mine, Royal Bafokeng institute, Rustenburg Local Municipality and the department, culminated into the establishment of Tshukudu Community Library.

Tlhapi, accompanied by the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, officially handed a new library to the community of Thekwane on Friday, during the Provincial Thuntsha Lerole Programme in Marikana.  She said Tshukudu Community Library epitomises the commitment of the private sector collaboration with Government in developing and uplifting industry-hosting communities through infrastructural community development.

“Tshukudu Community Library offers a welcoming and inclusive environment designed to meet the diverse needs of Thekwane community. The library features a reception area and a dedicated librarian’s office, Internet and Wi-Fi access for patrons and ablution facilities for convenience.

“This includes a shelving area housing more than 2 500 books, a kitchenette for staff use, a children’s and toddlers’ collection area with age-appropriate resources, computer stations for research, study, and digital access and a specialized section equipped with resources and assistive technology for people living with Disabilities,” she said.

Tlhapi further said on behalf of the North West Provincial Government and the people of Thekwane, they convey a sense of gratitude to the Rustenburg Chrome mine and Royal Bafokeng institute for their courtesy and commitment to social investment. She added that they sincerely appreciate their strategic stakeholders in safeguarding the future of Thekwane by honouring their community with this invaluable information graveyard, it is now their property and they should protect it with their own lives, because protecting it, is securing the future of their young people.

“Libraries are sanctuary spaces, a place where silence and tranquillity meet and offer comfort and inspiration. Within the library walls, people can find comfort and peace that allows them to unlock their dreams and awaken their true potential,” said Tlhapi.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Team North West shows its pedigree during National School Sports Champions

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: Team North West during National School Sports Championships/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 December 2024- Team North West was amongst young sports men and women who showcased their talent and ability during the National School Sports Championships that was held at Pretoria from 13 until 17 November 2024. Despite the slow start that Team North West displayed on day one of the games, their competitive spirits came out guns blazing in the coming days of the games.

The Chief Director of Sports and Recreation at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, George Marindi said it is evident on the number of games the teams triumphant over. Marindi said the Team North West may have received the overall position 4, but their dedication, passion and resilience on the field was nothing short of amazing.

“These young boys and girls are role models, who inspire other kids to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle within communities and schools they come from.

“The department is proud of the efforts, skills and comradery displayed during the championships. We urge our communities to celebrate their achievements with them as well,” he said.

North West was amongst eight provinces that participated in the National championships.

Meanwhile, the acting Deputy Director General for National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tebogo Thebehae also expressed his gratitude for the attendance.

“We have a total of 1400 learners from across the country to participate in these games. We have seen great talent displayed, fairness, equality and consistency in scoring.

“Future Olympians are amongst us here in these games who will fly the South African Flag high. I would like to encourage them to work very hard and ensure that they work harder than before with dedication and discipline,” said Thebehae.

He further said the sporting codes such as volleyball, abled and wheelchair basketball, abled and wheelchair tennis, table tennis, rugby, goal ball, soft ball, were in full display. Thebehae added that softball ladies from North West, who made it to the SA squad are Carla Maree and Miela Sittert.

“The softball boys also got a call to play for the national squad namely, Franco Steyn, Thabo Mangati, and Themba Molebatsi. Reotshepile Ditlhake and Olerato Malatsi were selected to join basketball SA U/15 team.

“One boy and one girl from North West, were also selected to join Wheelchair Basketball National team. Provinces standings announced during the 2024 National School Sport Championships closing ceremony were as follows:

8th Position- Northern Cape

7th Position- Eastern Cape

6th Position- Mpumalanga

6th Position- Free State

5th Position- Limpopo

4th Position- North West: 3 bronze, 2 Silvers and 1 Gold. 3rd Position- Western Cape: 5 Bronze,3 Silvers and 2 Gold.

2nd Position- Kwazulu Natal: 1 Bronze, 5 Silvers, 3 Gold. 1st Position- Gauteng Province: 3 Bronze, Silver and 7 Gold.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi to lead Provincial Youth Commemoration

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, accompanied by the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Collen Maine, and members of the Executive Council, will lead the Provincial Youth Day Commemoration to conclude Youth Month activities in the province.

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgosi recently maintained that the creation of socio-economic opportunities for youth will top the agenda of the 7th administration.

“This will among others be done through the roll-out of the Labour Activation Programme, which will be coordinated by the Office of the Premier, in partnership with Department of Labour and Employment, business, employer organisations and other social partners.

“The programme is expected to create over 30 000 work opportunities for young people. Following his address, Mokgosi will officially open the Redirile Community Library,” he said.

Setswambung said some of the services available at the library includes internet connection, collection of various categories of books for youth and adults, as well as a section of the library for visually impaired persons such as Non Visual Desktop Access (NVDA).

He further said the provincial government departments will be onsite to render services to members of the public in an effort to promote a one stop shop for government information and services.

Setswambung added that the Provincial Youth Commemoration will be held Redirile Sports Ground in Derby on Saturday, at 8am.

taungdailynews@gmail.com