Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
18 December 2025- The creative and cultural industry in the North West recently received a much-needed shot in the arm, with the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) approving funding for 59 projects to be staged between 16 December 2025 and 20 March 2026.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the film sector is also set to benefit, with her department having issued a call for proposals in December 2025. Tlhapi said by the closing date on 8 December 2025, 38 proposals had been submitted.
“Adjudication is underway and the department has also scheduled another round of calls for proposals in both the film sector and cultural industry in February 2026. Film makers and creatives from across the province are encouraged to apply.
“These projects are in line with the department’s mandate to help create jobs and enhance the creative and cultural sector in the province. They also focus on capacity building, with a strong focus on women, youth and persons with disabilities,” she said.
Tlhapi further said she foresee a hive of activity in the sector, maintaining the momentum of the success of the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. She added that they are pleased that they will be able to help lessen the burden on artists who have been struggling.
“Owing to the pressure on the economy, the sector has been under- funded for a long period of time, which has had a direct impact on the livelihood of the artists. To help the cause of artists, the department has initiated various business cases to the Treasury and other sources for an increase in budget.
“On 28 November 2025, during the budget adjustment by Provincial Treasury, the department received funding with a clear instruction to assist artists and filmmakers. The department considered all proposals that had been submitted previously. We then decided to support initiatives ranging in time from December 2025 – March 2026,” said Tlhapi.
13 October 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts will hold Public Finance Management Act public hearings with the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Department of Social Development and Department of Health over the 2024/25 audit outcomes and to seek clarity from responses on questions emanating from the Auditor General’s reports.
The Chairperson of SCOPA, Smuts Matshe said PFMA public hearings are scheduled to take place at Legislature Auditorium on Tuesday. Matshe said between 11h00 – 13h30, they will engage the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
“From 2pm to 4pm, we will engage the North West Department of Social Development, while the North West Department of Health will be engaged between 4pm and 6pm.
“The North West MEC for the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi, Department of Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie and Department of Health, Sello Lehari and senior management of the departments are expected to attend the public hearings,” he said.
Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 September 2025- The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virgina Tlhapi, will close the heritage month activities with the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations on 30 September 2025, at Tlhaalapitse Primary School in Mokgalwaneng village, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality. Tlhapi said the event will be celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating the lives of our heroes’ and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”, which invites all South Africans to reflect on and honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation and freedom of our country.
She further said the purpose of the Provincial Heritage Month Celebrations seeks to celebrate their rich cultural diversity and foster pride in the traditions, languages and practices that defines their collective identity. Tlhapi added that the event aims to showcase the government’s commitment to protecting cultural resources and promoting inclusive cultural expressions as part of sustainable development.
“Various government services such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) walk, wreath laying at the grave of Disake Dikeme, who is one of the local struggle icons, aerobics and self-defence exhibitions, which will be led by me, accompanied by Kgosi of Bakgatla ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, mayor of Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Bojanala District Municipality mayor.
“Mokgalwaneng with its 32 surrounding villages had activities held as Heritage Day build-up. On 23 September 2025, we had Heritage through libraries in Bloemhof. On 24 until 26 September 2025, we had the Provincial Indigenous Games in Rustenburg and Oral History Colloquium in Mogwase on 25 to 26 September 2025,” she said.
Tlhapi said on 27 September 2025, they had a Batlharo Boo Tokwane Ba ga Masibi Cultural Event in Disaneng village, near Mahikeng. She said the Provincial Heritage Day Celebrations will commence at 8am.
Picture: The award-winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae
By OBAKENG MAJE
27 May 2025- The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the sudden death of South African actor, Presley Chweneyagae. Chweneyagae died in the early hours of Tuesday at his home in Pretoria aged 40.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said they have learnt with a deep shock about the passing on of celebrated thespian, Presley Chweneyagae. Tlhapi said as a department, they extend their sympathies and support to the family, friends and the broader movie and theatre industry.
“This is a sad day for all of us as Chweneyagae’s talent was celebrated here and beyond. A son of the North West and an inspiration to the youth across the country, Chweneyagae cut his artistic teeth at the legendary Mmabana Sports, Arts and Culture Foundation in Mahikeng.
“We are proud to say he was a willing supporter of the work done at his alma mater, which is an arm of the department. He will be remembered for his warm personality and a sense of humour,” she said.
Tlhapi further said as the North West arts community, they are proud to have exported to the world such incredible talent. She added that his legacy will be that of an inspiration and motivation to the youth, not only in the province, but beyond the provincial and national borders.
“May his family and friends draw comfort in knowing that he lived a life with purpose and left an indelible mark in the artistic path he travelled with so many,” said Tlhapi.
Picture: The Chief Director of North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe
By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The embattled Chief Director at the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Thabo Mabe, is accused of corruption, abuse of power and unethical behaviour. This comes after a startling letter written to the North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi to intervene.
According to the author of the letter, the former acting CEO of Mmabana Foundation, Mabe, stands accused of leveraging his position to demand sexual favours in exchange for work opportunities—an outrageous abuse of power that perpetuates Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and corruption within the industry. The letter alleged that multiple artists in the North West, including women who have fought tirelessly to establish their presence in the arts sector, have come forward with shocking testimonies of their encounters against Mabe.
“A recent case study details how Mabe has stalled projects, refused funding and manipulated official processes to benefit only those who comply with his unethical demands. A formal email exchange, now made public, reveals the distress of artists whose career and livelihood have been severely impacted due to Mabe’s deliberate obstruction.
“The emails expose a pattern of manipulation, with promises made and broken, crucial work agreements delayed indefinitely, and projects sabotaged out of sheer spite. The cultural and creative community in the North West is reeling after disturbing allegations surfaced against Mabe,” it said.
In the letter, the victims, who have worked on nationally broadcast productions and led community-driven artistic initiatives, have allegedly faced professional exile simply for refusing to succumb to Mabe’s coercive tactics. It says many in the creative sector have been silent victims of Mabe’s abuse, with their careers deliberately stifled, while he fosters a network of favouritism based on personal gratification rather than merit.
“Despite mounting evidence, the department has failed to make any progress in investigating Mabe. This negligence raises serious concerns about accountability within the department and the protection of artists, who depend on these institutions for their professional survival.
“Mabe’s unchecked power is not only corrupting the system, but is also killing creativity and the potential of countless artists who refuse to compromise their dignity. The creative community is now calling for urgent intervention,” the letter said.
It says it is unacceptable that individuals like Mabe, who hold critical decision-making authority, is allowed to weaponize his position for personal gain, while artists struggle to make an honest living. The letter says it is time to speak up.
“The industry demands an independent investigation into Mabe’s conduct. Immediate suspension pending the outcome of the inquiry, protective measures for victims and whistleblowers coming forward and a complete overhaul of Mmabana’s leadership to ensure transparency and fairness in all artistic engagements.
“This is a defining moment for the North West’s artistic and cultural sector. The community will no longer stand by while careers are destroyed and dreams are crushed by corruption and abuse of power,” says the letter.
According to the letter, justice must prevail, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (ACSR) spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe said: “The department has noted with concern a “Media Statement” dated 25 March 2025, which came to our attention on or around 30 March 2025.
“The statement contains allegations that appear to be quite serious and have a potential to cause reputational damage. To this effect, an internal process has been initiated to seek clarity and further information from the official concerned, as the rights of parties are protected in terms of the law.”
Sebolecwe said the department intends to give this matter proper attention and can only do so provided there is a complaint with the identity of the said “victim/s”, which can be forwarded to the department or any other relevant legislated structure for investigation. He said if the information/records are provided to substantiate these allegations.
“On the strength of the aforesaid, we wish to assure the public that the department has a zero tolerance approach towards GBV, abuse of power, corruption and any other malfeasance.
“The department will do anything reasonably and practically possible to protect those who report such misconduct. The department will investigate such matters speedily, within the confines and provisions of all laws,” said Sebolecwe.
He said they appeal for calm, allowing the department to deal with this matter such that the rights of all affected parties are protected. Sebolecwe said any complaint should be directed to : HOD’s Office : 018- 388 2310/11 Legal Advisor : 018 – 388 3938 END Issued by Communication and IT Directorate For more info contact Director For Communication & Marketing Mr Shuping Sebolecwe on 018 388 2764 or 083 302 6318 email: ssebolecwe@nwpg.gov.za
Picture: The revellers at Mahika Mahikeng event/Supplied
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
25 December 2024- The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation said it appreciates everyone for their support during the 8th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music Festival. The department said it would like to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the patrons of Mahika Mahikeng, who have shown their loyalty to the brand.
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi said the support from stakeholders and partners during the 2024 edition of Mahika Mahikeng, is highly appreciated. Tlhapi said the four-day event went according to their plans at various venues and was well supported.
“The support we received was undoubtedly indicative of the love for this art and culture music festival. Also, the North West Department of Economic, Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), commissioned the broader socio-economic impact of the festival, including the national department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“Comparatively from the previous years, we are confident that the event has benefited Mahikeng business, including the SMME. Our local artists who participated in the festival continued an upward trajectory and were happy to share the stage and rub shoulders with legends in the music industry,” she said.
Tlhapi further said this year’s edition did not feature international artists, but attracted revellers from neighbouring countries. She added that they always believe that there’s ‘room for improvement’ and appreciation, comments, advice and constructive criticisms.
“The event is for the people and without them, it cannot be done better. The department committed that the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng will be bigger and better with surprises here and there.
“Notably, our law enforcement from SAPS and traffic officers, did a sterling work during the event in ensuring that every person is free and safe.
“We value the support and wish to thank everyone who participated and contributed towards the success of the event. Till we meet again at the 9th edition of Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Music festival in December 2025” said Tlhapi.
Picture: The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine with SAFA delegation/Supplied
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Collen Maine said they had a fruitful session with South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Dr Danny Jordaan at SAFA House in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Maine said he engaged SAFA to consider North West amongst provinces that have the capacity and willingness to host both national and international games.
He further said the province has not hosted in while, which presupposes that there is under utilisation of the stadiums in the North West. Maine added that this is adversely affecting the development of sports, as well as tourism in the province.
“We pleaded with Jordaan that it is crucial for SAFA to consider hosting games in our province because that will give the people of North West a civic pride, and that will also facilitate improvement in the development of the province with regard to infrastructure, growth in investment and tourism.
“We both also placed heavy emphasis on the school sport programme, because under 15 and 19 academies are recruited from inter-school sport competition games. The province will be hosting a Premier Cup soon, which is a culmination of Mayoral Cup tournaments into final provincial cup games,” he said.
Maine said North West has talent and they plead with the confederation to come to the province to scout talent. He said they appreciate the opportunity to meet with SAFA and they are looking forward to further discussions around hosting agreements, and to is leave the legacy for the people of North West.
Meanwhile, Jordaan made a commitment to Maine that Royal Bafokeng and Olympia Stadiums amongst others, will be considered to host in the upcoming national and international matches.
Picture: The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi announces his new cabinet
By OBAKENG MAJE
The newly-elected North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has announced his Members of the Executive Council (MECs). Mokgosi has appointed Madoda Sabatha as the North West MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, former ANCYL president, Collen Maine as North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, ANCYL provincial chairperson, Wessels Morweng as North West MEC for Department of Community Safety and Transport Management.
“I have appointed Oageng Molapisi as North West MEC for Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, former Kagisano-Molopo mayor, Bitsa Lenkopane as North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, while Viola Motsumi will remain North West MEC for Education.
“Kenetswe Mosenogi has been appointed as North West MEC for Provincial Treasury, Sello Lehari as North West MEC for Department of Health. Elizabeth Mokua as North West MEC for Department of Public Works and Roads, while former Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature, Sussana Dantjie has been appointed as the North West MEC for Social Development,” he said.
Mokgosi further said the 7th administration is a culmination of wider consultations within and outside the government. He added that this decision represents a dynamic interface between the exercise of the Premier’s constitutional prerogative in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution and the established democratic practice of consultation with the leadership of the province, national and the alliance.
“I am confident that the Executive Council of the 7th administration is made up of men and women of high ethical standards, who are committed to serve the people and understand the implications of the oath of office they are to take before assuming their official duties.
The composition of the Executive Council affirms our commitment to assert gender equality and representation.
“It is a collective of institutional memory, fresh talents and skills required to accelerate service delivery and build on the foundation of the sixth administration. The Executive Council is enjoined by the Constitution to work as a unit under the leadership of the Premier and to be collectively and individually accountable to the Legislature for the
exercise of their powers and performance of their functions,” said Mokgosi.
He said EXCO is ultimately accountable to the people of the North West, whose power of the vote is the foundation of our existence. Mokgosi said they dare not disappoint them.
“By powers vested in me in terms of Section 132 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I hereby appoint the following Members of the Executive Council to lead the 7th administration.
“I congratulate all newly appointed MECs and wish to remind them all that we have been given the last available opportunity by the people of the North West to work for them and not ourselves nor our families and friends,” he said.
Mokgosi said the people in the province expect that they act with integrity in the conduct of their duties and carry themselves with dignity in both our social and official conduct.
Picture: The road construction project underway/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi, who was accompanied by the North West MEC for Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Keneetswe Mosenogi and the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality mayor, Mzwandile Feliti, introduced consultants and contractors for road projects at Lebaleng Community Hall in Makwassie, near Wolmaransstad.
During the official announcement, Molapisi made a stern commitment for job opportunities for the local community. He further said the three road projects earmarked for Maquassi Hills, go a long way in the development of quality road infrastructure and service delivery.
“The department has planned the upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D1954 (design) in Boskuil. Do the rehabilitation and reseal of Road P13/4 at Wolmaransstad and re-graveling and culverts installation of Road D155 from Kameelboom to Kareepan.
“The portion of Road P13/4 is a key route that connects the North West Province and Free State Province, living up to our commitment of connecting communities and enabling economic activity,” he said.
Molapisis further said his department has appointed Tau Pele Construction (PTY) LTD, for the rehabilitation and reseal of P13/4, Thobile M. Building Construction for re-graveling and culverts installation of Road D155 from Kameelboom to Kareepan. He added that, NEP Consulting Engineers (PTY) LTD has been appointed for upgrading to the surface standard of D1955 in Boskuil.
“These road projects will be constructed at an approximate amount of R745 million. Through these projects, we intend to empower our people by creating more than 200 job opportunities and 30% sub-contracting.
“We urge our people to take full advantage of these opportunities because as a government we want our people to benefit and for their businesses to grow as well” he said.
North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Education, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, will be conducting public hearings throughout the province on the Basic Education Law Amendment Bill [B2B-2022] at Mahikeng Civic Centre in Mahikeng, Sarafina Hall in Potchefstroom, Depot Hall in Taung and Moss Mary Hall (Danhouse) in Moretele at 10am.
The Deputy Director in Communication in North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Namhla Luhabe said the bills aims to amend the South African Schools Act, 1996, to insert and amend certain definitions to provide that, attendance of Grade R is compulsory to amend the penalty provision in the case, where the parent of a learner, or any other person, without just cause, prevents a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance from attending school.
“Furthermore, the bill seeks to amend the Employment of Educators Act, 1998, so as to amend certain definitions to exclude further education and training centres, adult basic education centres and institutions from the ambit of the Act to prohibit an educator from conducting business with the State and to create an offence in relation thereto to extend the powers of the Minister to make regulations and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
“Relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the public hearings. The public hearings will be streamed live in the North West Provincial Legislature Facebook page,” she said.
The Guardian 