Setshwantsho: Barutwana ba le bantsi ba tsenetse letsatsi la pulo

Ka REGINALD KANYANE

8 Diphalane 2026 – Taung Agricultural College e letse e ngoketse barutwana ba Grade 9 go fitlha go Grade 12 ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano kwa letsatsing la yone la Pulo le Tlhagiso ya Ditshono tsa Ditiro. Palo eno e feta gararo palo ya barutwana ba le 400 ba koleje e neng e ba solofetse go tsenela tiragalong eo.

Tiragalo eno ya ngwaga le ngwaga e ne e ikaelela go itsise barutwana ka ditshono tse di leng teng mo temo-thuong le go ba naya tshedimosetso ka ga mokgwa wa go dira kopo kwa kolejeng.

Mogokgo wa koleje, Dr Karabo Mabe, a re palo e kgolo eo ya barutwana e bontsha kgatlhego e e tsweletseng go gola ya basha mo lphateng la temothuo.

“Re ne re solofetse barutwana ba le 400. Palo e e tlileng e feta se re neng re se solofetse. Gompieno re fitlhile kwa palong ya barutwana ba le sekete le makgolo a mabedi le masome a matlhano ba ba tlileng.

“Mabe a re kholeje e dirisitse tiragalo eno go rotloetsa baithuti go tsaya temothuo jaaka tiro, fa gape ba newa tshedimosetso ka ditshono tse di kgethegileng tse di leng teng kwa setheong seo,” Mabe wa tlhalosa.

Taung Agricultural College ke nngwe ya dikholeje di le pedi tsa temothuo mo Bokone Bophirima, mme e nngwe e kwa Potchefstroom. Mo dikholejeng di le 11 tsa temothuo mo Aforika Borwa, Taung ke yone fela e e neelang dithuto tsa Diploma in Agriculture in Irrigation.

Mabe a re thuto eno e botlhokwa segolobogolo ka ntlha ya tlhokego ya metsi mo nageng. Mabe are naga e tlhoka dijo, mme ba lemiruo ba netefatsa gore ba tswelela ka tsireletsego ya dijo le go lwantsha le khumanego.

“Lenaneo leno le ruta baithuti ka selekanyo sa metsi se se tlhokwang ke dijalo tse di farologaneng, mmogo le ka fa tiriso ya metsi e tshwanetseng go laolwa ka teng go ya ka dinako le dipaka tse di farologaneng, gore tlhagiso e tokafale.

“Re rotloetsa barutwana ba ba sa kgonang go nna teng mo tiragalong ya Laboraro gore le bone ba akanye ka go dira kopo mo kholejeng, mme letsatsi la pulo le tlhagiso ya ditshono tsa ditiro le tshwarwa ngwaga le ngwaga,” Mabe wa tlhalosa.

Botlhokwa jwa temothuo bo gateletswe gape ke Sarah Makhoba wa Lefapha la Bosetšhaba la Temothuo, yo a reng tiragalo eno e ikaelela go gogela baithuti ba le bantsi kwa Taung Agricultural College, fa gape e ba thusa go tlhaloganya botegeniki le bophara jwa lekala la temothuo. Makhoba a re tiragalo eno e ne e ikaeletse gape go bontsha botlhokwa jwa temothuo le kafa lekala leno le amang matshelo a batho ka teng letsatsi le letsatsi.

Thembile Keohitlhetse, yo e kileng ya bo e le moithuti kwa kholejeng eno, mme ga jaana a direla Lefapha la Temothuo la Kapa Bokone, a re go boela kwa kholejeng eno go ya go bua ka yone e ne e le sengwe se se botlhokwa mo go ene. Keohitlhetse are dingwaga tse tharo tse a di feditseng kwa kholejeng e, e ne e le tse di molemo thata mo botshelong jwa gagwe, mme tsotlhe tse a di fitlheletseng morago ga moo di agilwe mo motheong wa kholeje.

“Ke tshetse dingwaga tse tharo tse di monate thata mo botshelong jwa me mo kholejeng eno. Sengwe le sengwe se ke se fitlheletseng morago ga moo se bakilwe ke motheo o ke o neilweng ke kholeje eno,” ga rialo Keohitlhetse.

Dikopo tsa barutwana ba ba batlang go tsena mo kholejeng di tswalwa ka bokhutlong jwa kgwedi ya Diphalane. Bakopi ba tshwanetse go bo ba falotse serutwa sa English ka Level 4, Mathematics ka Level 3 kgotsa Mathematical Literacy ka Level 4.

Mabe a re molaetsa wa kholeje mo basheng o tlhamaletse: “Tshwetso e e siameng e ba tshwanetseng go e tsaya jaanong ke go ithuta temothuo.”

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Ka STAFF REPORTER

8 Diphalane 2026 – Bolaodi jwa sedika sa Pixley ka Seme bo amogetse katlholo ya dingwaga di le tlhano kwa kgolegelong kgatlhanong le Caswill Moos (34) yo o bonweng molato wa go tlhasela tsala ya gagwe kwa Niekerkshoop. Go begwa fa tiragalo eno, e diragetse ka 30 Diphalane 2025, fa mosadi yo o nang le dingwaga di le 31 le Moos ba ne ba itapolosa kwa ntlong ya tsala ya gagwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi kwa porofenseng ya Kapa Bokone, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers are fa ba sena go boela kwa lefelong le ba nnang kwa go lone, Moos o ne a tlhasela mosadi yoo ka go mo itaya le go mo raga. Ehlers are motswasetlhabelo o ne a kgona go tshaba mo ntlong, mme a kopa thuso kwa baagisaning.

“Morago ga moo, go ne ga bulwa kgetsi ya go tlhasela motho ka maikaelelo a go mo gobatsa botlhoko (GBH), mme dipatlisiso di ne tsa etelelwa pele ke Detective Constable Emily Swartz wa Yuniti ya babatlisisi kwa Niekerkshoop.

“Moos o ne a tshwarwa, mme a lebana le molato o o maleba. Kgotlatshekelo ya kgaolo e e dutseng kwa Griekwastad, e sa tswa go bona Moos molato mabapi le go tlhasela motho ka maikaelelo a go mo gobatsa botlhoko, mme ya mo atlholela dingwaga di le tlhano mo kgolegelong,” Ehlers wa tlhalosa.

Ehlers are dingwaga di le pedi tsa katlholo eo, di beetswe thoko dingwaga di le tlhano. Are kgotlatshekelo gape e ne ya bolela gore Moos ga a tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya.

“Detective Constable Swartz o ne a akgolwa ka ntlha ya dipatlisiso tsa gagwe tse di manontlhotlho, tse di nnileng le seabe mo go bonweng ga Moos molato. Boiteko jwa gagwe bo netefaditse gore modirabosenyi o ikarabela ka ditiro tsa gagwe le gore molao o diragadiwe mo boemong jwa motswasetlhabelo.

“SAPS e tsweletse go itlama mo go lwantsheng tirisodikgoka ya mo malapeng le tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong. Re tla tswelela go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba isiwa kwa dikgotlatshekelo gore ba tle ba ikarabele ka ditiro tsa bone,” Ehlers a rialo.

Ehlers are tirelo ya sepodisi sa Aforika Borwa e tsweletse go ikemisetsa go samagana le tirisodikgoka ya mo malapeng le tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong, le go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba isiwa kwa dikgotlatshekelo go lebana le ditlamorago tsa ditiro tsa bone.

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Ka BAKANG MOKOTO

8 Diphalane 2026 – Tirelo ya Sepodisi ya Aforika Borwa (SAPS) kwa Ottosdal e tlhotlhomisa kgetsi ya polao morago ga loso lwa mosadi wa dingwaga di le 55 kwa polaseng ya Doornpan, kwa ntlenyana ga Ottosdal. Go begwa fa mapodisi a ne a amogela pego ya tlhaselo e e ka nnang e diragetse kwa polaseng, mme a tsibogela kwa lefelong leo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokoen Bophirima, Sarasanta Kelebogile Morake are fa sepodisi se goroga, se ne sa itsisiwe gore mosadi yo o neng a gobetse o ne a isiwa kwa sepetlele kwa Klerksdorp ke monna wa gagwe. Morake are moragonyana, o ne a tlhokafala kwa sepetlele ka ntlha ya dikgobalo tse a neng a di bone.

“Go begwa gore mosadi yoo, o ne a tlhaselwa fa a ne a leka go bula kgoro gore a tsene mo polaseng. Maemo a a dikologileng tiragalo eno a santse a batlisisiwa. Babelaelwa ba babedi ba banna, ba dingwaga di le 32 le 33, ba tshwerwe mabapi le polao eno morago ga gore ba lemogiwe ke mosupi.

“Mmelaelwa wa boraro o santse a tsene ka lenga la seloko. Babelaelwa ba ba tshwerweng ba solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa Kgotlatshekelo ya Bomaseterata ya Ottosdal ka Labone, 8 Diphalane 2026, ba lebane le melato ya polao,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

Re sale foo, mokomishinara wa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o kgala tiragalo eno, mme o akgotse setlhopha sa babatlisisi ka go tshwara babelaelwa ka bonako.

“Polokesego le pabalesego ya batho ba ba nnang le ba ba dirang kwa mafelong a magaeng e santse e le nngwe ya dilo tse di tlang kwa pele mo tirelong ya sepodisi sa Aforika Borwa. Re tshwenyegile thata ka tiragalo eno e e utlwisang botlhoko, mme re romela matshediso a rona kwa lelapeng la ga van Zyl.

“Re tla tswelela go dira mmogo le baagi ba kwa magaeng, balemirui le bakgathatiro ba bangwe go nonotsha dikgato tsa thibelo ya bosenyi le go netefatsa gore ba ba rwelang maikarabelo a bosenyi jo bo dirang dikgoka ba isiwa kwa kgotlatshekelo,” Adams wa tlhalosa.

Are o tsweletse ka go kopa baagi ba mafelo a magaeng gore ba nne kelotlhoko, ba bege ditiro dingwe le dingwe tse di belaetsang kwa mapodising, mme ba dirisane le baemedi ba molao go tokafatsa polokesego mo mafelong a dipolase.

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during training/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 October 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have settled in nicely in Bloemfontein ahead of their two 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers against Madagascar scheduled for this Friday and next Tuesday. The 2022 African Champions arrived in the City of Roses on Monday to begin preparations for the all-important clashes set to be played at the Free State Stadium.

Madagascar will host the first match as they have no suitable venue, and they are expected in the province on Wednesday. Kick-off for this encounter is 3pm, but no spectators are allowed at the request of the visiting team.

Banyana Banyana have already held two training sessions since their arrival, with two more still to come to complete preparations for the first leg. South Africa last played in the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio, Brazil, and are eager to make a return to the global event.

Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis said they have not qualified for the last two Olympic Games as they were knocked out in the first round in 2019. Ellis said they reached the final round against Nigeria and lost narrowly.

“It’s really important that we start getting to the Olympics. We qualified back-to-back in the past and then you don’t qualify for two, it’s important for us to qualify for these global events because the newer players that come in, and the younger players that come in, will also gain a lot of experience through that.

“So, it’s really important that we get off on a good start on Friday to make sure that we get to the next round. Banyana Banyana are still in contention for World Cup qualification and will be playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs next month,” she said.

Ellis further said the Madagascar fixtures present a dual purpose for them.

“It’s not just about this game, it’s also about the game in November, so we’re using it two-fold because you have very little time to prepare and we know that it is a very big tournament as well that we need to prepare for.

“So, we’ll be preparing for Madagascar but also looking at how we can get the team to be a better version of themselves come November 2026,” added Ellis.

She said Thembi Kgatlana (Mexico), Linda Motlhalo (Scotland), Bongeka Gamede (Denmark) and Hildah Magaia (Saudi Arabia) have already reported for national team duty, while Amogelang Motau (Mexico) was expected on Wednesday afternoon. Ellis said but Banyana Banyana will be without experienced defender, Bambanani Mbane who has returned home to continue with her injury rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, the second leg will take place on 13 October, also at the Free State Stadium. Tickets for this match are on sale at shop.ticketpro.co.za/event/banyana- with adults playing R50 while children under 12 will be charged R20.

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

8 Diphalane 2026 – Molatofadiwa, Lynda Elize Schneider (50), o atlholetswe dingwaga di le supa kwa kgolegelong ke kgotlhatshekelo ya bosenyi jwa kgwebo e e kgethegileng kwa Vryburg morago ga go ipona molato wa tsietso. Schneider gape o atlholetswe dingwaga di le tharo mo kgolegelong mabapi le go tlola Molao wa Boitshupo wa 68 wa 1997. Dikatlholo tseno di tla tsamaya ka nako e le nngwe.

Dikatlholo tseno di tla tsamaisiwa ka gangwe.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Sergeant Kelebogile Morake are molatofadiwa o ne a tlhagelela fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo ka di 5 Diphalane 2026, kwa a neng a ipona molato mo ditatofatsong ka bobedi. Morake are kgotlhatshekelo gape e ne ya kaya fa molatofadiwa a sa tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya.

“Tiragalo eno e diragetse ka Phukwi 2025 kwa lebenkeleng la thekiso ya megala kwa Schweizer Reneke. Kgotlatshekelo e ne ya utlwa gore molatofadiwa o ne a etela lebenkele leo ka maikaelelo a go bona Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB ka konteraka.

“O ne a neela morekisi ditlankana tsa boitshupo le pegelo ya banka tse di fosagetseng, mme seno sa dira gore konteraka ya selefouno e amogelwe go dirisitswe ditlankana tsa maaka. Morago ga moo, molatofadiwa o ne a tsaya selefouno ka konteraka,” Morake wa tlhalosa.

Are dipatlisiso di ne tsa diriwa ka kelotlhoko ke mapodisi, mme tsa lebisa kwa go tshwareng ga molatofadiwa. Morake are molatofadiwa o ne a ipona molato mo di tatofatsong ka bobedi.

Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse Detective Captain Martin Joseph wa Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit ka dipatlisiso tsa gagwe tse di manontlhotlho, tse di feletseng ka go atlega ga tshekiso le go bonwa molato ga molatofadiwa.

“Re rata gape go akgola Advocate Mosegedi wa Kantoro ya Mokaedi wa Botshwarwa ka go tlhagisa kgetsi eno ka botswerere fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo.

“Se, se nnileng le seabe mo katlegong go netefatsa fa tshiamiso e diragadiwa. Jaanong, re amogela katlholo eno, mme re akgola babatlisisi ka tiro ya bona ya boineelo e e dirileng gore molatofadiwa a isiwe fa pele ga kgotlhatshekelo,” Adams wa tlhalosa.

Adams are sepodisi se tla tswelela go batlisisa melato ya tsietso le go netefatsa gore batho ba ba dirisang ditlankana tsa maaka go dira ditiro tsa bosenyi ba tshwarwa, mme ba lebagana le letsogo la molao.

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Picture: Former Sekhukhune United footballer, Mokete Sean Mogaila

By STAFF REPORTER

6 October 2026 – Former Sekhukhune United footballer, Mokete Sean Mogaila, 29, has pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failure to render assistance following a fatal motor vehicle collision in Tembisa that claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl. Mogaila, who played in the Betway Premiership for Sekhukhune United before leaving the club, appeared before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court and entered into a guilty plea in terms of Section 112(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole said Mogaila “admitted to all the elements of the offences” and accepted the facts and allegations presented by the state. Mohlatlole said the charges stem from a collision on Andrew Mapheto Road during the early hours of 30 October 2024.

“Mogaila admitted that the vehicle he was driving “veered into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle” occupied by a woman and her two children. The crash claimed the life of nine-year-old Gomolemo Mavimbela, while her mother and 13-year-old brother sustained serious injuries.

“Mohlatlole further said Mogaila fled the scene after the collision but later “handed himself over to law enforcement authorities on the same day”. He added that during the investigation, the police discovered alcohol bottles and drugs inside the vehicle.

“The court subsequently convicted Mogaila on all three charges following his guilty plea. Mogaila was a professional footballer with Sekhukhune United, competing in South Africa’s top-flight Betway Premiership.

“The club announced his departure in July 2026, as part of its squad changes ahead of the new season, leaving him a free agent. The matter has been postponed to 17 November 2026, for sentencing. The guilty plea and conviction not only hold the accused accountable for his unlawful conduct but also spare the victims and their family the emotional burden of a lengthy trial,” said Mohlatlole.

He said the prosecution authority described the conviction as “an important step towards justice for the deceased child and her family”.

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Picture: Some of five North West learners awarded with tertiary bursaries/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 October 2026 – Five high school learners were awarded bursaries by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) through its Learning Academy, following their participation at the Water and Sanitation Education and Awareness Programme (WSEP) competitions held on 27 September – 1 October 2026 in Benoni, Gauteng. WSEP is a school-based initiative by the DWS designed to build water literacy, encourage resource conservation, and promote careers in the water sector.

The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa said through this initiative, learners are also motivated to become young water ambassadors, sharing key messages on water conservation, responsible water use, river and dam protection and the importance of good sanitation practices within their schools, homes, and communities. Mavasa said high school learners from North West participated in Aqua Enduro category, which targets Grade 10 and 11 learners, demonstrating their innovation to solve water and sanitation challenges in their communities.

She further said they have also participated in Public Speaking category which aims to build public-speaking skills and awareness of water and sanitation issues. Mavasa said under the theme: “Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in South Africa”, school learners from different provinces converged at the National Adjudications to participate and demonstrate their talent, knowledge and dedication to water and sanitation in different categories of the Programme.

“Two Public Speaking participants, Laone Mochwening from Tigerkloof Combined School and Palesa Mofokeng from Molebatsi Secondary School, received bursaries to study at any tertiary institution of their choice within the country.

“Aqua Enduro participants, Kaone Moeng from Obusitse Intermediate School, Koki Orateng from Tigerkloof Combined School and Thatoyaone Mmusi from Z.M Seatlholo Secondary School also received bursaries. Moreover, Thatoyaone Mmusi was awarded a fully licensed laptop for being one of the 23 exceptional Aqua Enduro participants,” she said.

Mavasa further said other North West participants at the WSEP national adjudications are Anesu Kweetsane – Milner High School, Neo Nteo – Stilfontein Hoerskool, Boikhutso Dikole – Pinagare High School, Zandile Mabuza -Thuto-Tsebo Secondary School, Laone Mochweneng and Oarabile Mooketsi – Tigerkloof Combined School. She added that Molebogeng Mogola – ZM Seatlholo Secondary School also took part.

“Concluding the WSEP weeklong National Adjudications, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon David Mahlobo awarded deserving learners with 54 tertiary bursaries to pursue careers in the water and sanitation sector, cash prizes, laptops and certificates. Mahlobo said investing in young people is a response to a call on their own survival as a nation, the work done here today, they are planting a seed.

“We are not trying to produce workers, but we are trying to produce leaders. We call on young people to consider careers in the water and sanitation sector.

“With the country facing climate change, one drop of water is required to produce more and the youth must be able to bring innovations through science and technology. We would like to congratulate these learners and express strong support in improving their full potential,” he said.

One of the partners, mentioned the commitment they made through the School Adoption Initiative earlier this year when they adopted Ntsweletsoku Primary School located in Lehurutshe, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. The school learners and educators were able to be provided with an improved clean and safe drinking water.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

6 October 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said in communities, public spaces and landscapes across the country, millions of new trees are taking root. Ramaphosa said since April 2026, more than seven million trees have been planted across all provinces under the Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign.

He further said more than two million trees have been planted in the Western Cape alone, with more than one million trees in each of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Ramaphosa added that it is particularly impressive that more than half a million trees have been planted in the country’s driest province, the Northern Cape.

“The Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign is part of the existing National Greening Programme. We aim to plant one billion trees over the next five years, working in partnership with communities, traditional leaders and the private sector.

“Trees and green spaces provide recreation and shade. They help to mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss. But more than that, this greening campaign is a response to the spatial inequality created by apartheid-era urban planning that saw historically white suburbs lined with trees and green spaces, whereas there was sparse vegetation in the townships,” he said.

Addressing and overcoming the geography of inequality, Ramaphosa said they inherited necessitates those greening programmes must also substantively contribute to advancing food security, rural development and the economic empowerment of women. He said the trees that are being planted are mainly indigenous and have been chosen for their suitability to local conditions.

“Importantly, a number of varieties of fruit trees have been planted, including citrus, avocado trees and grapes. These fruit trees will add to food security at a household level and support the expansion of community and school food gardens. The surplus from these trees could generate income.

“The goal of this intervention would be that a subsistence farmer can then reinvest that income in purchasing additional trees and inputs, and gradually expand into an income-generating enterprise,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Human Settlements to help ensure that a fruit tree is planted with every new subsidised house. Ramaphosa said there are already a number of successful projects where tree planting has helped to empower women with livelihood support.

“One such example is the She Evolves project in the Tswelopele Local Municipality in the Free State where women have been leading tree planting in the community to provide income. Another such successful project is the Innesfree Park urban garden in the Sandton CBD in Gauteng.

“With the support of a local hospitality chain, a mother and daughter team are growing fruit, vegetables and herbs to support local feeding schemes and create employment for women. Greening programmes are a pathway for skills development that leads to job creation as well as supporting self-employment,” he said.

Ramaphosa said workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are playing a key role in the campaign, assisting with land preparation, transporting trees to planting sites, planting and horticultural maintenance. He said the environmental sector is one of the most successful contributors to the EPWP, providing unemployed South Africans with work opportunities and skills in conservation, water, waste and fire management.

“With these skills, young South Africans will be able to use what they have learned to seek employment at nurseries and farms, and start their own businesses in landscaping, tree maintenance, plant production and sale.

“The seemingly simple act of planting a tree has the potential to generate many opportunities into the future, especially for young people who have considered a future in farming but did not know where or how to start. Another important aspect of this campaign is the deliberate focus on planting indigenous trees,” said Ramaphosa.

He said large parts of urban and rural South Africa are covered by dense canopies of non-indigenous trees that were planted by former colonial authorities, among other things, to meet the growing demand for timber. Ramaphosa said many of these trees, including Pretoria’s fabled jacarandas, are classified as invasive species.

“Invasive alien trees put a strain on already scarce surface water, threaten indigenous vegetation and are costly to eradicate. Invasive alien tree species also increase the risk and severity of wildfires, as communities in parts of the Garden Route have experienced over many years.

“As government, our environmental policies have been consistent on the need for both the preservation and transfer of indigenous knowledge in the cause of conservation. The removal of invasive species itself is an economic activity with the potential to generate income,” he said.

Ramaphosa said there are already several companies turning alien invasive plants and trees into biomass that is being used in a variety of industrial applications, including green fuel. He said the DFFE and South African National Parks have a successful Eco-Furniture Programme that trains EPWP workers to produce school desks, benches and other wood products from cleared invasive alien trees.

“Indigenous tree planting, nurturing and cultivation provide opportunities for young people to be trained in seed collection and indigenous horticulture, supporting local ownership of environmental assets and giving them skills and knowledge that they could use to start their own businesses.

“Ultimately, the Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign is aligned with our commitment to the sustainable use of our natural resources and to sustainable development. Conservation and socio-economic development are not mutually exclusive. This initiative has the potential to catalyse both small- and large-scale economic activity and job creation,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the momentum that this campaign has gathered is a testament to the power of collective action, with private citizens, businesses, schools and community organisations joining the effort. Ramaphosa called on those who have not already done so to join the campaign by planting or donating a tree.

“Together, we can achieve our goal of planting one billion trees across South Africa over the next five years,” he concluded.

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Picture: Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 October 2026 – The disciplinary proceedings against senior police Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya are continuing, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirming that the hearing has not been halted. SAPS said the disciplinary hearing and the Labour Court proceedings are “separate matters” that have been running in parallel.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a disciplinary hearing was heard today, but the applicant’s request for a postponement was granted. Mathe said the matter has been postponed to 12 October 2026, to allow him an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in preparation for the hearing.

“The urgent application before the Labour Court was also heard on Monday. However, the matter was adjourned to allow SAPS to file its opposing papers and the applicant to file his replying affidavit before the case can be heard by the court.

“The Labour Court proceedings “remain sub judice” and we will therefore refrain from commenting on the merits of the matter. We would like to reiterate that the disciplinary process against Sibiya is proceeding despite the separate Labour Court proceedings,” she said.

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Picture: SA elite women’s league’s youngest player, Imanathi Makinana/Supplied  

By STAFF REPORTER

6 October 2026 – The South African elite women’s league’s youngest player, Imanathi Makinana (14), brought down the curtain in grand style at the Hollywoodbets Super League Amplified Festival in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, at the weekend. Buoyed by a sizeable home crowd at Westbourne Oval on Sunday, Makinana’s brace helped City Lads Ladies to a 2 – 1 win over First Touch Ladies.

The pint-sized attacker, nicknamed Neymar after the Brazilian star, converted two penalties – one in each half – to earn her side their second win of the season. She was also named Player of the Match. Makinana arrived at the mini-tournament just a few days after representing the SA Under-15 team at the SAFA Talent Development Scheme Inter-Provincial Tournament in Johannesburg, where she scored a hat-trick against a Mpumalanga team.

The budding star now has four league goals, having also bagged a brace when City Lads picked up their first points and goals of the campaign in a 3 – 2 win over Tshwane University of Technology a fortnight ago.

Even the persistent rain and gloomy weather in Gqeberha at the weekend did not deter Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who picked up another set of maximum points to maintain their grip at the top of the Super Era Stream. Banyana Ba Style thrashed Richmond Ladies 8 – 0 on Sunday.

With their 10th win on the trot, Sundowns opened an 11-point gap over second-placed University of Pretoria (Tuks), who edged their direct rivals for second spot, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), 1 – 0 on Saturday. It is the second time this campaign that Sundowns have won by a big margin in the Super Era Stream, following their 6 – 0 demolition of Diepkloof Ladies at the start of the season in May.

While Sundowns are running their own race, the battle for second spot continues between distant chasers Tuks and UWC. The two are tied on 19 points, but Tuks have the edge by virtue of a better goal difference.

The defeat on Saturday ended UWC’s four-match winning run since the resumption of the campaign in August. Tuks goalscorer, Siyamthanda Qashani is now leading the scoring charts with eight goals.

Tuks head coach, Sibusiso Themba said afterwards: “I said it before that we don’t compete with Sundowns – they are on another level.

“So, our people are here (below Sundowns). When you play against your level, it’s going to be pound for pound – ups and downs. It depends on who’s got the legs.”

In the Super Rise Stream, leaders JVW FC remain at the top of the log despite a 1 – 1 draw against Ezemvelo, who equalised in injury time. The Blue Diamonds, as JVW are affectionately known, are also unbeaten in 10 matches.

Behind them are the University of Fort Hare (UFH), who beat Ramatlaohle Ladies 1 – 0 on Saturday. With this win, UFH kept up the pressure on JVW, narrowing the gap at the top to three points.

Ramatlaohle are still chasing an elusive win, having collected just two points from their last two outings, putting their bid for a top-four finish at risk. Stellenbosch Ladies Finally Pick Up First Point Of The Campaign

Astrid Boks struck twice for Stellenbosch Ladies when they registered their first point of the campaign in 10 matches with a 2 – 2 draw against Copperbelt Ladies on the opening day of the festival on Friday. The stalemate also ended Stellies’ scoring drought, with their previous goal coming in June – interestingly, against Copperbelt in their 2 – 1 defeat in the first-round meeting.

For Copperbelt, the result halted a run of two consecutive defeats.

Affected Fixtures

Meanwhile, two fixtures were called off after teams either failed to show up or encountered logistical challenges.

On Friday, TS Galaxy Queens forfeited their match for failing to honour their fixture against Diepkloof Ladies.

According to the rules, Diepkloof Ladies have been awarded the three points and two goals.

Galaxy, on the other hand, are set to face the SAFA Disciplinary Committee.

The game between the University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology was postponed due to travel-related logistical challenges.

SAFA will confirm the rescheduling of the fixture.

Full Results

Friday, 02 October 2026

TS Galaxy Queens vs Diepkloof Ladies (Diepkloof Ladies win with walkover)

Copperbelt Ladies 2 – 2 Stellenbosch Ladies

Saturday, 03 October 2026

University of the Western Cape 0 – 1 University of Pretoria

Ezemvelo Women’s FC 1 – 1 JVW FC

University of Fort Hare 1 – 0 Ramatlaohle Ladies

Sunday, 04 October 2026

Mamelodi Sundowns 8 – 0 Richmond Ladies

First Touch 1 – 2 City Lads

University of Johannesburg vs Tshwane University of Technology

(Postponed)

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 October 2026 – The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), is launching a multi-stakeholder awareness and compliance campaign to promote responsible gambling and combat illegal gambling in the province. 

The campaign will also focus on addressing non-compliance in the liquor industry and raising awareness among young people about the dangers associated with alcohol abuse and illegal gambling.

The North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane said the campaign was aimed at strengthening compliance while educating communities, particularly young people, about the social and economic consequences of irresponsible gambling and alcohol abuse. Lenkopane said they are taking this awareness and compliance campaign directly to the communities and young people to strengthen responsible conduct, combat illegal gambling and promote adherence to the regulatory framework. 

“The campaign will include an awareness walk promoting healthy lifestyles, youth engagement sessions and activities aimed at addressing liquor- and gambling-related challenges affecting communities.

“Key regulatory stakeholders, including the NWGB and the North West Liquor Licensing Authority will be part of the campaign. The first phase will take place on 6 October 2026, with an awareness walk and student engagement programme at North West University (NWU) starting at 7am. 

“The second phase will include the Ikageng Programme at Ikageng Stadium in Potchefstroom on 9 October 2026, from 7am, as well as the North West Gambling Board Underage Prevention Advocacy Soccer Tournament at Montshioa Stadium from 8am on the same day,” she said.

Lenkopane further said collaboration between government, regulatory bodies, educational institutions and communities was important in preventing illegal gambling and protecting young people from its potential social and economic consequences. 

She added: “Our engagement with students and communities is an important part of ensuring that young people have the information and awareness we need to make responsible choices and understand the risks associated with illegal gambling and alcohol abuse.”

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

5 October 2026 – Bafana Bafana continued their sensational form under coach Pitso Mosimane after stunning Egypt in their own backyard at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. A lone strike from Puso Dithejane in the 50th minute was enough to win this international friendly match and also extend the South African senior men’s national team’s winning run to three victories in a row after wins against Guinea and Eritrea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played a few days ago.

It was certainly a day to remember for Bafana Bafana after South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in the Cairo International Stadium change room to wish the team well minutes before the start of the match. Ramaphosa is in Egypt, where he participated in the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, and he was introduced to the team by South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan. 

The South Africa President was in the stands to witness for himself when a Bafana Bafana team featuring several new faces fought bravely to beat Egypt in front of their home fans. Mosimane had promised to make wholesale changes, and he did exactly that when he introduced several players who did not feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

“Yeah, it was a little difficult, you saw in the first five minutes that we could not find our feet. It’s normal because we brought in the younger ones. We changed the whole team. It takes a little time to gel and to come in, but as the game progressed, we gained confidence. 

“But what I like is that they’re not afraid to play and we need to give them a chance. I let them swim with the sharks, threw them in the deep end. Yeah, they swam, hey? Yeah, so it’s good to see Shandre [Campbell), Puso, and all the young ones. [Lebone] Seema, big game and he played,” he said. 

Mosimane further said they had to put [Khulumani] Ndamane in there, including Thabang Matuludi. He added that it was also good to bring back Fawaaz Basadien because he was with the national team before. 

“Yeah, we were a little bit thin in the midfield due to several injuries to key personnel in the middle. I had to play Olwethu Makhanya in the midfield at the end. But it’s part of football. You’ve got to do what you have to do,” said Mosimane.

Jordaan congratulated the team and said they had made the nation proud. 

Bafana Bafana will return to Johannesburg, South Africa, on Monday 5 October 2026.

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 Diphalane 2026 – Karabo e e bonako ya sepodisi le tiragatso e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale di dirile gore monna wa dingwaga di le 50, yo o belaelwang ka polao, a tshwarwe mo diiring di le mmalwa morago ga go tlhaba le go bolawa ga mosadi wa gagwe kwa legaeng la bone la lenyalo kwa Platinum Village, Phokeng. Tiragalo eno, e ne ya begwa ka 29 Lwetse 2026, mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 1 mo motshegareng, fa mmelaelwa a ne a latofadiwa ka go tlhaba mosadi wa gagwe mme a tlhokafala.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are morago ga tiragalo eno, mmelaelwa o ne a tshaba mo lefelong leo, mme sepodisi sa simolola letsholo-patlo. Magakoe are mo diiring di le 10 fela morago ga tiragalo, mo e ka nnang ka ura ya 11 bosigo, sepodisi se ne sa amogela tshedimosetso ya gore mmelaelwa o ne a iphitlhile kwa lefelong la bonno le e seng la semmuso la Plastic View kwa Zinniaville.

“Maloko a Phokeng Crime Prevention Unit a ne a latela tshedimosetso e e amogetsweng, mme seno sa felela ka go tshwarwa ga mmelaelwa le go bonwa ga sebetsa se go belaelwang fa se dirisitswe mo polaong.

“Mmelaelwa o ne a tlhagelela fa pele ga Kgotlatshekelo ya Tlhabane ka di 1 Diphalane 2026, a lebane le molato wa polao. O ne a busediwa kwa kgolegelong, mme o tla boa gape kwa kgotlatshekelo ka di 12 Diphalane 2026,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.

Mokomishinara wa sepodisi mo porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse maloko a sepodisi a a nnileng le seabe mo karabong e e bonako, go kokoanyeng tshedimosetso le go tshwareng mmelaelwa. Adams gape o lebogile leloko la setšhaba le le neileng sepodisi tshedimosetso e e thusitseng gore mmelaelwa a bonwe.

“Re akgola maloko a sepodisi ka karabo ya bone e e bonako le ka go dirisa tshedimosetso e e amogetsweng go bona le go tshwara mmelaelwa. Re leboga gape leloko la setšhaba le le re neileng tshedimosetso e e botlhokwa. Re rotloetsa baagi go tswelela go dirisana le sepodisi ka go bega bosenyi le go neela sepodisi tshedimosetso e e ka thusang mo dipatlisisong,” ga rialo Adams.

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Ka KEDIBONE MOALETSI

3 Diphalane 2026 – Tiragatso e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale e feletse ka go tshwarwa ga banna ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 37 le 41, ba ba belaelwang ka go amega mo ditirong tsa go thopa dijanaga ka dikgoka, mmogo le go bonwa ga sejanaga se go belaelwang gore se utswitswe kwa Bojanala District. Tiragatso eno, e dirilwe ka di 29 Lwetse 2026, morago ga gore sepodisi se amogele tshedimosetso ka ga babelaelwa ba babedi ba go belaelwang gore ba amana le ditiragalo tsa go thopa dijanaga mo mafelong a sepodisi a Mooinooi le Brits.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are tshedimosetso eno, e ne ya tlhomamisiwa mme ya dirisiwa mo tirong ke setlhopha se se kopaneng se se neng se akaretsa Brits Crime Intelligence, Brits Trio Task Team, Brits District Detectives, Hartbeespoort Crime Prevention Unit le Hartbeespoort K9 Unit. Magakoe are babelaelwa ba ne ba bonwa kwa mafelong a a farologaneng kwa Itsoseng le Soshanguve, mme tiragatso ya botlhale ya latela molthala o, le go tshwara banna bao ka bobedi.

“Mo nakong ya tiragatso, Toyota Corolla e tshweu, e e fopholediwang go ka nna le boleng jwa R50 000, e ne ya bonwa kwa lefelong la go thuba ga dijanaga. Dipatlisiso tsa ntlha, di senotse gore sejanaga seno go belaelwa gore se ne sa thopiwa ka dikgoka, mme morago sa pentiwa sesha, fa nomoro ya boitshupo jwa sone (VIN) bo ne jwa senngwa kgotsa ya fetolwa.

“Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) e ne ya kopiwa go thusa ka tlhatlhobo le netefatso e e tseneletseng ya sejanaga seno. Babelaelwa ba lebane le melato e e amanang le go thopa seanaga ka dikgoka le go nna le sejanaga se go belaelwang fa se utswitswe,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.

Magakoe are banna ba babedi ba ne ba tlhagelela fa pele ga Kgotlatshekelo ya Brits ka di 1 Diphalane 2026. Are ba ne ba busediwa kwa kgolegelong, mme ba tla boa gape kwa kgotlatshekelo ka di 8 Diphalane 2026.

Mokomishinara wa sepodisi sa porofense sa Bokone Bophirima, Lieutenant General Arthur Adams, o akgotse setlhopha se se kopaneng ka katlego ya tiragatso eno e e neng e ikaegile ka tshedimosetso ya botlhale. Adams are tiragatso eno e bontsha botlhokwa jwa sepodisi se se dirang ka tshedimosetso le tirisanommogo magareng ga diyuniti tse di kgethegileng le batlhotlhomisi.

“Re tla tswelela go sala morago batho ba ba belaelwang gore ba amega mo ditirong tsa go hijaka dikoloi le dikoloi tse di utswitsweng, mme re netefatse gore botlhe ba ba amegang ba isiwa fa pele ga dikgotlatshekelo.

“Sepodisi mono Bokone Bophirima se rotloetsa bakgweetsi le maloko a setšhaba go nna kelotlhoko le go bega tshedimosetso e e amanang le go thopiwa ga dijanaga, dijanaga tse di utswitsweng kgotsa ditiro tse di belaetsang tse di amanang le dijanaga kwa sepodising,” Adams wa tlhalosa.

Adams are tshedimosetso gape e ka newa Crime Stop mo go 08600 10111 kgotsa ka MySAPS App.

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By STAFF REPORTER

3 October 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has informed members of the public that the landline telephone services at the Kroonstad Police Station are temporarily out of order due to technical difficulties. The problem is receiving urgent attention, and community members are advised to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the landlines remain unavailable.

Free State SAPS Corporate Communication and Liaison spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane appealed to the community to make use of the alternative contact number.

“We urge members of the community to use the alternative number 082 466 6924 to report crimes or lodge complaints while the technical problem affecting the Kroonstad Police Station landlines is being resolved.

“SAPS apologised to the community for any inconvenience caused by the temporary communication breakdown and assured residents that efforts were underway to restore the landline services,” said Covane.

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By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 October 2026 – The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District celebrated outstanding performance and dedication during its 2026 District Excellence Awards held at Kalahari High School in Kuruman on Friday. The awards recognised the achievements and commitment of SAPS employees and members of the District and Station Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

The Acting District Commissioner for JTG, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, was joined by the executive mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Queen Mogatle and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, who also serves as the acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing and Corporate Services.

The event was attended by senior SAPS officers, district commissioners, provincial heads, representatives of SAPU and POPCRU, CPF representatives and various sponsors.

Baloyi said the awards were important in recognising employees and community partners who demonstrate dedication, professionalism and commitment in carrying out their responsibilities and contributing to safer communities.

Mogatle welcomed the guests and award recipients and acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of SAPS members who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances.

Messages of support were also delivered by representatives of sponsors, the CPF and organised labour, highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in strengthening policing and community safety.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, congratulated the nominees and award recipients.

Ngubelanga said the awards were not merely about recognising achievements, but about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service.

“The Excellence Awards are not merely about presenting accolades. They are about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service,” said Ngubelanga.

He further emphasised the importance of the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places renewed focus on restoring discipline, strengthening operational integrity, promoting accountability and upholding professional standards. Ngubelanga encouraged SAPS members to remain committed to ethical conduct, teamwork, service excellence and the continuous improvement of policing services.

Employees and CPF representatives competed across 21 award categories and received trophies, certificates and gifts sponsored by various partners.

The SAPS Provincial Band provided musical entertainment during the event, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kuruman SAPS Support Head, Colonel Pinky Samolapo, who expressed appreciation to the leadership, guests, sponsors, organisers, nominees and award recipients.

The 2026 JTG District Excellence Awards reaffirmed the importance of recognising outstanding performance, strengthening partnerships and encouraging SAPS employees to uphold discipline, professionalism, accountability and service excellence in pursuit of safer communities across the Northern Cape.

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

3 October 2026 – Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is set to make wholesale changes when his charges face Egypt in an international friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. Kick-off is at 9pm Cairo time.

Mosimane told http://www.safa.net on Friday afternoon that his intention was always to give a run to all the members of the team at some stage of this extended three-match camp of two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, and the friendly against the Pharaohs. The Bafana Bafana coach is set to introduce all the players that are yet to feature, and he has appealed for patience and support when the South Africans face the Egyptians.

“We are pleading for patience and support for them. They are breaking through and we need to see what we have in our ranks. Unfortunately, we have a big team (Egypt) that we have to play against on Sunday. The challenge is, we have to let them (the players) swim with the sharks, but we’ve got nothing to lose.

“It is a friendly game and we need to see what they are capable of at this level. So, we plead for patience and support for these youngsters. The country must understand that we have played the qualifiers (against Guinea and Eritrea) and we are done. That is the most important thing,” he said.

Mosimane further said it is important to build for the next FIFA World Cup and if they do not put them in now, when are they going to see them? He added that they do not have friendly games until the Africa Cup of Nations next year, so this is the only chance they have.

Goalkeepers Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss are expected to see some action and so will the likes of Fawaaz Basadien, Khulumani Ndamani, Shandre Campbell, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews and Cassius Mailula, among others.

“I have also kept a close watch on the talent that is emerging from the South African Under-20 and Under-23 men’s national teams. The SA Under-20 men’s national team confirmed their dominance in the region when they won back-to-back COSAFA U20 Men’s Championships this past weekend.

“The U23s kicked off their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games preparations on a positive note when they came from behind to defeat a stubborn Algeria 3-1 at the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday,” said Mosimane.

He said he watched the U23 game and he was happy with what he saw. Mosimane said he is happy with the prospects.

The midfield will be the biggest challenge for Mosimane as Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are out with injuries and will play no part on Sunday.

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Ka REGINALD KANYANE

3 Diphalane 2026 – Lephata la Bosekisi kgotsa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), e amogetse katlholo ya botshelo jotlhe e e neetsweng Mandla Petros Mthembu wa dingwaga di le 55 ke Kgotlatshekelo ya Kgaolo ya Dundee ka ntlha ya polao ya tsala ya gagwe ya mosadi, Nokuthula Shabalala wa dingwaga di le 38. Mthembu o ne a ipona molato wa polao go ya ka Karolo 112 ya Molao wa Tsamaiso ya Ditsheko tsa Bosenyi.

Sebueledi sa NPA kwa KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara are bosenyi jono bo diragetse ka Lwetse 2025, kwa kgaolong ya Craigside kwa Dundee, kwa Mthembu le Shabalala ba neng ba nna mmogo teng. Ramkisson-Kara are go ya ka boipobolo wa gagwe, Mthembu o ne a goroga kwa gae ka la 29 Lwetse 2025 mme morago ga moo ga tsoga kgotlhang fa gare ga gagwe le Shabalala ka ntlha ya tiragalo e e neng e diragetse bosigo jwa pele.

“Mthembu o boleletse kgotlatshekelo gore Shabalala o ne a galefa, a tswela kwa ntle, mme a boela a tshwere thupa e a neng a re o ne a e dirisa go mo itaya. Are o ne a tsaya thupa eo mo go ene, mme morago a tsaya sekgwa sa go kurufela (screw driver), mme a mo tlhaba mo sehuba.

“O ne a tlhalosa fa Shabalala o ne a ya go robala mo phaposing e nngwe kwa thoko a sa batle thuso ya kalafi. Mo mosong o o latelang, Mthembu o ne a ya kwa tirong, a tlogela Shabalala a robetse. Fa a boa, o ne a fitlhela a sa ntse a le mo bolaong mme a lemoga gore o ne a sa tlhole a hema,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.

Ramkisson-Kara are Mthembu e begile fa a ne a begela mapodisi ka ga tiragalo eno, mme morago a tshwarwa. Ramkisson-Kara are dipatlisiso di ne tsa supa fa Shabalala o tlhokafetse ka ntlha ya ntho e e neng e le mo sehuba.

“Fa go ne go tshwarwa tsheko ya katlholo, mosekisi wa NPA, Sbonelo Mncadi, o ne a neela kgotlatshekelo polelo ya ditlamorago mo lelapeng la motho yo o tlhokafetseng, e e neng e kwadilwe ke mmaagwe Shabalala ka thuso ya motlhankedi wa Thulaganyo ya Batewa, Victoria Griffiths.

“Mmaagwe Shabalala o ne a bolelela kgotlatshekelo gore o kile a kopa morwadie makgetlo a le mmalwa gore a tlogele Mthembu, mme Shabalala a boela gape kwa kamanong eo. O ne a tlhalosa gape gore, ka ntlha ya gore ke motho yo o tsofetseng e bile a le bokoa, o ne a ikaegile ka morwadie gore a mo tlhokomele, mme jaanong a ka se tlhole a bona tlhokomelo eo,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.

Ramkisson-Kara are Mthembu o atlhotswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong, mme o tlhalositswe fa a sa tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya. Ramkisson-Kara are katlholo eno e bontsha gore badirabosenyi ba tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong le dipolao tsa basadi ba tla ikarabela mo ditirong tsa bone.

“Katlholo eno e romela molaetsa o o nonofileng wa gore tirisodikgoka kgatlhanong le basadi ga e kitla e letlelelwa, mme badirabosenyi ba tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong le dipolao tsa basadi ba tla lebana le maatla otlhe a molao,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.

O ne a oketsa ka gore NPA e tsweletse ka boitlamo jwa go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba a ikarabela, fa e ntse e batlela batswasetlhabelo le malapa a bone tshiamiso.

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Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Monnapula Madienyane

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

3 Diphalane 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 38 o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ka Mosupulogo morago ga go tshwarwa gape. Go begwa fa Monnapula Madienyane a ne a tshaba kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung dibeke di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go tlhagelela mabapi le kgetsi ya petelelo.

Go begwa fa Madienyane a ne a betelela bana ba gagwe ba eseng ba madi ba e leng mawelana, mme a ba ithwadisa. Go ya ka dipego, Madienyane one a tshwarwa le go lebana le kgetsi ya petelelo.

Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are Madienyane o ne a tshaba morago ga go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo. Magakoe are sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo e le go batlana le Madienyane.

“Madienyane o ile a fitlhelwa a tlhabile kgobe ka mmutlwa kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa motseng wa Manthe, mono Taung ka Labotlhano. Molatofadiwa o, o ne a tshwarwa mme o solofetswe go shadikanya matlho fa pele ga magistrata mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go tshaba kwa kgolegelong ka Mosopulogo,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 October 2026 – A body of a woman 31) found buried in a shallow grave inside a shack at Lerato Park in Roodepan. The police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a body was discovered on 30 September 2026, at approximately 4:30pm. According to Ehlers, the deceased was reportedly last seen during July 2026.

“A concerned family member reported her missing at Roodepan SAPS on 26 September 2026, prompting police to open a missing person enquiry and begin investigations.

“The family member returned to the shack on 29 September 2026, but found the dwelling locked. She returned the following day accompanied by a community member and opened the door.

“They noticed that the ground inside the shack appeared loose and subsequently discovered the shallow grave containing the woman’s body,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the discovery and called on investigators to establish the events leading to the woman’s death.

“We are deeply concerned by this tragic discovery and urge our detectives to leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased.

“We also appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with the police,” she said.

Ehlers further said no arrests have been made at this stage. She said the police investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and to identify those responsible.

“Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact the police,” said Ehlers.

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By STAFF REPORTER

2 October 2026 – The police in the Namakwa District has arrested eight suspects in connection with drug-related offences during intelligence-driven operations conducted across the district within a 24-hour period. The arrests formed part of Operation Shanela II and were carried out from Brandvlei to Steinkopf following information received from members of the community.

According to Namakwa District Communications Officer, Captain Ivan Magerman, the arrests demonstrate the importance of cooperation between the police and communities in combating the illicit drug trade. Magerman said the Namakwa District Management commends the communities for providing valuable information that enables police to identify and disrupt drug-related activities.

“These arrests demonstrate that intelligence-driven operations, supported by community cooperation, can make a meaningful impact in addressing drug-related offences.

“The first arrest was made in Brandvlei at approximately 2pm on 30 September 2026, when the police conducting stop-and-search operations allegedly found drugs in the possession of a man (25).

“At around 5:10pm, the Namakwa District Task Team followed up on a tip-off about alleged drug dealing at a premises in Vaalhoek 2, Okiep. A search of the premises resulted in the seizure of drugs and the arrest of a man (18),” he said.

Magerman further said another man (28) was arrested at approximately 7:15pm in Main Road, Okiep, after the police allegedly found him in possession of drugs. He added that in Nababeep, members of SAPS Nababeep Shift C executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a premises in Bostraat.

“Drugs were seized and a man (68) and a woman (37), were arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. In a separate operation in School Street, Nababeep, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on information about alleged drug dealing near a tuck shop.

“A man (24) was arrested after drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were allegedly found in his possession,” said Magerman.

Meanwhile, he said Springbok Public Order Police arrested a man 31) in Spoorweg Street, Steinkopf, after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs. Magerman said at approximately 11:45pm, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on further information regarding alleged drug-related activities, resulting in the arrest of a man (39) for possession of drugs.

“The eight suspects are expected to appear in the relevant Magistrate’s Courts in the Namakwa District on charges relating to the possession and dealing in drugs.

“SAPS would continue with intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the illicit drug trade. SAPS will continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling the illicit drug trade and holding those involved in drug-related activities accountable,” he said.

Magerman said they urge community members to continue sharing information with the police so that together they can address criminal activities in our communities. He said members of the public can report suspected criminal activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station.

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 October 2026 – A seasoned detective’s investigations into two separate rape cases have resulted in two men being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court. Warrant Officer Daniel Satisfied of the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit investigated both cases, which dated back to 2019 and 2020.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said his work reflected the “diligence, tenacity and meticulous investigative work” that ultimately secured the convictions. Ehlers said in the first case, a woman (31) was socialising at a tavern in Lerato Park, Roodepan in May 2019, when she was approached by an acquaintance and two other men.

“She later left with the men to visit another tavern, but during the journey she refused a sexual proposition from the acquaintance, who allegedly assaulted her before pushing her from a moving vehicle.

“The woman regained consciousness the following morning and realised she had been sexually assaulted. Forensic evidence linked a 38-year-old man to the offence in February 2023, after which he was traced and arrested in Barkly West before being convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment,” she said.

Ehlers further said in the second case, a woman (26) was returning home from a tavern in Soul City, Galeshewe Township in Kimberley in September 2020, when she was accosted by an unknown man wearing a balaclava and allegedly raped in a nearby veld. She added that forensic evidence linked a man (26) to that offence in 2025.

“He was traced and arrested in February 2025 before the Kimberley Regional Court convicted him of rape and imposed a life sentence,” said Ehlers.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the sentences and praised Satisfied for his persistence. Otola said investigators remained committed to pursuing cases regardless of how much time has passed since an offence was committed.

“Survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) must be treated with dignity and respect, while SAPS would continue strengthening its response through professional investigations and victim-centred policing,” she said.

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2 October 2026 – As geopolitical pressures drive up household costs, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says government is advancing an integrated transport system designed to make public transport safer and more affordable.

“This year has been a difficult one for households, bus and taxi operators, and the broader freight and logistics industry. Our geopolitical environment is not of our choosing. Its impact on supply chains, trade routes and the fuel price is there for all to see. From our side, we are doing everything in our power to make public transport more affordable,” the Minister said.

Speaking at the launch of Transport Month, which is observed in the month of October, Creecy said the recovery of passenger rail services by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is providing commuters with an alternative mode of transport.

Creecy said PRASA had recovered 35 of its 40 priority passenger rail lines over the past two years, most recently restoring part of the Midway–Lenz route.

“PRASA passenger trips rose from 10 million in 2020/21, after the pandemic, to an audited figure of 101 million at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

“On average, a Prasa passenger pays between R12 and R15 for a return trip at peak hours, depending on the distance travelled,” the Minister said.

This year, PRASA will continue refurbishing tracks, signalling systems and stations to accommodate more passengers and provide services that are more frequent and punctual.

“The integration of passenger and road transport systems is central to improving affordability and safety for commuters. Bus and minibus taxis remain central to our transport system.

“We are in the process of reforming our public transport grant system into a unified support model available on selected routes to bus and taxi operators alike. Our reform is guided by foundational principles including integration, sustainability, fairness, safety and commuter affordability. Consultation continues with all affected parties to develop a workable model,” the Minister said.

The Department of Transport is also working with the taxi industry to reform and formalise the sector through the following measures:

• Repurposing the taxi recapitalisation grant and reducing risk in the industry so that operators can buy more affordable vehicles with lower repayments; and
• Formalising and right-sizing the industry through pilot Transport Operating Companies – one in each province – to test new management and investment models.

Creecy launched Transport Month under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”, marking 21 years since the inaugural October Transport Month in 2005.

Rail and ports

Last week, Cabinet supported the establishment of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as a stand-alone, state-owned company, underscoring the central role of rail and port reform in government’s transport agenda.

The separation is intended to improve the operational performance, infrastructure reliability and competitiveness of South Africa’s freight and logistics system.

“As an independent company, TNPA will be able to use its revenue to invest in port infrastructure and equipment, thereby accelerating the journey, which has already seen three of South Africa’s ports tagged as most improved in a recent World Bank study,” Creecy said.

According to Creecy, the separation will be guided by several principles, including fair compensation for Transnet based on an independent valuation of TNPA, long-term financial sustainability, and the equitable allocation of liabilities between the Transnet Group and TNPA.

Other principles include protecting workers, jobs and customers; preserving strategic state ownership and control of national ports infrastructure; and improving the investment capacity and infrastructure development of both TNPA and Transnet.

Cabinet also approved a TNPA investigation into the feasibility of bringing in a minority equity partner from one of the country’s development finance institutions (DFIs).

Creecy said the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy and the 2023 National Freight Logistics Roadmap are beginning to deliver results.

The policies aim to attract private-sector funding for infrastructure development and reposition rail as the country’s transport backbone.

“In March, the Department approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to use the state-owned national rail network, bringing private expertise and capital into operations. Operations are due to begin in April 2027.

“In July, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager published a second Network Statement, creating the necessary certainty to ensure the TOCs can secure rolling stock, staff and capital,” the Minister said.

Approved for public comment earlier this year, the Draft National Rail Master Plan sets out a vision for an interoperable, regulated and well-maintained state-owned railway network that will form the backbone of an integrated system for moving people and goods.

“Transnet’s 2025/26 results show rail volumes of about 167.9 million tonnes against a target of 180.6 million tonnes—progress towards our goal of 250 million tonnes a year on the Transnet network by the end of the political term,” the Minister said.

Creecy explained that increasing rail tonnage will require significant investment from both the state and the private sector.

Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion in public investment has already been approved and is being deployed across the coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. Applications for a further R23.6 billion are being developed.

“On Monday 12 October we will invite you to the Northern Cape to view current rail upgrades to the iron ore line during the annual “shut”.

“Private-sector investment in the rail and port infrastructure is being facilitated through projects currently in the market for the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, and later this year the container corridor between Gauteng and Durban,” the Ministers said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Health has recorded 767 laboratory-confirmed measles cases since October 2025, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing and vaccination campaigns across affected districts. The department said the continued rise in cases had placed it on high alert as it worked with districts to strengthen the response.

THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi said the outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or measles/rubella vaccine. Vilakazi said the highest numbers reported by the department are in the ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, with 303 and 282 cases respectively.

“Frances Baard has recorded 156 cases, while Pixley ka Seme has reported 27. The second-dose Measles/Rubella immunisation coverage remains below 70% in all affected districts. The low coverage had contributed to the increase in cases, including infections among some people who had previously been vaccinated and some adults.

“In John Taolo Gaetsewe, targeted vaccination campaigns involving close contacts at schools have resulted in more than 4 700 people being vaccinated. Inter-facility immunisation has also started, with measles-rubella booster doses being offered to people of all ages regardless of their previous vaccination history,” she said.

Vilakazi further said in ZF Mgcawu, the outbreak previously affecting Postmasburg had ended after 42 days without a new case. She added that attention has now shifted to Upington in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, where 204 cases have been reported and Kai! Garib Municipality, which has recorded 37 cases.

“Pixley ka Seme, which has recorded 27 cases from Griekwastad in the Siyancuma Local Municipality, has also completed its outbreak period after 42 days without a laboratory-confirmed case. More than 444 asymptomatic close contacts in the municipality have been vaccinated.

“Frances Baard remains on high alert, with health teams conducting immediate contact tracing and vaccinating close contacts. Health facilities have also been instructed to isolate suspected cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately,” said Vilakazi.

She said people infected with measles should isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. Vilakazi said suspected cases are treated symptomatically and provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications.

“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. We urge parents and guardians to ensure children are vaccinated and to cooperate with health teams conducting school and community campaigns,” she concluded.

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Picture: Some of beneficiaries receive title deeds

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) has handed over title deeds to beneficiaries in Paballelo, Upington, as part of its #TitleDeedsFridays campaign, which it says is aimed at addressing the province’s title deed backlog. The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, MEC Lebogang Motlhaping, handed over the documents at the Michael Bongela Community Hall in the Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality.

According to Saul, the campaign is intended to help verified beneficiaries move from being occupants of properties to registered owners with security of tenure. He further said the latest handover followed the distribution of keys to beneficiaries at the Dakotaweg and Jurgenskamp Housing Projects in Upington.

“#TitleDeedsFridays is a direct initiative aimed at eradicating the provincial title deed backlog. Ten conveyancing firms have been appointed to assist with processing and registering title deeds across the province. The move was intended to expedite this critical process and eliminate delays in conveyancing.

“The appointment of the conveyancing firms would help families receive their ownership documents “swiftly and efficiently. It also described the latest handover as evidence of its stated commitment to continued service delivery in the province,” added Saul.

He said the campaign forms part of its broader effort to provide beneficiaries with formal proof of property ownership and security of tenure.

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