Author: Dimakatso Genkoe
Fourteen people have died, and several others injured, in a terrible head-on accident on the N9 outside Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. According to the provincial Department of Transport, the accident happened in the early hours of Monday and involved an SUV and a minibus taxi. The department says 6 occupants of the SUV are believed to be from the same family, and they all died on the scene along with seven 8 from the taxi. The department spokesperson Unathi Binqose has described the accident as the worst. “A terrible-terrible accident it is. Sadly, the worst by far since the…
Traffic volumes have increased on various roads across the country as holiday makers head to various destinations for the festive season. All road users have been urged to exercise caution and abide by the law. The Automobile Association (AA) said as part of the ongoing efforts to promote road safety and prevent road accidents, it is important that motorists manage both physical and mental fatigue as well as ensuring vehicle regular maintenance. According to the association spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, with the rise in road related accidents many of which are attributed to driver impairment, drivers and vehicle owners must take pro-active…
The movement of travellers at the Lebombo Port of entry between South Africa and Mozambique, has declined by 50% compared to this time last year. This is according to the Border Management Authority (BMA) acting Commissioner Jane Dithupana. The areas near the border inside Mozambique, have experienced sporadic unrest following the recently held disputed Mozambique elections. Dithupana said the processing of the vehicles takes place in the early hours and late afternoons when the unrest on the Mozambican side is calm. “Movement is now open until further notice. Pedestrians and small vehicles are being processed minimally with statistics reflecting that…
Rustenburg residents in the North West are bracing themselves for four days of water cuts due to planned infrastructure maintenance at Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pumping Station. According to the Rustenburg Local Municipality, the 86-hours water supply interruptions are expected from 13 to 16 December. Parts of Platinum City’s areas including the CBD, Cashan, Waterfall Mall, Waterfall East, and Marikana will be affected. The municipality spokesperson Odirile Madiba has urged residents to use water sparingly during this period. “Pumping at Eikenhof will be reduced to 20% during the maintenance period. We encourage residents and businesses to conserve water during the interruption…
A manhunt has been launched to trace and re-arrest three trial awaiting suspects who escaped from police cells on Sunday in Swartuggens in the North West. Police say the fourth suspect who also escaped with the group, was re-arrested while hiking on the N4. The 23-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Swartruggens Magistrates court on Wednesday, on charges of escaping from lawful custody. The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh, said the suspects are facing several charges. “Mpho Vincent Madito (29), detained for four rape cases reported in Swartuggens and Makgobistad.Thapelo Mogwele Molebatsi (25), detained for theft at…
The Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West is urging residents and businesses to use water sparingly as it will be experiencing water interruption soon. This as the municipalities two bulk water suppliers, Rand Water and Magalies Water, are currently under strain due to reduced water supply. The municipality acting spokesperson Odirile Madiba said the two water boards have informed them about the forthcoming water interruptions, as they’re experiencing challenges extracting water from the dams. In addition, Madiba said Magalies Water informed them about the low water levels at the Vaalkop Dam outside Rustenburg. “The Vaalkop Dam is currently at low levels…
Former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe has advised the power utility’s current management to put the whole country, including the municipalities, on prepaid electricity. Molefe, who’s now a member of parliament representing the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, says placing the whole country on prepaid electricity will assist in dealing with the Eskom debt. He was speaking at the Portfolio Committee on Energy where Eskom’s Executives led by the CEO Dan Morakane briefed members about the utility’s performance for the 2024/25 financial year. “What will it take to put the whole of South Africa to prepaid? Because in that way a municipality will…
A fire has ravaged the newly renovated Manyane Game Lodge in Mahikeng, North West. According to the spokesperson of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, John Nkoana, a team of their firefighters responded to a fire incident on Tuesday afternoon. “We can confirm that the newly built units at the Manyane Game Reserve are on fire and some of the furniture has burnt. Investigation into the fire will be launched soon,” said Nkoana. In addition, Nkoana said the cause of the fire is not yet known and no injuries were reported. The lodge has in the past been a subject of investigations,…
Magalies Water unable to abstract water at the Vaalkop DamBy Dimakatso Genkoe Magalies Water has urged its customers to use water sparingly. This as it has been forced to immediately reduce water abstraction from Vaalkop Dam near Rustenburg in the North West by 30%, due to low water levels. “Vaalkop Dam which Magallies Water abstracts raw water for potable usage has regrettably reached critically low levels of about 23% of available raw water for abstraction,” read a statement from the entity. Areas that fall under the Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, and Thabazimbi Local Municipalities including the local mines, are the ones…
After a smooth conclusion of the matric final examinations on Thursday, the Department of Education in the North West said it is now ready to commence with the marking of the question papers. More than 45 000 candidates sat for their final exams in the province. The Department MEC Viola Motsumi lauded the candidates for their resilience, commitment, and adherence to the examination guidelines throughout what she described as a critical phase. “The matric class of 2024 has shown incredible discipline and respect for the examination process. These qualities reflect not only their dedication over the past 13 years but…