Author: Koketso Dikobe
The North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) has welcomed Thabo Lerefolo as its incoming Administrator and Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with outstanding housing projects and financial sustainability among the key priorities awaiting his attention. Lerefolo was seconded by North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, to strengthen organisational stability and advance the Corporation’s strategic mandate in line with the 2025–2030 human settlements priorities. His appointment comes amid longstanding housing delivery challenges in the province, including stalled developments, project delays and concerns over the implementation of major housing initiatives. In 2023, a delegation from the…
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has expressed confidence in its campaign mobilisation efforts ahead of the 4 November local government elections, emphasising community engagement and communicating its manifesto commitments as key elements of its electoral strategy. IFP National Chairperson Muziwenkosi Gwala highlighted the importance of mobilising supporters and reminding them of the party’s objectives. He described the manifesto launch in Rustenburg as an important opportunity to engage communities in the North West, particularly at local and district municipal levels. Gwala said the party wanted supporters to understand and uphold its principles, while emphasising that service delivery remained a key concern…
North West Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie has urged young people in rural communities to turn locally available resources into income-generating businesses, highlighting entrepreneurship, cooperative development and government procurement as potential drivers of job creation. Speaking during the Re Thuse Re Go Thuse programme in Kraaipan village, Ratlou Local Municipality, on Wednesday, Dantjie encouraged young people to identify business opportunities within their communities and build sustainable enterprises rather than relying solely on government for employment. She identified backyard vegetable gardening as one way for young people to enter the agricultural sector, explaining that small-scale food production could initially reduce…
Eskom has warned political parties and election campaign teams against placing posters on electricity poles, transformers and mini-substations, cautioning that the practice could result in electric shocks, severe burns and fatalities. The warning comes as the power utility reports an increase in election-related posters being attached to its electricity infrastructure during the current campaign period. The utility cautioned that climbing electricity poles, using ladders or working near live electrical equipment to install or remove campaign material exposes individuals to potentially fatal electrical hazards. Eskom also warned that unauthorised attachments could damage electricity infrastructure, obstruct inspections and maintenance work, and compromise…
The Department of Home Affairs in the North West is urging residents to collect 29,455 outstanding identity documents across the province ahead of the upcoming local government elections. The department is stepping up efforts to ensure that eligible voters have the necessary identification to participate in the electoral process. Provincial manager of Home Affairs, Eunice Mhlanga, says the department is intensifying public awareness campaigns and community mobilisation efforts to encourage residents to collect their documents, with assistance from local councillors and community development workers. The department is also using mobile units to extend services to communities, particularly those where residents…
For thousands of Grade 12 learners across the North West, the start of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations marks more than just the beginning of their final assessments. It signals the closing chapter of a journey that began in Grade 1 and the start of an uncertain but hopeful transition into adulthood. As the Class of 2026 prepares to write its first examinations on Tuesday, 13 October, learners face a defining moment shaped by years of classroom lessons, friendships, personal sacrifices and dreams of a better future. In the North West, 52,200 candidates have registered for the examinations, including…
North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation Wessels Morweng has called on artists, businesses and other stakeholders to help restore Mafikeng’s position as a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination through the Mahika Mahikeng Cultural Festival. Speaking at the festival’s media launch in Hartbeespoort Dam on Tuesday, Morweng said the platform should be open to artists and business owners who can contribute to attracting residents and visitors to Mafikeng. His call comes against the backdrop of Mafikeng’s longstanding association with arts, culture and entertainment. The city has previously hosted major cultural events that attracted artists, performers and audiences from…
The Klerksdorp Wastewater Treatment Plant has remained dysfunctional for about three years, with vandalism and fire contributing to the deterioration of the critical facility. The situation was highlighted during an oversight visit by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Jack Bloom on Monday, amid continued concerns about untreated wastewater entering the Skoonspruit and eventually flowing into the Vaal River. The plant has reportedly been non-operational since 2023. An oversight visit by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in May also found untreated wastewater flowing directly into the Skoonspruit. Officials indicated that substantial funding would be required to refurbish the facility…
With the 4 November local government elections approaching, residents across the North West are looking to political parties and municipalities to deliver improved living conditions, reliable basic services and greater support for vulnerable communities. Housing remains one of the key concerns, particularly among residents facing inadequate living conditions. The North West Department of Human Settlements has allocated R1.708 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with funding directed towards accelerating housing delivery, upgrading informal settlements and providing serviced residential sites. Basic service delivery is another major concern for communities. Challenges involving water, sanitation, electricity, roads and ageing infrastructure have continued to…
The North West Department of Social Development has stepped up psychosocial support for the family and school community following the alleged killing of an 18-year-old Grade 12 learner in Luka, near Rustenburg. The learner was last seen on the evening of 24 September after making a short visit to her cousin. When she failed to return home, her family initially believed that she may have spent the night with her cousin. Her body was later discovered in an abandoned house nearby, leaving her family and the Luka community devastated. The department is concerned about the impact of the tragedy on…