Author: Koketso Dikobe
The North West Provincial Government says the refurbishment of the long-dormant Dirk Montshiwa Airport in Mahikeng should not be prioritised until a clear economic purpose for the facility has been established. This emerged during a debate in the North West Provincial Legislature on a Notice of Motion concerning the continued inactivity of the airport, with Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL Freddy Sonakile questioning the government’s lack of progress in reviving the facility. The airport, which opened in 1984, ceased commercial operations in 2014 following insufficient passenger numbers to sustain viable airline services. Its closure has left Mahikeng without a functioning commercial…
The African National Congress (ANC) has retained its position as the largest political party in the North West following the 2026 Local Government Elections, despite a decline in electoral support that the party partly attributes to persistent service delivery challenges. The ANC secured 44.1% of the combined ward and proportional representation (PR) vote across the province. Speaking during a media briefing in Mahikeng, where the party reviewed its election performance, ANC North West Provincial Chairperson Nono Maloyi acknowledged growing dissatisfaction among communities, despite what the party described as its achievements over the past 32 years. Maloyi conceded that residents expected…
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West has recorded 21 election-related cases in connection with the 2026 Local Government Elections. The cases were recorded through the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), which is responsible for coordinating security operations during the electoral period. North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams said eight cases were reported during the election campaigning period, while the remaining 13 occurred over the three days of voting. Speaking during a media briefing in Mahikeng, Adams outlined some of the incidents reported to police. These included individuals allegedly photographing their ballot…
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the North West has urged residents to remain patient as the counting, sorting and verification of votes continue, stressing that accuracy and transparency remain its top priorities. Provincial Electoral Officer Bonolo Modise says the commission understands the public’s eagerness to receive the election results. However, he emphasises that the IEC will not compromise the integrity of the process by rushing to announce outcomes before all votes have been properly verified and captured. Modise warns that speeding up the process could lead to errors and inaccuracies, potentially exposing the commission to legal challenges and undermining…
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has urged eligible residents to participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections, emphasising the importance of exercising their constitutional right to vote. Mokgosi cast his ballot in Vryburg, under the Naledi Local Municipality, on Wednesday, 4 November, where he encouraged residents to make their voices heard through the ballot. Speaking after voting, the Premier said every vote contributes to shaping the future of communities, the province and the country. He also reiterated that the provincial government’s responsibility to communities extends beyond election periods, reaffirming its commitment to accelerating service delivery, improving infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities…
The North West has recorded an increase in the number of special votes registered for the 2026 Local Government Elections compared with the previous local government elections. Provincial Electoral Officer Bonolo Modise said the increase indicated greater interest among residents in participating in the electoral process. Providing an update on Election Day, Modise noted that the number of special votes registered this year was considerably higher than during the previous local government elections. The increase comes as eligible voters across the province head to voting stations to elect representatives who will serve in their respective municipalities. Modise also reported that…
The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Lekwa-Teemane mayoral candidate, Justice Dabampe, has been arrested and subsequently released on R500 police bail following allegations of intimidation and contravention of the Electoral Act at a voting station in Christiana, North West. Police spokesperson Colonel Adèle Myburgh confirmed the incident, stating that one of the individuals involved allegedly threatened to destroy ballot papers after being questioned about a recording. The incident reportedly occurred at a voting station in Christiana, where concerns were raised about the conduct of individuals during the electoral process. Dabampe was subsequently released on R500 police bail, while investigations into the…
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has dismissed allegations that ballot papers were stolen in Ward 19 in Rustenburg, following an incident involving an electoral official transporting ballot boxes after the conclusion of special voting. The allegations surfaced after political party representatives allegedly confronted an IEC area manager who was travelling with ballot boxes in her vehicle. The representatives reportedly suspected that the official was stealing ballot papers after noticing the boxes inside the vehicle. However, IEC Deputy Manager of Electoral Matters, Kim Christvelder, says the official was transporting ballot boxes used during home visits to the nearest voting…
The Electoral Commission says it is prepared for the November 4 elections but has acknowledged challenges in reaching voters registered for special votes at their homes. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the North West has established 1,730 voting stations across the province as preparations intensify for the 2026 Local Government Elections. The provincial commission says the voting stations include 51 temporary facilities distributed across the province’s four districts to ensure eligible voters can exercise their democratic right. Provincial Electoral Officer Bonolo Modise said the IEC had put measures in place to accommodate voters, including those unable to travel to…
The North West provincial government says it is confident in its state of readiness for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with five days remaining before voters head to the polls. The province has identified public safety, uninterrupted service delivery and cooperation with law enforcement agencies as key priorities ahead of election day. MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi, gave the assurance during a media briefing at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre in Mahikeng on Thursday, where the province outlined its preparations for the upcoming elections. Molapisi said the provincial government was optimistic that preparations were…