Author: Koketso Dikobe
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has acknowledged that political considerations played a role in his decision to reshuffle the provincial cabinet, adding a new dimension to changes he initially described as necessary to strengthen government performance and service delivery. Mokgosi was responding to questions in the North West Legislature on Thursday when he addressed the circumstances surrounding the reshuffle, which affected three members of the Executive Council. The changes included the removal of Viola Motsumi as Education MEC and her replacement by former Legislature Speaker Desbo Mohono. Wessels Morweng was moved from Community Safety and Transport Management to Arts, Culture,…
The Absa-SACCI Entrepreneur Empowerment Summit is positioning itself as a platform to help North West small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) overcome barriers to growth by connecting them with funding, procurement opportunities, business networks and key industry stakeholders. Held in Rustenburg, the summit brings together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, business organisations and support agencies to address some of the practical challenges facing small businesses. For SMMEs, access to finance and markets remains critical to expansion and sustainability. The summit provides entrepreneurs with information on funding options, procurement opportunities and potential partnerships that could help them scale their operations. Absa Head of…
Six deaths recorded during the previous initiation season have placed renewed pressure on authorities in the North West to tighten oversight of initiation schools ahead of the 2026 summer season. The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee is intensifying efforts to identify illegal initiation schools, with operators required to register by 9 October as authorities move to strengthen safety measures and prevent further loss of life. Deputy Chairperson of the committee, Andries Stemmer, indicates that registration is a legal requirement that allows authorities to monitor initiation schools and ensure compliance with safety standards. Stemmer has raised particular concern over initiation schools operating…
Businesses operating around the Samancor Dikwena Chrome Mine in Brits are counting the cost of disruptions following the failure of a tailings storage facility, with local operators calling for stronger contingency measures to protect livelihoods and economic activity. The incident occurred on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at Compartment 1B, after its northern wall collapsed, releasing almost all of the slimes stored in the compartment. The failure disrupted electricity and water services in surrounding areas, leaving businesses scrambling to find alternative ways to keep their operations running. Several businesses have turned to generators to maintain electricity supplies. However, the additional fuel…
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has reshuffled his Executive Council in a move he says is aimed at strengthening governance, improving accountability and accelerating service delivery across the province. Mokgosi announced the changes during a media briefing in Mahikeng, saying the reshuffle is aligned with the province’s Medium-Term Development Plan and its three key priorities: promoting inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building an ethical, capable and developmental state. The Premier said these priorities require continuous monitoring of government performance and regular assessments of provincial departments to ensure they effectively fulfil their…
A deadly illegal mining operation at a dumping site in Nkaneng, near Rustenburg, has claimed the lives of 14 suspected illegal miners, prompting a police investigation into both the fatal incident and the authorisation of the company licensed to operate in the area. North West Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Arthur Adams said the victims died after the walls of an excavated section collapsed while they were allegedly conducting illegal mining activities. The incident was reported to police at about 21:00 on Monday. Preliminary investigations have established that Sastanzer Trading had been granted a permit to extract platinum group metals (PGMs)…
The Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality has deployed eight water tanker trucks as part of an emergency intervention to address persistent water supply challenges while longer-term infrastructure solutions are being implemented. The initiative represents a short-term investment aimed at strengthening water access across four local municipalities affected by unreliable supply. Each beneficiary municipality received two water tankers based on assessed service delivery needs. Speaking at the handover, Executive Mayor Councillor Motseokae Maje said the allocation was guided by the specific requirements of each municipality and formed part of the district’s broader response to ongoing water challenges. Naledi Local Municipality…
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has appointed Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams as the new North West Provincial Commissioner, placing one of the organisation’s most experienced operational commanders at the forefront of efforts to combat organised crime in the province. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane officially introduced Adams in Mahikeng on Thursday, confirming that he will assume office on 1 August 2026. Dimpane said Adams was appointed following a transparent, merit-based selection process designed to identify a leader capable of addressing the province’s complex crime challenges. She said North West remains a key battleground in the fight…
Kaizer Chiefs have expressed confidence in their preparations for the 2026/27 football season, saying the club is ready to build on the momentum from last season as it prepares for the Toyota Cup clash against Jozi Masters at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Kaizer Chiefs Corporate Communications Manager Alpheus Maphosa said the squad has enjoyed a productive pre-season, with high morale throughout the camp. He credited the arrival of the club’s new coaching team with bringing fresh ideas, tactical approaches and renewed energy as the team looks to compete at the highest level. Maphosa…
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the North West has urged all eligible residents who have not yet registered to vote to take advantage of the second voter registration weekend on 1 and 2 August, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Provincial Electoral Officer Bonolo Modise said the Commission’s decision to hold another voter registration weekend was prompted by the number of eligible residents who are still not on the voters’ roll. He explained that the additional registration period is intended to give those who were unable to register during the previous registration weekend another opportunity to…