Author: Koketso Dikobe
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…
The sale of learner stationery intended for North West pupils has raised concerns about the possible misuse of government resources. The North West Department of Education previously raised the alarm after stationery intended for distribution to learners was discovered being sold at a shop in Unit 9, Mahikeng. Members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) discovered the stationery while monitoring the area on a Wednesday. Police and Education Department officials were called to the scene and confirmed that the materials belonged to the Department and were meant for learners. The shop owner was arrested at the scene, and a large…
Communities in the Taung Local Municipality have raised concerns over prolonged water shortages, with some residents reporting that they have gone for more than a month without reliable access to clean drinking water. Residents say the situation has forced them to buy water when they can afford it, while some households are left without clean drinking water for days when they do not have the means to purchase it. They also report challenges in accessing water for basic household needs, including bathing and preparing children for school in the mornings. Residents have further expressed concern over the failure of communal…
Residents of Matloding in Ward 4 of the Ratlou Local Municipality, outside Mahikeng, can now access healthcare services closer to home, 15 years after their local clinic was destroyed during community protests. The Matloding Clinic was burnt down by community members in 2011, leaving residents without a permanent healthcare facility in the area. The destruction placed an additional burden on vulnerable residents, particularly elderly people and pregnant women, who were forced to travel approximately three kilometres to the neighbouring village of Logageng to access basic medical services. In an effort to continue providing healthcare to the community, the North West…
The North West Department of Traditional Affairs has stepped up efforts to strengthen safety measures at traditional initiation schools ahead of the province’s upcoming summer initiation season. The department convened a safety measures workshop bringing together traditional leaders and initiation authorities to discuss ways of protecting children, preventing fatalities and ensuring that customary initiation is conducted safely and in accordance with the relevant requirements. The engagement comes as preparations intensify for the summer initiation season, with registration for initiation schools currently open and scheduled to close on 9 October. Kgosi Jeffry Montsioa, who welcomed initiation authorities to the workshop, stressed…
North West MEC for Public Works and Roads Elizabeth Mokua has welcomed the Construction Industry Development Board’s (CIDB) contribution to strengthening the business capabilities and competitiveness of contractors in the province. Mokua was speaking at the launch of the Certificate in Construction Management Programme in Rustenburg, an initiative aimed at equipping contractors with the management, technical and business skills required to operate more effectively in an increasingly competitive construction market. The MEC said the long-term sustainability of the construction industry depends not only on creating opportunities for contractors, but also on ensuring that businesses have the capacity to compete for…
The North West Department of Health has found no evidence of physical assault in its investigation into the death of 40-year-old mental health care user Quiton DuPlessis at Witrand Specialised Hospital. However, the probe uncovered broader weaknesses in patient care and hospital operations. Health MEC Jonas Sello Lehari released the findings during a media briefing in Mmabatho on Thursday, following an investigation commissioned after public concern and allegations of abuse surrounding DuPlessis’ death in June 2025. The investigation team reviewed patient records, interviewed staff, inspected facilities and assessed clinical services, nursing care, security, infrastructure and management systems. The investigation established…