Author: Koketso Dikobe

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…

Young people attending the North West Provincial Legislature’s Youth Sectoral Parliament in Rustenburg have urged the government to address barriers preventing them from accessing higher education and entrepreneurship opportunities. The programme provides a platform for young people from across the province to engage directly with lawmakers, voice their concerns and recommend solutions to issues affecting their future. Access to higher education emerged as one of the key concerns during the discussions. Delegates highlighted the financial challenges faced by many prospective students, arguing that registration fees and other study-related costs continue to prevent deserving young people from pursuing tertiary education. They…

Two child-headed households in Ledig have received newly built homes through a partnership between the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and Sun City as part of the Nelson Mandela Day programme. The handover formed part of the annual 67 Minutes initiative, which encourages individuals and organisations to dedicate time to community service. However, MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Bitsa Lenkopane, emphasised that Mandela Day should represent a lifelong commitment to restoring dignity and improving lives, rather than being a once-off event. Lenkopane described the housing project as a reflection of this…

The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has intensified scholar transport vehicle inspections as part of preparations for the reopening of schools for the third term on Monday, 21 July 2026. The department is carrying out mandatory verification and roadworthiness inspections of all contracted scholar transport vehicles to ensure operators meet safety requirements and contractual obligations before transporting learners. Department Communication Director Oshebeng Koonyaditse said the inspections form part of the department’s service level agreement with scholar transport operators and are conducted four times a year during every school holiday. “The inspections are aimed at ensuring that…

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has announced a major shift in its housing delivery strategy, allocating 80% of its 2026/27 housing budget to completing unfinished housing projects before launching new developments. MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi unveiled the new approach on Thursday while introducing the contractor appointed to deliver the 216-unit Ditshilong housing project in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. Molapisi said the decision was driven by the growing number of incomplete housing projects across the province, some of which have remained unfinished for years. “We want to complete what has already been started…

The North West Provincial Treasury has launched a province-wide initiative aimed at strengthening municipal procurement systems, a move expected to improve governance and create a more transparent business environment for companies seeking to do business with municipalities. Chief Director for Municipal Finance, Linda Nengovhela, said the programme is designed to equip municipal supply chain management officials with the skills needed to improve procurement processes, strengthen financial management and ensure compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its Supply Chain Management Regulations. For businesses, the initiative is expected to enhance fairness and accountability in the awarding and management of…

Young people from across the country have been encouraged to use opportunities available through government programmes to become entrepreneurs, create jobs and help shape South Africa’s economic future. The message was delivered at the three-day National Youth Empowerment Summit hosted by the Department of Social Development at the Orion Hotel in Rustenburg. Speaking at the summit, SASSA Chief Executive Officer Themba Matlou highlighted that, while the agency supports about nine million beneficiaries, its broader goal is to help young people transition from dependency to economic independence. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the skills, training and support they receive to build…

In a district that produces much of the world’s platinum yet continues to grapple with high unemployment, leaders gathered at the Bojanala Platinum District Economic Development Symposium with a shared message: economic growth must begin improving the lives of ordinary people. Addressing government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi acknowledged the difficult reality facing many residents. Despite the province’s rich mineral resources and strong mining sector, thousands of young people remain unemployed while poverty and inequality continue to affect communities. Mokgosi noted that South Africa’s economy is expected to grow by only one to two…

The Special Provincial Official Funeral of former North West Premier Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape is taking place in Huhudi, outside Vryburg, on Saturday morning, with mourners gathering to honour his life and legacy. Maape passed away last Saturday following a short illness at a Johannesburg hospital. His death continues to prompt widespread tributes from political leaders, government officials and community members across the province and beyond. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is delivering the eulogy at the funeral service, which is attended by members of the Provincial Executive Council, mayors and other dignitaries. Maape served as Premier of the North West and…

The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management says all roads that were closed this morning in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region following a taxi blockade that left commuters frustrated, have been reopened. The department says the roads were reopened following engagements with the protesting operators, but has however urged motorists to continue driving with caution. The blockade affected major transport corridors including the R503 between Hartbeesfontein/Tigane and Klerksdorp, as well as the R30 towards Orkney. Several internal roads were also obstructed, severely impacting mobility in and around the region. According to the Chairperson of the South African…