Author: Motlhaping Modise
The North-West University Council (NWU) has resolved to reinstate the R150 and R600 administration fees for South African and international prospective students who submit applications to study at the University. The measure is intended to ensure that applicants are committed to accepting offers from the institution. NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bismarck Tyobeka, said the decision was taken during the Council’s ordinary meeting to encourage greater commitment from prospective students. Speaking on YOU FM’s Newshour, Professor Tyobeka said the University has experienced a growing number of accepted applicants delaying confirmation of their offers, while others fail to accept them altogether.…
The Department of Public Works and Roads has appointed a contractor to undertake short-term emergency repair works valued at approximately R11.9 million on Road P53/1 between Pilanesberg International Airport and Mogwase in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West. The road was temporarily closed following the collapse of a culvert, which posed serious safety risks to motorists earlier in May. The department said it has been conducting extensive technical investigations to assess the extent of the damage and determine the most suitable engineering solution to restore the road safely. “Investigations conducted by engineers revealed that the collapse was caused by…
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has emerged from its national elective conference optimistic that those responsible for violence and the murder of taxi industry leaders across the country will soon be brought to justice. The conference, held at the Birchwood Hotel, brought together delegates from across South Africa to reflect on the organisation’s progress over the past 25 years, assess challenges facing the industry, and elect leadership to guide the next phase of transformation and growth. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, SANTACO national spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the conference reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening unity within the…
International and continental arrivals in South Africa have increased despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to global flight disruptions and surging ticket prices, as well as recent anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in the country. According to Statistics South Africa’s monthly International Tourism Report, the country recorded 989,329 international tourist arrivals in April 2026, marking a 19.5% increase compared with the same period last year. The total number of arrivals from January to April 2026 increased by 14.1% year-on-year to 3,899,358 — an additional 482,935 international arrivals compared with the same period in 2025. Welcoming the report, Tourism…
The number of South Africans reliant on all forms of social grants has increased, with 39.5% of individuals and 50.6% of households depending on them, while nearly one-quarter (23.4%) rely on grants as their main source of income. This is according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)’s General Household Survey, released in Cape Town. The survey also revealed that salaries and wages remained the primary source of income for 54.3% of households, although this varied widely across provinces. Stats SA Acting Deputy Director-General for Population and Social Statistics, Solly Molayi, told YOU FM Newshour that the survey continues to reflect…
Almost a year into office, North West-based water utility Magalies Water Chief Executive Officer Ofentse Nthutang has expressed confidence in the work done since taking over the reins in June 2025. The Magalies Water Board appointed Nthutang as Acting Chief Executive in July 2024 following the departure of his predecessor, before permanently appointing him in June the following year. Reflecting on his first year as CEO, Nthutang, whose substantive position was Chief Operations Officer at the entity from September 2023, initially joined the water utility as General Manager for Engineering Services. “That has assisted me greatly in doing my job,…
North West MEC for Social Development Susanna Dantjie has condemned the alleged murder of a woman in Rustenburg, allegedly at the hands of her husband, describing the incident as another tragic case of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The victim, from the Popo Molefe–Siza section at Sunrise Park, was reportedly found dead in her home after allegedly being killed and covered with a blanket. According to preliminary reports, her body was discovered by her two children after they returned from school, before they alerted a family member. Dantjie said the incident highlights the ongoing violence faced by women and children,…
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Foreign Ministers have pledged stronger cooperation to boost regional integration, policy coordination and sustainable development across member states. Meeting at a retreat in Skukuza, Kruger National Park, ministers discussed the impact of rising global tensions on trade, energy, food security and financial systems. They also committed to strengthening regional institutions and presenting a more unified SADC voice in international affairs. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said ministers acknowledged growing risks linked to geopolitical instability, including the Middle East conflict, climate pressures and global supply-chain disruptions, which are contributing to higher food and fuel…
North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Wessels Morweng has commended police for the swift arrest of three suspects linked to the fatal shooting of a taxi operator at the Rustenburg taxi rank on Friday. The shooting occurred while the taxi rank was crowded with commuters, causing panic among members of the public. According to reports, an off-duty police officer who was at the scene immediately alerted colleagues after witnessing the incident. Police were reportedly informed that a vehicle with Gauteng registration plates had arrived at the taxi rank before three men, believed to be in their early…
The owners of a farm in Swartruggens near Rustenburg, where a multi-million-rand illegal drug laboratory was uncovered last week, appeared in the Swartruggens Magistrate’s Court on Friday alongside 11 co-accused after handing themselves over to police. The accused face multiple charges, including drug manufacturing, illegal possession of precious metals, unlawful possession of hazardous materials and contravention of the Immigration Act. The arrests follow an intelligence-driven operation led by several SAPS Crime Intelligence units, which uncovered what police described as a sophisticated crystal meth manufacturing operation on the farm. Eleven suspects were initially arrested during the raid before the farm owners…