Author: Motlhaping Modise

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has partially reopened the N14 between Kuruman and Vryburg in the North West to light motor vehicles only. The road has been closed since 30 April 2026 due to extensive flooding and dangerously high water levels following heavy rainfall. SANRAL’s Provincial Head for the North West, Mirriam Ramoba, said the reopening will provide temporary relief to road users and restore limited access along the route. “There is still a thin film of water on portions of the road surface. Motorists are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling through the affected area,”…

Power utility Eskom’s smart prepaid meter rollout continues to face significant community resistance, protests and intimidation. This opposition has left the utility more than 50% behind its installation targets, delaying its overarching goal of eliminating network overloading and load reduction. In the North West, residents of Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, led a peaceful march to Eskom’s offices on Thursday to express their concerns and reject the installation of what they describe as “new, unreasonable smart prepaid meters”. They accused Eskom of failing to consult them adequately regarding the installation of the advanced meters. Tlhabane community leader Basimane Ndlovu told YOU FM…

South Africa’s organised labour federations – COSATU, FEDUSA, SAFTU and NACTU – have called for the country’s two social security funds, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF), to be overhauled. They are demanding that competent management and modern systems be put in place to ensure effective and efficient administration. The call comes after the federations raised serious concerns over what they described as a “worsening crisis” at the funds, which are entrusted with providing support to workers in times of need. NACTU Acting President Medupi Maile told YOU FM Newshour that both funds had failed spectacularly…

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has expressed its solidarity with more than 1,800 miners facing possible retrenchments and uncertainty at the Finch Diamond Mine and Cullinan Diamond Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This follows the decision by mining company Pedra Diamonds to appoint a business rescue practitioner to oversee operations at Finch Mine, while also issuing a Section 189A notice at Cullinan Mine. NUM Petra Diamonds Chief Negotiator and National Health and Safety Secretary, Masibulele Naki, rejected what he described as an attempt by employers to shift the burden of business challenges onto workers. He argued that employees have…

The North-West University (North-West University) has confirmed that it has initiated urgent measures to address allegations of a hostile and abusive working environment raised by one of its employees. The matter comes after a distressed staff member shared her experience on social media, alleging workplace abuse by a director within the institution. In the video, the employee’s identity was concealed as internal procedures are currently underway. She further alleged that she feels targeted and unsupported at work, while also facing pressure to meet marking deadlines despite ongoing health challenges. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, the university’s Director for Corporate Communication,…

ActionSA has welcomed former prominent ANC councillor in Potchefstroom, David Kham, as part of its ongoing “Green Umbrella” expansion project, which continues to attract political parties and civic formations into its ranks. Through this initiative, the party says it aims to build a united political alternative ahead of the fiercely contested upcoming local government elections. ActionSA Deputy President Dr Mbahare Kekana welcomed new community members, local political leaders, and activists in Potchefstroom, North West. “The welcoming of new members marks another important milestone in the party’s growth and demonstrates the increasing confidence that South Africans are placing in its vision…

The North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has expressed confidence in the measures employed by his administration to address the growing concern of unemployment amongst the youth, women and people with disabilities across the province. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mokgosi and Oupa Nkoana of Construction SETA at the Mmabatho Palms in Mahikeng on Wednesday. “Over 4,000 young people, women and people with disabilities across the North West are expected to benefit from a three-year programme which will harness their skills to enter the job market,” said the Premier. Mokgosi highlighted that the MoU seeks…

University of South Africa (UNISA) Correctional Management expert Professor Thabiso Matshaba has said that the Department of Correctional Services is sitting on a ticking time bomb by failing to expeditiously resolve the crisis of untraceable parolees and escaped inmates who are roaming the streets unrestricted by the law and remain unaccounted for. Matshaba was speaking on YOU FM’s Newshour following the appearance of the Department’s Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, before the Portfolio Committee in Parliament, where he conceded that the department’s latest data does not reflect the number of parolees and inmates who absconded before 1994. The Minister revealed that…

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport has requested a detailed update from the Departments of Transport and National Treasury on the performance of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, known as the Public Transport Network (PTN), following a decision to phase out grant funding for the programme. The committee made the request after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy informed members last week that a decision had been taken “to wind down the grant” because it was underperforming and failing to achieve its intended objectives. According to the Minister, the winding down process will be phased in over the next three years, while…

South Africa will, as part of its efforts to address illegal immigration — a matter of growing concern among many citizens — send envoys to several fellow African countries to outline the measures it is taking to manage the issue within its borders. In an address to the nation on Sunday evening from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a series of interventions aimed at addressing illegal immigration and strengthening border management. “As South Africa, we will continue working with our sister countries to build an Africa in which people move by choice and not by desperation.…