Author: Motlhaping Modise

The North-West University (NWU) has appointed a three-time Comrades Marathon and Internationally acclaimed athlete Tete Dijana, as a protection officer at its Mahikeng Campus, effective from April 1, 2026. The University has described Dijana as a symbol of endurance, discipline, humility, and excellence in the country and beyond, adding that his remarkable athletic achievements have inspired millions, and his journey reflects resilience and determination of the highest order. Speaking on YOUFM, the university’s communications Manager Oscar Mosiane said that the decision was long overdue. “His appointment reflects our belief that excellence is not confined to titles or accolades, but is…

Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has criticised parliament and president Cyril Ramaphosa approving an above inflation pay hike to the top politicians including ministers, deputy ministers and parliamentarians. The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a 3.8% salary hike for President Cyril Ramaphosa, following the recommendation from the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers in December. The commission had initially recommended an increase of 4.1% for politicians, but the president’s final approval rate was 0.3 percentage points lower at 3.8%. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, FOSA’s leader Tebogo Mashilompane said that the increase is unjustified given the current economic…

A large number of police officers has been deployed in and around the North West’s capital Mahikeng to ensure safety and security of key points and personnel, during the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) and official opening of the legislature on Thursday. Speaking to Newsnote on the doorstep of the provincial legislature in Mahikeng, on the eve of SOPA, the police provincial spokesperson Colonel Adel Myburgh said that they are prepared for any eventualities including anything that could threaten peace during the event.  “It took us about a month or two, working with the relevant government departments and…

The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo has accused the Vryburg-based Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in North West of failure as a water service authority to provide water to the communities within its local municipalities. This after he conducted an urgent oversight visit at Pudimoe Water Treatment Works in the north of Taung, where he found among others that the municipality relies on one water tanker to provide over 100 villages within the district with water. Seitlholo’s visit to the area was sparked by sporadic water supply in Dryharts and the surrounding villages in Greater Taung…

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has called on the North West Provincial Government to take full responsibility for the challenges afflicting its struggling bus transport investment arm, the North West Transport Investment (NTI). This follows reports of a deteriorating situation at the state-owned entity, where 1,500 employees are allegedly facing a humanitarian crisis, while thousands of vulnerable commuters who depend on government-subsidised buses have once again been left stranded due to ongoing financial turmoil and the failure to maintain this essential service. MISA’s Chief Executive Officer for Operations, Martlé Keyter, has urged the provincial government to provide a permanent…

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the North West has vowed to support its affiliate, the South African municipal workers union (SAMWU) in its quest to resolve the ongoing squabbles at the Madibeng Local Municipality Council. The trade federation comments follow recent media reports that the municipality has allegedly appointed multiple service providers to provide the same services at the Brits-based municipality. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, COSATU’s Provincial Secretary Kabelo Kgoro said that SAMWU leadership at the municipality is working on establishing the facts around these reports. According to Kgoso, similar reports were made before by…

The Public Servants Association (PSA) has threatened to collapse the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) over its exorbitant contribution increases that it maintains will continue to burden their members. This after the union, together with other unions in the public sector announced over the weekend a possible national programme of action later in the month to protest against what it described as GEMS unilateral decision to increase member’s contributions. The scheme has implemented a 9.8% increase in member contributions from January 2026, which will be adjusted to 9.5% from 1t April 2026. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, PSA’s General Manager…

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) effort to encourage the youth, especially those who are still at higher institutions of learning to participate in elections continues. This as the IEC will launch its annual national Tertiary Institutions Campaign at the Taletso TVET College in Lehurutshe outside Zeerust in the North West on Wednesday. The commission said the campaign “seeks to improve voter participation amongst students at tertiary institutions as well as encourage participation in the country’s democratic processes.” This year’s campaign is anticipated to expose more than 3 000 students enrolled at the institution to electoral processes. According to the commission,…

The Executive Mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Cllr. Khumalo Molefe, has called for urgent intervention to combat what he describes as a well-organised “water mafia” targeting and destroying municipal infrastructure across the district. Speaking at a media briefing in Mahikeng on Friday, Molefe said criminal syndicates were deliberately sabotaging water and sanitation infrastructure, worsening sewage spillages and deepening water supply challenges in affected communities. He said residents of Seweding Village (Ward 16) and Ramosadi Village (Ward 20) have endured persistent sewage spillages and unbearable stench for years, posing serious health risks. Molefe explained that ongoing sewer spillages…

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi is upbeat about the province’s future following a successful meeting with captains of the mining industry on the side-lines of the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba held in Cape Town. The Premier heaped praise for the two strategic objectives contained in the province’s Growth and Development Strategy, which he’s convinced is gaining traction following their engagements at the Indaba. Mokgosi, who is leading a high delegation of the provincial government, had placed on the agenda the Provincial Development Fund which his administration seeks to use as a vehicle to drive infrastructure development, grow the economy and create…