Author: Motlhaping Modise

Over 250 mineworkers contracted to Steel Trading in Rustenburg in North West, have downed tools following protracted negotiations with the employer to improve their working conditions and increase their salaries. The workers, who are affiliated to the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) are contracted to provide mining services to various shafts of Sibanye-Stillwater operations. The union’s shop steward at the company, Tshepo Zenzile, has accused the employer of arrogance and deliberately ignoring their demands. During an interview on YouFM Newshour, Zenzile said they are aware of the impact their strike would have on the operations of…

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has condemned what she called an “uncharacteristic behaviour from the adult male artists who are committed to exploiting vulnerable young girls.” This is after a video circulating on social media showing young girls in Limpopo indulging in illegal alcohol consumption in the presence of local well-known male artist “Tsaka RSA”. In a statement, the Deputy Minister expressed concern and called for accountability, requesting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to question the artist and investigate the case of underage drinking. “Underage drinking not only breaks…

The North West Department of Education is taking significant steps to address the longstanding issue of overcrowding in schools across the province. In a bid to temporarily relieve pressure on saturated institutions, the department has committed to acquiring mobile classrooms while also tackling critical infrastructure challenges that have long plagued the province’s education system. Recent findings from the department revealed a shocking reality: only 11 out of 1,471 schools in the North West province are in excellent condition, with a staggering 930 schools cited as needing urgent maintenance and renovations. MEC Viola Motsumi, in an interview with YOUFM Newshour, emphasised…

South Africans from all walks of life celebrated the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage in various ways, during Heritage Day yesterday. The day, known by some as “Braai Day” brought together family and friends to share traditions, and enjoy food, fostering unity within the nation’s multicultural society. But to some, Heritage Day is more than clothes, food, and songs. It’s around this time as well when words like legacy and history also come up during this time. An organisation that specifically promotes and protects the language rights and multilingualism within the country, Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) has…

Pressure group Operation Dudula has sworn to defend its schools campaign aimed at prioritizing South African pupils over undocumented foreigner’s children in schools across the country in court. The organisation has dismissed arguments that its campaign violates the country’s constitution and is in contempt of the High Court ruling on the matter. Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula told YOUFM Newshour that those who lead counter-campaigns and seek to push back against their campaign are not affected by the aftermaths of undocumented foreigners flooding the schooling and healthcare systems in the country. ‘Yes, definitely we are ready (to defend this campaign…

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has threatened to drag the Department of Water and Sanitation to the Parliament’s Portfolio Committee due to its failure to implement the recommendations made a while ago. The CGE has called on the department to provide a clear account of progress made on its previous commitments to advancing gender equality and transformation in the workplace. These commitments followed the commission’s findings, recommendations and included promoting gender-responsive policies, implementing training, developing women for senior leadership roles, and advocating sector-wide standards, including on harassment management. The commission’s North West Provincial Manager Princess Malebye told YOUFM Newshour…

The North West MEC for Social Development has conceded that the shortage of social workers has had an adverse result in various sectors of the society across the province.The department MEC, Basetsana Dantjie, told YOUFM Newshour special broadcast last night that the situation is exacerbated by lack of enough funding from the National Department. “It is true, I must admit but remember this is not the North West problem, other provinces are also suffering the similar challenges that are mostly aggravated by lack of funding. In the province, we are facing a budget shortfall this financial year. At least the…

The North West Department of community Safety and Transport Management (COSATMA) is confident that the North West Division of the High Court in Mahikeng will rule in its favour, dismissing an appeal application filed by the Atamelang Bus Company, interdicting it from appointing a new service provider to restore commuter bus services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district in Mahikeng. MEC Wessels Morweng told YOUFM Newshour during a special broadcast in Mahikeng that a protracted legal battle will end on Friday after a court decision. “I’m confident that we will emerge victorious, because from where we are seated, we know…

It’s all system go for the resumption of the much talked about North West Agricultural show in Vryburg, a place affectionately known as “the Texas of South Africa.” This is due to its extensive cattle herds, large-scale cattle farming, and its significance as a major beef-producing region and hub for agricultural events. The MEC for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Madoda Sambatha said they are prepared to resume the show from Thursday until Saturday in Vryburg. “As to why the Agricultural show was not held in the past seven years still baffles me, yet Botswana that started…

Tshwane University of Technology’s Political analyst Professor John Molepo said that the African National Congress (ANC) last-minute attempt to self-correct ahead of next year’s local government elections will not yield any positive results. He said that the party has failed to decisively act against ill-discipline and corruption allegations amongst its councillors. Molepo, who was speaking on YOU FM Newshour, was reacting to the party’s roll call held at the Goldrush Dome in Nasrec, which was attended by over 4 000 councillors from across the country’s 257 municipalities. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined six key service delivery action plans, which were…