Author: Motlhaping Modise

The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has rejected reports that it has run out of funds hence it temporarily suspended applications of savings withdrawal from the two-pot retirement system for the next 10-days.   The two-pot retirement system was enacted in the country in September last year, following the enactment of the Revenue Laws Amendment Act 12 of 2024. The fund spokesperson Smanga Selemeni told YOUFM Newshour that the suspension was because of the requirement by the GEPF law of 1996 that at least after every three years, “it must undergo a process of valuation which will establish the financial wellness…

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has vowed to tackle the persisting challenge of ghost employees plaguing the troubled Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West. Hlabisa undertook an oversight visit to the municipality hardly a month after he placed it under administration for the ninth time and immediately introduced a national government intervention to resolve long standing governance failures, financial mismanagement, and a breakdown in basic service delivery to the community. Speaking on YOUFM Newshour, Hlabisa has, however, applauded the progress made by the National Cabinet Representative (NCR) Kopung Ralikontsane and his team in a short…

The founding Vice-Chancellor of the erstwhile University of Bophuthatswana (UNIBO), now known as North West University (NWU), Professor John Makhene, expressed deep concern regarding the staggeringly low student graduation rates across South African universities. At the age of 90, Prof Makhene continues to emit a sense of urgency about the educational landscape of the nation, even as he was recently honoured at a colloquium celebrating his groundbreaking contributions to higher education in Mahikeng. The event, held at the Mmabatho Palms on Friday, attracted an audience of former students now leading distinguished careers as professors in various fields, all of whom…

The North West Public Works and Roads Department has called on the private sector to contemplate joining hands with the provincial government to help improve the dilapidating province’s road network. The Department’s MEC Sempe Elizabeth Mokua told a special broadcast of YOUFM Newshour in Mahikeng on Thursday that most of the roads across the province are still in dire conditions. ‘Since I assumed the responsibility of the MEC of Public works and roads in the province (about 12 months ago) I have been knocking on the offices of the private sector, particularly the mining houses in the province. So far,…

The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation has acknowledged that despite a slow pace in refurbishing Mmabana Arts Centre that was destroyed seven years ago in Mahikeng, efforts to restore it to its former glory are well underway. The building was looted and set alight by protesters on April 19, 2018, almost destroying a crucial hub of creative excellence and talent development in the province including negatively impacting on the cultural, social, and economic life of the North West province. The department’s MEC Galebekwe Tsotso Tlhapi told YOUFM Newshour, that the R13m financial assistance they received from…

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…