Author: Motlhaping Modise
The South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) has undertaken to continue fighting for the plight of the young people, particularly unemployed healthcare professionals. The union, which is an affiliate to the congress of the South African trade unions (COSATU) took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the staggering level of youth unemployment in the country. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, SAMATU’s First Deputy President Dr. Nkateko Mnisi said that as much as the union organises medical professionals it has realised that the pervasiveness of youth unemployment across occupational roles is a critical issue deserving a unified, collective…
The North West Provincial Government has commended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the province to support the South African Police service (SAPS) in its efforts to combat illegal mining and other violent crime. Ramaphosa announced last month during his State of the Nation Address that SANDF members will be deployed in provinces such as Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng to assist the police combat high levels of crime and illegal mining. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, Community Safety and Transport Management MEC, Wessels Morweng said that the deployment…
Municipal offices in Brits, North West, have been inaccessible since Monday as community protests brought services at the Madibeng Local Municipality to a complete standstill. The demonstrations follow reports of a collapsing service delivery system at the municipality over the past few weeks. Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, the council’s ANC single whip, Peter Padi, confirmed that residents blocked entrances and exits in response to the alleged unilateral decision of then Municipal Manager Quiet Kgatla to halt water provision via tankering without offering an alternative. “The shutdown has affected not only municipal services but also other government institutions in the…
The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has raised concern over the prospect of increase in petrol prices due to an ongoing conflict in Iran in the Middle East. Experts are forecasting that the United States-Israeli war on Iran could leave consumers and businesses worldwide facing weeks or months of higher fuel prices even if the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its eighth day, ends quickly. This as suppliers grapple with damaged facilities, elevated risks to shipping amongst other many factors. “We know that higher fuel costs are always passed directly onto consumers and workers, driving up the overall cost…
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi says negotiations are nearing consensus stage between the provincial task team comprising two members of his executive council, the local traditional authority and the national government regarding a disputed piece of land where Mahikeng Student City was earmarked to be constructed in Mahikeng. The Barolong Boora-Tshidi traditional council took the matter to court, halting a planned project aimed at developing a 10 000-bed facility in the province’s capital. During his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last Thursday, Mokgosi announced that a private-sector funding has been secured positioning the project to break ground as soon…
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…