Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported a concerning outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, specifically within the JB Marks Local Municipality. The initial alarm was raised when a private veterinarian identified suspected signs of the disease during a farm visit, prompting further investigation by state authorities. According to an official statement from the department, a State Veterinarian subsequently collected samples from the affected animals, which were dispatched to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) for testing. This vigilant action confirmed the presence of both SAT 2 and SAT 3…

The Department of Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe believes a more coordinated and survivor centred approach to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country, will ensure justice and protection for women and children. Tolashe participated at a roundtable discussion at the Atteridgeville Community Hall, west of Pretoria, and highlighted the implementation and progress made in the National Strategic Plan as well as evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to GBVF victims. The Minister also bemoaned inconsistencies in the justice system. “Gender-based violence and femicide remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting…

In what it describes as implementing the Provincial Council on AIDS Policy in Action and Operation Dignity, the North West government made good on its commitment by honouring the legacy of late HIV/AIDS activists in the province. Premier Lazarus Mokgosi led the unveiling of the tombstone of one of the patrons, Mosadiotsile Olyn, at the Magogong village in Taung. Speaking to YOUFM during an exclusive interview upon handing over a renovated house and tuckshop to Olyn’s children, Mokgosi praised her and her colleagues’ role in the community. “During the commemoration of World Aids Day and World TB Day, we made…

The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said it is on high alert to enforce compliance on the province’s roads during the Youth Day long weekend. This emerged during the launch of an integrated joint law enforcement operation that was led by the National Transport Department alongside various partners in Potchefstroom, N12 route. MEC Wessels Morweng urged motorists and road users to be responsible and vigilant.  “We also have operations of this nature across our four regions. We have partnered with the municipalities to make sure we are visible because the visibility has proven beyond reasonable doubt that when…

The South African Human Commission (SAHRC) has welcomed the ban of the importation of Terbufos in the country. The decision was approved during a cabinet meeting this week, and was announced by the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a media briefing in Cape Town. “Cabinet has approved the ban of Terbufos also known as Galephirimi, and the import of this chemical compound into South Africa. Terbufos, classified as an organophosphate, is commonly used as an insecticide and pesticide in the farming community. The ban will be accompanied by a suite of enforcement measures, while broader consultations are underway…

The South African National Defence Force has confirmed that the first group of the country’s soldiers who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will arrive back in the country on Friday. The SANDF said the soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein around midday on Friday. This follows the phased withdrawal process of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) soldiers which was initiated in April this year. “The troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, accompanied by the members of the Military Command Council. The Minister will address…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is adamant that the much-anticipated National Dialogue will reignite the true meaning of what it means to be South African. He announced that a National Convention will first be held on the 15th of August to map out the agenda for the upcoming National Dialogue.  Ramaphosa said the dialogue will feature various groups including government, business, civic groups, religious and traditional leaders. “Through their various political, social, and other formations in their workplaces, in places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in…

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads said the damage of roads and bridges caused by the floods experienced by the province in January this year to date, will cost more than R2.2 billion. This emerged during the recent oversight visit by the Provincial Executive Council at the Moretele Local Municipality, where the houses of residents and roads in the area were destroyed by heavy rains and floods. The Head of the Department, Moss Kgantsi cautioned that the individual cost of bridges that must be repaired is equivalent to the entire budget that was set aside for road…

American filmmaker and producer Tyler Perry has lived up to what he does best by evoking the emotions of viewers with his latest Netflix drama thriller, Straw. Starring award-winning Taraji P Henson who plays Janiyah Wiltkinson, the film follows the life of a struggling single black mother who fails to make ends meet to take care of her ill daughter and fights to navigate her daily challenges. She ends up at a bank in what becomes a big misunderstanding, where everyone is convinced that she is trying to rob it, while she is just trying to cash her pay check…

The Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has implored residents of Soweto, to exercise caution when purchasing or consuming food items. Nkomo-Ralehoko was speaking during the commemoration of World Food Safety Day held in Soweto. During her address, the MEC reflected on the devastating impact foodborne illnesses had on the people last year, where the province recorded about 700 cases. “It is unacceptable that 30 of our young ones have lost their lives to foodborne diseases, with the community of Naledi tragically recording the highest number of child deaths. Ten precious lives were lost here due to consumption of harmful pesticides. This is…