Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The South African National Taxi Council has taken a firm stance in support of women’s leadership during its 8th National Elective Conference, which commenced on Monday at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg. SANTACO President Motlhabane Tsebe officially opened the two-day conference, with the first day dedicated to the election of women leaders, while the mainstream structure elections are scheduled for Tuesday. In his opening address, Tsebe emphasised the critical role of women and the importance of gender transformation within the taxi industry. “The future of the taxi industry is women. Women are operators, organisers, leaders, negotiators and…
Gayton McKenzie has rejected allegations of xenophobia against South Africa during this year’s Africa Day celebrations in the North West Province. The annual commemoration was overshadowed by widespread marches against illegal immigration held across the country. Interest groups and ordinary South Africans took to the streets to protest what they described as an alarming rise in illegal immigration, arguing that it is placing severe pressure on service delivery and public resources. The main Africa Day event was hosted at Moruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg, where McKenzie addressed the growing debate surrounding immigration and accusations of xenophobia. “South Africa is facing many…
Authorities have warned motorists to avoid the flooded N14 route between Vryburg and Kuruman in the North West, as rising water levels continue to make the road unsafe for travel. The route remains closed following heavy rainfall that affected several parts of the country, with provincial police confirming that water levels increased further by 2 May. Road users have been urged to use the N18 route between Vryburg and Kimberley via Taung as an alternative, while officials warned that ignoring closure notices could leave motorists trapped in floodwaters and at risk of drowning. The warning comes as the Road Traffic…
North-West activist Thato Molosankwe gunned down at his home in Mahikeng Residents of Mahikeng woke up to the shocking discovery of the alleged killing of activist Thato Molosankwe in the early hours of Wednesday morning. His lifeless body was found at his home in Lomanyaneng village with multiple gunshot wounds. Police responded to the scene and assured residents that investigations into the matter would receive top priority. “The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, to ensure maximum resources are deployed…
The family of the late North West Premier and ANC struggle stalwart, Bushy Maape, has announced that he will be laid to rest on Saturday, 23 May, at his home in Vryburg. Maape passed away last Saturday in Johannesburg following a short illness. During an exclusive interview with Newsnote, his brother, Neo Maape, described him as a loving father and family leader. “He was a loving father and family leader. He was the first-born and took care of all of us after our parents passed away. We looked up to him for wisdom — and not only us, but communities…
The Gauteng Department of Health has expressed concern over the increasing number of hypertension diagnoses among adults under the age of 45. The department observed World Hypertension Day on Sunday, 17 May, under the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together”. Spokesperson Steve Mabona provided an overview of the province’s hypertension statistics. “During the 2025/26 financial year, from April 2025 to March 2026, Gauteng recorded 69,125 new hypertension cases across the province. Of these, 26,088 cases were recorded among adults aged between 18 and 44,” Mabona explained. He also attributed the prevalence of high blood pressure to unhealthy lifestyle habits. “Contributing factors include…
The North West Provincial Government has expressed deep sadness following the death of former Premier Bushy Maape after a short illness. Maape, who served as Premier of the North West from 2021 to 2024, passed away in Johannesburg on Saturday surrounded by family and loved ones, according to a statement released by his relatives. Current Premier Lazarus Mokgosi paid tribute to Maape, describing him as a respected struggle veteran, disciplined administrator and ethical leader committed to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. Mokgosi highlighted Maape’s contribution to stabilising governance in the province, particularly during efforts to lift Section 100…
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has sought to set the record straight after suggesting that the Constitutional Court judges hearing the case on challenges to the NHI Act are benefiting from private healthcare. This follows an International Nurses Day event in the Eastern Cape, where Motsoaledi reportedly cast doubt on the judges’ ability to rule fairly on the matter, saying: “They are beneficiaries of the same system that I am talking about, but they must preside over a judgement.” The Department of Health released a statement on Saturday, clarifying the Minister’s sentiments through an apology. “This reference was made by…
The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation says it aims to strengthen archive practices through museums as part of efforts to preserve the province’s heritage and historical records. The role of museum archives came under the spotlight during the commemoration of National Archives Week, held from 8 to 15 May. This year’s event was observed under the theme, “Archives for Justice”, with various activities taking place across the province. The commemoration aimed to highlight the importance of books, archives and different forms of art in recording and preserving South Africa’s diverse history. During an engagement held at…
Police have arrested eleven suspects linked to a drug operation uncovered at a manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Brakspruit near Swartruggens in the North West. The arrests stem from a joint operation involving the SAPS National Head Office Crime Intelligence, National Head Office Organised Crime Investigations, and a national team from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). According to SAPS findings, the suspects include four Mexican nationals, among them one woman. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane attributed the arrests to intensified efforts to combat crime across the country. “The latest drug bust must send a…