Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has begun hosting a series of orientation workshops across all nine provinces aimed at assisting registered political parties and independent candidates with the use of the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections in November. The workshops officially commenced on Tuesday, 7 July, in Limpopo and will be followed by provincial sessions leading up to Election Day. In a statement, the Commission outlined the benefits of the workshops. “Participants will learn how to capture candidate and supporter information, pay election deposits electronically, and receive early feedback on the voter registration…

The Department of Basic Education has achieved a major milestone by completing all pit toilet eradication projects identified under the 2018 Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative. According to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, all 3,372 pit toilets identified during the 2018 national audit have now been replaced with safe and appropriate sanitation facilities. “This achievement means that schools across the country now have access to safer and more dignified sanitation facilities. More than three million learners have benefited from these improvements, while over 48,000 teachers now work in healthier and more dignified environments,” said Gwarube. The Minister…

The ad hoc committee established by the North West Provincial Legislature to investigate allegations made by Naledi Local Municipality Mayor Clifton Groep against Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has announced the conclusion of its work and the formal adoption of its final report. The committee was formed to probe Groep’s accusations of improper conduct against Mokgosi, as well as allegations of political interference regarding the appointment of Modisenyana Segapo as the Municipal Manager. According to Groep, Mokgosi instructed a former municipal employee, Thabo Appolus, to manipulate a crucial report relating to the recruitment of Segapo in 2023. Several witnesses appeared before the…

North West police are investigating the attempted murder of Madibeng Local Municipality Municipal Manager, Quiet Kgatla. Police have launched an investigation after Kgatla was allegedly shot by unknown suspects and sustained injuries on Wednesday evening. According to a preliminary report by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred on the Zilkaatsnek Road towards Hartbeespoort Dam. “It is alleged that a charcoal-coloured VW Polo TSI with Gauteng registration plates overtook his vehicle, and two unidentified male occupants opened fire, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one to his leg and another to…

The time has come for seasoned radio host, entrepreneur and soul/R&B DJ Sweetness Motsepe to leave her footprints in the sand at YOU FM. She departs the North West-based commercial radio station after 11 years of dedication and an impeccable work ethic. Motsepe, affectionately known as The Sweet Caramel or Sweet Mama by listeners, joined the station in 2015 and made her mark through shows such as The Sweet Spot, Purple Soul Train and the drive-time programme, 326 Avenue. In a heartfelt tribute during her final 326 Avenue show on Tuesday, 30 June, the station’s Chairman, Tebogo Pooe, described Motsepe’s…

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has issued a traffic advisory ahead of planned immigration demonstrations scheduled to take place in Pretoria on Tuesday, 30 June. Authorities have warned motorists to expect road closures and traffic disruptions in and around the Pretoria Central Business District (CBD) as protestors gather and march through the city. According to the TMPD, participants are expected to assemble at Church Square at 10:00 before proceeding to Sunnyside Police Station. Buses transporting demonstrators will drop off passengers at the corner of WF Nkomo and Bosman streets, near the Church Square entrance, before continuing to the Old…

The North West Department of Education has appointed a contractor to construct a new School for Autism in Dinokana Village, Zeerust, within the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. The project demonstrates the department’s commitment to inclusive education by ensuring that learners with special educational needs have equal access to quality learning opportunities. During the handover ceremony, Education MEC Viola Motsumi described the milestone as long overdue, citing longstanding calls from parents and key stakeholders for a specialised facility in the area. “For too long, families in Zeerust have had to choose between no schooling and travelling long distances from home. The…

The Gauteng Department of Education is facing delays in the issuing of June report cards due to technical challenges affecting its system. The department has appealed for patience and apologised for delays in the distribution of learners’ report cards at certain public schools. The disruption has been attributed to technical issues with the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS). This software streamlines school administration and provides data required by provincial departments to print report cards. The Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, has assured the public that the matter is receiving urgent attention to ensure a swift resolution. Maile said:“On…

A research brief conducted by a Florida-based online platform, Digitalist Hub, has signalled notable changes in consumer trends related to Father’s Day gifts.The day has long been associated with the most common gifting categories, such as ties, socks, gadgets, mugs, and gift cards.According to Digitalist Hub, presents are now focusing on identity and preference rather than the occasion itself.These emerging trends were identified through an examination of Father’s Day conversations observed across social media platforms and market activity. “Personalisation continues to gain importance as consumers seek gifts that communicate familiarity, memory, and shared experience. Humour remains a common engagement mechanism,…

Parliamentary leadership, governance, and institutional excellence dominated discussions raised by the North West Provincial Legislature Speaker, Dr Desbo Mohono, at the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Africa Region (CSPOC), convening at Emperors Palace in Gauteng. Mohono is attending the conference with a provincial delegation comprising MPLs and senior officials, including the Secretary to the Legislature, Advocate Lutendo Netshitumbu. The NWPL Speaker made strong calls for the restoration of public trust. “As Parliament, how far do we go to ensure that we hold our executive accountable? Because that’s another part of government that has weakened us…