Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has sharply criticised the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), describing it as financially inefficient and structurally redundant. Addressing a business gathering in Cape Town, Godongwana said that if the decision rested with him, he would “shut down NSFAS immediately,” arguing that the scheme adds unnecessary administrative costs to the higher education funding system. According to the Minister, NSFAS’s core function—transferring government funds to universities—could be executed more effectively through direct payments from the Department of Higher Education to institutions. “You don’t need that conduit,” Godongwana said. “Universities can deliver the required tasks without the additional…

YOU FM has officially cemented its position as the largest urban commercial radio station in the North West, reaching an impressive 500,000 listeners across traditional radio, digital platforms, and streaming, according to WhyFive’s BrandMapp 2025 report. The station’s exponential growth is driven by its relatable storytelling, authentic on-air personalities, and a distinct urban sound that resonates across age groups, cultures, and regions throughout the province. Managing Director Tebogo Mashego praised the vision of founder and chairperson Tebogo Pooe, who launched the station six years ago with a deep focus on research and understanding the needs of the North West audience.…

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has expressed growing concern over the harmful effects of sports gambling on mental health, particularly among young South Africans. According to SASOP, what begins as entertainment is increasingly leading to serious mental health conditions such as depression, addiction, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviour. The organisation revealed that during the 2024/25 financial year, referrals for treatment among people aged 18 to 35 increased sharply from 787 to 2,034 cases. Data from helpline reports showed that 40% of callers said they could not stop gambling without professional help, 32% faced financial hardship, and 13% had…

An online campaign by women’s rights movement Women For Change has sparked debate on social media after urging South Africans to change their profile pictures to purple in solidarity against gender-based violence (GBV). The campaign, which calls for GBV to be declared a national disaster, uses purple — a colour long associated with domestic violence awareness — to symbolise unity, hope and a collective stand against abuse. While many social media users have joined in by changing their display pictures, others questioned the effectiveness of such digital activism, arguing that awareness alone is not enough to bring change. Supporters, however,…

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has expressed concern over national government departments’ continued failure to pay suppliers on time, saying the trend is worsening and hurting small businesses. According to the National Treasury’s 2024/25 annual report, departments paid 143,245 invoices after the 30-day deadline, amounting to R6.4 billion by the end of the financial year. This represents a 32% increase from the previous year. PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya said the findings show a “serious regression” in financial discipline and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). Treasury also reported that 2,437 invoices, valued at R381 million, remained unpaid by…

The Mahikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDIHUB) has placed the North West province on the global innovation map after two of its teams were nominated at the NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2025. The teams — Odyssey Innovators and ASNOT — were selected from more than 11 500 global submissions, a remarkable achievement that highlights the province’s growing digital and scientific prowess. MDIHUB hailed the nominations as a “significant milestone” for the local tech ecosystem. “Being Global Nominees in the world’s largest annual hackathon showcases the power of community-driven innovation and the growing role of MDIHUB in nurturing world-class digital talent…

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has called for an urgent review of legislation into the scourge of sexual misconduct at schools across the country. The plea follows a briefing by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) and the South African Council for Educators (SACE), on matters relating to sexual harassment cases involving learners and educators. Among others, the committee was informed about the 469 cases of sexual misconduct of teachers that were recorded between the 2018/19 and 2024/25 financial years. “Of the 211 awards issued between 2021/22 and 2025/26, 176 educators were found guilty and 35 not guilty. The…

Magalies Water has announced that regular water sampling of the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West will continue, after fish were killed at the dam.  The entity has assured stakeholders that the tests conducted following the incident, did not indicate any signs of abnormalities in the water quality. Despite this, the entity continues to investigate possible factors that may have led to the incident. “It is common cause that the current situation of the growth of the hyacinth and salvinia have an adverse effect on the amount of oxygen on the waterbody which can also result in the death of…

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has begun a series of engagement sessions with traditional leadership structures across the province to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery. One of the first meetings took place with the Royal Council of the Barolong Ba Ga Boo Letlhogile, Tlou le Tau Tribal Council, at the Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality in Ganyesa. Premier Mokgosi said the discussions provided traditional leaders an opportunity to raise concerns about governance and development in their communities. “The traditional leaders sought clarity on the state of projects introduced during the sixth administration and whether they will continue under the seventh.…

South Africa’s flag continues to be raised high as different national teams make their way through to continental and international tournaments. The latest team to do so is Banyana Banyana, who will compete at the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in Morocco. Banyana defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in the final round of qualifiers to book themselves a spot at WAFCON. The Deputy Minister of Sports, Peace Mabe gave them their flowers and hailed their hard work. “Their achievement cements their status as a symbol of excellence, resilience and unity for the nation. This qualification reflects…