Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
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…
The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has welcomed the 2026 Initiation School Registration. The registration ran from the 2nd of February to the 10th of April, with compliance permits expected to be issued on the 12th of May before the schools commence on the 15th of May.PICC Deputy Chairperson, Andries Stemmer, says they used the registration period to conduct oversight visits at the schools.“We were able to uncover new challenges that were raised by the school principals. This gave us an opportunity to discuss measures of collaboration aimed at ramping up safety, prohibiting the operation of illegal initiation…
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has placed two of its officials on precautionary suspension over the alleged use of fabricated research in the Draft National AI Policy Following media reports highlighting issues with the policy’s reference list, the Department’s Minister, Solly Malatsi, withdrew the draft from public consultation. The Department’s Director-General, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, announced the suspension of the implicated officials in a press release issued on Friday. “The precautionary suspension is with immediate effect, pending the ongoing investigation into the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. These revelations prompted an internal review to determine the facts. This initial…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026. The announcement was made during his keynote address at the President’s Coordinating Council meeting in Boksburg on Thursday, ending months of anticipation over the official election date. The confirmation follows the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) voter registration weekend, scheduled for 20–21 June, as part of preparations for the polls. Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of voter turnout, particularly among young people, urging broader public participation. “As government, it will be our task to ensure a good turnout. The media will play a…