Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
Road safety concerns have once again come under the spotlight after nine people lost their lives in a tragic collision involving a truck and a minibus taxi on the R500 road near Potchefstroom. The crash occurred at a busy intersection linking North West, Free State and Gauteng, prompting renewed calls from the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management for motorists to exercise greater caution during the winter season. According to preliminary reports, the taxi, which was transporting 16 passengers from Fochville towards Parys, collided with an oncoming truck near the crossing point. Eight people died at the…
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has moved to allay concerns about the “winter blues” as the cold season sets in across South Africa. As winter begins, some people may experience feelings of heaviness and low mood often associated with seasonal depression. While these symptoms are commonly linked to cold, gloomy weather, they can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing if left unaddressed. SADAG highlighted common warning signs, including persistent physical exhaustion, changes in appetite, increased cravings, and a stronger desire to remain indoors. The organisation stressed the importance of distinguishing between temporary low mood and Seasonal…
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has officially announced the members who will serve on the Phala Phala Impeachment Committee. This development follows a ruling by the Constitutional Court, which found Parliament’s previous vote on the Section 89 report to be invalid and unconstitutional. Political parties were required to submit nominations by 22 May 2026, although the African National Congress (ANC) missed the deadline and only submitted its list over the weekend. The committee comprises representatives from multiple political parties as follows: The African National Congress (ANC) nominees include DE Mpapane, X Nqola, MS Lekganyane, AF Muthambi, CM…
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…