Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The North-West University (NWU) has expressed optimism that stronger collaboration will help address persistent challenges in the higher education sector, ultimately benefiting students and the country. Vice-Chancellor Professor Bismark Tyobeka made the remarks during an oversight visit by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela, who was assessing the institution’s readiness for the 2026 academic year. “This visit highlights our commitment to working with the Department of Higher Education and Training to foster a vibrant educational environment that responds to the evolving needs of our students and the broader community,” Tyobeka said. “We remain dedicated to delivering exceptional learning experiences,…
The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has raised serious concerns about the growing problem of substance abuse among young people, describing it as one of the most critical challenges facing South Africa’s youth. Chikunga said substance abuse remains a leading contributor to school dropouts, unemployment, criminal activity, mental health challenges and gender-based violence. She warned that addiction continues to erode the social and economic prospects of young people across the country. “Substance abuse robs young people of their potential and undermines the future of our country. It fuels violence, weakens families, destroys communities and places…
The North West Department of Health has noted what it says is an urgent need to improve water drainage infrastructure at the Tshepong Hospital in Jouberton, Klerksdorp. This follows a flooding incident that affected various parts of the Emergency, Radiology and Outpatient Departments. MEC Sello Lehari applauded the immediate activation of the Hospital’s Disaster Management Plan, which he says resulted in a swift and coordinated response to ensure patient safety. “We are encouraged by the decisive and professional manner in which this incident was handled. The immediate activation of disaster management protocols ensured that no patients were harmed and that…
American World No. 2 tennis champion Coco Gauff has criticised the absence of privacy at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Her complaints come after backstage footage showing her smashing a tennis racket went viral, after getting knocked out of the round of 16 by Elina Svitolina. During a post-match media briefing, Gauff shared concerns about the lack of privacy at the tournament. “I tried to go somewhere where there were no cameras. I kind of have a thing with the broadcast. I feel like at certain moments, the same thing happened to Aryna after I played her in the final…
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has moved to amend data expiry regulations in a bid to strengthen consumer protection. Under the new rules, mobile network operators will be required to roll over unused data bundles until they are fully depleted. The amendments also apply to unused SMS and voice bundles. ICASA published the updated End-User and Subscriber Service Charter Amendment Regulations, 2025 in the Government Gazette following sustained public concern over the high cost of data. The regulations will come into full effect on 23 January 2027. They require licensees to apply bundle usage sequentially, starting with…
Parents and guardians in the North West are urged to work closely with the Provincial Department of Education to ensure the smooth placement of remaining learners for the 2026 academic year. The Department has noted a high number of parents rejecting the schools allocated to their children, with many repeatedly returning to Local Education Office Hubs in search of alternative placement options. Departmental spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule said the Rustenburg, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng Local Education Offices have been identified as hotspot areas, experiencing large daily volumes of parents seeking school placements. “Officials at these offices are working tirelessly each day to…
The North West Department of Human Settlements has cautioned the public to remain vigilant against an ongoing scam involving individuals who falsely claim to be department-appointed officials tasked with installing solar geysers at low-cost housing developments. The alleged scammers are reportedly soliciting bribes or demanding upfront payments from unsuspecting residents. The Department has distanced itself from the scheme, describing it as both fake and unlawful. In a statement issued on Monday, the Department emphasized that it does not, under any circumstances, require payment for the issuance of tenders. “Members of the public and service providers are urged to exercise caution…
Naomi Osaka turned heads at the Australian Open with a striking fashion statement that sparked widespread debate among tennis fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. The four-time Grand Slam champion made a memorable entrance ahead of her first-round match against Antonia Ruzic in Melbourne, wearing a flowing green-and-white, jellyfish-inspired outfit paired with a white veil hat. The look was the result of a collaboration between Nike and London-based fashion designer Robert Wun. In a sport traditionally associated with modest and understated attire, Osaka’s bold ensemble drew mixed reactions. While many fans praised the look, others criticised it as excessive and inappropriate…
The North West Department of Health has appealed to members of the public to comply with hospital debt obligations following reports that residents in Mahikeng have received SMS notifications regarding outstanding balances from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. Speaking during an exclusive interview on YOU FM Newshour on Thursday, the department’s Director of Communications, Tebogo Lekgethwane, said the requests for payment are based on commitments made by patients when accessing healthcare services and are determined according to affordability criteria. Lekgethwane emphasised that the department is guided by national regulations outlined in the Health Act, which prescribes a minimum fee payable by patients.…
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture is advocating for a new funding model for National Community Art Centres across South Africa. Stakeholders are set to deliberate on the matter during a four-day Indaba currently underway at Johannesburg’s Market Theatre. The initiative comes amid operational challenges faced by several of the country’s 166 Community Art Centres. Department Director-General Dr Cynthia Khumalo described the current funding system as unsustainable. “We’ve long wanted to change the funding approach. Previously, the Department directly funded centres, but this did not benefit all centres equally and often depended on personal connections. We now want to…