Author: Tshegofatso Letsie
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has called on initiation school principals to comply with the ongoing registration of customary initiation schools, scheduled from 2nd to 10th February 2026. The Department warned against non-compliance and reminded eligible principals to obtain a valid registration certificate issued by the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC). “Customary initiation schools are not permitted to operate while formal schooling is still in session. Furthermore, each initiation principal may operate only one school per season, and no initiate may be admitted without a signed parental consent form,” the Department emphasized. PICC Chairperson…
Gauteng police are investigating a case of attempted murder following a shooting targeting Wiandre Pretorius, who was implicated in testimony by Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, at the Madlanga Commission. Pretorius was shot at 16 times by unknown suspects on Thursday in Van Dyk Park, Boksburg. He survived the attack. Pretorius has previously been linked to the dumping of the body of a suspect who was allegedly killed by members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that investigators are relying on CCTV footage that may have captured the…
The North West Legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) has sharply criticised delays in the implementation of key municipal service delivery projects across the province. The concerns were raised during public hearings with the Naledi, Kagisano-Molopo, Mamusa and Lekwa-Teemane local municipalities, where the committee assessed the status of municipal public accounts. The hearings also focused on findings related to unauthorised, irregular and wasteful expenditure. SCOPA Chairperson Smuts Matshe urged municipalities to intensify efforts to ensure the completion of all outstanding projects, warning that unfinished developments undermine democratic governance. “These are important projects that our people depend on for services.…
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…