Community News

Boipelo Mere The family of slain 19-year-old Lesedi Petersen remains doubtful that they will get justice after the South African Police gave them a response of ‘no progress’ on the murder of their child. Petersen died in hospital following an alleged stabbing in Seochoareng Street, Galeshewe during the early hours of Monday morning, 20 July…

Correspondence Kimberley is shocked by the brutal murder of a 72-year-old granny, Nozipho Soyingwa, who died in hospital after being collected by an ambulance from the suspect's home. It was reported that Soyingwa's throat was slit and she had several stab wounds on the head, face and neck when she was found at the alleged attacker's home in…

Karabo Ntanzi More than 300 members of the Daughters of St Ann (DOSA), a sodality within the Catholic Church, met at Warrenton Cultural Resort to witness the transition from St Theresa to DOSA, under the theme: "Transformation into our personal and spiritual growth". 188 members were admitted, and 44 aspirants were welcomed, all from the RC…

Boipelo Mere The two day Izingqi Zovuyo festival at the Northern Cape Theatre was an enormous success. Veterans from the arts industry delivered masterclasses in dance, theatre, music and scriptwriting for television and stage in July 2026. Presented by the multi-award-winning musical theatre academy Amandla Dança Teatro ZA, the annual…

Supplied The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts(DSAC) and Culture, in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Education, hosted a successful 2026 Golekane Mentorship Camp at Boontjieskraal. The three-day mentorship camp brought together 150 female learners from across the five districts of the Northern Cape to embark highlight…

Boipelo Mere Galeshewe community welcomed Sol Plaatje municipality’s gesture of refurbishing the neglected and abandoned Galeshewe Old Age Home, situated next to Ekhaya Guest House during Mandela Month. The renovated facility was handed over as a commitment towards restoring dignity, and improving the quality of life of its senior citizens.…

Staff Reported The Sol Plaatje Municipality is still on the lookout for suspects who suffered burn wounds during the vandalism of the Beddome Substation in Southridge, which caused an outage during the early hours of Saturday, 01 August 2026. It is believed that the suspects fled the scene after suffering burn wounds during the explosion,…

Staff Reporter Veterans from the arts industry are delivering masterclasses in dance, theatre, music, and scriptwriting for television and stage at the two-day Izingqi Zovuyo festival. The event kicked off today at the Northern Cape Theatre and runs until 31 July 2026. Presented by the multi-award-winning musical theatre academy Amandla Dança…

Staff Reporter The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) reminds social grants beneficiaries whose grants have been identified for review that they will not receive their grants during the normal three-day payment cycle but instead, on the fourth payment day. For August 2026, the Older Persons Grant will be paid on Tuesday the 4th, the…

Supplied The spirit of Christmas came alive in the small community of Nieuwoudtville as children were treated to a special day filled with joy, laughter and meaningful messages during a Child Protection Programme hosted by Nieuwoudtville SAPS, in partnership with Kabouterland and the Youth Against Crime structure. The programme, held at…

Supplied The South African Police Service in Delportshoop is appealing to members of the public for assistance in locating a person of interest who may assist police with an ongoing attempted murder investigation. It is alleged that on 4 March 2019, at approximately 00:40, a 34-year-old woman was attacked when an unknown substance, believed…

By Khumo Makame SAPS launched the 12th Campus Community Safety Forum at the Northern Cape Urban TVET College as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and security at institutions of higher learning. Launched in July 2026, the two-day programme brought together 35 student representatives, police officials and stakeholders to discuss…

Supplied The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works notes recent social media commentary regarding the lease agreement for the DSC Office Block, currently occupied by the Office of the Premier. The Department wishes to place the correct facts on record and clarify the Auditor-General’s findings. Prior to July 2023, the Office…

Supplied Legal Aid South Africa (Legal Aid SA) recently demonstrated its commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities by ensuring that a deaf accused person in the Western Cape was able to meaningfully participate in court proceedings through the provision of South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting services. The…

Boipelo Mere Two entrepreneurs, Thabiso Mogorosi and Ivor LeAndre Johnson from Ivory Park informal settlement in Roodepan, Kimberley, decided to uplift their community by converting an illegal dumping site into a sports field. Ivory Park is situated not far from a railway line.  The children erected makeshift soccer poles between the railway…

Boipelo Mere The March and March members raised questions on the ongoing operations of a tuck shop in Phakamile Mabija, on the N12 hiking spot, after Home Affairs confirmed that undocumented foreigners ran it. This was discovered during their weekly inspection programmes when they found an illegal Ethiopian running the shop. The police…

Supplied Izwi Domestic Workers Alliance has called on Domestic Workers nationwide to come on board and unite in creating a dignified work environment for all. Izwi has partnered with various alliances to embark on a national initiative, the 'Dignity in Every Home campaign,' aimed at promoting awareness of domestic workers’ rights among…

Staff Reporter The Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners of South Africa(PAATHPSA) is concerned about the initiation into traditional healing of children under the age of 16. Founded by Benny Bathobakae Collins, PAATHPSA's objective is to promote and advocate for good traditional healing practices; therefore,…

Staff Reporter Bophelo Segolodi, from Vergenoeg, is proud to have completed his three- year qualification and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), thanks to Matla A Bokone Scholarship Programme.. ThePprogramme supported him throughout his academic…

Staff Reporter A 28-year-old male suspected drug dealer had to be rushed to hospital for medical treatment after he reportedly ingested some of the suspected drugs, which he was found in possession of during a high-visibility patrols in Kimberley on Friday 10 July 2026. The suspect was pounced on by vigilant members consisting of Provincial…

Staff Reporter The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, and the MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong launched the R98 million Operation Vala Zonke Pothole Patching and Road Maintenance Programme on 24 June 2026. They were accompanied by the Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Wende Marekwa, and the…

The Chairperson of the Northern Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, extends sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, communities, organisers, law enforcement agencies and members of the public for their cooperation and responsible conduct during the…

Staff Reporter On Monday 22 June 2020 the Kathu Regional Court convicted and sentenced a 38-year-old paedophile after linking him to the rape and sexual grooming of a 10-year-old victim in Kathu during February 2025. The offences came to light on Sunday, 16 February 2025, when the accused borrowed his cellphone to a witness. While using…

Boipelo Mere Swift action by the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) led to the shutting down of an illegal initiation school in Jan Kempdorp after three underage boys were referred to hospital for medical attention on 20 June 2026. It was discovered that the school was…

Boipelo Mere The MEC for the Department of Social Development, Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole, led the successful commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) at the Maruping Village Community Hall in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on 18 June 2026. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually…

Staff Reporter The Northern Cape Department of Education extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and learners affected by the tragic loss of the educator from Kathu Primary School, who tragically passed away during a bus accident that occurred on Saturday, 13 June 2026. The accident occurred at approximately 07:20,…

Staff Reporter MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in the Northern Cape, Bentley Vass, has extended condolences to the families of the three firefighters from the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, who lost their lives in the horrific road accident on Friday, 12 June 2026. The…

Boipelo Mere The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is hosting a series of local books for Youth Month as part of the 50th Anniversary commemoration of June 16. The initiative seeks to promote a culture of reading, education, and storytelling amongst young people while honouring the legacy of the 1976 youth who fought for…

Staff Reporter The Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni launched a holistic empowerment approach aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises across the entrepreneurial value chain countrywide mid-May in Kimberley. The enterprise, dubbed ‘Imbali For Her’ Programme, is the first fully integrated SEDFA support initiative…

Staff Reporter  The love for reading is growing among the community of Kenhardt, thanks to the newly implemented Read Aloud Programme implemented by Aries Solar Power.  Hosted at the local primary school and a new school library, the programme is beneficial for children and their parents to develop a growing love for reading.  It is…

Boipelo Mere On Wednesday, 6 May, Kathu Solar Park welcomed it’s second intake, consisting of eight interns, into it’s internship programme. The youth development programme has thus far provided opportunities to 21 graduates from John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District since it’s launch in 2024. Celebrated alongside key programme stakeholders,…

Boipelo Mere TWO Lethabo Park residents were arrested along with a 14-months baby after being assaulted by Policemen during an arrest on Sunday, 31 May. John Mogotsi, 48 is recovering from serious internal injuries,  was treated at a local hospital after the duo’s brief appearance at court, on Tuesday, 2 June.  The incident happened at…

Karabo Ntanzi Legal Aid SA intervened and secured the best interests of a child in settling a dispute between a grandparent and the biological father of two minor children in Cape Town. The children were living with their mother, who was a substance abuser. The maternal grandmother was concerned for the children's well-being and pleaded with…

By Khumo Makame Sol Plaatje University marked a historic milestone on 22 May 2026 when Professor Debra Meyer was formally installed as the institution's third Vice- Chancellor and Principal, becoming the first woman to hold the office since the university’s establishment. The installation ceremony, held at the SPU Great Hall in Kimberley,…

An 18-year-old male was arrested on a charge of statutory rape in Colesberg on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and is expected to appear in court soon. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said it was alleged that the suspect had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, and the girl fell pregnant. Litabe explained that the arrest…

Staff Reporter The police in Hartswater are requesting the community’s assistance in tracing a 71-year-old Kgomotso Christina Pelema who was reported missing on Monday, 11 May 2026. According to information available to the police, Pelema’s family last saw her at approximately 18:00 on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, at her residence in…

By Khumo Makame The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform; Lebogang Motlhaping, opened the 4th Annual Northern Cape Provincial Extension Conference and MEC’s Extension Awards, which is currently underway at Bontjieskraal. The three-day conference will focus on the future of…

Staff Reporter The Northern Cape Department of Education reminds parents who have not yet registered their children for space at public ordinary schools for the 2027 school academic year that they have only this week to do so. The Online Learner Admission System for Grade R, 1 and Grade 8 closes on 29 May 2026 for parents/ legal guardians to…

Staff Reporter Kimberley Division of the High Court granted the Hawks Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and National Prosecuting Authority‘s Asset Forfeiture Unit a forfeiture order amounting to R49 500 against Sephano Thumeng (36), who was found with uncut diamonds. During April 2025, members of Port Nolloth SAPS received information…

Staff Reporter The South African Police Service in the Northern(SAPS) appeals to communities to break the silence about statutory rape by working together with law enforcement agencies in safeguarding children through reporting sexual exploitation and abuse. Statutory rape occurs when an adult engages in sexual activities with a child who is…

By Khumo Makame picture:  sourced As South Africa commemorates Africa Month in May, the government has condemned violence and divisive narratives targeting foreign nationals and instead called on citizens to promote unity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.  Africa Day is celebrated on 25 May annually to mark the founding of the…

Staff Reporter Justice has been served for a 10-year-old victim who was raped by her 24 year old  neighbour from the age of 8-years-old between 2023 and in Kuyasa. Throughout the rape ordeal, the young girl was too afraid to report her ordeal. On 5 May 2025, a friend of the realised that something was bothering her, subsequently resulting…

Staff Reporter An electrical contracting business rooted in Kenhardt, Kai !Garib Local Municipality, has transformed from a compliance-challenged start-up into a growing local employer of 32 community members, thanks to support from a local enterprise development programme. Registered in 2020 but only became operational since 2025, Talita…

Khumo Makame The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr. Zamani Saul, welcomes the classification of a National Disaster by the Head of the National Disaster Management Center, Dr.  Bongani Eilas Sithole, following heavy rainfall across the country. The Northern Cape experienced heavy rainfall between 24 and 30 April 2026, affecting John Taolo…

By Khumo Makame The Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Northern Cape marked International Workers' Day with a strong call for worker protection and unity in the alliance during its Workers' Day celebrations at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre on 1 May 2026. The event brought together alliance partners, including the African…

: In addition to celebrating the elderly at the Thembelihle Service Centre in Paballelo, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, together with the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi and the District Commissioner…

The Northern Cape Department of Education is deeply concerned about the persistent rainfall that has caused severe flooding in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. These conditions have rendered several schools inaccessible and caused minor damage to school infrastructure. As a result, 26 schools in the district have been closed, affecting more…

Legal Aid South Africa (Legal Aid SA) is pleased to share the news that Mr Paul Gerber, a paraplegic person with severe disabilities, who suffers from morbid obesity and uncontrolled chronic diseases, has finally been placed in a suitable state facility which can offer him the 24-hour care his physical condition requires. Mr Gerber, originally from…

By Khumo Makame By Khumo Makame The Northern Cape Department of Sports, Arts and Culture hosted Freedom Day commemoration under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship” for the Francis Baard District on 27 April 2026. The event brought together artists, young people, and community members for…

By Khumo Makame The Mayor of Siyancuma local municipality, Patrick McKlein, officially launched a 150MW twin Solar plant at Graspan Solar PV, a partnership between Engie and Pele Green Energy, on Tuesday, 21 April. The plant, which is partly situated next to the N12 outside Hopetown, is also on the borders of the Free State province. Pele…