Community News

By: Boipelo Mere The Department of Water and Sanitation revealed that most dams and reservoirs in the Northern Cape province have experienced a slight decrease, but satisfactory levels. The weekly report on the status of water reservoirs released this week indicates that the levels have declined from last weeks’ 103.9% to 96.7% this week.…

ALERT: PLANNED WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION (09:00 TO 17:00) FOR THE ENTIRE KIMBERLEY ON SATURDAY, 11 APRIL 2026. Reason: new valve installation as part of the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) at reservoir 91 megalitres and repair work on 600 mm diameter pipeline on the Newton Reservoirs Complex. Pumps Switch-Off: The pumps at Newton…

By Khumo Makame and Boipelo Mere In commemorating Human Rights Month, Oral Historian from the McGregor Museum, Geronime Louw, took the opportunity to share developments in research started in November 2025 on a displaced community in Ronaldsvlei.  The session was held at the McGregor on 12 March 2026. This once thriving community was home to…

Boipelo Mere The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Northern Cape handed over a R55 million refurbished wastewater pump station and an outfall line to Phokwane Local Municipality for Jan Kempdorp on Sunday, 22 March. Phokwane Local Municipality’s sanitation infrastructure underwent an emergency refurbishment and upgrade through…

Karabo Ntanzi Khumo Makame For many years to come, 24th March 2026 will be deeply engraved in the hearts mind of Kimberlites especially those who had the privilege of attending Dr Thebeitsile Investiture as Chancellor for Sol Plaatje University (SPU). Ikalafeng is the second Chancellor since the inception of SPU, one of two universities…

Karabo Ntanzi World TB Day was observed globally on 25 March. The theme for 2026 is: "Yes! You and I Can End TB”. The Northern Cape Department of Health commemorated the day at West End Specialised Hospital, Kimberley, with MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi. The Northern Cape is burdened by TB. Sixty-one thousand one hundred and sixty-five…

Karabo Ntanzi In commemorating Human Rights Day, Sol Plaatje Municipality’s Executive Mayor Cllr Martha Bartlett accompanied Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, in handing over a multipurpose sport court to Roodepan High School worth R2.1 million. " This has been a defining handover, signifying our long held battle cry and…

Supplied The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has noted with concern recent media reports alleging tha t an amount of R10 million was made immediately available and constitutes a misrepresentation of facts. Such discommunication appears to stem from inaccurate sources and seems intended to mislead the public and discredit both the…

Karabo Ntanzi The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in collaboration with the Office of Tax Ombud (OTO), held the first stakeholder engagement in the Northern Cape. Amongst the delegates were Tax Consultants, SMMEs, NPOs, and individual tax payers. The objective was to inform the public about OTO services, educate taxpayers about how to…

As the country moves towards the Local Government Elections (LGE), the Independent Electoral Commission has emphasised the important role played by media in safeguarding electoral democracy. This as the Commission concluded its latest Elections Training Workshop for Journalists in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Tuesday. IEC Limpopo Provincial…

The overlooked Community Health Care Workers(CHWs) remain uncertain as to whether they will ever be absorbed by the Northern Cape Department of Health and when, after they claim to have been told by the Acting HOD Oupa Phiri that there is no money to do so. That is, after only 595 CHWs were absorbed in December 2025, with promises that more CHWs…

The overlooked Community Health Care Workers(CHWs) remain uncertain as to whether they will ever be absorbed by the Northern Cape Department of Health and when, after they claim to have been told by the Acting HOD Oupa Phiri that there is no money to do so. That is, after only 595 CHWs were absorbed in December 2025, with promises that more CHWs…

MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs(Coghsta) has given Sol Plaatjie Municipality 14 days to rectify the non-fulfilment of its executive obligation. The MEC Vass is acting in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which mandates that national and provincial…

Boipelo Mere BSP Consulting Engineers Directors, along with Kamiesberg Local Municipal officials made a brief appearance before Garies Magistrates Court on 19 March 2026 on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering. The Directors, Bevan Steyn(55) and Bradley Plaatjies(50), together with the Municipal Manager(MM) Rufus Beukes(42),…

story and pictures by Karabo Ntanzi Congratulations to Mojalefa Maarman for obtaining the Rover Wood Badge.  The Chairperson of the Training Team from Scouts SA, 78-year-old John Cedani aka "Mr C", bestowed the accolade during the BP Camp held at Isago Primary School last weekend. The Wood Badge is a globally recognised award bestowed…

By Khumo Makame The South African Police Service in the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality has crowned a new group of youth leaders through its Junior Commissioner Project, highlighting the growing role of young people in building safer communities. District Commissioner Major General Nomana Mtukushe hosted the initiative at the De Aar Town…

Boipelo Mere The situation remains tense at Ekapa Mine’s Joint Shaft, in Kimberley, after a mud rush 890m underground on 17 February 2026, trapping five miners. In a media statement, Ekapa Mine confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing and families of the trapped miners are being briefed and supported. According to Ekapa, the…

Boipelo Mere                                                                                                                                                                                                 picture sourced The South African Social Security Agency in the Northern Cape has confirmed the suspension of 627 grants due to non-compliance…

Supplied                                                                                                                                                                                                          picture sourced The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform confirms that MEC…

SA Government News Agency                                                                                                                                                       picture provided Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has moved to assure that government is at work to resolve the water crisis currently experienced in parts…

Boipelo Mere Disgruntled Community Health Workers (CHWs), who did not benefit from the recent permanent absorption programme by the Northern Cape Department of Health(NCDoH), have shut down clinics around Galeshewe after reportedly being told that there is no money for further absorption. The members, belonging to Nehawu and Hospersa, demand…

By Palesa Mofoti                                                                                                                                                                                      picture sourced The Taemaneng Running Club (TRC) launched the 6th Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon(PMHRHM) at Nare Boutique Hotel.  The…

By Palesa Mofoti                                                                                                                                                                                        picture sourced As the province celebrated a remarkable 87.79% pass rate for the matric class of 2025 and the title of Most Improved Province,…

Supplied with pictures With enthusiasm, Sol Plaatje Municipality's Executive Mayor, Cllr Martha Bartlett unleashed on behalf of the municipality a school shoes donation drive for learners in need this morning. The school shoes soles for the young souls voyage started at Roodepan High School and ended at the municipality's adopted school,…

Supplied The continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province that led to the arrest of 576 perpetrators. The operation, carried out from Monday, 9 February 2026 to Sunday, 15…

Supplied The name of a 33-year-old man from Pofadder has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders following his conviction in the Regional Court in Pofadder on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. On Monday, 24 June 2024, at approximately 00:30, the accused arrived at his sister’s residence and requested accommodation for the night.…

Supplied The continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province that led to the arrest of 576 perpetrators. The operation, carried out from Monday, 9 February 2026 to Sunday, 15…

Khumo Makamu                                                                                                                                              picture sourced After years of being clouded by negativity and labelled as one of the poorest-performing schools in the Francis Baard region, Homevale High School has made a significant…

Khumo Makamu Kimberley captured the heart of Award-winning South African comedian and ventriloquist Conrad Koch and his world-famous puppet, Chester. The duo recently visited the City that Sparkles for a two-day performance at the Hull Street Theatre. Apart from Chester’s jokes about Kimberley’s portable two-roomed airport on social media,…

Khumo Makamu Seventy-two learners from twelve high schools in the Francis Baard District battled it out on 22 January 2026 at the Kimberley SAPS Gymnasium for the SAPS Francis Baard Junior Commissioner Competition. SAPS collaborated with the Department of Education, GM Sentletse Foundation and Safer South Africa. The competition stems from…

Supplied A 29-year-old man from Dithakong Village near Kuruman has been sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for the brutal murders of his 33-year-old half-sister and her 11-year-old son. The accused was further sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. The sentencing was handed down by the High Court…

Supplied During the continuation of the Safer Festive Season Operations, police actions resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of dagga and the arrest of three suspects, two males, aged 53 and 64 respectively and a female aged 41 on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Police received information about dagga allegedly being stored at an identified…

Supplied Two suspects appeared in the Springbok Magistrates Court on Monday, 26 January 2026, following their arrest on Sunday, 25 January 2026, for alleged contravention of the Nature Conservation Act 9 of 2009, Sections 50 and 51 after allegedly stealing the plants in the Steinkopf area. The suspects, aged between 21 and 28 were apprehended…

Supplied The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape conducted high-density operations under the banner Operation Shanela 2 from Monday, 19 January to Sunday, 25 January 2026. These coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 818 suspects for various criminal offences across the province. The operations comprised the…

As part of the Back to School Campaign, the Frances Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgari together with her Management team invluding Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana and station commanders within the district as well as the Community Policing Forum members donated much needed school uniforms to leaners at Relebogile Primary…

By Khumo Makame As part of the Back-to-School Campaign, the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison conducted a road block along the busy R31 between Kimberley and Kuruman on 13 January. R31 is the corridor to the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and Free State, mainly used for transporting minerals.  It is also the most accident-prone…

Story and pictures supplied The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape remains resolute in its commitment to combat all forms of criminality through the implementation of Operation Shanela 2. Intensified, zero-tolerance, high-density operations were conducted from Monday, 29 December 2025 to Sunday, 04 January 2026 led by…

Story and pictures supplied The positive impact of Operation Shanela 2 continues to be felt across the Northern Cape following high-density operations conducted from Monday, 22 December to Sunday, 28 December 2025. The operations were led and coordinated by senior officers from the Provincial Office, District Commissioners and Station…

Khumo Makamu Christmas arrived early for more than 100 dogs and cats from Galeshewe, during the Pet Care Drive held on Friday, 12 December at Mayibuye Uprising Precinct in Royal Street, where they received free personal health care. The Pet Care Drive was initiated by Kasi Pet Health and Rescue, a non-profit organisation founded Sizwe…

Supplied The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape and stakeholders conducted intelligence-driven and targeted Safer Festive Season operations under Operation Shanela II, resulting in the arrest of 360 suspects for various criminal offences. During the operations, SAPS members confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition,…

Khumo Makamu On Thursday, 11 December, Boitshoko Primary School in Galeshewe demonstrated remarkable community spirit by donating essentials to five families who were displaced after their homes were destroyed during the year. Four of the identified households were gutted by fire, while one was destroyed due to drug-related domestic…

Supplied It was on 8 December 1925 when missionary Bishop Herman Joseph Meysing and Father Anton Jager planted a seed on Corless Road, Kirstenhof, Kimberley. This seed would bloom later to become the giant that is today, the hundred year old St Boniface Roman Catholic Church. On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Catholics and many invited guests…

Through the implementation of Operation Shanela 2, law enforcement in the Northern Cape apprehended 258 perpetrators during intensified crime prevention operations from Monday 1 December 2025 until Sunday, 7 December 2025. The operations were led by senior management at both provincial and district levels, in collaboration with key stakeholders.…

Police in Petrusville were alerted on Monday, 26 May 2025, at approximately 10:00, by a passer-by to the body of a minor lying in a field next to the Kalkfontein gravel road. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the body of a 13-year-old boy in the veld, with a stab wound to the chest. The deceased was later identified as Dion Rudy…

The Kimberley Station Commander, Brigadier Nicholas Mtongana, led Operation Shanela 2 actions aimed at enhancing safety and security during the Safer Festive Season. The operation was conducted with members from Kimberley, Galeshewe and Kagisho SAPS, the Tactical Response Team, Flying Squad, District Office, Pro-Active Policing Unit, Sol Plaatje…

As the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign draws to a close, a series of build-up programmes are being rolled out in Kakamas to strengthen community involvement and awareness. On Monday, 8 December 2025, the “Sport is Your Future” youth tournament was hosted in Kakamas. The initiative, spearheaded by the…

By Boipelo Mere The hungry and dismissed workers of Ekapa mine marched to the Ekapa offices at York Street on Wednesday, 10 December, to hand over a memorandum, demanding reinstatement as stipulated in the layoff letter and for the company to get its house in order. Under SAPS supervision, the dismissed workers staged a peaceful picket before…

The Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Vinus Blennies-Magage, tabled her medium-term budget at the Northern Cape Legislature on Wednesday, 03 December. The Northern Cape adjustment budget reflects an upward revision of R1.031 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, comprising a national rollover. The total…

Supplied A Galeshewe family has lost a one room shack after it was destroyed by fire in Mpitsang street on the afternoon of 9 December leaving behind only charred. The shack, was used as an additional bedroom by the family of eight, as some of them sleep in the newly erected RDP house in the same yard. According to the family, they used to…

By Palesa Mofoti The South African National Defence Force(SANDF) hosted their annual South African Air Defence Artillery (SAADA) Formation Gun Run which is a high-octane sport that brought together both SANDF teams and civilian groups. The Gun Run was a celebration of the force’s excellence week, which was hosted from 8th until 12th December…