Community News

5 February 2023  The police in Galeshewe are investigating a murder case following the death of a 44 year old male in Robert Mangaliso Sobukhwe Hospital in Kimberley on Saturday 23 July 2022. Preliminary investigations indicates that the deceased was allegedly assaulted by 3 unknown assailants who were driving a white "bakkie" in Masupha…

The Executive Members of Sol Plaatjie Masters Football League! Standing from the back: Chicco Bikwa (competition member), Nzwandile "Zon" Flatela(Head of the competition), Kagisho Kwanampe (treasurer), Seabata Makhele(Chairperson) and Richard Thomas (Competition member) Sitting in front: Tshepo Seboko (Deputy Sec), Papie Dibeco(Secretary) and…

The water levels at Newton and Riverton have now reached full capacity, therefore the nightly shutdowns are now suspended. However, residents are encouraged to continue using water sparingly. The Sol Plaatje Municipality thanks the community for your patience and understanding during these interruptions.

By Karabo Siyoko Floors No2 High School in Galeshewe suffered severe vandalism during the festive holidays. Criminals gained access to the school premises and damaged the electrical infrastructure forcing the school to function without electricity. Criminals forcibly removed burglar bars from classroom windows. All light bulbs and switches…

By Karabo Siyoko As part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) towards contributing to the herd immunity of the Northern Cape Community and the well-being of learners in schools, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene and MEC for Basic Education,Zolile Monakali conducted an oversight visit at Roodepan and St Peters Primary…

Picture: Supplied. Sensei Lawrence Booi and two karateka of the Kyokushin Sako Juku dojo seen here during a practice session at the Galeshewe Open Air Arena preparing for the world championship due to take place in Thailand from 25 -29 August this year. Left to right : Thato Booi (14), sensei Lawrence Booi and pupil Xolani Sokoyi (16).

2023 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS By Neville Motlhabakwe This is the shortened version of president Cyril Ramapahosa’s “State of the Nation” address delivered at the opening of the South African parliament on 9 February 2023. New jobs:  Between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022, around one and a half million new jobs were created in our…

By Karabo Siyoko Kimberley based visual artists led by renowned painter Janine Peters-Titus splashed AR Abass stadium with anti-drug abuse and anti-Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) messages. The project was funded for R350 000 by the National Arts Council (NAC) as part of the presidential employment stimulus programme. The funds were…

On 03 February 2023,  Sandile Vaaiboom (35) was handed down three life sentences in the  Kimberley High Court  for 3 counts of murder and 5 years each for 2 counts of malicious damage to property. The accused was on trial for fatally stabbing and killing 3 family members namely  Petrus Vaaiboom (64), Kerileng Kgatlane (54) and Vuyisile Vaaiboom…

From the Department of Labou This was said at a two days' training scheduled for Organised Labour representatives by the Compensation Fund which is focusing on Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Act compliance in the work place. Its main objectives are to provide the…

By: Siphiwe Ngcongco Kimberley - The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) in the Northern Cape is disappointed at the low provincial percentage matriculation mark achieved in 2023, a slight progress of 2% compared to the previous year. The comment follows a joint statement issued by the Northern Cape Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul and…

By: Siphiwe Ngcongco Pictures by: Tshepang Gatane The Democratic Alliance in the Northern Cape (DA) The Democratic Alliance party conducted a picket against load-shedding “Power To The People” in Kimberley on Wednesday, 25 January, blaming the African National Congress (ANC) led government for the spike in electricity tariffs. Picketers…

By the Departments of Labour and Agriculture Pictures sourced The Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, has warned farmers in the Northern Cape that food security will be affected if preservation of livelihood of farmworkers is not prioritised. On Monday, 23 January 2023, the Minister, together with the Northern Cape MEC for…

By: Karabo Siyoko Pictures By Reboane Prophy To open the 2023 academic year, government officials visited schools in Galeshewe and parts of the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDOE) earlier issued a notice to media houses proclaiming that learning and teaching would commence on the first day. Preparations…

Stanfly is a passionate educator who taught at various institutions including the then RC Elliot Technical College, Moremogolo FET where she served for 17years. Her last employment was at Kimberley Boys High. “Serving at this level is almost the ultimate for me, it’s like a dream come true”, said the mother of two.

From the Department of Employment and Labour The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has processed and paid out over R1 billion in benefits to a total of 225 646 beneficiaries during December 2022 to ensure that clients and their loved ones meet their financial obligations during and after the festive season. The R1 billion benefit pay out can…

By Karabo Siyoko Pictures by:  Rebaone Prophy The Northern Cape registered 13 831 full-time candidates for the 2022 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, “the biggest cohort of candidates to have registered compared to the previous years,” said Northern Cape premier Dr. Zamani Saul. The Premier and MEC for Education Zolile Monakali…

By: Siphiwe Ngcongco Galeshewe – The deterioration of the Mayibuye Multi-Purpose Centre infrastructure has raised widespread concerns on Social Media platforms by Galeshewe residents about safety, quality of life and the impact on Kimberley’s economic growth. The then state-of-the-art center in Hulana Street, Galeshewe, was launched in…

By Karabo Ntanzi Logo: Supplied The rising crime levels across many neighborhoods prompted residents in Sobantu, Galeshewe, to launch a neighborhood watch in December 2022. It incorporates Ikageleng, Matankwana-Tyala Street and the newly established Mosata Square shanties located in the old City United Football Club grounds. Sobantu…

By Karabo Siyoko Mlab places great importance on driving social and economic impact within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and empowering youth to partake in the digital economy, said Facilitator Kabelo Gaotlhaelwe. MLab is a non-profit organisation (NPO) founded in 2012 in Gauteng and opened for business in…

By Karabo Siyoko The police in Galeshewe have identified the decomposing body of a female found near the “Goga pump” station along the Barkley West R31 road on Friday, 23 December. On 6 January, the police requested the public's assistance in identifying the deceased. The deceased was estimated to be in her early sixties. She had two teeth…

Article supplied by: Dept of Employment and Labour It is once again that time of the year when all designated employers need to submit their annual 2022 employment equity (EE) reports.   The deadline for employers to submit their annual 2022 employment equity (EE) reports is 15 January 2023 at midnight. The Employment Equity reporting…

The Department of Health and its entities have been monitoring developments about Covid-19 globally since we uplifted all restrictions in June 2022. Genomic Surveillance has also continued under the Network for Genomic Surveillance of South Africa, based at Stellenbosch University. In December, there was a global increase of 25% (14.5m) in new…

Water Update: 11 January 2023 The Municipality observed a dropping in water levels on Sunday, 8 January. The technicians discovered that one of the high lift pumps was tripping at Riverton. The setting on the pump was continuously tripping when the water levels at the reservoir were at 50%. This was not supposed to happen. The pumps are set…

By: Siphiwe Ngcongco Medical services in the Northern Cape province got a boost in the arm when the department of Health welcomed 236 new medical interns, including Community Service Professionals, over the festive period. This follows the national health department’s successful completion of allocating about 10 000 medical interns to…

By: Siphiwe Ngcongco Irate community members from Ward 12 demolished several ghost shacks in the Chabalala street informal settlement, alleging that they are used as storage for stolen goods. These community members were accompanied by the ward councilor, Ruiter Isaac. Councillor Isaac said this drastic action taken by the community…

Sol Plaatje Municipality (SPM) strongly condemns the relentless attacks on its infrastructure by cable theft syndicates, with the latest incident caused by the recent flooding of the subway in Hull Street resulting in motorists being unable to utilise the road.   Cable theft directly affects service delivery to all our residents, more…

By Karabo Siyoko Pictures supplied The Brandvlei Primary School was hit by a severe thunderstorm that ripped through the town on Tuesday afternoon and caused extensive damage to the school. The infrastructure team is on-site to assess the damage to the school building. At this stage, there are six (6) affected classrooms, where the roof is…

By Staff reporter Picture supplied “As part of our commitment to deal more systematically with the backlog of surgeries in the Province, the Provincial Health Department is pleased to note that the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital performed 72 surgeries in conjunction with Gift of the Givers this past weekend," said a jubilant Lebohang Majaha.…

By Karabo Ntanzi Picture supplied Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, announced the appointment of Lorato Venus Blennies as MEC for Youth, Women, Disability, Communications and E-Government in the Office of the Premier. This fulfills Premier Saul's vision during the inaugural address for the Sixth Administration of a Modern, Growing…

By staff reporter Picture sourced Minister for Labour and Employment Xulasi Nxesi, reported at the SATUCC Conference held in Gauteng that, Union membership increased from 3.5 million to over 4 million between 2013/14 and 2020/21, while new registered unions increased from 203 to 220. The theme was for the conference was, "Revitalization of…

By Thabo Mothibi The African National Congress in the Northern Cape has noted the alarming crime incidents under investigation and before our courts of law. We wish to flag and reflect upon three that have been in the public domain in the recent while: Urging The Public To Provide Police With Information That Could Lead To The Arrest Of…

By Staff Reporter Picture: Sourced President Cyril Ramaphosa led the 5th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Upington. The Imbizo took place at the Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium. The Northern Cape DDM Presidential Imbizo identified issues in the ZF Mgcawu District that hamper service delivery and economic opportunities.…

The Northern Cape Department of Education will host its Provincial Pledge Signing Ceremony on Monday, 24 October 2022 at the Thabo Moorosi Multipurpose Hall (Mothibistad)in the John Taolo Gaetsewe .This a momentous occasion, where more than 2000 Grade 12 learners will undertake a pledge for a National Senior Certificate Examination, free of any…

By Staff Reporter On 19 October, the government joined the South African media industry in commemorating 45th anniversary of Black Wednesday, also marked as National Press Freedom Day. The day serves as a reminder of how far the South African media has come and allows them to reflect on media freedom. On this day in 1977, the apartheid…

By Siphiwe Ngcongco and Karabo Siyoko Pictures by Rebaone Prophy In observing October as the International month for the elderly, a non-profit organisation, Fepang Setshaba Soup Kitchen, collaborated with the Department of Tourism and Social Development and took 50 elderly citizens to the Mokala National Park, in Hayfield, approximately 70km…

By Karabo Ntanzi Picture by Sibogodi Jebetle Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Galeshewe, the only Shrine in the Kimberley Diocese, celebrated 61 years under the theme "The Role of Mary in the Church". A Mission week was held from 8 to 16 October various activities included an exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacrament of Reconciliation and…

By staff reporter As part of celebrating National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) day, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene, paid tribute to all EMS personnel for their loyalty and dedication to the public service and most importantly, to communities across the province. EMS day is commemorated on 17 October annually, the…

By Staff Reporter Picture:  Sourced The Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDOE) strives to ensure that learning and teaching occur from day one when schools reopen in January 2023. Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) resources are essential to effectively running, forming an integral and vital part of our education…

The trial of seven Chinese nationals arrested for alleged human trafficking and child labour was postponed in the Johannesburg High Court to next week Friday because the Court is still trying to get a Mandarin interpreter. It emerged in Court that the previous interpreter spoke Cantonese and the accused were battling to follow proceedings as…

By Karabo Siyoko Pictures by Rebaone Prophy Kopano Ke Matla, a Non-Profit Organisation established in 2018, operating from Elizabeth Seema’s house in Tyala Street, Galeshewe continues to plough back into the community. South Africa is technically operating in recession mode despite recent reports of a decreased unemployment rate.…

By Staff Reporter The Executive Mayor for Francis Baard District Municipality, Cllr Unondumisa Buda, handed over three trucks to the Magareng, Dikgatlong and Sol Plaatje local municipalities. The trucks were purchased from savings derived during the 2021/22 budget. To deliver effective and efficient service to the communities, a need…

By Staff Reporter As part of the global exertions to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in society, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene joins the international communities in commemorating World Malaria Day (25 April)  by providing education on malaria, as well as spreading information on its control, prevention…

By Staff Reporter The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, has welcomed the conviction of four poachers, who were arrested for stealing endangered and protected Halfmens trees in the |Ai|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP) in the Northern Cape. The perpetrators were arrested by a…

By Staff Reporter The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, launched the R3.2m Provincial lucern planting project in Warmsand near Upington on Thursday, 21 April 2022. The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs is a partnership between the Department and the farmers'…

Staff Reporter Northern Cape Department of Education is shocked and saddened by an unfortunate incident that occurred at the Kimberley Boys High School this afternoon. This unfortunate incident led to the drowning of a learner who is related to the rugby coach of the school. Although the deceased is not a learner at the school, the Department…

Staff Reporter MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mme Mase Manopole highlighted that despite constituting a majority of the population, “Women remain marginalized and often fall victim to discrimination and abuse, with some paying with their lives.” Manopole was addressing the Northern Cape…

The Frances Baard District Municipality (FBDM) tabled its adjustment budget for the 2021/22 financial year on 23 February. According to the Municipal Finance Management Act, 32 of 2000, municipalities may revise their approved annual budgets through an adjustment budget at mid-term. The annual exercise is critical as it assists municipalities…