Tabla de contenidos para 2024-03-01 en DFA News

LABOUR unions have slammed the R2 billion Kimberley Mental Health Hospital as a “monumental catastrophe” where, they said, “nothing was functioning”. Members of the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw), the Public Servants Association (PSA), the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) demonstrated outside the hospital this week to protest against the regular electricity outages at the controversial psychiatric facility. Non-essential staff left their posts at around 1pm on Wednesday, while nurses were left to work in the dark and heat until their shifts ended. Union representatives stated that they were preparing for mass action as working conditions were making it impossible for staff to carry out their duties. “Billions were spent on…

WITH a budget of approximately R3 million and around 3 000 guests in attendance, the Northern Cape State of the Province address (Sopa) by Premier Zamani Saul took place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley yesterday. The Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, Newrene Klaaste, pointed out that various issues affecting the Province would be highlighted during the address. Klaaste pointed out that guests in attendance included members of the National Assembly (NA), the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the business sector, the religious sector, government stakeholders and entities, municipal mayors and speakers. The various political parties represented in the legislature - including the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Freedom Front+ – were also all invitees. Premier…

AT ONE time during the formative years of my life, I seriously believed that I could be a chiropractor; and if not a chiro, then at least a physiotherapist. You see, back then quite a number of adults would approach me so that I could relieve them of their maladies. Ah yes, I cannot calculate how many times, just by tugging on their fingers, I brought relief to these poor, suffering souls; one tug on the finger would bring such relief that they would even emit trouser toots! Their relief was obvious, if one should judge it by the roars of grateful laughter that they and their obviously sympathetic friends erupted into after my regular treatments. Just think of that, I could have been an osteopathic manipulation physician ……

ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga, speaking at a media briefing, said that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula would deliver the keynote address at the event. “Comrade Mbalula will, among others, highlight the six priority points in our 2024 election manifesto and provide firm perspectives into the electoral landscape. He will be received by a 20 000-strong crowd, which is a show-of-strong-force display with over 90% of our supporters in the Sol Plaatje sub-region,” said Ngxanga. He added that the ANC provincial chairperson, Dr Zamani Saul, will address the crowd on the party’s expectations for the upcoming elections. “Our chairperson will pronounce our provincial electoral target and steadfast determination in safeguarding the incumbency of the ANC-led provincial government at the polls. “Our provincial chairperson has been steering the ship in ensuring a…

Kimberley Golf Club results for the week of February 21-24 and a look ahead to the period of March 1-10. Results for the week of February 21-24 are: The Wednesday, February 21 OBC Chicken sponsored 18-hole IPS was won by Danie Liebenberg with 40 pts. Second was Phillip Maritz on 39pts and third Jacques Gouws with 38pts. The Thursday, February 22 KWV Niner was won by Keith Brown with 28pts. Johan Herselman came second on 25pts and Braam Botes third with 22pts. The Friday, February 23 Flamingo Niner was won by Peter Salo on 23pts with Bernie Turton 2nd on 22pts on a count-out over Parks Mashabao also on 22pts. Fourth was Zughdi Adikary on 18pts. The inaugural New Vaal Motors sponsored Business League Race to Fancourt competition was launched…

KIMBERLEY is set to lace up its running shoes once again as the Kimberley Harriers Running Club prepares to host the much-anticipated annual Diamond Marathon on Saturday March 2, 2024. The event, now in its 54th year, once again promises a thrilling experience of athleticism and camaraderie as runners from across the region gather to participate in this prestigious event. Scheduled to commence and conclude at the St. Patrick’s CBC Sports Field, the Diamond Marathon offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for participants, doubling up as a qualifier for the esteemed Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons. The Kimberley Harriers Club, the oldest running club in the Northern Cape, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1969 by Sarge Ball, George MacCallum, and Jimmy Glover. Originally established to…

THE MANAGER of local economic development, Phetole Sithole, has parted ways with Sol Plaatje Municipality after a mutual separation agreement was signed. Sithole became embroiled in a bitter dispute after refusing to authorise a R4.2 million payment to a service provider for site establishment at the Roodepan pump station as another service provider had already been paid R2.2 million for the same purpose. Sithole had also raised concerns regarding the contractor’s tax status and compliance with supply chain management processes. Cases were also lodged with the Hawks, Public Protector and Special Investigating Unit (SIU) last year regarding a R25 million tender that was awarded to the same service provider for the upgrading of the Legaeng and Eagle Street pump stations in Roodepan as well as a water and sanitation project…

THE KRUGER National Park (KNP) is set to welcome scientists, researchers and protected area managers from across the globe for the 21st annual Savanna Science Network Meeting, scheduled for March 3 to 7 in Skukuza. Representing a diverse array of scientific and conservation organisations from 25 countries, a total of 208 delegates will convene, with 99 hailing from South Africa alone, representing 30 institutions spanning governmental bodies, academic institutions, research organisations, NGOs and conservation agencies. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be streamed live on YouTube for remote participation, as announced by Cathy Greaver, the acting general manager of the Savanna Research Unit at SANParks. The conference agenda will tackle a wide range of ecological and social science topics through presentations and posters over the course…

GRIEKWASTAD residents are seeking compensation from Eskom for damages caused to household appliances and equipment as a result of frequent electricity interruptions. Community members barricaded the N8 between Griekwastad and Campbell with burning tyres earlier this month, in protest against water and electricity cuts that had lasted for more than 11 days. A resident stated that Griekwastad was constantly experiencing power and water interruptions. “We want Eskom to reconnect us to the Silverstream power line. We were linked to the Douglas power line after a number of poles on the Silverstream power line blew over in December. The Douglas power line is overloaded and trips regularly,” said the resident. He added that many residents were unable to produce the original invoices for their appliances, in order to claim damages against…

IN A HISTORIC alliance that underscores the power of international co-operation in conservation efforts, the field rangers of ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park (ARTP) in the Northern Cape have forged a formidable partnership with their Namibian counterparts. Together, they are embarking on regular joint river patrols along the Orange River, marking a significant achievement after a three-year hiatus induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The collaboration between South African National Parks (SANParks) and Namibian Rangers is a pivotal step in addressing the rampant illegal gillnet activities threatening the delicate ecosystem of the ARTP. These clandestine illicit operations have wreaked havoc on fish populations, posing not only a significant threat to local businesses dependent on the river but also endangering the diverse array of species that call the riverine environment home. During the inaugural…

Oval Track results from Saturday, February 24 2024 Finishing positions first to third in the different classes are: 1660: @123 Christo Swanepoel, @300 Stephan Kotze, @56 Dewald Futcher Stockrods: @143 Christopher Maritz, @158 Gert Potgieter, @149 Tommy van der Berg 2.1LT’s: B38 Jahn Botha, @56 Dewald Futcher, @168 Herman Havenga Midgets: B11 Duitzer, @21 Corne Smith SNR, @43 Shaun Hayes Kiddies Mini Midgets saw the following drivers finish the course: Eliska, Lian, Chante-Amore, Luhan…

THE NORTHERN Cape High Court heard from several witnesses that rape and murder accused Itumeleng Machabe acted strange the day before 11-year-old Relebogile Segami was reported missing. According to testimony, Machabe was the last person to be seen with Segami before she was killed. The court also heard that a friend of the deceased was the one who raised the alarm when he told his parents that the accused said that he wanted to make the deceased his woman. The trial resumed on Monday, February 26 following a postponement in November 2023. The 11-year-old victim’s body was found dumped behind the Northern Cape Legislature on March 31 2022 after she was reported missing the day before. Machabe is facing 19 charges ranging from rape, fraud, crimen injuria, attempted extortion, child…

Following a thrilling showdown at the Kimberley Diamond Oval this past week, the Northern Cape Heat cricket team secured their place in history with a stunning victory over the Itec Knights in the CSA Division 2 Four-Day Series. This triumph marks an unprecedented achievement, as the Heat have now claimed the Four-Day trophy for an incredible third consecutive year. The victory underscores the power of teamwork and collective determination in the pursuit of a common goal. It must be said that the Heat’s unwavering dedication and cohesive efforts propelled them to this momentous success. Not only does the win earn them the prestigious trophy, but it also translates into a significant financial reward, with a prize purse of R450,000 secured. The match unfolded over four intense days, each marked by…

THERE was an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation when Universal RFC, a venerable institution in South African rugby, unveiled their latest kit and announced a significant sponsorship agreement at a ceremony hosted at the AR Abass Stadium last Saturday. Thanks to Cyril Kruger, the owner of CPAC Pumps and Valves in Kimberley, 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the club, as the business has generously stepped in as the primary sponsor for the team. The partnership is poised to provide a substantial boost to the club's prospects for the upcoming season, underscoring a shared commitment to excellence and success on the field. Established in 1886, Universal RFC boasts an illustrious 138-year history, standing tall as a beacon of tradition and excellence in the South African rugby fraternity. Desroy Bok, the…

Players from the Northern Cape Tennis Federation showcased an exceptional blend of talent and sportsmanship at the recent National High School Interpro Tennis Tournament held in Pretoria. Despite facing stiff competition from all provinces and even a team from Zimbabwe, the Northern Cape teams left a lasting impression on the courts. In a remarkable testament to the talent nurtured in the Northern Cape, the province’s own Logan Matthysen seized an extraordinary opportunity. Selected to represent the SA High Schools Under-15 team, Matthysen is set to embark on a tour of London from June 27 to July 5 this year. This tour encompasses visits to iconic tennis venues such as Wimbledon, along with match days at esteemed facilities like the Bisham Abbey and Sutton Tennis Academy. Notably, the estimated cost of…