Table of contents for 2024-05-10 in DFA News

THE SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices in Corless Road in Kimberley have come under scrutiny for overcrowding and the alleged poor treatment of grant beneficiaries. A number of beneficiaries, including recipients of old age, disability and child grants, claim that they are being stripped of their dignity. The building, often packed to capacity both inside and out, has reportedly resorted to directing beneficiaries to the back of the premises in an attempt to mask the true extent of the overcrowding. Disturbing reports have also emerged of beneficiaries collapsing from hunger, thirst and fatigue within the building. Some have even apparently suffered epileptic attacks due to the lack of adequate seating, particularly for the sick and elderly. Beneficiaries have reported having to queue as early as 2am to stand a…

PETROL prices have been in an upward spiral since the start of the year, but motorists could get some much needed relief from the beginning of June. The latest daily snapshot released by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that a strong over-recovery has developed for both petrol and diesel, which could translate into substantial price decreases next month. As it stands the month-average is pointing towards a decrease of around 42 cents for petrol, but if current trends highlighted by the latest daily data persist until month end, a price drop in the region of R1 per litre is more likely than not. That would bring the price of a litre of 95 Unleaded petrol down to about R23.70 while the cost of 93 Unleaded could sink to R24.15…

ORGANISERS of the 2024 Absa Wildeklawer sports tournament, hosted by Diamantveld High School, have hailed the sports festival a huge success. The tournament, touted as the biggest of its kind in the country, brought together teams from far and wide to compete in different sporting codes. Reflecting on the event, Stacy Viljoen, the deputy principal of Diamantveld High School, spoke to the DFA and expressed admiration for the monumental effort put forth by both Absa Wildeklawer and the dedicated staff of Diamantveld. “It was a busy but exciting tournament," Viljoen said, emphasising the staggering amount of work invested to ensure that the event was a resounding success; a source of immense pride for Kimberley and Hoërskool Diamantveld. Viljoen was excited about the opportunity the tournament provided for diverse learners to…

THE EFF in the Northern Cape has branded Sol Plaatje Municipality’s latest road improvement project as yet another electioneering stunt. Sol Plaatje executive mayor Kagisho Sonyoni said this week that the municipality had invested R45 million in the city’s roads. “We are well on track to completing road resealing and paving projects set for the end of the 2023/24 financial year, which will be completed mid-month,” said Sonyoni. He explained that the municipality received R19.5 million from the Infrastructure Urban Development Grant (IUDG) of the National Treasury and a further R6 million from the Frances Baard District Municipality to upgrade roads. “This brings the total to R25.5 million budget allocation for the rehabilitation of roads.” Sonyoni stated that resealing work had been completed in Phakamile Mabija Street, Schmidtsdrift Road, Royal…

NCH RUGBY Deon Carney, the head of rugby at Northern Cape High School, expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, highlighting the absence of injuries as a significant advantage in maintaining their momentum. Reflecting on recent matches, Carney noted that despite losses against formidable opponents such as Paarl Boys High and Grey College during a second-team tournament in Kimberley, the team showed some promise. These experiences, he emphasised, serve as valuable learning opportunities to refine their strategies leading up to the anticipated clashes. Carney elaborated on the team’s varied preparation regimen, citing successful outings against Fichardt Park, as well as Landboudal and Louis Botha. Additionally, games against teams from out of town, with both wins and losses, have fortified the team’s readiness for the forthcoming challenges. Acknowledging the formidable prowess of…

THREE rhino poachers who were convicted of murder, after one of their accomplices was killed when they illegally entered the country, were recently refused leave to appeal in the Northern Cape High Court. The trio – David Mitswi, Khetamile Cooper and Tebo Mogare – were sentenced to 36 years imprisonment for murder, the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, illegally entering the country and hunting a protected species without a permit on Barrage farm near Kuruman. Another trespasser, KJ Matshetse, died of a gunshot to the back, while he also sustained a bullet wound to the leg. Mogare was also shot during the incident. The three applicants, who are Botswana citizens, admitted that they crossed the border between South Africa and Botswana on April 19, 2020, without any…

COPE 2024 national and provincial election candidate Pakes Dikgetsi has reported the latest multimillion-rand security tender that was awarded by the Northern Cape Department of Health for investigation by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Provincial Treasury and the auditor-general. The new service provider was appointed to provide security guarding services for health facilities in the Province from May 1 for a period of 14 months. Security guards have, however, indicated that they have not signed any contracts yet. “We are being left in the dark regarding outstanding salaries. Our former employer, Defensor Electronic Security Services, indicated that they are unable to pay us because they are owed money by the Department of Health,” said the security guards. Defensor Security claims that it is…

For eighteen years running, the sports fields of Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School have been witness to a fierce annual contest as students from both institutions converge to compete in rugby, netball, and hockey. Dubbed “Classic Clashes”, this event has entrenched itself as a highlight of the local sports calendar, drawing droves of fervent supporters. Rugby, the cornerstone of this rivalry, sees Hoërskool Diamantveld and Northern Cape High School engage in battles of legendary proportions. Renowned for nurturing top-tier talent, both schools have produced players who have ascended to provincial and even national acclaim. Their encounters are marked by relentless intensity, with neither side conceding an inch, leaving spectators spellbound by the sheer ferocity on display. Yet, the drama extends beyond the rugby field. In netball and hockey, the…

LAST weekend, the Suzuki Griquas put on a rugby masterclass when they dominated the powerful and skillful Airlink Pumas. In a riveting clash between leading contenders in the SA Cup, Griquas and the Pumas engaged in a tense battle, ultimately seeing the Kimberley-based team clinch a dramatic victory in the dying moments, solidifying their position atop the SA Cup table. With only two rounds left in the competition, the 31-26 triumph for the Griquas places them in prime position to secure a home final. The showdown in Kimberley on Friday delivered an enthralling spectacle, as Griquas staged a remarkable comeback to snatch a late victory from the visitors. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Suzuki Griquas’ head coach, Pieter Bergh, announced the bulking up of the Griquas squad. He expressed…

KIMBERLEY Golf Club results for the week of May 1-4 and a look ahead to the period of May 15-18. Results for May 1-4 are The Wednesday, May 1 Konica Minolta sponsored 18-hole BBS competition was won by Jody Van Wyk and B Fortune on 46 pts. Second was Francois Schwartz and Neil Langley with 44 pts over 3rd placed Michael Kidson and Kevin Harding on 43 pts beating 4th placed Kevin Antill and KC Carstens on 43 pts losing the count-out. The Thursday, May 2 KWV sponsored Niner with power play options was won by Eddie Barkhuizen on 30 pts with Andrew Boraine 2nd with 21 pts and Braam Botes 3rd on 20 pts. The Friday, May 3 Flamingo Casino sponsored Niner was won by Parks Mashobao with…

IN A BID to foster a healthy lifestyle among teachers, Flamingo Primary School in Kimberley has been the recipient of a generous donation of sports gear and equipment from Metropolitan. The donation was made in response to an appeal for assistance from members of the National Teachers’ Union (Natu). The donated items, which include soccer and netball kits as well as soccer balls, were handed over to Natu representatives by Metropolitan staff at their offices on May 2. Natu chairperson Lebogang Sebudi expressed his belief that the kit will be instrumental in promoting sport among the teachers. “We believe in ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body’,” said Sebudi, emphasising the importance of physical fitness to overall well-being. Sebudi also revealed that the teams will start training soon and are…

WHILE politicians are pulling out all the stops to impress voters before they head to the polls, a survey has predicted that the ANC will achieve a 62.69 percent majority in the Northern Cape in the upcoming national general elections. The survey identified the three main contenders as being the ANC, the EFF and the DA, with the PA, the GOOD Party, the ACDP and the IFP predicted to garner less than one percent of the vote. Up-and-coming parties such as the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Bosa, Rise Mzanzi, Action SA and the ACT, which could influence the face of the political landscape, were not included in the study. Many disillusioned voters in the city are still undecided about where they will put their mark on the ballots. The voter…

Tricha Richards, the talented Grade 9 student from St. Patrick’s CBC School, recently wowed audiences at the 18th Rhythmic African Championships in Kigali, Rwanda. She impressed everyone with her skills in gymnastics and won a bronze medal for her ball routine, ranking third overall individually. Tricha also helped the South African team secure second place overall at the competition. Her performance proves beyond a doubt that she’s a rising star in gymnastics. For Tricha, winning this medal is not just about standing on the podium. It’s the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and an important step toward becoming a great athlete. She’s always wanted to win an international medal and wear the SA colours, and now that dream has come true. It shows how hard she’s worked and how determined…

Despite being a newly-formed club, the Zenkutsu Karate Club, after being established less than six months ago, made a profound impact at the prestigious 23rd International Kanazawa Cup and Master Camp, held in Durban from April 26 to 29. The club emerged as one of the top performers at the tournament, clinching an impressive haul of 32 medals, including 11 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze medals, along with a participation medal and two trophies. The journey to success was, however, not without its challenges. Organising and preparing for such a grand event within a short timeframe demanded relentless dedication and unwavering commitment from the club members. But, fueled by their passion for karate and a shared desire to excel, the team rose to the occasion and showcased their prowess…

DHS Rugby Philip Molnar, the Under-19 rugby coach, reflecting on the team’s recent success at the ABSA Wildeklawer, emphasised the importance of teamwork and values. “It's not just about the results; it’s about how the team worked together as a group,” he said. “We decided to adopt the motto ‘pressure is a privilege’, which has carried us through to maintain our momentum,” he added. When asked about their goals and inspirations for this year’s Clashes, Molnar emphasised the team’s commitment to their faith. “Our goal in each and every game is to thank the Heavenly Father for the talents he has given us,” he shared. “We aim to leave everything on the field and play in a manner that would put a smile on His face.” The coach added, with…