Table of contents for 2024-10-25 in DFA News

THE PUBLIC Protector is investigating the multimillion-rand Homevale fire station, which has yet to open five years after construction began. The facility is viewed as yet another white elephant for the city, and the partially completed structure is falling victim to vandals who are stealing building materials. While expenditure on the station has exceeded R17 million, Sol Plaatje Municipality has stated in council records that another R1.5 million is needed for repairs. The DA caucus chairperson at Sol Plaatje Municipality, Elize Niemann, stated that the walls are cracking due to “shoddy workmanship and the marshy soil” on which the building was constructed. “The foundation is sinking and the air conditioners and other fixtures have been stolen,” said Niemann. She said that approval for the fire station was granted in the…

ISN’T it alarming? We all probably read recently how the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) warned communities along the Harts and Vaal rivers, from Christiana downstream, to be careful after detecting cholera bacteria in water samples. The article went on to say that cholera was detected, among other places, just down the road from us at the Barkly West Caravan Park. This prompted the DWS to caution residents to avoid drinking or even coming into contact with untreated river water. Of course, Kimberley residents have been assured that our treated, chlorinated water is safe for use and consumption; still, it leaves one a bit uneasy knowing that there’s a nasty, murderous bug doing the backstroke a hop, skip and jump away, who is eager and able to go on…

THE COMMUNITY of Lerato Park has accused the Northern Cape Department of Health of neglecting their health and trampling on their human rights after the department apparently converted a flat in the area into a makeshift clinic that lacks essential medications. Residents said their joy about having a clinic in the area was short-lived when they discovered its location. “We used to go to the clinics in Roodepan and Galeshewe. We were glad when we heard that we would get our own clinic, as that meant people wouldn’t have to travel or walk far to access medical help or obtain their chronic medication. However, when we found out that one of the flats was going to be used as a clinic, we realised that our access to quality health care…

THE KIMBERLEY Harriers Running Club recently announced that they would be holding their honorary Rangers Night Race at Rooifontein Game Reserve on Friday, November 1, and the club invites all runners and walkers to the event. Participants will have a choice: the more adventurous can tackle the 10km trail run, while those looking for a more relaxed pace can join the 4.9km fun run/walk. The 10km race, open to those aged 15 and above, has a R150 entry fee and a two-hour cutoff. ASA temporary licences are available for R60. The 4.9km fun run/walk will set participants back R80, with no age restrictions. Runners and walkers are reminded to not forget your compulsory headlamp. And please note, no headphones are allowed. Manual entries can be done at Diamantveld High…

SOL PLAATJE municipal manager Thapelo Matlala intends to obtain an urgent interdict to prevent the city shutdown from proceeding on Monday, amid widespread concerns that the matric final exams will be disrupted. He also criticised the use of burning tyre images on posters advertising the shutdown as “incitement of public violence”. “Everything possible will be done to avert a shutdown. All stakeholders including taxi associations are against it,” Matlala said. While a number of taxi associations have indicated that they will not be taking part in the shutdown on Monday, the Kimberley Action Group said the protest would go ahead as planned. TAXI OPERATORS Some taxi operators, however, stated that they would join the campaign against high electricity prices, poor service delivery, unresolved taxi-related issues and calls for the removal…

IN A SIGNIFICANT move to enhance public safety and service delivery, the Nama Khoi Local Municipality has taken a proactive step to resolve its street light backlog by purchasing 1,000 light bulbs. The bulk purchase, made possible through the generosity of local businesses and individuals, comes at no cost to the municipality – a testament to community spirit and collaboration. Nama Khoi mayor Rodney Kritzinger expressed his gratitude to the coalition government and local stakeholders for their support in this initiative. “I appreciate the coalition’s support for this initiative that clearly demonstrates that the Nama Khoi coalition is committed to achieving community objectives, even under severe financial constraints,” he said. The 1,000 light bulbs will not only address the backlog of around 500 non-operational street lights but will also ensure…

A 40-YEAR-OLD woman, Evelyn Ditire, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with three years suspended for five, after being convicted of fatally stabbing her life partner. The Northern Cape High Court found Ditire guilty of murder under the principle of dolus eventualis, meaning she caused the death of the deceased without intending to do so. High Court Judge A Nxumalo stated that although Ditire was convicted of a crime that could warrant a life sentence if more aggravating factors were present, the circumstances in this case were different. He said the fact that Ditire had fully co-operated with law enforcement during her arrest indicated that she had remorse for her actions. He also noted that she had a clean criminal record prior to this incident. “The court takes note…

For some, playing on lush green soccer pitches is a routine part of their football experience, but for many young players in underprivileged areas this remains a distant dream. In communities such as these, the beautiful gamer of soccer is often played on ugly, rugged sand pitches where, ironically, the beauty of the game flourishes despite the harsh conditions. Notwithstanding these challenges, in one community hope thrives in the form of a local soccer club that is dedicated to nurturing talent against the odds. This beacon of hope is Shooting Stars FC. The club, formerly known as Kappa United, was established in 2001 in Pescodia (Roodepan) by dedicated coach Clifford Esel. The club underwent its rebranding in 2023 – from Kappa United to Shooting Stars – to reflect their…

THE CASE against Daniel Wilfred Alberts, 39, who is accused of fatally shooting two police officers attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad in August 2023, has been transferred to the Northern Cape High Court. Alberts made a brief appearance in the Kimberley District Court this week. He faces two counts of murder, three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, one count of motor vehicle theft, and one count of theft. Alberts is accused of fatally shooting Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo and Constable Okaetse Mandindi following a high-speed car chase in Kimberley on August 22 last year. The two officers were reportedly shot and killed while trying to apprehend Alberts, who was wanted in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle in Bloemfontein. Alberts allegedly shot the officers after he overpowered…

A 51-YEAR-OLD Galeshewe man who allegedly raped and assaulted his girlfriend, ripping out her hair and braids while holding her hostage at his home, has been released on bail of R6,000. Ilizwelebanzi Ngonyoza faces seven charges, including rape and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). He this week successfully appealed the Galeshewe Magistrate's Court's decision to deny him bail in August. On October 21, Northern Cape High Court Judge Almé Stanton approved Ngonyoza's release under strict conditions. He is prohibited from directly or indirectly contacting, communicating with, intimidating, or interfering with the complainant, her family, friends, or work colleagues, or any potential witnesses. Ngonyoza was ordered to surrender all firearms and ammunition to the investigating officer for the duration of the trial. He is also required to…

THE NORTHERN Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo, has assured educators that they will retain their posts in the Province, despite the aggressive budget cuts announced by the Minister of Basic Education. He said the department would set aside R47 million during the current financial year, through cost-containment measures and cutting down on goods and services, to prevent teachers from being laid off in the Northern Cape. “The impact of losing 663 teachers will be too severe. We cannot do away with basic resources at 554 schools in the Province,” said Vosloo. “We will rather scale down on projects and get by with a little less and instead focus on ensuring that we have teachers in the classroom. “We will engage with the National Treasury to source more resources and…

Kimberley’s Freedom Boxing Club have their gloves out as they prepare to host an action-packed inter-club boxing tournament tomorrow at the historic Bantu Hall (Galeshewe Centre) in Royal Street, Galeshewe. Clubs from various regions will be going head-to-head in this slugfest, and the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of local talent. Besides Freedom Boxing Club, the hosts, the tournament will see fighters from Home Defenders Boxing Club, Just Do It Boxing Club, Bokamosho Boxing Club, Ryan Boxing Club and Bushy Boxing Academy making up the local contingent, as well as two clubs from outside the region: Devil’s Boxing Club from Bloemfontein and Tsantsabane Boxing Club from Postmasburg fighting for supremacy and bragging rights. The tournament is scheduled to start at 12 noon, and boxing fans are encouraged to…