Table of contents for 2023-09-29 in DFA News

BUSINESS owners who operate in the Kimberley central business district (CBD) should take ownership of their area. This was the advice given to local businesses during a meeting between Sol Plaatje Municipality and the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) at City Hall this week, with the goal of bringing the city’s sparkle back. Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala said the municipality is currently looking at various solutions to cleaning up the CBD, which has over the years been plagued by littering and illegal dumping. “The state of the CBD is a great concern to the municipality. People see the state of the city and accuse the municipality of not doing its job. We have heard the outcry from the local businesses and residents in the CBD…

THE SOUTH African Police Service in Mothibistad in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District celebrated Heritage Day on September 26 with a focus on unity. The day was filled with fun, laughter, dance, good food, colourful cultural attire and acknowledged respect and appreciation of SAPS members for their hard work and commitment. The participants in the day’s events were from the Mothibistad Detectives branch, Visible Policing and support services. The day formed part of the SAPS’s wider Heritage Month celebrations. Captain Elisabeth Malesiwe welcomed all participants and outlined the purpose of the day. She highlighted that South Africa is called the “Rainbow Nation” because of its diversity and unity of various cultural, racial and ethnic groups. Malesiwe pointed out that heritage plays an important role in promoting cultural diversity, social…

A PAVING project, which was supposed to have been completed in just three months but has so far taken more than six months, has once again left residents in Karee Road in Floors, Kimberley, hot under the collar. The residents are angry that the project has disrupted their lives and they have been left in the dark with regard to when it will be completed. The irate residents marched to the provincial offices of the Department of Roads and Public Works this week in search of answers as to when they can “return to their normal lives”. The march on September 27 follows several protests and other marches the residents staged this year to demonstrate their frustration with the incomplete project. The residents have accused the department of not prioritising…

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, in partnership with Afrika Wireless Tech (AWT), will launch the Farm-Smart Programme at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on October 4. The programme is aimed at backyard farmers, small-scale farmers, emerging farmers and all those who are interested in agriculture. Farm-Smart promises not only to capacitate farmers in the Northern Cape to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in their operations, but also has the potential to increase sustainable job creation and long-term food security. MEC Mase Manopole explained that the Northern Cape currently contributes just 2.1% to South Africa’s GDP, which is the lowest in the country. “What contributes to this factor is the fact that the Northern Cape exports raw materials…

The Northern Cape’s Under-30 Bowls team secured their second Bowls South Africa Under-30 Inter-Districts Championship title over the long weekend. This achievement was a testament to their sporting prowess. Competing at the Klerksdorp Bowling Club from September 23 to 26, the event hosted by North West Bowls witnessed fierce competition among 40 teams, showcasing youth talent and determination. In 2018, Northern Cape Bowls claimed their first title with current team members Charles Peter Mathewson and Driaan van Niekerk. This year, the province decided to enter two teams, a departure from their past tradition of sending only one, which paid off handsomely. Each participating district in South Africa was well represented, with some sending up to four teams. The competition featured an intense format, with teams playing three games per day…

In the game of cricket, raw talent frequently emerges as a beacon of inspiration, with skilled players defying limitations and captivating hearts. Within a sport renowned for its demanding nature, a remarkable young cricketer, Caleb Willemse, has embarked on an extraordinary journey. What distinguishes Caleb is not only his undeniable cricketing talent but also his incredible determination, especially given the fact that he has only one hand with fingers. From a young age, he set out on a mission to conquer his disability, and today, he stands as a symbol of unwavering resilience and boundless promise in the world of cricket. In an exclusive interview with the DFA, Caleb spoke about his incredible journey in the sport, discussing the hurdles he's encountered and the steadfast support that has propelled him…

JUBILATION and an ecstatic mood pumped up Bothetheletsa village as it hosted Joe Morolong Municipality’s Heritage Day celebrations for the first time on September 25. The celebration, under the theme ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’, was graced by the presence of John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust CEO Tumelo Mpolokeng. The event was also attended by the mayor of Joe Morolong Municipality, Dineo Leutlwetse-Tshabalala, the Speaker, Violet Jordan, exco members, councillors, pastors and municipal and government officials. The Chieftaincy present were Kgosi Toto in her capacity as chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Jantjie, Kgosi Molema and the Tribal Council Jantjie family including Botheletheletsa. Sector departments, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Sassa, the IEC, the JTG Development Trust and the SAPS also…

A KIMBERLEY North family has been left with nothing after their home went up in flames, apparently due to faulty wiring. According to Demi Askin, their house is now uninhabitable after a fire broke out on September 20. Askin said her mother had to go and stay with relatives after she was discharged from the hospital. ‘My mother was admitted to hospital on Wednesday morning after she hurt her foot. I was at work and my younger sister was at school. My boyfriend, who stays in the flat at the back of the house with me, had just returned from work when the incident occurred. There was luckily nobody inside the house at the time of the fire,” Askin said. Her boyfriend, Keshley Jossie, said he had just returned from…

After suffering the narrowest of defeats against the Eastern Storm last weekend, the Northern Cape Heat cricket team is looking to bounce back when they host the Eastern Cape Inyathi at the Diamond Oval on Sunday. Ernest Kemm and his team are gearing up to redeem themselves after the three-run loss in their last game and face off against the formidable opponents from the Eastern Cape. In a candid conversation with the DFA, Kemm reflected on the team’s recent clash against the Eastern Storm, where the Heat came tantalisingly close to victory. The match saw them bowl first after losing the toss, and restricting the visitors to 249/9 in their 50 overs. Kemm said, “It was a very good target to try and get to, and we were happy to…

THE INAUGURAL Hoërskool Diamantveld T20 Schools tournament has been hailed as a resounding triumph. Despite the challenging cold and wet weather that swept over Kimberley during the competition, schools from across the region came together to take on the gathered competitors and display their cricketing prowess. Francois Holtzhausen, a member of Diamantveld's management team, shared his thoughts on the tournament's success with the DFA. "I think it was a tremendous success," he remarked. "The schools thoroughly enjoyed it, and there were outstanding matches. It was also the first of its kind. Even with the poor weather conditions – the cold, rain, and wind – the support was excellent." One of the standout features of this tournament was the chance for participating teams to compete on an international-level cricket pitch. Holtzhausen…

AFTER being part of only four African countries that formed part of the World Robot Olympiad Friendship Invitational Tournament that took place in Denmark from September 21 to September 24, five Northern Cape learners beamed with pride after ensuring that South Africa was well represented during the tournament. The five learners from Carnarvon High School - Peter John Gous, 13, Jayden Simon, 14, Cadi Jann, 14, Roswell Pipes, 15, and Revan De Wee, 15 - had to compete against 41 other teams from around the world when they participated in the Senior Category of the competition. The Northern Cape learners all expressed their excitement about being part of the tournament. “We formed two teams, one team that had two members and another team that had three members. Our teams had…

IN HIS WORK ‘De Anima’, ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle named the five senses that humans – and even animals – possess. We all know them: sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. And for thousands of years, we believed the revered philosopher and trusted that five were all the senses we had. However, upon deeper investigation, it’s been discovered that humans are equipped with a whole arsenal of senses! Are you ready for a sensory overload? Research has revealed that there are nine, 21, or even as many as 33 senses depending on who you speak to! Some of these ‘newly’ discovered senses are: ‘equilibrioception’, which helps us maintain an upright posture and stable movement; ‘thermoception’ which helps us to detect hot and cold sensations. Add to the list ‘nociception’ –…

IN JUST a few days from now, archers from the Africa Genesis Archery Northern Cape Provincial (AGA-NC) teams will be aiming for victory at the AGA-SA National Archery Tournament, happening from October 4 to 6 at the Springs Indoor Sports Arena. This eagerly awaited annual archery event will host nearly 950 archers hailing from all corners of South Africa, each with their sights set on glory. The AGA-SA National Archery Tournament is a grand showcase of skill and precision, and this year’s competition promises to maintain that legacy. On October 4, provincial teams from around the country will go head-to-head, all competing for the coveted gold medal. The following two days, October 5 and 6, will bring together school clubs, private clubs, and individual archers from across South Africa to…

Kimberley’s petrolheads can get ready for an action-packed day as the Big Hole Oval Racing event hits De Beers tomorrow! It's all happening at the historic old showgrounds in Kenilworth Road. This race day promises thrilling oval track races with various classes in the line-up. From young talents making their mark to seasoned racers battling it out with their experience, and speed enthusiasts pushing the boundaries, there's something for everyone. Classic car enthusiasts won't be disappointed either, as there will be thrilling speed showdowns. Compact but powerful racers are set to surprise, and one class, in particular, has the most entries and is sure to deliver heart-pounding action. The 1660 class, known for fierce rivalries and neck-and-neck battles, is generating high anticipation. Will your favourite driver emerge victorious? The action…