Table of contents for 2024-07-26 in DFA News

THE NATIONAL Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has criticised the Department of Health for “failing to protect” officials who laid sexual harassment charges against their manager. The complaints were laid against their supervisor in May and July. According to the allegations, the manager is intimidating, bullying and making sexual advances towards the officials. One of the complainants stated that after reporting the incident, her director advised that it was her responsibility to resolve the issue. She indicated that she felt misled as the supervisor took advantage of the situation and had instead charged her. “While I was on maternity leave, I had to leave my newborn baby to testify at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.” She added that she was continuing to be ill-treated after she…

A 46-YEAR-old man, Henrie Ponie, was sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment for raping a seven-year-old girl in a veld in Goutrou in Hopetown. Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the accused was interrupted by the community who came to the aid of the minor. “The accused was disturbed by community members who came to the rescue of the girl. The accused fled the scene and was later arrested. The accused was sentenced in the Hopetown Regional Court on July 24, 2024, to 20 years direct imprisonment for rape. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name is to be registered in the National Register for Sex Offenders,” sad Kock. He added that the investigating team was commended for the arrest. “The provincial commissioner…

THE KIMBERLEY Harriers Running Club recently organised a successful 4.9-kilometre fun run/walk in celebration of Mandela Day. Participants were encouraged to donate clothing, toiletries, and cash as their entry fee to the event. According to the event organisers, the response from the community was overwhelming, with a substantial amount of donations collected. In addition to the various items received, the event also raised an impressive R5,750 in cash, all of which will be donated to Yonder. The organisers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making the event a significant success. They also encouraged more community members to join in future events to help make them even bigger and more impactful.…

SUNSHINE EduCare Centre in Club 2000, Galeshewe, is set to “adopt” two local disadvantaged children as part of Mandela Month. The centre is committed to supporting these children until they reach high school. The selected beneficiaries must come from disadvantaged families and rely on a Sassa grant. This initiative reflects the centre’s dedication to fostering positive and lasting change within their community. Kgomotso Semanego, a teacher at the centre, explained that the chosen children, who will be announced soon, will have the opportunity to attend crèche for free, with all benefits included, until they are ready to start school. Additionally, the centre will continue to support these children by enrolling them in aftercare services. Sunshine EduCare Centre, a registered NPO, was established in 2021, initially offering Saturday classes to help…

THE GOOD old doctor nailed it – Dr Seuss, that is – when he observed: “How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” It’s hard for me to believe that we’ve negotiated our way past the half of 2024 already, and we are hurtling towards the list of resolutions for 2025 … all the while hoping that ’25 holds more promise and offers more hope. But it’s not only the year; even our own bodies have a way of springing surprises on us. For instance, one day you look at your fingernails and think, “Hmmm … I should trim these”, and what seems like…

Without rugby, where would our nation be? The love and passion that we, South African supporters, have for rugby is unmatched. All of us cherish a deep-rooted love for the game that has grown over decades. This love for the game was sealed at the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup, a momentous event that not only highlighted South Africa’s sporting ability but also symbolised the nation’s unity and newfound democratic spirit. Unforgettable 1995 I vividly remember the 1995 Rugby World Cup. It holds a special place in my heart and, I am certain, in the hearts of countless South Africans. It was the first major sporting event held in our country after the end of apartheid, and it served as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope, a hope that…

THE JOHN Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust (JTGDT) has pledged to build a decent home for a family in Gamasepa, near Kuruman, after their dire living conditions were highlighted. The family of 25 has been enduring life in a small mud house for years, without IDs or birth certificates, which has deprived them of access to support grants and education. The Trust accepted an invitation from the Baga-Jantjie Traditional Council to participate in their Mandela Day programme on July 18 in Gamasepa village, under the Joe Morolong municipal jurisdiction. As part of the day’s programme, a delegation from the Trust and the Baga-Jantjie Traditional Council visited the family. Moved by the devastating and sorry state of affairs, the CEO of JTGDT Tumelo Mpolokeng, committed to building the family a decent house,…

AS PART of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable community members, the SAPS has introduced innovative programmes aimed at helping young offenders overcome their challenges and make positive life changes. Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela said that the Upington SAPS is one of the stations selected to implement a programme for children in conflict with the law. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to reduce crime by identifying and assisting these youths during their correction process. Nine young individuals have been identified and profiled. They will engage with key stakeholders to build strategic partnerships, which are seen as effective tools in addressing common challenges and preventing repeat offences. The first phase of the programme has been completed, and the participants are now involved in community services, crime…

GENDER-based violence and femicide (GBVF) groups, civil society organisations and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) are demanding that bail be denied to a 51-year-old man accused of imprisoning his girlfriend at his home, where he allegedly assaulted and raped her repeatedly. It is also alleged that he violently ripped out her hair and braids. The complainant is a Nehawu branch leader and is employed at the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Affairs. A picket was held outside the Galeshewe Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The courtroom was packed to capacity and supporters were requested to wait outside when the accused, Ngonyoza IIizwelebanzi, appeared in court this week. An in-loco inspection was also conducted at the crime scene. Police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said…

LOCAL dart enthusiasts are in for a thrilling weekend as Kimberley gears up to host an international darts tournament. Organised by Devon Petersen, former South African professional darts champion, and African Continental Tours, the competition promises to be a highlight for the local sporting community. The tournament, set to take place at Kevin Nkoane Primary School, will be held this weekend, starting at 10am tomorrow and Sunday. The competition is open to the public at no charge, and this provides an excellent opportunity for fans to witness live top-tier darts action. Petersen, a significant figure in the darts world, is at the helm of this exciting event. In addition, Agency 7 will be live streaming the competition, ensuring that those unable to attend in person can still catch all the…

Under-21 Griquas One-Day Regional Tournament confirms rugby depth in Province IF YOU thought that it’s only the Currie Cup that can get Kimberley’s Suzuki Stadium thumping with thrills, think again. Recently, the Frances Baard Rugby Region Under-21 Griquas One Day Regional Tournament brought a surge of excitement to Suzuki Park. Six teams from across the Northern Cape converged for a day of fierce competition, with every player giving their all for their team in pursuit of the prestigious championship title. There were some challenges; challenges that tested the courage of the players. The day began with an early chill in the air as players warmed up on the frosty field, eager to showcase their skills. And it was Van Druten Rugby that faced an unexpected setback before the tournament even…

A MULTI-disciplinary team comprising members of the SAPS and the SANDF and officials from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services arrested nine suspects for trespassing, illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act during Operation Vala Umgodi activities that commenced this week. SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said yesterday that the team conducted operations at mining shafts and dumps in the Namakwa and Frances Baard districts. “Three undocumented immigrants at the Colville mining dumps and two illegal miners in the Samaria informal settlement in Kimberley were arrested. “In the Namakwa district, the team detained three undocumented immigrants and arrested one suspect for trespassing.” He added that the team assisted the police in tracing a stock theft suspect who hid himself in Kammieskroon. “The team found a sheep…

THE PROVINCIAL commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, led the first provincial review session for the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year. The two-day event, hosted at the Kimberley SAPS Gymnasium, gathered top police officials, community representatives and government stakeholders to assess performance, address challenges and strategise for enhanced crime prevention and community safety. Otola, along with her deputy provincial commissioners and the provincial head of DPCI, kicked off proceedings on July 24. The head of the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Rodney Pieterse, also participated in the session. This session concluded on July 25 and attendees included the five district commissioners, provincial heads, 92 station commanders and representatives from the provincial Community Policing Board and labour unions. The newly appointed…

THE WINDSORTON community will convene an imbizo on August 21 after they failed to receive satisfactory answers to their concerns regarding the understaffed and under-resourced local police station. A follow-up meeting took place with SAPS management on Wednesday this week after protesting community members closed the R374 road on Tuesday morning. The community had demanded to be addressed by the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, or the MEC for the Department of Safety and Liaison. ANC branch chairperson Thomas Saul said the SAPS deputy provincial commissioner met with the community on Wednesday. “The community is not entirely satisfied with the feedback and will convene an imbizo on August 21,” said Saul. He added that the police had agreed to re-open the holding cells and that they had committed to…

A KIMBERLITE and former Floors High School learner, Hugh Everson, said that he felt like he had won a gold medal after he was appointed as the chief physiotherapist for the South African athletes who will be competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Everson and the medical team will ensure that the 149 South African athletes who are competing in this year’s Olympics are in peak condition before, during and after the Games. He said he was honoured by the trust the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) had placed in him. “I am grateful to Sascoc, which has entrusted me to lead the physiotherapy team during the Olympics. My team has been allocated different sporting codes, which include rugby, golf and athletics. The SA team…

LAST Friday, the Suzuki Griquas were edged out by the Fidelity ADT Lions 25-13 in a challenging Carling Currie Cup match at Emirates Airline Park. Despite the final scoreline, the game was far from a walk in the park for the Lions. The match began with an early charge from the Lions, but the Griquas quickly regrouped and fought back valiantly. The visitors remained within striking distance of upsetting their high-flying hosts, but discipline issues hampered their efforts. Two yellow cards, issued in quick succession to lock Athenkosi Khetani and replacement lock Derik Pretorius, reduced the Griquas to 13 men and provided the Lions with the opportunity they needed to take control of the game. With a numerical advantage, the Lions capitalised on the situation and put the game out…

IN A BOOST for local sports, five talented netball players and one dedicated coach from the Pixley Ka Seme District were chosen to represent the region during the Provincial Netball Games, that was held on July 13 in Noupoort. The event marked a milestone for the small rural community of Noupoort, where organised sports are being revitalised through the support of the Noupoort Wind Farm. The athletes were at the Games thanks to their impressive performances in the District Leagues in De Aar, in the region’s district trials. The Provincial Netball Games came about in the wake of the launch of the Netball League last month, where representatives of three sporting codes: 8-Ball Pool, Soccer, and Netball, gathered at the S Ntsizakalo Stadium in Noupoort on Monday, June 17.…

DU TOITSPAN Primary School in Beaconsfield will be transformed into a battleground when the Battle of the Best Amateur Boxing Tournament takes place tomorrow. Organised by Kharisma Projects in conjunction with the Frances Baard Boxing Organisation, this event promises to be more than just an ordinary slugfest. This highly-anticipated event is set to bring together the cream of the crop from every boxing club invited, and as the district amateur boxing championships, it will also serve as the selection ground for the district cadet team, which will represent the Northern Cape at the upcoming South African National Championships in Kuruman in August. Mosa Ntlangula, director of Kharisma Projects, expressed excitement about the tournament’s competitive edge. “We have invited three boxing clubs from the Free State, and we are expecting 30…