Table of contents for 2024-08-08 in DFA News

THE HEART-wrenching news of Jayson Afrique’s untimely death has left the community of Kimberley in shock. The 28-year-old was fatally shot on Wednesday evening last week by an unknown assailant at his residence in New Park. According to Jayson’s father, the drive from KwaZulu-Natal to Kimberley was the most difficult journey he had ever undertaken after learning of the death of his son. His anguish was compounded by the fear of breaking the devastating news to his wife, Sonia. The tragic incident occurred at around 9pm on July 31 when Jayson and his 27-year-old wife were parked in front of their gate. The gunman, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, opened fire on the couple before fleeing the scene. Authorities are still working tirelessly to trace the suspect. Details surrounding the…

ADULTS, sigh … what a waste of space! That’s how I regarded them growing up. I mean honestly … When I was supposed to be a happy, carefree, uninhibited youngster, it was the adults who were the killjoys! These older people were always oracles of doom. Climb a tree, and you’d hear about a boy that fell from a tree and cracked open his head. Pick up a knife to slice some polony, and be told how a woman stabbed her husband by accident when she turned around and he moved in to hug her. Go out with your friends and you’d hear the tale of the young man who was killed in a vehicle accident when his friends came to get him out of bed one night to go…

DFA Sports Reporter Danie van der Lith takes a break from the usual reports, results, and the excitement of various sporting events in and around our city to simply appreciate sport for what it truly is: a vehicle that fosters unity, discipline, and physical and mental well-being. In a world where mainstream sports like soccer, rugby, and cricket dominate the headlines, there’s a rich history of lesser-known sports that offer unique thrills and challenges. These sports, often deeply rooted in cultural traditions or born from the creative minds of enthusiasts, provide a refreshing perspective on human ingenuity and the boundless spirit of competition. With the Olympics running into its last days, I thought I would research some sports you would not find playing on your television this week. So, let’s…

AN INVESTIGATION is under way after a stray bullet, accidentally discharged by a SAPS member who apparently feared a lion attack at the Felidae big cat sanctuary, injured another police officer. During the incident, a large group of SAPS members accompanied Eskom officials to disconnect the power supply on the farm, which is situated along the N8, approximately 30 kilometres outside Kimberley. To prevent the lions from escaping, the wild cat sanctuary has since resorted to hiring generators. Felidae Centre filed an urgent application in the Pretoria High Court this week to restore the electricity supply. According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, an investigation is under way regarding the discharge of a firearm. “It is alleged that the owner of the farm unlocked the gate where…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, will lead the 2024 national Women’s Day celebrations at the Dennis Nel Stadium in Pofadder today. The media and communications officer at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Madimetja Moleba, added that the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, and officials from the Northern Cape provincial government would join in the celebrations to commemorate women as “active agents of change and social transformation”. “The President is expected to deliver the keynote address while McKenzie will be the programme director. This year’s campaign will take stock of progress made on the socio-economic empowerment of marginalised women, the fight against gender-based violence and femicide and gender inequality,” said Moleba. He indicated…

MEDICLINIC Gariep said it is thrilled to announce the inaugural Cansa Shades of Pink walk/run/cycle event, set to become an annual highlight in Kimberley. This year’s event will take place tomorrow, starting and ending in the Mediclinic Gariep parking area. Spearheaded by Dr Chantele de Jager, a dedicated general surgeon and long-time advocate for the Kimberley Pink Walk, this initiative aims to raise awareness of cancer affecting women and promote women’s health in the local community. The event is designed to encourage women to be vigilant about their health, recognise symptoms, and undergo regular cancer screenings for early detection. Additionally, it aims to raise much-needed funds for Cansa. While the focus is on women, Mediclinic Gariep welcomes men, women and children to participate in this worthy cause. An impressive turnout…

The Suzuki Griquas face an uphill battle after a Red hot Lions team poured cold water on their Currie Cup dreams in Kimberley last week THE SUZUKI Griquas find themselves second from last on the Currie Cup log and face an uphill battle if they hope to get back into contention and have a shot at raising the cup this season. The Kimberley team have been struggling, and this past Sunday, I stood on the field at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on a bitterly cold afternoon, just to witness the Griquas being beaten 36-28 by the Fidelity ADT Lions. The icy cold hadn’t come to play and caused me to bundle up against the chill. But it was a Currie Cup clash I was there for, and so were the…

Rivalries between schools have long been a significant part of student life. Back in my school days, the competition between Northern Cape High School and Diamantveld High School was intense, but over the years, it seems like that fervour has dwindled. These days, it’s more a case of a quick Saturday event with a few cheers. However, this isn’t the case in Upington. The fierce tradition between Duineveld High School and Upington High School remains strong, so much so that there is not even interaction between pupils, staff and parents of rival schools in the week leading up to the event. This past weekend, Duineveld High School hosted the annual Big Interjol, an event like Kimberley’s Classic Clashes. In the Big Interjol, Duineveld and Upington face off to claim the…

THE WATER supply to Tsantsabane Local Municipality was restored to an “acceptable level” this week after restrictions were imposed due to millions of rand owed to the water board. The DA reported Tsantsabane Municipality and Vaal Central Water Board to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for their “collective failure” to ensure access to a sustainable supply of water. Tsantsabane DA councillor James Boucher said a number of areas including Boichoko, Airifields and Mountain View in Postmasburg were left “high and dry” from August 1 as a result of the “massive outstanding debt exceeding R118 million”. “Poor financial management by the municipality must be urgently addressed as people’s basic right to water is being violated,” said Boucher. “I have requested an urgent intervention, to facilitate an agreement or debt…

GREENPOINT Primary School learners have proven to be top contenders after they have made it through to the district level of the “Words Open Worlds” (WOW) spelling competition. The WOW spelling competition was launched in an attempt to foster a love for literature and encourage reading comprehension among Grade 4 learners. Recent research revealed that a majority of learners in this age group in the country were struggling to read for comprehension A Grade 4 teacher and spelling coach at Greenpoint Primary, Anzelle Vries, said her learners have over the years achieved great results in the competition. “We have been participating in the WOW each year. This year we participated in the English category of the competition. In the past, we only participated in the Afrikaans category,” said Vries. “Last…

THE FAMILY of murdered 16-year-old Tommy Raadt have expressed a mix of emotions as the case finally moves forward. After more than a year of waiting, justice appears to be on the horizon. The case has been transferred to the Northern Cape High Court and is slated to start on November 18. Tommy was fatally stabbed in front of his home in Santa Zone 2, Galeshewe, on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family and friends devastated. The 18-year-old murder accused, Jemaine Long, was apprehended shortly after the incident. An angry mob confronted Long, leading to his arrest. In a desperate attempt to pressure the police, community members even torched Long’s residence, accusing him of terrorising the neighbourhood. Long has previously made several appearances…

The Zanshin Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Elite Development Open Club recently hosted a highly successful tournament at their dojo. The Zenkutsu Karate Club from Galeshewe attended and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their hosts. Held last Saturday, the event was praised for its excellent organisation and valuable networking opportunities, making the tournament a resounding success. Sensei David Thebeyapelo of Zenkutsu Karate Club highlighted the significance of the tournament for the young participants. “This tournament was more than just a competition. It served as an inspiring example for our children from Galeshewe, showing them that their hard work and dedication can lead to success,” he told the DFA. Even more thrilling is the fact that the young athletes from Zenkutsu not only participated but also brought home numerous medals, adding an extra layer…

In a momentous achievement for local sport, Diamond Ladies FC and men’s team Galeshewe Stars Football Club ventured to Upington to represent the Sol Plaatje Local Football Association (LFA) and Frances Baard District in the Provincial Engen Tournament play-offs. Following the play-offs, both clubs secured their places in the national tournament, set to be held from September 27 to 29, at WITS Marks Park in Johannesburg. This milestone marks the first time any Kimberley clubs have advanced to the national stage since the Engen Tournament’s expansion to six other provinces. The players and supporters alike are brimming with pride and anticipation for the upcoming competition. Coach Jack Junior of Diamond Ladies expressed his excitement and optimism for the national tournament. “This is an incredible opportunity for our players to gain…