Table of contents for 2024-11-29 in DFA News

A ONCE-thriving beacon of arts and culture, the Hull Street Theatre, is set to reclaim its former glory as Kimberley community members, local businesses, and artists unite to restore this historic landmark. Celebrating its 130th anniversary next year, the theatre has stood as a testament to Kimberley’s rich heritage, enduring through changing times and challenges. Built in 1899 in a late Victorian architectural style, the Hull Street Theatre originally served as South Africa’s first technical training school for the mining industry. It later transitioned into a hub for social and cultural events, particularly during Kimberley’s diamond rush era, and became a cherished space for live performances and community gatherings under the Kimberley Repertory Players in the 1980s. However, the theatre has fallen into disrepair over the past two decades, becoming…

THE SOL Plaatje University student representative council (SRC) has announced that it has suspended one of its members following serious allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct. In a statement, the SRC commended the complainants for coming forward and urged the university community to allow the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. “We acknowledge the courage of individuals who came forward to report incidents of sexual harassment and assure you we will fully co-operate with all investigative processes to ensure that justice is served. We urge all members of the university community to respect the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation while showing compassion and support to those involved. “We reaffirm our commitment to addressing gender-based violence and creating a campus where all students feel safe and protected. Let us work together…

‘If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.’ HAVE you also noticed it? These days when you ask just about anyone how they are doing, the answer that invariably comes back at you is, “I am so tired!” Tiredness everywhere! In fact, as I am typing this, I am slumped over my desk yawning. What’s going on? I mean for crying out loud, the way time is flying, days should be shorter and we should actually have MORE energy, but no … I sometimes feel burnt out when my morning alarm goes off! Then, as some bright spark once said, it’s not a case of waking up and saying, “Good morning, Lord” … but rather, “Good Lord, it’s morning!” Maybe it’s because I have been working too hard of late.…

RMB Ultra-Trail Marathon showcases Mother City’s scenic beauty CAPE Town’s breathtaking landscapes and the city’s stellar organisational skills were on full display this past weekend as the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town marathon concluded without a hitch, but filled with breathtaking experiences. The prestigious event, held in collaboration with Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and the City of Cape Town, attracted over 2,700 athletes who tackled challenging trails up to an eye-watering ultra-distance of 100 miles (160 km). The route has 7,516m of vertical gain. In fact, the Event offers a distance to suit every trail runner. Besides the 100-miler, there are distances of 100km, 55km, 35km, 23km and 16km. The diverse routes spanned the northern mountain range of Cape Town and extended to the remote southern mountains of TMNP, with…

COMMUNITY members are aggrieved that a stabbing victim was allegedly left unattended for three hours after collapsing in Santa Zone, Galeshewe, this week. Relatives of the deceased, along with community members and the local Community Policing Forum (CPF), reported visiting the Galeshewe police station on November 25 to request urgent assistance. A community member said it was “unacceptable” to leave the victim outside in the harsh elements and rain for such a long time. CPF member Johannes November said he was notified of the murder at around 4pm. “It is believed that the deceased was with his cousin at the time of the stabbing. He was wounded and collapsed in Lynch Street. It appeared he was bleeding internally,” said November. A family member, Victoria Mabote, reported being told that police…

THE DEFENCE has requested that two police officials, who are still in custody after they were arrested in connection with an alleged multi-million-rand vehicle theft syndicate, be kept at the police holding cells for their safety. Detective Sergeant Khiba Zulu and Detective Sergeant Tshepo Thae, both from the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigations Unit, along with three other suspects, Phenyo Sekutenyane, Shepherd Ndimande and Thapelo Phandile, were arrested by the Provincial SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit between November 12-26. It is alleged that two vehicles were seized in Kimberley, although the cars were not linked to any crime and were never booked in at the SAPS pound. One of the vehicles was sold in Bloemfontein under a false registration certificate, while it is believed that the vehicle identification number was also tampered with.…

KIMBERLEY has done it again! This time, the city’s Diamond Archery Club has proven once again that dedication and teamwork can lead to extraordinary results. At the African Bowhunters Association (ABO) National Championships 2024, held at the scenic Gabbata Lodge near Roodeplaat Dam outside Pretoria, the Kimberley-based team made their mark in what can only be described as spectacular fashion. The competition was fierce, with 486 archers from across South Africa battling it out over two gruelling days. Each participant faced two challenging courses, all while contending with hot, humid conditions that tested their endurance and focus. But the 20 archers representing the Diamond Archery Club were not to be discouraged and in a proud moment for the club, three members were crowned National Champions. Odette Victor claimed gold in…

The 2024 triumphs of South African sport created a nation united in victory and hope There have been some wobbles, some hiccups and a few hurdles, but I am sure we have all noticed how South African sport has never been in better shape than it is in 2024. Our athletes have showcased their exceptional talent and resilience across the global stage: Whether it’s the national pride of the Springboks, the historic rise of Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC, or the inspiring performances of Bafana Bafana, and Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s sporting achievements this year have not only captured the world’s attention but have brought the nation together in ways that words cannot fully express. From the charged atmosphere in the stadiums to the hopes of young sports fans…

THE SOUTH African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has refuted claims about a new digital payment system and a partnership with EasyPay Everywhere. Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi clarified that no such partnership exists between the agency and EasyPay. “Sassa would like to clarify that the recent articles published in various news outlets regarding a new partnership between Sassa and EasyPay Everywhere are not accurate. The article suggests that ‘a new digital payment system for Sassa grants promises to transform the lives of millions of needy South Africans’. However, we would like to inform the public that this information is incorrect. “We encourage all media outlets to verify information with Sassa before publishing, to avoid spreading misinformation that could potentially cause confusion among our beneficiaries. “We appreciate the statement from Lesaka head…

Tomorrow, Kimberley will be the epicentre of thrilling boxing action as the New Champions Boxing Academy and Platinum Boxing and Fitness join forces to host an eagerly anticipated tournament. Set to take place at the Kimberley Health and Occupational Centre at Ekapa Mines, Molyneau Street, the event kicks off at 12 noon, and promises an afternoon packed with competitive bouts. The tournament will feature participation from top regional boxing clubs, including Van Zylsrus Boxing Club, Motaung Boxing Club from Kuruman, Prieska Boxing Club and Hope Town Boxing Club, who will be making their first-ever appearance in the tournament. Local Kimberley clubs bringing their talent to the ring include Home Defenders Boxing Club, Just Do It Boxing Club and Babontse Boxing Club. The DFA has been informed that Platinum Boxing and…

THE GALESHEWE Stadium and the Galeshewe Artificial Pitch were buzzing with excitement recently as soccer combined with health awareness to take centre stage. In a collaborative effort between the Provincial Council on AIDS and the Networking AIDS Community of Southern Africa (NACOSA), the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League hosted a thrilling soccer tournament with an added health bonus. The action-packed matches on the pitch were complemented by health awareness initiatives in the stadiums. This effort highlighted the importance of promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity and regular health check-ups. The event aimed to do more than just celebrate the beautiful game – it was part of a broader wellness campaign encouraging men aged 40 to 54 to access critical health services. This unique combination of sport and health…