Table of contents for 2025-05-16 in DFA News

STAFF at the Helen Bishop Home in Kimberley embarked on strike action this week, suspending their services after promises of payment failed to materialise. Tyres were set alight outside the centre on May 13, while the police were called to the scene. Workers stated that while they were considered to be essential staff, they were hungry and no longer had the strength to continue to care for their vulnerable patients. “There is no one inside the centre except management and patients,” the workers said. Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) provincial chairperson Paul Gras met with the Department of Health last week, as staff have not received their April salaries and future payments remain uncertain. “The last time staff downed tools, a patient died because only…

AT JUST 17 years old, Kimberley Girls’ High School learner Resego Tsolo is proving that courage and a passion for empowerment can take you far. A proud finalist in the national Miss Teen Glam SA pageant, Resego is representing not only her hometown but also young women across South Africa who are stepping out of their comfort zones and chasing their dreams. For Resego, the road to the spotlight wasn’t paved with years of runway experience or multiple crowns - in fact, Miss Teen Glam SA is her very first pageant. “It all started with my desire to try something new and challenge myself,” she explains. “As someone who is naturally introverted, I don’t usually put myself out there, so this experience is really pushing me to step outside my…

IN AN ENRICHING journey through South Africa’s history, 150 eager Grade 4 learners from Olympic Primary School were recently treated to an educational outing at the McGregor Museum in Kimberley. The excursion, forming part of their Social Science and History curriculum, brought the country’s past to life in a way that textbooks alone could never achieve. The young learners were taken on a detailed tour of the museum, where they learnt about key historical figures such as Nelson Mandela, the struggle against apartheid, and the formation of South Africa’s democracy. Through interactive displays and storytelling, the children gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and milestones that shaped the country’s present. Another highlight of the visit was the vibrant natural history exhibition. Here, learners explored displays featuring South Africa’s diverse…

PEP’s mini Netball programme is now active in all nine provinces, using expert coaching and local festivals to inspire and empower young girls through sport. The netball courts at two of Kimberley’s Primary Schools were recently abuzz with excitement as teachers and coaches gathered for a transformative PEP mini Netball coaching workshop and festival – part of a dynamic nationwide initiative now in its third successful year. At Eureka Primary, coaches and teachers from schools across the area were guided through an engaging and motivational programme by Minnette Dempsey, renowned Team Culture Coach and Motivational Speaker from Sportisimo. Dempsey focused on helping coaches not only master technical netball training, but also connect with young players on a personal level – highlighting mentorship, communication, and trust-building. On the courts, Dr Elsje…

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has spent over R6 million funding the legal battles of its former head of department (HOD), Dr Dion Theys. Theys is appealing a case in the Supreme Court of Appeal after being found guilty in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in 2023 of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). He was convicted for concluding a R13.2 million lease agreement for nursing student accommodation at the JP Hugo hostels in Hoffe Park, Kimberley. The appeal against his conviction was dismissed in the Northern Cape High Court in November 2024. Theys also faced charges related to personal protective equipment (PPE) deals that were concluded during the Covid-19 pandemic. PPE tenders awarded in 2020 by the Department of Health included R26.9 million to Macronym 37 CC…

SOMETIMES what feels good can be pretty bad. For example, for two weeks now, I have had very little to complain about - no rude store assistants, no frustrating drivers, absolutely nobody getting on my nerves. So what could be bad about that, you might wonder? Well, this turn of events came about because I hardly made it into public. I didn’t come into contact with many people at all. My alarming conclusion is that these days, the only way not to be irritated is to avoid people entirely. Or maybe I’m finally maturing. Then again, maybe not. I have a sneaky suspicion that maturity goes deeper than just avoiding conflict, and that it’s actually about getting to a place where you don’t even desire to be a miserable fussbundle.…

THE KIMBERLEY Action Group (KAG) has warned of renewed plans to stage mass protests in response to looming electricity hikes. A meeting arranged by the Sol Plaatje Municipality to engage with the KAG over its concerns regarding high electricity prices, scheduled for May 15, was cancelled at the last minute. The Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) has also rejected the proposed 9.6 percent electricity tariff increase, which is scheduled to come into effect on July 1. A new “muniflex” tariff, where customers will be billed higher rates during peak hours, is also expected to significantly inflate residents’ monthly expenses. Typical peak hours will be between 6am and 9am, and again between 5pm and 8pm. Indigent households will be restricted to 20 amps but will be exempt from…

As the PEP mini Netball initiative expands across South Africa, the brand is deepening its investment in grassroots development with an exciting new campaign: Dumi’s Choice, powered by PEP. This initiative – a partnership with netball ambassador Dumisani Chauke – will see one deserving school receive a R200,000 netball court refurbishment, a significant and lasting boost for youth sport in their community. “This is more than just fixing a court,” said Beyers van der Merwe, Chief Marketing Officer at PEP. “It’s about giving young girls a place where their dreams can take shape, where they feel seen and supported. This is how we build confidence and grow champions – on and off the court.” Schools already part of the PEP mini Netball programme – and who have an existing mini…

AT JUST 17 years old, Rethabile Hope Maroane has captured not only a prestigious crown but also the hearts of her province. Born and raised in the historic “City of Diamonds”, Kimberley, the Boshof Combined School learner was recently crowned Miss Teen Universe South Africa Northern Cape, and her inspiring journey has already begun to leave an impact far beyond the runway. Hope, as many affectionately call her, is more than just a beauty queen. She’s a passionate mental health advocate, dancer, model, and philanthropist. From the age of nine, she began her modelling journey, inspired by her cousin Karabo Gorewang’s pageant success. She joined the Kasi Gemz modelling group in 2018 and honed her dancing at the Mayibuye Dance Academy, a space that shaped her into the dynamic young…

WE DRIVE past them every day - Du Toitspan, Lennox, Phakamile Mabija, Jones, and Long Street - but how often do we pause and ask ourselves: who were these people? What stories lie beneath the surface of Kimberley’s street names? Now, as we all know, seeing those names on the side of the pavement is nearly impossible. If you are not from Kimberley and you are looking for a street, good luck - most of the street names are either not there anymore or have faded away so much that they cannot be seen. A good GPS is your best bet. Street names are more than just signposts; they are chapters of our shared history. In a city as layered and storied as Kimberley, these names tell tales of miners,…

Griquas and Cheetahs set for high-stakes rematch in SA Cup semi-final The 2025 SA Cup semi-finals have arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Suzuki Griquas and Toyota Cheetahs. In what promises to be a bruising encounter, the two sides will square off once again at Suzuki Park in Kimberley – just one week after their last meeting. In that dramatic Round 9 clash, Griquas pulled off a stunning 31–29 comeback victory, scoring two late tries through Cameron Hufke and Bobbie Alexander to snatch the win. The result sealed Griquas’ second-place finish on the log with 42 points (eight wins and one loss), setting up a tantalising rematch against third-placed Cheetahs, who ended on 34 points. Now, with a place in the SA Cup final on the line,…

The 2025 Classic Clashes between Diamantveld High and Northern Cape High lived up to their fierce legacy, delivering high drama, emotional highs and lows, and a proud display of school spirit. With bragging rights on the line across rugby, hockey, and netball, Diamantveld emerged as the overall dominant side – but not without strong resistance and signs of growth from their Kimberley rivals. Played across several venues in Kimberley, this year’s Classic Clashes saw rugby being played at Suzuki Park, a venue that became a battlefield where players from both sides put their bodies on the line in pursuit of school glory. Rugby: Progress, Pain and Promise Diamantveld completed a whitewash in all the rugby divisions, underlining their physicality and depth. However, one match that truly stood out was the…