DFA News -julkaisun 2025-01-24 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

A WRENCHVILLE resident in Kuruman is living in constant fear for his life and the safety of his family after miraculously surviving a ruthless shooting. His 14-year-old son was also injured during the incident, with a bullet narrowly missing his heart. Kauglin Naidoo stated that more than four months have passed since the shooting took place at his residence, yet no arrests have been made. “The men were sent to kill me, although I do not know what their motive was,” Naidoo said. “The only reason I can think of is that the hitman is a rival businessman who is dealing in Wesselite stones.” He expressed fear that the attackers could return at any time to “finish the job.” “My entire family is being targeted. My sister is afraid of…

IN RECOGNITION of the 87.3% national pass rate of the Class of 2024, Kumba Iron Ore has donated R1 million, which was divided among the Northern Cape’s Top 20 matric learners who achieved the best academic results in the Province. Each of the 20 learners received R50,000 to use toward their tertiary studies. A total of 61,429 learners in South Africa passed their National Senior Certificate, with 47.8% of the candidates achieving Bachelor passes. The Northern Cape Hub corporate affairs manager at Kumba Iron Ore, Adriana Slambert, said the donation not only recognises the hard work of the top achievers but also aims to address the challenges faced by communities in the Province. “The role that education plays in the development of young people is key to unlocking their potential.…

THE BEREAVED family of Palesa Speelman, 18, a matric pupil at Emang Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death after she sustained severe burn injuries. Family members suspect that foul play was involved, alleging that she may have been pushed into a tub of scalding water during a religious ritual. It is believed that Palesa was praying and steaming herself under a blanket at the time of the incident. Her father, David Khumalo, noted that her death certificate described the cause of death as "unnatural." “She sustained fourth-degree burns, and her lungs were also affected,” Khumalo said. “Whoever was responsible for her death must be held accountable. We want to know the truth about what really happened. Judging from the injuries…

THE WHEELS are in motion for one of South Africa’s most inspiring annual events. Meals on Wheels South Africa has officially announced the 2025 Extreme Cycle for Hunger Tour, set to take place from February 25 to 7 March 7. This epic journey will see dedicated cyclists traverse four provinces, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, all in the name of combating hunger and poverty across the nation. This isn't just a cycling event - it's a movement of hope, compassion, and determination. Cyclists from all walks of life, from seasoned professionals to passionate amateurs, will join forces to raise awareness and funds for Meals on Wheels' vital programmes, which deliver over 30 million meals annually to South Africans in need. Gershon Naidoo, national programmes and marketing director for Meals on…

CONTROVERSIAL artist Tshepo Tlhalogang, who spearheaded the painting of the Cecil John Rhodes statue in Du Toitspan Road, has called for all colonial statues in Kimberley to be removed and stored at a museum. This follows after AfriForum took it upon themselves to scrub the clay and graffiti off the statue, using their own scaffolding and volunteers. A “Reclaiming Space: Awakening Social Sessions” performance was held at the statue on December 4, 2024, during which a sheet was draped over the statue’s head. The legs and belly of the horse were painted to symbolise the “bloodshed of communities at the hands of colonialists”. AfriForum cultural co-ordinator Marius Nagel said a special chemical was used as they struggled to remove all traces of the paint. “While the clay is water-based, it…

MEC BENTLEY Vass officially handed over leadership of the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison to newly appointed MEC Limakatso Koloi during a brief introductory session held this week at the Department of Coghsta offices in Kimberley. Vass had overseen both the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) and the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison after a departmental merger initiated by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul last year. Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien highlighted MEC Koloi’s extensive background in governance, safety, and infrastructure. Koloi previously served as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development and was officially sworn as MEC on Tuesday in a ceremony officiated by Saul. The handover session on Wednesday was attended by key…

KIMBERLEY will come alive on March 29 when the 2025 Lupus Aerobics Fund-raiser brings together the community for a day of movement, awareness and solidarity. Hosted by BLADE Health and Wellness, this event is more than just a fitness session - it’s a rallying cry to support those battling lupus, a misunderstood and unpredictable autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. Lupus is a complex autoimmune condition that can wreak havoc on various organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, heart and kidneys. Its symptoms are severe, unpredictable, and often invisible to the outside world, making it a challenging disease to diagnose, live with, and treat. While researchers worldwide are delving into its origins and risk patterns, the reality is that anyone can be affected. Raising awareness is vital in fostering…

AS THE clock struck midnight on December 31, millions of people around the world made promises to themselves for the year ahead. Among the most common resolutions are those related to health and fitness. Whether it’s running a marathon, shedding a few kilograms, or simply being more active, fitness resolutions top the list of commitments. But how many of these well-intentioned goals actually stick? And how can you ensure that your resolutions don’t fizzle out before February? Common fitness resolutions When it comes to sports and exercise, people tend to focus on goals that promise a healthier lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular fitness resolutions: • Lose weight: Shedding extra kilograms remains a top goal for many, often accompanied by diet changes. • Start a fitness routine: Whether…

TWO SAPS officials attached to the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigations unit will remain in custody after being denied bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court. Detective Sergeant Khiba Zulu and Detective Sergeant Tshepo Thae are facing a series of charges, including fraud, corruption, forgery, theft, defeating the ends of justice, and contravention of Section 9 of the Justice Act. The officers are alleged to be part of a vehicle syndicate involving both police officials and civilians. They allegedly seized vehicles, including a Kia Rio, Jeep Cherokee, BMW, and Porsche, valued at approximately R2.5 million in Kimberley, with the intention of selling them in the city and the Free State during September and October 2024. The vehicles were reportedly never booked into the police pound, and their chassis numbers were allegedly tampered…

AN OPERATION led by the Upington Border Police, in collaboration with brand-holder attorneys Spoor and Fisher, successfully tackled the trade in counterfeit goods in Upington this week. According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the operation targeted street vendors and other dealers, resulting in the confiscation of counterfeit items valued at over R206,700. Among the seized goods were counterfeit clothing worth R206,700, tobacco products valued at R26,100, and gas cylinders worth R18,700. The confiscated items have been handed over to the appropriate stakeholders for further investigation and processing. The management of the SAPS in the ZF Mgcawu District commended the operation's success and praised the collaborative efforts of all involved in achieving these results.…

GET READY for an exciting season as the Western Mounted Games (WMG) qualifiers for 2025 kick off! This thrilling sport puts riders and their horses to the test with a variety of fun and challenging events designed to showcase both skill and speed. What are the Western Mounted Games? WMG is a fast-growing sport in South Africa, featuring events that require precision, agility, and teamwork between horse and rider. Some of the most popular events include: • Barrel Racing: Riders navigate a cloverleaf pattern around barrels as fast as possible. • Keyhole: Enter a keyhole-shaped area, turn, and exit without stepping on the lines. • Hurry-Scurry: A timed course with jumps and obstacles for riders to tackle. • Pole Bending: Riders weave through a series of poles in a serpentine…

THE SAINTS Hockey Club is preparing to host the Josman Visagie Memorial Hockey Tournament, a heartfelt tribute to their late chairman, Josman Visagie, who was a cornerstone of the Kimberley hockey community. This special event is scheduled to take place from March 21 to 23 at the Casandra Astro Turf. Known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and unwavering dedication as the Astro Turf manager, Visagie was a beloved figure who epitomised passion and selflessness. His daily commitment to opening the facility, ensuring the safety of young players, and even personally taking children home after practice left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. "Josman embodied the spirit of hockey in Kimberley. His selflessness, dedication and love for the sport touched countless lives. Hosting this tournament is our way of celebrating…