DFA News -julkaisun 2025-12-05 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

A GRIEVING Galeshewe family has made an impassioned plea to the driver involved in a suspected hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Cynthia Oliphant to come forward and take responsibility for her death. The family, who reside in Phutanang, has been left with many agonising questions after only learning of the incident a month after her estimated date of death. Cynthia’s mother, Paula Oliphant, said whoever was responsible should face a harsh sentence. “The driver should remain behind bars for a long time. How would we know if she was murdered or raped? I have been struggling to sleep ever since my daughter left home on October 22. We were accustomed to her leaving home and coming back after a few days. We appealed on social media for…

RAPE accused Douglas Mthukwane attributed the injuries sustained by the women he is alleged to have raped to what he described as consensual “rough sex” and his “oversized manhood”. Mthukwane is standing trial on multiple rape charges involving a 14-year-old girl and two women, with the alleged offences dating between 2016 and 2019. During closing arguments in the Northern Cape High Court this week, he claimed that one complainant had pulled him closer and made an explicit verbal request for sex. He stated that another complainant had laid rape charges because he had involuntarily ejaculated and did not use a condom. Mthukwane claimed the allegations were driven by personal vendettas and that he was being accused of “horrible things”. “I was vulnerable after I lost my wife,” he told the…

HAS ANYONE else noticed how the concept of “conversation” has changed? These days, eye contact is a rarity because people keep glancing at their devices. What’s worse is when the “conversation” becomes all about a social media post. Then it’s not really talking – it’s show-and-tell. I try not to be impolite, but I groan inwardly when a smartphone is stuck under my nose and I’m forced to watch something “interesting”. Don’t get me wrong, I do it too. I actually caught myself doing it the other day. Here I was being irritated by others doing what I myself did to others. It was pretty sobering. Understand that I grew up during the ’70s and ’80s. Parents didn’t micromanage our lives or schedule play dates. The only instruction was to…

IN THE HEART of Beaconsfield, where Kimberley’s earliest rugby footsteps were carved more than a century ago, an old giant has awakened. Thistle Rugby Football Club (Thistles), founded in 1908 and once one of the pillars of community rugby in the Northern Cape, is officially back. And if the energy at the club’s recent annual general meeting is anything to go by, Thistles is not simply returning. It is rebuilding with purpose. The team's motto says it all: ONCE A THISTLE, ALWAYS A THISTLE! For many who filled the room at the AGM, this was not just a slogan. It was a promise. A reminder of a legacy that shaped leaders, produced exceptional players, and stood at the centre of community upliftment. The newly elected executive committee embodies this spirit,…

WHERE are the police? Why don’t we see their vehicles patrolling our streets anymore? What is really going on? These are the urgent questions being asked by anxious Kimberley residents who say law enforcement has become “invisible” on the streets and in their neighbourhoods. People across the city are growing increasingly frustrated and uncertain, demanding answers from those in charge. “It is time for the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, to address the residents of her province directly, explain what the challenges are, and start prioritising visible policing in the city. It’s time to come clean and stop hiding the problems, because we are not blind – we see them,” said one concerned resident, echoing the growing call for action across Kimberley. Communities across the city say they are…

A CASE of defeating the ends of justice is being investigated against a senior Sol Plaatje Municipality official after subsidised public transport buses that had failed roadworthy tests were reportedly certified in Limpopo and released back onto the roads. The vehicles, which transport passengers between Ritchie and Kimberley, were impounded during June and August. It is believed that some of the defects included non-functioning odometers, while wobbly wheel-bearing axles were causing the vehicles to squeak. Fines were also issued for speeding, overcrowding and licensing irregularities. One of the buses is still being stored at a local towing service, where it is undergoing repairs. Ritchie Public Transport Forum secretary Shadrac Metsimetsi indicated that the four buses currently operating between Ritchie and Kimberley were still overcrowded. “Lives are being placed at risk…

City ready for KDC Skateboarding Championships with an FMX motocross flair KIMBERLEY is set to become the epicentre of global skateboarding once again as the city hosts the final leg of the 2025 Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) Skateboarding Championships from December 5 to 6. The Northern Cape Provincial Government, through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDaT), confirmed that the event will close out this year’s KDC series in spectacular fashion, drawing international interest and world class competition. With a prize purse of R200,000 up for grabs, the finale is expected to showcase some of the best skateboarding talent on the planet. Athletes who qualified through the KDC Grand Slams earlier this year will converge on Kimberley for two days of intense, high stakes action. International flavour Competitors from…

THE NORTHERN Cape has firmly established itself as a national archery powerhouse, following a historic performance by the Diamond Archery Club at the 2025 ABO National Championships. Sending a strong contingent of 31 members across nine competitive classes, Diamond Archery Club showcased the depth, skill, and relentless dedication of the region’s 3Di archery talent. The championship victories were the result of more than just weekend effort; they were the culmination of a year-long pursuit of excellence. The club’s members had already dominated the challenging Triple Crown series, setting the stage for their national success. Standout performers included Junior Fourie (Aided Open), Odette Victor (Female Hunter Class Aided), and Jaco Mulke (Advanced Hunter Class), all crowned national champions after a grueling six-day competition. Their consistent performance extended into the “Race to…

FRESH from International Cheetah Day yesterday, the message of conservation continues as Felidae Centre, just outside Kimberley, focuses on protecting Africa’s most endangered big cats. The registered non-profit organisation is currently home to just one cheetah, Lexi, who forms part of its growing conservation family. Lexi’s story – A journey of hope Lexi’s journey began when she and her brother Max arrived at Felidae as young cubs, separated from their mother in the wild. Despite the trauma they endured, the team at Felidae gave them the care and stability they needed. Sadly, Max passed away four years ago, leaving Lexi on her own. With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild, every genetically valuable female plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Cheetahs are notoriously difficult to breed in…

MATTHEW Harvey, a 16-year-old culinary whiz from Steinkopf in the Northern Cape, has left a lasting impression on the judges of The Taste Master Junior. His journey on the show has been nothing short of inspiring, and he shares his thoughts on his experience. “I am most proud of how far I progressed this season, especially because I never imagined I would make it this far,” said Matthew, whose passion for cooking was ignited during lockdown, thanks to Fatima Sydow’s YouTube recipes. The young chef’s recent challenge in Stilbaai was a thrilling experience. “I felt enthusiastic and prepared for the challenge because it sounded enjoyable and I had never made bread before,” he said. Matthew’s Asbrood, filled with steak strips, pickled cucumber, and white cheddar cheese, wowed the judges with…

Thriller on the cards as stream leaders face off for Masters League title in season finale Football fans in Kimberley are in for a treat. Aztec Masters and Young Pirates meet in the Sol Plaatje Masters play-off final on Sunday at Galeshewe Stadium (4pm) with the league crown on the line. This will be a straight shootout after Aztec Masters topped Stream A by five points and Young Pirates led Stream B by a single point. Both clubs arrive with momentum, and their fair share of baggage, and expectations that will shape the final. What’s at stake for Young Pirates is simply that their prize will be redemption. The Kimberley side, founded in 1958, carry a proud local history and the sting of a late penalty defeat to Aztec in…

It’s been a few weeks, but it’s still worth mentioning that St Patrick’s CBC hosted its annual Sports Awards on November 21, celebrating a year of standout performances across multiple sporting codes. More than 200 parents and sponsors attended the event, which opened with a performance by the school’s Jazz Band and an inspiring address from world Para Powerlifting champion Ricardo Fitzpatrick. Springbok stars Ox Nche and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, along with Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince, also shared congratulatory messages. Awards were presented in cricket, netball, swimming, soccer, tennis, chess and hockey, with special recognition for the boys’ under-16 hockey team, who won their league, and the girls’ under-19 cricket team, champions of the SA20 Cricket Competition. Individual honours went to standout performers including Keira Williams and Faizaan Kajee (Most…