Table of contents for 2024-09-13 in DFA News

IN AN EFFORT to inspire the youth of the Northern Cape, stakeholders from 27 tertiary education institutions hosted over 700 learners in Aggeneys and Pofadder for a career day event. With Aggeneys Solar and Konkoonsies II Solar as primary funding partners, various provincial and local government departments and 18 professionals across a wide range of industries came together to host the successful event. Local Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the Khâi-Ma municipal area, sectoral government partners, and local NGOs also collaborated in the effort. The programme aimed to address the challenge of limited career guidance, which many learners, particularly those from isolated communities, face when making career decisions. This challenge is often linked to academic performance and future career choices. Spanning two days at the start of the third school…

The LegoralaMmino cultural group, founded by Palesa Portia Siwa, has once again been nominated for the Best Setswana Artist/Group at the South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards 2024. This marks the Northern Cape group’s second nomination in this prestigious category, having first been nominated and winning the award in 2021. LegoralaMmino was established in 2015 by Siwa in her hometown of Jan Kempdorp to further her passion for cultural music. Siwa’s passion for cultural music began at the tender age of 11, participating in school choirs and later joining the local group JKD Meloding. Her early experiences in music laid the foundation for her to create her own group. The group’s debut single, “Banna”, released in 2016 and featuring Casper the Golden Voice from Botswana, was a significant success,…

I COMPLAIN a lot, but pretty recently I realised that I was doing it wrong; that there will seemingly never be an end to my complaining for one simple reason … I don’t complain to people who can do something about that thing that dissatisfies me. But a few weeks back I was schooled by an impressive ‘live performance’ of how to complain with class. I visited a local restaurant, and a young lady was having an intense conversation at her table with the waitron as I walked in. The lady wasn’t ranting, tossing toys out of her cot or foaming at the mouth. She was speaking in hushed, no-nonsense tones. A little while later, her food was served. She took a few bites, furrowed her brow, and called the…

STAATS Primary School pupils didn’t just talk the talk at the recent Artistatue national public speaking competition in Johannesburg – they also walked away with an impressive haul of awards. Duif Brand, the public speaking teacher at Staats Primary, said that 42 pupils participated in this year’s competition. The talented pupils achieved an impressive haul of awards, including nine first-place positions, eight second places and eight third-place prizes in individual categories. “The groups also excelled, winning three first-place prizes and one third-place position,” Brand stated. “They competed in the Afrikaans first language, English additional language, and English first language categories. Every year, our pupils surprise us with their skills, where they are able to think on their feet and outwit their competitors from all over the country.” Looking ahead, Brand…

Sri Lanka A triumphed over South Africa A by six wickets in a thrilling match at Kimberley’s Diamond Oval this past week. Batting first, South Africa A posted 372 in their first innings, with Tony de Zorzi scoring 105. Sri Lanka A responded with 323, thanks to Oshada Fernando’s 122. In the second innings, South Africa A managed only 124, with Keegan Petersen top-scoring with 45. Sri Lanka A chased down the target, reaching 174/4, led by Fernando’s 80. Lasith Embuldeniya was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka A, taking 8 wickets in the match. This victory marked a significant achievement for Sri Lanka A. Score Summary: • South Africa A: 372/10 (108.2 overs) & 124/10 (31 overs) First Innings: Tony de Zorzi 105, Ryan Rickelton 89; Prenelan…

FAMILY members are calling for justice, believing their 49-year-old loved one was murdered and had his hand cut off. The police said that preliminary investigations point to the deceased, Lazarus Ikaneng, having died of natural causes. Ikaneng’s body was found naked and wrapped in a blanket, locked inside his shanty on Ramora Street in Galeshewe. Relatives believe he may have been dead for about two weeks. “Neighbors broke down the door of his home after noticing the smell of decomposing flesh, and his body was discovered on September 7," said one family member. “The door of the shanty was secured with a padlock and chain from the outside.” Monnapule Mondela, Ikaneng’s cousin, was traumatised when he discovered Ikaneng’s amputated hand lying on the ground when he looked into the shack…

AN ECOLOGIST from the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Christine Kraft, has called for drastic measures to be taken to protect dwindling vulture populations that are standing on the brink of extinction. There are estimated to be around 136 vulture nests in areas surrounding the Kimberley Airport, which are home to the Cape vulture, white-backed vulture and lappet-faced vulture. As part of International Vulture Awareness Month at the Kimberley Airport this week, Kraft highlighted that the biggest threats to vultures include poisoning, collisions or electrocution with power infrastructure, habitat loss, harvesting for traditional medicine and drowning in farm dams. “Poisoning occurs due to them ingesting lead fragments from bullets found in carcasses or eating poisoned carcasses that are deliberately placed by elephant and…

THE MAN convicted of fatally shooting Ashwin Malan at Atlantis Guest House in Kimberley was sentenced to life imprisonment, a day after the eighth anniversary of Malan's death. Malan was killed on the night of September 8, 2016, when Derrick Fyfers shot him multiple times during what was initially thought to be a botched robbery at the guest house. Northern Cape High Court Judge Johnny Ramaepadi convicted Fyfers and his co-accused, Marlin Koopman, in connection with the incident. Fyfers, identified as the shooter by Koopman during the trial, was found guilty of premeditated murder, attempted robbery, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. He received a life sentence for the murder, five years for attempted robbery, and 10 years each for possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentences…

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Rugby First Team has etched its name into history by securing a place in the prestigious 2025 Varsity Shield League for the first time. This milestone follows back-to-back victories over Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), with the latest win on Monday, September 2, where the Gemmies sealed a hard-fought 20-17 win. However, SPU didn’t just beat TUT once to qualify for the Varsity Shield – they had to beat them twice. After SPU’s initial triumph over TUT on August 12, which secured their place in the tournament, TUT lodged a formal complaint, claiming that SPU had fielded an ineligible player, giving them an unfair advantage. So why was there a rematch? Here’s the catch: before that first game, SPU submitted a list of all their players…

AFRICA Genesis Archery South Africa recently trained seven new Basic Archery Instructors (BAIs). On the weekend of August 17-18 the newly-trained BAIs received their certificates, and amongst the group was someone I have known for decades … it was yours truly. What this means is that there are now seven more trainers with the ability to set up an archery range safely, guide new and existing archers in the sport, and teach others about the safety aspect as well as the technical side of archery. With the upcoming national competition taking place in Kimberley, it was essential for me to be trained, as I would be taking photos on the courses throughout that week of shooting. After I completed my training, I can now see why archery is the second…

THE UNAMANDLA-Isagoentle Foundation recently celebrated International Literacy Day in style with a vibrant book donation drive at the Kimberley Public Library. The event was a huge success, with enthusiastic participation from young models and teenage beauty queens who filled the children’s reading section of the library, bringing energy and excitement to the programme. Organised in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Education, which received the donated books, the event highlighted the importance of reading and learning for the next generation. The initiative was also supported by the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The young models, adorned in their sashes and tiaras, engaged in various stimulating games designed to enhance concentration and creativity among young readers. Attendees were also provided with valuable study tips. International Literacy Day, established…

A RETIRED lieutenant-colonel and two sergeants are among the SAPS members who are facing charges of kidnapping, assault and extortion in the Northern Cape. Former Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moncho and his brother-in-law Vuyo Dube allegedly intimidated, assaulted and kidnapped a complainant after they falsely accused him of robbing and assaulting Moncho’s son. No arrests were made, while Moncho’s son opened a case at Galeshewe police station against the complainant. An accused, Desmond Mothobi, allegedly convinced Sergeant Phiri and Sergeant Modise of the Roodepan Detectives to withdraw the charges relating to the kidnapping and assault case, as well as counter-charges, and they were remunerated with R1,600. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien confirmed that the Northern Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation unit was investigating cases of kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily…

THE NATIONAL Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) and local community members plan to protest outside the Vosburg Magistrate’s Court when an accused individual, who allegedly assaulted one of the union’s members at a fuel station, reappears in court. Nupsaw provincial organiser Andrew Diraditsile also emphasised that the employer of the assaulted member, Jan Minnies, who was working as a fuel station attendant at an agricultural co-operative, had a responsibility to adhere to health and safety regulations since Minnies was injured on duty. “He should be offered psychosocial support, counselling and further medical treatment for his injured ear. Anti-harassment measures should also be implemented to protect workers from incidents of violence,” Diraditsile stated. The accused, Hercules van Rensburg, appeared in the Vosburg Magistrate’s Court on September 10 and…

Bumper Currie Cup semi-final clashes on the cards ON CURRENT form, the Fidelity ADT Lions should be considered firm favourites against defending champions, the Toyota Cheetahs, when the two sides meet in the first of two Carling Currie Cup Premier Division semi-finals tomorrow, with the Johannesburg clash starting at 2.30pm. The second semi-final is scheduled for 5pm in Pretoria between the Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks XV. The two winning teams will battle it out for the historic trophy tomorrow at 4pm. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Last year, the Free Staters sprang a minor surprise by beating the Bulls by 31-27 in a pulsating semi-final in Bloemfontein, while in the other semi-final, the Airlink Pumas edged the Sharks 26-20 to progress to the 2023 final, where…

Boost for dance, drill, cheerleading, and majorette sport in Northern Cape Who would have thought that showing your support for your team and your “gees” for your sport of choice could involve more than simply painting your face, wearing your colours, and screaming and singing till you were completely hoarse? But the fact is, there is more to the art … much more! In fact, in an exciting development for the Northern Cape sports community, a new federation has been officially established. The Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading, and Majorette Sport Northern Cape (FDDCMNC) is now affiliated with the national governing body, the Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading, and Majorette Sport South Africa (FDDCMSA). The official launch of the FDDCMNC will be marked by a Skills Development Day on October…

ADMIT it, there’s nothing you’d enjoy more on these chilly Spring mornings than to plunge into the icy water of a swimming pool still chilled from our departing freezing winter … No? Me neither! But that’s precisely what a group of swimming enthusiasts did. Flamingo Aquatics recently hosted their much-anticipated annual fund-raiser, featuring a polar plunge at Kimberley’s Elizabeth Conradie School. The event was designed to unite the community, promote swimming, and support local schools simultaneously. But in a heartwarming and exciting development, Flamingo Aquatics announced a partnership with Elizabeth Conradie School to promote swimming at the institution. Plans are also under way to introduce the “Learn to Swim” programme on the school’s premises. This initiative will offer swimming lessons not only to the school's learners but also to members…