Table of contents for 2024-07-05 in DFA News

THE NORTHERN Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) and the Kimberley Action Group have condemned the 10.6 percent electricity hike for the City, which they believe was unlawfully implemented this week. Cash-strapped residents stated that they were unable to afford the exorbitant price increases. Sol Plaatje Municipality advised ratepayers on June 30 that the revised National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)-approved electricity tariff increase would come into effect the following day, on July 1. This is despite a court order that was obtained on June 28, which declared Nersa’s approval of municipal licensed distributors as “unlawful and invalid” for the 2024/25 financial year. Sol Plaatje Municipality was not included on the list of 66 legally compliant municipalities that are permitted to implement electricity increases. A Gauteng High Court…

A KIMBERLEY man, who is facing two charges of culpable homicide involving two teenagers, opted to abandon his bail in the Kimberley Magistrate's Court yesterday. Collin Nhlangais, 39, is facing two charges of culpable homicide, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless and negligent driving and contravention of the Immigration Act following an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 30, 2024, where he allegedly fatally hit 16-year-old Omphile Jonas on the corner of Seleleke and Barkly West streets. He allegedly sped away from the scene and crashed into a taxi that was transporting members of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) further down the road. Mikayla Booysen, 19, who was one of the occupants in the taxi, later died in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following the incident. Another member…

SPRINGBOK flyhalf Handre Pollard will go down in history as a match-winner with the boot, having missed just one kick at goal over two successive Rugby World Cup finals. But as a youngster and as a young international, he was also known for his ability to take the ball flat on the gainline. He was especially effective in some matches against the All Blacks, scoring a few tries from close range during the first half of the Heyneke Meyer era, when the Boks certainly played a lot more with ball in hand. Since then Pollard has only really taken the ball flat in the opposition half, especially with the Springboks’ gameplan centred around kicking off No.9. The Springboks have tried to evolve their game plan a bit from 2022 with…

Kimberley’s own Nosipho Khumari, a student at Sol Plaatje University, has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Region V Games. The highly anticipated football tournament is set to kick off on July 8, at the Tshwane University of Technology. Khumari’s journey to this prestigious selection has been marked by dedication and a series of impressive achievements. Hailing from Lerato Park, Roodepan, the young athlete has been passionate about football since she started playing at the age of 12. “I started playing soccer at the age of 12, which was in 2012; I was playing for Young Achievers,” Khumari shared with the DFA. “Then in 2013, I made it to the FNB Under-15 squad when I got my first award…

SUZUKI Park was the epicentre of excitement last Saturday, as Kimberley Rugby Club (KRC) clinched a historic victory over the long-dominant Sishen Rugby Club in a match that has already become legendary among rugby enthusiasts. The Griquas Super League final, eagerly awaited by fans, kicked off at 3pm, pitting the determined KRC side against Sishen, who had impressively held the title for 12 consecutive years. From the outset, the game was played at high intensity, with neither team backing down from contact situations; bodies were put on the line and there was a relentless fight for every metre of ground gained or lost. By halftime, KRC had edged ahead and held a 20-11. This set the stage for a gripping second half that had the crowd at Suzuki Park roaring…

THE WELL-being of patients at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley has once again come under scrutiny due to allegations of severe under-resourcing. The hospital apparently lacks essentials such as blankets, toilet rolls and warm water, and is grappling with a shortage of staff. Recently, the family of a patient admitted for a severe stroke shed light on the dire situation. They took to social media to express their dissatisfaction after the hospital denied them permission to visit the “neglected” patient outside of regular visiting hours. Upon discovering the patient in a soaked bed, hungry and cold, the family said they went as far as asking for special permission to assist in caring for the patient during her hospital stay. They added that they were constantly at loggerheads with “arrogant”…

THE DEPARTMENT of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has dispatched a team to investigate a contentious situation unfolding in the town of Gong Gong, near Barkly West, after a mining company allegedly blocked off the Vaal River by constructing embankments and has started mining in the riverbed. A number of Gong Gong residents have been up in arms, voicing their grievances about the mining machinery that now dominates the area where the river should freely flow. The heart of the matter lies in the impact on local livelihoods. Fish populations have dwindled, leaving fishermen bereft of their traditional sustenance. Meanwhile, those who rely on the river for their daily water needs are also suffering as a result of the mining activities. The spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS)…

The gloves are off for the next round of Formula One’s big fight between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen at Silverstone this weekend. With three home drivers, all race winners, and four winning teams so far this season, the British Grand Prix looks a lot more competitive than last year. The third race in three weekends comes after McLaren’s Norris and Red Bull’s triple world champion Verstappen collided while battling for the lead in Austria, handing victory to a delighted George Russell. The Mercedes driver and seven times world champion teammate Lewis Hamilton, who has won a record eight times at Silverstone, will hope to be back in the mix at a circuit where Verstappen won last year. “I think we’re riding a bit of a wave at the moment,”…

ON SUNDAY tragedy struck in Kimberley, and was especially keenly felt at Northern Cape Cricket (NCC), when rising cricket star and product of the Frank Roro Hub, Omphile Jonas was killed in a hit and run incident in Galeshewe. The CEO of NCC, Thapelo January, extended the organisation’s condolences to the family and friends of Jonas. January said that the Northern Cape Cricket organisation is deeply saddened by the passing of Omphile who was a promising young cricketer. Omphile’s death, January said, is a significant loss to the cricket community. Omphile, who attended Vuyolwethu High School, was known for his exceptional talent as a left-arm spin bowler. His cricketing journey began at the Frank Roro Hub, where his skills and dedication quickly shone through. He represented the Northern Cape in…

IT’S THAT time of the year again when South African rugby fans are gearing up for a bumper-packed season of action. The Currie Cup is here, and Suzuki Griquas have taken the knocks and disappointments of last season and have set their sights firmly on bringing the prestigious trophy home to Suzuki Park. Fresh off their triumphant SA Cup campaign, where they convincingly defeated the Pumas 46-24 at their Suzuki Park fortress, Griquas are brimming with confidence. However, that victory and title, as impressive as it was, is now a part of their storied past, and all eyes are on the looming Currie Cup competition and the trophy waiting to be claimed by the best team. During a recent press conference, Pieter Bergh, head coach of the Griquas, emphasised the…

THE GALESHEWE Stars Under-18 team recently competed in the Sol Plaatje Local Football Association’s Engen Tournament, featuring 13 local teams, and emerged as champions. The team’s journey to ultimate victory began in the knockout stage where, in their first game, they secured a narrow 1-0 win against the Tshwaragano All Stars. With this win under their belt, they advanced to the quarter-finals. In the quarters, they showcased their skill with a decisive 4-1 victory over Hope United. The semi-finals saw them dominate Delton Brothers with a 2-0 win, a performance that propelled them into the tournament final. It was as if they had been saving their skill and flair for this game because in a spectacular display of talent and teamwork, Galeshewe Stars defeated PSG FC with a resounding 7-0…

PROTEAS middle-order batter David Miller has swiftly moved to dismiss rumours that he has retired from T20 international cricket following South Africa's heartbreaking defeat to India in the T20 World Cup final. South Africa narrowly lost by seven runs against India in the final, and following the loss, speculation became rife on social media that the 35-year-old has retired from the format. However, the explosive batsman took to Instagram on Tuesday and stated he has not retired from the T20 format and that fans have not seen the best he can produce yet. “Contrary to some reports, I have not retired from the T20 international cricket, I will continue to be available to play for the Proteas. “The best is yet to come,” said Miller. Miller was an important figure…

The Diamond Ladies Football Club recently solidified their position at the top of the Northern Cape’s Sasol League Table with a decisive 2-0 victory over KHS Ladies. Last weekend’s match, held at Boys High School, saw early goals from captain Katlego Moalahi and teammate Boniswa Molete, settling the result early in the game. Diamond Ladies showcased their dominance in the first 30 minutes, with Moalahi opening the scoring, followed shortly after by Molete’s strike. This win marks the team’s ninth game of the season, helping them maintain an impressive record of eight wins and one draw, totaling 25 points. They now lead the log by two points, staying ahead of their fierce rivals, Royal Wizards. Coach Jack Junior expressed his optimism and ambition for the team’s future. “Our wish as…