Table of contents for 2025-06-13 in DFA News

ONCE a thriving hub of community engagement and scenic charm, the Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Gardens in Kimberley had, for years, become a shadow of its former self, due to neglect and vandalism. But thanks to the vision and revitalisation efforts of Sol Plaatje University (SPU), the Gardens are on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, one that speaks to both the city’s deep-rooted heritage and its bright, inclusive future. The development forms part of SPU’s broader role in reinvigorating the Kimberley CBD. Since its establishment, the University has injected new life into a city centre that many feared was in terminal decline. Through state-of-the-art infrastructure, employment creation, and consistent community engagement, SPU has not only boosted Kimberley’s economy but has also reshaped social interactions and sparked a new sense of…

AN ACCUSED who allegedly threw drain acid at his cousin, causing second-degree burns to her face and body, claims her injuries were self-inflicted. The accused, Itumeleng Bergman, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH). The incident took place on August 18, 2024, following an argument over a blocked toilet. State prosecutor Tumelo Mosetlho said a fight erupted between the accused and his cousin, Dora Bergman, after the accused cut a sewage pipe and was unable to fix the problem. “The complainant sought someone to repair the toilet. She was agitated over the mess that was left in the yard. She called the accused to look at the faeces and urine protruding from…

In this special Youth Day feature, Mogomotsi Motshegwe – youth leader, political science lecturer, and advocate for civic participation – reflects on the state of young people in the Northern Cape. His piece introduces a series of stories from 10 young voices across the province, available in full on the DFA website. LAST year, while travelling to Johannesburg, I had a conversation with a man that has never left me. He told me he had once lived in Kimberley, and what struck him most during his time there was witnessing – for the first time in his life – so many young people, including children, openly consuming alcohol. He spoke with heartbreak in his voice. That conversation stayed with me. It raised questions about the state of young people in…

RESIDENTS of Kimberley and Riverton can now enjoy a fully restored and uninterrupted water supply following the successful completion of major repairs and maintenance on the city’s 35km bulk water pipeline. Sol Plaatje Municipality has announced that the long-standing nightly water interruption – in effect from 9pm to 4am for over a year – has officially been withdrawn. This follows the five-day planned water supply shutdown, which took place from May 29 to June 3, during which 16 major leaks were repaired and critical valves were replaced and installed. The operation, funded through the R2.5 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant from National Treasury, has led to a notable reduction in water losses and improved reservoir recovery, especially in the 102-megalitre reservoir. The acting executive mayor, Diteko Dioka, hailed…

WITH the long weekend upon us, many Northern Capers are looking forward to unwinding and having a good time. However, with increased social gatherings and celebrations comes the risk of contact crimes. The SAPS in the Northern Cape is urging the public to enjoy the long weekend responsibly and to remain vigilant in order to avoid falling victim to crime. The SAPS has provided valuable safety tips to help you stay safe during the long weekend. Top safety tips to prevent contact crimes: 1. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings 2. Travel with friends and use the buddy system 3. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas and stay in well-lit spots 4. Don’t flash valuable times and keep your belongings secure 5. Trust your instincts and get help if…

SO, HERE we are, the World Test Championship final got under way at Lord’s, the home of cricket, on Wednesday. Die-hard cricket fans will have one eye on work and another on the social media updates that will be coming through over the course of the next few days. Smoke breaks will be less about the nicotine nudge, and more directed to catching up with how the match is going, who’s on top, how “our boys” – from whichever team you’re supporting – are doing. With history on the side of Australia – the two teams met at Lord’s back in 1912, and the Aussies beat South Africa by 10 wickets – they, in a sense, start this week's final as defending champions and warm favourites. Yet, I get the…

ILLEGAL dumping in Galeshewe, the CBD, and suburbs has reached a boiling point, with Kimberley residents, activists, and even some municipal officials raising the alarm over growing health and safety risks in the community. What started as an issue of unsightly litter has now escalated into a broader social and environmental crisis, one that many say reflects both neglect and deep disrespect for the workers trying to clean up the mess. On any given day, heaps of household waste, rotting food, construction rubble, and discarded furniture can be seen littering sidewalks, open spaces, and even residential streets. Community members say the situation has spiralled out of control, especially near popular dumping hot spots that now attract waste scavengers and pose serious risks to public health. “We are tired,” one resident…

THE STATE is still awaiting DNA analysis and cellphone records in the murder trial of John-Ross Crossbery Henderson, who is charged with the murder of Jayson Afrique, the attempted murder of Afrique’s wife, Micayla, and defeating the ends of justice. A hail of bullets was fired at the couple’s vehicle as they approached the driveway of their home in New Park on July 31, 2024. The matter was transferred to the Northern Cape High Court on June 11, where the State indicated that the outstanding records would take about a month to finalise. State advocate Theunis Barnard said the cellphone records would include communication between various individuals and the accused. “These records should be released in one week’s time. Another contact number will be added for investigation,” he stated. He…

LET’S face it, growing up, there’s something fuzzy and comforting that comes with having older, bigger cousins. Older siblings are fine, but the problem there is that you live under one roof and they quickly learn how to wind you up. Older cousins, however, they came with an aura. Unlike siblings, they could ask you to do anything, and you’d gladly comply. It was as if they had this enchantment, a magical, inexplicable power over you. A magical power that would get a group of us younger fans to chew on a piece of the elephant ear plant. For the uninformed, in this particular plant you find calcium oxalate, which are tiny, sharp crystals that sting like fury upon contact with the skin or mouth. Ja nee … what the…

CONCERNS were raised about the increase in murders, sexual offences, and kidnappings during this week’s release of the Northern Cape’s fourth-quarter crime statistics for the period January to March 2025. Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola said murders increased by 21 reported cases compared to the previous year – from 91 to 112 cases (up 23.1%). Otola added that attempted murders decreased by 1.5% (eight cases), assault GBH increased by 4.2% (82 cases), and common assault increased by 1.4% (21) cases. “A total of 415 cases of aggravated robberies were reported, which indicated a decrease of 5.5% (24 cases). Aggravated robberies such as carjacking remained at 12 cases.” She stated that there was a 1.7% increase in the incidence of rape cases, with 302 cases in the province compared to…

The Suzuki Griquas wrapped up an otherwise impressive SA Cup campaign with a stumble in the final, where they were beaten by a fired-up Pumas side. Up to that point, the Griquas had looked sharp, their combinations clicking and game plans humming along like a well-oiled machine. But with the SA Cup now in the rear-view mirror and the Currie Cup looming, the focus shifts – and so too will the squad – as several players bid farewell to Kimberley. This week, Griquas extended their sincerest gratitude and fondest farewells to five players who are moving on to new chapters in their rugby careers after serving the team with pride. Sako Makata returns to the Stormers following his loan spell, Marcqiewn Titus heads to Boland, and Junior Banda has been…

NEGLECTED areas of Roodepan and Platfontein have become a hive of political activity, with some residents noting a sudden uptick in service delivery following the announcement of a by-election in Ward 1, scheduled for July 23. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) gained control of the ward after ANC councillor Ferguson Morris Moses defected to the PA last year. The MK Party (MKP), DA, EFF, ANC and PA will be contesting the by-election and are in the process of selecting candidates. The GOOD Party and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) have opted not to participate. The seat became vacant after PA ward councillor Johan Loff resigned, citing fears for his and his family’s safety. In his resignation letter, Loff indicated that following an encounter with PA leader Gayton McKenzie, he realised…

THE KIMBERLEY Action Group (KAG) is planning a city-wide shutdown on July 14 in protest against unaffordable electricity prices. A small group of about 30 people attended a community meeting at the Galeshewe circle on June 8, where residents were encouraged to mobilise more support for the cause. One community member suggested that the shutdown should last between three to four days to intensify its impact, while others expressed a desire to purchase electricity directly from Eskom. Boyce Makodi from the KAG said that in addition to the tariff increase, residents would be required to pay basic and capacity surcharges amounting to R271.05 before prepaid electricity could be loaded. “From July 1, the first block will receive 26.8 units for R100, while residents who exceed 360 kilowatts per month will…

SOL PLAATJE Municipality has redirected R4.5 million initially allocated for an electrification project in Jacksonville to supply power to 173 stands in Lerato Park, following threats of violence. Lerato Park residents have been waiting for several years to receive a power supply and previously staged protests over service delivery failures. A commitment was made to fast-track the process following unrest in April, during which roads were obstructed and pupils were unable to attend school. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) confirmed that investigations are still ongoing into complaints that beneficiaries were left in the dark, despite multimillion-rand tenders awarded by Sol Plaatje Municipality to electrify Lerato Park. In its 2021/22 capital budget, the municipality allocated R33 million to electrify 1,500 households in Lerato Park and R20 million for 1,100 households in…

It was all action and adrenaline this past weekend when the New Champions Boxing Academy teamed up with Platinum Boxing and Fitness to host an exciting amateur boxing tournament. Held at the Kimberley Health and Occupational Centre on Molyneaux Road, right in the heart of the Kimberley Ekapa Mines premises, the event drew passionate crowds and provided a stage for some of the province’s boxing talent to show their stuff. Fighters from five boxing clubs – Tsantsabane, Home Defenders, Platinum Boxing Club, C4 Combat Centre, and Bokamoso Boxing Club – stepped into the ring to show what they’re made of. And they did not disappoint. From the very first bell, fists were flying, feet were dancing, and the atmosphere was hot as music played and spectators cheered on the boxers.…

FOR THE past decade, Boitumelo Mmereki has been a familiar and dedicated presence on the greens of Jan Kempdorp Golf Club, faithfully supporting golfers as a caddie. But recently, Boitumelo experienced a milestone that changed the way he sees himself and the game he loves. Boitumelo has been caddying for local golfing talent and Managing Director of the Clive Korope Golf Development Academy for the past six months. This relationship reached a memorable turning point when Clive decided to cover the visitor fees and invite Boitumelo to play a round alongside him, not as a caddie, but as a fellow player. “It was a great day on the golf course with Mr. Korope, and I appreciated it a lot to play with them on the day,” Boitumelo reflected after the…