Table of contents for 2024-08-16 in DFA News

RAPE accused Douglas Mthukwane, who has been sent for a 30-day forensic psychiatric observation, lashed out at the media during his court appearance this week, calling them “rented pigs” and using other offensive language. Following a lengthy wait, a bed became available for him at the Kimberley Correctional Centre hospital. Mthukwane is on trial in the Northern Cape High Court for the rape of a 14-year-old girl and two other women. He is also scheduled to return to the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court later this month for the alleged rape of a 26-year-old traditional healer. Senior State prosecutor Catherine Jansen stated that Mthukwane would have to be taken into custody for the duration of the psychiatric observation, as there are no outpatient facilities available. She added that if the observation is…

THE WOMEN Touching Lives organisation has launched an innovative school shoe project aimed at helping pupils “get back on their feet”. The initiative was sparked by a recent visit to Greenpoint Primary School, where many pupils were found wearing broken shoes. Vernice Shaw, a representative from the organisation, explained that the school shoe exchange project began after they observed the dire need for proper footwear among the pupils. “We noticed that many of the pupils were wearing broken shoes and we decided to take their sizes and names. Many children walk far distances to and from school and come from impoverished households,” Shaw pointed out. In response, members of the organisation sponsored new shoes, socks, a tin of polish and a brush to ensure the shoes remain in good condition.…

AS CONCERNS about the operations at Helen Bishop Home in Kimberley continue to grow, the centre has indicated that services at the facility are in crisis after the Northern Cape Department of Health failed to pay the salaries of care workers and other staff members. The line manager of Helen Bishop Home, Chrissie Damon, said they encountered financial difficulty after the provincial department failed to pay staff for three months. “We are funded by the provincial Department of Social Development and the provincial Department of Health as we care for severely disabled children. There was a contract in place between Helen Bishop Home and the provincial Department of Health that had to be renewed every three years. The contract expired in March 2024. “Last year we noted that the contract…

COMMUNITY caregivers in the Northern Cape who are contracted through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have reportedly not received their stipends for two to four months, according to the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw). Nupsaw provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said that around 195 caregivers contracted to 30 NGOs across the Province have been affected. “This is apparently after the Department of Social Development found that the NGOs are not compliant or were misusing their fund allocations. However, it is inhumane to punish caregivers as they have families to care for and bills to pay. They are still reporting for work for the sake of their patients and elderly clients,” said Thole. “A group of caregivers were escorted out of the building by security when they tried to seek…

Outgoing Northern Cape Heat coach Mark Charlton expressed his confidence in the new interim coaching staff that was announced this week, stating that he was pleased to see individuals with whom he has a strong relationship stepping into their new roles. “I am really happy that it is people that I have a very good relationship with and that are close to me. “I am sure they will do a fantastic job. I would also like to thank the president of Northern Cape Cricket and the CEO. “It is one of my proudest moments in my coaching life to represent Northern Cape Cricket and the Heat. “It has been an incredible journey with much success on and off the field. “Thank you for all the amazing support you have given…

The Paris 2024 Olympics have only just concluded, leaving sports fans around the world reflecting on the triumphs, surprises, and innovations that defined the Games. Yet, as the dust settles in the City of Light, the Olympic spotlight begins to shift towards Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Games. The anticipation is already building, and for good reason – six new sports are set to make their debut, bringing with them a fresh wave of excitement and competition. However, as new sports emerge, others are left behind, and the evolving Olympic landscape reflects the dynamic nature of global sports culture. Breaking: A short-lived Olympic experiment One of the most talked-about additions to the Paris 2024 Olympics was the introduction of breaking, a competitive form of breakdancing. Breaking’s…

THE DFA recently spoke to Dawid de Greeff, the AGA-NC Provincial Coordinator, who expressed his enthusiasm about the growing interest in new AGA-SA Federation Units across the Northern Cape. De Greeff says that he believes that the upcoming Inter-Provincial Championship, scheduled for September 25-28, will be a catalyst for even greater growth in the sport over the next year. He told the DFA that he is also excited about an upcoming archery equipment donation and sponsored Basic Archery Instructor Training for Elcon School for Disabled Learners in Kimberley, set to take place tomorrow. De Greeff explained that archery’s appeal lies in its inclusivity, offering opportunities for both abled and disabled athletes to compete on an equal footing, regardless of gender. He added that he was proud of the fact that…

THE MURDER trial of Alberto Matthews, who allegedly shot his ex-wife Mandy Bailey in her bedroom in the presence of his nine-year-old stepdaughter, has been transferred to the Northern Cape High Court. The incident, which occurred on December 27, 2023, at Bailey’s residence in Main Road, Beaconsfield, left her with severe head and shoulder injuries. Tragically, She succumbed to her wounds. Reports indicate that Matthews’ firearm jammed when he allegedly attempted to target his 20-year-old stepdaughter and brother-in-law. Matthews faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. Additional charges include pointing a firearm, violating the Domestic Violence Act, contravening the Firearms Control Act and housebreaking with intent to murder. Magistrate Maimane Booi advised…

A DEVASTATING fire has left a family in Phomolong Extension homeless after their four-room shack was destroyed. Residents noticed the blaze at around 10am on Wednesday while they awaited a delegation from Sol Plaatje Municipality and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs for a community meeting. The community had been engaged in a two-day protest, barricading the R31 road to Barkly West and other major roads. The protests were sparked by the recent electricity cut-off by Sol Plaatje Municipality. The fire started while the shack owner was at the clinic, busy with the process of applying for an old age pension grant. Residents were left frustrated as they were unable to extinguish the fire due to a lack of water. They also claimed that the fire…

I DON’T want to talk too soon, but it seems as if winter is finally tapering off. I also don’t mind saying that this year was particularly biting; I really felt the chill. And for those who’d say that it wasn’t as bad as all that, you probably spent more time outside, in the warm Kimberley sun, than I did, being a deskbound, screen-bound, PC bound grunt. ‘Indoor winter’ this year was brutal! But now, as Spring draws nearer, we can finally start thinking about buffing up and toning to show off our bikini bodies. I have to say that, besides being behind a desk for most of the time, I have not, thankfully, added too much blubber to my frame. Maybe that’s because I was disciplined enough to continue…

IN AN UNEXPECTED and emotional turn of events, Northern Cape Heat head coach Mark Charlton will be departing the province to take on the role of head coach for the first division Warriors from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The announcement, made by the CEO of Northern Cape Cricket, Thapelo January, during a press briefing at the Kimberley Diamond Oval, sent shockwaves through the local cricket community, leaving many to reflect on the legacy Charlton leaves behind and the challenges that lie ahead for the team. Charlton’s tenure with the Northern Cape Heat has been remarkable. Over the past three years, he has transformed the team into a formidable force, leading them to victory in three four-day trophy campaigns. His achievements did not go unnoticed, as he was named the…

As the newly-appointed interim head coach, Deon Carolus expressed his gratitude to the CEO and president for the opportunity to lead the team. Carolus, who has been with the NC Heat since the restructuring period under Mark Charlton, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics. “It’s an honour to be appointed head coach of the NC Heat. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of players. I want to express my gratitude to the President, Gibson Molale, and the CEO, Thapelo January, for entrusting me with this role. “I am excited to work with the players we have signed as we continue building a team that not only competes but thrives on and off the field.…

The Northern Cape Heat’s new assistant coaches were named after it was announced that Mark Charlton was departing for The Warriors. Loots Bosman and Roy Adams will step into their roles and both expressed their excitement and determination to contribute to the team’s success. Adams, who spoke to the DFA after the briefing, admitted to feeling both excited and nervous about his new role. “I am privileged to be able to walk into a successful team, and I have the opportunity to work with people like Deon Carolus, who has been part of this team for a while now. I have a sense of gratitude, so I am very lucky to have been selected for this role. “Northern Cape Cricket has given me so much, and now I can give…

COPE has called for Sol Plaatje Municipality to immediately withdraw the name that was given to the housing settlement near Roodepan that forms part of a R1 billion mega housing project, as there was no public participation. The township was named Ngoako Modiba extension, which acting Cope chairperson Pakes Dikgetsi believed was imposed without any consultation. “The name does not resonate with the shared history, heritage or identity of the community. No public participation consultation took place in naming the settlement, while it does not comply with the South African Geographical Names Council guidelines,” said Dikgetsi. He indicated that Ngoako Modiba was a deceased Sol Plaatje municipal employee who came from and was buried in Limpopo. “Many employees have died without being honoured.” Meanwhile, another city resident pointed out that…

THE SOUTH African National Parks (SANParks) is set to launch the 19th annual SA National Parks Week with a celebratory event at Marakele National Park on September 8. This event will mark the beginning of a week-long celebration, running from September 9 to 13, with an extension to September 14 and 15 at selected national parks. During this period, SANParks will grant free access to most of the 21 national parks under its management, offering South Africans an unparalleled opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty. It is important to note that while the parks will be open free of charge, this does not extend to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities, which will remain at the usual rates. To ensure visitors can plan their trips effectively, SANParks has provided…

DISGRUNTLED protesters from Phomolong Extension earlier this week made their intentions clear that they will no longer wait in silence for their long-promised water and sanitation services. They met with a delegation led by Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala and mayor Kagisho Sonyoni, together with the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), on Wednesday morning. The meeting followed a two-day protest during which major roads in the area were barricaded. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent blocking of electricity by the municipality, which resulted in residents enduring the long weekend in the dark. The residents decided to take their frustrations to the streets, as they said they have warned the municipality to get its house in order on several occasions. Five people were arrested…

As the Northern Cape Heat prepare to embark on a new chapter, the responsibility now falls on the newly appointed interim coaching staff to continue the momentum that Charlton has built. During the press briefing, January emphasised the need for stability and continuity in the wake of Charlton’s departure. He revealed that the board had decided to implement an interim structure to guide the team through the upcoming season, which is set to begin next month. “We are putting this structure in place because we cannot now, at this stage, put out an ad and look for a coach because the recruitment process is time-consuming,” January explained. “We have decided to put the interim structure in place. We have decided not to look outside of the province for the interim…

FIXTURES Soccer Sol Plaatje Masters Football League Stream A and B Fixtures 2024 Season First and Second Round Sunday, August 18 2024 Donkerhoek Ground (10am): Newtown Sundowns vs Newtown (Ref: Kopano) (11.40am): Kopano vs Pescodia (Ref: Newtown) Colville Ground (10am): Saints vs Copper (Ref: Phutanang) (11.40am): Colville vs Phutanang (Ref: Copper) Lerato Park Ground (10am): Chippa vs Sunshine Warriors (Ref: Lerato Park) (11.40am): Lerato Park vs Aztec (Ref: Sunshine) Rooistoep Ground (10am): Naughty Boys vs Barcelona (Ref: Reliance Birds) (11.40am): Witdam vs Reliance Birds (Ref: Naughty Boys) Sweepers Ground (10am): Rhodesian Sweepers vs Vultures (Ref: Zulu Sweepers) (11.40am): Zulu Sweepers vs Real Madrid (Ref: Rhodesian Sweepers) Floors Ground (10am): Meteors vs Young Pirates (Ref: Masokolara) (11.40am): Burning Spear vs Masokolara (Ref: Meteors) Tshireleco Ground (10am): Tigers vs Batlhaping Legends (Ref:…

The Northern Cape Province has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of archery over the past three years, with its rapid growth capturing the attention and admiration of both local and national sports communities. The province's hosting of the 2022 Africa Genesis Archery Federation (AGA) Virtual Tournament marked a significant milestone, showcasing the dedication and commitment of Northern Cape archers, who have since become a formidable force on both the national and international stage. This year, the Northern Cape's archery prowess is once again in the spotlight, as five of its top archers have been selected to represent the AGA-SA National Team. This prestigious selection is a clear indication of the province's progress in the sport, as well as a source of immense pride and inspiration for the local…