Table of contents for 2025-07-25 in DFA News

THE ANC has snatched the highly contested Ward 1 from the PA during the by-election held in Roodepan and Platfontein on July 23. Ward 1 was the focus of government programmes in the run-up to the by-election, while cleaning teams were hard at work in Roodepan throughout the week. The seat became vacant after PA leader Gayton McKenzie fired Johan Loff during a live Facebook broadcast for “missing three council meetings”. In his resignation letter, Loff indicated that his safety and that of his family were at risk, as he lacked the support from party leadership to deliver on service delivery promises. A PA member congratulated the ANC on winning the ward on social media and remarked that Loff had been vindicated: “The people believed in you and punished the…

THE BEREAVED family of a 14-year-old boy who drowned near the Gogga pump station in Phutanang on July 18 is calling for the Sol Plaatje Municipality and the provincial Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) to be held accountable for his death. It is believed that a leaking pipe filled the trench that had been dug by contractors installing sewage pipes in the area. The family stated that, although an inquest was opened into the teen’s death, no one has been held responsible. “He will be buried this weekend. How many lives must be lost before any action is taken?“ they asked. Thapelo Thole, whose 11-year-old son, Onkarabetse Thole, drowned in a flooded stormwater canal near the same pump station in 2022, believes the latest tragedy…

Facing the Pumas in the opener of SA’s premier rugby competition will be a massive test for Griquas The 2025 Currie Cup season kicks off this evening when the Suzuki Griquas start their campaign with what promises to be one of the toughest challenges they will face during this entire competition. The formidable Airlink Pumas, the SA Cup champions that wrested the trophy away from Griquas are the Kimberley team’s first assignment in the competition that runs through to early September. Forget the bigger franchises, and the teams with Springbok squad members in their ranks and who compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC); when the Griquas and the Pumas clash, it gets personal. In five previous Currie Cup encounters, Griquas have struggled against the team from Mbombela. With the…

A SENIOR football official appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court on July 23 on charges of domestic violence after he allegedly assaulted his wife. SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police were investigating two cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), following the alleged assault of a woman aged between 30 and 35 by her husband in Barkly West on July 20. He indicated that a domestic violence matter that was withdrawn in 2024 had been placed back on the court roll following the alleged incident that took place over the weekend. “Police investigations are continuing,” said Sam. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane added that the accused was arrested on July 22 after charges were opened by his…

The heartbeat of Kimberley’s skating scene is growing stronger – and one of the biggest reasons is the presence of Jean-Marc Johannes, a global icon in street skateboarding who is now helping build the next generation of South African skaters. Despite his packed competition schedule and growing international profile, the Cape Town-born skater has made Kimberley a priority. Alongside local talent like Boipelo Awuah, Johannes has been running training sessions and workshops that go beyond technique. For many local skaters, this is their first taste of structured coaching – and the lessons stretch far beyond the skate park. “I hope it may be of motivation to others in some way to inspire them to believe in their dreams and push the limits,” Johannes told the DFA after notching his tenth…

KIMBERLEY is set to blaze with creativity, energy and powerful storytelling as the Mbawula Youth Film Festival (MYFF) returns for its fourth edition from August 6 to 9. This free and inclusive festival will transform venues across the city into vibrant stages for youth-made films, international documentaries, live performances and thought-provoking workshops. Hosted by the Awakening Creative Project in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation, the festival celebrates the theme “30 Years of South Africa Through Film”, reflecting on democracy, identity and the enduring power of cinema to drive change. From its central hub at the Northern Cape Theatre, Mbawula expands into the Bantu Community Hall in Galeshewe and Aggrey Klaaste Library in Greenpoint, with pop-up screenings bringing film into public spaces. It’s an intentional strategy to reach…

A group of passionate and determined dancers from the Noleen Andrews School of Dance have proudly flown the Northern Cape flag high at the recent Hip Hop Unite South African Championships held in Cape Town from June 27 to 29. Competing against the best talent from across the country, the Kimberley-based dancers delivered standout performances in the fiercely contested national event. Representing the province were three dynamic crews: Culture, Say What, and Misfits – all of whom showcased their skills, energy, and creativity on the national stage. The Misfits Crew emerged as the champions in their category, clinching the coveted Gold Medal. Hot on their heels was the Culture Crew, who danced their way to a Silver Medal, while Say What impressed judges and spectators alike with their routine, earning…