Table of contents for 2024-04-19 in DFA News

A MAN accused of allegedly setting another man alight, abandoned his right to apply for bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week. Homevalley resident, Jason Frans, 32, died after sustaining severe burn wounds on his face and body. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused, who was initially charged with attempted murder, would now face a murder charge. The accused, Leonard Tshita, 41, will return to court on May 30 as the matter was postponed for further investigation. The owner of the house where Jason was staying, Maria Golding, indicated that he left during the evening of April 6 and ran home following the incident during the early hours of April 7. “His skin was peeling off his body. I covered him with a duvet as…

A COURT order was obtained to allow a 33-year-old patient to receive a lifesaving blood transfusion in Kimberley after his biological mother refused to give consent due to religious reasons. Legal Aid South Africa spokesperson for the Northern Cape, Boitumelo Boshupeng, said the Northern Cape High Court recently granted permission to Lenmed Royal Hospital and Heart Centre in Kimberley to administer the blood transfusion. “The patient’s father approached the Legal Aid SA offices in Kimberley on February 23 for legal intervention and assistance. During the consultation the father revealed that his son was in the intensive care unit after he was involved in a car accident and had to undergo further surgery that required a blood transfusion.” He added that while the patient was administered oxygen, he did not have…

Former Siyancuma municipal officials Sonja Morolong and Boitumelo Sehako have started their prison terms after losing an appeal against their conviction. They were sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last week. Morolong was found guilty of corruption, while both accused were convicted on 23 charges of fraud. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said Morolong was convicted in the regional court on charges of corruption and money laundering as well as 23 counts of fraud on November 11 2018. “Sehako was convicted on 23 counts of fraud. On November 28 2018 Morolong was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and Sehako was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.” He added that both accused applied for leave to appeal their convictions and sentences. “An appeal was only granted in respect…

IN A BOLD stride towards enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the well-being of students, the Unamandla Isagoentle Foundation, in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Education and Flamingo Sun International, launched a School Shoe Drive in Kimberley recently. The project was launched under the umbrella of the Social Compact legacy impactful programme, the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC). The Unamandla Isagoentle Foundation, is led by 15-year-old Unamandla Vilakazi (Miss Teen Mundial South Africa 2023, and supported by young talents like 15-year-old author Mosimanegape Leeuw, and artist Monwabisi Banjiwe of Amandla Dança Teatro. Bangiwe showcased the power of youth in driving positive change through art during the event. It was attended by the Acting Head of Department, Dr Michelle Ishmail and other officials from the department and…

THE STAGE is set for an electrifying showdown as the Suzuki Griquas hit the road to take on the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers at the Boland Stadium in Wellington this Saturday at 3 pm. Fans can anticipate a thrilling clash between two formidable teams vying for supremacy in the SA Cup. Currently leading the SA Cup log due to a healthy points difference over the Airlink Pumas, Griquas have asserted their dominance with four consecutive wins, leaving opponents in their wake. Meanwhile, the Free State Cheetahs trail closely behind in third spot with 15 points, setting the stage for intense battles for the top position in the weeks ahead. Last weekend's match against the Griffons showcased Griquas' exceptional form as they handed their opponents a resounding defeat. The ill-discipline of the…

A SLIP and fall on a wet toilet floor at school, which caused a then nine-year-old boy to sustain head injuries after he hit his head on the side of a urinal, is to cost the Northern Cape Education MEC dearly. The Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley has found the provincial Education Department liable for the damages suffered by the child. The boy’s father turned to the court to claim damages, as he felt his son’s fall was due to the negligence of the school where he was a learner at the time. The child’s father said it was the school’s duty to ensure that the toilet floor was cleaned regularly, so that the wet floor did not pose a danger to his son and other children. The…

IF I WERE not so good at eavesdropping, the recent water shutdown would have been very, very much worse for me. Allow me to explain: One day, quite a number of years back, some of my Dad’s sporting colleagues were chilling after a game, and I overheard one of them explain how he managed to pack very lightly when the team travelled. I pretended to be struggling to lace my school shoes, but my ears were pricked up and alert. “I pack only one pair of underpants for four days,” he said, and the murmuring and looks of suspicion wafted through the ranks of his teammates. “It’s simple,” he continued. “You wear your undies normally on day one, then inside-out on day two. On day three, you wear it normally…

Human trafficking charges against the two Zimbabwean nationals who were transporting 14 undocumented children from Harare to Cape Town, were withdrawn in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court earlier this week. The accused, Beulla Mandpdukudza Maruza and Tafadzwa Otis Nakakurwa, were arrested on December 5 2023 when the bus they were travelling in stopped at the Engen garage in Oliver Road in Kimberley. They were en route from Midrand to Cape Town when a passenger noticed that the children, who were between the ages of six and 14, appeared to be subdued, hungry and dirty and were not carrying any luggage with them. The state prosecutor stated that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions intended to centralise charges in the Northern Cape and Limpopo. “The state is also considering adding more charges.” Legal…

ON THE banks of the Orange River in the small town of Prieska, there is a product being harvested that, in time could change the health and daily coffee habits of the world. The mesquite coffee beans could be the next the Northern Cape’s next big diamond find. South African entrepreneur, Brandt Coetzee discovered that when the seedpods of the tree are roasted to enhance their rich caramel flavours it produces a low GI coffee-like brew, that energises, but, without the side effects of caffeine. Since the 19th century, the area has been invaded by alien vegetation, the thorny mesquite tree. The mesquite tree is an invasive alien vegetation that has taken over 8 million hectares of farmland in the Northern Cape and is considered a huge problem for farmers,…

The greens of the Northern Cape resounded with the clatter of bowls and the cheers of supporters as the top 16 fours teams competed in the prestigious Northern Cape Bowls Fours competition. Men’s matches took place at Sol Plaatje West End Bowls Club, while the Men’s and Women’s semi-finals and finals were played at Beaconsfield Park. The weekend, at both venues, was filled with exceptional talent, thrilling matches, and heartwarming moments of triumph. In the men’s division, two teams from Beaconsfield Park reached the finals. David Paulse’s team defeated Wihan Smit’s from Bloemhof, while CP Mathewson’s team triumphed over Andries van der Walt’s from Hanover. The finals highlighted exceptional bowling skills, with Kieran Kelly and Keegan Minopetros playing key roles in their team’s success. Ultimately, David Paulse, Scotty Elliot, and…

DATA from the Central Energy Fund indicates that the price of fuel will increase again, by 37 or 38 c/litre, in May, the AA says. Layton Beard, the AA spokesperson, said South African fuel prices had reached record-high increases over the past three years despite the government not increasing the General Fuel Levy or Road Accident Fund levy. “Central Energy Fund (CEF) data indicates that unleaded 93 petrol inland in May 2022 cost R21.51 per litre but increased to R23.01 in May 2023. According to current data from the CEF, this price will again increase, by 37c/litre, in May, pushing the price close to R25.15/litre.” Beard said the outlook for unleaded 95 inland was not much better, with the CEF data showing an increase of 38c/litre. “This will push the…

As the winter approaches, residents in Gong-Gong have indicated that they are now left out in the cold and forced to come up with solutions on how to rebuild their homes they lost during a destructive storm last month. More than 50 houses were damaged and several shanties completely blown away following heavy wind and a rainstorm on early in March. The storm caused major havoc and injured a few people, however no fatalities were reported. Residents said almost two months after the incident they are left to rebuild on their own after they had to seek refuge and shelter from family and friends. One resident, Miriam Britz, whose brick house looked like a vandalised building after the incident, said she now has to carry the cost of rebuilding her…

The Northern Cape Department of Education needs to urgently intervene and root out sexual misconduct of teachers accused of such incidents, the leader of Build One South Africa (Bosa), Mmusi Maimane, said during a picket at the department’s provincial offices. Mainame and local party supporters handed over a memorandum at the department earlier this week. In the memorandum the party state that to date at least 15 girls have reported acts of sexual violence committed by teachers and principals in the Province. The memorandum further stated that there were 30 reported cases of young girls who were impregnated by teachers and principals in the Northern Cape. Maimane accused the department of turning a blind eye to these incidents and even harbouring the alleged perpetrators implicated in such acts. He said…

The Namaqua Data Collectors and Processors SMME continues to stand as a testimony to sustainable development in Springbok, having grown from an initiative that benefited five local women into a thriving and sustainable business over a period of two years. This success story, emerging from a development programme aimed at fostering socio-economic growth, showcases how targeted support and funding can catalyse long-term sustainability for local enterprises within the community. The Namaqua Data Collectors and Processors was established following a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Training Programme in 2022. It comprised a team of three founding members and two employees. Through site visits and beneficiary interviews, the team evaluates the impact, identifies challenges and provides recommendations for ongoing improvement across all Kangnas Wind Farm projects. In addition, the company submits comprehensive M&E…

Well-known personality in both sports and academic circles, Brenda Mafunisa has been appointed as the new Provincial Executive Officer of the South African Football Association (SAFA) in what is a significant development for football administration in the Northern Cape. Mafunisa’s appointment comes after a distinguished career as a player, administrator, and advocate for women’s development in sports. Mafunisa’s extensive background in women’s soccer, includes national representation and participation in the Sasol Women’s League, makes her well-suited for her new role. Her commitment to both football and academics is demonstrated by her attainment of a Masters degree, showcasing her ability to balance sports and scholarly pursuits effectively. Taking over from her predecessor, Willem Coetzee, who served admirably since 2006, Mafunisa follows in the footsteps of an experienced administrator. Coetzee’s retirement marks…

Results for the week of April 10-13 are: The Wednesday, April 10: DARSHA sponsored 18-hole IPS was won by Jason Barnes with 36pts. Second was Danie Liebenberg with 35pts on a count-out over 3rd placed Wikus Kok. The Thursday, April 11 KWV Niner was won by Neville Alexander on 26pts with Braam Botes 2nd on 25pts on a count-out over 3rd placed Susan Alexander. The Friday, April 12 Flamingo Niner was won by Andries Kori on 22pts with Sadick Thomas 2nd on 18pts and Peo Maneng 3rd on 16pts. The Saturday, April 13 Standard Bank Pairs BBS was won by Pat Ansley and Jock Robey on 45pts on a count-out over 2nd placed Kat Swanepoel and Dries Mostert and 3rd placed Chris Atkinson and Peter Raubenheimer all also on 45pts.…