Table of contents for 2024-06-21 in DFA News

SUBCONTRACTORS have expressed concerns that the nursing student accommodation being constructed on the R31 road is reminiscent of the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital debacle. The hospital project, which spanned 13 years, experienced cost overruns from an initial budget of R290 million to an astonishing R2 billion. Additionally, four different contractors were involved in the construction process. According to a subcontractor, they are awaiting payment of retention fees for the two contractors who reportedly left the project due to non-payment. Meanwhile, a third contractor is expected to start work on phase two of the project. “We were approached by the third contractor, but we are looking for other opportunities because we were not paid by the previous contractors and had to write off our debts,” the subcontractor said. The subcontractors also…

TAXI operators have threatened to “wage war” if their operating licences are revoked, following an investigation that confirmed allegations of irregularities in the awarding of licences by the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. The report, which investigated allegations of bribery, improper conduct and maladministration between 2016 to 2022, was released by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Public Protector’s office this week. The department was advised to approach the court to “clean up the system” and withdraw all irregular licences. PSC commissioner Anele Gxoyiya stated that taxi operators had not issued their own licences and were utilising them for many years “without any qualms”. “The entire system has been compromised. It was like going to a shop where they would go in and come out with a…

THE NAMA-Khoi Local Municipality is now run by a DA mayor, Rodney Kritzinger, in line with a coalition agreement that was signed with the Namakwa Civic Movement (NCM). DA provincial leader Harold McGluwa explained that according to the local government coalition agreement that was signed in 2021, the key positions of mayor and Speaker would be rotated halfway through the term between the DA and the NCM. “Kritzinger, who had up to now served as the Speaker, takes up the position previously filled by Dr Gustav Bock, while Bock now fills the chair of Speaker.” He stated that the municipality had made “significant strides” in improving service delivery and financial management since the agreement came into effect. “While a lot of work remains, Kritzinger will focus on expanding equal access…

NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul said he was “looking forward to working with” the FF+ and the PA, where this unlikely alliance gave the ANC provincial chair 19 out of 30 votes and secured him a second term. DA premier candidate Dr Isak Fritz, who contested the premiership, received 11 votes with support from the DA and the EFF. The ANC entered into a working relationship with the FF+ after it failed to secure an outright majority in the Province during the May 29 elections. The hung provincial legislature is made up of 15 seats for the ANC, seven seats for the DA, four for the EFF, three PA seats and the FF+ with one seat. Saul said he was “deeply humbled and grateful” for the support he received…

THE YOUTH DAY amateur boxing tournament held at Pescodia High School in Roodepan over the weekend was a remarkable success, drawing enthusiastic participation and spectatorship. The event, organised by Mosa Ntlangula, culminated in the crowning of four champions: the best female boxer, the best male boxer, the best away team boxer, and the overall Youth Day champion. Bragging rights were well distributed. The best female boxer was none other than Bonolo Obusitswe from Freedom Boxing Club and the best male boxer was Junior Molapo, also from Freedom Boxing Club. The best away boxer was Berno Kgooe from Van Zyl’s Rus, and the best boxer of the tournament was Junior Louw from Home Defenders Boxing Club. “The boxers were hungry! They fought with so much passion! They put on a beautiful…

THE SOUTH African Local Government Association (Salga) said it has initiated a “deliberate and structured engagement” with Sol Plaatje Municipality to address critical service delivery challenges affecting the community. The spokesperson for Salga in the Northern Cape, Dibandlela Nkume, said the municipality was experiencing “significant difficulties” in several areas, including water supply, sewage management, electricity provision and financial sustainability. “Recent assessments have highlighted some of the pressing issues within Sol Plaatje Municipality such as persistent water shortages, ageing infrastructure and frequent pipe bursts that exacerbate the situation. Inadequate maintenance and the high cost of repairs have led to prolonged periods without water for many residents.” He added that the municipality struggled with sewage overflows and blockages, leading to environmental and health hazards. “Insufficient capacity at sewage treatment plants and delayed…

KIMBERLEY resident Tshepang Mabogo is on the path to achieving her dream of obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering, thanks to a Matla A Bokone Solar scholarship. Her passion for mathematics has driven her to continue her academic journey after graduating with a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. The scholarship, which has supported Mabogo since 2022, aims to empower students from various communities, including Riverton, Barkly West, Kimberley Central, Boshof, Delportshoop, Galeshewe, Greenpoint, Holpan, Platfontein, Ritchie, Roodepan and Windsorton. Specifically targeting learners within a 50km radius of the solar plant, the programme provides essential financial and academic resources to further their education. Currently in her third year at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Mabogo expressed her enthusiasm for engineering. She explained that she has always wanted…

I AM ALWAYS amazed at how “know-it-all” youngsters can be. Children between four and eight seem to believe that they know everything, and they are supremely confident in that knowledge, even if they have to create facts to suit their narratives. We all know that from two till four they ask questions, with the most often repeated question being “why?” Then, when we humans get into our teens, we know EVERYTHING! Adults dare not challenge us, because what they do not realise is at that age we are running on hormones and dark energy! I remember thinking, “How dare the adults try to question my judgement?” But as we mature, the hormones are diluted with tears of experience and we become more mellow, more open to other opinions and inputs.…

IN A THRILLING encounter at the Kimberley Rugby Club grounds over the weekend, rugby fans were kept on the edge of their seats when Hartswater and Prieska Rugby Club clashed in the Frances Baard Rugby Region’s third place play-off. The game delivered a spectacle of rugby talent and passion that will definitely remain in the memories of all who attended – players and spectators alike. Both teams put up a massive display, but it was Hartswater that rose to the occasion, claiming a resounding victory over Prieska with a final score of 55-26. From the opening whistle, it was clear that Hartswater was determined to leave an indelible mark on the play-off. Their aggressive play and tactical brilliance quickly put them in control of the game. Kevin Swiegers (pictured) earned…

Oval track racing thrills in City this weekend Rev your engines, you petrolheads, and brace yourselves for an exhilarating experience as Kimberley’s Oval Track comes alive once again tomorrow, Saturday, June 18. Nestled at 57 Kenilworth Road in De Beers, this iconic venue will host a fierce battle of speed and skill that promises to keep motorsport fans on the edge of their seats. Oval track racing, renowned for its roaring engines and blistering speeds, is the perfect prescription for any petrolhead seeking their next adrenaline fix. The atmosphere is set to be electric, with drivers pushing their finely tuned machines to the limit, vying for victory in front of a passionate crowd. Adding an extra layer of excitement, Motomech has generously sponsored a R5,000 prize for a lucky draw,…

NORTHERN Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul brushed off questions relating to the deteriorating Kimberley Mental Health Hospital, five years after labelling it a “monument of corruption” when he officiated at its opening in 2019. Following his re-election for a second term last week, the premier instructed the media to “call the MEC for Health to respond” to enquiries about the controversial health facility. Saul pointed out that “people were arrested” in connection with the ballooning costs of constructing the hospital. It took 13 years, four different contractors and over R2 billion to complete the state-of-the-art facility, which has since fallen into a state of neglect. A contravention notice was issued in May due to occupational health and safety concerns. Many areas of the facility remain unoccupied amid a dire shortage…

CAREGIVERS employed by 3L Development in Warrenton expressed frustration when the Northern Cape Department of Social Development once again “failed to pay” the remaining 50% of their salaries. Despite sending a delegation to the Department of Social Development in Kimberley on May 22, their efforts to demand payment were unsuccessful. Initially employed on a three-year contract, these 28 caregivers worked for only one year before the work was halted. They were informed that 3L Development had terminated its contract with the Department of Social Development. While they received full salaries in April, May, and June (their first tranche), they have not been paid in full since July 2023 until March 2024. Waiting for four months without income, they finally began demanding answers. The caregivers lamented the lack of communication from…

TAMARA Morolong, a third-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student, is one of the beneficiaries of the Boikanyo Solar bursary programme and she is committed to giving back to her community in Douglas. Morolong is dedicated to mentoring younger learners, emphasising the transformative power of education. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, she aims to pave the way for the academic and professional success of the next generation. Currently enrolled at the University of the Free State, Morolong is among three recipients of the Boikanyo Solar scholarship programme. These exceptional students have successfully advanced to the next year of their studies, having achieved satisfactory second-semester results. This notable achievement underscores the commitment and dedication of these students, who continue to excel in their respective fields of study. Among the bursary beneficiaries…

Thrilling Frances Baard Rugby Region final exceeds expectations THERE is something about club rugby that gets my heart beating faster than any other type of rugby. I ask myself, is it the pure passion these ordinary guys show on the field? Is it the crowd shouting as loud as they can from the sidelines? Or is it the emotions each player shows during the game? When I think of club rugby, I think of a bunch of ordinary guys, who are not necessarily elite athletes, playing for the love of the sport. Nobody is being paid. Everybody needs to take time out of their daily schedule to ensure that they attend practices. Some of the guys stay out of town, working on the farms, but they still make time to…

Mamelodi Sundowns show interest in inaugural local Youth Month Tournament THE SOL PLAATJE Local Football Association (SPLFA), in collaboration with Mekan Group, successfully launched the inaugural Mekan Group Youth Month Tournament over the long weekend of June 15-17. This vibrant event, which promises to become a staple in the local football calendar, aims to foster youth development and community engagement throughout the Sol Plaatje area. All games were held at the Galeshewe Stadium and the FNB Astro Turf, drawing significant local attention and participation. SPLFA chairperson Collin Bosman expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the partnership with Mekan Group, which has committed to supporting the tournament for the next three years. This partnership ensures that a floating trophy will be awarded annually across various divisions, covering all jurisdictions within the…