Table of contents for 2024-12-13 in DFA News

LABOUR unions believe that officials are “worse off” since a prohibition notice was served on the provincial office of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, situated at the Ocean Echo Building in Kimberley. The building, dubbed the ‘Glass Palace’, was vacated with immediate effect on November 26 due to a lack of ventilation, lifts that are not operating, and occupational health and safety non-compliance. Public Servants Association provincial manager Steve Ledibane said over 100 staff members were now scattered across different government offices and squeezed into overcrowded spaces. “These working conditions are not conducive as up to six employees have to share a desk. Contravention notices were also served on the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury at the Metlife Towers, where staff are occupying cramped offices…

THE EFF and DA have called on Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul to expose senior government managers who are living lavish lifestyles by benefiting from state tenders but who are failing to disclose their business interests. According to the 2023/24 Public Service Commission annual report, 53 senior managers in the Northern Cape did not disclose their directorships in public and private companies during the 2022/23 financial year. This includes five director generals/head of departments (HODs), one deputy director general, five chief directors and 35 directors. The report also identified 74 directors, 18 chief directors, eight director generals/HODs and four deputy director generals with a potential conflict of interest. Nine complaints involving state officials in the Northern Cape were also reported to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline. EFF provincial leader Shadrack…

Incredibly, considering the importance of the game, the absence of match officials and a questionable refereeing decision spoiled what was otherwise an exciting season finale After a year of exhilarating soccer matches across Kimberley, the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League came to a dramatic conclusion on Sunday at the Galeshewe Stadium. The highly anticipated final pitted two top teams, Real Madrid and Diamond Boyz, against each other in what should have been a thrilling showcase of football prowess. However, the match ended under a cloud of controversy, raising questions about fairness and proper officiating. Incredibly, considering the importance of the game, the absence of match officials and a questionable refereeing decision marred the final. Before the match kicked off, it was found that the designated referee was unavailable, reportedly called…

A NEW sport has been galloping across the Northern Cape landscape of late and simultaneously gaining popularity. The sport, called “Western Mounted Games” is an exhilarating and fast-paced equestrian sport that tests speed, accuracy, and the bond between horse and rider. The sport has been gaining popularity in the province of late, drawing riders and spectators alike to thrilling events across towns like Upington, Prieska, Kathu, as well as our very own Kimberley. And for those wondering what Western Mounted Games is all about, we had a feeling you’d want to know. In a nutshell, Western Mounted Games involve a series of high-speed events where riders navigate their horses through obstacles such as barrels, poles, and figure-eight patterns whilst racing against the clock. As one can expect, the sport demands…

IN THE latest judgment, the actions of the head of the department (HOD) of Health, Dr Dion Theys, have been described as “unlawful, reckless, and grossly negligent” when he signed “dubious rental agreements” totalling R13.2 million for nursing student accommodation at the JP Hugo hostels in Hoffe Park. Theys, who was the acting HOD at the time, was found guilty of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in 2023. He was sentenced to a fine of R150,000 on three charges of contravening the PFMA or three years imprisonment, of which R100,000 or two years imprisonment was suspended for a period of five years, on condition that he did not commit a similar offence. The appeal against his conviction was dismissed in the Northern…

THIS year I have learned, by experience, that the scariest thing to do on Friday the 13th is to check one’s bank account. In fact, things have become so bad that I even started considering selling my art, seeing as I have recently dug back into my art supplies and started sketching again after over two decades. Now though my sketching is just a channel for me to unwind after a hard day at the office, my work is almost halfway decent. I am almost certain that I could sell one of my masterpieces for a few ‘clams’. I see the eye rolls of the judgmental cynics who think I am being rather ambitious. However, I base my statement on what happened in 2019 when a work of art –…

The offices will reopen again on Monday, January 6 2025. During this period, the Regional Hollywood Bets Men's League will also be in recess, with fixtures scheduled to resume on Saturday, January 11 2025. In an official statement, the FBFA Regional Secretary, Mr. Mondela, emphasised the continued availability of the Regional Executive Committee (REC) for urgent matters. “The REC will be on standby during the period,” Mandela said. “Should anything arise that requires our urgent attention or the sharing of information, such as accidents or deaths, it must be communicated via email to the regional secretary at pwmondela20@gmail.com or cell number 082 566 7586, or the regional vice-secretary at modisetb87@gmail.com or cell number 073 194 0531,” he added. Mr. Mondela also extended warm wishes to the football community, saying, “On…

A 38-YEAR-old man who allegedly raped and killed his 11-year-old niece has been sent for a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he can be held accountable for his actions. Jan Kempdorp community leader Lebogang Banyatsi said the incident took place in Masekeng in Jan Kempdorp on December 8. “The girl lived with her grandmother and uncle after her mother's death. The grandmother was not at home at the time of the incident,” said Banyatsi. COVERED IN BLOOD He added that a neighbour found the child lying on the bed covered in blood. “The family requested assistance from social workers as the accused is reportedly mentally ill but never received any help.” Banyatsi expressed concern over the alarming number of rape cases involving minors in the Masekeng and Felu areas." Northern…

THREE Grade 11 learners from Thabane High School in Galeshewe made history when they secured second place in the Step Up to a Start Up entrepreneurship competition that took place in Johannesburg recently. Out of the 16,000 learners who competed in the national competition, the trio of Boingotlo Frans, Boitumelo Sekgopi, and Lesego Majake not only secured the award for their school but also achieved a milestone for the Northern Cape, becoming the first group from the province to secure a top three place. Frans said she had a feeling that their idea, aimed at addressing climate change and alleviating the effects of extreme heat, would stand out in the competition. “Our idea was to make an umbrella constructed from recycled material, solar panels and fitted with a built-in fan…

The Kimberley Skate Park recently became a hive of activity and celebration as the Skateboarding for Hope Finale, a cornerstone event of the Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC), concluded on Saturday, December 7. With a focus on empowering local youth, fostering talent, and building a stronger community, the event stood out as a beacon of inspiration for Kimberley and the greater Northern Cape region. The Skateboarding for Hope Finale festivities began on December 6 with a dynamic media launch attended by MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Venus Blennies-Magage. In her address, MEC Blennies-Magage emphasised that the Kimberley Diamond Cup represents far more than skateboarding – it symbolises the resilience, creativity, and potential of the Northern Cape. “This event showcases our province’s ability to inspire youth, uplift small businesses, and…