Table of contents for 2025-06-20 in DFA News

A CONSORTIUM has proposed a plan to drain excess water from Kamfers Dam at apparently no cost to the city, while also employing local labour and skills. The near-threatened lesser flamingo, once a major international attraction at the pan, has since vanished due to the toxic water. Overgrown reeds have also made the dam invisible from some sections of the R31 road. Botulism is believed to have caused the deaths of more than 150 birds that were collected around the Kamfers Dam pan in December 2024. The flamingo wetland sanctuary on the farm has also been destroyed as a result of the ongoing pollution. According to the consortium, they are able to source funding from Transnet and other investors, as the contaminated water threatens to submerge two railway lines and…

COMMUNITY members are calling for justice following the death of well-known Hotazel DJ, Kamogelo Sefali, whose body was found hidden among bushes near Kuruman. No arrests have been made yet, and questions surrounding his death remain unanswered. According to a resident, Sefali was scheduled to perform at two events on June 15 – one in Seodin and another at a club in Bankhara. “We are not sure if he made it to both venues. His cellphone was switched off sometime between the two events,” the resident said. It is believed that Sefali’s body was dumped in the veld after he was killed. “His vehicle was found abandoned a few kilometres away,” the resident added. “His body was discovered by community members under a pile of wood after a search party…

THE NORTHERN Cape’s renewable energy sector is providing valuable opportunities for young professionals, with initiatives like the Globeleq South Africa Internship Programme offering hands-on experience and skills development in utility-scale solar facilities. Two interns, Thato Matsoso and Sipho Masinga, have been gaining practical experience at Droogfontein Solar Power and De Aar Solar Power, respectively. Thato, a 23-year-old electrical engineering graduate, has been exposed to day-to-day operations, while Sipho has been involved in site activities such as fault finding and performance monitoring. Thato highlights the importance of innovation in the sector, citing advancements in panel efficiency, energy storage, and smart grid technology. Sipho, meanwhile, has gained insights into the efficiency of solar panels, even without direct sunlight. The internship programme aims to equip young engineers with practical skills and confidence, contributing…

NOT EVERY run has to be a race – sometimes it’s just about showing up. And that’s exactly what seven determined members of the Kimberley Harriers Road Running Club did on Tuesday, June 17, as they took to the streets for their weekly time trial. With winter sniffles going around and calendars filling up, turnout was lean – but those who made it out were treated to a crisp, calm afternoon and the satisfaction of staying consistent. The run, as always, was less about competition and more about rhythm, routine and the shared joy of movement. Whether aiming for pace or peace of mind, the runners logged another set of times on the club board. And with next week’s forecast promising mild weather and light breezes, the Harriers are no…

NEWTON Primary School in Kimberley has recently welcomed an exciting addition to its extracurricular offerings: Pom Pom dancing and cheerleading. Under the guidance of coaches Suzane Cornelissen, Johan de la Rey, and Kaitlin Fredericks, this new initiative is fast becoming a source of pride and energy for the school community, reviving the spirit of performance and teamwork among its learners. Reviving a beloved culture Years ago, Newton Primary was home to the Marionettes (Trompoppies), a beloved extracurricular activity that unfortunately had to be discontinued. That absence left a noticeable void. Now, with the introduction of Pom Poms and cheerleading, the school has reignited a platform for girls to engage in a dynamic activity that blends dance, gymnastics, athleticism, and expressive flair. “Not every learner is drawn to traditional sports. This…

AS ARCHERY continues to flourish at grassroots level in the Northern Cape, the province's rising stars are now preparing to make their mark on the international stage. With several archers selected to represent South Africa abroad, the spotlight is turning to how far local talent can go – and what support is needed to get them there. The rising standard of the sport in the province has caught national attention. Four archers from the Northern Cape have been selected for the AGA-SA National Development Team. These athletes will compete at the AGA Federation International Tournament in Namibia next month, facing off against competitors from Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The selected archers are Fathima Mustapha and Athrah Arnold of Girls High Kimberley, Otniel van Wyk of Adamantia High, and…

COMMUTERS who travel between Ritchie and Kimberley are forced to wake up at the crack of dawn to get to work or school on time, after several subsidised buses were impounded two weeks ago. Commuters stated that the buses were unsafe and not roadworthy. “We have to make use of taxis, but they can only transport a limited number of passengers at a time. This means that the taxis have to make multiple trips to and from Ritchie. It is also costing us double because the subsidised bus transport costs R15 per trip as opposed to the taxis that charge R30 per trip," they said. They added that the availability of public transport has been severely limited since the buses were impounded. “If we don’t wake up by 4am to…

GENDER-based violence and femicide (GBVF) groups have secured a meeting with the Office of the Premier next week to address injustices faced by marginalised and vulnerable groups, following a march to the Premier’s Office in Kimberley this week. The provincial march on June 18 was organised by the Sonke Gender Justice project in partnership with civil society organisations in the Northern Cape, traditional and religious leaders in Platfontein, and various non-governmental organisations. Sonke Gender Justice specialist Fredalene Booysen said around 500 supporters and 35 GBVF partner organisations from across the Province – including Platfontein, Colville, Roodepan, Galeshewe, Ritchie, Warrenton, Hartswater, Delportshoop, Windsorton, Barkly West, Pniel, Kuruman, the Namakwa District, Upington, De Aar, Douglas, Hopetown, Griekwastad, Campbell and Schmidtsdrift – participated in the march. “We wish to express our disappointment, frustration,…

THE BEREAVED have been warned not to visit Kimberley’s graveyards alone, with concerns even raised over the safety of municipal cemetery workers. Residents have complained about the poor state of local cemeteries, which are overgrown with grass and frequented by vagrants who sleep next to the graves. The chairperson of the Griqualand West Hebrew Congregation, Adrian Horwitz, expressed concern over the neglected condition of the graves at West End Cemetery and called for regular maintenance. He noted that a full-time security guard and groundsman had been employed to care for the Jewish cemetery, in order to prevent vandalism and theft. Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said that cemetery management was taking steps to improve the grounds and address public concerns. “These efforts are aimed at improving the condition of…

DIAMOND Fight League No.2 delivered a thrilling night of action and rising talent in Kimberley, with a packed crowd turning out to support the event hosted by Fight Arts Productions in collaboration with the Rusty Gloves Boxing Academy. The showcase was held at the Flamingo Casino’s conference centre, which reached full capacity as fight fans gathered for the action. With 160 tickets flying off the shelves, the sold-out event showcased 14 intense bouts featuring 28 young and promising boxers and Jiu-Jitsu fighters from Kimberley, Postmasburg, and Bloemfontein. Each match brought adrenaline and emotion as family, friends, and local supporters roared from the sidelines, cheering their fighters on with pride and passion. But beyond the cheers and punches, the event’s significance lay in its deeper mission: the revival of boxing in…

THE NORTHERN Cape Mixed Pairs Championship was contested this past weekend at Kimberley Town Bowling Club, with 16 top teams from across the province's four sub-districts vying for the title and a coveted spot at the Bowls South Africa Mixed Pairs, set to take place in Polokwane later this year. After an intense round-robin format on Saturday, four teams emerged as section winners to secure their places in the semi-finals: CP and Annelie Mathewson (Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club), Driaan van Niekerk and Letticia Sterley (Beaconsfield Park), Wihan and Orsiela Smit (Bloemhof), and Jurg and Louise Oosthuizen (Ammosal). Driaan and Letticia, still riding high after their recent form in the Kimberley Sub-District Mixed Pairs, were clinical in their semi-final, dispatching Jurg and Louise with relative ease to secure the first…

IN A STUNNING display of precision and talent, Pierre Fourie of the Boshof Warriors Archery Club shattered the Northern Cape provincial record during the Africa Genesis Archery (AGA) Northern Cape Interschool and Interclub Competition, hosted this past Saturday by the Boshof Archery Club. Fourie, who only began archery three months ago under the guidance of coach Dawid de Greeff, scored an outstanding 294 out of 300, surpassing the previous record of 292/300 held by Schalk van der Merwe, owner and chairperson of Adventure Archery Club. The record-breaking performance has not only made headlines but has also brought new attention to the rapid rise of archery in the province. “Pierre's achievement showcases what's possible when talent meets opportunity and proper instruction," said de Greeff. “His record-breaking performance is a testament to…

THE DIRECTORATE of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to decide whether it will go ahead with the prosecution of the Minerva Gardens murder trial next month. The accused, Clive Ferris and his daughter, advocate Celeste Nameka, made a brief appearance in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court this week. They face several charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The charges relate to the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Charmaine Anthony and the wounding of her son, Lucan Anthony, during an incident at Minerva Gardens in Kimberley on December 21. “Shoot them, Daddy, shoot them all,” was allegedly the instruction given by Nameka, 43, to her father, Ferris, 67, following an argument between Nameka and her boyfriend. The dispute reportedly began when the couple accused each…

THERE’S one thing that sticks in my mind after visiting New York – the tempting aroma of freshly brewed beans wafting from every street corner. Yet, it didn’t take me long to learn that in the Big Apple, they don’t have coffee shops – they have “kawfee” shops. More to the point, at the time I visited New York, I didn’t drink coffee. But the aroma was so tempting that I popped into a store once, just to check it out, and stared at the menu for a good few minutes. I saw lattes, espressos, macchiatos. There were cappuccinos, flat whites, Americanos, café au laits, and cortados... but no “coffee” on the menu. None. Zip. ZERO. Back home in good old SA, the same thing appears to have happened. Walk…

WHILE the month of June is dedicated to the youth, thousands of young people across the Northern Cape have been left disillusioned and deprived of stipends owed to them through a government-funded learnership programme meant to empower them with skills and work experience. Their frustrations boiled over this week when affected participants demanded urgent intervention by blocking traffic on the R31 and barricading the road with burning tyres and rocks. Police from Delportshoop, along with the Public Order Police Unit from Kimberley, responded to the protest at the Longlands intersection on the R31 on June 18. Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said disgruntled community members had blocked the road with burning tyres from around 9.30am. “Members from the Public Order Police dispersed the crowd and the road has…

Porto Football Club seeks support to chart a future for local boys THERE’S a crackle of excitement happening in the area of Diamond Park, a section of Greenpoint in Kimberley. In this township, determined young footballers are chasing a football while at the same time chasing purpose, discipline, and hope. Porto Football Club, affectionately known as PJ Stars, was established in 2023 by a few dedicated soccer lovers, members of the Diamond Park community. What began as a modest initiative to get local boys off the streets has grown into a full-fledged club, currently fielding five teams across age divisions from Under-11 to Under-19. For many of these young players, football, in addition to being a pastime, is a lifeline. “Some of our boys come from tough backgrounds,” said Renaldo…

Vuyo Thati, owner of Blade Health and Wellness in Kimberley, is kicking his wellness vision up a level – literally – with the launch of the Blade Shotokan Karate Club. What started as an extension of his holistic health philosophy has quickly become a beacon of disciplined training and youth development. And already, the fledgling club is punching well above its weight. In just its second competitive outing, Blade Shotokan is making waves on the regional martial arts scene. The club recently took part in the Winter Challenge Karate Championship in Christiana – a highly anticipated event hosted by Teemane Karate Club that drew skilled karateka from across the province and neighbouring areas. A determined squad of 21 athletes represented Blade Shotokan at the tournament. Showing grit, focus and composure…