Table of contents for 2024-01-26 in DFA News

THE EFF has requested that a special council meeting be convened to allow for a high-ranking Sol Plaatje Municipality official to respond to “serious accusations of corruption, extortion and the misuse of funds” relating to tenders that were awarded for the upgrading of the Legaeng and Eagle Street pump stations in Roodepan. An investigation into alleged maladministration at Sol Plaatje Municipality that was compiled by JH Attorneys, dated January 7, highlighted a possible conflict of interests between the municipal official and the director of the company, where competitive bidders were “disadvantaged” due to their ”personal relationship.” EFF provincial chairperson Shadrack Tlhaole said that he had written to the mayor, municipal manager, Speaker, ANC chief whip and council this week, giving them seven days in which to respond, as there appeared…

THE KIMBERLEY Diamond Oval witnessed an exhilarating women’s T20 series showdown between Bangladesh and South Africa in December, creating a buzz of excitement among cricket enthusiasts. As part of our ongoing commitment to our loyal DFA readers, we offered an exclusive chance to win tickets and two South Africa cricket replica shirts that were kindly sponsored by Cricket South Africa. The response from our avid readers was phenomenal. Scores of enthusiastic cricket fans participated by commenting with their names and numbers under our competition post on Facebook. It was heartening to see the overwhelming engagement and support from the DFA community. After careful consideration, we are thrilled to announce that Adeeb Daniels and Patricia Janse van Rensburg are the fortunate winners of this exciting contest. These two lucky individuals not…

THE DECISION by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul to insource security services at the various provincial departments in the Province was not met with a standing ovation by the majority of private security companies. A number of security companies who have or who still are providing security services at provincial departments, have labelled the decision to insource security services as a political move by Saul. “From the onset, this decision appears like a wonderful idea to the average person. There are many promises, like the increase in salaries and the provision of additional benefits that are being dangled in front of the security personnel. However, there are many aspects to this decision that the provincial government is not revealing to the public or even the personnel they are planning…

Kimberley Golf Club results for the week of January 17 to 20 and a look ahead to the the period of January 26 to February 4. Results for the week of January 17 to 20 are: The January 17 Club IPS competition was won by Nigel Page with 37pts which included a Hole-in-One on the 11th. Second on a count-out with the same score was Dee Kidson with Barend Burger 3rd on 36pts. The KWV Niner on January 18 was won by Keith Brown with 20pts on a count-out over Johan Herselman with the same score. Third on 19pts was Ant Crozier. The Friday, January 19 Flamingo Niner was won by Neville Parker with 20pts with Gavin Williams second on a count-out over Andries Kori both with 19pts. Bernie Turton…

HUNDREDS of community members looted a truck that was involved in a minor accident on the N12 near Hopetown on January 24. FF+ Thembelihle councillor Paul van Niekerk, who drove past the scene at around 5pm, said residents from Strydenburg and Hopetown flocked to the accident scene on foot. “Twenty-four pallets containing boxes of fruit juice that were shrink-wrapped with plastic were stolen off the back of the truck,” said Van Niekerk. “The truck was travelling from Cape Town to Gauteng and sustained minor damages. The scene was not properly cordoned off to prevent the looting. Traffic was also disrupted.” Van Niekerk added that it took more than two hours to clear the road. Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said yesterday that two trucks collided on the N12…

THE GONG Gong clinic has been closed for over a month, with patients unable to access health services or obtain their medication. Community members have complained that they have to spend extra money they do not have to catch a taxi to travel to the clinic in Barkly West. Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor Corrie Mostert said that there was only one nurse providing services at the Gong Gong clinic. “The Gong Gong clinic has been shut since December 14, 2023. If the nurse is sick or on leave then the clinic is closed,” said Mostert. PA provincial premier candidate Sharifa Obaray-Ferris added that they had supplied two mobile toilets to the clinic, which they were also maintaining, in September last year, as patients were making use of a pensioner's ablution…

THE MEAL that we all have to choke down sooner or later is a large slice of humble pie, washed down with a tepid cupful of humili-tea. Yes, the important, life-changing lessons life teaches us seldom come in a neat package like a TED Talks lecture or YouTube instructional video; far too often it comes in the form of a kick in the seat of the pants. Today I have to confess that I sit here having been well fed, having drunk well, and with a tingling sensation in the general area of my backside after falling victim to one of the easiest scams out there. For years I have been warning, scolding, berating and even writing about how easy it is to be scammed. Even as early as September…

The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has taken the Kimberley Diamond Oval by storm, with the venue witnessing four enthralling contests thus far. The cricket carnival has gripped the city, and as we approach the weekend, fans are eager for more exciting clashes. On Sunday, Sri Lanka faced off against Zimbabwe in a nail-biting encounter at the Diamond Oval. Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 39 runs, courtesy of the Duckworth-Lewis method. Monday’s fixture saw Australia dominating Namibia, securing a comprehensive victory with four wickets in hand and a staggering 181 balls to spare. As the tournament progresses, one burning question lingers in the air: will the South African Under-19 team grace the Diamond Oval with their presence? The odds seem favourable for the home team, positioned in Pool B. To…

Diamantveld High School’s netball sensation, Mari du Raan, is not just making waves in local competitions but is also set to represent South Africa on the international stage. Recently selected for both the Under-21 South African Qualifier Netball team and the Under-21 South African Netball World Cup team in 2025, Mari's journey is filled with excitement, hard work, and a determination to succeed. The DFA spoke to Mari to find out more about her journey. Mari told the DFA that her journey began with a simple dream: to represent her school and country in netball. Her selection for the Under-21 South African Qualifier team is a dream come true, and she is bursting with pride. “It feels really amazing to represent my school and country in the Under-21 South African…

THE POLICE and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has placed management at the Tswelopele Correctional Centre in Kimberley under the spotlight after a gang fight among inmates apparently left 28 people injured and four prison warders having to undergo trauma counselling. It is believed that the incident took place in the kitchen area of the facility on January 12. The fight reportedly erupted in a unit where 222 inmates were detained under the supervision of four prison warders. When the fight broke out, the warders were apparently rescued by some of the inmates who locked them up in a room for their own safety. Twenty-three inmates were apparently treated at the Tswelopele sick bay while five inmates were transferred to an external hospital for serious injuries. The gang fight was…

THE PLACE known as “Akoerebis”, or the “place of great noise”, by the Khoi people is buzzing with excitement after the Orange River plunged down the 56-metre waterfall and reached a whopping 903.50 cumecs on January 23, 2024. Information from the Department of Water and Sanitation has predicted that the flow could hit nearly 1,000 cumecs by today and tomorrow at Augrabies Falls National Park. Expect the thundering cascade to last around 14 days before settling down. Lucius Moolman, the Arid Parks regional general manager, invites everyone to witness the spectacle. “The Orange River at Augrabies Falls is a must-see. We let you get up close and personal to this amazing sight,” says Moolman. The park is open seven days a week, offering on-site accommodation for the full experience of…

BETWEEN 5 000 to 6 000 private security officials who are currently working at government departments in the Northern Cape will have the opportunity to become permanent government employees following a decision by Premier Zamani Saul to insource security services. Saul this week launched the Northern Cape Provincial Security Services at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley. The new programme will see all security services rendered at government departments being insourced. A total of 124 security officials were inaugurated at the launch. The security officials will be employed at the provincial Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Premier, the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and at the Kimberley mental health hospital. Saul said that the absorption of the security officials…

The Kimberley Road Runners club is buzzing with anticipation as they prepare to host the Vodacom Meerkat Marathon on February 3, 2024. Launched in 2015, this annual event, paused only during the 2021 lockdown, is a cornerstone for the running community, raising funds for charity and supporting the Kimberley Road Runners club. As the largest road running event in the Northern Cape, the marathon is renowned for challenging courses and a vibrant atmosphere. This year, the goal is to break attendance records and foster community engagement. The event includes 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km races, with the 10km race part of the AGW 10km Championships. A 4.9km fun run adds a playful element. Notably, the marathon qualifies for the Comrades and Two Oceans Ultra Marathons, attracting elite athletes. Registration is open…

In celebration of cycling and community spirit, the Lupus Classic, a highly anticipated family-oriented mountain bike and road bike event, is gearing up for an unforgettable edition on May 11 this year. Hosted at the scenic Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, the event promises a day of exhilarating challenges, camaraderie, and family fun, starting at 6am. Time flies, that’s for certain, so there’s no time to waste for those who want to be part of this incredible event; participants are being encouraged to register as early as possible for the event, and there is something for everyone. Solo cyclists have the opportunity to test their mettle on three different types of bikes: mountain bikes, road bikes, and e-bikes, with two distinct routes to choose from: 40km and 92km. The 40km route…