Table of contents for 2024-02-23 in DFA News

AS THE Wits Justice Project conducted its 8th national workshop, which is aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge and pointers on the operations of a courtroom, local journalists were gobsmacked at the various challenges and life-threatening dangers two DFA reporters had encountered during the course of their careers. The two multi-media journalists, Sandi Kwon Hoo and Soraya Crowie, shared some of their experiences and encounters they have had in order to deliver factual and balanced news reports to the public. The Wits Justice Project has been running workshops across the country and shared some insights with local Kimberley journalists attached to various media houses on some of the constraints facing journalists when they need to report on court cases. The head of the Wits Justice Programme at the Wits…

COPPER 360’s share price increased sharply yesterday after it announced that a drone survey had confirmed a large on surface high-grade copper deposit, which could indicate a substantial new copper mine, near the historically mined Tweefontein Copper Mine in the Northern Cape. CEO Jan Nelson said in a statement earlier this week: “This discovery is significant as we have only scratched the surface and have yet to drill further to depth and test the other three anomalies, which are much larger than the first anomaly we drilled. Should these anomalies yield the same result then we could easily have identified a new mine that could be four times the size of the Rietberg Mine and three times the grade.” The news sent the share price surging 6.3% to R3.25 on…

A MOTORIST intends to claim damages from Kgatelopele Local Municipality after the mayoral vehicle allegedly scratched her car. A day after posting a picture of the vehicle on social media on February 16, the woman stated that a number of people had informed her that it was the mayor’s vehicle. “The driver of the Toyota was reckless, while I have been left with the damages. I tried to have the car repaired but the scratches are quite deep,” she said. The woman claimed that the municipal manager had advised her to lay criminal charges. “I was visiting in Kimberley at the time of the incident. I was driving my son’s car … I passed the North Cape Mall on November 28, 2023, when a car drove into my lane and…

SOMETIMES excitement can get one to do overly ambitious, maybe even silly things that can make you look foolish. For example, the intoxicating excitement of learning that I would be travelling to the Far East last December got me so thrilled that I decided to learn Mandarin; after all, how hard could it be? The answer to that question turned out to be that after six weeks of diligently dancing with Duo, the mascot for the language app, I had seen a lot of Mandarin, heard a lot of Mandarin, done many, many Mandarin drills, but was only confident enough to say “hello” in Mandarin. But not to be put off, I was determined to at least say “ní hào” once during the time that I was on distant shores.…

Kimberley Golf Club results for the week of February 14-17 and a look ahead to the period of February 28 to March 2. Results for the week of February 14-17 are: The Wednesday, February 14 Darsha sponsored 18-hole IPS competition was won by Barend Burger on 36 pts. Second was Phillip Maritz with 35 pts over 3rd placed Harry Welham on 35 pts. The Thursday, February 15 KWV sponsored Niner with power play options was won by Eugene Snyman on 28 pts with Andrew Boraine 2nd with 25 pts and Johann Liebenberg 3rd on 24 pts. The Thursday, February 15 Cobra/Puma sponsored Niner was won by Andrew Boraine on 21 pts with Eugene Snyman 2nd with 20 pts and Bertram Morolong 3rd on 20 pts. The Friday, February 16 Flamingo…

Tug of War, once a staple of schoolyard games and community festivals, has surged back into prominence in Kimberley over the last couple of years. So much so that the Flamingo Tug of War Club was established in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in the city’s sporting landscape. What began as a modest endeavour has blossomed into a thriving community of 75 members, boasting 41 registered pullers and showcasing the city's burgeoning interest in this timeless sport. But the Flamingo Tug of War Club isn't just about competition – it's a family affair. Catering to participants of all ages, from energetic youngsters to seasoned seniors, the club offers a unique opportunity for families to bond while engaging in physical activity. Children aged six to 13 can participate in the…

“Workers will receive their money on February 25. Due to cash-flow problems, the NGO was not able to pay the stipends in advance, before the funds were received from the Department of Health,” said the director. THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has opened criminal charges against a non-governmental organisation (NGO) after 112 Covid brigade workers were apparently not paid for the past two months. The workers last received their stipends of R3 500 on December 15, 2023, and they were later informed that their stipends would be diverted to pay HIV peer educators. The executive director of the NGO indicated in January that there were “unexpected delays” in processing payment. He stated that the NGO was working “diligently to ensure that all payments were made promptly and rectifying the…

HAMMERED by Eskom’s load shedding and logistics constraints under Transnet, Kumba Iron Ore is laying off 490 employees under a restructuring programme that will see the Anglo American-owned company reduce its production from 2024 to 2026. The logistical constraints and load shedding experienced during 2023 had raised the “cost of doing business in South Africa,” Kumba Iron Ore said this week. The company was now “re-configuring” its operations. "The potential reconfiguration of our business is expected to impact 490 jobs including fixed-term employees across Kumba's operations,” said Kumba Iron Ore chief executive Mpumi Zikalala. The company was now embarking on Section 189A processes involving consultations with trade unions and affected employees. The company had already streamlined office-based roles in 2023 and, it said, “given the required change to our production…

BURSARY programmes are making a positive impact in the Northern Cape town of Kenhardt, helping students chase their dreams. The beneficiary of one such programme, Aubrene Joelin Tities, 28, is on track to qualify as an installation electrician from the CS Electrical Training Centre in Bloemfontein. This is thanks to Aries Solar Power's local community bursary fund, which is currently supporting him. The bursary programme is making an impact in the community by supporting nine local students in Kenhardt to chase their dreams. The programme has been lauded as a true demonstration that access to education funding is more than just about tertiary qualifications, but also brings communities together and supports aspirations. Through these bursaries, the students realise that their dreams and educational goals truly matter. Aries Solar Power continues…

Eyeing third title on the trot Northern Cape Heat have their crosshairs focused on what could be their third consecutive trophy in the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series. The NC Heat cricket team is poised for this potentially historic moment as they prepare to take on the formidable ITEC Knights in the final match in Division 2 of the CSA 4-Day Franchise Series. Eyeing a third consecutive trophy, the Heat are gearing up for a fierce encounter on the field. Captain Ernest Kemm’s leadership will undoubtedly be crucial in the upcoming final series. Apart from his on-field skills, Kemm’s primary task will be to uphold team morale during challenging times. With a line-up comprising strong batsmen and bowlers, the Heat possesses a wealth of talent. However, to ensure the coveted trophy…

The engines will be revving, and the excitement will be palpable as Big Hole Oval Dirt Track Racing kicks off their season with a bang tomorrow (Saturday) at 6 pm at the race track located at 57 Kenilworth Road in De Beers. Racing enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike are eagerly anticipating the action-packed evening awaiting them at the Kimberley Big Hole Oval Race Track. For those eager to get into the racing spirit early, Vat So! Restaurant, conveniently located on the premises, will open its gates at 11 am, offering the perfect opportunity to fuel up before the races begin. Additionally, stalls featuring a variety of food and drink options will be available on-site throughout the event. Tickets for entry to the Oval Track are priced at R150 for those…

RITCHIE-born Godwin Taweni, the multi-talented model and author, celebrated the launch of his second book, “Called 2 Be Different”, in a grand event held at the Jubilee Diamond City Church hall in Kimberley on February 17. The highly-anticipated black-tie affair drew a crowd of 70 attendees, including guests from Ritchie, Kimberley, Hopetown, Barkly West and Johannesburg. The event was impeccably timed, taking place the day before Taweni’s 23rd birthday. Taweni, originally hailing from Ritchie, made the bold move to Johannesburg in pursuit of his dreams. His journey, filled with trials and triumphs, now unfolds in his 79-page book. “Called 2 Be Different” chronicles his life experiences, offering valuable lessons learned during times of adversity. Targeted at young people, especially those seeking empowerment, Taweni’s latest work delves into his teenage years…

WHILE South Africans are proud of having 11 official languages, it is generally accepted that publishing books in indigenous languages is challenging, especially when it comes to poetry. International Mother Language Day was celebrated on Wednesday and the AVBOB Poetry Project showcased the vibrant, multilingual work of Sizakele Nkosi, poet, children’s writer and creative writing lecturer at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley. Nkosi has facilitated poetry and jazz sessions through her House of Siza platform for years. Her debut collection, “u-Grand, Malume?” was published by Botsotso last year. Most of the poems in the collection are in English, but its title tells us that Nkosi has a fine ear for the gritty, cosmopolitan slang of Johannesburg’s city streets. These are poems firmly rooted in our present moment, but Nkosi also…

Hosted jointly by the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club and Sol Plaatje West End Bowls Club, the event showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Saturday marked the completion of sectional play, setting the stage for Sunday’s thrilling semi-finals and finals. In the men’s singles category, David Paulse emerged victorious after a gripping final match against Scotty Elliot. Paulse’s skill and determination propelled him to clinch the championship title, with Marco Geel securing third place and Wilhelm Malan finishing fourth, both delivering commendable performances throughout the tournament. Reflecting on his victory, David Paulse expressed his thrill and honour at becoming the Northern Cape singles champion for lawn bowls. He shared his gratitude for the opportunities afforded by joining the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club and highlighted his journey of overcoming challenges and injuries…

Established in February 2014, Roodepan Masters FC has been a prominent member of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League, navigating both triumphs and challenges under the stewardship of past chairman Koos Kampher and current chairman Ralph Oerson. In their inaugural season, the club achieved an impressive feat by clinching the treble in 2014, emerging victorious in the Easter Tournament, Avbob Cup, and Rihanna Cup. However, the club faced a setback in the 2023 season, marking their worst performance in a decade. Despite this hiccup, their determination remains unshaken as they strive to reclaim their position at the top of the league standings. Beyond the pitch, Roodepan Masters is deeply committed to social responsibility. Despite falling short of their target last season, the club remains steadfast in their pledge to engage…

The Hollywood Bets Regional Men's League is witnessing intense competition as teams strive for the top spots in their respective streams. In Stream A, Falcon City leads the standings with an impressive 28 points from 11 games. Dalton Brothers are just behind them, trailing by just one point after the same number of matches. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) holds steady in third place with 21 points from 10 matches played. Meanwhile, in Stream B, Mighty Reds sits comfortably at the top of the log with 29 points earned across 11 games. Pearls United follows closely in second place, having also completed 11 games. Not far behind, Diamond Footballers are holding on to the third spot with 18 points after 10 matches. The competition has been intense; just this past weekend,…