Table of contents for 2024-11-08 in DFA News

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison will apparently extend the lease for the building it is occupying on the corner of Sydney and Lennox streets in Kimberley for another five years. This is despite a notice of non-compliance that was issued by the Department of Employment and Labour for the building last year. It is believed that the rental exceeds R1 million per month. The former minister of finance Pravin Gordhan, who died in September, advised the former MEC for Economic Affairs and Tourism, John Block, in 2014 to cancel the lease because of “irregularities” in the contract and the alleged flouting of supply chain management processes. The Hawks in 2014 undertook to investigate the 10-year lease agreement that was concluded in January 2011. Hawks provincial spokesperson…

THE ZF Mgcawu District Municipality has defied the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Bentley Vass, who advised that the appointment of the acting municipal manager, Alfred Tieties, was unlawful. Tieties was appointed by the council to act in the position from May to July, with his contract subsequently extended every three months. The MEC stated that Tieties did not have the requisite qualifications, skills, competencies or prescribed experience for the job. “The acting appointment is in contravention of local government regulations on the appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers,” said Vass. He explained that the role required a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, social sciences, law, or an equivalent field. “The successful candidate must have relevant senior management level experience…

One of Kimberley’s brightest young soccer talents, 14-year-old Leonay Kock, recently made waves at the COSAFA School Championships in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Representing the Northern Cape, Leonay scored an impressive 11 goals during the tournament, five of those in the match against Angola, securing a coveted Player of the Tournament award. Her stellar performances and achievements were celebrated by her community upon her return home. But Leonay’s journey is far from over. After her outstanding showing in Namibia, she received the exciting news that she has been called up for the Under-15 National Camp, taking place at the SAFA Fun Valley in Johannesburg from November 7-10. This camp will provide Leonay an opportunity to be assessed for the prestigious High Performance Intake in 2025, where only 15 girls from…

In the heart of Roodepan, where economic hardship and social challenges loom large, there is a man who has become a beacon of hope for young soccer enthusiasts. A few weeks ago, the DFA did a short piece on Shooting Stars FC, and their coach Clifford Esel. The story hinted at the fact that Esel’s name resonates with the community’s aspiring athletes, after he transformed not only his own life but also the lives of a large number of youth who call him their mentor, coach, and father figure. Esel, one of Kimberley’s sons has endured a life that has been marked by hardship, choices that led him astray, and, ultimately, a powerful redemption that is inspiring the next generation to dream beyond their circumstances. In a candid interview with…

MURDER accused Alberto Matthews, who is standing trial for allegedly shooting his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey, in front of his nine-year-old stepdaughter, will remain in custody until his next court appearance in March 2025. The trial was postponed in the Northern Cape High Court this week. The incident occurred on December 27, 2023, when Matthews allegedly violated a protection order and entered Bailey’s bedroom, where he shot and killed her. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane stated that the case had to be postponed a couple of times since being transferred to the Northern Cape High Court. “The matter was expected to start from October 7-11. The accused, through his legal representative, requested an adjournment on October 7 as he was sick, and the trial could not proceed,” said Senokoatsane.…

PARDON me for repeating myself, but I am still trying to process the fact that Festive trimmings have already made an appearance in store windows, and are increasing in density and variety as the days move along. You don’t have to be a modern-day Nostradamus to know that Boney M, Mariah Carey and even Bing Crosby (among others) are going to be ‘vocalling’ shoppers into a spending frenzy again very soon … pasop! By the way, just this past week I was at a stationery store and I actually saw a woman buying Back to School supplies for her child’s 2025 school year. That’s for those of us who have not noticed how time is flying. All I could think, as I noted the price of the stationery items in…

WHILE the introduction of 13,000 new electricity smart meters for the city has been welcomed to improve revenue collection for Sol Plaatje Municipality, opposition parties have cautioned against potential corruption and misuse of the project for self-enrichment. The executive head of the IoT Centre of Excellence at Vodacom, Maanda Rautumbu, said the smart meters would not be installed at businesses or homes of indigent residents. “The smart meters will reduce losses, improve accurate billing and identify fraudulent activity,” he explained. Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala noted that Sol Plaatje was among the first municipalities in the country to receive a R100 million grant from the National Treasury as part of a debt relief programme for the installation of the new meters. “National Treasury appointed Vodacom as the preferred service…

KIMBERLEY’S own Zeidi Kruger recently claimed victory in the African Continental Tour (ACT) 5 tournament in Randfontein, securing the title in the female darts division. Known for her precise technique and relentless focus, Kruger dominated the competition with an impressive display of precision and focus. Her triumph not only secured her a cash prize but also cemented her reputation as a rising star in the South African darts scene. “The competition was tough, and I didn’t expect to reach the final,” Kruger told the DFA. “But I stayed calm, and that made all the difference. It’s a lesson I’ll carry forward in future tournaments.” The ACT 5 event showcased skilled competitors from Botswana, Cape Town, and Kimberley, ensuring a highly competitive environment. In light of her victory, Kruger noted a…

Residents in Motswedimosa reported that a shooting had also taken place in the same area the previous week. “It seems as if the killers were looking for the deceased at that time. Gunshots were fired when he managed to run away. There are drug dealers operating in the area. It appears as though the shooters returned to the area on Tuesday and they threw something into the shack, which forced the man to come outside, where he was fatally wounded,” the residents said. Northern Cape provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the body of a 34-year-old man was found at the Motswedimosa shacks in Ritchie on November 5. “The police’s preliminary investigations indicate that a gunshot was heard during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The deceased ran and…

A POLICE investigation has been launched after two mysterious white pills were allegedly discovered inside a packet of chips bought by learners from Kenhardt Primary School at a local spaza shop. The unsettling find was reported by a Grade 4 learner, who brought the pills to a teacher’s attention. Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam confirmed that the incident was reported on Tuesday, November 5. “Two packets of chips were reportedly bought at a spaza shop in the area by learners from the primary school. The police have since sourced the services of the Environmental Health Inspectors (EHI) in the ZF Mgcawu District for further compliance inspections and investigations. The EHI report will form part of the police investigations,” said Sam. He also urged the community to avoid spreading…

At just 19 years old, Thabang Vuyani Nxamashe from Barkly West is making a name for himself as one of the youngest coaches in the region. Driven by a love for the game and a desire to make a difference, Nxamashe is coach of Ghetto Stars Ladies, a team he has transformed from relegation contenders to top-seven finishers in the Frances Baard Regional Women’s League. Nxamashe began his journey as a young player, but gradually began to realise his knack for coaching. “I’ve always been passionate about football,” Nxamashe told the DFA. “I wanted to help my teammates grow, and coaching just felt natural.” The young coach’s philosophy is focused on developing well-rounded players. He values creating a supportive environment, emphasising respect, discipline, and hard work. “Whether I’m coaching young…