Table of contents for 2025-07-18 in DFA News

AN EXPANDED Public Works Programme (EPWP) worker at the Sol Plaatje Municipality, whose employment was reportedly terminated after he posted a video on social media slamming the new water meters, intends to challenge his dismissal at the bargaining council. Some residents have reported that they do not want the newly installed meters on their properties, claiming they are already leaking. Workers employed on the project last week complained that they were being rushed to install a set number of meters per day and that they were unable to meet their targets. In the video, former EPWP worker Stoffel Martins claimed that the new water meters would cost ratepayers as much as R500 for just two buckets of water. “Residents will not be able to afford to fill their washing machines…

THE UMSOBOMVU Local Municipality has distanced itself from any liability in the event of fatalities linked to electricity supply interruptions due to non-payment. The municipality stated that residents were responsible for settling their accounts and warned that continued defaulting could result in prolonged power outages. Residents are calling for the municipality to be dissolved and intend to establish a ratepayers’ association trust with the aim of withholding rates and taxes from the municipality. Community members met with a legal representative this week to discuss the validity of the municipality’s electricity policy. This follows protest action that culminated in a march to the municipal offices on July 10, where residents vowed to intensify their demonstrations. A special council meeting was convened, during which a resolution was passed to temporarily unblock the…

PLANS to expand the sewerage infrastructure for the Roodepan housing development have sparked environmental concerns, with a local biologist warning that the project could threaten the delicate ecosystem surrounding Kamfers Dam. The area – once home to the near-threatened lesser flamingo – may face serious ecological consequences if proper environmental safeguards are not put in place. While no activity is evident on the site yet, it has been pointed out that additional strain on the sewerage system could jeopardise the potential return of flamingos to the pan. President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated at the sod-turning ceremony of the R1 Billion Housing Project in January 2024, ahead of the national general elections. However, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) indicated in May that the Roodepan land parcel…

The Frances Baard Regional Engen Knockout Challenge delivered an exciting day of football action this past weekend. Hosted at the Sol Plaatje Local Football Association (SPLFA) grounds, the prestigious Inter-LFA tournament brought together promising youth teams from across the region, with local clubs battling for top honours and the chance to represent the region at the upcoming provincial tournament. In the girl’s division, Royal Wizards displayed dominant form throughout the day. They secured their place as overall winners thanks to a superior goal difference. Their commanding victories included a 4-0 win over Power Boys and a remarkable 5-0 performance against Fast 11 Ladies. Although Fast 11 Ladies managed to beat Power Boys 3-1 in their match, it wasn’t enough to surpass the Wizards’ clinical edge in front of goal. The…

The Springboks head into tomorrow’s clash in Nelspruit with a strong record against Georgia, having won their last two encounters – but coach Rassie Erasmus has warned against complacency. The Boks last played against the Georgians back in 2021 before the British & Irish Lions series, and the Bok coach is well aware that they can be a handful. “Georgia is a tough outfit, and they pride themselves on their physicality and brute force in the collisions, so the set pieces, mauls, and breakdowns will be key areas,” said Erasmus. “They also have quality backline players to round off their team, so we need to be sharp in all the departments of our game to ensure that we continue to lift our standards, build momentum, and get the desired result.”…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit Kimberley on July 25, accompanied by the full National Cabinet, in what is being described as a significant and potentially historic occasion for the Northern Cape. The visit, announced by Premier Dr Zamani Saul, will see the president and Cabinet members meeting with the Provincial Executive Council, as well as executive mayors from all five district municipalities. The high-level engagement forms part of a national effort to work more closely with provincial and local governments to resolve pressing service delivery issues and accelerate development. According to the Office of the Premier, the gathering will focus on reviewing programmes being implemented across the province by government departments and municipalities. The discussions are expected to centre on improving inter-governmental co-operation, addressing challenges that hinder progress,…

THE POLICE in Kimberley have opened an inquest docket after the body of a man was found inside Stones nightclub in De Beers during the early hours of July 13. Northern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Kimberley SAPS Detectives unit is investigating the death of an adult male, believed to be between 55 and 60 years old, who was reportedly found inside a local nightclub at about 4.30am on Sunday. She added that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death. “Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer JJ Markgraaff at 082 302 0407 or alternatively the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. All information received will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” said Ehlers.…

“I had to work really hard for everything.” That’s how Mohau Nkota sums up his journey from Kimberley’s hard fields to Johannesburg’s premier football stages – and now, onward to the Saudi Pro League. The 20-year-old winger’s rise has been anything but easy. Born in a city where young people are crazy about the game, but where there are limited opportunities for professional football, Nkota knew from a young age that making it to the top would require more than talent. “In Kimberley, everyone wants to play football,” he says, “but there’s only one NFD team, no PSL sides. To make it to Jozi, you really have to push yourself.” Push himself, he did. Nkota honed his skills playing for local clubs and tournaments, often wearing the number 10 jersey…

“Revenge,” they say, “is a dish best served cold.” But how cold? In Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantès is falsely imprisoned, escapes after 14 years, uncovers a hidden fortune, and slowly, methodically destroys the lives of those who betrayed him. How about 13 years cold? That’s how long it’s been since South Africa and New Zealand last met in a World Rugby Under-20 Championship final – when a packed Newlands Stadium erupted in 2012 as the Junior Springboks defeated a dominant Baby Blacks team to clinch their first and only title. Now, more than a decade later, the rivalry is about to be reignited, and New Zealand’s proud rugby heritage will not allow them to forget the 2012 defeat. The Junior Springboks booked their…

MEETINGS are taking place behind locked doors at the ANC provincial offices and Sol Plaatje Municipality following the Kimberley shutdown march on July 14. Central to the demands made by the Kimberley Action Group (KAG) is the immediate removal of the Speaker and the municipal manager. KAG member Herbert Miller said the ANC had requested time to scrutinise the list of grievances that was handed over to the premier. “A follow-up meeting will be held next week. The Premier’s Office said the ANC is responsible for the appointment of municipal officials. We have given them seven days to respond to our full list of demands. If the delaying tactics continue, we will escalate protest action. “We are trying to keep the community calm, as residents are eagerly awaiting updates. People…

With their two-Test series against Canada now behind them, the Springbok Women will turn their full attention to the upcoming showdowns against the Black Ferns XV – as World Cup preparations enter a critical fine-tuning phase. The squad will reconvene in Cape Town on Sunday, July 20, ahead of their next big challenge: two fixtures at Athlone Stadium on July 26 and August 2 against a powerful New Zealand outfit. Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys de Bruin believes the tests against Canada – ranked second in the world – offered the kind of high-pressure learning the team needed. “We will regroup in a week and then start focusing on the Black Ferns XV matches and tweak and fine-tune as we close our preparation for the World Cup,” said De Bruin.…

THE WILLIAM Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) in Kimberley is currently showcasing the province’s vibrant artistic talent in its bi-annual Northern Cape Artists Exhibition, which opened on July 10 and will run until September 12. This free exhibition celebrates diverse voices and artistic expressions, aligning with WHAG's mission to promote inclusivity and nurture emerging talent. The exhibition features a dynamic mix of drawing, painting, collage, photography, and illustration, reflecting the richness and variety of the Northern Cape’s creative community. Artists from all walks of life, including well-established and first-time exhibitors, will showcase their work, providing a unique opportunity for intergenerational dialogue within the visual arts. An expression of the Province’s creative pulse A significant number of younger artists have submitted their work, many of whom will be showcasing their art in…

I HAVE been predicting it, warning about it, and raising the alarm for years – and now the inevitable has happened. This past week, due to someone using a cellphone and not concentrating on traffic, there was a near-fatal accident in one of our mall’s parking areas. I say “near fatal” because I was tempted to leap out of my car and ‘klap and trap’ the offending cellphone zombie to death, but quickly realised that he’d probably klap me right back. Besides, his apologetic smile was so disarming, all I could do was smile back and wave. What happened? I was exiting the mall’s parking area, when this young pedestrian, absorbed in his doomscrolling, walked slap-bang into the side of my moving car. I rehearsed my court defence as…