Table of contents for 2025-10-31 in DFA News

THE SUSPENDED CEO of Northern Cape Cricket (NCC), Thapelo January, and the Northern Cape Heat team manager, Mbulelo Bosman, have been advised to approach the Labour Court in a fresh bid to prevent their disciplinary hearings from proceeding. The pair were placed on precautionary suspension in May with full pay, after adverse findings were made in an internal audit report. A forensic report, compiled by Nexus Forensic Services in September, recommended that charges including fraud, racketeering, money laundering, theft and corruption be investigated at NCC. The report details a web of jaw-dropping transactions, including undisclosed payments, personal bank transfers and exorbitant commissions not reflected on the payroll. January and Bosman approached the Northern Cape High Court to urgently review the appointment of NCC administrator Jesse Chellan, arguing that he lacked…

I ONCE heard about a small town in Europe where the residents became fed up with all of the pollution, litter, and illegal dumping. One of the residents suggested, “You guys know what? We need Captain Planet!” Suddenly, there was a flash of light and a superhero-looking dude in spandex shows up and says, “Did someone summon me?” The townspeople rejoice and cheer for their new saviour, who proceeds to gather everyone together as he puts together a basic strategy to fight the pollution problem. As soon as he’s outlined the plans, he stands up and announces, “OK, everyone, have fun, I’m outta here.” The confused townspeople try to stop him, protesting, “Wait, when do you start doing all this?” The super dude responds, “Me? I don't do anything. You…

The provincial chairperson of the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa), Paul Gras, said essential services workers would march to the Northern Cape Department of Health offices in Kimberley on Friday in search of answers. “We have over 4,000 members in the Northern Cape who will embark on regular working hours arrangements. While patient care will be compromised, clinical staff cannot be expected to work without compensation,” said Gras. He added that the Department of Health was reportedly experiencing a financial deficit. “Every year money for overtime runs out and no arrangements are made from the Treasury to pay essential staff. Where is the money that was allocated in the budget for overtime?” Gras said he was doubtful that clinical staff would be reimbursed for…

The spirit of school cricket was alive and thriving in Kimberley this past weekend as the Northern Cape hosted the Switch Schools XX SA20 cricket play-offs, the regional leg of South Africa’s foremost school cricket competition. The Schools SA20, a proud partnership between Schools SA20 and Cricket South Africa (CSA), marks the relaunch and rebrand of the long-running Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge. The competition remains the most prestigious national schools cricket tournament in the country, one that every Under-19 school team aspires to enter and excel in. The NC’s Phase 1 play-offs took place on October 24 and 25, bringing together the top-performing under-19 boys’ and girls’ teams from across the province. Six schools battled it out in the boys division: St Patrick’s CBC, De Aar High, Kalahari High, Diamantveld…

CATERERS who provided services at the ANC Youth League national general conference held in Kimberley in September say they have been visiting the ANC offices daily in an effort to be paid what is owed to them. A service provider stated that six local caterers were subcontracted to prepare meals for around 650 delegates over three days. The event at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre was attended by dignitaries including ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula and ANCYL president Collen Malatji. “We had to pay out of our own pockets to cover the wages of the youths we employed to assist us, at a rate of R300 per day. We were expected to work up to eight hours each day, and until late at night, where…

EVERY year on October 31 since my children were toddlers, I have put up a Halloween tree and filled plastic pumpkins with treats for them. I love celebrating any special occasion and have always tried to instil in my children the same enthusiasm for festive fun. As a parent, there’s something special about seeing your little monsters’ faces light up when they are handed pumpkins filled with their favourite treats or enjoy a spooky-themed movie. But have you ever wondered where this spooky celebration originated? Halloween, as we know it today, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became…

GALESHEWE pastors have threatened to stage land grabs to erect their churches before Christmas if the Sol Plaatje Municipality does not grant them the necessary permission. Members of the Provincial Church Leaders Organisation will march from the City Hall to the Sol Plaatje Municipality offices on Friday, October 31, where a petition will be handed over. The secretary of the organisation, David Setilo, said 20 pastors from Galeshewe have been waiting for 10 years for plots to build their churches. “Land is readily given to beneficiaries of councillors and politicians for purposes of establishing shanties, guest houses, car washes and taverns that operate on a 24-hour basis, causing disturbances to neighbourhoods. We will not vote for the ANC in the 2026 local government elections if we are not given our…

Passion, purpose, and perseverance are driving forces behind Porto Football Club, affectionately known as PJ Stars, a community team from Greenpoint in Kimberley that continues to shine brighter with every step forward. Founded in 2023 by a small group of soccer enthusiasts from Diamond Park, Porto FC has quickly become a beacon of hope for young people in the area. Roughly four months ago, club chairman Ronaldo van Wyk reached out, asking for items that the team needed as a matter of relative urgency. The needs ranged from basic soccer kits, balls, training equipment, and also for help with transport costs to and from games and practices. Van Wyk had emphasised at the time that the club was not looking for handouts, but for partnerships from individuals or any local…

A FAMILY member of murder-accused Alberto Matthews testified in the Northern Cape High Court this week that he “confessed” to shooting his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey. According to the charges, Matthews was found in possession of 28 rounds of ammunition and a firearm with an obliterated serial number at the time of his arrest. The incident took place on December 27, 2024, when Matthews allegedly broke into Bailey’s house in Main Road, Beaconsfield, despite a protection order she had obtained against him. He allegedly fired several shots at Bailey in her bedroom, in the presence of her nine-year-old daughter. He also allegedly pointed a firearm at Bailey’s brother, Wesley Bailey, and her older daughter, Erin Cupido. Kim Taaibos told the court that Matthews, who is her cousin, jumped over the fence…

Proteas finally break through World Cup barrier South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt described her record-breaking century in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against England as the highlight of her career, after the Proteas sealed their first-ever place in a World Cup final. “It still feels a bit unreal,” Wolvaardt said after the match. “This is something you dream about as a kid, getting a century in a World Cup. It is a very special day and I am so glad we won in the end.” Wolvaardt became the first captain to score a century in a knockout Women’s World Cup match, her commanding 169 from 143 balls laying the foundation for South Africa’s dominant victory. Her innings, marked by timing and control, helped secure a historic breakthrough for…

Konoha Martial Arts left an undeniable mark at the RCFA Nationals Jungle Wars XIII SA Open, held in Vanderbijlpark from October 24 to 26. Despite fielding just nine competitors, the team delivered a fierce, powerhouse performance, amassing an incredible 41 medals and 314 provincial points, significantly bolstering the Northern Cape’s impressive total of 854 points. Their outstanding performance has brought these dedicated athletes one step closer to national glory, with many now eyeing a place on the South African Protea team set to compete at the RCFA World Championships in April 2026. The tournament saw competitors take on six gruelling divisions: High Kick Contact, Low Kick Contact, Sport Boxing, Close Combat (MMA/Grappling), Supreme Fighting Arts, and Combat Weapons. Among these, Supreme Fighting Arts stood out as one of the most…

THE BUSH on the outskirts of Kimberley is set for an evening of adventure under the stars as the Hon Rangers Night Race is set to take over the Rooifontein Game Reserve on Friday, November 7. Presented by the Kimberley Harriers Running Club, this unique night trail event invites runners and walkers of all fitness levels to explore the reserve’s scenic trails in a thrilling new way. Participants can choose between two routes: a 10km trail run for those seeking a challenge or a more relaxed 5km run or walk for families and newcomers. The 10km trail welcomes anyone 15 years and older, with a cut-off time of two hours, while the 5km route is open to ages 14 and above, with a 1.5-hour limit. Temporary Athletics South Africa licences…