Table of contents for 2024-09-27 in DFA News

THE PROSECUTION will determine the fate of the remaining accused who were implicated in the Northern Cape for the multimillion-rand tenders that were awarded for water purification plants, self-generating oxygen tanks and dialysis machines in the so-called “Amigos case”, after Uruguayan businessman and director of Intaka Holdings, Dr Gaston Savoi, entered into a plea agreement to “co-operate with the State”. The matter has been taken over by the Specialised Commercial Crimes unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape. The closely guarded plea agreement is believed to blow the lid on high-ranking politicians. Savoi pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud and six counts of corruption committed in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape between 2004 and 20007. His cases have been transferred to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court…

THE POLICE believe that a limb discovered in a shanty in Ramora Street, Galeshewe, could have been dislodged due to “an advanced stage of decomposition” following the death of 49-year-old Lazarus Ikaneng Thomas. Family members suspect that Thomas was murdered, as his naked body was found wrapped in a blanket with the door to his shanty bolted shut with a padlock and chain from the outside. Questions have been raised about how his death could be classified as natural when one of his hands appeared to be severed from his body. Additionally, family members pointed out that the shanty was left accessible to the public after the body was removed on September 5 They also cited a lack of support and communication from the police. THOROUGH INVESTIGATION LGQBTI activists Apostle…

MEDICAL staff at state institutions will no longer be allowed to 'moonlight', a decision aimed at enabling a number of clinics in the Northern Cape to extend their operating hours. The MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene, noted that some medical personnel only worked for three to four hours per day at state facilities, while they earned a second income at private practices and hospitals. “We will only allow specialists to sharpen their skills at private facilities,” said Lekwene. He added that the department would need to budget in order to fund the overtime pay for the additional shifts. “The Kagisho Community Health Centre in Kuruman will operate on a 24-hour basis to provide health-care services to manage high patient volumes,” said Lekwene. “Meanwhile, Torres Clinic in Roodepan, Betty Gaetsewe Clinic…

In an exciting development for the Galeshewe community, Vuyo Thati, owner of Blade Health and Wellness, recently expanded his wellness centre by launching the Blade Shotokan Karate Club. The dojo officially opened its doors on August 31, at the corner of Nkgare and Chake Street. Classes at the Blade Shotokan Karate Club are held four times a week from Monday to Thursday, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. Vuyo, a second Dan black belt, shared his lifelong ambition to open a karate dojo with the DFA, stating, “I always wanted to open a karate dojo, but the timing was never right until now.” He also highlighted the importance of seeking guidance from his mentor, Shihan Sam Nkosi, who played a pivotal role in his karate career. Blade Health and Wellness originally focused…

A 40-YEAR-old man, accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in Jan Kempdorp and allegedly offering her R48 to keep silent, is set to reappear in court today. On Wednesday, members of the EFF Women’s Desk and the ANC Women’s League picketed outside the Jan Kempdorp Magistrate’s Court, urging the court to deny bail to the accused. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said that the State was opposing the bail application. He noted that the accused and the complainant knew each other as they lived in the same neighbourhood. “The incident took place where the accused stays in Masakeng, Jan Kempdorp. He was arrested on September 13.” Senokoatsane stated that bail proceedings were remanded to allow defence witnesses to testify and for the State to present its case.…

IN A HEARTENING show of community spirit, staff members from Mediclinic Gariep in Kimberley surprised the local community by taking part in a large-scale clean-up initiative. Volunteers from both clinical and non-clinical departments used their lunch break to collect waste from open areas between Mediclinic Gariep and Gerrit Schouten Road. Their efforts paid off, with over 250 bags of waste gathered in just one session. This initiative was part of the global #WorldCleanupDay campaign, aimed at encouraging collective action to tackle waste and pollution. Through this project, Mediclinic Gariep staff showcased their dedication to environmental responsibility, setting a positive example of corporate accountability. World Cleanup Day is a global movement that underscores the importance of keeping the environment clean, encouraging millions worldwide to unite in building a sustainable future. Volunteers…

THE CALL for the Northern Cape Department of Health to integrate community health workers (CHWs) has grown louder following numerous complaints about the state of local health facilities. Many critically ill patients have expressed a preference for dying at home rather than seeking hospital care, which they perceive as a place of humiliating and painful death. Gravely ill patients often refuse hospital admission, fearing the experience. Communities have shown strong support for home-based care, praising the volunteers for their compassion and humanity, in contrast to the nurses at clinics and hospitals who they often describe as “lazy” and “rude”. Nurses and state staff face continuous accusations of laziness and taking out their frustrations on patients. However, they also highlight issues of under-staffing and poor working conditions. The state health sector…

THE AFRICAN Rainbow Community Gold Cup kicked off on Saturday, September 21, with the Kimberley Rugby Club (KRC) beginning their quest to claim the prestigious title with an exciting clash against Swallows RFC. This opening match marked the start of South Africa’s premier amateur rugby tournament, with games scheduled at 16 club grounds across the country, including remote locations such as Louis Trichardt, Groot-Brakrivier, and Strand. The first round saw 32 of SA’s top amateur rugby clubs fiercely competing for a spot in the second round of this straight knockout tournament. Naka Bulle, last year’s Gold Cup champions, hosted Sishen from the Northern Cape on Saturday, while former national club champions Hamilton travelled to Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) to face Gardens. Sunday's action concluded with the College Rovers, runners-up from last…

LAST weekend, the Northern Cape Heat cricket team got a taste of what the Springboks felt like down in Argentina, when they too suffered an agonisingly close defeat. The hosts fell short by just one run to the Eastern Storm in the opening match of the much-anticipated Division 2 T20 Knockout match played at the Kimberley Diamond Oval. Having made a fresh start under the leadership of former Limpopo Impalas captain, Ruan Haasbroek, expectations for the Heat were high. Haasbroek, who led the Impalas to victory in last year’s competition, has brought his winning mindset and tactical expertise to the Heat, aiming to carry the team to triumph this season. “It’s a massive privilege,” Haasbroek said ahead of the tournament. “The Heat have a history of winning big trophies and…

THE TRIAL concerning the construction of the Kimberley Mental Health Hospital will resume in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court in December, following challenges experienced by the State. Former ANC provincial chairperson John Block, the former HOD of the Department of Transport, Roads and Public Works, Patience Mercia Mokhali, and the director of Babereki Consulting Engineers CC, Tshegolekae Motaung, were charged with fraud, corruption, money laundering, contravention of the Engineering Professions Act and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in connection with a R51 million tender that was awarded for the construction of the Kimberley mental hospital. The state indicated that it was unable to locate an engineer who could identify which portion of the work was allocated to each contractor. State advocate Gesi stated that he would request the police…

THE ROTARY Club's wheelchair project, which began in the 1980s under the leadership of the visionary Dr Henk Kayser, has made a profound difference in countless lives. His efforts, which involved securing consignments of wheelchairs and medical equipment valued at R80 million, have had a lasting impact with the wheelchairs and other essential supplies being distributed to public hospitals, organisations and individuals across South Africa. Today, the Rotary Club continues this legacy of providing life-changing mobility solutions. Recently, two consignments of wheelchairs, walking aids and other medical equipment were delivered, reaching individuals as far as Springbok. This initiative underscores the urgent need for aid in many communities, particularly among the elderly. One notable success story is that of a 100-year-old woman from Galeshewe, who, in addition to a wheelchair, also…

Tomorrow in Nelspruit, Eben Etzebeth will make history as the most capped Springbok ever when he takes the field at lock against Argentina. Etzebeth’s milestone will come during a crucial, title-deciding match in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at Mbombela Stadium. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has shuffled his squad, promoting Etzebeth, Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf), and Manie Libbok (flyhalf) from the bench. This game marks the first time Hendrikse and Libbok will be paired as the starting halfbacks, a dynamic selection for the Boks’ pivotal match against Los Pumas. Nine changes The Springboks come off a tight 29-28 loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero last weekend. In response, Erasmus has made nine changes, including a positional switch, restoring key players. Six double Rugby World Cup winners – Bongi Mbonambi (hooker),…

IN A THRILLING encounter at the Kimberley Rugby Club grounds last Saturday, Kimberley Rugby Club (KRC) launched their African Rainbow Community Gold Cup campaign with a hard-fought 38-29 victory over Swallows RFC from East London. The match was intense, filled with nail-biting moments, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The first half saw the teams locking horns with fierce determination, but it was KRC who quickly established themselves as the dominant side. Just 10 minutes in, the home team drew first blood with a try under the posts, effortlessly converting to take a 7-0 lead. The visitors, however, responded soon after, slotting a penalty to put three points on the board. Undeterred, KRC swiftly pulled further ahead. A well-executed move saw the hosts score another try, once again…