Table of contents for 2025-11-07 in DFA News

THE “SECRECY” surrounding the resignation of the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene, which was announced on November 5 following weeks of speculation and uncertainty, has been criticised as undermining public trust. Lekwene also serves as the provincial chairperson of the SACP and the ANC’s deputy provincial secretary. EFF provincial chairperson Shadrack Tlhaole pointed out that two weeks had passed before the resignation was formally communicated. “It is a blatant disrespect for legislative oversight, accountability, and transparency. This is deeply concerning, given the current health challenges – from collapsing infrastructure and staff shortages to the ongoing emergency medical services crisis. The department is too critical to be left in uncertainty and administrative limbo,” said Thlaole. He added that the speculation had created unnecessary instability. “The people of the province…

ALBERTO Matthews, who is accused of the murder of his ex-wife, Mandy Bailey, claimed that he “loved and cared for her” and stated that he knew nothing of any offence he had committed. He also argued that witnesses had lied about him being abusive towards the deceased. “I heard what they said, but it is a lie. She [the deceased] was a drama queen and exaggerated how bad things really were.” Matthews was charged with the murder of Bailey after he allegedly contravened a protection order and broke into her home in Main Road, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2024. 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 eldest…

THE NORTHERN Cape Symphony Orchestra is set to launch the province’s first recognised youth choir, providing a platform for young singers to shine. The Northern Cape Youth Choir is now open for auditions, inviting male and female singers aged 15 to 25 to join this exciting new initiative. Conductor Nathan Carlo, a founder-member of the Northern Cape Symphony Orchestra, says no prior experience is necessary, although it would be beneficial. “It is a great honour to be part of this historic moment in the history of choral music in the province,” Carlo said. The choir will accommodate 50 to 60 members and will rehearse weekly in Kimberley. Singers from across the province are welcome to audition, with the opportunity to perform at local events in 2026. A choir tour to…

Around two weeks ago, the DFA featured a story about how the Kimberley Sporting Legends Trust was, at the time, gearing up for a special celebration aimed at honouring the province’s rich cricketing history and the players who helped shape it. At the time, the Trust’s chairperson Godfrey Erlank expressed pride in the committee’s efforts to bring the weekend to life saying, “This event is about recognising the extraordinary contributions of individuals who built the game of cricket in this province.” Erlank added that this year’s celebration would focus on two significant teams: the South African Coloured team of 1967, and the Griqualand West side that made history by winning the Booley Cup in East London in 1988, the only team from the province ever to do so. More than…

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has dismissed allegations that a high-ranking official allowed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) interns to accompany him on regular trips to destinations including Sun City, Johannesburg and Upington. It is believed that the official was reprimanded, as the department is expected to fund travel, subsistence and accommodation expenses for employees. Interns, however, do not qualify for these allowances as their names do not appear on the Personnel and Salary System (Persal). Concerns were reportedly raised as to who would be held responsible should the interns be involved in an accident or incident where they were injured or harmed. Department spokesperson Conrad Fortune said he noted with concern the allegations being circulated. “These allegations are baseless and appear to be aimed at…

THE ACTING Speaker of Sol Plaatje Municipality, Casper Rammutle, embarked on a clean-up project in Kimberley this week. Accompanied by mayoral committee members Nomizizi Shwababa and Johannes Molefi, as well as workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), he said a team assisted in clearing rubbish in the parks, gardens and Information Centre at the Civic Centre. “I requested people who are sleeping on municipal premises to vacate the area, due to complaints from Sol Plaatje University (SPU) students who reported being robbed while walking to classes. I will engage with SPU to see how we can partner with them to secure the area,” said Rammutle. He called on civic organisations and other NGOs and NPOs to work with the municipality to restore the city’s sparkle. “We acknowledge the…

SOUTH African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) members in Kimberley have vowed to intensify protest action if they do not receive satisfactory answers from Sol Plaatje Municipality on the absorption of contract workers. Refuse collection did not take place on November 5 due to a go-slow, while a scuffle broke out at the council yard in Ashburnham when police officers tried to prevent municipal workers from setting tyres alight. “Los die tyres, vat die gun (leave the tyres, take the gun),” one worker exclaimed in a video posted on social media. Loud applause erupted when the workers managed to wrestle the tyres away from police officers and set them on fire. Some workers indicated they had been working on contract for the past 17 years. “If something happens to us, or…

The Kimberley Sporting Legends Trust recently held a special celebration aimed at honouring the province’s rich cricketing history and the players who helped shape it. Chairperson of the Trust, Godfrey Erlank, explained what the weekend was all about, saying, “This event is about recognising the extraordinary contributions of individuals who built the game of cricket in this province.” In that spirit, after months of preparation, this past weekend saw individuals and groups being honoured in the grand finale of the evening at a gala event held at Elizabeth Conradie School in Kimberley. The weekend had kicked off on Friday with an informal meet and greet reunion at KEW Bowls Club, where players and partners reconnected and shared stories from their cricketing years. The next day, the guests visited the Kimberley…

THIS past weekend, the Kimberley Sporting Legends Trust presented a weekend where former cricket players and administrators were thanked and honoured for their selfless contributions to the game and their communities. However, the chairperson of the Trust, Godfrey Erlank spoke to the DFA recently and explained that this recognition was not just a matter of looking back in appreciation for what happened in the past. Erlank says that the focus of the Trust is to record the city’s ongoing cricket history. “The event marked the beginning of formally recording Kimberley’s rich cricket history, ensuring the legacy of its legends lives on,” Erlank explained. “This celebration honours our legends and keeps their legacy alive for generations to come.” He said that there was now a forward focus too: “The committee aims…

THE CITY of Kimberley shone brightly this past weekend as it hosted the 2nd Annual Miss Pink Diamond event, a dazzling celebration of fashion, empowerment, and community upliftment. Founded by Mishka Boughan, a talented young ambassador from Kimberley who made headlines after being crowned Miss Preteen Model World in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic last year, the event has grown into a beacon of hope and inspiration for young girls across the region. Returning home to crown her successor, Mishka was herself honoured with the title Face of Orlando Fashion Kids 2026, further cementing her status as a rising star in the global fashion scene. Yet, beyond her personal achievements, Mishka’s heart remains firmly rooted in Kimberley, and the Miss Pink Diamond initiative stands as a testament to her…

A WISE guy once told me that if a bee is bothering you, don’t swat or run away, just stand still and look right at it, because seeing is … bee leaving. And now that I’ve lost your respect, maybe I’ve earned your attention – which is becoming a rare thing these days. Think about the last conversation you had, for example. Did the listener perhaps produce and start glancing at their phone as you were speaking? Or did they maybe ask you to look at something on their screen? That phenomenon mimics something else that has crept into society in the recent past: the phenomenon known as “Second Screening” or “Dual Screening”. Second Screening is a form of multitasking where people feel the need to be occupied with more…

The spirit of camaraderie, competition, and community was alive and well last weekend when the 2025 Barney Barnato Golf Tournament teed off at the historic Kimberley Golf Club. Named after the legendary diamond magnate and showman Barney Barnato, who made his fortune in the diamond fields of Kimberley during the late 1800s, the tournament continues to honour his legacy of ambition, excellence, and flair. This year’s event was one for the record books. The tournament was completely sold out on both days, reaching the full cap of 150 players per day, a testament to its growing prestige on the South African golfing calendar. Players from across the country, and even as far as Australia, descended on Kimberley to take part in what many described as the best tournament they’ve ever…

The Shooting Stars Football Club will celebrate the achievements of its players and members at its annual awards ceremony on Friday, November 7. The event will take place at the Roman Catholic Hall in Pescodia from 5pm to 9pm and promises an evening of inspiration, recognition, and celebration. Esteemed guest speakers are expected to address attendees, including Premier Dr. Zamani Saul, Sol Plaatje Masters Football League Chairperson Seabata Makhele, and Pastor Malebo. The presence of these esteemed guests highlights the importance of community engagement and the role of sports in nurturing talent and teamwork. The ceremony will recognise outstanding performances on and off the field, honouring players, coaches, and volunteers who have contributed to the club’s success over the past year. Club officials encourage supporters, families, and community members to…