Home | South Africa Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in the North West, Khumalo Molefe has admitted that the municipality has failed the residents of the area. This follows a protest over water challenges Tensions are running high in areas around Zeerust This as residents vow to continue blocking the N4 highway linking South Africa to Botswana – until the Premier addresses them Molefe explains the reasons for water shortages in the area because when we tried to find out what exactly is the problem- why is there no water totally We then established that out of the 14- additional boreholes only about six- of them were operational- and the municipal manager and the team were talking stuff like purchase orders It’s purely administrative matters  – we as councillors have got no role and interest in- because our people need water it’s disappointing – we failed our people on this one and I must frankly admit to that,” Molefe says Six people have died in a horrific head-on collision on the North West’s R49 Road between Zeerust and Kopfontein port of entry near Botswana’s capital According to the North West department of community safety and transport management the accident happened at about 9.45pm on Sunday Four of the deceased were driving in one vehicle said two of the three from another vehicle survived after sustaining serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital one of the survivors succumbed to injuries this morning,” he said Koonyaditse said this brings the number of road accident fatalities to just below 50 and is the second major crash in the province since the joint law enforcement operations commenced for Easter holidays on March 20 Koonyaditse said a case of culpable homicide was being investigated by the Nietverdiend police station outside Zeerust The MEC for the department of community safety and transport management has since sent his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured no injuries were reported in a head-on collision on Pricklepear Road in Waterloo Members of Reaction Unit South Africa arrived on the scene at about 9.42pm It was established that a white NP200 bakkie was travelling downhill when it collided head-on with a red Mercedes-Benz proceeding in the opposite direction The drivers of both vehicles were not injured Arrive Alive further reported that a single-vehicle crash claimed the life of a person and left three others injured KwaZulu-Natal VIP Medics arrived at the location on Mount Batten Drive next to the BP Garage shortly after 6.39pm There were reports of a car losing control There were four occupants in the vehicle at the time of the incident sustained severe injuries and was confirmed deceased at the scene of the crash VIP Medics treated and stabilised the three passengers on the spot before transferring them to different hospitals in Durban for additional medical attention Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy Six people have tragically lost their lives following a head-on collision on the R49 road between Zeerust and the Kopfontein Port of Entry on Sunday night marking the second major road tragedy in the North West province since intensified Easter holiday traffic operations began four victims were travelling in one vehicle Two occupants of the second vehicle sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital one of the injured later succumbed to their injuries The Nietverdiend Police have opened a culpable homicide case to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatal crash Preliminary details surrounding the cause of the collision are yet to be confirmed but investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to provide clarity to the grieving families and the public This latest tragedy pushes the number of road deaths in the North West province close to 50 raising fresh concerns over road safety despite heightened traffic law enforcement operations during the Easter season The fatal accident comes barely weeks after authorities intensified Easter holiday road safety campaigns across the province addressing the media at the Easter Road Safety Campaign briefing on Monday had earlier expressed satisfaction with the campaign’s early outcomes particularly noting that no major accidents had been recorded on the busy N1 route since the start of the Easter holiday period “We are encouraged that the strategic deployment of law enforcement officers and the strong public messaging on road safety have contributed to safer journeys for thousands of travellers along the N1 corridor,” Creecy said during the briefing particularly provincial and rural roads such as the R49 North West provincial traffic authorities have expressed deep concern over the rising number of fatal crashes particularly on secondary roads and major arterial routes leading to neighbouring countries like Botswana “While we are pleased with the conduct of motorists on main highways it is evident that urgent intervention is needed on our secondary routes and general recklessness continue to be major contributing factors,” a spokesperson from the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management said have been intensified throughout the province as part of efforts to curb further fatalities Authorities have reiterated calls for motorists to exercise extreme caution particularly at night when visibility is reduced Minister Creecy’s Easter Road Safety Awareness Campaign was launched with the primary aim of promoting safe driving behaviour Campaign efforts have included visible policing and community engagements at public transport hubs Transport Minister Creecy emphasised that the war on road carnage is far from over Every life lost on our roads is one too many Road safety is a collective responsibility that must involve government and motorists themselves,” Creecy stressed Plans are underway to review current strategies and implement additional safety measures including enhanced monitoring of secondary routes and collaborations with neighbouring countries to manage cross-border traffic safely news of the fatal collision has been met with grief and devastation Local leaders have extended condolences to the families affected and have called for urgent interventions to improve road conditions and enforce stricter traffic regulations and avoid risky behaviour that endangers lives,” said a community representative Memorial services are being arranged for the victims and counselling services have been made available to the families affected by the crash 🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement” Direct PDF Link:https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za For Business Related:business@centralnews.co.za Newsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za Office Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.za Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin and website in this browser for the next time I comment Residents of Zeerust in the North West who recently staged a protest blocking key entrances to the town over ongoing water shortages, say they remain frustrated The demonstrations which lasted several days have since ended The residents say despite the presence of boreholes and reservoirs capable of supplying water to all residents government continues to hire contractors to provide water with no sustainable solution being implemented Community leader Pilot Mosothwane says government has spent exorbitant amounts of money on building boreholes “Modiri Molema will keep on making boreholes they made six boreholes of the R31 million Lekubu they made three boreholes at the value of R28 million and then in ward 11 here in Dinokana they spent around R43 million for steel tanks and boreholes they keep on spending too much money but those people staying there still don’t have water what have they been spending it for?” SABC News reported on the Water Supply Intervention Project that was launched by Senzo Mnhunu who was the Water and Sanitation Minister at the time Residents in Zeerust said that they hoped the project would bring much-needed relief The multi-million rand Dinokana Rural Water Supply project was intended to solve the water scarcity problems that have been plaguing the residents for years on end and led to numerous service delivery protests More details of the water intervention project in the report below:  The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has launched a mobile alcohol testing centre in Zeerust The aim is to deal with drunken driving during this festive season This coincides with the launch of the second leg of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, aimed at reducing the rate of fatalities caused by road crashes. The North West is among the provinces that have been identified to have priority routes The department’s HOD Hans Kekana says the mobile testing centre will be of assistance We are looking forward to each district having this We are no longer drawing blood and taking it to the lab and waiting for a longer period road users are happy about this road safety campaign One road user says the activation gives a good safety alert on the road “I am coming from Bostwana and travelling towards Pretoria I believe I should be cautious all the time and should be fully watching my mirrors and keep up to speed.” Another says they are sober and driving slowly but adds that it is a good idea to check on tucks because they are dangerous Road Safety is everybody’s responsibility! – A key message from the Community Safety and Transport Management HoD, Dr Hans Kekana prior to the provincial activation of the 2024/25 Road Safety Campaign today in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. pic.twitter.com/wqnsNtx7e9 — NWPGCommSafety (@NWPGCommSafety) December 13, 2024 Home | Politics These veterans have described the reburial as a moment of closure They also say it is a significant step in honouring those who sacrificed their lives for South Africa’s freedom We are very happy that finally the mortals of one of our own comrade Tiro came back to the land of his birth in South Africa particularly in Zeerust where we are.” “We are very humble and then we are rejoicing the life of comrade Tiro.” North West | Reburial of liberation icon Aaron Tiro: from graphic design and editing to marketing strategy all have one thing in common our love and passion for getting the right message out there Over the past 13 years the Platinum Weekly has cultivated a large readership in Rustenburg and the greater North West province resulting in our circulation figures being double that of our closest competitor Our inhouse distribution team makes use of the latest technology including GPS tracking and mapping to ensure our newspapers reach our target audience every week at a place and time convenient to them continuously turning the screws to optimise and reach dependable consistency in our distribution DISTRIBUTION AREAS: Rustenburg • Phokeng • Brits • Hartbeespoort • Mooinooi • Marikana • Kroondal • Koster • Swartruggens • Derby • Boshoek • Sun City • Mogwase • Moruleng   E-mail : news@platinumweekly.co.za | ads@platinumweekly.co.za © 2017 - All Rights with Platinum Weekly Black-owned and managed Akani Properties has unveiled the new R500 million Autumn Leaf Shopping Mall in Ramotshere Moiloa Municipality in the transit town of Zeerust in the North West which opened its doors in late October 2023 is within a short distance for the locals who historically have had to travel to Rustenburg or Mafikeng to access premium brands The development includes a taxi rank and fuel station and in conjunction with the Municipal Employees Fund it is the first phase of a mixed-use project that will include a hotel and a private hospital which will transform Zeerust into a bustling transit town and economic node on the border between South Africa and Botswana With a total project budget of R499 million the development procured materials from local suppliers and employed local SMMEs and labour The total procurement spend was about R70 million on civil contractors a local labour spend running into millions of Rands and close to 500 jobs were created during the development phase The new retail centre will serve the greater Zeerust area that includes townships such as Ikagaleng retail travellers from Gaberone in Botswana “We are excited to add Autumn Leaf to our growing portfolio of retail assets in South Africa Investing in peri-urban towns such as Zeerust is in line with the investment thesis of our client the Municipal Employees Pension Fund which believes that peri-urban towns such as Zeerust present growth opportunities and will stem the tide of migration to big cities and contribute to job creation and economic growth in this largely rural province of North West,” commented Akani Properties Chairman Residents of Lehurutshe near Zeerust in the North West have told the provincial government that they are being deprived of services despite years of humble pleas to authorities They blockaded the busy N4 road linking South Africa and Botswana as well as the R49 between Mahikeng and Zeerust NW Government delegation to meet residents protesting against lack of basic services On Wednesday, a delegation from the province, led by Premier Bushy Maape, met with the residents at Lehurutshe Emotions ran high at a meeting to discuss service delivery backlogs with water topping the list “Right now there is no water and residents of Welbedacht don’t get water We can go for months without water in Ntsweletsoku.” “No more Jojo tanks and no more trucks that transport water around Lehurutshe,” another resident laments “The engines are stolen and I wonder if an ordinary community member like me could steal an engine or really what is happening there,” says a community member Before I leave here all I want to know is when will we get water?” adds another Premier Bushy Maape says short and long-term plans have been drafted to address water supply challenges “The task team has been established to coordinate the process of responding to the grievances and complaints of the community We want them to ensure that there is action on the part of the various departments and the municipality to ensure that people do get water,” says Maape Residents have given authorities seven days to address their grievances A delegation from the North West government is expected to meet the residents of the Zeerust-based Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality on Wednesday On Tuesday, residents blockaded the busy N4 and R49 roads that minibus-taxis use They are complaining about a lack of services They’ve threatened to intensify their protest action should the province not keep its promise to meet with them Schools were also affected but contingency plans were in place to ensure that grade 12 examinations proceeded as planned Residents of Zeerust in North West protest lack of services North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC “Relevant MECs led by the Premier will address this issue of water and some other issues we are going to address the community at large and they want to be addressed by the premier North West government expected to meet protesting Zeerust residents: Despite challenges faced by Akani Retirement Fund Administrators through an ongoing investigation conducted by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FCSA) Akani Properties has unveiled the R500-million Autumn Leaf Shopping Mall in Zeerust at Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Akani Properties is a black-owned and managed property development Truworths and big banks having secured trading space which includes a taxi rank and a fuel station became possible after Akani Properties in conjunction with the Municipal Employees Pension Fund clubbed together In its first phase of a mixed-use property development In a development that will transform Zeerust into a bustling transit town and economic node on the border between South Africa and Botswana the project also saw local suppliers and SMMEs said: “The N4 road and Botswana border remain Ramotshere Moiloa’s important competitive advantage which should be harnessed through continuous infrastructure development and diversification.” Zamani Letjane said: “We are excited to add Autumn Leaf to our growing portfolio of retail assets in South Africa “Investing in peri-urban towns such as Zeerust is in line with the investment thesis of our client which believes that peri-urban towns such as Zeerust present growth opportunities and will stem the tide of migration to big cities and contribute to job creation and economic growth in this largely rural province of North West.”  Akani Properties has a number of shopping centres which include the exclusive Nicolway Bryanston Radisson Hotel and Destiny Exclusive Hotel in Kempton Park Sunday World reported on how Akani Retirement Fund Administrators officials had opened criminal cases against FSCA investigators on allegations of theft and assault One of the top officials who opened the case against the FSCA was Letjane who claimed that the investigators had stolen R100 000 in cash and a desktop in his office when it was raided in July last year Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content The N4 and R49 roads have been opened for traffic at Zeerust in the North West after residents blockaded them Tuesday morning using minibus taxis Residents were complaining about the lack of services North West Community Safety MEC Sello Lehari met the protesting residents as well as the local taxi operators and promised to meet with them on Wednesday to address this issue of water and some other issues we are going to address the community at large And they want to be addressed by the premier They are complaining about the lack of services  “We have had water problems for over 15 years in ward 13,” says one of the residents “We were supposed to do revision at schools but the teachers didn’t come to school because of the strike,” says one of the learners ensured that examinations proceeded as planned “We are having 13 schools that had to sit for economics and indeed other schools have started on time while only five schools started later because the roads were blocked Our learners couldn’t go through even the papers from the centres that we are storing them from it wasn’t easy for those people honestly to make it through,” says MEC Wendy Matsembula The provincial government has promised to address the community’s grievances Residents have threatened to intensify the strike Protesting residents in Zeerust hand over memorandum of demands to North West Safety MEC who stabbed his teacher to death at Ramotshere Secondary School in Dinokana near Zeerust The learner was sentenced in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court He pleaded guilty to killing Gadimang Mokolobate in September 2018 Mokolobate was invigilating in a classroom where learners were writing exams when he was killed Magistrate Winnie Malane says the accused showed no remorse following the act ordered to serve the following term of imprisonment You are ordered to serve 10 years imprisonment in terms of Section 103 of the firearms control I am of the opinion that you cannot be trusted of the firearm unfit to possess firearm in terms of Section 103 of control 60 of the year 2000,” says Malane North West – A tragic road accident has resulted in the loss of four lives following a head-on collision on the N4 highway just outside Zeerust on Friday The deadly crash involved a private vehicle and a mini-bus taxi which both erupted into flames upon impact It is understood from early investigations that the private vehicle made catastrophic contact with the oncoming mini-bus taxi four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene with both vehicles ablaze and emergency personnel working feverishly to rescue survivors,” said an eyewitness “We watched helplessly as the flames consumed the vehicles It’s a sight that will haunt many of us for a long time.” Three other occupants from the involved vehicles survived the harrowing ordeal though one is reported to be in a critical condition They were promptly transported to the Zeerust Hospital for treatment MEC Sello Lehari of the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families he urged “a speedy recovery to the injured survivors and reiterates the importance of road safety.” we stand with the families of the deceased We also appeal to all our motorists to uphold the highest standard of road safety—adhere strictly to traffic laws and always ensure that your vehicles are in a roadworthy state before embarking on any journey,” MEC Lehari said Central News E-edition 042: Download the latest weekly edition of Central News Print and Digital Newspaper Top Stories :   “Ngwathe Municipal Crisis: Executive Mayor’s Alleged Henchmen Steal Important Payroll Equipment” https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues/ Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487 #centralnewsza #fscentralnews #nwcentralnews #gautengcentralnews Many foreign business owners have closed their shops and fled from Zeerust in the North West This is after suffering attacks from locals who accuse them of drug dealing The Congolese Solidarity Campaign has dismissed the allegations as unfounded But locals insist the foreigners are responsible for a criminal element within the small town some of these foreign nationals are hiding in nearby mountains It follows attacks by locals over the past three weeks The Congolese Solidarity Campaign has called on government for support I plead with the government to work on it because we are innocent We are pleading with the government to respond very fast before people can lose their lives,” says Congolese Community Leader Shauri Mwenemwitu “Even the police should do their work They shouldn’t arrest the criminal and release them before they reach the police station Some of the foreign nationals say the issue of being attacked in their residential areas has affected their daily lives.” says they fled from the Congo a year ago because of the on-going war “When I arrived here I thought here is a very peaceful country but I found that it is still the same situation People have been beating us every night and we decided now every night we should come and sleep in the forest and it is not good for our health as human beings and for the kids,” says Congolese national Jackson Masikira Locals have established the so-called ‘Enough is Enough Movement’ alleging to have found illegal substances in foreigners’ homes “We came to realize that this issue is bigger than we thought we do not want to be seen as or sound xenophobic to the foreign nationals we will not allow and accommodate them within our society … Zeerust in particular,” says Chairperson of the Movement Crosby Maeema National Prosecuting Authority and police accepted their memorandum and undertook to respond within seven days The N4 between Zeerust in the North West and the Botswana border has been closed to traffic by protesting residents of the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Residents in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality are complaining about the lack of service delivery They have blockaded the intersection of the busy N4 and R49 Roads Residents are complaining about water provision roads and clinics in the villages around Lehurutshe The lack of services has exacerbated issues in the area for a long time and residents are now demanding the government address their concerns immediately Police and traffic officers can be seen at the intersection where minibus taxis are used to barricade the road Zeerust in total lock down, avoid the area. All vehicles on route must please not approach Zeerust and remain in safe area until further updates. #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/2Rc4eJlePK — Road Traffic Management Corporation (@TrafficRTMC) November 1, 2022