Kathu Gazette

12/12/2025

DANIËLSKUIL
Multiple sexual offences committed against young girls
03 December 2025
A 25 year old man from Daniëlskuil was recently sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for the r**e and sexual assaults of five minors in Daniëlskuil between December 2019 and May 2020.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe from the SAPS Corporate Communication Northern Cape in Kimberley, the Daniëlskuil regional court found him guilty on two counts of r**e and three counts of sexual assault. The court heard that during December 2019 the victims were playing when the accused lured them into a house and sexually assaulted the victims who were between 7 and 12 years old. The incidents went on unreported, until two of the victims informed their parents during May 2025. The incidents were subsequently reported to the police and three additional victims came forward.
Five separate cases were registered at SAPS Daniëlskuil police station which led to the subsequent arrest of the accused.
He was found guilty, and the court sentenced him as follows : Count 1 R**e of an 11 year old girl : 18 years direct imprisonment. Count 2 sexual assault of a 12 year old girl 10 years direct imprisonment. Count 3 r**e of a 7 year old girl 18 years direct imprisonment. Count 4 sexual assault of a 7 year old girl 10 years direct imprisonment and count 5 sexual assault of an 11 year old girl 10 years direct imprisonment. Additionally the accused was declared unfit to possess a firearm and his name will be recorded in the National Register of Sexual Offenders.
The sentences of count 2, 4 and 5 will run concurrently with the sentences of count 1 and 3.
All the cases were investigated by Constable Boitshepo Bele who was commended for her outstanding investigation by the District Commissioner of ZF Mgcawu Major General Monica Sebili.
This sentence will serve as a deterrent for those taking advantage of innocent children especially during the 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children. The conviction is a clear display of the commitment by detectives to ensure that justice is served for victims of crime.
SAPS communication

Constable Boitshepo Bele

12/12/2025

Anglo American and Teck Resources announce merge
09 December, 2025
Anglo American plc noted on 09 December 2025 the announcement by Teck Resources Limited on the results of its shareholder vote at the special meeting where the proposed merger of equals with Anglo American was approved.
Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Anglo American said, “We are extremely pleased to have received such strong support both from shareholders and stakeholders alike. Today marks a major milestone towards forming Anglo Teck - a global critical minerals champion, headquartered in Canada, and a top five global copper producer.
“Bringing together the best of both companies, Anglo Teck is set up to deliver outstanding value for shareholders of both companies - in the near term through a unique combination of industrial and other synergies and in the longer term by applying proven capabilities to exceptional growth optionality, offering investors more than 70% exposure to copper.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with Teck and the regulatory authorities across various jurisdictions during the course of 2026 to obtain the necessary approvals to progress towards completion.”
Completion of the merger remains subject to conditions customary for a transaction of this nature including approval under the Investment Canada Act and competition and regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions globally.
Anglo American communication

12/12/2025

KIMBERLEY
Mining leaders gather to celebrate excellency in industry
20 November 2025
The Northern Cape Mine Managers Association (NCMMA) held its prestigious annual gala dinner in Kimberley, bringing together mining leaders to celebrate achievements and reflect on the industry’s performance.
Organised by Kumba Iron Ore, the event recognised exceptional contributions and reinforced the sector’s commitment to safety and sustainability.
Welcoming industry professionals from more than 30 regional mining companies, the 2025 NCMMA Gala Dinner also hosted various stakeholders, including labour unions, business representatives and officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR).
As part of the evening’s proceedings, awards recognising both individual and operational achievements relating to safety performance and leadership were presented and celebrated amongst peers.
Highlighting the industry’s contribution to the development of the country, Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala delivered a keynote address at the event, applauding the accomplishments of various NCMMA workstreams and the importance of cultivating a strong safety culture.
“Mining continues to play a critical role in South Africa. In 2024 mining contributed 23% to the Northern Cape’s GDP and 6% nationally. The Northern Cape, rich in iron ore, manganese, diamonds, copper and zinc, remains pivotal to economic growth.
As an office-bearer and a board member of the Minerals’ Council South Africa, I am truly pleased at the work done through the Northern Cape Mine Managers Association. It aligns with what we want to see in the industry : Our shared commitment to Zero Harm.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the Principal Inspector of Mines for the Northern Cape Tumelo Mateta, reinforced the importance of tripartism and empowering employees to stop unsafe work.
Anglo American communication

Kumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala

12/12/2025

UPINGTON
New DA provincial leadership announced
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape held a successful provincial congress in Upington on 06 December 2025 during which the national leader John Steenhuisen was present.
Isak Fritz, formerly the Chief Whip of the DA in the provincial legislature, was elected uncontested as the new DA provincial leader in the Northern Cape. Lisa Schickerling (Member of Parliament) was elected as the first female provincial chairperson. The deputy chairpersons elected were Henriëtte du Plessis (Councillor Gamagara municipality), Rodney Kritzinger (Councillor Nama Khoi municipality) and Belinda Moses (Councillor Sol Plaatje municipality). The Finance Chairperson elected uncontested was Dr Delmaine Christians (Member of Parliament).
Mr Steenhuisen paid tribute to the outgoing provincial leader, Harold McGluwa, who had served as the Northern Cape provincial chairperson from 2012 to 2020 and as provincial leader from 2020 to 2025.
Mr Steenhuisen wished the newly elected provincial leadership team well as they prepare to lead the 2026 local government election campaign in the province.
Mr Steenhuisen promised that the DA would address service delivery challenges - including collapsing infrastructure, the high crime rate and sewage-flooded streets across the Northern Cape.
“We believe that the Northern Cape is at the centre of South Africa’s success and that drives our interest and the attention you deserve, but don’t receive. Your belief in the DA made coalition government possible. Your trust put us in national government,” he stated.

12/12/2025

KURUMAN
Assmang BRMO launches Gola Enterprise Development Programme to empower sustainable growth
5 December 2025
Assmang (Pty) Ltd Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO) officially launched the Gola Enterprise Development Programme - a targeted 6 month initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of non-mining related businesses within the Joe Morolong and Ga-Segonyana local municipalities.
The programme is specifically designed for enterprises with a minimum of 51% black ownership, with strong preference for youth and female owned businesses, reflecting BRMO’s commitment to inclusive empowerment and broad-based local economic development.
Anchored by the slogan “Empowering Sustainable Growth,” the Gola Programme focuses on four strategic objectives : • Entrepreneurial Acceleration • Employment Creation • Enterprise Expansion • Economic Growth.
The launch workshop held on 05 December 2025 brought together mine leadership, municipal delegates, partner organisations and the 15 selected entrepreneurs. Speakers included Mr Jabulane Marema - Manager Corporate Social Responsibility, BRMO, Mr Lourens van Heerden - Manager Supply Chain BRMO, Mr Leon Vermaak representing Phil 4 Consulting the appointed implementing partner and representatives from the Joe Morolong and Ga-Segonyana municipalities.
During his welcome address, Mr Jabulane Marema congratulated the group for their selection, noting the significance of their commitment and resilience, “Your inclusion in this programme is a testament to your potential and the strength of your entrepreneurial spirit. As Black Rock Mine Operations we believe in supporting businesses that contribute to a diversified and sustainable local economy. By fostering enterprises that are not solely dependent on the mining sector, we strengthen the long-term resilience of our communities and create pathways for generational opportunity.”
In his keynote address, Mr Lourens van Heerden highlighted that the Gola Programme is “not just the launch of a programme, it is the beginning of a journey of growth, empowerment and transformation.” He emphasised Assmang’s commitment to inclusive development, entrepreneurial empowerment and long-term economic resilience in the JTG region.
Mr Van Heerden further noted that the word Gola - meaning “to grow” or “to develop” in Tswana - captures the essence of the initiative : Cultivating businesses, uplifting communities and creating opportunities that endure.
Over the 6 month period, participating SMMEs will receive intensive business development interventions, including structured workshops, mentoring and coaching. These efforts are intended to equip participants with the practical tools needed to strengthen operations, expand opportunities and build commercially viable enterprises.
The Gola Programme supports BRMO’s vision of broadening economic participation by nurturing businesses across a wide range of sectors, including education, catering, tyre repair, clothing, primary healthcare, hospitality, gas supply and more. The emphasis on non-mining industries helps diversify the regional economic base and ensures that local SMMEs can thrive both within and beyond the mining value chain.
Representing the appointed service provider, Phil 4 Consulting, Mr Leon Vermaak highlighted the organisation’s commitment to deliver a high-impact development process aimed at unlocking the full potential of each entrepreneur, “This programme is about unlocking potential. It is about equipping entrepreneurs to scale, to innovate and to meaningfully participate in the regional economy. Together with Black Rock Mine Operations we are building a pipeline of sustainable, impactful, competitive businesses.”
As the session closed, Mr Denver Majiedt - Enterprise and Supplier Development Superintendent for BRMO, reiterated the organisation’s belief in the potential of local entrepreneurs to build sustainable enterprises that make a meaningful contribution to the local economy and create employment opportunities.
Assmang BRMO communication

Mr Lourens van Heerden - Manager Supply Chain BRMO.

Mr Jabulane Marema - Manager Corporate Social Responsibility BRMO.

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

A message of hope
Erika Viljoen

And yet again, in the blink of an eye the December holidays are upon us.
For many it signifies a time of relaxation, family gatherings and exchanging presents, while for Christians, like many faiths around the world, it is the opportunity to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
For others, however, it can be a time of loneliness, missing a loved one, financial stresses, neglect or abuse. In fact, national statistics indicate that the festive season in South Africa is consistently associated with an increase in violence, linked to factors such as increased alcohol consumption, financial stress, heightened family tensions and social gatherings.
As we reflect on the events covered by the Kathu Gazette this past year, we realise that in spite of many heartbreaking stories about job losses, gender-based violence and inequality there were also many stories of heroism, overcoming personal challenges as well as extraordinary sport and literary achievements.
What stood out most of all was that ordinary people, local businesses and big corporations are still passionate about and actively involved in uplifting and inspiring their communities by donating their resources, knowledge and time and most importantly doing it with sincere compassion.
Realising that there are still angels among us give us hope during the dark and difficult times. It is our prayer that everyone experiences love, joy and blessings during this festive season and it is our hope that, during this coming year we all recognise and realise the opportunity to be an angel to someone in need.
Shalom – peace be with you

12/12/2025

OLIFANTSHOEK
Bergenrus hou kersete
Hester Nortje

Die ouetehuis op Olifantshoek het op 5 Desember 2025 hul kersete aangebied en ook die Goue Gerwe van Kathu uitgenooi.
Dit was ‘n vrolike byeenkoms met kersversierings, mooi gedekte tafels en ‘n heerlike braaivleis ete met bykosse. Die tehuis ontvang deurlopend bydraes van die gemeenskap asook die boere in die omgewing, wat ‘n oop hand het vir die bejaardes.
Hartlik geluk aan die matrone van Bergenrus, Liebie Beyers en die toegewyde personeel asook gemeenskapslede wat die puik funksie aangebied het.

Foto: Liebie Beyers, die matrone van Bergenrus Ouetehuis op Olifantshoek.

12/12/2025

Kuruman
Local writer launches first book
Victor Mulangisi

Becoming the Most Beautiful Version of Myself is a book written by Tlotlisho Thupae. The theme of this eloquent piece of writing is about becoming the best version of oneself. This is Tlotlisho’s first book, which she launched on 29 November 2025, at Oleville in Kuruman during a function attended by the public.
Throughout the book, she notices the elements of beauty in herself and extends it to others. She emphasises that no human being is ugly, but that self-criticism can lead to that assumption. Tlotlisho noted that the book is both a memoir that reflects the beautiful version of herself and a guide for readers on how to become the most attractive version of themselves.
The function was attended by Mpho Lekgetho, another writer and founder of the Marang Career Information Centre, who was also the guest speaker at the launch. She said that writing is a talent uniquely bestowed upon the very few, and when used for its purpose, it gives readers guidance on how to behave in any given scenario.
“Writers urge us to reflect and think about important social issues. It can play with our emotions and challenge our reasoning.” Having read Tlotlisho’s book, Mpho was mesmerised by the level of thinking that was applied. She said that while the word beauty is as common as stones, in this book, it brings a new wave of thinking about it.
Different environments determine the extent of beauty embedded in humanity. In presenting the book to the audience, Tlotlisho gave a summary of the book that everyone eagerly listened to and that made everyone excited to buy and read the book.
Becoming the Most Beautiful Version of Myself can be ordered at 063 791 2277.

12/12/2025

KATHU
NC communities unite against violence

The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign has officially launched across South Africa, running from 25 November to 10 December.
This global initiative links the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) with the protection of human rights, reminding us that safety and dignity are fundamental to equality. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared GBV a national crisis because the reality in South Africa is that 11 women are murdered daily and 113 r**es are reported daily. In the Northern Cape, GBV remains a serious concern. Rural towns such as Kathu, Kuruman and Postmasburg face persistent challenges including murder, r**e, kidnapping and domestic violence.
Victims of violence are urged to seek help by applying for a Protection Order at the nearest magistrate’s court and to develop a Safety Plan with trusted contacts, emergency numbers and safe spaces. Counselling is available through FAMSA and SAPS Victim Empowerment Centres. The FAMSA Emergency Number is 0800 014 520.
Perpetrators are reminded that violence is not strength, it is harm. Violence leaves deep scars. Children exposed to violence often suffer trauma, anxiety and may normalise aggression. Adults carry stress, depression and broken community bonds.
Change is possible, but only through accountability. FAMSA runs anger management programmes and conflict resolution workshops.
The call to action is clear: Recognise the signs. Break the cycle. The 16 Days campaign is about collective action. Every household, workplace and community has a role to play.
FAMSA communication

12/12/2025

CASSEL & KAGUNG
Two new school libraries bring hope to JTG learners

In a region where access to learning resources remains a daily challenge, the Kgolo Community Development Trust (KCDT) brought renewed hope to young learners in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District by establishing two fully equipped school libraries.
The newly launched libraries at Rusfontein Primary School (in Phomolong) and Simololang Primary School (in Cassel) mark a major milestone in the Trust’s ongoing commitment to strengthen education. Each library was designed with care to create a warm, inclusive and stimulating environment. The libraries are furnished with custom shelving and educational posters to create an inviting environment for reading and learning. The collection includes books in English and Setswana, catering to the linguistic and cultural diversity of learners and ensuring that every child can see themselves represented in the stories they read. Both libraries are stocked with 1,500 books, ranging from picture books and early readers to reference materials and fiction for older learners. The schools also received starter packs of stationery, posters, cataloguing materials and a library system to help them manage and sustain the libraries effectively. The project is expected to benefit over 600 learners, with approximately 118 at Rusfontein Primary and 517 at Simololang Primary.
The official handover ceremonies took place in late October 2025 at both schools and were attended by representatives from KCDT, learners, SGB members, the Northern Cape Department of Education, SADTU, the Tribal Authorities and community members.
KCDT extends its heartfelt appreciation to its implementing partner Biblionef South Africa, which led the project from start to finish. A special thank you also goes to Breadline Africa, who managed the delivery and installation of the prefabricated library structures, ensuring they meet the standards of safety and compliance.
KCDT communications

Photo: Stakeholders, teachers and learners are excited about the new library donated to Rusfontein Primary School by KCDT.