Kathu Gazette

14/10/2026

VANZYLSRUS
Bekroonde digter besoek kunsteweek
Erika Viljoen

Hierdie jaar se Vanzylsrus kunsteweek het plaasgevind vanaf 29 September 2026 tot 1 Oktober 2026 met drie kernaspekte wat aandag geniet het, naamlik gratis kunsklasse vir die kinders by die gemeenskapsaal, betaalde kunsklasse vir volwassenes en letterkunde- en storievertelaktiwiteite.
Tydens die week kon besoekers ‘n digterskool bywoon, aangebied deur die bekroonde skrywer en digter Dr Johann Lodewyk Marais, wat op uitnodiging van die ATKV-tak Kalahari en die organiseerder, Pieter Abraham Pienaar as spreker opgetree het. Opkomende digters het ook die geleentheid gekry om van hul eie werk te deel en waardevolle terugvoering te ontvang van Dr Marais, wat reeds twaalf digbundels gepubliseer het en die Ingrid Jonker-prys vir sy debuutbundel, Die somer is ’n dag oud (1983) en die SALA-toekenning vir Diorama (2010) ontvang het.
Sedert 2003 is hy ’n navorsingsgenoot van die Universiteit van Pretoria en in 2013 was hy Innibos se eerste feesdigter. Dr Marais het ook tydens die kunsteweek sy nuwe boek en navorsing oor Bonsmara-beeste aan boere in die Van Zylsrus-omgewing bekendgestel.
Dit was voorwaar ‘n voorreg vir besoekers om skouer te kon skuur met ‘n letterkundige en skrywer van Dr Marais se kaliber en kosbare kennis op te doen tydens sy digterskool.

Foto: Dr Johann Lodewyk Marais.

14/10/2026

KATHU / POSTMASBURG
Local talent represents NC at Eskom Expo

A total of 17 young Northern Cape scientists took part in the 46th Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) in Gauteng from 29 September 2026 through 2 October 2026.
They were part of the 316 young South African scientists, alongside 24 international participants, who showcased their research of the past months. The ISF brought together the young South African scientists from 35 regions across all nine provinces and the international participants from 11 countries including Brazil, India, Ireland, Russia, Lesotho, Namibia, China, Türkiye, Tunisia, Mozambique and Ghana, attending both in person and virtually. The ISF marked the culmination of months of research, judging, feedback and project development, where participants showcased their research and pursued new opportunities after progressing through workshops, district expos and regional science fairs.
Many projects focused on health and wellbeing, exploring topics such as glucose regulation, gluten reduction, sleep apnoea and disease biomarkers. Others aimed to boost learning and academic performance. Learners also investigated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, applying it to disease diagnosis and solutions for people with disabilities. Millions of rands in prizes and opportunities were awarded to participants at the ISF.
Local students, Mahir Siddika from Postmasburg High School as well as Kabelo Palagan and Botlebamorena Moemise from Curro Kathu participated in this year’s ISF and Mahir Siddika from Postmasburg High School received the University of Johannesburg TechnoLab Award for his SkySentinel – GPS-Jammed Vehicle Recovery Aid project. It was a proud moment for team Northern Cape and especially for the John Taolo Gaetsewe district.
From technology and vehicle security to mathematics education and innovative agricultural solutions, these young scientists demonstrated the incredible potential, creativity and research talent of the Northern Cape.
Eskom Expo Kalahari region communication

Photo: The 17 young Northern Cape scientists who took part in the 46th Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.

A proud moment for Team Northern Cape as these talented young scientists were recognised among the Special Awards Winners. Mahir Siddika from Postmasburg High School (Second from the right).

14/10/2026

KURUMAN
Thriving business built with local ingredients

As a little girl, Irene Dioka of Makhubong Heuningvlei in the Northern Cape learned from her grandmother how to process Motlopi (Boscia Albitrunca), a traditional root coffee from the region.
After losing her job at the Department of Environmental Affairs, she returned to the villages. She remembered how Motlopi had once contributed to her grandmother’s household income. It also reminded het about Lerotse melon and how her grandmother made jam from it, as well as yoghurt from fresh milk. That is how her business started which grew into her current company, Malimpunyane-21, a 100% natural brand from Kuruman, built in her grandmother’s memory.
For Irene, quality begins long before a product reaches the customer. It starts with sourcing ingredients from trusted local harvesters and small-scale growers who understand the land and harvest responsibly. Irene says, “Motlopi coffee is still prepared using traditional methods, including sun drying and roasting over an open fire. It is 100% natural, caffeine-free coffee made from indigenous roots from the Northern Cape. We dig it, wash it, peel it, crush it with stones, sun-dry it and roast it on fire. No chemicals, no caffeine. Just health in a cup.” The same focus on simple, natural ingredients extends to her Lerotsi yoghurt and jam. The yoghurt combines indigenous melon with goat milk, while the jam is made from melon and sugar. Irene handpicks the melons during their season and processes them without preservatives or colourants.
Her focus now is on strengthening the business, from improving her packaging and processes to getting her products tested through Seda and putting the necessary paperwork in place. Irene hopes these steps will help her move from selling at local markets and through word of mouth to reaching a wider market, while keeping the traditional knowledge and local communities behind her products at the centre of the business.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to handpick ingredients and work with small-scale farmers to ensure quality products, cook seasonally and to store smart. Good packaging helps products last longer and most importantly to build a trustworthy relationship with suppliers and customers.
Food for Mzansi communication (Vateka Halile)

Photo: Inspired by her grandmother’s kitchen, Irene Dioka combines natural ingredients to produce unique, indigenous coffee, jam and joghurt Photos: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

14/10/2026

POSTMASBURG
Community walks against gender-based violence

The My Journey Foundation (MJF), a non-profit organisation in Postmasburg, hosted its 5th annual My Journey Walk for Mental Health on 5 October 2026 in Postmasburg and once again demonstrated the strength, resilience and power of the Tsantsabane community.
This past year has been a difficult year for many people. Behind the smiles and straight faces are individuals silently dealing with grief, anxiety, loneliness, emotional pain and other mental-health challenges. Against this background, the My Journey Walk continues to provide a space where people can come together, connect, find hope and remind one another that no one is alone.
The walk, held at the Postmasburg Showground, was more than a physical walk. It was a journey of hope, healing, unity and resilience. Despite the challenges faced in organising this year's event, My Journey Foundation remained committed to ensure that The People's Walk, The Healing Walk continued. The community responded, with local businesses and organisations coming forward to support the initiative.
The 5th annual walk was 100% made possible by local businesses and organisations, demonstrating what can be achieved when a community comes together around a common cause. “This walk was born out of pain, but it continues to give people hope. It reminds us that although our journeys may be different, we need one another. When we hold hands as a community, we become stronger”, says a representative from My Journey Foundation.
The foundation also expressed its appreciation to all sponsors, organisations, schools, educators, learners, volunteers and community members who contributed to the success of the event. MJF particularly thanked the schools that made learners available to participate, giving young people an opportunity to experience an environment centred on emotional wellbeing, mental-health awareness, connection and community support.
For My Journey Foundation, the message remains simple; Life is a journey. My journey is not your journey, but in this journey of life, we need one another.
The 5th annual My Journey Walk has once again shown that when a community holds hands, it can walk through difficult times and create hope where hope is needed most.
MJF communications

Photo: The 5th annual My Journey Walk once again demonstrated the strength, resilience and power of the Tsantsabane community.
Photo: The event confirmed that when a community holds hands, it can walk through difficult times and create hope where hope is needed most.

14/10/2026

KURUMAN
Kalahari soccer on international stage

From 27 September to 5 October 2026, Kalahari High School was proudly represented in Spain during Blue Runnings Sport International’s (BRSI) Soccer Tour.
Mr Hloni Makoloane, was invited by Blue Runnings Sport International to serve as the coach of the u/16 Tigers Soccer Club in Spain. Kalahari High School learners Phodisho Booysen, Onolo Mokause, Bokang Lobelo, Rogerio Estavao, Tlotlano Monyake and Oarona Mereyotlhe were also selected for the u/16 and u/19 squads.
Blue Runnings Sport International’s Soccer Tours give athletes and teams the opportunity to grow through international competition, expert coaching and professionally managed travel experiences. Designed for schools, teams and aspiring soccer players, each tour combines overseas match play, player development, cultural exposure and teamwork in one rewarding journey that builds confidence, sharpens performance and creates lasting memories. Soccer is also one of BRSI’s strongest core offerings, with tours to Spain, Turkey, the UK and the Netherlands.
For Mr Makoloane and the chosen learners it was more than just a soccer tour - it was an opportunity to gain international experience, embrace new challenges and proudly carry the Kalahari name beyond South Africa’s borders.
The school is immensely proud of Mr Makoloane and the boys who represented Kalahari High School with pride and showed Spain what Kalahari soccer is all about.
Kalahari High School communication

Photo: Mr Hloni Makoloane (middle) with the six learners from Kalahari High School who were selected for the u/16 and u/19 soccer squads.

14/10/2026

KATHU
Local athlete represents SA at world championships

Sithenkosi “Sithe” Magadlela from Phoenix Warriors Kathu represented South Africa at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) Youth World Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy from 18 September through 27 September 2026
The tournament brought together the world's best young athletes representing children, cadets and juniors across multiple competitive categories. Sithe proudly stepped onto the world stage and competed in three disciplines, namely Points Fighting, Light Contact and Kick Light. He confidently faced incredibly strong and large divisions filled with talented young fighters from around the world. He fought with conviction, courage and determination and never stopped believing in himself.
The experience, the battles, the lessons, the friendships and the pressure of competing on a world stage will stay with him forever and motivate him to reach his full potential.
It was a privilege for his club to witness Sithe fulfilling his dream to stand on the mats in Italy representing his country.
Phoenix Warriors Kathu

Photo: Sithe proudly represented South Africa at the WAKO Youth World Kickboxing Championships in Italy.

14/10/2026

POSTMASBURG
Netball Cup celebrates women in sport

The 2026 Tsantsabane Netball Cup was successfully hosted on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the Postdene Sports Ground Netball Courts, bringing together six teams for a competitive day of netball, community participation and the celebration of women in sport.
The tournament provided an opportunity for players from across Tsantsabane to showcase their talent, strengthen relationships between clubs and encourage greater participation in local sport. The six participating teams were PMG Butterflies, Tsantsabane Skills Development, Japies Rus Minerale Netball Club, Groenwater AC Milan, Groenwater Catch A Fire and Groenwater United We Shine.
The original intention was to host a Top 8 tournament, with a strong focus on ensuring broad participation from communities across Tsantsabane. As part of this outreach teams from Jenn Haven, Maremane and Skeyfontein were also invited to encourage wider representation and greater inclusivity. Although the final competition proceeded with six teams, the long-term objective remains to grow the Tsantsabane Netball Cup into an increasingly representative tournament that brings together teams and communities from across the Tsantsabane Local Municipality service area.
Following the opening matches and semi-finals, PMG Butterflies and Japies Rus Minerale Netball Club advanced to the championship final. Butterflies secured the title with a 27–19 victory, becoming the 2026 Tsantsabane Netball Cup Champions. They were followed by Japies Rus minerale Netball Club as runners-up, while Groenwater AC Milan took third place and the team from Groenwater Catch A Fire ended in fourth place.
Individual excellence was also recognised and Camilla Nkadimang was crowned as player of the tournament. Best Shooter award went to Mieke Muller and Refiloe Mofokeng received the award for best defender while Shawi Mabusa received the award for best midcourt player. These awards reflected the depth of talent on display throughout the tournament and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women and young people to compete, develop and receive recognition through sport.
The tournament also formed part of the Tsantsabane Black Business Chamber’s (TBBC) 15th Anniversary celebrations, which was founded in 2011 and demonstrated the value of collaboration between business, sport and community development.
Speaking to participants, the Tsantsabane mayor Helena English emphasised the role of sport in strengthening communities and creating opportunities for women to lead, participate and excel. “This cup is also a celebration of the strength of our women. Women can lead, women can compete and women can win.” The mayor also thanked TBBC for linking business with sport and for contributing to initiatives that celebrate community, heritage and active participation.
Reflecting on the growth of the tournament, Pulane Mokoena, Chairperson of PMG Butterflies, thanked TBBC for its continued support and noted the progress made since the tournament began. “We would like to thank TBBC for organising this tournament. Last year, the tournament started with four teams and this year it has grown to six teams, which shows encouraging progress. We would also like to thank the mayor for gracing the event with her presence. We hope that young girls in our community can see that sport is something positive and that they too can get involved. Tournaments like this provide an important platform to showcase the talent of our young people.” Her remarks reflected on the importance of community tournaments which create opportunities for young people, encourage participation in sport and support the development of local sporting talent.
The organisers extend their appreciation to all six participating teams, players, coaches, officials, supporters, partners and community members who contributed to the success of the tournament. The 2026 Tsantsabane Netball Cup demonstrated the important role that sport can play in women’s development, youth participation, community cohesion, healthy competition and local pride.
TBBC would like to congratulate the PMG Butterflies team, the 2026 Tsantsabane Netball Cup Champions and every team and player who participated.
TBBC communication

Photo: The PMG Butterflies team was crowned the 2026 Tsantsabane Netball Cup Champions.

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

Shock as military pensioners lose medical fund benefits
16 September 2026
Warnings of imminent financial collapse at the Regular Force Medical Continuation Fund (RFMCF) in April and August have proven true with an announcement it will stop paying healthcare treatment and medical claims as from 01 November 2026.
What is seemingly the end of the line as far as healthcare goes for an estimated 29 000 senior soldiers and their dependents was disclosed by a “work committee” representing RFMCF members on Tuesday 15 September 2026. “Independent actuarial evaluations confirm the fund is no longer a going concern,” a “work committee” statement has it.
Citing what it calls “key breaches and operational consequences” the statement reads “effective 01 November 2026 thousands of retirees, disabled retirees, widows and orphans will lose essential medical care” before pointing out that Minister Angie Motshekga’s Department of Defence (DoD) and not the fund is “in direct violation of the guaranteed conditions of service signed at enlistment”.
Next stop is legal action with a group of “concerned RFMCF members” in the process of filing a court application against the DoD and other unnamed respondents to restore the fund to its former functional status. Justification for the legal action reads “the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV) is set to default on its constitutional and contractual medical obligations to South Africa’s military retirees and active military personnel”.
This situation has come about, the “work committee” statement reads further, “despite years of written warnings to the presidency, national treasury and DoD leadership”.
“Authorities have ignored expert assistance and allowed the military medical safety net to fail.
“To maintain RFMCF beneficiary healthcare, the DoD must directly guarantee payments to the RFMCF via the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) reimbursement mechanism used for selected beneficiary categories.”
And there’s a rider implying more grief ahead as current active duty SA National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel now serve without guaranteed retirement medical protection from the DoD. The “work committee” sees this impacting negatively on morale across all four SANDF services as well as DoD divisions.
The sorry financial state of the RFMCF was acknowledged by its principal officer, Dr Anushka Jamuna, in an August Bulletin. She wrote the Fund “continues to operate under significant financial constraints”. Her warning follows a first quarter reply by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga to a question asked by National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Member of Parliament (MP) Nicholas Gotsell.
Her response, in part, had it the RFMCF funding level is 3.5% as per an actuarial valuation done in March 2025 which translates into a monthly shortfall of R40 million. Making matters worse, Gotsell was further informed the Fund “is unable to invest the current contributions made by active members to honour their medical benefit promise” and it “has been disinvesting since November 2023 to honour monthly expenditure”.
DefenceWeb