Kathu Gazette

12/09/2025

10/09/2025

KATHU
Copperlane empowers women in NC

The Copperlane Event Planning and Designing team brought Women's Month to a close with a resounding success at Stokkiesdraai Guesthouse on August 30.
The event, themed Awakening to Abundance, hosted 250 women from the Northern Cape, providing a platform for healing, empowerment and celebration. The event aimed to inspire women to tap into their inner strength, unlock their potential and awaken to the abundance that life has to offer. Through a series of powerful speeches, performances and interactions, the women in attendance were reminded of their worth, value and importance.
A stellar lineup of guest speakers inspired and uplifted the attendees, including Jessica Daniels, winner of Smaakmaker 2025; Minister Henoline Goeieman; Rika Cloete, former Miss Northern Cape and Regional Women in Mining Chairperson; Minke Barendse, the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) Ladies Special Award winner and Miss Teen Northern Cape; Carizka Cloete, owner and founder of The Wellness Hub; Alicia Bezuidenhout from Sanlam; Sadé Mogomotsi, a GBV survivor who shared her powerful story of resilience; and Wiandri Janse van Rensburg, a local make-up artist from WV Make-Up Artistry.
The event featured captivating performances by dancers from Dance Fever Studio, as well as Kaytlin Filander and Dakota Julius, accompanied by the live band, Key Note. The energy was electric and the performances added to the overall sense of joy and celebration.
Each lady in attendance received a Bible as a token of appreciation, serving as a reminder of the importance of faith and spirituality in their lives.
Celesté Liebenberg and Caldene Louw from Copperlane Events expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and positive feedback. "We are thrilled with the response to our event," they said. "We are excited for what the future holds for Copperlane Event Planning and Designing and look forward to planning our next event to continue celebrating and empowering all women from the Northern Cape."
The Awakening to Abundance event provided a safe space for women to find solace, healing and empowerment. It was a day filled with laughter, tears and moments of transformation. As Copperlane continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of women across the Northern Cape, one thing is clear – the future is bright and the possibilities are endless.
Copperlane would like to express their gratitude to their sponsors, Will Hendricks and the team from Africa Maintenance Equipment (AME) and Sanlam. Without them, the day would not have been possible.
Copperlane communication

Photo 1: The inspirational Awakening to Abundance event was hosted by Copperlane Event Planning and Designing at Stokkiesdraai Guesthouse.
Photo 2: Fltr Minke Barendse and co-owner of Copperlane, Celesté Liebenberg.
Photo 3: Fltr Jessica Daniëls and Henoline Goeieman.
Photo 4: Attendees received a warm and uplifting welcome to the event.
Photo 5: Fltr Kaytlin Filander and co-owner of Copperlane, Caldene Louw.

10/09/2025

KATHU
Kleuters leer speel-speel van diere
Erika Viljoen

Op 28 Augustus 2025 het die Cherubs Kinderontwikkeling Sentrum, Nasorg en Tuiswerkklub hul jaarlikse Dierbare Diere dag gehou.
‘n Uitbundige groep kleuters het op die grasperk vergader en met groot entoesiasme geluister na maatjies, mammas, juffrouens en gawe tannies wat hulle troeteldiere saamgebring het en interessante feite van die diere vertel het.
Daar was honde, ‘n kat, vissies en selfs ‘n kleurvolle papegaai. Skillie die skilpad en ‘n sagte hasie wat wortels eet, het die kinders vermaak. ‘n Wollerige skaap, twee varkies en hoenders het al die pad van die plaas af gekom om by die kleuters te kuier. Cherubs het ook hondekos en katkos ingesamel en geskenk aan Kathu Dieresorg.
Die kleuters het baie diere ontmoet, sommige vir die heel eerste keer in hul lewens en kon moeg maar tevrede vir almal by die huis gaan vertel van die interessante en opwindende dag by die skool.
Juffrou Leani het gesê dat die kinders die Dierbare Diere dag altyd baie geniet: “Volgende jaar maak ons weer so!”

Foto 1: Juffrou Tristine met haar worshond.
Foto 2: Leanché en haar papegaai.
Foto 3: Amané Nel het haar skilpad skool toe gebring.
Foto 4: Muller Janse van Rensburg het trots sy vissies vir almal gewys.
Foto 5: Nicolene Redelinghuys en haar mamma, Jolene, het hulle kat saamgebring.
Foto 6: Juffrou Marizelle en haar pragtige hond het ook kom kuier.
Foto 7,8,9: Die kleuters was baie opgewonde om die plaasdiere van nader te sien.

10/09/2025

Batlharos
Social club donates to learners
Victor Mulangisi
The soccer social club, Wajikeleza, based in Batlharos visited three schools in the neighbourhood and donated school shoes and socks to less advantaged learners.
The chairman of the club, Mr Cristopher Barnett, said that no parent wants to see a child look like an outcast among the rest, because of the lack of the appropriate school attire.
As a social club in the area, members felt obliged to identify learners from three schools whose plight deserved some form of relief and contribute to alleviate the disadvantage. The team visited LL Lekalake Primary School on August 29, 2025, after consulting with the school authorities about their intentions. The school governing body, school authorities, parents and representatives from Chief Toto also attended the function.
The gesture could not have come at a better time. They identified the learners before delivering the donation. On the day, both the governing board and teachers attended the function, where identified learners were pleasantly surprised when they received shoes and socks. Mr Barnett encouraged more clubs and organisations to donate to the cause to close the gap. “At times, we spend money on the wrong things when there are other more important needs. Donating a complete school uniform to a young learner is a natural inspiration and an equaliser. As a community, visiting your local schools should not only happen on school invitations, but also on understanding and identifying their specific needs”.
The team also visited Moholeng and Moraladi primary schools, where they donated school uniforms. The school governing bodies and the schools’ personnel appreciated the gesture.
Apart from playing soccer, the club’s objective is to keep the youth busy and engaged and to encourage them to refrain from committing delinquencies. Forty-one learners benefitted from the club.

10/09/2025

KATHU
Young scientists awarded at regional science fair

The regional Eskom Expo science fair held at Curro Kathu on 21 August featured 73 projects showcased by 90 young scientists in Grades 4 to12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4 students. These learners progressed in their Expo journeys after taking part in various activities throughout the year, including workshops and District Expos.
The most popular category at this year’s fair was Social Sciences with 17 entries, followed by strong participation in Engineering with 15 entries, Biomedical And Medical Sciences showcasing 8 entries and Energy with 7 entries.
Eskom Expo Northern Cape Provincial Coordinator, Katlego Tsogang said the Kalahari regional science fair has once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation of learners in a wide range of projects across various fields. “This year was particularly memorable as we witnessed outstanding projects from schools across the region, including pioneering ideas in water conservation and smart technology. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our key sponsor, Eskom, the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) as well as to teachers, parents, judges and volunteers whose dedication makes this platform possible. A special congratulations to our award winners, who have set a high standard of excellence and innovation. As we celebrate these achievements, we encourage even more schools and learners in the Kalahari to take part in future expos, ensuring that the spirit of scientific inquiry and problem-solving continues to grow in our region,” said Tsogang.
During the awards ceremony, learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation. A total of 11 gold medals, 21 silver medals and 16 bronze medals were awarded. The outstanding young scientists were honoured with prestigious Special Awards from Eskom. Mckayla Booyesen, a grade 8 learner at Curro Kathu, received the award for the best female participant with her project titled Water conservation and rainwater harvesting in household. Mahir Siddika, a grade 10 learner at Postmasburg High School received the award for the best innovation with his project titled Survivornet: Apocalypse computer. Oarabile Kaketso, a Grade 11 learner at Dibotswa Secondary School received the award for the best development project titled The smart traffic enforcement system. The award recipients received Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers sponsored by Eskom.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Ms Mologadi Motshele, said: “Through the Eskom Expo, learners are exposed to real-world scientific research, innovation challenges and opportunities for personal growth. They learn how to design experiments, solve problems, communicate their findings and think critically. These are skills that are essential in both academic and career contexts. Many of our past participants have gone on to study engineering, physics, computer science and related disciplines, with some even representing South Africa in global science competitions. The expo acts as an early catalyst for learners to imagine themselves as future scientists, engineers and innovators. It creates the spark, and then helps nurture that spark into a career.”
Curro Kathu was named the best performing school and Elizabeth Hanekom from Curro Kathu received the award for the best performing teacher. Motshwarakgole Intermediate School was named the best performing PDI school and also received the award for the best performing school in junior innovation.
Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, said the regional science fair forms a vital part of South Africa’s broader strategy to invest in skills development and strengthen education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) at the school level. “It offers a dynamic platform for young, aspiring scientists to present their innovative ideas and research projects, gaining valuable experience and exposure to future careers in scientific and technological fields. Importantly, it also promotes inclusivity by encouraging participation from learners in previously disadvantaged communities and empowering young girls to pursue STEM-related studies. The creativity, passion and problem-solving skills on display from these learners highlight the remarkable potential of our youth and signal a bright future for innovation in the country. Congratulations to all the medal winners, and best wishes as they prepare to compete at the upcoming prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF),” said Chetty.
Escom Expo communication

Eskom Expo 1: The Expo was held at Curro Kathu.
Eskom Expo 2: Fltr Elizabeth Hanekom, Ernest Kgadi from the NCDoE, Mari Louw from Curro Kathu and Mosa van Wyk from NCDoE.
Eskom Expo 3: Category winners fltr Mckayla Booyesen, Mahir Siddika, Oarabile Kaketso and Mosa van Wyk from the NCDoE Curriculum Support Services.
Eskom Expo 4: Participating learners showcased their ingenuity and dedication at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists Kalahari regional science fair.

10/09/2025

HOTAZEL
Local learner excels in international gold panning competition

Tshwanelo Moropa, a grade 11 learner from Hotazel College, was privileged to be included in the South African team that went to the picturesque town of Navelgas, Spain to participate in the International Gold Panning Competition.
Navelgas, known for its rich mining history and vibrant culture, hosted the largest international gold panning event from 3 to 9 August 2025 where over 500 participants from 24 nations took part in the sporting competition, demonstrating their gold panning powers in an atmosphere filled with fellowship and sportsmanship.
Gold panning originated from historical gold mining methods used since ancient Roman times which developed into a modern sport with the first World Championships held in Finland in 1977. Gold panning is a method of placer mining where gold is separated from other materials in a pan by washing away lighter materials with water. Participants compete to find hidden gold nuggets in a set time.
Tshwanelo made his school and country proud with his exceptional performance during the competition and finished 10th overall.
Hotazel College communication

Photo 1 & 2: Tshwanelo in action during the competition.
Photo 3: Tshwanelo represented his school and country with pride.
Photo 4: Tshwanelo with some of his team mates.

10/09/2025

KATHU
Kathu Equestrian Club hosts successful show

During the weekend of 23 to 24 August, the Kathu Equestrian Club proudly hosted its annual Freestyle Festival Dressage Show, bringing together riders, families and equestrian enthusiasts from across the Northern Cape.
The highlight of the event was the freestyle dressage competition, where riders performed choreographed tests to music, also often described as dancing with horses. Participants were judged not only on their technical accuracy but also on creativity, music selection, choreography and the overall difficulty of their performances.
In addition to the freestyle classes, the weekend also featured graded and recreational dressage classes, giving riders of all levels the opportunity to showcase their skills. Riders from both Kathu and Upington took part, with many young equestrians stepping into the arena, showing great promise for the future of dressage in the province.
Organisers described the show as a resounding success, made possible through the support of sponsors, parents, coaches and the dedicated efforts of the riders themselves.
Dressage has a long and proud history in the Northern Cape and the Kathu Equestrian Club is extremely proud of all its riders and their achievements. The club wants to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the judges, C Jacobs and LM Coetzee, for their expertise and also to their sponsors Weidemann Voere, Dr Lance Riggin Human and Animal Chiropractor, Florine Easton Bodywork, C Venter, M Louw Seef, H Botha, Levade Equestrian Wear and A. Smit & Goede Hoop Upington for their generosity.
The event not only celebrated equestrian excellence but also strengthened the sense of community among Northern Cape horse lovers.
Kathu Equestrian Club communication

Kathu Perde 1: Winners of the different categories.
Kathu Perde 2: An elegant pair who participated in the Freestyle Festival Dressage Show.
Kathu Perde 3: Junior Hager with his horse, Nanuk also participated in the show.

10/09/2025

POSTMASBURG
Football club crowned NC champions

On 31 August 2025 the u/18 team of the Postmasburg Football Club (PMG FC) was crowned the Northern Cape Provincial Champions of the prestigious Engen Knock-Out Challenge, after a nail-biting final against the All Blacks FC at the Sol Plaatje University Sports Ground in Kimberley
The final began with All Blacks FC striking first, taking a 1–0 lead into halftime. Postmasburg FC fought back strongly in the second half and their equaliser came from a moment of persistence and sharpness. A freekick into the box was not properly cleared by the All Blacks defence, and Katlego Mohale pounced on the loose ball, intercepting it inside the box and finishing beautifully to make it 1–1.
With the scores level at full time, the match was decided on penalties. Postmasburg FC showed composure under pressure, holding their nerve to claim a dramatic 7–6 victory and secure the title of Northern Cape U-18 Engen Knock-Out Challenge Champions.
Later that evening, during the Tsantsabane Black Business Chamber’s 14th Anniversary Gospel Show at the Postmasburg Town Hall, Mayor English officially handed over the trophy to the victorious Postmasburg FC u/18 squad. The moment was met with loud applause as the community celebrated both the team’s football success and the recognition of their achievement on home soil.
The chairperson of the Tsantsabane Local Football Association (TSALFA), Lebogang Daniels commented: “Congratulations to PMG FC for being crowned provincial winners of the Engen Cup. They have made history to become the first team from Tsantsabane to qualify for the Nationals.Their persistence finally paid off. Let us celebrate for now and get down to the hard work to prepare the boys. They will compete amongst the best u/18’s in the country.” He concluded in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Congratulations to the Postmasburg FC u/18 team, the pride of Tsantsabane and the new Northern Cape Engen Knock-Out Challenge Champions.
Kalahari Memorandum digital communication

Photo: Mayor English officially handed over the trophy to the victorious Postmasburg FC u/18 squad during the Tsantsabane Black Business Chamber’s 14th Anniversary Gospel Show at the Postmasburg Town Hall.

09/09/2025

KIMBERLEY
SAPS NC requests public to donate dogs to K9 unit
02 September 2025
The SAPS Northern Cape is requesting the public to donate dogs to the K9 unit to boost the capacity and enhance service delivery. This is according to Lieutenant Colonel Sergio K**k from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape.
The following dogs can be donated to the SAPS : Border Collies, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers and Malinois (Belgian Shepherds).
Requirements : Dogs can be between 18 months to 5 years old. The dog must be healthy and suitable to be trained in any of the 8 disciplines in the SAPS K9 environment. The dog must be confident, energetic and not scared of people or loud voices.
Members of the public can contact the SAPS Provincial K9 unit for evaluation of the dog prior to the donation.
For more information please contact Lieutenant Colonel Nehemiah Malete on 082 776 9061 or Warrant Officer Brakkies Breedt on 082 554 5597 or email [email protected]
SAPS communication

09/09/2025

KURUMAN
FCS unit secures further GBVF convictions during Women’s Month
27 August 2025
The SAPS Kuruman Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit successfully secured two additional convictions in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases involving women, children and other vulnerable groups.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sergio K**k from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape in Kimberley, the first incident occurred on 21 December 2021 at approximately 01:10 when a 21 year old woman was accosted on her way home by Tshepo Bagweng (58) who overpowered and r***d her. Bagweng was later arrested and on 25 August 2025, the Mothibistad regional court sentenced him to 8 years imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
In a separate case, on 31 July 2024 at approximately 21:30 in Batlharos, a 58 year old husband returned home and r***d his 55 year old wife. On 07 August 2024, he sexually assaulted her again, but the complainant managed to escape and report the matter. The accused was arrested and sentenced in the Mothibistad regional court to 2 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years.
The acting District Commissioner for John Taolo Gaetsewe, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, commended investigation officer Detective Sergeant Keitshwaretswe Tshikedi for her dedication and thorough investigative work that resulted in these convictions. He emphasised that the SAPS remains resolute in ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous crimes face the full might of the law, particularly still during Women’s Month.
SAPS communication

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Keitshwaretswe Tshikedi

09/09/2025

Vusi Thembekwayo visits Kathu to present a Masterclass in scaling for growth
Global business leader and self-made USD millionaire - from the kasi to the stock exchange
Vusi Thembekwayo, one of Africa’s most dynamic and highly sought-after business minds, will deliver a Masterclass in Kathu. He is the founder and CEO of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners and a judge on Dragon’s Den South Africa. He has backed and scaled many high-growth businesses across multiple industries, also serving as an advisor to governments and global corporations.
TEG has partnered with this brilliant mind to cast a big vision for our region. This event seeks to stimulate thinking of business beyond where you are.
The theme speaks to the potential that our region has. We operate in a global market where metal prices are volatile and things can change at any given moment. Your company should develop strategies and ideas that produce lasting results, rather than waiting to see what the metal price does.
This Masterclass will not simply be a motivational talk. It will be a practical roadmap, built on strategies Vusi has personally applied in turning startups into scale-ups, and in shaping leaders who drive meaningful economic impact.
Many growing businesses flat-line growth because they have not developed the systems and management structure to sustain that growth. Leaders of companies must evolve with the market; it is how you embrace disruption and lead your team in uncertain times that matters.
“Companies will struggle to grow beyond the capacity, mindset and vision of its leaders,” said Tshegetsang Sebeela from TEG.
Secure your ticket on www.teg.co.za/events For corporates who want to support SMMEs to attend as part of their ESD investment, reach out to us at [email protected]
TEG communication

09/09/2025

KATHU
R1-million staff appointment scandal exposed at Gamagara
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gamagara local municipality, together with other political parties serving in the portfolio committee on Community Services, submitted an urgent motion to ensure accountability regarding the handling of general worker appointments.
According to DA Councillor Henriëtte du Plessis this follows a costly Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) finding against the Gamagara municipality.
A series of procedural errors and possibly irregular actions have resulted in what could be classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure amounting to R977 610.
This comes after the municipality, which had advertised 14 posts for general workers, made 21 appointments instead.
The Human Resources (HR) manager prepared appointment letters, which were signed by the municipal manager (MM) on outdated letterheads and with an incorrect email address. The MM, who asked that the appointments be delayed to 01 July 2025, to coincide with the start of the new financial year and budget, failed to notice that he had signed 21 letters instead of 14. All letters were handed to candidates on 19 June 2025. On 01 July 2025, 21 people as opposed to 14, reported for duty. Seven people were sent home and officially informed the next day that their appointments had been withdrawn. Six of the seven individuals took the matter to the CCMA, which found in their favour, ruling that the municipality had to pay them each a full year’s salary.
The municipality subsequently confirmed 16, as opposed to 14 appointments. Two of the individuals never applied or attended interviews and were apparently appointed on direct instruction of the MM.
The DA regards the matter as a serious breach of governance, HR procedures and financial discipline. The motion, scheduled to be tabled in council on Friday 29 August 2025, called for disciplinary action to be taken against the responsible officials, that the six excluded candidates, who had already taken legal action, must be approached and offered 12 month contracts so that the municipality can derive value for the expenditure already incurred and that an independent investigation be launched into the role of the MM in the appointments.
The DA will demand that accountability is enforced and that the residents are protected from the consequences of mismanagement and irregular appointments, where nearly R1-million could have gone towards service delivery instead of legal battles.
DA communication