Kathu Gazette

07/04/2025

KATHU & KURUMAN
Women’s cricket goes from strength to strength

The Women’s cricket T20 final match was played at the Kathu Cricket Club (CC) during the weekend of 30 March 2025. It was an exhilarating match showcasing incredible talent and sportsmanship from both teams.
The Kalahari Eye Warriors (KEW) CC from Kuruman emerged victorious over the Kathu Phoenix CC after a tightly contested battle. The intensity of the game kept the spectators on the edge of their seats, with each player bringing their best game to the field.
Congratulations to KEW CC for clinching the title and to Kathu Phoenix CC for a remarkable season filled with passion and dedication.
The John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) Cricket Assiociation also wants to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the match officials for their professionalism and commitment to ensure a fair and smooth game. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and play a crucial role in the success of the league.
The hard work and dedication shown by both clubs are instrumental in the continued growth of women’s cricket in the JTG region. Together they are building a strong foundation for future generations of female cricketers and it is exciting to see how far they have come already.
The JTG Cricket Association looks forward to many more thrilling matches and memorable moments in the future.
JTG Cricket Assiociation communication

Cricket 1: KEW CC emerged as winners of the Women’s cricket T20 final.
Cricket 2: Kathu Phoenix CC ensured a tightly contested game.
Cricket 3: Captain of the winning team, Tshepiso Kilelo with Mr Theo-Leighton de K**k from the JTG Executive Committee.
Cricket 4: Christelle van Rensburg, Captain of the Kathu Phoenix CC, was chosen as player of the match for the Phoenix CC as well as player of the Final.
Cricket 5: Keamogetse Mor**edi was chosen as player of the match for the KEW CC.

07/04/2025

KATHU
Swimmers excel in SA Regional Championship

During the weekend of 20-23 March 2025 two swimmers from the Kalahari Aquatics swimming club in Kathu participated in the SA Regional Level 3 Championships held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) swimming pool in Cape Town.
Andre Louw competed in the 50 meters (m) freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 400m freestyle, 50m backstroke prelims, 100m backstroke and 50m breast stroke and swam his personal best (PB) times in all of the events he competed in.
Dé-Anzo Eilers won the 50m freestyle as well as the 100m freestyle and qualified for the Senior Nationals in the 100m freestyle. He earned second place in the 50m butterfly event as well as the 50m backstroke prelims. He came third in the 200m freestyle, fourth in the 100m backstroke and sixth in the 50m breast stroke. He also swam his personal best (PB) times in all of the events he competed in.
Congratulations to both of these swimmers for competing on a regional level with PB times in each event they participated in.
Kalahari Aquatics swimming club communication

Swim 1: Andre Louw at the UWC swimming pool in Cape Town.
Swim 2: Dé-Anzo Eilers receiving one of the five medals he won.

07/04/2025

KATHU
Groen Kathu continues with clean up and green up initiatives

On 27 March 2025 Groen Kathu as well as several stakeholders and volunteers gathered at Rietbok street Kathu to clean up and green up the area. This is part of their ongoing efforts to keep Kathu clean and enhance the aesthetics of the town with the planting of trees and greeneries.
Groen Kathu wants to thank all the sponsors who made this project possible, namely LG Oogkundiges, Kathu Family Clinic, Shoprite, Halsted, Louw and da Silva, Bismillah water, Maatla signs, ECM Services, Inko Power Solutions, Build-It, Kathu Apteek, Denny’s Take Aways, Bakhidi Bricks, Poort Beton, Crag Trading, Democratic Alliance, Pienaar Bros, Point-S, Koponang, Air Supply, Talisman and Kathu Kafee.
“We also want to thank each and every volunteer who contributed to this project”,
Inneke from Inko Power Solutions and member of the Groen Kathu management said, “It is truly an honour to be a part of the beautiful vision Groen Kathu has for Kathu and we encourage business owners and members of the community to get involved in these projects by donating funds, plants, tools or time. These projects also create a real sense of comradery among those involved.”
Upcoming projects will be posted on the page of Groen Kathu and Groen Kathu will also host a community info and feedback session at the Gamagara Municipality community in the near future.
Groen Kathu communication

Groen 1 & 2: Businesses and volunteers pitched in to complete the project.

Groen 3: Fltr: Cristal van Deventer, Inneke Pretorius and Jackie Swart from Groen Kathu management.

07/04/2025

KATHU
Gender Based Violence Prevention receives priority

During a meeting between key stakeholders at Katexas Steakhouse Kathu on 31 March 2025, the non-profit company (NPC), Cares 4 Gamagara (C4G) initiated their Gender Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Campaign Planning.
South-Africa has amongst the highest rates of intimate partner violence and statistics show that r**e and sexual violence have become hyperendemic. In recent years South African college students are increasingly being affected by GBV because many have to resort to unsafe practises, like prostitution, to make ends meet. The high cost of living and education as well as ineffective reporting strategies combined with the stigma that promotes shame and silence, are all contributors to this alarming situation amongst students.
C4G therefore aims to launch a prevention campaign to positively influence learners, boost their self-confidence and foster trust, ultimately connecting them to social services where they can receive the necessary support.
Representatives from the Ulysses Gogi Modise (UGM) Wellness Clinic, FAMSA, Christian Revival Church (CRC), SAP and C4G gathered to put together a preventative plan in the fight against GBV, especially amongst teenagers and young women. They intend to host an identity workshop and personality profiling to students from the NCRTVET college in Kathu on 21 May 2025.
C4G also wants to give the students a care bag consisting of Cup a Soup, a Maxi Blend one pot meal, toiletries as well as a notebook and pen. C4G plans to serve around 1000 students on that day and will appreciate any sponsors who are willing to donate these items to ensure a successful campaign. The contact number for C4G is 076 906 2364 and the contact person is Christelle Broodryk. C4G wants to thank every sponsor who supported them thus far and especially Katexas Steakhouse Kathu for providing the venue for the meeting held on 31 March 2025.
GBV is a scourge that effects everyone irrespective of race, age or religion and deserves our undivided attention.
C4G communication

C4G Photo: Fltr: Tshegofatso Juliet (C4G), Christelle Broodryk (C4G / CRC), Alta Buys (UGM), ElzaanErasmus (UGM) , Marthie Liebenberg Trollip (FAMSA) and Marietha Steyn (CRC)

07/04/2025

KATHU
LOCAL MUNICIPALITY CONDUCTS JOINT ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

On 28 March 2025, as part of the build-up programme towards the Easter Weekend, Gamagara Municipality joined forces with several stakeholders, to conduct a road safety awareness campaign on the N14 just outside Kathu on the road towards Kuruman.
This inisiative was led by the acting director of the Directorate of Community Services and Public Safety, Mr Kamogelo Sambulo Semamai and the Traffic Manager, Mr Paul Moolman as well as Mr Adam Myburgh from the Fire and Emergency Services. They were joined by members of the SAPS and the Provincial Traffic Services.
The campaign aimed to educate and sensitise motorists and pedestrians about the risks associated with the non-compliance to road safety rules. The ultimate goal is to reduce fatal motor vehicle accidents, drunk and reckless driving and moving traffic offences in the jurisdiction area as well as all national and provincial roads.
Gamagara Municipality communication

Photo: Fltr: Mr Paul Moolman, Mr Kamogelo Semamai and Mr Adam Myburgh.

Photo: Stakeholders from the SAPS and the Provincial Traffic Services joined in the Road Safety Awareness campaign.

07/04/2025

BATLHAROS
Female entrepeneur enters male-dominated industry by storm
Victor Mulangisi
Kelebogile Mothelesi, a vibrant young woman in her early thirties, has entered the panel beating and spray-painting industry by storm. Based in the Takeng section of Batlharos village, near Kalagadi Hotel, where Kelebogile resides, her relatively new company, 3Ks Autobody Repairs, was established in 2021.
Coming from humble beginnings, she was trained as a spray painter in Kimberley, whereafter she decided to start her own business in Bathlaros, in spite of fierce opposition from other spray-paint business owners in this male-dominated industry.
“Presently, my workshop is at our family residence mainly because I cannot yet afford to lease business premises. The limited space has a direct influence on my clientele, seeing that this kind of business requires sufficient space to provide both panel beating and spray-painting services. Workshops by nature are noisy and therefore not always suitable for residential areas.”
She went on to say, “My dream is to have my own workshop with enough space to provide all the various services that I am capable and qualified to provide to clients. It however demands funds, which I currently do not have. An effective workshop must also have the necessary equipment for both panel beating and spray painting and at this stage me and my team, which consists of four employees are frustrated with the limited tools at our disposal. In spite of this we have always managed to deliver prompt and quality services to our clients.”
She also expressed her desire to employ more young women as a way of inspiring them to enter the industry in spite of it being a more hands on and physically challenging job. Her words of advice to her peers are that work opportunities have become scarce everywhere and young women must stop being selective and be willing to try new career paths.
Kelebogile remains optimistic about the future, in spite of the challenges and is determined to always provide the best service to her clients.
3Ks Autobody Repairs is operational throughout the week except weekends and Kelebogile can be contacted on 076 103 4519

Pic: Kelebogile Mothelesi

04/04/2025

02/04/2025

April is World Autism Acceptance Month and it is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood and empowered. Whether you are at home, at school or at work, your involvement can make a real difference. It is about how you show up in support of your autistic colleagues, students or family members. Your actions can help create an inclusive and accepting world.
National Autistic Society UK

01/04/2025

HOTAZEL
JTG region retains leadership
Victor Mulangisi
Coinciding with Human Rights Day, the John Taolo Gaetsewe region’s African National Congress (ANC) marked its significance by retaining its leadership at its conference held in Hotazel on March 21, 2025. All five executive members were reelected unopposed, bringing the boiling temperatures to normalcy.
A seemingly tense atmosphere was amicably contained as both the regional and provincial leadership were able to control its members. The well-attended conference started with all the calmness similar to that of a church service.
In the presence of the provincial leadership headed by Northern Cape Premier, Doctor Zamani Saul and his team which included party provincial secretary, Deshi Ngxanga, they first preached political gospel followed by the regional reports and thereafter the contestation slot followed. Equally present were the alliance partners namely, Youth League, Women’s League, COSATU, SASCO, SACP, Military Veterans Association, traditional leaders, all the mayors in the region as well as sector departmental heads.
After the supporting speeches from the alliance partners, the Premier’s keynote address was enough to calm the waters and certainly gave indirect direction to the later proceedings. He was precise that unity in the party was sacred and that this region had outclassed other regions because it was the only region with a legitimate regional executive while the rest were driven by regional task teams (RTTs).
This was a scintillating statement uttered at the right time to calm the waters. Secondly, he presented a tactical lecture borrowed from the Chinese Communist Party that dwells on three pillars of strength namely self-development, diligent use of power and self-discipline. In short the foundation is understanding party dynamics and ideology in which education is the nucleus. He was unequivocal about the trending tendency of some leaders who employ what he called “mercenaries” or agents to deal with dissenting members for a fee. The call also meant that diverse views within the party galvanises it and therefore, acts of purging and vengeance after the conference is seen as utter immaturity.
Notably, while congratulating the retained executive, he encouraged it to work in unison and unite the region taking cognisance of the 2026 local government election. Retaining the regional executive should prove there was no hypocrisy and gerrymandering in the whole process and the litmus test lies in the upcoming elections.
Besides the executive leadership, the 20 additional members are as follows :
Aupa Edward Esseli, Queen Mogatle-Thoane, Johannes James Roman, Dineo Seetile, Happyboy Diseko, Nkagisang Gloria Ngesi, Itumeleng Matebese, Nompumelelo 'Mpumi' Mpata, Mosadiwadipula Filipo, Tumelo Mogohu, Onalenna Matsioloko, Mahoko Kgangkgolo Meruti, Matshidiso Leberegane, Sylvia Lentsela, Keaobaka 'Tholo' Mosesane, Hildah Ontlametse Kgopodithata, Pinky Virginia Maape, Naomie Onkemetse Mokwene, Khotso Sekhobo and Mpho Makatong.

The new ANC JTG council with its five executive members (fltr) Ephy Aiseng - Regional Deputy Secretary, Boitshepo Eugene Khokhong - Regional Secretary, Neo George Masegela - Regional Chairperson, Omphaketse Edwin Hantise - Regional Deputy Chairperson and Keamogetse Madikiza - Regional Treasurer and the 20 additional members.

31/03/2025

World TB Day amplifies urgency to end deadly disease

World TB Day on 24 March commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis, the tubercle bacillus (TB).
At the time of Koch's announcement in Berlin, TB was raging through Europe and the Americas, causing the death of one out of every seven people. Koch's discovery opened the way toward diagnosing and curing tuberculosis.
Every year, 24 March is observed as World TB Day to amplify the urgency of ending tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social and economic consequences.
This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”. It offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, including by combatting the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.
TB is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by a bacterial infection which most often affects the lungs but it can also affect other areas of the body like the spine, brain or kidneys.
Not everyone who is infected with TB gets sick. If you are infected but have no symptoms, it is called inactive tuberculosis or latent TB and remains dormant inside your body, but can become active if your immune system becomes weakened.
Active TB symptoms include a bad cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, chills, fevers and night sweats. TB can spread when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or laughs. Only people with an active lung infection are contagious. You usually have to spend a lot of time in contact with someone who is contagious to catch TB. Most people who breathe in TB bacteria can fight the bacteria and stop it from growing. This causes a latent TB infection.
Healthcare providers use a skin or blood test to diagnose TB and treat both active and inactive tuberculosis with specific kinds of antibiotics. You will have to take these medications for several months and it is very important to finish the treatment as prescribed to get rid of all the bacteria.
Cleveland clinic communication

31/03/2025

KATHU
Sishen rugby teams show grit

On 22 March 2025 the three teams from Sishen rugby club had the privilege to play against the NWU Rugbyinstitute’s Eagles at SIVOS sportsgrounds.
Although they lost the games, the Sishen rugby teams played with passion and grit. Sishen 1 especially impressed the supporters with their teamwork, strength and consistency in keeping the Eagles 1 on their toes throughout the game. They started strong and the Eagles only managed to procure their winning points during the final moments of the game with the final score being 25 for the Eagles 1 team and 23 for the Sishen 1 team.
Ealges 3 won against Sishen 3 52 /19 and Eagles 2 won with a final score of 85 against 12 for the Sishen 2 team.
Sishen rugby club would like to thank their coaches and management as well as their supporters and most importantly their sponsors, without whom the day would not have been possible.
The season promises to be very exciting.
Sishen rugby club communication
Photos by Malla Pretorius

Sishen 1: Sishen 1 played an excellent game.
Sishen 2 & 3 in action.

31/03/2025

KURUMAN
KRC celebrates Human Rights Day running

On 22 March 2025 members of the Kuruman Running Club (KRC) celebrated Human Rights Day by participating in the fifth annual Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon, hosted by Teemaneng Running Club and sponsored by ABSA. It took place at the Kimberley Boys High School in Kimberley, Northern Cape. There was a race for every level of runner with distances including 21.1km, 10km and 5km.
Over R30 000-00 in prize money was up for grabs and each participant who finished received a medal.
The members of the KRC enjoyed the event very much, mostly because it was not just about running, but celebrating fitness and fun and fostering young running talent in region.
KRC communication

Photo’s: Members of KRC enjoyed the camaraderie between the participants of the annual Phakamile Mabija Human Rights Half Marathon.

31/03/2025

KATHU
Social Workers Celebrate World Social Work Day

On 18 March 2025, social workers from the Gamagara district gathered to celebrate World Social Work Day. This year’s theme is “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for enduring Wellbeing”, which emphasises the importance of caring and respecting across generations to build strong societies and sustain the environment. Organised by Ilse Makappie from the Department of Education, the celebration featured a memorable sip-and-paint event at Smashing Beans to honour the social workers from the Gamagara district for the incredible contributions they make in building stronger and more compassionate communities.
The day was filled with heartwarming conversations and laughter as participants reminisced about their journeys as social workers, shared stories about their first clients, discussed where they studied and reflected on their preferred methods of practice. Their camaraderie and passion were evident in every moment.
As a highlight of the event, a candle was lit to honour the resilience, dedication and positive impact of social workers everywhere. This symbolic gesture served as a reminder of the passion and unwavering commitment of social workers and the vital role they play in society.
Adele Rossouw from Solidarity also added a touch of thoughtfulness by spoiling every social worker with a special pen and a coffee, making the day even more memorable.
World Social Work Day is a time to acknowledge and appreciate these heroes for their tireless efforts to make the world a better place, one individual, one family and one community at a time.
Famsa communication

Group photo: Fltr: Ilse Makappie, Juliet de Huise, Juliana Cloete, Lu Juan Link, Adele Rademeyer, Briselda Titus, Marthie Trollip, Shoron Gertze, and Zwonaka Munyani.

31/03/2025

DIBENG
Robotics Academies flourish in Deben

On 12 March 2025, representatives from Epiroc and the Siyafunda Education Foundation (SEF) conducted a site visit at Dibeng Primary School and Gamagara Secondary School in Deben to assess the progress of the Epiroc Robotics Academies.
The visit was attended by Epiroc’s Ziyanda Mkhaliphi and Sthembiso Mnisi from the Head Office, along with Thato Mohapi and Onalerona Matsopa from the Kathu office. They were accompanied by SEF CEO Felix Spies, with the academies manager, Heine Kulsen.
During the visit, learners from both schools showcased their robotics skills, demonstrating how they design, build and programme their robots. They also explained their experience in preparation for their participation in competitive robotics, highlighting the problem-solving, teamwork and innovation involved.
A key takeaway from the visit was the real-world relevance of the skills the learners are developing. Epiroc’s Thato Mohapi highlighted the striking similarities between how these students are programming their robots and how Epiroc’s advanced mining machines operate. The logic, sequencing and automation principles they are mastering now are the same fundamental concepts used in the mining industry’s robotic and autonomous systems.
The Epiroc Robotics Academy teams will compete in the annual SEF Celebration Event on 16 October 2025 in Kuruman, where they will test their skills against other teams from across the region.
SEF and Epiroc remain committed to empowering young minds through STEM education, ensuring that learners in the Northern Cape gain access to critical 21st-century skills that will shape their futures and open pathways to careers in engineering, technology and automation.
SEF communications

Photo Captions
Photo 1 - Learners from Dibeng Primary School monitor the progress of their robot as it executes the written code.
Photo 2 - The Dibeng Primary School leaners were treated to cupcakes and juice by Epiroc for their great progress.
Photo 3 - A learner from Gamagara Secondary School is focused to ensure the robot starts from the correct position.
Photo 4 - Thato Mohapi from Epiroc explains the similarities between what the learners are doing and the real-world applications
Photo 5 - The Epiroc colleagues together with the Gamagara Secondary School teachers and learners.

31/03/2025

Mothibistad
A Multitalented Tour Producer and Entrepreneur
Victor Mulangisi
Tumi Peter is a highly experienced music tour planner, operator, producer and manager, as well as an artist booking agent, manager, facilitator and music promoter. With extensive experience and knowledge in developing tour plans, identifying international performance opportunities as well as managing logistics, contracts and budgets, he ensures the seamless and successful ex*****on of tours.
Born in Bendell village, Kuruman, Tumi discovered his passion for music at an early age. His interest in writing lyrics began while attending Makgolokwe Middle School. After matriculating from Rekgaratlhile High School in Mothibistad, he returned to Bendell and collaborated with a DJ group called Sound Masters, performing in neighbouring villages.
In 2000, Tumi relocated to Mafikeng and toured Botswana as a vocalist with Success Band. Two years later, he took a bold step by moving to Johannesburg and after six months of perseverance, he secured employment with a construction company in Namibia. Although it was not his interest, it allowed him to save enough money to study at the Mmabana Music Unit in Mafikeng. His dedication and talent earned him free attendance, registration and correspondence with Trinity College of Music in London when he needed it most. He later pursued Arts and Culture Administration studies, specialising in the Business of Music in Johannesburg.
After completing his studies in 2005, Tumi began working as a tour manager for international artists touring South Africa, such as C-mon & Kypski, Voicst, Rootsrider and Lucky Fonz III from the Netherlands as well as Backstage from Slovenia, 4 Axid Butchers and Mojomatics from Italy and Pernell Reichert from Canada.
As a tour producer and booking agent, he organised tours for artists such as Backstage, Red Five Point Star, Lucky Fonz III and Evicted.
Tumi also pioneered the Jazz and World Music Division at Southern Pulse Booking Agency, representing acclaimed artists such as Paul Hanmer, Louis Mhlanga, Ntando, Hotstix Mabuse, Elemotho, Phinda, Allou April, Moloko Kgomo and many more.
His industry recognition extended to serving as a music judge at the NW Cultural Calabash for two consecutive years during 2007 and 2008. He also worked as a booking agent for Selaelo Selota, Sam Mtukudzi, Kunle Ayo and Gloria Bosman.
His expertise led him to facilitate Music Business workshops with the Phakamani Training Programme in 2009, held in Orange Farm, Johannesburg.
Back home in Kuruman Tumi co-founded BakTu Musik, a booking agency, artist management firm and record label. Within a few months, BakTu Musik secured the services of renowned artists such as Sereetsi & The Natives, Elemotho and South African stars like Louis Mhlanga, Paul Hanmer, Gloria Bosman and Mlungisi Gegana.
From 2011 to 2016, while working at Kumba Iron Ore Mine, Tumi continued booking shows and managing tours in his spare time. In 2016, he produced Sereetsi & The Natives’ first South African tour, marking the first-ever South African tour for a Botswana native musician. In 2017, he curated the Kgalagadi Soul Tour and later that year he also curated Bernice Boikanyo’s Groove Master Tour, which spanned South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania. In 2019, BakTu Musik took AusTebza on tour to Eswatini and South Africa.
Tumi is also a successful entrepreneur with stakes in local shuttle and tour services.
Tumi Peter’s exciting journey demonstrates resilience and strategic thinking which can only inspire young entrepreneurs to also pursue their dreams.
Pic: Tumi Peter