DreamCatcher Photography SA
Rustenburg Skool vir Buitengewone Onderwys
50STE VERJAARSDAGVIERING
Bernice West tree op. Kontak gerus vir Retha op 014 597 0491 vir kaartjieverkope.
Slicing through the green for a safer commute
Rustenburg – Every morning, as the sun rises over Rustenburg, the N4 serves as the main artery for people entering Rustenburg from various locations. One of the secondary arteries is Waterberg Avenue, which intersects with the R24, stretching from the Waterfall Mall to Mike's Kitchen.
Here, pedestrians, many unable to afford other means of transport, sometimes face a perilous journey. When the grass next to Waterberg Avenue remains uncut, the tall, overgrown bushes push them closer, and in some places, directly into the road — into the path of oncoming traffic — a recipe for disaster.
Determined to make a difference, Platinum Weekly rallied the community. Our mission: clear the grass, pave the way for safety. Keystone Milling stepped up, donating sturdy bags for the cleanup and Trailer Tech contributed by providing a trailer to haul away the debris.
Together, we cut back the overgrowth on Saturday morning, 11 May 2024, clearing a safe walkway beside this busy avenue. Each step we took working our way up the steep hill brought us closer to our goal. This effort was not about making a political statement. It was about recognising a need and addressing it, focusing on road safety.
Thanks to the spirit of other local businesses and community members who joined us, we have made a difference for the pedestrians and motorists using this busy road. If each of us contributes to our surroundings, on our own or by joining hands with others, we can uplift our communities in various ways and become more invested in this place we call home.
Together, we make a difference.
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Fatal Pitbull attack sparks outrage and grief
Fatal Pitbull attack sparks outrage and grief
Rustenburg – The community of Rustenburg is reeling from a tragic incident that claimed the life of 40-year-old Moeletsi Moses Sedi, who was fatally mauled by two pit bulls on Saturday 6 April 2024. The attack occurred around 8:00 at his workplace, where he also resided.
Moses Sedi, who had helped raise the dogs since they were puppies, was performing his duties as a gardener and handyman at a company based in Waterval, just outside Rustenburg. "He loved those dogs, and it's heartbreaking that they turned on him," said Sello Sedi, Moses’ uncle.
For the full article: https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=972504978212062&set=a.532390462223518
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Myrtle
HIPPO ALERT
REPORT SIGHTINGS TO 083 761 7497
Rustenburg – A remarkable sight unfolded on Monday morning, 4 March 2024, as motorists near the Kroondal offramp on the N4 were greeted by an unusual pedestrian – a hippopotamus.
To ensure the safety of both our community and the wandering hippo, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) has launched an urgent search. They seek the community’s assistance in tracking the animal’s whereabouts.
Damage Causing Animal (DCA) official Vasti Botha, in an interview with Platinum Weekly, shared insights into the ongoing search. “We believe the hippo may have ventured into the Hexriver area or its vicinity. Despite following its tracks for as long as possible, we’ve reached a standstill. Given hippos’ nocturnal tendencies, we urge locals to exercise extra caution during evening and early morning hours,” Botha explained.
Residents who encounter the hippo are urged to immediately contact Vasti Botha at 083 761 7497.
The community is strongly advised against attempting to engage with the animal directly. Recognised as one of the most aggressive and dangerous land mammals, hippos are responsible for approximately 500 fatalities annually in Africa. Their considerable size, weight, and surprisingly sharp teeth contribute to their formidable nature.
DEDECT communications director Jeremia Matebesi provided some context on the hippo’s unexpected appearance. “The origins of this particular hippo remain unclear. However, it’s not uncommon for young bulls to be expelled from their groups, prompting them to search for new territories and potential mates. Hippos are known to inhabit areas around the Elands, Hex, and Crocodile rivers,” Matebesi noted.
Echoing a stern warning, DEDECT’s deputy director of external communications, Baabua Thukubi, highlighted the gravity of the situation in a conversation with Platinum Weekly. “Hippos are responsible for the highest numbe
Daylight robbery:
women attacked at knife-point for cellphone
Rustenburg – In a breach of security, a man scaled the razor-wire-topped palisade wall of a local residence last week, gaining entry into the garden.
“The intruder’s intentions were clear: he was scouting for a place to burglarise. Alerted by the disturbance, my mom spotted the trespasser and let out a scream, prompting the man to hastily retreat. After this incident, we made the part of their garden that the trespasser used stronger and more secure,” said the resident.
The situation escalated alarmingly on Monday, 22 January 2024.
“Our neighbour had come over to visit my mother. Around 12:40, in broad daylight, she was just stepping out to return, which is merely a stone’s throw away,” he added.
As they reached the corner of Willow Avenue (our house on this corner, neighbour’s house on the opposite corner), two men made their disturbing approach. They cornered my mother and our neighbour.”
He continued, describing the ordeal, “Using a knife, the assailants overpowered them. Their demand was clear and chilling: they wanted their cellphones.” The son, who witnessed the tail end of the confrontation, expressed his frustration and concern. “I heard the desperate cries of my mother and our neighbour. I rushed outside to help, but the culprits were already gone. Thankfully, my mother and our neighbour survived the attack with relatively minor injuries. My mother sustained a slight injury to her shoulder, while our neighbour wasn’t as fortunate; her hand was cut during the struggle, and her cellphone was forcibly taken.”
The community remains on high alert, and the local authorities are urging residents to exercise increased vigilance and report any suspicious activities.
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Shining a light on local talent
Shining a light on local talent
Rustenburg – Sithethelelwe ‘Sthe’ Mazaleni a 22-year-old from Witranjies village near Sun City started singing from a very young age.
Platinum Weekly interviewed the singer on Thursday 16 March 2023 to find out more.
Because of his singing skills, Sthe is often asked to sing at various church and charity events.
“I used to sing for fun, but after all the compliments and motivation I received from people, I decided that I would like to start building on my singing career,” said Sthe. Singing ‘afro pop’ and love songs, Sthe main inspiration comes from a youth acapella group called ‘The Joy’.
When Sthe is not performing on stage, he works as a general worker at KFC in Tlhabane and often entertains his colleagues with his amazing voice.
As a motivated young man, he hopes that his dream of making singing a full-time career will come true. “I know I have potential, and I believe that I’m good at what I do, so I will work hard on my craft until the world recognises my talent,” said Sthe.
For more information, or to book Sthe for an event contact him on 076 435 8619.
Video: The talented singer Sithethelelwe ‘Sthe’ Mazaleni hopes to make a success of his singing career.
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Toddler trapped 13 metres down uncovered borehole in Phokeng
Toddler trapped 13 metres down uncovered borehole in Phokeng
MIRACULOUSLY RESCUED
Rustenburg – Tensions were at an all-time high on Thursday 16 March 2023 in the Tshwara section of Phokeng after a 15-month-old boy had fallen into a 21-metre deep, uncovered borehole at approximately 11:00 in the morning.
The toddler’s uncle immediately reached out to Royal Bafokeng Emergency Services (EMRS), where, upon their arrival, the emergency responders discovered that the toddler was stuck roughly 13 metres down the borehole!
Various emergency responders and rescue services were faced with a difficult and emotional task of rescuing a 15-month-old toddler after the young boy had fallen into a 21-metre deep, uncovered borehole on Thursday 16 March.
The incident happened in the Tshwara section of Phokeng. The toddler’s uncle immediately sought the help of Royal Bafokeng Emergency Services (EMRS). Emergency responders realised that they were faced with a challenging task after they discovered that the toddler was stuck approximately 13 metres down the borehole.
According to community members, the toddler’s mother went grocery shopping and dropped her son in his grandmother’s care.
Unfortunately, a private construction company who had started on the borehole at the grandmother’s house some time ago, neglected to cover or cordon off the hole.
Because the child’s safe removal was of paramount importance, EMRS joined forces with the Rustenburg Emergency and Disaster Management, South African Police Service (SAPS), ER24, Impala Mine’s rescue service proto B-team, and Igagu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to ensure the best chance of success.
Royal Bafokeng assisted with a tractor loader backhoe (TLB) to dig a trench close to the hole that would help emergency responders to access the child.
The family, along with bystanders, stood in silent anticipation, and every time the TLB stopped, people braced themselves to hear a sign of life coming from the hole
STILL NO CHANGE IN DISASTROUS SEWAGE CONUNDRUM
STILL NO CHANGE IN DISASTROUS SEWAGE CONUNDRUM
Rustenburg – For more than a month the residents living close to Arend Road have had to put up with the horrible smell of sewage flowing through the streets.
The problem started when a sewerage pipe burst in Arend Road in early February 2023. Several attempts by the Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) to repair the damaged pipes in Arend Road have only resulted in more problems as damage was caused to a clean water line, a stormwater pipe, and an additional sewerage line.
The clean water supply pipe was repaired, but the damage to the sewerage line and the stormwater pipe caused a new leak and the sewerage line—approximately 4 metres deep—which needed to be replaced from the manhole at the intersection of Loerie Avenue and Arend Road. It soon became clear that the help of a private service provider had to be called in.
According to ward 14 Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Gert du Plessis, the process was delayed due to the pending approval by RLM’s supply chain management deviation to make use of a private sector provider to repair the damaged sewerage line.
Du Plessis confirmed on 6 March 2023 that the sanitation unit manager informed him that the supply chain management deviation was approved by supply chain management, but it still needed to be signed off by the acting municipal manager before a service provider could be authorised to replace the damaged Sewerage line.
Platinum Weekly reported on Friday 10 February 2023 about the dead fish that had started to surface at one of Arendskloof’s dams while the stench of sewage made life uncomfortable for the members of the secure community. Because sewage significantly reduces the oxygen in clean water, the dam’s fish population quickly started to deteriorate.
Big Time Construction’s owner Jay Jay Esterhuizen, who assists with the maintenance at Arendskloof, luckily had the necessary knowledge and equipment to temporarily deal with the situati
What about our ‘smooth’ roads?
What about our ‘smooth’ roads?
Letter to the editor
Rustenburg – I am saddened by recent remarks made by the North West premier Bushy Maape during the 2023 SONA debate when he said, “I travel from Mahikeng to Rustenburg without hitting any potholes”.
Has the honourable premier ever been to Pitsedisulejang, Mmasebudule, Sesobe, and Ramokgolela villages under Moses Kotane Local Municipality? Has the honourable premier seen the road conditions there? There are no roads at all, and when it’s raining, we cannot even access essential services like clinics because it’s impossible to drive.
On Friday 10 February 2023, a Bojanala bus was stuck in the mud carrying people who had to go to work and children who had to go to school. We had to push the bus. How long will we continue to live like this?
I grew up and matriculated at Pitsedisulejang village in 2006. I travelled to school in the same conditions and until now nothing at all has been done. Community leaders went to Moses Kotane Municipality’s offices several times in the past.
Every year they ask for a tarred road. We have even protested, but all we are getting, is empty promises. We don’t have service delivery; we even share water with animals in the village.
Concerned citizen,
Pitsedisulejang village
#FosteringASenseOfCommunity
Helen Joseph street, near Safari Spar.
Arendskloof bridge under water.
Joubert street fully flooded.
The BP near waterfall mall.
Laerskool Vastrap was flooded, and everyone jumped in to help.
Cuckoo Avenue, in front of Rockcliff Estates.
The bridge on Kremetart Avenue in Geelhoutpark was completely flooded.
Harties sluices open!
Hartebeespoort Dam – For a second time this year, first on 10 January and now again on 5 February, the Hartebeespoort Dam sluices were opened.
A reader who visited Harties this weekend, shared videos and photos.
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Council meeting disrupted
Rustenburg – A Rustenburg Local Municipality (RLM) special council meeting held on Friday 4 February 2022 was disrupted by a group of community members.
Proceedings inside the council chambers at the Rustenburg Civic Centre were halted as the noisy group called for the removal of Marikana ward 31 councillor Vuyiswa Shomang.
A video of the incident, which is circulating on social media, shows the group shouting for the removal of the councillor. RLM spokesperson Thapelo Matebesi said that a councillor was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during the mayhem.
“The Speaker of Council (councillor Koketso Mogomotsi) will institute formal investigations to get to the bottom of what could have prompted this unexpected interruption,” Matebesi said.
Photo: RLM spokesperson Thapelo Matebesi said disruptions of the Council meeting will be investigated.
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