SASSA grant beneficiaries given more time to switch to Postbank Black Cards

Witpoort, Rulaganyang - Rulaganyang elderly citizens near Witpoort can still make means to switch from the SASSA old Gold Cards to Postbank Black Cards. The elderly citizens have been granted an extension until April 30, 2025 to make a switch

The South African Social Security Agency has alerted social grants beneficiaries that, they have been granted more time to migrate from the old gold cards to black cards

The gold cards have officially been stopped earlier last week

 Some of these social grant beneficiaries have described the SASSA migration process as a huge disappointment

Maquassi Hills grant recipients who have not switched over from SASSA Gold Cards to new Postbank Black Cards, won’t be able to use their old cards as they officially been cut off 

However, the entity says it will continue to issue black cards to those who missed the migration deadline to the end of June at selected retail stores

Between now and then, social grant beneficiaries can still go to certain Post Office branches with their ID to access their grant payouts.

The card migration process saw long queues, a system crash, and delayed services.

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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday

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Literacy programme empowers parents

Leeudoringstad, Kgakala - To empower parents who actively contribute to their children’s academic and developmental success came at the right time, a Parental Support Training Programme has been implemented to further accumulate positive results

 Funded by Bokamoso Solar, in collaboration with local schools in and around the Leeudoringstad area and the READ Educational Trust, these workshops aimed to improve literacy outcomes by providing parents with essential tools to support their children’s academic achievement, address diverse learning needs, and encourage positive behaviour

“Empowering parents is a key component in driving long-term educational success for learners. By providing practical tools that parents can use to reinforce literacy at home, we’re creating a more connected learning journey.

 We have partnered closely with local educators to ensure that the training content is aligned with the academic needs of the learners. This partnership not only equips parents with literacy strategies but also ensures that these techniques are integrated into the classroom for a consistent learning experience” -  Claire Phutieagae, Social Performance Practitioner for Bokamoso Solar

Hosted at Thusang, Koketso, and Atamela Primary Schools, each three-hour workshop was attended by 20 to 60 parents, covering topics such as Listening and Speaking, Writing, Reading, Phonics, and Phonemic Awareness

 Parents learned strategies to help their children develop critical reading and communication skills at home, ensuring a holistic approach to academic success

The training workshops have already shown a significant impact, with learners whose parents participated displaying marked improvements in academic performance, reading abilities, and classroom engagement

“I found the workshops very helpful. I now know how to create a better learning environment at home, and my child has been doing much better with their reading. We’ve also started reading together more often, which has brought us closer,” said one of the parents

Building on the success of these initial workshops, Bokamoso Solar is planning follow-up training sessions to address new challenges and incorporate digital literacy skills to help parents navigate modern educational technologies

However, certificates of participation will be awarded to parents, acknowledging their commitment to their children’s educational growth and success

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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday

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District advocates for women to explore opportunities in agriculture

Boskuil - The Women in Agriculture celebration was a resounding success, showcasing the power of community and collaboration

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality advocates for women who want to explore more opportunities in the agricultural sector. The district said, to empower women in agric, can drive sustainability and growth of the sector 

"We need to remember that by empowering women in agriculture, we can drive innovation, sustainability, and growth in the industry, ultimately benefiting our communities and the world at large" - Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality 

The North West Agricultural Department, together with Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and Maquassi Hills Local Municipality handed over bulls to various rural female farmers across the North West province for Women In Agricultural businesses

 The donation, which targeted women-led farms in rural areas, aimed to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of female farmers

Young people from different districts inspired by various achievements that women have aspired to have

The DR Kenneth Kaunda  YARD has congratulated and thanked the MEC Madoda Sambatha and the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for a job well in empowering women to lead businesses in agriculture

Livestock farmers in areas of Boskuil, Makwassie, Wolmaransstad, Leeudoringstad including Witpoort have seen opportunities in leading the agricultural sector in Maquassi Hills 

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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday

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ANC councillors were reported to decide on the fate of Matlosana CFO

 

The City Report Newspaper has reported that Matlosana Local Municipality was expected to decide the fate of the controversial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mercy Phetla on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, in another special council sitting.

 

The sitting came after a special council sitting that took place on Thursday, March 13. 

The meeting noted the report of a joint ad hoc committee comprising municipal public accounts committee (MPAC) and audit committee members, which recommended that Phetla face disciplinary steps.

Corruption-accused Phetla is facing serious corruption charges. 

It has been alleged that Phetla received a kickback gift of a car worth R1.4 million in exchange for a service delivery tender she gave to the company doing business with the municipality. This bribe was allegedly exchanged for GMHM Construction’s contract.

 

Phetla was arrested with GMHM directors Matshepiso Mothelesane and Nomthandazo Mokasule.

In a different matter, Phetla, along with her co-accused, Mmatebesi Sekhejane, the store manager, and Tiisetso Sebetlele, the service provider, were arrested by the Hawks in August 2024 and later released on bail.

 Sebetlele owns Variegated; the company  was allegedly paid R2.9-million by the city. Originally, the deal was to supply electrical material to Matlosana but it was not delivered. 

A source working in the finance department confirmed to City Report that some ANC councillors are intentionally blocking efforts to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of Phetla. 

Opposition parties in the council proposed that the municipal manager should be empowered to act against Phetla. The proposal was rejected and voted against by ANC councillors. 

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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday

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Municipal officials in court on allegations of fraud

  

The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court Mmabatho sitting in Rustenburg, has postponed the case against Banjamin Mathews Mogotsi (51) and Constance Motaung (50), to 29 May 2025, for the matter to be transferred to the Commercial Crimes Court in Rustenburg. 

The duo was arrested by the office of the Provincial Commercial Crime Unit. They are both charged with four counts of fraud.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the Mpheni Social Club was established by the employees of Rustenburg Local Municipality. 

The social club was to assist members who joined, to share the money contributed after twelve months. Mogotsi was elected as the Chairperson of the club, and Motaung as the Treasurer.

 Investigations revealed that between 25 November 2023 and 29 November 2023, Mogotsi and Motaung withdrew funds from the club account without the permission or authority of other members, stealing over R600,000.

In court, the state did not oppose the release of the accused on bail as they are not a flight risk. However, the state asked the court to impose stringent bail conditions.

 The court granted both accused bail, set at R5,000 each with normal bail conditions. Both accused were ordered to hand in their passports to the investigating officer.

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Updated: 31 March 2025 Monday

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