FROM SINGLE HEIFER TO THRIVING EMPIRE.

NORTH WEST – From a Single Heifer to a Thriving Empire: The Inspiring Story of Thabo Dithakgwe

In the heart of Morokweng, North West, stands a young man whose journey from humble beginnings to agricultural success has become a source of inspiration for many. Meet Thabo Dithakgwe, a successful livestock farmer who turned a childhood gift into a thriving farming enterprise.

6

Thabo’s story began at just 13 years old, when his father gifted him a pregnant heifer cow—a symbolic act that would ignite his lifelong passion for farming. When the cow gave birth to a bull calf, Thabo cared for it with dedication and patience. Eventually, he sold the bull to another farmer and, instead of spending the money, he reinvested the profits back into his livestock.

Today, Thabo is the proud owner of a 790-hectare farm, where he raises cattle, goats, and sheep. His operation has grown into a sustainable business known for quality livestock and strong market presence. Among his prized stock are Bonsmara cattle, highly sought-after for their adaptability and beef quality. Some of his top Bonsmara cows fetch over R90,000 each at livestock auctions.

Thabo’s story is more than just about farming—it’s about vision, discipline, and the power of small beginnin

gs. His journey is a reminder that with hard work, consistency, and a deep respect for the land, dreams can be cultivated into legacies.

As agriculture continues to evolve, farmers like Thabo Dithakgwe stand as a new generation of leaders—rooted in tradition, yet driven by innovation and resilience.

FORD SA TO RETRENCH NEARLY 500 WORKERS

Ford South Africa has announced plans to cut close to 500 jobs at its Silverton (Pretoria) and Struandale (Gqeberha) plants.

The company cited a sharp drop in European demand for the Ranger bakkie, worsened by UK tax changes that have hit exports.

The retrenchments mark a major blow to South Africa’s auto sector, which is already under pressure from global economic headwinds.

FORMER MINISTER NATHI MTHETHWA DIES

FRANCE – Former Police Minister Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa has died, just days before he was due to testify at the Madlanga Commission Of Inquiry.

Mthethwa is believed to have fallen from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Hotel in Paris. His body was discovered on Tuesday after his wife reported him missing.

Reports indicate that he sent her a disturbing message shortly before his disappearance.

Mthethwa had been scheduled to give evidence regarding alleged political interference in police affairs dating back to 2011.

ENTREPRENEUR MATOME RAPHOLO STEPS INTO THE MARKET WITH LETREECHA SNEAKER BRAND

PRETORIA – Local entrepreneur Matome Rapholo has taken a bold step in the fashion industry with the launch of his sneaker line under the brand Letreecha.

Rapholo first introduced Letreecha in 2013 as a clothing label, building a following for its unique style and urban appeal. A decade later, in 2023, he expanded the brand into footwear, unveiling a range of sneakers that reflect both street culture and modern design.

Speaking on the inspiration behind his latest venture, Rapholo said the sneakers were born out of a desire to create homegrown footwear that competes on a global scale while staying true to local roots.

Letreecha sneakers have already begun attracting attention from fashion-forward consumers who value originality, comfort, and quality.

Customers can place orders directly with Rapholo on 060 397 3341.

TAUNG MAYOR IN ANOTHER ALLEGED MUNICIPAL VEHICLE CRASH

TAUNG – Greater Taung Local Municipality (GTLM) mayor, Tumisang Garaelwe, has allegedly been involved in yet another crash with a municipal vehicle.

According to sources, the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at a bridge in Kibitswane village, near Taung. Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain unclear, but it is understood that the municipal car sustained damage.

This marks the second reported incident involving Mayor Garaelwe and a municipal vehicle, raising fresh concerns among residents about accountability and the use of public resources.

Community members have expressed frustration, questioning how repeated incidents of this nature are being handled by the municipality. Calls for greater transparency and possible disciplinary action are growing louder.

Municipal officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the alleged crash. Efforts to obtain comment from both the mayor’s office and GTLM’s communications department were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The story is developing.

DID SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT KNOW?

PRETORIA – National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has told the Madlanga Commission that suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu claimed President Cyril Ramaphosa had supported the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

Masemola testified that when he briefed Ramaphosa on the matter, the President appeared surprised and questioned why the specialised unit was dissolved without proper justification. According to Masemola, Ramaphosa undertook to engage directly with Mchunu on the issue, but the outcome of that discussion was never communicated back to the police leadership.

The PKTT was established in 2018 following the Moerane Commission of Inquiry, which had laid bare the scale of politically motivated killings in KwaZulu-Natal. The unit’s abrupt dissolution earlier this year has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, opposition parties, and security analysts, who argue that the move undermined the fight against political violence.

Masemola emphasised that the decision compromised the independence and operational stability of the South African Police Service (SAPS), noting that the unit had made significant inroads in tackling politically linked crimes in hot-spot regions.

The Commission continues to probe the rationale behind the task team’s disbandment, with mounting concerns over accountability, governance, and the state’s commitment to curbing political violence.

CALVES BORN WITH DOUBLE HEADS

In rare cases, calves are born with two heads, a condition scientifically known as polycephaly. This phenomenon occurs when an organism develops more than one head due to abnormal embryonic growth during the early stages of pregnancy.

Polycephaly is not a hereditary condition, meaning it is not genetically passed down from parent to offspring. Instead, it arises from developmental abnormalities when an embryo only partially separates during gestation. The result is a calf with two distinct heads, often sharing one body.

While fascinating, the condition presents significant challenges. Calves born with polycephaly typically face difficulties in feeding, breathing, and movement, which greatly affects their chances of survival. In most cases, such calves do not live long after birth.

Despite the medical rarity, polycephaly has been recorded across various species, including reptiles, fish, birds, and even humans. For farmers and veterinarians, the birth of a two-headed calf often sparks both scientific curiosity and emotional concern.

Researchers emphasize that such cases highlight the complexity of embryonic development and serve as reminders of the delicate balance required for healthy growth. Though survival rates remain low, each case contributes to veterinary knowledge and deepens our understanding of developmental biology.

SOUTH AFRICA IS A COUNTRY WITH HIGH PROFILE CRIMINALS

 

Shopping Of Scents is here now. Order yours now

ROOTED BEGINNINGS: WENDY MOSHAKGA OF MOLETJIE

In the quiet, unassuming village of Moletjie, Limpopo, Wendy Moshakga is not just farming soil — she is tilling hope, planting opportunity. Raised in Moletjie, she has carried with her the rhythms of rural life from youth; the knowledge that land, weather, seasons, community all craft one’s destiny. 

She is known for Serage Holdings, her agricultural business that has grown from backyard operations to something much larger in vision. Growing vegetables (cabbages, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, onions, green peppers) she supplies local markets in and around Polokwane. 

Also, Wendy is a founding member and the secretary of Sisters in Farming Cooperative, a collective of women farmers in Moletjie. Through this cooperative, she interlinks her farming journey with those of other women — sharing resources, knowledge, market access, and support. 

Features of the Farm & Cooperative Model

What makes Wendy’s farm and her cooperative powerful include:

Diversity of crops: Moving beyond a single crop mindset. Vegetable production is varied. 

Poultry farming: Wendy also works in poultry farming, with capacity for many chickens and even on-site processing. 

Cooperative structure: Sisters in Farming doesn’t just combine efforts; it shares burden, risk, and reward. Market access, scaling up, meeting demand volumes — these are made possible through unity. 

Local employment & food security: The farm contributes to job creation, especially during harvests, and supplies fresh produce into the local value chain. 

Challenges

Wendy’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Here are some of the obstacles:

Weather unpredictability: Climate patterns, rain, droughts etc., affect yields. 

Funding & capital: Access to capital, equipment gaps, and scaling up infrastructure remain tough. 

Market access & scale: To compete well, consistent volumes and quality are required. Cooperatives help, but there are logistical, technical, and regulatory challenges. 

Vision & Expansion

Wendy isn’t resting. Her plans point to growth, sustainability, deeper community impact:

Expanding land and scale: Serage Holdings is slated to scale up to 20 hectares in Polokwane Municipality. 

Scaling youth / women's empowerment through agriculture: Through Sisters in Farming, Wendy is working not just for her business but for lifting up other women farmers. 

Sustainability & food security: Her work is rooted in making sure rural communities don’t just survive but thrive: access to healthy food, employment, resilience. 

Reflections & What It All Means

Wendy Moshakga’s farm is more than rows of cabbages and coops of chickens. It’s an expression of resilience, of defiance against limits. She is preserving tradition (rural farming, deep connection with land) while pushing forward: better scale, formal structures, cooperative models.

Her story reminds us that:

The past is foundation: Learning from what elders taught, the rhythms of community life, the necessity of hard work. These are not quaint relics—they are practical, powerful tools in her business.

Innovation comes from necessity: With limited resources, Wendy and her peers are improvising, collaborating, forming cooperatives, sharing know-how.

Community is the asset: Beyond profit, her farm is a social enterprise in many ways: bringing people together, creating shared purpose.

Looking Forward: Potential Areas for Growth

To push Wendy’s farm & cooperative further, these could be next steps:

1.Access to better infrastructure: Cold storage, packaging, transportation — reducing post-harvest losses.

2.Technical training & agronomic support: Soil health, pest management, climate smart techniques.

3.Better access to markets: Maybe formal contracts with retailers, exploring value-added processing.

4.Financial instruments: Micro-finance, grants, government subsidies, or impact investors.

5.Branding and social value narrative: How the farm and cooperative can be marketed not just for produce but for its mission — women empowerment, food security, sustainability.

Conclusion

Wendy Moshakga’s farm in Moletjie is a vivid testament to what grounded vision can do. What starts with a small plot, a few seeds, a bold idea, becomes movement when guided by community, determination, and purpose. Her story says: tradition matters, but so does innovation; that rural does not mean “behind”; that empowerment is not given, it’s grown.

AMANTSI MEAT BUTCHERY: TRADITION ROOTED IN COMMUNITY, DRIVEN BY VISIONARY OWNERS

In the heart of Taung and surrounding communities, Amantsi Meat Butchery has carved a name as more than just a place to buy fresh cuts. It is a story of entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and tradition carried forward with pride.

At the forefront of this journey are its owners, Olerile Clifford Lekgetho and Mmusi Alphons Setlalekgosi Ntsie, who together form the backbone of Amantsi 81 Meat Butchery. Registered as K2025572182 under the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the butchery operates not only as a business but as a cornerstone of the Amantsi brand, which extends to Amantsi Trading and Amantsi Farming.

Olerile Clifford Lekgetho is no stranger to the Amantsi name. His footprint stretches across multiple Amantsi ventures, from trading to farming, reflecting his dedication to building a sustainable supply chain that benefits both customers and local farmers. His vision is clear: a brand that is not only about profit but about empowering rural communities and sustaining livelihoods through food security and ethical sourcing.

Alongside him stands Mmusi Alphons Setlalekgosi Ntsie, a co-director whose role ensures the smooth running of the butchery’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy. Together, the two embody resilience, vision, and an unwavering belief in the value of bringing premium-quality meat to the community at affordable prices.

Amantsi Meat Butchery is not an isolated venture. It is part of a wider ecosystem of local enterprise — supporting farmers, employing locals, and ensuring that every cut of meat sold carries with it a story of integrity and tradition. The owners have positioned the business not only as a supplier but also as a builder of trust, with a focus on quality, freshness, and service.

As Amantsi continues to grow, its foundations remain firm: community, tradition, and visionary leadership. With Lekgetho and Ntsie at the helm, the future of Amantsi Meat Butchery looks as rich and flavorful as the products are proudly delivered.

Phone +27 82 393 9505  Also: 078 818 9437 (used sometimes for orders) 

Location Taung, North West, South Africa 

Address (legal for “Amantsi 81 Meat Butchery”) 2082 Polar Section, Ganyesa, Ganyesa, North West, 8613  They are located next to the Taung Licence Department.

GENERAL MKHWANAZI REVEALS MORE AT MADLANGA COMMISSION

 In a startling revelation before the inquiry, whistleblower Mkhwanazi testified that vehicles belonging to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala were fraudulently registered as municipal assets with the assistance of senior Ekurhuleni metro officials.

According to Mkhwanazi, the alleged scheme involved high-ranking figures within the municipality who manipulated registration records to reflect Matlala’s private vehicles as part of the metro’s official fleet. The testimony suggested a well-coordinated abuse of administrative systems, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the scale of corruption within the Ekurhuleni metro.

Matlala, a prominent businessman with extensive ties across Gauteng, has not yet issued a public statement in response to the claims. The allegations, however, have intensified scrutiny on the city’s leadership and the integrity of its procurement and asset management processes.

Observers note that this development could mark a turning point in ongoing investigations into maladministration and corruption within local government structures. Civil society groups have already called for urgent intervention by law enforcement agencies, stressing that misuse of public resources cannot go unpunished.

The inquiry is expected to continue hearing further testimonies in the coming days, with more names likely to surface as investigators dig deeper into the alleged fraudulent registration scheme.

SOUTH AFRICA DRIVING LICENCE RULES 2025

 South African motorists are lining up for big changes next year as the Department of Transport confirms that updates to the driving licence rules will affect millions of drivers across the country. The announcement had, of course, given rise to many concerns, particularly among those worried about the renewal costs, stringent testing, and adherence to these new requirements. 

What’s Changing In 2025?

According to officials, the changes are part of the modernisation of the licensing system and an improvement in road safety. In brief, the major alterations are:

Shorter validity period : Driving licences will now require renewal every five years instead of the current ten-year period.

Biometric verification : Under the renewal application, fingerprint and facial recognition checks will be required to curb fraudulent acts.

Stricter testing for new drivers : Applicants for the learner’s licence will now be tested on an upgraded theory test with questions covering advanced road safety.

Digital licences : Implementation of a smart card licence system where a digital form of the licence will be carried alongside the physical card.

Why The Change?

The government justifies the system being obsolete for it being vulnerable to corruption and malpractices. One of the reasons for the short validity periods is to keep driver data up-to-date, mainly with regard to address and medical fitness. 

These changes, according to Transport Ministry officials, “are not meant to punish motorists. Instead, they are aimed at protecting road users and ensuring all vehicles on our road comply with the prevailing international standards.”

How Will This Affect Drivers?

For many South Africans, higher fees and the inconvenience of renewals are the biggest impacts. There are millions of people who are already struggling with fuel price hikes, vehicle maintenance, and toll fees, with yet another license fee possibly crippling household budgets. Hence the driving schools and centres will see more demand as the new learner and driver assessments are being applied through a stricter system. 

What Drivers Should Do Now

Check the expiry date of your licence now and plan well not to be penalised. 

Prepare financially for renewal fees every five years instead of ten. 

Keep yourself updated on the rollout dates of the new digital licence cards in your province. 

Start practicing with updated learner’s test questions if you or any of your family will be applying in 2025.

GAUTENG TAXI ASSOCIATION CHAIRPERSON THAMI MOYO SHOT DEAD ON SOWETO HIGHWAY

Johannesburg – The Gauteng National Taxi Association has been plunged into mourning following the fatal shooting of its chairperson, Thami Moyo, who was gunned down along the Soweto Highway earlier today.

According to preliminary reports, Moyo was travelling in his vehicle when unknown assailants opened fire, fatally wounding him. Authorities arrived on the scene shortly after the incident and confirmed his death.

Police spokespersons have stated that investigations are underway, with no arrests made at this stage. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though speculation is rife given the history of violent disputes linked to the taxi industry.

Moyo was a prominent figure in Gauteng’s taxi sector, often seen as a mediator in ongoing disputes and an advocate for better regulation of the industry. His death marks a significant blow to the association and raises concerns about escalating violence within the sector.

The Gauteng National Taxi Association has yet to release an official statement, but colleagues and community members have described Moyo as a dedicated leader who championed the rights of operators and commuters alike.

Police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

MAN ELECTROCUTED WHILE ALLEGEDLY TAMPERING WITH POWER CABLES (NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS VIDEO)

 

A tragic incident has left a community in shock after a man was found dead, reportedly electrocuted while attempting to tamper with electrical cables.

According to witnesses at the scene, the man’s lifeless body was discovered lying on the ground, with clear signs that he had been struck by a powerful electric current.

Emergency services were called to the area, but upon arrival, they confirmed that the man had already succumbed to the injuries caused by the electrocution.

It is suspected that the man was attempting to steal electrical cables when the fatal accident occurred.

Community leaders have since urged residents to refrain from engaging in such dangerous and unlawful acts, emphasizing that no amount of stolen material is worth a human life.

Electricity theft not only disrupts services but also carries deadly risks that claim lives in an instant.

COCA-COLA BEVERAGES SOUTH AFRICA RESTRUCTURING PLAN COULD LEAD TO 680 JOB LOSES

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has announced a major restructuring plan that could see more than 680 employees lose their jobs. The company confirmed its intention to close production facilities in Bloemfontein and East London as part of an operational streamlining strategy.

According to CCBSA, the decision comes after a review of its supply chain network, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs in a highly competitive beverage market. The closures will affect both permanent and contract staff, with unions already voicing concern about the scale of the impact on workers and surrounding communities.

“While these are extremely difficult decisions, they are necessary to ensure long-term business sustainability,” the company said in a statement. “We remain committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including employees, labour representatives, and government, to explore alternatives and to minimize the impact where possible.”

The potential retrenchments are expected to have a ripple effect on local economies, particularly in the Free State and Eastern Cape, where the two plants have been key employers for decades.

Labour unions have criticized the move, calling it a blow to job security in regions already grappling with high unemployment. Negotiations between CCBSA management and organized labour are set to continue in the coming weeks.

If the plan proceeds, production will be consolidated into larger plants in other provinces, with CCBSA saying this will strengthen its distribution network and position it for future growth.

KAIZER CHIEFS PART WAYS WITH HEAD COACH Nasreddine NABI

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the termination of head coach Nasreddine Nabi’s contract with immediate effect.

The Tunisian tactician, who took charge of Amakhosi earlier this year, has officially parted ways with the Soweto giants. The club announced on Tuesday that Nabi will no longer continue in his role, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure at Naturena.

As a result, Nabi will not be on the touchline when Chiefs face Kabuscorp in their crucial CAF Confederation Cup fixture in Luanda, Angola, this coming Saturday. The match is a pivotal test for the Glamour Boys as they seek continental glory.

Chiefs are yet to reveal who will assume interim coaching responsibilities, but sources indicate that members of the current technical team are expected to lead preparations ahead of the Angolan trip.

Nabi’s departure follows a period of mounting pressure after a string of inconsistent performances that left supporters divided on his future. His exit now forces the Soweto giants to once again embark on the search for a new head coach.

Kaizer Chiefs’ management has yet to issue an official statement detailing the reasons behind the decision, but the club has assured fans that updates on the way forward will be communicated in due course.

For now, all eyes will be on Luanda, where the Glamour Boys aim to remain focused on their continental campaign despite the turbulence at home.

FOUR ARRESTED FOR FRAUD, THEFT AND MONEY LAUNDERING

The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit has arrested four individuals and three companies on charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering linked to a multi-million-rand scam in the Northern Cape.

Among those apprehended is Kevin Darryl Christians (61), an employee of the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, who is alleged to have played a central role in the scheme.

The case stems from events in June 2018, when the Northern Cape Provincial Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry applied for financial support to host a youth entrepreneurship conference. The Department approved R1.8 million for the initiative. However, investigators allege that service providers were paid for services that were never delivered.

The companies implicated include Exilite Travel Agency, which allegedly acted as the paymaster, channeling funds to B&E Suppliers CC and MTM Motseme (Pty) Ltd.

The other accused are Banton Sithebe (40), Portia Louw (46), and Irene Botlhoko (60). They appeared briefly in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 16 September 2025. Each was granted R10 000 bail, and the matter was postponed to 17 October 2025 for further investigation.

DA HAILS RAMAPHOSA’S ’s PRAISE AS RECOGNITION WHERE IT'S ’s DUE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s acknowledgment of the superior performance of DA-led municipalities, framing it as recognition of the party’s commitment to efficient and transparent local governance.

Speaking to over 4,000 ANC councillors at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Monday, Ramaphosa urged his party representatives to study the performance of DA-run municipalities. 

He admitted it was “painful” to concede that some of South Africa’s best-managed municipalities are under DA control. “Those municipalities that do best are not ANC-controlled municipalities... they are often DA-controlled municipalities,” the president said, citing Cape Town and Stellenbosch as examples. 

He stressed that adopting these practices is crucial to improving service delivery and audit outcomes, warning that failure to do so could pose an “existential threat” to the ANC in local elections.

The DA responded positively, thanking Ramaphosa for “recognition where it’s due.” In a statement, the party highlighted its track record, noting that where it governs, it “delivers services, spends public money on the public, and eliminates corruption.” 

DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille echoed this on social media, saying the president’s remarks underscore the party’s reputation for effective administration and expressing hope that the broader public takes note.

Ramaphosa’s comments come amid heightened scrutiny of municipal performance. The Auditor-General’s 2023/24 report revealed that only 16% of South Africa’s 257 municipalities received clean audits?many of them DA-led while ANC-controlled councils continue to face irregular expenditure and mismanagement. 

The exchange marks a rare moment of cross-party acknowledgment in South Africa’s often polarized political landscape, coinciding with efforts to foster cooperative governance following the Government of National Unity formed after the May 2024 national elections. As local goverment elections approach, the DA’s municipal performance may reinforce its campaign narrative of “getting things done.”

CASE AGAINST DARREN WALKEN АND TIONA MOODLEY POSTPONED

The high-profile case involving Darren Wilken and his girlfriend, Tiona Moodley, accused of participating in a child pornography ring, has been postponed to next month in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

The pair face serious charges linked to their alleged involvement in the distribution and possession of child pornography. Their arrest, which drew widespread public attention, forms part of a broader investigation into online exploitation networks.

The court’s decision to delay proceedings was made to allow for further submissions and outstanding documentation to be completed. Prosecutors indicated that additional evidence is still being processed, while the defense requested more time to prepare.

The matter has sparked intense public scrutiny, with advocacy groups calling for harsher penalties for crimes relating to the exploitation of children. Legal analysts suggest the case could set a significant precedent in how South African courts handle digital crimes of this magnitude.

Wilken and Moodley remain out on bail under strict conditions. The case is expected to return to court next month, where trial dates may be finalized.

THREE ACCUSED IN PHALA Phala ROBBERY PLEADED NOT GUILTY

The three suspects implicated in the high-profile robbery at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm entered pleas of not guilty in the Modimolle Regional Court on Monday.

The accused are Immanuela David and siblings Froliana and Ndilinasho Joseph, who face charges of theft, housebreaking, and conspiracy to commit housebreaking with intent to steal. In addition, David has been charged with money laundering.

The incident dates back to February 2020, when the trio allegedly discovered and stole a substantial amount of foreign currency concealed inside a couch at the farm. Reports suggest the cash formed part of a payment made by a Sudanese businessman for buffalo purchased from the property.

The suspects were arrested in June 2022 after a lengthy investigation. With all three denying involvement, the matter now proceeds to trial, where the prosecution is expected to present several witnesses.