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The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
Four housebreaking suspects who terrorised Noordheuwel finally arrested
Four men believed to be behind a spate of housebreakings in Noordheuwel have been arrested following a joint operation by Help24 Secure, Fidelity Security, and the police. According to Help24 Secure CEO Sheldon Grobler, information was received about a white Toyota Hilux single cab bakkie involved in an attempted housebreaking in Noordheuwel on August 15. He said an investigation was launched by a multidisciplinary team comprising Help24 Secure, Fidelity Security and the police, which led to the vehicle registration being identified. At about 10:45 on August 19, the ground teams deployed into the Linden area. At 11:15, members had eyes on the Hilux and caught the suspects attempting to gain entry into another premises. He added that tactical members immediately intervened, detaining all four suspects and securing the vehicle on scene. When police arrived, a search of the bakkie revealed an additional set of number plates. Further intelligence confirmed that the same group had also robbed a house in Midrand on August 19. Law enforcement has since confirmed to the Krugersdorp News that the suspects were linked to several break-ins in Noordheuwel.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA
Bob and game reserve to be revived, Krugersdorp mayor says in SOCA In Part 4 of Mayor Lucky Sele's State of the City Address (SOCA), economic development services take centre stage as Mogale City embarks on several ambitious projects aimed at restoring key landmarks and boosting growth. The Krugersdorp News continues to break down the mayor's address to better inform the public about his strategic plans. • Also read: Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale Sele described Mogale City as the West Rand's urban centre and a gateway between Gauteng and North West, adding, 'The city continues to position itself as a hub of inclusive economic growth, township industrialisation, and catalytic spatial transformation.' Sele cited the 2024 Municipal Socio-Economic Review and Outlook (MERO), saying key GDP contributors are community services (22.9%), manufacturing (22.6%), and finance (20.9%). In response, the city is focused on job creation, enterprise support, and rural-urban economic integration. 'Through deliberate public investment and intergovernmental collaboration, the municipality is implementing the Investment Promotion and Incentives Policy to stimulate sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and renewable energy,' he adds. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being leveraged to unlock investments and accelerate project delivery. Notable initiatives include the revitalisation of Bob van Reenen Sports Precinct, Coronation Park, and a proposed Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Plant. • Also read: Bob now a jungle Sele says the Krugersdorp Game Reserve has received Treasury approval for commercialisation, with plans underway to reopen it under a sustainable, tourism-focused model. Also in the pipeline is a feasibility study to transform Jack Taylor Airfield into a full-fledged municipal airport. Sele stresses Mogale City's resilience, 'Despite socio-economic constraints, we continue to leverage our localisation advantage to promote resilience, transformation, and sustainability.' He shared that over R62m was invested in local SMMEs this financial year, benefiting 128 enterprises. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) created 1 101 short-term jobs, mostly for youth and women. Three operational Agri-Parks (Tarlton, Magaliesburg/ Carmel Estate and Swanneville) are fostering food security and agro-processing, with equipment support through the Mechanisation Support Programme and ongoing land lease formalisation. Sele also highlights progress in township industrialisation: • Chamdor Automotive Hub supports 10 SMMEs, 20 jobs, and over R350 000 in sales • Munsieville Lepharo Hub acquired R2.7m in machinery for two SMMEs • Swanneville Industrial Park construction is underway with a R12m allocation this year and another R12m planned for 2025/ 26, supporting automotive services • Mining sector collaboration continues, with R2.5b pledged for development projects. Sele praises the Mogale Tailing Retreatment Mine for awarding full tertiary bursaries to two top-performing matriculants Regarding tourism, he states that key highlights include participation in the Africa Travel Indaba and Meetings Africa, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. • Also read: Pollution in the Cradle raises international eyebrows 'The reopening of the Sterkfontein Caves marks a significant milestone for the city, as one of the most iconic World Heritage Sites, it is not only a cornerstone of our tourism economy but also a globally recognised centre for paleoanthropological research and education. These reopenings breathe new life into local tourism and stimulate economic activity for surrounding communities. As the City of Human Origin, Mogale City is proud to welcome the world back to Sterkfontein.' Maropeng, the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December and host the G20 Science and Innovation Working Group. Sele acknowledges youth development setbacks since 2021 due to a lack of central co-ordination but revealed plans to appoint a Youth Development Co-ordinator by June to integrate youth agendas across departments. Last year, a Junior Student Council was formed and recently competed in an inter-municipal debate, placing as first runner-up. We are committed to supporting platforms that empower youth.' Through a R13.8m CETA grant, 251 youth will benefit from skills development programmes starting in 2025/ 26, ranging from construction to entrepreneurship. Major infrastructure achievements include approval of 370 land-use applications, 342 building plans worth R415m, and action on 470 illegal structures. Sele says the city is rolling out e-lodgement for planning applications and finalising property by-laws to address urban decay. Spatial development includes precinct plans for Hekpoort, Tarlton, Magaliesburg, Muldersdrift, and Zeekoeihoek, with R6m allocated to Zeekoeihoek and Maanhaarand. The Lanseria Smart City Summit, set in April, goes alongside plans for a West Rand Special Economic Zone. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mayor maps out housing future for Mogale
In Part Three of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the focus is on a comprehensive housing strategy aimed at transforming Mogale City. Key initiatives include the auctioning of land to fund development, dedicated housing for military veterans, critical upgrades to sanitation infrastructure, and a zero-tolerance approach to illegal land grabs. The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans. • Also read: Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure Sele said Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM), in partnership with the provincial government and private investors, had turned the sod for Phase One of the Leratong Nodal Development. The first phase includes a regional shopping mall, which will revitalise the local economy and create employment opportunities. 'Five thousand new houses, including RDP units for the most vulnerable, are planned in this initial phase, supported by an already completed 25-megalitre reservoir, costing R34m, ensuring water security for the development. The entire project will deliver 15 000 homes, a regional transport hub, and a government precinct, reimagining how communities live, work, and access services,' he stated. He explained that in the Dr Sefularo Housing Development, R20m was invested in water and sewer systems, including a sewer package plant and an elevated water tower. 'On top of this, R15m went towards building 70 of the planned 190 houses. Construction is visibly progressing, with all 70 houses at wall plate level, and roofs are now being installed. The remaining 120 houses will be completed in the new financial year, fully serviced with electricity, plumbing, and internal finishes,' he added. 'Similarly, in Dr Motlana, we allocated R15m for infrastructure and R19m for the first 70 of 253 houses. Despite encouraging progress, with 41 houses at wall plate level, the project suffered delays due to external interference driven by narrow business interests. This interference not only costs us time, but also valuable public resources. However, we are moving forward. Stronger community engagement and tighter stakeholder management will ensure smoother rollouts in future phases.' He said the Brickvale development is one of their most ambitious projects, as it will eventually deliver 6 000 RDP houses and 480 Military Veterans' units. Almost 800 homes have been completed and handed over. Bulk water, sewer, and stormwater systems are nearing completion, at 98% and 66%, respectively, with the Tarlton 12-megalitre reservoir almost ready and repairs to a vandalised pump station progressing.' Sele continued that they have also made strides in property optimisation and land management. 'The first phase of the Property Auction Initiative successfully auctioned 134 properties, with transfers underway. Phase Two will focus on churches, while Phase Three invites investment proposals, ensuring unused municipal assets generate income, economic activity, and community upliftment.' • Also read: Three-month-long housing programme commences 'In our informal settlements, the dignity of our residents remains a top priority. With support from the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, we piloted alternative sanitation and energy solutions in Soul City, Nooitgedacht, and Heuningklip. Over 2 310 Enviro-loo facilities and solar-powered microgrids are being installed, with many already completed. In the coming year, we will begin the formalisation of at least three informal settlements, bringing them into the fold of structured municipal development,' Sele asserted. Sele emphasised that illegal land occupation will not be tolerated, as they are implementing a firm anti-land invasion strategy. We are updating the Informal Settlements By-Law, Housing Sector Plan, and Land Disposal Policy to close gaps, safeguard progress, and ensure our land serves the people, not opportunistic organisations,' he concluded. In the fourth part of the series, the Krugersdorp News will explain how the mayor addressed economic development services. Have your say by sending an email to heinrichg@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Mayor's bold steps to fix city's infrastructure
In Part Two of unpacking Mayor Lucky Sele's 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) breakdown, the spotlight is on infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works, upgrades to sewer pump stations, a roads masterplan, and efforts to stabilise the energy supply. The Krugersdorp News will provide a detailed breakdown of the key points discussed during the SOCA to help the public better understand the mayor's message and plans. • Also read: Mayor speaks frankly on Mogale City's troubles, shares optimism • Drinking water In his address on June 19, he said that when they assumed office, the state of water and sanitation infrastructure in Mogale City presented a daunting reality. 'Years of underinvestment, vandalism, theft of critical components, and ageing infrastructure had left our systems vulnerable and many of our communities disillusioned. Sewer overflows in informal settlements, unreliable water supply in peri-urban areas, and non-functional wastewater treatment facilities were not just technical challenges; they were a threat to human dignity, public health, and environmental sustainability. 'We resolved to restore dignity and reinstate infrastructure with a clear plan, committed leadership, and collaborative partnerships,' he added. Sele state that the Water and Sanitation Division continued to do their part in restoring water standards, where the South African National Standard that specifies the minimum requirements for drinking water to be considered safe for human consumption, gave the city 100% compliance across all water distribution points, which includes reservoirs, water tankers, and hydrants. He added, this was due to a robust partnership with Rand Water and Johannesburg Water, ensuring that residents receive safe, high-quality water. • Sewer pump stations Sele said they have responded to backlogs, where they have refurbished 17 sewer pump stations to date, with the remainder scheduled for completion in the 2025/ 26 financial year. 'These upgrades are crucial in reducing environmental pollution, improving public health outcomes, and ensuring compliance with national legislation. In areas such as Noordheuwel, the replacement of ageing asbestos cement pipes with UPVC has improved water safety and reduced service interruptions. 'In preparation for population growth and greater demand, we have committed substantial capital investment to further strengthen our infrastructure backbone. This includes the construction of the Muldersdrift 15 megalitre reservoir, the replacement of water meters to curb non-revenue water, and major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.' • Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) Sele announced the rehabilitation of the Percy Stewart and Flip Human WWTW, which were previously non-operational due to cable theft and infrastructure decay. 'Percy Stewart is now 60% complete, and Flip Human at 29%, with full operation anticipated by the end of the 2025/ 26 financial year. Interventions include restoring electrical systems, improving sludge handling, and unblocking pipelines, measures that are key to halting raw sewage discharge, protecting the environment, and ensuring biological efficiency in line with Water Use Licenses.' • Also read: Over R22m allocated to revive Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works He added that in Magaliesburg, the local WWTW is structurally complete and will be commissioned once adequate flow is achieved from nearby pump stations. He stated that Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) took hands with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), where ISA has committed to collaborating with MCLM on the proposed water and sanitation infrastructure plans submitted for consideration. • Municipal roads and transport infrastructure He acknowledges years of deferred maintenance and procurement failures have left potholes, flooded intersections, and dust-swept gravel stretches in areas including townships, informal settlements and the CBD. The Roads and Transport Division has begun to turn things around. In the 2024/ 25 financial year, over R3.6m was allocated towards gravel material and plant hire, with actual maintenance work commencing in February 2025. 'This has allowed the municipality to reclaim 95km of gravel roads through maintenance, with 3.5km already repaired, bringing much-needed relief to rural communities,' he revealed. 'Surfaced road upgrades are also taking shape. While procurement delays did impede early delivery, we have still achieved notable progress. Over 13 000 potholes have been repaired, and key stormwater systems have been cleared, mitigating flooding and improving road safety in affected wards.' • Also read: R563 provincial road remains a problem He said their broader vision is backed by a R38m capital expenditure allocation, targeting strategic resurfacing works in Kagiso, Munsieville, Azaadville, Rietvallei and the Krugersdorp CBD. 'Planning is currently underway to revise our Roads Masterplan. The aim is to align transport infrastructure with future spatial development needs, ensuring that our roads don't merely respond to today's pressure but anticipate tomorrow's growth.' • Electricity 'We are proud to report that the Energy Services Division has delivered measurable and meaningful progress regarding stabilising the energy infrastructure. In the past financial year, we electrified over 1 000 households, bringing power and hope to previously marginalised areas. We've installed smart electricity meters, which enable efficient billing, prevent illegal connections, and empower residents to manage their usage more effectively. We have also undertaken critical upgrades to ageing substations, reinforcing the backbone of our municipal energy grid to reduce unplanned outages and improve service reliability.' Sele added, to enhance community safety and visibility, especially in high-risk areas, the municipality has rolled out high-mast lighting installations and accelerated the repair of dysfunctional streetlights across various wards, where this has not only improved mobility and security but also reignited a sense of public order and shared urban space. We are currently developing an Energy Services Master Plan, which will serve as the blueprint for long-term energy infrastructure investment and equitable access to electricity across the city. 'This master plan is a critical milestone in aligning our city with national energy priorities, advancing energy justice, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the division.' In the third part of the series, the News will explain how the mayor addresses human settlements and real estate. Have your say by sending an email to heinrichg@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Through war and worship: A church's 135-year story
In the seventh edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the Krugersdorp News explores the history of the town's oldest surviving church. Recently, the News, together with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), revisited some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. • Also read: A burning passion: The story of Krugersdorp's fire station KHA co-founder Jaco Mattheyse explained that before 1890, members of the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in the Krugersdorp area were served by the Pretoria congregation. However, with the establishment of Krugersdorp during the early days of the Witwatersrand gold rush, a local congregation became a necessity. 'The first congregation gathering took place on 18 November 1889 in the home of M.P.W. Pretorius, owner of the farm Paardekraal, on which Krugersdorp was established. At the time, Pretorius lived on the corner of President and Kruger Streets. The Krugersdorp congregation was officially founded on 7 June 1890. Shortly afterwards, proponent H.C.J. Becker was confirmed as its first minister on 6 September 1890, marking the beginning of a new era of spiritual life and community building in the young mining town,' he said. Mattheyse noted that the church initially ran a school in the same space where services were held, and a manse (pastorie) was built in Ockerse Street in 1891. Eventually, funds were raised for a dedicated church building, and the cornerstone was laid by Rev. Becker on 7 April 1894. The building stood on a block bounded by Rissik, Ockerse, Church, and Joubert Streets, on stands granted by the Transvaal Government under President Paul Kruger. The church was consecrated in January 1895. Among the deacons was T.J. Bedford, who later served as Market Master. The church's opening was a major event, attended by 158 wagons, along with horsemen and cart proprietors. 'The open land between Kobie Krige Street and Bob van Reenen Stadium served as a church square for Boer congregation members arriving by wagon for Nagmaal Naweek. These four weekends per year were used for ceremonies such as confirmations, baptisms and communion,' Jaco explained. 'Built in the Norman-Gothic style, the church cost £6,000. While English-speaking miners may have admired the structure, it also highlighted a cultural and linguistic divide. The sight of hundreds of Dutch-speaking white families gathering at the imposing Dutch Reformed Church echoed what historian Roy Rappaport called 'redundancy' – the repetition of built messages to reinforce shared values and identity. The planned clock was never installed, and the bells were temporarily housed in a wooden structure nearby. The church also hosted the funeral of the burgers (citizens and soldiers) of the South African Republic who died during the Jameson Raid. They are buried in the old Burgershoop Cemetery,' he continued. Becker was succeeded by Rev. F.G.T. Radloff from Hoopstad, installed on 17 December 1898. His ministry coincided with the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), a difficult period marked by civilian suffering, British-run concentration camps, and Boer prisoners of war. Rev. Radloff and his wife distinguished themselves through their compassion and service, ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of women and children in concentration camps and prisoners of war. Under his leadership, a relief committee was formed, a lasting testament to the church's mission during times of crisis. Radloff retired on 11 October 1914 and was succeeded by Rev. P.J. van Vuuren (1915–1921), whose tenure was noted for strong financial management that eliminated the congregation's significant debt. 'The next minister, Rev. Jacobus Joubert Krige – brother of Mrs 'Ouma' Issie Smuts, wife of Jan Smuts – was installed on 21 April 1922. He served faithfully for 14 years until his sudden passing from a stroke on 29 October 1936 at Paardekraal Hospital. Dingaan Street, leading to the current President Hyper, was renamed Kobie Krige Street in his honour, and a memorial was erected on the church grounds,' Jaco said. In November 1937, Rev. Archibald Thomas Martinson took over. Under his leadership, the church grew alongside the town's expanding population and the development of the West Rand. Several daughter congregations were established: • Roodepoort – 1905 • Magaliesburg – 1910 • Randpoort (later Randgate) – 1918 • Burgershoop (later Krugersdorp-West, and eventually Suiderlig) – 1920 • Krugersdorp-Noord – 1943 'The appointment of Rev. C.C. van Dyk as the first co-minister on 29 November 1941 was another milestone. He later became the first minister of the newly formed Krugersdorp-Noord congregation in 1944. During this time, the Krugersdorp congregation remained at the forefront of Christian outreach, education, and social services. Thanks to ministers like Rev. Martinson, the congregation contributed significantly to mission work, poverty relief, Sunday schools, church associations and Christian education,' he said. By 1952, the mother congregation had around 1,350 members, led by a church council of 56 elders and deacons. In October 1951, Prop. T.J. Hanekom was appointed co-minister, followed by others such as P.W. Marais (1954–1955) and Pieter Willem Marais (1962–1964). Mattheyse added that the church underwent extensive renovations between 1960 and 1961. The corrugated iron roof was replaced with slate, the tower was modified for structural stability, resulting in the removal of the original Victorian cast-iron weather vane, and the interior was updated with new ceilings beneath the hammer beam trusses and a full repaint. The original organ loft above the pulpit remains visible today. 'In the 1950s and 1960s, the church used a house near the corner of Kruger and Luipaard Streets as a manse. Like many inner-city congregations, Krugersdorp saw a decline in membership during the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st, due to urban migration, demographic shifts and changing community dynamics. In 2010, the congregation merged with the neighbouring Luipaardsvlei congregation, marking the end of a significant chapter in local church history. Today, the church hall serves the Krugersdorp community as the Tower of Life, a shelter for the homeless,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
