Lentswe, Potchefstroom - The NWU received an overwhelming amount of applications for study. According to Bertie Jacobs, spokesperson, the university received more than 420 000 applications for the various programmes that are offered across eight faculties on three campuses. “Regrettably, due to limited capacity, we are unable to accept all the applications including those whose Admission Points Score (APS) meet the degree/programme requirements. Approximately 90 000 applications that were received when the application period closed on August 31 last year, qualify.’’

Lentswe, Mahikeng - The NW Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has noted with serious concern an audio recording currently circulating on various social media platforms. “The audio falsely alleges that the Department has recruited individuals from other provinces into a learnership programme at Kgora Farmers Training Centre and that such individuals are being remunerated by the Department,” the department said in a press release. MEC Madoda Sambatha rejected and distanced himself from these allegations. “The contents of the audio are false, misleading, and deliberately intended to create confusion and mistrust among the members of the public. At no stage has the Department engaged in the practices alleged in the recording,” he said. The Department wishes to reassure the public that all its programmes, including learnerships and skills development initiatives, are implemented in strict compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and legislative frameworks. Recruitment processes are transparent and guided by the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability. 

Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The South African National Blood Service is appealing for donations as blood stocks are below optimal levels.
This dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season is not unusual but rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them. “Behind current blood stock levels are real people; mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children - receiving treatment in hospitals every day.  “Their recovery, and in some cases survival, depends on the continued availability of donated blood,” says Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand at SANBS. This crisis is due to donors who are often away from their regular donation centres during December and workplaces, schools and universities and key collection points closing or operating on reduced schedules over the festive season. 

The Lentswe team wishes you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and safe festive season. May you enjoy a well-deserved rest before we regroup to face the New Year with renewed energy. Please note that our office is closed and will reopen on Monday, January 12, 2026.