The HILLS Community Newspaper

The HILLS Community Newspaper local newspaper publishers that focuses only in MAQUASSI HILLS communities towns Wolmaransstad,leeudoringstad,witpoort,boskuil, oersonskraal

The Hills community newspaper seeks to encourage civic debate and serve the public interest of our community. We are a community newspaper and website with related multimedia journalism components including investigative journalism. The Hills community newspaper connects (a technology oriented documentaries). We cover the whole Maquassi hills local municipality and the surrounding towns including

its people,communities and business district. We seek to portray the full diversity of our community and to give voice to those who live, work,or go to school within it. We aim to encourage public conversation around the issue,trends and success around our covering areas. We follow professional journalism standards and practices, we make every effort to ensure that our reports are accurate and balanced. We believe people must be well informed in order to make decisions regarding their lives and their local and national communities.it is our role as journalist to provide this information in an accurate and comprehensive way,timely and understandable manner. The Hills is published both in print and web as a free provider of news and information about our
Local community. The printed newspaper is published weekly and the website will be updated with original contents weekly. The Hills is produced by our youth and other volunteering men and women in our district, however we are not a gossip newspaper and as such we adhere to strict journalistic standards and practices. All staff members,reporters,photographers and editors are all trying to follow journalism code of ethics and they enjoy being independent from community and the board. Our staff members strive to embrace and practice profesional journalistic standards at all times. we take our role as Maquassi hills community news provider very seriously. We put the interests and needs of our community at the forefront of our coverage and aim to enhance informed decision-making among our readers. We recognise our responsibility to our community, to our news source and to our readers and we do our best to serve those interests with intergrity. We make every effort to verify the facts we report and to give voice to the range of interests present in our communities and we want our communities to trust The Hills and we work actively to earn that trust and we believe good faith with readers is the foundation of good journalism.

15/12/2025

National Treasury has frozen equitable share funding to 15 municipalities in the North West after repeated failures to comply with financial and accountability rules. Treasury acted under Section 216 of the Constitution, citing issues such as unpaid debts to SARS, pension funds and water boards, failure to submit council-approved funded budgets, and ongoing irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The affected municipalities include Matlosana, JB Marks, Naledi, Maquassi Hills, Mamusa, Lekwa-Teemane, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Rustenburg, Moses Kotane, Moretele, Tswaing, Bojanala Platinum District, Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.

Treasury says funds will remain withheld until municipalities prove compliance. The move puts pressure on already struggling councils, as these funds are used to pay salaries, maintain basic services and support indigent households. Nationally, 75 municipalities have been placed under similar enforcement measures.

GBVF campaigns aim to prevent the perpetuation of abuse Wolmaransstad- The Department of Community Safety and Transport ...
10/12/2025

GBVF campaigns aim to prevent the perpetuation of abuse

Wolmaransstad- The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management is at the height of implementation and roll out of the Prevention of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Against Vulnerable Groups. The fourth instalment of the campaign took place on Tuesday at Tswelelang Location in the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality.

As the campaign gains momentum, significant progress has been achieved to engage vigorously with communities particularly in hotspot areas to sensitise them to the threats of the scourge.

Key to the campaign, is the participation of stakeholders in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster in collaboration with community structures, through a multi dimensional approach. In addition, the campaign serves as a vehicle to support victims, break the cycle of violence targeted at the most vulnerable groups in society and to accelerate accountability.

The Chief Director for Provincial Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, Mpho Rantona has encouraged the community of Maquassi Hills to make use of government support programmes available to them.

“There are a number of intervention programmes that speak to the ills of GBVF, through this programme we bring all those initiatives together and take them to the community. We therefore urge them to use these programmes to their advantage,” said Rantona.

Tswelelang today.The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management will continue its Prevention of Against V...
09/12/2025

Tswelelang today.
The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management will continue its Prevention of Against Vulnerable Groups Campaign today in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality at Tswelelang Location in Maquassi Hills.

Stakeholders will be engaging the community on its intervention measures to address the scourge of .

*North West Province Launches 2025 Safer Festive Season Campaign*The Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality hosted the...
17/10/2025

*North West Province Launches 2025 Safer Festive Season Campaign*

The Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality hosted the provincial launch of the 2025 Safer Festive Season Campaign at the Jouberton Stadium on October 17, 2025. The event brought together government officials, law enforcement agencies, and the community to emphasize the importance of unity in fighting crime during the festive season.

Executive Mayor Cllr Nikiwe Num welcomed attendees and highlighted the need for collaboration to create safer spaces, particularly for the vulnerable. "Crime remains a challenge in our district, but together we can create safer spaces for everyone, particularly the vulnerable," she said.

MEC for Community Safety, Hon. Vessels Moroeng, Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lt General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, and other high-ranking officials were in attendance. The campaign aims to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and communities to curb crime and ensure a peaceful festive season.

The Safer Festive Season Campaign is a call to action for citizens to prioritize safety, vigilance, and collaboration during the holiday period. By working together, the community and authorities can make a positive impact on safety and security.

10/09/2025

MEC WESSELS MORWENG LAUDS NORTH WEST POLICE FOR SWIFT ARREST OF SUSPECTS IN THE ANC YOUTH LEAGUE MURDER

The MEC responsible for the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has applauded the South African Police in the Province for the swift response and eventual arrest of suspects in the murder of the ANC Youth League member. It is reported that the Youth League Members were traveling from Limpopo to Kimberly in the Northern Cape to attend the League’s National General Council that will be held later this week.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased and six others were victims of the circumstances and not necessarily targeted when their vehicle was being shot at. Whilst six others were found to have been physically unharmed, one was unfortunately found to have died.

The Police were alerted of what was initially reported as a suspected hijacking attempt on the morning of Tuesday, 9th of September 2025.

Responding swiftly, the Leeudoringstad SAPS members rushed to the scene of the reported incident. The travelling members of the ANC Youth League reported that their vehicle came under a hail of bullets and described the vehicle from which the shots came.

Following the lead the Police found the described vehicle with two people involved in an accident. They explained to the Police that they are working for a private security company contracted to state owned company, Transnet and were chasing people who were stealing cables.

They further described the vehicle they were pursuing. The two were arrested and police further followed the lead for the described vehicle which they later found with five men. They had the suspected stolen cables and admitted that they were being pursued by a security vehicle. They were also promptly arrested.

On being briefed MEC Wessels Morweng who is also the Provincial Chairperson of the ANC Youth League lauded the speedy response of the Police under the stewardship of acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our men and women in blue. We extend our profound thanks to the police and General Asaneng. We also take this opportunity to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and his political home the ANC. We are equally wishing speedy emotional recovery to those who were travelling with the deceased”, said MEC Morweng.

18/08/2025

SASSA CONCERNED ABOUT COMPLAINTS OF UNLAWFUL DEDUCTIONS ON
SOCIAL GRANTS

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is deeply concerned by the upsurge in what appears to be unlawful deductions by financial service providers targeting social grants beneficiaries.

SASSA has been inundated with enquiries from its beneficiaries, stating that their grant money is consistently being deducted by various insurance companies that they have not signed up for, believing that the Agency is working with these companies.

SASSA has consistently distanced itself from any insurance company that uses the
good name of the Agency to achieve its goals. CEO Themba Matlou has reiterated that SASSA has no authority to make any deductions on social grants without the consent of the beneficiaries.

“We have utmost respect for our beneficiaries and the Act governing social assistance in the country and we will never do anything to shortchange our clients. Your money is your money, if you qualify for a grant, the money belongs to you and as SASSA we have no right, nor authority to dictate how you utilize it”, he emphasized.
The CEO is on record emphasizing that not at any point will SASSA work with funeral
schemes and insurance companies as it is not legislated, urging all beneficiaries who
have fallen victim to immediately visit the SASSA local office to report the matter for
investigation.

Alternatively, clients who dispute signing a funeral policy with the financial services
provider are advised to immediately dispute the deduction by sending a SMS to 34548 with their Identity number and the financial services provider’s name. They should also visit the insurer or the financial services provider to cancel the policy.
In line with Regulation 29 of Social Assistance Act of 2004, the Agency may allow only one deduction per month not exceeding 10 per cent of the value of the beneficiary's social grant for a funeral policy issued by an insurer registered under the Long-term Insurance Act, 1998 (Act No. 52 of 1998) to be made directly from a social grant. The Regulation says the beneficiary of the social grant must consent to such deduction by electronic communication or any other means of communication and has submitted such consent by electronic communication or any other means of communication to the Agency.

It is important to emphasize that funeral deductions are not permitted from child-related
grants, such as the Child Support Grant, Care Dependency Grant, or Foster Child
Grant. Similarly, Temporary Disability Grant, are excluded from funeral deductions
altogether

30/07/2025

*North West Municipalities Face Financial Woes as Equitable Share Withheld*

Mahikeng - In a bid to ensure financial accountability, National Treasury has withheld the equitable share of six municipalities in the North West province. The affected municipalities include Tswaing, Kgetleng Rivier, Naledi, Maquassie Hills, Ditsobotla, and Mamusa Local Municipalities.

According to the directive from National Treasury, these municipalities are required to provide proof of payment or payment arrangements with third-party service providers before their equitable share can be released. This move is aimed at ensuring that municipalities prioritize their financial obligations, particularly with regards to paying salaries.

The provincial Co-operative Governance Department has stepped in to facilitate the release of the equitable share for the affected municipalities. MEC for Co-operative Governance, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, addressed the media in Mahikeng, assuring that the department is working tirelessly to resolve the issue.

In a positive development, Ditsobotla Municipality has committed to paying its third-party service providers, and a tranche payment of R15.6 million was released on July 25, 2025. Mamusa Municipality has also pledged to settle its outstanding debt with SARS, amounting to R7 million, once it receives its equitable share. The municipality has further committed to paying the remaining balance of R2.5 million.

The equitable share is a critical component of municipal funding, enabling municipalities to fulfill their financial mandates. The withholding of these funds has raised concerns about the financial stability of the affected municipalities. However, with the intervention of the Co-operative Governance Department, it is hoped that the situation will be resolved soon, and the municipalities will be able to access their allocated funds.*North West Municipalities Face Financial Woes as Equitable Share Withheld*

Mahikeng - In a bid to ensure financial accountability, National Treasury has withheld the equitable share of six municipalities in the North West province. The affected municipalities include Tswaing, Kgetleng Rivier, Naledi, Maquassie Hills, Ditsobotla, and Mamusa Local Municipalities.

According to the directive from National Treasury, these municipalities are required to provide proof of payment or payment arrangements with third-party service providers before their equitable share can be released. This move is aimed at ensuring that municipalities prioritize their financial obligations, particularly with regards to paying salaries.

The provincial Co-operative Governance Department has stepped in to facilitate the release of the equitable share for the affected municipalities. MEC for Co-operative Governance, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, addressed the media in Mahikeng, assuring that the department is working tirelessly to resolve the issue.

In a positive development, Ditsobotla Municipality has committed to paying its third-party service providers, and a tranche payment of R15.6 million was released on July 25, 2025. Mamusa Municipality has also pledged to settle its outstanding debt with SARS, amounting to R7 million, once it receives its equitable share. The municipality has further committed to paying the remaining balance of R2.5 million.

The equitable share is a critical component of municipal funding, enabling municipalities to fulfill their financial mandates. The withholding of these funds has raised concerns about the financial stability of the affected municipalities. However, with the intervention of the Co-operative Governance Department, it is hoped that the situation will be resolved soon, and the municipalities will be able to access their allocated funds.

*Maquassi Hills Ward Committee Members Trained on Thuntsa Lerole Mobile App*The Office of the Speaker in Maquassi Hills ...
26/07/2025

*Maquassi Hills Ward Committee Members Trained on Thuntsa Lerole Mobile App*

The Office of the Speaker in Maquassi Hills recently hosted a workshop for Ward Committee members on the new Thuntsa Lerole Mobile App at the Wolmaransstad town hall. The training, led by Percy Mokgabi, Head in the Office of the Speaker, aimed to equip committee members with the skills to effectively utilize the app in reporting service delivery challenges in their wards.

The Thuntsa Lerole Mobile App, powered by Survey 123, is part of the provincial government's accelerated service delivery programme. The app allows users to capture and report service delivery challenges, even offline, and send the information once internet connectivity is available. This innovative tool complements existing reporting channels, including the provincial toll-free number, walk-ins, and social media pages.

According to Mokgabi, the app provides evidence-based information on service delivery challenges, enabling the government to respond promptly and efficiently to community needs. The workshop was designed to ensure that Ward Committee members are well-versed in using the app to report service delivery issues, thereby enhancing the government's ability to address these challenges.

The Office of the Speaker plans to continue rolling out the Thuntsa Lerole initiative across the district, with the next leg scheduled to take place in Maquassi Hills on August 1. This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and enhance community engagement.

Executive Mayor Cllr Nikiwe Num Launches EPWP Verification and Orientation Programme in Maquassi Hills17 July 2025 – The...
17/07/2025

Executive Mayor Cllr Nikiwe Num Launches EPWP Verification and Orientation Programme in Maquassi Hills

17 July 2025 – The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Nikiwe Num, today officially launched the EPWP Verification and Orientation Programme, which will be rolled out across the three local municipalities within the district.

The programme kickstarted in Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, with a strong presence from all wards, including communities from Makwasi, Leeudoringstad, Witpoort, and Wolmaranstad. The Executive Mayor ensured that every ward was well represented, reflecting the district's commitment to inclusive development and fair opportunities.

This initiative, which had previously come to an end due to the completion of its term, has now been revived with fresh energy and a renewed mandate. The verification and orientation process forms part of efforts to reabsorb participants into the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), creating much-needed employment opportunities and upskilling within local communities.

Addressing the participants, Cllr Num expressed her appreciation for the resilience and dedication of those involved. She took time to personally engage with the beneficiaries, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. "This programme is not just about work—it’s about restoring dignity, building skills, and empowering our communities for a better future," she said.

The programme will next move to JB Marks Local Municipality, and will conclude its district-wide rollout in the City of Matlosana.

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality remains committed to creating meaningful and sustainable job opportunities through EPWP and other development-focused initiatives.

Address

Leeudoringstad

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
Sunday 08:00 - 13:00

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+27787859336

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