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.

READING PROGRAMME MARKS THREE YEARS OF TRANSFORMING LITERACY AND EMPOWERING FUTURE EDUCATORSA local reading programme is...
23/06/2025

READING PROGRAMME MARKS THREE YEARS OF TRANSFORMING LITERACY AND EMPOWERING FUTURE EDUCATORS

A local reading programme is making a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners by boosting literacy skills and strengthening the quality of education across local schools in Kanana and Kgakala. Now in its third year, this initiative continues to grow in both reach and impact, and has demonstrated measurable success by fully integrating reading time into school timetables and providing career opportunities for youth.

Funded by Bokamoso Solar in partnership with READ Foundation, this programme was established with the aim of reducing the gap that learners experience in school, especially as a result of Covid-19.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to long-term, meaningful change in education. By investing in both learners and aspiring teachers, we are building a stronger educational foundation and supporting youth employment and skills development,” said Qinisani Siveshe, Social Performance Manager for Bokamoso Solar.

With the successful placement of a second group of learner assistants at four local primary schools, the programme is now fully integrated into the school day, aligning with the timetables at Atamela and Reahola Primary Schools in Kanana, as well as Thusang and Koketso Primary Schools in Kgakala.

This integration provides grade 4 learners with focused support to enhance their vocabulary, reading fluency, and writing skills. Originally conducted outside of school hours, the programme has been redesigned to take place during the school day, a change that has improved learner safety and strengthened the connection between the programme and regular school activities.

“Having Learner Assistants in our school has made teachers’ work more efficient and less stressful. Learners are more confident, their language skills have improved, and learning has become more interactive. Their presence has created a more positive and productive learning environment for both teachers and learners,” said Mrs. M. Marumo, Deputy Principal of Atamela Primary School.

This year’s cohort of Learner Assistants is the first to benefit from the programme’s full range of enhancements. These include training in pedagogy, digital literacy, mental health support, and access to structured professional development pathways. Most of the Learner Assistants are students pursuing teaching qualifications, making the programme a vital step in their professional journey.
As a result, many of the Learner Assistants have secured permanent employment or gained practical teaching experience, while others have improved their communication, confidence, and classroom management skills, demonstrating the success of this initiative.

“Being part of this programme has been a truly rewarding experience for me. I now find great joy in seeing my learners improve. This programme has not only supported their growth but has also helped me become more confident and passionate about teaching,” said one of the Learner Assistants, Alinah Dibolelo Bothitho from Atamela Primary School.

*Fire Awareness Campaign Rocks Kagakala Ext 4*A collaborative fire awareness campaign was held in Kagakala Ext 4, Leeudo...
12/06/2025

*Fire Awareness Campaign Rocks Kagakala Ext 4*

A collaborative fire awareness campaign was held in Kagakala Ext 4, Leeudoringstad, with various departments and organizations coming together to educate the community on fire safety. The event saw participation from the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Fire Department, Working on Fire from Wolwespruit Nature Reserve, the Community Police Forum (CPF), and Community Safety Patrollers from the Leeudoringstad Police Station.

Mr. Kgomokae, a key speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to prevent fires. "Reducing alcohol intake is crucial, as intoxication can lead to careless actions like leaving a paraffin stove or 'mbawula' alight, which can cause unnecessary fires and damage to property," he warned.

Mr. Kgomokae also highlighted several crucial fire safety tips for homeowners. "Having an alternative exit door in your home and familiarizing yourself with the layout can be lifesaving in a fire emergency," he advised. "When trapped in a fire, always follow the left-hand rule to find your way out, and ensure all doors are in working order to avoid being trapped."

Additionally, Mr. Kgomokae stressed the importance of knowing whether children are inside the house during a fire and designating an assembly point for families to gather at in case of an emergency. "If you don't have an assembly point, create one," he urged.

Mr. Godiriwamang from Working on Fire also addressed the community, focusing on wildfires and their impact. "In farm areas, it's essential to have fire breaks to prevent the spread of wildfires," he said. "When making fires at home, especially in townships, ensure there are no flammable materials or grass nearby, and that the fire is properly secured."

Mr. Godiriwamang walked the community through the fire danger index colors, explaining their meanings. "For instance, blue and red colors indicate different levels of fire risk. It's crucial to understand these indicators to take necessary precautions," he advised. He also emphasized the importance of responsible behavior regarding fire. "Never let our kids play with matches unnecessarily, as this might start a fire that could get out of control and cause damage to properties or even loss of life," he warned.

The community was reminded to abstain from starting unnecessary fires, as they can easily spread and cause harm. "Let's be mindful of our actions and take steps to prevent fires," Mr. Godiriwamang urged.

The Fire Department's contact numbers, 018 596 1400/1111, were shared with the community, along with advice on what to do during emergencies. Mr. Kgomokae reiterated the importance of providing contact numbers when calling for help. "When calling the Fire Department, please provide your contact number first, so we can call you back in case your call gets disconnected due to airtime issues," he said.

The campaign aimed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies, fostering a safer community for all.

12/06/2025

*Fire Awareness Campaign Rocks Kagakala Ext 4*

A collaborative fire awareness campaign was held in Kagakala Ext 4, Leeudoringstad, with various departments and organizations coming together to educate the community on fire safety. The event saw participation from the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality Fire Department, Working on Fire from Wolwespruit Nature Reserve, the Community Police Forum (CPF), and Community Safety Patrollers from the Leeudoringstad Police Station.

Mr. Kgomokae, a key speaker at the event, emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to prevent fires. "Reducing alcohol intake is crucial, as intoxication can lead to careless actions like leaving a paraffin stove or 'mbawula' alight, which can cause unnecessary fires and damage to property," he warned.

Mr. Kgomokae also highlighted several crucial fire safety tips for homeowners. "Having an alternative exit door in your home and familiarizing yourself with the layout can be lifesaving in a fire emergency," he advised. "When trapped in a fire, always follow the left-hand rule to find your way out, and ensure all doors are in working order to avoid being trapped."

Additionally, Mr. Kgomokae stressed the importance of knowing whether children are inside the house during a fire and designating an assembly point for families to gather at in case of an emergency. "If you don't have an assembly point, create one," he urged.

Mr. Godiriwamang from Working on Fire also addressed the community, focusing on wildfires and their impact. "In farm areas, it's essential to have fire breaks to prevent the spread of wildfires," he said. "When making fires at home, especially in townships, ensure there are no flammable materials or grass nearby, and that the fire is properly secured."

Mr. Godiriwamang walked the community through the fire danger index colors, explaining their meanings. "For instance, blue and red colors indicate different levels of fire risk. It's crucial to understand these indicators to take necessary precautions," he advised. He also emphasized the importance of responsible behavior regarding fire. "Never let our kids play with matches unnecessarily, as this might start a fire that could get out of control and cause damage to properties or even loss of life," he warned.

The community was reminded to abstain from starting unnecessary fires, as they can easily spread and cause harm. "Let's be mindful of our actions and take steps to prevent fires," Mr. Godiriwamang urged.

The Fire Department's contact numbers, 018 596 1400/1111, were shared with the community, along with advice on what to do during emergencies. Mr. Kgomokae reiterated the importance of providing contact numbers when calling for help. "When calling the Fire Department, please provide your contact number first, so we can call you back in case your call gets disconnected due to airtime issues," he said.

The campaign aimed to equip residents with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies, fostering a safer community for all.

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean national, Gordon Sibanda, is expected to appear before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court on T...
06/06/2025

A 42-year-old Zimbabwean national, Gordon Sibanda, is expected to appear before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025 for a bail application, following his first appearance at the Wolmaransstad Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 04 June 2025. The accused is facing a charge of illegal possession of illicit ci******es.

The accused was arrested on Monday, 02 June 2025 after police stopped and searched a truck on the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road, finding 169 boxes of illicit Chief and Re*****on ci******es worth an estimated R850 000,00. Both the truck and the ci******es were confiscated.

SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY HANDS OVER MEMORANDUM TO DISTRICT AND LOCAL MAYOR'S AT THE RIO CASINO IN KLERSDORP. 09/05/2025 :In a...
09/05/2025

SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY HANDS OVER MEMORANDUM TO DISTRICT AND LOCAL MAYOR'S AT THE RIO CASINO IN KLERSDORP.

09/05/2025 :In a peaceful but firm demonstration of civic engagement, the residents of Sunnyside in Jouberton came together to hand over a Memorandum of Grievances to the Executive Mayor of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Cllr Nikiwe Num, in the presence of the Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana, Cllr Fikile Mahlophe.

The community raised pressing service delivery issues that continue to affect their quality of life. Among the most critical concerns highlighted in the memorandum were:

Poor road conditions hindering mobility and safety in the area.
Sewer spillages that are contaminating the nearby Jagspruit River, posing a serious health hazard to families and especially children.
A request for a mobile clinic to visit at least twice a month to provide basic healthcare services in the absence of a local health facility.
The ongoing problem of unmonitored pit toilets, many of which are now full, creating unsanitary and undignified living conditions.

The residents emphasized that these challenges are not just inconveniences but issues that affect their health, dignity, and daily livelihoods.

In response, Cllr Nikiwe Num assured the community that both she and Cllr Mahlophe had received the memorandum and would treat the issues with the seriousness they deserve. “We acknowledge receipt of the memorandum,” said Cllr Num, “and we request at least 14 days to thoroughly investigate these matters and provide the community with a proper response.”

The engagement marked a crucial step in community-government dialogue, as the people of Sunnyside continue to advocate for better living conditions and improved services.

The community now awaits feedback from leadership and hopes for action that will bring real change.

05/05/2025

The introduction of the new North West Liquor Licensing Amendment Act, came into effect on 1 April, replacing the Liquor Act 27 of 1989 (legally ceasing on 31 March).
Under the updated regulations, liquor stores may now operate from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays, and from 08:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and Saturdays.
Supermarkets that sell wine are permitted to trade from 08:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

However, trading hours for liquor at pubs, restaurants, clubs, and taverns have been reduced by two hours. These establishments may now only serve liquor between 10:00 and midnight.
According to research conducted during the amendment process, most contact crimes were found to occur between midnight and 02:00, leading to the decision to limit late-night alcohol sales.
Event licenses allow liquor trading from 10:00 to midnight for businesses, while residential event licenses permit trading from 10:00 to 22:00.

*Celebrating World Book Day with Young Bookworms from Tiragalo Secondary School and Koketso Primary School*The Leeudorin...
23/04/2025

*Celebrating World Book Day with Young Bookworms from Tiragalo Secondary School and Koketso Primary School*

The Leeudoringstad Library hosted a fun-filled World Book Day celebration with learners from Tiragalo Secondary School and Koketso Primary School at Koketso Primary School.

The event was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as young bookworms gathered to share their love of reading.

The celebration featured a lively book fair where learners browsed through various books, discovering new authors and genres. Interactive activities included book-themed games, quizzes, and storytelling sessions, testing knowledge and encouraging creative thinking and communication skills.

The event aimed to promote literacy and a love of reading among learners, inspiring a lifelong passion for reading. The Leeudoringstad Library's community engagement initiatives demonstrate its commitment to promoting literacy in the community.

Learners' Feedback
- "I loved the book fair! I found a new book series that I'm excited to read." - Tiragalo Secondary School learner
- "The storytelling session was my favorite part. I loved hearing about different adventures." - Koketso Primary School learner

The Leeudoringstad Library's World Book Day celebration was a success, inspiring young minds to develop a lifelong love for reading.



From Setbacks to Success: A Farmer's Journey of ResilienceXolani Namane's Story of Perseverance and Determination in Agr...
16/04/2025

From Setbacks to Success: A Farmer's Journey of Resilience

Xolani Namane's Story of Perseverance and Determination in Agriculture

As I sat down with Xolani Namane, the founder of a local agricultural venture, I was struck by his unwavering passion for farming and his unshakeable resolve to succeed despite numerous challenges. Born as the firstborn of three children, Xolani was instilled with a strong work ethic from a young age, laying the foundation for his resilience.

Initially, Xolani pursued a career in the corporate world, driven by his father's vision for him to become a chartered accountant. However, it was through his grandfather that he discovered his true passion for farming. The invaluable knowledge and expertise he gained from his grandfather would ultimately shape his future.

Xolani's agricultural journey began humbly, with 100 broiler chickens in his father's garage. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including stock theft and failed ventures, Xolani persevered, leveraging each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning.

One of the most significant challenges Xolani faced was the loss of his entire stock of 60 pigs due to stock theft. This setback forced him to restart, but he refused to give up. After extensive research, Xolani secured funding to construct a 1000-capacity hatchery from the ground up. Although this venture ultimately failed, Xolani learned valuable lessons that would inform his future endeavors.

Undeterred, Xolani continued to innovate and adapt. He developed a 12,000-capacity hatchery using cost-effective materials, but unfortunately, it failed to maintain adequate heat, resulting in another significant loss. Xolani's foray into maize production was also marred by theft, with 80% of his crop being stolen.

Despite these setbacks, Xolani remained committed to his vision. He ventured into sugar bean production, managing to secure investors, but ultimately incurred substantial losses. However, Xolani's experiences have taught him valuable lessons about resilience and determination.

In reflecting on his journey, Xolani offers a message to fellow farmers: "Life is replete with disappointments, failures, and setbacks, but it is imperative to recognize that each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and learning. You possess the innate ability to overcome any challenge that life presents. A resilient mindset is the most powerful tool at your disposal."

Xolani's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. His journey is a reminder that success is not defined by the absence of challenges, but by the ability to overcome them. As Xolani continues to pursue his passion for farming, his story inspires others to do the same, demonstrating that with resilience and determination, anything is possible.

17/03/2025

The Dr Kenneth Kaunda Regional Taxi Associations have outlined the following demands and actions regarding the regional shutdown.

Demands for Engagement
- The Taxi Associations are demanding the presence of the *Public Safety MEC and the Premier to address their grievances.
- If the officials fail to engage, a 3 DAY SHUTDOWN will follow.
- Continued inaction will result in escalating the matter to a TOTAL PROVINCIAL SHUTDOWN.

Clarification on Intentions
- Mr. Shakes Mayekani, Chairperson of SANTACO in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region, clarified that the shutdown was "not intended to disrupt municipal operations or school attendance".
- The action primarily targeted the N12 highway to draw attention to their issues.

However, the closure caused traffic disruptions along affected routes.

The associations remain firm in their stance, demanding immediate attention from the authorities.
(Image: Jouberton/Alabama/ Tower Mall earlier)

21/01/2025

Hi everyone! 🌟 You can support me by sending Stars - they help me earn money to keep making content you love.

Whenever you see the Stars icon, you can send me Stars!

A Leeudoringstad policeman is one of the province’s top pool players. Vincent Maphazi plays blackball and eightball and ...
21/01/2025

A Leeudoringstad policeman is one of the province’s top pool players. Vincent Maphazi plays blackball and eightball and he is the 8ball NW player of the year 2024. He is affiliated with NW Pool under Eightball and under SABF under SAPS and has provincial colours under NW Pool and SA colours under SABF. Last year he qualified in Cape Town to represent SA at the EBA Nations Cup of Blackball Pool held in England.

“I really struggled to get the funds as each and every player was expected to pay for himself with an amount over R45 000, but I eventually got helped after that long struggle,” he said.

He has qualified again to represent SA in April and is asking for financial assistance.

Contact him on 076 166 4011 if you can help him compete for South Africa.

The DR Kenneth Kaunda District Single Whip Cllr Jeffrey Lesie is Celebrating Excellence and Addressing Challenges at Ntl...
17/01/2025

The DR Kenneth Kaunda District Single Whip Cllr Jeffrey Lesie is Celebrating Excellence and Addressing Challenges at Ntlatseng Combined School.

The Single Whip of Council, Cllr Jeffrey Lesie, conducted a school reopening visit at Ntlatseng Combined School, nestled in the rural heart of Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. This visit came at a moment of pride and celebration as the school achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate in the recently announced 2024 matric results.

Cllr Lesie extended warm congratulations to the school principal, Ms. Kola, the dedicated teaching staff, and the School Governing Body (SGB) for their unwavering commitment to excellence. This achievement stands as a testament to the determination and resilience of both the educators and learners in overcoming challenges.

During the visit, important concerns were raised by the principal and the SGB, led by Cllr Motaung, regarding the state of the foundation phase block. The ceiling of this block collapsed due to poor workmanship, exacerbated by strong winds that swept through the area. Additionally, the theft of electric cables in the block has created further challenges for the school.

In response, Cllr Lesie assured the school community that these issues would be escalated to the relevant stakeholders. He committed to following up on these matters to ensure that the necessary interventions are made to restore a safe and conducive learning environment.

Ntlatseng Combined School's success story inspires hope, proving that even in rural settings, excellence is achievable with hard work and collaboration. As we celebrate their accomplishment, let us also rally together to address the challenges they face.

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

Telephone

+27787859336

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The HILLS Community Newspaper posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The HILLS Community Newspaper:

Shortcuts

Share

Category