Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance, Francois Rodgers, has allocated R6.5 million to the Provincial Supply Chain Management (SCM) Unit within the provincial Treasury department to strengthen support for municipalities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department explained that the R6.5 million earmarked for the SCM Unit will fund targeted interventions aimed at addressing persistent weaknesses in municipal financial management, particularly the growing levels of Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE).

UIFWE has increased from R13.478 billion in June 2024 to R15.712 billion in June 2025, with 10 municipalities accounting for R11.490 billion collectively.

In addition, a further R6 million has been allocated to the Provincial Accountant-General’s Office to enhance its work with the Department of Education.

The allocations form part of R17 million in savings realised within the MEC’s Ministry during the 2025/26 financial year. The move reflects the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to redirecting resources towards improving financial governance, fighting corruption, and enforcing compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Rodgers said the continued rise in irregular and wasteful expenditure is unacceptable and undermines service delivery.

“Through these targeted interventions, we are strengthening oversight, closing governance gaps, and ensuring that municipalities comply fully with the MFMA,” Rodgers said.

While eThekwini and uMsunduzi Municipalities are receiving support directly from National Treasury, focused assistance from the provincial Treasury will be provided to eight municipalities.

The support will be given to the municipalities through the development and implementation of UIFWE reduction strategies, strengthening SCM governance and compliance, improving contract management, and building technical capacity among officials.

The municipalities set to benefit are uMkhanyakude District Municipality, Mtubatuba Local Municipality, uThukela District Municipality, AbaQulusi Local Municipality, uMzinyathi District Municipality, Mpofana Local Municipality, Newcastle Local Municipality, and Zululand District Municipality.

The MEC said the balance of the savings, amounting R4.5 million, will be allocated to the implementation of the Provincial Financial Recovery Plan.

These interventions build on Rodgers’ reform-driven approach, including his decision in the 2024/25 financial year to reinvest savings from the department into the development of a digital procurement system aimed at reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption within supply chain processes. – SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa’s growing export performance is helping to drive economic growth, support jobs and create new opportunities for producers, as government continues its efforts to build an economy that works for all South Africans.

New trade data released by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) shows that the country recorded a preliminary trade surplus of R15.2 billion in April 2026, while agricultural exports rose by 11% during the first quarter of the year, reflecting growing demand for South African products in international markets.

The positive export performance comes as government continues to implement measures aimed at expanding market access for local producers, strengthening key sectors of the economy and creating conditions for sustainable job creation.

This surplus was attributable to exports of R190.6 billion and imports of R175.4 billion, inclusive of trade with Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia. 

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the 11% increase in agricultural exports during the first quarter of 2026. New data released by Agbiz showed agricultural exports reached US$3.7 billion in the first three months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

According to the Minister, the growth was driven by exports of products including grapes, apples, pears, maize, wine, apricots, cherries, peaches, sugar, wool, fruit juices, nuts, avocados, pineapples, guavas, mangos and soya beans.

SARS said overall export growth in April was driven by higher exports of gold, platinum group metals (PGMs) and petroleum oils excluding crude. Export flows for April increased by 14.8% year-on-year, rising from R165.9 billion in April 2025 to R190.6 billion in April 2026.

The country’s year-to-date preliminary trade surplus reached R89.3 billion for the period from 1 January to 30 April 2026, more than double the R39.8 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Steenhuisen said the agricultural sector’s performance demonstrated the importance of expanding existing export markets and pursuing new opportunities for South African producers. 

He noted that continued export growth would depend on securing and protecting access to global markets.

The Minister highlighted recent market-access gains, including the conclusion of a Stone Fruit Protocol with China covering peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and prunes, as well as the reopening of fresh apple exports to Thailand under strict phytosanitary conditions.

While export values remained strong, Steenhuisen cautioned that logistical inefficiencies continued to pose challenges for exporters. 

He pointed to operational delays and congestion at the Port of Cape Town during the peak table grape season, which resulted in cargo rerouting and financial losses for producers and exporters.

On a month-on-month basis, South Africa’s exports increased by R3.4 billion, or 1.8%, between March and April 2026. 

Imports rose by R18.5 billion, or 11.8%, driven by higher imports of petroleum oils excluding crude, electric generating sets and automatic data processing machines.

SARS also revised its March 2026 trade surplus figure downward. The preliminary surplus of R31.9 billion announced previously was reduced by R1.7 billion due to ongoing Vouchers of Correction (VOCs), resulting in a final surplus of R30.2 billion. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its nationwide Operation Shanela crackdown on organised criminal networks involved in illicit trade, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and other serious and violent crimes.

These intelligence-led operations were conducted between 1 and 7 June across the country, resulting in the arrest of 17 587 suspects, including 2 549 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes. 

During the same period, 2 399 illegal foreigners were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act, with the most arrests recorded in Gauteng (959), followed by 529 in KwaZulu-Natal.

Police have also conducted operations targeting transitional criminal networks involved in illicit trade, including significant seizures of illicit cigarettes across multiple provinces. 

• On 3 June 2026, police intercepted a suspicious truck and arrested a 35-year-old male suspect for possession of suspected illicit cigarettes worth R7.5 million on the N1 near Vaal Plaza in the Free State.
• On 5 June 2026, police seized illicit cigarettes worth R3 million and arrested two foreign nationals in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
• On 4 June 2026, police arrested a 49-year-old Zimbabwean national after intercepting a Nissan truck carrying illicit tobacco, worth R1.5 million, along the R518 road in Limpopo.
• In the Western Cape, police seized illegal liquor worth more than R9 million and arrested three Chinese nationals following a coordinated operation in Paarl on 4 June 2026. 
• In the fight against transnational drug syndicates, law enforcement agencies secured a major victory when they seized 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine, worth R36 million, at the Durban Harbour on 6 June 2026.

Other key arrests this week include 1 564 suspects arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm]; 153 for murder; 157 for attempted murder; 135 for rape; 567 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 196 for dealing in drugs; 3 115 for possession of drugs; 499 for illegal dealing in liquor and 26 for human trafficking.

Police also confiscated and recovered 127 unlicensed firearms of various calibres; 1 898 rounds of ammunition; contraband goods worth more than R21 million; various types of drugs, and 59 hijacked and stolen vehicles. – SAnews.gov.za

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, confirmed the successful processing and repatriation of a group of 168 Mozambican nationals through the Lebombo Port of Entry.

The repatriation operation was facilitated by the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique in South Africa, which transported the individuals from Mossel Bay to the Lebombo Port of Entry using three buses. 

The group arrived at the port at approximately 8:30 pm on Sunday, and the operation was concluded at midnight. 

A total of 168 Mozambican nationals and one South African citizen arrived at the port for processing.  

Of the Mozambican nationals processed, 141 individuals, comprising 97 males and 44 females, were undocumented and were accordingly deported in terms of the Immigration Act. 

A further eight Mozambican nationals had valid passports and were processed for lawful departure. The group also included 19 minors. 

In line with established child protection protocols, all minors underwent the necessary processes in collaboration with the Department of Social Development to ensure that their best interests were safeguarded throughout the repatriation process.

The South African citizen was refused departure after indicating an intention to accompany the group to visit family in the Republic of Mozambique without following the appropriate travel arrangements.

In support of the operation, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted biometric fingerprint verification using mobile scanning devices to determine whether any of the repatriated individuals were linked to criminal activities or were wanted for outstanding offences in South Africa. 

The verification process confirmed that the only records identified were related to previous arrests for contraventions of immigration laws, specifically illegal presence within the Republic.

The Commissioner commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in facilitating the repatriation, including the Mozambican Embassy, SAPS, the Department of Social Development and BMA officials stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry.

“The successful conclusion of this operation demonstrates the importance of coordinated action between neighbouring countries and government stakeholders in managing migration in a lawful, humane and orderly manner. 

“The BMA remains committed to ensuring that all movements across our ports of entry are processed in accordance with the law while upholding the dignity and rights of all persons involved,” Masiapato said.

The BMA continues to work closely with domestic and international partners to strengthen migration management, secure South Africa’s borders, and facilitate the legitimate movement of people and goods through the country’s ports of entry. – SAnews.gov.za

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, will on Wednesday engage the Free State Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province.

The Deputy Minister will be accompanied by delegates from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand South Africa (Brand SA).  

“The engagement forms part of government’s ongoing communication policy advocacy programme aimed at enhancing a coordinated and integrated government communication system across all spheres of government,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Free State engagement follows a similar session held in the North West Province in March this year. It is part of a nationwide rollout intended to strengthen communication planning, promote a cohesive national narrative, support community media and advance South Africa’s nation-branding objectives. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and the Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have welcomed Cabinet’s decision to approve the closure of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), popularly known as e-tolls – a move that will bring much-needed relief and ease the financial burden on road users.  

The approval for the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to shut down e-tolls includes the close-out of GFIP historical e-toll debt and the resolution of all outstanding litigation matters. 

“Government reiterates that the close-out of GFIP e-toll debt is intended to provide certainty, resolve historical debt matters and support a sustainable approach to the funding, maintenance and improvement of South Africa’s national road network,” the Department of Transport said. 

The Minister and Deputy Minister have described this decision as a long-awaited step towards closing the GFIP e-toll matter in an orderly and responsible manner.

Creecy and Hlengwa said the decision will bring much-needed relief and ease the financial burden on road users, who are currently hard-pressed by high fuel costs linked to ongoing geopolitical developments.

GFIP was implemented and operated by SANRAL in terms of the applicable tolling framework and approvals that were in place at the time. 

The e-toll system was introduced as a funding mechanism for the upgraded Gauteng freeway network.

The approval follows government’s decision to close the GFIP e-toll scheme and the subsequent withdrawal of the GFIP toll declarations, which took effect on 11 April 2024.

Cabinet’s approval confirms that the outstanding and unpaid historical GFIP e-toll debt owed by road users will be written off; SANRAL will not pursue any further collection of historical GFIP e-toll debt; and road users who lawfully paid e-tolls while the system was legally in force will not be refunded.

The no-refund position arises from the fact that the levies were lawful at the time they were paid, that is, before the toll declarations were withdrawn.

The write-off of outstanding debt gives effect to government’s decision to close the GFIP e-toll scheme and provide finality for road users, SANRAL and the fiscus.

“Government further emphasises that the user-pay principle remains an important part of South Africa’s road infrastructure funding framework where it is broadly accepted by road users through negotiation and agreement, appropriately structured, legally sound and supported by clear policy certainty,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

In a move to grow the economy and support the creation of jobs for South Africans, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is supporting four South African companies in the forestry sector at the WoodEX for Africa and Deck and Flooring Expo, taking place from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The exhibition provides an important platform for CMAS Trading and Projects, Seltech Cupboards, Roofbrands and Truss Master to showcase their products, explore new business opportunities and strengthen their presence in both local and international markets.

According to the department, the support forms part of its broader industrial policy objectives aimed at promoting industrialisation, strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing business competitiveness, encouraging value-added production, expanding market access for businesses, supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and creating sustainable jobs.

“Through participation in the exhibition, the dtic aims to grow South Africa’s forestry and furniture manufacturing industries, strengthen industry value chains, and increase commercial opportunities for local businesses,” the department said.

Recognised as a leading event for machinery, tools, forestry and timber supplies in southern Africa, WoodEX for Africa brings together trade and industry professionals, specialised dealers and businesses from across the sector.

The expo offers participants an opportunity to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and innovations, establish valuable business connections and identify new commercial prospects within the timber trade.

The dtic said its support for the participating companies forms part of ongoing efforts to grow South Africa’s forestry and furniture manufacturing industries through targeted policies, programmes and strategic interventions.

These initiatives are designed to strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses, encourage value-added production, expand access to new markets and unlock additional commercial opportunities.

At the exhibition, the four companies will showcase their capabilities, engage with potential customers, forge business partnerships and explore new trade opportunities aimed at expanding their commercial footprint.

The event will also provide a valuable platform for engagement between the dtic and industry stakeholders. Visitors to the department’s exhibition stand will be able to interact directly with officials, learn more about available business support and gain insight into programmes and incentives aimed at strengthening the forestry sector and supporting its long-term growth.

The dtic reaffirmed its commitment to implementing industrial policy measures that support industrialisation, investment, localisation, export growth and job creation, while fostering the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of South Africa’s forestry and furniture manufacturing industries. – SAnews.gov.za