Category: Africa

Transnet has suspended nine employees implicated in alleged collusion with suppliers as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption and misconduct within the organisation. 

Disciplinary proceedings against three of the suspended employees have commenced, with charges against other implicated officials imminent. 

Transnet uncovered irregularities through an internal investigation in which 34 audits were undertaken across two Transnet operating divisions for transactions concluded in the 2024/25 financial year.

The audit found that suppliers were overcharging Transnet by anything between 50% and 1000% across several items.  

The process to blacklist suppliers involved has also commenced.

“Transnet maintains a zero-tolerance stance on any form of impropriety. This extends beyond instances of overcharging, as such conduct directly undermines our operational efficiency and financial performance,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said on Wednesday in a statement.

This development marks a critical step in strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and safeguarding Transnet’s operational and financial integrity.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to eradicating corruption across the organisation and will not allow the conduct of a few individuals to derail the pursuit of our strategic objectives,” Phillips said.

Transnet has already approached law enforcement agencies for assistance. 

While the consequence management processes are proceeding, Transnet is also finalising targeted actions and implementing systemic improvements to detect and prevent the recurrence of such practices.

Further investigations are ongoing. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended heartfelt condolences, following the passing of veteran politician and struggle stalwart, Mosiuoa Lekota, describing him as a patriot whose life was deeply intertwined with South Africa’s liberation and democratic journey.

Lekota passed away at the age of 77 earlier today. 

In a statement, the President said his thoughts and prayers were with Lekota’s family, the Congress of the People and political associates across the spectrum. 

Born on 13 August 1948 in Kroonstad in the Free State, Lekota – affectionately known as “Terror” for his prowess on the soccer field – dedicated his youth and adult life to the struggle against apartheid. He was a member and organiser of the South African Students’ Organisation and was prosecuted by the apartheid regime, leading to his imprisonment on Robben Island in 1974.

He spent eight years behind bars alongside struggle icons, including Nelson Mandela, before his release in 1982. Upon regaining his freedom, Lekota resumed activism and became a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), a broad non-racial coalition of more than 400 grassroots organisations formed in 1983 to oppose the apartheid government’s Tricameral Parliament.

His involvement in the UDF led to his conviction in 1988 during the four-year Delmas Treason Trial, where the State attempted to link non-violent resistance to unrest in the Vaal. Although he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment, his conviction and those of his co-accused were overturned in 1989.

In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996 and went on to become the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999. He was appointed Minister of Defence in 1999, a portfolio he held until 2008.

He also served as National Chairperson of the African National Congress before co-founding the Congress of the People in 2008, adding to the diversity of South Africa’s democratic landscape.

Paying tribute, President Ramaphosa said South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a servant of the people, whose life story is closely intertwined with the country’s journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy. 

“His life was one of resilience, courage, and steadfast belief in justice. We honour him especially for his principled dedication to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa,” he said. 

The President further lauded Lekota’s contribution to strengthening democratic institutions, particularly his role in the establishment of the National Council of Provinces, which enhanced representation of communities in the national legislature.

“We will remember Mosiuoa for his patriotism, his intellect and his personable nature, and we will continue to work for the inclusive, non-racial South Africa for which he sacrificed so much and worked so passionately,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the arrest of a police constable for murder and housebreaking.

Constable Kutlwano Joy Tshepe (29) was apprehended on Thursday evening in Phokeng. 

This followed allegations that he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house in Roma Section during the early hours of Thursday and stole cash while she was hiding inside the residence. She reportedly escaped through an open window to a nearby family member’s house.

“It is further alleged that the constable then proceeded to the residence of his ex-girlfriend’s 33-year-old boyfriend, where he assaulted him. The victim was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical and Rescue Services after sustaining multiple injuries, including a severe head injury,” the police said in a statement.

The accused made his first appearance at the Tlhabane Magistrate Court on Monday. He was remanded in custody until his second court appearance before the same court on Monday, 9 March 2026, for a formal bail application. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is continuing with the investigation.

Naidoo lauded Phokeng detectives for their vigilance, which led to the arrest. 

He said the case should serve as a warning to all SAPS employees involved in criminal activities that, if caught, they will face the full might of the law, including internal disciplinary processes. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has highlighted the need to safeguard the biodiversity economy through stronger collaboration with communities and traditional authorities.

“Communities are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of conservation. Through co-management arrangements and representation in decision-making structures, they are active partners shaping the future of protected areas,” the Minister said on Monday in Kimberly. 

Addressing 10th People and Parks National Conference, he emphasised that the government has advanced land reform and restitution within protected areas, restoring land rights while ensuring biodiversity remains protected for future generations.

“We have expanded socio-economic opportunities linked to conservation by creating jobs, supporting enterprise development in eco-tourism and biodiversity stewardship, investing in infrastructure, and equipping young people with skills to participate in the biodiversity economy.

“We have strengthened partnerships across spheres of government, conservation agencies, traditional leadership, civil society and the private sector, who all play their part.

“And through biodiversity stewardship and conservation expansion initiatives, communities and private landowners are contributing to the growth of our conservation estate. These achievements affirm a simple truth: when communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest champions,” Aucamp said.

He said around the world, there is growing recognition that nature is not a luxury; it is the foundation of economic growth, social wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

“South Africa is globally recognised for its extraordinary biodiversity, and this natural heritage is one of our greatest national assets. But its protection cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of the people who live closest to it,” the Minister said.

For 20 years, the People and Parks Programme has strengthened partnerships between conservation authorities and communities adjacent to protected areas. 

“Over time, it has become a cornerstone of inclusive conservation in our country. Communities are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of conservation. 

“Through co-management arrangements and representation in decision-making structures, they are active partners shaping the future of protected areas.

“We have expanded socio-economic opportunities linked to conservation by creating jobs, supporting enterprise development in eco-tourism and biodiversity stewardship, investing in infrastructure, and equipping young people with skills to participate in the biodiversity economy,” the Minister said.

In addition, partnerships have been strengthened across spheres of government, conservation agencies, traditional leadership, civil society and the private sector, who all play their part.

“And through biodiversity stewardship and conservation expansion initiatives, communities and private landowners are contributing to the growth of our conservation estate.

“These achievements affirm a simple truth: when communities benefit from conservation, they become its strongest champions,” the Minister said.

While the partnerships between the conservation authorities and communities have been strengthened, human-wildlife conflict remains a serious concern in areas surrounding protected areas such as the Kruger National Park, Mthethomusha Game Reserve, Songimvelo Game Reserve and Mawana Game Reserve, and so many others.

“Inadequate fencing, increasing wildlife pressures and insufficient compensation mechanisms place strain on already vulnerable communities.

“Budgetary pressures constrain management authorities and slow the implementation of co-management agreements. Infrastructure projects linked to the biodiversity economy are not moving at the pace our communities expect and deserve.

“These realities demand innovative and sustainable financing models, stronger mitigation measures, and closer collaboration between all stakeholders,” the Minister said.

At the global level, South Africa remains firmly committed to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls on all countries to ensure that by 2030, at least 30 percent of land, freshwater and marine areas are conserved through effectively managed and equitably governed systems that recognise community lands and traditional territories.

“Inclusive conservation is therefore not optional; it is a global obligation. Without community support, protected areas face resistance, enforcement becomes costly and unsustainable, and ultimately conservation outcomes weaken.

“The People and Parks Programme is central to ensuring that community lands contribute meaningfully to achieving this target, in a way that respects rights, restores dignity and creates opportunity,” the Minister stressed. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the decision to hold the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in eThekwini in August 2026, is an encouraging acknowledgement of the progress the city has made.

“This is a worthy recognition of the progress that has been made, together with all social partners, in restoring confidence in the city and encouragement to complete the work,” the President said.

The President said tangible progress had been made over the past two years since the establishment of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.

Established in April 2024, the working group is a collaborative initiative between The Presidency, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to address service delivery challenges, improve infrastructure, stabilise governance, and enhance economic growth in the municipality.

He said eThekwini has moved from the brink of decline to early recovery but warned that stabilisation must now give way to structural economic reform if the metro is to achieve catalytic growth. 

“When we first met in early 2024, we were navigating uncertainty. Confidence was fragile. Service delivery challenges were acute. Today, there are tangible signs that the decline has been arrested, that stability has taken root and that recovery is underway,” the President said. 

He met with the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), following the unveiling of landmark statues of struggle icons President Nelson Mandela and former African National Congress President Oliver Reginald Tambo, in the city on Tuesday.

The President said he looked forward, as the chair of SADC, to invite leaders from across the region to gather in eThekwini – where the African Union was launched – to deliberate on issues that are critical to the growth and development of Southern Africa.

It comes as South Africa assumes the interim leadership of the regional bloc.

President Ramaphosa was elected interim Chairperson of SADC during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held on 7 November 2025.

The decision followed the Republic of Madagascar’s move to relinquish its role as SADC Chair due to recent political developments that affected its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the position.

In line with provisions of the SADC Treaty, South Africa, as Deputy Chair, has assumed interim leadership of the regional body until August 2026, when the Summit is expected to make a formal determination.

SADC leaders had originally appointed South Africa as the incoming 46th Chair during the 45th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in August 2025. The Summit is the highest policy-making structure of the regional bloc.

Due to developments in Madagascar, however, South Africa has taken over earlier than anticipated and, as interim Chair, hosted SADC meetings from November 2025.

According to the Summit communiqué, South Africa will steer SADC under the theme adopted in August 2025: “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.”

The hosting of the 46th SADC Summit in eThekwini is therefore expected to cement South Africa’s leadership role within the bloc, while positioning the coastal city as a centre for regional diplomacy and economic cooperation in the year ahead. – SAnews.gov.za