Category: Africa

Rand Water has announced major planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which will lead to water supply interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.

According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity.  They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” the utility said in a statement.

Rand Water said the work had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during the winter season, which is traditionally a low-water-demand period.

Key maintenance activities will include Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems; the installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4; replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.

The planned maintenance will affect parts of Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Municipalities expected to be affected include the Metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities such as Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

Rand Water said various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” Rand Water said.

The utility added that regular updates on the maintenance programme would be communicated through its official channels, including social media platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a series of major breakthroughs in the fight against COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud.

This includes arrests in Mpumalanga, a conviction in the Free State and the preservation of assets obtained through the proceeds of crime.

“Together, these outcomes represent more than R27 million in UIF [TERS] funds that were siphoned from the state and are now preserved or recovered for the benefit of South Africans,” the unit said in a statement.

Mpumalanga ghost employees

In Mpumalanga, three people appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud involving ghost employees in the UIF-TERS scheme.

The three people – Fumu Mkalira Msiska, his wife Gladness Mkhonto Msiska and his brother-in-law, Bongani Zoran Mkhonto – allegedly fabricated employees and submitted fraudulent claims to the scheme.

“These ghost employees were used to channel public funds into private hands, depriving genuine workers of relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is further alleged that the funds were subsequently transferred from A and F Consulting to Khulani Quality Contribution, a company linked to Msiska’s wife. The brother-in-law, Mkhonto, allegedly acted as a runner by sourcing identification particulars used to facilitate fraudulent claims involving ghost employees and former workers of the company.

“When the SIU and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] interviewed some of the people from the North West and Mpumalanga whose details were used for these claims, and their details were obtained through scams that promised special grants, they were receiving free driving licenses or the details allegedly stolen from the local Sheriff’s office,” the SIU explained.

The husband-and-wife duo were granted R300 000 bail while Mkhonto was granted bail of R3 000.

“The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, issued a preservation order against assets suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including three properties in Pretoria, Middelburg, and White River, which were preserved, along with household goods, office equipment and bank accounts, ensuring that unlawfully acquired wealth is safeguarded pending forfeiture,” the corruption busting unit said.

Additional assets frozen include:

• 2019, Land Rover, Range Rover L560,
• A 2011 Toyota Fortuner
• A 2005 Mercedes-Benz, C180 Kompressor
• A 2015 BMW X6
• A 2019 Mercedes-Benz V250 D,
• 2010 Caterpillar, backhoe loader

In the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court, a 51-year-old man, Ente Thibello Sekhoto and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services were convicted and sentenced for fraud and money laundering.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Sekhoto fraudulently applied for relief funds on behalf of individuals who were not employed by his company, cheating the Unemployment Insurance Fund into paying R201 812.36 into his company’s bank account. The Department of Employment and Labour suffered direct financial loss,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit said the conviction and preservation order “demonstrate the effectiveness of SIU investigations in ensuring accountability and restitution of stolen public funds.

“The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These outcomes reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and restoring trust in institutions.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI), known as inflation, has risen by some 1.1% in April to reach some 4% mainly driven by rising fuel prices.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), this is the highest inflation has been since August 2024 when it stood at 4.4%.

“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18.2% from March, the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

“Petrol prices were up by 15.2% and diesel by 35.4%. The price for inland 93-octane petrol rose from R20.19 per litre in March to R23,25 per litre in April. This is the fifth-largest increase for this grade in 50 years, and the biggest this century. Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21.28 in March to R28.80 in April,” Stats SA said.

Furthermore, passenger transport services index climbed by some 3.1% between March and April, the “largest monthly rise since July 2022”.

“Following a 14.3% hike in March, the price of an air ticket jumped by a further 24.5%. This is the largest monthly increase in airfares since March 2008, when ticket prices rose by 32.4%,” the statistical service said.

Contrastingly, annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed for the third month in a row, decreasing from 3.6% in March to 2.9% in April.

“Meat registered the largest decline, easing from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April. Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3% and stewing beef from 22.6% to 8.7%. The rate for pork moderated from 19.5% to 17.7%.

“The cereal products category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation. Five of the 19 items in the category are cheaper than a year ago. These include white rice, maize meal, porridge, basmati rice and bread flour.

“Milk, other dairy products and eggs recorded its first annual increase since May 2025. The rate was 0.1%, up from March’s -0.5%. Powdered milk and eggs continue to occupy deflationary territory, at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively,” Stats SA highlighted.

The insurance index rose by some 1.3% owing to increase in medical aid contributions.

“Health insurance recorded a monthly rise of 1.8%, taking the annual increase to 8.3%.

“Several medical schemes increased their contributions earlier in the year, with the remainder implementing new premiums in April,” Stats SA noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has set aside R1.6 billion for activities related to the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, with an additional R50 million allocated to provincial baselines – demonstrating that GBVF remains a whole-of-government priority within the policing budget.

Presenting the 2026/27 South African Police Service (SAPS) Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said policing alone could not solve South Africa’s crime crisis and stressed the importance of coordinated action across government and communities.

“Policing alone cannot solve crime. Crime is driven by deep social and economic challenges that require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response,” Cachalia said.

He said the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy remains central to government’s approach, emphasising that preventing crime requires stronger families, safer schools, youth development, substance abuse prevention, better urban planning, stronger community partnerships and intergovernmental cooperation.

Cachalia said government remains firmly committed to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, with Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo leading initiatives aimed at improving the response to GBV.

The Minister also announced the implementation of a structured national community patroller programme aimed at improving visibility and strengthening community-based crime prevention in high-crime areas.

“These patrollers will not do police work, and will be properly regulated, community-centred and implemented under SAPS coordination, with appropriate vetting, training and oversight mechanisms,” Cachalia said.

He also commended the role already being played by community structures across the country in supporting law enforcement and strengthening social cohesion.

“Across the country, Community Policing Forums (CPF), neighbourhood structures, faith-based organisations and community volunteers continue to play an important role in strengthening safety and social cohesion,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Acting Free State Premier Jabu Mbalula on Tuesday led a high-level multi-stakeholder engagement in Hennenman aimed at resolving the ongoing shutdown in Phomolong linked to a solar project recruitment process.

The meeting follows a community engagement addressed by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae on 15 May 2026, amid growing tensions in the area.

Community members have raised concerns over what they describe as a flawed recruitment process connected to the solar project, which is expected to commence soon. 

The frustrations have since escalated into protest action and disruptions in the township.

The provincial government said the shutdown has severely affected access to essential services, including healthcare and schooling.

“Members of the community have unfortunately been unable to access health services and children have also not been able to attend school. Of concern, Grade 12 learners are writing an examination on Wednesday, 20 May 2026,” the statement said.

Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Mbalula appealed for calm and urged residents not to compromise the future of learners.

“Despite the differences between different parties, the education and future of learners must not be compromised, and all reasonable measures must be taken to ensure that there are no hinderances to their schooling and that they are able to write their mid-year examinations,” he said.

The Acting Premier acknowledged the frustrations raised by the community, saying their concerns must be treated with seriousness and humility.

“We have promised the people of Phomolong that the Free State Provincial Government will visit the area and update them on the latest developments. What we have always said is that local communities must be the primary beneficiaries of projects in their towns and we stand by that.

“What we are not going to allow is for individuals to use the genuine concerns of our people for selfish reasons,” Mbalula said.

Also attending the engagement were Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi, councillors Maxie Badenhorst and Phehello Nthuba, as well as representatives of Middelpunt PV Solar, the company responsible for the project.

Meanwhile, Mbalula is expected to attend a community meeting at Tiger Sports Ground on Wednesday afternoon as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the impasse. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says only 9% of employers inspected by the Department of Employment and Labour were found compliant with employment equity legislation during the 2025/26 financial year.

Delivering the Department of Employment and Labour’s Budget Vote 31 in Parliament on Tuesday, Meth said government is intensifying workplace inspections and labour law reforms to improve compliance and worker protection. 

“Through the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) process, the Labour Laws Amendment Bill proposes critical reforms to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, National Minimum Wage Act and Employment Equity Act.

“These changes are aimed at strengthening worker protection, improving dispute resolution, reducing unnecessary compliance burdens for small businesses and aligning legislation with Constitutional Court and Labour Court judgments,” the Minister said. 

Meth said the Labour Laws Amendment Bill was approved by Cabinet for public comment and published in the Government Gazette on 27 February 2026.

The process generated 216 public submissions, which are currently under review.

Employment equity compliance remains low

The Minister said more than 14 000 designated employers submitted Employment Equity reports, following the promulgation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act and introduction of sectoral numerical targets.

In addition, over 11 000 non-designated employers applied for compliance certificates.

However, compliance levels remain concerning.

“In the 2025/26 financial year, the Department targeted 3 324 Employment Equity inspections, including Director-General Reviews, re-assessments, and monitoring interventions.

“A total of 1 948 employers were reviewed and served with recommendations. Of these, only 181 employers were found compliant, representing a compliance rate of 9 percent, while 1 767 employers were found to be non-compliant and were issued with recommendations for corrective action,” Minister Meth said. 

10 000 permanent labour inspectors to be recruited

Meth said government is strengthening labour inspection and enforcement capacity through Project 20 000 inspector interns.

“The first phase of 10 000 inspector interns commenced during the 2025/26 financial year, and by the end of April 2026, approximately 3 800 young interns had already entered training and deployment processes,” the Minister said. 

She said a further 3 500 interns will begin at the end of May, while another 2 700 will start by the end of June 2026.

“These young recruits are the new boots on the ground in the fight against labour exploitation, non-compliance and workplace injustice,” she said.

Meth said the project gained momentum following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address that 10 000 permanent labour inspectors will be appointed.

“The Department will start with the recruitment of these permanent inspectors, instead of recruiting the remaining 10 000 interns. We have set aside R5 billion for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period,” she said. 

Minimum wage and worker protection

Meth said the National Minimum Wage continues to benefit millions of workers.

“Since its introduction, the National Minimum Wage has benefited an estimated six million workers,” she said. 

She added that the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) continues to focus on conflict prevention and job retention. 

“In the current year, it targets the resolution of 99% of cases within prescribed timeframes and seeks to address 90% of public interest disputes while supporting the preservation of jobs during retrenchment processes,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been allocated R127.072 billion for the 2026/27 financial year, with an expected increase to R135.8 billion by the 2028/29 financial year, making it the largest institution in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.

Presenting SAPS Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia described the allocation as part of a broader “police reset agenda” aimed at building a modern, professional and trusted police service that places the safety of people first.

Cachalia emphasised that the police “reset agenda” was not a one-year project finalised in an annual budget cycle.

“It requires a multi-year turnaround strategy that is consistently implemented. The actions we take in this financial year should contribute to the foundations upon which a strengthened SAPS can be built.

“We won’t promise miracles or short-term fixes. What matters is that the direction we are taking is clear and the goals are firm,” the Acting Minister said.

He said the budget backs the department’s longer-term strategy focusing on the integrity of the SAPS, its intelligence, and investigative capabilities, in order to improve community safety.

He acknowledged growing public frustration over crime levels, corruption, and poor policing standards, saying South Africans wanted a police service that is visible, disciplined, and trustworthy.

While commending the thousands of police officers serving under dangerous conditions, the Acting Minister admitted that SAPS remained affected by systemic corruption, particularly within procurement systems.

He said investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission and internal anti-corruption efforts were continuing, warning that more arrests of implicated officials could follow.

“Most of the recent arrests and criminal charges against senior police officers is the result of investigations that predate the Madlanga Commission. However, the important work of the Madlanga Commission is assisting our endeavours to improve accountability in policing.

“The SAPS has established a dedicated Task Team to investigate referrals arising out of the Madlanga Commission. The Task Team is making progress, [and] arrests will continue,” Cachalia said.

He said a major focus of the budget will be strengthening Crime Intelligence and the Detective Service, with government aiming to improve intelligence-led policing, criminal investigations, and prosecution outcomes.

Cachalia emphasised the need for effective crime intelligence to fight organised crime; identify threats early, infiltrate organised criminal networks, prevent violent crime and guide operational deployments through credible information and analysis.

“To retain expertise, the Detective Critical Skills Allowance of R1000, introduced in October 2025 will continue to support both SAPS and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation investigators.”

Tackling organised crime

A new Organised Crime Strategy has been developed to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve interdepartmental coordination, intensify financial investigations and enhance partnerships with the private sector and international law enforcement agencies.

Cachalia said substantial resources have been allocated from Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) funds and the Medium-term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget.

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation will continue strengthening cross-border cooperation and intelligence-sharing to target criminal networks operating across the region and beyond.

Government has also allocated additional resources towards combating illegal firearms, including funding for firearm licensing and compliance activities, as well as the development of an upgraded digital Firearms Control Management System.

To strengthen regulation and enforcement under the Firearms Control Act, an additional R18 million has been allocated over and above the baseline allocation for licensing and compliance activities.

The Acting Minister announced the introduction of a renewed focus on the country’s 50 highest-crime police precincts, where detailed assessments will be conducted to evaluate leadership, staffing levels, operational readiness, detective performance, and infrastructure requirements at these stations.

“A strengthened monitoring system will assess whether resources are directed strategically towards crime hotspots and offenders who cause the most harm to their communities. 

“The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service will be playing a key role here. We will continue investing in police stations, mobile Community Service Centres and station maintenance to improve service delivery and police visibility.

“The Police Modernisation Project aims digitalise administrative systems and improve operational efficiency, allowing more police officers to focus on frontline policing and community safety. This project will continue to be rolled out at high-crime stations and is part of the public-private sector partnership – the Joint Initiative Against Crime and Corruption, being led by the Presidency,” the Acting Minister said.

Cachalia announced that SAPS procurement and supply chain management systems will undergo significant reform in partnership with National Treasury’s Government Technical Advisory Centre in an effort to improve oversight, transparency and operational preparedness. – SAnews.gov.za

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