Category: Africa

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate procurement and contracting processes of the North West Transport Investments (NTI).

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to probe allegations of serious maladministration, corruption and irregular expenditure at the state-owned entity.

“The President has directed the SIU to investigate the affairs of the NTI, its wholly owned subsidiary, North West Star SOC Limited [NSL], and the Atteridgeville Bus Service SOC Limited [ABS], which is also a wholly owned subsidiary of NSL,” the SIU said.

The unit will investigate the procurement and contracting processes related to the following:
•    Fuel supplied by Zentrafor Fuel (Pty) Limited, trading as FuelU.
•    Vehicle rental services provided under a Vehicle Rental Agreement dated 28 July 2023.
•    Commuter bus services outlined in a Sub-Contractor Agreement dated 7 July 2023, by or on behalf of the NTI, as well as the payments made for these services.

“The SIU has also been authorised to investigate significant maladministration in the NTI’s operations regarding the receipt, processing, approval, and payment of claims submitted by Tansanat Coachlines (Pty) Limited, Ziggy Investments CC, and the Tansanat Coachlines (Pty) Limited Ziggy Investments CC Joint Venture.

“The SIU will examine whether these operations breached applicable legislation and guidelines issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury.

“The investigation will also examine actions taken by the Business Rescue Practitioner appointed on 21 July 2022, their agents, or NTI employees; whether individuals or entities received undue benefits; and whether this resulted in serious maladministration, causing actual or potential losses to the NTI or the State,” the SIU explained.

eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Meanwhile, an amendment has been made to the SIU’s investigation into the eThekwini Municipality’s Security and VIP Protection Services.

President Ramaphosa amended the proclamation by extending the investigation period and the procurement of several services.

“Proclamation 226 of 2024 authorised the SIU to investigate the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality’s procurement of security and VIP protection services.

“It now also includes the procurement or contracting of security and VIP protection services under contract numbers CMS 0031, 1C 15104, 1C 18709, 1C 20359, 1X 31747, and 1C 29300, as well as any subsequent extensions or variations made by or on behalf of the municipality, including relevant payments.

“The SIU investigation will determine whether the procurement processes followed were fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, and cost-effective, and whether irregular expenditure was incurred,” the unit noted.

Any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigations will be forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU stated. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The timber industry’s benefits for the economy and its impact on construction will take centre stage when experts and government officials gather at the 2026 Timber Construction Conference on Tuesday.

The University of Pretoria will host the conference at their Future Africa Campus, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Pretoria Institute for Architecture.

The theme for the conference is: “Connected by Timber: From Forests to Future Cities”.

The conference aims to promote the widespread adoption of timber construction throughout South Africa, highlighting the numerous benefits and exploring the potential of timber construction. 

It brings together industry experts, government officials and thought leaders to share their knowledge, insights and experiences.

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, John Steenhuisen, will open the conference. He is expected to highlight the dtic’s comprehensive strategy to promote timber construction. 

This strategy, created in collaboration with industry partners, aims to create large-scale awareness, highlighting the numerous advantages of building with wood.

“The dtic is actively encouraging the adoption of timber in construction, which will drive sustainable development and economic growth within the forestry sector and enable innovative building solutions. 

“The main advantages of timber construction are faster build times and cost-efficiency through modular and prefabricated components. Additional benefits include a lower carbon footprint and improved thermal and acoustic insulation.

“A key benefit of timber construction to the local economy is providing new uses and revenue streams for the South African sawmilling and forestry industry,” the dtic said.

The dtic said its strategy recognises the importance of diversifying the forestry industry to stimulate job creation and sustainability. 

“Faster and more cost-effective building practices are also crucial to addressing the severe shortage of affordable housing in the country,” it added.

The dtic is working in collaboration with academic institutions, such as the Stellenbosch and Nelson Mandela universities, on the promotion of timber use in the construction industry. 

The conference will be preceded by the Timber Construction Colloquium, which takes place today. It will focus on research and innovation and will include a visit to the Engineering 4.0 Timber Laboratory at UP’s Future Africa Campus. – SAnews.gov.za

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Law enforcement authorities from South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have strengthened regional cooperation in the fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms, resulting in the safe transportation and destruction of 1 787 firearms seized during crime-combating operations in Lesotho.

The joint initiative between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) takes place in the context of African Amnesty Month and contributes to the African Union’s broader Silencing the Guns objective and its vision, under Agenda 2063, of a peaceful, secure and prosperous Africa free from the scourge of illicit firearms.

The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, together with the Lesotho Mounted Police Service Police Chief, Commissioner (Advocate) Borotho Matsoso, on Friday jointly presided over the destruction of the firearms.

“These firearms were seized by LMPS officers during various crime-combating initiatives and targeted operations in the Kingdom of Lesotho,” the SAPS said in a statement.

Speaking at the destruction, Lieutenant General Dimpane reaffirmed SAPS’s commitment to strengthening international and regional police cooperation through joint investigations, information exchange, intelligence-led operations, coordinated border management and the tracing and removal of illegal firearms from circulation.

“As we observe African Amnesty Month, this partnership between SAPS and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service demonstrates what regional cooperation can achieve. We are not only taking firearms out of circulation, we are taking concrete steps towards the Africa we want to see by 2063, an Africa where communities are safer and where illicit firearms no longer fuel crime and violence,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

Commissioner (Advocate) Matsoso reiterated the importance of sustained cross-border collaboration between law enforcement agencies and thanked SAPS and all relevant role players involved in ensuring the success of the joint initiative.

“Continued cooperation between the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and SAPS is important to uproot crimes such as human trafficking, stock theft, car theft and truck trafficking. Today’s destruction demonstrates collaboration between two countries committed to fighting crime together,” Advocate Matsoso said.

The National Central Bureaus of INTERPOL in South Africa and Lesotho played a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating the movement of the firearms between the two countries. 

This underscores the importance of international police cooperation and coordinated mechanisms in combating the proliferation and cross-border movement of illegal firearms.

SAPS continues to demonstrate its commitment to effective firearms control through sustained processes aimed at permanently removing illegal firearms from circulation. Just two months ago, SAPS destroyed 11 859 firearms, together with 4 089 blank guns and airguns.

“The destruction of these 1 787 firearms therefore forms part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement authorities in the region to ensure that weapons seized through policing operations do not find their way back into the hands of criminals.

“The SAPS and LMPS partnership demonstrates the value of regional cooperation, information sharing and coordinated policing under the SADC and SARPCCO frameworks. 

“Such collaborative efforts are essential to disrupting transnational organised crime, tracing illicit firearms and contributing to the continental objective of Silencing the Guns by 2030 and advancing the Africa envisioned under Agenda 2063,” the police said.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Shanghai, China – Sasol has challenged scientists and engineers to help lower the high cost of green hydrogen and prevent promising decarbonisation technologies from remaining indefinitely confined to research laboratories.

The company’s Vice-President for Fundamental Science Research, Dr Theo Mudzunga, made the remarks during a sub-forum on Green Fuels and Aggregated Multi-type Energy Storage Empowering High-quality Development. In his address, he said producing sustainable fuels through power-to-liquids technology remains constrained by costs, efficiency limitations and difficulties in scaling scientific discoveries into commercially viable projects.

The sub-forum is part of the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, China, where South African and international researchers, policymakers and business representatives gathered to discuss innovation and technological cooperation. South Africa is this year’s Country of Honour, with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, leading the South African delegation.

“These challenges are precisely where research and innovation can create value. I invite the next generation of scientists and engineers to help us address them,” Mudzunga said.

He added that power-to-liquids technology could allow Sasol to combine renewable electricity, green hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide to produce sustainable liquid fuels. While Sasol’s decades of experience in synthetic-fuel production gave it an advantage, significant scientific and commercial obstacles remain.

“We need further innovation throughout the process. We must improve hydrogen efficiency, achieve higher conversion efficiency, increase yields and reduce overall costs – particularly the cost of green hydrogen, which remains very high.”

Mudzunga warned that scientific breakthroughs alone would not drive the energy transition. Universities, government, research institutions and companies needed to collaborate from the early stages of research through to commercial deployment.

“At the research end, we work closely with universities, government and other organisations to advance fundamental and applied science, access world-class capabilities and develop talent. At the commercial end, industrial partners must be integrated into the process to unlock funding and create markets. Importantly, we must scale up these innovations. If we do not scale them, they will remain research projects,” he said. 

READ | SA must build stronger science talent pipeline

He described the journey between scientific discovery and commercial application as long and complex, arguing that closer cooperation could reduce both the time and risks involved in introducing new technologies.

“By combining fundamental scientific research, development, industrial expertise and engineering, we can accelerate innovation and significantly reduce the risks associated with new technologies. Partnerships are therefore not simply enablers of success – they are a precondition for success,” he said.

Decarbonisation and the energy transition

South Africa’s transition, he said, was particularly difficult because it had to reduce emissions while continuing to pursue industrialisation, economic growth, competitiveness, inclusion and employment.

“These objectives may, at times, appear contradictory, but we believe they can be achieved together through the adoption of technology and innovation,” he said.

Sasol’s operations remain heavily dependent on coal, making decarbonisation both a commercial and societal necessity. Mudzunga said the company’s strategy involves lowering emissions and operating costs while using the transition to establish new businesses.

“No single technology can decarbonise a complex industrial system such as ours. Success will require an integrated portfolio,” he said.

That portfolio, he explained, would include renewable power and feedstocks, greater process efficiency, digital technologies, carbon capture and storage, carbon valorisation and circular-economy initiatives.

“Rather than searching for a single cure or silver bullet, we must combine multiple solutions and deploy them strategically at scale. The energy transition will ultimately be achieved through an integrated approach, rather than through a single technology,” he said.

He said Sasol had already developed expertise that could support sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon products. At the same time, its existing industrial facilities could reduce the capital required to scale emerging technologies.

However, future projects would have to be selected according to their feasibility and ability to compete commercially.

“The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges facing our society, but it is also one of our greatest opportunities.

“Through technology, collaboration and sustained innovation, we believe Sasol can play a meaningful role in building a more sustainable future,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has welcomed the appointment of Advocate Adrian Carl Mopp as the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape Division.

The appointment was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa and follows a consultation process with the Minister and the NPA Head Advocate Andy Mothibi, in accordance with the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998 (Act No. 32 of 1998).

“Advocate Mopp brings more than 30 years of legal and prosecutorial experience to the position. He has served as Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape since 2009 and previously held senior positions in the Directorate of Special Operations and the Asset Forfeiture Unit. These include serving as Regional Head of the Directorate of Special Operations in the Western Cape from 2004 to 2009.

“Admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1993, Advocate Mopp has extensive experience in complex criminal prosecutions, including organised crime, serious violent crime, drug trafficking, and public transport violence. He has also contributed to national prosecutorial planning and institutional reform initiatives,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Furthermore, Mopp holds advanced qualifications in law, criminal justice, criminology and international studies, including a Master of Philosophy in Law and a Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

“Minister Kubayi wishes Advocate Mopp well as he assumes this important responsibility.

“The appointment strengthens leadership within the National Prosecuting Authority and supports the continued delivery of independent and effective prosecution services in the Western Cape,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging women in and around Kempton Park, particularly the Rhodesfield area in Gauteng, to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of the bodies of four women in the same area over a period of approximately two months.

The latest body was discovered on Saturday evening.

Preliminary information gathered by detectives indicates concerning similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The bodies of the women were found half-naked and with visible bruising, with the discovery sites located within the same vicinity.

“While investigations are still underway and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations,” the police said in a statement on Saturday.

The SAPS has urged women in and around Kempton Park not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas. It further said women should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups.

“The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action,” the police said.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine whether there are links between the incidents.

The task team will comprise detectives from specialised units, including the Murder and Robbery Unit and the Investigative Psychology Unit, as well as other relevant disciplines and resources required to urgently advance the investigation.

The team will be led by the Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, who has been tasked with ensuring that all investigative avenues are pursued and that no stone is left unturned in establishing who is responsible for these deaths.

SAPS appealed to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, particularly residents, motorists, security personnel and members of the community who may have observed suspicious activity in the Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to come forward.

“SAPS is taking these incidents extremely seriously. We urge women to remain vigilant, while assuring the community that specialised police resources have been mobilised to establish the circumstances surrounding these deaths and bring those responsible to justice,” the police said.

Members of the public with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPSApp. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by its crime-fighting partners, has seized counterfeit goods worth more than R9 million during a multidisciplinary operation conducted in Marabastad, Gauteng, last week.

The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal trade, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in South Africa.

“The National Illicit Goods Unit — supported by the Gauteng Illicit Goods Unit, Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, South African Revenue Service NRRT Customs Enforcement Unit and brand protectors — executed search-and-seizure warrants last week.

“The team seized more than 10 000 counterfeit items, including branded sports apparel, footwear, cosmetics and cellular accessories.

“The latest seizure follows a similar operation conducted last week at a storage facility in the Johannesburg CBD, where counterfeit goods, including Springboks-branded merchandise and manufacturing equipment worth more than R1.5 million, were seized,” the police said.

The illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods not only infringes on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners, but also poses potential health and safety risks to consumers, police warned.

“Operating outside regulated systems and without adherence to prescribed quality standards, the counterfeit goods industry has a detrimental impact on legitimate businesses and contributes to economic losses,” SAPS said.

SAPS commended all participating government departments, law enforcement agencies, brand protectors and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in the collective fight against counterfeit and illicit goods. – SAnews.gov.za

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Department of Correctional Services (DCS) officials at the Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre in Gauteng have intercepted contraband concealed inside a radio before it could be smuggled into the prison.

The interception was made during a routine security screening at the facility’s access control gate on Sunday.

“The vigilance and professionalism of officials at Leeuwkop Maximum Correctional Centre…proved instrumental in protecting the integrity of the correctional system when an attempt to smuggle drugs into the facility was successfully thwarted.

“The discovery was made during thorough searches conducted on visitors and all items presented for entry into the facility. Upon inspection, officials uncovered 140 Mandrax tablets, 32 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 216 grams of cannabis hidden inside the radio.

“The swift detection of the contraband prevented the illicit substances from entering the correctional environment and reaching offenders, thereby safeguarding the security, order and rehabilitation programmes within the facility,” the department stated.

Four people allegedly involved in the incident were detained and handed over to police together with the confiscated drugs.

“The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent attempts by criminal elements to undermine the correctional system through the smuggling of prohibited items. It also highlights the critical role played by correctional officials, whose alertness and commitment to security continue to prevent contraband from entering correctional facilities.

“The [DCS] remains resolute in its efforts to combat the smuggling of contraband and to maintain safe, secure and rehabilitation-focused correctional centres,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on law-enforcement agencies to act with urgency to identify, arrest and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on women exercising in public spaces.

Chikunga’s call follows reports of women being attacked while running and exercising, including the reported murders of four women in Kempton Park and the mugging of another woman in Centurion’s Rooihuiskraal area while returning from a gym.

The Minister condemned the incidents as a direct threat to women’s fundamental right to move freely and participate in physical activities without fear of violence, harassment, or intimidation.

She said the cases are deeply disturbing and highlight the urgent need for a coordinated and decisive response to the safety of women in public spaces.

“Women should not have to choose between their safety and their health. No woman should fear for her life simply because she has chosen to run, walk, or exercise in a public space. Women must be free to exercise, walk, and run without fear. This is unacceptable,” Chikunga said.

The Minister called for immediate and visible action by law enforcement, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen safety in public spaces, particularly areas commonly used for walking, running, and recreational activities.

Measures should include increased police visibility, effective community-based safety initiatives, improved lighting and infrastructure, rapid-response mechanisms and stronger collaboration between law-enforcement agencies, municipalities, community organisations and residents.

Chikunga also called on communities to reject the normalisation of violence against women and actively support initiatives aimed at creating safer public spaces.

“The safety of women cannot be treated as an occasional public concern that receives attention only after tragedy has occurred. Preventing violence requires sustained action, accountability, and a visible commitment to ensuring that women can live, work, exercise and participate in society without fear,” the Minister said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant stakeholders on measures to strengthen the safety of women and girls and ensure that incidents of violence against women receive the urgent attention they deserve.

“Women have the right to occupy public spaces. Women have the right to exercise. Women have the right to come home safely,” Chikunga said.

Call for caution

The Minister’s comments come as the South African Police Service (SAPS) is warning women in and around Kempton Park, particularly the Rhodesfield area, to exercise extreme caution, following the discovery of four bodies over a period of approximately two months.

In its statement, the SAPS said the latest body was discovered on Saturday evening, with preliminary information gathered by detectives indicating concerning similarities in the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“The bodies of the women were found half naked and with visible bruising, and the discovery sites are located within the same vicinity. While investigations are still underway and SAPS has not, at this stage, confirmed that the deaths are linked to a serial killer, the similarities are sufficiently concerning for the police to issue a public warning and intensify investigations,” the police said on Saturday.

The SAPS has urged women in and around Kempton Park not to walk or run alone, particularly in isolated areas.

“They should avoid secluded spaces, remain vigilant and, where possible, travel or exercise in groups. The safety of women remains a priority for SAPS, and the police will not wait for further incidents before taking decisive action.

In addition, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner to immediately establish a dedicated multidisciplinary task team to investigate these cases and determine whether there are links between the incidents.

“SAPS is appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, particularly residents, motorists, security personnel and members of the community who may have observed suspicious activity in the Rhodesfield and surrounding areas, to come forward.”

Members of the public with information can contact Warrant Officer Elvis Manyike on 082 465 7249 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPSApp. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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