Category: Africa

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has moved to address growing public concern regarding its handling of disciplinary processes related to medical negligence and financial misconduct within its facilities.

In a statement on Thursday, the department noted these concerns and provided clarity on its internal mechanisms for ensuring accountability.

“The department wishes to reiterate that disciplinary action was instituted in all matters where sufficient evidence existed to proceed and that outcomes were implemented in accordance with labour legislation, public service prescripts and applicable legal frameworks.

“In relation to cases of medical negligence, the department is currently reviewing matters involving healthcare professionals, including former employees, to determine whether referral to the relevant professional councils for further investigation is warranted,” the statement read.

Regarding financial misconduct, GDoH said criminal cases have been laid and investigations are also underway.

GDoH is also exploring mechanisms available for the “recovery of losses suffered by the State where supported by evidence”.

“The department acknowledges the need to continuously strengthen accountability mechanisms and consequence management processes and remains committed to protecting public resources, upholding patient safety and maintaining the highest standards of governance and professional conduct.

“The department will continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, professional councils and other oversight bodies in investigations relating to professional misconduct, financial irregularities and governance failures where required,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

0

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has announced plans to establish a political steering committee to track progress on Phase 2 of the R14.9 billion Vaal-Gamagara Bulk Water Supply Scheme (VGBWSS), currently under implementation in the Northern Cape.

Mahlobo made the announcement after meeting various stakeholders in Kathu on Tuesday, alongside Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, and Gamagara Local Municipality Executive Mayor Johannes Roman.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Vaal-Gamagara Water User Association, Vaal Central Water Board, Mining Labour Forum and Kalahari Water User Association to assess progress on the bulk water project.

Located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, the VGBWSS is a landmark public-private partnership aimed at strengthening water security for communities, municipalities, mines, farmers and industries in the arid Northern Cape.

The private sector, including mining companies, farmers and industrial water users, is contributing 56% of the project’s funding, while government is providing the remaining 44%.

Phase 1 of the project, valued at R1.4 billion, was completed in 2022 and currently supplies water to municipalities, various mines, the agricultural sector and about 6 000 households in the Gamagara and Tsantsabane Local Municipalities.

Phase 2 includes the upgrade of the remaining 300-kilometre pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station to Roscoe near Kathu, as well as associated water infrastructure, including pump stations and reservoirs. Once completed, the project is expected to improve water supply to municipalities, mines, farmers, and other industries within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.

Mahlobo was briefed on the performance of the existing scheme, progress on the Phase 2 project, governance arrangements, implementation milestones and challenges affecting progress of the whole mega bulk water supply project.

Mahlobo said he was encouraged by improvements in the operation of the Gamagara Water Treatment Works, attributing the progress to the technical expertise provided by the Vaal Central Water Board.

“I am pleased to note that the management of the Gamagara Water Treatment Works has improved because of the technical capacity that the Vaal Central Water Board is bringing on board. I am told in the months of April, May and June, water supply to water users has been stable in terms of pumping and distribution.”

He added that he had inspected the Olifantshoek reservoir and was satisfied with the chlorination system installed to improve water quality issues.

The Deputy Minister said measures were also in place to ensure reliable water supply despite the province’s harsh climatic conditions.

“Due to the extreme weather in the Northern Cape that could affect capacity, the Vaal Central Water has come up with what they call ‘Trigger Response Plan’, through which they will be working with municipalities and stakeholders to tackle any challenge that may arise. Water losses are also being addressed as there is an optimisation system in place,” he said.

Mahlobo said finalising institutional arrangements remained a priority, including a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Water and Sanitation as the guarantor, Vaal Central Water as Asset Manager and the Mining Forum, to enable the Phase 2 to move with speed.

“It should not take us long to finalise issues of designs and water authorisations. Commitment on finances also needs to be finalised,” the Deputy Minister said.

To fast-track progress on the project, Mahlobo said his office will set up a political steering committee in the Northern Cape where the project managers will be expected to submit monthly progress reports.

The Vaal-Gamagara Bulk Water Supply Scheme is regarded as a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving long-term water security while supporting mining, agriculture, and industrial development in one of South Africa’s driest provinces. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Mayor Dada Morero has assured city residents that the municipality is working with National Treasury to resolve its challenges.

This after the municipality, along with 68 others, had their July 2026 equitable share transfers withheld by National Treasury in a move to instil strict fiscal discipline and root out financial misconduct.

“Not only have we been working through the [Treasury] Intergovernmental Relations structure, but we have been working through the Presidential Finance Working Group led by the President and the Executive Mayor.

“A few weeks ago, we met with the Minister of Finance and mapped out a process for managing issues of concern,” Morero said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

He said the city notes Treasury’s decision to withhold the July 2026 equitable share, adding that the city will “fully comply with the process and provide the necessary clarity”.

“Our working relationship with National Treasury is yielding results. As we speak, we have received correspondence from National Treasury that confirmed that the City’s 2026/27 Annual Budget is funded.

“This is comforting feedback as it confirms that our financial management is okay and has not reached a crisis state. However, more needs to be done to manage our cash flow and revenue performance. Accountability and transparency sit at the centre of this recovery,” Morero stated.

To address this, the Mayor announced the following:
•    Randwater and Eskom will receive their funds by mid-July.
•    CoJ’s existing Unauthorised, Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure (UIFWE) reduction strategy was revised to align with National Treasury’s guidance and MFMA Circular 111 and 68.
•    R918.4 million in expenditure was regularised on the recommendation of our Municipal Public Accounts Committee following a formal investigation. In parallel, the boards of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, City Parks and Zoo, the Johannesburg Development Agency, and Pikitup regularised a further R878.3 million among themselves
•    CoJ has identified the actual drivers of new expenditure rather than treating UIFWE as a single indistinct number. The largest driver this year is City Power’s overspending on bulk electricity purchases, amounting to R2.1 billion by the end of the third quarter.
•    The Mayoral Committee recently considered a full report on Pikitup’s cash flow position and has resolved to act. An initial operational allocation is being prioritised to settle the payment backlog with service providers and restore supplier confidence.
•    CoJ’s billing and revenue systems still need modernisation.

“[This] means service delivery remains our priority, with funds recovered through improved collections and cost containment directed toward protecting water, electricity, waste, and public safety services.

“It means we are protecting the free basic services on which indigent households depend, while ensuring that those who can pay do pay.

“And it means we are borrowing responsibly and strategically to fund infrastructure renewal, including a multi-year facility of 200 million Euros [approximately R3.8 billion], secured from the German Development Bank, KfW, for City Power electrical infrastructure, and approximately R1.75 billion for Johannesburg Water capital expenditure over the coming years,” Morero explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that four suspects were arrested overnight by the Commissions Recommendations Task Team during a takedown operation conducted in various parts of Johannesburg.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi was one of those arrested.

“Those arrested include current and former employees of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The suspects are expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court this morning,” the police said in a statement.

The police have also instructed former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi to present herself at her nearest police station.

“The SAPS will provide further details once the suspects have appeared in court,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

0

At least five of South Africa’s nine provinces are load reduction-free following the implementation of Eskom’s nationwide Load Reduction Eradication Programme.

Since the launch of the programme in September last year, some 1.1 million South Africans have been removed from load reduction schedules, representing some 65% of the power utility’s eradication target.

Provinces eliminated from load reduction are Mpumalanga, joining the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and North West, with national eradication targeted by March 2027.

“The achievement reflects Eskom’s broader strategy to pursue operational and financial sustainability by reducing energy losses and modernising the power system through targeted investment in strengthening distribution infrastructure.

“It also supports improved reliability and customer experience, while delivering tangible benefits to households, schools, clinics, businesses and communities through a more resilient and secure electricity network,” Eskom said in a statement.

Eskom Group Executive for Distribution Junaid Munshi added that the milestone is indicative of the power utility’s drive to transform “electricity service delivery across South Africa”.

“While significant progress has been made in improving generation performance and sustaining power system stability, we recognise that some communities continue to experience the impact of load reduction.

“Reaching the milestone of more than one million customers removed from load reduction demonstrates that the programme is delivering tangible results. However, the work is not complete.

“The remaining areas, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, require sustained investment, continued infrastructure upgrades, the deployment of advanced technologies and ongoing collaboration with communities and stakeholders to address the root causes of network overloading,” Munshi said.

Load reduction is implemented by the power utility to protect infrastructure from overloading and destruction where there are illegal connections.

“Illegal connections, electricity theft, meter tampering and vandalism continue to place significant pressure on local electricity networks, increasing the risk of infrastructure damage, supply interruptions and safety incidents.

“Eskom, therefore, calls on all customers and community stakeholders to support efforts to protect electricity infrastructure and maintain reliable electricity supply,” the power utility said.

Community members are encouraged to:

• Report illegal connections, electricity theft and meter tampering.
• Report damaged or unsafe electricity infrastructure.
• Support smart meter installations and providing safe access to authorised Eskom technical teams.
• Promote the safe and legal use of electricity within communities.

“Customers are encouraged to report illegal connections and infrastructure damage to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

“Eskom remains committed to delivering a safe, reliable and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring that the benefits of improved power system performance are progressively experienced by all South Africans,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

7

Five police sergeants attached to the Vanderbijlpark SAPS Task Team made their first court appearance at the Vanderbijlpark Regional Court this week on charges of corruption and extortion and their case was postponed to 13 July for further investigation.

The accused officials are Johannes Thakhisi (45), Ntombeko Seya (44), Mpho Molatedi (39), Nhlanhla Sithole (42) and Tlokotsi Kganya (36).

Their court appearance follows an investigation handled by the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) stemming from an incident which took place on 27 October 2024.

“It is alleged that in 2024, the five members conducted a raid at a local business premises, Oreo Supermarket, under the pretext of searching for illicit cigarettes.

“The members then allegedly demanded gratification of R100 000 from the business owner to avoid arrest. Following negotiations involving a third party, the demanded amount was reduced to R25 000. The complainant secretly blew the whistle by contacting the Hawks’ Vaal Serious Corruption Investigation,” the police said in a statement. 

An application for an undercover sting operation was immediately authorised. Despite the suspects not catching the bait and not collecting the cash on the day due to operational delays, the investigation continued rigorously. 

“Further, reports of threats and intimidation against the complainant were added to the case file. Upon completion of the investigation, the case docket was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who authorised criminal prosecution.

“Summonses were successfully served on all five accused members on 18 June 2026, compelling their appearance in court this week,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

8

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will on Thursday hear evidence from an anti-corruption and governance expert on reforms needed to strengthen financial disclosure regimes for senior officials within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

The testimony will focus on the effectiveness of existing disclosure requirements applicable to senior officers and whether they are adequate to detect and prevent corruption.

According to Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels, the expert will outline reforms aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability to help combat the corrupt infiltration of the Criminal Justice System.

The evidence forms part of the Commission’s ongoing inquiry into corruption and governance within the country’s criminal justice institutions. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

3