Category: Africa

South Africans eligible to vote, who still need their identity documents (IDs), are urged to apply to the Department of Home Affairs ahead of the Local Government Elections in November.

“A valid ID holds the key to democratic participation in the upcoming elections. Home Affairs has dramatically expanded access to this critical service by rolling out digitalised Smart ID services at over 450 bank branches in just five months. 

“I call upon South Africans to make use of our vastly improved services to apply for – and collect – their IDs without delay,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber said.

Those who have already applied for an ID but have not yet collected their IDs are called on to do so.

“Citizens who still need to replace a lost or damaged identity document ahead of the elections, are urged to make use of Home Affairs offices or the more than 450 participating bank branches to acquire their documents and not wait until the last minute.

“Visit myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za to find your nearest participating bank branch.

“Home Affairs is further calling on citizens, who already have their identity documents, to encourage family members, friends and colleagues, who do not yet have a Smart ID, to apply now and collect their documents ahead of the elections,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

A multimillion rand traders’ precinct in Hammarsdale is expected to boost eThekwini Municipality’s informal economy by providing safer and more conducive trading conditions for local informal businesses.

Launched by the municipality’s Economic Development Directorate in Mpumalanga town in Hammarsdale, the Lucky Mngwengwe Traders’ Precinct introduces modernised infrastructure aimed at formalising, protecting and growing the local informal economy.

Launched during Public Service Month, the precinct honours the legacy of late councillor Lucky Nhlanhla Mngwengwe, whom the municipality described as “a deeply respected leader, who was sworn into office in 2006 and served three terms”.

The newly developed precinct provides approximately 75 upgraded trading spaces, comprising 23 secure containers and 52 trading tables.

The development is targeted at informal traders, who previously operated under harsh and inadequate conditions. It provides them with essential operational support, including dedicated storage facilities, cleaning services, ablution blocks and 24-hour security.

The site will accommodate a diverse range of vendors selling fast food, cooked meals, fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing and poultry.

During his tenure on the municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Mngwengwe championed several key development projects, including Hammarsdale Junction Mall, the Mpumalanga Museum and critical local housing developments.

The precinct directly mirrors Mngwengwe’s foundational belief that public development must prioritise community needs and dignity.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, Economic Development chairperson Thembo Ntuli described the informal economy as a vital pillar of the city’s local economy.

“It creates livelihoods, supports households, and opens doors for those struggling to enter the formal market. Supporting this sector means supporting thousands of families. We want an informal economy that is supported, recognised, and structurally positioned to grow,” Ntuli said.

The Hammarsdale launch follows last month’s opening of the Mansel Road informal economy development project in the heart of the Durban Central Business District (CBD).

The municipality has urged traders and community members to take pride in the new facility, protect the infrastructure, and utilise the space as a sustainable gateway for business growth and family support.

The infrastructure rollout forms part of the municipality’s broader city-wide strategy to strengthen and support the informal economy and micro-enterprises.

As part of this commitment, the municipality will host a two-day Informal Economy Summit in October, bringing together traders, government representatives, and strategic partners to map out future development priorities and pioneer innovative operational solutions for the sector. – SAnews.gov.za

Eastern Cape Operation Shanela crackdowns last week resulted in the arrested of more than 1 100 suspects and the recovery of 42 unlicensed firearms.

Police continued the high-density weekly operations in the province aimed at eradicating serious and violent crimes.

“The operations have resulted in the arrest of numerous suspects and the recovery of illegal firearms and other prohibited items.

“Police embarked on visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop and search operations, vehicle checkpoints and crime prevention initiatives, aiming at disrupting criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of communities.

“During this week’s operations, police recorded significant successes, including the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, which are often used in the commission of serious and violent crimes,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The successes recorded include:

• 43 suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms
• 41 suspects arrested for dealing in drugs
• 17 suspects apprehended for possession of ammunition
• 113 illegal immigrants apprehended
• 54 suspects arrested for burglary
• 70 suspects nabbed for driving under the influence of alcohol

Several other suspects were arrested for offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), robbery, malicious damage to property and other criminal activities.

“The confiscation of illegal firearms remains a key priority for the SAPS, as removing these weapons from the hands of criminals is critical in reducing incidents of gun-related violence.

“As part of crime prevention strategies, dangerous weapons were also seized by police,” SAPS said in a statement.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, described the successes as a demonstration of the commitment to combat crime and dismantle criminal activities. 

“The possession of unlicensed firearms continue to fuel serious and violent crimes, and we will continue to use all available resources to ensure that these weapons are removed from circulation and that those responsible are facing the full might of the law,” Ncata said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng continues to intensify the fight against crime through Operation Shanela with more than 900 suspects arrested over the weekend.

Operation Shanela is conducted simultaneously across all five districts of Gauteng and consists of two key phases, namely the tracing and arrest of wanted suspects and crime prevention operations.

“The first phase which focuses on the tracing of wanted suspects by detectives resulted in the arrest of 735 wanted suspects, including 422 suspects linked to contact crimes and 148 suspects wanted for crimes committed against women and children.

“The arrests demonstrate the continued efforts by Gauteng detectives to pursue suspects linked to serious and violent crimes and ensure that they are brought before the courts to face the allegations against them,” SAPS said in a statement.

The second phase of the operation focuses on crime prevention and the disruption of criminal activities.

“It includes various crime prevention actions such as roadblocks, high-visibility patrols, stop-and-searches, liquor compliance inspections and other intelligence-driven interventions.

“These crime prevention operations resulted in additional arrests, including; 98 suspects for contravening the Immigration Act, 69 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol, 23 suspects for possession of drugs, 14 suspects for contravening the Gauteng Liquor Act, and other suspects arrested for offences including possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of gold-bearing material, amongst others,” the statement read.

SAPS Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, welcomed the gains yielded from the Operation and commended the multidisciplinary teams from SAPS, other law enforcement agencies, the Department of Home Affairs, private security companies, Community Policing Forums for their continued efforts to fight crime.

“The SAPS in Gauteng will continue conducting Operation Shanela operations across the province, with a particular focus on serious and violent crimes, crimes against women and children, illegal firearms, drugs, unlawful immigration, alcohol-related offences and other identified crime threats,” the statement concluded.

Report information on criminal activities through the appropriate SAPS reporting channels including the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or MySapsApp which can be downloaded on any smartphone. – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has called for feasibility studies to be expedited to identify sustainable, long-term water sources for municipalities in Limpopo that rely heavily on groundwater.

Majodina made the call following a two-day programme, where she handed over completed water infrastructure projects in Mogalakwena and Blouberg Local Municipalities, which are aimed at improving access to reliable and safe drinking water in previously underserved communities.

“… Groundwater is not sustainable and, therefore, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) should investigate ways that will bring water to these municipalities that do not have surface water. We will continue to monitor progress on these plans and feasibility studies,” said Majodina.

The Minister said the department should facilitate feasibility studies to establish long-term solutions to extract and convey water from sustainable sources to municipalities without access to surface water.

Over the two days (5 – 6 September), Majodina handed over the water projects to advance government’s commitment to provide reliable access to safe drinking water and improve water supply to the areas that were previously unserved in the municipalities.

Majodina handed over two completed Water Supply Scheme projects in Blouberg Local Municipality on Sunday, which are implemented by Capricorn District Municipality as the Water Services Authority.

The Minister — together with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, accompanied by Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC Pule Shayi — handed over two completed Water Supply Scheme projects to Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor, Maria Thamaga.

The water schemes, Maokeng and Dilaeneng Water Supply Schemes, will improve water supply to the communities of Maokeng and Dilaeneng townships in Senwabarwana.

The projects, funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), have a combined value of R23 million, and will benefit more than 800 households in the two townships.

The projects will provide a complete package covering water source development, storage and reticulation, addressing the water supply chain from the source to points of access in communities.

Capricorn District Municipality Mayor, Mamodupi Teffo, said the projects relied mainly on groundwater due to the absence of a surface water source in the area.

“These two projects have improved access to water by the communities, and this is because of the support from the DWS through its funding to the municipality,” Teffo said.

She said Blouberg, Molemole and Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipalities do not have a surface water source, but plans are being developed with the department to draw water from dams in other areas to supply the municipalities.

On Saturday, Majodina handed over the completed Jakkalskuil Water Treatment Works to Mogalakwena Local Municipality Mayor, Ngoako Taueatsoala.

The Minister was accompanied by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, as well as Finance MEC Kgabo Mahoai and MEC Shayi.

The Jakkalskuil Water Treatment Works was funded through the DWS Regional and Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and implemented by Mogalakwena Local Municipality as the Water Services Authority, through five major project packages.

The project includes the Kroomkloof Water Treatment Works and high-lift pump stations, a 3.5 million-litre water capacity, the development of boreholes, and the refurbishment of 26 community reservoirs.

The scheme will improve reliable water supply to over 42 000 households in Mokopane.

Taueatsoala said the project marked a significant step towards addressing longstanding water challenges in the Bakenberg Cluster.

“Today marks a monumental step forward for our people, who for years have faced challenges regarding the reliability and safety of our water supply. For too long, our people have faced severe challenges of water scarcity and inconsistent water supply, but today we turn that tide,” he said.

Ramathuba said the infrastructure projects handed over in the province represent a milestone carrying the hopes and aspirations of thousands of Limpopo residents.

“They say that when government delivers on its promises, hope is restored. Today, hope flows as freely as the water that will soon reach our communities. Today, we are affirming the constitutional right of every citizen to access clean, safe and reliable water,” said Ramathuba. – SAnews.gov.za

Training public servants to do their jobs effectively and serve the people efficiently is critical. Law now directs that some training programmes should be compulsory to achieve this goal, writes Dino Poonsamy.

Recent amendments to the Public Administration Management Act now require that the National School of Government (NSG) design and deliver compulsory education and training across national, provincial and local government.  This means public servants across the three spheres of government are now legally required to complete specific training before they are appointed and, during their employment, to continue in their roles.  

This is not a technical requirement but rather one of the more consequential public sector reforms in recent years, and it is worth understanding what it means and why it matters.

The NSG falls within the portfolio of institutions reporting to the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, responsible for the education, training and development of public servants across the three spheres of government.

Why compulsory, and why now?

For three decades, training in the public service was mostly encouraged rather than required. Officials could attend courses if they chose to, if their manager approved it, or if a department prioritised it. 

The outcomes were uneven: some officials took advantage of the training being offered, whilst others did not. In many instances, we could relate this lack of standardised training to audit outcomes and institutional performance but ultimately it is the citizens who receive varying degrees of service based on the skills and competence of the official serving them. 

Our government tried to close this gap before. A two-day induction course became compulsory for new officials in 2008. By 2012, completing it became a requirement for confirming a new employee’s job and for a pay increase. In 2020, the government directed that senior managers should complete a pre-entry qualification, known as Nyukela, before they could even be appointed. Each of these steps helped, but none of them, on its own, can permanently change the culture of the public sector. The current reforms are the latest and most far-reaching attempt to fix that.

What this means for public servants

If you work in the public sector, this is what is changing in practical terms. Certain courses, such as ethics, anti-corruption, supply chain management, and induction, are no longer optional. 

There are currently 10 compulsory courses being delivered by the NSG, and Cabinet has now directed an expansion of the courses, with a further 10 to be offered. Completing them can determine whether your appointment is confirmed or whether you are eligible for a salary increase. 

To be a senior manager, you face an even higher bar: you must complete a pre-entry certificate before appointment and are required to spend a minimum number of days in training every few years, for as long as you hold a senior role. This is a real shift in what a public sector career looks like. 

Development is becoming built into the job itself, not something you choose to pursue in your own time if you are motivated to do so.  The NSG is also linking compulsory short courses to structured learning pathways that enable public servants to progressively build their knowledge, skills and professional competence over time. 

Rather than ending with a standalone certificate, learning will increasingly form part of an articulated development journey, creating clearer routes into occupational qualifications, professional learning programmes and higher qualifications.

What this means for the citizen

For members of the public, the delivery of compulsory training to public servants means that when making decisions that affect people’s lives, they should increasingly be officials who have actually been trained and tested on how to do that job properly, not simply appointed and left to learn on their own. 

There is early evidence that this is working where it has been tried properly. In one municipality in Limpopo, officials who completed compulsory supply chain management training showed measurable improvements in the care with which public money was managed afterwards, with better compliance and stronger audit outcomes. That is the kind of change, multiplied across thousands of officials and hundreds of public institutions, that compulsory training is meant to produce.

The gap is still to be closed

Not everyone is covered yet. At the local government level in particular, ongoing training for municipal employees generally still depends on management approval rather than compulsory training being a standing requirement. 

This matters because local government is where most citizens interact with the State most directly, and where serious governance failures have occurred. Even SALGA [South African Local Government Association] itself has argued that leadership training in local government should not be optional. 

The true test of these reforms will be whether, over the next several years, the public actually experiences improved public services as a result of compulsory training. 

Poonsamy is the Chief Director for Strategy and Systems at the National School of Government.