Category: Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional leadership, with 288 Amakhosi being officially designated as Commissioners of Oaths.

Speaking at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, west of Durban, on Monday, Ntuli said the move recognises the critical role played by traditional leaders in advancing community development, promoting social cohesion and improving access to services, particularly in rural areas.

The new designation grants traditional leaders with statutory authority to administer oaths and affirmations, certify documents and assist communities with accessing legal processes.

Ntuli emphasised that strengthening partnerships between government, law enforcement agencies and traditional leadership structures is essential in addressing socio-economic challenges facing the province, particularly in rural communities.

“Empowering Amakhosi in this capacity will improve access to legal services, enhance community trust in the justice system, and facilitate more efficient interaction between communities and public institutions,” the Premier said.

The initiative forms part of broader provincial efforts to deepen rural development, promote inclusive governance and ensure that justice services are accessible even in remote communities.

By positioning Amakhosi as intermediaries between communities and State institutions, he said the provincial government aims to bridge service delivery gaps and strengthen local governance structures.

Ntuli also noted that traditional leaders remain essential partners in maintaining stability, upholding customary law, and advancing development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across KwaZulu-Natal.

He added that the collaboration is expected to enhance social cohesion, reinforce lawful conduct and support integrated community safety strategies.

The provincial government reiterated its commitment to working closely with traditional leadership institutions to advance inclusive socio-economic development, improve access to services, and strengthen public confidence in governance and justice systems throughout the province. – SAnews.gov.za

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has invited the public and interested parties to comment on the amendments to the regulations relating to the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

In a statement on Tuesday, the department said the current iteration of the COVID-19 SRD grant comes to an end on 31 March 2026. During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the provision will be extended for 12 months from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.

Following the official pronouncement of the extension, the Minister of Social Development is required to operationalise the extension through publication of the Amendments to the COVID-19 SRD Regulations in the Government Gazette before 31 March 2026.

“The aim of these amendments is to regularize the 12-month extension of the provision from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. This means the monthly amount of the R370 of the provision will be paid to successful applicants from the period, 01 April 2026 until March 2027,” the department said.

Written comments on the draft amendments to the Regulations must be submitted within 21 days from the date of publication, which is 11 February 2026.

Comments may be forwarded to Dr Maureen Mogotsi, Chief Director: Social Assistance, at the following addresses:
The Department of Social Development
Private Bag X901
Pretoria
0001

The Department of Social Development
Chief Directorate: Social Assistance
134 Pretorius Street
HSRC Building
PRETORIA
0001

Alternatively, written comments may be submitted by email to: SAREGS@dsd.gov.za. 
A copy of the gazette can also be accessed online for free at www.gpwonline.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Over 16000 suspects have been arrested in recent Shanela II operations across the country, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Conducted between 9 and 15 February across the provinces, a total 16 565 suspects were arrested.

The police operations were conducted together with other law enforcement agencies.

According to the police, the suspects include those involved in serious crimes such as carjacking, armed robbery, murder, rape, sexual assault, drug dealing, and contravention of the Firearms Control Act. 

Moreover, police in Gauteng traced and arrested three suspects, aged between 24 and 30, following the hijacking and murder of a 23-year-old e-hailing driver in Pretoria West. The trio also face a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances. 

The nationwide operations demonstrate SAPS’s continued commitment to intensifying crime prevention and enforcement beyond the festive season.

Key arrests include:
•    2957 wanted suspects traced and arrested across the provinces. 
•    171 suspects arrested for rape. 
•    154 suspects arrested for murder. 
•    158 suspects arrested for attempted murder. 
•    1657 suspects arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). 
•    72 suspects arrested for business and residential robberies. 
•    764 suspects arrested for illegal dealing in liquor. 
•    716 motorists arrested for driving while under the influence, majority arrested in Gauteng (222) followed by Mpumalanga (151) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (149).
•    1507 illegal immigrants arrested for contravening the Immigration Act

Additionally, 147 illegal firearms were seized that include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and homemade firearms. Also, 4,465 rounds of ammunition of different calibres were confiscated. Illegal contraband goods valued at more than R900 000 were also confiscated. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s official unemployment rate decreased by 0.5 percentage points from 31.9% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 to 31.4% in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.

This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025 conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The results show an increase of 44 000 in the number of employed persons to 17.1 million, while there was a decrease of 172 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 7.8 million compared with the third quarter of 2025 results. 

This resulted in a decrease of 128 000 (or 0.5%) in the labour force for the same period.

“During the same period, discouraged job-seekers increased by 233 000 to 3.7 million, other available job-seekers decreased by 110 000 to 855 000, and unavailable job-seekers decreased by 41 000 to 42 000, resulting in a total net increase of 82 000 to 4.6 million in the potential labour force population (i.e., persons who were available but not seeking or unavailable but seeking).

“Others outside the labour force increased by 165 000 to 12.5 million. Outside the labour force, which is the total of the potential labour force and others outside the labour force, increased by 248 000 to 17.1 million in Q4 of 2025,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The number of persons employed in the formal sector increased by 320 000 in Q4: 2025, and informal sector employment decreased by 293 000 over the same period.

The largest increases in industry employment were recorded in community and social service (46 000), construction (35 000) and finance (32 000).

Decreases in employment were recorded in Trade (98 000), Manufacturing (61 000) and Mining (5 000).

The results also indicate increases in employment observed in the Western Cape (93 000), Mpumalanga (37 000), North West (36 000), and Northern Cape (17 000).

The largest employment decreases were recorded in Gauteng (54 000), KwaZulu-Natal (41 000), and Eastern Cape (32 000) during the same period.

“The youth (15 – 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. The results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show that the total number of unemployed youth decreased by 84 000 to 4.6 million compared with Q3: 2025, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 113 000 to 5.8 million.

“As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 0.1438 of a percentage point to 43.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025,” Stats SA said.

In addition to the unemployment rate (LU1), other measures of labour underutilisation (LU) were measured.

The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment (LU2) decreased by 0.6 of a percentage point to 34.3%; the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force (LU3) decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter of 2025.

Lastly, the composite measure of labour underutilisation (LU4) — which combines time-related underemployment, unemployment, and potential labour force as a proportion of the extended labour force — was 44.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

These labour underutilisation measures highlight people in different situations and with different degrees of attachment to the labour market. – SAnews.gov.za

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called for tighter regulation of livestock movement permits and the temporary suspension of physical auctions as the province intensifies efforts to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The appeal comes as 450 heads of cattle were vaccinated against FMD in Fisantekraal, Cape Town, on Sunday as part of a province-wide vaccination campaign.

The Western Cape provincial government has embarked on a massive drive to vaccinate high-risk herds across the province.

The vaccination drive in Fisantekraal was overseen by Winde, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen; Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, and Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell.

“This vaccination drive is a proactive step to protect cattle in this area. No cases of FMD have been detected in this Fisantekraal herd, but we are taking every precaution because we want to protect jobs and livelihoods,” Winde said.

The Premier confirmed that the province expects to receive 200 000 vaccine doses in the coming weeks and will prioritise vaccinating all high-risk herds. Vaccinated animals have been tagged to ensure proper identification, surveillance and monitoring.

In terms of the Animal Diseases Act, Winde has formally requested that the national Department of Agriculture move all physical livestock auctions online for 21 days and implement stricter permit control regulations governing livestock movement.

Winde, along with MECs Meyer and Bredell, was expected to meet with Steenhuisen to receive an update on the request.

21-point response plan

The vaccination campaign forms part of a broader 21-point response plan implemented by the Western Cape government in partnership with the agricultural sector to contain the national FMD outbreak within the province.

Key measures include:
•    Movement control, including 24/7 border monitoring.
•    Monitoring, surveillance, and traceability, through on-the-ground rapid response from veterinary services.
•    Protocols such as communication, by-law enforcement, and contingency plans.
•    Recovery involving cleaning operations and monitoring quarantine areas.
•    Major roadblocks and vehicle monitoring are taking place on various roads across 13 municipalities, including at the provincial borders.

“This is part of a national crisis. We are working tirelessly to protect jobs and the agricultural economy. If you are transporting livestock or any materials used in livestock farming, you must take every precaution,” Winde said.

Steenhuisen described FMD as a national emergency, noting that government is fighting to save the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and the future of our agricultural exports.

“We need every single livestock owner to stand with us. Biosecurity is not a suggestion; it is our only line of defence. If you move animals without permits or ignore basic hygiene, you are putting the entire country at risk,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister urged farmers and livestock owners to stop illegal movements, report suspected cases immediately and treat their farm boundaries like fortress.

To protect livestock and the economy, livestock farmers and the public are strongly urged to adhere to these simple rules:

•    Stop all illegal movements. Never move cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs without a signed health certificate and valid permits.
•    Limit visitors to your farm. Anyone entering must use disinfectant footbaths and vehicle sprays to ensure they are not carrying the virus on their shoes or tyres.
•    If you buy new stock, keep them completely separate from your main herd for at least 28 days to ensure they are not carrying hidden diseases.
•    If you see animals drooling, limping, or showing sores on their mouths or feet, call your local state veterinarian immediately. Do not wait.
•    Ensure fences are in good repair to prevent your animals from mixing with roaming herds or wildlife.

National vaccination drive

In his State of the Nation Address on 12 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government aims to vaccinate South Africa’s national herd of at least 14 million cattle as the country battles one of the most severe FMD outbreaks in its history.

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the vaccination drive requires 28 million vaccines over the next 12 months. – SAnews.gov.za

A 42-year-old woman arrested in connection with an alleged R10.5 million payroll fraud at Isuzu Motors South Africa in Struandale, Gqeberha, has been granted bail.

The Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in Gqeberha arrested Natasja Slabbert in connection with the alleged payroll fraud. She made her first court appearance on Monday and was granted bail of R5 000.

Slabbert was employed as a payroll administrator at the company and was arrested on 16 February 2026 following a thorough investigation conducted by the Hawks, working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Specialised Commercial Crime Unit (SCCU).

“The case originated in 2024 after employees raised concerns when they noticed that their take-home pay was lower than expected, despite higher amounts reflecting on their pay slips. An internal review uncovered serious payroll irregularities, and the matter was subsequently referred to the Hawks for further investigation,” said the Hawks in a statement.

During the probe conducted by the Hawks, it is alleged that in August 2024, approximately R626 500 was apparently unlawfully transferred from the company’s payroll account into the suspect’s personal bank account.

“Further investigation allegedly revealed a well-planned scheme in which payroll records were manipulated and false entries created to conceal unlawful payments. These entries were allegedly made to appear as legitimate deductions and contributions,” the Hawks said.

As a result of the alleged fraud, the company reportedly suffered losses exceeding R10.5 million.
The Hawks adopted an intelligence-driven approach and secured evidence to uncover the full extent of the alleged crime before effecting the arrest.

The matter was postponed to 24 February 2026, and Slabbert is expected to appear before the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for legal representation. 

“Commercial crime is not a victimless crime. It affects workers, damages businesses and harms our economy, further stated that people who abuse positions of trust to steal money will face the full force of the law,” said the Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya. – SAnews.gov.za