Category: Africa

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the arrest of nine individuals and entities linked to the alleged irregular R75 million Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) water and sanitation fleet tender.

The nine appeared before the EmaXesibeni (Mount Ayliff) Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape on Monday on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). They were granted R10 000 bail.

“[An] SIU investigation revealed that the ANDM paid R75 million to Kwane Capital for trucks, water tankers, and jet vacuum tankers without budget approval and in contravention of Regulation 32 of the Municipal Supply Chain Management Regulations.

“Kwane Capital misrepresented ownership of the vehicles unlawfully, used the name of Avis Fleet and induced the municipality into contracts that were invalid and unlawful. Fraudulent licensing and vehicle examination were also uncovered, with roadworthy certificates issued despite GPS data showing the vehicles never attended testing stations,” the unit said in a statement.

The nine accused include:
•    Mcebisi Rudolf Mlonzi, Director of Kwane Capital.
•    Bambangazibini Tabata, Kwane Capital employee.
•    Former ANDM officials Xolani Masiza, Paul Mahlasela, and Zuko Mani.
•    Former Avis and Barloworld employees Clive Else and Shawn Govender
•    Monalitho Muba and Xola Bomela, together with their company Chumani Water Solutions.

It is estimated that the municipality suffered an actual or potential financial loss of some R60.7 million due to “overcharging and excessive profit margins”.

“The SIU has instituted a civil action in the Special Tribunal to review and set aside the contract and to recover losses suffered by the municipality.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the NPA for further action.

“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 North West Provincial Government has adopted a binding service delivery action plan to address systemic challenges in municipalities and restore public confidence in local government.

Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi announced the decisive measures following a two-day Provincial Local Government Kgothakgothe, held recently under the theme “Fixing Local Government – Every Municipality Must Work.”

The event brought together traditional leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders in what officials described as frank and honest deliberations, aimed at moving beyond diagnosis to implementation.

According to Molapisi, the Provincial Local Government Kgothakgothe marked a turning point in the province’s approach to local government.

“All resolutions taken at the Kgothakgothe constitute a binding commitment to the people of the North West. We are moving from talk to action,” he said.

Adopting a service delivery plan

Central to the resolutions is the formal adoption of a Service Delivery Action Plan, which outlines concrete interventions to address backlogs and improve municipal performance across the province.

All municipalities and provincial departments are now expected to implement the plan, which aims to stabilise governance systems and accelerate basic service provision.

Monitoring and accountability measures

To ensure effective implementation, the province will establish a dedicated monitoring mechanism to promote and oversee the effective implementation of all action plans emanating from both the National Local Government Indaba and the Provincial Kgothakgothe.

An integrated performance dashboard will also be developed to track the implementation of key deliverables, enabling real-time monitoring and transparent reporting on municipal performance.

Intergovernmental reporting structures are being strengthened, with the North West Provincial Coordinating Committee, led by the Premier, and the Local Government MUNIMEC [MEC with Executive Mayors/Mayors] designated as primary Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) structures for quarterly reporting and monitoring of action plan implementation.

The District Development Model (DDM) will also assist in reducing planning silos across spheres of government.

Focus on clean governance and elections

Speaking during the session, Finance MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi underscored the importance of clean governance and strong partnerships within the accountability ecosystem to improve financial management and achieve positive audit outcomes.

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Namane Masemola, provided an update on the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government, signalling broader reforms at the national level.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha, highlighted the critical role of local government in driving economic development to fight unemployment and poverty.

The Kgothakgothe also resolved to strengthen collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, emphasising the importance of free, fair, and well-administered elections in reinforcing democratic governance.

Molapisi concluded with a call for collective responsibility: “All hands remain on deck in building a North West province that works for all.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Parliament will this afternoon reconvene for a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Province to debate last week’s State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

The two-day debate, beginning on Tuesday, will get underway at 2pm and will debate President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA, which he delivered on Thursday, 12 February.

“The SONA Debate is a central part of Parliament’s constitutional role in holding the executive to account. During the debate, Members of Parliament from various political parties interrogate, scrutinise and assess the commitments made by the President, raise concerns from communities and question whether government’s plans respond to the country’s social and economic challenges. This process ensures that government programmes are subjected to public accountability and democratic debate,” Parliament said in a  statement.

President Ramaphosa will reply to the debate on Thursday at 2pm.

The SONA Debate and the President’s reply will be held at the Nieuwemeester Dome in Cape Town.
Delivered last week, the SONA is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament and one of the rare occasions that brings together the three arms of state under one roof. 

“It is one of the important moments in South Africa’s democratic calendar. Delivered at the start of the parliamentary year, SONA sets out government’s priorities, plans and policy direction for the year ahead,” said Parliament.

It added that the President’s reply to the debate allows the executive to respond directly to issues raised by Members of Parliament and to provide further clarity on government’s plans. 

“Together, the debate and the reply reinforce transparency, accountability and dialogue between the executive and the representatives of the people,” said Parliament.

In the SONA, President Ramaphosa called on South Africans to draw on the country’s deepest values and collective strength as it confronts challenges including crime and a worsening water crisis, declaring that the nation will stand firm both at home and on the global stage.

READ | South Africa charts path of unity, growth and reform

“To navigate this new world, we must draw on our strength as a nation. Our strength comes from our values. The values of dignity and equality, of non-racialism and non-sexism, diversity and of the inherent worth of every person. It comes from our people. From our tolerance, generosity, kindness and solidarity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has condemned the recent illegal mining activities taking place around the Gugulethu informal settlement in Springs.

This, after the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality reported that it had become aware of illegal excavation at a site believed to contain gold particles.

“The department reiterates that any mining activity conducted without the required permits or mining rights, as prescribed by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, is unlawful and constitutes a criminal offence. The Act clearly outlines the mandatory application and approval processes that must be followed by any individual or entity intending to undertake mining activities in South Africa.

“Illegal mining undermines the rule of law and poses serious threats to public safety and the environment. Unregulated excavation may result in ground instability, placing nearby communities and particularly children at significant risk of injury or loss of life,” the department warned.

The DMPR emphasised that it provides support for small and artisanal miners who “wish to operate within the legal framework”.

“This includes guidance on the formalisation process, assistance with applications for permits and mining rights, and access to technical support and regulatory information to ensure compliance with the MPRDA.

“Aspirant artisanal and small-scale miners are encouraged to engage directly with the department to explore lawful mining opportunities and to contribute to safe, environmentally responsible, and sustainable mining practices,” the department said.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the SA National Defence Force will be deployed to Gauteng to assist the police in fighting the growing scourge. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has hailed its military healthcare professionals for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in delivering life-changing medical services to patients in remote parts of Limpopo through Project OWETHU.

In a statement, the Department of Defence said Project OWETHU is the SANDF’s humanitarian healthcare initiative aimed at extending essential medical services to underserved communities across South Africa. 

The programme seeks to restore dignity, improve the quality of life, and strengthen the bond between the Defence Force and the communities it serves.

On Friday, 13 February, the Surgeon General of the SANDF, Lieutenant General (Dr) Ntshavheni Maphaha, alongside Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, joined military healthcare teams at Elim Hospital in Makhado. The team performed critical eye surgeries, successfully removing cataracts for patients, who had endured long waiting periods for specialised procedures.

“This remarkable initiative, commended by hospital staff for its impressive results, has recorded a total of 89 successful cases, surpassing the weekly target of 75 cases… Project OWETHU continues at the facility to ensure that even more patients can be attended to,” the department said.

Government leaders and communities in the province have also expressed their profound appreciation to the healthcare professionals, who distinguished themselves through acts of goodwill in serving patients who have endured prolonged challenges in accessing specialised care 

Project OWETHU underscores the importance of collaboration between national defence healthcare services and provincial health authorities, reaffirming the SANDF’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to public health and the well-being of citizens. 

The project visited Sekhukhune District (Mashoanyaneng Village) from 26 – 30 January 2026. It was in Waterberg District (Ga-Matlou) from 2 – 6 February. Project OWETHU also served the community in Vhembe District (Basani Village) from 9 – 13 February. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has urged young people in Sundays River Valley to actively pursue employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, describing it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the region.

Meth delivered this message during a community outreach campaign in Addo, within the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, on Monday. Meth led efforts to expand access to employment opportunities and essential labour services.

Engaging directly with residents and jobseekers, the Minister encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities within the farming and agricultural value chain, noting the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy.

The outreach forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to bringing services closer to communities, particularly those in rural and farming areas, ensuring that workers and employers can access support without travelling long distances.

“Residents of Addo benefited from a range of on-site services, including employment counselling, processing of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) applications and claims, resolution of enquiries, handling of Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases claims, as well as inspection and enforcement services to promote compliance with labour laws,” the department said. 

The Minister emphasised that taking services directly to communities reduces barriers to access and strengthens government’s responsiveness to the needs of communities.

The Department of Employment and Labour will continue rolling out similar service delivery initiatives across the province to widen access to government services and support economic participation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth is calling on employers in Gqeberha and surrounding areas to actively participate in the upcoming Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Commissioner’s Breakfast Session. 

The breakfast session is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February, at the Southern Sun – The Marine – in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. 

The Commissioner’s Breakfast Session is a strategic engagement platform designed to deepen cooperation between government and business, strengthen compliance, and enhance the efficiency of UIF service delivery. Through this initiative, employers are afforded a direct channel to raise operational challenges, seek clarity on regulatory obligations, and resolve UIF-related matters in real time.

Meth emphasised that the engagement reflects government’s broader economic recovery and labour market stabilisation agenda, anchored in social protection, compliance, and partnership with the private sector.

“[The] UIF remains a cornerstone of social protection for workers and a vital support mechanism for employers navigating economic pressures. I urge employers in Gqeberha and surrounding areas to seize this opportunity to engage directly with Acting UIF Commissioner Dr. Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, raise concerns, and strengthen compliance. 

“Sustainable economic growth requires active collaboration between government and business. Together, we can ensure that the UIF continues to serve workers, support employers, and protect livelihoods,” the Minister said.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to further strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, improve access to UIF services at local level, and promote inclusive economic participation. – SAnews.gov.za

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