Category: Africa

The number of people arrested for violating traffic laws since the start of December has increased by 16.2% compared to the same period last year, largely due to intensified law enforcement operations being conducted nationwide.

In addition, 53 pedestrians were arrested for jaywalking on freeways, and 26 motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers.

This is according to the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, which was released by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, during a media briefing on Friday in Cape Town.

Government — through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Police Service (SAPS), traffic police, and provincial partners – has undertaken 639 roadblocks in which 714 371 vehicles were stopped and checked. 

A total of 168 427 traffic fines were issued while 3 695 unroadworthy vehicles were discontinued, and 2 552 public transport vehicles were impounded for violation of operator permits.

“Pedestrians remain our priority concern over this period, and we have noticed fewer transgressions from this category and have seen a 57.9% decrease in pedestrian arrests.

“We have also noticed a decrease in the number of drivers arrested for speeding, lowered by 7.8%, which could be attributed to greater law enforcement visibility,” the Minister said.

The highest speed was recorded in Gauteng when a female driver was caught driving 193 kilometres an hour in a 120-kilometre zone. 

An Eastern Cape man was arrested after recording a breath alcohol content of 2.38 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres. 

“This is ten times above the country’s legal breath alcohol limit of 0.24 milligrams of alcohol per 1000 millilitres breath. The RTMC has ensured targeted deployment of the National Traffic Police in high-risk provinces and corridors, informed by historical data and real-time monitoring. 

“This approach allows government to direct resources where they are most needed, while maintaining uniform standards of enforcement across the country. These coordinated efforts have helped to save lives but remain insufficient against behavioural risks that continue to escalate,” Creecy said.

With the peak travel period around Christmas and New Year, the Minister said government will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on the roads. 

“Enforcement will be firm, visible and consistent, because every life matters. We will in the coming days maintain 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes. 

“We will undertake alcohol operations every day of the festive season with high intensity over the weekend and we will patrol areas of pedestrian density to improve compliance with road regulations,” the Minister said.

The following remain critical concerns:

• Alcohol-related crashes.
• Excessive speed and reckless driving.
• Driver fatigue from long journeys.

“The persistence of these risky behaviours underlines a simple truth: every road death is preventable. 

“As the Minister of Transport, and on behalf of the Department of Transport, I call on all South Africans to commit to responsible behaviour — not just during this festive season, but every day. 

“Let us ensure that the remainder of this festive season is remembered not for tragedy, but for lives saved and families reunited safely. Together, let us make this festive period safer, and ensure that every South African arrives alive,” Creecy said.

The Minister called for all to heed the following safety tips:

• Never drink and drive.
• Obey speed limits, traffic laws and stop for pedestrians.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy.
• Rest sufficiently before long trips.
• Wear seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained.
• If you are a passenger, challenge unsafe driving. If you are hosting gatherings and traditional feasts (imigidi) prevent drunk driving by arranging alternative drivers or use public transport. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Transport’s mid-term festive season preliminary road safety report shows a decline in road fatalities compared to the same period last year, with 113 lives saved. 

“The number of fatal crashes last year this time was 545, compared to the 431 we have seen this year. The fatal crashes took 638 lives last year this time compared to 505 persons this year,” Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said on Friday.

Addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, Creecy said preliminary reports indicate a 20.9% reduction in fatal crashes and 20.8% reduction in fatalities in the middle of December (December 1 -16) following intensified law enforcement, road safety education, and public messaging.

The Free State has been identified as the best performing province, managing to bring down major crashes from 40 last year this time to 19 this year, while road deaths were brought down from 61 to 20.

This translates to a 67.2% decrease in fatalities.

“While Gauteng was able to bring down crashes by 12%, it remains the highest contributor to the death toll. In Gauteng, 105 people were killed in 95 crashes, with 88 fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal from 85 crashes,” the Minister said.

The Western Cape recorded 66 deaths in 55 crashes in the first half of December.

The Eastern Cape recorded 52 fatalities in 45 crashes, Mpumalanga has 69 fatalities in 50 crashes, North West has 34 deaths in 28 crashes, Limpopo has 40 road deaths in 34 crashes and Northern Cape 31 road deaths in 20 crashes.

Despite strong enforcement, two provinces recorded increases in fatalities year-on-year. They are Mpumalanga and Northen Cape, illustrating that behavioural risk remains “stubbornly high”.

“The average fatalities per day is 32. which is the lowest in five years. The top four types of crashes that contributed to the high number of fatalities are accident with pedestrian, hit and run, single vehicle overturned as well as head-on collisions.

“However, pedestrians continue to represent a disproportionately large share of the road toll, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of non-motorised road users. The contribution of pedestrians to fatalities is 44%, passengers contributed 28%, drivers contributed 26%, and cyclists contributed two percent (2%).

“These preliminary figures remind us that danger remains ever present, and the peak travel days of Christmas and New Year are still ahead. Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the roads this weekend leading to Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

“Traffic volumes and congestion will be experienced again in the first weekend of January as many holiday makers will be making their way back to the cities for the re-opening of schools and return to work,” the Minister said.

Creecy said the mid-season shows that enforcement is having an impact on incident rates, but fatal crashes are still occurring at unacceptable levels.

“Alcohol misuse, speeding, fatigue, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour remain the dominant risk factors. Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms in the period under review also had a devastating impact on our campaign.

“These patterns emphasise that law enforcement and infrastructure improvements alone are not enough. They must be paired with sustained behavioural change — the core message of our 365 Days of Road Safety commitment,” the Minister said. 

In the coming days, government will maintain a 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

The enhanced security measures implemented by the Border Management Authority (BMA) across the country’s ports of entry are ensuring that law transgressors are stopped in their tracks.

This operation is part of a strengthened multi-layered approach designed to ensure safe, efficient and well-coordinated border management during this peak travel period.

“As daily movements continue to increase, the Border Management Authority remains on high alert, committed to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while decisively preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa’s borders,” Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, said on Friday.

The Commissioner is operating from the ground, overseeing border operations, with the processing of people and goods continuing smoothly and unimpeded at all Ports of Entry across the country.

On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the BMA Law Enforcement component at Kosi Bay intercepted two Mozambican male nationals travelling in a silver Volvo S40 while entering the Republic of South Africa from Mozambique. 

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 46 fraudulently stamped Mozambican passports concealed under the mat in the boot of the car. 

In addition, an amount of R34 890 in cash, believed to be proceeds of illicit activities, was confiscated from the suspects.

“The suspects attempted to bribe BMA officials with the same amount of cash in an effort to evade arrest. Both suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with fraud, resisting arrest, and bribery. This interception reflects the BMA’s zero tolerance on corruption and the facilitation of transnational organised crime,” Masiapato said on Friday.

In addition, the BMA Border Guards intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at the Groblers Bridge Port of Entry to Botswana, as they were moving without travel documents through vulnerable segments of the borderline while leaving South Africa on 18 December 2025. 

They were carrying goods that were supposed to be declared through the normal customs processes.

Furthermore, about 142 Basotho nationals were also intercepted at Sani Pass.

“Operations at the Sendelingsdrift Port of Entry between South Africa and Namibia have been temporarily suspended due to increased water levels resulting from persistent rainfall. 

“These conditions pose a safety risk to the cross-border movement of the pontoon and to travellers between the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. The BMA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions improve,” the Commissioner said.

As he continues to monitor operations, he will on Friday be Maseru Bridge Port of Entry. 

The port is already experiencing an increase in the movement of travellers on both arrivals and departures. 

Despite the rising volumes, the situation remains manageable, with adequate deployments in place and systems functioning optimally. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its immigration laws and upholding national sovereignty, while indicating that allegations involving the private data of United States officials will be addressed through diplomatic channels.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was carried out in full compliance with South African immigration legislation.

According to DIRCO, the individuals were found to be working in the country without the required work permits. The department stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws is a sovereign matter and forms part of government’s obligation to uphold the rule of law.

“Government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” the statement said.

DIRCO also responded to what it described as an unsubstantiated allegation concerning the private information of US officials. The department said South Africa treats data security with the utmost seriousness and operates within strict legal and diplomatic frameworks.

It categorically rejected any suggestion of State involvement in the alleged actions, emphasising that such claims are not supported by evidence.

At the same time, DIRCO said South Africa remains committed to principled, transparent and constructive diplomacy. 

“Official channels have been opened with the United States government to seek clarity on this allegation and to reinforce that our bilateral engagements must be grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za