Category: Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, says transnational organised crime remains one of the most serious threats to peace, stability and development across Africa and beyond.

“Its manifestations are diverse: drug trafficking, human trafficking, illicit firearms, cybercrime, wildlife crime, money laundering, and terrorism, to name but a few of the most threatening,” Cachalia said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 27th African Regional Interpol Conference underway in Cape Town, Cachalia said these crimes transcend borders, exploit technological advances and undermine the security of people and the integrity of respective States and economies.

“We are all mindful, particularly, that syndicated crime today is not static. The evolving nature of criminal activities, the emergence of new trends and the use of sophisticated technologies by criminal networks compel us to constantly adapt our responses,” Cachalia said.

Cachalia said dealing with these crimes demands a collective, concerted and focused effort.

“It requires robust strategies, and the concrete implementation of agreed actions at national, regional, continental and global levels.

“We are gathered here to generate solutions that are both strategic and pragmatic; solutions that can be implemented effectively within our countries and within the frameworks of our regional and continental organisations.

“Our deliberations will help to shape a more coordinated African response to transnational organised crime, one that strengthens the security of our borders while protecting the rights and wellbeing of our people.” 

Cachalia said South Africa’s participation in the conference is firmly rooted in the country’s constitutional values and long-term national vision.

“Our Constitution enshrines the right of every person to safety and security, and it compels the State to protect and uphold these rights. 

“Our engagement in regional and global security cooperation is, therefore, not only a matter of international solidarity but also an essential component of our domestic agenda.”

Cachalia said South Africa recognises that transnational organised crime undermines development and corrodes governance.

“By weakening institutions, fuelling corruption, and diverting resources, it impedes our ability to achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.”

In his welcoming address, National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, said the biennial conference is one of INTERPOL’s most significant regional events.

“It offers us the opportunity to assess crime threats and emerging trends, strengthen INTERPOL’s core capabilities, and reinforce the global policing cooperation that links Africa to all 193 member countries of INTERPOL.” 

Masemola said transnational organised crime is evolving with alarming speed.

“Whether it is drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, firearms smuggling, vehicle theft or illegal mining, these crimes exploit borders, weaken governance, fuel corruption and destabilise communities. Behind every crime statistic lies a story of lives shattered, families broken, and communities robbed of their peace.”

The conference is being attended by the President of INTERPOL, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi; the Secretary General of INTERPOL, Mr Valdecy Urquiza, and Police Chiefs from INTERPOL member countries, amongst others.

The high-level gathering will underscore South Africa’s commitment to regional and international cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, terrorism and other emerging security threats. 

It is expected to result in concrete agreements on strengthening regional responses, while also serving as a platform for the exchange of best practices and the deepening of law enforcement partnerships. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has officially announced the appointment of members to the National Education and Training Council (NETC), marking a significant step in shaping the future of South Africa’s basic education system. 

Speaking at the announcement briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said this month, her ministry has operationalised the National Education and Training Council for the first time – a step taken with the support of Cabinet.

The Council, which was first established in terms of the National Education Policy Act of 1996 and its regulations promulgated in 2009, is being activated for the first time. It will serve as an independent advisory body to the Minister on key education policies and reforms, provide inputs on draft national education policy, and report annually to the Minister on its activities. 

Gwarube explained that just 12 days after her appointment as Minister, she addressed Parliament and committed to operationalise the National Education and Training Council to provide expert advice on education policies and reforms in the country.

WATCH |

“It has been a year of hard work and significant reorientation. I am pleased to inform South Africans that we have delivered on that promise. Today, the NETC will hold its inaugural meeting at the Department of Basic Education’s head office in Pretoria.

“When I assumed this responsibility, I made it clear that South Africa’s basic education system could not continue on the path of incremental adjustments. It needed a decisive shift in strategy, vision and energy,” Gwarube said. 

The new Council will be chaired by Ms Penelope Vinjevold, with members drawn from across academia, civil society, and education management. They include:

1. Mrs Khathutshelo Onica Dederen.
2. Dr Xolani Khohliso.
3. Ms Zanele Mabaso.
4. Ms Madimetja Dina Mamashela.
5. Prof Judith McKenzie.
6. Prof Paulus Jacobus Mentz.
7. Mr Lebogang Stephen Montjane.
8. Ms Mmatsetsweu Ruby Motaung.
9. Prof Nicolette Roberts.
10. Ms Maite Getrude Rammala.
11. Ms Marie-Louise Samuels.
12. Dr Selvia Kista (Mona) Singh.
13. Dr Glodean Qondile Tintswalo Thani.
14. Ms Penelope Vinjevold (Chairperson).
15. Dr Gabrielle Wills.

According to the Minister, the NETC will provide expert advice on pressing issues such as the review of the school resourcing model, assessment and progression requirements, reducing administrative burdens on teachers, and strengthening foundational learning.

In addition, the Council’s advice must give guidance on how to ensure a smooth transition from Early Childhood Care and Education into compulsory Grade R, and on progressively strengthening mother tongue instruction in the early grades.

“Without strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, other reforms cannot succeed. With them, every child has a pathway to learning, opportunity and dignity.

“These tasks are urgent, but they are also interconnected. Together, they represent the core of our mission: to inject quality, equity and resilience into South Africa’s basic education system. 

“The appointment of the National Education and Training Council is more than an administrative milestone. It marks the start of a new era for policymaking in basic education in South Africa,” the Minister said. 

The Minister stressed that the Council will not replace statutory bodies like the Council of Education Ministers or Heads of Education Departments Committee but will serve as an evidence-led advisory structure to supplement their work. She added that it is not a decision-making body. Its role is advisory.

“The Council is designed to strengthen our decision-making. It is a sounding board; a source of evidence, and a forum for testing ideas before they are translated into policy. It is, in short, a mechanism to ensure that our reforms are not only bold, but also smart, equitable, implementable and sustainable,” the Minister said.

In closing, the Minister extended her gratitude to the members of the NETC for their willingness to contribute their expertise and time to this important work.  

“We are wishing you all the best as you convene for your inaugural meeting today. You are entrusted with a responsibility to fearlessly provide advice grounded in evidence and aimed at the best interests of learners. Yours is not the task of government, but the task of knowledge, expertise and wisdom.

“I urge you to approach this responsibility with courage, creativity, and the humility that comes from knowing that millions of children depend on our collective choices,” she said. 

The Minister said the Council’s work officially starts today, bringing with it the responsibility to guarantee that every child in every classroom across all provinces not only has a place in school but also a real opportunity to thrive. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD), Andries Nel, has called for a united approach to fight human trafficking and the exploitation of young women.

This after the circulation of social media videos – through prominent South African influencers – of controversial and possibly illegal job opportunities in Russia.

The videos circulated by the influencers are targeted at young women between the ages of 18 and 22.

“Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels,” Nel said.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the “desperation created by high levels of youth unemployment, particularly among young women”, which could lead to dangerous situations.

“These vulnerabilities must not be exploited. Government remains committed to creating safe and sustainable employment pathways through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and skills development programmes,” he said.

Nel emphasised that a ‘whole of society’ approach is required to protect young lives.

“We call upon all sectors of society – government, civil society, business and communities – to work together to protect our youth from predators who seek to profit from their hopes and dreams. 

“The safety, dignity and futures of our young people are not for sale. Human trafficking is a scourge that we must confront with unity, vigilance, and unshakable resolve,” Nel said.

Echoing the Deputy Minister’s sentiments on the dangers of human trafficking, the department relayed the example of some 23 South Africans who were rescued and repatriated from Myanmar in March.

“Before leaving South Africa in 2024, they were lured to the Kingdom of Thailand under false pretences by an employment agency that promised them lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms. These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits. 

“Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will. The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar. They were subjected to brutal treatment, intimidation, physical torture and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide,” the department said.

Before accepting any international offer, use the following channels to verify its authenticity:

• The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
• The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL).
• The Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
• The South African Police Service (SAPS).

“It is also imperative that any person taking up a job offer or opportunity overseas must first enquire from the country where the employment is offered as to what the legal travel and legal working requirements are, in respect of that country.

“Trafficking in persons is a reality, with South Africa being regarded as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has documented a 25% global increase in detected trafficking of victims, with children accounting [for] 38%.

“The department… working with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP), provincial task teams, and rapid response units established under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013), continues to strengthen South Africa’s collective response to trafficking in persons.

“Our work includes enhancing investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offences, building cross-border partnerships with international counterparts and expanding public awareness campaigns to alert communities to the methods used by traffickers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

In his role as Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will officially launch the Just Energy Transition (JET) Skills Desk, the National JET Skills Advisory Forum and the Multi-Donor Initiative (MDI). 

This event will take place on Friday, 29 August 2025, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Johannesburg. Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela will also be at the launch.

 According to the Deputy President’s Office, these initiatives represent strategic milestones in advancing South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and inclusive economy.

“The launch also forms part of the broader JET skills portfolio, which underscores the country’s commitment to coordinated, multi-sectoral action, involving government, organised labour, business, civil society and development partners. 

“Inclusion of these structures is for the purposes of ensuring that the energy transition is inclusive, equitable and anchored in a demand-driven approach to skills development,” a statement read. 

The upcoming event aims to introduce the key components of the JET Skills governance structure, which includes the JET Skills Desk and the National JET Skills Advisory Forum.

The JET Skills Desk will function as the main coordination hub, located within the Department of Higher Education and Training. Its purpose is to drive integrated skills planning and implementation in line with the country’s energy transition objectives.

On the other hand, the National JET Skills Advisory Forum will serve as a multi-stakeholder platform. It will provide guidance, encourage alignment across various sectors, and promote accountability in delivering the skills necessary for a just transition.

The Presidency said these structures will support the roll out of Skills Development Zones (SDZs), which are localised hubs for focused training and skills development in areas most affected by the energy transition. 

“The SDZs will aim to equip individuals with relevant, demand-responsive skills, while promoting local economic resilience and inclusion.” 

Mashatile will launch the Multi-Donor Initiative (MDI) on that day, which supports the JET Skills Desk. 

This initiative is co-financed by the European Union, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). It is implemented under BMZ’s flagship Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) programme. 

The MDI exemplifies strong international cooperation and South Africa’s commitment to mobilising global and domestic partnerships that support reskilling, upskilling and workforce development to avoid massive job losses.

The official launch also signals South Africa’s readiness to deliver a just, inclusive and demand-responsive energy transition, underpinned by the development of relevant and sustainable skills required by the labour market. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 18 634 suspects over the past week – signaling reaffirmation of public safety and the rule of law.

Among those arrested were 3 087 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, hijacking and armed robbery. According to the police, 131 suspects were arrested for murder 140 for attempted murder and 157 for rape.
Meanwhile, 722 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while 1714 suspects were nabbed for illegal migration offences.

A total of 106 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.  KwaZulu-Natal led with 32 arrests; Eastern Cape followed with 21 arrests and Gauteng secured 19 arrests. 

Police also arrested 232 suspects for drug trafficking.

The week’s operations also led to the seizure of high-value contraband and dangerous goods,  including 18,882 units of abalone, 180 firearms, and 2 921 rounds of ammunition.  

Meanwhile, SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, led a drug destruction process worth more than R 400 million in Gauteng.

In a separate enforcement operation, on Friday, 22 August 2025, the National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, under Operation Buyisa, seized 226 firearms from a registered private security company after uncovering serious contraventions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act 60 of 2000).

Additionally, a coordinated Inter-Provincial Operation led to the arrests of 116 suspects across Frances Baard, Namakwa, and Pixley Ka Seme in the Northern Cape. Major seizures in Colesberg included illicit cigarettes and a truck worth R7.5 million, plus stolen goods and a maroon VW Polo linked to criminal activity. 

Recovered items spanned firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, drugs, alcohol, weapons, and cash. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, August 27, 2025