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Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonceba Kontsiwe, has welcomed the strong public support shown for the department’s Agricultural Show and Mnquma Market Day where farmers from across the Amathole District successfully marketed and sold their produce.

Addressing attendees at the show, held at Monument Centre in Butterworth on Wednesday, Kontsiwe said the event highlighted the growing value of agricultural shows as platforms for connecting farmers with consumers, expanding market access, and creating economic opportunities.

She commended the people of Butterworth for supporting farmers, after witnessing a number of people leaving the venue carrying different types of produce they had purchased.  

“These shows are not meant to be places where farmers showcase produce only but they must be hubs of economic activity. The shows have long served as a platform for celebrating excellence in farming in a bid to promote market access for smallholder farmers,” Kontsiwe said.

The shows were re-introduced last year, where various farmers from Amathole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo District Municipalities had an opportunity to showcase their produce to different stakeholders, including buyers, agricultural experts, and other industry stakeholders.

The events also provide a platform space for participants and role players across the agricultural value chain to exhibit produce, products, innovations and funding instruments, while creating opportunities for networking and information-sharing among farmers and industry role players.

Kontsiwe said the department’s reimagined agricultural show model, with its renewed focus on market access and fostering commercial opportunities, will continue to be rolled out across all district municipalities in the province.

“The shows have transitioned from purely competitive events to vibrant, interactive marketplaces that connect farmers directly with potential buyers, financial service providers, and agri-business stakeholders,” the MEC said.

Chairperson of the Mnquma Farmers’ Association, David Nomngqokwana, welcomed the initiative, saying it provided farmers with valuable opportunities to sell their produce and strengthen their businesses.

“We are delighted as farmers to have platforms like these, where we are able to sell our produce. This show has brought exciting opportunities for farmers in terms of markets and gaining more knowledge about our products.

“We need to continue hosting these shows so that we can improve our produce, learn from others and have access to the markets. Through meaningful government initiatives like these, we are able to take steps towards becoming fully-fledged commercial farmers,” Nomngqokwana said.

The department said the quarterly agricultural shows, which will be hosted in all district municipalities, are aimed at bridging the gap between production and markets, empowering farmers, stimulating rural economies and contributing to the growth of the agricultural value chain across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Gauteng Department of e-Government (e-Gov) will today launch the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series 2026 as part of government’s youth empowerment initiatives.

The department said the hackathon is aimed at “accelerating youth innovation and developing practical digital solutions to address Gauteng’s priority service delivery challenges”.

“This initiative brings together young innovators, technology stakeholders, government institutions and industry partners to collaborate on solutions that improve service delivery and address real community challenges.

“The programme will be rolled out across all five corridors [Westrand, Sedibeng, Joburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane] of Gauteng during June 2026 and will culminate in a Provincial Finale and Awards Ceremony to be hosted at the Microsoft offices in Johannesburg.

“The first Hackathon in the series will take place in the West Rand region as an overnight innovation challenge where participants will conceptualize, design and develop technology-driven solutions,” the department said of Thursday’s launch.

The finale will be held from 29 – 30 June 2026, followed by a closing ceremony and awards presentation on 1 July.

MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini said the hackathon presents an opportunity to creatively deal with challenges.

“We believe that the youth of Gauteng possess the creativity, talent and technological capability to develop solutions that can transform communities and improve government service delivery.

“Through the Youth Tech Expo G13 Hackathon Series, we are creating a platform for young innovators to showcase their skills, collaborate with industry leaders and contribute meaningfully to the digital future of our province,” Dhlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng residents are urged to protect public infrastructure amid a recent increase in vandalism.

The Department of e-Government said incidents of vandalism, damage and theft have affected CCTV cameras in the province.

Department MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini warned that this impacts public safety, crime prevention and crime detection.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government has invested heavily in public infrastructure to improve public safety and service delivery across the province.

“When public assets such as CCTV cameras are vandalised or stolen, it not only undermines our efforts to create safer environments for residents but also diverts valuable resources that could have been used to expand services and invest in additional infrastructure,” Dhlamini said.

Furthermore, public infrastructure is funded through “public resources and is installed for the benefit of our communities”.

“We therefore call on residents, community organisations, businesses and all stakeholders to work with government in protecting these assets. By safeguarding public infrastructure, we are safeguarding our own safety, security and future development,” the MEC added.

Communities are encouraged to report incidents of vandalism and suspicious activity.

According to the department several cameras are currently non-operational due to vandalism, undermining “law enforcement capabilities across the province”.

“Through the e-Policing programme, CCTV cameras assist authorities in monitoring crime hotspots, tracking criminal activities, gathering evidence for investigations and supporting coordinated responses to incidents.

“Gauteng Provincial Government will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies, municipalities, private sector partners and communities to ensure that public safety infrastructure remains operational and effective in serving the people of Gauteng,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, confirmed that the BMA successfully processed the departure of 933 Mozambican nationals from South Africa to Mozambique through the Lebombo Port of Entry.

Of the 933 individuals processed on Wednesday, 349 originated from the Lindela Holding Facility and were transported by the Department of Home Affairs through its deportation programme.  

The remaining 584 individuals travelled from Mossel Bay through arrangements facilitated by the Mozambican High Commission.

Among those processed were individuals who didn’t possess valid travel documentation and others whose immigration status required further verification. 

In addition, 17 individuals who had previously entered South Africa legally were found to have overstayed their authorised period of stay. These cases were processed in accordance with the Immigration Act and applicable regulations.

Thirty-eight minors formed part of the group and were processed with the assistance of the Department of Social Development to ensure compliance with all applicable child protection and cross-border movement requirements.

All travellers underwent the required immigration processing, including identity verification, biometric checks and immigration status assessments, in accordance with South African immigration legislation and border management procedures.

As part of the BMA’s mandate, all persons were screened and processed in accordance with health, security and immigration protocols before being permitted to proceed through the Port of Entry.

At the conclusion of the operation, 926 individuals successfully left South Africa for Mozambique.

Seven individuals were not permitted to depart following immigration processing and verification. 

These cases included individuals who did not meet the prescribed requirements for cross-border movement, individuals whose nationality or immigration status required further verification, and cases involving minors where the required supporting documentation was not available.

Appropriate arrangements were made for all affected individuals in accordance with legal and administrative requirements.

The operation was concluded in an orderly manner without incident, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation between South African authorities and their regional counterparts

“The management of cross-border movement must be conducted in a manner that is lawful, orderly and consistent with South Africa’s immigration framework. 

“The BMA remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring compliance with immigration legislation and safeguarding the integrity of our ports of entry. 

“We will continue to work closely with our regional counterparts to promote safe, orderly and regular migration, while protecting the security interests of South Africa and the region,” the Commissioner said. 

The operation was coordinated through an integrated approach involving BMA Immigration Services, Port Health Services, Law Enforcement, and Border Guard functions, working in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service and the Mozambican authorities.– SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has strongly condemned the violent attack, harassment and intimidation of an e-hailing driver.

“Last night, we received distressed calls from the leadership of the KZN e-Hailing Council. They shared a video showing an attack on an e-hailing driver who was transporting female passengers,” the MEC said on Thursday.

In the circulating video, security guards from a company allegedly hired by the KwaNdengezi Taxi Association are seen brandishing firearms and ordering the e-hailing driver to drop off the female passengers.

Shots were reportedly fired at the tyres, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and collide with another car.

The provincial government has since assigned a team from the Public Regulatory Entity and Operation Shanela to investigate the matter, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and Metro Police.

“In this regard, ballistic experts must be brought in to conduct spot examinations of any cartridges found at the scene.

“We are calling on the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) to take a closer look at this matter. Clearly, the gun-wielding security guards must be investigated for violating the Private Security Industry Regulation Act,” Duma added.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring stability in the public transport sector, working with the South African National Taxi Council and other key role players. –SAnews.gov.za

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has activated its Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and intensified disaster management and emergency response plan following the South African Weather Service (SAWS) decision to upgrade its warning for disruptive rainfall from Level 5 to Level 8.

The warning, which took effect from Wednesday (including Thursday), covers Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounding areas, with forecasts indicating up to 200mm of rainfall. Authorities have warned of widespread flooding, dangerous travel conditions, infrastructure damage and potential disruptions to communities.

The municipality has urged residents, businesses, motorists and community organisations to take immediate precautionary measures ahead of the anticipated severe weather conditions.

According to SAWS, the warning was upgraded due to increased rainfall projections, already saturated ground conditions following recent rainfall, and the significant damage caused by previous weather systems.

Forecasts indicated rainfall accumulations of up to 100mm on Wednesday, with a further 50mm to 100mm expected today. Rainfall probabilities remain exceptionally high, with an 80% chance of rain on today.

“The municipality’s Disaster Management Centre, emergency services, engineering teams and critical infrastructure departments have been placed on high alert and are coordinating preparedness measures across the metro,” the municipality said.

The expected impacts include:

•    Widespread flooding of formal and informal settlements;
•    Flooding of roads, bridges and low-lying areas;
•    Significant disruptions to transport routes;
•    Dangerous driving conditions caused by reduced visibility and slippery roads;
•    Potential mudslides and rockfalls;
•    Damage to public and private infrastructure, and
•    Communities becoming isolated due to flooding and road closures.

Residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to prepare for possible evacuations, should conditions deteriorate.

The municipality is also monitoring a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging waves, with wave heights of between four and five metres forecast along the Nelson Mandela Bay coastline.

“Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution around beaches, coastal walkways and low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide periods,” the municipality said.

High tides are expected at approximately 5am and 6pm today.

The municipality has also strongly advised residents to postpone non-essential travel during the warning period, avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and streams, secure valuable belongings and remain informed through official communication channels.

“Emergency services remain on standby and residents are encouraged to immediately report emergencies and weather-related incidents through the municipality’s emergency response channels. The safety of residents remains the municipality’s highest priority and all communities are urged to take this warning seriously,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall that may lead to flooding over the eastern parts of the Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the South Coast of the Eastern Cape up to East London on Thursday.

The severe weather is expected to affect roads and bridges, pose a danger to life from fast-moving streams and rivers, and result in the closure of major roads.

According to the weather service, a cut-off low (COL) pressure system has been affecting South Africa’s southern provinces since Wednesday and is expected to continue into Thursday.

“Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over the Eastern Cape, the central and eastern interior of the Western Cape, as well as the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape.

“Light snowfall is expected over the mountain tops of the central and eastern Western Cape and the higher-lying areas of the southern Namakwa District,” SAWS said.

SAWS has issued the following warnings:

• Orange Level 5 Warning: Disruptive rainfall, which may pose a danger to life, cause flooding, displace settlements and trigger mudslides, is expected between East London and Morgan Bay (south of the Wild Coast).
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Disruptive rainfall, which may lead to flooding in settlements, on roads and bridges, as well as in other susceptible areas, is expected in the eastern parts of the Western Cape, excluding the extreme south-eastern areas.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive rainfall, which may lead to localised flooding of roads and other susceptible areas, is expected over the Theewaterskloof and Langeberg local municipalities in the Western Cape, as well as the central and western interior of the Eastern Cape and places in the eastern parts of the province.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive snowfall, which may lead to icy roads and traffic disruptions, is expected over the northern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Wind and waves, which may make navigation at sea difficult and cause small vessels to take on water, are expected between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging waves, which may place small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing, as well as make navigation difficult, are expected between Plettenberg Bay and East London.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy downpours, may lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges or areas, as well as large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning.

–SAnews.gov.za

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane says the South African Police Service has deployed the necessary resources while also intensifying operations to restore and maintain law and order in Mossel Bay and other parts of the country.

This comes after the murder of Nhlamulo Sambo who initial reports claimed that he was targeted during protests against illegal migration. 

However, police have confirmed that there is no evidence linking his death to tribalism, xenophobia, anti-immigration protests, or his identity as a Tsonga-speaking South African.

“We are actively investigating all criminal acts related to these incidents, and those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.”

READ | Police arrest suspect in Mossel Bay teen murder

Speaking at a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) media briefing held in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape on Wednesday, Dimpane urged everyone in the country to respect the laws of the country and that if they choose to march, they should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights of others.

“No grievance, no matter how strongly felt, justifies violence, intimidation, assault, the destruction of property, looting, or threats against any person or community. We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack legitimate concerns and turn them into acts of lawlessness,” Dimpane said.

Dimpane said the NATJOINTS will provide a comprehensive update on the security situation, ongoing interventions, operational deployments and measures being implemented to safeguard all people living in South Africa.

Rule of law 

Also speaking at the briefing was NATJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who assured the people of South Africa that government remains firmly in control of the security environment.

“Through NATJOINTS, all law enforcement, intelligence and security structures are working in a coordinated manner to maintain public order, protect lives and property, uphold the Constitution, and enforce the laws of the Republic without fear, favour or prejudice,” she said.

Mosikili said South Africa is governed by the Constitution and the rule of law, not by intimidation, violence, ultimatums, or mob justice.

“Therefore, no individual, movement, organisation or grouping has the authority to take the law into its own hands, conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, target individuals based on their nationality or seek to enforce immigration laws outside the framework of the law. 

“The responsibility for maintaining public order, combating crime and enforcing immigration legislation rests exclusively with duly authorised law enforcement agencies acting within the confines of the Constitution and the law,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili said over the past week, law enforcement agencies have demonstrated their commitment to protecting the rule of law through decisive action against those engaged in public violence and criminal conduct.

“In the Free State, 166 individuals have been arrested for offences linked to public violence and related criminal activities. In the Western Cape, five suspects have been arrested in connection with incidents of violence and intimidation,” she said.

Mosikili commended the detectives for the swift arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of Sambo.

“The speed with which investigators acted demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are identified and brought before the courts.”

Mosikili used the occasion to clarify the killing of Sambo and said based on the information at the disposal of the police, Sambo’s death is not linked to the recent unrest in the area. 

“We therefore urge the public to refrain from speculation and the spreading of misinformation, and to allow the investigation to proceed unhindered. We therefore urge the public to refrain from speculation and the spreading of misinformation, and to allow the investigation to proceed unhindered,” she said.

Contravention of the Immigration Act

According to Mosikili, in the past three weeks alone, more than 5 000 illegal immigrants have been arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

Since 1 January 2026, law enforcement operations conducted across the country have resulted in the arrest of 34 798 illegal immigrants and in the previous financial year, 76 588 illegal immigrants were arrested.

Mosikili said the arrests send a clear message that those who incite violence, encourage vigilantism, threaten communities, destroy property or undermine public order will face the full consequences of the law. 

“We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilise communities, threaten national stability, disrupt economic activity or challenge the authority of the democratic State. NATJOINTS strongly condemns the recent violent incidents in Mossel Bay that resulted in the tragic loss of two lives during activities associated with antiforeigner demonstrations,” she said.

Mosikili said foreign nationals who enter, remain or work in South Africa unlawfully are in contravention of the Immigration Act and expose themselves to arrest, detention and deportation processes as prescribed by law. 

“Through ongoing multidisciplinary operations involving the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority and other law enforcement agencies, thousands of undocumented foreign nationals continue to be identified, arrested, processed and deported in accordance with the law.

“Operations such as Operation Shanela and other targeted interventions continue to yield significant results in addressing illegal immigration, organised crime, crossborder criminality and related offences,” Mosikili said. – SAnews.gov.za