Category: English

By Dikeledi Molobela

Mokhotlong, Lesotho – In a major step toward securing water supply for South Africa’s economic heartland, the second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) was launched on Monday at the Polihali construction site, under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.  

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina, alongside Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko, presided over the milestone event in the highlands of Mokhotlong, underscoring deepening regional cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho.

The delegation included Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Relebohile Lebeta, the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission and the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. 

The launch of the 423-metre-long TBM, designed to excavate a 38.5km tunnel connecting the Polihali Dam and Katse Dam, marks the transition from preparatory work to full-scale underground construction.

Addressing stakeholders, Majodina framed the moment as both technical and symbolic. 

“Today, we stand in the highlands of Lesotho — but we gather for a journey that begins deep beneath our feet. A journey that will stretch 38.5km through solid rock, connecting the Polihali and Katse Dams into a single, gravity-driven water system — a system that will move water without a single pump.

“This is engineering at its most purposeful. This is infrastructure at its most transformative,” the Minister said. 

The TBM, with a 5.38-metre cutterhead, will operate under extreme geological conditions — boring through rock beneath mountains rising over 3 000 metres and sections with up to 1 000 metres of overburden. 

Once complete, the tunnel will enable water to flow naturally between reservoirs without pumping, significantly improving efficiency.

The project is critical for South Africa, particularly Gauteng, which faces growing water constraints due to rapid urbanisation and industrial demand. 

“As the TBM advances, it brings us closer to the dream of a water secure Gauteng, which is the economic hub of the country and population growing rapidly despite being the smallest province in the country,” Majodina said.

The first and second TBM, which was launched at Katse in early 2025, are excavating from both ends of the tunnel to accelerate completion.

Progress to date includes more than 600 metres excavated from the Katse side and over 380 metres from Polihali, with both machines now operating simultaneously.

Beyond engineering, the project is expected to deliver substantial socio-economic benefits. 

Approximately 2 400 Basotho are currently employed, with over 1 100 individuals trained and more than 700 certified in various skills. Local economic participation has already exceeded M600 million.

“This is not incidental. It is intentional. This is how infrastructure builds nations,” Majodina emphasised. 

Once completed, the tunnel will increase water transfer to South Africa from 780 million cubic metres to 1 270 million cubic metres annually, while boosting hydropower generation at the Muela Hydropower Station by approximately 30%.

“This is not incremental change. This is a step-change in regional resilience for both the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa,” she said.

The Minister also stressed governance and accountability in delivering the R9.2 billion project.

“Every Maloti invested, in this R9.2 billion project must deliver value to the people of Lesotho and South Africa,” she said.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a long-standing bi-national initiative, is designed to harness the Orange–Senqu River system to augment water supply to South Africa while generating hydropower for Lesotho. 

Phase II includes the Polihali Dam, the transfer tunnel, Senqu Bridge and associated infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and social programmes. 

Looking ahead, one of the most technically demanding aspects of the project will be the “lake tap” a controlled underwater breakthrough into the Katse reservoir requiring precise alignment and pressure management.

“Let this Tunnel Boring Machine stand as a signal: That we are moving forward. That we are building. That we are delivering. Delivering with purpose. Delivering with integrity. Delivering for the people,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has emphasised that the transformation of the legal sector remains integral to sustaining South Africa’s democracy.

On Monday, the Minister met with legal practitioners in a stakeholder engagement as part of government’s efforts to strengthen collaboration and advance transformation within the legal sector.
The Minister, who gave her remarks after the stakeholders had their say, noted that the session highlighted that there remain pockets of “resistance” to transformation in the sector.

“Most studies have indicated that the transformation of the legal profession is facing resistance by established players who have benefited from the status quo, and this has also manifested itself with legal challenges against the legal sector code.

“There are still many barriers that restrict the careers of talented black and female lawyers, including racist treatment, sexual harassment, and briefing patterns which give preference to white men.

“That can’t be ignored. It cannot be that it is not acknowledged that transformation is necessary in this sector, because the worst off in this sector remain the black women. We are going to have to work together…in partnership to be able to fight the resistance and transform our sector,” Kubayi said.

The Minister has instructed all State Attorney Offices to hold quarterly stakeholder engagements to deepen transformation even further.

A tool of economic freedom
Kubayi highlighted the importance of transformation as a source of economic freedom.
“For us to have a country and its democracy being sustainable, everybody must feel part of this country, including economically. Political freedom without economic freedom is meaningless. So, [legal] briefs and opportunities remain critical,” she said.

Turning to the Constitution, which commemorates 30 years since its adoption, the Minister noted that it enjoins the government to address past injustice and discrimination.

“It says to us that it is time for us to pause and reflect on the journey that we have travelled, renew ourselves in terms of the mandate and values, and principles of the Constitution.

“More importantly, transformation does not mean replacement of white faces with black faces. It’s about building a non-racial society. That’s what the Constitution says.

“But the Constitution also calls on us to address the injustices of the past,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Counter Intelligence Operation says it has noted with serious concern the circulation and publication of leaked affidavits linked to ongoing investigations into drug-related criminal networks in the country.

The SAPS noted the publication of certain information and pictures on the front page of The Sunday Times newspaper.

“While the SAPS recognises and respects the vital role played by the media in promoting accountability and uncovering the truth, we urge all media houses, especially the Sunday Times, journalists, social media content creators to exercise responsibility and restraint in handling such sensitive information,” the police said in a statement.

According to the police, the publication or dissemination of leaked affidavits – especially those containing details of witnesses, informants, and evidence – poses a direct and dangerous risk to the safety and lives of individuals who have come forward to assist police investigations.

Not only are the witnesses’ lives placed at risk, but their families too. These individuals who are witnesses in sensitive and high-profile cases often do so under conditions of trust to the police, said the police.

The police added that the premature release of such information has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and alert criminals on police ongoing investigations.

“We would like to emphasise that the protection of witnesses and their families is of critical importance to the work of the police.

“We therefore urge members of the media, especially “The Sunday Times” to act in the interest of the lives and the families of witnesses and avoid publishing leaked affidavits and their personal information.

“We also make a call to some lawyers, attorneys and advocates working on these high profile cases not to leak information to the media and use that information solely to prepare for trial ready cases. We also make an appeal to social media users to also refrain from making unnecessary speculations and naming witnesses on cases, as witnesses lives are at risk,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

More than 1 300 cattle in the Eastern Cape’s Ngobozana Administrative area in Lusikisiki, have been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as efforts to contain the spread of the disease continue.

The vaccination drive, conducted on Friday, forms part of a broader provincial campaign that has seen over 302 000 cattle inoculated since the arrival of FMD vaccines in South Africa.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Zoleka Capa, who joined the campaign, commended the provincial department for its efforts to contain the outbreak. She underscored the importance of coordinated interventions to protect livestock and safeguard rural livelihoods.

“We are encouraged by the strong turnout of farmers supporting the campaign to ensure their cattle are vaccinated. We aim to continue with programmes that will help keep livestock healthy,” Capa said.

Local farmer Sipho Giwu welcomed the initiative, noting that many farmers lacked access to vaccines and information about the vaccination process.

“FMD has caused significant losses across the country, and we are pleased that our animals are now being vaccinated. Government is also encouraging livestock tagging, which will help address stock theft, a major concern in the province,” Giwu said.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen recently confirmed that government has secured a steady supply of vaccines to sustain the campaign. To date, four million doses have been received, including 2.5 million from Biogénesis Bagó and 1.5 million from Dollvet.

READ | Progress in national FMD vaccination drive

An additional two million doses from Dollvet are expected by the end of April. Furthermore, an order for five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó has been placed through Onderstepoort Biological Products, with 3.5 million doses anticipated to arrive before the end of April 2026.

Vaccination efforts are being implemented using a risk-based approach, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible livestock.

On 10 April 2026, Steenhuisen announced plans to publish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984. The proposed framework aims to strengthen long-term disease control measures.

Public comments on the draft scheme closed on 17 April 2026, with submissions directed to the FMD Command Centre. The final scheme is expected to be published on 24 April 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

By Andrea Naicker 
South Africa’s duty to protect its citizens, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the integrity of its borders is not only a constitutional duty, but also a moral imperative. In recent years, government has tackled this responsibility with resolve, innovation and measurable progress. Through focused interventions, strengthened legislation and decisive operations such as Operation New Broom, the country is undergoing a meaningful transformation in how illegal immigration and organised crime are addressed.

Operation New Broom reflects government’s unwavering commitment to securing the nation and its launch in 2025 marked a turning point in immigration enforcement. This operation harnesses the power of digitalisation and biometric technology and has significantly enhanced the ability of authorities to verify immigration status quickly and accurately, closing the door on fraudulent documentation that undermined the justice system. The results of these interventions are substantial, by early December 2025, nationwide enforcement operations led to the arrest of more than 1 400 illegal immigrants. This milestone is clear evidence that technology driven enforcement and integrated policing strategies delivers tangible outcomes.

Over the past two financial years, the Department of Home Affairs has deported nearly 110 000 illegal immigrants from South Africa to their home countries. During the first year of the current administration, the number of deportations increased by 30%, from 39 672 in 2023/24 to 51 560 in 2024/25.

This was followed by a further annual increase of 12%, to 57 784, in 2025/26. Over the past two financial years, deportations have surged by a cumulative 46%, totalling 109 344 by 31 March 2026.

Commenting on these statistics, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said: “These numbers show that we are now reaping the fruits of reforms focused on greater efficiency and intensified enforcement against immigration violators. Through ongoing campaigns like Operation New Broom, as well the increasing use of biometric verification tools, we have already increased deportations by 46%. Our message remains clear: If you are in South Africa illegally, self-deport now before we find you and ban you from ever entering our country legally in future.”

These sentiments are testament that border security has been elevated as a national priority, with government increasing investment in infrastructure, advanced technology and skilled personnel to ensure that South Africa’s borders are no longer vulnerable points of entry but instead are secure gateways that support lawful trade and travel. The deployment of drones and advanced surveillance technology along the borderline has strengthened real time monitoring and rapid response capabilities, signalling a firm stance that illegal crossings will not be tolerated.

Government’s zero tolerance approach to illegal immigration and associated criminal activities, such as illicit trade, organised crime and corruption, underscores a broader commitment to protecting jobs, industries and communities from the destructive effects of an illicit economy. In line with the commitments made in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, government has established a National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, also known and Operation Ukubusa, which also leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence. This reflects a forward looking strategy with the purpose of dismantling counterfeit and smuggling networks at its root.

Critical digital reforms are further reinforcing this effort. The expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system to all international airports and the busy land border posts is modernising entry controls. Government also aims to establish a world class digital forensics laboratory to strengthen investigations into corruption and organised crime. These initiatives are structural reforms that modernise the state’s capacity to enforce the law effectively.

A central cornerstone to effecting law enforcement at our national borders is the Border Management Authority. By bringing together key government departments under a centralised structure, South Africa has improved coordination, accountability and enforcement at our national frontiers. The work of the Border Management and Immigration Anti Corruption Forum demonstrates that corruption and syndicate activity at ports of entry will be confronted head on, to ensure legitimate movement is facilitated and unlawful activities are blocked. 

These enforcement measures are reinforced by intensified operations on the ground, including raids, expanded border guard capacity, the deployment of an additional 5 500 police officers and support from the South African National Defence Force. Importantly, South Africa is not acting alone. Collaboration and intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries are enabling more coordinated regional responses to cross border crime and illegal movement.

These actions are firmly anchored in South Africa’s democratic and constitutional framework. The Immigration Amendment Bill passed in December 2025 strengthens immigration control while ensuring judicial oversight and respect for constitutional rights. The revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection aims to create a coherent framework by consolidating citizenship, immigration and refugee legislation. It seeks to strengthen policy implementation, and align migration governance with national development, security and regional protection principles such as the First Safe Country approach. 

This principle states that asylum seekers who have been granted refugee status or lawful protection in another country, or who pass through safe third countries to reach South Africa, are ineligible for asylum in South Africa.

These reforms strike the necessary balance between national security, the rule of law and human dignity.
Taken together, these interventions represent more than policy adjustments, they reflect a state that is asserting its authority, modernising its systems and restoring public confidence. Operations such as New Broom show that when government acts decisively, invests strategically and upholds the Constitution, transformation is inevitable. Together we can make South Africa a better, safer and more secure nation.

*Naicker is Assistant Director at the Government Communication and Information System.

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for intensified and coordinated efforts across all sectors of society to tackle South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment challenge.

Chikunga said that as the country advances its development and transformation agenda, youth unemployment remains a critical barrier to inclusive growth, social cohesion and expanded economic opportunity.

The Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Department emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society to expand access to skills development, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable employment pathways, particularly for young people from vulnerable and marginalised communities.

It noted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s emphasis on tackling youth unemployment, expanding access to skills development, and creating sustainable economic pathways, which affirms government’s broader recognition that youth empowerment is fundamental to inclusive growth and social transformation.

It highlighted the continued prioritisation of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the expansion of public employment programmes as key steps towards bridging the gap between education and labour market participation.

Government has committed to strengthening policy implementation and mobilising resources, while calling on the private sector to increase investment in youth skills development, job creation and mentorship opportunities.

Civil society organisations have been encouraged to support community-based initiatives and provide mechanisms that assist young people in accessing opportunities.

Educational institutions have also been urged to align curricula with labour market demands and expand work-readiness programmes.

“By working together in these focused ways, stakeholders can deliver more effective and sustainable solutions to youth unemployment,” Chikunga said in a statement.

According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025, released in February 2026, there has been a modest improvement in youth labour market outcomes. 

The youth unemployment rate declined to 43.8%, down from 44.6% in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Youth employment increased by 44 000, while the number of unemployed young people fell by 172 000.

While these figures point to early signs of recovery and the potential impact of targeted interventions, the department warned that long-term trends underscore the need for sustained and systemic responses to address the root causes of youth joblessness.

Chikunga stressed that addressing youth unemployment requires sustained, coordinated action, including improved alignment between education and labour market needs, stronger support for entrepreneurship and innovation, and increased investment in youth-led initiatives that can drive inclusive growth and social transformation.

“As implementation continues, all stakeholders must play their part in empowering young people and building an economy that is responsive to the aspirations of the youth.

“The future of the country depends on how effectively we invest in, support, and include young people in national development. Government remains committed to working with young people to build a more inclusive, productive, and prosperous society,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za