Category: English

Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, has advised community members against harbouring illegal foreign nationals.

Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Crime Prevention Community Engagement held at the Mmabatho Civic Centre in Mahikeng, North West, on Tuesday, the Deputy Minister reminded the community that it is illegal to shelter undocumented foreign nationals. 

He emphasised that if illegal immigrants commit crimes, it becomes difficult to trace, apprehend, and bring them to justice.

“Anyone accommodating undocumented foreign nationals must be arrested; if you are found to be renting back rooms and taking rent from them, you must be arrested. [This includes] people who rent their spaza shops to illegal undocumented foreign nationals in possession of fraudulent documents,” said the Deputy Minister, adding that business owners who hire undocumented foreigner nationals must be arrested.

Mathale instructed the police to take a firm stance against illegal shebeens that sell illicit alcohol, emphasising that they should not be sympathetic to those involved in activities that harm others.

“We must not negotiate with people who break the law.” 

Tuesday’s high-level engagement brought leadership, stakeholders, and the community together with a shared commitment to addressing challenges through collaboration, dialogue, and decisive action.
The crime prevention ministerial imbizo, which focused on strengthening unity, coordination and service delivery, stands as a symbol of progress, accountability, and purposeful leadership. 

According to the Police Ministry, it set a strong foundation for coordinated action.

The imbizo aimed at creating a platform for effective interaction between police, provincial leadership, and communities to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and other crimes prevalent in the area. This is in efforts to find lasting solutions and interventions to ensure safety and security. 
 
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations, Lieutenant General Maropeng Johanna Mamothethi, said crime is a shared challenge.

“We need the community to assist in the fight against crime; the police will integrate law enforcement with social crime prevention,” Mamothethi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom has moved to assure South Africans that there are no new or emerging breaches to its Online Vending System (OVS).

In December 2024, the power utility disclosed, as part of its full-year 2024 financial results, a forensic report detailing the breach of its OVS which had led to the generation and distribution of fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens.

The power utility denied media reports that it “did not respond to a question regarding the OVS”.

“As part of Eskom’s turnaround strategy, we remain committed to being transparent with the South African public and working with the media to ensure that the facts are always well-presented. 

“This level of collaboration will ensure that we do not raise unnecessary alarms and resist the urge to recycle and present old news as new,” the power utility said.

Recapping the work done since the discovery of the initial breach, Eskom said it had implemented a “comprehensive review and intervention strategy to mitigate vulnerabilities” and to restore the integrity of the system.

“Decisive actions were taken to curb OVS fraud, secure systems, protect revenue and safeguard customers. 

“As stated in the progress update provided on 18 September 2025, key actions [were] implemented as part of a multi-layered approach strengthening physical security, cyber resilience and operational controls,” the power utility said.

These actions include:

• Tighter physical access controls to secure vending environments. 
• Enhanced cybersecurity tools and monitoring to prevent unauthorised access. 
• Stronger user-access controls with weekly dashboards flagging irregularities. 
• Expanded investigative measures, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement, have been concluded for some of the implicated employees (and are underway for all implicated employees), with the internal process resulting in their dismissal. Certain elements have been referred to the authorities, and the company will cooperate fully. 
• Deployment of detection tools to highlight risk areas and enable early intervention. 
• Rollout of smart meters and reconciliation methods to validate fraud levels monthly. 
• Acceleration of a new, secure vending platform to replace the current OVS. 

“As the investigation into the OVS breach continues with law enforcement, and vending fraud is now reduced to very low levels, Eskom is proving that stronger systems, smarter technology, and decisive action are protecting revenue and ensuring secure, reliable electricity for all South Africans,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended the successful interception of a cigarette smuggling operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry through the use of advanced drone surveillance technology.

“This interception demonstrates that the BMA is adapting to increasingly sophisticated criminal methods by leveraging modern surveillance technologies. Despite limited resources, our officers remain resolute and proactive in protecting the country’s borders,” the Commissioner said on Tuesday.

As part of the BMA’s intensified law enforcement operations under the 2025/2026 Festive Season Security Plan, the aerial drone detected suspicious movement within the border law enforcement area near the Beitbridge Port of entry.

Real-time drone footage enabled BMA officers to swiftly track and intercept suspects attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes to the value of R42 797 into the Republic of South Africa.

“The interception confirms the growing effectiveness of technology-driven border management interventions, particularly at high-risk and vulnerable areas along the borderline. The seized cigarettes have been secured, and the suspects were handed over to the South African Police Services for further processing in line with the criminal legislation,” Masiapato said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has reiterated that while the mass fish mortality observed in the Hartenbos Estuary in Mossel Bay is not linked to the red tide, it is also not due to a sewerage spillage. 

Through engagements with the Mossel Bay Municipality, it has been determined that this incident can be attributed to a combination of interacting factors, including, but not limited to:
•    Elevated nutrient inputs from multiple sources, leading to eutrophication.
•    Reduced freshwater inflow due to water abstraction and dam development within catchments, resulting in slower water movement and increased susceptibility to algal blooms; and
•    harmful algal bloom and high phytoplankton biomass.

“These are some of the conditions that lead to eutrophication and ammonia toxicity, which the recently released National Biodiversity Assessment and earlier studies highlight as key contributors to fish mortalities in South African estuaries – especially in smaller and temporarily closed systems, such as Hartenbos. 

“The DFFE cautions members of the public against handling or consuming any washed-up marine organisms. Such organisms may pose serious health risks and are not safe for consumption, regardless of the suspected cause of mortality,” the department said on Tuesday.

Furthermore, the DFFE’s Water Quality Monitors, with other relevant local authorities and stakeholders, have since confirmed that the oxygen levels in the water have normalised and the situation is under control. 

Earlier, the department had said that the event where large numbers of dead white mussel, whelks and other shellfish were washed out at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai on the West Coast has remained confined to those two areas. 
READ | Department gives update on West Coast red tide

–SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has announced that only 4 858 learners remain unplaced as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners.

As of Tuesday, 6 January 2026, the Gauteng Department of Education’s Online Admissions system recorded a total of 4 858 unplaced learners, translating to: 1381  Grade 1 learners  and 3 477 Grade 8 learners. 

“This represents approximately 1.5% of the total 358 574 complete applications received for the 2026 academic year, comprising 175 792 Grade 1 and 182 782 Grade 8 applicants. The department continues to release placement and transfer offers daily, supported by targeted interventions in high-pressure districts, to ensure that all remaining learners are placed as efficiently and fairly as possible, in line with regulated admissions criteria and available school capacity,” the provincial department said on Tuesday.

District breakdown 

Placement data per district indicates that the majority of the remaining unplaced learners are concentrated in urban and metropolitan districts, where sustained population growth and infrastructure constraints continue to place pressure on available school capacity.

According to the department, Ekurhuleni remains the highest-pressure district, with a combined total of 1741 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 381; Grade 8: 1360) in the  Ekurhuleni North District. The Ekurhuleni South District has 1181 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 569; Grade 8: 612), while the Gauteng East District has 247 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 85; Grade 8: 162).

“This results in a total of 3169 unplaced learners in Ekurhuleni, with pressure particularly at Grade 8 level in Ekurhuleni North.”

In the Johannesburg Districts, only two districts account for a significant number of remaining unplaced learners.

The Johannesburg North District has three Grade 8 learners, while the Johannesburg East District has 1173 (Grade 1: 95; Grade 8: 1078), followed by Johannesburg South with 352 (Grade 1: 250; Grade 8: 102). 

Placement pressure remains highest in Johannesburg East, largely driven by demand for secondary school placements,” said the department.

In Tshwane, significant progress in placing learners has been made with only “a minuscule amount of learners to place.”

The Tshwane North District has 14 unplaced learners (Grade 1: 1 and Grade 8: 13).

Meanwhile, Sedibeng and West Rand Districts have also shown tremendous placement progress with comparatively lower numbers as well and are largely stabilised. The Sedibeng East District has only 70 Grade 8 learners still needing placement.

“The department has prioritised Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg as high-pressure districts, with intensified district-based placement, continued release of placement and transfer offers, and strategic utilisation of available capacity across neighbouring schools.”

Late applications

The provincial department said that the late applications period, which commenced on 17 December 2025 and will close on 30 January 2026, has to date recorded a total of 11 183 late applications. 

It comprises 5 701 Grade 1 learners and 5 482 Grade 8 learners.

“All late applications processed during this period result in final placements at the school selected by parents or guardians, subject to available capacity. Parents are advised to visit the selected school from 14 January 2026 to submit all required documentation.”

MEC Chiloane reminded parents and guardians that the 2026 Online Admissions system remains open for Late Applications, particularly for those who did not apply during the main application period or whose applications were incomplete.

Parents and guardians are urged to apply online by registering or logging on to www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. During the Late Application period, only schools with available space will appear on the system. 

Applicants may select one school only, and once selected, the learner will be finally placed for the 2026 academic year. Placements made during this period cannot be declined, and no objections or appeals will be permitted thereafter. 

Appeals and objections 

The provincial department confirmed that a grand total of 6736 placement appeals has been lodged as part of the 2026 Online Admissions process, and only 637 objections await adjudication. 

It further added that the appeals adjudication process is at an advanced stage, with outcomes communicated directly to parents and guardians as finalisation progresses.

The department reminded parents that appeal outcomes are final. 

“We are encouraged by the steady progress made in placing learners across Gauteng. We once again urge parents and guardians to remain patient and cooperative as the Department continues to work tirelessly to ensure that every Grade 1 and Grade 8 learner is placed for the 2026 academic year,” said Chiloane. –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, to serve as the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Mothibi will take up the position from February 2026.

“Advocate Mothibi…began his career as a Public Prosecutor in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates and Regional Courts. He also served as a Magistrate in the Johannesburg and Soweto Magistrates Courts. 

“Advocate Mothibi has previously served in various public and private sector roles managing legal, compliance and risk management operations, including at SARS as Head of Corporate Legal Services and Head of Governance,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

President Ramaphosa had appointed a six-member Advisory Panel for the Selection of the new NDPP led by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The panel interviewed six candidates out of some 32 applicants for the position.

“The panel concluded its process and submitted its report to the President on the 12th of December 2025. In its report, the panel advised the President that none of the interviewed candidates were suitable for the role of NDPP. 

“Accordingly, President Ramaphosa has in terms of section 179(1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 10 of the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998), decided to appoint Advocate Mothibi.

“President Ramaphosa extends his gratitude to the members of the panel for their counsel and for carrying their task judiciously,” the statement explained.

READ | Candidates scrutinised as interviews for new NPA head commence

Mothibi’s appointment will leave a vacancy at the SIU with Leonard Lekgetho earmarked to be Acting Head also from February.

“Mr Lekgetho is currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer of the SIU. He has over 22 years of forensic investigations experience, including serving as the Forensic Investigator at the then Directorate of Special Operations, which was known as the Scorpions,” the statement read.

Current NDPP Advocate Shamila  Batohi is expected to retire later this month having served a full term in office.

“President Ramaphosa has thanked Advocate Shamila Batohi for her service and contribution to the country’s prosecutions agency and wishes Advocate Batohi well in her future endeavours,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, convened a high-level meeting last night, to receive updates on the deaths of 48 initiates recorded during the 2025 summer initiation season nationwide.

The department stated that the Minister is reviewing the current provincial monitoring plans in the Eastern Cape and Free State, which have recorded the highest number of deaths. This review is expected to continue until the end of January 2026.

This meeting brought together Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of the Executive Councils (MECs), the President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), senior government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC) and Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs).

The gathering follows previous discussions held with District Development Model (DDM) Champions and key stakeholders aimed at addressing the ongoing loss of lives during initiation seasons, which were highlighted in December of last year.

The department reported a high volume of late pre-screenings in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Amathole, Buffalo City, Chris Hani, and OR Tambo District Municipalities. Nyandeni Local Municipality has been identified as a key area of concern.

“All identified districts will continue intensified monitoring until the end of January 2026, with provincial departments and municipalities providing additional resources. Rescue interventions will be implemented where illegal initiation schools are detected, and the Provincial Initiation Forum has committed to closing such schools and accommodating rescued initiates at designated rescue centres,” the department said.

In the Free State, provincial monitoring will continue until 11 January 2026, focusing on graduation ceremonies and initiation schools in operation, with particular attention to identified hotspot areas.

“The province raised emerging challenges related to cross-border initiation school principals operating along the Lesotho border who evade accountability, as well as incidents of stock theft linked to graduation ceremonies. These matters are under investigation, with arrests already effected.” 

The department stated that both provinces have submitted monitoring and intervention plans. These plans include increased inspections, improved coordination among traditional leadership, health services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipalities, and community structures.

They also outline decisive actions against illegal initiation schools and ongoing public awareness campaigns that promote safe and lawful customary initiation practices.

“The meeting emphasised that the success of the initiation process depends on coordinated action by all stakeholders, beginning with families and elders, who play a primary role in safeguarding initiates. Traditional leaders and government were recognised as critical partners in ensuring effective protection systems.”

As government looks forward to the remaining days of the summer initiation season, Hlabisa has called for increased vigilance and intensified monitoring in hotspot areas to prevent any further loss of life.

The Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to ongoing coordination, daily monitoring, and decisive action until the end of the summer initiation season, while also preparing for the upcoming winter season.

He thanked all officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their dedication and sacrifices over the festive period. 

Hlabisa confirmed that a final stakeholder engagement will be convened to consolidate lessons learned and strengthen preventative measures in the future. – SAnews.gov.za