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Eastern Cape MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe has handed over working tools aimed at strengthening the local economy through increased food production and expanded opportunities in arts, crafts, and clothing manufacturing.

During an event held in Zwelitsha Village, Matatiele, on Wednesday, Kontsiwe handed over two hand-held tractors to Matatiele-based cooperatives that are led by youth and women, along with 30 industrial sewing machines, a pottery wheel, and a free-standing slab roller.

The initiative forms part of the department’s drive to empower women, youth and people with disabilities, by supporting small enterprises and developing farmers.

The department has invested R198 000 for hand-held tractors, which Kontsiwe said will provide much needed means of production for emerging farmers, while creating job opportunities and alleviating poverty.

The Matatiele handover also marked the launch of a pilot programme that will see farmers across all districts assisted with the 14 hand-held tractors procured by the department.

Kontsiwe said she was inspired by the number of young people entering the agricultural sector, adding that she was hopeful that other young people will follow suit.

“Tractors are in high demand but very expensive, so we explored hand-held tillers. With these machines, it is easy to cover large tracts of land. We are piloting this programme, and I am happy that young people appreciate the tools. We hope communities across the province will embrace them,” the MEC said.

She emphasised that the department wanted to enhance food security with programmes, such as Ilima Lokulima that encourages people to get together, plant their gardens and eradicate poverty.

One of the beneficiaries, owner of Shiya’s and Son enterprise, Luvo Mxhakaza (28), said the hand-held tractor will significantly improve productivity on his four-hectare vegetable farm.

“This will assist me a lot in planting, ploughing, and removing weeds. I used to rely on spades and forks, but this machine will make my work easier and inspire me to grow more vegetables,” Mxhakaza said.

Mxhakaza, who began farming in 2022, employs at least three people during planting and harvesting seasons, whilst selling vegetables to hawkers and supermarkets in Matatiele.

In addition to the agricultural equipment, the department invested R504 224 in industrial machines, a pottery wheel and a free-standing slab roller that benefitted 16 enterprises comprising 25 beneficiaries across the Alfred Nzo District.

Kontsiwe said the sewing and industrial machines were meant to help improve garments and products quality produced by mostly women-owned clothing and textile enterprises.

“My dream is to see their clothes being sold by reputable clothing stores,” she said.

Ntombizodwa Lithole, owner of Mthimkhulu Enterprise, welcomed the industrial and overlocker sewing machine, saying it will help improve the quality of work and meet the growing demand.

“I have been battling to keep up with the demand, but now the machines will be a relief. I will also be able to hire someone to assist me, and for that I am grateful to the department,” Lithole said.

The department said these interventions are designed to boost the production of grain, vegetables and livestock production; increase food security; and promote growth in the clothing and textile sector as sectors that focus more on development of farmers and rural small businesses. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all citizens, including traditional leaders, councillors, political parties, and civil society, to support the integration of new wards and ensure that any objections or adjustments are submitted through lawful processes.

“Discontent must never translate into disenfranchisement or disruption. We all share a responsibility to protect free and fair elections and the stability of our municipalities,” he stressed.

This is after the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) officially handed over the 2026/27 Local Government Election ward boundaries to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) yesterday, marking a milestone in South Africa’s democratic calendar. 

The MDB has increased the number of wards in South Africa by 20, going from 4 468 in 2021 to 4 488 this year. 

The ceremony brought together government leaders, civil society, traditional authorities, political parties, the media and citizens watching online.

The event highlighted that credible, inclusive, and transparent elections rely on sound technical foundations and public trust.

Hlabisa praised the MDB for completing the ward delimitation cycle, describing the occasion as a pivotal constitutional and practical milestone that signals the start of the IEC’s preparations for the upcoming elections. 

He emphasised that municipal wards are the foundation of local democracy, providing clear responsibilities for councillors, ensuring fair representation, and enabling municipalities to plan, allocate resources, and deliver services effectively.

“Municipal wards are the building blocks of local democracy. They ensure citizens know who to approach, allow councillors to be held accountable, and align service delivery, whether water, sanitation, energy, roads, waste management, or human settlements, with real communities rather than arbitrary boundaries.”

The Minister highlighted that finalising the wards involved a comprehensive and inclusive process. 

This included awareness campaigns starting in mid-2024, technical consultations, municipal planning sessions, and nationwide public engagement from April to June 2025. 

The process concluded with the publication of draft documents and opportunities for objections.

He praised the MDB for its professionalism and careful management of deferred municipal boundary cases. 

The Minister emphasised that outer municipal boundaries will remain unchanged ahead of the 2026/27 elections to ensure stability.

Hlabisa urged all citizens, including traditional leaders, councillors, political parties, and civil society, to assist in socialising the new wards and to ensure any objections or adjustments are channelled through lawful processes. 

“Discontent must never translate into disenfranchisement or disruption. We all share a responsibility to protect free and fair elections and the stability of our municipalities,” he said. 

With the handover complete, the IEC will initiate several important preparations. 

These include aligning approximately 23 000 voting districts with the new wards, confirming and securing voting venues, and planning the logistics for staff and materials. 

In addition, the IEC will ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and remote communities, re-register affected voters, combat misinformation, and prepare for special voting, party registration, and candidate nominations.

The Minister reminded citizens that municipal councils serve five-year terms, and elections must be held within 90 days after the end of the current term. 

Since the current term expires on 1 November 2026, elections must take place between 2 November 2026 and 30 January 2027.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya expressed deep appreciation for the MDB’s work, acknowledging the intricate and sensitive nature of determining ward boundaries. 

He commended the MDB for its dedication and noted that the IEC will now carry the process forward, emphasising the importance of active societal involvement.

Hlabisa concluded by urging all eligible South Africans to register and cast their vote in their ward of ordinary residence.

The Minister stressed that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Elections will continue working closely with communities to ensure that all preparatory milestones are met on time. – SAnews.gov.za

Quality assurance council, Umalusi, says it has noted with concern the issues raised by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube regarding reported irregularities in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English Home Language examinations.

The Minister briefed the media earlier on Thursday, highlighting suspected breaches linked to this year’s exam papers. 
In a statement, Umalusi confirmed that it received a preliminary report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, outlining the nature of the alleged irregularities. 

“Having studied the report, Umalusi is satisfied with the steps taken by the DBE thus far, including reporting the case to the SAPS [South African Police Service]. Similarly, Umalusi is pleased by the ongoing investigative work aimed at determining the magnitude of the irregularities,” Umalusi said. 

It further welcomed the ongoing investigations aimed at establishing the scale and scope of the breaches. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is expected to table its final findings before the Executive Committee of the Umalusi Council during the approval of results meetings scheduled for 6–8 January 2026.

To safeguard the integrity of the investigations, Umalusi said it will not engage the media further on the matter until 09 January 2026, when it will make a pronouncement on the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 year-end national examinations.

The council moved to reassure the Class of 2025, parents, higher education institutions and stakeholders that the probe will not delay the release of results for all NSC candidates who are not implicated in the alleged irregularities. 
This as this year’s NSC examinations began on 21 October and concluded on 27 November.– SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) together with police specialised units, the Hawks and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) are conducting search and seizure operations across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as part of an investigation into the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

According to the corruption busting unit, a “sophisticated syndicate” allegedly siphoned some R161 million from TERS with the investigation linked to 16 companies and 35 individuals.

“The SIU investigation…has uncovered evidence suggesting a well-organised syndicate orchestrated the submission of false TERS applications on behalf of individuals who were not employees of the applicant companies.

“The substantial funds received were not paid to workers; instead, they were distributed among syndicate members in patterns consistent with money laundering,” the SIU explained.

Teams involved in the raid are searching for “crucial evidence” including documents and digital evidence.

“The seized evidence will undergo forensic analysis to support the investigation, and the SIU will pursue civil action to correct any wrongdoing identified and recover financial losses suffered by the State.

“As stipulated by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, which governs the operations of the SIU, the unit will refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said.

Key persons of interest include:

• Thamsanqa Madlala: As a primary person of interest, Madlala’s company received R18 million in TERS funds. The SIU investigation reveals that payments were directed toward asset purchases for the alleged mastermind and other syndicate figures.
• Yolanda Nombuso Mgobo: Identified as a central figure who received and distributed over R18.6 million in syndicate funds. Searches are underway at her residences in Scottburgh and Amanzimtoti, as well as at premises linked to her fiancé.
• Sphamandla Sokhela and Nhlakanipho Zondi (Attorney): Alleged proxies for Mngomezulu. Searches are being conducted in Pietermaritzburg and Edendale.
• Senzo Gumede: Director of companies (Amakhosana Contractors and Senzisipho Pty Ltd) used to launder funds, with searches in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
• Sboniso Ronald Cele and Simtholile Dlamini: Alleged “runners”. Searches are focused on Port Shepstone and Johannesburg (Oakdene).

The SIU is also conducting searches at the UIF Head Office in Tshwane.

“The investigation has identified several officials whose possible involvement is being probed to determine whether they facilitated fraudulent applications, bypassed audits, or cleared ‘victim’ profiles from the UIF system.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations made in respect of the affairs of the Unemployment UIF in terms of Proclamation R.8 of 2021.

“The SIU investigated TERS payments to individuals who were not entitled to receive them and submitted false, irregular, invalid, or defective applications to the UIF, including the causes of such maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has unveiled the province’s new Provincial Financial Recovery Plan (PFRP), a multi-year initiative aimed at restoring fiscal stability, tightening oversight and strengthening long-term service delivery.

Speaking at the launch in Durban on Wednesday, Ntuli said the 2025–2029 plan targets annual savings of R1.5 billion through structured reforms, improved financial discipline and stricter controls across all departments.

“Where waste exists, it will be eliminated. Where processes are inefficient, they will be reformed,” Ntuli said.

The briefing, held at the Marine Building, was attended by Members of the Executive Council, legislators, and senior government officials.

Objectives to drive fiscal recovery

The PFRP is underpinned by seven key strategic objectives designed to stabilise the provincial fiscus and safeguard essential services, and these include:
•    Restoring fiscal stability through reduced overspending and improved financial discipline across departments.
•    Achieving targeted savings of R1.5 billion annually via cost-containment and efficiency measures.
•    Protecting core service delivery in essential sectors such as Health, Education, Transport, and Social Development.
•    Strengthening revenue optimisation by improving collection systems and enabling departments to generate additional revenue.
•    Reducing and optimising expenditure through value-for-money procurement, office-space rationalisation, and digital systems.
•    Leveraging information technology for real-time financial monitoring and improved decision-making.
•    Strengthening Communication to restore public and investor confidence in the province’s governance.

Ntuli emphasised that the success of the plan will depend heavily on the leadership of Heads of Department and the commitment of public servants.

He said the province will introduce structured institutional capacity-building programmes to ensure that every official, at every level, is equipped with the skills, tools, and systems required to implement the reforms.

He also called for strengthened performance management and accountability across all levels of government, describing financial recovery as a shared responsibility.

He commended the Provincial Treasury for its pivotal oversight role, emphasising that the department will continue to guide departments toward prudent spending, improved compliance, and long-term institutional resilience.

Treasury emphasises discipline and frontline services

Finance MEC Francois Rodgers said the plan provides a clear roadmap for how the Government of Provincial Unity intends to reduce the province’s debt burden on the KZN fiscus without compromising service delivery.

“Our focus remains on the frontline departments of Education, Health and Social Development. These are at the coal face of service delivery. Ensuring their optimal function forms part of our vision to develop a capable and ethical state. Where there’s no compliance, there has to be consequence management,” Rodgers said.

Provincial departments will be expected to develop their own financial recovery plans over the next year. These must align with value-for-money principles, ensure responsible management of financial resources and clearly define measures to reduce corruption in supply chain management processes, amongst others – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has called on South Africans to review and submit their inputs on the newly drafted Traditional Courts Regulations and Draft Code of Conduct.

According to the department, the Act has already been assented to but isn’t yet operational.

“The Act…will take effect once the Minister promulgates the required Regulations.

“Publishing the draft Regulations and Code of Conduct is therefore a key step toward implementing a uniform national framework for traditional courts.

“The Act seeks to affirm customary law values, strengthen the role of traditional courts, promote efficient and integrity-driven systems, ensure national uniformity, guarantee meaningful community participation, and expand access to justice,” the DJCOD said on Wednesday.

The draft regulations were “developed following consultations with national and provincial traditional affairs authorities and the National House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders”.

“The Regulations outline roles and responsibilities within traditional courts, recording procedures, collaboration with other courts and training requirements for all personnel.

“Training in respect of presiding over disputes will be provided by South African Judicial Education Institute, and the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College will also offer training on other aspect related to the management of courts.

“The draft Code of Conduct sets ethical and procedural standards for traditional leaders and presiding officers, including rules on conduct, duties, attendance, gifts and professional relationships,” the department explained.

The deadline for written submissions on 13 February 2026.

“The documents will be available on the Department’s website following publication in the Government Gazette on 19 December 2025.

“The Department encourages broad public participation to ensure that traditional courts operate fairly, uniformly and in line with constitutional values,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za