Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili of the South African Police Service on Friday assured South Africans that with an additional 3 558 newly trained police officers on the ground,  SAPS will be working hard to ensure everyone is safe during the festive season.

“We have indeed entered a period of heightened police operations to ensure that people are and feel safe this festive season,” she said.

Acting Police Minister, Prof Firoz Cachalia, last Friday welcomed the newly-qualified police constables who have completed their training at various SAPS academies in the country.

The SAPS has been actively deploying new constables to enhance crime-fighting capabilities and improve public safety. Some of the new constables were deployed at the Nasrec Expo Centre where the G20 Leaders’ Summit took place last weekend.

“It’s all hands on deck as the men and women in blue – working closely with other law enforcement agencies – continue to stamp the authority of the state in every corner of our country,” Mosikili said.

She was speaking at the release of Quarter 1 and 2 crime statistics in Pretoria this morning, which she painted a picture of a relentless fight to keep people safe.

“We are not where we want to be in terms of the numbers. We would surely like to see a further reduction of cases reported and detected as well as a lot more green graphs indicating a downward trend.

“Let’s all agree, that we are going somewhere, and we are feeling the difference through our weekly integrated multidisciplinary operations commonly known as Operation Shanela,” Mosikili said.

She said it was encouraging to note that between the first and second quarter which is the period covering 1 April up until 31 September 2025, 413 583 suspects were arrested.

“During the same period, 3 442 firearms were seized during the operations. As we are all aware, alcohol remains one of the driving factors behind a lot of contact crimes. It is worth noting that police closed and shut down 11 975 unlicensed liquor premises.”

Mosikili said throughout the country, in every province, criminals were feeling the full might of the law and that they did not have anywhere to hide.

“From the Western Cape to KwaZulu Natal and where we are today in Gauteng, police remain resolute and there is no turning back.

“In the Western Cape, where we have ongoing gang violence, 722 gangsters were arrested with 1565 illegal firearms and more than 39 000 rounds of ammunition seized during the operations.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, five accused persons behind the Umlazi Glebelands hostel mass shooting in June 2023 where eight people died were each handed down eight life sentences and an additional 15 years in jail to each of the five accused,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting Police Minister, Prof Firoz Cachalia, says tackling organised crime and its associated corruption, must be a national priority.

“We need focused, specialist capability based on closer collaboration between the police, prosecutors, financial regulators, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the private sector,” Cachalia said.

He was speaking at the release of the crime statistics for quarter 1 and 2 for 2025/26 in Pretoria, earlier today.

Cachalia said the money stolen through corruption must be traced and criminals must be hit where it hurts – in their pockets.

“We need fast, effective prosecutions and strong witness protection to turn investigations into convictions,” he said.

Cachalia said combatting gang violence required effective, no compromise policing, effective investigation and prosecution. “We must ensure that the gang lords pay for the harm they do to our society and the future of our country.”

The Minister said he empathised with ordinary citizens, saying he knows what it feels like to be mugged in the street; to be raided in one’s home and that his heart goes out to those whose lives have been shattered when a loved one is killed, injured, or traumatised as a result of violent crime.

“We all want and need protection for our families and dignity for our communities. We need better law enforcement and government institutions that work effectively. We must continue to work hard and together to improve the wellbeing of our people. Hold your elected leaders, the Minister of Police, and the police service to account.

“We must invest in initiatives to ensure that our children are well fed, and our youth have opportunities so that we can prevent crime,” the Minister said. 

He said organised crime was a direct threat to the safety of people, to the growth of the economy, the prosperity of the country and a threat to the national security.

“Criminal networks fuel violence, entrench corruption and weaken institutions. Organised crime undermines investment and prevents job creation. The scourge of drugs devastates communities and the future prospects of our young people.

“Extortion, kidnappings, vehicle hijackings, gang violence, and cash-in-transit heists have an immediate, terrifying effect on victims and small businesses. Criminal networks infiltrate political parties, government departments and procurement systems to steal public funds,” he said.

The Minister said criminals wear fancy suits and designer clothes pretending they are legitimate business people. 

“This is why the Madlanga Commission and Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee of Inquiry are so important for the future of our criminal justice in South Africa.

“They are currently looking into allegations of criminal individuals and networks influencing elected political leaders, along with the top ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their networks,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 28, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd (NTCSA) has received the Market Operator Licence which bring the country closer to establishing a competitive market for electricity provision.

“The NTCSA today received approval from NERSA of its Market Operator Licence application, marking an important step toward establishing a fair, competitive market for electricity in South Africa,” the NTCSA said in a statement on Thursday.

Having commenced trading last year, the NTCSA is wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom and will own and operate the country’s national transmission system, the world-class System Operator, the grid strengthening function and energy market services among others.

In March last year, the NERSA announced that it had approved Eskom’s application for a transfer of its powers and duties related to section 34 Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to the NTCSA.

The as the license was granted by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).

READ | Regulator takes steps to transform SA’s energy sector

The purpose of the Market Operator Licence is to authorise the NTCSA to operate and administer a new electricity market platform in accordance with the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act (ERAA).

The approval of the licence enables further progress toward a transparent, non-discriminatory trading environment that allows a wider range of participants to compete on equal terms.

“This is a significant milestone for South Africa’s evolving electricity sector. A competitive market will unlock economic and societal benefits over time by broadening participation, stimulating investment in new capacity, and enhancing long-term system resilience. We welcome also the creation of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF) and the Grid Capacity Allocation rules” said the transmission company’s Chief Executive Officer, Monde Bala.

Bala said the entity which is the transmission arm of Eskom has undertaken extensive engagement on the Market Code with stakeholders across the sector.

“With the Market Operator now licenced, the next step is to finalise the Market Code and submit it to NERSA for its consideration and approval, thereby establishing a clear and stable rules framework for the operation of the future electricity market,” said Bala.

Finalisation of the Market Code 

With extensive preparatory work already completed, the NTCSA will now focus on finalising the Market Code for submission to NERSA, which makes the final decision on approval.

The NTCSA has ensured the proposed Market Code reflects broad stakeholder input and supports the transition to a competitive marketplace.

“The NTCSA will await the licence conditions and reason for decision and will submit any further information required by NERSA relating to potential conflicts of interest and independence within the context of the market development roadmap,” said the NTCSA.

Eskom welcomes NERSA decision

Meanwhile, Eskom has welcomed the NERSA decision to award a Market Operator Licence to the NTCSA as the next step to establishing a market for electricity and delivering competition.

“The awarding of the Market Operator Licence to the NTCSA represents significant progress in establishing a competitive electricity market in South Africa. It aligns with global best practice, supports a level playing field for market participation and enhances certainty for investors looking to bring new capacity into the system,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said.

In its statement on Thursday, Eskom said the decision is an important milestone in the country’s energy reform agenda and in building a power system that is more secure, better run, and open to wider participation.

“With the Market Operator now licensed, and following extensive engagement on the Market Code already undertaken with stakeholders, the necessary structures are in place for its finalisation and submission to NERSA who provides final approval.

“Further, the publication of the grid allocation rules will provide a clear basis for performance reporting to all stakeholders, and the Electricity Market Advisory Forum will play a vital guidance and advisory role. This sends a strong signal to investors that the country remains committed to a rules-based transition to a competitive marketplace,” Marokane explained.

The ERAA provides the legal foundation for restructuring the electricity sector. It mandates the establishment of a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) within five years, while allowing NTCSA to temporarily fulfil certain TSO roles during the transition.

“Eskom is implementing the building blocks to ensure this is achieved within the anticipated timelines. Eskom has transitioned from a single, vertically integrated company to a group structure.”

The power utility said it will manage the changes responsibly, in partnership with government, regulators, organised labour, municipalities and all relevant stakeholders.

“A structured engagement process is underway to keep stakeholders informed, safeguard power system stability and support employees throughout the unbundling journey,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 28, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations have officially reached their conclusion, with rewrite opportunities for selected subjects having taken place on Thursday. 

In a statement on Thursday, the DBE said provinces have reported high levels of stability, procedural consistency and compliance throughout the exam period.

This as this year’s NSC examinations concluded on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

The DBE commended the Class of 2025 for the resilience and maturity shown during what it described as “a demanding but well-managed” examination cycle. 

To ensure fairness, additional papers are being administered as second-opportunity sittings for candidates who could not complete their exams due to valid reasons, a move the department says demonstrates its continued commitment to equity and access.

“The 2025 NSC examinations has operated with discipline, reliability, and problem-solving agility across all provinces. Minor administrative omissions inevitable at this national scale were identified early, escalated appropriately, and resolved without disadvantage to any candidate,” the DBE said. 

Incidents 

The department said it also noted a rise in candidates experiencing illness and anxiety-related difficulties. As a result, psychosocial support teams were activated through the Khuluma for Wellness platform and provincial units, ensuring affected learners received counselling and could continue writing, including from hospitals or alternative venues where required.

However, the department expressed concern over isolated incidents of crime and unrest. This included an armed robbery at an overnight study camp, after which trauma counselling was provided and affected candidates scheduled to write a special paper on Thursday, 27 November 2025. 

The DBE further conveyed its condolences following the death of a learner linked to an irregularity matter, an incident it says highlights the need for continued ethical and emotional preparation of young people for high-stakes examinations.

“Pens down”

With the end of the exam season that began on 21 October 2025, the department has urged learners to avoid unsafe celebrations linked to unregulated “Pens Down” parties, warning of risks such as alcohol abuse, violence and exploitation. 

“Unregulated pens down” parties expose learners to alcohol abuse, violence, exploitation, and serious personal harm. The department urged candidates to prioritise rest, discipline, and final revision; to report any unsafe gatherings to trusted adults or authorities; and to honour their schooling journey by returning all textbooks and learning materials. 

“Learners are also encouraged to demonstrate responsible citizenship by donating uniforms or stationery where possible, further strengthening the culture of care within school communities. These actions reflect the civic responsibility and maturity expected of the Class of 2025,” the department said. 

READ | Matriculants urged to celebrate safely after exams

Marking

Early marking, which began on 22 November 2025, has now been completed successfully. The DBE said this phase allowed for verification of systems, finalisation of training and readiness assessments ahead of the full-scale national marking process.

Full marking will officially commence on 1 December 2025 across designated centres, with more than 52 000 markers appointed nationally, one of the largest deployments of academic expertise in the public sector. 

“Their professionalism, independence, and technical skill form the backbone of the credibility of the NSC examinations. Marking preparations have included the verification of centre readiness, security controls, script-management systems, extensive training for chief and senior markers, and pre-standardisation processes to ensure uniform application of marking guidelines,” the department said. 

It added that oversight visits by the Director-General have reinforced confidence in the integrity of the process.

The DBE thanked educators, invigilators, principals, district officials, provincial teams and parents for their collective role in ensuring a secure and credible examination environment. 

The department said the system continues to demonstrate strong coordination, technical capacity and resilience.

With full-scale marking ahead, the DBE expressed confidence that the professionalism of markers and the sector’s commitment will uphold the credibility of the NSC as the country moves into the results-finalisation phase.

“These collective efforts reflect a national system that is strong, responsive, and professionally aligned as it transitions into the marking and results-finalisation phase. The department remains assured that the dedication shown throughout the examination period will continue to guide the sector in delivering a credible and fair outcome for the Class of 2025,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za