Category: MIL-OSI

By Dr Nomalungelo Gina

Dreams have fascinated humanity for centuries. Across cultures, people have understood them not only as experiences of the sleeping mind, but also as sources of reflection, spiritual meaning, and traditional knowledge. In South Africa, indigenous knowledge systems have long included rich traditions and practices associated with dreams and their interpretation.

This is one example of the depth of knowledge held within South Africa’s indigenous plant heritage. Plants such as Silene undulata and Entada rheedii have been associated with traditional practices and beliefs relating to dreams and spirituality. Their significance lies not simply in the plants themselves, but in the cultural knowledge, practices and traditions that communities have developed around them over generations.

These plants are among the many remarkable indigenous species found in South Africa. They form part of our traditional knowledge and are an important component of our living heritage. Protecting this heritage therefore also means protecting the biodiversity and natural habitats in which these plants grow.

South Africa’s biodiversity is safeguarded through a network of protected areas and conservation initiatives, including those managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks). From the fynbos of the Cape to the grasslands, forests and savanna ecosystems found across the country, these landscapes provide important habitats for indigenous plant species and the wider communities of life that depend on them.

But our indigenous plants are so much more. World-renowned plants such as Rooibos are part of our uniquely South African heritage, demonstrating how our natural biodiversity can be recognised and valued on the international stage. Rooibos is indigenous to South Africa and grows naturally in a geographically limited area of the Western and Northern Cape, including the Cederberg region. Its unique geographical identity is recognised internationally through Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the European Union.

Rooibos supports approximately 8,000 workers across primary production and activities including processing, packaging and retail. In 2025, production was estimated at approximately 15,000 tonnes, while total sales were equivalent to more than 10 billion cups. Rooibos is exported to more than 50 international markets, with Japan accounting for 33% of exports in 2025.

The success of Rooibos demonstrates what makes South Africa’s plant heritage distinctive on the international stage. We are home to an extraordinary diversity of indigenous plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world and have evolved within our unique ecosystems. Rooibos is a powerful example of how a plant rooted in a specific South African landscape can develop into a globally recognised product while retaining its geographical identity.

Our unique plant heritage also holds significant potential for science, biodiversity conservation and innovation. Indigenous plants can provide opportunities for research, new products, agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in rural communities.

The development of South Africa’s hemp industry is one example of how plant-based resources can contribute to economic development. Hemp has applications across a range of industries, including textiles, construction, paper, food and other manufactured products, creating opportunities for agriculture, processing and value-added manufacturing. With appropriate research, regulation, investment and skills development, the hemp value chain has the potential to support rural livelihoods, stimulate innovation and contribute to a more diversified agricultural and manufacturing economy.

The National Cannabis Master Plan provides a strategic framework for unlocking the agricultural, industrial and economic potential of South Africa’s cannabis and hemp sectors. Currently, the hemp and cannabis industry employs more than 90 000 people in South Africa, and the sector holds significant potential for further growth as demand for medicinal products and other cannabis and hemp-based applications increases.

The value of our indigenous plants is also reflected in their long history of use in traditional medicine. For generations, communities across South Africa have drawn on knowledge of indigenous plants to support health and wellbeing, with this knowledge passed down through generations. Buchu, indigenous to the Western Cape, is one such example, with a long history of traditional use for urinary and digestive complaints. Beyond its cultural significance, it also holds potential for further research and responsible commercial development.

Hypoxis hemerocallidea, more commonly known as African potato, is an indigenous medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use for various ailments. Harpagophytum procumbens, commonly known as Devil’s claw, is indigenous to the Kalahari region and has gained international recognition for its traditional use in relation to pain and inflammation. These plants demonstrate the depth of traditional knowledge associated with South Africa’s indigenous flora and the potential for this knowledge to inform further scientific research and responsible innovation.

These and so many more form part of our unique South African heritage. Our indigenous plants are living archives of our nation and its people, carrying generations of knowledge, traditions and practices. They are an irreplaceable cultural inheritance, a source of biodiversity and knowledge, and an important part of our identity.

We must therefore work together to protect the natural habitats in which these plants thrive, while respecting and learning from the traditional custodians who have safeguarded this knowledge across generations. At the same time, we must create space for responsible research, innovation and development so that the value of our indigenous plant heritage can be shared with future generations and contribute to sustainable livelihoods and economic development. In protecting our indigenous plants, we are not only preserving our past; we are investing in a future that is distinctly South African.

*Gina is the Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation

 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received 51 474 applications within the first four days of the opening of the 2027 application cycle. 

The early application figures demonstrate the continued importance of NSFAS in enabling access to higher education and training for deserving South African students and reflect growing awareness of the opportunities available through government-funded student financial aid.

According to the latest application dashboard statistics, the scheme has recorded a student headcount of 49 413 applicants, indicating that thousands of prospective students have already begun their journey towards accessing higher education and training opportunities in the 2027 academic year.

Of the applications received since the application cycle opened on Friday, 18 September 2026, 43 297 applications were submitted by first-time entering students and prospective applicants, while 6 865 were from Further Education and Training (FET) applicants.

A total of 1 312 applications were also submitted by senior applicants seeking funding, with 12 625 applicants indicated that they are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and 52 received from students with disabilities.

“The data further indicates that female applicants continue to make up the majority of applications received, accounting for 38 121 applications (74.06%), while male applicants account for 13 353 applications (25.94%).

“The majority of applications have been received from young people between the ages of 18 and 29, highlighting the continued demand for financial assistance amongst learners and prospective students transitioning from secondary education into the post-school education and training sector,” NSFAS said in a statement on Tuesday.

NSFAS also noted progress made in processing applications received to date. 

The scheme said it is encouraged by the high level of participation and commended learners, parents, guardians, schools, and stakeholders for actively supporting prospective applicants since the opening of the application period.

NSFAS also reminded all prospective applicants that the application period will close on 31 October 2026.

“Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and not wait until the closing stages of the application period. Applicants are also urged to ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted correctly and that consent forms are completed where required to facilitate verification processes.

“The NSFAS Board has already communicated that there will be no extension of the application period, and all eligible applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date,” NSFAS said.

The scheme said it will continue to provide regular updates on application trends and progress throughout the application period as part of its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Applications can be submitted online through the NSFAS website or via the NSFAS mobile application, which is available on Android and Apple devices. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has conducted a search and seizure operation at the offices of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) in Centurion, Pretoria.

The operation was conducted in conjunction with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.

In June this year, the SIU was authorised by a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct linked to a R130 million training contract awarded by PSIRA.

READ | SIU authorised to probe PSIRA and UIF training contracts

The unit subsequently wrote to PSIRA requesting documentation related to the contract.

“The SIU’s request for documents was only partially complied with, and the bundles sent to the Unit omitted a year’s worth of documents necessary for the investigation. The SIU deemed it necessary to seek a search warrant from the Special Tribunal to seize documents and electronic devices, such as cell phones and computers, to assist an ongoing investigation. 

“The SIU uses search and seizure as a last resort to obtain information to assist with an investigation, after failing to secure full cooperation through cordial engagement,” the corruption-busting unit explained.

The SIU noted that it is empowered by the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act) to “subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath to investigate allegations brought before the Unit fully”.

“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

“In line with the SIU Act, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By Dikeledi Molobela

New York, USA — South Africa has called for concrete action and increased development financing to ensure that the Pact for the Future translates into meaningful opportunities for Africa’s young people and delivers measurable progress ahead of its 2028 review.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said Africa’s youthful population presented an extraordinary opportunity for the continent and the global community but warned that the ambitions contained in the Pact could not be realised without adequate financing for development.

Lamola was speaking at a high-level side event on the implementation of the Pact for the Future in Africa, held on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

The event focused on translating the Pact’s commitments into concrete action on the continent, including youth empowerment and financing for development.

The Pact for the Future, adopted by UN Member States in 2024, provides a framework for advancing sustainable development and financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation, youth and future generations, and global governance.

“As Chair of the Southern African Development Community, South Africa shares the belief that youth empowerment and financing for development are key priorities for our region and our continent.

“At its core, the Pact for the Future is an affirmation of our shared responsibility to future generations,” Lamola said.

He said this responsibility was inseparable from Africa’s young people, noting that the continent has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of 19 years.

“Our youthful population represents an extraordinary opportunity for our continent and the global community,” Lamola said.

He stressed that the commitments contained in the Pact must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of young Africans, including through quality education and skills development, access to decent work, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in public life.

“For SADC, investing in youth is an investment in social cohesion, economic transformation and shared prosperity,” he said.

Financing remains critical

Lamola said the ambitions of the Pact, including its commitments to young people, could not be achieved without addressing the continent’s development financing needs.

“To achieve the SDGs by 2030, Africa needs to close an annual financing gap of 1.3 trillion US dollars,” he said.

Countries of the Global South are facing growing pressure on public finances, high borrowing costs and increasing climate-related financing needs, he said.

“These challenges directly affect our ability to invest in infrastructure, human capital and productive capacity,” he said.

Lamola said these pressures underscored the importance of the Pact’s call for reform of the global financial architecture.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency had called for greater debt transparency and accountability from credit rating agencies and supported the establishment of a Borrowers’ Club to strengthen the collective voice of indebted nations, he said.

“We attach special importance to the Seville Commitment and to ongoing efforts to strengthen international tax cooperation,” the Minister said.

He said negotiations towards a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation presented an important opportunity to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and address challenges arising from the international tax system.

“The negotiations for a UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation present a unique opportunity to support domestic resource mobilisation and address challenges arising from the international tax system,” he said.

Lamola said strengthening countries’ ability to mobilise resources for development was essential to delivering on the priorities contained in the Pact.

From commitments to measurable progress

Looking towards the 2028 review, Lamola said the focus must now shift towards implementation, with countries and institutions working together to ensure that commitments translate into measurable results.

“As we look towards 2028, our task is to ensure that implementation of the Pact is anchored in concrete action and measurable progress,” he said.

He said SADC remained committed to working with the African Union, the United Nations system, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Member States and other partners to advance the continent’s priorities.

The implementation of the Pact is being advanced through engagement with Member States, the UN system, civil society and young people, with a particular focus on translating its commitments into practical action.

Lamola said the continent’s young population should be at the heart of these efforts.

“Let us ensure that the Pact for the Future becomes not only a framework of commitments, but a catalyst for unlocking opportunities for young people and future generations,” the Minister said.

He added that this would require sustained cooperation and a shared commitment to turning Africa’s demographic advantage into inclusive development, economic transformation and shared prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported a week of significant law-enforcement gains, with suspected illicit drugs and smuggled tobacco products intercepted on key routes and at ports of entry.

The authority described the crackdown as a demonstration of the value of “sustained, intelligence-led and coordinated law-enforcement operations aimed at disrupting the movement of illicit goods and strengthening border security”.

Last Friday, BMA and police officials seized nearly one tonne of suspected dagga during an operation at the Baobab Toll Plaza in Limpopo.

“The operation was conducted approximately 51 kilometres from the Beitbridge Port of Entry, where officials stopped a vehicle travelling towards Beitbridge. The vehicle was occupied by two male occupants who identified themselves as Tanzanian nationals.

“During the inspection, the occupants indicated that they did not have the keys to the padlock securing the vehicle’s canopy. The vehicle was subsequently escorted to the Beitbridge Port of Entry for further inspection.

“Upon arrival, BMA and SAPS [South African Police Service] officials opened the canopy in the presence of the occupants and discovered 33 bags containing suspected dagga, weighing approximately 991.5 kilograms,” the BMA said in a statement.

The drugs are worth an estimated street value of some R1.5 million.
The two men were arrested and handed over to police.

In another operation, a truck carrying suspected illicit tobacco worth nearly R2 million was intercepted near the Kosi Bay Port of Entry.

“The officials stopped a green truck bearing Mozambican registration plates and…discovered 150 master cases of flavoured hookah tobacco and 50 bags of chewing tobacco concealed beneath a load of beans. The driver, a Mozambican national, indicated that the consignment was destined for Durban.

“Following consultations with the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Provincial Counterfeit Unit, the consignment was booked at Manguzi SAPS for further investigation. A formal inquiry docket was registered, and the matter was referred to the Provincial Counterfeit Unit.

“The products were suspected to have been smuggled from India through Mozambique into South Africa, based on their foreign labelling and health warnings,” the statement read.

Last Sunday at the OR Tambo airport, the BMA, with police, arrested a 52-year-old South African national and seized substances suspected to be heroin with an estimated street value of more than R2 million.

The man arrived from Ghana and was intercepted by officials, and a search of his luggage “uncovered bullet-like objects and blocks containing substances suspected to be heroin”.

“The suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court to face drug trafficking-related charges, while investigations continue.

“According to [the] SAPS, the arrest brings the number of suspected drug mules arrested at OR Tambo International Airport to three in the past three weeks,” the statement continued.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended officials and law-enforcement partners for continued collaboration in disrupting the movement of illicit goods.

“These operations demonstrate the importance of sustained law-enforcement visibility, intelligence sharing and coordinated interventions along our borders and strategic routes.

“The BMA will continue to work closely with SAPS and other law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt illicit movements and prevent prohibited goods from entering or moving through the country,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By Dikeledi Molobela

New York, USA — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a more representative and interconnected global order grounded in international law, warning that widening geopolitical divisions, inequality, the climate crisis and rapid advances in artificial intelligence are manifestations of a broader struggle over power.

Opening the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York on Tuesday, Guterres said the world is undergoing profound shifts in how power is distributed and exercised.

“The fault lines in our world are widening. Cracks have become canyons,” Guterres told world leaders gathered at the UN headquarters.

He described conflicts, inequalities, climate shocks and technological disruption as interconnected challenges rather than separate crises.

“These are not separate crises. They are chapters of the same story. The story of power. Who has it; who is denied it; how it is used, and how it is changing?” he said. 

Guterres identified three major shifts in global power.

The first is the emergence of new centres of economic, political and technological influence among States. The second is the transfer of power from governments to powerful private corporations and individuals, whose influence now extends across politics, economies, information and technology.

The third is the growing transfer of power from humans to machines, including through artificial intelligence and lethal autonomous weapons.

Guterres said these developments were taking place while global governance institutions continued to reflect power arrangements of a previous era.

“We are clearly moving towards a multipolar world, and that movement is irreversible.” 

However, Guterres warned that multipolarity could either lead to greater fragmentation and rivalry or to what he termed “networked multipolarity”.

He described this as a world built on interdependence, with multiple centres of influence operating within a common framework of international law and shared rules.

Such an approach, he said, would recognise that no single power could address the challenges facing humanity alone.

“Building a networked future begins with a recognition, especially by superpowers, that their power isn’t so super,” Guterres said.

He stressed that military, economic and technological power each have limits and cannot, on their own, guarantee peace, stability or security.

Four tests of power

Guterres said the future will be shaped by how the international community responds to four major tests of power, war and peace, inequality, the climate crisis and artificial intelligence.

On peace and security, he highlighted conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar, warning that they demonstrated the consequences of power being exercised without sufficient restraint or accountability.

“These and so many other conflicts show what happens when power gets out of control, force outpaces diplomacy, military budgets soar, and accountability goes out the window,” he said.

Africa must have a sit at the UN Security Council

Guterres also renewed his call for reform of the UN Security Council to better reflect the contemporary international system.

He singled out Africa’s continued lack of permanent representation on the Council.

“A 21st century Security Council without permanent African seats is unjust and indefensible. This must change,” he said.

Inequality

Turning to inequality, Guterres argued that disparities should not be viewed solely as an economic issue, but as a question of who has access to resources, opportunities and decision-making.

He called for reforms to the international financial architecture, including action on debt, stronger multilateral development banks and greater access to affordable long-term financing for developing countries.

Guterres also highlighted gender inequality, noting that the UN had achieved gender parity for the first time across its senior leadership, headquarters and professional staff.

“Equality is not a dream. It is a decision,” he said.

Climate action and AI

On the climate crisis, Guterres called on governments to adopt national plans to transition away from fossil fuels in line with the 1.5-degree goal, while ensuring protection for affected workers and communities.

He also called for greater climate finance and adaptation support for developing countries, arguing that those least responsible for climate change are often among those most affected by its consequences.

Turning to artificial intelligence, Guterres said the technology offered enormous opportunities, including advances in medicine and scientific discovery, but warned that its rapid development required stronger oversight.

“The danger is not technology. The danger is technology without accountability,” he said.

He called for greater international cooperation on AI safety, including dialogue, transparency, information-sharing, testing and common safeguards.

“Artificial intelligence must be shaped by humanity, with humanity, and for all humanity,” Guterres said.

He also warned against allowing machines to make life-and-death decisions.

‘Power requires rules’

Guterres said the four challenges are deeply interconnected and ultimately come back to the question of how power is exercised.

“Across all four tests, the decisive issue is power. The United Nations exists because power requires rules – and humanity needs a place where power answers to principle.”

He reaffirmed the UN Charter’s three pillars of peace, development and human rights, arguing that they could not be treated as separate agendas.

“There is no peace without development; no development without peace, and no peace or development without human rights.”

Guterres also pointed to the Pact for the Future and the UN80 initiative as efforts to make the UN more responsive, effective, coherent and transparent, and more present where people need it.

“The world does not need a weaker United Nations. It needs a UN strong enough to face the world as it is – and determined enough to build the world as it should be,” he said.

The 81st General Debate is being held at UN headquarters in New York from 22 – 28 September under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all”.

Guterres, who has 100 days remaining in his term, said he would continue defending the principles of the UN Charter.

“I will keep championing the conviction that peace is possible,” he said, adding that “the power of law must prevail over the law of power”.

He concluded by stressing that the international community’s greatest responsibility is not to dominate, but to use power to build a future that benefits all.

“The greatest power is not the power to dominate. It is the power to build a future that works for everyone.

“Our shared future will be forged by whether humanity can govern power wisely,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Puleng Dimpane, has directed the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner to activate the 72-hour tracking operation to pursue and apprehend the suspects responsible for the fatal shooting of 11 people at KwaMakhutha, south of Durban.

This as Dimpane on Wednesday expressed her deep concern over the senseless loss of life and conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

“There is no place in our communities for the senseless taking of human lives. Police must act decisively, mobilise all available resources and pursue those responsible until they are brought before the courts. We are confident that investigators are following a promising lead which could assist in securing a breakthrough in this case,” Dimpane said.

Three other people were injured when armed suspects reportedly entered a house in the Ziko area on Tuesday night, 22 September 2026, and opened fire on the people who were gathered inside.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the motive for the shooting has not yet been established, and investigations are continuing.

“SAPS is appealing to community members to provide investigators with reliable and credible information that can assist in identifying, tracing and apprehending the suspects. Information can be provided to the investigating team or anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS APP.

“SAPS will not relent in its efforts to ensure that those responsible for this attack are brought to justice,” it said.

In an earlier statement, police said they had launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly shot and killed eleven people and injured three others during a shooting incident that happened in the Ziko area in KwaMakhutha on Tuesday night, 22 September 2026.

“Information available at this stage suggests that thirteen men and one woman, who is believed to be pregnant, were reportedly having a party inside a house when three men arrived and opened fire on them. Ten victims, including the woman, died at the scene and four were taken to hospital; one of them succumbed to gunshot injuries.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that some of the victims were on Crime Intelligence’ radar in connection with illegal activities which police cannot divulge at the moment to protect investigations which have been launched,” the police said in an earlier statement.

The police further added: “A feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out.” –SAnews.gov.za

 

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