Category: MIL-OSI

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced the winners of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, describing the initiative as a celebration of football’s ability to unite and uplift South Africans.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, McKenzie said the competition had drawn thousands of entries from across the country.

“Today is a proud and exciting moment for our country. Today, we celebrate the power of football to unite, inspire, and take ordinary South Africans onto the world stage,” he said. 

The competition was launched to give local supporters an opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 and support the national team, Bafana Bafana, in their opening match in Mexico.

“A few days ago, we launched the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, a simple but powerful idea: give our passionate supporters a chance to represent South Africa at the biggest sporting event on earth — the FIFA World Cup 2026,” McKenzie said.

He noted that entries reflected the passion and diversity of South African football supporters.

“South Africans responded in their thousands. From every corner of the country, fans sent us their stories, their energy, their pride, and their love for Bafana Bafana. We saw creativity, we saw passion, and most importantly, we saw the true spirit of Mzansi,” he said. 

McKenzie emphasised that the initiative goes beyond a travel prize.

“This competition was about more than just winning a trip. It was about giving a platform to the voices of our people — the fans who stand by their teams through every victory and every challenge,” he said. 

An independent adjudication panel assessed entries based on enthusiasm, passion for football, authenticity of support, and the strength of each participant’s personal story.

“From this process, one outstanding fan was selected from each PSL club. In addition, opportunity for wildcard selections will be made public from tomorrow, ensuring that no great story or undeniable passion is left behind,” he said.

A total of 16 winners were announced, each representing a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club:

• Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza (Orlando Pirates) 
• Sebe Thusi (TS Galaxy) 
• Adam Mtombeni (Kaizer Chiefs) 
• Konelo John Tahlo (Siwelele FC) 
• Ndumiso Zondi (AmaZulu FC) 
• Ernest Jacobs (Stellenbosch FC) 
• Hlekulani Kobe (Magesi FC) 
• Happiness Dumakude (Lamontville Golden Arrows) 
• Vennitious Motswi (Kaizer Chiefs) 
• Obakeng Mokgara (Mamelodi Sundowns) 
• Mamello Constance Makha (Mamelodi Sundowns) 
• Mickey Seroke Mokone (Orbit College FC) 
• Adam Schlosberg (Chippa United) 
• Thaven Pillay (Durban City FC) 
• Salmaan Khan (Richards Bay FC) 
• Tshegofatso Sello (Marumo Gallants FC) 

According to the Minister, additional winners and wildcard selections will still be announced.

Each winner will receive a fully sponsored trip to Mexico, including flights, accommodation, meals and match tickets.

“These winners will travel to Mexico to support Bafana Bafana in their opening match of the World Cup. Each winner will receive a fully sponsored experience — flights, accommodation, meals and a match ticket — but more than that, they carry something priceless: the hopes, the pride, and the spirit of South Africa,” the Minister said. 

McKenzie said the selected supporters will serve as ambassadors for the country.

“To our winners: you are not just fans; you are representatives of a nation. When you stand in that stadium in Mexico, you carry the flag, the voice, and the heartbeat of millions back home,” he said. 

He also thanked the adjudication panel, led by veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa, for ensuring a fair selection process.

“This is what we mean when we say sport has the power to change lives. South Africa, your time is now. Bafana Bafana, the nation is behind you. And to our lucky fans: go and show the world what it means to be proudly South African,” McKenzie said. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa observes Child Protection Month this May, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children, particularly in relation to their movement across the country’s borders.

Child Protection Month is commemorated annually to raise awareness about children’s rights and the urgent need to shield them from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. 

During this period, government departments, child protection agencies, and civil society organisations intensify collaborative efforts to promote the wellbeing of children and address ongoing social challenges affecting young people.

In a post on social media platform X, the BMA emphasised the importance of vigilance at ports of entry, noting that the movement of minors remains a critical area of focus. 

The authority highlighted its role in monitoring and regulating cross-border travel involving children, ensuring that all legal requirements are met to prevent trafficking, abduction, and other forms of harm.

The BMA’s efforts form part of a broader national initiative aimed at mobilising all sectors of society to protect children. 

Authorities have called on parents, guardians, and communities to remain alert and informed about regulations governing the travel of minors, particularly when crossing international borders.

By strengthening oversight and working closely with other stakeholders, the BMA aims to contribute to a safer environment for children, reinforcing the message that their protection is a shared responsibility.

Child Protection Month continues throughout May, with various awareness campaigns and interventions planned across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of two appeals by Profteam CC and Magwa Construction, shutting down the companies’ final attempt to challenge findings that their R40 million Beitbridge border fence contracts – awarded during the COVID-19 National State of Disaster – were unlawful.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two companies were contracted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to construct the razor mesh fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe at a cost of some R40 million.

The fence fell apart soon after, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign a proclamation which authorised the SIU to probe the contracts.

“In both matters, the Constitutional Court concluded that the applications did not engage in its jurisdiction and refused leave to appeal with costs. These dismissals follow the earlier ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal [SCA], which, in January 2026, rejected the contractors’ bid for reconsideration.

“Together, these outcomes close the door to further appeals and cement the findings of the Special Tribunal, High Court and SCA,” the SIU said.

The two companies’ legal problems began at the Special Tribunal where the initial ruling was handed down declaring the contracts invalid and stripping them of their profits.

Their appeal and special leave to appeal applications to both the High Court and the SCA were both dismissed, leaving them with only the apex court which gave the latest ruling against them.

The findings against the two companies by the South African courts include that:

• The R40 million Beitbridge border fence contracts were constitutionally invalid due to procurement irregularities.
• Contractors are not entitled to retain profits from unlawful conduct, but only to reimbursement of reasonable and proven expenses, which are subject to audited accounts.
• The contracts were awarded without a competitive bidding process, in violation of section 217 of the Constitution and Treasury Regulations. The contractors received large advance payments of approximately R21.8 million before any substantial work was performed. 

“The SIU welcomes the Constitutional Court’s refusal of leave to appeal as a final affirmation of accountability in this matter. These judgments reinforce the principle that no party may profit from irregular and unlawful procurement, and they vindicate the SIU’s mandate to protect public resources.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has moved to reassure students that funding and allowances will continue uninterrupted, despite the decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration.

The Minister announced the intervention following persistent governance and operational challenges within NSFAS.

Addressing a media briefing on Monday, Manamela cited governance instability, audit failures, ICT system breakdowns, unresolved student appeals, and accommodation shortcomings as key reasons for the move.

READ | NSFAS placed under administration

He emphasised that the decision is aimed at stabilising the institution rather than disrupting its core functions.

“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. Student funding will continue, allowances will continue, appeals processes will continue, and universities and TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges will continue engaging NSFAS operationally.

“The purpose of the intervention is precisely to protect continuity and restore confidence,” the Minister said.

The Minister stressed that NSFAS is one of the most important public institutions in South Africa’s democratic project, as it enables students from poor and working-class backgrounds to access tertiary education and training opportunities.

“For many families, NSFAS is not an abstract institution; it is the difference between exclusion and opportunity, between hope and despair,” he said.

Manamela said any instability within NSFAS has far-reaching implications, affecting not only universities and TVET colleges but also students, households, communities, the fiscus, and broader public confidence in the democratic state ability to advance social justice.

“It is for this reason that government has a responsibility to act when the effective functioning of the institution is seriously undermined,” he said.

As part of the intervention, Manamela has appointed Professor Hlengani Mathebula as Administrator of NSFAS. Mathebula brings more than three decades of experience in governance, financial management, regulatory oversight, and institutional leadership across both the public and private sectors.

The Minister reiterated that the administration is a temporary but necessary intervention to restore institutional credibility, operational effectiveness, and public confidence in NSFAS.

“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. It is about protecting students, stabilising a critical public institution, restoring accountability, and ensuring that NSFAS performs its mandate effectively and lawfully,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health has called for ongoing transparency and public engagement regarding the confirmed case of Hantavirus in South Africa.

The case was confirmed by the Department of Health after the condition of a patient aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management.

Two other passengers, a couple, also presented with severe acute respiratory infection with one collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to her home country of the Netherlands. 

She has passed away with lab results still outstanding.

“The committee underscores the importance of ensuring that all infection prevention and control protocols are strictly adhered to, particularly in health facilities managing high-risk and highly infectious diseases.

“While noting the departments assurance that there is no immediate cause for public panic, the committee emphasises the importance of transparency, vigilance and ongoing public communication as investigations continue and laboratory results are finalised,” a committee statement read.

The department said it is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Gauteng Health Department authorities for contact tracing while the World Health Organisation coordinates a multi-country response to contain the virus.

Committee chairperson Faith Muthambi welcomed the coordination.

 “The committee recognises that incidents of this nature are at times complex often crossing national borders and requiring multi-country coordination. We therefore welcome the confirmation that the World Health Organisation is coordinating a broader international response to contain any potential spread of infection.

“The committee will closely monitor developments, including the progress of contact tracing, cross-border information sharing and the management of isolated cases. It is critical that South Africa’s public health response remains proactive and rooted in scientific evidence,” Muthambi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all South Africans to exercise heightened caution following severe weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

According to SAWS, a cut-off low-pressure system is expected to affect large parts of the country from Monday through to Thursday.

This slow-moving system is forecast to bring cold, wet, and windy conditions, starting in the Western Cape before spreading to the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and other parts of the central and eastern interior from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister expressed concern over the likelihood of severe thunderstorms expected across several provinces. These conditions may result in heavy rainfall, localised flooding, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning.

The weather service warned that significant weather-related impacts are expected along parts of the Eastern Cape coastline and the adjacent interior on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as over the eastern parts of the Western Cape from Tuesday afternoon through to Thursday.

Widespread rainfall is anticipated over the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, extending into the Free State, with 24-hour rainfall accumulations likely to exceed 100 – 200 mm in places.

“This may result in widespread flooding. In addition, damaging winds and very rough sea conditions are expected, particularly along the south coast of the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape coastline,” the weather service said on Monday.

Hlabisa said the department is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation in coordination with disaster management structures across all spheres of government.

“Emergency services and disaster management teams have been placed on high alert to respond to any incidents that may arise. Communities are encouraged to report emergencies to local authorities and to cooperate with any evacuation directives where necessary. 

“We call on all residents, especially those in high-risk and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety at all times,” Hlabisa said.

The Minister stressed the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines. 

Members of the public are advised to avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen rivers, exercise extreme caution when travelling, and secure loose outdoor items that could be displaced by strong winds.

He further urged the public to rely only on verified information from SAWS and official government communication platforms, warning against the spread of misinformation that may cause unnecessary panic or confusion.

“We urge all South Africans to act responsibly, stay informed, and look out for one another during this period. Early caution and preparedness can save lives,” Hlabisa said. – SAnews.gov.za