Category: MIL-OSI

As South Africa reaffirms its commitment to constitutional democracy, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively to ensure that female journalists can operate freely and securely.

The call coincided with the global observance of World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, marked this year against a backdrop of growing international concern over the safety of women in media.

In a statement, Minister responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, called for urgent and strengthened measures to protect female journalists, noting that they remain exposed to escalated risks while performing their duties.

“Female journalists are disproportionately subjected to harassment, intimidation, online abuse and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) threats that not only endanger their safety but also potentially undermine the principles of media freedom and democratic governance,” Chikunga said.

The Minister underscored that a free, independent, and secure media environment is essential for the promotion of human rights, transparency, and accountability. 

However, she said, for numerous women in journalism, “exercising these freedoms entails personal sacrifices.”

Chikunga further linked violence against female journalists to broader societal challenges, including those addressed through South Africa’s national response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

“Female journalists are not merely reporters; they are custodians of truth and democracy. Their protection is non-negotiable.

“It is imperative that their voices are not silenced by fear, violence or discrimination, whether in newsrooms, on the field, or online,” the Minister said.

The department called on media houses to strengthen workplace safety regulations, including protections against harassment and digital abuse. It also urged social media platforms to implement decisive measures against online harassment and gender-based hate speech, while encouraging society to endorse and honour the vital role of women in the media sector.

The department reiterated the need to adopt frameworks, in accordance with international standards such as those advocated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which promote journalists’ safety and combat impunity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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A period of cold, wet, and windy weather conditions is expected to affect large parts of the country from Monday through to Thursday. 

This change in weather is associated with a cut-off low-pressure system expected to make landfall over the western parts of South Africa from Tuesday morning. 

“The system is expected to initially affect the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape before spreading eastward across the central and eastern interior from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning,” the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

A cut-off low is a slow-moving or stationary weather system that can cause prolonged severe weather in one area.

Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and western interior of South Africa on Monday, with scattered thundershowers likely over the Free State, Northern Cape, western parts of North West, as well as parts of the Eastern Cape and the western regions of the Western Cape. 

Rainfall is expected to become more widespread along the south-west coast. 

There is a high likelihood of severe thunderstorms developing over the interior and the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape from the afternoon onwards. 

These storms may result in heavy downpours leading to localised flooding, as well as damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning.

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 warned.

The public has been advised to exercise caution when travelling, especially in areas prone to flooding or reduced visibility; avoid crossing flooded roads and swollen streams, and to secure loose outdoor items due to strong winds.

The following weather-related impacts are anticipated as the cut-off low progresses over the country between Tuesday and Thursday: 

• Disruptive rainfall, leading to widespread flooding of roads and settlements, mudslides, major traffic disruptions, and damage to roads and bridges, is possible along the coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape, as well as the eastern parts of the Western Cape. 
• Damaging coastal and interior winds, resulting in power interruptions, damage to temporary structures, and transport routes being affected by falling trees, are possible along the coast of the Eastern Cape, as well as the south coast and Central Karoo of the Western Cape. 
• Damaging coastal waves, with wave heights exceeding 5,0 to 7.0 m, leading to damage to coastal infrastructure, disruption to harbours and modification of beaches, are possible along the south coast of the Western Cape and the coast of the Eastern Cape, where possible storm surge could occur. 
• Disruptive snowfall, leading to loss of vulnerable livestock and the closure of mountain passes, is possible over the north-eastern high-ground of the Western Cape, as well as the northern high-ground of the Eastern Cape. 
• Severe thunderstorms, leading to localised flooding, large amounts of small hail, and localised damage to settlements, are possible over the Free State and North West. 

–SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed calls for reparations to address the enduring impact of colonialism and slavery on the African continent, arguing that meaningful redress must support development and economic justice.

In his weekly newsletter marking Africa Month, President Ramaphosa said while the continent celebrates its unity and shared identity, the legacy of colonialism continues to shape inequality, economic exclusion and instability across Africa. 

“We are one people. Despite Africa’s many languages and cultures, we take pride in a common identity, in our shared values and in a belonging that transcends geographical boundaries. 

“Even as we celebrate our continent’s vibrancy and dynamism, we are mindful of the legacy of Africa’s colonial past and how it continues to shape our continent’s fortunes,” he said. 

The President highlighted that while most African countries achieved independence many decades ago, the effects of the colonial era are still evident in much of the inequality, economic exclusion, political instability and conflicts that persist in parts of Africa. 

He also highlighted the transcontinental slave trade as one of the most extreme forms of dehumanisation, noting that millions of Africans were captured and treated as possessions. He said the wealth of former colonial powers was built on the exploitation of African people, land and resources.

President Ramaphosa also pointed to the looting of African cultural artefacts and the display of human remains in foreign institutions as part of the continent’s historical injustice, adding that colonial powers have largely avoided full accountability.

The debate on reparations, he said, has gained renewed momentum following a recent resolution by the United Nations General Assembly, which declared the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as among the gravest crimes against humanity. The resolution calls for acknowledgement of harm, restitution, and the return of looted cultural property.

Quoting Guyanese academic Walter Rodney, the President stressed that the impact of slavery should be understood as “social violence” with long-lasting effects on African societies. 

He rejected arguments against reparations that cite the passage of time or changes in modern states, saying such views ignore the intergenerational trauma and developmental setbacks caused by slavery and colonialism.

“Whatever form reparations ultimately take, they should be aligned with our continent’s developmental objectives and assist African countries to tackle debt challenges, poverty alleviation, inequality and unemployment,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He added that redress should include direct investment in Africa’s development, expanded market access, skills and technology transfer, and the return of historical artefacts.

South Africa, he said, supports a unified continental approach to reparations, calling on former colonial powers to confront historical injustices with honesty and integrity and commit to tangible measures that advance Africa’s growth.

President Ramaphosa drew parallels with South Africa’s own reconciliation process, saying meaningful redress must be forward-looking and contribute to sustainable development across the continent. 

“Just as truth and reconciliation has been an integral part of our own journey towards nationhood, so too must the former colonial powers confront the historical injustice of colonialism with honesty and integrity. 

“Beyond that, they must make a clear commitment to tangible measures of redress that support Africa’s growth and development,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe, has called for urgent and coordinated national action to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, warning that rising cases of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy remain a “national disgrace”. 

Speaking at the official launch of Child Protection Month in eDumbe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, Tolashe said South Africa was fighting a battle of a different kind to defend children from harm.

“Today, we meet here to fight a battle of a different kind, to defend and protect the rights of the most vulnerable in our society, our children from abuse, neglect and exploitation,” she said.

The launch took place in a historically significant area, where the Minister referenced the Battle of Isandlwana as a symbol of courage and resistance, drawing parallels with the current fight to protect children.

Tolashe raised concern over increasing reports of child abuse and exploitation, citing national data showing a worrying upward trend.

“Recent data from the quarterly crime statistics and the National Child Protection Register show a worrying upward trend in reported cases of child abuse, neglect and exploitation,” she said.

She added that child sexual exploitation remained particularly alarming, with thousands of cases reported nationally, alongside rising statutory rape cases.

Teenage pregnancy also came under sharp focus, with the Minister highlighting that more than 100,000 children and teenagers experience unintended pregnancies annually. She further revealed that in KwaZulu-Natal alone, 375 cases of pregnancy among children aged 10 to 14 were reported in the 2025/2026 third quarter.

While acknowledging improvements in adolescent birth rates, Tolashe said the scale of the problem remained unacceptable.

“South Africa’s adolescent pregnancy rate remains more than five times the global average. MEC Shinga and Nyambose, you will agree with me that this is a national disgrace, and we must work together… to root out this national disgrace,” she said.

The Minister said the Child Protection Month Programme is aimed at mobilising society to address child vulnerability, abuse, neglect and harmful practices, including those linked to cultural and religious settings.

She specifically referenced recent action taken in KwaMaphumulo, where children were removed from the Ikhaya Labafundi Mission.

“Let me make myself very clear before I get misunderstood or misquoted. Section 15 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees faith communities the right to express and practice their faith freely without government interference,” she said.

However, she emphasised that government would act decisively where children’s rights are violated.

“So, let me once again set the record straight, we removed the 19 children from Ikhaya Labafundi, not because we have anything against the organisation or its leader, Vusumuzi Sibiya. As a government, we will act decisively without any hesitation, fear or favour when religious or cultural practices violate the rights of children enshrined in our Constitution,” she said. 

Tolashe stressed the importance of collaboration between government, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and communities, saying protecting children is a collective responsibility.

“As we officially launch the Child Protection Month Programme here today, we rededicate ourselves as government to building caring communities that nurture and protect children,” she said.

She also reflected on 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, highlighting progress in social protection, including expanded child grants, improved access to education, early childhood development services and strengthened child-focused legislation such as the Children’s Act and Child Justice Act.

Tolashe urged parents and caregivers to report cases of abuse rather than conceal them, warning against transactional abuse driven by poverty.

“No matter how poor your family is, stop shielding the perpetrators by accepting money, cattle or goats as inhlawulo,” she said.

She added that perpetrators of abuse must face the full force of the law, particularly in cases of statutory rape, gender-based violence and femicide.

The Minister concluded by officially launching the 2026 Child Protection Month Programme, calling for stronger partnerships and sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

“It is now my pleasure to declare the 2026 Child Protection Month Programme officially launched,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni say investigations into the kidnapping of Vosloorus spaza shop owner Mazwi Kubheka are ongoing, despite the victim being found alive after going missing for nearly a month. 

Kubheka, who disappeared on 2 April 2026 after leaving home to pay rent for his spaza shop, presented himself unharmed at a Vosloorus police station on Saturday night. 

Briefing the media on Sunday, Lesufi said law enforcement agencies had now identified those behind the crime but emphasised that the case remains active.

“We want to reiterate that this matter is not closed. There are areas that we believe if we follow up on this case, it will assist us to also resolve many other cases that are either similar or of the same nature,” Lesufi said.

He said police had deliberately withheld sensitive information during the investigation to avoid compromising the case or alerting suspects, which led to public perception that little progress had been made.

Lesufi confirmed that those involved in the kidnapping include both South Africans and foreign nationals, with two suspects of Ethiopian origin.

“We can confirm it is a combination of the two — South Africans and foreign nationals — including two suspects of Ethiopian origin,” he said.

Authorities are still investigating whether the incident is linked to spaza shop-related crime or broader criminal activity.

According to Lesufi, the victim was kidnapped while on his way to the bank and was held at a location believed to be a hijacked building.

Mthombeni said the victim indicated he was guarded by two Malawian nationals during his captivity.

“As the investigation proceeds, we will be in a position to confirm whether this is related to the spaza shop,” Mthombeni said.

The commissioner outlined the timeline of the investigation, which began when the case was reported on 3 April as a missing persons inquiry before being escalated to a kidnapping case.

He said police followed multiple leads, including reviewing video footage, analysing bank activity, tracing suspects and deploying crime intelligence resources through a Joint Operational Centre.

Despite these efforts, no breakthrough was made until Saturday evening when Kubheka arrived at the police station.

“Yesterday, around 19:30, the victim presented himself at the Community Service Center, where it is alleged that he was picked up by a motorist near Carnival City in Brakpan who brought him to a nearby police station in Vosloorus,” Mthombeni said. 

The commissioner said Kubheka was taken for medical assessment before providing a statement to investigators, which has since led police to follow up on new leads.

Mthombeni added that the victim could not fully account for events during his captivity as he had been blindfolded for most of the time.

The commissioner and Premier extended their gratitude to the community members for assisting with information and mobilisation efforts, saying their cooperation played a key role in the investigation.

Authorities have urged the public to allow police to complete their work, adding that further updates will be provided as investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Home Affairs has made two more arrests of officials implicated in corruption as part of its ongoing internal crackdown, which has already led to 63 dismissals and several arrests.

In a statement on Friday, the department said the latest arrests form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign underway since July 2024

In the first case, an official was arrested at the Pinetown office on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, following an investigation into a fraudulent death registration on the population register. The arrest was carried out by the department’s Counter Corruption and Security Services branch, working with KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Crime Intelligence.

The official was apprehended during a sting operation after allegedly attempting to offer a bribe of R3 000 to evade arrest.

In a separate operation in Secunda, Counter Corruption and Security Services conducted a joint operation with the Hawks in Mpumalanga, which resulted in the arrest of one Home Affairs official and two members of the public.

The arrests relate to the alleged irregular issuance of Smart ID cards to foreign nationals who do not qualify. All suspects in the Secunda case have been charged with fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the pace of disciplinary action within the department continues to accelerate. 

“The pace of disciplinary steps, dismissals and arrests within Home Affairs continues to quicken. The department’s investments in driving accountability mean that a week now rarely goes by without disciplinary action, arrests, or convictions,” he said. 

Schreiber emphasised that the work of the Counter Corruption and Security Services team, in particular, in collaboration with other parts of law enforcement, is sending an ever more powerful message that the department has zero tolerance for corruption.  

“The scale of the clampdown makes it clear that we will not rest until every last one of the officials involved in maladministration or corruption in this department is dealt with decisively,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za

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