Category: MIL-OSI

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane says maximum resources have been mobilised to hunt down a group of criminals who attacked two Crime Intelligence officers this afternoon in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The attack on the Crime Intelligence officers happened in the Mount Edgecombe area.

A member who was the driver of a State vehicle has succumbed to the gunshot wounds sustained at the scene. 

Another member, who was also shot and wounded during the attack, has been airlifted to hospital and is currently receiving urgent medical care.

A manhunt has been launched for the suspects.

South African Police Service (SAPS) specialised units, including Crime Intelligence operatives, detectives, the organised crime unit and highly trained police officers are working around the clock to track down and apprehend those involved.

Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the authority of the State and those who risk their lives in the fight against crime.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

SAPS has deployed its Employee Health and Wellness experts, including psychologists and chaplains, to the family of the deceased and the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit to offer psychosocial services.

SAPS has extended its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer and has wished the injured member a full and speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially announced 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s upcoming Local Government Elections, setting the stage for political parties and voters to begin preparations.

The President made the announcement on Thursday during the Extended Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, where he is meeting with Premiers, mayors and senior government officials.

“I therefore determine that the next local Government Elections will be held on a Wednesday, on a date I now determine as the 4th of November 2026. Therefore, with the full concurrence of the Deputy President here, I now determine that the next Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026,” President Ramaphosa said.

The proclamation follows consultations with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. 

Speaking to the media after the announcement, the President said the elections will mark the completion of a full five-year term since the 2021 municipal polls, in keeping with constitutional timelines. 

“The 4th of November 2026 is the date that we have set for the Local Government Elections that will have completed a full five years since [the] 2021 [elections], and this is in line with our constitutional construct [to] keep to those timelines that are clearly set out in our Constitution,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the announcement provides certainty and signals the official start of the campaign period, with political parties expected to mobilise support and prepare for the polls.

“It gives everyone clear focus on what needs to be done… The race has started, and people will do the best they can.” 

President Ramaphosa noted that while elected leaders will campaign for re-election, the administrative arm of municipalities will continue its work to ensure stability and continuity in governance.

The President also stressed the importance of increasing voter turnout, particularly among young people.

“Many parties are already ensuring that they talk to their voters, their supporters, and get voters to be registered, to come forward and vote. 

“Voter turnout is always a concern to political parties and indeed to the State or the government because the fewer people who vote, the more we get concerned about the status of our democracy. Our task is to increase voter turnout, to get as many people as possible, especially young people, to come out, register and vote,” the President said. 

The President said the remaining six months, supported by media networks, political party mobilisation and the spread of information on social media, should be sufficient. 

“The [objective] is to get everyone to be properly mobilised to go out and vote. Today gives them the starting blocks. They must now work harder to make sure that the campaigning starts and [that] voter registration also starts. I will also be doing my part,” he said.

On service delivery, President Ramaphosa said government has already begun implementing key interventions outlined in the Water Action Plan, with several workstreams underway. 

He acknowledged that poor service delivery often leads to public dissatisfaction, but said government and political leaders have a responsibility to both demonstrate clear plans and encourage citizens to participate in the democratic process.

“Obviously as services fail… people get disgruntled and they become unhappy. Our job as party leaders and government is to encourage people to come and vote — as many of them as possible — and to demonstrate that we have plans,” the President said. 

The President added that further details on implementation timelines would be communicated to ensure transparency and accountability.

The announcement marks the official start of preparations for the 2026 Municipal Elections, with political parties expected to ramp up campaigning and voter registration efforts in the months ahead, while government continues efforts to strengthen local governance and rebuild public trust. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended voluntary community safety structures for their role in protecting communities and strengthening democracy. 

Ntuli was speaking at Zakheni B Community Hall in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, where he officially welcomed newly trained members of community safety structures. 

The event coincided with Freedom Day earlier in the week, which marked 32 years of South Africa’s first democratic elections. 

Delivering his keynote address, Ntuli commended the spirit of volunteerism demonstrated by community safety structure members, noting that their work contributes significantly to protecting the gains of South Africa’s democratic dispensation since 1994.

“Community-based crime prevention structures play a critical role in supporting law enforcement agencies and strengthening grassroots safety interventions,” Ntuli said. 

He highlighted the importance of civic participation, noting that community safety structures embody the spirit of active citizenship central to South Africa’s constitutional democracy. 

Addressing crime concerns 

Ntuli raised concern about the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in parts of the municipality and urged both community safety structures and residents to report illegal weapons to their nearest police stations. 

He also pointed to growing challenges related to drug dependency and increasing incidents of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) reported, particularly in areas such as Zakheni. 

“Law enforcement agencies have identified several high-risk areas requiring intensified intervention and collaboration. These include Pieters Industrial Estate, Qinisa, Zakheni sections A, B, D and E, Manzabilayo, St Chads and Mhlumayo,” the Premier said. 

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between police and community safety structures to effectively combat crime in these hotspots. 

Strengthening partnerships for safer communities

The Premier further acknowledged the role played by traditional leaders, including mayors, the religious sector and the business community in supporting crime prevention efforts and promoting safer environments. 

“Addressing crime requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement and communities,” he said. 

Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting community safety structures, ensuring they are adequately equipped to contribute meaningfully to safer communities across KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

As the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) celebrates 86 years of existence, Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Parks Tau has lauded the role the institution has played in supporting the mandate of democratic South Africa.

“This role and responsibility is critical as we address challenges, which include slow growth, declining industrial capacity, dwindling investments in the economy’s productive sectors, backlogs in infrastructure, and a persistent concentration of economic power that stifles competitiveness,” Tau said.

Speaking at the IDC offices in Johannesburg on Thursday, Tau said the IDC’s role is evolving from being a traditional direct lender, towards becoming a platform for industrial ecosystem development, mobilising capital, partners and capability to unlock high-impact sectors, and rebuilding South Africa’s industrial base.

“Through the IDC, we partner with countries like Spain, China, Saudi Arabia, Europe and African countries to create financing instruments and blended financing mechanism to leverage resources and maintain a development finance path,” Tau said.

He said the partnership-centred model reflects the scale of South Africa’s industrial challenge and positions the IDC as a primary financing partner for structural reforms in network industries.

“This developmental and transformational path requires an appropriate governance structure. It is for this reason we have appointed a capable board, comprising experienced professionals drawn from the legal, finance, energy, mining and engineering sectors.

“Rest assured that where there are weaknesses in responsiveness, communication, complaints handling or execution, those weaknesses must be addressed. We were part of the engagement with Parliament, and we had an engagement with NAFCOC [National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry]. 

“This is why the IDC is not only reaffirming its mandate today, but it is also strengthening how it responds to ongoing industry concerns,” the Minister said.

Tau used the occasion to announce the members of the IDC board, which is led by Gloria Serobe.

The members are: Ms Busi Mabuza, Advocate Thandi Orleyn, Mr Brian Dames, Ms Tryphosa Ramano, Mr Andre Kriel, Mr Reon Barnard, Ms Tanya Reeva Cohen, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, Dr Tebogo Makube and Dr Keitumetse Mothibedi. 

Tau explained that the board has a responsibility to address the negative and real challenges experiences by black entrepreneurs.

“As we continue to celebrate our freedom and recognise the important contribution made by our labour movement, the IDC’s strategic focus is rightly placed on supporting and creating future-facing, job-rich value chains, including critical minerals, green industries and digital infrastructure.     

“Equally important is the corporation’s emphasis on partnerships, leveraging blended finance and co-investment with the private sector to amplify development impact and crowd in capital. 

“The world economy is changing. Countries are moving to secure supply chains and are investing in strategic sectors, building technological capability to advance and defend industrial competitiveness. South Africa cannot stand still in this environment. Therefore, the IDC’s strategy responds to shifting dynamics in the global economic landscape,” Tau said.

The commemoration of the IDC’s 86 years of existence takes place as the country observes Freedom Month, which marks the country’s transition from the apartheid regime to a free, democratic country. It is in remembrance of the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

Ensuring good governance

IDC chair Serobe said the board is key to guiding strategy renewal, strengthening operational discipline, and ensuring that concerns and complaints are handled credibly and fairly.

“The IDC remains a strategic institution for our country. Its mandate is developmental, to advance industrialisation, jobs and transformation, and it must be sustained through sound governance, risk discipline and financial stewardship. 

“The board’s responsibility is to protect both developmental ambition and the institutional sustainability that make it possible.”

Serobe assured that the IDC is not without oversight or direction. 

“It is being governed, challenged and strengthened so it can remain developmental, accountable and sustainable.” – SAnews.gov.za  

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has accepted a series of resignations from the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including the resignation of the interim Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, with effect from 27 April 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said Maluleke stepped down from both his roles as board member and interim chairperson, citing personal and academic commitments.

“The Minister has expressed appreciation for his contribution during his tenure, particularly in efforts to strengthen governance and support the core mandate of the NSFAS,” the department said.

The Minister also acknowledged the resignation of board member Karabo Mohale, who chaired the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee.

The department said Mohale’s observations on institutional challenges, including the need for organisational redesign, stronger executive capacity and improved governance systems have been noted as part of the broader assessment of NSFAS.

According to the department, the cumulative effect of these and other resignations has significantly reduced the number of voting members, raising concerns about the board’s ability to remain properly constituted, and fulfil its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities.

The department said the Minister is now assessing the legal and governance implications, including whether the board can continue to exercise effective oversight and decision-making functions, in line with the applicable legislative framework.

As part of this process, Manamela has initiated formal engagements with the remaining board members.

“Individual correspondence has been issued, affording them an opportunity to make representations within a defined timeframe on the current governance position and on any lawful and practical alternatives available to ensure institutional stability.

“The Minister has emphasised that this step is intended to ensure procedural fairness and to allow for a full and considered assessment before any further action is taken,” the department said.

The Department of Higher Education and Training has reassured students, institutions and the public that NSFAS operations will continue without disruption.

“All operational processes, including the disbursement of student funding remain in place and are being closely monitored to ensure continuity and stability.”

The Minister reiterated that NSFAS remains a critical instrument of government policy, central to expanding access to higher education and training for poor and working-class students, and that maintaining its stability is paramount.

The department said it will continue engaging all relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, National Treasury, and oversight bodies as the process unfolds. – SAnews.gov.za