Category: MIL-OSI

The Electoral Commission is hosting a series of orientation workshops across all nine provinces to assist registered political parties and prospective independent candidates in using the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS) ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections in November.

Commencing on Tuesday, 7 July, in Limpopo, the Electoral Commission’s nationwide orientation workshops will equip registered political parties and prospective independent candidates with the practical knowledge to use the OCNS. 

“Participants will learn how to capture candidate and supporter information, pay election deposits electronically, and receive early feedback on the voter registration status of candidates and supporters before the official nomination period opens,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement. 

The Commission has invited members of the media to attend the Gauteng session, where the Commission will demonstrate the functionality of the OCNS and provide guidance on the candidate nomination process to avoid last-minute challenges. 

The OCNS, which became operational on 21 June 2026, enables registered political parties and prospective independent candidates to prepare in advance for the nomination process.

The system is an official platform managed by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) that enables political parties and independent candidates to capture and manage candidate lists, upload supporting documentation, and process payments for elections.

The system also provides reporting tools to monitor the progress of nominations, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the nomination process. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Government of South Africa, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, has noted with deep sadness the passing of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Government conveyed its condolences to the families and the Government and people of Malawi. 

“On behalf of Government and the people of South Africa, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, loved ones, fellow travellers and the Government and people of the Republic of Malawi during this difficult time,” Government said. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was among the passengers aboard a Malawi bound bus that had been loaded and departed the repatriation processing centre.  

Approximately 10 kilometers from the centre, the passenger tragically passed on, prompting the driver to turn the bus around and return to the processing centre. Upon the return of the bus to the centre, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was immediately called to the scene to conduct the requisite police procedures, including forensic examination, in line with standard protocols governing sudden and unexplained deaths. 

“Government wishes to reassure the family of the deceased, the Malawian authorities and the public that all necessary processes were undertaken with the utmost professionalism, dignity and respect for the deceased. Following the completion of the police and forensic work, the bus was formally released by SAPS and departed the scene at midnight, enabling the remaining passengers to continue their journey home,” Government said. 

Government said that the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident will be communicated to the Malawian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels. 

Government said it stands ready to provide any support required to assist the family of the deceased. 

“Once again, we extend our sincere sympathies to the family of the deceased and to the Government and people of Malawi,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has appointed technology leader and digital transformation advocate, Lady Mariéme Jamme as the department’s Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The appointment was announced during a recent AMC Davos 2026 gathering in Tianjin, China, by the Office of the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

According to the department, the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy and to help shape the future of ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence.

The department said the appointment aligns with its mandate to advance the socio-economic empowerment, inclusion and rights of women, youth and persons with disabilities, while supporting the country’s vision of a digitally inclusive society, where technological innovation drives opportunity, equality, economic participation and sustainable development.

It said the announcement comes as governments, business leaders and multilateral organisations intensify global engagement on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work.

“The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as governments, business leaders, investors and multilateral organisations accelerate global dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

In her honorary, strategic and non-executive role, Jamme will serve as South Africa’s global representative and adviser on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance and digital inclusion.

Her responsibilities will include supporting South Africa’s engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, academia, investors and industry leaders, with a focus on technology diplomacy, workforce readiness, innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships that advance the country’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The department said the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that Africa’s expertise, priorities, and lived experiences are represented in shaping international AI policy, governance, and innovation.

“Her appointment reflects South Africa’s conviction that artificial intelligence must serve humanity and that its future cannot be shaped by only a handful of countries or institutions. It must also reflect the voices and aspirations of Africa, women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities that have historically been excluded from technological progress.”

Shaping the future of technology

Chikunga said the appointment demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are at the forefront of the digital economy and are empowered to shape the future of technology.

“The appointment of Lady Mariéme Jamme as Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence while strengthening South Africa’s leadership in global technology diplomacy.

“Her extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation and skills development, together with her deep commitment to empowering communities across Africa and beyond, will help us build strategic partnerships that advance our national priorities, create opportunities for all, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age,” the Minister said.

Jamme said artificial intelligence is redefining power, productivity and possibility across the world. However, she warned that technology without ethics, inclusion and human dignity, risks widening inequality rather than reducing it.

She expressed her appreciation to the South African Government and Minister Chikunga for the confidence placed in her.

“This appointment is an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global AI governance and to ensure that innovation expands opportunity, protects human dignity and creates lasting prosperity for women, young people and underserved communities. Together, we can help build an AI future that leaves no one behind,” Jamme said.

About Lady Mariéme Jamme

Lady Mariéme Jamme is an internationally recognised technology leader, AI strategist and advocate for inclusive digital transformation. Over more than two decades, she has advised governments, multilateral organisations, investors and private-sector leaders on technology policy, digital transformation and innovation across Africa and globally.

She is the Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, an African-led global movement operating in nearly 90 countries that equips women and girls with coding, artificial intelligence, digital literacy and future-of-work skills, particularly in underserved and crisis-affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Home Affairs says the temporary voluntary repatriation support operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape has been concluded and that the office resumed its normal operations on Monday.

This after the department successfully transferred foreign nationals, who requested voluntary repatriation from the Epping Refugee Reception Office in the Western Cape to the Musina Repatriation Centre in Limpopo over the weekend.

“Approximately 1 800 Zimbabwean nationals, including women and children, arrived at the Epping Refugee Reception Office on 21 June 2026. They were later joined by Malawian nationals who also requested voluntary repatriation,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

In total, 3 252 individuals were processed, comprising 3 155 Zimbabwean nationals and 97 Malawian nationals.

Following coordinated efforts by the Department of Home Affairs, the City of Cape Town, civil society and faith-based organisations to facilitate the transfer of those requesting voluntary repatriation, the temporary operation at the Epping Refugee Reception Office concluded. All humanitarian assistance at the site was concluded at 06h00 on Sunday, 5 July 2026.

“Foreign nationals seeking voluntary repatriation should no longer report to the Epping Refugee Reception Office. Requests for voluntary repatriation should now be directed to the relevant consulate for assistance,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Over 23 000 suspects were arrested for various offences nationwide, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued to carry out Operation Shanela.

In operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July, 23 011 suspects were nabbed.

Detectives further arrested 2 391 wanted suspects, linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms, carjacking, possession of drugs, house and business robberies.

Among the arrests effected across the provinces include the arrest of 127 individuals for murder, 179 for rape and 143 suspects for attempted murder.

“As part of the intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and related criminal activities, the SAPS arrested 6 807 illegal migrants across multiple provinces for contravening the Immigration Act,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.

The police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, remain on high alert to safeguard communities and property during ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests across the country. 

“While recognising the constitutional right of citizens to protest, participants are urged to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. Citizens are also reminded to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media platforms.”

The SAPS further cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands. 

“Any incidents of violence, incitement, intimidation, or damage to property must be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest police station.”

In addition, police operations yielded significant results in specific crime categories:
•    282 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, including 79 in the Eastern Cape.
•    654 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, with 241 in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    724 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“The SAPS remains committed to intensifying its operations, ensuring law and order, and protecting the people of South Africa,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Four people were killed in a nine-vehicle collision on the  R555 near Middelburg, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

“It is alleged that an articulated truck travelling from Middelburg towards Emalahleni on the R555 seemingly lost control and collided with one of the vehicles. Several other vehicles then collided with each other and further crashed into steel that had fallen from the truck,” the provincial department said of Monday afternoon’s crash.

Five other people sustained serious injuries while three others suffered slight injuries.
The injured are receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals in Middelburg and Emalahleni.

“The crash involved nine vehicles, including an articulated truck, four light delivery vehicles (LDVs), one SUV and other motor vehicles.The investigation into the cause of the crash is underway,” the provincial department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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