Category: MIL-OSI

President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned acts of vigilantism following recent violent demonstrations against undocumented immigrants in South Africa and reiterated calls for continental dialogue on the drivers of migration.

The President addressed the complexities of regional migration at the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission held in Gaborone on Thursday.

He emphasised that since 1994, South Africa has “sought to welcome and integrate immigrants from other African countries and from beyond our continent”.

“At the same time, we have experienced a high influx of undocumented immigrants. This phenomenon has intersected with economic hardship and unemployment experienced by many of our people, contributing to tensions between some local communities and foreign nationals.

“Recent events in South Africa have once more brought to the fore the faultlines that all of us on the African continent must address.

“While appreciating the hardship in some of our communities, we have strongly condemned those of our citizens who took the law into their own hands. We have accordingly directed law enforcement agencies to protect every person in our country and uphold the rule of law,” President Ramaphosa said.

He welcomed calls for regional and continental talks on the challenges driving migration and the “responsibilities of countries of origin and transit countries”.

Further afield, the President raised alarm about the “volatile situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo” and the civil war unfolding in Sudan.

“The prospects for enhanced development on our continent depends on the existence of a peaceful, stable and secure environment.

“In this regard, the volatile situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is of concern. We must safeguard the territorial integrity of this sisterly country and support all parties in finding a negotiated solution.

“South Africa remains concerned about the civil war in Sudan, which has led to massive loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, devastation of the economy and the creation of a major humanitarian crisis,” he said.

The political impasse and instability in neighbouring South Sudan is also of concern with the “operationalisation of the African Standby Force…becoming increasingly more urgent”.

“Conflicts in many parts of the world continue to adversely impact on global peace and security.

“There is a clear challenge to multilateralism and international law.

“It is therefore important to work tirelessly to reform the global institutions of governance, so that these reflect the diversity of the membership of the United Nations,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has branded the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC) as an opportunity to “move relations to a higher level”. 

The President delivered opening remarks at the sixth South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission held in Gaborone on Thursday.

The commission forms part of the State Visit to that country which kicked off on Wednesday.

“The [BNC] continues to provide a valuable mechanism through which we should align our interests, strengthen existing collaboration, identify new areas of cooperation and move our relations to a higher level.

“There are strategic opportunities we should pursue to expand bilateral trade and investment,” the President said.

He noted that the two countries need to ensure that trade is more balanced.

Bilateral trade between the two countries remains strong, reaching some R82 billion in 2025 with South African exports to Botswana standing at R73.5 billion with imports from Botswana reaching R7.7 billion.

Furthermore, Botswana imports the bulk of its agricultural products from South Africa with imports of those products amounting to R14 billion last year.

“South Africa wishes to attract a greater diversity of products from Botswana.

“A number of South African companies have expressed a desire to invest more in Botswana, creating more jobs, transferring skills and contributing to revenues of this country.

“We want to deepen cooperation in agriculture. South Africa’s agricultural sector wants to be a partner as Botswana grows its own agricultural sector and consolidates its food security,” President Ramaphosa said.

He expressed strong interest in the development of Botswana’s Special Economic Zones, backing the country’s transition towards an export-oriented economy under the 12th National Development Plan.

“We commend Botswana for the implementation of your 12th National Development Plan, which is anchored on economic diversification and a transition towards more export oriented and private-sector driven growth.

“We follow with keen interest your commitment to the development of several Special Economic Zones, which will attract the necessary foreign direct investment, expand your economy, create more jobs for your people and sharpen competitiveness.

“You will find ready and reliable partners from South Africa as these zones gain traction,” the President assured.

He noted that both countries are endowed with vast mineral resources which are “now the focus of intense global interest”.

“Some of these minerals are key components in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and more powerful computer microchips. They are vital for the development of the green energy and digital economies.

“As owners of these minerals, we should beneficiate these products ourselves, creating opportunities for our peoples,” President Ramaphosa urged.

Cooperation in energy and rail is also high on the agenda.

“Continued cooperation between South Africa and Botswana in energy is paramount if we are to meet the energy needs of our people, develop our productive sectors, power our economies and drive industrialisation.

“Investment in renewable energy will also assist us in diversifying our energy mix. Investments in priority infrastructure projects are vital in enhancing bilateral economic opportunities and enabling greater regional integration.

“One such venture is the Mmamabula–Lephalale Rail Link Project, which stands out as a strategic priority for our two countries. This initiative has the potential to unlock significant economic value for both countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa and Botswana share deep ties that took root in the solidarity shown by Botswana during South Africa’s liberation struggle against apartheid when South African freedom fighters were provided support by their Southern African brethren.

The BNC, the President added, now provides the impetus to “galvanise and deepen our cooperation”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Government has settled 83 721 land claims at 31 December 2025, through its Restitution Programme, benefiting more than 2.3 million people and 468 761 households.

Of these beneficiaries, 181 411 were female-headed households and 1 291 were households headed by persons living with disabilities.

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote for 2026/27 financial year on Wednesday, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Mzwanele Nyhontso, reiterated that the Restitution Programme remains central to addressing land dispossession caused by racially discriminatory laws and practices implemented after 19 June 1913.

The Minister highlighted that since its inception in 1995, the Restitution Programme has seen the restoration of approximately 3 916 733 million hectares of land to beneficiaries at a cost of around R27 billion.

“In addition, approximately R27.6 billion has been paid as financial compensation to qualifying beneficiaries, while approximately R5.5 billion has been allocated in the form of development grants in terms of section 42C of the Restitution of Land Rights Act, 22 of 1994 (as amended).”

The Minister added that the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights plans to settle 307 claims and finalise 284 during the 2026/27 financial year. The number of outstanding old order land claims currently stands at 5 245.

“The Commission has been allocated approximately R3.839 billion for the current financial year. This allocation supports compensation of employees, operational requirements, transfers to households, and capital expenditure necessary for restitution implementation.”

Modernising land administration

The Minister said the department will during the current financial year continue implementing the Electronic Deeds Registration System (eDRS), as part of broader efforts to modernise land registration systems.

He emphasised that the Land Administration function is central to property rights, investment certainty, land development, and integrated public administration.

“As one of the key functions in this area, Deeds Registration continues to provide legal certainty in relation to registered rights in land and property, and it supports housing delivery, municipal administration, infrastructure investment, and broader economic activity.”

The department will also continue to strengthen cadastral survey processing and maintaining the integrity of land parcel information required for orderly development and secure property registration.

The Minister said the National Geomatics Management Services function remains essential to land administration, infrastructure development, geospatial coordination, investment certainty, and spatial planning.

“A significant development, which also underscores our country’s growing international footprint, is that the 28th International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Congress 2026 and General Assembly is to be held in Cape Town from 24 to 29 May 2026.

“This is the largest such event in the world, which attracts around 1 200 to 1 500 experts in land surveying, geospatial sciences, spatial planning, construction management, and valuation,” the Minister said.

Spatial planning reforms continue

Nyhontso said government would continue implementing the National Spatial Development Framework 2050 and developing the National Spatial Data Observatory to improve planning and infrastructure coordination.

The department is also finalising amendments to the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and the Planning Profession Act to strengthen implementation, institutional effectiveness, and professional standards.

“We are aware of the uneasiness that many traditional leaders have expressed with regard to SPLUMA, and this is another area in which we are committed to facilitate a process of dialogue and seeking solutions, as we consider this area to be critical to land administration and development in the communal rural areas.

“Support to provinces and municipalities will continue through assistance relating to spatial development frameworks, wall-to-wall land use schemes, municipal bylaws, and broader land use management implementation support,’ the Minister said.

The department will further continue to expand the Drone Remote Sensing Programme and to develop climate-responsive land use management norms and standards aligned to the SPLUMA and the Climate Change Act, 22 of 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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An investigation into a crash between a minibus taxi and a bus that claimed the lives of 10 people along  the R39 Road in Mpumalanga is underway.

“Ten people died in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 Road between Standerton and Morgenzon on Thursday, 21 May 2026, around 5:15 am. All ten deceased were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver,” the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

The department added that eight people died at the scene of the crash while one person passed away while being transported to hospital. The tenth occupant passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Standerton.

“At the time of the crash, the taxi was travelling from Morgenzon to Standerton, while the bus was reportedly travelling from Standerton to Morgenzon. The bus driver sustained minor injuries. One passenger in the bus escaped unharmed. Reports indicate that the road was misty at the time of the crash, which may have reduced visibility.”

While the cause of the crash is under investigation, the provincial department said reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this stage. 

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie has extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.  –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Three Gauteng municipalities appeared before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Tuesday to respond to concerns over water supply disruptions, deteriorating infrastructure, and service delivery challenges affecting residents across the province.

Representatives from Merafong City Local Municipality, Lesedi Local Municipality and Midvaal Local Municipality presented updates on measures being implemented to address ongoing water-related problems during hearings into the Gauteng water crisis.

The hearings form part of the SAHRC’s broader inquiry into the impact of water supply challenges on communities across Gauteng.

Merafong City Local Municipality’s Acting Executive Manager for Energy, Ntokozo Gubevu, told the commission that the municipality continues to battle aging infrastructure, staff shortages, non-payment for services, outdated technology systems, and recurring sinkholes linked to the area’s dolomitic ground conditions.

Gubevu said the municipality is set to receive R30 million from the Department of Water and Sanitation to assist with infrastructure upgrades and interventions.

He added that all areas currently have water supply and noted that service delivery had improved considerably in recent months, with support from Rand Water.

The municipality also highlighted the growing threat posed by sinkholes, which emerge during rainy seasons due to the geological composition of the area.

According to Gubevu, a task team chaired by the Director-General of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has been established to coordinate interventions related to sinkhole management.

One of Merafong’s largest reservoirs has already been affected by sinkhole activity, prompting the municipality to prioritise funding discussions with Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure.

Lesedi Local Municipality Manager Sibusiso Dlamini responded to concerns regarding inconsistent water supply and households not connected to pipeline systems.

Dlamini explained that while water supply is generally not entirely interrupted, low water pressure remains a persistent problem that affects the flow of water to some communities.

He said the municipality currently maintains a 99.1% piped water supply rate.

To improve reliability, Lesedi has been replacing aging pipes and installing pumps to improve water flow in affected areas.

The municipality is also working closely with Rand Water to address water-related challenges.

Dlamini told the commission that Lesedi owns three in-house water tankers and spends approximately R400 000 annually on tanker services during major water disruptions.

Midvaal Local Municipality Municipal Manager Phumudzo Magodi said the municipality is largely situated on dolomitic land, contributing to the formation of sinkholes in some areas.

Magodi said the municipality plans to conduct a groundwater protocol study aimed at strengthening long-term water management and infrastructure planning.

The municipality currently supplies water to 47 informal settlements through water tankers while grappling with major infrastructure and maintenance challenges.

According to Magodi, Midvaal faces an estimated R1 billion backlog related to reservoir infrastructure, aging systems, and maintenance requirements.

Additional concerns raised during the hearings included non-revenue water losses and billing inefficiencies.

Despite the challenges, the municipality reaffirmed its commitment to improving infrastructure and addressing service delivery concerns affecting residents.

The SAHRC hearings will continue as part of ongoing efforts to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at stabilising Gauteng’s water supply systems and ensuring communities have reliable access to basic services.

The commission undertook the investigative inquiry as part of its constitutional and statutory mandate to promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government is intensifying efforts to accelerate land reform, strengthen tenure security and modernise land administration systems as part of efforts to address historical inequalities and rural underdevelopment.

This is according to Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, who presented the department’s Budget Vote in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Nyhontso said the department’s work remains focused on equitable access to land, restitution of land rights, sustainable rural livelihoods and improved spatial governance.

“These responsibilities remain central to addressing the historical legacies of dispossession, poverty, inequality, exclusion, underdevelopment and uneven spatial development,” he said.

Over the medium term, the department has been allocated approximately R32.1 billion, with R10.336 billion set aside for the 2026/27 financial year.

About 20 000 hectares of land allocated to women

Nyhontso said the department had acquired approximately 53 000 hectares of land during the reporting period and allocated more than 35 000 hectares to qualifying individuals and communities.

“In line with the Cabinet-approved Beneficiary Selection and Land Allocation Policy, approximately 20 000 hectares of land were allocated to women and 13 000 hectares to youth beneficiaries,” the Minister said.

The Minister said government will continue prioritising equitable access to land for women, youth, persons with disabilities and other qualifying beneficiaries.

In efforts to strengthen tenure security, the Minister reported that approximately 7 000 hectares were acquired and transferred to more than 700 farm dwellers and labour tenants.

He added that 61 labour tenant matters had been finalised with the support of the Special Master on Labour Tenants, while 313 matters were referred to court where negotiations could not be concluded successfully.

“Additionally, approximately 206 000 hectares of land were transferred from the State to affected communities through the implementation of the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act, 94 of 1998.”

Land audit 

Nyhontso announced that government is preparing to undertake a Comprehensive Land Audit, to amend the Beneficiary Selection and Allocation Policy for beneficiaries of the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS).

One of the key objectives of the Comprehensive Land Audit is to develop the necessary policies and legislation to give effect to the Constitutional mandates on equitable access to land, communal land tenure and administration, rural development, and land administration.

“We have also identified the rationalisation of apartheid laws as a long-standing factor that continues to complicate the work of the department in discharging its land reform mandate, as many such laws that still exist on the Statute Book are in direct conflict with the Constitution. This work is to be conducted under the auspices of a retired judge whose appointment process is underway,” Nyhontso said. 

The Comprehensive Land Audit will also bring certainty about who owns what land in South Africa, in terms of race, gender, business entity, land held in trusts, regional distribution, as well as nationality.

New land reform legislation

The Minister said the Equitable Access to Land Bill, intended to give effect to Section 25(5) of the Constitution, will become the centrepiece of the Redistribution Programme.

Section 25 (5) of the Constitution speaks to the State taking reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on an equitable basis.
The proposed legislation includes the establishment of a Land Reform Agency focused on land and beneficiary identification, allocation and post-settlement support.

Nyhontso said the bill is expected to be presented to Cabinet before public consultations by June this year.
The Minister also confirmed that the Communal Land Tenure and Administration Bill is on track to be submitted to Cabinet and opened for public consultation by the end of June this year.

“This Bill seeks to address not only the Constitutionally mandated function of ensuring legally secure tenure for the millions of residents of the former homelands and other communal areas.

“It also seeks to introduce a sustainable, democratic, gender and youth empowering system of communal land administration in which communities and traditional leaders will work together in a mutually supportive manner,” he explained.

Concerns over communal property associations

Nyhontso acknowledged ongoing governance and functionality challenges affecting Communal Property Associations (CPAs).

He said tensions between communities and traditional leaders remain a concern, adding that government is working to strengthen governance systems and institutional arrangements.

During the reporting period, the department exceeded its target for CPA training by equipping 821 executives with governance, financial management and land administration skills.

Ministerial roadshows were also conducted across all provinces, engaging 507 CPAs and approximately 2 465 members.

“These engagements consistently raised concerns relating to governance instability, internal disputes, business unsustainability, inadequate or no post-settlement support, lack of proper accountability systems, and poor relationships between CPAs and traditional institutions,” the Minister said.

He added that an Indaba on the National CPA will be held during the course of the year. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has outlined the government’s plans to combat misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, including proposals for a public fact-checking platform, restrictions on fake news broadcasts, and mandatory disclosure of AI-generated content on digital platforms.

Tabling the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister warned that digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being used as tools to spread false information.

“South Africa’s situation is exacerbated by the fact that South Africans are rated as the topmost people propagandised people in the world in the Ipsos Perils of Perception Index 2026,” the Minister said.

According to several Ipsos surveys, South Africans rank among the most misinformed populations globally regarding the state of their country.

Ntshavheni said the government’s response to misinformation and disinformation must be “deliberate and systematic”.

“Having observed how other countries are addressing this phenomenon, at a Policy level, the National AI Policy must compel digital media platforms to disclose the AI-generated content carried on their platforms (AI content branding) and prohibit the broadcasting of Fake and Misleading News about South Africa,” she said.

She added that while the National AI Policy is being drafted and the Cybersecurity Strategy finalised, GCIS will engage digital platform owners on the proposed measures. 

“Furthermore, the GCIS is provisioning for the government’s fact-check capability to proactively debunk deepfakes and tactical misinformation. 

“This measure seeks to progress the current stamping of fake news, but collating the stamped fake news images, videos and stories to enable individuals to personally check through the creation of a dedicated website supported by a digital platform,” Ntshavheni said.

GCIS will provide the function to correct facts against fake news. 

“The goal is to position GCIS as the anchor of the truth. Individuals will also be able to alert GCIS on suspected fake news which they would have come across,” the Minister said.

In addition, GCIS is developing a “Quick Guide” to assist government communicators in countering misinformation, disinformation and malinformation more effectively.

Seminal year

Ntshavheni said 2026 marks a significant year in South Africa’s democratic journey, with the country set to commemorate several major historical milestones through the Milestones of Freedom Campaign.

These include the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution; the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings; the 70th anniversary of the anti-pass campaign; and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.

“The year 2026 is a seminal year. This year, South Africa will mark 30 years since the adoption of the democratic Constitution on the 8th of May 1996 by the first democratic and representative Parliament.

“The Constitution remains a living expression of our nation’s collective commitment to constitutional democracy, human rights, freedoms, and the rule of law,” the Minister said.

She stressed that the rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights are accompanied by responsibilities

“We must play our part,” the Minister said.

The country will also commemorate the 50th anniversary or the Golden Jubilee of the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings that spread across the country and continued into 1977. 

Ntshavheni said the opposition to Bantu education and the introduction of Afrikaans as a “forced medium of instruction” galvanised the masses of young people to render the country ungovernable and Apartheid unworkable in the fight for freedom and democracy. 

In August 2026, the country will also commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the 9th August 1956, 20.000 women’s March to the Union Buildings protesting the extension of “Pass Laws” to women. 

“In light of these milestones, the GCIS is coordinating not only commemorations of these milestones in South Africa’s history, mobilising South Africans around the Milestones of Freedom Campaign under the theme: Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future as a whole-of-society approach. 

“This Campaign involves packaged-service weeks that mobilise public service interventions to and with communities in support of the District Development Model. The Campaign focuses on citizens as active participants in their own environments rather than passive recipients of services,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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