Category: MIL-OSI

In fulfilling the commitment to accelerate the delivery of houses, over 318 newly built houses were handed over to beneficiaries at the Droogeheuwel Mega Project in the Rand West Local Municipality in Gauteng.

Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, handed over the newly built houses on Thursday.

“The housing handover forms part of the Gauteng Government’s 7th Administration commitment to accelerating housing delivery, restoring dignity to communities, and expanding access to secure tenure across the province,” said the provincial department.

MEC Motara reaffirmed the Gauteng Government’s commitment to improving the lives of residents through the provision of quality housing and security of tenure.

“Today, we are handing over 318 houses to rightful beneficiaries at the Droogeheuwel Mega Project. We thank residents for their patience throughout this process. These homes are intended to provide families with a safe and secure place to live and build a future for their children. They are not meant for leasing or rental purposes,” said Motara.

Also speaking at the handover ceremony, Rand West Local Municipality Executive Mayor, William Matsheke, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to take care of their homes, describing them as valuable assets that can create generational wealth for their families.

“We remain committed to ensuring that communities have access to essential social amenities, including schools, clinics, police stations and early childhood development centres,” said Matsheke.

The MEC further emphasised the importance of ensuring that government housing is allocated to qualifying beneficiaries. This as the  Auditor-General has called on the department to strengthen its processes to ensure that houses are allocated to the rightful beneficiaries.

She said the department will continue to monitor and safeguard the integrity of the housing allocation process.

Motara also encouraged residents to pay for municipal services and urged those who are unable to afford their municipal accounts to register for the municipality’s indigent support programme.

“If you are struggling to pay your municipal bills, please approach the municipality and register for the indigent programme so that you can receive the necessary assistance,” she added.

The MEC concluded by highlighting the value of homeownership and the responsibility that comes with it.

“These houses are valuable assets. A home of this nature in some established suburbs could cost more than R1 million, yet government provides it to qualifying beneficiaries at no cost. However, the value of these homes can only be preserved if we take pride in them, maintain them properly, and keep our communities clean,” said Motara.

One of the beneficiaries, Nompumelelo Mofokeng (56), expressed her joy at finally receiving the keys to her new home after waiting for nearly three decades.

“I am extremely excited because I was beginning to lose hope after applying for a house in 1996. Today, my children and I finally have a place we can call home,” said Mofokeng. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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As part of efforts to strengthen partnerships between government and the manufacturing sector, Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams will deliver the keynote address at the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster’s (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Durban next week.

“The engagement forms part of Abrahams’ ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth, investment and job creation through a stronger and more competitive manufacturing sector,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) said in a statement.

The dtic said the engagement also reflects government’s focus on partnering with industry to unlock opportunities for local businesses, strengthen value chains and expand employment opportunities.

The anniversary will bring together manufacturers, retailers, industry leaders and sector stakeholders to reflect on the progress achieved over the past 20 years and to explore opportunities to grow the sector’s contribution to investment, employment and economic development.

Abrahams’ participation underscores the importance of the manufacturing sector in advancing government’s shared priority of growing the economy and creating jobs.

It also highlights the value of industry-led partnerships that deliver practical benefits for businesses, workers and communities.

The event will take place next Wednesday at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof.

Key themes that Abrahams will highlight include strengthening local economic development through competitive manufacturing industries, supporting business growth, investment and export opportunities, and enhancing productivity, innovation and competitiveness across the sector, amongst others.

The KZNCTC is an industry-led public-private partnership focused on improving the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Over the past two decades, the cluster has worked with retailers, manufacturers, small businesses and public sector partners to support productivity improvements, skills development, supplier growth and industry collaboration. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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National Treasury has announced the public comment period of the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, 2026, to run until 15 July 2026.

This as it published the draft regulations for public comment in terms of section 63(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024), in Government Gazette Number 54528 on 16 April 2026.

“The date for the submission of the comments was 60 days from the date of publication. However, due to requests for the extension of this timeframe and recognising the complexities of these regulations, the Minister of Finance has determined it appropriate to allow for an extended period of a further 30 days to afford the public to submit comment and input,” it said.

At the time, Treasury said the regulations are necessary to bring into effect the Public Procurement Act, 2024, which was assented to by the President on 18 July 2024 and published in the Government Gazette on 23 July 2024. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa assented the act that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement.

READ | Procuring for a better SA

In its statement this week, Treasury said the revised due date for submissions is 15 July 2026.
The draft regulations and the notices can be accessed on the National Treasury website: https://www.treasury.gov.za/legislation/regulations/default.aspx .

Written comments on the draft General Public Procurement Regulations, 2026 must be submitted to: DraftGeneralProcurementRegulations@treasury.gov.za.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato; has commended BMA immigration officials for intercepting nine Bangladeshi nationals on Thursday  morning at OR Tambo International Airport, who attempted to enter South Africa using fraudulent travel documents and Indian passports.

The interception occurred during immigration processing when BMA officials detected irregularities in the travel documents presented by the travellers. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that all nine individuals were in possession of fraudulent South African visas purportedly issued by the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.

Of the nine travellers, three females were travelling on ordinary Bangladeshi passports, while six males initially presented fraudulent Indian passports. Upon further questioning and verification, the six males subsequently produced their Bangladeshi passports.

Masiapato said the interception demonstrates the increasing sophistication of transnational document fraud syndicates and underscores the importance of maintaining robust border security measures.

“The detection of these fraudulent visas and passports is a testament to the vigilance, expertise, and commitment of BMA officials who continue to safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s borders. 

“Criminal syndicates are constantly devising new methods to circumvent immigration controls, but our officials remain alert and equipped to identify fraudulent documentation and prevent unlawful entry into the country,” Masiapato said.

Following the verification process, all nine individuals were refused entry into South Africa in accordance with the Immigration Act and relevant border management protocols. 

Arrangements were subsequently made to facilitate their return to Bangladesh.

Masiapato emphasised that the BMA remains resolute in its efforts to combat document fraud, human smuggling, and other forms of transnational organised crime that threaten national security and the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.

“This interception sends a clear message that South Africa’s ports of entry are protected by a capable and vigilant Border Management Authority. 

“We will continue to strengthen our detection capabilities, enhance intelligence-led operations, and collaborate with domestic and international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in document fraud and illegal migration,” he said.

The Commissioner further noted that investigations are underway to determine the origin of the fraudulent visas and passports and whether the individuals are linked to broader criminal syndicates operating across international borders.

The BMA remains committed to facilitating legitimate travel while ensuring that all persons entering and departing South Africa comply with the country’s immigration laws and border management requirements. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast very cold, wet and windy conditions for the southern parts of the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape and the Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape on Friday.

The conditions are linked to a cold front expected to bring significant rainfall.

“This system is expected to cause a significant drop in daytime temperatures, with maximum temperatures ranging between 08 and 10°C in parts of the southern Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, as well as the Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape. The public and farmers are advised to prepare for very cold, wet and windy conditions,” SAWS said.

The combination of very cold, wet and windy weather may result in a wind chill factor, making temperatures feel colder than the measured values. Vulnerable livestock and crops could also be affected.

There is also a risk of hypothermia for people exposed to the extreme cold.

SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging winds, which could result in localised damage to formal and informal settlements, fallen trees, and power and communication disruptions in parts of the north-eastern Eastern Cape.

According to SAWS, a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western Cape. 

Ahead of the system, northerly to north-westerly winds are expected over the interior of the province. These winds are likely to become strong over the Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi district municipalities, with gusts of between 70 and 80 km/h.

Meanwhile, the extended forecast for Saturday and Sunday indicates partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions, with isolated showers and rain in some areas, becoming scattered over the south-west. –SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned community members to be vigilant when buying or selling goods through online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and other online trading sites.

The warning follows a carjacking and armed robbery incident reported in Motherwell on Wednesday, at approximately 07:00. 

According to reports, a complainant and two friends travelled to Mdundu Street, NU6, Motherwell, after responding to a Facebook Marketplace advertisement for a vehicle.

Upon arriving at the address, the person who had allegedly communicated with the complainant via Facebook informed them that the vehicle was parked inside the yard. 

“As the victims entered the premises to inspect the vehicle, they were confronted by armed suspects who allegedly assaulted them, robbed them of cash and cellular phones and fled with the complainant’s white Kia Sportage,” the police said in a statement.

Criminals are increasingly using online marketplaces to target unsuspecting buyers and sellers by advertising non-existent goods or arranging meetings in secluded areas where victims can be robbed. 

The SAPS urges the public to take the following precautions when conducting transactions through online marketplaces:

• Meet in public places with high visibility and pedestrian traffic.

• Avoid travelling to unfamiliar areas or private residences to view or purchase items.

• Never carry large amounts of cash to a transaction.

• Consider meeting at a police station or another secure public venue.

• Do not enter homes, garages, yards or secluded locations to inspect items.

• Inform a family member or friend of your destination and expected return time.

• Verify the identity and contact details of the person you are meeting.

• Be wary of deals that appear significantly cheaper than market value.

• When selling items, avoid inviting strangers to your home and rather arrange meetings in safe public locations.

• Trust your instincts and leave immediately if a situation appears suspicious.

The SAPS appeals to community members to remain alert and report suspicious activity or criminal incidents to their nearest police station or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. 

“The safety of our communities remains a priority, and members of the public are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect themselves when conducting online transactions,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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With its year-round warm weather, golden beaches and rich cultural heritage, eThekwini continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination, attracting growing numbers of visitors to the city.

According to eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba, during the 2025 festive season the city recorded approximately 1.2 million visitors, while accommodation occupancy increased to 77%, up from 72% in 2024.

“Tourism spending during this period also rose from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion, representing a 24% increase. The city was recently ranked 14th among the world’s best places to travel in 2026 by Time Out Worldwide, demonstrating that our tourism sector is firmly on an upward trajectory,” Xaba said on Thursday

He attributed this sharp increase in visitor numbers to, among other factors, the opening of all 23 bathing beaches.

“This was made possible by the extensive work undertaken to repair and upgrade sanitation infrastructure across the city, improving licence compliance, capacity and effluent quality,” the Mayor said.

He was speaking at a media roundtable, where he outlined the progress of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG).

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group was established to coordinate and accelerate interventions aimed at addressing key developmental, infrastructure, economic and service-delivery challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.

The Working Group also seeks to strengthen collaboration between national, provincial and local government, while ensuring improved communication and stakeholder engagement on progress made.

Rejuvenating the inner city 

The Mayor said efforts to rejuvenate the inner city are well on track with the municipality rehabilitating major road networks within the CBD. 

Roads already completed include Sandile Thusi Road, Smiso Nkwanyana Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Soldiers Way, Market Road and Margaret Mncadi Avenue. Currently, we are refurbishing Dr Pixley Ka Seme Street previously known as West Street. 

Significant progress has also been made in repairing and upgrading road infrastructure damaged by recurring floods. Completed projects include the R20 million Tshelimnyama Bridge, R40 million Phoenix Industrial Park Bridge, R47 million Coedmore Bridge Road upgrade and R70 million Blundell Road Bridge in Shallcross. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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