Category: MIL-OSI

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts, has called for swift and decisive action to protect and restore ecological infrastructure as a critical step toward strengthening South Africa’s water security.

“Our vital aquatic ecosystems including those in our strategic water source areas – the mountain catchments, wetlands and rivers that only constitute 10% of our land area yet supply over 50% of our water – continue to face severe pressure from pollution, invasive species, and altered water flows,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

Addressing the launch of the 2025 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA), Swarts said these challenges have been highlighted consistently over the past 20 years of the NBA. 

“While important progress has been made, it is clear that much more urgent action is required to secure the ecological infrastructure that underpins our water security. 

“Furthermore, improving the vital flow of freshwater into the sea is important for ecosystem services such as marine fisheries and coastal resilience,” she said.

According to the report, terrestrial and marine ecosystems are vast – and pressures on these systems are concentrated in particular areas. 

“This reinforces the importance of spatial prioritisation, ensuring that every rand we invest in restoration is directed where it has the greatest impact — particularly in degraded landscapes, wetlands, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems.

“For our species, we can see that again our aquatic systems are at risk, as the most threatened species groups are freshwater and cartilaginous fishes. Several terrestrial groups, including reptiles, birds, mammals and plants, are showing concerning declines,” the Deputy Minister said.

For the first time, the NBA reported a significant decline among species in Namaqualand, driven by the intersection of escalating pressures from unsustainable land-use, illegal harvesting and climate change impacts.

“On a positive note, some of our species are showing an improvement in their protection level status, reflecting the strong conservation foundation built through our protected areas and stewardship programmes.

“The NBA introduces global genetic indicators for the first time. These reveal early signs of genetic erosion even in species that appear stable. South Africa is rapidly building scientific capacity in this field and will be among the first countries globally to report on genetic indicators in our 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we will need sustained investment to secure this essential part of our natural heritage,” Swarts said.

She said the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) remains one of the most important ways in which SANBI fulfils its legislative mandate under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act — to report on the status of the country’s biodiversity and to provide the evidence that guides sound environmental governance.

“The NBA is not just a report. It is a reflection of who we are as a country that treasures its natural heritage; it is a mirror that shows both our achievements and our challenges; and it is a compass that guides the difficult choices we must make for a sustainable future,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has announced significant progress in delivering water and sanitation projects across the province through the effective implementation of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

According to the provincial government, several water supply projects are at various stages of construction in different municipalities, aimed at addressing water shortages and ensuring consistent water provision to communities.

Notably, the R131 million Bulk Water Augmentation Project in Ipelegeng, Schweizer-Reneke, has reached 95% completion, representing a major step towards resolving long-standing water challenges in the area.

This project includes the refurbishment of the Schweizer-Reneke Water Treatment Works, valued at R14.8 million.

In the City of Matlosana, the department said the refurbishment of critical water pump stations in Jouberton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma valued at R39.5 million is nearing completion and will stabilise supply across the area.

In addition, the Mahikeng Local Municipality continues to benefit from major water and sanitation investments, including projects in Madibe A Tau, Lonely Park, Setlopo, and the Mahikeng Rural Sanitation initiative, together valued at R385 million.

In Rustenburg, the R58 million Tlhabane Bulk Internal Water Reticulation Project is now 96% complete. 

In Lethabong, the Internal Sewer Reticulation and Waste Water Treatment Works Upgrade – worth over R140 million – is at 82% completion.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi, said the MIG projects, which are implemented through municipalities, demonstrated government’s willingness to resolve water shortage and augment water supply to the ever-growing communities.

“These achievements reflect CoGTA’s commitment to strengthening the provision of basic services such as water to improve the quality of life of our communities. The success in project implementation and monitoring done through quarterly forums has improved our performance in implementing MIG projects,” said Molapisi.

Other projects are implemented through Operation Bulela Metsi, which was launched in the province, in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation, as a water and sanitation intervention programme to ensure access to water for all households.

Among the key achievements is the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention, which is currently underway in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, aimed at boosting water security for residents.

In JB Marks Local Municipality, the department said construction of the 25 megalitre (ML) reservoir in Ikageng is progressing well and will soon supply water to several extensions, including Potch Industria and Mohadin. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Police have arrested 16 817 suspects in connection with various crimes as authorities intensify their nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation running alongside Operation Shanela II.

“In the past week, these crime-fighting initiatives and tracking operations saw police apprehending 2 626 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, car-hijackings, sexual offences, house and business robberies.

“In addition, a total of 1 013 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trade as well as 771 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including confiscating 25 117 litres of alcohol,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The police recorded the following arrests:

• 146 suspects were arrested for murder. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests with 46, followed by the Western Cape with 22, Mpumalanga with 19, and then the Eastern Cape with 17.
• 141 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng at 30.
• 131 suspects were arrested for attempted murder across multiple provinces.
• 1 580 suspects arrested for assault GBH.
• 2 978 suspects arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests with 1 708, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 360, Gauteng 287, and then the Eastern Cape with 279.
• 279 suspects for dealing in drugs for the past week.
• 82 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
• 417 for possession of dangerous weapons.
• 27 arrested for human trafficking.

The following major seizures and recoveries were recorded in the same period: 1 709 rounds of ammunition; 128 unlicensed firearms; 1 916 dangerous weapons; contraband goods worth more than R20 million and 65 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

Two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested after police recovered two firearms stolen from officers who were shot and killed in Ivory Park on 01 December 2025. Seizures included the SAPS-issued R5 rifle and one pistol, and police investigation is ongoing.

Two bodyguards, aged 24 and 36 years old, were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for possession of a semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition. A vehicle, rifles, and ammunition were seized.

In the Western Cape, police uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing plant in Lansdowne and arrested two suspects aged between 26 and 39 years old. They were arrested for the illegal manufacturing and distributing liquor. Seizures included manufacturing equipment, an assortment of alcohol branding stickers, and unknown liquids.

Still in Western Cape, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit intercepted a truck on the N12 en route from Johannesburg to George carrying drugs. A box containing cocaine worth R3.6 million was seized and arrested a 46-year-old suspect for dealing in cocaine.

In Mpumalanga, police acting on intelligence intercepted a truck pulling two trailers with 12 water tanks with 5000-litre capacity packed with cartons of illicit cigarettes. 

The seized consignment consisted of 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million. A 43-year-old foreign national from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested after the discovery of illicit cigarettes hidden inside water tanks in Sundra on 05 December 2025.

Also in Mpumalanga, two Zimbabwean foreign nationals were arrested for dealing in dagga. This is after police intercepted a truck on the N2 Road from Empangeni en route to Zimbabwe and discovered six big bags of compressed dagga to the value of R1.2 million on 04 December 2025.

In the Northern Cape on 04 December 2025, police intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting a rhino horn on the N14 and arrested three suspected rhino poachers, aged between 42 and 48 years. Seizures included a rhino horn, a pistol, and ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Oshayanyawo, Ekombe led to the arrest of a 49-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearms. They seized an AK47 assault rifle with three rounds of ammunition, an HMC pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, as well as a shotgun with 13 rounds of ammunition.

In a separate operation, three suspects aged between 50 and 61 years were arrested at Makhasaneni for unlawful possession of firearms on 02 December 2025. During the operation, police recovered five homemade firearms, one homemade shotgun, one 38 special revolver, one pistol and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za

Businessman Tshepo Khoza has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, with two years suspended, after he falsely declared his company dormant and failed to declare the company’s income to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), despite earning approximately R3.6 million from tenders.

The conviction follows an extensive investigation under Project Blue Lights, which uncovered that Khiza’s company, Grey Apple Trading Enterprise, had received tenders from the South African Police Service (SAPS) linked to the DNA project that resided under the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit.

Khoza, the director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, was found guilty on three counts of fraud, including one which falls under Schedule 5 category (serious crimes), and one count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in contravention of section 234 of the Tax Administration Act. 

“These tenders were awarded due to Khoza’s family relationship with a senior SAPS official. Despite earning approximately R3.6 million between 2015 and 2018, Khoza falsely declared the company to be dormant and failed to declare income to SARS. The corruption trial wherein he is charged with others will resume on 22 February 2026,” SARS said on Tuesday.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter together with Head of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, acknowledged the teamwork that led to this conviction, reinforcing the public’s trust in joint efforts to uphold tax compliance and fight corruption. 

“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and, ultimately, from the millions of South Africans who depend on government services for education, healthcare, and social support. 

“Every rand stolen through fraudulent schemes undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. SARS will not tolerate such conduct. We will pursue every case relentlessly, and those who choose to defraud the system must know that accountability is certain and justice will prevail,” Kieswetter said.

This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between SARS, IDAC, and law enforcement agencies to combat tax-related crimes and corruption in public procurement. 

The case forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks that undermine fiscal integrity and public trust. This communicate our unswerving commitment to bring to book those that are committed to defraud the state. –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers and restoring ethical governance in South Africa.

Speaking at the inaugural Annual Babita Deokaran Lecture on Tuesday, the Minister honoured the bravery of whistleblowers and condemned the recent assassination of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D, “who was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan last Friday.

Hlabisa described this incident as a “national wake up call” during the lecture that celebrated the courage and achievements of whistleblowers.

READ | Three persons of interests identified in “Witness D” murder case

This as the Anti-Corruption Centre for Education and Research (ACCERUS) at Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership launched the Babita Deokaran Annual Lecture.

This initiative commemorates four years since the assassination of Deokaran on 23 August 2021, outside her home in Johannesburg. 

At that time, she was the Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Gauteng Department of Health and a key witness in investigations related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Deokaran’s fearless exposure of corruption, which included halting over R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital, made her a symbol of integrity. 

The PPE scandal refers to widespread corruption, overpricing, and mismanagement in the procurement of protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lecture, Hlabisa paid tribute to Deokaran’s legacy and called for stronger protections for truth-tellers. 

The Minister outlined key commitments, including fast-tracking the Whistleblower Protection Bill, introducing mandatory municipal whistleblower protocols, enforcing accountability through the powers of the Auditor-General South Africa (AG), and establishing a Whistleblower Security Compact with law enforcement agencies.

These reforms aim to create a safer environment for whistleblowers, restore public trust, and embed ethical governance at the local level.

“Babita was killed because she blocked the flow of illicit payments. Witness D was killed because he lifted the veil on collusion. We will not honour their sacrifice with platitudes but with policy, protection, and accountability. Truth-tellers must never stand alone,” said Hlabisa.

The platform was used to commit to accelerating the Whistleblower Protection Bill, expanding its coverage beyond employees. 
This includes criminalising threats, enabling anonymous disclosures, and funding legal, security, and psychosocial support for whistleblowers.

The Minister also called for the implementation of mandatory safe-reporting frameworks in all municipalities, which would be linked to oversight from the AG and would have financial consequences for non-compliance.

He spoke about the need for the enforcement of remedial actions, the issuance of certificates of debt for ignored directives, and the establishment of public dashboards to track corruption cases. 

Hlabisa emphasised the importance of coordinated threat assessments and rapid protection measures in partnership with law enforcement and oversight bodies, advocating for transparent procurement and strict consequences for irregular expenditures.

He encouraged formal collaboration with anti-corruption organisations for training, analytics, and community reporting platforms. 

Speakers from academia, civil society, and government stressed that protecting truth-tellers is essential for ethical governance and democracy, not merely optional.

Inspired by Deokaran’s extraordinary courage, they called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of an Independent Whistleblower Protection Office, sustainable funding through a Whistle Protection Fund, a secure national reporting platform, and support for families, livelihoods, digital security, trauma care, and reintegration into the workforce.

Hlabisa’s keynote address coincided with the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of governments, leaders, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to confront corruption in all its forms.

In South Africa, Hlabisa stated that combating corruption remains a government priority, with ongoing measures to strengthen law enforcement, enhance prosecutorial capacity, and protect whistleblowers. – SAnews.gov.za