Category: South Africa Government

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a high-level investigation following the attempted assassination of Major General Feroz Khan, who was shot on Sunday evening on 3rd Avenue in Houghton.

This investigation is being led by the Gauteng Hawks, Gauteng Crime Intelligence and the SAPS Detective Service.

The Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has further directed that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) be incorporated into the investigation to ensure that every possible lead is pursued and that those responsible are brought to book.

Khan was scheduled to appear before the Madlanga Commission on 1 July 2026. 

“While SAPS is aware of public speculation regarding the timing of the attack, it is premature and irresponsible to speculate on any possible motive or to conclude that the incident is linked to his anticipated appearance before the Commission. Detectives will follow evidence wherever it leads.

“The South African Police Service views any attempt to intimidate, silence or attack any individual involved in judicial processes in the most serious light, and any attempt to interfere with the administration of justice or the work of the Commission will be met with the full might of the law,” the police said.

Dimpane has condemned the attack and assured the public that no resource will be spared in identifying, tracing and arresting those responsible. 

“SAPS remains resolute in protecting the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails,” the police said.

Dimpane has wished Khan a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has crossed an infrastructure milestone, hitting 406 consecutive days without load shedding, even as plummeting winter temperatures drive up power use across the country.

This steady progress is a tangible result of the power utility’s implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

“Improved generation availability and reduced unplanned outages are enabling Eskom to consistently meet electricity demand, while maintaining sufficient reserves and operational flexibility to manage changing system conditions across the country. 

“In parallel, targeted interventions within the Distribution network are supporting the ongoing implementation of Eskom’s Load Reduction Elimination Programme, which continues to restore normal supply to affected customers and strengthen network reliability in high-risk areas,” Eskom said.

A key indicator that the power utility is making progress is the sustained improvement in the Energy Availability Factor, which has risen to 63.81% from the 58.31% recorded over the same period last year.

“This reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy, including a 9.46% improvement [4.8GW] compared to the corresponding period three years ago, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet.

“Between 19 and 25 June 2026, average unplanned outages were at 11 259MW, down from 14 801MW over the same period last year, a reduction of 3 543MW, equivalent to the capacity of a large [Lethabo] power station.

“This improvement is further reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], which improved to 23.63% from 30.86% in the corresponding period last year,” Eskom said.

The power utility also has some 1 550MW in cold reserve due to “excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy”, with diesel expenditure also on a decline.

“For the financial year to date, diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, with a load factor of 1.45%, significantly lower than the R4.72 billion incurred over the same period last year at a load factor of 11.45%. This reflects an 84.19% year-on-year reduction in diesel costs, driven by stronger operational performance and a significantly lower reliance on diesel-fired generation.

“This sustained reduction highlights both cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, contributing to greater efficiency in system operations.

“Eskom’s Winter Outlook, published on 22 April 2026 for the period 1 April to 31 August 2026, continues to project no load shedding, based on sustained improvements delivered through the Generation Recovery Plan,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government says it is prepared for the protests planned for 30 June, saying that law enforcement agencies are on high alert.

Speaking at a media briefing by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration on Friday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, warned that anyone engaging in violence, intimidation or vigilantism would face prosecution.

She said Tuesday “will be a normal day for the country”, despite calls by some anti-immigration groups for nationwide action.

“We are ready as a State to protect every person, citizens and foreign nationals against any form of abuse and intimidation,” the Minister said.

She stressed that enforcing immigration laws remains the responsibility of the State and warned that members of the public are not authorised to demand identification documents or proof of nationality from others.

Blocking access to hospitals, schools and other public services, as well as acts of violence, xenophobia and hate speech, would be dealt with according to the law.

Intelligence-led operations have been intensified across the country ahead of 30 June. 

As of 21 June, police had registered 89 public order and incitement-related criminal cases, up from 53 the previous week. A total of 164 people have been arrested for offences including incitement to violence and contraventions of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, while dozens of cases are already before the courts.

Kubayi said government had engaged major social media platforms to combat the spread of misinformation and online content encouraging violence linked to the planned protests.

Border security has also been strengthened, with additional roadblocks, checkpoints, surveillance technology and military support deployed at key ports of entry.

The IMC reiterated that while government remains committed to tackling irregular migration, it will do so within the Constitution and the rule of law.

“We must not allow anyone to exploit the genuine concerns of South Africans to incite violence, spread misinformation or destabilise our country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly, while warning that acts of violence, intimidation and vigilantism have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, ahead of planned demonstrations against undocumented immigration, the President acknowledged that South Africans have raised legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates that exploit the country’s immigration system.

He stressed, however, that government is addressing these challenges through lawful means, while urging citizens to ensure that Tuesday remains business as usual.

“South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard,” the President said. 

The President said while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, this right must be exercised responsibly.

“The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” the President said. 

He emphasised that South Africa is governed by the rule of law and that grievances must be addressed through democratic institutions. 

“South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by intimidation, threats or ultimatums. It must be determined through democratic institutions, evidence and the rule of law,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President said government has accepted that the country’s immigration system requires significant reform and is taking steps to strengthen institutions responsible for managing migration.

“Government has accepted that our immigration system requires substantial reform. We are strengthening border management, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigration, improving the integrity of the asylum and visa systems, and taking action against corruption that has weakened immigration control,” the President said. 

He added that government is committed to addressing weaknesses in the system.

“We also recognise that where our systems have failed, they must be corrected. Where corruption has enabled illegal immigration, those responsible must be held accountable. Where enforcement has been inadequate, it must improve,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President said government has also consulted extensively with various sectors of society, including traditional leaders, business, labour, religious organisations and civil society, who have expressed support for lawful reforms to the immigration system.

He reiterated that while citizens have a right to protest, they also have a responsibility to respect the rights and safety of others.

“Freedom comes with responsibility. The right to protest is one of the defining freedoms of our democracy, but every right carries corresponding responsibilities. Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others,” he said. 

The President warned that any criminal conduct during protests would be dealt with decisively.

“Where there is criminal conduct, those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course. We must reject the idea that acts of violence or intimidation are justified on the basis of a grievance, for political reasons, or because those who commit such acts claim they were somehow provoked,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also reminded South Africans that many foreign nationals are in the country legally and are protected by the Constitution.

“Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully. They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution,” he said. 

The President welcomed assurances from some protest organisers that demonstrations would remain peaceful.

“We welcome the assurances by some of the organisers of the planned protests that they stand against violence on the part of their supporters. They will be held to this undertaking, because no cause, no matter how legitimate, will be an excuse to shift responsibility for violent acts,” the President said. 

He also welcomed the support of traditional, religious and community leaders, as well as business, labour and civil society organisations that have called for tolerance and respect for the rule of law.

President Ramaphosa cautioned against citizens taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, saying this undermines constitutional governance.

“The painful history of the pass laws reminds us why the authority to demand identification and enforce immigration laws belongs to government law enforcement officers acting within the Constitution, not to private individuals. Whatever the motivation, taking the law into one’s own hands is vigilantism and has no place in our constitutional democracy.

“This is a betrayal of the very constitutional order those who commit such acts claim to be defending. It is vigilantism thinly disguised in the language of patriotism,” the President said. 

He further warned against repeating the injustices of the past.

“We must never allow ourselves to return to that painful chapter of our history where people were stopped on the street, had their physical identities scrutinised, and their right to move freely in the country hindered by suspicion and humiliation,” he said. 

The President assured South Africans that law enforcement agencies are prepared to safeguard both public safety and the constitutional right to protest.

“Our country’s law enforcement authorities stand ready in defence of the rule of law. Let us work together to keep communities, businesses and individuals safe, all the while protecting people’s right to protest,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded by urging South Africans to choose unity, dialogue and constitutionalism over division and vigilantism.

“Throughout our history, we have overcome difficult moments not through fear or division, but by choosing law over lawlessness, dialogue over confrontation and justice over vengeance. Let us once again choose that path. Let us protect both our borders and our Constitution, both our security and our humanity. We are capable of doing both, and we must,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, has appealed to the organisers of demonstrations against illegal immigration to maintain calm, peace, and restraint.

The appeal comes ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday, 30 June.

“Government does not condone illegal immigration, but there should be no lawlessness. No unauthorised person is permitted to demand documentation or proof of nationality from anyone. Blocking access to health facilities and schools is prohibited,” Ndlovu said after an extended Executive Council meeting.

The meeting was attended by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Executive Mayors, the leadership of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, the Director-General, Heads of Department, Municipal Managers and the Acting Provincial Commissioner.

During the session, the Premier strongly urged the organisers of the marches to ensure that no one conducts search operations, targets foreign nationals or sets up roadblocks.

Last Thursday, the Premier, accompanied by MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, engaged the organisers of the marches at the Nkangala District Council in Middelburg.

The Premier directed all state institutions to work in a coordinated manner to respond to the marchers’ demands.

“We will establish multi-disciplinary teams to respond swiftly to the issues of the marches. We will ensure that the 30th of June is a normal working day. Therefore, incitement of violence and intimidation of people going to work will not be tolerated during the march,” he said.

Ndlovu said provincial law enforcement agencies will be visible on the ground to maintain law and order, protect communities, and ensure that those not participating in the marches can go about their daily routines safely.

“We urge the marchers not to carry weapons. We call on the organisers to ensure their marshals cooperate fully with law enforcement officers on the ground. We encourage community members to act as active partners in safety by reporting any suspicious behaviour or illegal activities to the police,” said acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Services, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi. –SAnews.gov.za

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South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has praised Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after the national team bowed out following a historic run to the knockout stages.

Bafana Bafana’s journey came to an end on Sunday after a 1 – 0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in a Last 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium.

Jordaan said that while the defeat was disappointing, the team could return home with pride after making history at the tournament.

“It is sad that we are bowing out of the World Cup, but we have to applaud this team after what they did in this tournament.

“They made history on [last] Wednesday when we qualified for the second round for the first time after beating South Korea 1 – 0 in the last group match in Monterrey. We will take this with us when we go back home and build on it,” he said on Monday.

Stephen Eustáquio broke South African hearts when he scored in the 92nd minute to send Canada through to the Last 16 of the global tournament.

Canada will now face either Morocco or the Netherlands in the next round.

“We are disappointed because we wanted to win. It would have been a little miracle to get to the third round, but we do not have to be too disappointed. What we achieved here was good, and I am very happy and very proud of my team,” Coach Hugo Broos said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has commended Bafana Bafana for an outstanding and historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following their encounter against Canada.

The match resulted in a 0 – 1 win for Canada.

In a statement after the game on Sunday night, government expressed “immense pride” in what Bafana Bafana has achieved in the duration of the World Cup.

“For the first time in South Africa’s history, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, inspiring millions of South Africans and making the Southern African region proud.

“Throughout the tournament, the players, coaches and technical team displayed courage, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to representing the country with honour and distinction. Their performances demonstrated that South African football can compete confidently on the biggest stage in world football.”

Government also thanked all South Africans who united behind the national team throughout the tournament. 

“The overwhelming support shown by citizens across the country reflected the spirit of unity, patriotism, and hope inspired by Bafana Bafana.

“Although this marks the end of South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, Bafana Bafana has left an enduring legacy and laid a strong foundation for the future of South African football. The nation celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward with confidence to even greater success in the years ahead.

“Thank you, Bafana Bafana. You made South Africa proud!” – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called on law enforcement officers to uphold the law without fear, favour or prejudice, as preparations intensify for nationwide deployments on 30 June.

Addressing officers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Cachalia said their role carries a significant constitutional responsibility to maintain public order while protecting the rights of all individuals.

“Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained,” he said.

He stressed that the rights of demonstrators and those of other members of the public are not in conflict, but are complementary constitutional obligations that must be balanced.

“You are entrusted with protecting both the rights of those who choose to demonstrate and the rights of every other person who lives, works or travels through affected communities,” he said.

Cachalia said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not deployed to stop lawful demonstrations, but to ensure that they take place safely, securely and in an orderly manner.

“We are there to protect life, safeguard property, prevent criminality and respond swiftly where individuals seek to exploit legitimate grievances to commit violence, intimidation, vandalism or any other offence,” he said.

He reminded officers that their authority is derived from the law, and must always be exercised within its limits.

“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy,” he said.

“Every decision, every instruction and every action must be lawful, proportionate and accountable.”

Cachalia urged officers to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, while remaining firm where the law is broken.

“Do not be provoked into conduct that undermines the badge you wear or the oath you have taken. At the same time, do not hesitate to act decisively where criminality occurs,” he said.

He warned that public gatherings can evolve rapidly, requiring heightened alertness, coordination and discipline on the ground.

“Good planning, clear communication and effective coordination will be critical to ensuring the safety of both demonstrators and the wider public. Remain vigilant and support one another throughout your deployment,” he said.

Cachalia said the public would ultimately judge both the outcome of operations and the conduct of officers on duty.

“Your professionalism has the power to build confidence in policing and demonstrate that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the training and commitment of officers, urging them to carry out their duties with integrity and courage.

“The overwhelming majority of South Africans want peace, stability and safety. They are looking to you for reassurance through your presence and professionalism,” he said.

“As you deploy, remember you are ambassadors of the South African Police Service and custodians of the constitutional values we have all sworn to protect. Carry out your duties with discipline, respect and courage, and return home safely once your mission is complete.”

Meanwhile, government has reiterated that 30 June 2026 will be treated as a normal working day, warning that any acts of intimidation, violence or disruption will be met with the full force of the law.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration said this at a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday following its weekly meeting to assess government’s response to irregular migration.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamaloko Kubayi said enforcement of the law remains the responsibility of the State, which is prepared to protect all people in the country, including citizens and foreign nationals, from intimidation or abuse.

She added that no unauthorised individuals are permitted to demand documentation or proof of nationality from members of the public, and that blocking access to essential public services such as schools and healthcare facilities is unlawful. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Noncemba Mhlauli says career expos are far more than calendar events; they are life-changing platforms that open doors to future opportunities.

Addressing learners at the 10th Annual Ephraim Mogale Career Expo held at the Laerskool sports ground in Marble Hall, Limpopo, Mhlauli encouraged young people to use the opportunity to explore new possibilities and take ownership of their futures.

“Explore careers you may never have considered before. Learn about bursaries, training opportunities, entrepreneurship and higher education. Allow your imagination to be awakened,” she said.

Mhlauli told learners that success is not determined by background, but by discipline, determination and commitment.

“I stand before you today as someone who attended a township school. Others here come from village schools. Yet today we serve our country in positions of leadership. That should tell you one thing — your background does not define your future,” she said.

She stressed that discipline remains the foundation of success.

“Discipline is reflected in how you conduct yourself, how seriously you take your studies, how you respect your teachers and how committed you are to your goals. Good results do not happen by chance,” she said.

“They require consistency, hard work and sacrifice. The future you want starts with the choices you make today.”

Mhlauli urged learners not to treat the career expo as just a break from the classroom, but as an investment in their future.

“Be curious. Ask questions. Explore possibilities. Learn about bursaries, careers and opportunities. Most importantly, believe in your potential,” she said.

She also encouraged learners to apply early to universities, TVET colleges and other institutions of higher learning, noting that applications are currently open.

“Do not wait for your final matric results before applying. Submit your applications now, secure your student number, and update your results later as they improve,” she said.

“If you wait until January, many programmes may already be full. We want every learner here today to leave matric having already taken the first step towards their future.”

Mhlauli further encouraged young people to participate in democratic processes, urging eligible learners to register to vote through the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

“Participating in democracy is not only about voting — it is about shaping the future of your community, your province and your country,” she said.

The career expo brought together learners, government departments, institutions of higher learning, SETAs and industry stakeholders to showcase career pathways, skills development programmes, bursaries, entrepreneurship opportunities and routes to employment. – SAnews.gov.za

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