Category: South Africa Government

When President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the evening of 12 February 2026, the setting will once again carry deep constitutional and historical symbolism.

Parliament is set to convene a joint sitting of the two Houses at the Cape Town City Hall – the same venue, where former President, Tata Nelson Mandela, first addressed South Africans on 11 February 1990, hours after his release from prison. 

Scheduled for 19:00, the address is designed to reach millions of South Africans at home, underscoring its role as one of the most significant moments on the national political calendar.

More than ceremonial, SONA remains a constitutional event called in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution. It is one of the rare occasions that brings together the executive, legislature and judiciary under one roof, affirming Parliament’s central role in holding government to account.

A Moment of Accountability and Direction

SONA provides the President with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation across political, economic and social fronts – both domestically and within a shifting global context. It is also a moment of accountability, where the Head of State reports to citizens on government’s performance and sets out the programme of action for the year ahead.

Crucially, the address has direct budgetary implications. Following the SONA, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver his Budget Speech in Parliament, on the heels of which, departments will follow suit. 

Parliament, which is constitutionally mandated to exercise oversight over public finances, may accept, amend or reject departmental budgets to ensure alignment with the priorities announced by the President. 

In the days following the address, Members of Parliament will debate SONA over two days, before President Ramaphosa replies and closes the debate.

Against this backdrop, SONA 2026 arrives at a pivotal juncture for the seventh Administration – nearly a year after Cabinet adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 as the blueprint guiding government’s work.

Measuring Progress Under the 7th Administration

Government’s own assessment of MTDP implementation paints a picture of cautious progress, mixed with persistent structural challenges.

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, said during a recent briefing on the Assessment of Progress in the Implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024 – 2029 on 23 January 2026, that the MTDP provides a whole-of-government framework which aligns planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation across all spheres of government.

The plan is anchored by three interrelated and interlinked strategic priorities, as informed by the Government of National Unity (GNU)’s Statement of Intent (SOI), NDP Vision 2030, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union (AU)’s Agenda 2063. 

These priorities are: driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

In line with its mandate, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation produces periodic assessment reviews on the performance of government against the set targets and indicators in the MTDP 2024 – 2029.

On the economic front, South Africa recorded a 0.8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2025 – the strongest quarterly performance since 2022. Employment also showed signs of recovery, with 248 000 jobs added in the third quarter, lowering the official unemployment rate to 31.9%.

Perhaps the most tangible gain has been in energy stability. More than 175 consecutive days without load shedding were recorded during the review period, while the Energy Availability Factor rose above 63%, reaching 70% on several days. These improvements have helped restore operational certainty for businesses and households alike, forming a key pillar of the administration’s reform narrative.

The country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list further bolstered investor confidence, while the achievement of a primary budget surplus strengthened fiscal credibility.

Yet youth unemployment stands at 58.5%, business confidence remains subdued, and logistics constraints continue to weigh on growth. These realities may feature prominently in President Ramaphosa’s address, particularly as government seeks to accelerate structural reforms under Operation Vulindlela.

Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. 

Phase I of Operation Vulindlela focused on unlocking progress in five priority areas: electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. These reforms were selected for their high potential to catalyse investment, enhance economic competitiveness, and create jobs. Phase II represents a second wave of structural reform aimed at unlocking more rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. While continuing to drive implementation of reforms initiated during Phase I, the second phase introduces new focus areas that respond to evolving challenges in the economy.

Infrastructure, Industry and Tourism

Infrastructure investment continues to anchor government’s growth strategy. Over R1 trillion has been set aside for public infrastructure over the medium term, supported by blended finance models designed to crowd in private capital. Major projects have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund and the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, signalling renewed momentum.

Industrial policy interventions have also yielded results. New investments worth more than R44 billion have been secured across sector masterplans, including a R4.2 billion investment linked to the launch of BMW’s X3 plug-in hybrid vehicle. South Africa’s battery minerals pipeline, valued at about R40 billion, positions the country within emerging global clean-energy value chains.

Tourism has continued its post-pandemic recovery, with international arrivals reaching 7.6 million between January and September 2025, supported by ongoing visa reforms.

However, delays in project preparation, procurement inefficiencies and municipal capacity constraints continue to slow infrastructure delivery.

Poverty, Social Protection and Human Development

While economic recovery has been gradual, social protection remains the state’s most immediate line of defence against poverty and inequality.

More than 19 million South Africans continue to receive social grants, cushioning vulnerable households from rising food prices and administered costs. Government has also expanded food and nutrition programmes and strengthened support services for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide.

In education, early childhood development (ECD) has seen notable gains, with over 1.3 million children enrolled in ECD programmes and thousands of centres registered. The near completion of school sanitation projects marks a visible improvement in learning environments, though concerns persist about declining mathematics enrolment.

Health outcomes reflect a similar mix of progress and pressure. HIV viral suppression has reached 96%, TB treatment success rates have improved, and groundwork has been laid for the National Health Insurance (NHI).

Despite these interventions, inequality remains entrenched, with South Africa’s Gini coefficient still hovering around 0.63. High unemployment continues to undermine poverty reduction, reinforcing the centrality of job creation, which South Africans will wait to hear about in SONA 2026.

Building a Capable and Ethical State

Strengthening state capability has emerged as a defining priority of the 7th administration. Lifestyle audits have been conducted for the vast majority of senior managers, and the passage of the Public Service Commission Bill marks a milestone in efforts to professionalise the public service.

Financial distress, service delivery failures and unfunded mandates persist across many municipalities, prompting the establishment of inter-ministerial support structures and the development of a White Paper on Local Government reform.

Crime and corruption remain high on the public agenda. While contact crimes have declined modestly and more than half of the State Capture Commission recommendations have been implemented or substantially completed, violent crime and gender-based violence continue to weigh on government.

The Meaning of SONA 2026

As President Ramaphosa prepares to address Parliament at the City Hall, the symbolism of the venue will not be lost on South Africans. The setting evokes a moment of national renewal off-set by the 1990 tone – a reminder of the promise of democratic governance and constitutional accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

*Source: Statement by Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, on the Assessment of Progress in the Implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024 – 2029 on 23 January 2026.

 

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South African Police Service (SAPS) members whose names have been mentioned at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee have received notices of investigation into their alleged misconduct, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said.

“To date, members whose names were mentioned at both committees have been identified. We cannot, at this stage, mention names, as the cases are still under investigation. All affected members have received notices of investigation into their alleged misconduct. The hearings are at an advanced stage, and two senior officers have been suspended,” the Commissioner said at a media briefing in Pretoria.

At Friday’s briefing, Masemola said another four have already been served with notices of intended suspension.

This as the Commissioner in November 2025, established and appointed a task team of skilled senior managers who were mandated to monitor the evidence led at the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee, and to identify the names of all SAPS employees who were implicated to ensure that disciplinary investigations are initiated in cases where there is credible information that they may have committed misconduct.

The Commissioner said the police have received the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommendation of the April 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbhense.

“It’s important to mention that the SAPS had already initiated its own internal departmental and criminal investigations into the conduct of the two police officers, who were allegedly on the scene of the crime when the deceased was allegedly murdered and dumped into a dam.”

He added that following a directive from President Ramaphosa, police have established a team that will investigate those implicated in the Madlanga Commission.

“It’s important to note that some of these cases were already investigated by the Political Killings Task Team, organised crime, serious and violent crimes, and other teams. This team comprises experienced, skilled, and specialised detectives, forensic experts, crime intelligence analysts, and operatives, as well as combat members. The team will also include a dedicated advocate from the NPA [ National Prosecuting Authority ] for [the purpose of prosecutorial guided investigations.”

This team’s mandate includes the fast tracking of the finalisation of all cases that have been under investigation and referred from the commission, as well as the nine members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

“We have full faith and confidence in the team that is made up of experienced and skilled specialists. Together with the NPA led by the NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure], we continue to assess and review safety and security aspects of those who have a role at the Commission,” said the Commissioner.

In addition, Masemola has also received a briefing from the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng on how far investigations are into arresting those responsible for the murder of Witness D.
“I am confident that the team is on the right track.”

In December 2025, the National Police Commissioner said the police had identified three persons of interest whom they believed could assist in solving the murder case of Marius Van Der Merwe. Known as “Witness D”, Van Der Merwe appeared before the Madlanga Commission sitting in Pretoria.

In his remarks, the new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Andy Mothibi, said the NPA  appreciates the importance of fast-tracking investigations and prosecutions following the interim report submitted by the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa received the interim report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System on 17 December 2025.

The Madlanga Commission was established by President Ramaphosa in July 2025 and is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The Commission was appointed to investigate allegations of criminal conduct, political interference, and corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Mothibi said the NPA will allocate experienced senior prosecutors to be part of the task team to facilitate prosecutor-guided investigations (PGI). PGI provides real-time guidance to investigators and a real-time assessment of evidence gathered to ultimately enable speedy prosecutorial decisions.

“We are awake to the urgency of these investigations,” said Mothibi, who took up his new position this week.
The PGI is designed to ensure a swift and effective investigation process that sees prosecutors and investigators working closely in managing investigations which culminate in prosecution. In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit will also be part of the team.

At the briefing on Friday, police also gave an update on their festive season operations.
–SAnews.gov.za  

 

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South Africa’s fight against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has received a boost with the first batch of locally produced vaccines in over 20 years set to reach farmers soon.

This as the country has resumed local FMD vaccine production.

“This milestone signals a shift from reactionary disease chasing to a proactive, science led war on FMD. The goal is to reclaim South Africa’s FMD free status from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), using locally produced vaccines through collaboration between government, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), “the Ministry of Agriculture said.

This as the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, visited the ARC Onderstepoort Veterinary Research facility to witness the finalisation of the first batch of locally produced Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines on Friday. President and CEO of the ARC, Dr Litha Magingxa, handed over the first batch of locally produced vaccines.

The visit followed the completion and registration of the vaccines by ARC scientists and technical experts, developed using local infrastructure and expertise. 
The vaccine is registered as a stock remedy under Act 36 of 1947 and complies with the required quality, safety, and efficacy standards.

Minister Steenhuisen acknowledged the severe emotional and financial toll the current FMD outbreaks have taken on the agricultural community. 

“To our farmers who have watched their livelihoods disappear before their eyes, I hear you, and I feel the weight of this hardship with you. This has been a long, exhausting road, but I want you to know that help is not just coming; it is here.

“My Department and I will stop at nothing to ensure this disease is completely eradicated from our farms and communities. While the path to full recovery will take time, specifically through our focused ten-year strategy, we are finally moving from defence to offence. Please do not lose faith; we are building a system that will protect your herds for generations to come,” he said.

Ageing technology and infrastructure, which were non-compliant with international Good Manufacturing Practice standards, led to South Africa ceasing production of the vaccine in 2005.
However, after nearly two decades of research and modernisation, the ARC has successfully produced its first 12 900 doses using modern bioreactor technology.

The breakthrough involved identifying circulating regional strains and ensuring the vaccines provide high potency, long-lasting immunity that meets strict international biosafety standards. 

Between 2010 and 2018, the ARC started research within the existing facility, with the objective to:
1.    Identify new candidate vaccine strains appropriate for use within the  Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
2.    Adapt the strains to in vitro cultivation in bioreactors, in large quantities, to improve product yields compared to previous production techniques.
3.    Determine the strains’ capacity to elicit protective immunity, both immunologically and clinically. 
4.     Determine the potency of the vaccine and the strength and longevity of immunity, which informs the vaccination schedule in the field.

The process was “very intensive” and required compliance with strict biosafety and biosecurity, safety, and good manufacturing practices, as well as regulatory compliance in terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947). 

“The 12 900 doses were produced at a pilot scale as proof of production concept for the new virus strains and production technology developed,” said the department.

Distribution 
The initial distribution of this batch is as follows: 
Free State (2 300 doses), 
Eastern Cape (2 600 doses), 
North West (2 000 doses), 
Gauteng (2 000 doses), 
Limpopo (2 000 doses) and 
Mpumalanga (2 000 doses).

From March 2026, the ARC will be able to supply 20 000 doses per week of its monovalent SAT 1, SAT 2, or SAT 3 vaccine, and subsequently 200 000 monovalent doses per week from 2027.

Securing the vaccine pipeline 
To bridge the gap while local production scales up, the Department of Agriculture has clarified its procurement strategy to ensure a steady supply.

“From the outset, it is important to clarify misinformation regarding vaccine imports by private companies. Minister Steenhuisen and the Department confirm they have no objection to the use of designated agents, such as Design Biologix for Argentina’s Biogénesis Bagó and Dunevax for Turkey’s Dollvet. 

“The priority is the consistent arrival of vaccines, not the specific procurement channel. The Department maintains that claims proposing a vaccine free for all are short sighted and reckless and fly in the face of established international and local precedent for disease control.”

The Ministry added that the department has already seen the serious risks posed by illegally imported vaccines in KwaZulu-Natal. 

READ | Serious risks posed by unregulated vaccine use

“It should again be stressed that the Department welcomes assistance from the private sector in eradicating this disease. The private sector, industry bodies, and others have been included at every step, from the initial FMD lekgotla to the Ministerial Task Team and the FMD Industry Coordination Council.” 

The department has furthermore committed to working with private veterinarians and animal health technicians as the vaccine rollout proceeds. 

In order to regain FMD-free status with vaccination from the World Organisation for Animal Health, South Africa must prove there has been no virus transmission for at least twelve months. It said that this requires a strictly controlled vaccination rollout, official surveillance, strict movement controls, and systematic vaccination coverage that can be documented and verified.

“Without centralised monitoring and state-led control over the process, the country will fail to achieve this goal, causing long-term damage to agricultural exports and negating the entire vaccination strategy.” 

Through the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), South Africa has already acquired, monitored, and administered two million vaccines to date. 

The BVI has confirmed the supply of 700 000 doses of FMD vaccine by the end of February 2026. This will be followed by monthly supplies of 700 000 doses in April, May, and June.

Biogénesis Bagó of Argentina will soon supply one million doses, with a further five million doses expected in March 2026. 

The 1.5 million-dose Dollvet vaccine from Turkey is expected to arrive in the country in the third week of February 2026, followed by a second supply of five million doses in March 2026. 

Disaster Updates and Scientific Rigor In line with WOAH agreements for FMD reference laboratories, local FMD strains have been sent to the Pirbright Institute in the United Kingdom for matching against circulating viruses. 
Additionally, the Department has finalised a memorandum to declare a National State of Disaster, which will be tabled soon in Cabinet. 

“This will unlock emergency funding for mass vaccination across affected provinces,” said the Ministry. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says there is an urgent need within families, communities and society at large to invest more in nurturing the boy child.

“We must teach boys, from an early age, that actions have consequences, that respect is not a sign of weakness but of strength; that discipline is an act of self-love and that power, in all its forms, must always be accompanied by responsibility,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong was speaking on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Boys and Men Parliament at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Thursday.

Morolong said early pruning shapes a tree, trains it into a strong and balanced form and reduces the need for drastic correction later in life.

“This responsibility extends far beyond individual households. It is a collective duty that speaks directly to the future of our families, the stability of our communities, and the moral fabric of our nation.”

He stressed that if society fails to guide and shape boys early in life, society risks confronting far greater future challenges that could have been prevented through consistent guidance, positive role modelling and firm but compassionate leadership.

“It is therefore commendable that, through the National Men and Boys Parliament, an initiative that began with a march through the streets of Cape Town, you have taken decisive leadership in engaging men and boys in combating gender-based violence, promoting health, and advancing socio economic development.

“Working in partnership with other men’s formations, this Parliament continues to play an active role in transforming societal attitudes. This helps in addressing the challenges of HIV and AIDS, and fostering responsible and ethical leadership among men, all in pursuit of safer and more cohesive communities,” Morolong said.

He added that the Men and Boys Parliament and its partners reaffirm the belief that positive masculinity, accountability and collective action are essential to building sustainable, peaceful and inclusive communities.

“It lies with men who are prepared to champion HIV prevention, not as a technical discussion, but as a matter of dignity, responsibility and life itself. 

“Men who understand that protecting one’s health is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage towards your partners, your children and your communities.

“A masculinity that rejects violence, rejects entitlement to women’s bodies, and rejects the false notion that strength is proven through harm. True strength is demonstrated through restraint, respect, and responsibility.”

Morolong said if society does not raise boys to value equality, compassion and respect, it will continue to reap the bitter fruits of neglect tomorrow.

“Our hope lies with men who are resolute in bringing about an end to gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF]. Therefore, men must be at the forefront of ending it.

“Women, children, older persons, and other vulnerable groups should never live in fear due to the scourge of GBVF, which is predominantly perpetrated by men.”

He said that lasting change begins with those willing to challenge harmful norms, model responsible behaviour, and protect the dignity and lives of women, children and communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for a thorough and expedited investigation into the murder of three minor children in Lulwane village in Manguzi, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred on the night of 30 January 2026 and resulted in the deaths of Kwanele Gumede (15), Amanda Khumalo (9), and Ayabonga Khumalo (7).

Ntuli expressed profound shock, sorrow, and outrage at the tragedy, describing it as deeply disturbing, senseless, and an unforgivable violation of the sanctity of life, particularly that of children who depend on adults for love, safety, and protection.

“The killing of innocent children, especially within the family environment that should serve as their safest space, has left the province devastated and in mourning,” Ntuli said.

The Premier conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the affected community in Lulwane, and all those traumatised by the incident.

He acknowledged the immense emotional pain experienced by the community and assured residents that the provincial government stands with them during this difficult time.

Ntuli has called on law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive and speedy investigation so that justice is served and the perpetrator is held fully accountable.

He also urged communities to remain vigilant and to report early warning signs of domestic violence, abuse, or severe emotional distress within households, warning that silence can lead to tragic and irreversible consequences.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, through relevant departments including Social Development and Community Safety and Liaison, will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that psychosocial support and trauma counselling are provided to the affected family and community,” the Premier said.

Reaffirming the province’s commitment to child protection, Ntuli called on families, communities, faith-based organisations, and civil society to work together to safeguard children and confront all forms of violence.

“The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of children remain a top priority for the provincial government. Decisive action will continue to be taken to combat violence in all its forms,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games set to get underway, cross-country skier Matthew Smith and skeleton athlete Nicole Burger have been selected to carry the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the games.

“Smith (35) and Burger (31) are the oldest members among the five athletes who will do duty for Team SA at the XXV Winter Olympics. This is the biggest delegation that the country has ever sent to a Winter Games. All five are experiencing their first Winter Olympics at senior level,” the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) said ahead of the Friday, 06 February opening of the games in Italy.

The President of the (SASCOC), Barry Hendricks, congratulated the athletes and wished them well at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. 

“I’m delighted that we have five worthy athletes representing Team SA. Congratulations to all ahead of their first Winter Olympics, and a special note of congratulations to Matthew and Nicole who will carry our flag. It’s a huge life milestone for any athlete to lead their nation at the opening ceremony of any Games”, Hendricks said in a post on the SASCOC website.

SASCOC CEO, Nozipho Jafta said the presence of the athletes at the games has attracted a significant amount of positive media attention in South Africa and abroad.

“We believe that this will push a lot more of our South African youngsters to dream bigger. We look forward to seeing them all donning the green and gold of Team SA on Friday,” she said.

Smith and Burger were both born in South Africa, before relocating and qualifying for the biggest stage overseas. This is significant because their presence, and the expanded team of five, reflects the growth of winter sport within the country and highlights pathways being built for future generations.

“Team SA’s other three athletes were born overseas. Malica Malherbe (British Columbia), Lara Markthaler (Germany), and Thomas Weir (Switzerland) are talented young athletes with bright Olympic futures and aged 21, 18 and 17, respectively,” said SASCOC.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be staged from 6- 22 February 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has recorded significant operational successes during the 2025/2026 Festive Season Operation, which resulted in the arrest of 4 178 perpetrators for serious and priority crimes.

The Festive Season Operation was implemented to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors across the province.

The operation which commenced on 1 October 2025, and concluded on 31 January 2026, focused on intensified crime prevention, visible policing, road safety enforcement, coordinated multi-disciplinary operations and awareness campaigns across all five districts in the province.

Through the dedication and commitment of SAPS members, supported by law enforcement partners and community policing structures, the suspects were arrested for various crimes including murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary and drug related crime.

Detectives throughout the province conducted tracing operations and apprehended several wanted suspects who have been evading the law. The suspects were wanted in connection with serious crimes including rape, burglary, armed robbery and hijacking.

The police operations resulted in the confiscation of 183 illegal firearms and ammunition, 1 663 dangerous weapons and a substantial number of drugs and alcohol.

Copper cable, counterfeit goods, illicit cigarettes, livestock, tools and electronic equipment were also seized.

“Actions included the successful execution of roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and vehicle checkpoints and increased police visibility in identified crime hotspots,” the police said in a statement.

In total 145 089 persons and 69 553 vehicles were stopped and thoroughly searched.

“During this period 90 897 compliance inspections were conducted at firearm dealers, liquor outlets, recyclers, second hand goods dealers and scrap metal dealers in the province, which subsequently resulted in the closure of 225 unlicensed liquor premises.

“During high visibility patrols law enforcement conducted visits to ATM’s and banks, shopping malls, tuck shops, farms, filling stations, holiday resorts, taxi ranks and mining areas.

“Road safety operations also yielded positive results, with thousands of vehicles stopped and searched, unroadworthy vehicles removed from the roads, and 86 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol,” the police said.

Approximately 6000 fines were issued for various traffic violations.

During this period, the new academic year also started which seen various Back-to-School campaigns held in the districts to ensure the safety and security of learners, educators and students at schools and learning institutions.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola applauded SAPS members for their tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and professionalism throughout the festive season.

“The success of this operation is a direct result of teamwork, dedication and the strong partnership between the police, other law enforcement agencies and our communities. We remain firm and committed to sustaining this momentum to ensure safer communities beyond the festive period,” said Otola.

The police also commended the public for their cooperation and adherence to the law, which contributed significantly to the overall success of the operation.

The SAPS reiterated its commitment to continue proactive policing and crime prevention initiatives to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the Northern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has congratulated Professor Vukosi Marivate on the recommendation by the United Nations Secretary-General to appoint him as a member of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

In a statement on Thursday, government said Professor Marivate of the University of Pretoria was recommended alongside 40 leading experts from across the world, drawn from diverse disciplines and recognised for their significant expertise in artificial intelligence and related fields.

“The panel will be the first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to closing the AI knowledge gap and assessing the real-world impacts of artificial intelligence across economies and societies,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

It added that the panel will play a critical role in helping the global community distinguish fact from fiction, and science from misinformation, by providing an authoritative, unbiased reference point.

According to the United Nations, the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI serves as the first global scientific body on Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing together leading experts to assess how AI is transforming lives. 

“The 40 nominees recommended by the Secretary-General were identified from among applicants to an open call that resulted in over 2,600 applications from more than 140 countries, ensuring world-class expertise,” said the United Nations.-SAnews.gov.za

 

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The eThekwini Municipality has intensified its efforts to combat cable theft, leading to the successful conviction of perpetrators involved in crimes targeting municipal infrastructure.

The municipality said the convictions highlight the Energy Management Directorate’s continued commitment to protecting municipal infrastructure and ensuring reliable service delivery to residents.

In a recent case, a 53-year-old man, who was employed as a contractor staff member, was convicted in the Durban Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen property, including electricity cables and a streetlight belonging to the municipality.

The arrest occurred in 2023 during a coordinated operation that involved an inspection of a scrap dealer’s premises where stolen municipal property was discovered.

Further investigations led to additional inspections, which uncovered two rolls of eThekwini Municipality cables, additional streetlight components, and evidence of illegal cable processing at the suspect’s residence.

Director of the Energy Management Directorate, Philani Shange, expressed disappointment at the involvement of a contractor staff member in such criminal activities.

“It is disheartening to witness individuals who are contracted to assist the Municipality in delivering essential services choosing to engage in theft instead. Their actions not only undermine the integrity of our workforce but also hinder our efforts to improve service delivery to our communities,” Shange said.

In addition to this recent conviction, two other individuals were sentenced late last year for related offences. A 44-year-old man was found guilty of possessing suspected stolen electricity cables and received a three-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years.

In a separate case, a 32-year-old man was convicted of tampering with essential infrastructure and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, with half of the sentence suspended for five years.

“The Energy Management Directorate continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of infrastructure theft are brought to justice, reinforcing the message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated,” Shange said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Electoral Commission (IEC) on Thursday announced its countrywide Online Voter Registration Campaign, marking a key milestone in preparations for the upcoming 2026 local government elections and expanding access to voter registration for millions of South Africans.

The campaign went live this week across media platforms, calling on eligible South Africans to register online, update their voter details and verify their registration status ahead of election day later in the year.

In 2021, the Electoral Commission introduced the online portal, a self-service voter registration system – which has proven effective among eligible South Africans. 

It enables citizens to register, update and verify their details remotely, significantly improving the accessibility, efficiency and integrity of the voter registration process.

This year alone, the portal recorded 26,743 newly registered voters, bringing the total number of registered voters to 27,718, 204. 

The highly sought-after youth demographic now accounts for 7,756,911 registered voters, underscoring the urgent need to intensify efforts to mobilise young people ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Acting Chief Electoral Officer, George Mahlangu, says the Electoral Commission is stepping up efforts to empower all voters, particularly young people, to actively participate in South Africa’s democratic and electoral processes.

“We urge all eligible South Africans to register online, and those already registered to verify and, where necessary, update their address details. In the 2026 municipal elections, you register where you live and vote where you are registered. 

“This ensures voters can continue to shape the affairs of their communities by participating in elections in the wards where they ordinarily reside,” Mahlangu said.

Furthermore, the Electoral Commission is intensifying voter registration and civic education initiatives at institutions of learning nationwide, reinforcing civic and democracy drives aimed at young people.

Eligible South Africans aged 16 years and older, with a valid identity document, can register to vote or update their details on the online portal.

Go to www.registertovote.elections.org.za – the process is quick, safe and easy. Voters will only be permitted to vote at the voting station where they are registered. It is therefore essential that voters ensure their registration details, including their voting district and voting station, are correct and up to date ahead of Election Day. – SAnews.gov.za

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