Category: South Africa Government

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says it has returned R1.7 billion to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme purse, which will be allocated to students’ needs at institutions of higher education.

The amount is part of the R2 billion that the SIU has so far received from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and unqualified former students.

“The funds in question were unallocated from 2016 to 2021. These unallocated funds represent financial resources that were designated for students who qualified for funding but later changed institutions or deregistered,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement. 

“These funds are retained by the institution for one year but in this case, were kept them for more than a year. 

“The existence of unallocated funds can be attributed to inadequate control systems and a lack of reconciliation processes implemented by NSFAS during that period, resulting in a failure to recover these funds from institutions of higher learning,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit noted the announcement by NSFAS earlier this month to implement the SIU’s systematic recommendations by introducing a framework that includes a data-driven reporting process to ensure timely payments to providers. 

This framework will improve accountability, generating monthly occupancy and payment reports. NSFAS stated that it is considering an in-house payment functionality to streamline financial management and eliminate the middleman. 

The SIU commended NSFAS for strengthening its systems and moving towards better governance.

Contributing to the R2 billion recovery, the SIU has collected R126 478 184.64 from 1 055 parents and unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries who have signed acknowledgements of debt (AoDs), agreeing to repay the money over time.

The SIU is urging unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries, who have not been in contact with the unit, to come forward and arrange for repayment.

Furthermore, the SIU has received R69 727 824.22 from the University of the Free State. This is the institution’s second payment towards recovering unallocated funds. 

The SIU has also received a second payment from the University of Mpumalanga of R5 502 040.09, as well as R15 million from Tshwane North TVET College.

The SIU, in terms of Proclamation R88 of 2022, is authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NSFAS, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State through corruption and negligence.

The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. 

In line with the SIU and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom contract worker, Simeon Majaonke Shongwe (46), is expected to serve 20 years behind bars after he was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment by the Ermelo District Court.

Shongwe was arrested five days after he intentionally caused damages valued at R22 726 180.00 at the Eskom Camden power station in Ermelo on 10 November 2022.

The case was handed over to the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling. Information received from witnesses and crime scenes proved a strong case, which was presented before court. 

Shongwe made several court appearances and was released on bail as investigations continued. 

Shongwe was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for tampering with essential infrastructure and 15 years’ imprisonment for theft. The court ruled that both sentences run concurrently. As a result, Shongwe is expected to spend the next 20 years behind bars.

“Tampering with essential infrastructure [is] a national problem and has a negative impact on service delivery to members of the public. 

“Eskom has been plagued by sabotage, and this conviction and sentence must serve as a strong warning to those implicated in such despicable acts. 

“We really welcome the sentence and appreciate the excellent work by the investigation team and prosecution,” said Major General Nico Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has emphasised to members of the police service that citizens deserve an effective, accountable policing service that is deeply trusted by the communities it serves. 

“They want to walk the streets and live in their homes without fear. They want their children to travel to school, sports fields and shops free from the threat of violence,” Cachalia said on Monday.

The Acting Minister was addressing the 11th edition of the National Excellence Awards in Bloemfontein, which recognise and honour outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The ceremony was held under the theme: “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.”

Cachalia stressed the importance of a trustworthy SAPS, noting that the public wants to establish businesses and earn a living without fear, intimidation and criminal extraction of resources. 

“Trust is not automatic. Trust is earned day after day, interaction by interaction, call by call. Trust is built when the conduct of every member of the service reflects the values of the Constitution and the highest standards of professionalism of the SAPS,” he said.

Cachalia said professional conduct that upholds the dignity of civilians is not optional.

“It is central to the mission of policing in a democratic society. It is the foundation of public trust. And without that trust, even the best operational plans and the newest technologies will fall short. 

“An officer who listens, explains and treats people respectfully, reduces tensions, prevents escalation and strengthens the legitimacy of the South African Police Service in particular and the State more broadly.

“When officers act with professionalism and dignity, communities are more willing to share intelligence, to work with investigators and to stand against criminals.

“When we behave indifferently, rudely, brutally or corruptly, we lose cooperation, we lose support and community trust and with it, the effectiveness of policing,” the Acting Minister said.

He highlighted that police operate in communities beset by poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and inadequate social services.

“You encounter trauma, anger and desperation. These situations are difficult, and they test our training, our discipline and our compassion. But it is precisely in those difficult moments that professional conduct must shine brightest. It is precisely then that demonstrating fairness and dignity matters most. Our officers, whom we honour and celebrate today, live and exemplify this truth.

“I have seen officers calm volatile situations with patient communication. I have seen officers go the extra mile to ensure a victim of gender-based violence receives care and protection.

“I have seen young constables build relationships in neighbourhood’s previously closed to the police, and in doing so prevent conflict before it erupts. I have been highly impressed by police members who refuse to take bribes but arrest and charge those making the offer,” Cachalia said.

Every year in January, the SAPS gathers to celebrate outstanding performance, exceptional commitment, and bravery displayed by its men and women in blue.

According to SAPS, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience and service. Being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling.

There are over 30 award categories, which include the Ministry’s Award, National Commissioner’s Award, Operations Member of the Year, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year, Crime Intelligence Member of the Year, Station of the Year, Forensic Services Team of the Year, and Community Policing Forum (CPF). – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has reaffirmed that tourism is a key driver of economic growth, investment and job creation in South Africa. 

Between January and December 2025, South Africa welcomed 10.48 million international arrivals, a 17.6% increase compared to 2024 and the highest number of arrivals on record.

This confirms tourism’s growing contribution to the economy, said the Minister who was addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today.

“This is not coincidence. It is the result of deliberate policy choices, focused implementation and strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” De Lille said.

Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan, a product of deep collaboration between government and industry being led by the South African Tourism Business Council.

“Home Affairs plans to roll out the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, beginning with key source markets, including India, China, Mexico and Indonesia, following its successful pilot during the G20 Summit. 

“With the full rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, we project the creation of between 80 000 and 100 000 additional jobs. That is transformative,” the Minister said.

She welcomed new direct flights to and from the country, including Qantas’ direct flight from Perth to Johannesburg, the return of Air France’s daily seasonal service to Cape Town, SAA’s new Cape Town – Mauritius route and expanded domestic connectivity including FlySafair’s Hoedspruit – Cape Town service.

“These routes are unlocking demand and dispersing tourism across the country,” the Minister said.  

She congratulated the KwaZulu-Natal province for turning the corner, as Durban welcomed a record-breaking 1.2 million visitors during the past festive season.

“The Free State’s Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, developed through a R120 million partnership between the Department of Tourism, the European Union and SANParks, has welcomed over 80 000 visitors and generated more than R1 million in revenue since opening.

“The private sector has established a crime call centre linked to the Secura App, enabling rapid emergency response. During the festive season, 1500 tourism monitors were deployed nationally, including more than 400 supporting the Border Management Authority,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s global competitiveness was further recognised when the country was named Best Destination: Africa 2025, by the Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga is encouraging all R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant beneficiaries who do not have data or a smartphone or laptop to visit their nearest SASSA local offices for assistance. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said that all its offices are equipped to support beneficiaries with biometric identity verification with kiosks, official laptops and guest Wi-Fi.

“The agency is doing this to ensure that all qualifying beneficiaries receive their grant at the right time, to avoid unnecessary delays and eliminate frustrations,” Acting Regional Executive Manager, Xolela Mpambani, said. 

Mpambani further explained that SRD grant applications may be declined where the system detects a source of income through external databases, including financial institutions. 

Beneficiaries whose applications are declined have the right to appeal the decision if they are not satisfied with the reasons provided on the system.

SASSA has also warned beneficiaries to safeguard their personal information, cautioning that scammers often target vulnerable grant recipients. Beneficiaries are advised not to share sensitive details and to always verify the identity of anyone requesting their information. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has awarded more than 30 top performers for going above and beyond the call of duty. 

The officials were given recognition at the SAPS’s National Excellence Awards, which recognises and honours outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service. 

The awards ceremony was held on Monday in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.”

Sergeant (Sgt) Masibulele Qinisile was awarded the Laureate Award and the National Commissioner’s Award for being brave during a dangerous situation.

He attended to a complaint where a perpetrator held his family hostage, including his wife and child, with a firearm. 

One of the attending officers was disarmed during the confrontation and the suspect started shooting at the police officers.

While under fire, Qinisile engaged the suspect, leading to him saving the lives of the suspect’s wife, their child and police officers at the scene.

At the awards ceremony, the Sergeant from the Cacadu police station in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape, walked away with a brand-new vehicle, making him a first-time car owner.

Every year in January, the SAPS gathers to celebrate outstanding performance, exceptional commitment and bravery displayed by its men and women in blue.

According to SAPS, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and service – being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling.

“There are over 40 award categories, which include: the Ministry’s Award; National Commissioner’s Award; Operations Member of the Year; Family Violence; Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year; Crime Intelligence Member of the Year; Station of the Year; Forensic Services Team of the Year and Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“Also amongst the award recipients are members whose tireless investigations have resulted in serial rapists and murderers being brought to justice, significantly contributing to safer communities,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, were joined by senior SAPS leadership and distinguished guests in commemorating service excellence. 

While welcoming all guests at the awards ceremony, General Masemola expressed his sense of pride.

He said these awards are the kind of excellence that few speak about, yet millions depend on; excellence that unfolds in the dead of night, in courtrooms, forensic laboratories and on the streets of our communities.

During his keynote address, the Minister congratulated all winners and nominees. 

“Each award presented this evening recognises not just a moment of bravery or exceptional service, but a pattern of behaviour that reflects the highest standards of policing. Carry that standard forward. Let your conduct be the example that transforms doubt into confidence, fear into safety, and alienation into partnership,” Cachalia said.

The National Excellence Awards reinforce the SAPS’ unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, discipline and high standards of policing, while celebrating its men and women in blue who embody the values of the organization.

The award recipients for the 2024/2025 financial year are as follows:

• Brigadier Hanana and his team from the Western Cape were bestowed with a National Commissioner’s Award for their relentless investigative work, which led to the conviction of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, and her two co-accused. They were sentenced to life in prison for trafficking people and kidnapping, without a body being found. Investigation into Joshlin’s disappearance remains ongoing.
• Sgt NR Bokolo of the Eastern Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (EC) was awarded Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year level 5-7.
• Handyman LD Mulaudzi who is attached to Brakpan police station in Gauteng was awarded Admin Employee of the Year.
• Station of the Year was awarded to SAPS Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal. Under the leadership of Colonel MI Mngadi (now retired), the station reduced complaints against the police by 50%.
• Colonel N Ndzotyana who led Operation Vala Umgodi in the Free State province was awarded Operations Member of the Year.

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) have formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to strengthen cooperation, coordination and collaboration in the quality assurance, accreditation and promotion of pharmacy education and training in South Africa.

The agreement recognises the complementary statutory mandates of the CHE, as the quality council for higher education, and the SAPC, as the statutory professional body responsible for regulating pharmacy education, training and professional practice in terms of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974.

Through the MoA, the two councils have committed to work together in a structured and coordinated manner to enhance the quality, relevance and responsiveness of pharmacy qualifications offered by higher education institutions.

The agreement seeks to reduce unnecessary duplication in quality assurance processes, provide greater clarify on roles and responsibilities, and ease the regulatory burden on higher education institutions offering pharmacy programmes, while ensuring that graduates are equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies, values and ethical grounding required for professional practice.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, CHE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Whitfield Green, said it marked an important step towards a more coherent quality assurance system.

“This agreement represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between the CHE and statutory professional bodies in the interest of a coherent and effective higher education quality assurance system.

“By working closely with the South African Pharmacy Council, we aim to enhance alignment, reduce duplication and ensure that pharmacy qualifications meet both national academic standards and the needs of professional practice and society,” Green said.

SAPC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Tlala, welcomed the agreement, highlighting its significance for both the profession and the public.

“The Memorandum of Agreement affirms our shared commitment to safeguarding the quality and integrity of pharmacy education and training in South Africa. Through structured collaboration with the CHE, the SAPC will continue to ensure that pharmacy graduates are competent, ethical and well prepared to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system and to the promotion of patient-centred pharmaceutical care,” Tlala said.

Key areas of collaboration under the MoA include:
•    Alignment and cooperation in the accreditation and review of pharmacy programmes and qualifications;
•    Joint participation in the development and review of qualification and professional standards through Communities of Practice;
•    Collaboration on national and targeted quality reviews of pharmacy qualifications;
•    Information sharing and coordinated responses to identified quality concerns in pharmacy education and training;
•    Joint research, knowledge dissemination, conferences and dialogue platforms on quality assurance matters in pharmacy education; and
•    The development of communication protocols and joint communiqués on matters of mutual and public interest.

The agreement also establishes mechanisms to support collaboration, including the formation of a joint steering committee and agreed protocols to guide engagement, information sharing and conflict resolution.

It further emphasises the shared responsibility of the CHE, the SAPC and higher education institutions to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsive pharmacy professionals who can serve the healthcare needs of the South African population.

The agreement will be effective for a period of five years and will be subject to regular review to ensure its continued relevance and impact. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), through the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), is conducting Project OWETHU, a humanitarian community outreach programme in Limpopo.

In a statement on Monday, the department explained that Project OWETHU is a Department of Defence supported initiative aimed at providing integrated healthcare, social and youth development services to impoverished and rural communities.  

“The programme will deliver general healthcare services, social and youth development support, as well as oral health and ophthalmology services with a specific focus on cataract surgeries to assist in reducing the surgical backlog at Elim District Hospital, George Masebe District Hospital and FH Odendaal District Hospital,” the department said. 

In addition, the programme will render mental health services, ancillary health services, various sporting activities and conduct an awareness drive on drug and substance abuse. 

These interventions are intended to promote psychological well-being, encourage healthy lifestyle choices and strengthen preventative healthcare within the participating communities. 

The programme will be rolled out across the following districts and venues: 

• Sekhukhune District (Mashoanyaneng Village) from 26 Jan to 30 Jan 2026. 
• Waterberg District (Ga-Matlou) from 02 to 06 Feb 2026. 
• Vhembe District (Basani Village) from 09 to 13 Feb 2026. 

Project OWETHU will culminate in an official launch on 17 February 2026 at the Collins Chabane Local Municipality Community Hall. 

The department added that multidisciplinary teams from SAMHS in collaboration with provincial government departments will render health services, social welfare support and youth empowerment programmes throughout the rollout period. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe will launch a R19.5 million provincial irrigation schemes revival programme aimed at strengthening food security and driving agricultural economic growth.

The programme will support vegetable, grain and fodder production, as well as the provision of equipment and machinery, covering a total of 1 528 hectares of land across the province.

The investment forms part of commitments outlined in the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s 2025/26 policy speech to revive irrigation schemes as a catalyst for agricultural development.

In its efforts to curb food insecurity, the MEC said the department has prioritised the revitalisation of irrigation schemes during the seventh term of government to position agriculture as a key economic growth frontier.

She said the revival programme is set to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, provide reliable income for landowners participating in irrigation schemes, stimulate local economies and boost livelihoods in rural communities.

“This revitalisation programme will ensure food security, strengthen farmer support and strengthen partnerships between government, private sector and communities,” Kontsiwe said.

Of the total investment, the Amathole District will see 613 hectares developed at a cost of R5 million, while Chris Hani District will develop 700 hectares through an investment of R6 million. The OR Tambo District will develop 215 hectares, supported by R3.5 million.

R5m allocated for production commercialisation

In addition, the department’s implementing agency, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), has been allocated R5 million to support the commercialisation of production.

This includes organising markets, introducing new production technologies, providing technical support and facilitating access to production finance.

The MEC noted that funding criteria is not limited and that districts will be allowed to make their own determinations where infrastructure repairs or other specific needs arise.

According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, the Eastern Cape has the highest proportion of households with access to land at 67%, while only 37% of that land is currently under productive use.

Kontsiwe said the revitalisation of irrigation schemes presents a significant opportunity to unlock this potential and expand productive land use across the province.

“Agriculture is a major employer of semi-skilled workers, and investment in this sector can greatly contribute to reducing unemployment and food insecurity. Irrigation schemes are seen as a vehicle that can significantly contribute to an increase in agricultural productivity in the province,” she said.

She highlighted the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme, which spans six villages and covers 635 hectares, with 412 hectares under irrigation. The scheme supports 87 landowners organised into seven primary co-operatives and one secondary co-operative.

The launch, to be held on Tuesday at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme in Middledrift, will include the introduction of the newly appointed board, a potato harvest demonstration and the welcoming of graduate interns placed at the scheme by the department to gain practical farming and business experience.

The MEC is also expected to hand over vegetable production inputs, irrigation pipes, fodder production inputs and tractor implements to beneficiaries. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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