Category: South Africa Government

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has warned the public against performing law enforcement functions.

This as it noted circulating information suggesting that certain individuals or groups may intend to participate in, or accompany law enforcement agencies during compliance inspections and enforcement operations across the province.

“The SAPS wishes to remind the public that the enforcement of the law, including compliance inspections, searches, arrests, seizures and other policing functions, is the exclusive responsibility of duly authorised law enforcement officials acting within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation,” the police said in a statement on Saturday.

The police cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, conducting inspections, demanding documentation, questioning individuals, or participating in law enforcement activities without the necessary legal authority. Such actions, it said, may constitute criminal offences and could expose those involved to criminal prosecution.

“The SAPS respects the constitutional rights of all persons to assemble, demonstrate and express their views peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, these rights do not extend to exercising policing powers or interfering with official law enforcement operations.

“The SAPS remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. Operational deployments across the province continue to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and address all forms of criminality.”

The SAPS encouraged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the SAPS through the appropriate channels and to allow trained and authorised law enforcement officials to perform their duties without interference.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has reiterated that any person found obstructing police officials, impersonating law enforcement officers, or unlawfully performing policing functions will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

The SAPS calls on all residents of the Free State to continue working in partnership with law enforcement by providing information on criminal activities while refraining from actions that fall outside the scope of civilian authority. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has handed over four boreholes, valued at about R2 million, to previously unserved communities in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

The boreholes are equipped with automated water purification capacity through a decentralised water purification plant, ensuring the sustainable provision of quality drinking water, dignified sanitation and proper hygiene for communities that have historically lacked reliable water services.

The initiative forms part of the newly launched Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme. It was funded and implemented by the Rand Water Foundation, an entity of Rand Water, and donated to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in the Nkangala District.

The four boreholes will serve the communities of Vezubuhle, Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni in Kwa-Mhlanga, which previously had no reliable water supply.

Minister Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Speed Katishi Mashilo, Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai and Rand Water Foundation Chairperson Lusanda Netshitenzhe, officially handed over the four underground water supply schemes on Friday, 3 July 2026.

The launch of the programme coincided with the start of Mandela Month, observed in July each year, and forms part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s ongoing efforts to accelerate access to water services for historically underserved communities through sustainable and practical interventions.

The project included the drilling of four boreholes fitted with water filtration and purification units, the installation of 10 communal taps, six storage tanks with a capacity of 10 000 litres each, six steel tank stands, and a manhole.

The decentralised water supply facilities offer relief to areas affected by inconsistent water supply, rationing, and reliance on water tankers, especially in remote locations.

According to Rand Water Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, the decentralised plants operate on the same principles as Rand Water’s major treatment facilities at Zuikerbosch and Vereeniging, just on a smaller scale.

The plants have been installed at Vezubuhle Community Hall, Bawokuhle Primary School in Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni. They are expected to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to more than 1 600 beneficiaries, including residents, learners and farmers.

All four installations have undergone water quality testing and meet the required safety standards to ensure reliable long-term operation.

Following the handover, Majodina met with community members in Gemsbok, emphasising that the initiative was more than the unveiling of infrastructure, but “a step toward transforming lives.”

“There could be no better way of honouring Madiba than ensuring that children spend more time in classrooms than searching for water. There could be no greater expression of service than restoring dignity to communities that have waited patiently for this basic necessity of life.

“Today is not simply about boreholes. Today is about hope. It is about dignity. It is about justice. It is about fulfilling a promise that the South African government made to the people,” the Minister said.

She added that the initiative programme demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left to rely indefinitely on unsafe rivers, streams or distant water sources because of where they live.

She said while large regional water infrastructure projects remain essential, many rural communities require immediate interventions that can deliver relief while long-term projects are being developed.

“The programme therefore combines urgency with sustainability. It includes groundwater development through borehole drilling, the protection of natural springs, rainwater harvesting systems, rehabilitation of existing but non-functional infrastructure, and targeted extensions of local reticulation systems.

“These are practical interventions designed to reach communities that have too often remained on the margins of development,” Majodina said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working closely with municipalities to identify all unserved communities and implement appropriate interventions.

She appealed to community members to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism and theft.

“Every damaged pipeline forces government to spend scarce resources on repairs instead of expanding services to new communities. Ultimately, those who suffer most are the poorest households,” Majodina said.

Majodina concluded by thanking the Rand Water Foundation and Rand Water, whose expertise and longstanding commitment to strengthening water security continue to benefit millions of South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will convene the second leg of the National Investigative Hearing into South Africa’s Food Systems on Monday. 

“The National Investigative Hearing was initiated in response to complaints received by the Commission, together with findings from its monitoring work, which revealed growing concerns regarding the lack of access to adequate food.

“The inquiry is grounded in section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which guarantees that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food,” a SAHRC statement said.

The commission noted that despite the Constitutional guarantee, “millions of people in South Africa continue to experience hunger and food insecurity”.

“Children remain particularly vulnerable, with many suffering from malnutrition and stunting, while preventable hunger continues to result in avoidable loss of life.

“This is especially concerning given that South Africa possesses the agricultural capacity and food resources necessary to feed its entire population,” the statement read.

The first phase of the commission’s hearings was held earlier this year with evidence received from stakeholders including government and civil society.

“A consistent theme emerging from these proceedings was the need to further interrogate the structure of the food system, particularly market concentration and the role of private sector actors in shaping access to food, affordability and nutritional outcomes.

“The Commission has thus determined that additional hearings are necessary to receive evidence from key stakeholders in the private sector across the food value chain, including input suppliers and agribusinesses, farmers, food processors and manufacturers, retailers and distributors, as well as industry associations and lobby groups.

“Their participation will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the structural, economic and policy factors that influence access to food in South Africa,” the statement explained. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemns the violent service delivery protests that unfolded in Extension 4, Ratanda, in Lesedi Local Municipality on Friday. 

In a statement on Saturday, SALGA said the protests resulted in the tragic loss of life and the torching of the Executive Mayor’s property. 

“While communities have a constitutional right to protest and express their dissatisfaction with service delivery, violence, intimidation, arson and other criminal acts have no place in a democratic society. Such actions endanger lives, destroy public and private property, and ultimately undermine the very service delivery improvements that communities seek,” SALGA President Cllr Bheke Stofile cautioned. 

SALGA said it continues to advocate for constructive engagement between municipalities and communities. 

“Residents are encouraged to utilise established channels of communication and public participation to raise their concerns, while municipalities must prioritise transparent and regular communication on service delivery challenges, planned interventions, and progress in resolving these challenges,” SALGA said. 

The incident follows protests by community members over water outages in the area, reportedly linked to the throttling of bulk water supply to the municipality by the water utility, Rand Water, as part of its credit control measures. 

Various entities of government are called upon to work together to speedily resolve the grievances of communities. 

“Calm and restraint are needed from all parties to create an environment conducive to dialogue and sustainable solutions. Sadly, reports indicate that two lives have already been lost as a result of the violent protests. SALGA conveys its heartfelt condolences to their families. 

“Law enforcement agencies are urged to investigate the reported deaths and criminal acts committed during the protests and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” SALGA said. 

Data from SALGA’s Municipal Violence Incident Reporting System shows that between 2000 and 2026, there have been more than 400 incidents ranging from threats, property damage and assaults to deaths. 

SALGA said this underscores the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement capacity to prevent and respond to such incidents.    

“SALGA remains committed to promoting responsive, accountable and participatory local government, where community concerns are addressed through dialogue, mutual respect and lawful democratic processes,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Western Cape Government has successfully concluded its coordinated humanitarian operation to assist foreign nationals who voluntarily elected to return to their countries of origin. 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the provincial government said the operation was undertaken in partnership with municipalities, national government departments, humanitarian organisations, faith-based partners and law enforcement agencies. 

According to the provincial government, all individuals who presented at municipal facilities and the Department of Home Affairs offices in Epping, Cape Town, have departed following extensive verification, registration and logistical planning undertaken by the department and supporting partners.

Dozens of buses were procured for this purpose.

Premier Alan Winde thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the operation.

“This operation demonstrated what can be achieved when all spheres of government, humanitarian organisations, religious institutions, transport providers and local communities work together towards a common humanitarian objective. 

“We are deeply grateful to every individual and organisation that played a role in ensuring a safe, dignified and orderly process. I also want to thank our mediators who worked hard to defuse tensions. You played an important part in ensuring unrest did not erupt in our province. I am also deeply grateful for the engagements our International Relations Directorate initiated with affected foreign missions,” Winde said. 

The Premier also thanked municipalities that made facilities available, humanitarian organisations that provided food, water and essential relief items and operational teams that worked long hours to support the intervention.

The provincial government said temporary facilities established for the operation have now been demobilised and normal operations are resuming.

It also clarified that municipalities will not provide any further transport logistics for the repatriation of foreign nationals.

“The Western Cape Government wishes to make it clear that no further transport logistics will be undertaken by municipalities for the purposes of repatriating foreign nationals. Reports of free transport services after today are incorrect,” the provincial government said. 

The government encouraged foreign nationals requiring assistance to engage directly with their respective embassies or consulates and to follow normal immigration processes administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

It also acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by businesses and communities surrounding the temporary support facilities and thanked them for their patience and cooperation throughout the intervention.

While the transport phase has concluded, the provincial government said departments and municipalities will continue to monitor the situation and address any humanitarian, safety or operational concerns through normal service delivery channels. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has warned members of the public against individuals and groups unlawfully demanding to inspect identity documents under the guise of addressing illegal immigration. 

In a statement issued on Friday, SAPS said it had noted with concern reports of people approaching members of the public and requesting to inspect their identity documents without legal authority.

The police stressed that only authorised law enforcement officials may request and verify identity documents while carrying out their official duties.

“The SAPS in the Northern Cape has noted with concern reports of individuals and groups who are unlawfully approaching members of the public and demanding to inspect their identity documents under the guise of addressing illegal immigration.

“The SAPS wishes to emphasise that only duly authorised law enforcement officials, acting within the confines of the law, may request and verify identity documents during the execution of their official duties,” the statement read. 

The police cautioned members of the public not to be intimidated by people who have no legal authority to conduct such inspections.

Communities have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unlawful conduct to their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number.

SAPS acknowledged the important role played by Community Policing Forums (CPFs) in promoting safer communities and encouraged them to continue working in partnership with the police.

According to the statement, CPFs should support community engagement initiatives, promote respect for the rule of law and help educate communities on lawful crime prevention measures.

While recognising concerns raised by communities regarding illegal immigration, SAPS reminded the public that the enforcement of immigration legislation rests with authorised government departments and law enforcement agencies.

“While SAPS recognises the concerns expressed by communities regarding illegal immigration, members of the public are reminded that the enforcement of immigration legislation is the responsibility of authorised government departments and law enforcement agencies.

“Acts of vigilantism, intimidation, discrimination, harassment, or the unlawful stopping and questioning of individuals will not be tolerated and may result in criminal prosecution,” the SAPS said. 

The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting the rights of everyone in the country. 

“The public is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected criminal activities through the appropriate channels rather than taking the law into their own hands,” the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The eThekwini Municipality has urged members of the public, employers and transport operators to stop dropping off undocumented foreign nationals at the former Durban Drive-In site, saying the facility is no longer operational.

In a statement issued on Friday, the municipality reiterated that the Drive-In site is no longer operating as a temporary repatriation facility. Despite previous communications confirming its closure, people continue to drop off displaced individuals at the site.

The municipality said it has noted with concern that some employers of undocumented foreign nationals continue to bring their employees to the site.

“The public, employers and transport operators are urged to refrain from bringing foreign nationals to the site, as no services are being provided there,” the municipality said. 

According to the municipality, the temporary repatriation processing centre for undocumented foreign nationals has been centralised in Musina, Limpopo, under the coordination of the Department of Home Affairs. 

It also clarified that matters relating to undocumented foreign nationals fall under the mandate of the Department of Home Affairs and not the municipality.

“As such, the Municipality is not in a position to comment further on the repatriation process. Members of the public and the media are requested to direct all enquiries relating to these matters to the Department of Home Affairs, which is the competent authority to provide information and comment,” the municipality said. 

Meanwhile, the municipality said the marches held on 30 June were peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents of violence, loss of life or significant damage to infrastructure reported across the city. 

“The Municipality also acknowledges the responsible conduct of residents, march organisers and law enforcement agencies in ensuring that the demonstrations proceeded without incident.

“The outcome reflects the importance of constructive civic engagement and public safety,” the statement read. 

According to the municipality, more than 20 000 Malawian nationals were processed and repatriated through the Sherwood and Drive-In sites.

To support the repatriation operation, government procured more than 300 buses, with eThekwini Municipality providing 150 buses on a cost-recovery basis.

The municipality said it has since commenced clean-up operations at the former Drive-In site to restore the area.

“The Municipality has commenced clean-up operations at the Drive-In site to restore the area and remains committed to maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom says it continues to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply, with improved generation performance enabling the utility to meet rising winter demand while reducing reliance on diesel-fired generation.

In its latest power system update released on Friday, the power utility said the benefits of its Generation Recovery Plan continue to strengthen system performance through increased generation availability, reduced unplanned outages and improved operational reliability.

The utility also announced significant progress in its Load Reduction Eradication Programme, with about 1 099 430 customers removed from load reduction schedules.

“This represents 65% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme. Originally established to address load reduction affecting 23.5% of Eskom’s 7.2 million customer base, the programme has reduced the proportion of customers affected by load reduction to approximately 8.3%.

“Load reduction has now been fully eliminated in five provinces, with Eskom remaining on track to achieve elimination in seven provinces by October 2026 and nationally by 2027,” Eskom said. 

Eskom said the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) increased to 64.29% for the financial year-to-date, from 1 April to 2 July 2026, compared to 58.54% during the same period last year.

“This reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy, including a 9.64% improvement (4.9GW) 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,” the power utility said. 

According to the utility, average unplanned outages declined to 9 850MW between 26 June and 2 July 2026, compared to 14 981MW during the same period last year, representing a reduction of 5 131MW.

The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor also improved to 20.69% from 31.33% over the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, Eskom said no diesel was used during the reporting week, resulting in zero diesel expenditure.

For the financial year to date, diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, compared to R4.86 billion during the same period last year.

“This reflects an 84.65% reduction in diesel costs, underscoring stronger generation performance and 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 said. 

The utility said South Africa has now recorded 413 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, with electricity demand continuing to be met comfortably.

Friday’s evening peak demand was forecast at 26 698MW against available generation capacity of 31 590MW, while 3 809MW is expected to return to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 06 July 2026.

Eskom said its Winter Outlook, published in April, continues to project no load-shedding throughout the winter period ending 31 August 2026.

The utility added that it has deployed 1 861 180 smart meters nationwide as part of efforts to eliminate load reduction, with nearly a quarter installed in high-priority load reduction areas.

Despite the stable power system, Eskom warned that illegal electricity connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose safety risks in some communities.

The utility urged customers to report illegal connections and infrastructure vandalism through its Crime Line or WhatsApp reporting platform, while reaffirming its commitment to eliminating load reduction nationally by 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery International to prioritise local suppliers and youth-owned businesses as it establishes its first vehicle assembly plant in South Africa.

Mashatile made the call on Friday during the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration in Rosslyn, Tshwane, where he described the investment as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economy and manufacturing sector.

The Deputy President said government expects the investment to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and drive inclusive industrialisation.

“With the understanding that a strong automotive sector depends on a strong supplier base, Government calls upon Chery to work hand in hand with us in identifying and promoting local suppliers, especially those led by our youth.

“For it is in the strength of our supply chains that the resilience of our industry is secured, and it is in the creativity of our young entrepreneurs that the future of our economy is written,” the Deputy President said. 

Mashatile said bringing township suppliers into the automotive value chain would not only strengthen Chery’s operations but also extend the benefits of industrialisation to surrounding communities.

“Together as partners, we must ensure that local suppliers receive capacity building, mentorship, and market access. We should provide opportunities for youth-owned enterprises to participate in logistics, components, services, and technology.

“In doing so, we will create a value chain that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable,” he said.

The Deputy President noted that the acquisition of the Rosslyn factory follows government’s engagement with Chery during a working visit to China in November 2023 to promote South Africa as an investment destination and strengthen local automotive manufacturing.

He said the investment demonstrates continued international confidence in South Africa despite global economic uncertainty.

“It is in this context that the acquisition of the Rosslyn factory by Chery International is a powerful signal to global investors that South Africa remains a trusted destination for industrial investment.

“It is a vote of confidence in our people, our institutions, our infrastructure, our long-term future. It reinforces South Africa’s role as the automotive gateway to Africa,” he said. 

Mashatile highlighted the automotive industry’s significant contribution to the economy, saying it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs while driving exports and developing technical skills.

He also welcomed the company’s commitment to new energy vehicles, saying South Africa must keep pace with global shifts in automotive manufacturing to remain competitive.

“We must also bear in mind that the global automotive industry is shifting rapidly towards new energy vehicles (NEVs). We stand to lose important export markets by 2035 if there isn’t a transition in South Africa. We appreciate that Chery is leading this charge in Africa with NEV options across its range,” he said. 

The Deputy President said government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment while balancing foreign investment with measures that protect and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

He stressed that industrialisation must directly benefit communities surrounding manufacturing hubs, including Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal.

“This factory is therefore a beacon of hope, skills and future opportunities for the youth of Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal,” he said. 

Mashatile also urged greater investment in skills development, apprenticeships and technical education to prepare young South Africans for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.

Concluding his address, he reaffirmed government’s commitment to attracting investment and growing the economy.

“As I mentioned when I met with Chery Automobile’s leadership in China a week ago as part of my working visit to enhance bilateral trade and industrial investment, South Africa is open for investment, ready for innovation, and committed to building an economy that offers opportunities for all.

“Together, we can shape a future defined by growth, industrial excellence, and shared prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen collaboration between environmental and health experts to better understand and address the impact of air pollution on the health and well-being of South Africans. 

In a joint statement on Sunday, the department and SAMRC said the partnership marks an important step towards ensuring that environmental policies are informed by scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution. 

Through the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on research, policy development, health impact assessments, data sharing, air quality monitoring, and public awareness initiatives.

Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental risks to health globally and is associated with a range of serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and premature death. 

In South Africa, communities living near industrial areas, power generation facilities, transport corridors, and informal settlements are often disproportionately affected.

By combining the DFFE’s environmental management mandate with the SAMRC’s expertise in environmental epidemiology and public health research, the partnership aims to generate evidence that can support more effective interventions, improve air quality management, and ultimately reduce the burden of disease linked to air pollution.

The collaboration will also support research on the health impacts of emissions from various sources, strengthen surveillance of pollution-related health outcomes, improve access to environmental data for health studies, and contribute to the development of early warning systems that can help protect vulnerable populations during periods of poor air quality.

The Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Maesela Kekana, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to protecting both the environment and public health. 

“Clean air is fundamental to the health and well-being of all South Africans. This partnership enables us to strengthen the scientific foundation of our air quality policies and interventions by drawing on the SAMRC’s world-class health research expertise. 

“Through this collaboration, the DFFE and SAMRC will be better positioned to understand the real health impacts of air pollution, support evidence-based decision-making, and ensure that environmental management contributes directly to improved health outcomes for communities across the country,” Kekana said. 

The SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, said the agreement demonstrates the critical role of research in addressing complex societal challenges.

“The health effects of air pollution extend far beyond environmental concerns and represent a significant public health challenge. Through this partnership, the SAMRC will contribute scientific evidence that helps policymakers understand how environmental exposures affect human health and where interventions can have the greatest impact. 

“Our shared goal is to ensure that research translates into policies and actions that protect lives, reduce health inequalities, and improve quality of life for all South Africans,” Prof Ntusi said. 

With the SAMRC being the health-focused research arm of the National Department of Health (NDoH), the MoU also creates opportunities for closer collaboration with the NDoH and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s response to environmental health challenges, including climate change and air pollution.

As South Africa continues to pursue sustainable development and environmental protection, the partnership between the DFFE and SAMRC will play an important role in ensuring that the health of communities remains at the centre of policy development and implementation. – SAnews.gov.za

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