Category: South Africa Government

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested an All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) national office bearer for inciting violence along the N3 southbound in Bergville in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols along the N3 when they noticed that traffic was moving slowly until it came to a standstill. 

“Police went to investigate and found that there were about 10 people who were stopping trucks. Realising the presence of the police, the suspects fled into the bushes and abandoned their vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie, with all doors opened,” the police said in a statement. 

“Preliminary investigations uncovered that the bakkie belonged to a prominent ATDF-SA office bearer. Inside the bakkie, police found an ATDF-SA banner and stones. Whilst at the scene, a suspicious white VW Polo was spotted on the N3 northbound. 

“Police followed it up and found that it had come to pick up the owner of the abandoned bakkie. The driver of the Polo and his passenger, both identified as truck drivers, were arrested together with the driver of the bakkie they had come to rescue. 

“The bakkie owner could be linked with the stoning of a bus on the N3 Colenso interchange, moments before he was arrested,” the police said.

According to police, the suspects are being processed and more charges could be added. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has announced that petrol will increase by R1.43 this Wednesday, while the prices of diesel, paraffin and LP gas will decrease.

The adjusted prices for this month are as follows:

• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R1.43 increase.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R3.24 decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R2.61 decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R5.96 decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R7.95 decrease.
• Maximum Retail Price of LP Gas: 17c per kg decrease and 20c per kg decrease in the Western Cape.

“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 101 US Dollars (USD) to 104.59 USD during the period under review. This is due to the continued tension between the US and Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The prices of middle distillates [diesel and paraffin] decreased more than petrol prices because of lower seasonal demand as the northern hemisphere moves into summer.

“The prices of Propane and Butane remained the same during the period under review, however, the freight costs decreased,” the DMPR explained.

During the period under review, the Rand strengthened against the USD from R16.65 to R16.52 per USD, leading to “slightly lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 12.07 c/l, 14.81 c/l and 14.55 c/l, respectively”.

The general fuel levy has been reduced by some R1.50 per litre for petrol and R1.96 per litre for diesel, also effective from Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested an All Truck Driver Forum South Africa (ATDF-SA) national office bearer for inciting violence along the N3 southbound in Bergville in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols along the N3 when they noticed that traffic was moving slowly until it came to a standstill. 

“Police went to investigate and found that there were about 10 people who were stopping trucks. Realising the presence of the police, the suspects fled into the bushes and abandoned their vehicle, a white Isuzu bakkie, with all doors opened,” the police said in a statement. 

“Preliminary investigations uncovered that the bakkie belonged to a prominent ATDF-SA office bearer. Inside the bakkie, police found an ATDF-SA banner and stones. Whilst at the scene, a suspicious white VW Polo was spotted on the N3 northbound. 

“Police followed it up and found that it had come to pick up the owner of the abandoned bakkie. The driver of the Polo and his passenger, both identified as truck drivers, were arrested together with the driver of the bakkie they had come to rescue. 

“The bakkie owner could be linked with the stoning of a bus on the N3 Colenso interchange, moments before he was arrested,” the police said.

According to police, the suspects are being processed and more charges could be added. – SAnews.gov.za

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As South Africa commemorates Youth Month from 1 June, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a national campaign celebrating a new generation of young officers who are driving ethical policing, professionalism and public service across the country.

Under the campaign: “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS will this month showcase young members who have answered the call to serve, protect and lead with integrity. These officers represent the future of policing and the ongoing renewal of the Service through the SAPS Reset Agenda.

Today, SAPS introduces 31-year-old Constable Pontsho Lophina Kekana, attached to the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, whose commitment to service embodies the values of courage, discipline and dedication.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Constable Kekana joined the SAPS in 2019 with a clear mission, to make communities safer and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime. 

Her journey has seen her serve at the Hillbrow Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Diepsloot Police Station as a Designated Firearm Officer, and currently at the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit.

Armed with a Diploma in Human Resource Management and currently pursuing a BCom degree in Industrial Psychology, Kekana believes that learning and self-development are essential qualities of a modern police officer.

Her responsibilities include intelligence gathering, operational planning, identifying criminal targets and supporting enforcement operations aimed at combating counterfeit and illicit goods crimes that threaten the economy, legitimate businesses and public safety.

Beyond her official duties, Constable Kekana frequently volunteers her time and resources to assist in tracing missing persons, helping reunite families and restoring hope to communities.

“The best decision I ever made was joining the SAPS. Policing gives me an opportunity to live a life of purpose, to serve and protect the people of South Africa,” Kekana said.

As SAPS continues to implement the Reset Agenda, young officers such as Constable Kekana are proving that policing is more than a profession; it is a calling, a national service and a leadership platform for young South Africans committed to building a safer nation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has deployed a National Forensic Task Team – together with Crime Intelligence experts – to investigate the explosions that occurred at Woolworths stores in the Free State and Gauteng provinces last week.

“Investigations are currently at a very early stage and all possible motives are being explored by investigators.

“At this stage, it would be premature to classify the incidents as acts of terrorism. SAPS remains alert and will continue to assess the situation as investigations unfold. 

“Any additional security measures, including monitoring around affected or related premises, will be informed by ongoing investigations and threat assessments. The public is urged to remain calm and allow investigators space to conduct their work,” the police said.

Explosive devices were detonated at Woolworths stores at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria and Preller Square Shopping Centre in Bloemfontein last week. – SAnews.gov.za

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Global ratings agency Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Eskom’s B2/Ba2 credit ratings with a stable outlook.

This comes just a week after Fitch, the credit rating agency, also affirmed the power utility’s Local-Currency Issuer Default rating at ‘B’ with a stable outlook.

“Moody’s Ratings…affirmed Eskom’s B2 long-term corporate family rating, B2-PD probability of default rating, B2 senior unsecured notes ratings, (P)B2 rating on the global medium-term notes programme, caa1 baseline credit assessment and Baa3.za national scale corporate family rating. 

“Moody’s also affirmed the Ba2 backed senior unsecured ratings on notes that benefit from an unconditional and irrevocable government guarantee,” Eskom said. 

Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the power utility remains focused on delivering on its turnaround plan to “restore Eskom’s operational and financial stability”.

“Earlier this month, Eskom reached the milestone of one year without loadshedding that advances the stability of the grid and energy security in South Africa, as well as market liberalisation and the integration of renewable energy to provide a platform for the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa economy to grow from,” he noted.

The power utility explained that Moody’s affirmation is attributed to improved operational performance, “strengthened cash flow generation and liquidity position, supported by government debt relief measures”. 

“The rating agency has also noted what they consider to be ongoing constraints, including rising municipal debt arrears, regulatory challenges associated with tariffs, significant capital expenditure requirements and execution risks associated with the ongoing unbundling process,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch the roll out of the lifesaving HIV prevention injectable medicine, Lenacapavir, later this week.

Lenacapavir is administered via injection twice a year, offering patients six months of continuous protection per dose and a welcome relief from daily pills or the bi-monthly injections.

“This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s ongoing efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS and aims to enhance prevention of new HIV infections.

“Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention, and the rollout highlights the collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector, and development partners amongst the stakeholders committed to ending HIV as a public health threat in South Africa,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, Provincial Health MECs, leaders of SANAC civil society, development partners, and donors, including the Global Fund, are expected to be at the launch.

The launch will be held at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium at Secunda in Mpumalanga on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently conducting nationwide public consultation sessions on the implementation and refinement of the Station Post Requirement (SPR) Tool, aimed at improving equitable allocation of police resources across police stations in the country. 

The Station Post Requirement Tool is a scientific and data-driven mechanism used to determine the human resource needs of police stations based on various operational factors, including crime patterns, population size, service demands, geographical challenges and socio-economic conditions.

These consultations form part of SAPS’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-centred policing. 

“Through these engagements, SAPS seeks to provide stakeholders and communities with an opportunity to understand how the tool functions and to contribute meaningful inputs that will assist in ensuring that policing resources are distributed fairly and effectively.

“The consultation process includes engagements with Community Policing Forums (CPFs), organised labour, local government structures, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and other interested stakeholders.

“SAPS recognises that communities are important partners in the fight against crime and believes that public participation will strengthen confidence in the policing environment and contribute towards improved service delivery,” the police said.

Members of the public are encouraged to actively participate in the consultation sessions currently taking place in various provinces and districts.

Venues and times will be confirmed and communicated via media platforms.

“The outcomes of the consultation process will assist SAPS in finalising a responsive and balanced staffing approach that addresses operational demands and enhances policing capabilities at station level.

“SAPS remains committed to building a safer South Africa through professional policing, community partnerships and the optimal utilisation of resources,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has condemned the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape for failing to implement remedial measures aimed at addressing persistent deficiencies in its water and sanitation services.

The criticism follows the release of the latest Blue Drop and Green Drop regulatory assessments by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which indicated that the municipality’s water and sanitation services have regressed to a critical state, despite repeated non-compliance notices issued by the department directing the municipality to correct the situation.

Seitlholo visited the municipality on Friday, 29 May, to engage municipal leadership and assess progress in implementing remedial actions previously submitted to the department to address the poor performance.

Kai !Garib Municipality is a Water Services Authority, responsible for water supply services and wastewater management in the towns of Kakamas, Keimoes, Kenhardt and Vredesvallei.

The municipality relies primarily on the Orange River and a canal managed by the Kakamas Water User Association as the main water source supplying water supply systems and water storage ponds located at the existing water treatment works (WTW).  

The canal originates from a weir alongside Orange River in a small settlement of Marchand, and serves both municipal water systems and irrigation activities, particularly the vineyards around Kakamas.

However, the municipality has a long-standing history of non-compliance in the provision of water and sanitation services and has made limited progress in addressing the identified shortcomings.

According to the DWS assessments, the municipality’s 2023 Blue Drop score has dropped significantly to 16.20%, down from 71.42% in 2014. All 16 of its water supply systems are now classified within the critical performance category.

Wastewater services have deteriorated even further, with the municipality’s 2024 Green Drop score fell to 0.3%, compared to 13% in 2021 and 34% in 2013. Wastewater treatment plants in Keimoes and Kenhardt recorded scores of 0.0%, while the Vredesvallei wastewater treatment plant has remained out of operation for more than three years.

The municipality has also failed to implement adequate measures to prevent persistent sewage overflows from manholes, dysfunctional pump stations, stormwater systems and oxidation ponds across the four towns. The continued deterioration of this infrastructure has resulted in contamination of local watercourses, posing severe public health and environmental hazards.

In response to the aging infrastructure at the Kakamas water and wastewater treatment works that have exceeded their operational lifespan, the Department of Water and Sanitation allocated more than R12 million through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) for the refurbishment of the Kakamas Water Treatment Works. A further R7 million was provided for upgrades to the Vredesvallei Wastewater Treatment Works. Both projects were completed in December 2025.

The municipality has also submitted a feasibility study to the department in 2023 proposing the construction of a new wastewater treatment works in Kakamas, and a bulk water supply system intended to serve Kakamas, surrounding villages and commercial farming operations.

During his visit, Seitlholo inspected the oxidation ponds in Kakamas and instructed the municipality to develop and implement an urgent corrective action plan. The plan must outline the specific areas of failures, corrective activities to be undertaken by the municipality, provide technical upgrade and restoration plans and progress reports for the restoration or upgrades of identified critical wastewater systems, and include implementation timelines and the expected improvements.

“Water and sanitation services in Kai !Garib municipality have reached critical state, and the reality is that this municipality requires joint interventions from the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The intervention should also be done as per the reforms that were proposed at the Water and Sanitation Indaba held in 2025.

“I have ordered the municipality to submit their corrective action plans before end of June, and we will continue to monitor the situation. We hope that the municipality will work within the timelines that will be able to restore the infrastructure that will provide clean drinking water and dignified sanitation to the communities,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sustained improvements in Eskom’s plant performance, reliability and operational discipline continue to fuel South Africa’s power system stability even as seasonal temperatures decline and electricity demand rises.

This according to the power utility which recorded more than 376 days without the implementation of load shedding.

“System performance remains strong, with the financial year-to-date Energy Availability Factor [EAF] improving to 62.59%, up from 57.43% over the same period last year, a 5.17% increase.

“This reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy and marks a 9.97% [5.02GW] improvement compared to the corresponding period three years ago at the outset of the Generation Recovery Plan, supported by a continued reduction in unplanned outages,” Eskom said in a statement.

Diesel expenditure – used to fuel the power utility’s Open Cycle Gas Turbines – has also fallen dramatically over the past financial year.

“Diesel expenditure stands at R559.17 million at a load factor of 1.48%, significantly lower than the R3.426 billion incurred over the same period last year, at a load factor of 12.42% – an 83.68% year-on-year reduction. The reported diesel expenditure has been updated following reconciliation to ensure alignment with verified financial records and actual usage.

“Diesel in the past week was strategically deployed at peak demand times to meet the higher-than-expected demand, as well as provide the required reserves in line with the South African Grid Code.

“This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system,” the statement explained.

Furthermore, the power utility expects to bring some 1 010MW of generation capacity online ahead of tonight’s evening peak.

Ending load reduction

The power utility’s efforts to end load reduction continue to bear fruit, with some 651 828 customers across South Africa no longer impacted.

Load reduction is implemented as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network where illegal connections and meter tampering persist.

“Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million.

“Key interventions include the rollout of smart meters, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources, and the expansion of Free Basic Electricity support. These measures will be accompanied by targeted customer education initiatives,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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