Category: South Africa Government

Police in the Northern Cape have nabbed 360 suspects in connection with various crimes. 

The arrests were made during the intelligence-driven ‘Safer Festive Season’ campaign under Operation Shanela II.

“During the operations, SAPS members confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime, dangerous weapons, diamonds, drugs and a firearm,” the police said in a statement.

These weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary operations were conducted from 8 -14 December across all five districts of the Northern Cape.

“As part of the disruptive actions, 3 981 motor vehicles were stopped and 7 932 persons were searched during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points.

“Compliance inspections were carried out at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, as well as second-hand goods dealers. A total of 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.

“Detectives executed tracing operations to track down perpetrators who have been evading arrest for an array of crimes,” the police said.

During the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the ZF Mgcawu District last week, Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reassured community members of SAPS’ continued commitment to ensuring their safety. 

She further encouraged communities to break the silence by reporting criminal activities and commended the multi-disciplinary teams for their dedication in keeping the Northern Cape and its communities safe. 

Community engagements, awareness programmes and crime prevention disruptive actions will continue as the Christmas period approaches and beyond to ensure sustainable safety of all inhabitants and visitors to the province. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed a high court decision confirming the publication of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The Department of Basic Education welcomes the judgment delivered by the High Court, which confirms that the department is lawfully authorised to publish NSC examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The judgment provides crucial legal clarity for learners, parents, institutions and the media, following recent uncertainty regarding the publication of matric results. In its findings, the Court condoned the department’s late filing of the appeal and proceeded to consider the matter on its merits,” the department said in a statement.

This as the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Information Regulator’s Enforcement Notice wherein the regulator sought to block the publication of matric results.

The Enforcement Notice was issued against the DBE on 18 November 2024 following a finding from an assessment of how the department processes the personal information of learners who sit for matriculation exams.

The department said that the court further held that the established method of publishing NSC results does not constitute the processing of personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). 

“As such, allegations of infringement of POPIA fall away,” it said.

In addition, the court upheld the department’s appeal, setting aside both the enforcement and infringement notices that had previously been issued. 

“Collectively, these determinations affirm the legality of the department’s long-standing dissemination practices and remove any residual ambiguity surrounding the continued publication of NSC results.

“The department welcomes this clarity, which reinforces a results-access system that has, for decades, provided candidates, families, and post-school institutions with equitable and reliable means of obtaining examination outcomes,” said the department.

The department further reiterated its confidence in the Information Regulator and acknowledges its essential role in safeguarding personal information across the Republic.

The DBE remains committed to working collaboratively with the Regulator to uphold learners’ rights and strengthen digital safety in alignment with POPIA.

Meanwhile, the Information Regulator is studying the court decision.
READ | Regulator studying court decision on publication of matric results

In its statement on Friday, the regulator noted the decision by the full bench. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has expressed satisfaction with progress made on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), with 48% of construction completed on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel.

This, whilst also stressing the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline for Phase II of the project and warning that no further extensions will be granted. 

Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai, Majodina led a South African delegation on an oversight visit to Lesotho on Sunday. The delegation met Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to assess progress on the multibillion-rand project.

The visit follows Majodina’s undertaking in August 2025, to return to Lesotho to monitor and review implementation of the project.

The Minister’s programme on Sunday started with a briefing on project progress, including the resettlement of 24 households which were moved to make way for the dam construction. About 300 households were relocated, with construction of 105 replacement houses currently under way.

Social and environmental impacts

Majodina also received reports on the project’s social and environmental impacts, which include improved road access, better access to health and education facilities, and the provision of electricity.

The project has so far created about 16 000 job opportunities, including business development and skills transfer initiatives. Its broader objectives include strengthening climate resilience, improving food and nutrition security, promoting economic diversification, enhancing integration of farm-based initiatives, and building trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

On women’s empowerment, 77 women from four local councils within the project area have benefited from training programmes, including detergent and cosmetics manufacturing.

During the visit, the delegation toured several construction sites, including the 165m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange rivers.

Chief Resident Engineer Ivaho Vanzaghi reported that concrete placement has reached over 60 metres from the riverbed, with about 100 metres remaining.

Majodina also visited the approximately 38km long concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, where she inspected construction progress underground.

Addressing the media at the Sengqu Bridge construction site, an 825-metre-long structure, Majodina said she was encouraged by the pace of development and confirmed that South Africa is preparing to receive water once the project is completed.

“I am very satisfied with the progress. While relocation has taken longer than expected, there is a plan in place. We are also pleased that 92 professionals have been developed through this project, including women, and that 16 000 jobs have been created. That is quite significant.

“We cannot allow further delays. We are here to ensure accountability because South Africans want to know what is happening, and Basotho also want to know what is happening,” the Minister said.

She urged that the communities living near the dam should also be considered for access to water provision.

Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, commended Majodina for honouring her commitment to return for an oversight visit.

“She is a woman of her word. Each time she visits, there is visible progress because stakeholders understand that at the highest level of government, we want this project to succeed efficiently,” Moleko said.

He described the LHWP as one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects, noting its potential to support hydropower development and boost tourism in Lesotho.

Long-standing cooperation between SA and Lesotho

Mohai commended the Ministers from both countries for providing strong leadership on the project, noting that its scale requires close cooperation between the two countries and high-level engineering expertise.

Mohai said the project demonstrates long-standing cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho, particularly in the democratic era, to advance sustainability and economic growth.

He said the project ensures that communities can enjoy access to water, which is a fundamental right, sustains life, and improves health outcomes.

“It is fascinating to be here in the Kingdom of Lesotho and witness that Lesotho will continue to provide this important resource to many nations in the continent for many centuries. We really appreciate their generosity and are committed to ensure that we share economic spinoffs as countries, as water is an important ingredient to stimulate economic activity,” Mohai said.

Majodina is on Monday expected to visit the Katse Dam. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has stressed the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), warning that no further extensions will be granted.

While acknowledging progress made on the project, Majodina said delays could not be tolerated, particularly given that the project had already been delayed by nine years.

“If you are running behind schedule, you must have a clear turnaround plan on how and when you are going to catch up, because we cannot afford to delay this project any further. The taste is in the eating of the pudding,” Majodina said.

Majodina was speaking to stakeholders on Sunday during the first day of her oversight visit to the project, where she received a progress briefing on Phase II implementation. The visit follows her commitment made in August 2025 to return to Lesotho to monitor and review progress.

During presentations, the Minister was briefed on resettlement linked to the dam construction, including the relocation of 24 households to date. She was also informed that approximately 300 households are affected by the project, with construction of 105 replacement houses currently under way.

Majodina expressed concern over the slow pace of relocations and questioned the underlying causes.

“Is it because you are slow, or is it resistance from the community? Why such a low number?” she asked.

She also raised concerns about the criteria guiding relocation decisions, noting reports of requests for relocation beyond Lesotho’s borders.

“Is there no framework to say you can only be relocated up to this far? I’m asking this because I’ve received a lot of petitions where people want to be relocated from here to Ladybrand [Free State]. There’s nothing in the Treaty that says across the borders, and that must be explained thoroughly. You must act within the Treaty,” Majodina said.

The Minister further called for greater transparency regarding expenditure on infrastructure development, particularly road construction.

“How many feeder roads and how many kilometres have been built? You’ve mentioned schools, clinics and hospitals that have been built, but there’s no timeframe,” she said.

To date, R21 billion has been spent on the R53 billion project, which involves the construction of dams and a network of tunnels to transfer water from the Orange–Senqu River in the Lesotho highlands to South Africa, while also supporting hydro-electric power generation in Lesotho.

The water transfer component of Phase II includes a 165-metre-high concrete faced rockfill dam at Polihali, downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange rivers, as well as a 38-kilometre concrete lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, Phase II will increase water transfers from Lesotho to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres per year, raising total deliveries from 780 million cubic metres to 1.26 billion cubic metres annually through the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Government of the Republic of South Africa has extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the people and Government of the Commonwealth of Australia following the tragic terrorist attacks in Sydney.

According to media reports, 11 people were shot at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, with the attack designated as a “terror incident” targeting the Australian Jewish community.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families and friends of the victims. We condemn this senseless violence, which appears to have targeted the Jewish faithful while they were lighting candles for Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. 

“There is no justification for terrorism or attacks on any group based on faith or identity. South Africa stands in solidarity with Australia during this period of mourning and grief,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said on Sunday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed concern over the high number of heavy motor vehicle accidents recorded since the start of December 2025.

“From 1 December 2025, the province has recorded 43 incidents involving heavy motor vehicles on Western Cape roads. These include breakdowns, collisions, and overturned vehicles. This trend is worrying, especially ahead of the expected high traffic volumes as residents and visitors travel in and out of the province for the holidays,” the department said in a statement on Friday.

The department said that heavy motor vehicle incidents not only pose a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians, but also cause major traffic delays and disrupt economic activity. Clearing these scenes can take between two to six hours, or longer, depending on the nature of the incident.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every overturned truck is a preventable tragedy that endangers lives and hampers mobility. We urge the freight industry to take immediate action to improve safety standards and protect all road users,” said Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku.

The department said it values the critical role that the freight industry plays in keeping the economy moving and urged operators and drivers to partner with it in prioritising safety during this peak travel period.

Freight operators and drivers are encouraged to take the necessary precautions by:
•    Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy.
•    Adhering to speed limits and load regulations.
•    Managing driver fatigue through adequate rest periods.
•    Avoiding reckless overtaking.
•    Complying with all road rules and instructions from traffic authorities.

It added that Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement will be on duty 24/7 across all key routes this weekend to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

With high traffic volumes expected this weekend, motorists and pedestrians are also urged to take extra care.

Motorists:
•    Check your vehicle before travelling, tyres, lights, indicators, brakes, and fluid levels.
•    Obey all road signs, rules, and instructions from traffic officers.
•    Expect congestion in certain areas and plan extra time for your trip.
•    Be patient and courteous; avoid speeding and reckless overtaking.
•    Take regular rest breaks on long journeys.
•    Make mindful decisions; your safety and the safety of others depends on you.
•    Remember: arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Pedestrians:
•    Cross only at designated places and make sure you are visible, especially at night.
•    Do not walk on highways or along poorly lit roads and avoid roadways if intoxicated.
•    Avoid distractions such as cellphones or headphones when walking near traffic.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has issued a notice of intention to cancel the registration of private higher education institutions City Varsity, Damelin, and ICESA City Campus.

“Institutions that fail to meet their legal and educational obligations cannot be allowed to compromise the futures of the people they serve,” the Ministry of Higher Education and Training said on Saturday. 

The decision was undertaken in the interest of protecting students and upholding the integrity of the sector after a prolonged pattern of non-compliance with the Higher Education Act (No. 101 of 1997) and the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions.

“The Notice of Intent to cancel will be published in the Government Gazette in accordance with Section 63(a) of the Higher Education Act.

“The institutions will be given an opportunity to make representations, as required by law. The Department will ensure that students affected by this process are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements,” the Ministry said of the three private higher education institutions.

The department has an obligation to ensure that private institutions deliver quality education and demonstrate financial sustainability. 

The decision to issue the Notice of Intent to Cancel is based on the following critical factors:
•    All three institutions failed to submit their 2024 Annual Reports, despite:
•    An extension being granted until 30 June 2024, and
•    A final remedial deadline set for 6 June 2025.

The institutions did not provide the Registrar with the required documentation, including:
•    Audited Annual Financial Statements.
•    Proof of financial surety/guarantees.
•    South African Revenue Service (SARS) Tax Compliance Certificates.
•    Occupational Health and Safety Compliance.

Evidence of institutional cessation
•    The department has received reliable confirmation that two of the institutions, namely City Varsity (Pty) Ltd and ICESA City Campus (Pty) Ltd have ceased operating and are therefore not providing higher education within the meaning of the Act.

The department remains unequivocally committed to:
•    Protecting students from being enrolled in institutions that cannot demonstrate financial and operational sustainability.
•    Ensuring that providers of higher education operate within the legal and quality assurance framework; and
•    Acting decisively to uphold the integrity of the South African higher education system.
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of a four-storey building that collapsed in Redcliffe, north of Durban.

“This is a deeply distressing incident. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased and with all those who have been injured during this incredibly difficult time, as well as with the workers and families affected by this tragedy,” the Minister said on Saturday.

He was speaking during a visit to the site of the collapsed building, where he was joined by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer.

While rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Cyril Xaba, indicated in a post on social media platform, “X” that four bodies had been recovered so far.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, emergency services, and built-environment officials on the rescue operations currently underway.

“At this stage, our focus must remain on the rescue and recovery efforts and on supporting affected families. It would be premature and irresponsible to speculate on the causes of the collapse or the next steps while operations are ongoing. There will be time for a thorough investigation and accountability once all the facts have been established,” Macpherson said

The Minister said that, as a matter of urgency, he will consult widely with all relevant stakeholders – including briefing the President of the Republic of South Africa – as part of determining an appropriate pathway forward once rescue and recovery operations have concluded.

Xaba, who revisited the site on Saturday following the incident on Friday, commended the rescue teams for their exceptional efforts.

He assured the families of victims gathered at the site that the government remains committed to working tirelessly until all individuals trapped beneath the rubble are safely retrieved.

The Mayor confirmed that a multidisciplinary technical team has been established to investigate the cause of the incident. 

The team will collect all relevant information and compile a preliminary report, which will be released to the public next week –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Gauteng Department of Education has assured parents of Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners that it is working hard to ensure that the remaining 15 144 unplaced applicants are placed in schools.

As of 12 December 2025, 342 668 of 358 574 Grade 1 and Grade 8 unique applicants have been placed, translating to 95.56% of learners being placed.

The 2026 Online Admissions Placement Period for Grade 1 and 8 commenced on 16 October 2025.

Unique applicants refer to individual Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners who applied using the 2026 Online Admissions system.
The 342 668 placed Grade 1 and Grade 8 unique applicants are as follows:
•    170 807 or 97.4% learners placed in Grade 1
•    171 861 or 94.2% learners placed in Grade 8
“Prior to the commencement of the placement period, the department conducted a capacity audit at all schools to ensure that available capacity at all schools are used to optimally accommodate applicants,” the department said on Friday.

As of 12 December 2025, a total of 721 schools reached full capacity.

This constitutes primary and secondary schools at capacity as follows: 458 primary schools reached full capacity, and 263 secondary schools reached full capacity.

“Unplaced applicants that cannot be accommodated at these 465 schools, are being transferred to the next closest school with available space.
“The remaining 15 144 (4.2%) unique applicants are receiving placement offers through transfers from schools with available space.
“It is important to note that the department prioritises placement of the 358 574 (Grade 1: 175 792; Grade 8:182 782) applicants with Complete Applications.

“Placement offers and transfer offers are released daily to facilitate placement of the remaining 15 144 (4.2%) unplaced applicants, translating to 4 498 (2.6%) Grade 1 learners and 10 646 (5.8%) Grade 8 learners,” the department said.

READ | Warning against fraudsters offering school placements

The process of transferring applicants from schools at full capacity is in progress.
Transfer offers are made only after confirmation that the schools a parent applied to have reached full capacity.
The department said applicants with the status “Application is being processed” and “School Reached Capacity” should expect to receive transfer offers when their status changes to “Transfer offer made.”

“Transfer offers are made to the next school with available space, with due consideration of the distance from the parents’ home address.

“Parents / guardians who are offered transfer placement at schools that they have not applied to have the option to either accept or decline the placement offer within seven days of receipt,” the department said.
When the transfer offer is accepted, the learner is placed at the school. This placement is final.
When the transfer offer is declined, the parent may submit an objection within seven days of receiving the transfer placement offer.
To date, the department [has] received a total of 4460 Appeals across 15 districts. Seventy percent of these appeals have been adjudicated on, and parents have received the final outcome.

For more information, assistance, or comments:
•    Call 0800 000 789
•    WhatsApp 060 891 0361
•    Email: admissions.hotline@gauteng.gov.za or gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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