Category: South Africa Government

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Bojanala District continues to record successes, following recent coordinated crime-fighting operations int the North West.

Conducted between 22 and 29 March, in Rustenburg, Koster, Boitekong, Phokeng, Tlhabane, Dwarsberg and the Swartruggens policing areas, the operations resulted in multiple arrests for serious and priority crimes.

Three people were arrested for murder, another for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault (grievous bodily harm), while another was arrested for bribery. Thirteen others were arrested for sexual offences.

Police also recorded arrests for drug-related crimes (12), drunken driving (10), liquor-related offences (15), contravention of the Immigration Act (19), public drinking (28), public indecency (3), theft-related crimes (11) and trespassing (2) among others.

In addition, roadblock operations contributed to the overall success, with 371 vehicles stopped, three vehicles impounded and traffic fines to the value of R36 850 issued.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the  North West Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for their dedication and commitment in removing criminals and enforcing the law.

“SAPS remains committed to intensifying operations to ensure safer communities across the province,” said the SAPS. 

The public is encouraged to report crime via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has arrested five South African female drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport with drugs worth more than R5 million concealed on their bodies.

According to the police, a preliminary report suggests that the suspects were en route to China via Dubai. They were arrested on Saturday.

“A search led to the discovery of drugs concealed inside their sneakers, underwear and private parts,” the police said in a statement.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on Tuesday on charges related to drug trafficking.

Investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa is choosing momentum over hesitation. At a time when global markets are marked by volatility and investor caution, the country is pressing ahead with its sixth Investment Conference – a signal that it intends not to retreat, but to compete.

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene the latest gathering in Johannesburg, positioning South Africa not just as the southern gateway to the continent, but as a resilient, reforming economy – actively making its case for global capital.

While South Africa is by no means sheltered from the heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from the tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing tensions involving the Gaza Strip and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the conference is an important element on the South African calendar.

As more than 31 country representatives make their way to Mzansi for the conference, South Africa’s message to the world is clear: “South Africa is open for business and has entered a delivery-focused phase of economic reform.” 
 

And that is not just a tagline, because, since the last investment conference held in 2023, work has been ongoing to realise the investment pledges made during the course of the five editions of the conference. 

These pledges cut across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing and the automotive sector. Despite the two-year hiatus since the last conference was held, the spadework to bring the pledges into meaningful, real-life projects that advance the country’s development and improve citizens’ lives, has not stopped.

For example, mobility fintech company, Moove – which also operates in cities across Europe and India, amongst others, pledged R248 million of investment at the fifth conference held in April 2023. The funds were invested in the purchase of over 2 000 vehicles in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These vehicles were deployed to mobility entrepreneurs operating in these cities. 

Meanwhile, the 2022 edition of the gathering saw German automaker BMW pledge R800 million. Just last July, President Ramaphosa attended the launch of the automaker’s new X3 plug-in hybrid model at its Rosslyn plant in Gauteng. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.  The last conference saw mobile communications company Vodacom pledge to invest in the global business services, ICT and digital services category. At the fifth conference, the company announced that it had pledged an additional R60 billion over the next five years. This came after it delivered on its promise to invest R50 billion over five years in 2018.

This time around, South Africa has set itself the target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years on the back of the R1.5 trillion raised over five years since the inaugural conference of 2018.
Despite the changing global landscape over the years, over R600 billion has flowed into projects, including new factories and mine facilities, that have been opened every year.

What this shows is that previous editions of the conference have not been once-off events but have produced concrete results as projects have been and continue to be followed through.

The hosting of the conference shows that the country is not tone-deaf to its own challenges and that investment by both domestic and international firms, plays an important role in addressing challenges that include poverty and unemployment.

While it is known that the country surpassed its initial R1.2 trillion investment target, South Africa has continued to put its house in order through reforms made possible by vehicles like Operation Vulindlela. Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. 

The country has also seen a 1.1% economic growth in 2025, following the recent release of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, which showed a 0.4% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The fact that the country officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in October 2025, also shows the progress the country is making.

Further progress was also evidenced in S&P Global Ratings’ (S&P) November 2025 move to bump up South Africa’s foreign currency long-term sovereign credit rating. At the time, National Treasury said the credit rating upgrade marked the first upgrade for South Africa by any of the major credit rating agencies in over 16 years. 

While the quest for investments is important for our prosperity, prosperity does not mean that South Africa is heading down a protectionist path of only looking out for itself.

Investment in South Africa does not only translate to rands and cents and infrastructure development among others, but also comes with skills transfer, jobs and new technologies among others.
Given the country’s strategic position on the continent, this will be helpful in advancing our contribution to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The free trade agreement seeks to bring together members of the African Union into a combined market. It establishes a framework for tariff liberalisation across the African continent and harmonises trade-related rules to encourage greater flows of intra-African trade and investment. 

The South African Investment Conference has proven itself not to be a vehicle of broken promises but has proven itself to be an instrument that has brought tangible investment to a country that is not without its challenges, but working towards a brighter future. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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Progress is being made to address service delivery challenges in the Free State, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.

“Now we are starting to see some progress in terms of implementation and development, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done,” she said on Friday.

The Minister’s comments came following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s engagement with the provincial government. The Presidency said the visit was aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with provinces and local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

Minister Ntshavheni also spoke of the importance of institutionalising the District Development Model (DDM) across the country.

“Remember, it started during the 6th Administration, and we are continuing with it in the 7th Administration,” Ntshavheni said.

Since its launch in 2019, the DDM has been a game-changer, breaking the pattern and focusing intentionally on integrating planning, budgeting, and implementation.

The DDM allows national and provincial governments to strategically channel resources into districts and metros where capacity is weaker, thereby improving local and national spatial equity.

In terms of the Free State, the Minister said that the province has provided the executive with a programme of action.

“The province has provided us with a programme of action plan, we are going to consolidate it and see what the progress is on these matters, and see where the Presidency’s intervention is required to ensure that we unlock the support that is required.”

In his interaction with the provincial government, the President said the province should share the practices it is using to successfully address certain challenges, so they can be replicated elsewhere in the country. 
“For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities,” he said. 

During Friday’s engagement, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae outlined the work the provincial government is taking to propel and reposition the economy “towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment.” 
These include:
•    Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
•    Renewable energy and green hydrogen.
•    Natural gas development.
•    Agro-processing and food production. 
•    The digital economy and e-commerce.
•    Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

READ | Free State plan to reposition economy as Premier tackles unemployment ‘crisis’

President Ramaphosa has already held interactions with the provincial governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and the North West. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the North West province has administered 86% of its Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines.

“The department confirms that 129,808 doses out of the 150,000 vaccines allocated have been administered, representing 86% usage. While this marks steady progress in the vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the department acknowledges that more work lies ahead to ensure full coverage across all affected areas,” it said in a statement on Friday.

This as the province has 210 confirmed cases of FMD that have been reported across its municipalities.
“The majority of these reported cases involve cattle, with 206 cases,” said the department, adding that there were three cases reported in pigs and a single case in goats.

According to the department, the highest number of cases was recorded in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District with 62 animals, followed by the Bojanala District with 59 animals. 

“In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, 49 animals were affected, while Ngaka Modiri Molema District reported 40 animals. These figures highlight the spread of the disease across species and districts, reinforcing the urgency of continued vaccination and vigilance.

“Additional vaccine consignments are expected soon, which will allow the department to extend coverage and strengthen disease control measures. The campaign remains focused on vaccinating confirmed positive animals, ring vaccination around buffalo farms, protecting dairy herds, and mass vaccination of cloven-hoofed animals across the province,” the department said.

Farmers have been encouraged to use permanent ear-tags with unique numbers to help speed up the identification and vaccination of animals. 

Farmers and stakeholders are also urged to report any suspicion of FMD immediately to local veterinarians or animal health technicians. Early reporting and cooperation remain vital in preventing further spread and protecting the province’s agricultural sector.

North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Madoda Sambatha has expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of farmers during this challenging period. 

He assured farming communities that every farmer and every animal will be covered as more vaccine doses arrive and emphasised that the department remains committed to working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to contain the outbreak and safeguard livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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With Water Month drawing to a close, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is set to officially launch the Moretele South Far West Pipeline on Monday.

This is part of the department’s bid to ensure an improved and reliable water supply to various villages. This will also address the previous challenges of inconsistent supply within Moretele Local Municipality (MLM).

The City of Tshwane has previously supplied water to Moretele Local Municipality through the Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW). However, due to increasing demand within the Hammanskraal area, Tshwane was unable to meet the water requirements of both areas, resulting in intermittent water supply to MLM.

To address these water supply constraints, Magalies Water identified the need to provide a reliable and sustainable source of potable water.

Subsequently, the Moretele South Bulk Water Supply (BWS) Project funded by DWS through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) schedule was initiated, with Magalies Water appointed as the Implementing Agent. 

The project aimed to develop a bulk distribution system to supply treated water from Klipdrift WTW to Carousel View, Bosplaas West, Mogogelo, and the Far Western systems of MLM.

“As part of the project, four bulk pipelines and a 25 MI command reservoir at Dilopye village were constructed to ensure adequate storage and reliable water supply,” the DWS said in an advisory on Sunday. 

All bulk pipelines and Dilopye Reservoir have now been completed, including the Moretele South Far West Pipeline, which connects the reservoir to the Far West systems.

“The Moretele South Far West Pipeline reached practical completion on 02 February 2026 and is expected to supply potable water and support sustainable service delivery and improved living conditions to the villages of Swartdam, Ga-Motla, Ratsiepang, Mmakaunyane, Noroki, Kromkuil, and Moeka,” the department said.

The scope of work for the Moretele South Far West Pipeline included the construction of a 9.2 km uPVC pipeline ranging from 500 mm to 600 mm in diameter, together with associated valves and fittings.

Commemorated annually from 1 – 31 March, National Water Month underscores the importance of managing water as a shared national resource and strengthening resilience for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Water and Sanitation (DWS) Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has acknowledged progress made to improve water and sanitation infrastructure in the JB Marks Local Municipality in the North West.

He highlighted this during his two-day oversight visit in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp on 26 to 27 March 2026, as he assessed the state of water and sanitation infrastructure in those areas.

The first day of the oversight visit began with a briefing on the state of water and sanitation in the municipality, followed by a series of site visits to assess ongoing infrastructure projects and areas affected by sewer spillages.

This was followed by a site visit to the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, where a maintenance project is underway to address a bulk sewer pipeline that has been discharging raw sewage into the Mooi River. 
“This was my second visit to the site since January this year, and it remains a priority due to the environmental risk it poses,” Seitlholo said.

The Deputy Minister noted that the bulk sewer pipeline at the college has deteriorated significantly and is in a state of progressive structural failure. The major challenge at the Potchefstroom College of Agriculture is that the pipeline has reached the end of its lifespan and is systematically collapsing.

“The pipeline requires full replacement rather than temporary repairs. I have therefore committed to engaging with the Department’s Water Services and the municipality to ensure that we provide the necessary support to resolve this matter permanently,” he said.

The oversight visits also included an inspection of the Ikageng Pump Station, which is currently undergoing refurbishment and upgrading, and once it is completed, the upgraded facility is expected to pump water at a rate of 400 litres per second and support improved supply to surrounding communities through the filling of the 25-megalitre reservoir in Extension 7.

Seitlholo welcomed the progress being made on the project but stressed the importance of seeing such infrastructure projects through to completion.

“It is important to acknowledge the good progress being made, but it is even more crucial to ensure that these projects are completed successfully and begin delivering real benefits to communities,” he said.

Concerns were also raised regarding the newly constructed Zakhele Sewer Pump Station; however, while acknowledging the necessity of the infrastructure, the Deputy Minister expressed reservations about its proximity to nearby households and the adequacy of security measures in place.

“Sanitation infrastructure should ideally be located at a reasonable distance from residential areas to minimise the impact on communities in the event of failures. I have also raised concerns about the adequacy of the current fencing, as insufficient security exposes the infrastructure to vandalism and theft, which remain major challenges in the water sector,” he said.

Further inspections were conducted at the Promosa bulk sewer pipeline upgrade project, which is intended to address long-standing sewer spillages that have resulted in pollution of the Poortjie Dam.

He noted that the progress on site was encouraging and expressed optimism that the project, once completed, would significantly reduce sewage spillages and improve environmental conditions in the area.
“Communities deserve to live in dignified environments with access to safe and reliable sanitation. I will continue to monitor the progress of these projects to ensure that pollution of our water resources is fully eliminated,” Seitlholo said.

On the second day of the oversight visit, the Deputy Minister travelled to Ventersdorp, where he engaged with community members and assessed the town’s persistent water supply challenges.
Focus was on Ventersdorp, particularly the Tshing area, which has been experiencing recurring water shortages for many years, resulting in widespread frustration among residents.

He indicated that Ventersdorp has been plagued by water supply challenges for a prolonged period, and residents have expressed feelings of neglect. 
In some areas, water shortages have been experienced for more than a decade, and this is a matter that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.

“Ventersdorp is currently facing a significant gap between water demand and available supply. The demand for water in Ventersdorp is estimated at approximately 20 megalitres per day, while the current infrastructure is only able to supply between 5 and 6 megalitres per day, leaving a deficit of around 15 megalitres.

“This deficit means that while some areas may receive water, others remain without supply. The current infrastructure must not only be maintained but expanded to meet the needs of a growing population,” he said.

Water tankers
During his engagement with the community, the Deputy Minister also addressed concerns related to the provision of water using water tankers. He assured residents that the department would engage further with municipal leadership to address the matter and also accelerate interventions.

“I have asked the community to allow me time to engage with the municipal leadership and relevant officials so that we can establish the facts and return with clear feedback and solutions,” he said.

Multi-stakeholder engagement
Seitlholo further announced that he would convene a multi-stakeholder engagement involving national, provincial and municipal leadership to develop coordinated interventions for the area. This will include collaboration with senior officials from the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

“It is my responsibility to conduct oversight and ensure that the constitutional rights of citizens to access water and sanitation are upheld. We will therefore bring together all relevant stakeholders to ensure that sustainable solutions are implemented,” he said.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that the issues identified during the oversight visit will receive the necessary attention and that DWS will continue to provide updates.
 
“I want to assure communities that the concerns raised during this visit are being taken seriously and will receive the attention they deserve. Access to water is a basic human right, and we remain committed to ensuring that this right is progressively realised for all residents,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As global trends in technology, sustainability, and shifting consumer behaviour continue to transform industries, South Africa’s furniture sector must evolve through adaptation and innovation. 

This was emphasised by the Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Deputy Minister, Alexandra Abrahams, in her keynote address at the annual Furniture Design Competition Awards ceremony on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Midrand, Gauteng, Abrahams said the government’s vision is to build a fast-growing, profitable, inclusive and sustainable furniture industry that creates jobs, reduces poverty and contributes to economic growth.

However, she stressed that the sector must adapt and innovate to remain competitive and achieve this vision.
“Our commitment to strengthening local industry must be reflected in concrete, sustained action wherever it is feasible. The furniture sector has been designated a priority sector since 2012 and remains crucial to the government’s plans to boost manufacturing and industrial capacity. 

“We should recognise the enabling role government can play in this industry: with the state procuring more than R2 billion in furniture annually, public expenditure can be positioned in a disciplined and market-supportive manner to expand opportunities for local manufacturers, crowd in private investment, and strengthen employment across the value chain,” Abrahams explained.

She noted that, if strategically positioned, this demand can anchor industrial capability, strengthen supplier networks, and ensure that government spending delivers meaningful economic returns for South African workers and industries.

“The dtic is driving a range of programmes funding initiatives that directly support these transformative efforts. The Furniture Challenge Fund has disbursed over R100 million to support nearly 20 companies, while the Furniture Export Strategy opens new markets. 

“This is bolstered by [the] private sector’s own investments in raw materials and factory expansions, which will only serve to strengthen the sector in the long term. Together, these initiatives are laying the foundation to establish a sustainable and globally competitive industry in South Africa.”

Furthermore, Abrahams noted the challenges that are faced by the industry, including intensifying competition from imports and rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms, limitations in design capability and broader skills shortages, which continue to inhibit the sector’s ability to move up the value chain and compete effectively in both domestic and export markets. 

She added that, in the context of a low-growth domestic market and an international market shaped by turbulent geopolitical events, the government, through the dtic and partners, are working to overcome these challenges.

“The Furniture Design Competition showcases the creativity of our students and professionals, introduces new products to the market, and elevates South African furniture on the global stage,” Abrahams said.

The ceremony was hosted by the dtic in partnership with industry stakeholders, including the South African Furniture Initiative, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and Proudly South African. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has condemned the false allegations circulated on social media platforms, insinuating that IDAC is deliberately targeting South African Police Service (SAPS) senior officials.

This follows the arrest of 12 senior police officers and summons being served to the National Police Commissioner, in relation to an alleged irregular contract that was awarded by the SAPS to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who is also an accused in the matter.

READ | Government welcomes arrest of 12 police officers

“The NPA has, from the onset, indicated that this matter was referred to the IDAC in 2024, wherein investigations were conducted. It is also imperative to note that this matter was referred to IDAC by the SAPS Risk Audit Unit for investigation, after suspicions of irregularities were discovered,” the IDAC said in a statement on Saturday.

IDAC said it was irresponsible and reckless for certain formations of society and individuals to create a narrative that the arrests were as a result of submissions made at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and the Parliament Ad Hoc Committee set to investigate allegations made by the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on 06 June 2025. 

“The IDAC respects the work done by the commission and the Ad Hoc Committee and will abide by the recommendations that will follow.”

It said that society should be vigilant not to fall prey to false narratives created to destabilise the fight against corruption. 

“The attacks and baseless speculations also have the potential to place the lives of the officials working in these complex cases and the Investigating Director and their families at risk. Despite this, the IDAC cannot afford to allow itself to be deterred from discharging its constitutional mandate to the best of its abilities, within the prescribes of the law.”

The IDAC called on all South Africans to allow the law to take its course.
“The IDAC, as an important division within the NPA, prescribes to the principle of investigating and prosecuting without fear, favour or prejudice. Every action that has been taken [has] followed all the due processes of the law. The arrests are based on the evidence at hand. 

“The view shared by certain individuals that others should have been charged is unfortunate, as IDAC had to deal with the matters within its space and the evidence it contains. The issues relating to other persons arose at the Madlanga Commission, and as and when [the] same are referred to IDAC, [the] same will be acted upon without fear, favour or prejudice. 

“In relation to the arrests, no rules were flouted in arresting the accused in the Medicare 24 matter and any other matter where the accused were summoned to appear before court. The process followed was lawful in all aspects. Crime cannot be allowed to flourish, and IDAC, in discharging its mandate, seeks to prevent this as best it can,” IDAC said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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