Category: South Africa Government

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has tabled a combined R423.4 billion budget for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the 2026/27 financial year, with government placing renewed focus on fixing dysfunctional municipalities, improving service delivery, and strengthening disaster preparedness.

Presenting the department’s budget in Parliament on Wednesday, Hlabisa said the allocations were aimed at building capable and accountable local government institutions while supporting traditional leadership structures.

Of the total allocation, R422.5 billion has been earmarked for Cooperative Governance, while R900 million will go towards Traditional Affairs.

Hlabisa said the budget should be viewed as a “delivery instrument” intended to improve municipal performance and the quality of life of communities across the country.

The Minister said government had completed its review of the White Paper on Local Government under the theme: “Every Municipality Must Work”, describing it as a key step towards strengthening governance, accountability and service delivery in municipalities.

“The revised White Paper recognises that local government today operates in a far more complex environment than in 1998. It provides a renewed and realistic framework to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery,” the Minister said.

Several legislative reforms are also being advanced, including amendments aimed at improving municipal governance and addressing instability in coalition-led councils ahead of the 2026 local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.

Among the legislative reforms are:

•    The Local Government: General Laws Amendment Bill will improve governance and operational efficiency;
•    The Municipal Structures Amendment Bill (Coalitions Bill) will address instability in coalition governments. Political parties that will form a coalition government post 4 November 2026 will have to enter into coalition agreements
•    The Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill will strengthen transparency and accountability; and
•    The Draft Fire Services Bill will modernise fire service governance.

Ethical leadership and audit outcomes

The Minister said government was strengthening competency-based recruitment, professionalising municipal administration and reinforcing ethical leadership.

“The introduction of the Code for Ethical Leadership, together with ethics training programmes, is reinforcing accountability. Without ethical leadership, no reform will succeed,” he said.

Hlabisa also noted improvements in municipal audit outcomes, with 59 municipalities recording improvements and 41 municipalities achieving clean audits.

“Where there is discipline, monitoring and consequence management, improvement follows,” the Minister said.

However, he acknowledged that governance weaknesses and financial mismanagement remained serious concerns in many municipalities.

Interventions in distressed municipalities

Government continues to provide targeted support to municipalities experiencing instability.

In Emfuleni, a Special Purpose Vehicle with Rand Water is being established to stabilise water services.

Meanwhile, national intervention in Ditsobotla has helped stabilise governance, improve financial management and restore basic services following prolonged instability.

“We will not hesitate to intervene where municipalities fail communities,” Hlabisa said.

Infrastructure and service delivery

Hlabisa noted that the District Development Model (DDM) remained central to government’s work but would now move “from planning to delivery.”

Measures being introduced include stronger accountability mechanisms, delivery dashboards and clearer escalation protocols.

The Minister also said government was exploring blended finance models, private sector partnerships, and new funding models to address infrastructure funding constraints.

“We must move beyond reliance on limited municipal balance sheets,” Hlabisa said.

Repositioning of the community work programme

Government plans to reposition the programme towards skills development, enterprise creation and sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister noted that the Community Work Programme currently supports more than 186 000 participants across the country.

Participants are already contributing to waste management, minor infrastructure repairs and local service delivery initiatives.

“This programme must become a pathway to economic opportunity, not only income support,” Hlabisa said.

Disaster recovery support

The Minister said government had allocated R2.161 billion in the previous financial year to 92 municipalities for disaster recovery efforts in provinces including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.

An additional R191.16 million was provided through the Disaster Response Grant to municipalities facing immediate pressures.

Further allocations of R151 million for provinces and R203 million for municipalities are also being finalised.

“Furthermore, R166 million was reprioritised from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to respond to recent floods, especially in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and other provinces,” Hlabisa said.

He stressed that the budget was intended to improve the lives of citizens through better-performing municipalities.

“This budget is not an accounting exercise; it is a delivery instrument. It must translate into functioning municipalities and improved lives.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government has allocated R57.6 billion to the Department of Defence for the 2026/27 financial year, with a strong focus on border safeguarding, internal security support and rebuilding South Africa’s defence capabilities amid mounting regional and domestic security pressures.

Tabling Budget Vote 23 in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remains central to protecting the country’s sovereignty, supporting internal stability and safeguarding strategic national interests.

“The SANDF remains essential to sovereignty, central to internal stability and critical to the Republic’s regional and global obligations. Parliament is encouraged to support the Department’s efforts for adequate resources.

“We must choose to align defence ambition with an increased funding trajectory; restore coherence between policy and force design; protect the soldier as the centre of capability; rebuild critical domains; correct governance failures; stabilise operational financing; and renew the defence industrial base in support of long-term sovereignty,” the Minister said.

Motshekga warned that growing maritime traffic along the Cape Sea Route, illegal migration, organised crime and infrastructure deterioration continue to place significant pressure on the defence force.

R57.6bn budget allocation for defence priorities

The Department of Defence received a total allocation of R57.6 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.

The allocation includes:

• R37.7 billion for compensation of employees; 
• R2.5 billion for the SA Army;
• R2.7 billion for the SA Air Force; 
• R1.9 billion for the SA Navy;
• R1.5 billion for Military Health Services; 
• R4.5 billion for Logistics Division; and
• R1.5 billion for Joint Operations Division. 

Government has also earmarked additional funding for strategic operational priorities, including:

• R557 million for border safeguarding technology and vehicles;
• R427 million for Air Force fighter capability maintenance; 
• R607 million for Navy repairs and maintenance; 
• R80 million for military uniforms; and
• R1.5 billion transfer to ARMSCOR. 

An additional R150 million has been allocated to support the SANDF’s role during the 2026 local government elections.

Government intensifies border security operations

Border safeguarding emerged as one of the department’s key priorities, with the Minister warning that porous borders threaten national security and economic stability.

“Porous borders do not only compromise the territorial integrity of the state but lays a fertile ground for the emergence of several other national security threats, including threats to the economic well-being of the Republic,” Motshekga said. 

The department said intelligence-led operations supported by radar, sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles are helping disrupt cross-border criminal syndicates, illegal migration networks and smuggling operations. 

Government also acknowledged ongoing challenges linked to aging patrol vehicles, inadequate infrastructure and deteriorating border fencing and access roads.

The SANDF will continue working with other departments and provincial administrations to strengthen border management systems.

SANDF to continue supporting SAPS against crime

Motshekga announced that an additional R823 million will be made available for SANDF operations supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The deployments are aimed at addressing gang violence, illegal mining, organised crime and other internal security threats.

According to the Minister, coordinated interventions have already disrupted criminal syndicates and illegal mining operations through “sustained visibility, targeted enforcement and deprivation of criminal resources”.

Maritime security and defence diplomacy in focus

The Minister highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Cape Sea Route, describing the Navy as a “strategic necessity” for South Africa.

“To neglect our national maritime capability would risk strategic self-harm and global irrelevance,” Motshekga said.

Despite ongoing maintenance and infrastructure challenges, the SANDF recorded several operational milestones, including the SAS Amatola’s deployment to India and participation in Exercise MILAN 2026.

South Africa is also expected to host the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition in September, which government says will showcase local defence industries and expose young people to careers in aerospace and defence.

Government pushes long-term defence reforms.

Motshekga acknowledged that the SANDF continues to face funding constraints and structural pressures.

“At the core of the defence dilemma lies a fundamental and persistent misalignment between mandate, expectations, and funding,” she said.

Cabinet has now approved a series of long-term defence planning frameworks, including a Defence Capstone Policy Concept and a 30-year Defence Capability Plan known as the “Journey to Greatness”.

Government said these reforms are aimed at restoring coherence between defence policy, force design and future operational requirements.

The department indicated that a minimum funding threshold of 1.5% of GDP is required to maintain operational viability over time.

Youth development and military rejuvenation

The department said it is continuing efforts to rejuvenate the SANDF through military skills development and youth training initiatives.

An intake of 581 young people completed training through the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) and are now participating in learnership programmes.

Government plans to expand partnerships with departments responsible for youth development, higher education, labour and small business to strengthen employment pathways for young people.

The Minister also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to “Putting the Soldier First”, which includes improving uniforms, facilities, deployment conditions and healthcare support.

Governance failures and accountability measures

The Department of Defence acknowledged ongoing governance and financial management challenges, including qualified audit opinions, irregular expenditure and overspending on compensation of employees.

“These matters cannot be brushed aside,” Motshekga said.

The department said an Audit Action Plan, governance reviews and consequence management processes are being implemented, including disciplinary action and recovery of state funds where necessary.

Military veterans allocated R912 million.

The Department of Military Veterans received a separate allocation of R912 million for the 2026/27 financial year.

The budget includes funding for healthcare, pensions, housing, education and compensation benefits for military veterans.

However, the department acknowledged several operational challenges, including inadequate IT systems, organisational delays and weaknesses in service delivery structures.

The Minister said a Ministerial Transversal Task Team has been appointed to help stabilise the department and improve service delivery to veterans. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Department of Social Development has tabled a R302 billion Budget Vote for the 2026/27 financial year, with government reaffirming its commitment to strengthening South Africa’s social protection system amid rising global economic pressures and persistent inequality.

Acting Social Development Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga told the National Assembly on Tuesday that the budget comes at a time when households continue to face high food, fuel and cost-of-living pressures due to the current geopolitical tensions. 

The bulk of the allocation will go toward direct social grants, while government also moves to accelerate the modernisation at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), expand interventions against poverty, and strengthen responses to gender-based violence.

Of the total budget, R293 billion is allocated to monthly social assistance grants for children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Government also confirmed continued funding for the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which has been extended until March 2027 and will support approximately 8 million working-age individuals who are unable to support themselves.

An additional R36.4 billion has been allocated for the continuation of the SRD grant, alongside funds to cover administrative and staffing adjustments within SASSA and the department.

“We welcome the grant increases announced by the Minister of Finance, while acknowledging that the Child Support Grant remains below the food poverty line. However, the Child Support Grant remains one of the most significant tools to combat child poverty and facilitate transitions to sustainable livelihoods,” the Minister said. 

SRD extension and pathway toward basic income support

The department said work is underway on the broader basic income support policy, with costing models already finalised following the Cabinet submission of the draft framework.

Officials are also exploring linkages between social protection and employment pathways, including pilot programmes that connect Child Support Grant recipients to sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

“We intend to expand this initiative to all other provinces in the current financial year and beyond,” Chikunga said. 

SASSA modernisation delivers R1 billion in savings

A key highlight of the budget speech was progress in modernising SASSA systems and tightening grant administration controls.

The department reported that intensified grant reviews have already saved over R1 billion, which has been redirected to other priorities.

Key reforms include:

• Full rollout of a biometric beneficiary system across all 432 SASSA offices;
• Registration of approximately 1 million new beneficiaries on the system; 
• Expansion of the queue management system to 378 offices; and
• Ongoing rollout of remaining offices in the current financial year.

“As the agency expands this digital footprint, we are strengthening cybersecurity to protect beneficiary information and safeguard system integrity. 

“We will also expedite lifestyle audits for SASSA employees, beginning with officials in high-risk areas, including grant administration, finance, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and procurement,” Chikunga said.

Improved education outcomes

The Minister highlighted the positive outcomes linked to social grants, particularly the Child Support Grant. 

Of the 729 650 learners who wrote matric in 2025, 84.2% were recipients of the grant. The matric pass rate among grant beneficiaries rose from 74% in 2021 to 84.9% in 2025, while bachelor’s passes improved from 33.2% to 41.9%.

The department said these outcomes demonstrate the broader developmental impact of social protection, with many beneficiaries progressing to tertiary education through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and entering the labour market.

Gender-based violence

The department also placed strong emphasis on tackling gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which has been classified as a national disaster.

Government currently supports 142 shelters nationwide, with 47 districts covered. 

Five districts remain without shelter access, which the department said will be prioritised in the current financial year.

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre has received more than 39 000 calls since the start of the year.

Chikunga condemned recent violent incidents, including alleged mob justice cases, and called for stronger law enforcement response and increased public reporting of abuse through the toll-free line. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management has urged police to intensify investigations into the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe, who was allegedly shot dead by unknown assailants in Mahikeng in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The committee said law enforcement agencies must “leave no stone unturned” in tracking down those responsible for the killing.

Molosankwe was widely recognised in the North West for his outspoken community activism and advocacy on social justice issues. 

He gained national attention several years ago when he cycled from Johannesburg to Mahikeng to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He was also known for staging peaceful demonstrations outside the North West Legislature during sittings and for using social media platforms to highlight community concerns and hold public officials accountable.

Chairperson of the committee, Freddy Sonakile, described Molosankwe’s death as a significant loss to activism and civic engagement in the province.

“Thato was no stranger to the committee. Whenever he came across information affecting communities, he would share it with me directly and often requested intervention on matters of public concern,” Sonakile said.

The committee extended condolences to Molosankwe’s family, friends and supporters, while calling on members of the public with information about the shooting to cooperate with police investigations.

The committee also expressed concern about threats faced by activists and whistle-blowers, warning that violence should not be allowed to silence community voices.

“In a time where whistle-blowers and activists continue to face threats, intimidation, and even death, such acts cannot be allowed to become a tool for fearmongering or silencing voices within our communities,” Sonakile said.

He added that Molosankwe’s commitment to ordinary citizens and community struggles should be remembered as part of his legacy.

“May his death not be in vain, and may it strengthen the resolve to continue the fight for justice, accountability, and the emancipation of our communities,” Sonakile said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for deeper and more practical cooperation between South Africa and Botswana, as the two countries convened the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Wednesday.

Delivering opening remarks, Lamola emphasised that the identification of new and impactful areas of cooperation remains critical. 

“Both our countries must continue to explore further opportunities and establish practical avenues for joint development in the mutual interest of our nations,” he said. 

Lamola said stronger implementation of agreements and improved coordination would be central to the success of the bilateral relationship.

“As natural partners and reliable allies, South Africa and Botswana must continue to use the Bi-National Commission as an instrument through which we assess progress, resolve challenges and deepen cooperation,” he said.

Lamola expressed gratitude to the government of Botswana for its hospitality and reaffirmed the historic and fraternal ties between the two neighbouring countries.

“We also express our deep appreciation to the government and the people of Botswana for the warm hospitality extended to us since our arrival in this beautiful and historic city of Gaborone,” Lamola said.

He said the meeting took place at a time when both countries were expected to move beyond commitments and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements.

“This meeting takes place in a context where the people of our two countries expect us to work more closely and to achieve even higher levels of cooperation,” he said.

Strong trade ties, but a need for expanded investment

The Minister highlighted the strong economic relationship between the two countries, noting that South Africa remains Botswana’s largest trading partner.

According to the latest figures, total bilateral trade reached approximately R82 billion in 2025, with South Africa exporting R73.5 billion worth of goods to Botswana.

Botswana exported R7.7 billion worth of goods to South Africa, resulting in a significant trade surplus in South Africa’s favour.

Lamola said more than 100 South African companies currently operate in Botswana across banking, retail, mining, logistics and tourism.

He added that trade relations were “deeply integrated and mutually beneficial” but said both countries must expand cooperation in industrialisation and value chains to create more jobs.

Energy, minerals and infrastructure cooperation in focus

Lamola said energy security, mining and infrastructure development remain key pillars of cooperation between the two countries.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration on critical minerals, noting rising global demand and the need for African countries to ensure beneficiation and value addition.

“There is also a clear imperative to deepen cooperation in telecommunications, digital technology, financial services, tourism, hospitality, education and scientific cooperation,” he said.

South African development finance institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) are already engaging Botswana on infrastructure and development projects, including transport corridors and water resource management.

Lamola also welcomed Botswana’s plans to establish a One-Stop Border Post at Tlokweng/Kopfontein, saying it would improve trade efficiency and reduce congestion.

Migration and regional stability

Turning to migration, Lamola said regional discussions must address both opportunities and challenges, including irregular migration and security concerns.

“Migration itself is not a problem. The challenge facing South Africa is irregular migration and a high influx of illegal foreign nationals or migrants,” he said.

He called for collective regional solutions, including burden-sharing among countries of origin, transit and destination.

South Africa, he added, continues to align itself with SADC and African Union protocols on the free movement of persons.

Four agreements set for signing

The BNC is expected to conclude several agreements, including four key instruments focused on water management, biodiversity, energy cooperation and correctional services.

Among them is a Memorandum of Agreement on joint management of water quality in the Limpopo River, aimed at improving human health protection, pollution detection and ecosystem preservation.

South Africa and Botswana are also working on a revised Search and Rescue Agreement, MoU on cooperation in energy, agreements on biodiversity management and tourism cooperation and multiple science, technology and innovation partnerships, including SANSA–BIUST and SARAO–BIUST collaborations.  

Trade and integration agenda

The two countries are also advancing broader trade facilitation measures, including 24-hour border operations and improved sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation to ease agricultural trade.

South Africa supplies roughly two-thirds of Botswana’s imports, with agricultural exports alone accounting for about R14 billion of Botswana’s R15 billion agricultural import bill in 2025.

The Ministerial Session forms part of the Sixth Session of the Botswana and South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which will culminate in a Summit co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Gideon Duma Boko in Gaborone following preparatory meetings of Senior Officials and Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Botswana’s Minister of Water and Human Settlements Onneetse Ramogapi are expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the joint management of water quality and aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

The agreement forms part of ongoing cooperation between South Africa and Botswana on the management of shared transboundary water resources.

Majodina is currently on a working visit to Gaborone for the 6th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), taking place on 20 and 21 May 2026.

The two countries enjoy strategic water cooperation on shared water resources in the Limpopo River Basin and are both members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LimCom), established between South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to ensure the protection, ecosystem-based management, development and equitable utilisation of the shared river basin.

The Limpopo River Basin is a critical transboundary water resource that supports the livelihoods of a population of approximately 14 million people across the four nations through agriculture, domestic water supply, industry, biodiversity, and economic development.

The river transverses across the four countries, and as upstream members, South Africa and Botswana have a responsibility of ensuring that the quality of water in basin does not negatively impact the other countries.

The Upper Limpopo River Basin includes the Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo, and Mogalakwena catchments in South Africa and the Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse, and Tuti Rivers in Botswana.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said Majodina will also participate in a ministerial meeting ahead of the BNC session, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing cooperation on transboundary water resources between the two countries and progress made on the joint feasibility study on Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (LBWT) project.

The LBWT project aims to supply water for domestic, agricultural and industrial usage by Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa through a 700 km water conveyance pipeline from a dam on the Makhaleng River, a tributary to the Orange-Senqu River in the lowerlands of Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa’s multimillion-dollar contribution to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

The US$2.5 million pledge was made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of cases reported. 

“Africa CDC expresses its sincere appreciation to the people and Government of South Africa, and to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.

“At a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission, South Africa’s contribution sends a strong and reassuring message that Africa stands united in protecting the lives and well-being of its people, a pathway for Africa’s health security and sovereignty,” the continental health body said.

The pledge will support: 

• Strengthening critical response operations including continental coordination,
• Surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment,
• Infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities.

“South Africa’s leadership reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent.

“It is a practical demonstration of African solidarity in action and a reflection of the continent’s collective responsibility to respond rapidly and decisively to public health emergencies,” the Africa CDC said.

The CDC encouraged AU member states, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to “follow this example by contributing to the Africa Epidemics Fund and supporting ongoing response efforts”.

“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation.

“Africa CDC remains fully committed to working closely with affected Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, effective and Africa-led response,” the Africa CDC said.

The WHO response

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ramping up efforts to support the government of the DRC to swiftly implement critical measures to control and halt the outbreak of Ebola in the country.

“More than 35 experts and first responders from WHO and the Ministry of Health have been deployed to the field. 

“Additional teams are being deployed as the response intensifies to reinforce key measures including disease surveillance for early detection; clinical care; infection prevention and control; and engaging communities to ensure public health measures are observed.

“Collaboration with partner organisations and the private sector has been crucial in the timely delivery of the emergency supplies.

“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has provided essential airlift support for transporting supplies from Nairobi and facilitated ground access to enhance operational effectiveness,” the WHO said in a statement.

WHO Africa Head of Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics, Adama Thiam added: “The collaboration with MONUSCO has been pivotal in ensuring a swift response. Their ability to provide airlift support significantly enhances our logistics capabilities, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community effectively.”

Additionally, following negotiations, Ethiopian Airlines has reprioritised their flights to “ensure urgent delivery of cargo, demonstrating the commitment of our partners to assist during this critical time”.

“The supplied materials include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents, and water, sanitation and hygiene items – all crucial for preventing infection and managing cases effectively.

“Additional supplies are already in transit from Kinshasa and will reach Ituri in the coming days to bolster response operations, save lives, protect frontline responders and help end the outbreak,” the WHO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Rand Water has announced major planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which will lead to water supply interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.

According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity.  They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” the utility said in a statement.

Rand Water said the work had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during the winter season, which is traditionally a low-water-demand period.

Key maintenance activities will include Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems; the installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4; replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.

The planned maintenance will affect parts of Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Municipalities expected to be affected include the Metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities such as Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

Rand Water said various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” Rand Water said.

The utility added that regular updates on the maintenance programme would be communicated through its official channels, including social media platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a series of major breakthroughs in the fight against COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud.

This includes arrests in Mpumalanga, a conviction in the Free State and the preservation of assets obtained through the proceeds of crime.

“Together, these outcomes represent more than R27 million in UIF [TERS] funds that were siphoned from the state and are now preserved or recovered for the benefit of South Africans,” the unit said in a statement.

Mpumalanga ghost employees

In Mpumalanga, three people appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud involving ghost employees in the UIF-TERS scheme.

The three people – Fumu Mkalira Msiska, his wife Gladness Mkhonto Msiska and his brother-in-law, Bongani Zoran Mkhonto – allegedly fabricated employees and submitted fraudulent claims to the scheme.

“These ghost employees were used to channel public funds into private hands, depriving genuine workers of relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is further alleged that the funds were subsequently transferred from A and F Consulting to Khulani Quality Contribution, a company linked to Msiska’s wife. The brother-in-law, Mkhonto, allegedly acted as a runner by sourcing identification particulars used to facilitate fraudulent claims involving ghost employees and former workers of the company.

“When the SIU and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] interviewed some of the people from the North West and Mpumalanga whose details were used for these claims, and their details were obtained through scams that promised special grants, they were receiving free driving licenses or the details allegedly stolen from the local Sheriff’s office,” the SIU explained.

The husband-and-wife duo were granted R300 000 bail while Mkhonto was granted bail of R3 000.

“The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, issued a preservation order against assets suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including three properties in Pretoria, Middelburg, and White River, which were preserved, along with household goods, office equipment and bank accounts, ensuring that unlawfully acquired wealth is safeguarded pending forfeiture,” the corruption busting unit said.

Additional assets frozen include:

• 2019, Land Rover, Range Rover L560,
• A 2011 Toyota Fortuner
• A 2005 Mercedes-Benz, C180 Kompressor
• A 2015 BMW X6
• A 2019 Mercedes-Benz V250 D,
• 2010 Caterpillar, backhoe loader

In the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court, a 51-year-old man, Ente Thibello Sekhoto and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services were convicted and sentenced for fraud and money laundering.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Sekhoto fraudulently applied for relief funds on behalf of individuals who were not employed by his company, cheating the Unemployment Insurance Fund into paying R201 812.36 into his company’s bank account. The Department of Employment and Labour suffered direct financial loss,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit said the conviction and preservation order “demonstrate the effectiveness of SIU investigations in ensuring accountability and restitution of stolen public funds.

“The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These outcomes reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and restoring trust in institutions.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI), known as inflation, has risen by some 1.1% in April to reach some 4% mainly driven by rising fuel prices.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), this is the highest inflation has been since August 2024 when it stood at 4.4%.

“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18.2% from March, the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

“Petrol prices were up by 15.2% and diesel by 35.4%. The price for inland 93-octane petrol rose from R20.19 per litre in March to R23,25 per litre in April. This is the fifth-largest increase for this grade in 50 years, and the biggest this century. Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21.28 in March to R28.80 in April,” Stats SA said.

Furthermore, passenger transport services index climbed by some 3.1% between March and April, the “largest monthly rise since July 2022”.

“Following a 14.3% hike in March, the price of an air ticket jumped by a further 24.5%. This is the largest monthly increase in airfares since March 2008, when ticket prices rose by 32.4%,” the statistical service said.

Contrastingly, annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed for the third month in a row, decreasing from 3.6% in March to 2.9% in April.

“Meat registered the largest decline, easing from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April. Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3% and stewing beef from 22.6% to 8.7%. The rate for pork moderated from 19.5% to 17.7%.

“The cereal products category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation. Five of the 19 items in the category are cheaper than a year ago. These include white rice, maize meal, porridge, basmati rice and bread flour.

“Milk, other dairy products and eggs recorded its first annual increase since May 2025. The rate was 0.1%, up from March’s -0.5%. Powdered milk and eggs continue to occupy deflationary territory, at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively,” Stats SA highlighted.

The insurance index rose by some 1.3% owing to increase in medical aid contributions.

“Health insurance recorded a monthly rise of 1.8%, taking the annual increase to 8.3%.

“Several medical schemes increased their contributions earlier in the year, with the remainder implementing new premiums in April,” Stats SA noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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