Category: South Africa Government

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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Ahead of the Easter Holiday period, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has issued a stern warning to travellers and officials that any involvement in illegal activities will be detected and met with decisive consequences.

“We issue a stern warning to travellers and officials that any involvement in illegal activities will be detected and met with decisive consequences,” BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said on Sunday.
Earlier this month, the BMA announced that it had dismissed more than 50 immigration officials found to be involved in corrupt activities at ports of entry across the country.

Addressing a media briefing on the Authority’s operational plan for the Easter period, the Commissioner said the BMA will continue to use technology such as drones and body-worn cameras to deter corruption involving officials and non-compliant travellers.

“The BMA remains committed to delivering a secure, efficient, and traveller-friendly border environment. This 2026 Ester Operational Plan reflects a balanced approach between facilitation and enforcement, ensuring that South Africa’s borders contribute positively to economic growth while safeguarding and maintaining national security,” he said on Sunday.

The BMA also expressed appreciation to the KwaZulu-Natal Government for procuring and donating a drone, which has “increased our surveillance resources to address illegal migration.”

The Commissioner said the introduction of highly secured stamps on the 1st August 2025, with unique identifiers allocated to each immigration officer, continues to play a critical role in deterring the illegal/unlawful stamping of non-compliant passports.

In addition, the implementation of the ongoing anti-corruption and fraud awareness sessions under the leadership of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) through the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum continues to educate officials by demonstrating the serious consequences associated with corrupt tendencies/practices.

“As the BMA, we remain firmly bound by principles of integrity, operational excellence, and accountability. We do not take lightly our responsibility to protect the integrity of our borders and ensure the legitimate movement of people and goods. 

Masiapato called on members of the public to plan their journeys in advance, comply with all legal requirements, and cooperate fully with border officials. 
“We call on all travelers and stakeholders to adhere to the laws of the Republic and support/enable our personnel to perform their duties effectively.”

He said that high-risk areas will be closely monitored through coordinated operations with law enforcement agencies, supported by intelligence-led targeting and increased inspection of persons, vehicles, and goods.

Masiapato concluded by urging members of the public to assist by reporting suspicious activities and corruption by calling the BMA toll-free number 0800 122 9 019 or through the official website at www.bma.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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 The Cape Town International Airport is experiencing a temporary water supply disruption due to ongoing municipal repair work outside the airport precinct.

“While airport operations continue, contingency measures are in place to support passengers and stakeholders. Passengers are encouraged to follow airport announcements for guidance,” the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said on Sunday.

ACSA owns and operates South Africa’s nine principal airports, including three international gateways: O.R. Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.

In a post on social media platform, X, Cape Town International Airport apologised for the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, ACSA said it was aware of false information circulating regarding flight disruptions at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.

“We confirm that this information is incorrect and misleading. Airport operations are running as normal, with no widespread cancellations or delays. ACSA continues to work closely with airlines and operational teams to ensure the safe and efficient movement of passengers,” it said on Saturday. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms that are expected in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

“Severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, extreme south-eastern Lowveld of Limpopo, and the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal [are expected],” said the SAWS.

In addition, a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for the Free State, North West, the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, and the extreme western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng (excluding the extreme north) and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. 

Heavy downpours, leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock are expected. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the reappointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal on a five-year fixed-term contract.

In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS said the reappointment follows consultation with the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Thamsanqa Ntuli.

“Further details will be provided in due course. [National Police Commissioner] General [Fannie] Masemola has wished Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi well as he continues to provide stability and decisive leadership in the province of KwaZulu-Natal,” said the police. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Police operations have led to the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million across various parts of the country.

“This week, police collectively seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during multiple takedown operations in different parts of the country. The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a joint takedown operation in Bellville on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R117 million,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday.

The multidisciplinary team also comprised members from the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Crime Intelligence, the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Public Order Policing (POP) and officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, among others.
The team seized over 130 000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, caps, sunglasses, and watches.

In Gauteng, police executed several takedown operations in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Meyerton, Vanderbijlpark, and Vereeniging throughout the week.

In one operation, the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, with support from various role players, shut down a counterfeit manufacturing plant operating in a medical building in the Johannesburg central business district.

“Counterfeit goods and label-printing machines worth over R28 million were seized. Additionally, a takedown operation in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the seizure of a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over R15 million in Sydenham,” said the police.

The police said the illegal trade in counterfeit goods not only undermines the economy of South Africa but also threatens consumer health and safety, infringes on intellectual property rights, and erodes legitimate businesses.

Vehicle smuggling
Meanwhile, the work of the National Task Team deployed to the Emanguzi northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal has secured yet another conviction of a vehicle smuggler.

This follows the Mtubatuba Regional Court sentencing 45 -year-old Mpumelelo Cloud Goba on Friday to direct imprisonment for the theft of a motor vehicle worth more than R700 000 from a parking lot in Durban in August 2025.

“The accused was sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment, half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition he is not found guilty of a similar offence,” the police said in a statement.
According to the police, the team operationalised information which was circulated about a Toyota Fortuner stolen from the parking lot in Durban.

Police intercepted the said vehicle with false registration en route to Emanguzi to be handed over to another driver to be smuggled into Mozambique, ultimately leading to Goba’s arrest.

“He was charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, and the team further conducted an investigation as well as successfully opposing his bail application in the Hluhluwe District Court until his case was transferred and finalised in the Mtubatuba Regional Court on 27 March 2026.

“This sentence underscores the Emanguzi Task Team’s unwavering commitment and dedication to deal decisively with cross-border crimes, especially vehicle smuggling from South Africa to the neighbouring countries, mostly to Mozambique,” the police said.

Since April 2025 to date, the team has arrested 96 suspects for various offences, seized 16 illegal firearms, including imitations and recovered 67 vehicles, as well as a truck.

“The team remains dedicated to combating cross-border crimes in the north of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas, specifically focusing on vehicle theft and smuggling, robbery, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder and robbery,” the police said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa’s power grid has continued to show stability, with Eskom recording over 300 days without load shedding.

“South Africa’s power grid continues to demonstrate a sustained period of stability, with Eskom’s generation fleet delivering consistent improvements and strong operational performance,” the power utility said.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom said the country has experienced 315 consecutive days without an interruption in supply. Only 26 hours of load shedding were recorded in April and May 2025.

Eskom said the progress made is driven by the Generation Recovery Plan, which has resulted in a 10.80% improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF). The EAF stands at 65.37% for the financial year to date, compared to two years ago.

In addition, year on year diesel expenditure has been reduced by 61.22%.
“These gains underline Eskom’s commitment to securing long term energy sustainability and supporting South Africa’s economic growth,” it said, adding that the EAF remains consistently above 65%.

Between 20 and 26 March 2026, the average unplanned outages recorded were at 11 265MW. This showed a notable improvement from the 14 122MW experienced during the same week last year, a reduction of 2 857MW.
“This underlines the ongoing gains in reliability across the fleet.”

For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 26 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R10.098 billion, significantly lower than during the same period last year, a 61.22% reduction year on year.

“Over the past week, diesel usage contributed 0.49 GWh of electricity to the grid at a cost of R2.78 million, resulting in a weekly load factor of 0.085%. This diesel usage was primarily associated with commissioning tests conducted during the return to service of Unit 11 at Gourikwa Power Station following a major outage,” it said.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 995MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 30 March.

Eskom published its Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

In addition, the utility is making progress in ending load reduction with 210 453 customers no longer affected during peak periods.

“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.”

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, over the course of the weekend.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

“Severe thunderstorms leading to flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as strong damaging winds and hail, resulting in damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock [are] expected over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service said in an update.

In addition, the weather service said hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to stay alert. According to the provincial government, the warning is in place from 2 pm on Saturday until Sunday, 29 March.

“Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and severe lightning are expected, posing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in the north-eastern parts of the province. 

“Stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to cross rivers or streams. Your safety comes first, stay alert and follow official updates,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads, and bridges. This also includes strong, damaging winds and hail over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, central parts, and eastern parts of Free State, as well as in places over KwaZulu-Natal, except in the north-east.

A Yellow Level 1 Warning for severe thunderstorms has also been issued for the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. According to the service, the rains could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as strong, damaging winds and hail, resulting in localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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As the Easter Holidays approach, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on South Africans to donate blood, highlighting the critical need to maintain adequate supplies during the long weekend.

The SANBS has set a national target of collecting 6 000 units of blood by today, Saturday, 28 March 2026, as part of its “Answer the Call” campaign.

The organisation warned that while many people will be travelling or spending time with loved ones over the long weekend, hospitals will continue to treat trauma patients, perform surgeries, and care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and managing chronic illnesses, all of which rely on a steady blood supply.

“In hospitals across South Africa, there are patients lying in hospital beds whose recovery depends on something many of us can give in just 30 minutes, blood. Behind every blood donation is a life waiting to be saved,” the SANBS said.

Public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection centres, increasing the risk of shortages.

One example is Lezhanne Hartwell, where blood donors became the lifeline that helped save her young daughter’s life. Her 18-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in October 2020, and required a blood transfusion shortly after.

“I would like to thank all blood donors because of your generosity; you have contributed to saving our little girl’s life,” Hartwell said.

Her daughter received a 200ml transfusion at Donald Gordon Hospital – an experience that changed Hartwell’s perspective on blood donation. Despite being afraid of needles, she has since committed to donating blood regularly after realising how vital it can be for families facing medical emergencies.

SANBS noted that each unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, yet public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection sites.

The national blood service has encouraged both regular donors and first-time donors to take time on 28 March to help ensure that hospitals have the blood they need throughout the Easter period.

Young donors like Sibongeleni Hlongwane, a 23-year-old from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, are already answering that call.

Hlongwane began donating blood at the age of 17 while still in school and continues to do so as a way of giving back to society.

“Donating blood is a meaningful way to help others. I encourage more young people to get involved and participate in community blood drives,” he said.

SANBS Senior Manager for Donor Relations, Monique Schreiner, said Easter is a time associated with giving and renewal.

“By donating blood, South Africans can give a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday, the gift of life,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner emphasised that the blood donation process takes about 30 minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime.

To participate, South Africans are encouraged to visit their nearest SANBS donor centre or mobile clinic on 28 March. To find your nearest donor centre, call the SANBS toll-free number on 0800 11 90 31 or visit the organisation’s website at www.sanbs.org.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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