Category: South Africa Government

Over 13 000 suspects were nabbed for various offences in nationwide Operation Shanela II police operations.

A total 13 020 suspects were arrested in operations carried out between 06 and 12 July 2026.

Amongst those arrested are 1 886 individuals wanted for serious and violent crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery and hijacking. 

In addition, 105 individuals were arrested for murder with the majority of the arrests having been made in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. Police also arrested 138 suspects for rape while 276 others were cuffed for dealing in drugs.

For the contravention of the Immigration Act, 2089 illegal foreign nationals were nabbed of which 801 were apprehended by police in Gauteng. In addition, 523 people were arrested for driving under the influence while 488 others were nabbed for the possession of dangerous weapons among others.

Meanwhile, police recovered 46 stolen or hijacked vehicles while also seizing 100 unlicensed firearms including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. 

In addition, a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation, conducted at Losberg Kloof Mine in Westonaria, Gauteng on 07 July 2026, resulted in the arrest of 217 suspects.

“Operation Prosper was led by police in Gauteng in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services and Fidelity Specialised Services. The operation targeted illegal mining activities and related criminal offences in the area,” said the police.

In a separate operation, SAPS in collaboration with SANDF arrested 120 illegal miners in Mohlakeng, West Rand District. The suspects face charges related to possession of gold bearing material and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Our men and women in blue remain hard at work to ensure a safer and more secure country for all,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has officially launched a coffee bean production project at the state-owned Kgora Farmer Training Centre near Ramatlabama in Mahikeng.

First announced by MEC Madoda Sambatha during the department’s Budget Vote and Policy Speech, the project aims to diversify agricultural production, creating new economic opportunities and supporting emerging farmers in the province.

The initiative will focus on coffee cultivation, processing and value addition, as well as creating market opportunities for locally produced coffee. The project also includes the construction of a processing facility that will enable the on-site de-husking, roasting and packaging of coffee beans and granules.

The project is expected to create employment opportunities, transfer agricultural and processing skills to farmers, and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in the North West. It will also explore opportunities to access local and international markets, including potential exports to Turkey and other countries.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, Sambatha said the partnership with TIKA demonstrates the department’s commitment to introducing new agricultural opportunities that can benefit farmers and rural communities.

“This project marks an important step towards diversifying agriculture in the North West. Through our partnership with TIKA, we are introducing a new commodity that has the potential to create jobs, support farmers and open new market opportunities. We appreciate TIKA’s support in helping us establish this project,” Sambatha said.

He also highlighted that the project has the potential to expand beyond Kgora Farmer Training Centre and could be replicated in other districts if it proves successful.

“Our aim is for this project to grow and benefit more communities across the province. As we implement it, we will assess opportunities to expand coffee production to other areas and ensure that more farmers can participate in this value chain,” he said.

As part of its contribution, TIKA has provided coffee trees and processing equipment and will continue supporting the project through technical assistance, skills development, and market access support.

Most beneficiaries are drawn from communities surrounding the Kgora Farmer Training Centre and Ramatlabama area, ensuring that local residents benefit from skills development, employment opportunities and economic activities linked to the project.

The department believes the coffee bean production project will contribute to agricultural innovation, strengthen value addition, and support the development of a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector in the North West Province. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for urgent action to eliminate fragmentation within the province’s skills development system.

Speaking at the close of the Third Term KwaZulu-Natal Human Resource Development (HRD) Council orientation, held recently in Umhlanga, Ntuli, who chairs the provincial HRD Council, said greater coordination, accountability and capacity building within the skills development ecosystem are essential to addressing the growing mismatch between available skills and labour market demands.

He urged Council members to rely on credible data and statistics to help the province eradicate misalignment and mismatches in the skills required in the current employment sector.

“The time for sugar-coating issues is over. Now is the time to tell us the things we do not want to hear so that we can solve the pertinent issue of chronic unemployment among the youth, especially graduates.

“This chronic unemployment is a ticking time bomb, which when left unattended, will lead to our destruction. Unemployment is a sore thumb and a painful thorn in the flesh of the province,” Ntuli said.

The Premier said the Human Resource Development Council has a responsibility to provide practical, honest and evidence-based guidance that will help government, institutions of higher learning and industry to respond more effectively to the province’s unemployment crisis.

He noted that skills development initiatives must be directly aligned with the lived realities of communities and the province’s economic challenges.

Ntuli also congratulated newly appointed Human Resource Development Council members, saying they had already demonstrated a willingness to confront the province’s unemployment and skills challenges.

“This is the calibre of leaders that our Human Resource Development Council deserves. Leaders who are not afraid to tackle unemployment and skills challenges head-on,” Ntuli said.

In an effort to address issues related to the local economy, Ntuli announced plans to convene a roundtable on the spaza shop economy. He said the roundtable will be aligned with the development of entrepreneurial skills and the broader objective of expanding opportunities for local economic participation.

“Human Resource Development cannot be pursued at the expense of the lived realities that face our people on a daily basis,” Ntuli said.

The Premier also said the ongoing debate around undocumented foreign nationals laid bare the question of skills facing local citizens, particularly in relation to access to opportunities and participation in the economy.

He concluded his remarks by urging Human Resource Development Council members to act with urgency in resolving the skills mismatch and misalignment facing KwaZulu-Natal and the country.

Ntuli said the Council must play a decisive role in building a skilled, responsive and competitive workforce capable of supporting economic growth, reducing unemployment and creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the province. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Board of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has resolved to place its Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Dlamini, on precautionary suspension following allegations of impropriety against him contained in a whistleblower report submitted last month.

Dlamini was placed on precautionary suspension in line with the PIC’s whistleblower policy.

In a statement on Monday, the Board said it believed it was necessary to give Dlamini sufficient space and time to respond to the allegations.

“In line with applicable labour legislation and internal PIC policies, the precautionary suspension is intended to ensure a fair, objective and independent investigation into these allegations.

“The suspension does not, in any way, constitute a finding nor is it a pronouncement of any wrongdoing on the part of the CEO. The Board is finalising interim arrangements for the position of Acting CEO and will make further announcements in due course.”

The Board also resolved that Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) Acting Chief Investment Officer August Van Heerden will cease serving in the position.

It has appointed Leon Smit, the current Head of Fixed Income in Listed Investments at the PIC, as Acting Chief Investment Officer to ensure stability and the optimum management of PIC investment decisions.

The Board said Smit is a highly accomplished investment professional with more than three decades of experience in fixed income, treasury management and financial markets.

He joined the PIC in August 2000 and currently leads the management of listed fixed income investments and cash flows in accordance with client mandates.

He is responsible for overseeing the PIC’s listed fixed income dealing activities in the domestic market and driving investment performance while maintaining prudent risk management.

Smit holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Economics from the University of Pretoria and has completed advanced qualifications in Treasury Management, Financial Markets, and Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS).

He has previously acted as Chief Investment Officer for several interim periods.

The Board said it remains committed to the highest standards of governance and institutional integrity. –SAnews.gov.za

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NPA Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, has assured that the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) remains confident in its case against alleged underworld boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his 16 co-accused in respect of the allegedly fraudulent Medicare24 contract case.

This after Matlala withdrew from a plea and sentence agreement he had entered into with the State after the Magistrate rejected the proposed sentence before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.

“We assure the members of the public that a plea and sentence agreement is a legally recognised and legally viable strategic mechanism of preventing a protracted trial by concluding same with a cooperating accused person against whom the State has a formidable case and to get evidence that was not readily available. It is certainly not an indication of the State’s lack of confidence in its case.

“The IDAC is now focusing on ensuring that the pending trial proceeds without hinderance,” Mothibi assured.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago noted that the “genesis of the proposed plea and sentence agreement is that Matlala voluntarily approached… IDAC to propose a plea deal, which ultimately led to discussions between him, through his attorneys, and the State”.

“This turn of events meant that the matter had to be postponed to 11 September 2026, wherein Mr Matlala will rejoin his co-accused as the plea and sentence agreement being declared null and void. 

“The NPA holds the firm view that his withdrawal will not negatively impact the IDAC’s case against the 17 accused, as we believe there is sufficient evidence to sustain the charges preferred against all the accused in this matter,” Kganyago stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host the South Africa–Namibia Business Forum at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Friday.

The forum forms part of the programme of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Namibia.

It will bring together government and business representatives from both countries to engage on initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

According to the dtic’s Acting Deputy Director-General for Exports, Willem Van der Spuy, the key objectives of the forum are to identify barriers currently hindering cross-border trade and align strategies to improve transport and logistics, enabling the seamless movement of processed goods across the border.

“The bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia should evolve to focus more on the implementation of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Industrialisation Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in a way that promotes the development of regional value-chains and growth of the respective economies and creates employment by tapping into manufacturing and export potential in among others, agriculture and agro-processing, clothing, textile and footwear industries,” Van der Spuy said.

He said the forum will also explore how South Africa and Namibia can leverage their complementary strengths to build resilient regional ecosystems, promote value addition and accelerate industrialisation in key sectors, including manufacturing.

The forum will be held under the theme: “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) will investigate allegations of maladministration and unlawful conduct in the affairs of the Free State Department of Education.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed Proclamation 325 of 2026, authorising the SIU to probe the department.

“The investigation will review the procurement and contracting processes for construction services performed by or on behalf of the department from 1 March 2014 until the date of the proclamation.

“It will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State in relation to and any related matters, projects at Caleb Motshabi [formerly Thuto Ke Thebe] Primary School, Malebogo Primary School and Tlholo Primary School,” the SIU explained.

The corruption busting unit will also probe whether procurement processes “complied with applicable legislation, National Treasury and Provincial Treasury regulations, as well as the department’s procurement policies and procedures”.

“The investigation will further examine any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, service providers, or any other individuals or entities involved.

“It will also include any related conduct involving the same persons, entities or contracts identified during the investigation,” the SIU added.

Great Kokstad Local Municipality

The President has also signed a notice to amend Proclamation 244 of 2025 related to the Great Kokstad Local Municipality.

“The original proclamation, published on 31 January 2025, authorised the SIU to investigate the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services by or on behalf of the Great Kokstad Local Municipality, and any payments made in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective.

“It also investigates any irregular, unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, service providers, suppliers, or any other person or entity during the period under investigation.

“The amendment extends the investigation period to commence on 5 June 2020 instead of 1 January 2022 and continue until the date of publication of the amended proclamation,” the SIU said.

The investigation covers:

• Bid GKM 19-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences for a period of three years; and
• Bid GKM 16-22/23 for the appointment of a service provider to supply customer care and IT service desk solution for a period of three years.

The amendment further expands the scope of the investigation to include:

• Bid GKM 43-19/20 for the supply and delivery of laptops and desktop computers; and
• Bid GKM 14-20/21 for the supply and renewal of software licences.

“The SIU is mandated to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, irregular expenditure, unlawful conduct and any related corruption or fraud, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.

“In terms of the Act No. 74 of 1996, the SIU is empowered to investigate matters referred to it by the President and to institute civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations.

“The SIU may also recover financial losses suffered by the State arising from acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration or any other unlawful conduct identified during these investigations,” the SIU stated. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has called on artists, cultural institutions, industry bodies, community organisations and the public to submit nominations for the 2026 National Arts and Culture Awards before the deadline this week.

The awards, held under the theme “Celebrating Our Nation’s Creative Excellence,” recognise individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to South Africa’s arts, culture and heritage sectors.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie urged South Africans to nominate creatives who have made a difference.

“South Africa is full of incredible talent, but talent cannot be honoured if no one nominates it. Don’t assume someone else will do it. If you know an artist, performer, writer, filmmaker or cultural practitioner who has made a difference, nominate them today,” McKenzie said.

Deputy Minister Peace Mabe also encouraged the sector to participate.

“The National Arts and Culture Awards belong to the entire creative sector. We encourage individuals, communities, institutions and industry leaders to nominate those whose work is preserving our heritage, transforming lives and strengthening South Africa’s cultural future,” Mabe said.

Nominations must be submitted through the official NACA Digital Portal, https://naca.dsac.gov.za/, by 23:59 on 19 July 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.

Nomination guidelines, award categories and eligibility criteria are available on the portal.

The awards ceremony will take place on 21 August 2026. Updates are available on the Department’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sportartsculturersa

–SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen will address the opening of the Manufacturing Indaba at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday.

“The Manufacturing Indaba is an annual exhibition platform allowing businesses of all sizes from industry giants to emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their products, technologies, and innovations to a highly targeted audience,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

According to the department, the exhibition aims to promote Africa’s reindustrialisation by bringing together business leaders, policymakers and investors.

The event will be held under the theme: “Made in Africa for Africa: Get South African and African Production onto shelves and into global value chains.”

The convention provides a platform to strengthen economic development, create employment and promote local production.

“The event is dedicated to advancing Africa’s industrialisation and reindustrialisation by promoting local manufacturing, value-added production and economic growth.

“It brings together manufacturers, investors, policymakers, technology providers, logistics companies, financiers, and industrial leaders to discuss strategies for competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation,” the department said.

The department said the Manufacturing Indaba 2026 represents a key opportunity to connect, learn and drive Africa’s manufacturing future through innovation, trade and industrial transformation. – SAnews.gov.za

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