Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Municipality commits to full repair of Kings Beach sewer system

GabiK
Tue, 08/05/2025 – 11:49

Source: Government of South Africa

North West relaunches Human Resource Development Council 

Gabisile
Tue, 08/05/2025 – 11:07

Source: Government of South Africa

By Nosihle Shelembe 

Significant progress has been made in improving operational and capacity-related challenges that have plagued the Port of Durban in recent years.

As a facilitator in trade and contributor to the economy, the Port of Durban was grappling with backlogs, equipment shortages, and ageing infrastructure. 

To minimise the impact on the South African economy, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) implemented a number of urgent interventions to ensure the port and cargo handling services to businesses in South Africa and beyond were efficient.

Handling approximately 60% of South Africa’s container traffic, the Port of Durban located in KwaZulu-Natal, is the largest and busiest container terminal in Africa. 

It plays a critical role in the national economy by facilitating trade and managing large volumes of cargo — including containers, vehicles, dry bulk, break bulk, and liquid bulk.

This activity supports business operations, job creation, factory productivity, tourism, and ultimately helps bring revenue into the country.

In addition to its cargo operations, the port also offers a range of marine services such as dredging, navigational aids, ship repairs, marine operations, and pilotage.

“As Transnet, we have been implementing our recovery plan, which is aimed at improving operational efficiency. The initiative started at the height of the congestion that took place in November 2023 through January 2024. 

“From a TNPA point of view, particularly at the Port of Durban, we started daily operational meetings with all our stakeholders to make sure that we deal with the issue. 

“It also became necessary to use our capital expenditure to acquire new cargo handling equipment, expand the tug jetty and upgrade the road infrastructure at the port,” TNPA Acting Port Manager, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said during a media tour at the port.

Transnet has been rolling out several initiatives aimed at improving both operational efficiency and financial performance. 

These efforts focus on improving the availability and reliability of rolling stock, strengthening the rail network, ensuring access to critical spare parts, and enhancing maintenance of both rail and port infrastructure. 

Investment

As part of its Recovery Plan, Transnet invested R3.4 billion this year to strengthen its equipment fleet, with the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) receiving the bulk of this investment.

The new equipment for DCT includes four ship-to-shore cranes for the South Quay, 40 haulers and 67 trailers, which are scheduled to arrive between April and December 2025.

This equipment will replace ageing machinery at the Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, improving cargo handling capacity and speed.

In 2023, TNPA also acquired seven new tugboats at a cost of R1 billion, five of which were assigned to the Port of Durban, with two sent to the Port of East London.

“We invested in some equipment such as tugs. Tugs assist from a marine services point of view, as they are designed to manoeuvre other vessels by pulling or pushing them. We are making sure that we have the right equipment to ensure the improvements of the ship turnaround time,” Ben-Mazwi said.

A tugboat is a small vessel designed to guide and tow larger ships within confined harbours and narrow canals. They facilitate the safe passage of large ships through narrow channels, busy stretches, and shallow water.

“This acquisition forms part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which is an important element of Transnet’s efforts to revitalise South Africa’s ports and support economic growth.

“As the busiest port in sub-Saharan Africa, the additional fleet will enable the Port of Durban’s readiness to respond with [an] on-demand craft in the safe navigation of vessels within the port,” the Acting Port Manager said.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernise the port, TNPA completed the Tug Jetty Expansion Project in 2023. This involved the construction of a new jetty adjacent to the existing one, providing improved berthing for tugboats and enhancing their operational readiness.

Road rehabilitation

Due to the increased number of trucks entering the port, which has led to the deterioration of road conditions, TNPA invested R233 million to rehabilitate roads in key precincts such as container terminals Maydon Wharf and Island View (liquid bulk).

“Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.

“The road rehabilitation project will ensure that TNPA delivers on its mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to the South African economy,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

Improving operations 

The Prince Edward Dry Dock, built in the 1920s, remains a key facility for ship repair, maintenance, rescue services and vessel certification. Located in Durban, it contributes to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in marine engineering and ship repair industries.

“There are many other projects that we are doing to ensure that we improve operations, enable the economy of South Africa to grow and ensure that we do not destroy existing jobs. We remain resolute in making sure that we achieve that,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

In March this year, Transnet issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.

With the precinct extending approximately 145 hectares, featuring 15 berths and boasting capacity of over seven million tons of cargo annually, it primarily serves as a mixed-use area hosting cargo terminal for dry bulk, break bulk, a limited amount of liquid bulk and a small number of containerised units.

Interested parties were invited to submit proposals to design, develop, fund, construct, operate, maintain, and transfer the terminal for a 25-year concession period.

The issuance of the RFP signified Transnet’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port of Durban. 

By attracting capable terminal operators, Transnet aims to modernise infrastructure, optimise cargo handling and strengthen the port’s role as a key trade gateway for the region. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will unveil the bust of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) combatant Mbulelo “Khaya Kasibe” “Ntsizwa” Ngono on Thursday, 7 August 2025, in Lurhwayizo village, Eastern Cape.

As part of his responsibilities to promote social cohesion initiatives, particularly focusing on Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as well as Military Veterans, the Deputy President will lead the Eastern Cape government in honouring the 38th commemoration of the Battle of Lurhwayizo.

This year marks 38 years since the Battle of Lurhwayizo in Willowvale.

Lurhwayizo Store in Willowvale is the site of an iconic Battle of Lurhwayizo that took place 38 years ago over two days, from 21 and 22 January 1987. 

During this battle, Umkhonto weSizwe combatant Ngono bravely engaged a combined force of the Transkei Defence Force, Transkei Police, and South African Police Force, along with State helicopters, in a 36-hour shootout.

Government commemorated this battle in January by the memorialisation of the bravery of Ngono, which was followed by a theatre production and enactment of the happenings of that fateful day of 1987. 

After these activities, a bust of Ngono was commissioned and will be unveiled as a solemn tribute to the courage, resistance, and resilience of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“Although the remains of Mbulelo Ngono remain missing, we continue to honour him and many others for putting their lives on the line in defence of the freedoms we enjoy today,” the Deputy President said. 

The Deputy President will be joined by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and the Provincial Executive. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country commemorating Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted progress made in protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Over the past year, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has made significant inroads in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and related crimes. 

Between 01 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the unit secured 2 941 convictions and arrested 22 219 suspects for GBV, femicide, sexual offences and crimes against children.

This as there are 176 FCS units countrywide, supported by Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units at both national and provincial levels. 

These specialised teams focus on four primary categories of FCS-related crimes:
•    Sexual crimes (rape, incest, sexual assault)
•    Person-directed crimes (assault, assault grievous bodily harm, murder)
•    Illegal removal of persons (kidnapping, abduction, missing children)
•    Electronic media-facilitated crimes (child sexual abuse material, non-consensual sharing of intimate content)

Forensic Social Workers (FSWs) also play a critical role within the FCS environment. They assist investigators by conducting age-appropriate forensic interviews with child victims, assisting courts to make fair and informed decisions.

Leading this critical unit is Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, a seasoned senior female detective who brings invaluable expertise to the fight against these crimes.

In a statement on Monday, the SAPS said 604 offenders were sentenced to life imprisonment, 350 offenders were sentenced to 20 years or more, 735 offenders were sentenced to 10–19 years and 1391 offenders were sentenced to 1-9 years between April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

“During this same period, 22 219 suspects who committed FCS related crimes were arrested. Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal registered the most arrests,” said the police.

The Western Cape had 4 727 arrests, Gauteng 4 278 and KwaZulu-Natal 3 802.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, praised the dedicated men and women in blue for their tireless efforts in protecting society’s most vulnerable.

“Through resilience, unwavering dedication, and high-quality investigations, our men and women in blue continue to ensure that sexual offenders are brought to justice and removed from society. Every conviction brings us one step closer to a safer South Africa for all women and girl children,” said General Masemola.

South Africa marks Women’s Month annually in August wherein the country pays tribute to the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. 
– SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

In a coordinated weeklong operation, Gauteng police emergency services, including the Flying Squad, K9 Units and Highway Patrol members, apprehended 133 suspects between Friday, 25 July and Thursday, 31 July 2025.

The operation has also led to the recovery of 35 hijacked and stolen vehicles, and eight unlicensed firearms.

“The members participated in various concentrated operations, vehicle check points, secure escorts and intensive patrols around Gauteng, which led to 71 arrests for serious crimes including assault common and GBH (grievous bodily harm), possession of suspected stolen property, possession of precious metals, common robbery, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol.

“The arrests also included [those for] contravention of the Immigration Act, armed robbery, housebreaking, illicit cigarettes, house robbery, contempt of court, kidnapping, murder, contravention of protection order, hijacking, shoplifting, rape, business burglary, tampering with essential infrastructure, intimidation and theft,” the South African Police Service reported.

Thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with the recovered stolen vehicles, while five were detained in relation to the eight confiscated firearms.

As part of targeted anti-drug operations, about 44 suspects were arrested for drug possession and trafficking. Heroine, dagga crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and mandrax were also confiscated in separate incidents. Investigations into these cases are ongoing.

During routine patrols on Friday, members of the Benoni Flying Squad arrested four suspects and seized drugs.

The police officers also stopped a white Suzuki Swift on the R555 Road in Etwatwa at approximately 06:45 on Friday. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 transparent bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R30 000. A 26-year-old suspect was arrested on the scene.

“Three suspects, aged 22 to 28, were taken into custody by police in Tsakane near Cornwell. Nyaope and crystal methamphetamine were recovered in these separate incidents.

“The suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate’s Courts facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Progress made in improving operations at Port of Durban [feature] 

By Nosihle Shelembe 

Significant progress has been made in improving operational and capacity-related challenges that have plagued the Port of Durban in recent years.

As a facilitator in trade and contributor to the economy, the Port of Durban was grappling with backlogs, equipment shortages, and ageing infrastructure. 

To minimise the impact on the South African economy, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) implemented a number of urgent interventions to ensure the port and cargo handling services to businesses in South Africa and beyond were efficient.

Handling approximately 60% of South Africa’s container traffic, the Port of Durban located in KwaZulu-Natal, is the largest and busiest container terminal in Africa. 

It plays a critical role in the national economy by facilitating trade and managing large volumes of cargo — including containers, vehicles, dry bulk, break bulk, and liquid bulk.

This activity supports business operations, job creation, factory productivity, tourism, and ultimately helps bring revenue into the country.

In addition to its cargo operations, the port also offers a range of marine services such as dredging, navigational aids, ship repairs, marine operations, and pilotage.

“As Transnet, we have been implementing our recovery plan, which is aimed at improving operational efficiency. The initiative started at the height of the congestion that took place in November 2023 through January 2024. 

“From a TNPA point of view, particularly at the Port of Durban, we started daily operational meetings with all our stakeholders to make sure that we deal with the issue. 

“It also became necessary to use our capital expenditure to acquire new cargo handling equipment, expand the tug jetty and upgrade the road infrastructure at the port,” TNPA Acting Port Manager, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said during a media tour at the port.

TNPA has been rolling out several initiatives aimed at improving both operational efficiency and financial performance. 

These efforts focus on improving the availability and reliability of rolling stock, strengthening the rail network, ensuring access to critical spare parts, and enhancing maintenance of both rail and port infrastructure. 

Investment

As part of its Recovery Plan, Transnet invested R3.4 billion this year to strengthen its equipment fleet, with the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) receiving the bulk of this investment.

The new equipment for DCT includes four ship-to-shore cranes for the South Quay, 40 haulers and 67 trailers, which are scheduled to arrive between April and December 2025.

This equipment will replace ageing machinery at the Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, improving cargo handling capacity and speed.

In 2023, TNPA also acquired seven new tugboats at a cost of R1 billion, five of which were assigned to the Port of Durban, with two sent to the Port of East London.

“We invested in some equipment such as tugs. Tugs assist from a marine services point of view, as they are designed to manoeuvre other vessels by pulling or pushing them. We are making sure that we have the right equipment to ensure the improvements of the ship turnaround time,” Ben-Mazwi said.

A tugboat is a small vessel designed to guide and tow larger ships within confined harbours and narrow canals. They facilitate the safe passage of large ships through narrow channels, busy stretches, and shallow water.

“This acquisition forms part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which is an important element of Transnet’s efforts to revitalise South Africa’s ports and support economic growth.

“As the busiest port in sub-Saharan Africa, the additional fleet will enable the Port of Durban’s readiness to respond with [an] on-demand craft in the safe navigation of vessels within the port,” the Acting Port Manager said.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernise the port, TNPA completed the Tug Jetty Expansion Project in 2023. This involved the construction of a new jetty adjacent to the existing one, providing improved berthing for tugboats and enhancing their operational readiness.

Road rehabilitation

Due to the increased number of trucks entering the port, which has led to the deterioration of road conditions, TNPA invested R233 million to rehabilitate roads in key precincts such as container terminals Maydon Wharf and Island View (liquid bulk).

“Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.

“The road rehabilitation project will ensure that TNPA delivers on its mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to the South African economy,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

Improving operations 

The Prince Edward Dry Dock, built in the 1920s, remains a key facility for ship repair, maintenance, rescue services and vessel certification. Located in Durban, it contributes to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in marine engineering and ship repair industries.

“There are many other projects that we are doing to ensure that we improve operations, enable the economy of South Africa to grow and ensure that we do not destroy existing jobs. We remain resolute in making sure that we achieve that,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

In March this year, Transnet issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.

With the precinct extending approximately 145 hectares, featuring 15 berths and boasting capacity of over seven million tons of cargo annually, it primarily serves as a mixed-use area hosting cargo terminal for dry bulk, break bulk, a limited amount of liquid bulk and a small number of containerised units.

Interested parties were invited to submit proposals to design, develop, fund, construct, operate, maintain, and transfer the terminal for a 25-year concession period.

The issuance of the RFP signified Transnet’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port of Durban. 

By attracting capable terminal operators, Transnet aims to modernise infrastructure, optimise cargo handling and strengthen the port’s role as a key trade gateway for the region. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Letsike condemns school bullying incident

GabiK
Tue, 08/05/2025 – 08:00