Category: South Africa Government

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has hailed its military healthcare professionals for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in delivering life-changing medical services to patients in remote parts of Limpopo through Project OWETHU.

In a statement, the Department of Defence said Project OWETHU is the SANDF’s humanitarian healthcare initiative aimed at extending essential medical services to underserved communities across South Africa. 

The programme seeks to restore dignity, improve the quality of life, and strengthen the bond between the Defence Force and the communities it serves.

On Friday, 13 February, the Surgeon General of the SANDF, Lieutenant General (Dr) Ntshavheni Maphaha, alongside Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, joined military healthcare teams at Elim Hospital in Makhado. The team performed critical eye surgeries, successfully removing cataracts for patients, who had endured long waiting periods for specialised procedures.

“This remarkable initiative, commended by hospital staff for its impressive results, has recorded a total of 89 successful cases, surpassing the weekly target of 75 cases… Project OWETHU continues at the facility to ensure that even more patients can be attended to,” the department said.

Government leaders and communities in the province have also expressed their profound appreciation to the healthcare professionals, who distinguished themselves through acts of goodwill in serving patients who have endured prolonged challenges in accessing specialised care 

Project OWETHU underscores the importance of collaboration between national defence healthcare services and provincial health authorities, reaffirming the SANDF’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to public health and the well-being of citizens. 

The project visited Sekhukhune District (Mashoanyaneng Village) from 26 – 30 January 2026. It was in Waterberg District (Ga-Matlou) from 2 – 6 February. Project OWETHU also served the community in Vhembe District (Basani Village) from 9 – 13 February. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has urged young people in Sundays River Valley to actively pursue employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, describing it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the region.

Meth delivered this message during a community outreach campaign in Addo, within the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, on Monday. Meth led efforts to expand access to employment opportunities and essential labour services.

Engaging directly with residents and jobseekers, the Minister encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities within the farming and agricultural value chain, noting the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy.

The outreach forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to bringing services closer to communities, particularly those in rural and farming areas, ensuring that workers and employers can access support without travelling long distances.

“Residents of Addo benefited from a range of on-site services, including employment counselling, processing of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) applications and claims, resolution of enquiries, handling of Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases claims, as well as inspection and enforcement services to promote compliance with labour laws,” the department said. 

The Minister emphasised that taking services directly to communities reduces barriers to access and strengthens government’s responsiveness to the needs of communities.

The Department of Employment and Labour will continue rolling out similar service delivery initiatives across the province to widen access to government services and support economic participation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth is calling on employers in Gqeberha and surrounding areas to actively participate in the upcoming Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Commissioner’s Breakfast Session. 

The breakfast session is scheduled for Wednesday, 18 February, at the Southern Sun – The Marine – in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. 

The Commissioner’s Breakfast Session is a strategic engagement platform designed to deepen cooperation between government and business, strengthen compliance, and enhance the efficiency of UIF service delivery. Through this initiative, employers are afforded a direct channel to raise operational challenges, seek clarity on regulatory obligations, and resolve UIF-related matters in real time.

Meth emphasised that the engagement reflects government’s broader economic recovery and labour market stabilisation agenda, anchored in social protection, compliance, and partnership with the private sector.

“[The] UIF remains a cornerstone of social protection for workers and a vital support mechanism for employers navigating economic pressures. I urge employers in Gqeberha and surrounding areas to seize this opportunity to engage directly with Acting UIF Commissioner Dr. Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, raise concerns, and strengthen compliance. 

“Sustainable economic growth requires active collaboration between government and business. Together, we can ensure that the UIF continues to serve workers, support employers, and protect livelihoods,” the Minister said.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality to further strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, improve access to UIF services at local level, and promote inclusive economic participation. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has expressed deep concern following a serious road crash involving a scholar transport vehicle, which occurred at approximately 7am this morning, on the N4 eastbound, near Atteridgeville, Tshwane.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” the MEC said on Monday.

According to reports, a nine-seater Toyota Condor – transporting 17 school children – collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.

It is believed that the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.

All 17 learners were transported to a hospital with varying degrees of injuries. No fatalities have been reported.

The MEC has reiterated her call for intensified law enforcement operations to root out illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles and to ensure full compliance with road safety regulations.

She further emphasised that the driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and enforcement to safeguard learners and restore discipline on the province’s roads. –SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has welcomed the possible withdrawal by the Prudential Authority (PA) and the Repayment Administrator, Johan Kruger, of their court application seeking the liquidation of Ithala SOC Limited and Ithala Bank.

Ntuli described the development as a significant breakthrough following months of intensive engagements and negotiations led by the Provincial Government to safeguard the historic institution.

“This matter has never been merely about a financial entity; it has always been about protecting the economic aspirations of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the rural poor, small businesses and historically marginalised communities who rely on Ithala,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli has led engagements to resolve the impasse, working with Members of the Provincial Legislature, including Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Reverend Musa Zondi and Finance MEC Francois Rodgers.

The matter was elevated to the national leadership level, including discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as part of efforts to secure a sustainable and lawful resolution.

The Premier emphasised that while the possible withdrawal of the liquidation application is a positive and encouraging step, it does not mark the end of the journey.

“There is still a substantial amount of work that lies ahead. Our focus now shifts decisively to revitalising and stabilising Ithala so that it can stand firmly on its feet again and operate as a well-oiled, fully compliant, and sustainable financial institution,” he said.

The Premier acknowledged that the process has not been smooth sailing, describing it as a complex and, at times, difficult journey that required patience, discipline, and constructive engagement across different spheres of government and regulatory authorities.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Ithala emerges stronger, more resilient and properly structured to fulfil its developmental mandate. This institution has played a critical role in extending financial services to communities that were historically excluded from mainstream banking. That legacy must be preserved and strengthened,” he said.

The Provincial Government will continue working collaboratively with regulators, National Treasury, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks, while safeguarding the interests of depositors and the broader provincial economy.

Ntuli called on residents of KwaZulu-Natal to continue placing their trust in the Provincial Government as it steers Ithala through what he described as a critical phase.

“We understand the anxiety and uncertainty that this matter has caused. We assure the people of our province that their government remains fully seized with the task at hand. We ask for continued patience and confidence as we work diligently to secure Ithala’s long-term stability and growth,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has welcomed the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to support police in the fight against illegal mining.

The deployment was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address in Cape Town last week.

“This firm intervention…underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent necessity for a coordinated, robust response to dismantle highly organised criminal syndicates that have terrorised communities and undermined the rule of law,” the committee said in a statement.

The committee noted that it has consistently “raised concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining” in the province.

“During a recent unannounced oversight visit to the Bekkersdal Police Station, the committee received deeply disturbing reports of zama zamas [illegal miners] intimidating residents, perpetrating violent crimes and holding entire communities hostage through fear and lawlessness.

“Equally alarming are reports that more than 600 families were allegedly forced to flee their homes in Randfontein as a result of escalating violence linked to illegal mining activities, with displaced residents compelled to seek refuge in community halls.

“The committee reiterates that illegal mining is not a minor or isolated offence. It is an entrenched, organised criminal enterprise that endangers lives, destroys infrastructure, destabilises communities and erodes public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens,” the statement said.

The committee said a “more aggressive, integrated, multi-agency approach is required to decisively confront and eradicate this criminal menace”.

“In this regard, the deployment of the SANDF represents a critical and long-overdue intervention – one that the committee has repeatedly recommended. 

“The committee is confident that this decisive action will significantly strengthen law-enforcement operations, restore safety and stability in affected areas as well as send a clear and unequivocal message that criminality will not be tolerated in Gauteng.

“The [committee] will closely monitor the implementation and impact of the SANDF deployment and remains committed to working with all spheres of government to ensure that Gauteng is decisively reclaimed from illegal mining and that communities are able to live free from fear, violence and intimidation,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that on Monday the country will experience partly cloudy, warm-to-hot conditions over the western interior, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible from the afternoon.

“There is a yellow level 2 warning of severe thunderstorms over the central and southern parts of the Northern Cape for today, expected to result in a high likelihood of minor impacts of damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours that may lead to localised floods, with the likelihood expected to decrease to medium by Tuesday afternoon,” SAWS Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela said.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

• Monday: low chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and western parts).
• Tuesday: low to medium chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and southern parts).
• Wednesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (western parts), Eastern Cape (eastern half), and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Thursday: Low chance (40%) – KwaZulu-Natal and Highveld of Mpumalanga.
• Friday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape.
• Saturday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%): Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and the southern parts of North West.
• Sunday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State.

Possible severe thunderstorms:

• Monday: low chance (40%) – Northern Cape (central and western parts).
• Tuesday: low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (central and southern parts).
• Wednesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Northern Cape (western parts), Eastern Cape (eastern half), and the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Thursday: Low chance (40%) – KwaZulu-Natal and the Highveld of Mpumalanga.
• Friday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape.
• Saturday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and the southern parts of North West.
• Sunday: Low chance (40%) – Northern Cape, eastern parts of Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State.

Winds (not associated with thunderstorms):

• Monday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east and south coast of South Africa.
• Tuesday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east coast of South Africa.
• Wednesday: Low chance (40%) – south-west coast and east coast in the evening.
• Thursday: Low chance (40%) – West Coast of South Africa and southern parts of the Northern Cape.
• Friday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%)- south coast of South Africa.
• Saturday: Low chance – south coast of South Africa.
• Sunday: Low to medium chance (40% – 60%) – east coast of South Africa and the interior of the Eastern Cape province.

“Members of the public and stakeholders are strongly urged to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings, as warnings will be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer. 

“The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain from distributing such information further,” Thobela said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The East London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit have launched an intensive, coordinated manhunt for suspects involved in the fatal shooting of serving police sergeant, Ndodomzi Dion Tengile (42), at Zizamele Township, in Butterworth. 

The member was attached to Visible Policing at Port St Johns South African Police Service (SAPS) and was off duty at the time of the incident. The Hawks have been seeking public assistance in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. 

The attack allegedly occurred during the early hours of 2 February 2024, at approximately 02:05 at the said place. 

“Preliminary findings indicated that Tengile was travelling with his spouse from Port St Johns to Msobomvu,” the Hawks said in a statement.

It is alleged that after withdrawing business-related funds from First National Bank (FNB) in Butterworth, the couple returned to their residence at Zizamele Township.

Shortly thereafter, while Tengile remained seated inside his motor vehicle, two unidentified armed suspects reportedly approached him. Gunshots were ostensibly fired, fatally wounding the officer. 

“The suspects allegedly robbed the spouse of cash and personal belongings before fleeing with the Toyota Fortuner of the deceased. A murder case docket was opened, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for intensive investigation. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned not far from the crime scene,” the Hawks said.

A multidisciplinary team was activated comprising seasoned detectives, forensic experts, and crime intelligence operatives to ensure that the perpetrators were traced and apprehended without delay. 

However, no arrest has been effected at the moment, hence the police are seeking public assistance. 

The Hawks are appealing to any person, who may have witnessed suspicious movements at Zizamele Township during the specific date, to come forward. 

Information may be shared anonymously to the investigating officers, Colonel Raymond Buys on 082 301 1135 and Warrant Officer Sandisile Zenzile on 082 772 3664, or via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. 

All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous. The investigation continues with priority status. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a cessation of all violence and hostilities in South Sudan. 

The President delivered the closing remarks at the African Union (AU) Ad-hoc High Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit, held in Ethiopia on Sunday.

The summit was convened on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government in Addis Ababa.

“I want to welcome that we met at Heads of State level to provide a clear direction on the way forward. We have agreed that the Revitalised Agreement [on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan] remains the paramount legal instrument which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured. We encourage inclusive dialogue in accordance with the Revitalised Agreement.

“To this end, we should bring an end to all violence, hostilities and to allow all this and all other electoral processes to take place,” President Ramaphosa said.

Recommendations stemming from the summit include:

• There should be a ceasefire, and all hostilities must be brought to an end;
• There should be a release of political detainees, and this should also include people like the Vice President Riek Machar who is going through various processes of a legal nature;
• That there should be meaningful dialogue that is inclusive, that is thorough and leaving no stakeholder behind; 
• Elections must go on and not be postponed. There should be no more postponements, and the elections must be held on a free and fair basis including all the people who are eligible to participate in those elections (the citizens of South Sudan);
• There should be coordination of the efforts and work through IGAD Secretariat as well as C5; and 
• The Chair of the Commission should work together with three IGAD Heads of State (which is composed of sitting presidents) who will work together with the C5 and will have an oversight role to monitor and support the implementation of this process in South Sudan.

“We also agree that the Government of South Sudan needs to agree, identify and implement minimum standards, which should be put in place for people of South Sudan to exercise their democratic right to vote and choose their leaders.

“And that in this process there should be credible and meaningful processes to prepare for the elections as articulated by the Under-Secretary General of the UN,” President Ramaphosa said.

An inclusive and meaningful dialogue amongst all parties must also be conducted with an eye on leading to the “unification of forces and ensure that the political processes of preparing for elections do take place”.

Additionally, as the country moves towards elections in December, funding must be made available to ensure credibility.

“As regional leaders we will do our utmost best to assist South Sudan to transition to a peaceful and stable country. However, it is up to the leaders of South Sudan to act in good faith and demonstrate a willingness to undertake an inclusive process that fosters national cohesion, solidarity and reconciliation. And upholds the rule of law; and ensures a transparent, credible and peaceful electoral process.

“We have heard very clearly from President Salva Kiir that from their own point of view that they are committed to ensure that the roadmap is adhered to and that they would want us to assist them and support them without undue interference.

“That is something we should comply with and support the people of South Sudan without interference. That is what support should mean. Of course they will be open to counsel, to take advice and to be fully supported,” President Ramaphosa said.

Last week, South Africa was elected to serve a two-year term on the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council. 

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa was elected alongside Lesotho to represent Southern Africa on the council.

Read I South Africa elected to AU Peace and Security Council 

– SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Parks (SANParks) has suspended the indemnity and verification form requirement at Table Mountain National Park with immediate effect.

“We have listened to the concerns raised by visitors and tourism partners and have acted decisively. Over the next 12 months, SANParks will implement a fully digitised ID and passport verification system at park gates, including high-speed scanning technology to ensure accurate compliance while delivering a seamless visitor experience.”

The indemnity and verification form was introduced to strengthen verification and governance processes.

However, SANParks acknowledged that its implementation led to operational delays and visitor frustration.
During this time, gate operations will continue without the indemnity form requirement. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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