Category: South Africa Government

Police have arrested 16 817 suspects in connection with various crimes as authorities intensify their nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation running alongside Operation Shanela II.

“In the past week, these crime-fighting initiatives and tracking operations saw police apprehending 2 626 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, car-hijackings, sexual offences, house and business robberies.

“In addition, a total of 1 013 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trade as well as 771 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including confiscating 25 117 litres of alcohol,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The police recorded the following arrests:

• 146 suspects were arrested for murder. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests with 46, followed by the Western Cape with 22, Mpumalanga with 19, and then the Eastern Cape with 17.
• 141 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng at 30.
• 131 suspects were arrested for attempted murder across multiple provinces.
• 1 580 suspects arrested for assault GBH.
• 2 978 suspects arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests with 1 708, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 360, Gauteng 287, and then the Eastern Cape with 279.
• 279 suspects for dealing in drugs for the past week.
• 82 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
• 417 for possession of dangerous weapons.
• 27 arrested for human trafficking.

The following major seizures and recoveries were recorded in the same period: 1 709 rounds of ammunition; 128 unlicensed firearms; 1 916 dangerous weapons; contraband goods worth more than R20 million and 65 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

Two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested after police recovered two firearms stolen from officers who were shot and killed in Ivory Park on 01 December 2025. Seizures included the SAPS-issued R5 rifle and one pistol, and police investigation is ongoing.

Two bodyguards, aged 24 and 36 years old, were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for possession of a semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition. A vehicle, rifles, and ammunition were seized.

In the Western Cape, police uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing plant in Lansdowne and arrested two suspects aged between 26 and 39 years old. They were arrested for the illegal manufacturing and distributing liquor. Seizures included manufacturing equipment, an assortment of alcohol branding stickers, and unknown liquids.

Still in Western Cape, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit intercepted a truck on the N12 en route from Johannesburg to George carrying drugs. A box containing cocaine worth R3.6 million was seized and arrested a 46-year-old suspect for dealing in cocaine.

In Mpumalanga, police acting on intelligence intercepted a truck pulling two trailers with 12 water tanks with 5000-litre capacity packed with cartons of illicit cigarettes. 

The seized consignment consisted of 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million. A 43-year-old foreign national from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested after the discovery of illicit cigarettes hidden inside water tanks in Sundra on 05 December 2025.

Also in Mpumalanga, two Zimbabwean foreign nationals were arrested for dealing in dagga. This is after police intercepted a truck on the N2 Road from Empangeni en route to Zimbabwe and discovered six big bags of compressed dagga to the value of R1.2 million on 04 December 2025.

In the Northern Cape on 04 December 2025, police intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting a rhino horn on the N14 and arrested three suspected rhino poachers, aged between 42 and 48 years. Seizures included a rhino horn, a pistol, and ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Oshayanyawo, Ekombe led to the arrest of a 49-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearms. They seized an AK47 assault rifle with three rounds of ammunition, an HMC pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, as well as a shotgun with 13 rounds of ammunition.

In a separate operation, three suspects aged between 50 and 61 years were arrested at Makhasaneni for unlawful possession of firearms on 02 December 2025. During the operation, police recovered five homemade firearms, one homemade shotgun, one 38 special revolver, one pistol and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za

0 views

Businessman Tshepo Khoza has been sentenced to six years imprisonment, with two years suspended, after he falsely declared his company dormant and failed to declare the company’s income to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), despite earning approximately R3.6 million from tenders.

The conviction follows an extensive investigation under Project Blue Lights, which uncovered that Khiza’s company, Grey Apple Trading Enterprise, had received tenders from the South African Police Service (SAPS) linked to the DNA project that resided under the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit.

Khoza, the director of Grey Apple Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, was found guilty on three counts of fraud, including one which falls under Schedule 5 category (serious crimes), and one count of failing to register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) in contravention of section 234 of the Tax Administration Act. 

“These tenders were awarded due to Khoza’s family relationship with a senior SAPS official. Despite earning approximately R3.6 million between 2015 and 2018, Khoza falsely declared the company to be dormant and failed to declare income to SARS. The corruption trial wherein he is charged with others will resume on 22 February 2026,” SARS said on Tuesday.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter together with Head of Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Advocate Andrea Johnson, acknowledged the teamwork that led to this conviction, reinforcing the public’s trust in joint efforts to uphold tax compliance and fight corruption. 

“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime. It is theft from the national fiscus and, ultimately, from the millions of South Africans who depend on government services for education, healthcare, and social support. 

“Every rand stolen through fraudulent schemes undermines our country’s ability to deliver on its constitutional mandate. SARS will not tolerate such conduct. We will pursue every case relentlessly, and those who choose to defraud the system must know that accountability is certain and justice will prevail,” Kieswetter said.

This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between SARS, IDAC, and law enforcement agencies to combat tax-related crimes and corruption in public procurement. 

The case forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks that undermine fiscal integrity and public trust. This communicate our unswerving commitment to bring to book those that are committed to defraud the state. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

32 views

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers and restoring ethical governance in South Africa.

Speaking at the inaugural Annual Babita Deokaran Lecture on Tuesday, the Minister honoured the bravery of whistleblowers and condemned the recent assassination of Marius van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D, “who was shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan last Friday.

Hlabisa described this incident as a “national wake up call” during the lecture that celebrated the courage and achievements of whistleblowers.

READ | Three persons of interests identified in “Witness D” murder case

This as the Anti-Corruption Centre for Education and Research (ACCERUS) at Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership launched the Babita Deokaran Annual Lecture.

This initiative commemorates four years since the assassination of Deokaran on 23 August 2021, outside her home in Johannesburg. 

At that time, she was the Acting Chief Financial Officer of the Gauteng Department of Health and a key witness in investigations related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Deokaran’s fearless exposure of corruption, which included halting over R850 million in suspicious payments at Tembisa Hospital, made her a symbol of integrity. 

The PPE scandal refers to widespread corruption, overpricing, and mismanagement in the procurement of protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the lecture, Hlabisa paid tribute to Deokaran’s legacy and called for stronger protections for truth-tellers. 

The Minister outlined key commitments, including fast-tracking the Whistleblower Protection Bill, introducing mandatory municipal whistleblower protocols, enforcing accountability through the powers of the Auditor-General South Africa (AG), and establishing a Whistleblower Security Compact with law enforcement agencies.

These reforms aim to create a safer environment for whistleblowers, restore public trust, and embed ethical governance at the local level.

“Babita was killed because she blocked the flow of illicit payments. Witness D was killed because he lifted the veil on collusion. We will not honour their sacrifice with platitudes but with policy, protection, and accountability. Truth-tellers must never stand alone,” said Hlabisa.

The platform was used to commit to accelerating the Whistleblower Protection Bill, expanding its coverage beyond employees. 
This includes criminalising threats, enabling anonymous disclosures, and funding legal, security, and psychosocial support for whistleblowers.

The Minister also called for the implementation of mandatory safe-reporting frameworks in all municipalities, which would be linked to oversight from the AG and would have financial consequences for non-compliance.

He spoke about the need for the enforcement of remedial actions, the issuance of certificates of debt for ignored directives, and the establishment of public dashboards to track corruption cases. 

Hlabisa emphasised the importance of coordinated threat assessments and rapid protection measures in partnership with law enforcement and oversight bodies, advocating for transparent procurement and strict consequences for irregular expenditures.

He encouraged formal collaboration with anti-corruption organisations for training, analytics, and community reporting platforms. 

Speakers from academia, civil society, and government stressed that protecting truth-tellers is essential for ethical governance and democracy, not merely optional.

Inspired by Deokaran’s extraordinary courage, they called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of an Independent Whistleblower Protection Office, sustainable funding through a Whistle Protection Fund, a secure national reporting platform, and support for families, livelihoods, digital security, trauma care, and reintegration into the workforce.

Hlabisa’s keynote address coincided with the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”

This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of governments, leaders, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to confront corruption in all its forms.

In South Africa, Hlabisa stated that combating corruption remains a government priority, with ongoing measures to strengthen law enforcement, enhance prosecutorial capacity, and protect whistleblowers. – SAnews.gov.za

 

42 views

Interviews for South Africa’s new National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will get underway in Tshwane today.

The position will become vacant next month when current NDPP Advocate Shamila Batohi retires.

Wednesday’s public interviews will be conducted by a panel led by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

“This process is transparent and helps to build public confidence in the appointment of a person in this critical office.

“I selected a panel that would combine a variety of skills and experiences. These include the public service administration, financial management, legal and jurisprudence, administration of justice and the promotion of equality and human rights,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said of the panel last month.

READ | Interviews to select new NPA head to be held this week

Other members of the panel are:
•    Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andrew Christoffel Nissen.
•    Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale.
•    Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke.
•    Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
•    President of the Black Lawyers Association, Nkosana Mvundlela.
•    Representative of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Machini Motloung

Interviews of the six selected candidates will be held today and tomorrow.

First in the hot seat will be Advocate Nicolette Bell followed by Advocate Adrian Mopp and concluding the first day with Advocate Andrea Johnson.

On Thursday, the interview of Advocate Xolisile Khanyile will kick off proceedings followed by Advocate Hermione Cronje and Advocate Menzi Simelane.

Interviews commence from 10am and will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP0qi8o0cS0. –SAnews.gov.za

 

7 views

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has applauded the South African negotiating team for successfully securing the adoption of three proposals at the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – CITES COP20.

“The successful adoption of three of South Africa’s proposals to amend the listing of the species in CITES appendices is not only indicative of our leadership on the global conservation arena, but also the impeccable quality of scientists we have locally,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Held from 24 November to 05 December 2025, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh.

South Africa’s adopted proposals include the deletion of the bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) from Appendix II and the transfer of two types of succulents – Avonia quinaria and Euphorbia bupleurifolia – from Appendix II to Appendix I. 

In total, CITES COP20 considered 51 proposals for amendment of the CITES appendices while 114 draft working documents were submitted by CITES Parties.

“Our priorities are those that have direct implications to South Africa’s conservation efforts and sustainable use of its biological resources. These priorities have undergone extensive assessment and scientific advice from the Scientific Authority,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

0 views

The HIV Stigma Index 2.0 report launched on Wednesday reveals that, despite progress since the 2014 study, significant efforts are still needed to reduce stigma, improve healthcare experiences, and support the mental well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Today, the PLHIV sector, led by the National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA), unveiled the HIV Stigma Index 2.0 report. 

This comprehensive study measures and documents the stigma, discrimination, and rights violations faced by PLHIV in South Africa.

Conducted with the technical support of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), and international partners, the report highlights the persistent challenges encountered by PLHIV, particularly among key populations and young PLHIV. 

The National Chairperson of PLHIV and Project Director for the Stigma Index 2.0, Mluleki Zazini, believes the study marks a significant milestone in ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of PLHIV are at the forefront of research, advocacy, and policy development.

Zazini described the study as groundbreaking on a global scale, as it includes adolescents aged 15 to 17, acknowledging the country’s high HIV prevalence among young people and the urgent need to address stigma in this demographic.

The approximately 5 000 participants were primarily young adults, with almost 70% aged between 25 and 49.

Most participants were assigned female at birth, and a similar proportion identified as women, while smaller groups identified as men or as transgender.

The study also found that more than a quarter of participants fell into at least one key population group, including sex workers, people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals.

Key findings

A new study has revealed mixed experiences among PLHIV in South Africa, highlighting both progress and persistent barriers linked to stigma and disclosure.

More than half of the participants disclosed their HIV status voluntarily, mostly to family, friends and partners.

However, disclosure in workplaces and schools remained very low. 

The study also found that a small portion also reported that their status had been shared without their consent, mainly by family members. 

While many experienced supportive reactions from those close to them, fewer reported positive experiences when disclosing to acquaintances.

The study found that experiences of external stigma have declined compared to previous years, though discriminatory remarks and verbal harassment still occur. 

Internalised stigma continues to affect participants’ confidence, relationships and sense of self-worth, with young people and key populations – such as sex workers and people who use drugs – most affected.

The study also found that the stigma in healthcare settings persists, with some participants reporting judgmental behaviour from healthcare workers. 

Fears of stigma contributed to delayed treatment initiation for almost a third of respondents, and some admitted to interrupting their treatment. 

Key populations and persons with disabilities faced multiple layers of discrimination, including exclusion from family activities and fear of seeking care.

Tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma remains another challenge, with many reporting being gossiped about after a TB diagnosis. 

Participation in HIV support groups was relatively low overall, though higher among transgender participants.

Zazini said that stigma and discrimination continue to undermine South Africa’s response to HIV, discouraging people from testing, seeking treatment or disclosing their status. 

“These barriers not only affect individual health outcomes but also contribute to the ongoing spread of HIV,” he warned.

Recommendation

The study outlines several recommendations to tackle the stigma and discrimination still faced by PLHIV in South Africa. 

Key proposals include strengthening community-based referral programmes that support voluntary testing, informed consent and safe disclosure, alongside expanding counselling and peer-support groups.

It also calls for stronger anti-stigma campaigns and gender-sensitive policies in communities and health facilities, backed by multisectoral collaboration across government, civil society and PLHIV networks. 

To reduce internalised stigma, the report urges the rollout of mental health and peer-led support initiatives.

In healthcare settings, the study recommends training health workers on patients’ rights and the need for non-discriminatory, gender-responsive care, as well as establishing confidential systems to report stigma and rights violations.

Targeted interventions for key populations – such as sex workers, people who use drugs and transgender individuals – are also emphasised.

Women-led PLHIV networks are encouraged to take the lead in educating women and adolescents on their rights and access to care. 

The study notes that these efforts are essential to improving health outcomes and building a society free of HIV-related stigma.

Click here on the link below to access the presentation and other documents. – SAnews.gov.za

13 views

The National Treasury has successfully raised R11.795 billion under South Africa’s first Infrastructure and Development Finance Bond.

According to the National Treasury, the auction attracted strong market interest, with bids exceeding R26 billion and achieving a 2.2-times subscription rate.

The proceeds from the Infrastructure and Development Finance Bond will be used exclusively to finance projects under the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) programme.

The total issuance amount was split across 10 and 15-year maturities as follows: 
•    RI2036: R6.996 billion was issued at an interest rate of 8.575%.
•    RI2041: R4.799 billion was issued at an interest rate of 9.13%.

This issuance forms part of a suite of reforms, first outlined in the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, to boost investment in the infrastructure required to drive higher economic growth and improve service delivery. 

The bond will support projects under the Government’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI). 

READ | Government issues infrastructure bonds to boost investment

The BFI is a mechanism within the budget process that supports the execution of national priority infrastructure projects by using robust project screening methodology to assess eligibility for public funding. 

“During 2025, the government reconfigured the BFI to run four bid windows annually instead of just one. 
“The four bid windows enable public institutions, including national departments, provinces, municipalities and state-owned enterprises, to request funding for part of the cost of a project, as a basis to attract additional private funding,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

This allows government to improve the quality and scale of the public infrastructure pipeline and embed private sector participation in infrastructure delivery.

The inaugural auction size was allocated in line with current market rates to optimise the cost of government borrowing. 

“As part of the funding strategy, the National Treasury plans to tap these bonds in future auctions to finance further BFI-aligned infrastructure projects. These reforms include the development of long-term financing instruments to crowd in investment for priority public infrastructure,” National Treasury said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

54 views

The Ministers responsible for water from the four Orange–Senqu River Basin states have reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding the river basin as a strategic resource underpinning regional water security, climate resilience, economic development, and ecological sustainability.

The Ministers from the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Namibia, and the Republic of South Africa recently met in Gaborone, Botswana, for the 8th Ordinary Meeting of the Orange–Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Forum of the Parties.

According to a communiqué, the meeting reviewed progress on the cooperative management, development, and protection of the basin’s shared water resources and set strategic priorities to guide ORASECOM’s ongoing programmes.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to cooperative governance of the basin and welcomed significant progress achieved since the 2023 Forum held in the City of Tshwane, South Africa.
Among the key achievements noted are:

•    Advancement of the Revised ORASECOM Agreement: Ministers noted progress towards the ratification of the revised 2018 Agreement, which aims to modernise and strengthen the Commission’s legal and institutional framework to better respond to contemporary water challenges.
•    Prioritising sanitation and water quality: The Ministers acknowledged the integration of sanitation into the next Integrated Water Resources Management and Investment Plan (2026–2035). This will ensure coordinated action on pollution, water quality monitoring, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, and cross-sectoral coordination. 
•    Improving flow conditions in the Lower Orange–Senqu: The Ministers noted progress toward the Noordoewer/Vioolsdrift Dam Bridging Feasibility Study. With ORASECOM designated as the Project Executing Agency, procurement of the technical consultant is now underway.

Progress made
The Forum commended the Commission for delivering significant basin-wide initiatives, including:
Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Project (L-BWTP)
This flagship, multi-country water security project has completed both its pre-feasibility phase and the Dam Technical Feasibility Study. Outstanding work, including the technical study of the Water Conveyance System (WCS), Environmental and Social Assessments for both dam and conveyance infrastructure, and financial, legal, and institutional assessments, is expected to conclude by mid-2027.

Successful hosting of the 2025 Investment Conference
Held in Maseru in May 2025, the conference mobilised high-level political commitment and enhanced engagement with development partners, financiers, and private-sector actors focused on climate-resilient water investments.

Completion of the UNDP-GEF SAP Implementation Project
Field projects in all four countries delivered tangible community and ecosystem benefits—groundwater desalination in Botswana, improved water-quality monitoring in Lesotho, and the development of an estuarine management plan in South Africa.

Initiation of the ORASECOM Water Fund
The Ministers welcomed the progress toward establishing a dedicated long-term financing mechanism to support basin restoration, water security, and climate resilience. A Project Identification Form has been submitted to the Global Environment Facility to support further development.

Advancing gender leadership in water diplomacy
The Forum commended ongoing efforts to strengthen the Women in Water Diplomacy Network in the basin, acknowledging recent appointments of basin representatives to the Network’s Global Council.

The Ministers also reviewed the Commission’s financial status and expressed appreciation for continued support from international partners, including the African Development Bank and the Government of Germany. They encouraged sustained resource mobilisation and broader partnerships to secure long-term programme delivery.

Cooperation
The forum further welcomed steady progress within existing cooperation frameworks, including the Permanent Water Commission (Namibia–South Africa), the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, and the Botswana–South Africa Joint Permanent Technical Commission, highlighting the value of technical collaboration and shared management across the river basin.

The 9th Ordinary Meeting of the Forum of the Parties will be held in 2026 by the Kingdom of Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za

 

37 views

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on Monday welcomed the launch of Qantas Airways’ new direct flight between Johannesburg and Perth adding that it will boost tourism and trade.

De Lille said the move will also people-to-people relations between South Africa and Australia.

The launch took place in Johannesburg and was attended by the Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, Australian High Commissioner, Tegan Brink and senior executives from Qantas, South African Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.

De Lille said the new direct route represents more than just an addition to South Africa’s air network. 

“This is not just a new connection on a route map; it is a bridge between two nations, two peoples, and two tourism markets with enormous potential. It unlocks deeper collaboration, increased two-way travel, and stronger people-to-people ties,” she said.

The launch follows shortly after South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit in November, a milestone which showcased the country’s capability as a world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination. 

“The world recently saw a confident, warm, and capable South Africa, able to host global leaders with distinction. This momentum is carried forward through initiatives like expanded air connectivity.

She further emphasised that increased air connectivity remains a central pillar of the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan 2025-2029, particularly under its ease-of-access focus area, which addresses air routes, visa systems, and the removal of travel barriers.
The latest aviation data reflects strong recovery and expansion:
• International seat capacity now stands at 8.5 million, a 9.1% increase over 2024.
• 4.6 million seats are allocated to long-haul routes and 3.9 million to short-haul routes.
• Double-digit seat growth has been recorded since June 2025.

“This is airlift expansion at scale, backed by policy, planning and strong partnerships,” the Minister said.
Strengthening connectivity 
The Johannesburg–Perth service significantly strengthens South Africa’s connectivity with the Oceania region and is expected to play a critical role in growing inbound business events and leisure tourism.

It also provides improved access ahead of major industry events such as Meetings Africa 2026 and Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.
The route will also benefit South Africans travelling to Australia for business, education and family purposes, reinforcing two-way mobility and economic participation. 

Tourism performance from Australia continues to show strong growth:
• Arrivals from Australia in 2025 are nearly 30% higher than in 2024.
• Arrivals are now 10% above pre-COVID levels, signalling not only recovery but sustained expansion.

The new direct flight is also expected to play a strategic role as South Africa prepares to host major international sporting events, including the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027, further strengthening sporting and cultural ties between the two nations.

“Sport has always been a powerful bridge between South Africa and Australia. This service strengthens that bond even further,” the Minister said.

Minister De Lille further highlighted that South African Tourism will work closely with Qantas and industry partners to stimulate demand and ensure the long-term success of the route, while also positioning South Africa as an accessible gateway for travellers from across the wider Oceania region, including New Zealand.

“South Africa is rising. Tourism is thriving. And the world is taking notice. This new route brings new opportunities, new partnerships, and new travellers. South Africa awaits, and we cannot wait to welcome visitors who will arrive because of this flight,” the Minister concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

85 views

The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Dr Jennifer Anne Glennie.

Glennie passed away in a car accident on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at the age of 75. She was born in Johannesburg and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a first-class Honours degree in pure mathematics in 1971.

According to Nzimande, Glennie, who trained as a mathematician, was not only a distinguished and lifelong progressive educationalist but also a tireless advocate for social justice. 

The Minister praised the late mathematician for her immeasurable contribution to ensuring equal access to education for all and to the transformation of society.

“At the height of the anti-apartheid struggle, she initiated and participated in the formation of a number of progressive education initiatives and projects.” 

Through Khanya College, which was popularly known as the “people’s college”, Nzimande said she contributed to empowering black young people from marginalised communities and preparing them for university education.

According to the Minister, her intervention laid the basis for future policy thinking on the transformative power of people’s education and fed into and deeply informed the formation of the National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) in 1986 and its declaration for a radically new people’s education system.

In later years, as the founding Director of the South African Institute of Distance Education (SAIDE), she championed innovative and inclusive solutions, including the African Storybook initiative, which promotes home-language literacy for African children.

In her roles as a member of the Council for Higher Education (CHE), Council and Broad Transformation Forum Member at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Council Member at Sol Plaatje University, she made a significant contribution to shaping and strengthening higher education policy and governance in our country.

Owing to her lifelong commitment to educational development and social justice, the Minister said Glennie was a recipient of a number of prestigious national and international honours.

These include being appointed as a Fellow of the International Commonwealth of Learning, the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Pretoria for her contribution to education and the African Council for Distance Education Legacy Service Award for her exceptional contribution to the field of open distance and e-learning.

“It is also worth pointing out that her work in the field of education contributed to significant advances in related areas such as reading for meaning, technology for education, mother tongue-education and decolonisation.

“Her indefatigable and visionary educational activism over the past five decades also intersected with the various grassroots interventions that were implemented by the liberation movement during the dark days of apartheid, under the vision of ‘A People’s Education for People’s Power.’” 

Nzimande believes that the totality of her work contributed to a much larger goal, building South Africa into a country where all its citizens can realise their potential, regardless of their race, gender, class, religion, or area of residence.

“The passing of Dr Glennie constitutes an incalculable loss to our country’s education and science fraternity.

“Those of us who worked with her will remember her as an irrepressible activist and ethical public servant, who dedicated her knowledge and skills to the building of a humane and just country and world.”– SAnews.gov.za

 

10 views