Category: South Africa Government

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‘Attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself’

Source: Government of South Africa

A stark warning echoed across the Union Buildings’ lawns today as the country honoured police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty: those who target South Africa’s police will face the full might of the law.

The warning was issued by Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the annual South African Police Service (SAPS) Commemoration Day.

The day honours the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

He assured police officers across the country that government “stands firmly with the men and women of the SAPS”.

“We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime. We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.

“We should not allow these ruthless acts by criminals to continue. Criminals should never be free to roam our streets whenever they choose. Most importantly, as our community’s first line of defence, you must always remain vigilant and never let your guard down,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Tackling criminality

The Deputy President acknowledged that criminality – particularly organised crime – remains a concern.

“Drug trafficking syndicates, gangs and other forms of organised crime represent an urgent and growing challenge in South Africa. The killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot and killed by more than seven armed robbers at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 08 August 2025, is but one example of the many senseless killings of our police officers.

“Let me reiterate, as police officers, you must not die with your service firearms in your holsters. You have a duty to protect your lives; this means you must use force that is proportional to the threat that you face. You must not surrender to any form of criminality,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Solemn occasion

During the ceremony, the Deputy President together with bereaved families, Acting Minister of Police Professor Firoz Cachalia, and National Commissioner of the SAPS General Fannie Masemola laid wreaths at the SAPS Memorial Site at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The fallen officers were also honoured with a final salute and their names will be engraved on the SAPS memorial wall.

“The 27 officers we commemorate today now take their rightful place on the Roll of Honour. Their families must know that, even in grief, there is pride. Their names will echo through generations as symbols of sacrifice and devotion to duty. They may be gone, but their legacy endures in the safety of our communities and in the freedom of our democracy.

“Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of our brave officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the spirits of our brave heroes and heroines find everlasting tranquillity. Let their bravery motivate us to create a South Africa that promotes safety, justice, and freedom,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Cachalia added that the names will “now be forever engraved on the honour roll…not merely as names carved in stone, but as powerful reminders of courage, sacrifice and service to the nation”.

“The loss of a police officer is not only a loss to their family, their colleagues, or their community – it is a profound loss to the entire nation and should be considered as a crime against the state. These men and women stood on the frontlines of our democracy, protecting our people and upholding the rule of law, in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances.

“We bow our heads with gratitude and respect. To the families who are here with us – we know that no words can truly ease the pain of your loss. But please know this: the memory of your loved ones will never fade. Their dedication and ultimate sacrifices will not be forgotten. They live on – not only in your hearts, but in the collective conscience of a grateful nation.

“As we read their names and lay wreaths in their honour, let us renew our commitment to the ideals for which they stood. May the memory of our fallen heroes forever inspire us. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace,” Cachalia said. – SAnews.gov.za

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DTIC responds to Draft National Credit Regulations concerns

Source: Government of South Africa

DTIC responds to Draft National Credit Regulations concerns

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has moved to assure the public that the recently published Draft National Credit Regulations are not targeted at prejudicing any particular group.

This after concern was raised that the draft regulations may cause harm to persons who have student debt.

“Minister Parks Tau wishes to assure the country that the recently published regulations regarding changes to the credit environment are not intended to prejudice individuals who are indebted to institutions of higher learning. Rather, the focus is to ensure access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises [MSME’s].

“As part of an ongoing process of ensuring that the credit environment is robust, draft regulations were published on 13 August 2025 for a period of 30 days. These proposed regulations are provided for in the National Credit Act,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

Assisting MSMEs

The department explained that government was committed to “improving coordination with MSMEs to access the finance ecosystem” in order to address the “persistent challenges and barriers in the sector”. 

“Lack of adequate MSMEs credit and risk history impedes their ability to access credit from formal sector providers resulting in them falling prey to informal lenders that charge exorbitantly.

“Regulatory reforms are part of broader efforts to enhance access to finance for MSMEs and close the long-standing credit gap they face. We are all too aware that the majority of our people have faced systematic exclusion and these regulations seek to undo this exclusion, by unlocking access to finance. 

“We are also acutely aware of the debt burden faced by many young people in the country and would not act to further prejudice those who need assistance,” the department said.

The department insisted that improving MSME financing was critical for South Africa’s economic growth.

“Improving MSME financing is a key driver of economic growth, with a particular focus on ensuring transformed, inclusive and affordable financial services for women, underserved communities, and vulnerable groups. Bridging this financing gap will not only strengthen MSME resilience and expansion but also contribute significantly to the overall growth of the national economy.

“The proposed regulatory amendments aim to improve visibility of MSMEs to access finance from formal sector providers by establishing opportunities to generate credit and risk histories as part of a more holistic programme to support MSMEs and township economies more generally,” the department said.

Public comments on the draft regulations are expected to close on 12 September 2025.

“The Minister is committed to a fair public participation process. This includes ensuring all inputs that are made during the public participation process are considered before finalising the regulations, and if necessary, extending the period of public participation. 

“To this end, the Minister notes the comments that have been made in the public domain as they relate to the draft regulations. 

“The Minister remains committed to ensuring that these regulations do not unfairly impact on individuals as an unintended consequence. The Minister will engage stakeholders in order to clarify this process and allay any fears that this process may prejudice the most vulnerable in our society,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, at the South African Police Service National Commemoration Day, Union Buildings, Pretoria

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
Families of our Fallen Heroes and Heroines;
The Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia;
Deputy Ministers of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Mr Cassel Mathale;
Members of the Executive Committee (MECs) present;
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron and Members of the Portfolio Committee;
The National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola;
JCPS Directors-General present;
Deputy National Commissioners present;
Divisional Commissioners and Provincial Commissioners present;
Representatives from Organised Labour, SAPU & POPCRU;
All Members of the South African Police Service;
Distinguished Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

Dumelang!! Avuxeni!! Ndi Matsheloni!! Sanibonani!! Goeie more!!

I stand here on behalf of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who, due to pressing State obligations, could not be with us this morning. 

The President asked me to convey his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen Officers, and he expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by the South African Police Service.

This ceremony is one of the commemorations I wish we could skip for a year, not because of its lack of importance, but because it would mean that no officers had fallen in the line of duty. Each year we commemorate this event, my heart is weighed down with sorrow, thinking about the child who has lost a parent, the spouse who has lost a husband or wife, and a brother or sister who has lost a sibling.

Given the young ages of some of these fallen heroes, I see parents who have lost sons and daughters, some of whom were breadwinners. As parents, you had to endure the unimaginable pain of laying your children to rest, grappling not just with the sorrow of your child’s passing but also grieving the loss of hopes, dreams, and a future.

To the families gathered here, especially the spouses who now carry the heavy burden of grief, we say: South Africa shares in your sorrow. We know that your loss cannot be measured, for it is a wound that will never fully heal.

To the children of our fallen Officers, some of whom sit before us today, we say: your pain is our pain. Please be aware that your parents died as heroes and heroines, and their sacrifices are acknowledged by the whole country.

To the colleagues, the men and women of the SAPS who stood shoulder to shoulder with these Officers, we recognise your pain. You have lost teammates, mentors, and friends. We honour your courage to return to duty, despite the risks you face every day.

It is because of these kinds of risks that we are all here today at the SAPS Memorial Site to honour and remember 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/2025 financial year. Last year, we mourned 39 of their colleagues. Together, that brings the devastating figure of 66 police officers killed in just two years. Sixty-six lives cut short while protecting our democracy, our communities, and our freedom. These deaths have ruthlessly torn apart sixty-six families.

This statistic is alarming, especially because these people might have led the SAPS to a safer, crime-free South Africa. Their sacrifice reminds us that maintaining the delicate balance between order and chaos is costly. It reveals the merciless nature of the criminals you confront.

Among the 27 remarkable individuals we are commemorating today, let us take a moment to remember two cherished individuals, the eldest and the youngest.
● Constable Boikokobetso Retlotlisitswe Sonopo, just 26 years old, with barely one year of service. On patrol in Mount Fletcher on the evening of 28 June 2024, his team was ambushed. He was robbed of his weapon, his uniform, and his life. He was a young man full of promise, taken from us too soon.
● Lieutenant Colonel Pieter Pretorius, aged 59, was a devoted father and seasoned investigator stationed at the Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit. Just one year before his well-earned retirement, he was ambushed and gunned down on 16 January 2025 while returning from lunch. His killers sought to silence justice, but they will not succeed. To date, ten suspects have been arrested, a testament to our commitment that justice will prevail.

We should not allow these ruthless acts by criminals to continue. Criminals should never be free to roam our streets whenever they choose. Most importantly, as our community’s first line of defence, you must always remain vigilant and never let your guard down.

Our Government stands firmly with the men and women of the SAPS. We are intensifying efforts to ensure your safety and to equip you adequately for the fight against crime. We are resourcing specialised units, investing in advanced technology, strengthening intelligence, and tightening laws to deal decisively with those who target police officers.

Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a Police Officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws.

Fellow Compatriots,

The rate of criminality, especially organised crime syndicates in South Africa, is a major concern. Drug trafficking syndicates, gangs and other forms of organised crime represent an urgent and growing challenge in South Africa. The killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot and killed by more than seven armed robbers at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 08 August 2025, is but one example of the many senseless killings of our Police Officers.

Let me reiterate, as Police Officers, you must not die with your service firearms in your holsters. You have a duty to protect your lives; this means you must use force that is proportional to the threat that you face. You must not surrender to any form of criminality.

The government will continue to promote initiatives that unite society for a safer South Africa, recognising that crime is a shared responsibility between the police, community, and business sectors. We encourage citizens to collaborate with the police and Community Policing Forums to provide crucial information for criminal identification and arrest.

According to the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), approved by Cabinet in 2020, the SAPS will need the support of all branches of Government and all facets of society to fulfil its constitutional mandate, which is to create a safe and secure environment for all inhabitants of South Africa.

The residents of this country are the most significant participants in the fight against crime. Communities must cooperate with, not against, the Police. Families, religious leaders, traditional authorities, and civic organisations all have important roles to play. When communities collaborate with law enforcement, they eliminate criminals’ hiding places and restore safety.

We are also greatly concerned by reports of collusion between some of our own members and criminals. We encourage all of you to uncover wrongdoing inside your ranks, regardless of who is involved. As a nation, we rely on the SAPS to ensure that there is peace and order. 

We must work together to solve the institution’s inefficiencies and lack of public trust. As we memorialise the departed, we must also look to the future and take steps to improve the institution they fought for and dedicatedly served.

We must promote openness, accountability, and integrity within the SAPS. We must instil a culture of professionalism, respect, and compassion among our Police Officers. We must prioritise community participation, collaboration, and inclusion to build trust and enhance partnership between law enforcement and the general public.

The 27 Officers we commemorate today now take their rightful place on the Roll of Honour. Their families must know that, even in grief, there is pride. Their names will echo through generations as symbols of sacrifice and devotion to duty. They may be gone, but their legacy endures in the safety of our communities and in the freedom of our democracy.

As we lower our heads in remembrance and honour, let us lift our resolve through action. Let us stand united against those who threaten the peace of our nation. Let me leave you with this thought: when we protect those who protect us, we protect the very soul of our democracy.

On behalf of the Government, I express gratitude to Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia; National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola; and SAPS Management for their leadership and dedication to the men and women in blue. We urge you to continue leading from the front, ensuring that no Officer’s sacrifice is in vain.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of our brave Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May the spirits of our brave heroes and heroines find everlasting tranquillity. Let their bravery motivate us to create a South Africa that promotes safety, justice, and freedom.

I thank you.

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SAWS issues KZN weather warning

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 7, 2025

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, with heavy downpours expected over the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the weather service, the downpours can lead to “flooding of roads and settlements”.

“A cut-off low pressure system extending to the surface is expected to be situated over the central interior of the country tomorrow [Monday], with a surface high pressure system east of the country resulting in onshore flow. As a result, isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN. 

“Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe over the western parts of KZN, and will be accompanied by heavy damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail,” SAWS explained.

The thunderstorm may cause:

  • Flooding of roads and bridges as well as formal and informal settlements.
  • Hail may result in infrastructure damage.
  • Danger to life due to fast flowing water/streams.
  • Major travel disruptions (including route obstructions) and incidents.
  • Damage or loss of infrastructure and settlements.

“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. 

“If possible, stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity,” the weather service said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Murder of insolvency lawyer, Bouwer van Niekerk, condemned

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has condemned the killing of insolvency lawyer, Bouwer van Niekerk.

The lawyer was shot at his Johannesburg-based offices on Friday.

“The Minister extends her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mr van Niekerk during this difficult time. Mr van Niekerk worked on many matters, and there is no indication yet of what could have led to this crime.

“The Minister appreciates that a full investigation is underway and wishes to reiterate that the investigation must speedily deal with the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to book, in order to restore faith in our laws and law enforcement officers,” the department said in a statement.

News of Van Niekerk’s death came on the same day that a man was fatally shot outside the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.

It also comes after the murders – in separate incidents – of two prosecutors in the Eastern Cape.

“The Minister strongly condemns these senseless acts of violence, particularly attacks directed at members of the legal profession who play a vital role in upholding justice and the rule of law.

“The Minister calls on anyone with information on the two incidents to come forward and assist the South African Police Service,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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R8m Gauteng Enterprise Propellor tender set aside

Source: Government of South Africa

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a ruling by the Special Tribunal to set aside an R8 million tender awarded by the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP).

The tender – which was the subject of an SIU investigation – was awarded for the Township Entrepreneurship Awards.

“The SIU investigation, initiated under Proclamation No. R. 7 of 2021, uncovered that the bid submitted by Exclusive Management Services [EMS] was non-responsive as it did not include the mandatory Standard Bidding Document, which was only submitted 11 months after the closing date. 

“A key finding was that the price attached by EMS to the bid [R8.5 million] differed from the price [R7.4 million] considered by the Bid Evaluation Committee [BEC]. Evidence indicated that EMS had quoted a higher price than another bidder, and would have lost the bid had its correct, higher price been used in the evaluation,” the SIU said.

Furthermore, the corruption busting unit found evidence within the supply chain management unit that the “process was manipulated to ensure EMS was awarded the tender”.

“Furthermore, the evidence indicates that BEC did not evaluate the bidders for price; this was done contrary to procurement regulations.

“The SIU also found that the BAC chairperson signed the BEC report as the chairperson four days before being officially appointed to the position. When the BAC met, it did not have the requisite tender documents and rubber-stamped the BEC’s recommendation without the required scrutiny. 

“Furthermore, the BEC report…showed that EMS and another company met the functionality threshold and were evaluated based on price. 

“The BEC recommended EMS be appointed at R7 486 380, not the R8 527 200 the company had attached to its bid. The minutes of the BAC meeting show that individuals not appointed to the committee attended the adjudication meeting,” the unit said.

Following the SIU’s instigation of legal action, the tribunal made the following orders:

  • The decision of the GEP’s Bid Adjudication Committee dated 14 November 2017 to approve the appointment of Oratilwe Consultants CC, trading as Exclusive Management Services (EMS), for tender is declared invalid and set aside.
  • The Service Level Agreement (SLA) entered into between GEP and EMS on 20 December 2017 is declared invalid and set aside.

“This order is a direct result of the SIU investigation, which found that the process was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, or cost effective. 

“Following its investigation, the SIU implemented a comprehensive consequence management process, resulting in several disciplinary referrals to the GEP. As a result of these referrals, Tlhalefang Mahlare, the Legal Services Manager, was dismissed, while Nonkululeko Sontsele, the Key Accounts Manager, received a final written warning. Four other officials who were also subject to the SIU’s referrals chose to resign from the entity,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President pays tribute to late Ambassador ‘MJ’ Mahlangu

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hailed the late Ambassador Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu as a “beacon of light” and a source of inspiration for those who knew him.

He was speaking at the Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Mahlangu in Middelburg, in Mpumalanga on Saturday.

Mahlangu passed away at the age of 72 late last month.

“[We] gather to celebrate a life well lived. Even though we are laying him to rest today, what should linger in our hearts are bright memories, laughter shared, and lessons taught and learned – all these being precious gifts that will never grow old. 

“Although many of us gathered here connected with him in various ways, as a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and a colleague, what we all share is the way his presence graced our lives – touching us in miraculous ways [and] making it a true privilege to have known and interacted with him,” the Deputy President said.

He reflected on the “immense impact” Mahlangu had on those around him and the life he lived.

“Fondly known to many of us as MJ, [he] lived his life with purpose and passion. Always striving to make a positive change in the lives of those around him. He was a beacon of light in times of darkness, a pillar of strength in moments of weakness and the source of inspiration for all who crossed his path.

“His kindness, generosity and compassion were felt by all who knew him and his legacy of love and empathy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Ambassador Mahlangu imparted to us the significance of kindness, of empathy and acceptance. 

“He showed us that true strength lies in our ability to lift each other, support one another through life’s challenges and always approach others with an open heart, graced by curiosity,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

Public service

Mahlangu served as South Africa’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Somalia and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON).

He also served as Ambassador to the United States of America from 2015 to 2025 and before that, he served as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The lifelong public servant was a member of the Constitutional Assembly which drafted South Africa’s constitution following the fall of apartheid government.

“Through the work of Ambassador Mahlangu and all who led with him, South Africa today boasts of a good Constitution and exceptional policies that are committed to social change and advancing towards a national democratic society.

“Indeed, the groundwork has been done. What those of us who remain need to do, however, is to expedite the implementation of government programmes. Specifically, speeding up the execution of our established policies, guided by the spirit of excellence and service.

“On behalf of our President and the government of the Republic of South Africa, I extend our sincere condolences to the Mahlangu family. The country has made much progress since the dawn of our democracy because of his contributions,” Deputy President Mashatile concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Environment Minister Dion George to attend Africa Climate Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, is expected to attend the second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia this week.

The three-day summit is co-convened by the African Union and the Ethiopian government under the theme, Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.

“As one of the worst affected regions by climate change, this summit is an indication that African people are not complacent and ignorant to the climate crisis…and as we near the conclusion of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and anticipate COP30 in Brazil, the African voice will be critical in leading the movement from talk to action.

“South Africa remains committed to building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, while also strengthening regional collaboration on climate action,” George said ahead of the summit.

According to the department, the summit will bring together stakeholders from all over the continent to engage on “Africa led climate change solutions”.

“The summit, which provides a platform for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to advance Africa’s climate agenda and sustainable development priorities, is an opportunity to engage on African-led climate change solutions, rooted in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the principles of multilateralism.

“[It] seeks to build on and implement the strong commitments agreed on in 2023 during the inaugural summit, which delivered the Nairobi Declaration, an eleven-point call to action that signified Africa’s unified stance on climate action,” the department said.

Furthermore, Africa’s “ambitions greening efforts” will also come to the fore – laying the “necessary groundwork to effectively address the impacts of climate change, while ensuring greener, more sustainable development”.

“Climate solutions can only be tangible if they are supported by meaningful action, backed by political will and resourcing. In South Africa, progress has been notable through the promulgation of the Climate Change Act earlier this year, which was soon followed by the launch of the country’s first sectoral climate change plan – the Climate Change Coastal Response Plan.

“Following a robust stakeholder engagement process, including workshops and consultations with various stakeholders, South Africa also recently published the National Greenhouse Gas Carbon Budget and Mitigation Plan Regulations for public comment. 

“By setting clear carbon budgets and mitigation plans, we are ensuring that our nation meets its climate commitments while fostering economic growth and social equity,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Home Affairs turning the tide against corruption

Source: Government of South Africa

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says the department is beginning to win the fight against corruption.

“From visas to the green bar-coded ID book, weaknesses in the system of document issuance were engineered and exploited, enabling syndicates to extract bribes in order to issue documents to people who were not entitled to it,” Schreiber said.

Speaking at the University of Johannesburg Combatting Corruption Summit, on Friday, Schreiber said the Department of Home Affairs was a ground zero site for the grand corruption project, known as State Capture.

“Over the years, that level of impunity cascaded throughout the administration, as Home Affairs sadly became synonymous not only with long queues and poor service delivery, but also with corruption,” Schreiber said.

Schreiber said corruption was not limited only to Home Affairs.

“This pattern of syndicated behaviour, where people inside government conspire with “tenderpreneurs” masquerading as private businesses, is visible throughout the state. As South Africa increasingly morphed into a syndicate society, Home Affairs was not spared,” the Minister said.

The Minister said syndicates formed wherever services of value had to be rendered.

“From visas to the green bar-coded ID book, weaknesses in the system of document issuance were engineered and exploited, enabling syndicates to extract bribes in order to issue documents to people who were not entitled to it.

“It was not by accident that one of my first acts as Minister was to revoke the citizenship of Gupta family members. But now, under the GNU, a very different message is going out,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said individual accountability is the first building block of government’s approach to washing the stain of corruption and State Capture from not only the Department of Home Affairs, but the entire ecosystem that includes the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the Government Printing Works (GPW).

“Through holding accountable people involved in corruption both inside and outside the department, we are dismantling the syndicates that took hold over many years,” the Minister said.

To date, Schreiber said a total of 54 officials from the department and the BMA have been dismissed between July 2024 and August 2025 for offenses including fraud, corruption and misconduct.

“This is a strong start, but we are far from done. We will not stop until we have purged each and every official who abuses their position for personal gain. 

“Even more significantly, eight of these individuals have already been convicted and sentenced to prison terms of up to 18 years each, sending a clear message that there will be no impunity for those who betray the public trust,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet revenue increases by R82.7 billion

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet has announced that its revenue performance for the year ended 31 March 2025 has increased by R82.7 billion, which translates to a 7.8% improvement when compared to the previous year.

The State-owned rail, port and pipeline company attributed this growth to significant improvement in the operating environment, particularly in the rail business, owing to the implementation of the Recovery Plan. 

“This was driven by weighted average tariff increases as well volume increases in the automotive and rail businesses, but lower pipeline and container volumes partially offset the revenue increase.

“At R1.9 billion, Transnet has narrowed net loss by 73.7%, compared to the prior year, bringing the organisation closer to its goal of long-term profitability. 

“This improvement reflects the success of Transnet’s strategic initiatives and demonstrates the positive impact of steps taken to address operational challenges,” Transnet said on Friday.

Transnet said the increase in capital expenditure, from R16.9 billion to R24 billion, signifies its focus on expanding and modernising the country’s freight logistics infrastructure.

As Transnet executes the Reinvent for Growth Strategy, the focus shifts from operational recovery to transformation and long-term, sustainable growth. 

“This is a shift in strategy and mindset, one that places our customers, partners and the country’s economy at the heart of everything we do.

“The annual improved revenue performance, reliable cash generation from operations after working capital changes and improved rail volume performance, collectively provides an adequate platform for Transnet to continue its drive to sustainable profitability,” the company said.

Transnet has indicated that it will continue to prioritise focused projects on improving rolling stock availability and the rail infrastructure condition, while building on improved efficiencies and customer projects that have aided improved volume performance on key corridors.

The replenishment of key port equipment in the short- and medium-term as well as through the acquisition of critical spares to support the maintenance teams is a key focus area across all terminals and will go a long way to sustain efficient and improved performance at the ports.

“The company is deeply committed to improving the turnaround times, reducing congestion and enhancing the predictability of our services across rail, ports and pipelines. 

“Investments in new equipment, digital systems and operational excellence are already yielding results. Private Sector Participations (PSPs) will remain a cornerstone of our strategy. These partnerships will ensure that Transnet becomes more agile, competitive and customer centric,” Transnet said.

Transnet has made significant progress in implementing key reform initiatives aligned with the Freight Logistics Roadmap, which outlines the strategic direction for the sector transformation.

Some of the notable achievements recorded by the company include the establishment of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager; publication of the Final Network Statement; launch of the Slot Application Process, port Infrastructure and equipment enhancements; and Private Sector Participation in Container Terminal Development.

These initiatives are embedded within Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy, driving tactical recovery, transformative change and laying the foundation for expansionary growth. 

“In the 2025/26 financial year, our focus will be on measurable improvements in rail volumes, port throughput and financial sustainability, while embedding accountability and performance monitoring to ensure delivery.

“Improved financial performance, disciplined capital management, and the government guarantee facility together provide the stability and resources needed for Transnet to modernise infrastructure, attract private investment, and strengthen competitiveness, ensuring the turnaround is sustainable. 

“By stabilising freight corridors, modernising ports, and opening the door to private investment, we are positioning South Africa to compete globally, unlock trade, and seize the opportunity of hosting the Group Twenty (G20),” Transnet said.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024. The presidency, which runs until 30 November 2025, is themed: ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’. 

For the full presentation of use go to https://www.transnet.net/RenderPage.aspx?id=24923733. – SAnews.gov.za