Category: South Africa Government

A total of 100 people have been arrested in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, by the officers of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) for violating various traffic laws this past weekend.

The arrests were part of the #NenzaniLaEzweni operation aimed at ensuring road safety, tackling drunk driving, reckless driving, illegal activities – such as undocumented foreign truck drivers with fake licences – and ensuring roadworthiness.

“The #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation is a resounding success and very effective. This morning, we are observing many visitors returning home after spending quality time in various parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said on Monday.

Between 6am and 7am, the province recorded more than 600 cars passing through the Marrianhill Toll Plaza.

“Throughout the festive season, we are ensuring the safety of national and international visitors on our roads. Equally, we are prioritising the safety of the people of this province who are using our road networks.

“The energized Road Traffic Inspectorate team is ensuring visibility today. We warn motorists of zero tolerance against anyone who is violating the National Road Traffic Act,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has requested an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a building in Doornkop, Johannesburg.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of three people, including a child. Three others have been taken to hospital with injuries.

“This is a deeply distressing incident. My thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and with all those who were injured as a result of this tragic collapse. 

“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are committed to accountability and to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to strengthen safety and oversight across the construction sector, in order to protect both workers and the public.

“We will respect due process and will cooperate fully with all regulatory bodies throughout the investigation. The safety of construction workers and the public remains our utmost priority. There will be a thorough investigation, and once all the facts have been established, appropriate action will be taken,” Macpherson said.

According to the department, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has been requested to investigate the cause of the collapse, “identify any responsible parties, and recommend appropriate actions to prevent similar incidents in future”.

“The Minister emphasised that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, and conducted with full cooperation with relevant regulatory authorities.

“He reaffirmed that the safety of construction workers and the public remains the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s highest priority, and that appropriate action will be taken once all the facts have been established,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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A search is underway for a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, who was swept away while attempted to cross a heavily flooded river during a routine patrol at the Lebombo Border Post in Mpumalanga.

According to the SANDF, the incident occurred on Christmas when a military vehicle carrying two members of the SANDF Military Police attempted to cross a river while conducting their duties during the execution of Operation Corona.

“Tragically, the body of one SANDF member has since been recovered. The second member remains missing.

“An extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway. The South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Rescue Team, supported by an SANDF Oryx helicopter, continues to search for the missing member. 

“The rescue mission remains ongoing, and all efforts are being made to locate the member as quickly as possible,” the SANDF said in a statement.

The operation remains ongoing and the media is requested to “provide space to allow search and rescue efforts to continue and to enable the families to be duly informed and supported”.

“The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans, Major General (retired) Bantu Holomisa, Richard Hlophe together with the Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, as well as the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased member.

“They have also expressed their deep concern and solidarity with the family of the missing member during this difficult time,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Impromptu braais and drinks with family and friends have become synonymous with the festive season. While hearty laughter often characterises the so-called “silly season”, it is also a time during which the safety of the country’s women is at heightened risk.

And while there is nothing wrong with getting the fire started for the braai and preparing the side dishes that will accompany the meat with a drink in hand, one should be mindful of the amount of alcohol they consume.

This is because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a loss of self-control and contribute to broader societal challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which manifests not only within households but society as a whole, including institutions of higher education.

“GBV is definitely a challenge,” Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, told SAnews during a recent interview. .

Given the high number of GBVF cases in the country, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has collaborated with the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE). As a Chapter 9 institution, the Commission is charged with promoting respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.

“We collaborated [with the CGE] around gender-based violence. We ran an awareness campaign where we had the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority], [Department of] Social Development, and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and through Higher Health, which is our implementing agent in terms of issues related to GBV and student wellness, we identified institutions we could go to and the reception [among students] was good,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Alcohol and substance abuse, as well as the use of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds to buy alcohol, were issues that came to the fore during the course of the campaign.

“SAPS cautioned students to say that when you get your money, the queues are so long at (bottle stores) and the like, and this is very concerning. Research has shown that there’s a relationship between GBV and alcohol. 

“Of late, there have been concerns around students using NSFAS money for gambling,” the Deputy Minister said.

She added that Higher Health has a peer-to-peer education mechanism, through which  students support one another on issues including HIV and AIDS, as well as and gender-based violence.

“I think they need to extend that to the gambling issue. Also, they have a civic education and soft skills programme that you can do. It is an NQF accredited programme and it includes a component on financial literacy.  It also has a component on drugs, GBV and alcohol abuse. We could use that programme as well to sensitise young people around the ills of irresponsible gambling. 

“There is responsible and irresponsible gambling, just as is the case with the consumption of alcohol. So, I think that programme could really help. The great thing about the programme of Higher Health is that there’s a component of financial literacy and I think we could partner with NSFAS and [ask them to] recommend that students do the financial literacy programme so that when they get the money, they use it responsibly,” she explained.

The Deputy Minister has emphasised the importance of students using their NSFAS funds for their educational needs. 

“Alcohol and gambling are not part and parcel of that, and even the illegal purchase of substances.”

Transforming MEN’talities

The Deputy Minister made reference to the Transforming MEN’talities programme that is aimed at young men and was led by her predecessor, Buti Manamela.

“This is because gender-based violence is something we can’t address just from the perspective of women and the impact that it has. 

“We also have to speak to the young men and say, hitting and abusing a woman is not on. That programme is very effective in that sense in that it is an accomplished man [Minister Manamela], who is speaking to other young men to say that gender-based violence is a no-no and you will be arrested and thrown out of school if you abuse women,” she explained.

During a working visit to France in May, Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Transforming MEN’talities campaign in Paris, where he said the campaign plays a significant role in strengthening efforts to combat GBV through the inclusion of boys and men.

“South Africa has been implementing Transforming MEN’talities as a tool to combat the GBV pandemic in recent years. Today, I want to focus on the three approaches that we have taken as South Africa to address GBV. The first approach is a comprehensive implementation of Transforming MEN’talities, bringing it to young South Africans through the Higher Health initiative,” the Deputy President said at the time.

He added that South Africa’s second approach focuses on cross-sectional research programmes that examine the underlying social and behavioural factors driving the GBV pandemic in South Africa. The third approach centres on the commitment to, and growth of the programme in the country, Africa and globally.

Crisis

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBVF a national crisis. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the G20 Social Summit, the President said no society can thrive as long as gender-based violence and femicide persist and the agency of women is denied. 

Adding that the violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric of nations, the President’s comments came ahead of the launch of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which ran from 25 November 2025, until 10 December 2025.

The declaration was welcomed by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). Subsequently, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department also welcomed the decision of the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, to classify GBVF as a national disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002. 

“After evaluating the persistent and immediate life-safety risks posed by ongoing acts of violence, the NDMC has concluded that GBVF now meets the threshold of a potential disaster, as defined in the Act,” the department said recently.

However, the classification does not invoke emergency powers but reinforces and strengthens existing systems by consolidating key initiatives. 

“The classification calls on all organs of State to strengthen their support to existing GBVF response structures, to fully implement their contingency arrangements, and to ensure that all necessary mechanisms are activated to enable the National Executive to manage the disaster effectively,” noted the department.

The Deputy Minister said that “our institutions reflect what is going on with our society”, while also bemoaning the issue that women still bear the brunt of GBV.

“Women constitute the majority of people in this country… but we still bear the brunt of gender-based violence, disease and poverty,” she said.

Risk assessment

Recently, Higher Health stated that 316 591 students have completed its GBV Risk Assessment over the past four years to determine their vulnerability towards GBV at the country’s 26 public universities, 50 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and nine community colleges. 

Additionally, 367 079 students have completed Higher Health’s GBV Co-Curriculum Programme over the past four years across public universities, TVET, and community colleges.

In its 2022/23 Annual Report, Higher Health said that when self-screening indicates that students may be at risk of suffering or perpetrating GBV, they are referred for psychosocial support, either on campus or at an off-campus service. Referrals for psychosocial care are also made through the 24-hour crisis helpline (0800 36 36 36) and student health services.

Responsible festivities 

While the 16 Days commemoration under the theme, “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide”, concluded on 10 December 2025, women and children continue to worry about their safety and take precautionary measures, particularly at this time of the year.

And while we should make the most of the festive season, including enjoying one’s favourite tipple and other treats, we must do so, cognisant of the need and responsibility to protect the country’s women and children, regardless of whether one is a student or not. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has conveyed his condolences following the passing of Professor Renfrew Leslie Christie.

“I have learned with deep sadness of the passing of Prof Renfrew Leslie Christie – a scholar, anti-apartheid activist and uMkhonto we Sizwe operative whose relentless and fearless commitment to our freedom demands our appreciation,” the President said in a post on social media platform, X.

In the post on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said Christie’s stand against apartheid entailed many treacherous activities and operations – including the provision of intelligence that enabled the bombing of Koeberg nuclear power station on June 16, 1982, at a time the apartheid state was developing nuclear weapons. 

He said that during his activism, the regime punished Christie with harassment, detentions and a 10-year sentence under the Terrorism Act. 

“His contribution to our struggle was born out of humble beginnings that awoke in him the quest to end the inequalities in our society, including in parts of white communities. He fought for liberation, excelled as a scholar and had his revolutionary resolve reinforced by his experiences in prison, including events to which he was exposed at a time when the death penalty was still in force,” said the President.

President Ramaphosa said the Professor’s legacy includes the the generation of young South Africans who benefited from his expansive scholarship when he served as Dean of Research at the University of the Western Cape. 

“At the age of 76 Renfrew Christie has left us to reflect on his extraordinary life and the impact that such a life of principle and bravery can have on an entire generation. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and associates nationally and abroad. May his soul rest in peace,” said the President. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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By Sandile Nene 
After a long year of hard work, most people take a break to relax the mind, body and soul. For many South Africans, this involves driving to different parts of the country during the festive season to spend time with family and friends.

As we travel to our different holiday destinations, we must be mindful of our actions and behaviour on the road. The loss of 1 589 lives as a result of 1 286 crashes during the 2024 festive season must serve as a reminder to all road users to prioritise safety and to do all we can to prevent road fatalities. 

In the first few days since the start of this year’s festive season on 1 December 2025, we had already recorded over 249 fatalities, and while this is 30 per cent less when compared to the same period last year, it is unfortunate that so many lives have already been lost and many more people have been left with life-threatening or altering injuries.

The theme for this year’s festive season campaign is ‘It Starts With Me’, which reflects the critical role of individual behaviour in preventing loss of life. This theme highlights that each and every one of us has an important role to play in preventing road accidents and road fatalities.

This year’s campaign is geared at helping drivers to make smart choices on the roads so that we can all arrive safely at our chosen destinations. Government reminds every everyone taking to our roads to remain vigilant and to obey the rules of the roads.

Obey the speed limit, do not drive while under the influence of alcohol, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, and everyone in the car, including those in the back seat, must wear seatbelts. Be courteous to other road users so that we all reach our destinations safely. Road safety is everyone’s business, and together we can make our roads safer. Do not text or use your cell phone when driving.

When we make the right choices, we arrive alive.

It has been proven that most accidents that occur during this period are linked to human behaviour, such as drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving and overloading. It is therefore the responsibility of all drivers, pedestrians and passengers to make responsible decisions.  

Government is playing its part to keep people safe, and festive season operations will be operational in all provinces to ensure citizens, residents, holiday makers and businesses operating in the country feel safe.
This time of year, people also typically unwind with a beverage of their choice. If you do decide to use alcohol, do so responsibly. Alcohol and drug use often leads to impaired judgement and can lead to GBVF, unwanted and unsafe sex and heightens the risk of contracting HIV and STIs.

As government, we call on all South Africans, particularly our youth, to say “NO!” to drugs and illegal substances.
Do not experiment with recreational drugs, as they can lead to more addictive or dangerous drugs. Let us all work together to root out the sale of illicit substances that undermine our communities. By doing so, we can continue to safeguard our loved ones and ourselves. 

We also call on adults to always ensure the safety of our children, and to take extra care in the supervision of our children, especially when at pools, beaches or near water. Children must be equipped with the necessary safety equipment when next to swimming pools or on beaches. Children must not be left unattended at swimming pools or beaches. Refrain from drinking alcohol when your children are at swimming pools or beaches. When swimming pools are not in use, they must be properly secured to deny children access.

Let us also be vigilant when we are out shopping this festive season. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; instead, use bankcards or electronic funds transfer to make transactions. Do no display large amounts of cash when making transactions because it can attract criminal elements. When withdrawing cash at the ATM, do not become distracted. 

Should you require assistance making a withdrawal, approach a bank official for assistance. Do not leave valuable items visible in a vehicle, rather lock them in the boot. Ensure that your vehicle is properly locked before walking away. 

During the coming weeks, road traffic law enforcement officers, law enforcement agencies and other government departments will step up safety operations to ensure that people are safe. Do not leave children and pets unattended in your vehicle or locked inside the house. If you feel unsafe, report any suspicious criminal activity immediately to the police using the 10111 number or inform security.

Through our combined actions, we can make it a safe festive season for all. We wish all South Africans a restful holiday season and call on all communities to work together to ensure that this is a time of celebration, family and joy by exercising responsible behaviour.

*Nene is the Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

 

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The Gauteng Provincial Government will ramp up law enforcement presence on all of the major routes in the province as the festive season gains momentum.

This as traffic volumes on major routes begins to heighten ahead of Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

“In the first 21 days of December, 137 people have died from 124 crashes in the province. Most of the people who died are pedestrians (68), while 26 are drivers and 28 are passengers. Johannesburg has recorded more deaths at 38, followed by Tshwane with 33 and Ekurhuleni reporting 26 fatalities in the same period.

“To curb the alarming rate of fatalities, the province has increased deployment of law enforcement operations targeting public transport operators such as taxis and buses,” the Gauteng Department of Community Safety said in a statement.

The department noted that public transport operators often “overload vehicles deliberately which endangers the lives of passengers and other road users”.

“Overloading is a criminal offence, as it can cause fatal road crashes, especially during long distance travel around the festive period.

“The Gauteng Department of Community Safety as well as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport are collaborating to ensure the implementation of the road safety strategy in the province.

“The provincial government has encouraged public transport operators to prioritise road safety and ensure compliance, as the province is expecting high traffic volume due to people leaving to spend the festive season with their families and travelling to various holiday destinations,” the department said.

Heavy traffic flows are expected on the following major routes:

• N1: Pretoria to Polokwane
• N4: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N4: Pretoria to Rustenburg
• R573: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N12: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
• N3: Johannesburg to Durban
• N1: Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
• N12: Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

Roadblocks are already being conducted on routes, resulting in more than 44 000 fines being issued, some 1 200 suspects arrested for various traffic violations and the arrest of 28 pedestrians.

“The Gauteng Traffic Police together with other law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with any public transport operators or motorists who undermine road safety.

“The operations will continue throughout the festive period and beyond to ensure safe travel on the road,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The year 2025 was a year of resilience, economic recovery and renewed national confidence for South Africa and its citizens.

This according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile who delivered a Christmas message to South Africans on Wednesday.

“The year 2025 has reminded us that our greatest strength does not lie in the corridors of government but in the resilience and unity of our people. Our most valuable resource is not buried beneath our soil; rather, it is the grit, courage, and determination of all South Africans everywhere.

“Through every challenge faced and every victory claimed, we have demonstrated the unyielding spirit of Ubuntu that defines who we are. Together, we have made progress worth celebrating,” he said.

The Deputy President cited the steady but sure progress South Africa has made economically as one of the highlights of the year.

“South Africa recorded 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion. The IMF [International Monetary Fund] has lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting the resilience of our economy and the impact of structural reforms. 

“For the first time in 20 years, South Africa received a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s, signalling renewed confidence in our economy. In 2025, we also empowered the youth by placing 200 000 young South Africans in first-job experiences through the Youth Employment Service,” Mashatile noted.

Other key achievements include:

• Managing the energy crisis.
• Boosting tourism.
• SARS’ improved revenue collection.
• Convening the first Convention of National Dialogue.
• Successfully hosting the G20 Presidency.

“The G20 was a historic moment for South Africa and the African continent. It provided an opportunity to champion the priorities of the Global South, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our role in global leadership,” he said.

The Deputy President noted that this year also brought about a “turning point” in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“In November, GBVF was classified a national disaster; a recognition that this crisis violates fundamental constitutional rights to dignity, life, and security. 

“This classification is not the end; it is the beginning of intensified action to protect lives and restore dignity. Even in this season of celebration, let us commit to building homes, schools, workplaces, and communities where every woman and child is safe,” Mashatile said.

He called on South Africans to invoke the spirit of Ubuntu as celebrations of the festive season truly get underway.

“Let us treasure the gift of family, friendship, and community. Speak kindness, extend compassion, and rebuild the bonds that hold our society together. For those travelling, please prioritise safety; drive responsibly; do not drink and drive, and ensure every journey is taken with care.

“As we look to the year ahead, let us once more embrace the meaning of Ubuntu: I am because we are. This value remains the foundation of our social cohesion and our ability to rise above adversity. 

“Let us comfort those who lost their beloved ones during this year. In the true spirit of Ubuntu that we are known for as South Africans, let us lend a hand to those in need and give from our hearts to make their Christmas a happy one,” the Deputy President urged.

He added that in 2026, government will continue its developmental work, leaving no-one behind.

“In 2026, we will continue to advance inclusive development, strengthen service delivery, support livelihoods, and expand opportunities for our youth.

“May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and renewed strength to your spirit. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and reimagine a future of hope and prosperity.

“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoyable festive season,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Provincial Government has conveyed its condolences following the passing of former Health MEC, Brian Hlongwa.

Hlongwa passed away on Tuesday, 22 December 2025, after a short illness.

He served as Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council for Health from March 2006 to May 2009 and was also a member of the African National Congress and served multiple terms on the party’s Provincial Executive Committee in the province.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former MEC Hlongwa. He served the people of Gauteng with distinction, through different portfolios from his days in the City of Johannesburg to serving as an MEC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss,” said acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo in a statement on Wednesday.

Before his appointment as MEC for Health, Hlongwa was a member of the City of Johannesburg Mayoral Committee responsible for municipal services from 2000 to 2006. In addition, he was the party’s Chief Whip in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature until October 2018. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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