Category: South Africa Government

A chance encounter with a German tourist in a restaurant in Vilakazi Street, Soweto, has transformed North West farmer Mems Ramaila’s curiosity about beekeeping into a thriving agribusiness.

Today, her company, Bee African, is gaining recognition as one of the few women-led enterprises making significant strides in South Africa’s largely male-dominated beekeeping industry.

Ramaila, a lucerne farmer based near Brits in the North West, says her journey into beekeeping began with a simple question: What could she do with the bees that constantly swarmed around her farm?

“I had always been interested in beekeeping and wondered how I could make use of the bees that were already part of my farming environment. A casual conversation with a German tourist in Vilakazi Street in 2019 changed everything,” she said.

The tourist introduced her to internationally acclaimed honey judge Arie Krieke, who later travelled to South Africa and spent three weeks at her farm in the same year (2019) sharing his expertise in beekeeping and honey production.

“By then, I had already done extensive research and realised that beekeeping had strong income-generating potential, while also delivering significant environmental and socio-economic benefits,” Ramaila said.

Today, Bee African’s farm is a hive of activity. More than 50 beehives are spread across the property, with the constant buzz of bees and the sweet aroma of honey reflecting a business that has grown from primary honey production into value-added agro-processing.

Ramaila’s success has been further accelerated through her participation in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme, an initiative of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).

The programme is designed to strengthen trade and investment ties between South Africa and Germany by equipping emerging South African exporters with the knowledge and networks needed to access international markets.

“My three-week visit to Germany in 2025 through the dtic and GIZ programme was a turning point for my business. Not only did I gain valuable insights into accessing the German and broader European markets, but I also secured a Memorandum of Agreement with a respected German beekeeping company, Kriel Honig,” Ramaila explained.

Beneficiation
The partnership has already yielded tangible results. In February 2026, the company’s owner, Utha Bonowsky, spent a month in South Africa training the Bee African team in value addition and the beneficiation of bee products.

“We learned to manufacture premium beeswax candles, honey condiments and other specialty products. These products have expanded our offering well beyond raw honey. And the consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive,” noted Ramaila.

She said sales are growing rapidly because the company produces unique, high-quality specialty food and wellness products aimed at the premium market.

“We mainly reach our customers through pop-up markets, and the demand continues to increase at an unexpected speed,” she said.

The growing popularity of Bee African’s products has attracted the attention of major shopping centres, which have invited the company to showcase its products to their customers.
“Our value proposition goes beyond selling honey. We are trading wellness. Honey and other bee products offer nutritional and medicinal benefits, including supporting gut health, and consumers appreciate that,” she stressed.

With demand continuing to grow, Ramaila says the next priority is expanding and commercialising the business.

“Our goal is to scale up production and contribute to increasing South Africa’s domestic honey output, as the country still relies heavily on imported honey. However, access to land remains one of the biggest barriers facing black producers who want to grow in the sector,” she said.

Education and growth 
Beyond commercial success, Bee African is committed to environmental education. The company regularly hosts school learners at its farm, teaching them about the essential role bees play in biodiversity, pollination and sustainable agriculture.

The business has also diversified into manufacturing beekeeping equipment and customised gift boxes while generating additional income through educational farm experiences for visitors.

“We are proud of how far we have come. We have evolved from beekeeping and raw honey production into producing premium value-added products that continue to gain popularity in the market,” Ramaila said.

Although Bee African currently employs three people, Ramaila believes the business has significant potential to create more employment opportunities.

“With the support we have received from the dtic and our international partners, we are optimistic about the future. Our vision is to grow the business, create more jobs, and empower more women and young people to participate in the beekeeping value chain,” she concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rally behind 17-year-old Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, as he prepares to represent the country at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) in Sweden later this month.

Sinenhlanhla, a Grade 11 learner at Sitintile Secondary School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, made history as the first learner from the province to win the department’s flagship 2026 South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP).

He now has an opportunity to earn international recognition through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award, where members of the public can vote for his project online.

The South African Youth Water Prize is an annual DWS programme that encourages learners in Grades 9 to 11 to develop innovative, science-based solutions to real water challenges affecting their schools and communities.

Over the years, the competition has nurtured some of the country’s brightest young minds and provided a platform for future scientists, engineers and environmental leaders.

Nkosi secured the national title with his project, “The Sentinel Barrier”, an innovative silicone-based elastomeric coating applied to the interior of PET plastic bottles.

The invention helps prevent microplastics and harmful chemicals from leaching into drinking water, offering a practical solution to some of the biggest environmental and public health concern.

As South Africa’s representative, Sinenhlanhla will compete alongside some of the world’s most promising young scientists at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in a few weeks, competing against students from more than 30 countries, all sharing their passion for water and environmental issues.

The department has encouraged members of the public to support Sinenhlanhla by voting for his project in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award.

“Every vote is a vote of confidence in a young South African whose innovation and determination have taken him from a classroom in Mpumalanga to one of the world’s most respected science platforms,” the department said.

Members of the public can cast their votes by visiting the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People’s Choice Award web page: https://stockholmwaterfoundation.org/stockholm-junior-water-prize/peoples-choice-award/. Select Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi’s project, “Barrier coatings for reducing microplastic release and chemical leaching in plastic containers” and then submit your vote.

Voting is open until 15 August 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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As the first Black South African woman to earn a university degree in the United States in 1901, struggle stalwart Charlotte Mannya Maxeke broke barriers and laid the foundation for generations of women to pursue education, leadership and social change.

More than a century later, her legacy lives on through the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Trust Fund, which provides financial assistance to young women pursuing higher education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, helping those at risk of dropping out because of financial constraints.

The fund assists students by covering financial shortfalls, outstanding fees, and registration gaps that could prevent them from continuing their studies or graduating.

“This year marks the 125th anniversary of Mama Charlotte Maxeke’s graduation from university. We want to ensure that her legacy continues through this education fund. We want to ensure that women continue to thrive, because women contribute in unique ways,” Ambassador for the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), Dr Zanele Matsane, said.

The lecturer in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was speaking at the inaugural International Portraits of Power exhibition, hosted by the CMMI in partnership with The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and participating diplomatic missions.

More than an art exhibition, Portraits of Power serves as a mentorship platform that brings together international women leaders, diplomats, cultural practitioners, South African artists, art students and emerging women leaders.

The initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of leaders and artists through direct engagement with international role models while fostering cultural exchange, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Matsane emphasised that education extends beyond financial support, highlighting the importance of networks and meaningful partnerships in enabling women to succeed. 

She also encouraged diplomats to collaborate with the foundation to broaden opportunities and global exposure for young women.

“Education is about networks. It is about understanding multiple disciplines, cultures and history. So, we stand here today to invite everyone present – Your Excellencies and our esteemed colleagues – to please keep those doors open.

“When we knock and ask to be invited into those positions of power, please keep those doors open for us as well. I can only imagine the incredible opportunities we will create when we bring these young girls and young women together to work and network with people from different nationalities, learning about one another’s histories,” Matsane said.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Joncto & Zondi Inc., Khonzi Zondi, said creating opportunities for young women is essential to building a more equitable future.

“We are products of the opportunities that were given to us and the paths that were paved by others. Through Mam Charlotte, we see the importance of education; it opens doors, opportunities and networks. I would not be an attorney without education.

“We are truly honoured and privileged, as an education trust fund, to partner with you in shaping the future of young women in our country and wherever opportunities are needed through our fund,” said Zondi, who also serves as an ambassador for the foundation.

Matsane added that the foundation wants the students it supports to develop a broader understanding of the world beyond South Africa by learning about the global diaspora and the women whose contributions paved the way for future generations.

“Maya Angelou once said that a man will work if you give him a job, but women are always building connections. They are always finding ways to relate their work to the greater community,” Matsane said.
The International Portraits of Power exhibition was launched in Pretoria on Tuesday as part of a series of legacy projects commemorating the 155th anniversary of Charlotte Mannya Maxeke’s birth.

The exhibition celebrates extraordinary women whose courage, leadership and achievements have shaped nations and inspired generations. It features portraits endorsed by 15 participating embassies representing countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.

The event takes place during Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation.”  –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (CoGTA),  Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Friday gazetted the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date.

“In terms of section 24(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), I, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, hereby call an election of all municipal councils and set 04 November 2026 as the date for such an election,” the Minister said in the Government Gazette dated 7 August 2026.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term.

Earlier in the week, the Minister urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on 7 August 2026.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date sees the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections.

The gazette can be accessed here: https://www.cogta.gov.za/cgta_2016/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Government-Gazette.pdf

The gazetting of the election date follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details.

At the time, the Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. 

He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC’s Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status.

The gazette comes as the Electoral Commission updated the nation on the key dates in the election timetable as the country marches towards the 4 November polls. This is as several hours are left before the midnight deadline for South Africans to register or update their details online ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In a post on social media platform X, on Thursday, the Commission said: “Your vote starts with registration. Proclamation on 7 August [at] midnight. Online registration closes then.”

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes. 

The registration portal can be accessed on: https://registertovote.elections.org.za

Voters can also register via WhatsApp. To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification, and voting-station confirmation.

Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. 

In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.  –SAnews.gov.za  

 

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The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, which will take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 16 to 17 August. 

Briefing the media on Friday, Chairperson of NATJOINTS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the safe and successful hosting of the regional gathering, which will bring together 12 Heads of State and Government as well as delegates from across SADC. 

NATJOINTS said comprehensive security plans had already been activated for the summit, with law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services coordinating preparations for the arrival of regional leaders and delegations.

“Comprehensive security plans have already been activated. All law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the successful hosting of this important regional event,” Mosikili said.

The summit will culminate a week-long programme of technical, ministerial and political engagements and will see President Cyril Ramaphosa formally assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term.
The security arrangements form part of broader efforts to ensure that the summit takes place in a safe and secure environment.

Additional operational details will be communicated closer to the summit.
NATJOINTS said South Africa’s security structures remain fully prepared and coordinated to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.

The security preparations come as the country continues to strengthen its response to public order challenges, border security and other security concerns.

The Durban summit will mark an important milestone for South Africa as President Ramaphosa formally assumes the chairpersonship of the 16-member regional bloc for the 2026/27 term.

South Africa is hosting the summit under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”

The summit process began this week with technical meetings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban and will culminate in the meeting of Heads of State and Government on 17 August.

The programme is designed to allow officials and ministers to consider and refine issues before they are presented to Heads of State and Government for adoption.

The Standing Committee of Senior Officials is meeting from 6 to 7 August to consider reports from SADC sectoral structures and make recommendations to Ministers.

The Finance Committee will meet on 8 August to consider the regional budget, resource mobilisation and financial sustainability.

From 9 to 11 August, officials will finalise documentation ahead of the SADC Council of Ministers, which will meet from 12 to 14 August.

READ | All systems go for SADC Summit 

Peace and security
Regional peace and security will receive particular attention ahead of the Heads of State and Government Summit.

The Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is scheduled to meet on 15 August, followed by the Organ Troika Summit on 16 August.

Heads of State and Government are expected to arrive on 16 August ahead of the official opening of the Summit and a State Banquet hosted by President Ramaphosa.

The security discussions take place against a backdrop of continued regional efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation among SADC Member States.

Migration 
Migration management is expected to be another important issue at the Summit, with South Africa set to use the regional platform to advance greater cooperation on migration-related challenges.

The discussions will take place as South Africa continues to strengthen border security and address irregular migration, including the unlawful employment of undocumented migrants and compliance with immigration and labour legislation.

The country is also pursuing measures to address corruption within migration systems.

Government’s approach is centred on managing migration in a lawful, orderly, humane and effective manner, in line with the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has intensified its multidisciplinary response to undocumented migration, illegal employment and other forms of non-compliance. 

Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said government’s approach remained focused on enforcing the law while ensuring that operations were conducted within the Constitution and applicable legislation.

The update comes amid continued anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of the country, as government also moves to counter misinformation surrounding criminal incidents allegedly linked to such campaigns.

Operation Shanela remains at the centre of government’s crime-fighting and enforcement operations, with daily intelligence-driven deployments taking place across all provinces.

The operations target wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals.

Last month, 16 208 illegal foreign nationals were arrested through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations.

Since January, the number of undocumented foreign nationals arrested has reached 59 947.

“These operations will continue without interruption,” Mosikili said.

Deportations and repatriations

 Government has also continued with the repatriation and deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

 As of 3 August 2026, a total of 77 184 undocumented foreign nationals had been repatriated to various countries.

Between 1 April and 31 July, 18 816 people were formally deported, while 3 016 undocumented foreign nationals were awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

Government has also begun demobilising the Repatriation Centre in Musina after thousands of undocumented foreign nationals were processed and repatriated.

Just over 500 people remain at the centre and are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.

Mosikili said the operation had been conducted through cooperation between government departments, foreign missions and other stakeholders. 

“This marks a significant milestone in our coordinated operation, which has been carried out in an orderly, humane and lawful manner through the collaboration of all relevant government departments, foreign missions in South Africa and stakeholders,” she said. 

Government said immigration enforcement would continue while ensuring that enforcement measures remained lawful, humane and consistent with the Constitution and applicable legislation.

Workplace inspections

The enforcement drive extends beyond immigration status, with government also targeting illegal employment, labour exploitation and non-compliance with labour legislation.

A total of 6 317 labour inspectors are conducting workplace inspections countrywide as part of the National Multidisciplinary High-Impact Blitz Operations coordinated by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The inspections are intended to ensure compliance with labour laws while protecting workers and legitimate businesses.

Compliance inspections at spaza shops are also continuing nationally.

The inspections cover municipal by-laws, food safety regulations, business licensing requirements and immigration legislation where applicable.

During July, the Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of inspections, with 14 948 spaza shops inspected. 

This was followed by the Free State with 10 406 inspections, Gauteng with 2 631, KwaZulu-Natal with 2 617, Limpopo with 1 315, North West with 1 101, Northern Cape with 915 and Mpumalanga with 229.

Government said the inspections would continue as part of its broader compliance programme.

Border security

Border security remains another key component of the government’s enforcement strategy.

The Border Management Authority continues to strengthen operations through technology and intelligence-led interventions.

At the Lebombo Port of Entry, the introduction of the Vehicle Targeting System has improved the detection of stolen vehicles, smuggling activities and other illicit cross-border crimes.

The BMA works jointly with the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force, South African Revenue Service Customs and other departments.

A total of 93 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted during June, followed by another 81 in July.

NATJOINTS said the operations continued to produce positive results.

Warning against misinformation

The intensified enforcement operations have also been accompanied by concern over misinformation circulating on social media.

NATJOINTS said several videos being shared online falsely suggest that certain criminal incidents are linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns.

“This is incorrect. We urge the public not to share unverified information,” Mosikili said. 

Among the incidents identified by NATJOINTS are the fatal shooting of a Zambian truck driver on South Coast Road in KwaZulu-Natal on 26 June, the murder of a Ugandan national in Estcourt and the shooting of a Ghanaian national in Nyanga, Western Cape, which is believed to have been extortion-related.

A 42-year-old Nigerian national also died after collapsing while in police custody during a SAPS operation in Bellville on 23 July. 

Drugs and an unlicensed firearm were recovered during the operation, and the matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

In KwaZulu-Natal, two suspects have been arrested following the murder of an Ethiopian national in Elandslaagte.

NATJOINTS said investigations into the various incidents were continuing and cautioned the public against attributing criminal incidents to anti-illegal immigration operations without evidence.

Protests 
The enforcement measures are taking place against a backdrop of anti-illegal immigration protests that have declined significantly since the nationwide demonstrations of 30 June.

While Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated and localised demonstrations, NATJOINTS said most protests had remained peaceful and within the confines of the law.

Where violence, intimidation, road blockades, infrastructure damage or other criminal conduct occurred, police responded in accordance with Public Order Policing protocols.

NATJOINTS said everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully, but no person has the right to take the law into their own hands.

“Our message remains clear. South Africa is governed by the rule of law. No one is above the law. No person may take the law into their own hands,” Mosikili said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has welcomed the upgrading of broadcasting facilities at Star FM 102.9, saying it is a reflection of government’s commitment to strengthen community media.

“This investment reflects government’s continued commitment to strengthening community media as an essential pillar of our democracy and ensuring that every community has access to reliable, diverse and locally relevant sources of information,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday.

He said the radio station is an important platform for communities.

This was as he, together with the  Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), officially handed over Star FM’s newly digitised broadcast studio in Klerksdorp, in the North West province.

Broadcasting from Klerksdorp, the community radio station serves listeners across the province in multiple languages, providing a platform for local news, community dialogue and development-focused programming.

He said the diversity of the North West province is one of its strengths, as Star FM reflects this in its multilingual programming. The station broadcasts in languages including isiXhosa, Setswana, English and Afrikaans.

“While we celebrate the completion of the upgraded facility, we are reinforcing a platform that promotes diversity, dialogue and strengthens democratic participation and ensures that local voices for our communities continue to share the conversations that matter most,” he said.

He explained that the occasion was significant as the country commemorates Women’s Month. South Africa will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings on Sunday.

Morolong said the women who marched in 1956 remind the nation of the courage of women.

“Their courage is one of the defining moments in our democratic journey. Their call for justice, dignity and equality continues to inspire our efforts to build a society where every voice is heard,” he said.

The Deputy Minister referred to other anniversaries the country is commemorating this year, namely 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution; 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising; 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals in District Six.

Speaking at the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the uMfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, the Deputy Minister said the provincial leg of the campaign forms part of the wider rollout of the Milestones of Freedom campaign, which was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June this year. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The Electoral Commission has welcomed the proclamation of 4 November 2026 as the election date for the 2026 Local Government Elections by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa.

“The proclamation provides certainty by formally setting Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as Election Day. It also marks the commencement of the country’s 89-day Election Timetable leading up to the elections, “Electoral Commission Chairperson Commissioner Mosotho Moepya said on Friday.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Friday, Moepya said the Commission is publishing the 2026 Local Government Elections timetable in the Government Gazette, as required by the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act, 2000, and its regulations.

“This timetable signifies the formal commencement of the electoral process, providing legal certainty and operational clarity to all electoral stakeholders, including political parties, independent candidates, voters, the media, civil society organisations and election administrators,” he said.

Moepya explained that the Election Timetable serves as the guiding framework for various preparations, ranging from the finalisation and certification of the voters’ roll for these elections to candidate nominations, objections, voting arrangements, special votes and the declaration of results.

It ensures that every phase of the process is conducted in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral legislation, promoting accountability and fairness throughout the election period.

All activities prescribed in the timetable must be completed by 5 pm on the respective cut-off dates.
The proclamation has also activated the Electoral Code of Conduct, which sets standards for fairness in the electoral process.

“A significant outcome of the proclamation is the closure of the voters’ roll at midnight tonight. After this time, no new voter registrations or changes to registration details will be accepted for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

“The Commission urges all eligible South Africans to register or update their details before the deadline via the ‘data-free’ online registration portal at registertovote.elections.org.za or the WhatsApp channel 0600 88 0000,” Moepya said.

The Commissioner said that on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, the provisional voters’ roll will be available for inspection at national, provincial and local offices.

“This begins the period for lodging objections, which will close on 18 August 2026, with decisions communicated by 24 August 2026. The Chief Electoral Officer will certify the final voters’ roll on 26 August 2026,” he said.

Update on the registration drive
Moepya said the Commission has reported significant improvements in voter registration access due to investments in digital technology.

“With 1,794,051 registration transactions recorded during the second registration weekend, an additional 210,734 transactions have been recorded since, bringing the total to two million.
“The introduction of the data-free online voter registration portal has facilitated access, while the WhatsApp channel has broadened outreach, with more than 14,000 registrations recorded since its launch,” he said.

The Commissioner added that, in the interest of transparency, the Commission will publish the list of voting stations on 14 August 2026, which will include mobile voting stations and their routes across the country.

Candidate nominations open
Moepya said candidate nominations officially opened today and will close at 5 pm on 28 August 2026. Registered political parties and independent candidates have 21 calendar days to submit their candidate lists.
“Two nomination channels are available: the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS) and manual submission at the Commission office.

“The Commission has facilitated the process by opening the OCNS early, allowing candidates to input their details in advance. As part of the nomination process, monetary deposits are required, which are refundable under certain conditions,” he said.

Political contestation and special votes
Moepya said there are currently 674 registered political parties, highlighting the anticipated level of competition in the local government elections.

“The Election Timetable also accommodates citizens who are unable to vote on Election Day through special votes, with applications opening on 21 September 2026,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS)  has assured South Africans of a safe and peaceful environment ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections, saying law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal decisively with political violence, intimidation and criminality. 

Chairperson of NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said the successful conclusion of the recent voter registration weekend without major security incidents demonstrated the country’s readiness to protect the electoral process.

“I am pleased to report that South Africa remains stable, law and order prevail, and our security forces continue to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives in, works in and visits our country,” Mosikili said at a media briefing on Friday.

Voter registration provides election security test

NATJOINTS activated its election security plan during the voter registration weekend (1-2 August) in support of the Electoral Commission.  Law enforcement was deployed countrywide to secure registration stations and respond to security-related incidents.

The registration weekend concluded without any major security incidents.

Mosikili said NATJOINTS had already activated an extensive operational plan for the Local Government Elections.

The plan includes visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response capability, crowd management and close coordination with the IEC and other stakeholders.

According to Mosikili, the registration period was also used as a practical exercise ahead of the elections that are set for 4 November.

“We have adopted as NATJOINTS a five-pillar approach. The first pillar of our operation is to collect intelligence, to analyse intelligence and advise the operations accordingly,” she said. 

She explained that the absence of police officers at a particular voting station should not necessarily be interpreted as a lack of security.

“They may not have been there when you were there, but it doesn’t mean that the police are not working. We have been observing the election, and we are using this registration as a drill towards the November elections,” Mosikili said. 

She said more than 26 000 voting stations would be policed during the elections, with security assessments informing the level of deployment at individual stations.

“We categorise the security levels of voting stations, and we deploy accordingly; where there is no need for static, it’s because the intelligence is advising as such. Where there is a need for a static deployment, it will also be determined by the level of challenges or security challenges,” Mosikili said. 

Voting stations have been categorised according to security risks, including high-security alert areas or hotspots, with deployments to be adjusted according to intelligence received.

Mosikili said security numbers could not be disclosed in advance because operational requirements could change as intelligence was received.

Political killings

While election preparations have progressed without major security incidents during voter registration, NATJOINTS remains concerned about politically motivated killings ahead of the elections.

Mosikili issued a strong warning to individuals who may seek to use violence to influence political contestation.

“We are issuing a stern warning to anyone who is planning attacks, assassinations or acts of violence for political gain: you will be arrested, prosecuted and, upon conviction, face lengthy prison sentences. There is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another person because of political differences or political contestation,” she said.

The Political Killings Task Team, established in 2018, has arrested more than 400 suspects, including more than 180 alleged hitmen linked to the murders of councillors, political leaders and party members.

Since January, several politically motivated murders have been recorded, including the killings of two MK Party members in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward councillor candidate in the Western Cape, two ANC councillors in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and two EFF members in Gauteng.

Seven suspects have so far been arrested in connection with these cases.

Mosikili said the task team’s mandate had been expanded to cover cases believed to be politically motivated and that additional capacity had been provided in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.

“The political killing team will move swiftly, and we’ll also recall that we also expanded this team in Gauteng as well as the Eastern Cape. So, there are teams,” she said. 

She said members were also trained and deployed to other parts of the country when required.

Regarding the murder of a Durban councillor, Mosikili said the task team had taken over the investigation.

“As we speak, there is a strong team that is in place at hand, and it will continue to operate until we close all the gaps,” she said. 

Protests

 With anti-illegal immigration protests continuing in some parts of the country, NATJOINTS was also questioned about whether the protests could be linked to efforts to disrupt the Local Government Elections.

Mosikili said there was currently no evidence to establish such a link.

“There is no evidence that we can talk about. However, we are observing all events and activities leading to the elections,” she said. 

She said intelligence structures would continue monitoring developments, particularly as election-related activities increase.

“I cannot say to you or the nation today that we are linking anti-foreign sentiments with the election. Anything is possible. Hence, we continue to collect, analyse, and provide intelligence on any other mushrooming or erection of any activity across the country,” she said. 

Mosikili added that the security structure is therefore continuing to monitor developments while avoiding conclusions that are not supported by intelligence.

Public order operations continue

The security preparations come against the backdrop of demonstrations that took place on 30 June 2026.

Mosikili said the operations on that day demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated planning between government departments, law enforcement agencies and security services.

The objectives were to protect lives and property, safeguard the economy and protect constitutional rights while dealing decisively with criminality.

According to NATJOINTS, the country remained functional, critical infrastructure continued operating, and most South Africans went about their daily activities without disruption.

Although protest activity has since declined significantly, isolated and localised demonstrations continue in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

During the course of July, 212 public order incidents were recorded nationally. These included 128 peaceful marches, 70 gatherings, nine unrest-related incidents requiring police intervention and five incidents involving looting.

A total of 205 criminal cases were opened, and 354 suspects were arrested as a consequence of criminal activity committed during these incidents.

Security structures ready for elections

Mosikili said NATJOINTS is working alongside the IEC through the priority committee responsible for the Local Government Elections.

“For the elections, we are prepared, as I’ve indicated, and in the priority committee that is working on Local Government Elections, we work alongside the Electoral Commission.” 

With the election security plan already activated, NATJOINTS said its focus would remain on intelligence-led deployments, protecting election infrastructure, preventing political violence and ensuring that voters could exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

The structure reiterated that South Africa remains governed by the rule of law and that no person has the right to intimidate communities, destroy property, loot businesses or commit acts of violence.

“Law enforcement agencies will continue enforcing the law fairly and impartially,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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