Premier Ntuli calls for unified response to undocumented migration

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier Ntuli calls for unified response to undocumented migration

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to addressing undocumented migration while upholding constitutional principles, human dignity and social cohesion.

Speaking in the Provincial Legislature last week, Ntuli outlined government’s approach to what he described as one of the most significant governance challenges facing societies around the world.

The Premier said migration has historically contributed to human progress, economic development and cultural exchange, but warned that undocumented migration presents growing challenges for governments.

“Migration itself is not the problem. The challenge before governments is how to manage migration in a manner that protects human dignity, safeguards the rule of law, strengthens public confidence, and ensures that development benefits all who live within our communities.”

Ntuli acknowledged concerns raised by communities across KwaZulu-Natal about the impact of undocumented migration on public safety, local economies, labour markets, service delivery and social cohesion.

He stressed that government would continue to distinguish between lawful migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and people residing in the country without legal documentation.

“Our responsibility is to confront facts with facts, challenges with solutions, and anxieties with leadership. We must reject xenophobia and discrimination in all their forms, but we must equally reject the notion that the rule of law is optional.”

The Premier said the South African Constitution requires government to protect human rights while enforcing lawful governance.

“Human dignity and lawful governance are not opposing choices. They are mutually reinforcing obligations. A state that exercises compassion must also exercise responsibility,” he said.

Ntuli highlighted the province’s ongoing Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla Programme of Action, which aims to strengthen migration governance, support law enforcement efforts, combat criminal syndicates, improve intergovernmental coordination and restore public confidence in the state’s ability to enforce the law.

As part of these efforts, the Premier announced that KwaZulu-Natal will convene its Second Provincial Round Table on Undocumented Foreign Nationals later this month.

The gathering will bring together government departments, law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, business representatives, labour formations, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, academics and community stakeholders.

According to Ntuli, the round table is expected to adopt a comprehensive Programme of Action and formalise an integrated provincial response to migration-related challenges.

Describing the engagement, the Premier called for broad participation from all sectors of society.

“The reality before us is that no single institution can address this challenge alone. This challenge demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.”

Ntuli urged citizens and institutions to reject division and work together to find practical and sustainable solutions. “Let us reject the politics of division, fear, and scapegoating. Let us equally reject complacency and inaction,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Virtual Priority Court processes 80 deportation orders in Durban

Source: Government of South Africa

Virtual Priority Court processes 80 deportation orders in Durban

The Virtual Priority Court, which deals with immigration matters, has processed approximately 80 deportation orders as government intensifies efforts to enforce immigration laws and ensure the orderly deportation of undocumented foreign nationals.

“On 16 June, the Virtual Priority Court processed approximately 80 cases in which deportation orders were granted. All affected persons appearing before the Court were afforded their constitutional rights, including the right to legal representation, as provided by Legal Aid SA,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister Andries Nel visited the court, which is sitting at the Durban Magistrates’ Court.

“As from today,17 June, five more in-person courts will be made available at the Durban Magistrates’ Court to hear immigration matters and the Virtual Priority Court will continue [linked to Court 9 at Durban Magistrates’ Court]. The eThekwini Municipality has undertaken to provide transport for persons between Sherwood Park and the Court,” the department said.

The Deputy Minister also visited the Sherwood Park Hall  – where a reported 7000 Malawians have been gathering – to meet with the Consul-General of Malawi, Maxwell Biwi.

“Deputy Minister Nel reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message that South Africa will continue to engage other countries on the African continent to forge a broader response to migration challenges across the region and the continent.

“Deputy Minister Nel also commended the partnerships between the DoJCD, the DHA [Department of Home Affairs], eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Development which have all contributed to providing humanitarian support to persons at Sherwood Park,” the statement read.

Speeding up the wheels

The Virtual Priority Court forms part of government’s comprehensive response to the migration challenge.

“Following announcements in the State of the Nation Address in February and Cabinet’s adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management, President Ramaphosa announced measures to ensure that immigration laws are respected and enforced and every person who enters the country does so lawfully.

“The establishment of the Virtual Priority Court was in response to a commitment made by the President that dedicated courts would be established to deal with immigration and to speedily support the deportation of undocumented migrants,” the department explained.

The court is a collaborative effort involving the DoJCD, the DHA, the judiciary and Legal Aid SA.

“The Virtual Priority Court makes use of advanced technology such as audio-visual linkages to Sherwood Park Hall, where a large number of Malawian foreign nationals are currently being sheltered.

“Use was also made of Integrated Justice System devices, such as the IJS’ Integrated Person Management solution, which manages and tracks a person across the entire justice system and enables a seamless collaboration between government departments.

“By making use of these devices, a person’s biometric data, identity verification and status checks against various databases [such as those of DHA and the SAPS] could be done in real-time, thus eliminating the need for manual checks and ensuring faster and more accurate processing of persons,” the statement explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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Using our 2026/27 Budget to build to build a greener and more inclusive South Africa 

Source: Government of South Africa

Using our 2026/27 Budget to build to build a greener and more inclusive South Africa 

Bernice Swarts
As South Africa continues to face the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, pollution and biodiversity loss, our 2026/27 Budget is about more than financial allocations. Our 2026/27 Budget Vote – tabled recently in Parliament – is about improving people’s lives, creating opportunities, protecting livelihoods and building a more sustainable future for all South Africans.

Economic opportunities for women through forestry transformation 
The transformation of the forestry sector remains one of the department’s strategic priorities. Through the Forestry Sector Master Plan and the Community Forestry Agreement Model, we are expanding access to forestry resources and unlocking meaningful socio-economic opportunities, particularly for women, youth and persons with disabilities.

In the 2025/26 financial year, eight Community Forestry Agreements were concluded in the Eastern Cape, covering Hamburg, Manina Blocks H and J, Manina Block K, Mthintloni, Ngcobo, Nkobongo, Xhorana and Zikhova. During the 2026/27 financial year, a further eight plantations will be transferred to communities.

We are confident that these community-owned plantations will create jobs, stimulate small businesses and strengthen rural livelihoods, especially for women and young people. We remain committed to ensuring broad participation and inclusivity throughout the programme.

The department is also engaging private sector partners to provide financial support for this important initiative. Through our outreach programmes, we will continue to raise awareness of these opportunities and encourage more young women to pursue careers in forestry.

Presidential One Billion Trees programme 
Government plans to plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential One Billion Trees Programme. Led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the programme seeks to mobilise all South Africans, including government, business, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, diplomatic missions, NGOs, youth formations and communities, to participate in the fight against climate change.

Trees will be planted in safe spaces across all nine provinces, including schools, clinics, hospitals, colleges, police stations, churches, parks and residential areas. We also encourage households to plant trees in their own yards.

This ambitious target builds on the success of the 2025 One Million Trees Campaign. On 24 September 2025, South Africans planted 1.3 million trees in a single day, exceeding the target of one million trees. Importantly, this achievement came at no cost to government, as citizens, businesses and organisations donated and planted the trees themselves.

This achievement demonstrated the power of collective action and the willingness of South Africans to contribute to environmental protection and climate action. I dedicate this achievement to all those who contributed their resources, time and effort to make it possible.

Tackling veld fires 
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of veld fires across South Africa. To address this challenge, we are strengthening integrated fire management systems and supporting Forestry Protection Associations with the resources and capacity they need.

Improved collaboration between Forestry Protection Associations, Working on Fire teams and disaster management centres is helping to build a more coordinated national response to wildfire risks.

The Working on Fire Programme will also create more than 4 000 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) job opportunities during the current financial year. This demonstrates how environmental programmes can create employment while strengthening climate resilience.

Improving waste management 
The fight against pollution remains a key priority. Waste management challenges continue to affect communities across the country, impacting public health, environmental quality and economic development.

Through stronger partnerships with municipalities and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), we are supporting local government to improve waste management services, reduce pollution and expand recycling initiatives.

Particular attention is being given to electronic waste (e-waste), one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. South Africa generates more than 360 000 tonnes of e-waste annually, yet only a small portion is recycled through formal systems. The prohibition of e-waste disposal to landfill, together with the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, reflects government’s commitment to diverting this waste stream towards reuse, recycling and recovery.

Over the past two financial years, the department has implemented an e-waste programme and hosted community izimbizo to raise awareness about the health and environmental risks associated with electronic waste. These initiatives were undertaken in partnership with Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), which purchased e-waste items directly from community members.

These efforts are already showing positive results. More than 86 tonnes of electronic waste have been collected through community initiatives, with financial incentives paid directly to participating residents. This demonstrates that environmental protection and economic empowerment can go hand in hand.
At the same time, we continue to advance the circular economy through Extended Producer Responsibility measures, ensuring that producers take greater responsibility for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle. The principle that the polluter must pay is becoming a practical reality.

Combating land degradation and desertification
Land degradation and desertification continue to threaten food security, biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Climate change, droughts, floods and unsustainable land-use practices place increasing pressure on productive landscapes and agricultural activities.

Through the National Action Programme to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought, we are bringing together government, scientists, farmers, communities and the private sector to restore degraded land and improve resilience.

During this financial year, we will strengthen these efforts through the development of an Integrated Restoration Programme that will coordinate restoration activities across government and maximise both environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Strengthening our environmental entities

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) continues to play a critical role in protecting lives, property and economic activity through its early warning systems. South Africa’s leadership in launching a National Early Warning Roadmap under the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that communities receive timely information that can save lives and reduce disaster risks.
The South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL) also remains an important partner in advancing sustainable development. Through sound governance, responsible forest management and investments in technology and infrastructure, SAFCOL continues to support job creation, enterprise development and community upliftment.
While challenges such as ageing infrastructure and timber theft remain, the company is implementing practical measures to improve efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of the forestry sector.

Conclusion 
Our 2026/27 Budget reflects our department’s contribution to building a greener, more inclusive and more resilient South Africa. It recognises the link between environmental sustainability, economic growth and social wellbeing.

Through this Budget, our Department calls on all South Africans to work with us to restore our ecosystems, create green jobs, strengthen climate resilience and ensure that future generations inherit a healthier, greener and more sustainable country.  

*Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

 

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Faith leaders urged to help shape SA’s migration response

Source: Government of South Africa

Faith leaders urged to help shape SA’s migration response

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on faith-based organisations to play a central role in calming rising tensions over migration and strengthening South Africa’s National Dialogue process.

Addressing religious leaders at a special meeting at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is facing real and pressing concerns about migration and illegal immigration. He cautioned against blaming foreign nationals for the country’s broader economic and social challenges.

The President warned that frustration over economic hardship must not be allowed to fuel xenophobia or social division.

“These concerns are real. They need to be heard and to be addressed. These concerns arise in conditions of persistently high unemployment, poverty and hardship. They arise in communities that are plagued by crime, violence and corruption and where there is increasing pressure on public services,” the President said.

The President emphasised that illegal immigration was not the cause of the country’s structural problems. 

To tackle the challenges faced by the country, the President said there is a need for faster and more inclusive growth, investment and the creation of jobs. 

“We need to strengthen our efforts to tackle poverty and hunger,” he said. 

The meeting brought together Ministers and faith leaders from across the country, with President Ramaphosa framing religious institutions as key moral anchors in a society under strain.

“The faith community in our country has always been more than a place of worship. It has provided moral guidance and spiritual sustenance.”

President Ramaphosa’s remarks come days after he outlined a Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management, which includes stricter enforcement of immigration and labour laws, tighter border controls, anti-corruption measures in the immigration system, legal reforms, and increased cooperation with Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union partners.

He emphasised that while South Africa must enforce its laws and ensure that “every person within our borders must be here lawfully,” this must be done in a manner consistent with constitutional values and human dignity.

“I said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state, and that no individual may stop another to demand documentation or proof of nationality. I said that no matter how frustrated people may be, there is no place for racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance.”

President Ramaphosa urged faith leaders to help prevent community anger from turning into violence or discrimination.

“When fear and anger rise, it is so often the voice of the pulpit, the mosque, the temple and the synagogue that can call our people back to compassion,” he said.

National Dialogue

Beyond migration, the President also used the platform to advance the upcoming National Dialogue initiative, describing it as a “people-led process” designed to unite South Africans in defining a shared vision for the country’s future.

He said the process would begin at local level before moving to national gatherings and stressed that its credibility depended on broad participation and inclusion.

“It must be a place where every voice is heard and real solutions are found. Faith communities are vital to this endeavour, for you reach into every village, township and suburb,” he said. 

The President invited religious leaders to become “partners, participants and guarantors” of the process, saying they would play a key role in helping to heal national divisions.

He concluded by urging collective action to build a secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous South Africa, saying the country’s challenges could only be resolved through unity.

“There are many challenges facing our nation. But we can address them together. Together, we can build a South Africa that is secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous, one that upholds the dignity of every person and fulfils the promise of our democracy,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government pushes productivity drive to boost SA manufacturing

Source: Government of South Africa

Government pushes productivity drive to boost SA manufacturing

South Africa’s manufacturing sector must become more productive, innovative and globally competitive if it is to drive sustainable growth and job creation, Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams said on Wednesday.

Abrahams delivered the keynote address at the 20th Anniversary Annual General Meeting of the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster (KZNCTC), held at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof, Durban.

The KZNCTC is an industry-led public-private partnership focused on strengthening the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of KwaZulu-Natal’s clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturing sector.

Addressing industry leaders, Abrahams said government remains committed to improving productivity across the manufacturing value chain while positioning South African manufacturers to access new regional and global markets.

She stressed that the future of local manufacturing hinges on clear policy direction and a shift away from overreliance on protectionist measures.

“We must move decisively away from approaches that rely excessively on protectionist policy instruments. The long-term success of domestic industry will depend on our ability to build businesses that are productive, innovative and capable of competing globally.

“Our objective must be simple. We must create conditions where South African manufacturers succeed because they are competitive, efficient and world-class. That is how we build sustainable industrial growth. That is how we create lasting jobs,” she said.

The engagement forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to boost economic growth, attract investment and create jobs through a stronger, more competitive manufacturing sector.

It also reflects government’s emphasis on partnering with industry to unlock opportunities for local businesses, strengthen value chains and expand employment.

Abrahams also raised concerns over illegal and non-compliant manufacturing practices in parts of the clothing and textile sector, warning that such activities threaten the integrity and long-term sustainability of the industry.

“Reports of labour exploitation, unsafe working conditions, immigration violations and non-compliance with bargaining council agreements raise serious concerns for the future integrity of this industry.

“Businesses that follow the law should never be forced to compete against businesses that ignore the law. When illegal manufacturing practices are allowed to continue unchecked, the damage extends across the entire value chain. Workers are exploited.

“Ethical manufacturers are undercut. Retailers face reputational risk. Consumer confidence is weakened. And compliant businesses face commercial pressure that ultimately threatens jobs and livelihoods,” she said.

She assured stakeholders that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is working closely with the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Revenue Service, Home Affairs, bargaining councils and law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement and clamp down on unlawful practices in the sector. – SAnews.gov.za

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the special meeting with faith-based organisations, Union Buildings

Source: President of South Africa –

Ministers,
Religious leaders,
Colleagues and Friends,

It is my honour to welcome you to this meeting, which gives us an opportunity to reflect on matters that are important to the life of our country and the progress of our people. 

The faith community in our country has always been more than a place of worship. It has provided moral guidance and spiritual sustenance to our people. 

Over many decades, our faith community has shown deep care about the conditions in which our people live and has worked for peace, justice and equality.

It is in that spirit that we meet today, to reflect together upon two matters: the challenge of migration and our National Dialogue.

Although they may appear to be distinct issues, they both touch on the values that bind us together as a nation and the shared responsibility we have to build a better future for the people of South Africa.

Allow me to begin with migration. 

Over recent months, South Africans from every walk of life have raised concerns about migration, and illegal immigration in particular. 

These concerns are real. They need to be heard and to be addressed. 

These concerns arise in conditions of persistently high unemployment, poverty and hardship. They arise in communities that are plagued by crime, violence and corruption – and where there is increasing pressure on public services.

Yet illegal immigration is not the cause of our social and economic difficulties. 

To tackle the challenges our country faces, we need faster and more inclusive growth, investment and the creation of jobs. 

We need to strengthen our efforts to tackle poverty and hunger. 

We must build safer communities by addressing the causes of crime, improving policing and ending corruption.

Migration is not the cause of our problems, but it is something that we must manage constructively and collectively, always holding firm to our Constitutional principles and shared values.

That is why I addressed the nation on Sunday, the 7th of June, to outline the Comprehensive Approach to Migration Management that Cabinet has adopted.

In that address, I noted that our nation is itself a product of migration. 

Yet every person within our borders must be here lawfully.

I said that responsibility for enforcing our laws rests with the state, and that no individual may stop another to demand documentation or proof of nationality.

I said that no matter how frustrated people may be, there is no place for racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia or any other form of intolerance.

The comprehensive approach adopted by Cabinet rests upon five pillars.

Firstly, we are cracking down on violations of immigration, labour and other laws.

Secondly, we are securing our borders.

Thirdly, we are strengthening our immigration system by rooting out corruption and deploying advanced technology.

Fourthly, we are closing the gaps in our laws and policies.

Fifthly, we are working with our sister countries through SADC and the African Union to address the conditions that compel people to migrate.

Through these actions, we will demonstrate that we can protect our borders while protecting human dignity. 

We can enforce our laws while upholding our Constitution. 

We can secure our communities while preserving the values of Ubuntu. 

This is a responsibility that falls to all of us. And the faith community has a particularly important role to play.

When fear and anger rise, it is so often the voice of the pulpit, the mosque, the temple and the synagogue that can call our people back to compassion. 

Together, we must work to ensure that frustration is never turned into hatred, and that the stranger among us is met with the dignity that all our faith traditions demand.

We must demonstrate that there is a better way to manage these genuine concerns – a way that builds cohesion in communities and strengthens the bonds between us.

The second issue I would like to address is the National Dialogue. 

The National Dialogue continues our proud tradition of coming together to confront our challenges, to build consensus and to chart a course for the future.
 
At every defining moment in our history, we have found our way forward through dialogue with one another. 

The National Dialogue is a people-led process that unfolds from local dialogue to national gatherings, through which all South Africans are able to define a vision and plan for our country.

For this Dialogue to carry legitimacy, it must be genuinely inclusive. 

It must be a place where every voice is heard and real solutions are found. 

Faith communities are vital to this endeavour, for you reach into every village, township and suburb. 

You speak to conscience and to values in a manner that many others cannot. 

The National Dialogue will inevitably touch the wounds of our nation, and the faith community is ideally placed to help heal these wounds through prayer and practical service.

I therefore invite you to be partners, participants and guarantors of the National Dialogue process.

There are many challenges facing our nation. But we can address them together.

Together, we can build a South Africa that is secure, lawful, compassionate and prosperous, one that upholds the dignity of every person and fulfils the promise of our democracy.

Thank you again for your attendance and I look forward to our discussion.

I thank you.
 

Land restoration projects bring jobs and water relief to rural communities

Source: Government of South Africa

Land restoration projects bring jobs and water relief to rural communities

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is implementing land restoration projects in Limpopo and the Northern Cape to combat land degradation while improving livelihoods in rural communities.

The projects are already delivering tangible benefits, including improved access to water, job creation and skills development, while promoting sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.

As part of the initiative, two boreholes were officially handed over to the communities of Rietfontein and Philandersbron, improving water availability in these drought-stricken areas.

In addition, 84 beneficiaries – comprising women, young people and persons with disabilities – received training and employment through an invasive plant species removal programme covering 700 hectares. 

The project focuses particularly on eradicating the highly problematic alien Prosopis species.

An accompanying small grant project, running from April 2026 to April 2027, is also being implemented to support sustainable land management and food security, creating 10 temporary jobs.

Speaking on Wednesday in commemoration of Desertification and Drought Day (DDD) 2026, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, underscored the importance of protecting and restoring land resources through sustainable land management.

“Together we need to work towards ensuring sustainable land management and environmental stewardship to ensure healthier ecosystems and strengthened socio-economic conditions of rural communities,” Swarts said.

Observed globally on 17 June each year, Desertification and Drought Day raises awareness of the need to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable land-use practices.

The 2026 theme, “Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore,” highlights the critical role of rangelands as biodiversity hotspots and providers of food security, clean drinking water, jobs and socio-economic opportunities.

Healthy rangelands contribute significantly to food security, climate change adaptation and water resource management, while also creating opportunities for employment and the development of green businesses.

Rangelands cover vast areas of the world’s surface and provide essential ecosystem services, including livestock grazing, carbon sequestration, water regulation and biodiversity conservation. However, they remain among the most vulnerable and degraded ecosystems globally.

According to the department, continued degradation of these landscapes threatens agricultural production, undermines climate change adaptation efforts and places increasing pressure on the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.

This year’s commemoration aims to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration. –SAnews.gov.za

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Abrahams to visit KZN apparel manufacturer Celrose

Source: Government of South Africa

Abrahams to visit KZN apparel manufacturer Celrose

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Alexandra Abrahams will on Wednesday conduct an oversight visit to Celrose, a leading apparel and fashion company based in oThongathi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The visit to Celrose will be preceded by a keynote address at the Clothing and Textile Cluster’s (KZNCTC) 20th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting, taking place at the Toyota Wessels Institute of Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in Kloof.

“The engagements form part of Abrahams’ focus on the Clothing and Textile sector to support economic growth, investment and job creation through a stronger and more competitive manufacturing sector,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement. 

“It also reflects government’s focus on working in partnership with industry to unlock opportunities for local businesses, strengthen value chains and expand employment opportunities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Four arrested after anti-gang operation in Heidedal

Source: Government of South Africa

Four arrested after anti-gang operation in Heidedal

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested four suspects, aged between 20 and 51, in connection with alleged gang-related activities in Joe Slovo, Heidedal, in the Free State.

The four are facing charges of dealing in drugs, malicious damage to property, attack on police and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

The arrests were made after members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Joe Slovo on Tuesday at about 06:45.

“As the tactical team attempted to gain entry into the house, the 45- year-old homeowner allegedly unleashed his vicious pit bull dogs onto two police officials. Due to their swift tactical training, the members successfully evaded the potentially fatal dog bites,” the police said in a statement.

Upon securing and searching the premises, the operational team discovered and seized a substantial quantity of Crystal Meth and an undisclosed amount of cash, possibly proceeds of crime.

The situation escalated dramatically after the homeowner was informed of his arrest. Outside, an angry, unruly crowd quickly mobilised and began pelting the police officials with stones, causing significant damage to state vehicles.

Heidedal SAPS members were mobilised to provide backup. However, their response vehicle was also heavily pelted with stones and severely damaged by the hostile crowd.

“To maintain public order, protect state property, and safely extract the team, the Anti-Gang Unit was forced to deploy stun grenades and rubber bullets to successfully disperse the aggressive mob,” the police said.

Authorities ultimately secured the crime scene, preserved the seized drug exhibits and safely withdrew with the four arrested suspects.

Two suspects, the homeowner (45) and a 20-year-old man, were arrested inside the house for dealing in drugs. 

The homeowner also faces additional charges of assault with intent to cause GBH for setting his dogs on the officers.

Two additional suspects, aged 26 and 51, were arrested for malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause GBH related to the attack on the police and police vehicles.

All four suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon.

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia strongly condemned the violent attack on officers and state property.

“An attack on the police is a direct attack on the authority of the State. Our officers put their lives on the line daily to rid our neighbourhoods of dangerous drugs and violent gangs. 

“It is deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable when community elements choose to shield criminal syndicates by turning heavily on the very police officials working to protect their children and families from the scourge of drug addiction,” he said.

Lesia added that police will not be intimidated.

“And we will not retreat. SAPS will continue to execute its mandate without fear or favour,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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New Public-Private Partnership reforms fast-track infrastructure delivery

Source: Government of South Africa

New Public-Private Partnership reforms fast-track infrastructure delivery

By William Baloyi 
The lengthy delays between the planning of vital infrastructure and the commencement of construction are set to be significantly reduced. Government is implementing a major reform of its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to accelerate the delivery of key infrastructure including roads, hospitals, office accommodation, and water and sanitation systems.

By introducing amendments to Treasury Regulation 16 under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), government is strengthening its PPP framework to drive faster infrastructure development. These reforms aim to remove bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhance the attractiveness of projects to private-sector investors, and build technical capacity within the public sector. 

The amendments introduced a simplified approval process for smaller PPP projects valued at below R2 billion. Previously, projects of this scale were subject to multiple, often protracted approval stages. Under the new framework, many of these requirements have been streamlined.

Under the new system, accounting officers are now empowered to approve certain project milestones internally, reducing reliance on multiple layers of National Treasury approval. Importantly, robust oversight is maintained through the PPP Advisory Unit, which will continue to provide technical guidance and strategic recommendations prior to project progression.

The revised regulations, which came into effect on 1 June 2026, represent a decisive shift towards deeper and more effective public-private collaboration. By streamlining processes and improving clarity, the revised rules pave the way for a new wave of investment, faster project implementation and delivery at scale.

Complementing the amended regulations, the new Fiscal Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (FCCL) guideline and Unsolicited Bid Proposal (USP) guideline took effect on 31 October 2025. 

The USP guideline provides a structured framework for managing unsolicited proposals from the private sector. Historically, the absence of clear guidelines created uncertainty and discouraged private-sector participation. The revised regulations address this gap by establishing a structured and transparent process for the submission and evaluation of such proposals.

Private entities are now able to submit project concepts directly to government institutions, provided these align with national development priorities and public interest objectives. To safeguard transparency and competitiveness, all unsolicited proposals will still be subject to a fair and competitive procurement process.

To further encourage innovation and participation, National Treasury has introduced provisions that allow for partial reimbursement of development costs incurred by bidders in preparing proposals, even where they are not ultimately awarded the project.

The FCCL framework ensures that PPP projects are fiscally sustainable by assessing, managing, and approving government’s financial commitments and risks.

Amendments to Municipal PPP Regulations have also been developed and are nearing finalisation. Similarly to amendments to Treasury Regulation 16, these regulations seek to facilitate faster project implementation and delivery at scale, once they are gazetted.

For years, infrastructure development has been constrained by inadequate planning, weak project preparation and structuring, limited fiscal space, and insufficient technical capacity within government institutions. These challenges contributed to a growing infrastructure backlog across critical sectors. 

Compounding these issues are broader systemic issues including deteriorating financial sustainability, governance shortcomings and institutional capacity constraints within parts of the public sector. These factors have further undermined State’s ability to deliver essential services effectively and at scale.

At the municipal level, the challenges are exacerbated by leadership instability and financial distress. Many municipalities continue to experience governance challenges and capacity limitations that negatively affects delivery outcomes. 

Government anticipates that the strengthened PPP framework will help address these challenges by leveraging private sector expertise, innovation, project management capability and investment in public infrastructure programmes. 

The amended PPP regulations mark a vital step towards modernising South Africa’s infrastructure delivery model. Government is confident that these changes will unlock private investment, stimulate economic activity and job creation, improve public service delivery, and alleviate pressure on constrained public finances. 

For millions of South Africans awaiting reliable infrastructure and essential services, these reforms provide a clear and credible pathway towards the accelerated delivery of hospitals, school, water systems, and transport networks that are vital to improving the quality of life.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson at the Government Communications and Information System.

 

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