Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

In a move to confront infrastructure challenges within Gauteng, the provincial government is deploying a “multi-faceted and practical strategy” to fix failing infrastructure, root out construction mafia syndicates and deal with project mismanagement.

In a statement, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) said the repair of failing infrastructure and the revitalisation of Central Business Districts is at the heart of a 13-point plan unveiled by Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address in February.

“This strategy redefines infrastructure as a fundamental catalyst for sparking economic development, generating employment and transforming society,” the provincial government said.

The province also noted that Lesufi has consistently acknowledged the “severe state of disrepair in some of the province’s infrastructure, correctly identifying it as a detriment to economic growth”.

“The causes are complex and multifaceted, including historical inadequate maintenance, rampant vandalism by sophisticated syndicates, pressure from so-called ‘business forums’ (construction mafias), and significant project management failures.

“The provincial government is confronting these legacy challenges directly through a multi-faceted and practical strategy. This plan is focused on completing unfinished projects, securing existing assets. and ensuring the province’s infrastructure is sustainable for the future,” the provincial government explained.

Interventions already underway include the establishment of an Infrastructure War Room, aimed at managing risks and driving turnaround strategies for critical infrastructure projects, including “unlocking funding, with a specific focus on Public-Private Partnerships”.

“The Department of Infrastructure Development [DID] has also introduced the Infrastructure Delivery Platform (IDEP), a tool that will fast-track all distressed projects while significantly enhancing transparency and communication with client departments. 

“The department has also taken decisive action by terminating the contracts of non-compliant service providers. This includes compiling a list of these restricted suppliers for National Treasury to initiate an official blacklisting process, ensuring these poor performers are excluded from future work,” the provincial government said.

The Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA) has also been centralised within the DID, while work is also underway to tackle construction mafia syndicates.

“GIFA has been tasked with revitalising and commercialising the government’s property precinct in the Johannesburg CBD. This innovative, results-oriented strategy aims to convert underutilised assets from liabilities into income-generating assets, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and generating revenue for the state.

“To combat construction mafia syndicates, the matter is being escalated to the Gauteng Essential Infrastructure Task Team. Led by SAPS, this multi-agency unit targets crimes like cable theft, vandalism, and illegal connections. 

“It comprises police, traffic officials, and experts from Eskom and Transnet who conduct intelligence-led operations to disrupt crimes and recover stolen materials,” the GPG said.

Additionally, Heads of Department will now be held accountable for unfinished projects and some youth employed within the Nasi Spani, will be deployed to maintain infrastructure.

“Premier Lesufi decided that the performance contracts for all Heads of Department would include a clause to reduce and eliminate unfinished infrastructure projects within their departments. He also stated that consequence management would be implemented for those responsible for any unfinished projects.

“The recently launched Nasi Ispani 2.0 initiative includes the Unemployed Youth Skills Development Initiative, which will enrol 2 810 unemployed youth for high-impact, hands-on training in critical trades like plumbing, electrical installation, construction, and plastering. 

“These are the very young people who will be deployed to finish and maintain the provincial infrastructure, reducing the government’s long-term dependence on external contractors,” the GPG said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Amidst grave allegations of a criminal syndicate corrupting the very heart of South Africa’s justice system and law enforcement, the Madlanga Commission will hold its first hearing in Tshwane today.

The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is tasked with what President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a mission of national urgency: to uncover the truth within allegations of a web of corruption, political interference and intimidation.

Officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, the commission will hold its hearings in the main auditorium of the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College.

In a statement, commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, said the hearings will start at 10am today and from 9.30am on Thursday onwards.

“People attending will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Another reason for early arrival is that strict access control measures will be in place, and no unauthorised entry will be permitted.

“Public access to the venue is via the entrance on Struben Street, between Lillian Ngoyi and Sisulu streets. Members of the public should note that parking at the justice college is very limited. It is therefore advisable to seek alternative parking,” Michaels said.

Search for truth

The establishment of the commission follows serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread influence into law enforcement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and intelligence services.

The KZN commissioner also made allegations against the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu – alleging that he colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in that province.

“[Since establishment], the commission’s evidence leaders and investigators have been in consultation with witnesses and following up on information within the commission’s terms of reference. 

“We can confirm that the consultation [with the first witness]… was with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi, whom the commission intends to call as its first witness,” Michaels told a media briefing last week.

The commission’s evidence leader, Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, told the same media briefing that some witnesses may not give evidence in public for their own safety.

“While we are committed to transparency, we have to prioritise the protection of human life at all costs. Unless we can make evidence available in a form that’s not going to put human life at risk, we can’t do that. 

“So, this is not [to] analogise [the] situation faced by the Zondo Commission. We sit in a much more extreme situation, and our first commitment must always be to the protection of human life,” Chaskalson said.

Safeguarding the nation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the commission during a Sunday evening national address in July after Mkhwanazi’s own media briefing detailing his allegations.

At the time, the President noted that the provincial commissioner’s allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies.

“These allegations therefore call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation,” the President said.

He set out the parameters of the commission’s work which includes investigating: 

• The facilitation of organised crime
• Suppression or manipulation of investigations
• Inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership
• The commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence

“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations.

“These institutions are the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane,” he said.

The commission will also probe whether any “members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above”.

Swift action

President Ramaphosa explained that the Madlanga Commission has the power to “refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution” with interim reports expected after three and six months.

“It is critical that these matters be attended to with the necessary urgency and thoroughness.

“The commission is expected to complete its work and submit a final report to the President. The final report of the commission will [also] be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice,” he said.

The President assured that the work of law enforcement agencies will continue unabated as the commission “undertakes its work”.

“I call on all members of our law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.

“I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.

“In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from several countries have expressed concern for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which involves citizens from their countries and carries critical aid to Gaza.

Global Sumud Flotilla is an international, civil society-led maritime initiative launched in June this year, built on decades of Palestinian resistance and international solidarity.

“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye have expressed concern for the safety of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which involves citizens from their countries and carries critical aid to Gaza,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Tuesday.

According to the department, the movement has outlined its goal of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, as well as the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza.

France24 reported yesterday that a convoy of about 20 boats carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was preparing to depart from Tunisia in an attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Despite delays and drone attacks, the flotilla’s mission is to establish a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and demonstrate global solidarity.

“We, therefore, call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law.

“We recall that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability, “ the statement read.

In addition, the department emphasised that the goals of peace and humanitarian assistance, alongside respect for international and humanitarian law, are shared by these governments. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) has intensified its high-impact stop-and-search operations as part of the province’s broader strategy to tackle criminality, lawlessness and strengthen compliance with traffic laws.

Between 8 and 14 September 2025, the unit’s officers conducted a number of stop-and-search operations throughout the province. 

During these operations, officers issued numerous infringement notices to non-compliant public transport operators, addressing cases of unroadworthy vehicles, and effecting arrests linked to serious traffic violations and attempted bribery.

In total, over 700 manual infringement notices were issued with a further 827 processed electronically through the GTl e-force gadget.

The high-impact operations also saw 72 vehicles served with discontinue notices for non-compliance with various road safety regulations, while one vehicle was impounded for consequential violations.

The stop-and-search operations also exposed more serious offences.

Two motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe officers, one for contravening the Immigration Act, whilst another for assault grievous bodily harm on an officer.

“Tensions escalated on Friday, 12 September 2025, when GTI officers came under attack from taxi drivers near the Randburg Taxi Rank in Johannesburg. 

“An instigator, a driver affiliated with the Alexandra Taxi Association, was promptly arrested for inciting violence against officers, organising a mob to block the road and throw stones at them, damage to State property (vehicle) and assaulting a female officer causing grievous bodily harm demonstrating the unit’s firm stance against intimidation and lawlessness,” the GTI said on Tuesday.

The Inspectorate said these arrests underscore the organisation’s determination to confront not only road safety breaches but also criminal behaviour that undermines law enforcement.

“Undertaken daily, the operations form part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to enforce compliance to traffic laws and improve visibility, ensuring that lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“Comprising a team of 96 officers, the GTI remains committed to enhancing road safety, clamping down lawlessness, and upholding the rule of law in the province.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Progress has been made in rehabilitating flood-damaged infrastructure projects in Kariega, says Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.

Lobishe, accompanied by Member of the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Roads and Transport, Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga, recently conducted an oversight visit to the Matanzima Bridge and Ponana Tini Road in Kariega where critical repair work is currently underway.

The project is about 60% complete since construction started on 12 May 2025. 

The Mayor said completion was targeted for mid to end of November 2025, allowing the road to reopen shortly after Transport Month, which is commemorated in October.

The rehabilitation project has already created jobs for 300 workers and benefitted between 28 and 30 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), particularly Grade 1 construction companies – an entry-level construction company.

“Additionally, we are providing on-the-job training for labourers and collaborating closely with community members, business forums, the taxi industry, and Volkswagen. The total budget for both bridges is R73 million, with an expenditure of around R15 million to date,” Lobishe said.

She added that the rehabilitation project aligns with the government’s 7th Administration priorities, which emphasise inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and enhancing disaster resilience.

“By improving infrastructure, the project enhances access to essential services and economic opportunities for residents. The rehabilitation of Matanzima Bridge and Ponana Tini Road is a direct response to the flood damage, demonstrating the municipality’s commitment to rebuilding resilient infrastructure.”

The Mayor noted that the project also supports the National Disaster Management Framework, aimed at improving prevention and mitigation measures, ensuring better preparedness, and strengthening response and recovery.

“The rehabilitation efforts aim to restore and strengthen critical infrastructure, reducing vulnerability to future disasters. The project involves community engagement and capacity-building, enhancing local preparedness for future emergencies,” Lobishe said.

She emphasised that Matanzima Bridge and Ponana Tini Road are vital transport links, easing congestion and improving access to schools, businesses, health facilities and industrial hubs.

Once completed, she said the project is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel times, and stimulate local economic activity.

Lobishe acknowledged collaborative efforts between the municipal officials, project managers, and workers for their commitment in driving the project forward within a short space of time.

“While it may seem lengthy, the scale of work required is significant, and we are pleased with the progress. I also want to thank the residents of KwaNobuhle for their patience and support. The success of this project is due, in large part, to the cooperation and encouragement from the local community,” the mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane says investing in formal housing and the transformation of informal settlements are critical contributions to infrastructure development and economic growth.

Simelane made the remarks during the Urban 20 (U20) Mayors Summit, held in Sandton, on Saturday.

The U20 seeks to strengthen engagement between the G20 and cities, raise the profile of urban issues on the G20 agenda, and create a platform for cities to develop a collective message and perspective to inform G20 negotiations.

Speaking in a panel discussion on “Local Economies as Engines of Inclusive Development: A New Vision for Governance and Informality through Equitable Climate Action and Public Service Provision”, Simelane called for a paradigm shift on how investors and financial institutions perceive informality in relation to its economic potential.

“Investments in supporting township economy is a contribution to economic growth with potential positive spin-offs such as job creation, improved living standards, and quality of life,” the Minister said.

She warned that financial exclusion of informal enterprises continues to stifle growth and innovation, leaving many promising enterprises unable to scale or compete with more established, formal businesses.

“Addressing these barriers through micro-investment ecosystems and enabling entrepreneurial innovation can unlock sustainable township economic development and greater inclusion in national growth,” Simelane said.

To advance the agenda on local economic development and transformation of informality in cities, Simelane highlighted that the 2024 White Paper for Human Settlements advocates for the implementation of developmental interventions.

Among the interventions include:

•    Infrastructure development projects that are packaged to target areas with Transit-Oriented Development with concentration of growth around frequent public transit corridors by locating housing, offices, shops, schools, and services near metro stations and bus hubs.
•    The transformation of existing townships, and areas which have been established since the 1980s, into sustainable human settlements.
•    Focus on the elimination of spatial monotony and the general character of these areas as low-income dormitory suburbs, improving quality of the living environments, including greening the environment, and unlocking township residential property market, through streamlined land transfer and planning processes.

Shaping municipalities’ economies

The Minister urged municipalities to play a proactive role in shaping their respective economies. This requires inclusive stakeholder participation in developing strategies and plans, such as their integrated development models.

She noted that municipalities still grapple with deep economic and spatial disparities which are not only a historical injustice linked to apartheid, but also a geographical and environmental reality.

“Despite these differences, cities must take their own initiatives, as espoused in our Constitution, to share and distribute the economic benefits to their residents,” Simelane said.

She added that people should not only be connected to cities for employment but also for opportunities linked to decent and adequate housing, better living conditions, skills development, participation in manufacturing and entrepreneurial endeavours that generate production inputs, commercial networks, in order to promote and protect their human. – SAnews.gov.za