Category: South Africa Government

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President Ramaphosa calls for immediate release of Global Sumud Flotilla abductees

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the Government of the State of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted as part of Israeli authorities’ interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The flotilla comprises humanitarian vessels seeking to deliver aid to Gaza.

President Ramaphosa says the interception in international waters off the coast of Gaza reinforces Israel’s continued violation of international law and infliction of suffering, including starvation, on the Palestinian people.

South Africans who were on board the flotilla include Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla, while confirmation is pending on the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver.

President Ramaphosa said: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.

“On behalf of our Government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.

“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.

“This action also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded.

“South Africa calls on Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo transported by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.

“South Africa supports the call by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material through all means possible.

“My thoughts are with all of the abductees and their families and it is my expectation that Israel will release the human rights activists as these abductions serve no purpose in the context of efforts to secure peace in the Middle East.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Police reaffirm commitment to protect older persons

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged communities to unite in protecting older persons and to take a stand by reporting abuse. 

“SAPS is obliged and mandated by the Constitution and the Older Persons Act, 2006, to ensure the protection of all elderly persons and dealing effectively with the plight of older persons by empowering and protecting them,” police said in a statement.

Wednesday, 1 October, marked the 35th anniversary of the United Nations in declaring, recognising and honouring worldwide the contributions of older persons.

In South Africa, the commemoration forms part of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, which are observed annually to demonstrate the nation’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable in society.

SAPS said elderly abuse is a growing social concern across society and has many forms, such as violence, lack of access to services, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and neglect.

“Abuse can be the result of a single act or may continue over a period of time. Abuse can be accidental or a deliberate act. 

“An abuser may be a relative, a partner, a caregiver, a volunteer, a neighbour, a friend, or even a stranger. Since elder abuse is often conducted by those who have access to older persons as caregivers or relatives, it tends to be under-reporter,” the police said.

“The elderly are important pillars of society and continue to play useful roles in society by sharing their wisdom and experience with society.”

SAPS encouraged the public to observe measures to ensure the safety of older people. These include:

  • Installing handrails, non-slip mats, and removing tripping hazards.
  • The use of walkers, canes, or wheelchairs to prevent falls.
  • Regularly checking in with family and friends to prevent isolation.
  • Educating communities on common scams targeting seniors.
  • Considering investing in a medical alert.
  • Encouraging participation in senior centres for socialisation and activities.

To curb elderly abuse, a multi-agency approach and community-based partnerships is needed in order to effectively safeguard the elderly with government departments such as the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and those in the criminal justice system and civil society organisations for the successful conviction in cases which involve elderly abuse. 

Anyone who suspects that an older person is being abused or has suffered abuse-related harm is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station or immediately call SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App or report to a social worker.

All information received will be treated confidentially. – SAnews.gov.za

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Joburg Water provides update on Coronationville water provision

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Johannesburg Water has moved to assure residents that progress is being made to improve water supply to Coronationville in the west of the city. 

The area was the sight of violent protest last month with residents demanding water supply.

“Johannesburg Water is making progress on the planned intervention for an immediate intervention to improve supply to the high zone of Coronationville. The project commenced on 22 September 2025, with excavations to expose pipework on the ground. Excavations have been completed on both sides of the street in the vicinity of Harmony and Hamilton streets, Coronationville.

“This is where the cross-connection will be made. A socket has been welded onto the main pipe supplying Crosby on 29 September 2025. Road cutting and trenching were also completed on 30 September 2025, with pipe-laying and valve installation activities currently underway,” the entity said in a statement.

READ | ‘We are going to find solutions’ to Jhb water challenge – Mayor Morero

Furthermore, final pipe connections will be made for the rest of the week with “commissioning of the cross-connection is expected on Friday”.

“In addition, Johannesburg Water has allocated a dedicated team to investigate, assess feasibility and then only implement interventions which could address challenges in sensitive areas supplied within the Commando System, including Claremont, Westbury, and Westdene. 

“These investigations are ongoing and will be resolved progressively, as the challenges and potential solutions differ across each block. It should also be known that the improvement of the Commando System is still dependent on the ongoing medium – and long-term project interventions underway or which are due to commence,” the statement read.

Residents are warned to take care around the construction area in Coronationville.

“This is a reminder that the Coronationville project remains an active construction site. Residents and members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution in the area and to keep clear of the site, which is strictly off-limits to unauthorized persons. These measures are in place to safeguard both the public and Johannesburg Water employees and contractors.

“Johannesburg Water will continue to provide updates as work progresses and apologises for the inconvenience caused during this intervention,” the statement concluded. 

Johannesburg Water is a municipal entity of the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za

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Madlanga Commission takes scheduled break

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

The Madlanga Commission has announced a break from proceedings, with hearings set to resume on 13 October 2025.

“The Commission will be taking a scheduled break from 6 – 10 October 2025 due to the unavailability of Commissioner Sesi Baloyi, who will be attending to her duties as a member of the Judicial Service Commission,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels explained.

Hearings were stopped abruptly this week due to illness of a witness.

READ | General Khumalo receiving the “best medical care”

“This week, the Commission’s public hearings would have continued until Friday, 3 October 2025, but when the hearing resumed… Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga adjourned it due to the inability of [Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence] Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo to proceed with his testimony as a result of sudden illness,” Michaels said.

The Commission — which is officially known as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System — has already heard the evidence of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, which was followed by that of South African Police Service (SAPS) National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

Other witnesses to have given testimony are KZN Director of Public Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority, Elaine Harrison and SAPS Head of Governance, Legislation and Policy at the Legal Services Division, Major General Petronella van Rooyen. – SAnews.gov.za

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Operation Shanela nets over 5000 in KZN

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Over 5000 suspects have been arrested for various crimes while 105 unlicensed firearms were recovered in the month of September, said KwaZulu-Natal police.

In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS), said that of the 5 527 suspects that were arrested across the province, 1 464 were arrested for contact crimes of which 730 of them were arrested for assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm. 

A total of 85 individuals were arrested for murder, and 93 suspects were arrested for attempted murder cases. 

“These arrests and recoveries are a culmination of relentless operations conducted by various police units in specified policing precincts. One of the key objectives of Operation Shanela is to tackle areas which have shown an increase in crime volumes,” the SAPS said in a statement on Wednesday.

Drugs were also recovered in the police operations.

“During these operations, those who deal in narcotics did not escape the police radar as a total of 921 suspects were arrested and drugs were recovered in the process. Police also arrested 51 suspects for being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

“The arrested suspects have appeared in various courts in the province, however the work of the police teams in Operation Shanela II does not end with the arrests of the suspects and recovery of exhibits.”

The police added that “frantic work is on-going” behind the scenes in trying to establish possible links of the arrested suspects with other crimes.

“The firearms recovered will also be subjected to ballistics tests to determine if they have not been used in the commission of other crimes,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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North West Premier to rollout service delivery programme

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi is expected to lead the roll-out of the Thuntsha Lerole programme in the Tswaing Local Municipality on Friday.

The Tswaing Local Municipality, which is part of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, has been identified as one of the ten local municipalities prioritised for Phase 5 of the provincial government’s Accelerated Service Delivery Programme. This as the municipality is facing challenges in service delivery. 

According to the provincial government, these challenges include an inconsistent water supply and the poor condition of road infrastructure.

Through a coordinated effort to enhance access to quality services, the Premier, who will be joined by Members of the Executive Council (MECs), will officially hand over an internal road in Matshelapad. 

As an ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, the provincial government said pothole patching will be undertaken from Delareyville to Ottosdal, while blading will be conducted in identified internal roads across the local municipality. 

As part of the Title Deeds Friday campaign, which is a nationwide initiative to restore title deeds, the Premier will symbolically issue 10 out of a total of 1 282 title deeds to their rightful owners. 

In addition, three completed RDP houses will be handed over to the designated beneficiaries.
The provincial leadership will conduct an oversight visit to the construction site of the new Delareyville Bulk Pharmacy. 

Once completed, this facility will enhance the supply of medicine across the local municipality and surrounding health facilities, ultimately improving the availability and equitable delivery of healthcare.

Fresh produce will be handed over to indigent families in Matshelapad, Jachtkraal, and Skierlik, while 105 food parcels will be distributed to households in Thawane village. 

In support of youth development, sports equipment will be issued to nine identified schools, while traditional attire will be presented to the Agisanang Traditional Group. 

To enhance access to economic opportunities, the Centralised Supplier Database (CSD) team will be available on-site to assist with the registration, updating, and amendment of company profiles. 

“In addition, integrated primary health care services will be offered to ensure that community members receive vital health screenings and support. In support of the Clean Cities initiative, the clearing of illegal dumping sites will also be undertaken across the local municipality,” the advisory read. 

The Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded programme will also be rolled out in two other districts. 

In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the program will be launched at the Pitsong Community Hall in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. 

Meanwhile, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, public services will be provided at the Tswelelang location in Wolmaranstad, which is part of the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to address Local Government Indaba 2025 Gala Dinner

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 02 October 2025, deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Local Government Indaba Gala Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. 

The Indaba aims to drive a turnaround for municipalities in South Africa.

The Indaba will gather delegates from across Government, traditional leadership, business, academia, civil society and organised labour under the symbiotic commitment to revitalise municipalities and restore public confidence in local governance.

The Indaba takes place against the backdrop of recurrent poor municipal audit outcomes as documented by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), which underscore the urgency of reform.

The Indaba has been conceptualised as a springboard for bold action in strengthening governance and accountability, while cultivating ethical leadership and effective oversight in municipal councils.

A highlight of the Indaba will be the Local Government Good Governance Awards, celebrating municipalities that exemplify best practices in governance and financial stewardship. 

Members of the media are invited to cover the Indaba as follows:

Date: Thursday, 02 October 2025

Time: 18h00

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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DWS to host programme for future leaders

Source: Government of South Africa

DWS to host programme for future leaders

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will host its annual Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Set to be held from 5–11 October 2025, the programme is aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders in the sector.

The programme seeks to raise awareness among learners about water use efficiency, resource protection, health, hygiene, and the impact of invasive alien plants. Young minds are given the tools and encouragement to shape the future of this vital sector.

The WSEP also promotes careers in the water sector by transforms classrooms into hubs of water literacy, inspiring students to value every drop and become champions of wise water use.
Through hands-on projects, the programme invites learners and educators to become problem-solvers, tackling real water and sanitation challenges in their schools and communities. They investigate issues, brainstorm creative solutions, and put their ideas into action.

The WSEP is implemented through several initiatives, including Baswa Le Meetse (Youth in Water), Aqua Enduro, public speaking, curriculum support, intervention projects, career promotion, and the celebration of special days.

At the end of this dynamic week, outstanding learners will be rewarded with full study bursaries, opening doors to science and engineering careers in the world of water and sanitation.
Spokesperson at the department, Wisane Mavasa said the programme has already produced young leaders making significant contributions in the sector.

“Some of our previous winners have to study for PhDs, travel to various parts of the globe, and participate in everything water and sanitation related. This programme is an opportunity for the disadvantaged to get a foot in the door and explore all possibilities,” Mavasa said.

She added that the programme reminds both pupils and teachers that South Africa’s water is precious and every drop counts, empowering young leaders to safeguard the nation’s most essential resource. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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KZN Education dismisses claims linking video to local school

Source: Government of South Africa

KZN Education dismisses claims linking video to local school

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has moved to clarify misinformation surrounding a disturbing video circulating on social media which depicts the rape of a minor by an elderly man.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said contrary to claims, the incident did not take place in Inanda or involve a learner from Zwelisha School in the Pinetown District.

“The incident in question took place in Mozambique. The department is relieved to confirm that the perpetrator of this heinous crime was immediately arrested by the relevant law enforcement agency in his country,” the department said.

The department urged the public to act responsibly by verifying information before sharing content on social media platforms, warning that the spread of false information creates unnecessary panic and harm within the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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General Khumalo receiving the “best medical care”

Source: Government of South Africa

General Khumalo receiving the “best medical care”

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, says Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo, the Divisional Commissioner for Crime Intelligence, is receiving the best medical care after feeling unwell this morning. 

“The General felt unwell after arriving at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where he was due to continue with his testimony,” the South African Police Service said in a statement on Wednesday.

Masemola is in contact with Khumalo and has confirmed that he is in good spirits, while taking health advice from his physician. 

“The General’s health is receiving priority and the Madlanga Commission will be kept abreast of all developments pertaining to his condition, as well as when he will be available to continue with his testimony,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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