Category: South Africa Government

As infrastructure investment remains key to government’s developmental agenda, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba says the newly built Cost Centre in Marble Hall demonstrates the government’s commitment to stronger service delivery and improved efficiency.

Speaking at the official opening of a new Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Cost Centre in Marble Hall on Monday, the Premier said infrastructure unlocks investment, stimulates economic activity, creates jobs and lays the foundation for sustainable development.

Ramathuba said the state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance the department’s operations in the Sekhukhune District.

“It will improve coordination, strengthen project management and create a more efficient working environment for employees who serve our communities daily,” she said.

Ramathuba said the quality of the working environment has a direct impact on employee productivity and service delivery.

“Public servants perform at their best when they operate in a safe, functional and conducive environment. This facility provides exactly that. 

“It offers modern office space, improved amenities and a professional setting that will enable our officials to carry out their duties with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

“To the employees who will occupy this building, I urge you to regard this facility as a centre of excellence. Let the quality of services rendered from these offices match the quality of the infrastructure we are opening today,” she said.

The Premier also called on all officials to take ownership of the facility.

“Let us keep it clean, protect its assets and maintain the high standards it represents. A clean and well-maintained workplace reflects pride, discipline and respect for public resources.

“This facility belongs to the people of Ephraim Mogale and the broader Sekhukhune District. It was built using public funds and stands as an investment made on behalf of our communities. We therefore have a collective responsibility to safeguard it,” the Premier said.

The Premier appealed to community members, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and all stakeholders to work with government to protect the facility from vandalism, theft and criminal activity.

“We cannot allow a few criminals to destroy infrastructure that has been built to serve our people. This is our facility. This is our investment. This is our future. Let us protect it with the same determination with which it was built.

“As government, we are not stopping here. We remain committed to expanding infrastructure investment across Limpopo because we know that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective drivers of economic growth and social transformation,” the Premier said.

She said every great economy is built on the strength of its infrastructure. 

“Roads connect communities to opportunities. Public buildings bring government services closer to the people. As government, we understand that infrastructure is not an expense; it is an investment in the future of our people,” Ramathuba said.

Ramathuba said the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure remains one of the key drivers of the developmental agenda.

“The department carries the enormous responsibility of constructing, maintaining and managing public infrastructure that enables government to deliver on its mandate.

“Whether it is roads, office accommodation, schools, clinics or other public facilities, the department continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the physical landscape of development in our province,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

0

South Africa has declared itself ready to host the 13th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow, as the country marks 100 days to go before the continent’s premier aerospace and defence event takes place.

The highly anticipated exhibition is expected to draw hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, government representatives and defence stakeholders from around the world, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a key player in the global aerospace and defence sector.

During a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Exhibition Director Nakedi Phasha said extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure the success of the event, which is expected to be one of the largest editions of the exhibition to date.

“We are looking to host no fewer than 300 exhibitors from more than 40 countries. In terms of official delegations, we have invited more than 200. We are targeting 100 confirmed delegations from 100 countries. No fewer than 60,000 people are expected to pass through the air force base between 16 and 20 September 2026,” she said.

The exhibition will provide a platform for showcasing cutting-edge aerospace, aviation and defence technologies, while creating opportunities for investment, trade partnerships and collaboration across the continent and beyond.

“Africa Aerospace and Defence is a five-day trade exhibition, with the first three days reserved for trade. During those three days, there will be parallel conference events where we will engage global and regional counterparts on various topics covered at AAD.

“We will be demonstrating unmanned aerial technology. We will be showcasing space technology in our space hub. The show itself will feature tri-services, namely air, land and sea. Over the final two days, we will open the air force base to the public, where we expect to host more than 60,000 people,” Phasha said.

Held every two years, AAD has established itself as Africa’s leading aerospace and defence exhibition and airshow, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, manufacturers and innovators to explore emerging trends and developments in the sector.

“AAD itself is an international air show. We have invited international participants, including aircraft exhibitors, and confirmations continue to come in.

“We are looking to host the global defence and aerospace industries over the five days. Today, we are here to confirm that South Africa is ready. It is ready for business.

“The defence industry is ready for partnerships, and we invite all of you to join us between 16 and 20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

0

Gauteng police have arrested 1 134 suspects and recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition during Operation Shanela II which was conducted across the Gauteng province over the weekend.

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, led a high-density provincial Operation Shanela II in Randfontein and Mohlakeng policing precincts in the West Rand District.

“During the operation at the roadblock in Randfontein, police arrested 24 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol, 10 illegal immigrants, one suspect for dealing in drugs and 16 suspects for possession of drugs,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Sunday.

Two suspects were arrested for selling liquor without a licence, while one suspect was arrested for possession of gold-bearing material. Police also recovered two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

In addition, two liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with the regulations.

Detectives arrested 786 wanted suspects, including 149 individuals linked to crimes against women and children.

“The operation was conducted through a collaborative effort involving the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, traffic law enforcement agencies, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and private security companies.

“Gauteng police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents through ongoing crime prevention operations aimed at reducing crime and maintaining law and order across the province,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged young South Africans to register to vote ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections and take an active role in shaping the future of their municipalities.

The call comes as South Africa marks Youth Month and prepares for the national voter registration weekend scheduled for 20 and 21 June 2026.

SALGA said the registration period presents an important opportunity for eligible citizens to register or update their voting details in the districts where they live.

Through its Youth Commission, SALGA is intensifying efforts to mobilise young people amid concerns about declining voter participation and increasing distrust in democratic processes. 

According to recent Public Opinion Research by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the 2026 Local Government Elections are taking place against a backdrop of public pessimism and democratic disengagement.

The study found that 62% of unregistered voters have no intention of registering to vote, while only 38% indicated they were open to registration.

SALGA Youth Commission Chairperson Lucky Sele said one of the most concerning findings is that more than 60% of non-registered young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 do not intend to register to vote, potentially leaving millions of first-time and second-time voters off the voters’ roll.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched its 2026 election campaign under the slogan “Get Up, Show Up, Vote”, identifying young people as a key audience in efforts to strengthen democratic participation.

SALGA said it believes local democracy can only be strengthened when young people actively participate in shaping council decisions, priorities and policies that affect their daily lives.

“Young people cannot afford to be absent from decisions that affect jobs, service delivery, accountability and the future of their communities,” said Sele.

As part of its Youth Month activities, the SALGA Youth Commission will roll out a targeted mobilisation programme throughout June 2026. 

The initiative will include public awareness campaigns, media engagements and youth dialogues aimed at encouraging greater participation in local democracy and the upcoming elections. – SAnews.gov.za

 

4

The official opening of the 2026 Winter Initiation Season in the Eastern Cape has been accompanied by renewed calls for safe, responsible and dignified initiation practices, as government intensifies efforts to eliminate deaths, injuries and illegal initiation schools.

According to a public notice issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the initiation season officially opened for out-of-school boys on Monday, 8 June, while in-school initiates are scheduled to begin on Friday, 19 June 2026.

“Parents, guardians, traditional leaders, and communities, are encouraged to ensure that all initiates undergo the necessary health pre-screening process before attending initiation schools,” the notice said.

The department added that the Department of Health screening facilities opened on 8 June and will remain operational until 3 July 2026.

The campaign is being rolled out under the theme of promoting a safe, responsible and dignified initiation season, with the message: “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila” (They must go alive and come back alive).

Speaking during the recent Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ 2026/27 Budget Vote in Cape Town, Deputy Minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe said government remains committed to protecting initiates and preserving the cultural significance of the customary practice.

“Last year we made a commitment to raise awareness with the winter initiation season upon us, and to continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to raise awareness in our communities and minimise casualties during the initiation seasons,” Burns-Ncamashe said.

He noted that Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs) have strengthened coordination efforts, particularly in hotspot provinces, to achieve the goal of zero casualties during initiation seasons.

The Deputy Minister said the mobilisation campaign has also included the Majesties Forum, whose members have contributed proposals aimed at safeguarding the practice from individuals operating illegal initiation schools and undermining its cultural value.

“The focus interventions continued in all provinces and in provinces that were considered hotspots. The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs) increased their coordination to ensure that we establish a footprint that leads us to zero casualties.

“The mobilisation also included the Majesties forum who also contributed proposals to ensure that this customary practice is protected against unscrupulous people who erode the importance and cultural value of this customary practice toward nation building and social cohesion,” the Deputy Minister said.

Burns-Ncamashe further highlighted a national dialogue on customary initiation hosted by COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa in February 2026. 

The dialogue brought together traditional leaders and other stakeholders to develop a common strategy to reduce initiation deaths, prevent amputations and eradicate illegal initiation schools during customary initiation seasons.

“The interventions by the Minister supported by the department and traditional leaders are contributing towards raising consciousness in administering safe initiation practices and also reduction of initiation deaths and amputations. Even if in some instances the reduction is low, it is a welcomed and encouraging sign of progress,” Burns-Ncamashe said.

He commended traditional leaders, government departments, health professionals, and community stakeholders for prioritising the safety and wellbeing of initiates.

“Our shared goal is clear: zero deaths, zero harm and a dignified experience for every initiate. This is not just the responsibility of one entity, but a collective obligation that must be championed through an all-of-government and all-of-society approach,” he said.

As the 2026 winter initiation season gets underway, authorities have called on communities to remain vigilant and support efforts to ensure that customary initiation remains a respected cultural practice that upholds the dignity, health and safety of all initiates.

“Let us ensure that ‘Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila’. This should not be a slogan to appease, but a reality,” Burns-Ncamashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

5

Communications and Digital Technologies Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele will this week deliver a keynote address at the 1st Annual Future of Work and Business Conference taking place at Freedom Park in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The conference — organised by Enterprise Capital in association with the Tshwane University of Technology’s Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) and the Wholesale and Retail SETA — is aimed at mobilising government, industry, funding and innovation partners to unlock meaningful economic opportunities through prioritising and profiling future-fit skills and technology innovation, in line with labour and business demands amid rapid advances in technology reshaping industries.

The conference will deliberate on a vibrant, diverse and globally competitive business and labour environment that harnesses the full economic and human potential of South Africans, particularly young people, helping them take advantage of emergent opportunities brought about by various trends occurring within the global business and labour markets.

The world of work and business is rapidly changing, driven by technology and artificial intelligence, economic and geopolitical shifts, environmental and demographic factors.

These trends are significantly reshaping the future of work, transforming the global labour market by displacing certain jobs, while simultaneously creating new ones. These trends have necessitated a relook at the future of work and ways of doing business.

Overall conference convener, Siyabonga Magadla, says innovation and technology are no longer optional, as they are essential drivers of competitiveness, productivity, and long-term success. 

“We must accept that we live in an era of massive innovation, big data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, coding, robotics and digital services. We can no longer afford to just be mere consumers of the technology. Africans must play an active role in building and governing technology. 

“We must also understand and unpack the moral dilemmas and obligations that come with accessing and using these technologies,” he said.

The conference seeks to further profile opportunities in AI and technology innovation; digital skills and the digital economy; enterprise digital innovation; funding for innovation, and cybersecurity and cloud computing

The conference, which takes place in June, coincides with Youth Month and as such, will be attended by youth representing various categories, including youth in and out of school, youth with disabilities, entrepreneurs, as well as workers. 

Over the two days, the conference will attract over 500 delegates. 

Among other participants will be government officials, representatives of business, labour, TVET colleges, as well as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).

The two-day conference is positioned to emerge with tangible and actionable strategies towards the accelerated adoption of technology innovation and digital solutions towards increased economic growth and job creation. – SAnews.gov.za

4

Deputy President Paul Mashatile paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on Monday in Johannesburg.

President Shanmugaratnam is on a Working Visit to South Africa, where he is, among other things, attending the World Bank High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs and the Group of Thirty Spring Plenary Meeting in Cape Town.

The meeting between Deputy President Mashatile and President Shanmugaratnam provided an opportunity to reinforce strong bilateral political and economic relations, and to consolidate cooperation in priority areas such as trade, investment, skills development, and governance.

It also provided an opportunity to exchange views on economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth, while maintaining momentum in high-level engagements and strengthening South-South cooperation.

“Singapore remains our key economic partner and an important gateway to Southeast Asia, providing significant potential to expand cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and financial services, as well as to enhance air and trade connectivity,” the Deputy President said during the meeting.

South Africa and Singapore maintain strong and growing bilateral relations, supported by regular high-level engagements and shared priorities in economic development, governance, and innovation.

In May 2023, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid an Official Visit to South Africa. Deputy President Mashatile paid a reciprocal Official Visit to Singapore in December 2023, which led to further bilateral interactions between the two countries on the margins of the G20 and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related engagements in 2024 and 2025.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Shanmugaratnam undertook to facilitate South Africa’s engagement with the ASEAN economic bloc to advance trade and investment for the benefit of both South Africa and Singapore. –SAnews.gov.za

0

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed that the BMA has successfully processed 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation from South Africa to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend. 

The repatriation process was coordinated through the Port Management Committee (PMC), comprising various government stakeholders responsible for facilitating lawful and orderly movement across the port of entry.

On Saturday, a group of 332 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria for repatriation. Following an extensive check-in process, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for verification and clearance.

“Of the travelers processed, 170 were travelling on Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 162 were using Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. Emergency Travel Certificates are single-use travel documents issued to facilitate the return of citizens to their country of origin,” the BMA said in a statement.

During immigration processing, 321 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer. Consequently, they were declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the conclusion of the immigration process, 323 passengers were found eligible to depart and subsequently boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria.

Nine passengers were, however, offloaded from the flight. These included two couples and their five children. 

“The wife of one couple and the husband of the other were declared medically unfit to travel by airline personnel. Airport paramedics were called to assist and subsequently transferred the two travelers to the airport clinic for further medical attention.

“On Sunday, a further group of 331 Ghanaian nationals was brought to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission for repatriation. Following check-in procedures, the travelers proceeded to BMA Immigration for processing.

“Among those processed, 117 travelers were using Ghanaian ordinary passports, while 90 were travelling on Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria. In addition, 37 minor children born in South Africa were also processed using Emergency Travel Certificates,” the BMA said.

BMA Immigration officials further processed 25 asylum seekers, who voluntarily submitted withdrawal letters to cancel their asylum applications. 

During the verification process, 170 travelers were found to have overstayed their allocated period of stay in South Africa by 30 days or longer and were consequently declared undesirable in terms of Section 30 of the Immigration Act, read together with Regulation 27(3)(c) of the Immigration Regulations.

At the end of the process, 341 passengers, including 10 deportees brought by the Department of Home Affairs from Lindela Holding Facility, were cleared for departure. 

One traveler did not check in, but the remaining 340 boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria. The flight departed at 09h30 SA local time.

The repatriation of these Ghanaian nationals demonstrates effective cooperation between the Government of Ghana, through its High Commission in Pretoria, and South African authorities responsible for migration management and border security.

Masiapato commended the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in facilitating the operation. 

He further encouraged foreign missions to continue working closely with relevant government departments and entities to ensure the smooth and lawful facilitation of repatriation movements.

“The successful processing of these repatriation movements reflects the importance of coordinated efforts between foreign missions and South African authorities. Such cooperation contributes to effective migration management, while ensuring compliance with the country’s immigration laws,” said Masiapato. – SAnews.gov.za

0

In a demonstration of the intensified crackdown on illicit trade and crime, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has intercepted a consignment suspected to bear drugs at KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban port.

The consignment – targeted during a Customs and Excise operation at the port – contained some 90 bricks of cocaine.

“Through intelligence-led operations, SARS is targeting high-risk consignments with precision, disrupting cross-border smuggling and illicit financial flows that erode the domestic economy and undermine compliant trade.

“SARS will sustain its crackdown on illicit trade. Our modernised customs capability allows us to target high-risk shipments with precision while facilitating compliant trade. This operation shows how we are restoring the integrity of our border environment and working with law enforcement to dismantle organised criminal networks.

“The Port of Durban remains a key trade gateway, and SARS will continue to strengthen enforcement through enhanced cargo profiling, technology-enabled inspections, and multi-agency cooperation,” SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said of Saturday’s incident.

The revenue service said the consignment was singled out during the “inspection of heavy-duty excavation equipment imported from South America”.

“SARS detector dogs alerted to suspicious parcels concealed within two excavators. The South African Police Service [SAPS] secured the scene, after which the parcels, estimated at approximately 90 large bricks of pure cocaine were removed. Preliminary testing using a SARS mobile drug detection kit indicates the substance to be cocaine.

“The intercepted consignment forms part of SARS’ intensified crackdown on illicit trade and cross-border smuggling. The material has been seized and handed to SAPS for further forensic analysis and criminal investigation,” SARS explained.

Tech aids fight against crime

The operation, SARS added, is a demonstration of modernised technology used to cut criminality at the knees.
“Investments in advanced cargo profiling systems, non-intrusive inspection technology, and data-driven risk engines are enabling faster, more accurate detection of illicit goods.

“These capabilities improve customs efficiency by allowing SARS to identify and intercept high-risk shipments without delaying legitimate trade, thereby supporting economic activity while enforcing compliance,” the revenue service added. 

READ | Multimillion rand drug bust at Durban Harbour

On Friday, Cabinet reaffirmed government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against organised crime. 

Last month an operation by the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Hawks, SAPS K9 units and other law enforcement agencies led an intelligence-driven operation that intercepted a drug consignment valued at nearly R1 billion at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on 27 May. 

A truck was intercepted travelling through Zimbabwe into South Africa. Authorities discovered approximately 713 000 grams of methaqualone, commonly known as ABBA, a substance widely used in the manufacture of Mandrax.

Cabinet also commended the South African Police Service for the arrest of 11 suspects, including four Mexican nationals, following the discovery of a multimillion-rand drug manufacturing laboratory on a farm in Swartruggens in the North West province in May. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0