Category: South Africa Government

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Government committed to keep American markets open for SA

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to keep American markets open for SA

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has made it clear that the South African government is pulling out all the stops to keep the American market open for South African goods.

This is amid the recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States (US) on South African exports.

“We will at the same time accelerate our efforts to diversify markets and build on the efforts we have put in place to ensure predictability in trade and leverage all our existing partnerships to secure markets for our products,” Tau said.

He was addressing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held last week on the US tariffs, along with the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

Tau said government has been implementing a response anchored on five key elements: continued engagement with the United States to secure a deal and reduce the tariffs; the diversification of exports to alternate markets; an economic response package to vulnerable companies and workers; trade defense against import surge and dumping; and demand side interventions.

“Cabinet has approved that South Africa submits a revised offer as a basis for negotiations with the US. The new offer builds on the previous offer submitted in May 2025. The new offer substantively responds to the issues the US has raised in the 2025 National Trade Estimates Report,” Tau said.

The Minister said the USA-Africa Trade Desk has informed government that it will be shipping containers of poultry and pork to South Africa in two weeks’ time, which is testimony that these issues have been resolved.

“The shipments will come from the states of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama through the Ports of New Orleans in Louisiana, Savanna in Georgia and Norfolk in Virginia,” Tau said.

Another significant request from the US was that South Africa consider reducing tariffs as a way to address the deficit and tariff disparity with the European Union due to the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.

“South Africa continues consultations with industry and in this regard, in consultation with other members of the Southern African Customs Union, will identify specific lines to respond to this request.

“The recent imposition of a 30% unilateral tariff by the United States on our exports is a significant policy shift that necessitates a clear and decisive response. South Africa has accelerated its diversification efforts of export markets and enhanced competitiveness to mitigate the economic impact of losing preferential trade access.

“We are committed to strengthening our relationships, particularly under the AfCFTA, to build regional resilience. 

“We will also continue the work we have started with our European partners towards enhancing our trade and investment relations in a manner that unlocks sustainable growth and development and entrenches South Africa in new supply-chains,” Tau said.

Tau said government was looking at Asia, including Japan, Vietnam and Thailand, the Middle East and India.

“We are pursuing these markets because we see growing demand, existing negotiations and a positive reception to South African products. 

“This is not just about trade numbers; it is directly linked to job protection. Diversification is about protecting rural livelihoods and sustainable agricultural growth for our people.

“To achieve this, government is deploying dedicated infrastructure for market expansion, including trade and agricultural attachés, increased export certification capacity and a concerted effort to align our biosecurity standards with the requirements of these new markets,” the Minister said.

Earlier this month, government said was creating an economic response package to address job losses and lessen the impact of the US’ decision to impose a 30% unilateral tariff on its imports. 

The package will include the establishment of an export support desk and a localisation fund.

In May, South Africa submitted a comprehensive and ambitious framework deal aimed at addressing trade deficits and promoting mutually beneficial relations. 

The tariffs took effect from 8 August 2025.

Tau said a high-level negotiation team, including both the dtic and the Department of Agriculture has been identified and is ready to engage the US towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

“Our goal is to demonstrate that South African exports do not pose a threat to US industries and that our trade relationship is, in fact, complementary,” Tau said.

Tau said the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States of America do not only apply to South Africa.

“They also affect over 130 trading partners with whom American consumers and producers interact,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Report exposed electricity wires and illegal connections to save lives

Source: Government of South Africa

Report exposed electricity wires and illegal connections to save lives

Eskom has called on consumers to use electricity safely and report illegal connections as the power utility commemorates Electricity Safety Month.

According to Eskom Senior Manager for Health and Safety, Miranda Moahlodi, the power utility reported some “200 public injuries and fatalities” related to electricity.

“It is genuinely distressing to think that many electricity-related injuries and deaths go unreported to Eskom because communities feel compelled to protect the illegal connections responsible for these incidents.

“Furthermore, criminal activities are on the rise, evidenced by an increasing number of infrastructure vandalism cases, theft of electricity cables, and attacks on Eskom staff.

“We appeal to communities to help us curb the aggression and violence that Eskom employees are subjected to. Like everyone else, we also have families waiting for us at home after work,” Moahlodi noted.

The power utility urged communities to report exposed wires and illegal connections which “pose a serious threat to the safety of our community, infrastructure, and lives”.

“Poorly installed or tampered with electrical lines are among the leading causes of fires in informal settlements and residential areas. By reporting hazards early, we can prevent fires that devastate homes and disrupt people’s lives.

“Community safety is a collective effort. Each one of us has a part to play. If you notice a dangling/ low-hanging wire, an open electrical box, or unsafe connections running through trees, on the street or rooftops, please do not ignore it.

“Let us commit to regularly checking our electrical systems, reporting hazards, and adhering to safety guidelines. Most importantly, we must act swiftly and responsibly as soon as we identify a risk,” Eskom said.

Report crime and any illegal activities impacting Eskom’s infrastructure on Eskom’s Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22, send an email to eskom@whistleblowing.co.za or SMS 31090.

“Together, we can create safer homes, safer workplaces, and ultimately, a safer South Africa. Remember to contribute by reporting any illegal connections, exposed wires, or electrical wiring that appear dangerous to Eskom or your local municipality.

“By doing this, you could save a child’s life or the life of someone who is unaware of these dangers. Let us look out for each other and always practice electrical safety,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Source: Government of South Africa

Capitec, FNB partner with Home Affairs to deliver Smart IDs

Capitec Bank and First National Bank (FNB) have signed up to the Department of Home Affairs’ new digital partnership model that aims to expand access to Smart ID and passport services.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced that the partnership will see the expansion of Smart ID and passport services from the existing 30 to hundreds more bank branches in urban and rural areas across South Africa.

It will further expand these services to digital banking applications.

“In fulfilment of the target set by Cabinet in the Medium-Term Development Plan, which tasks Home Affairs with expanding its services to 1 000 bank branches by 2029, the Director-General of the department, Mr Tommy Makhode, on 30 April 2025 wrote to
the Chief Executive Officers of ABSA, African Bank, TymeBank, Capitec Bank, Discovery Bank, First National Bank, Investec Bank, Nedbank, and Standard Bank, inviting them to join this transformative, digital-first new phase of the department’s existing collaboration with the banking sector,” explained the department.

It said the collaboration dates back more than a decade and has, until now, seen the successful delivery of Smart ID and passport services at only 30 branches across five different banks.

The original model relied on the costly duplication of Home Affairs staff and hardware inside bank branches and failed to take advantage of technology to dramatically expand services into all rural and urban areas where bank branches already exist, as well as onto secure banking apps that have come to be widely used across society.

The department said the new partnerships marked the beginning of the end for long travelling distances to reach Home Affairs services, for long queues, as well as for the Green ID book with its unacceptable vulnerability to fraud and identity theft.

It is also the next step in the new digital-first era of public service delivery that the Government of National Unity is building, said the department.

The Minister will visit Capitec and FNB this week to provide further information on how this reform will benefit all South Africans. On Tuesday, the Minister will visit Capitec Head Office in Stellenbosch and then on Wednesday he will visit FNB at the Portside Tower, in Cape Town.

“The department further reiterates its call for all other banks to similarly take up the invitation to work together, to ensure that all South Africans have access to Smart ID and passport services in their own communities.

“This reform marks a critical milestone on our journey to unlock the power of digital transformation to deliver Home Affairs @ home.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine

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Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

Source: Government of South Africa

Parolee denied bail for allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head 

The Hatfield Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to parolee Thabo Enoch Theletsane, who is facing charges of fraud and allegedly impersonating former Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

Theletsane – who was out on parole after serving time for another fraud case – allegedly contacted a businessman on WhatsApp using Lebeya’s profile picture.

“[He] allegedly claimed his phone had been hacked and that the businessman would be contacted by ‘Mr. Mokoena’, purportedly a police officer from the cybercrime unit. Posing as ‘Mr. Mokoena,’ Theletsane allegedly told the businessman that his phone had been hacked and offered to ‘clean’ it. 

“He is accused of requesting the businessman’s frequently used contact numbers, which he then obtained. The accused allegedly asked the businessman to make a payment for a hard drive to store his information; however, this payment was not made,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.

According to the statement, Theletsane then contacted another complainant “using the numbers supplied by the businessman”.

“He allegedly told the second complainant that their phone had been hacked and requested a payment of R50 000 for a hard drive to store their information. The complainant paid the money. 

“After realising they had been defrauded, both victims reported the matter to the police on 01 November 2024,” the statement read.

Theletsane was arrested in May this year following an investigation and subsequently applied for bail on the basis that he is a father of seven with “another on the way to provide for”. 

“Prosecutor Dikeledi Moganyaka opposed the bail application and read into the record an affidavit by investigating officer Mpho Phantinah Dlamini. The affidavit stated that the accused had deliberately given a false address during the investigation and had two previous convictions for fraud and forgery from 2020, making him likely to reoffend if released.

“In delivering judgment, the magistrate agreed with the State that the accused has the propensity of committing crime since he is alleged to have committed the current offences just days after being released on parole. The court also found his claims about the parole board to be unsubstantiated and ruled that releasing him would not be in the interest of justice,” the statement said.

The case was postponed to September. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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eThekwini welcomes approval to develop new power generation capacity

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says the approval for the development of a new electricity generation capacity, marked a critical milestone in the city’s energy roadmap, aimed at diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on the national grid, and improving energy security.  

The municipality has become the first metro in South Africa to receive ministerial approval to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), in what Xaba calls a “precedent-setting moment” for municipal-led energy transition.

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has authorised the city to move ahead with its Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP), which will add 400 megawatts (MW) to the local grid — 100MW from solar PV and 300MW from gas-to-power.

“We are not only celebrating the decision by the Minister of Electricity and Energy to authorise the city to develop new electricity generation capacity, but we are also affirming our commitment to lead South Africa’s energy transition in a way that is secure, inclusive, and sustainable.

“We are excited that we are the first metro in the country to receive this determination from the Minister to procure new electricity generation capacity directly from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This is a precedent-setting moment that reinforces the constitutional role of municipalities in ensuring they deliver quality services,” Xaba said.

Energy roadmap and milestones

In line with its energy strategic road map, the municipality launched its energy strategy in 2021, to respond to the national energy crisis.

As a result, the council resolved to initiate its own electricity procurement programme, through the Municipal Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (MPPPP).

Xaba noted that the decision was driven not only by necessity, but by a forward-looking vision of building a decentralised, diversified, and resilient municipal energy system.

“By July 2021, we issued a technology-agnostic Request for Information (RFI) to the market, targeting 400 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. This move allowed us to engage industry stakeholders, assess investment appetite, and lay the groundwork for meaningful public-private partnerships.

“A year later, our 400 MW business case received full endorsement from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Subsequently, the National Treasury approved the project, positioning eThekwini as a national pioneer in municipal-led power procurement,” Xaba said.

The municipality convened the first Energy Transformation Summit in 2023, with key public and private stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to a reliable, low-carbon, inclusive energy future.

A Section 34 Determination application was formally submitted and received the full attention of the Minister, and by October 2024, the Minister issued the draft Section 34 determination to National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), which launched public participation in March 2025.

Section 34 Determination outlines the procurement of new electricity generation capacity or transmission infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply. NERSA then reviews the determination and provides its concurrence (or not) based on its regulatory mandate.

The final approval of the Ministerial Determination gives the city the green light to move to the next phase of the Request for Proposals (RFP).

According to the municipality, the programme will allow the eThekwini Municipality to procure 400 MW of new generation capacity (100 MW Solar PV and 300 MW Gas to Power (GTP), with a focus on dispatchable, reliable, and low-carbon energy technologies.

“Our energy strategy is embedded in our Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is a legislated planning and performance management instrument. The inclusion of our energy mix in the IDP ensures that our power procurement is directly tied to broader development outcomes, job creation, economic growth, climate change and spatial transformation,” the mayor emphasised.

Xaba reassured the city’s ratepayers that the programme is financially sound, with preliminary modelling indicating that it would save the municipality approximately R5 billion over the duration of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), translating to around R250 million in annual savings.

“These are savings we can redirect to the upgrading of infrastructure for basic services that will directly benefit our residents. Furthermore, this programme is catalytic as it is projected to unlock R8.5 billion in private investment and boost regional industrial activity.

“Most importantly, it will create an estimated 2 200 jobs during construction and operation phases. This initiative will also empower small businesses and promote inclusive enterprise and supplier development,” he said.

On energy security and environmental sustainability, Xaba said once fully operational, the new capacity will reduce eThekwini’s reliance on the national grid by 18%, significantly cushioning the city from up to Stage 3 load shedding.

“During this period our economy can stay productive, our hospitals, schools and police stations will continue operating without any disruption. The project supports both our Climate Action Plan and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

“It is expected to avoid 250 000 tonnes of CO₂ [carbon dioxide] -equivalent emissions annually, a significant step towards achieving a just transition and low-carbon emissions.”

Procurement rollout process

The mayor also highlighted that the procurement will be rolled out in phases, with the RFP for Solar PV planned to be issued in December this year, while the construction expected by September 2027.

“The Gas-to-Power RFP will follow in 2026 and the details of which will be communicated in due course. This staggered approach allows us to align with demand profiles, strengthen local capacity, and manage implementation risks responsibly,” the mayor explained. –  SAnews.gov.za

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Efforts to ensure digital transformation does not create barriers

Source: Government of South Africa

While the tax administration is undergoing significant digital transformation globally, the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) has highlighted the critical role of the Ombud in ensuring fairness, equality and accountability in the evolution of tax administration.

“As we look to the future, we must remember technology is a tool, not an end. A truly modern tax system is not only fast and efficient it is inclusive, transparent, and just,” Office of the Tax Ombud’s Acting CEO Mmamelao Malakalaka said on Monday.

Addressing the 12th Annual Tax Indaba in Johannesburg, Malakalaka said research shows while urban taxpayers may benefit from these advances, those in rural or underserved areas may struggle with internet connectivity, device access, or digital literacy.

“Also, this digital divide is not just about internet access it’s about the capacity to navigate, trust, and benefit from digital systems. The elderly, rural communities, low-income taxpayers, and small businesses may face barriers.

“As an institution mandated to safeguard taxpayer rights, the OTO must take proactive steps to ensure that digitisation does not come at the expense of fairness, transparency or access to justice,” the Acting CEO said.

She warned that as tax systems modernise; they bring both efficiency and new risks.  

“While the South African Revenue Service (SARS) advances toward a more digitised, Artificial intelligence (AI) driven tax environment, fraudsters are also evolving, exploiting new loopholes in the system. Oversight bodies like the OTO must ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of taxpayer rights, transparency, or accountability.

“One major example is our current investigation into eFiling profile hijackings, a growing form of identity theft where fraudsters gain control of a taxpayer’s profile, change key details, and divert refunds,” Malakalaka said.

The OTO is currently investigating a number eFiling profile hijacking cases.

“The OTO is actively monitoring this matter, conducting investigations, collaborating with SARS and stakeholders, and has expanded its systemic investigation team to respond effectively to these emerging digital risks.

“Tax practitioners and taxpayers have reported to the OTO that the SARS eBooking system is frequently inaccessible due to errors, timeouts, or technical issues, and that there is limited availability of appointment slots.

“The OTO is listening closely to SARS’s response and … is committed to monitoring this situation. If improvements are not made, the OTO may consider opening a systemic investigation next year,” she said.

This demonstrates the OTO’s commitment to actively listening and addressing challenges to ensure digitisation does not create barriers to fairness and access.

“As part of the global Tax Administration 3.0 evolution, SARS and other tax authorities are exploring the use of AI technologies for audits and assessments. Tax practitioners have expressed concern about the potential for bias and error in AI algorithms. From experiences in banking and other sectors, we know that AI algorithms can sometimes be biased or incorrect.

“The OTO is aware of these risks and is preparing to oversee the use of AI within tax administration to ensure transparency and fairness are maintained,” Malakalaka said.

She emphasised that the evolution of tax administration in developed countries offers valuable lessons, but also serves as a cautionary tale. 

“We must adopt best practices, adapt them to our unique context, and guard against the unintended consequences of digital transformation.

“We too are modernising and digitising our own complaint-handling systems, improving online access, and investing in data analytics to better detect systemic issues. But in doing so, we are determined not to create new barriers for taxpayers who may have limited digital access or skills.,” the Acting CEO said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Women’s Month: Constable’s desire to serve and protect vulnerable groups

Source: Government of South Africa

As the country observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is celebrating the specialised units and teams who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Today, the spotlight is on the Port Alfred Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in the Eastern Cape.

Since August 2024 to date, the investigators have collectively placed 39 sexual offenders behind bars with five life terms sentences and an additional 382 years’ imprisonment.

Constable Sandra Catherine is one of the investigators attached to the Port Alfred FCS unit, with a conviction rate of 78.57% for 2024/2025 financial year. 

She is responsible for investigating serial rape cases, including sexual cases against children across Eastern Cape.

Her thorough investigation and high work ethic secured two life terms and an additional 25 years’ imprisonment that was imposed against the convicted serial rapist, Nkosikona Sandi (28), in the Makhanda High Court on 30 May 2025. 

Sandi, infamously known as the Nemato Serial Rapist, was convicted on multiple counts of rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Catherine’s investigation led her to link Sandi with the DNA evidence to a broader pattern of violent criminal conduct, including several rapes and aggravated robberies spanning from 2016 to 2019 in Nemato Township, Port Alfred. 

Her high moral standing and immeasurable desire to serve and protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, serve as an inspiration to Catherine’s colleagues, victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and the greater community of Ndlambe.

“I have a passion to seek justice for victims of gender-based violence and femicide, and to protect vulnerable members of society as well as ensure that those who commit crimes against them are brought to justice,” the Constable said. 

“I will always be the voice to the voiceless and pillar for those who need it. I hope that this sentence will bring comfort and a certain degree of closure to the survivors, families, as well as the communities,” she said.

Furthermore, Unit Commander Captain Candice du Preez emphasised that the Port Alfred FCS unit continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment to fight for justice for victims of GBVF and to put behind bars individuals who commit heinous crime against vulnerable group, especially women, children and people underscore the critical work of this team.

“To secure lengthy sentences against perpetrators of GBVF, it takes hard work, dedication, teamwork, and working long hours piecing evidence together as well as to present watertight cases before the court of law.  I am so proud to be a commander of this unit,” said du Preez. – SAnews.gov.za

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Letsike launches newsletter to boost opportunities for young South Africans

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 11, 2025

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has launched You(th), a flagship bi-weekly newsletter aimed at closing the information gap between government and the country’s youth.

The online publication will provide young South Africans with access to government initiatives, provide a platform for young people to access information, resources, and opportunities that can help them thrive.

Letsike said the launch of You(th) is a significant step towards empowering young South Africans with the information and resources they need to succeed.

“We believe that by providing a platform for young people to access opportunities and share their stories, we can help build a brighter future for our country and confront the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” Letsike said.

The You(th) newsletter will feature a range of topics, including:
•    Government Opportunities: Information on government initiatives, programs, and tenders that can help young people.
•    Youth Spotlight: Profiles of young South Africans making a positive impact in their communities and industries.
•    Know-How: Tips and guides on accessing government information, resources, and services.
•    Stories of Hope: Inspirational stories of young people overcoming challenges and achieving success.
•    Career and Business News: Updates on career development, entrepreneurship, and business opportunities.
The department encourages young people, media representatives, and stakeholders to access and share the publication with their networks. – SAnews.gov.za

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National Convention will be led by citizens

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Convention Organising Committee has stressed that the upcoming National Convention, set to kick off on Friday, will be driven by ordinary South Africans, not government.

Briefing the media on Monday on preparations for the first national convention of the National Dialogue, Chairperson of the Convention Organising Committee, Boichoko Ditlhake said the convention would be a citizen-led process. 

“The most important thing is that South Africans must take over the process, refine it, determine and perfect it starting with the convention going forward,” Ditlhake said. 

He explained that every ward in South Africa will become a space for democratic engagement, as it is expected that each of the 4 300 wards will have at least three dialogues. These will be small, accessible dialogues in community halls, schools, churches and open spaces. There will also be thousands of sectoral and theme-based dialogues. 

“To ensure that the National Dialogue has real impact, the outcomes framework of the public dialogues will focus on radical change, rapid response and rebuilding the nation. An important part of the discussion will be on how to institutionalise the outcomes of the National Dialogue.

“We call upon on all South Africans to join this process as we seek to address the challenges that face our country and define a better future for all our people,” he said. 

The first National Convention which will be held on 15 and 16 August 2025 at the UNISA main campus, marks the start of the National Dialogue process. The National Dialogue itself will take the form of public dialogues across the country in communities and sectors over several months. 

The first National Convention is intended to discuss the need for and value of a National Dialogue, outline and agree on the key themes for discussion in the National Dialogue and establish a Steering Committee. 

It is also intended to agree on the approach and modalities for the nation-wide public dialogues at sectoral and community level.

Ditlhake explained that provision has been made for 1000 delegates and to date, 755 individuals have been invited from over 30 sectors and over 200 organisations. 

He added that as at yesterday, 557 people from 28 sectors had confirmed attendance. 

Responding to a question about whether any activities were redirected following the withdrawal of some foundations from the Preparatory Task Team, he said none had been redirected. Instead, they had accelerated certain initiatives that had previously been moving slowly. 

Ditlhake explained that a Convention Organising Committee has now been formed comprising representatives from civil society, social partners, NEDLAC, UNISA and the Presidency to undertake the outstanding work to organise and run the convention. 

He said a number of structures work together to support and coordinate the process. 

An Inter-Ministerial Committee, which is chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, comprises all relevant government departments to coordinate government’s contribution.

“A Steering Committee will be established at the first National Convention. Comprised of various sectors, the Steering Committee will set the strategic priorities and coordinate the implementation of the National Dialogue process.

“A Secretariat, housed at Nedlac, is responsible for the day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities and will report to the Steering Committee,” he said. 

Since April 2025, a Preparatory Task Team has been responsible for preparing for the first National Convention. It was established as an interim structure pending the establishment of a broadly inclusive Steering Committee representing all sectors. It has been composed of members of the foundations of struggle stalwarts and representatives of the President.

The Convention Organising Committee includes volunteers from around 20 civil society organisations.

“As the Convention Organising Committee, our task is to ensure that this National Dialogue process is handed over to a broadly representative Steering Committee that will be established at the first National Convention. 

“There is no need for unnecessary delays.  We must move swiftly to hand over the process to civil society and citizen organisations that have genuine interest in solving the challenges our country is facing.  We must not allow any grouping to control a process that should truly belong to citizens and society in general,” he said. 

Budget and costs for the National Convention

Since embarking on this journey, the Chairperson explained that they have witnessed and received overwhelming support and contributions from many stakeholders which has helped to reduce the costs of the National Convention. 

He announced that UNISA will be hosting the first National Convention and provide associated goods and services free of charge. 

“Donations have been received for the National Dialogue digital platform. Other goods and services, such as the venue, screens for public viewing, and rail and road transport, are being provided at no cost,” he said. 

The reduced costs associated with the hosting of the National Dialogue and the funding plan are done with the intention to reduce the burden on the fiscus.

“The total budget for the National Dialogue will be developed as the structure and form of the community dialogues are finalised by the convention, and will depend on in-kind contributions, donations and other resources that can be mobilised from various stakeholders across all sectors of our society.

“All budgetary processes regarding the National Convention adhere to the Public Finance Management Act. The main costs for the upcoming convention are funded from the existing budgets of NEDLAC and the Presidency for secretariat support, communications and logistics,” he said. 

Spokesperson for the National Convention Rev Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu said the R700 million that was being reported on was a budget prepared by the PTT. 

“It’s not a government budget. The conceptual framework of how the dialogue is going to be funded was that 60% will be funded by the government, from the fiscals, and 40% will be funded in cash and in kind by donors. It’s still a budget; there’s no finality because, in terms of the government components, Treasury is still discussing it in the state.” 

Nevhutalu said most of the money was going to fund community dialogues at ward and sectoral levels. He emphasised that no procurement process would be abused. 

“The government has given those guarantees. I think we should be able to take their commitment in good faith,” Nevhutalu said. He added that the most significant donation made so far was from Unisa. 

“We also know, for instance, other NGO’s have donated in kind, their time, resources, travelling, Kagiso Trust has also donated. They have made a donation so far of about R2 million that they have put into the process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng police operations nab 74 

Source: Government of South Africa

Police operations have led to the arrest of 74 suspects across Gauteng, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a statement on Monday, Gauteng police said the arrests were made from 1-7 August 2024.
“The members took part in a number of concentrated operations, vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols throughout Gauteng. 

“These activities resulted in 33 arrests for serious offenses, such as common and GBH [grievous bodily harm] assault, possession of suspected stolen property, malicious property damage, driving under the influence of alcohol, violating the Immigration Act, robbery, contempt of court, bribery, domestic violence, shoplifting and theft,” said the SAPS.

About 49 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles were recovered with six arrests for the possession of these vehicles. One unlicensed firearm was recovered accompanying two arrests.

“In additional policing, 33 suspects were arrested for drug possession and trafficking. These distinct instances resulted in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, dagga crystal methamphetamine, and mandrax,” the police said.

Meanwhile, from 6-8 August 2025, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested four suspects and recovered one motorcycle.

On Wednesday at around 3pm, police followed up community information which led to a filling station on Atlas Road, Lakefield, Benoni. 

They assisted security personnel in the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect, the rider of a white Bigboy motorcycle allegedly reported stolen in an Akasia case in June.

On Thursday, police patrolling the R555 arrested a 40-year-old suspect after they found him carrying a bag containing ten plastic bags of dagga with a street value of around R2 000. 

A 35-year-old friend of the suspect approached members of Etwatwa SAPS while they were holding the suspect. He was detained after offering police R1 000 in exchange for the dagga suspect’s release.
Additionally, a 35-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police after they discovered him in possession of mandrax tablets in October Drive in Ivory Park.

Investigations are ongoing with the suspects due to appear in court. – SAnews.gov.za