Category: South Africa Government

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has praised South African rugby for its role in promoting unity and nation-building, saying the sport continues to inspire national pride and social cohesion. 

“These sportsmen teach us that through shared purpose and collective sacrifice, South Africans can overcome challenges and achieve greatness together. Their example underscores the importance of unity in nation building. 

“We must remember that nation building is an ongoing process, one aimed at uniting a once deeply divided society into an equitable and cohesive nation. Even today, sport continues to play a vital role in the transformation of our society by promoting inclusivity and expanding opportunities,” the Deputy President said. 

Deputy President Mashatile was speaking during the South Africa National Rugby Union (SARU) Player of the Year Awards held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on Thursday evening.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was awarded the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award, while Nadine Roos was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for a second successive season.

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks were honoured with Coach and Team of the Year.

Addressing rugby administrators, players and sponsors, the Deputy President said the awards celebrated excellence while reflecting the deep cultural significance of rugby in South Africa.

“Tonight, we honour a legacy deeply ingrained in our country’s culture and unity, while celebrating extraordinary excellence in rugby,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on the historical significance of rugby in the country, noting that the sport once symbolised division during the apartheid era.

“Looking back, rugby in South Africa was historically intertwined with the power structures of the apartheid era. It stood as a symbol of exclusion and a reminder of the inequalities that shaped that time,” he said.

However, a turning point came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup when former President Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey in a powerful act of reconciliation. 

“When the late President Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing the green Springbok jersey, a symbol that once divided us instantly became a symbol of unity and national pride,” Deputy President Mashatile said.  

He said the victory that followed reflected South Africa’s broader journey of reconciliation and resilience. 

“The victory that followed reflected South Africa’s broader journey of resilience and reconciliation. It demonstrated how shared purpose can inspire national cohesion and pride,” he added. 

The Deputy President highlighted the country’s continued success on the global stage, including victories at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

“The 2023 triumph in particular, which secured a historic fourth title, cemented the Springboks as the most successful team in rugby history,” he said.

The Deputy President called for greater investment in grassroots sport, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to ensure broader participation and development.

“Investment in grassroots sport remains one of the most powerful catalysts for social cohesion, youth development and economic transformation in our country,” he said. 

He concluded by congratulating all nominees and award recipients, saying their achievements bring pride to the nation and reinforce rugby’s enduring place in South Africa’s story.

The awards were attended by leadership of the South African Rugby Union, including President Mark Alexander and CEO Rian Oberholzer, as well as government representatives and members of South Africa’s national rugby teams. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is intensifying intelligence-driven operations to combat illegal mining in parts of Gauteng, including communities in the East and West Rand.

Mashatile was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday regarding illegal mining in the Gugulethu and Sporong informal settlements in Randfontein.

He said illegal mining poses a serious threat to communities and the economy, often linked to transnational criminal syndicates, illicit financial flows, undocumented migration and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

“As a result, government is intensifying intelligence-driven operations under initiatives such as Operation Vala Umgodi. This includes the deployment of specialised units, disruption of supply chains, arrests of perpetrators and syndicate leaders, and seizures of equipment and contraband, in cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to secure convictions,” he said. 

Mashatile said the South African Police Service, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Department of Home Affairs are working together to combat the problem.

The Deputy President said government is also addressing the threat posed by the infiltration of illegal and counterfeit goods, which continue to undermine South African jobs and industrial competitiveness, through the 12‑dimensional National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme. 

“Government has secured funding to commence the implementation of this programme, which includes targeted enforcement in high‑risk sectors experiencing major revenue losses and entrenched syndicate activity, notably illegal mining, fuel smuggling, and port‑linked illicit trade,” he said. 

In addition, Mashatile said the South African National Defence Force has been deployed to support police operations aimed at curbing illegal mining and gang-related violence.

This deployment enhances NATJOINTS coordination and strengthens continuous monitoring efforts to prevent any resurgence of criminal activity. 

“The President’s directive underscores government’s determination to confront these urgent challenges, and we appreciate his decisive leadership in this regard,” the Deputy President said. 

Measures to curb corruption in SAPS

The Deputy President said government continues to strengthen measures to detect and prevent corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He said the cluster remains central to coordinating government’s response to crime, violence and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Measures implemented to curb corruption include the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Task Team in 2010 to investigate high-level graft, as well as the rollout of technology-driven case management systems to reduce manual interference and vulnerabilities.

“Operational reforms have also been undertaken to reduce opportunities for corruption, including improvements to crime scene management, enhancement of investigative capacity, and the establishment of specialised units such as the Anti-Gang Unit and the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams,” he said. 

To encourage reporting of wrongdoing, the police service has also enhanced whistle-blower protection through National Instruction 18 of 2019, enabling safe reporting through platforms such as the National Anti-Corruption Hotline and internal ethics reporting systems.

Mashatile said other oversight bodies involved in detecting corruption include the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Public Protector of South Africa, and the Auditor-General of South Africa.

SAPS continues to strengthen internal detection mechanisms through vetting and screening of priority personnel, including members of Crime Intelligence, supply chain management and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

“These measures are supported by lifestyle reviews and financial disclosure analysis, including reactive lifestyle audits where allegations are received. Where serious allegations of fraud and corruption arise, forensic audits and criminal investigations will follow, and those found guilty will be prosecuted,” he said. 

To strengthen policing capacity, the President announced at the State of the Nation Address last month the recruitment of 5 500 additional police officers, alongside strengthened firearm legislation enforcement.

Further, the President has directed the Acting Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to establish a special task team to investigate criminality involving senior SAPS members, following interim findings of the Madlanga Commission. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele will launch the African Digital Transformation Centre (ADTC) as a national and regional platform to accelerate innovation, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship this afternoon.

Friday afternoon’s launch comes as South Africa stands as a leading digital innovation hub in Africa, with a well-established technology ecosystem supported by strong infrastructure, advanced financial systems, and a vibrant network of startups and innovators.

The launch of the centre at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria is also expected to foster partnerships between government, academia, industry, and development organisations.

“The country’s commitment to digital transformation is anchored in key policy instruments, including the National Digital Economy Masterplan, the Draft National AI Policy Framework, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) initiatives, and broader alignment with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).

“Anchored at The Innovation Hub in Tshwane, the ADTC will form part of the 18 ITU’s Network of Acceleration Centres across the globe, under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, a global initiative aimed at bridging the digital innovation divide and advancing inclusive digital economies,” said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Government has welcomed the sentencing of former Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Smith to seven years’ imprisonment on charges that include fraud and corruption related to state capture.

Smith was sentenced in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday after agreeing to a plea and sentence agreement with the State.

Smith was accused of accepting gratifications from controversial security company, BOSASA, in the form of security upgrades to his home.

He also allegedly accepted money transfers – through his company, Euroblitz 48 – in exchange for shielding the company from scrutiny while he was chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.

“This sentencing follows recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, which investigated widespread corruption and fraud.

“The Commission played a critical role in uncovering wrongdoing and recommending institutional reforms to strengthen accountability and rebuild public trust.

“Smith’s sentencing also reflects government’s commitment, as articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, to intensify the fight against corruption and ensure that those who abuse public resources are held accountable,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.

It said government was committed to implementing the recommendations of the Zondo Commission and other commissions as a “key part of strengthening democratic institutions and restoring integrity in government”.

“Government places ethical governance and the rule of law at the centre of building a capable and developmental state.

“Commissions of inquiry are therefore vital instruments to enable government to expose wrongdoing, recommend reforms and ensure that justice is ultimately served,” the GCIS statement said.

The former law maker pleaded guilty to charges, including contravention of Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Act.

He was sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.

“Government reiterates that no one is above the law and that the country’s democratic institutions remain resolute in the fight against corruption.

“The implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, together with the commitments outlined in the 2026 State of the Nation Address demonstrates government’s determination to strengthen accountability, rebuild public trust and ensure that public resources are used to advance the development and well-being of all South Africans,” the GCIS concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is implementing measures to stabilise municipalities facing persistent service delivery challenges.

Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, Mashatile acknowledged that municipalities, such as Ditsobotla Local Municipality and Emfuleni Local Municipality, continue to experience governance and service delivery difficulties. 

He said the challenges stem from governance instability, financial mismanagement, weak institutional capacity and long-standing service delivery backlogs. 

Mashatile noted that Section 139 interventions, which allow provincial governments to intervene when municipalities fail to fulfil their obligations, have not always produced sustainable results.

“Concerns about politicisation and misuse are noted, and steps are being taken to strengthen oversight, professionalise municipal administration, and ensure clearer recovery and exit strategies,” he said. 

Support measures for affected municipalities include multidisciplinary teams assisting with Financial Recovery Plans and strengthening technical capacity with assistance from the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent and National Treasury of South Africa.

Government is also reviewing the White Paper on Local Government to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the local government system. 

Through the review of the White Paper on Local Government, Mashatile said the measures include potential reforms to the funding model, enhanced technical capacity, and consideration of restructuring Section 139 interventions to improve sustainability of outcomes. 

“As part of the DDM [District Development Model] implementation, government continues to work with COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] and sector departments on targeted action plans for distressed municipalities. 

“We also monitor targeted municipal interventions through the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign. Together with SALGA [South African Local Government Association], DDM Champions and relevant Ministers, we engage with communities and set clear timelines for improvement,” he said. 

District Development Model key to improving municipal performance

Answering a question on the roll-out of the District Development Model (DDM), the Deputy President said the DDM remains central to improving coordination between the three spheres of government and strengthening municipalities.

He highlighted that many municipalities remain financially distressed.

According to the National Treasury of South Africa, 162 municipalities were identified as financially distressed in the 2023/24 financial year.

This has been driven by poor cash flow management, inadequate revenue collection and rising municipal debt.

Mashatile said the challenges are further compounded by 113 unfunded municipal budgets and a combined revenue shortfall of R35.9 billion.

Despite these challenges, some municipalities have achieved improvements in governance and financial management.

Mashatile noted that municipalities, such as Midvaal Local Municipality and uMngeni Local Municipality, have achieved clean audits.

“Consequence management is central to restoring accountability. COGTA is implementing disciplinary measures, criminal investigations where necessary, and conditional allocation or withholding of grants,” he said. 

In collaboration with the SIU, government has established the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum to strengthen coordination against corruption at provincial and municipal levels.

Government has also initiated enforcement measures relating to water and sanitation failures, including criminal charges against municipalities and steps to pursue accountability of municipal managers in respect of statutory breaches.

“These actions demonstrate government’s commitment to stabilising local government and ensuring public funds are safeguarded and properly applied to service delivery,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has initiated a public consultation process on its intention to interrupt electricity supply in some municipalities.

The power utility explained that the move is aimed at addressing “escalating municipal debt, protect affordability, strengthen financial sustainability and advance sector reform”.

Municipal debt to Eskom has reached some R110 billion – including the Municipal Debt Relief Programme – to assist struggling municipalities to address their debt.

“Having exhausted all reasonable avenues through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, Eskom is in the process of issuing notices in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act [PAJA], providing affected parties an opportunity to make representations before further action is considered.

“Around 14 municipalities have been selected because they have not settled their accounts for at least the last 18 months, have not met the conditions of the National Treasury municipal debt relief programme, or pose a significant financial risk to Eskom.

“Initiating the PAJA process ensures that Eskom complies with legal requirements while taking necessary steps to maintain the stability of the electricity supply system,” Eskom announced in a statement.

The State-Owned Entity (SOE) did not announce the names of the municipalities.

“Eskom encourages all stakeholders to support efforts to resolve the matter and invites written representations or proposals that may assist in achieving a sustainable solution.

“Eskom will determine and communicate the way forward once all representations submitted through the PAJA process have been fully considered,” the statement read.

The electricity supplier highlighted that while it “empathises with communities that may be affected”, it has been left with “no option but to initiate this process”.

“[This is] unless the municipalities urgently regularise their accounts as supplying electricity without payment is unsustainable.

“The municipalities collect revenue from customers for electricity services, and failure to remit these funds undermines Eskom’s financial viability, while impacting the delivery of electricity to the relevant communities.

“Should the municipalities fail to take corrective action, Eskom will proceed with credit control measures, which may include interrupting electricity supply at predetermined times, as permitted by law. If defaults persist, Eskom will be compelled to limit supply to levels commensurate with payments received,” Eskom explained.

Acting Group Executive Distribution, Agnes Mlambo added: “We have to address rising arrear debt to protect the operational stability we have restored and the financial discipline we have rebuilt in the first three years of our turnaround to deliver on our developmental mandate.

“Through the turnaround, we are enabling business to protect and create jobs and supporting strategic industries to remain competitive, that in turn enable communities to thrive”.

Interventions needed

Eskom explained that the amounts owed by municipalities is making it “impossible” to further delay interventions.

Furthermore, initiating the PAJA process ensures that the necessary legislative requirements are adhered to while taking steps to protect electricity supply.

“The persistent rise in arrears highlights the critical need for Eskom to proceed decisively,” the power utility said.

On the Municipal Debt Relief Programme, Eskom explained that the programme “ring‑fences historic electricity debt and suppresses related interest to create financial space for municipalities to meet their ongoing obligations”.

At least 71 municipalities have been enrolled into the programme with only 15 consistently meeting the programme conditions.

“Throughout the country, municipal debt has surpassed R110 billion, despite the National Treasury’s intervention through municipal debt relief programme aimed at restoring sound financial management. The persistent rise in arrears highlight the urgent need for Eskom to proceed with debt recovery decisively.

“The escalating municipal debt burden also has wide implications for South Africa’s electricity reform agenda, that is designed to enable new entrants to enter the marketplace and is delaying progress on the legal and operational unbundling of Eskom’s Distribution business,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is urging communities to exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected on Friday 06 March 2026.

This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 weather warning for severe thunderstorms. The weather service issued the warning for Gauteng and Mpumalanga on Thursday.

According to the SAWS, the impact of the thunderstorms include damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock.

“The impact of climate change during rainy seasons is known to disrupt normal weather systems, often resulting in periods of heavy rainfall, localised flooding and severe thunderstorms.  In Tshwane, these conditions have contributed to waterlogged roads, rising river levels, flash floods in low-lying areas, and an increased risk of weather-related incidents,” the City Emergency Services Department said. 

In its statement on Friday, it added that climate change continues to exacerbate these impacts, with rainfall events becoming more unpredictable and intense.

It called on residents to exercise caution, particularly during periods of heavy rain as several areas within Tshwane are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to rivers, streams, low-lying terrain and stormwater systems. 

High-risk areas include, but are not limited to:
•    Centurion: areas along the Hennops River, Irene, Zwartkop, Eldoraigne, and Lyttelton
•    Pretoria North and West: low-lying areas and bridges – Apies River, including Wonderboom South, Hercules, and Rosslyn
•    Mamelodi and Nellmapius: informal settlements and flood-prone zones near natural drainage channels
•    Soshanguve and Mabopane: areas affected by overflowing stormwater

Potential impacts include:
•    Heavy downpours that may cause localised flooding in low-lying areas, flat plains and flood-prone roads.
•    Large amounts of small hail, particularly over open areas.
•    Damaging winds and excessive lightning that may result in structural damage or fires. • Traffic disruptions due to flooded major roads. 
•    Minor to major vehicle accidents caused by reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces. • Damage to houses or structures, including roof damage in both formal and informal settlements.
The municipality has issued the following safety tips that should be during severe thunderstorms:
•    Stay indoors where possible and avoid contact with metal objects such as barbed-wire fences and power lines that may attract lightning. 
•    Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms. 
•    Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges or swollen streams.

“The Emergency Services Department will continue to closely monitor weather developments and remain on high alert for any weather-related incidents.  Residents are urged to stay informed by following short-term weather forecasts and heeding all alerts and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service,” it said. 

The public can contact the City of Tshwane Emergency on 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is prioritising the completion of delayed water infrastructure projects to address the country’s water challenges. 

Mashatile told the National Council of Provinces on Thursday that abandoned and incomplete water projects have reduced water availability and weakened system reliability.

“To address these challenges, long outstanding grant funded projects have been identified and prioritised for accelerated completion. Government has also taken steps to reprioritise funding to ensure delayed projects are finalised and water systems stabilised,” he said. 

In Gauteng, where severe water interruptions have been experienced, government has implemented several interventions. These include:

• The approval of increased abstraction from the Integrated Vaal River System to assist Rand Water in restoring reservoir levels; 
• Coordination of demand reduction measures and enforcement of restrictions (a municipal competency), and
• Acceleration of leak reduction and infrastructure repairs, supported through programmes aimed at improving ring-fencing of water revenues and long-term sustainability.

Mashatile said the Department of Water and Sanitation has also advised municipalities to reduce water losses, strengthen restrictions and invest in additional storage and pumping capacity. 

During an oversight visit in February, Mashatile inspected the Carlswald reservoir construction site and the Grand Central Water Tower in Midrand.

READ | 10-megalitre reservoir to alleviate Joburg water challenges

The 20 million-litre reservoir is expected to be completed in 2027 and will support long-term water supply stability in the area.

“Government is implementing practical measures in other provinces, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, focusing on accelerating bulk projects, reducing non-revenue water, emergency supply interventions, and strengthened intergovernmental coordination,” he said.  

Mashatile also highlighted the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to address water shortages, infrastructure failures and municipal performance challenges across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Sonja Josiah Ntuli as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Mpumalanga.

In a statement on Thursday, The Presidency said the appointment was made in terms of section 13(1)(c) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, following the consultation processes required by the legislation.

Ntuli brings 29 years of experience in the legal field, having served as both an attorney and a prosecutor.

A significant portion of his career has been within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), where he has spent 21 years in various roles, rising through the ranks from a district court prosecutor to Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

Most recently, Ntuli served as the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions in Mpumalanga for nearly three years.

President Ramaphosa wished Ntuli well in his new role, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the rule of law in the province.

“President Ramaphosa wishes Mr Ntuli well in his role of entrenching the rule of law in the province and bringing to book persons or entities that violate the law,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging social grant beneficiaries to respond to a 30-day notice requiring them to visit the agency’s offices for a review, warning that failure to comply may lead to grants being suspended or terminated.
 
According to the agency, beneficiaries are formally notified before any grant is cancelled or allowed to lapse, in line with regulations governing the administration of social assistance.

In terms of Sub-regulation 32(2), a notice of suspension or cancellation must be delivered to the beneficiary or their appointed procurator through electronic communication or other means.

Meanwhile, Sub-regulation 32(4) requires the agency to investigate and verify all facts and circumstances surrounding the social assistance before taking a decision to suspend or cancel a grant.

SASSA said the review process is aimed at ensuring that only qualifying beneficiaries continue to receive social grants.

In Mpumalanga, the agency’s third-quarter progress report showed that 12 151 beneficiaries were notified to visit SASSA offices for grant reviews. Of these, 2 303 grants were reviewed, while 221 grants lapsed after beneficiaries failed to respond to the notice.

SASSA Mpumalanga has appealed to beneficiaries to take the process seriously and respond to the notices to avoid disruptions in payments.

“The agency understands that many South Africans depend on social grants, but this does not mean that grants should be received fraudulently,” SASSA said in a statement.

Beneficiaries who are unable to visit SASSA offices themselves may appoint a procurator to conduct the review on their behalf, provided the necessary documentation and procedures are followed.

For more information, beneficiaries can contact SASSA’s toll-free number 0800 60 10 11 during working hours from Monday to Friday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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