Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier champions ethical leadership, accountability in building a safer KZN

GabiK
Tue, 11/11/2025 – 10:07

Source: Government of South Africa

Traffic disruptions expected as Gauteng launches joint operations ahead of G20 Summit

DikelediM
Tue, 11/11/2025 – 09:50

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has postponed the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act to 1 July 2026.

The nationwide rollout of AARTO was initially scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the postponement comes amid an assessment of the state of readiness in some of the municipalities identified for the first phase of implementation.

According to the department, the assessment revealed several areas that require further attention before the system can be rolled out effectively. These include the finalisation of training of both law enforcement officers and back-office personnel, as well as the harmonisation of current law enforcement system used by various municipalities, and funding to align with AARTO requirements.

“The department will soon publish the new proclamation with new staggered implementation dates, the 1st of July 2026 being the official implementation date. The phased approach of implementation will still be maintained as initially envisaged,” the department said.

The AARTO Act is aimed at promoting safer roads through a uniform system of traffic law enforcement and the introduction of a demerit points system for offenders.

The AARTO Act provides for a system whereby a person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator, pays the penalty and incurs points when a traffic infringement is committed.

The system will involve demerit points being allocated according to the severity of infringements committed.

Under the demerit system, vehicles are not punished by the system, but the operator /juristic person is held responsible for the use of the vehicle.

Upon implementation of the demerit system, everyone will commence with zero points.

Ensuring coordinated rollout nationwide

Welcoming the announcement, Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said the postponement provides much-needed space to ensure that every municipality, enforcement agency, and operational team is fully prepared for this important transition.

Sileku said with national assessments highlighting gaps in training, system harmonisation, and funding, the additional time will help ensure a more efficient and coordinated rollout nationwide.

“This deferment is an opportunity to do things properly. We must walk this road together as all spheres of government and stakeholders. A successful transition depends on alignment, readiness, and making sure no one is left behind. That is how we build a safer, more efficient mobility system for everyone,” the MEC said.

The Western Cape Government reaffirmed its commitment to cooperative governance and engaging actively with national and local partners as the new phased timelines unfold. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the Weather Service, the yellow level 2 warning is valid from Tuesday, 11 November 2025, between 12:00 and 21:59, covering Gauteng, the escarpment and the Highveld of Mpumalanga, and the southwestern Bushveld of Limpopo.

Additionally, a level 4 warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal. 

“Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, accompanied by possible heavy downpours, damaging winds, large amounts of small hail and lightning leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, minor vehicle accidents and localized damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over Gauteng, the escarpment and Highveld of Mpumalanga as well as the southwestern Bushveld of Limpopo,” SAWS said in a post on social media platform, X.  

The expected impacts include:
•    Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
•    Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
•    Large amounts of small hail and falling trees blocking minor roads.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal is under a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, valid from Monday at 11:00 until Tuesday at 23:59.

“A surface trough deepening into the central interior associated with a broad upper air trough. As a result, scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KwaZulu-Natal …but isolated in the eastern parts. Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe in the western parts, and will be accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail,” said SAWS.

The Weather Service further warned of several possible impacts in KwaZulu-Natal, including:
•    Flooding of roads and bridges as well as formal and informal settlements.
•    Hail resulting in infrastructure damage.
•    Danger to life due to fast flowing water or streams.
•    Major travel disruptions and route obstructions.
•    Damage or loss of infrastructure and settlements.

Residents across all affected provinces are advised to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and follow official weather updates. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is implementing a nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation alongside Operation Shanela II in the fight against crime ahead of the festive season. 

“These intensified intelligence-led driven operations resulted in the arrest of 17 817 suspects from 03 to 09 November 2025 across multiple provinces,” the police said in a statement.

The week-long operations saw police tracking down and apprehending 2 843 wanted suspects for serious crimes such as murder, rape, car hijackings, drug trafficking, robberies and sexual offences.

The number of national arrests are as follows: 

• Murder: 145
• Attempted murder: 154
• Rape: 137
• Assault grievous bodily harm: 1 505
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: 630
• Illegal migrants: 1 366
• Illegal dealing in liquor: 921
• Illegal possession of firearms: 85
• Dangerous weapons possession: 529
• Possession of drugs: 3 255
• Dealing in drugs: 293

The police added that contraband to the value of more than R18.9 million was seized during this period; 121 firearms were seized, including 9 rifles, 4 homemade, 4 shotguns; 2 238 rounds of ammunition were seized; 48 vehicles were seized as well as 871 dangerous weapons.

Police, in collaboration with Interpol NCB Pretoria members, rescued three Botswana nationals, aged between 20 and 23 years, who fell victim to human trafficking at OR Tambo International on 07 November 2025.

Also, the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, in collaboration with National Head Office Counterfeit, Border Police, Public Order Police, Commercial Unit, and brand protectors, conducted an operation targeting counterfeit goods in Johannesburg Central on Friday, 7 November 2025. The operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at R11.4 million, including clothes, shoes, embroidery machines, printing machines, stickers and packaging materials.

Four suspected cash-in-transit robbers were shot and killed in a shootout with police and other law enforcement officers in Bronkhorstspruit on 07 November 2025. The fifth suspect was arrested, and three firearms, including two rifles and magazines, loaded with ammunition as well as a Mercedes Benz, were seized during the operation.

In Limpopo on 04 November 2025, a 54-year-old male suspect, who is the brother of former police officer Rachel Kutumela, was arrested in connection with the ongoing R10 million insurance murder, fraud and money laundering case in Moletjie, outside Seshego.

In the Western Cape, police arrested four suspects believed to be behind the brutal murder cases in Philippi East on 30 September 2025, where victims were shot and set alight.

Members of Operation Lockdown III and the Endangered Species K9 Unit arrested Chinese and Malawian nationals for possession of abalone worth more than R3 million in Primrose Park on 07 November 2025. Drying equipment and gas cylinders were also confiscated.

In Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, a 48-year-old suspect was arrested after he allegedly burnt his 41-year-old girlfriend to death and hacked her 28-year-old daughter with an axe before raping her 13-year-old daughter on 06 November 2025.

In Mpumalanga, police intercepted a truck transporting suspected illicit goods on the N4 in Middelburg, and three suspects aged between 30 and 38 years were arrested on the scene. They seized counterfeit and illicit goods, including sneakers, slides, soccer boots, and different brands of flip-flops worth R1 million.

In the Northern Cape, police intercepted a vehicle at the N7 Road and uncovered dagga worth R7.7 million. Two suspects were arrested, and the vehicle used in the commission of crime was also confiscated.

In Libode, in the Eastern Cape, a 34-year-old suspect was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed AK-47 and ammunition and found to be in possession of drugs on 05 November 2025.

The South African Police Service said it continues to urge communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as the festive season intensifies. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), which is Africa’s largest optical telescope and one of the most powerful in the world, celebrated its 20th anniversary of astronomical achievements and breakthroughs.

According to the National Research Foundation (NRF), this flagship facility for South African and global astronomy was officially inaugurated in 2005 by then-President Thabo Mbeki.

The milestone celebrations on Monday were co-hosted by SALT, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), a national facility of the NRF in Sutherland in the Northern Cape, where SALT operates.

READ | Southern African Large Telescope marks 20 years of astronomical achievements

The commemorative celebration brought together dignitaries, prominent astronomers and scientists, and representatives from international partners to reflect on SALT’s scientific impact and enduring legacy.

In his welcome address, Professor Brian Chaboyer, Chair of the SALT Board, stated that the telescope is the first optical telescope built in South Africa. He described this decision as courageous on many levels, given that all previous optical telescopes had been constructed outside the country.

“Motivated by an ambitious Science White Paper from the new government, there was a plan for South Africa to build and operate the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Chaboyer.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, said the democratic government’s decision in 1998 to fund SALT’s construction was a defining moment for South African science. 

“SALT was built to serve both science and society, linking frontier research with education, technology and socio-economic development. It showed that big science can drive national progress.”

As South Africa looks ahead, Gina reaffirmed the department’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the country’s global leadership in astronomy. 

“SALT’s 20-year journey is a story of vision, perseverance and excellence. We remain committed to ensuring it continues to shine as a beacon of African science, uniting research, education, and innovation for the benefit of humanity,” said Gina.

SALT is more than a telescope, but a symbol of what is possible when vision, investment, and international cooperation come together in pursuit of knowledge and progress, Gina added.

Human development

Speaking on behalf of the NRF, the Board Chair, Professor Mosa Moshabela, emphasised that the conception of SALT was not only a scientific ambition, but a governance decision of courage. 

“It represented a conviction that South Africa could build and sustain a world-class research facility and, through it, redefine its place in global science,” he said.

The NRF leadership championed that vision and provided the stewardship needed to make SALT a reality, said Moshabela. 

“From conception to construction, and through two decades of operation, the NRF has remained the principal shareholder, funder, and custodian of SALT’s success.”

Moshabela emphasised that every discovery made by SALT involves a person – be it a student, technician, engineer, or scientist – whose development reflects a story of progress.

He added that SALT has served not only as a laboratory for scientific discovery but also as a workshop for human development. 

“Over fifty doctoral theses have been produced using SALT data, and hundreds of students have gained hands-on training at the observatory. Many of them now occupy leading positions in research and technology, locally and abroad,” Moshabela. 

Affectionately known as Africa’s Giant Eye on the Sky, SALT remains the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, capable of detecting light from celestial objects a billion times too faint to be seen with the naked eye. 

Originally conceptualised in the late 1990s as a bold national scientific endeavour, the project became a reality in 1998 when the South African government committed US$10 million towards its construction. 

Completed in 2005, SALT entered full scientific operations in 2011 and has since delivered groundbreaking research that continues to shape our understanding of the universe. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Government has congratulated the province’s remarkable achievers who have made the province proud in the global tourism and wine industries. 

The provincial government said the achievers’ recent awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards and other esteemed platforms have not only brought international recognition to the region, but have also reaffirmed the Western Cape’s position as a world-class destination for responsible tourism and wine excellence.

The Township and Village (T&V) initiative in Stellenbosch was awarded silver in the Peace, Understanding and Inclusion category. 

Launched in 2018 with the support of the Stellenbosch Municipality, T&V has welcomed over 2 500 visitors and empowered more than 40 local tourism providers, including guides, artisans, and home-based entrepreneurs. 

The initiative has been widely praised for promoting dignity, inclusivity, and economic opportunity in historically marginalised communities.

T&V was one of 15 participants in the Sustainable Tourism Enterprise Partnership pilot project, funded by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) earlier this year.

According to the provincial government, Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre received gold in the “Increasing Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value” category. 

“This cultural and educational hub honours the heritage of the San people while advancing rural development through ethical sourcing and immersive visitor experiences,” the statement read. 

In 2024 alone, the centre supported 44 local producers and created 4 500 employment days – demonstrating the transformative power of tourism in preserving cultural knowledge and uplifting communities. 

The department said it was proud to be associated with the centre which is a former recipient of the Tourism Growth Fund.

Meanwhile, four Western Cape wine estates have been recognised on the extended World’s 50 Best Vineyards list for 2025, showcasing the region’s excellence in wine tourism. 

These include Tokara Wine and Olive Estate in Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek Valley and Hamilton Russell Vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde. 

“These esteemed estates offer visitors world-class experiences that blend breathtaking landscapes, exceptional wines, and warm hospitality, further cementing the Western Cape’s reputation as a premier wine tourism destination.” 

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, expressed his pride in the province’s achievements.

“These accolades underscore the Western Cape’s unwavering commitment to excellence in tourism and wine. They reflect the innovation, resilience, and dedication of our local communities and businesses. We remain committed to driving sustainable growth and inclusivity across the province,” said the MEC.

The Western Cape Government has conveyed its sincere congratulations to all the winners and said it looks forward to continued success in establishing the province as a global leader in responsible wine tourism. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has reiterated its call for strengthened disability inclusion across all sectors of society.

“Persons with disabilities must be meaningfully involved in policy development, planning, budgeting, and programme implementation,” Department spokesperson Cassius Selala said.

Selala said ensuring the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities is both a constitutional obligation and a cornerstone of South Africa’s transformative development agenda.

“Persons with disabilities, both in South Africa and across the globe, remain at the bottom of the ladder of socio-economic power and remain most vulnerable to violence.”

The department stressed that empowering people with disabilities across all sectors, is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to equality, inclusion, and human rights.

This includes advancing accessible built environments, inclusive education, equitable employment and economic participation, access to assistive devices and support services, and strengthened social protection systems.

The department said disability inclusion requires a whole-of-society approach, ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are mainstreamed across all spheres to prevent further marginalisation and exclusion from all processes of “decision-making, participation and beneficiation.”

As South Africa observe Disability Rights Awareness Month, the department called upon every member of society and all stakeholders to actively reflect on their roles and assess their achievements, identify the gaps, and confront the challenges in pursuit of true inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

“Let us commit to taking decisive action to ensure that every person is recognised, valued, and empowered,” Selala said.

This year’s (DRAM) is commemorated under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating Strategic Multisectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society”, a call to action for government, business, academia and civil society to work collaboratively to remove barriers that continue to marginalise people with disabilities. – SAnews.gov.za