Category: South Africa Government

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
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 10, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Public Service Commission has registered 300 grievances, including 112 carried-over from the previous financial year, as at 30 September 2025.

The majority of the 300 grievances related to unfair treatment, refusal to approve an application and performance assessment and salary problems.

“Of the 300 grievances, 151 (50%) have been concluded and 149 remained pending as at end of 30 September 2025,” Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya said.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya explained that of the 151 concluded cases, 13 (9%) were substantiated, 37 (25%) were unsubstantiated, four were partially substantiated, 17 (11%) were internally resolved within departments following the PSC’s intervention and the remaining 80 (53%) were closed for various reasons, including those that were also pending before different sectoral bargaining councils, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration or courts.

“Others were withdrawn by the aggrieved employees, whereas others were closed after being resolved by the departments,” he said.

Gxoyiya said the 300 grievances – including the 112 cases carried over from the previous financial year – comprised of 278 for employees on salary levels 2-12 and 22 for members of the Senior Management Service (“SMS members”).  

“Of the 278 grievances of employees on salary levels 2 to 12, 144 were concluded, of which 130 (90%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigators,” he said.

According to Gxoyiya, of the 22 grievances of SMS members, seven were concluded, of which six (86%) were concluded within 150 working days of receipt by the PSC investigators.

“Poor compliance by departments, with the timeframes prescribed in Resolution 14 of 2002 for grievances of employees on salaries level 2 to 12, and Chapter 10 of the SMS Handbook, continues to be a concern for the PSC,” he said.

According to the National Treasury’s Annual Report on Late Payments of Supplier Invoices for the 2024/25 financial year, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national departments was 143 245 invoices with the rand value of R6.4 billion as at end of the financial year.

“This indicates a regression of 32% or 34 328 invoices when compared to number of invoices paid after 30 days by national departments in the 2023/24 financial year,” Gxoyiya said.

The National Treasury report indicates the number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid by national departments at the end of March 2025 amounting to 2 437 invoices with a rand value of R381 million.

“National Treasury Instruction No. 34 requires departments to submit 30 days exception reports to the National Treasury,” he said.

Gxoyiya said the 15 national departments that paid all their invoices within 30 days as per legislative requirements and did not record any invoice paid after 30 days nor any outstanding invoices during the period under review.

“This translates to 38% of national departments that complied out of 40 departments,” he said.

The total number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid by the national departments as at the end of the 2024/25 financial year amounted to 2 437 invoices, representing a regression of 1 010 invoices or 71% when compared to the total number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid as at the end of 2023/24 financial year which amounted to 1 427 invoices.

“These departments are the main contributors of late or non-payment of invoices,” Gxoyiya said.

The following are the common reasons provided by national and provincial departments for the late or nonpayment of invoices during the 2024/25 financial year:

• Inadequate budgets and cash blocking;
• Financial system challenges (BAS and LOGIS)
• Central Supplier Database (CSD) challenges
• High accruals from previous financial years
• Disputed invoices with suppliers
• Unresolved SCM-related challenges
• Internal control deficiencies
• Inadequate internal capacity
• Late processing and authorisation of invoices and
• Misfiled, misplaced or unrecorded invoices. 

With regard to provinces, Gxoyiya said the non-payment of invoices within 30 days remains a concern to the Commission and that it is a violation of the Public Finance Management Act.

“Consequence management should be instituted against Accounting Officers who fail to pay service providers within 30 days upon receipt of an invoice,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Department of Health has reassured Tshwane residents that there is no cause for alarm regarding recent reports of typhoid fever in the district, confirming that most affected individuals have fully recovered.

This is after new cases have emerged in areas that had no reported infections last year, prompting increased monitoring. 

Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, a total of 48 cases were recorded – marking a decline compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the Gauteng Department of Health, of the reported cases, Bronkhorstspruit accounts for 22 (46%), Hammanskraal for 17 (35%), with eight cases in Pretoria West and one in Pretoria East. 

In the Hammanskraal region, the department stated that the spread of typhoid fever has reached all areas, namely Sekampaneng Block C, Kanana Extension 2, Kanana Greenfield, Suurman Section 1, Suurman Ridge, Temba, Unit 7 and Mashimong.

“The majority of these cases have recovered after they were in self-isolation because only a few cases experienced severe symptoms, which required isolation and were monitored in the hospital. So far, I can assure you, the situation is under control,” the department’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, told the SABC. 

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi and can be life-threatening if untreated. 

“The infection is primarily transmitted through food or water contaminated with the bacteria, often through faeces or food prepared by a person who is infected with typhoid, as well as watering crops with contaminated water.” 

The department has since urged the public to practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap and safe water before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet or changing a baby’s nappy and before breastfeeding or bathing children.

“In settings where water is not readily available, hand sanitisers containing at least 60% alcohol are recommended.”

People experiencing symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and general body aches are advised to visit their nearest clinics or hospital for immediate medical attention. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Tshwane, in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Magalies Water, continues to make significant progress in restoring safe and reliable potable water to the Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.

This work forms part of the broader Hammanskraal Intervention Project, which is being implemented in phases to improve water quality in a sustainable and regulated manner.

The project consists of four implementation phases, with each phase focused on extending potable water supply to designated households.

Progress on Phase 2 

According to a joint statement, Phase 2 (Module 2), commissioned on 29 July 2025, supplies water to Kudube Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and D, Majaneng Moshate, Jubilee Hospital, and the Dominican School for the Deaf.

“The confirmation of the water quality and safety for human consumption regrettable took longer than initially envisaged for the areas earmarked for this phase of potable supply. This is due to technical and infrastructure challenges experienced during the implementation of this phase of the project,” the statement reads.

Among the challenges included:

•    Operating in a Brownfield environment with the integration into an existing ageing network, requiring a controlled ramp-up of flow rates and pressures while also addressing multiple leak repairs.
•    Higher-than-anticipated demand, as confirmed by an assessment by the City of Tshwane in September 2025, indicating actual water demand to be approximately 21 megalitres per day (ML/day), nearly double the original design estimate of 11 ML/day, while the current design capacity to supply Phase 2 is 12.5 ML/day.

Mitigation interventions

To ensure consistent supply while final infrastructure work continues, the City of Tshwane, DWS, and Magalies Water have implemented several joint interventions, including:
•    Redirecting additional capacity from Module 1 to supplement Phase 2, 
•    Redirecting approximately 5 ML/day from Module 3 through the existing network to supply Phase 2 area, and
•    Temporarily excluding Jubilee Hospital and the Dominican School for the Deaf from the current water quality declaration process.

The Jubilee Hospital and the Dominican School for the Deaf facilities have been separated from the rest of the Phase 2 reticulation network through isolation valves to allow focused technical remediation of their internal water systems and alternative water sources in their premises.

“Once internal water safety measures are verified and confirmed, a separate declaration for these sites will be issued. As a result of these actions, water quality and reliability in the designated Phase 2 areas have significantly improved,” the statement reads.

Water quality compliance results

Water testing has been conducted in accordance with SANS 241:2015, South Africa’s national standard for drinking water.

Based on recent results, and notwithstanding earlier delays, water supplied to Kudube Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and D, and Majaneng Moshate (east of Makapanstad Road) has been certified safe for human consumption.

The stakeholders added that work continues to complete the water supply to Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the Hammanskraal Intervention Project.

Progress updates will be issued as each area achieves full compliance with national water quality standards.

“This progress reflects a strong partnership between the City of Tshwane, DWS, and Magalies Water, working to ensure long-term, safe, and equitable access to drinking water for the Hammanskraal community.”

The initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tackling the significant challenges in South Africa’s water and sanitation sector requires increased investment in infrastructure and sustainable water management to ensure secure supply for everyone, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.

“I commend this timely dialogue because it serves as an essential circuit breaker for the polycrisis through integration, accountability, and a common operational strategy.  

“It is well-positioned to generate tangible, scalable solutions,” Deputy President Mashatile said in his address to the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) on Monday.

The AWSISA functions as a unifying strategic body and key sector steward for the country’s water sector by encompassing the entire value chain from resource management to end-user service delivery.

South Africa is facing a critical water insecurity crisis fuelled by a mix of climate change, ageing infrastructure, socio-economic inequality, and poor municipal management. 

According to the Deputy President, the country experiences annual rainfall averaging just 497 mm, resulting in significant water scarcity exacerbated by climate-driven extreme weather events like Cape Town’s “Day Zero” drought and recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal. 

These issues disrupt the hydrological cycle and compromise both water availability and quality.

In addition, ageing infrastructure has led to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rates as high as 40 to 50% in some areas, due to leaks, operational inefficiencies, and illegal connections. 

He told the gathering at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, that this not only costs billions annually, but also hampers necessary investments in water expansion projects. 

To combat these challenges, government has established the Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Act, aimed at centralising water infrastructure management and funding. 

In addition, the National Water Safety Management Programme calls for an additional 15 000 skilled water professionals by 2030 to enhance municipal governance and service delivery. 

As the demand for water surges due to population growth and urbanisation, Deputy President Mashatile said addressing these issues is vital for ensuring health, sanitation, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water access.

Public-private partnerships

The country’s second-in-command said he was confident that today’s dialogue would facilitate direct, outcome-focused engagements among the Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Boards, regulatory bodies, and local municipalities.

“As leaders in the sector, it is crucial to utilise this dialogue to establish transparent and strategic public-private partnerships. Such partnerships have the potential to secure the substantial long-term capital needed to achieve the ambitious infrastructure renewal and development objectives outlined in the National Water Resource Strategy III.” 

Best practice

He believes that the dialogue should rapidly accelerate the adoption of tested African and Global South best practices.

“Reducing water loss is very important. To achieve environmental safety and ensure water security for future generations, it is essential to take deliberate actions to reduce water consumption, promote the reuse and recycling of water, and implement rainwater harvesting. 

“This approach is vital not only for the financial viability of water utilities but also for safeguarding public health.”

Africa Water Vision 2063

He also took the time to call on the African continent to commit to implementing the Africa Water Vision 2063, which establishes a framework for a unified, long-term approach to water security, transitioning from fragmented responses to collective action.

“As leaders and changemakers, it is imperative to dedicate ourselves to developing sustainable solutions that guarantee universal access to clean water and sanitation. 

“Our efforts should focus on the most marginalised and vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and individuals residing in remote or underserved regions.”

He told delegates that access to such vital resources not only improves health and wellbeing, but also promotes social equity and justice, essential components for community development and sustainability. 

“Together, we have the power to make a difference. Together, we can build a future where water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right for all.” – SAnews.gov.za