Category: South Africa Government

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have met to finalise the deployment plan of the defence force in Gauteng and the Western Cape, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has said.

“I can confirm that the SAPS National Commissioner General [Fannie] Masemola and the Chief of the SANDF General [Rudzani] Maphwanya, met [on Monday] to finalise the deployment plan which will begin next ten days,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 12 February 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the SANDF to the two provinces. The deployment is aimed at helping the two provinces to tackle gang violence and illegal mining.

On the first of the two-day debate on the SONA, Cachalia said: “We have agreed that the method of deployment should learn from past experiences in South Africa, as well as experiences elsewhere.”

The Minister said the deployment must respect the legal mandates of the South African Police Service, the SANDF and the Constitution, having regard to the obligation to restore calm and stop the killings. 

In addition, Cachalia has asked the National Commissioner to take further steps to strengthen the Anti-Gang Units and to deploy further specialised units. 

“It is also going to be critical in this period to implement steps to strengthen the capabilities that are required for intelligence driven approaches to dismantle the networks behind organised crime.”

Multi-disciplinary task teams, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) under the leadership of its newly appointed head Advocate Andy Mothibi, skilled and experienced detectives, officials from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the South African Revenue Service, among others, will be targeting the leadership, finances, firearms and logistics of these criminal networks. 

“I will be setting up a multi-stakeholder Organised Crime Advisory Council which will be overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated strategy to combat organised crime. It will rely on open-source information and analysis to support the monitoring and oversight responsibility of the Ministry [of Police],” said the Minister.

On the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), Cachalia said an all-of-government approach and all-of-society approach in the fight against crime, including organised crime, as provided for in the ICVPS is needed.

He said that this was necessary because crime also has socio-economic roots, adding that the social cluster departments of government including provincial and local government have a critical role to play to improve safety and security of our people across the country.  

“The Provincial Governments of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, most effected by gang violence and various forms of organised crime such extortion, and illegal mining, have a critical role to play in ensuring that service delivery and the development needs of our most affected communities.

“We cannot fight gang violence and criminality by relying on law enforcement alone. Young people in these communities need opportunity and the prospect of a meaningful dignified future. In this regard I am in full agreement with the Cape Crime Crises Coalition (C4) that has emerged in response to the gang violence and with which I have kept close contact,” he said.

Gender-based violence and femicide

In his address the Minister also spoke about the levels of gender-based violence, rape and feminicide, saying the scourge was “unconscionable”.

“By declaring this a national disaster, the President has provided us with the impetus to tackle this issue with renewed vigour.”

He said that in his visits to communities in many parts of the country, particularly in the Eastern Cape, he had been shaken to the core by this kind of violence within families, and in the most intimate spaces between husbands and wives, adults and children. 

“I have therefore asked the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo to lead a process supported by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services (CSPS) to make an assessment of the gaps in the current response of the SAPS and to propose remedies.”

The approach will include expanding and strengthening the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units within SAPS, to improve docket quality, DNA evidence, and victim support at police stations.  

It will also require working with the Departments of Social Development, Health and Justice to ensure shelters, psychosocial support, and survivor centred services.

Community policing

Fighting crime and improving safety also requires an all-of-society approach, he said, adding that a renewed effort has to be made to involve communities.

“A renewed effort has to be made to involve communities across the country through Community Policing Forums, patroller programs, and neighbourhood watches. We do not have to impose a one size fits all approach.   

“Let me say however, I am particularly interested in the role that an expanded and incentivised patroller programme can play in involving communities in the fight against crime. 

“One option is for funding to be sourced by Provincial Governments from Presidential Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Community Works Programme (CWP). I see this programme as having social benefits because it has the potential to provide additional income support to families, together with old age pensions, disability grants, and child grants.”

Accountability, reform

In the SONA, the President also announced steps to improve accountability which include subjecting senior management of the SAPS to vetting and lifestyle audits by the State Security Agency (SSA). 

Cachalia said he will be expecting a report on the implementation of the Presidential directives from the National Commissioner. 

“I have made it clear that the establishment of the Madlanga Commission is a moment for the country to reset policing on a positive trajectory. I have already started implementing the interim recommendations through dedicated task team,” he remarked.

He said public trust in the police is crucial for success and that this can be achieved through enhanced accountability, professionalism and constitutionalism. 

The Minister said he was considering implementing the recommendations of the National Planning Commission to establish a National Police Board to provide advice to the National Commissioner and the Minister on the police reform agenda.

The Civilian Secretariate has already prepared legislation on the establishment of the board. – SAnews.gov.za

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Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau says he remains committed to investigating issues related to governance and malfeasance as they relate to the Film and Television Production Incentive.

The Minister led a delegation of senior officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), including Deputy Ministers Alexandra Abrahams and Zuko Godlimpi, and Director General Simphiwe Hamilton, during a briefing to Parliament following recent protests by industry players.

The Minister told members of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition that the department was actively working towards solutions to the challenges faced by the industry.

Godlimpi took the Portfolio Committee through the responses to the demands made by industry and provided a way forward to resolve their demands.

He said to resolve some of the challenges, the department will:

• Raise and secure urgent interim funding to address the current claims and applications, while introducing measures to disburse any additional funding that may be received. In this regard, the department is trying to find ways to reprioritise the allocation and there are ongoing engagements with National Treasury to increase the allocation going forward.
• A national industry working group with key stakeholders (both private and public) to address the industry challenges.
• Consider other types of incentive structures for the film industry, which will address sustainability, such as tax incentives for foreign productions.
• Collaborate with the Industrial Development Corporation and National Empowerment Fund for blended financing options for local productions.
• Implement an automated system to reduce processing time and improve effectiveness. Moving from a manual to online portal to reduce administrative burden.
• Provide additional human resource in order to cope with an influx of applications and claims.
• Provinces such as the Western Cape will be encouraged to offer incentives to reduce the burden on the national fiscus.

Presenting on behalf of the department, Hamilton said the contingent liability of the programme stood at approximately R2 billion, as disclosed in the Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the year ended March 2021, adding that following the suspension of adjudication meetings, the department has continued to process and pay valid claims with the objective of reducing the contingent liability.

“From September 2025 to date, the contingent liability has shown a consistent downward trend, from R679 million to R473 million, which is the amount owed to approved projects. This amount will be further reduced by the end of the current financial year, leading to further strengthening of the financial position of the incentive scheme,” Hamilton said.

The Minister added that the department remains focused on co-creating solutions and interventions with industry that will result in the growth of the sector and its increased contribution in the country’s economy through job creation. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and people-centred city.

During a recent public consultation with the disability sector on the city’s Draft Annual Report 2024/25, the municipality underscored its focus on ensuring that service delivery responds meaningfully to the needs of residents lwith disabilities.

The session, held recently at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre, forms part of broader city-wide consultations on the draft report. 

During the engagement, participants were presented with an overview of the sector’s achievements over the past financial year and identified key areas requiring improvement.

Among the concerns raised included infrastructure accessibility, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and the need for improved communication equipment.

The municipality confirmed that building audits were underway across all municipal facilities to assess accessibility levels and implement necessary upgrades. The initiative aims to ensure that residents can access municipal services with dignity and ease.

Speaking on behalf of the eThekwini Speaker, Thamsanqa Mthethwa underscored the importance of the annual report in promoting accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery. He also emphasised the importance of engaging directly with the disability sector.

“People with disabilities play a critical role as residents of this municipality. Their inputs ensure that disability-specific needs are addressed in planning, budgeting and service delivery, directly influencing quality of life, economic participation, and social inclusion,” Mthethwa said.

He added that inclusive consultation processes help shape an inclusive, accommodative, and responsive city for all residents.

He encouraged people with disabilities to disclose their status when applying for employment or municipal services to enable the provision of appropriate support and assistive equipment.

Attendees commended the municipality’s efforts to include people with disabilities in programmes and decision-making processes, while stressing the need to accelerate progress towards full accessibility across services and infrastructure.

Secretary of the eThekwini Disability Forum, Siyabonga Sosibo, described the engagement as a positive step.

“We are happy about this engagement, which allows people with disabilities to have a voice. We have seen improvements in areas addressing our needs, although more work is required to ensure full representation in all municipal programmes,” he said.

Sosibo emphasised that people with disabilities are equal and capable citizens who have the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives and the municipality’s development agenda.

The Draft Annual Report outlines the municipality’s performance and sets out future plans aimed at strengthening organisational excellence and enhancing service delivery.

Through the consultation process, the city intends to develop programmes that respond to community needs, promote social cohesion and collectively drive economic growth.

Public consultations remain ongoing, with residents invited to submit comments and inputs by 6 March 2026. The municipality has encouraged broad public participation to help shape the future of the city and improve service delivery for all. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have met to finalise the deployment plan of the defence force in Gauteng and the Western Cape, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has said.

“I can confirm that the SAPS National Commissioner General [Fannie] Masemola and the Chief of the SANDF General [Rudzani] Maphwanya, met [on Monday] to finalise the deployment plan which will begin next ten days,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 12 February 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the SANDF to the two provinces. The deployment is aimed at helping the two provinces to tackle gang violence and illegal mining.

On the first of the two-day debate on the SONA, Cachalia said: “We have agreed that the method of deployment should learn from past experiences in South Africa, as well as experiences elsewhere.”

The Minister said the deployment must respect the legal mandates of the South African Police Service, the SANDF and the Constitution, having regard to the obligation to restore calm and stop the killings. 

In addition, Cachalia has asked the National Commissioner to take further steps to strengthen the Anti-Gang Units and to deploy further specialised units. 

“It is also going to be critical in this period to implement steps to strengthen the capabilities that are required for intelligence driven approaches to dismantle the networks behind organised crime.”

Multi-disciplinary task teams, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) under the leadership of its newly appointed head Advocate Andy Mothibi, skilled and experienced detectives, officials from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the South African Revenue Service, among others, will be targeting the leadership, finances, firearms and logistics of these criminal networks. 

“I will be setting up a multi-stakeholder Organised Crime Advisory Council which will be overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated strategy to combat organised crime. It will rely on open-source information and analysis to support the monitoring and oversight responsibility of the Ministry [of Police],” said the Minister.

On the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), Cachalia said an all-of-government approach and all-of-society approach in the fight against crime, including organised crime, as provided for in the ICVPS is needed.

He said that this was necessary because crime also has socio-economic roots, adding that the social cluster departments of government including provincial and local government have a critical role to play to improve safety and security of our people across the country.  

“The Provincial Governments of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, most effected by gang violence and various forms of organised crime such extortion, and illegal mining, have a critical role to play in ensuring that service delivery and the development needs of our most affected communities.

“We cannot fight gang violence and criminality by relying on law enforcement alone. Young people in these communities need opportunity and the prospect of a meaningful dignified future. In this regard I am in full agreement with the Cape Crime Crises Coalition (C4) that has emerged in response to the gang violence and with which I have kept close contact,” he said.

Gender-based violence and femicide

In his address the Minister also spoke about the levels of gender-based violence, rape and feminicide, saying the scourge was “unconscionable”.

“By declaring this a national disaster, the President has provided us with the impetus to tackle this issue with renewed vigour.”

He said that in his visits to communities in many parts of the country, particularly in the Eastern Cape, he had been shaken to the core by this kind of violence within families, and in the most intimate spaces between husbands and wives, adults and children. 

“I have therefore asked the Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo to lead a process supported by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services (CSPS) to make an assessment of the gaps in the current response of the SAPS and to propose remedies.”

The approach will include expanding and strengthening the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units within SAPS, to improve docket quality, DNA evidence, and victim support at police stations.  

It will also require working with the Departments of Social Development, Health and Justice to ensure shelters, psychosocial support, and survivor centred services.

Community policing

Fighting crime and improving safety also requires an all-of-society approach, he said, adding that a renewed effort has to be made to involve communities.

“A renewed effort has to be made to involve communities across the country through Community Policing Forums, patroller programs, and neighbourhood watches. We do not have to impose a one size fits all approach.   

“Let me say however, I am particularly interested in the role that an expanded and incentivised patroller programme can play in involving communities in the fight against crime. 

“One option is for funding to be sourced by Provincial Governments from Presidential Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the Community Works Programme (CWP). I see this programme as having social benefits because it has the potential to provide additional income support to families, together with old age pensions, disability grants, and child grants.”

Accountability, reform

In the SONA, the President also announced steps to improve accountability which include subjecting senior management of the SAPS to vetting and lifestyle audits by the State Security Agency (SSA). 

Cachalia said he will be expecting a report on the implementation of the Presidential directives from the National Commissioner. 

“I have made it clear that the establishment of the Madlanga Commission is a moment for the country to reset policing on a positive trajectory. I have already started implementing the interim recommendations through dedicated task team,” he remarked.

He said public trust in the police is crucial for success and that this can be achieved through enhanced accountability, professionalism and constitutionalism. 

The Minister said he was considering implementing the recommendations of the National Planning Commission to establish a National Police Board to provide advice to the National Commissioner and the Minister on the police reform agenda.

The Civilian Secretariate has already prepared legislation on the establishment of the board. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has conducted 3 728 compliance inspections at business premises, such as gun dealers and security companies, in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The Act places strict obligations on licence holders to ensure safe storage, proper authorisation, and accountability for all licensed firearms and ammunition. 

According to the Act, all gun owners must be in possession of both a competency certificate and a valid licence(s) or permit to possess a firearm as an individual or for business purposes.

The National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, operating under Operation Buyisa, arrested a 55-year-old gun dealer from Middelburg in Mpumalanga this week for failing to comply with the Act, while 537 licensed firearms and ammunition were subsequently seized. 

“A preliminary report suggests the team operationalised information they obtained on a security company allegedly operating in Middelburg, with expired firearm licences.

“Further investigation led the team to a plot on the outskirts of eMalahleni after interviewing a gun dealer, who reportedly stored the security company’s firearms. 

“The team found a large quantity of licensed firearms and ammunition stored at the plot, which was confirmed to be an unlicenced storage facility. The gun dealer had allegedly ran out of storage space at its registered business premises,” the SAPS said in a statement.

Licensed gun owners and institutions are reminded that in terms of Section 120(1) of the Firearms Control Act, it is an offence to:
– Contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Act;
– Breach conditions of a licence, permit or authorisation; or
– Disregard any lawful notice or requirement issued under the Act.

“Regular firearm compliance inspections at business premises enforce accountability and ensure records of licensed firearms and ammunition are kept accurately,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The first consignment of one million high-potency Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina is expected to arrive in South Africa this weekend, bringing much-needed relief to the most affected provinces and regions.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said the shipment marks the first phase of a broader agreement, with a further five million doses scheduled for delivery in March this year.

The Minister said the vaccines form part of the Department of Agriculture’s new strategy to combat FMD, which includes the proactive vaccination of South Africa’s national herd of more than 14 million cattle. The goal is to transition the country to “FMD-Free Status with Vaccination”.

In addition to the supply from Argentina, Steenhuisen said the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI) remains a key partner, noting that since the FMD recent outbreak, BVI has delivered two million doses and is expected to continue supplying FMD vaccines every month.

Steenhuisen further announced that vaccines will also be supplied by Dollvet in Turkey through its local agent, Dunevax.

On 6 February 2026, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) handed over the first batch of 12 900 locally produced FMD vaccine doses. The Minister reported that these vaccines have since been distributed to the provinces for administration.

The ARC has committed to produce 20 000 doses per week, with plans to scale up to 200 000 doses per week in 2027.

By the end of March, more than five million vaccine doses from three international suppliers are expected to have entered the country.

“Our farmers are the providers of our food and the backbone of our economy, bringing essential foreign currency into the country. In these tough times, we all need to work together.

“Every South African’s support is vital to help our farmers win this war against FMD. By following movement controls and biosecurity protocols, we protect the livelihoods of the entire nation,” Steenhuisen said on Tuesday.

The Minister also confirmed that veterinary capacity is being expanded as part of the national vaccine rollout.

“In terms of the Animal Diseases Act, private veterinarians can register to administer vaccines as part of the rollout strategy. This will greatly improve the available manpower to ensure that we are able to meet our vaccination target of 80% of the national herd by December this year,” he said.

New FMD support line launched

To strengthen support for farmers, the department has established a dedicated FMD Control Centre. From Wednesday, 18 February, farmers can access a toll-free support line for expert guidance on FMD.

The toll-free FMD support line, 0860 246 640, will provide:
• Information about FMD symptoms;
• Advice on movement controls and permits;
• Updates on vaccine availability and vaccinations, and
• Practical tips on how to keep a farm biosecure.

The department has also launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel to provide regular FMD updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vags5R83gvWWZOhk9946 

Quarantine and movement restrictions

All properties where FMD is suspected or confirmed are immediately placed under quarantine. The movement of live cloven-hoofed animals and unprocessed animal products from affected farms is prohibited.

Farmers have been advised to implement strict biosecurity measures on farms to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Steenhuisen emphasised that if a FMD outbreak is detected in animals that are not fenced in to prevent contact with other animals, where movement controls cannot be effectively enforced, or where there is a lack of cooperation with the owners of the animals or the land on which the animals are found, then the declaration of a Disease Management Area (DMA) will be considered.

“A DMA is an area that is considered as one epidemiological ‘unit’, where premises are potentially epidemiologically linked. All properties in the area will be subjected to the same movement control conditions,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has conducted 3 728 compliance inspections at business premises, such as gun dealers and security companies, in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

The Act places strict obligations on licence holders to ensure safe storage, proper authorisation, and accountability for all licensed firearms and ammunition. 

According to the Act, all gun owners must be in possession of both a competency certificate and a valid licence(s) or permit to possess a firearm as an individual or for business purposes.

The National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, operating under Operation Buyisa, arrested a 55-year-old gun dealer from Middelburg in Mpumalanga this week for failing to comply with the Act, while 537 licensed firearms and ammunition were subsequently seized. 

“A preliminary report suggests the team operationalised information they obtained on a security company allegedly operating in Middelburg, with expired firearm licences.

“Further investigation led the team to a plot on the outskirts of eMalahleni after interviewing a gun dealer, who reportedly stored the security company’s firearms. 

“The team found a large quantity of licensed firearms and ammunition stored at the plot, which was confirmed to be an unlicenced storage facility. The gun dealer had allegedly ran out of storage space at its registered business premises,” the SAPS said in a statement.

Licensed gun owners and institutions are reminded that in terms of Section 120(1) of the Firearms Control Act, it is an offence to:
– Contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Act;
– Breach conditions of a licence, permit or authorisation; or
– Disregard any lawful notice or requirement issued under the Act.

“Regular firearm compliance inspections at business premises enforce accountability and ensure records of licensed firearms and ammunition are kept accurately,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Farmers in the Sarah Baartman District have welcomed the revival of agricultural shows, describing them as an important platform to celebrate excellence and expand market access.

The latest Agricultural show was held at the Port Elizabeth Fresh Produce Market on Tuesday, drawing participants from across the district and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape.

Odwa Fede (33), who won the award for best mohair wool, said he was honoured to have been part of the event.

Speaking after the show, Fede said the platform enabled him to network with fellow farmers and industry experts, who offered valuable advice on improving his enterprise.

“This day is pretty significant for me and other farmers because we do not often get the opportunity to gather in this way and showcase our produce. This is a good start, and we expect positive outcomes from it,” he said.

Reflecting on his future plans, Fede said: “From what I saw here today, I will go back to the drawing board and find new ways to improve my mohair production and make a greater success of it.”

Another young farmer, Phumeza Dolo, who walked away with the special youth award for her outstanding stall, said the show provided much-needed exposure for her agricultural enterprise. She urged the provincial Department of Agriculture to continue hosting such events.

“My products gained exposure by being part of the show and people bought them. I am confident that I will get more clients because of the exposure I got from the show,” Dolo said.

The show in Gqeberha marked the fourth instalment of the agricultural shows during the current financial year. Previous events were held in the Amathole District, including Buffalo City Metro, followed by the OR Tambo and Chris Hani Districts.

More shows are planned across other districts in the next financial year.

While the shows traditionally focused on product quality and category-based judging, the agricultural model is now being reimagined to prioritise market access and fostering commercial opportunities for farmers.

Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, who championed the reintroduction of the initiative, hailed the show as a success, noting that it would assist farmers to secure new clients and acquire additional knowledge.

“These shows are critical because farmers not only compete through their produce but also advise each other on how to improve their businesses. We want to encourage people to work the land, and these events are a great platform to showcase what the province can do.

“I am very happy with the success of the shows and confident they will inspire others to consider farming as a viable livelihood,” Kontsiwe said.

During the show, the MEC also handed over 32 industrial sewing machines to 17 enterprises in the Sarah Baartman District and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to enhance garment production and improve quality standards.

READ | EC Agriculture hands over working tools to empower women and youth

Kontsiwe encouraged beneficiaries to work harder so that they can expand their operations, supply retail outlets and ultimately open their own shops. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is urging social grant beneficiaries not to ignore SMS notifications calling on them to present themselves for grant reviews.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said beneficiaries who receive an SMS requesting them to undergo a social grant review must visit their nearest SASSA office promptly to avoid the lapsing and possible non-payment of their grants. 

SASSA explained that social grant reviews are legislated in terms of the Social Assistance Act to ensure that grants are paid to the correct, deserving and eligible beneficiaries.

“Beneficiaries must ensure that their contact details are updated on the SASSA system. Having updated details will confirm the eligibility and life certification, including strengthening the communication between the beneficiary and the Agency. It benefits the beneficiaries by enabling them to receive important notification which affects the status of the social grant.

“Beneficiaries are required to undergo a grant review process to verify their continued eligibility for social assistance, prevent fraud or duplicate claims, which could result in the misuse of public funds which is an offence,” the agency said. 

Currently, grant reviews are conducted at designated SASSA offices or service centres. The agency indicated that it may introduce online review options in future to reduce congestion at physical offices and minimise travel costs for beneficiaries.

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

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