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Two men arrested for the illegal fitting and possession of blue lights on a private motor vehicle, are set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

In June, police officers conducting a roadblock stopped a vehicle fitted with blue lights in the Wierdabrug area of Centurion in Pretoria. During questioning, the female driver informed police that the vehicle belonged to her husband. 

Further investigation led to the arrest of the 40-year-old owner of the vehicle on Friday. Police also arrested a 49-year-old Mozambican national on Saturday. The Mozambican national allegedly fitted the blue lights to the vehicle.

“The suspects are expected to face charges relating to the contravention of Regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, which prohibit the unauthorised fitment and use of blue lights on private vehicles,” the South African Police Service said in a statement ahead of Monday’s court appearance. 

“SAPS issues a stern warning to members of the public that fitting or using blue lights without lawful authority is a criminal offence. These regulations are in place to protect the public and to preserve the integrity of law enforcement vehicles.

“The illegal use of blue lights has become a serious concern, as criminal syndicates commonly known as the ‘blue light gang’ have used them to impersonate law enforcement officers and rob, hijack and terrorise unsuspecting motorists,” the police said.

The police warned that anyone found manufacturing, selling, fitting or using unauthorised blue lights will face the full might of the law. 

“SAPS will continue to intensify operations to remove illegal blue lights from South Africa’s roads and ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” the police said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles displaying blue lights to the SAPS immediately by calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Government of South Africa, in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Council and the SADC Secretariat, will host the 2026 Annual SADC Industrialisation Week, later this month.

“The SADC Industrialisation Week (SIW) is a week-long programme that brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors, academia, researchers, development finance institutions from across the SADC region and beyond to advance regional industrial development,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement on Monday.

The Industrialisation Week will be held from 27-31 July 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

SIW is the premier regional platform dedicated to advancing industrialisation, regional integration, investment promotion and economic transformation within the SADC region. 

Hosted under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World,” the event will be held as a high-level precursor to the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, and is widely regarded as the largest public-private platform for advancing industrial development in the SADC region. 

“The SIW supports the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015 – 2063) which is anchored on three pillars: industrialisation, competitiveness and regional integration. 

“The Strategy seeks to strengthen regional productive capacities, deepen value addition and beneficiation, and promote the development of competitive regional value chains,” the department said. 

The 2026 edition of the SADC Industrialisation Week will focus on the following strategic priorities: 
•    The development of regional value chains in agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and critical minerals beneficiation, the promotion of infrastructure development in energy, transport, logistics, water and ICT.
•    Investment mobilisation and industrial partnerships, and
•    Women and youth empowerment, innovation entrepreneurship and digital transformation

The programme will include policy dialogues, technical sessions, strategic discussions, seminars, workshops and stakeholder engagements focusing on industrialisation, trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, regional value chains and private sector development. 

“The Industrialisation Week will provide a unique opportunity for governments, the private sector, development finance institutions and other stakeholders to engage in practical measures to accelerate industrialisation, address constraints affecting regional value chains and unlock investment opportunities that support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

“As Chair of SADC, South Africa remains committed to advancing the regional industrialisation agenda and to strengthening regional cooperation as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, industrial development and shared prosperity across the region,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation has welcomed the launch of the inaugural National Science Month (NSM), saying the initiative makes science more accessible and meaningful while showing how scientific research contributes to improving lives and addressing real societal challenges.

A flagship programme of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), NSM expands the former National Science Week into a month-long programme aimed at bringing science closer to all South Africans.

The programme aims to increase public understanding of science by popularising science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), promoting public awareness, and encouraging active engagement with science.

It was launched on Saturday at the Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark under the theme: “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone.”

NSM also seeks to inspire communities, young people, scientists and innovators to collaborate in advancing science-based solutions.

“The committee has consistently encouraged the DSTI and its entities to expand initiatives that promote public awareness and appreciation of science, technology and innovation. It encourages all Members of Parliament and the public to follow, participate in and support the various events planned during NSM,” the committee said.

The committee said it looks forward to receiving a briefing from the DSTI on the outcomes of the month-long programme.

NSM targets a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, learners, educators, students, researchers, industry, tourists, decision-makers, journalists, research institutions and government departments.

The initiative fosters a culture of science and innovation while promoting an inclusive society in which all South Africans can participate in and benefit from science and innovation.

Information on the month-long activities is available via: https://www.saasta.ac.za/national-science-month/

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is positioning itself as a leading digital investment destination, with growing confidence from some of the world’s biggest technology companies expected to drive economic growth, innovation and job creation.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, the President said the country’s ambition is increasingly being recognised by global technology firms, citing Google’s decision to host its first-ever African Cloud Summit in Johannesburg. 

“That the company chose South Africa to host one of its most important technology and enterprise events affirms Africa’s position as a core growth region for the global cloud ecosystem,” he said.

At the summit, Google announced several investments under its “Building for Africa” initiative, aimed at supporting the adoption of cloud technologies and equipping local ecosystems for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation.

Among the projects is the construction of a Digital Exchange Port in the Eastern Cape – the first of four connectivity hubs planned for the continent to improve reliable cloud services.

The company also committed to developing digital skills by establishing a R3 million digital innovation centre at South West Gauteng TVET College in Soweto.

Applications for the 2026 South African cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator will also open later this month, with 15 local start-ups set to receive AI training, mentorship and funding.

The President said these announcements add to growing investment in the country’s digital economy.

He noted that Amazon Web Services announced plans in 2023 to invest R30.4 billion in South Africa’s cloud infrastructure, while Microsoft committed R5.4 billion last year towards expanding local hyperscale cloud and AI infrastructure.

He also highlighted Mastercard’s launch of its Africa Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, which will initially roll out in South Africa and Nigeria to strengthen cyber resilience across the continent.
 

The President said the digital economy is becoming an increasingly important driver of economic growth and employment worldwide.

He noted that Google estimates its Johannesburg Cloud Region could contribute approximately R1.7 trillion in additional gross economic output by 2030 while supporting around 315 000 jobs.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa already hosts a significant share of Africa’s large data centre capacity and remains the continent’s largest cloud market, with more businesses adopting cloud computing, machine learning and AI technologies.

He said small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) stand to benefit significantly from greater cloud adoption, with one study estimating that cloud computing among SMMEs could unlock more than R185 billion for the economy by 2030.

“Cloud enables small businesses to spend less on IT costs, improve their productivity and become more competitive. It can help them to expand market access and make use of e-commerce,” he said.

The President added that government is working through initiatives such as the SA SME Fund, the Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)and partnerships with the private sector to make cloud technologies more affordable for small businesses.

The SA SME Fund is a collaboration between government, labour and business. The initiative was set up to to support small to medium-sized enterprises while the BBSDP is a s a cost-sharing grant offered to small black-owned enterprises to assist them to improve their competitiveness and sustainability. 

He also said cloud infrastructure can improve government efficiency and public service delivery, including better access to digital learning materials through education platforms.

Safeguarding citizen rights

While promoting digital transformation, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights, protecting privacy and ensuring South Africa maintains control over its digital future.

“Our regulatory and policy environment must match innovation with safety. We must learn from other countries where vast amounts of sensitive public and private data have been held by private firms and outside national jurisdictions,” the President said. 
He said digital sovereignty is becoming increasingly important.

“In the digital age, sovereignty is measured not only by territorial borders. It is increasingly measured by a nation’s ability to secure its data, develop its own digital capabilities and exercise meaningful control over the technologies on which its economy depends. That is why government is investing in its own cloud infrastructure through institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),” he said. 

The President said South Africa has a unique opportunity to use modern digital technologies to accelerate development. He cautioned that the country must focus on building its own capabilities rather than becoming dependent on others.

“As we navigate these complexities, we must deepen collaboration across government, business, labour, industry and civil society in pursuit of a digital future that is secure, inclusive and leaves no-one behind,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State has warned the public against performing law enforcement functions.

This as it noted circulating information suggesting that certain individuals or groups may intend to participate in, or accompany law enforcement agencies during compliance inspections and enforcement operations across the province.

“The SAPS wishes to remind the public that the enforcement of the law, including compliance inspections, searches, arrests, seizures and other policing functions, is the exclusive responsibility of duly authorised law enforcement officials acting within the confines of the Constitution and applicable legislation,” the police said in a statement on Saturday.

The police cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands, conducting inspections, demanding documentation, questioning individuals, or participating in law enforcement activities without the necessary legal authority. Such actions, it said, may constitute criminal offences and could expose those involved to criminal prosecution.

“The SAPS respects the constitutional rights of all persons to assemble, demonstrate and express their views peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, these rights do not extend to exercising policing powers or interfering with official law enforcement operations.

“The SAPS remains committed to enforcing the law fairly, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice. Operational deployments across the province continue to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and address all forms of criminality.”

The SAPS encouraged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the SAPS through the appropriate channels and to allow trained and authorised law enforcement officials to perform their duties without interference.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, has reiterated that any person found obstructing police officials, impersonating law enforcement officers, or unlawfully performing policing functions will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

The SAPS calls on all residents of the Free State to continue working in partnership with law enforcement by providing information on criminal activities while refraining from actions that fall outside the scope of civilian authority. – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has handed over four boreholes, valued at about R2 million, to previously unserved communities in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

The boreholes are equipped with automated water purification capacity through a decentralised water purification plant, ensuring the sustainable provision of quality drinking water, dignified sanitation and proper hygiene for communities that have historically lacked reliable water services.

The initiative forms part of the newly launched Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme. It was funded and implemented by the Rand Water Foundation, an entity of Rand Water, and donated to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in the Nkangala District.

The four boreholes will serve the communities of Vezubuhle, Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni in Kwa-Mhlanga, which previously had no reliable water supply.

Minister Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Speed Katishi Mashilo, Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai and Rand Water Foundation Chairperson Lusanda Netshitenzhe, officially handed over the four underground water supply schemes on Friday, 3 July 2026.

The launch of the programme coincided with the start of Mandela Month, observed in July each year, and forms part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s ongoing efforts to accelerate access to water services for historically underserved communities through sustainable and practical interventions.

The project included the drilling of four boreholes fitted with water filtration and purification units, the installation of 10 communal taps, six storage tanks with a capacity of 10 000 litres each, six steel tank stands, and a manhole.

The decentralised water supply facilities offer relief to areas affected by inconsistent water supply, rationing, and reliance on water tankers, especially in remote locations.

According to Rand Water Group Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, the decentralised plants operate on the same principles as Rand Water’s major treatment facilities at Zuikerbosch and Vereeniging, just on a smaller scale.

The plants have been installed at Vezubuhle Community Hall, Bawokuhle Primary School in Gemsbok, Rhenosterfontein Farms and Engwenyameni. They are expected to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to more than 1 600 beneficiaries, including residents, learners and farmers.

All four installations have undergone water quality testing and meet the required safety standards to ensure reliable long-term operation.

Following the handover, Majodina met with community members in Gemsbok, emphasising that the initiative was more than the unveiling of infrastructure, but “a step toward transforming lives.”

“There could be no better way of honouring Madiba than ensuring that children spend more time in classrooms than searching for water. There could be no greater expression of service than restoring dignity to communities that have waited patiently for this basic necessity of life.

“Today is not simply about boreholes. Today is about hope. It is about dignity. It is about justice. It is about fulfilling a promise that the South African government made to the people,” the Minister said.

She added that the initiative programme demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left to rely indefinitely on unsafe rivers, streams or distant water sources because of where they live.

She said while large regional water infrastructure projects remain essential, many rural communities require immediate interventions that can deliver relief while long-term projects are being developed.

“The programme therefore combines urgency with sustainability. It includes groundwater development through borehole drilling, the protection of natural springs, rainwater harvesting systems, rehabilitation of existing but non-functional infrastructure, and targeted extensions of local reticulation systems.

“These are practical interventions designed to reach communities that have too often remained on the margins of development,” Majodina said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to working closely with municipalities to identify all unserved communities and implement appropriate interventions.

She appealed to community members to safeguard the newly installed infrastructure against vandalism and theft.

“Every damaged pipeline forces government to spend scarce resources on repairs instead of expanding services to new communities. Ultimately, those who suffer most are the poorest households,” Majodina said.

Majodina concluded by thanking the Rand Water Foundation and Rand Water, whose expertise and longstanding commitment to strengthening water security continue to benefit millions of South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will convene the second leg of the National Investigative Hearing into South Africa’s Food Systems on Monday. 

“The National Investigative Hearing was initiated in response to complaints received by the Commission, together with findings from its monitoring work, which revealed growing concerns regarding the lack of access to adequate food.

“The inquiry is grounded in section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which guarantees that everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food,” a SAHRC statement said.

The commission noted that despite the Constitutional guarantee, “millions of people in South Africa continue to experience hunger and food insecurity”.

“Children remain particularly vulnerable, with many suffering from malnutrition and stunting, while preventable hunger continues to result in avoidable loss of life.

“This is especially concerning given that South Africa possesses the agricultural capacity and food resources necessary to feed its entire population,” the statement read.

The first phase of the commission’s hearings was held earlier this year with evidence received from stakeholders including government and civil society.

“A consistent theme emerging from these proceedings was the need to further interrogate the structure of the food system, particularly market concentration and the role of private sector actors in shaping access to food, affordability and nutritional outcomes.

“The Commission has thus determined that additional hearings are necessary to receive evidence from key stakeholders in the private sector across the food value chain, including input suppliers and agribusinesses, farmers, food processors and manufacturers, retailers and distributors, as well as industry associations and lobby groups.

“Their participation will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the structural, economic and policy factors that influence access to food in South Africa,” the statement explained. – SAnews.gov.za 

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