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The Gauteng Provincial Government will ramp up law enforcement presence on all of the major routes in the province as the festive season gains momentum.

This as traffic volumes on major routes begins to heighten ahead of Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

“In the first 21 days of December, 137 people have died from 124 crashes in the province. Most of the people who died are pedestrians (68), while 26 are drivers and 28 are passengers. Johannesburg has recorded more deaths at 38, followed by Tshwane with 33 and Ekurhuleni reporting 26 fatalities in the same period.

“To curb the alarming rate of fatalities, the province has increased deployment of law enforcement operations targeting public transport operators such as taxis and buses,” the Gauteng Department of Community Safety said in a statement.

The department noted that public transport operators often “overload vehicles deliberately which endangers the lives of passengers and other road users”.

“Overloading is a criminal offence, as it can cause fatal road crashes, especially during long distance travel around the festive period.

“The Gauteng Department of Community Safety as well as the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport are collaborating to ensure the implementation of the road safety strategy in the province.

“The provincial government has encouraged public transport operators to prioritise road safety and ensure compliance, as the province is expecting high traffic volume due to people leaving to spend the festive season with their families and travelling to various holiday destinations,” the department said.

Heavy traffic flows are expected on the following major routes:

• N1: Pretoria to Polokwane
• N4: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N4: Pretoria to Rustenburg
• R573: Pretoria to Mpumalanga
• N12: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga
• N3: Johannesburg to Durban
• N1: Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
• N12: Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

Roadblocks are already being conducted on routes, resulting in more than 44 000 fines being issued, some 1 200 suspects arrested for various traffic violations and the arrest of 28 pedestrians.

“The Gauteng Traffic Police together with other law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with any public transport operators or motorists who undermine road safety.

“The operations will continue throughout the festive period and beyond to ensure safe travel on the road,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The year 2025 was a year of resilience, economic recovery and renewed national confidence for South Africa and its citizens.

This according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile who delivered a Christmas message to South Africans on Wednesday.

“The year 2025 has reminded us that our greatest strength does not lie in the corridors of government but in the resilience and unity of our people. Our most valuable resource is not buried beneath our soil; rather, it is the grit, courage, and determination of all South Africans everywhere.

“Through every challenge faced and every victory claimed, we have demonstrated the unyielding spirit of Ubuntu that defines who we are. Together, we have made progress worth celebrating,” he said.

The Deputy President cited the steady but sure progress South Africa has made economically as one of the highlights of the year.

“South Africa recorded 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion. The IMF [International Monetary Fund] has lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting the resilience of our economy and the impact of structural reforms. 

“For the first time in 20 years, South Africa received a credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s, signalling renewed confidence in our economy. In 2025, we also empowered the youth by placing 200 000 young South Africans in first-job experiences through the Youth Employment Service,” Mashatile noted.

Other key achievements include:

• Managing the energy crisis.
• Boosting tourism.
• SARS’ improved revenue collection.
• Convening the first Convention of National Dialogue.
• Successfully hosting the G20 Presidency.

“The G20 was a historic moment for South Africa and the African continent. It provided an opportunity to champion the priorities of the Global South, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our role in global leadership,” he said.

The Deputy President noted that this year also brought about a “turning point” in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“In November, GBVF was classified a national disaster; a recognition that this crisis violates fundamental constitutional rights to dignity, life, and security. 

“This classification is not the end; it is the beginning of intensified action to protect lives and restore dignity. Even in this season of celebration, let us commit to building homes, schools, workplaces, and communities where every woman and child is safe,” Mashatile said.

He called on South Africans to invoke the spirit of Ubuntu as celebrations of the festive season truly get underway.

“Let us treasure the gift of family, friendship, and community. Speak kindness, extend compassion, and rebuild the bonds that hold our society together. For those travelling, please prioritise safety; drive responsibly; do not drink and drive, and ensure every journey is taken with care.

“As we look to the year ahead, let us once more embrace the meaning of Ubuntu: I am because we are. This value remains the foundation of our social cohesion and our ability to rise above adversity. 

“Let us comfort those who lost their beloved ones during this year. In the true spirit of Ubuntu that we are known for as South Africans, let us lend a hand to those in need and give from our hearts to make their Christmas a happy one,” the Deputy President urged.

He added that in 2026, government will continue its developmental work, leaving no-one behind.

“In 2026, we will continue to advance inclusive development, strengthen service delivery, support livelihoods, and expand opportunities for our youth.

“May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, comfort to your hearts, and renewed strength to your spirit. Together, we will rise, rebuild, and reimagine a future of hope and prosperity.

“I wish you all a Merry Christmas and enjoyable festive season,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Provincial Government has conveyed its condolences following the passing of former Health MEC, Brian Hlongwa.

Hlongwa passed away on Tuesday, 22 December 2025, after a short illness.

He served as Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council for Health from March 2006 to May 2009 and was also a member of the African National Congress and served multiple terms on the party’s Provincial Executive Committee in the province.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former MEC Hlongwa. He served the people of Gauteng with distinction, through different portfolios from his days in the City of Johannesburg to serving as an MEC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss,” said acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo in a statement on Wednesday.

Before his appointment as MEC for Health, Hlongwa was a member of the City of Johannesburg Mayoral Committee responsible for municipal services from 2000 to 2006. In addition, he was the party’s Chief Whip in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature until October 2018. –SAnews.gov.za

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Willie Aucamp, is expected to join local conservation groups and residents for beach clean-ups in the Mossel Bay area.

The beach clean-up is set to be held on Saturday, 27 December 2025, with the Minister set to join operations at Suiderkruis Beach in the morning and Dana Bay 2nd Beach in the afternoon.

“This cleanup is part of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Coastal Access Awareness campaign. The campaign aims to highlight government’s commitment to clean, inclusive and accessible beaches for all South Africans, including persons with disabilities and beach users with limited mobility,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said in an advisory.

The Minister will join the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Alderman Dirk Kotzé, in the clean-ups.

The initiative from the department complements Mayor Kotzé’s efforts to ensure sustainable conservation and to promote the protection of the environment through partnership with the Mossel Bay Conservancy NPC and other local conservation stakeholders. –SAnews.gov.za

The City of Cape Town has warned the public against being in possession of alcohol, or consuming alcohol on beaches and at public amenities.

“Anyone found in possession of alcohol, or consuming alcohol, will have their goods confiscated, in line with the City’s impoundment policy. They will also be fined R500. The alcohol can be reclaimed, upon payment of the fine and the impoundment release fee, which is R835,” the City said in a statement.

According to the City, alcohol consumption in public spaces remains one of the biggest headaches for a enforcement and emergency services, particularly over the festive season. 

In the first 11 days of December this year, the liquor pound received 1 814 units of confiscated alcohol, amounting to just under 740 litres. 

“These totals will balloon over the coming weeks, and next year, we’ll dispose of it all. We can significantly reduce incidents of interpersonal violence, drownings, road accidents and pressure on our trauma centres and enforcement services by making different choices, yet for many people this is simply too big an ask,” Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith said.

The City’s Coastal by-law addresses the issue of alcohol on beaches, and signage is posted at all beaches and public amenities, outlining what visitors are able to do.

The impoundment policy also guides the disposal of unclaimed alcohol. 

“Disposal is the easiest option, as a legal opinion several years ago highlighted a number of complexities to the sale of impounded liquor, including the need for a liquor licence and that it could create the perception that confiscations are profit-driven and not in the interest of public safety.

“As we head into the peak festive season, I appeal once more to the public to leave the alcohol at home and to keep our public spaces alcohol-free, for their own safety, but also that of others,” Alderman Smith said. –SAnews.gov.za