MIL Africa Engine

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has commended the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts in investigating and arresting individuals implicated in an alleged R2 million fraud and corruption case involving the eMadlangeni Local Municipality.  

This comes after reports about former municipal officials and private sector representatives, who have been charged in connection with payments allegedly made for a feasibility study that was never undertaken.

Rodgers said these allegations are a serious blow to a predominantly poor municipality that can ill afford the loss of public resources. He warned that every rand lost through corruption is a rand taken away from service delivery and community development.

The MEC said Treasury remains firmly opposed to the looting of public funds and any conduct that undermines local government, urging officials serving in local government to uphold their responsibilities with integrity.

“Those tasked with governing municipalities must remember that their core mandate is to serve and not be served. Communities place their trust in public representatives and officials to improve lives, not to enrich themselves at the expense of the people they are meant to serve,” Rodgers said.

He reiterated that corruption, particularly within supply chain management processes, continues to cripple municipalities and erode public confidence in government institutions.

In addition, he reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting municipalities through improved financial governance, technical assistance, and capacity-building interventions aimed at strengthening accountability and reducing opportunities for corruption.

He said the department will continue to monitor the matter closely as it proceeds through the courts. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rethink how water is used during Spring Day celebrations and in everyday life.

The call follows concerning incidents of water wastage and the mistreatment of members of the public during Spring Day activities on 1 September. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department acknowledged that Spring Day is a time for people, particularly young people, to come together, have fun and welcome the arrival of spring. However, celebrations should never result in the unnecessary waste of water or come at the expense of another person’s dignity, safety or rights.

“The department has observed with deep concern the extent to which water is sometimes used during Spring Day celebrations. In a country where communities continue to experience water challenges, deliberately wasting water for entertainment is concerning and highlights the need for a change in how water is valued and used. 

“This concern is even more pressing as South Africa anticipates the effects of El Niño, which can bring higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and drier conditions in some parts of the country. These conditions can place additional pressure on already limited water resources and make responsible water use even more important,” the department said. 

No tradition should violate another person’s rights

The department also raised concerns about reports and incidents in which people have been subjected to humiliation and intimidation in the name of Spring Day celebrations.

“Celebration should never mean forcing another person to participate in an activity against their will or subjecting them to conduct that compromises their dignity or safety. No tradition, social activity or celebration should be used as an excuse to violate another person’s rights,” the department said.

The department called on young people and communities to find enjoyable and creative ways of celebrating Spring Day without wasting water or harming others. 

It emphasised that responsible water use should not only become a priority when a municipality introduces restrictions, or when a community is facing an immediate shortage.

“It needs to become part of everyday behaviour and simple actions such as avoiding unnecessary water use, reporting leaks and using water wisely can collectively make a meaningful difference.”  

While government continues to work to strengthen water security, maintain and improve water infrastructure, support municipalities and protect the country’s water resources, the department said these efforts require the support of the public.

“Government programmes and infrastructure alone cannot secure the country’s water future if water continues to be unnecessarily wasted. South Africa is a water-scarce country, and every drop saved contributes to protecting water availability for communities today and for future generations,” the department said.

The department has also urged parents, educators, community leaders and young people to help build a culture in which water is valued and used responsibly. – SAnews.gov.za

 

2

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has urged the built environment industry to embrace technological innovation to improve safety and performance at construction sites.

Speaking at the Built Environment Summit currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Zikalala said modern project management must increasingly rely on technological tools to strengthen inspection, oversight, and delivery outcomes.

He told the gathering that using technology in the construction sector is no longer simply a matter of modernisation, but an “indispensable intervention” needed to improve performance, reduce failure rates, and ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time and within budget. 

Zikalala also addressed concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could displace workers, stressing that it should be viewed as an accelerator of productivity rather than a threat to employment. 

“The integration of technology presents an opportunity to revolutionise how projects are monitored, controlled, and delivered. Far from being a threat to employment, AI serves as a powerful catalyst for efficiencies and productivity gains. 

By automating routine and repetitive tasks, AI frees up skilled professionals to focus on higher-value activities that require critical thinking and creativity,” he said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister further highlighted the growing role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital technologies, drones, AI, and advanced data analytics in strengthening inspection systems. 

These tools can enhance visibility on sites, provide stronger evidence-based oversight, and help identify risks earlier, before they escalate into failures.

Zikalala also called for closer coordination across all spheres of government to increase the number of registered building inspectors, arguing that this is critical to protecting both construction infrastructure and workers on the ground. 

The Deputy Minister’s remarks come as South Africa continues to grapple with safety challenges and project delivery issues within the built environment sector. – SAnews.gov.za

 

5

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested a 54-year-old man at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs while travelling to Hong Kong, China.

Police said the arrest followed intelligence-led information about a suspect travelling to Hong Kong, China.

“A search of the suspect and his luggage led to the discovery of suspected cocaine concealed in the luggage. The exact value and weight of the drugs are yet to be determined and will be confirmed in due course,” police said in a statement.

The arrest comes a week after police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at the same airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

“The SAPS remains committed to disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at ports of entry,” police said. – SAnews.gov.za

3

The fight against corruption has yielded significant financial recoveries, with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) clawing back some R8.3 billion in unlawfully obtained gains.

This is according to Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who delivered an address to the University of Johannesburg Combating Corruption Summit.

“For our part, as the criminal justice system, we have a number of cases that are ongoing. Perhaps the most notable success is the asset forfeiture associated with the Zondo cases. 

“So far, the National Prosecuting Authority Asset Forfeiture Unit has recovered a total of R8.3billion. Of this, R3.68 billion was paid to victims, and R4.6billion was paid to CARA [Criminal Assets Recovery Account]. In the past year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit continued to ensure that crime does not pay by obtaining freezing orders of R858 million and recovering assets valued at R532 million.

“These successes are in part because of AFU’s strengthened collaborative work with the Anti- Corruption Task Team, the Inter-Agency Working Group on Illicit Financial Flows, State Capture, Health Sector Corruption and the Fusion Centre under the auspices of the Financial Intelligence Centre [FIC],” the Minister said on Wednesday.

In the same vein, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered assets and cash worth R 936 million against a target of R 1 billion in the past financial year.

“They have ensured that R 25.6 billion has been set aside as invalid against a target of R 5 billion, and they have prevented R 1.6 billion from being lost against a target of R 1 billion.

She said 761 matters have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for the perpetrators to be prosecuted.

“The successes of our corruption-fighting [efforts] are significant, but the challenges are immense,” Kubayi said.

Despite these successes, the Minister acknowledged as “worrisome” the revelations at the Madlanga Commission, which have exposed the growing trend of organised crime and syndicate activity, including the capture of law enforcement agencies.

“Perhaps the most worrisome aspect of the revelations at the commission is how much law enforcement agencies have been captured by organised crime organisations and how individuals at all levels of the law enforcement agencies are working in cahoots with criminals to repurpose and weaken law enforcement agencies fighting against crime,” she stated.

To address this, Kubayi highlighted the urgent need to protect whistleblowers, who are critical in revealing hidden networks and secret transactions.

In response to this, the government has introduced the Public Disclosures Bill, which seeks to introduce a strengthened and comprehensive framework for whistleblower protection.

“Importantly, the Bill introduces enhanced protections, including confidentiality safeguards, protection against occupational detriment, and access to witness protection mechanisms where required.

“This simply means that this Bill introduces mechanisms to ensure that no whistleblower is punished or suffers any harm for having come forward with information about wrongdoing regardless of the position of the alleged wrongdoer in an organisation. Accordingly, this Bill specifies that the provisions of the Witness Protection Act, 1998 apply to a discloser or related person.

“In addition, the Bill provides for legal assistance to disclosers who cannot afford to pay for legal representation through Legal Aid South Africa in appropriate cases,” she said.

Looking ahead, the Minister noted that the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council – appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa – has handed over its report to the President, recommending the establishment of the Office of the Protector of the Public Interest (OPI) as a permanent, independent, overarching anti-corruption body.

“[We] are inviting interested parties to present to us their views on what they think should be the shape and form of the future anti-corruption agency for the country.

“Whatever form and shape that it will take, our country needs a dedicated, multidisciplinary investigative and prosecutorial anti-corruption agency shielded from political interference or external manipulation,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

4

Government has launched a programme that seeks to expand inclusive economic participation and transformation within the real estate sector through skills development and employment creation.

Launched in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday, the Real Estate Learnership Programme will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to operate effectively within the sector.

The programme is a collaborative initiative by different public and private sector institutions, including Mpumalanga Public Works, Roads and Transport; Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Services SETA); and Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

The programme seeks to expand inclusive economic participation and transformation within the real estate sector through skills development and employment creation, and equip participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to operate effectively within the sector.

It also plays an important role in contributing to closing critical skills gaps by developing a pipeline of competent and work-ready property practitioners.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said meaningful transformation of South Africa’s property sector cannot happen if young people, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities, remain outside the industry’s economic opportunities. 

“Transformation is not simply about changing who occupies positions in the property sector. It is about changing who has access to the opportunities that create those positions in the first place,” Simelane said.

The Minister said government’s commitment to youth, women and people with disabilities goes beyond commemorative months and remains an ongoing effort to create an enabling environment for them to develop their skills and participate meaningfully in the economy.

While the property industry represents billions in economic value, the Minister said it remains largely inaccessible, as it is predominantly controlled by a minority few.

“Through programmes like this, with our entity PPRA at the centre working together with its partners, we will make a significant impact in transforming the industry,” Simelane said.

The Minister said the programme is designed to take young people beyond theoretical training by exposing them to the actual workplace.

She referenced Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu’s 2026 State of the Province Address, in which he highlighted the need to place young people at the centre of economic initiatives and equip them with skills required by the labour market.

“This launch reinforces the Premier’s well-captured statement. It is another testament that government working together can confront the scourge of the alarming youth unemployment with a collective agency,” the Minister said. 

Mpumalanga is the second province where the programme is being rolled out, following its launch in KwaZulu-Natal in March. 

Simelane said government intends to expand the initiative nationally. 

Simelane said the Memorandum of Understanding between the PPRA, Mpumalanga Provincial Government and Services SETA will be used to advance transformation within the real property sector.

The programme will also provide support beyond the completion of training, with the PPRA expected to offer post-training and Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprise (SMME) support, including structural and business incubation assistance to help emerging Black- and youth-owned property enterprises become sustainable.  

Simelane said top-performing learners who successfully exit the programme will have an opportunity, through the PPRA, to undertake the Professional Designated Examination (PDE 5), enabling them to progress from candidate practitioners to full principal estate agents. 

She also highlighted that the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification in real estate is nationally recognised and graduates can pursue careers in alternative property sectors, including property administration, bond origination, real estate valuation and many others. 

“The programme represents a deliberate effort to open those doors. Young people should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of government programmes. They must be viewed as future professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and leaders of the property sector,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

2

For more than four decades, the Simelane family has lived with a silence that no family should have to endure: the absence of a daughter, a sister and a young woman whose life was cut short by the machinery of apartheid, yet whose story refuses to disappear.

On Thursday, that silence met a packed Great Hall at the University of Mpumalanga in Mbombela, where the memory of Nokuthula Simelane was transformed into something larger than remembrance: a national conversation about justice, accountability, gender equality and the responsibility of a new generation to remember what came before them.

For the family, the occasion carried the weight of a homecoming. Born and bred in Bethal, Nokuthula’s story returned to the province where her roots were planted, more than 40 years after she was abducted at the age of 23 and disappeared.

Her younger sister, Thembi Simelane, who is currently serving as the Minister of Human Settlements, stood at the centre of that history, carrying not only the memory of a sibling but the burden of a family that has never been able to perform the final rituals of laying their loved one to rest.  

Speaking to SAnews, Minister Simelane said that her sister disappeared after she was sent from Swaziland to a mission in South Africa. 

“Subsequently, we went through the TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] process, which identified special branch police who were responsible. Unfortunately, even with that step, we still have not been able to find her remains.

“We do hope that keeping her memory alive will make us not forget that she lived, because we have no grave to visit, we have no way of performing our Simelane customs and rituals to bury a loved one, but we carry a responsibility of keeping her spirit alive,” the Minister said.

That responsibility has now taken institutional form through the launch of the Nokuthula Simelane Foundation and the inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture, an annual platform intended to ensure that her story is not confined to the past, but becomes part of South Africa’s continuing conversation about democracy, human rights and social justice.

For media spokesperson of the Foundation, Thembisa Mdoda, 3 September 2026, represents more than the launch of an organisation or a lecture series. It was, she said, a moment in which a family’s decades-long pain could become a catalyst for a much bigger national reckoning. 

“I think this is a special day because over 40 years ago we lost our sister Nokuthula. She was a stalwart in the struggle, and she disappeared without a trace. And since that day, her family has been looking for her,” Mdoda said.

With approximately 1 200 people expected at the inaugural lecture, including government leaders, academics, students, civil society, liberation veterans and human rights practitioners, Nokuthula’s name is being deliberately carried into spaces where history can be interrogated, taught and kept alive.

“This today sparks a big dialogue, a conversation where families have missing children, families have missing siblings that are nowhere to be found, and no one has taken accountability. So today we talk about equality, we talk about gender equality, we talk about justice, and we also talk about those that are missing that no one has even looked for,” Mdoda said.

The significance of the day is heightened by the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is scheduled to deliver the inaugural Memorial Lecture today, while the University of Mpumalanga and the Foundation began laying the groundwork for a longer-term academic legacy that could see Nokuthula’s name attached not only to an annual lecture, but to research, education, heritage preservation and a proposed Centre for Gender and Intersectional Studies.

READ | President Ramaphosa to deliver inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture

It is an attempt to turn an unresolved absence into an enduring presence.

Nokuthula’s remains have never been recovered. But her name, her courage and the questions surrounding her disappearance are being carried forward from one generation to another, from a family searching for closure to a country still confronting the unfinished business of its past.

As Mdoda put it: “We put our fists up for Nokuthula Simelane. The struggle continues, but we will have victory.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

0

The Gauteng Political Killing Task Team (PKTT) has arrested an eighth suspect believed to be the mastermind behind the illegal electricity connections and theft of critical infrastructure at the Emfuleni Local Municipality. 

The suspect was re-arrested shortly after being released on bail in an unrelated matter today.

“She is expected to make her first appearance in court on Monday, 07 September 2026, facing charges of theft, damage to and theft of critical infrastructure and money laundering,” the South African Police Service (SAPS)  said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the police, the arrest forms part of ongoing investigations into a syndicate allegedly involved in the illegal connection of electricity and related criminal activities in the Emfuleni Local Municipality.

“Police investigations are continuing, with authorities working to identify and apprehend all those involved in the illegal electricity connection network,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0