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MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals to battle it out in Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park on Tuesday, while Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings face off in the Eliminator at Centurion on Wednesday Betway SA20 is heading into the business end of the competition with the start of the Playoffs on Tuesday, …
Seven officials sentenced for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates
Seven private vehicle testing station officials have been sentenced by the Polokwane Commercial Crimes Court for fraudulently issuing roadworthy certificates to vehicles that were never tested.
The suspects appeared in court last week, where they were sentenced to five-year imprisonment or R20 000 fine.
The officials were found guilty of 51 charges of fraud related to transactions conducted at the Palala private testing station in Lephalale in 2019.
They were arrested in 2019, following investigations by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), a division of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the serious corruption team of the Hawks.
The investigation follows the South African Revenue Service concerns raised in April 2019 about the vehicles they had impounded at a facility in Mpumalanga. The vehicles were found to have been issued roadworthy certificates by the Palala testing station without being physically presented for testing.
“An investigation was immediately launched. When the investigation team visited the station, they found the officials processing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that were not present at the station. They were immediately arrested and charged with fraud alternatively contravening the National Road Traffic Act,” RTMC said on Friday.
The accused were found guilty on July 31, 2024, and appeared in court again on Wednesday, where they were sentenced.
The seven officials include Pieter Frederick Francoois Schutte (68), Marisca Erasmus (34), Lebogang Rapetsoa (30), Democracy Vhutolo Khangale (36) Thapelo Kgositsile Medupi (42), Makwena Silas Mashala (34) and Mphokane Nicol Medupi (41).
“The RTMC welcomes that sentence as it sends a message that there are consequences for crime irrespective of whether it is committed at a privately owned company. The seven will not be able to work at any testing station in South Africa again.
“However, the RTMC would have preferred a custodial sentence because unroadworthy vehicles are a menace on the country’s road causing avoidable crashes and fatalities.”
Mpumalanga officer sentences to four years over R200 bribe
Meanwhile, a Mpumalanga traffic officer was recently sentenced to four years' direct imprisonment for accepting a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.
This followed a sting operation organised by the NTACU and the Mpumalanga division of the Hawks in 2019, to target traffic officers coercing motorists into paying bribes on the N4 near Middelburg.
Zanele Christian Vilakazi (39) and Andrew Bongani Simphiwe Nkosi (48), were arrested during the operation and charged with corruption.
After a protracted trial, the court found them guilty and handed down a four-year custodial sentence. Unfortunately, Nkosi passed away before the trial’s conclusion, while Vilakazi began serving her sentence earlier this month, the RTMC confirmed. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 09:20
Niki Prasad believes India’s next generation can create a winning culture after captaining her side to the defence of their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title. Gongadi Trisha starred with bat and ball as India secured a nine-wicket win over South Africa in the final in Kuala Lumpur. “Coming into the tournament, I said …
India’s batting superstar Gongadi Trisha has been named as the Player of the Tournament at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025. The opener comfortably led the batting stats, scoring 309 runs in seven innings to finish 133 runs clear at the top of the charts. Trisha delivered a match-winning performance in the final, …
Government takes bold step towards a cleaner environment
South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy with the launch of two new E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga.
According to Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Bernice Swarts, the improper disposal old electronic devices is a concern, as these devices contain harmful materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can have devastating effects on the environment and public health if not properly managed.
In response to this challenge, government has launched two E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga that will enable residents to bring their old and unused electronic waste, such as cell phones, computers, televisions, and other electrical appliances.
“In South Africa, we generate over 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, and unfortunately, only a small fraction of 10% of this is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, or worse, is illegally dumped, posing serious risks to our ecosystems,” Swarts said.
On Friday, the Deputy Minister launched the first E-Waste Recycling pilot project in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, and on Saturday, the same project was launched in Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality.
“As we all know, the municipality faces challenges with waste management, and (e-waste) is one of the most problematic. The increasing number of electronic devices being used without a proper system for disposal has led to the accumulation of waste that harms our environment and contaminates water and soil.
“Today’s launch of the E-Waste Recycling Project is our response to this growing crisis. The goal of this project is to test and implement a sustainable system for recycling e-waste in Nkomazi,” the Deputy Minister said.
This initiative was launched in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Nkomazi Local Municipality, Industry and the Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).
“Through this collaboration, we aim to not only manage and dispose of e-waste responsibly but also raise awareness among communities about the importance of recycling and the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.
“The wheelie bins provided by the Producer Responsibility Organisation (eWASA) to the Nkomazi Local Municipality will be placed at designated sites, which will be determined by the Nkomazi Local Municipality and communicated widely to the community,” she said.
These bins will serve as dedicated receptacles for collecting e-waste, ensuring that it is separated from general household waste and directed to specialized recycling channels.
E-Waste collection enterprises that are based in Nkomazi will be charged with the responsibility of servicing these designated sites through collecting the e-Waste.
The enterprises will be led by Previously Disadvantaged Individuals and with a particular demonstration of transformation and inclusivity.
“The collection and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) will prevent toxic substances from leaching into the soil and water, protecting both our environment and our health.
“One of the key aspects of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations is the legal requirement for Producer Responsibility Organisations to provide a service fee for waste collection by the informal waste sector, waste pickers,” Swarts said.
This service fee is over and above the money that waste pickers get for “selling” the waste.
“Furthermore, this project is about more than just waste management, it is about creating jobs and stimulating local economic development. Through this initiative, we are engaging more Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to facilitate the increase of e-Waste recycling.
“These organisations play a crucial role in managing the end-of-life phase of electronic products and are an important part of the national effort to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.
“Through collaboration with these organisations, we can ensure that this project is sustainable and scalable, with the potential to expand across other regions in the future. The importance of this project cannot be overstated. Not only will it help Nkomazi manage its e-waste problem more effectively, but it will also contribute to our country’s broader environmental goals,” the Deputy Minister said.
As part of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, South Africa has committed to reducing waste sent to landfills, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy.
“The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which place responsibility for end-of-life products on producers, are key to this vision. By encouraging industry involvement in waste management, we are ensuring that those who create waste are also part of the solution.
“In the coming months, we will monitor the progress of this project to ensure that it meets its objectives. This includes tracking the volume of e-waste collected, the effectiveness of the community awareness campaigns, and the number of local jobs created through the project.
“Our goal is to ensure that this project becomes a success story and a model that can be replicated across other municipalities in Mpumalanga and beyond,” the Deputy Minister said. -SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:02
Gongadi Trisha starred with bat and ball as India were crowned ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 champions with a nine-wicket win over South Africa. Trisha, who finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer, took three for 15 to help bowl South Africa out for 82 at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. She then led …
A group of 34 players will assemble in Pretoria on Sunday for the Springbok Women’s second alignment camp of the year, as the national team’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in England in Augustus picks up pace. Bok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin and assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko, …
President Ramaphosa to address Mining Indaba
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday deliver a keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
The Indaba is the world’s largest gathering of mining’s most influential stakeholders and decision-makers vested in African mining.
The four-day Indaba will be held from 3 to 6 February 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This year's event will be held under the theme: “Future-proofing African Mining, Today!”, which places the focus on sustainability and economic value for the African mining sector.
“The President’s participation will highlight the contribution and continued commitment of the Indaba for stimulating interest into African mining for the sustainable economic development of South Africa and the rest of the African continent,” the Presidency said in a statement on Friday. -SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:12
Khayelitsha pastor faces rape charges
A 51-year-old pastor has been arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting a 15-year-old girl, and two women, aged 22 and 23 at his church in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
“It is alleged that people would go to the pastor for healing and he would tell them healing is possible, but then the victims must stay at the church, and that is where he would convince them to have sexual intercourse with him to receive their healing,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.
According to the reports, the suspect assaulted and raped the victims at his church between November 2022 and January 2025.
“The community became aware of his behaviour and had a community meeting, and it was then when victims came forward and made the claims. The victims 15, 22 and 23 are safe and are receiving treatment and counselling.
“The 51-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ court where the case was remanded until 04 February 2025,” the SAPS said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:54
SAPS nabs over 200 000 in festive season operations
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made 244 951 arrests during the festive season, as part of heightened crime-fighting operations aimed at safeguarding communities, holidaymakers, and tourists across the country.
The safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024, and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025.
“From the period 01 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 – a total of 9 908 accused were found guilty and convicted for various crimes, including murder, rape, armed robberies, house breaking and car hijacking,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday.
Masemola held a media briefing to provide an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations.
Masemola announced that a total of 2 198 illegal, and unlicensed firearms were seized and confiscated during operations. These include 1 731 handguns, 154 homemade guns, 211 rifles, and 102 shotguns.
Masemola said the majority of firearms seized were confiscated in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
“Firearms remain a big problem in South Africa as most serious and violent crimes including murders were committed with the use of a firearm,” the National Commissioner said.
In this regard, 37 658 rounds of ammunition were also seized and 1 767 explosives that are mainly used in illegal mining activities and cash in transit armed robberies were also seized.
In addition, the police recovered R4 million in cash and seized 16 293 stolen cell phones, which were either taken during crimes or used in their commission, for further investigation and analysis.
Furthermore, a total of 960 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.
During this period, more than two million patrols were conducted, with more than 4 600 roadblocks, 620 000 stop and searches, and more than two million persons were searched in the country.
“Further to that, over 78 000 licensed liquor premises compliance inspections were executed together with more than 12 000 compliance inspections at firearm dealers and private security premises. A total of 6 547 unlicensed liquor premises were shut down throughout the country during this period.
“Through our safer festive season operational concept, which is inclusive of Operation Shanela, we intensified our prevention and combatting strategies on nine focus areas with serious and violent crimes at the centre of attention.
“From combatting and putting perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence-and Femicide (GBVF), Aggravated robberies, murders, rape and car hijacking in prison– we have been hard at work in asserting and reaffirming the authority of the state,” Masemola said.
The National Commissioner said the intelligence operatives, detectives, including visible policing members and forensic experts worked tirelessly in tracking, tracing and taking down wanted criminals.
“Through intelligence and collaboration with various units within the SAPS, identified crime threats were addressed through conventional methods to identify, neutralise, dislodge, dismantle and takedown organised crime syndicates.
“Crime intelligence continuously monitored various organised crime threats which include theft of motor vehicles, kidnappings for extortion, cash in transit armed robberies, critical infrastructure, illegal mining and stock theft – to mention but a few of other key crime categories,” the National Commissioner said.
Gender-based Violence and Femicide
Between October 2024 and December 2024, a total of 685 Gender-Based Violence and Femicide perpetrators, were convicted to time in prison.
Of these, 110 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to life in prison, 71 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 20 years and above in prison, 174 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to 10 years and up to 19 years in prison, while 330 GBVF perpetrators were sentenced to a year and up to nine years in prison.
“Our men and women in blue remain relentless in tracking, tracing, apprehending and prosecuting GBVF perpetrators,” Masemola said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:02
Over 20 000 new police officers deployed to enhance crime fighting
In a bid to strengthen its crime-fighting capabilities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully trained and deployed over 20 000 new constables in various units across the country in the past three years, aiming to boost policing efforts and enhance public safety.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations during a media briefing in Pretoria, on Sunday, National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said in mid-December last year, 2 699 newly trained constables joined the ranks.
Masemola, said the police officers joined the service during a significantly busy period for the SAPS, and contributed to the crime combatting operations that were aimed at ensuring the safety and security of communities, holidaymakers, and tourists alike.
“We were able to heighten police visibility and boost our crime combatting efforts at areas identified as hotspots across the country, including malls, beaches and along our country’s key strategic routes,” Masemola said.
During the festive season, the police arrested 244 951 people for various crimes, including among others, murder, rape, assault, illegal possession of firearms, drug dealing, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and entering the country illegally.
The SAPS safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024 and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025.
“In keeping with our promise to increase personnel and ensure more boots on the ground to keep our communities safe, I’m pleased to announce that this week, we will be welcoming an additional 5 500 new police trainees into our academies.
“These recruits will undergo the Basic Police Learning Development Programme and those who are in possession of a matric certificate or a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 5 qualification will undergo the nine-month training programme and those that are in possession of a NQF 6 qualification or higher will undergo the six-month training programme,” the National Commissioner said.
Police killings
Masemola also noted that nine on-duty police officers and 12 off-duty police officers, were killed, as of October last year to date.
“The ongoing attacks and killing of our men and women in blue cannot continue. This is a crime that requires all of us to stand against and prevent it from happening. What is encouraging to note is that we have categorised the killing of police officers as a national priority offence which is investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as HAWKS.
“It is thus reassuring to note that during the festive period, thirty police killers were arrested with seven convicted to 22 life and additional 725 years imprisonment sentences,” Masemola said.
He said government continue to ensure members are always operationally ready by taking them through relevant training and acquiring the necessary resources needed for them to fight crime.
They are provided with the necessary protective gear to shield themselves from criminals.
“We would ultimately like to see a situation where we don’t lose any member in the hands of criminals. We therefore request South Africans to work with us and not against us in this fight to rid of our country off callous criminals,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:31
Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
In a bold move to dismantle illegal mining operations, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crackdown has resulted in over 18 000 arrests, predominantly targeting illegal immigrants, as part of efforts to cut off supplies and force miners out of the country’s dangerous shafts.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to register commendable progress where members are hard at work in preventing and combatting illicit mining activities across the country. Our members are still conducting patrols and standing static at disused and abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein and in other hotspot areas,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday in Pretoria,
Operation Vala Umgodi started in December 2023. As a result of this initiative, 458 firearms and 12 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized during operations across the country
In addition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles, and 84 big machinery are amongst the items that were confiscated from illegal mining operations.
More than R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million have been seized.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, Masemola said more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein ,are still in police custody.
Masemola said a total of 121 people have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans as well as one Congolese and Malawian.
“The Department of health forensic pathologists are busy with the autopsies with assistance of the SAPS victim identification centre (VIC), where fingerprints and sample for DNA analysis are being collected and sent to laboratory for analysis.
“Our teams have collected DNA [s a small amount of biological material, such as saliva, blood, hair, or skin cells, that contains genetic information] samples from the human remains, fingerprints and buccal samples from some family members who came forward. The process to identify who the deceased persons are / is still underway.
“On the issue surrounding the escape of Neo James Tshwaeli (Tiger) – a dedicated team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence operatives have been piecing together information and this has so far resulted in four of our own members being arrested. The members have been removed from this operation and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:50
Orbit TVET shines as a beacon of excellence
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has commended Orbit Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, in Rustenburg for its outstanding contributions to education, recognising it as a beacon of excellence in the sector.
During its oversight visit to the North West on Friday, the committee was impressed by Orbit College's skills development programs, as evidenced during their class-by-class visits and tour of the college's infrastructure.
Committee members urged Orbit to maintain its high standards and continue the excellent work that the college is doing.
The committee also commended the college for the level of professionalism and its partnership with Intel Corporation and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to inspire students to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence.
This collaboration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions.
While the committee was impressed by the wok that is being done at the college, Chairperson of the committee Tebogo Letsie expressed concern with the number of staff that were in acting positions.
“We have committed ourselves in this term to have a meeting with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to discuss governance issues, including DHET's inability to fill vacant posts.
“Currently, we have deputy principals and senior managers in acting positions, which should have been permanently appointed by the colleges themselves, but this has not been done. Not filling these posts takes a toll on the already available human resources, stretching them to do more work,” Letsie said in a statement on Friday.
Additionally, Orbit College was encouraged to enhance its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems to streamline and improve the efficiency of student registration processes.
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has kick-started its three-day oversight visit to institutions of higher education at the North-West University (NWU) last week. The university is one of several institutions the committee is scheduled to visit in the province to assess readiness for the academic year.
The aim of the oversight visit is to ensure institutions are adequately prepared to handle the demands of the registration period and the overall needs of students, among other things. The committee stressed the importance of adequate staffing and efficient communication mechanisms during peak academic periods to alleviate long queues and ensure a seamless registration process.-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:35
Marc Pillay, CEO, Konica Minolta South Africa The printing industry stands at the height of transformative evolution, a reality that promises to redefine the landscape in 2025 and beyond. Despite the digital era’s relentless pace, print has not just survived… Marc Pillay, CEO at Konica Minolta South Africa (KMSA), briefly captures this shift: “Print has …
The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, has welcomed the arrests of individuals allegedly responsible for recent attacks on cyclists and pedestrians in Woodstock. “These alleged criminals posed a serious threat to the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and commuters. Their arrests are a crucial step in ensuring that our non-motorised routes remain safe for …
Betway SA20 exploded with an avalanche of runs in the contest between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town at a sold-out Centurion on Friday night. Despite lighting and some thundershowers interrupting MI Cape Town’s innings, it did nothing to dim the excitement with the capacity crowd being treated to a batting exhibition of the highest …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, urging the immediate scaling-down of military parade arrangements for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 6 February 2025. Specifically, we have called for the cancellation of the planned fly-over by the South African Air Force, given the …
The Bulls Daisies made it very clear that they are not giving an inch in the defence of their Women’s Premier Division title when they totally outplayed DHL Western Province in Pretoria on Saturday, while the Sanlam Boland Dames, Sharks Women and Border Ladies were also victorious in their second-round clashes. After back-to-back titles in …
The recent release of DeepSeek and subsequent bombing of NVIDIA and other tech stocks sparked the following: Imagine you own a Hedge Fund dedicated to giving high returns and have many investors looking to score by shorting stocks. Shorting stocks happens when you believe that a stock or market will decline. Obviously if you KNOW …
Sunday, 02 February 2025: After a temporary setback that necessitated the implementation of loadshedding over the weekend, Eskom has suspended loadshedding as of 06:00 today due to the recovery of sufficient emergency reserves. This follows more than 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply, reflecting the effectiveness of the Generation Recovery Plan. This past Friday, Eskom...
On Saturday the Sunrisers bid the Orange Army farewell on a weekend full of sold out crowds as the competition heads to the playoffs. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape returned to winning ways with a bonus point victory over Paarl Royals at St George’s Park, while Durban’s Super Giants ended their Season 3 campaign on a …
Tshakhuma families used their own money to connect to the water supply, but it’s still not working
Medical billing is a crucial aspect of healthcare administration, ensuring smooth financial operations for practices of all sizes. For healthcare providers, having the right medical billing software is not just an asset but a necessity to handle the growing demands of accurate record-keeping, claims submissions, and compliance. What is Medical Billing? Medical billing refers …
SADC Extraordinary Summit condemns escalating violence in DRC, calls for urgent action
By Dikeledi Molobela
Harare, Zimbabwe - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders have strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where recent clashes have left soldiers dead and displaced thousands of civilians.
The Heads of State and Government also reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
The SADC leaders convened an Extraordinary Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Friday which was chaired by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The summit brought together regional leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The summit acknowledged that despite previous peacekeeping efforts, the security situation remains dire. SADC troops deployed under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) have come under repeated attacks, undermining the 2024 Luanda ceasefire agreement.
“The summit expressed concern that the recent attacks continued to worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC and called for the immediate restoration of essential utilities such as water, electricity, means of communication and supply lines for food and other essential commodities.
“The summit condemned in the strongest terms the attacks on the SAMIDRC troops by the M23 operating in the Eastern DRC, as such actions violated the ceasefire that was brokered through the Luanda Process on 30 July 2024 and undermined peace and security of the DRC and the SADC region,” the leaders said in a joint communique issued at the conclusion of the summit.
The latest wave of violence has led to casualties among SADC peacekeepers, including 13 from the South African National Defence Force.
In a solemn moment, leaders paid tribute to the fallen soldiers from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, vowing to ensure their sacrifices would not be in vain.
With growing frustration over continued external involvement in the DRC conflict, SADC leaders signalled a shift towards stronger diplomatic and security measures. The summit also emphasised the need for urgent diplomatic engagement.
In a significant move, leaders called for an immediate joint summit between SADC and the East African Community (EAC) to develop a unified approach to ending the crisis.
The summit also mandated the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security to engage both State and non-State actors in renewed ceasefire negotiations.
The meeting reinforced SADC’s unwavering support for the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Leaders praised the resilience of SAMIDRC troops and welcomed Madagascar’s pledge to provide medical support to the wounded and displaced.
“The summit expressed solidarity with the DRC and extended its appreciation to the men and women deployed in the SAMIDRC for their dedication, resilience and service to the preservation of peace and security in the region.”
The summit also welcomed Mozambique’s new President, Daniel Francisco Chapo, to the regional fold, while commending Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in peace and security matters.
While diplomatic efforts will continue through the Luanda and Nairobi processes, SADC made it clear that regional security forces remain on high alert.
Ministers of defence and military chiefs from SADC countries will be dispatched to the DRC to assess the situation on the ground and ensure the safety of troops.
“The summit called for the immediate dispatch of ministers of defence, chiefs of defence and troop contributing countries to the DRC to ensure that the SAMIDRC troops are safe, and facilitate the immediate repatriation of the deceased troops and those who are injured,” the communique said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 23:14