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Network International appointed as Payment Processing Partner by MTN Group Fintech

Location: News
Network International

Network International (Network) (www.Network.ae), a leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has been appointed as a Payment Processor – Issuing partner for MTN Group Fintech, Africa's leading mobile financial services provider. This partnership marks a significant extension of Network's portfolio of issuer processing collaborations throughout the African continent. 

With a footprint spanning over 50 countries and serving over 250 financial institutions, Network International brings its expertise to this partnership which will enhance MTN Fintech's cutting-edge mobile services and provide even greater value to stakeholders and customers across Africa. 

The partnership will focus on rolling out card issuance products across key MTN Fintech markets, starting with Rwanda which is already operational. Soon   Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria will also be covered under this collaboration.  Network International will provide a comprehensive range of services, including transaction processing, card management and online fraud prevention. MTN Fintech users will benefit from a seamless experience accessing both traditional mobile services and innovative digital payment solutions. 

Dr. Reda Helal, Group Managing Director – Processing, Africa and Co-Head Group Processing at Network International commented: “Our collaboration with MTN Group Fintech marks a major milestone for our outsourced payments services in Africa. It demonstrates our ability to successfully serve Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) via our fully-fledged processing solutions and our continued dedication and commitment to the African region. We are excited to support MTN Group Fintech's growth strategy, and its business development plans across the continent.”  

Cedric N'guessan, Executive for Payment and E-commerce at MTN Group Fintech added, "This collaboration with Network International is pivotal in enhancing financial inclusion across Africa and beyond. It enables our customers to actively engage in the global economy, aligning perfectly with our strategic goals alongside Mastercard to broaden access to digital financial services across the continent." Read More (https://apo-opa.co/43aKuII) 

MTN Group provides voice, data, fintech, enterprise wholesale and API services to more than 288 million customers in 14 African markets.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Network International.

For more information, please contact:  
MTN Group Press Office
MTNGroup.PressOffice@mtn.com 

MTN Group Fintech (Proprietary) Limited: 
Head Office: 216-14th Avenue Fairland 2195, Private Bag 9955 Cresta 2118 South Africa 
Tel +2711 912 3000 
Fax +2711 912 4093 
Website www.MTN.com

Corporate Communications: 
Network International 
Dubai, UAE 
Tel: +971 4 303 2431 
lambert.espedido@network.global   

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About MTN Group Fintech:
MTN Fintech, the platform business of MTN Group, is dedicated to revolutionising global financial services through innovative digital technology solutions. Leveraging MTN's extensive reach and expertise in telecommunications, MTN Fintech is committed to advancing financial inclusion for all and empowering communities in Africa. With a primary focus on pioneering mobile financial services, digital payments, e-commerce, short-term insurance, and remittance capabilities, MTN Fintech strives to establish seamless, accessible, and secure financial ecosystems that shape the future of digital finance. 

About Network International:
Network International is the Middle East and Africa's largest and leading digital payments company. Our purpose is to help businesses and economies grow by simplifying payments and commerce. We operate in 50+ countries serving governments, banks, fintechs, merchants and public sector companies. We have 2,000+ employees based in our markets serving over 250 financial institutions and 130,000+ merchants.  

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Read moreNetwork International appointed as Payment Processing Partner by MTN Group Fintech

Suspect arrested in connection with matric results leak

Location: News

Suspect arrested in connection with matric results leak

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has made strides in the case involving the alleged leaking of the class of 2024 matric results on the internet, which were allegedly being sold.

In a statement on Thursday, Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said a 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged leaking of the results online, marking a significant progress by the Hawks in their investigation into the case.

The investigation follows a formal complaint by the Department of Education lodged at the Pretoria Central SAPS on Sunday, 12 January 2025, prompting an immediate transfer of the case to the Hawks for further investigation. 

Mogale, said that acting on a search-and-seizure warrant, the Hawks' Serious Economic Offences Unit of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, including Cybercrime Investigation Head Office, raided a house in Hillcrest, north of Johannesburg, in the early hours of Thursday. 

"The Hawks proceeded to the identified premises where a 21-year-old young man and his parents are residing. 

"During the search, various electronic gadgets and an unlicensed shotgun with live ammunition were found. The 21-year-old suspect will be detained for the unlawful possession of a firearm and further investigation into the matric result leakage will continue,” Mogale said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 09:52

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Read moreSuspect arrested in connection with matric results leak

Health Minister to assess flood-hit hospital

Location: News

Health Minister to assess flood-hit hospital

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will visit the General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg on Tuesday to assess the extent of the damage to the hospital.

This follows reports of the flooding of three hospitals in the North West province.

The Minister will be accompanied by the provincial MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, and a technical team from the national head office, including engineers, to assess the damage and develop an intervention plan.

“In response to reports of the flooding of three hospitals in the North West province, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will [on Tuesday] visit General De La Rey Hospital in Lichtenburg, Ditsobotla Municipality, to see for himself the state of the situation. 

“This hospital is apparently the most affected, thus necessitating the presence of the Minister. What is most worrisome to the Minister is the report that some of the patients have already been transferred to other hospitals,” said the Department of Health in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:29

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Read moreHealth Minister to assess flood-hit hospital

Reduction in some crime categories

Location: News

Reduction in some crime categories

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded a downward trend in some categories of crime, including murder, robbery and carjacking.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the 17 community-reported serious crimes showed an overall decline of 5.1%. Specifically, contact crime decreased by 3%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%. 

“Focusing on contact crime, the statistics indicate that murder decreased by 5.8%, sexual offenses by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8,8%.

“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively. 

“Among the 17 community-reported crime categories monitored, the only increases were observed in attempted murder, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and commercial crime, which rose by 2.2%, 1% and 18.5% respectively,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during the release of the Quarterly Crime Statistics and Reflection on 100 Days in office at the SAPS Gauteng head office on Monday.

The Minister said Operation Shanela has proven highly successful, leading to 262 396 arrests, 7 549 high-density operations, and over eight million actions executed. 

Public Order Policing achievements in the second quarter of 2024/25 include 2 756 arrests, with seizures of counterfeit goods worth R22.2 million, 93 firearms, and 846 rounds of ammunition. 

Border Policing efforts resulted in 6 610 arrests and significant confiscations, including drugs worth R498 million, firearms, explosives, and stolen vehicles valued at R66.9 million. 

Mchunu said there is a need for close collaboration between the SAPS, the Justice cluster, National Prosecuting Authority and Home Affairs to make Operation Shanela more effective in relation to different crimes and criminals. 

“We are also currently consolidating Operation Shanela and will make our plans known in due course,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Tue, 11/26/2024 - 13:24

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Read moreReduction in some crime categories

Deputy Minister calls on South African thought leaders to drive solutions

Location: News

Deputy Minister calls on South African thought leaders to drive solutions

Social Development Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks has urged thought leaders and stakeholders to move beyond posing questions and instead contribute viable solutions towards fortifying South Africa’s social protection systems. 

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the official launch of the Social Security Review Volume 2 held at the HSRC Head Office in Cape Town on Monday. 

Held under the theme “Social Security in the Time of COVID-19,” the gathering in Cape Town brought together influential figures from government, academia, research, and civil society to reflect on the pandemic’s impact on social protection and discuss innovative ways to address the ongoing challenges. 

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the collective efforts behind the publication, which is the result of collaboration among the Department of Social Development, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and independent experts and researchers. 

Applauding their dedication, the Minister emphasised that the Social Security Review serves as a platform for independent critique and the examination of government interventions on crucial policy matters. 

“Your work is essential for building an informed society that can hold policy decisions to account and ensure that they benefit every South African,” the Deputy Minister noted, urging them to continue their contributions. 

Since its inaugural release in February 2022, the Social Security Review has become a critical resource, providing insights into the gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The pandemic brought social protection to the forefront globally,” the Deputy Minister said, highlighting the world’s largest mobilisation of social protection measures seen to date. 

However, he pointed out several gaps in South Africa’s own systems, including sparse coverage and data management for vulnerable groups, particularly unemployed adults, seasonal workers, and informal sector employees. These issues, he added, affect women most profoundly, as they are predominantly represented in insecure, informal work.

Hendricks underscored the urgency of addressing these gaps, given the clear benefits that an inclusive, comprehensive social protection system can offer. He argued that the experiences from COVID-19 made a compelling case for more lofty policies, including the Universal Basic Income Grant. 

“Now is the time to begin serious national discussions on overdue policy choices, and this publication is essential as we work toward a resilient social security system,” he said, linking this to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strategic focus on poverty reduction and managing the cost of living. 

The Deputy Minister noted that evidence-based decision-making must guide social security reform, especially as South Africa looks towards its National Consultative Dialogue scheduled for December 16, where a united vision for the country’s social protection framework will be on the agenda. 

“The capacity of social protection to reduce inequality and manage poverty is foundational to our nation’s stability,” he said, underscoring the important role of social security in promoting social cohesion and renewing the social contract with South Africans.

Highlighting the tangible impact of social assistance programmes, the Deputy Minister lauded South Africa’s achievements in poverty reduction since the dawn of democracy. 

The country currently provides income support to over 18 million vulnerable individuals, including children, older persons, and people with disabilities. This was supplemented by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which began as a temporary measure in 2020 to aid over 8.5 million unemployed adults affected by the pandemic. 

Hendricks said this network of social assistance acts as a lifeline in times of crisis and that “one cannot imagine the depths of poverty our people might have faced without these protections”.

The Deputy Minister shared that climate change and the economic aftershocks of COVID-19 are prompting a re-evaluation of South Africa’s social protection framework. 

“We must build a modern, comprehensive, and shock-responsive system,” he said, adding that social protection reform is not just policy, it’s a constitutional mandate. 

South Africa’s Constitution enshrines democratic values, social justice, human rights, and a commitment to quality of life for all citizens. Hendricks expressed optimism that continued collaboration with experts and academics will drive progress in these areas.

Hendricks extended his appreciation to the authors, editors, and reviewers whose contributions made the Social Security Review Volume 2 possible. 

Their work, he said, will stimulate robust dialogue and help shape policies that support a more equitable future for South Africa. Officially launching the publication, he declared it a must-read for legislators, scholars, and all invested in South Africa’s prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 10/29/2024 - 10:59

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Read moreDeputy Minister calls on South African thought leaders to drive solutions

Correctional Services officials allegedly involved in cellphone smuggling charged

Location: News

Correctional Services officials allegedly involved in cellphone smuggling charged

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has instituted disciplinary action against officials who were alleged to have been involved in the use of cellphones at a Western Cape correctional facility.

This is according to DCS Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who was answering questions in a sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

A video of an inmate at the Goodwood Correctional Centre went viral on social media in July in which he is heard describing prison life as a “soft life”.

“It was quite clear that some of our officials were part of this breach. After an investigation, a total of six officials were identified for disciplinary actions to be instituted against them. An investigation was conducted and completed. The area commissioner of Goodwood took a decision…to institute the disciplinary action.

“The status at the moment is that all six are formally charged. Two of the six are finalised and four are still in process,” Groenewald said.

The Minister said the department is exploring ways to block signal at prisons but this brings its own challenges.

“There are various ways to deal with this matter of cell phones and connections from within our facilities. But it’s not that simple. For instance, you can have a jammer but some of our facilities are close to highways and the community itself and you cannot restrict the jamming just to the centre. That will have an influence on the community.

“So what we are doing is looking is looking at technology. There is sophisticated technology to make it more focussed but it is expensive and we will have to look at our budget,” he said.

The Minister vowed to crack down on errant officials in the department.

“The first step to deal with corruption is to ensure that there are consequences for those officials who transgress. Consequence management is essential if you want to eradicate corruption. 

“I had a conversation with the members at head office…and I made it clear that corruption cannot only be fought by a minister but we must join hands to do it. Most of the correctional services officials are honest, hardworking people with integrity but we will have to work together to identify the rotten apples and disciplinary steps must be taken against them,” Groenewald concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 15:36

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Read moreCorrectional Services officials allegedly involved in cellphone smuggling charged

Seize the moment: Opportunities in Gauteng’s Residential Property Market

Location: MyPR

Gauteng’s property market presents a mix of opportunities with varying trends across its regions. Despite modest inflation figures, the demand for property remains strong, especially among first-time buyers and those seeking investment opportunities. Lara-Rachel Spronk, Franchise Sales Manager at Just Property Head Office, looks at the current market and the opportunities available. Overall, Gauteng’s annual …

Read moreSeize the moment: Opportunities in Gauteng’s Residential Property Market

Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Location: News

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African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).

ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.

Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.

“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.

“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.

Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”

The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.

SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com   

Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com  

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. 

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. 

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. 

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The head office for Bureau Veritas Middle East, Caspian & Africa region is based in Dubai, For more information, www.BureauVeritas.Africa  or  www. Middle-East.BureauVeritas.com/ 

Read moreAfreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Crown Relocations and Crown Records Management South Africa Make a Meaningful Impact on Mandela Day 2024

Location: MyPR

67 minutes may seem like a small pocket of time, but when South Africans band together, the impact can be monumental. This Mandela Day, volunteers from Crown Relocations South Africa and Crown Records Management South Africa dedicated their time and effort to pack 150 meal packs and knit 150 scarves, distributing them to those in …

Read moreCrown Relocations and Crown Records Management South Africa Make a Meaningful Impact on Mandela Day 2024

Government activities for the week 15 – 19 July 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 15 – 19 July 2024

On Monday, 15 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the opening session of the National Treasury Climate Resilience Symposium 2024.

The symposium is being hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of partner organisations.

On Monday, 15 July, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, briefs media on the ministry’s priorities in the seventh administration at the GCIS head office in Pretoria.

On Tuesday, 16 July, the Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 – hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of organisations – continues. 

On Tuesday, 16 July, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Infrastructure Africa Business Forum at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

On Wednesday, 17 July, the Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 – hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of organisations – concludes.

On Thursday, 18 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa will open Parliament in a joint sitting (official Opening of Parliament). 18 July also marks Nelson Mandela International Day in honour of South Africa’s first democratically elected President.

Matona
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 11:26

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 15 – 19 July 2024

DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts

Location: News

DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says his department, which is facing a critical staff shortage, must do more with less due to resource constraints.

A critical challenge faced by the department, Lamola explained, is managing exchange rate volatility, which affects 60% of expenditures allocated to missions abroad.

The Minister was speaking during his Budget Vote Speech for the 2024/25 financial year, where he announced that the department had been allocated R6.57 billion, which dropped by 5% compared to the previous year. 

“Strategic cost management in this area is essential to safeguarding our financial stability. Equally vital is addressing employee compensation, where the current ceiling set by the National Treasury requires careful consideration to maintain workforce morale and operational efficiency.” 

According to the Minister, the department could only fill critical vacancies identified at the head office to remain within the baseline for employee compensation, which resulted in a “very high vacancy rate”.

He said that this hurts the department’s operations and service delivery.

“However, several line function posts were filled at the Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Director levels, mainly through internal promotions to address the lack of upward mobility,” he added. 

The Minister also announced that the department cannot fill all the critical vacancies with the available funds, and operations continue to be negatively affected.  

“The June 2024 mission posts placement process was also deferred due to the shortfall in the compensation of employees’ budget. Additional funding is thus required to cover the shortfall and fill other critical vacancies at the head office and missions abroad.” 

This financial year, he stated that the department will improve its information and technology and property infrastructure portfolio to optimise resources. 

“This strategic initiative aims to release more lease funds and redirect them towards operational needs. While these budget adjustments pose challenges, they also present opportunities for efficiency gains and prioritisation of essential expenditures.”

He informed Parliament that the department will soon be advertising a cadet programme and a youth development initiative, which he deems crucial to the national youth development imperative and the department’s future capacity requirements.

The department is also finalising its organisational structure review process to streamline the business units and processes and optimise scarce resources to leverage global economic opportunities in advancing the country’s national interest, he added. 

“Our commitment to delivering quality services and fostering economic growth remains unwavering. This budget signifies our determination to balance fiscal prudence with the imperative to support our citizens and invest in our nation’s future.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:11

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Read moreDIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts

SIU, Hawks raid Home Affairs offices in five provinces 

Location: News

SIU, Hawks raid Home Affairs offices in five provinces 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with the assistance of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, on Friday conducted searches and seized evidence at Home Affairs offices in five provinces.

The SIU said in a statement that this is part of an ongoing investigation into the affairs of the department.

The SIU was granted a search warrant by the Special Tribunal, a judicial platform established to adjudicate on matters emanating from SIU investigations, on 10 May.

The searched offices and mirror imaging of a server took place at the head office of the Department of Home Affairs in the Pretoria CBD, at the Centurion office and at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Marabastad.

The other raids took place at the Refugee Reception Centres in Musina, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Durban. 

“The searches follow a tip off from a whistleblower that suggested that Home Affairs officials in the identified centres work with syndicates to duplicate application status files applied for in other offices and process them for a fee. 

“The whistleblower also stated that the officials bypass immigration systems to enable foreign nationals who have entered the country illegally to remain in the country and acquire permits illegally and unlawfully,” the statement read. 

It was also alleged that Home Affairs officials were delaying the finalisation of the asylum seeker permits to facilitate bogus asylum seekers. 

Using the permits, which were obtained illegally and unlawfully, the bogus asylum seekers remain in the country and later use the same permits to apply for Permanent Resident Permits and ultimately, obtain South African citizenship.

“After getting citizenship, they qualify to get a maroon passport, which allows them to travel all over the world except their country of origin.” 

Members of the SIU and the Hawks seized computers, electronic pieces of equipment, and documents that will assist with their ongoing investigation.

Proclamation

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and improper conduct at Home Affairs through Proclamation 154 of 2024. 

The proclamation empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration relating to the issuance of permanent residence permits, corporate visas, business visas, critical or exceptional skills work visas, study visas, retired persons’ visas, work visas, and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the department.

The proclamation also authorises the SIU to investigate any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs or any other person or entity concerning the allegations being investigated.

It also covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation, or before 12 October 2004 and after the date of the Proclamation that is relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters, or involves the same persons, entities, or contracts investigated.

“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future recurrence,” the SIU explained.

In line with the SIU and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the agency will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:48

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Read moreSIU, Hawks raid Home Affairs offices in five provinces 

Blue light gang suspects shot dead

Location: News

Blue light gang suspects shot dead

Three blue light gang suspects who were allegedly terrorising motorists on the N3 freeway were shot dead by a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement officials on Sunday.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), this is after information about the gang, which allegedly committed blue light robberies on the N3 between Villiers and Heidelberg using a white Toyota Hilux, was received.

“A multidisciplinary team was mobilised and traced the suspects to [the] N3 highway, Grootvlei in Mpumalanga. The vehicle was spotted with blue lights on. 

“The suspects saw the police and sped away, resulting in a high-speed chase towards Zonkizizwe, Ekurhuleni. The suspects started shooting at the team and the team retaliated,” said the Gauteng SAPS in a statement on Monday.

Three suspects were fatally shot, while one gang member managed to flee the scene on foot.

The police seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition, blue lights as well as the vehicle the suspects were in.

The multidisciplinary team included SAPS National Head Office Counter Intelligence, Secunda Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit, DPC Tracking Team, Johannesburg K9, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, ICB Insurance Crime Bureau, MZ Werke Security and Telesure Insurance Investigation.

“Crime Scene Management team combed the crime scene for more evidence while the vehicle was taken to the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit for further analysis," said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:24

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Read moreBlue light gang suspects shot dead

Over a million travellers processed over Easter period

Location: News

Over a million travellers processed over Easter period

The Border Management Authority (BMA) facilitated about 1 136 250 travellers across the country’s 71 ports of entry over the Easter period.

This represents a 24% increase or 222 391 more travellers than last year, the BMA announced on Sunday.

This as the BMA’s Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato, announced the results of the 10-day Easter plan implementation that ran from 26 March to 4 April 2024.

Masiapato identified OR Tambo International Airport, the Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique, and Beitbridge port of entry to Zimbabwe as the top three ports that processed the majority of travellers with a total of 528 042 individuals.

“In fact, OR Tambo facilitated the most travellers at 217 855, followed by Lebombo at 157 069 and ⁠Beitbridge at 153 118 travellers,” he said at a media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria. 

He added that at the Cape Town harbour had seen an increase in the number of holiday makers boarding cruise ships for various destinations, according to border law enforcement officials.

The BMA also processed about 36 675 private vehicles, 1 893 minibus taxis, 1 309 buses and over 2 621 aircrafts at various international airports. 

It also handled 252 vessels across seaports of which 119 were for crew changes through the off-port limit mechanism. 

“This has to do with the facilitation of crew changes for vessels that have not docked at the port. During the implementation of this plan on people movement, we deployed proactive preventative measures for the speedy detection of non-compliances on the set port protocols.” 

The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.

Of the 3 841, about 2 403 did not have any documents, 1 019 were refused entry for being “undesirable”, while about 419 were found to be “inadmissible” to enter the country due to various reasons. 

“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported.”

According to Masiapato, most of the “inadmissible” individuals had invalid passports, fraudulent visas or simply failed to produce relevant documents such as valid yellow fever certificates. 

“We would like to indicate that the success of this Easter operations can be attributed to the consistent implementation of all proactive measures and those include effective corridor management which was done in full collaboration with the respective local traffic authorities. As such, none of our key arteries leading to any of the land ports of entry experienced any kind of congestion.” 

He also expressed his gratitude to all motorists for observing traffic laws and adhering to the instructions of traffic authorities. 

He also applauded the Stockpoort port of entry for processing and recording data of all passengers who were on the bus en route from Botswana to Moria in Limpopo for the Easter pilgrimage. 

“Despite our limited resources, our officers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of legitimate travellers while upholding the highest security standards. We are extremely proud and appreciative of the resilience of our border officials in rendering a stable service in very difficult conditions,” he said.

Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi visited the site of the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals.

The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child. SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 11:39

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1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services

Location: News

1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services

The Department of Correctional Services’ National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has approved the permanent appointment of 1 003 learners as correctional officials for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the department, the move is a demonstration of government’s foremost priority of creating opportunities for young people and supporting them to access work opportunities. 

This means the youngsters, who took part in the 12-month Correctional Services Learnership NQF Level 4 programme in 2022 and were subsequently hired as auxiliary support officials on a contractual basis, have now been offered permanent positions starting from 1 April 2024.

The learnership programme also includes practical training at correctional centres. 

As per the statement, 466 correctional officials were appointed in the Western Cape, 214 in KwaZulu-Natal, 107 in the Eastern Cape, 75 each in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, 69 in both Free State and the Northern Cape, 64 in Gauteng and eight at head office. 

Thobakgale believes the appointments will strengthen security at correctional facilities. 

“These appointments will go a long way to strengthen security in correctional centres and ensure more boots on the ground. This serves as a direct response to contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration, and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:38

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Read more1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services