Army Enters Lavender Hill, but Some Are Sceptical
Gang violence continues on Cape Flats
SANDF
Soldiers Hit the Streets of Mitchells Plain a Day After a Shooting
Homes were searched for firearms in Beacon Valley
Army Prepares for Deployment in Cape Town
SANDF will assist SAPS to fight crime
Expect to See Soldiers on the Streets in April, Says Police Minister
The deployment is expected to last until 31 March 2027
Joburg residents line the streets and cheer army deployment
A convoy of South African National Defence Force, military police and SAPS move through Eldorado Park, Riverlea and Westbury
MPs Criticise Lack of Clarity on Domestic Deployment of the Army
According to SAPS, deployment of soldiers will run from 1 March 2026 to 31 March 2027
A Province in Crisis
As the Q3 crime statistics are released ahead of the SANDF deployment to the Cape Flats, we face a devastating reality.
The Western Cape is the only province with 10 police stations in the top 30 murder stations of the country.
The post A PROVINCE IN CRISIS: MANENBERG IN THE TOP 30 MURDER STATIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS appeared first on For Good.
Little Amarah’s Death Is a Final Warning
The GOOD Party vehemently condemns the shooting of a 9-month-old baby on the Cape Flats on Tuesday evening. Five people were shot in Bridgetown, Athlone.
The post LITTLE AMARAH’S DEATH IS A FINAL WARNING: WE NEED REFORM, NOT JUST REGIMENTS appeared first on For Good.
Wave of Mass Shootings and Systemic Failure of Public Safety
The GOOD Party condemns, in the strongest and most unambiguous terms, the ongoing bloodbath unfolding across the City of Cape Town.
The post GOOD CONDEMNS THE WAVE OF MASS SHOOTINGS AND SYSTEMIC FAILURE OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN CAPE TOWN appeared first on For Good.
Air Force Officer Dismissed for Hate Speech in 2018 Was Reinstated in 2019
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has established, through a parliamentary question to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, that an air force major dismissed in 2018 for serious hate speech was reinstated less than a year later. Mayor M. V. (Vincent) Mohlala, who was stationed at the SA Army Signal Formation […]
The post Minister confirms air force officer dismissed for hate speech in 2018 was reinstated a year later appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Unfenced 6 SAI Army Base Outside Makhanda Claims Another Life
At least six people have been killed or injured by explosives from the largely unfenced 6 SA Infantry Battalion training area
Judge Interdicts Operation Dudula
Human dignity has no nationality, says Judge Adams
ANC Is Blind to the Country’s Problems, Which It Caused
If boycotting the National Dialogue equates to boycotting the people of South Africa, then the conduct of someone such as the country’s Defence Force Chief during his visit to Iran can only be described as sabotage of South Africa and its people. While the Presidency issued a statement strongly condemning those unwilling to participate in […]
The post SANDF Chief’s visit to Iran shows ANC is blind to the country’s problems, which it caused appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Immigrant Families Left Homeless After Eviction From Marievale Army Land
The SANDF has denied claims that it did not offer alternative accommodation
SANDF Returns From DRC: A Moment to Honour, Reflect, and Recommit
GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General 13 June 2025 The GOOD Party welcomes home the over 250 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) returning from deployment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). We honour their courage and […]
The post SANDF RETURNS FROM DRC: A MOMENT TO HONOUR, REFLECT, AND RECOMMIT appeared first on For Good.
SADC’s withdrawal from DRC not a sign of abandonment of peace efforts
SADC’s withdrawal from DRC not a sign of abandonment of peace efforts
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) decision to withdraw the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) should not be interpreted as a sign of defeat or abandonment of peace efforts.
“However, it should be seen as a confidence-building measure to ensure peace and stability in the eastern DRC,” the Deputy President told the Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town on Thursday.
Two weeks ago, SADC announced its decision to withdraw the SAMIDRC force from eastern DRC, opting for a phased withdrawal.
Reports indicate that leaders from the 16-nation SADC have lost at least a dozen soldiers in the eastern DRC since January of this year.
Locally, 14 members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries as fighting in the Goma region intensified between 23 and 27 January.
These soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told Members of the NCOP that South Africa remains committed and supportive to ongoing peacekeeping efforts on the continent in line with the country’s foreign policy vision of a “prosperous and peaceful continent”.
“South Africa’s contribution to peace and support operations should not be measured in isolation. As the country participates through missions, mandated and authorised by multilateral institutions such as United Nations and SADC,” he explained.
However, he acknowledged that the recent death of 14 “brave” SANDF soldiers in the DRC is a clear indication of these challenges.
Deputy President Mashatile sent his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased SANDF soldiers and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The second commander-in-chief stated that South Africa welcomes the appointment of former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who will join a panel of former presidents tasked with mediating peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This decision to include Motlanthe was made during a virtual joint summit of the SADC and the EAC on Monday.
“We welcome the recent progress and commitments made by EAC-SADC, and we also welcome the government of DRC and Rwanda’s commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
“The President and I will also continue interventions in South Sudan, to try and avert the return to full-scale war and holding of peaceful elections.”
The questions presented before him covered issues related to government’s plans to deliver quality water services to communities across all provinces and the progress achieved in facilitating the settlement of outstanding land claims.
Water
On ensuring quality and reliable water delivery to communities, he stated that water is a fundamental human right as specified in Chapter 2 of the country’s Constitution.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a Water Task Team, which I am chairing, working with Ministers and Water Authorities to provide clean water and sanitation services to all communities.
“In executing its task, the Water Task Team has been conducting outreach programmes, inspections, and oversight visits to assess challenges in communities affected by water supply challenges.”
Land claims
He also addressed the issue of land claims, stating that the government’s commitment to finalising outstanding land claims remains a key priority.
“Over successive years, we have made good progress regarding the settlement of land claims and returning the land to those who were previously dispossessed. However, much more still needs to be done.”
To expedite land access and reform, he announced that the government is focused on concluding restitution cases.
This includes prioritising old-order claims, which will lead to the transfer of secure and legally registered tenure to claimants along with settlement packages.
Meanwhile, he said R11.6 billion will be allocated over the medium term to settle about 844 land restitution claims, with R3 billion earmarked to allocate 138 000 hectares of land. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:40
700 views
White – Ball Action Awaits SA Rural XI and SA Forces XI
GQEBERHA: SA Rural XI and SA Forces XI are set to face each other in a round of white-ball matches...
Government expenditure to reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26
Government expenditure to reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26
Consolidated government spending is expected to increase from R2.4 trillion in 2024/25 to R2.83 trillion in 2027/28, at an annual average of 5.6%.
Consolidated expenditure will reach R2.59 trillion in 2025/26.
This according to National Treasury’s 2025 Budget Review document.
The majority of that spend will fund the social wage, which includes spend on health, education, social protection (grants), community development and employment programmes.
“Over the medium-term, economic development is the fastest-growing function at an annual average rate of 8.1%, driven by higher allocations to infrastructure projects.
“Spending is highly redistributive, with the social wage making up 61% of total consolidated non-interest spending over the next three years,” the Budget Review read.
Consolidated government expenditure by function is as follows:
- Learning and Culture: R508.7 billion
- Health: R298.9 billion
- Social Development: R422.3 billion
- Community Development: R286.6 billion
- Economic Development: R289.8 billion
- Peace and Security: R266.1 billion
- General Public Services: R78.7 billion
- Contingency Reserve: R5 billion
Spending pressures
The 2025 Budget will fund spending pressures of R232.6 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, including “provisional allocations for frontline service delivery departments amounting to R70.7 billion”.
“These spending additions are partially offset by drawdowns on provisional allocations and contingency reserves, resulting in a net increase in non-interest expenditure of R142 billion.
“The main spending additions are for critical infrastructure investments, social protection and a higher-than-anticipated public-service wage agreement, alongside provisional allocations for critical frontline services,” the Budget Review said.
Spending additions over the medium-term are attributed mainly to:
- R46.7 billion for infrastructure investments.
- R35.2 billion to extend the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant until March 2026.
- R23.4 billion for the costs of the 2025 public service wage agreement.
- R8.2 billion to increase the value of social grants by more than inflation.
- R11 billion to implement early retirement measures in 2025/26 and 2026/27.
- R5 billion for the carry-through costs for the deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- R4.6 billion in 2025/26 for public employment programmes.
- R3.2 billion in 2025/26 for national government’s share of the debt repayment for the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). Gauteng province will pay R13.4 billion for its share of the debt repayment to SANRAL.
Addressing government debt
During the Budget Speech on Wednesday, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said government debt is expected to stabilise at 76.2% of gross domestic product in 2025/26, with the consolidated budget deficit expected to narrow to some 3.5% by 2027/28.
“[As] debt stabilises, a growing primary surplus will enable government to reduce debt-service costs as a proportion of revenue.
“Debt service costs will amount to R389.6 billion in the current financial year. This translates to 22 cents of every rand we raise in revenue. It is more than what we spend on health, the police and basic education.
“We must reverse this trend and prevent the cost of debt from taking away resources that could otherwise be spent on our pressing social needs, or to invest in growth. In this regard, our fiscal strategy stabilises debt service costs as a percentage of revenue in 2024/25 by maintaining a primary budget surplus,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 13:54
483 views
BMA Commissioner to attend Public-Private Partnerships Conference
BMA Commissioner to attend Public-Private Partnerships Conference
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato will on Friday participate in the 2nd Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Defence and Security Conference.
The conference, set to take place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria, will focus on empowering the defence sector through strategic public-private partnerships.
It will be held under the theme: "Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships".
Masiapato is expected address the event to elaborate on the role of public-private partnerships in border management and underscore the potential opportunities arising from collaboration with the private sector.
The Commissioner will also examine the progress made in implementing the BMA’s PPPs, as well as lessons learned and application to other PPPs in the defences and security sector.
He will further discuss opportunities for future BMA partnerships with the private sector and provide an update on the accomplishments of the BMA, as the authority will celebrate its second anniversary in April 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BMA said the authority asserts that effective and well-managed borders are crucial for ensuring public safety, promoting economic growth and safeguarding national interests.
“With only four days remaining before the conference, the BMA is poised to engage in discussions on empowering the defence and security sector through Public-Private Partnerships. These discussions forms part of objectives of securing borders for development and protecting South Africa’s interests to the fullest extent possible, the BMA said.
A diverse range of high-level speakers, including Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister, Major General (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, and Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Holomisa will explore partnership opportunities in implementing South Africa’s Defence review, while Maphwanya will provide the SANDF’s perspective on PPPs, addressing critical funding needs, and how the private sector can contribute to future preparedness.
In addition, a selection of experts from various fields will engage in critical panel discussions addressing the current advancements, challenges and strategic opportunities associated with public-private partnerships in the realm of defence and security within South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:42
333 views
BMA to host Public-Private Partnerships Conference
BMA to host Public-Private Partnerships Conference
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato will on Friday deliver a keynote address at the 2nd Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Defence and Security Conference.
The conference to take place at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre in Pretoria, will be focus on empowering the defence sector through strategic public-private partnerships.
It will be held under the theme: "Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships."
In his address, Masiapato is expected to elaborate on the role of public-private partnerships in border management and underscore the potential opportunities arising from collaboration with the private sector.
The Commissioner will also examine the progress made in implementing the BMA’s PPPs, as well as lessons learned and application to other PPPs in the defences and security sector.
He will further discuss opportunities for future BMA partnerships with the private sector and provide an update on the accomplishments of the BMA, as the authority will celebrate its second anniversary in April 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, the BMA said the authority asserts that effective and well-managed borders are crucial for ensuring public safety, promoting economic growth and safeguarding national interests.
“With only four days remaining before the conference, the BMA is poised to engage in discussions on empowering the defence and security sector through Public-Private Partnerships. These discussions forms part of objectives of securing borders for development and protecting South Africa’s interests to the fullest extent possible, the BMA said.
A diverse range of high-level speakers, including Defence and Military Veterans Deputy Minister, Major General (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, and Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Holomisa will explore partnership opportunities in implementing South Africa’s Defence review, while Maphwanya will provide the SANDF’s perspective on PPPs, addressing critical funding needs, and how the private sector can contribute to future preparedness.
In addition, a selection of experts from various fields will engage in critical panel discussions addressing the current advancements, challenges and strategic opportunities associated with public-private partnerships in the realm of defence and security within South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:42
10 views
Over R20 million allocated to boost North West economy
Over R20 million allocated to boost North West economy
The North West Provincial Government has allocated R24 million to establish a Development Fund to accelerate development initiatives across the province.
The fund will be established with a special focus on stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities.
This is according to the North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi who delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the provincial legislature on Thursday.
He informed the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) that the efforts of the Economic and Investment Advisory Council are starting to produce positive results.
The Council is responsible for assisting the province to drive its industrialisation programme, lure investments, and see to the full implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
“We envisage establishing a Regional Research, Innovation and Development Office, which will be in, and coordinated by, the Office of the Premier with a specific focus on Science, Technology and Engineering,” he said on Thursday.
The SOPA outlined the province’s strategic priorities for the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable and ethical State.
Mokgosi highlighted the province’s challenges, including high unemployment and poverty rates, and emphasised the need for aggressive measures to address these issues.
He announced several initiatives, such as the expansion of the National School Nutrition Programme to provide two meals per day to learners in more schools and the launch of the “Ntime o Mphele Ngwana Poverty Alleviation Programme” to combat hunger among children and youth.
In addition, infrastructure development was a key focus, with significant investments in road projects, water and sanitation improvements, and the construction of new schools and clinics.
The Premier also announced plans to revitalise the Taung irrigation scheme and other agricultural projects to boost food production and support emerging farmers.
“The collaborative work between the Vaalharts Water Users Association, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will result in an increase of water supply to households in areas such as Taung, Pudimoe, and Huhudi.”
Jobs and attracting investment
Mokgosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating job opportunities through public employment programs, such as expanded public works, community health workers, community works, and labour activation programmes.
These initiatives aim to create over 150 000 job opportunities in the next five years, targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The provincial government is fostering relations with the private sector to address infrastructure backlogs and attract investment.
The Premier cited the Mekgareng Smart City project, which is expected to create 20 000 jobs for the people of Madibeng Local Municipality and attract investments of between R10 and R25 billion.
The smart city project is a collaborative development initiative between the North West and Gauteng, coordinated by the national Department of Human Settlements.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has partnered with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Phila Jordan Academy to provide training opportunities to 3 000 beneficiaries in artisanal and tooling programs.
In addition, more than 1 200 young people are participating in a National Youth Service programme, and over 7 000 youth have been provided with skills and job placements.
The Premier hopes that these comprehensive measures will help reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the North West.
In addition, he covered efforts to promote clean governance, combat corruption, and improve audit outcomes.
He concluded with a call for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle the province’s socioeconomic challenges and build a better future for all residents.
“Ours is a skewed past centered on exploitation, exclusion, and oppression but we remain hopeful about the socio-economic prospects of our province, and we are unflinching on our commitment to creating a better life of all, irrespective of race, class, and gender or creed,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 15:36
32 views
Cabinet sends best wishes for injured SANDF troops
Cabinet sends best wishes for injured SANDF troops
Cabinet has extended its heartfelt wishes for a quick recovery to all soldiers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who are currently receiving medical treatment in South Africa.
“Cabinet expressed its well wishes for a speedy recovery for all 1returned injured soldiers who are now receiving medical treatment in South Africa, the home soil,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
This as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced earlier in the week that the remaining wounded troops in need of medical attention had been successfully repatriated from the DRC and would now receive necessary care and support.
READ | Critically injured soldiers in DRC brought back home
The injured soldiers have been categorised into three priority areas for care – critical, non-critical, and those requiring psychological and social interventions.
This is after 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
These soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
At a post-Cabinet briefing in Cape Town, Ntshavheni announced that the Executive supports the resolutions from both the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concerning the eastern DRC.
The AUPSC endorsed decisions from the Joint East African Community (EAC) and SADC meeting, which called for an immediate ceasefire, safe humanitarian routes, the withdrawal of uninvited forces, respect for territorial integrity, and the inclusion of all actors in the joint Luanda-Nairobi political dialogue.
“UNSC resolution urged all parties – State and non-State actors in the eastern DRC to conclude an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as called for by leaders of the EAC and SADC.”
According to the Minister, the resolution further demands that M23 rebel groups withdraw from the territories they have seized in the eastern DRC and called on the Rwanda Defence Forces to stop supporting the armed group and immediately withdraw from Congolese territory “without preconditions.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 13:38
62 views
Cabinet reiterates SA’s commitment to ensuring stability in the DRC
Cabinet reiterates SA’s commitment to ensuring stability in the DRC
Cabinet has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a diplomatic solution that ensures stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while also protecting the well-being of the Congolese people.
In a statement on Friday, Cabinet paid tribute to the 14 gallant South African soldiers who were killed recently in the DRC while undertaking a United Nations (UN)-backed peacekeeping mission.
“These brave soldiers had been deployed in the country as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO),” Cabinet said following its meeting on 12 February and a Special Cabinet meeting on 29 January.
Cabinet affirmed that South Africa would continue to play its peacekeeping mission role and support other African countries whose solidarity, and material support helped secure the country’s liberation.
Cabinet was updated on the recent developments in the eastern DRC and called on all parties to embrace current diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
The parties were also called to adhere to calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and restoration of essential utilities.
Cabinet further welcomed efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, aimed at finding a resolution to the conflict and facilitating the repatriation of the deceased and injured soldiers of South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.
The remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the eastern DRC were returned home last week and handed over to their families during a memorial service, held at Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion.
READ | Fallen soldiers paid the ultimate price
“The outcome of the Heads of State Summit held in Tanzania on 8 February 2025 on the conflict also provides a beacon of hope for the troubled eastern DRC,” Cabinet said.
READ | SADC-EAC leaders call for dialogue in DRC conflict
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 11:13
315 views
Judge Blocks Bequest to White Supremacist Organisation
Cape Town man’s bequest to Boerelegioen declared invalid