Author Archives: The Guardian

SA’s Investment Prospects Buoyed by Economic Recovery

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 March 2026 – The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said this week, they will be welcoming delegates from more than 50 countries to the 6th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Sandton, Gauteng. Ramaphosa said since its inception in 2018, the SAIC has grown to become a premier global forum for showcasing the attractiveness of investment opportunities in our country to domestic and international investors.

He further said investment conferences play a key role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as high-profile platforms that connect international investors with local opportunities. Ramaphosa added that they also facilitate strong partnerships by bringing together governments, business, banks and development finance institutions.

“As investors look to destinations that have demonstrated resilience in the face of increasingly volatile global financial conditions, South Africa presents a favourable proposition. We are Africa’s largest economy with a diversified industrial base.

“Since we began our first R1.2 trillion investment mobilization drive in 2018, we have secured investment pledges in mining, healthcare, automotive, food and beverage and others, reflecting the sophistication of our economy,” he said.

Ramaphosa said South Africa is also the leading destination for renewable energy investment on the continent, with these investments making up a considerable share of the total pledges made at previous conferences. He said they have a sound policy and regulatory environment, offering certainty to investors at a time when they are just one of many emerging markets across the globe vying for capital.

“We are also a gateway for businesses looking to set up or expand their operations in Africa. Through this conference, as well as the five preceding ones, we will be seeking to build even greater confidence in our country as an investment destination, and to demonstrate our commitment to structural reform, policy certainty and policy execution.

“The green shoots of economic recovery we are experiencing further bolster our position. The macroeconomic outlook has improved. We experienced four consecutive quarters of growth by the end of 2025, national debt has stabilized and more jobs are being created,” said Ramaphosa.

He said last year, their sovereign rating was upgraded for the first time in 17 years and they were removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list. Ramaphosa said the structural reform agenda being driven through Operation Vulindlela has unlocked progress in electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system.

“We have brought load-shedding to an end and are creating a new, competitive electricity market that will ensure energy security and attract investment. The country’s logistics sector is being rapidly modernised, and we are enabling private investment in port and rail operations.

“Among the projects for which we have initiated a Private Sector Participation (PSP) process are the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor in the Eastern Cape and the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

Ramaphosa said last year, they also signed a 25–year concession for the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, representing R11 billion in private investment. He said a system for third-party access to the freight rail network is in place and 41 freight rail slots have been allocated to private companies.

“We have implemented reforms to the visa regime to attract new skills and promote tourism. These include operationalising the Remote Work Visa, introducing a Trusted Employer Scheme to support major investors, and piloting an Electronic Travel Authorisation system.

“By showcasing the progress and durability of the reform agenda, our goal is to grow the pool of inward investment from businesses and countries that will ultimately be a bridge to new markets, technologies and networks for South Africa,” said Ramaphosa.

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

Operation Paseka on course

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 March 2026 – The police in Bojanala Sub-District 1 conducted a successful Operation Paseka on 28 March 2026, targeting drunk and driving, public disorder and crime prevention in the Cyferskuil and Klipgat policing areas. The police said the operation, which was executed between 2pm and 10pm, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects for drunken driving.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said in addition, three suspects were charged for drinking liquor in public, while one suspect was charged for public indecency. Magakoe said during the operation, police also searched 35 vehicles and 50 individuals, while intensifying patrols in identified crime hotspot areas.

“The police remain committed to intensifying operations aimed at ensuring safer communities, particularly through the removal of intoxicated drivers from the roads,” she said.

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Police in Bojanala continue to crack the whip on crime

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 March 2026- The police in Bojanala District continues to record strong operational successes following coordinated crime-fighting operations conducted between 22 and 29 March 2026, across Rustenburg, Koster, Boitekong, Phokeng, Tlhabane, Dwarsberg and Swartruggens policing areas. The police said operations resulted in multiple arrests for serious and priority crimes, including murder (3), unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition (1), assault GBH (1), bribery (1), and sexual offences (13).

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Anne Magakoe said the police also recorded 12 arrests for drug-related crimes, 10 for drunken driving, 15 for liquor-related offences, 19 for contravention of the Immigration Act, 28 for public drinking, 3 for public indecency, 11 theft-related crimes and 1 for possession of suspected stolen property. Magakoe said 2 suspects were nabbed for trespassing, 1 possession of housebreaking implements, 2 for contravention of the Road Traffic Act (1), and offences in terms of the Animal Identification Act.

“In addition, roadblock operations contributed to the overall success, with 371 vehicles stopped, 39 warrants of arrest executed, three vehicles impounded, and traffic fines to the value of R36 850 issued,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their dedication and commitment in removing criminals and enforcing the law. Nadioo said the police remain committed to intensifying operations to ensure safer communities across the province.

“The public is encouraged to report crime via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App,” he said.

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Foot and Mouth Disease crisis deepens in Gauteng

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Picture: A cow affected by foot and mouth disease/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

30 March 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) said as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to spread across Gauteng, farmers are losing their livestock, which is affecting food security. The DA is calling on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, to empower provincial mayors to establish local FMD command structures aligned with provincial efforts.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Agriculture and Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Gauteng, Bronwynn Engelbrecht said Local Government should actively support roadblocks and livestock movement enforcement. Engelbrecht said the municipal property should be monitored and controlled.

“We call on Lesufi’s government to engage directly with farmers and affected communities and participate in a coordinated, province-wide response strategy. While farmers face uncertainty, rising losses and mounting pressure, those entrusted with local governance are not adequately empowered and involved in containing FMD, which is deeply concerning.

“In stark contrast, District Mayors in the DA-led Western Cape are playing a central and decisive role in combating FMD. Clear strategies have been rolled out to monitor and regulate livestock movement,” she said.

Engelbrecht further said mayors are working alongside law enforcement to enforce biosecurity measures and also participating in joint operational command structures such as the war room established by the Western Cape Government. She added that as part of the Premier’s Coordinating Forum, Western Cape Local Government leaders can provide continuous feedback across all spheres of government and engage directly with farmers and communities to raise awareness.

“This coordinated approach ensures that no level of government operates in isolation and that accountability is maintained at every level.

“Unfortunately for Gauteng residents and farmers, there is no evidence of local government coordinating livestock movement control, no visible municipal enforcement of biosecurity measures, no structured local government participation in a joint command centre and no consistent communication with affected farming communities,” said Engelbrecht.

She said this is alarming given that communal and peri-urban grazing areas account for a significant portion of outbreaks, placing direct responsibility on municipalities to act. Engelbrecht said municipalities are not bystanders in this crisis.

“Under the Animal Diseases Act, they have a clear duty to prevent the spread of controlled diseases, particularly on municipal land and communal land.

“As Lesufi’s lack of direction and leadership, Gauteng’s mayors have not been able to exercise oversight, reinforce compliance, nor take visible responsibility for protecting local agricultural systems,” she said.

Engelbrecht said without active involvement of municipalities, Gauteng’s response remains disjointed, reactive, and ineffective. She said this undermines enforcement, weakens communication and allows the disease to continue spreading unchecked.

“The DA-led Western Cape has demonstrated that a coordinated approach is essential in fighting the spread of FMD. Gauteng must learn from the Western Cape to end this crisis.

“At a time when farmers are fighting to protect their livelihoods, and consumers face rising food insecurity, the cooperation between all spheres of government is not optional but essential,” said Engelbrecht.

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Breaking News: 9th ANC Regional Conference in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region postponed

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By OBAKENG MAJE

27 March 2026 – The much anticipated 9th ANC Regional Conference in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Region that was supposed to be held during the weekend at Lysko Primary School near Vryburg, has been postponed. This comes after the Regional Task Team (RTT) failed to receive an authorisation letter to hold a conference from the ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula’s Office.

The RTT coordinator in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region, Walter Mabogola said in a letter that the decision has been taken pending the release of letter of authorisation to hold the conference, final verification report and final NDRC verdicts which is within the competency of the office of the Secretary General.

“This notice serves to notify the above-mentioned leadership, branches of ANC and support staff that the 9th regional conference of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati region has been postponed until further notice.

“This decision has been taken pending the release of letter of authorisation to hold the conference, final verification report and final NDRC verdicts, which is within the competency of the office of the Secretary General,” he said.

Mabogola further said the leadership has unreservedly apologised to the branches and members of the ANC

in the region for any inconvenience this might have caused. He added that, the date of the envisaged regional conference will be determined and announced as soon as all the outstanding issues of compliance are resolved.

“The leadership has thanked all the members, branches and RTT members for all the efforts made in ensuring that the region prepares for the envisaged 9th regional conference.

“Hoping for a positive response,” said Mabogola.

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Probe into PRASA contract irregularities continues

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25 March 2026- The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has provided an update on an independent forensic investigation into irregularities in seven contracts awarded for the refurbishment and extension of the service life of the agency’s legacy rolling stock fleet.

The investigation by Webber Wentzel Attorneys was commissioned to probe the General Overhaul (GO) Programme contracts signed in 2022.

The programme was launched as a strategic bridging solution to maintain commuter rail services during the transition from the legacy yellow fleet of trains to the new Gibela Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). 

Its purpose was to ensure a safe and uninterrupted transition from old to new rolling stock. 

“In April 2024, PRASA received a written complaint from a GO contractor alleging irregularities in how the programme was being administered.

“Rather than dismissing the complaint or handling it internally, together with project management concerns, we acted decisively: within one month of receiving the complaint, PRASA formally engaged Webber Wentzel Attorneys to conduct an independent investigation,” the agency said on Tuesday in a statement.

On 29 November 2024, Webber Wentzel presented its preliminary findings to the PRASA Group CEO. 

This was presented as a ‘Draft Report’, which is standard practice for a forensic investigation. 

A draft was provided to allow PRASA to review its contents, verify factual accuracy, and enable affected parties to respond before findings are finalised.

PRASA’s current position on the GO Programme is as follows:

  • Payments to contractors implicated in overcharging have been frozen pending the outcome of the invoice review.
  • Contractors against whom material breach has been established are being formally terminated — some are no longer part of the programme, and two are currently on 30-day notice.
  • Strengthened financial management and internal control systems are being implemented for the GO Programme.

“PRASA has instructed specialist legal counsel to pursue the civil recovery of funds overpaid to contractors. Independent expert analysis has confirmed significant overcharging across multiple contractors, with the full quantum of recoverable funds still being quantified as part of the ongoing civil and disciplinary processes.”

The disciplinary and criminal proceedings that are a prerequisite for formal recovery action are actively progressing.

Formal disciplinary proceedings — including charges of bribery, corruption, fraud, financial misconduct and policy violations — were instituted against the implicated employees before they departed from the organisation. 

“In both cases, the employees concerned chose to resign after disciplinary processes had been formally initiated. Additional disciplinary proceedings affecting other employees are underway. Resignation does not constitute exoneration, nor does it extinguish liability — criminal, civil or otherwise.

“The referral of implicated individuals’ conduct to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the pursuit of civil recovery proceedings, are not contingent on continued employment status. These processes are active and ongoing,” PRASA said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Communities call for a safer Easter weekend

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Picture: Radio NFM presenter, Robin-Lee and Namakwa District spokesperson, Captain Ivan Magerman/Supplied

By STAFF REPORTER

25 March 2026- The police in Northern Cape said as the Easter weekend approaches, an increase in road traffic is expected and efforts must be intensified to curb contraventions of the Road Traffic Act and related lawlessness. The police said during the ‘Meet and Greet’ session on Radio NFM with Captain Ivan Magerman, hosted by Robin-Lee, provided a meaningful platform to advocate for safer roads across the Namakwa District during the upcoming Easter period.

Magerman said during the engagement, they conveyed an on-air message issued by the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Otola, who emphasised that road safety remains a priority during the Easter holidays.

Meanwhile, the Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, highlighted the harsh realities of road fatalities, including the sentencing of an accused to six years imprisonment for culpable homicide.

“This serves as a stark reminder that reckless and negligent behaviour on the roads carries serious legal consequences. The vital role that law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with Community Policing Forum (CPF) structures, will play in ensuring safer roads throughout the Easter period.

“Prepare and plan your journeys responsibly this Easter weekend. Do not drink and drive, obey all traffic laws, and prioritise safety at all times. Let us celebrate Easter, not mourn it. Drive to arrive alive.” He said.

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Excellent medical care must be available to all

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Picture: RSA president, Cyril Ramaphosa

By BAKANG MOKOTO  

25 March 2026- The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said last week, surgeons at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo completed a remarkable operation. Ramaphosa said a team of doctors, nurses and other health workers, successfully separated conjoined twins in a complex operation that demanded extraordinary skill and precision.

He further said they owe the medical teams that performed the operation, that helped deliver the twins and that are now caring for them our deepest admiration and gratitude. Ramaphosa added that this achievement is more than a medical milestone.

“It is proof of what our public health system is capable of. It is a reminder that South Africa possesses world-class medical expertise, not only in the private hospitals in our cities, but also in public facilities serving communities that have historically been neglected and underserved.

“It is also the visible outcome of sustained national investment in cultivating medical excellence. This includes heavily subsidising the country’s medical schools, providing study bursaries for needy medical students, and providing on-the-job training through the Internship and Community Services Programme,” said Ramaphosa.

He said and yet, for every story of excellence like Mankweng, they know there are too many South Africans, who cannot access the quality healthcare they need and deserve. Ramaphosa said the constitution guarantees every person the right of access to healthcare services.

“That right cannot depend on where you were born, how much you earn or where you live. A child in rural Limpopo has the same right to quality healthcare as a child in the suburbs of Johannesburg or Cape Town.

“Closing the gap between the constitutional promise of healthcare and the daily lived reality is precisely what motivates the National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI is more than a funding mechanism,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it is a commitment, grounded in their constitutional values, that every South African will have access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship. He said it is the instrument through which they will ensure that the skills and dedication on display at Mankweng are available to all our people, regardless of their ability to pay.

“To realise this vision, we need genuine and sustained partnerships between the public and private health sectors, as well as academic institutions, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organisations and communities.

“South Africa has a well-equipped and well-funded private healthcare sector, with some of the finest hospitals, specialists and medical technology on the continent. Yet only around 16% of South Africans have access to these facilities,” said Ramaphosa.

He said by contrast, the majority of the population, some 84%, uses public health facilities. Ramaphosa said on average, the amount of money spent each year on a person who uses private health care is around five times what is spent on someone in the public sector.

“These two parts of our healthcare system cannot continue to operate in parallel, as if serving two separate nations. They must work together in service of one nation. There are few people in South Africa who can disagree with this view, and there are a great many role-players who are eager for collaboration.

“They recognise that there is both a great need and much opportunity to build stronger partnerships in health care. We should be doing more to share skills and knowledge across the public-private divide, as happens when private specialists contribute time to public hospitals,” he said.

Ramaphosa said it means investing in the training and retention of healthcare workers so that public facilities do not continue to lose their best people to private employers or to opportunities abroad. He said as they prepare to implement the NHI, they are already making significant investments to strengthen the public health infrastructure.

“We are building and refurbishing clinics and hospitals, expanding our community health worker programme, working to ensure the availability of essential medicines, introducing digital systems and improving the management of facilities.

“At the heart of all of this are the women and men who dedicate their lives to healing others. The surgeons at Mankweng did not separate the conjoined twins for recognition or reward, but because they understood their responsibility as health professionals. We owe it to every healthcare worker to give them the support, tools and working conditions they need to do their vital work,” said Ramaphosa.

He said the great achievement at Mankweng Hospital has shown them what is possible. Ramapahosa said it has also reminded them of what is necessary – a health system that serves every South African with excellence, compassion and dedication.

“Equal access to quality health care must be the standard we set and the constitutional promise that we keep,” he said.

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Committee to meet ETDP SETA over missing R600m

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

25 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie has resolved to schedule a meeting with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) during the second term following serious allegations of financial mismanagement. Letsie said it was deeply concerning that the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) found that, for the 2024/25 financial year, the ETDP SETA spent R637 646 000 million without any trace or proof of how the funds were used.

“The committee will also invite the Auditor-General to the meeting to gain a clearer understanding of what led to the missing funds. We cannot allow a situation where over R600 million of the Republic’s money goes missing in this manner without accountability or action against the accounting authority of the entity.

“The Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are a government intervention aimed at addressing workplace training needs while reducing the cost of training entry-level employees through a state-subsidised and incentivised programme,” he said.

Letsie further said the situation at the ETDP SETA, where large amounts of money appear to be unaccounted for, is particularly concerning in light of recent remarks attributed to President Cyril Ramaphosa that SETAs are not living up to expectations.

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Five accused allegedly involved in illegal mining in court

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Picture: Illegal mining in South Africa/Generic

By REGINALD KANYANE

25 March 2026- Five men were arrested for alleged illegal mining. All five accused, Nicholus Donald Dibakwane (47), Adilso Makhukane (25), Raphael Makhatshwa (19), Alec Maswana (28), and Mebido Beto Makamo (20), are facing a charge of possession of unwrought precious metals, including gold and platinum, without the necessary authorisation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Nicholus Donald Dibakwane (47) was granted bail of R25 000 by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. Mahanjana said Dibakwane’s four co-accused, Makhukane, Makhatshwa, Maswana and Makamo, who are foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique — abandoned their applications for bail.

“Dibakwane faces an additional charge of harbouring illegal immigrants, while his four co-accused are charged with contravening immigration laws by being in the country unlawfully.

“It is alleged that on 26 February 2026, members of the SAPS K9 Unit acted on information regarding an illegal refinery operating at a farm located at Plot 57, Skoolweg, Bultfontein, Hammanskraal,” she said.

Mahanjana further said upon arrival, the suspects fled the scene on foot. She added that the police managed to apprehend the four foreign nationals, while Dibakwane, the owner of the farm, handed himself over to police later that same day.

“In court, the state did not oppose Dibakwane’s release on bail, but requested that strict conditions be imposed. The court granted bail subject to conditions that he must not enter the farm premises, must surrender his passport to the investigating officer, must not dispose of any movable or immovable assets and must inform the investigating officer should he intend to travel outside Gauteng Province.

“The matter has been postponed to 20 May 2026 for further investigation. NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and related offences,” she said.

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