Call for global fairness in the sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity

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Picture: The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh

By OBAKENG MAJE

8 April 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh has called for greater global fairness in the sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity. Singh said they made the call as he opened the third meeting of the Steering Committee on the multilateral mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on Tuesday.

Addressing delegates from across the world, Singh further described the setting, located within the Cape Floristic Region, as a reminder of both the value of biodiversity and the shared responsibility to conserve it and ensure its benefits are distributed equitably. He emphasised that the work of the Steering Committee comes at a critical time, noting that issues of fairness, equity and justice are central to how benefits from biodiversity are shared globally.

“In Africa, biodiversity is closely tied to livelihoods, cultures and identities. The decisions taken during the meeting would have real implications for Indigenous people and local communities who have protected these resources for generations.

“We pointed to South Africa’s advanced Access and Benefit-Sharing system, which is aligned with international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, as an example of how equitable engagement between researchers, companies and communities can be achieved,” Singh added.

He said this made South Africa a fitting host for discussions on the multilateral mechanism and the Cali Fund. Singh said reflecting on progress made at the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), Singh noted that countries had agreed to establish a multilateral mechanism to address the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the creation of the Cali Fund.

“We would like to describe the decision as a milestone aimed at ensuring that benefits arising from genetic data used in research and innovation are shared more fairly, while strengthening corporate responsibility.

“We traced the development of the issue back to 2016, when digital sequence information first gained prominence under the Convention, and outlined how ongoing discussions, including global dialogues initiated by South Africa and Norway in 2019, helped build consensus,” he said.

Singh highlighted South Africa’s role in convening these engagements, including key meetings in Pretoria, which contributed to the eventual agreement reached in Cali. He stressed that in the African context, benefit-sharing is not only a technical issue but also a historical one, noting that Indigenous knowledge has long contributed to sectors such as medicine and agriculture without adequate recognition or compensation.

“The work of the Steering Committee and the development of the Cali Fund present an opportunity to address these imbalances and ensure that both monetary and non-monetary benefits reach the communities that have safeguarded biodiversity.

“South Africa’s own experience demonstrates how the use of genetic resources can deliver tangible benefits for both communities and conservation efforts, and expressed hope that this experience could inform broader discussions on shaping a fair, inclusive and effective mechanism,” said Singh.

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Missing helicopter found with occupants unharmed

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Picture: A missing chopper found/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 April 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the helicopter that went missing on Monday with four occupants, including the pilot, has been successfully located this morning with all individuals found alive and unharmed. The group, which includes two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, however, as they attempted to navigate through the thick bush, they could not find the chopper. Mathe said following their rescue, it has been confirmed that all the occupants are safe.

“The chopper disappeared on Monday during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass discovered in the Kruger National Park, hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof.

“A report indicates that the team departed in the morning around 9am and did not return as anticipated. Some efforts to establish communication with the helicopter crew yielded no results due to poor signal and it is suspected that the chopper could have been flying low,” she said.

Mathe further said all attempts to reach them via their mobile phones and other means were unsuccessful. She added that it was only in the evening that it was realised that something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them.

“In response to the situation, another helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities, alongside drones, was swiftly deployed to assist in the search efforts. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn. “However, the drones continued their search throughout the night,” said Mathe.

Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, remarked that the committed members were carrying out their duties even on a day that is recognized as a holiday in the country.

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Suspects arrested during Easter holiday

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2026 – Twelve suspects were arrested by the police in Thabo Mofutsanyana District during Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes. The intensified, high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes.

However, the district also recorded an increase in cases of murder, attempted murder and rape. The police said six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities.

“Among the victims were two women, who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden. In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax.

“Several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol. The police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old person and minors,” the police said.

The police said in one particularly case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park Section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern. They said furthermore, four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice.

“A total of four illegal firearms were seized during operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Tseki. An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations.

“All arrested suspects appeared before various Magistrate Courts yesterday. The police commended community members, who provided valuable information leading to these arrests,” the police said.

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Macpherson welcomes $1bil investment unlocked through Infrastructure SA

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Picture: The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 April 2026 – The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has welcomed Infrastructure South Africa’s contribution to the successful hosting of the South African Investment Conference in Sandton last Tuesday. Macpherson also welcomed its role in helping to unlock a $1 billion investment pledge by global agricultural company UPL, announced at the conference.

He further said the investment amounting to approximately R17 billion and led by UPL Chairman and Group CEO Jai Shroff, is linked to a large-scale bioethanol production facility in South Africa. Macpherson said the project will utilise sugarcane and maize as a feedstock and support the development of an integrated agricultural and energy value chain.

“Infrastructure South Africa, an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, played a key facilitative role in advancing the project by bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural, energy and financial sectors.

“This included supporting engagements between UPL and a major development finance institution to explore project

preparation and financing opportunities, as well as broader collaboration to move the project towards implementation,” he said.

Macpherson further said the project has significant potential, including the cultivation of approximately 400 000 hectares of sweet sorghum and the production of up to 1.3 billion litres of bioethanol annually. He added that this will inject significant amounts of money directly back to small- and large-scale farmers.

“This positions South Africa as a potential leader in the biofuels sector, while supporting rural development and job creation. Infrastructure South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in unlocking investment by removing bottlenecks, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting project preparation.

“When I was appointed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister 21 months ago, I committed to turning the department into the economic delivery unit of South Africa to help grow the economy and create much-needed jobs,” said Macpherson.

He said the $1 billion investment, facilitated by Infrastructure South Africa, is clear evidence of the progress they are making in achieving that goal. Macpherson said this investment demonstrates what is possible when the government plays an active role in facilitating partnerships, removing obstacles, and aligning stakeholders behind a common objective.

“It also highlights the growing importance of Infrastructure South Africa in ensuring that projects of this scale move from concept to implementation as we work to build a better South Africa,” he said.

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DA acts to safeguard public access to state dams and support local economies

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 April 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) firmly opposes the Department of Water and Sanitation’s proposed regulations for managing government waterworks and adjacent state-owned land. The DA said these regulations represent a significant and unlawful policy shift that jeopardises public access to state dams, undermines private property rights and threatens local economies that depend on recreational and commercial activities around these water sources.

DA spokesperson for CoGTA in the Free State Provincial Legislature, David Mc Kay said under the National Water Act, South Africans have long enjoyed the right to use state dams for recreational purposes, such as boating, fishing and swimming. Mc Kay said these rights are protected as “existing lawful water uses” under the law.

“However, the proposed regulations aim to restrict public access to state dams, cr iminalise traditional recreational activities and impose burdensome lease agreements for both recreational and commercial use.

“The draft regulations and accompanying Resource Management Plans (RMPs) would require individuals, clubs, and businesses to obtain formal agreements to access water surfaces and adjacent land,” he said.

Mc Kay further said this would effectively block direct access from private properties and impose administrative burdens on landowners, turning them into compliance officers for the state. He added that longstanding businesses such as sailing clubs, marinas, guesthouses and tour operators would face uncertainty, increased costs, and short-term lease agreements, which discourage investment and threaten their survival.

“The DA will oppose these regulations, which are both unconstitutional and economically harmful. By prioritising state revenue over public access and local economic development, the ANC government risks destroying jobs and livelihoods in communities that depend on dam-based tourism and recreation.

“We encourage all South Africans to join us in opposing these detrimental regulations. Send your objections before 13 April 2026 to Director-General, Department of Water and Sanitation, Private Bag X313, Pretoria 0001,” said Mc Kay.

He said the DA will continue to advocate for public access to state dams, recognise existing lawful recreational uses, and safeguard local economies. Mc Kay said together, they can ensure South Africa’s water resources remain accessible to all citizens and are managed sustainably for future generations.

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20 suspects nabbed for drug-related offences

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Picture: Some of dagga confiscated during operations/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 April 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District delivered an exceptional performance over the Easter Weekend, sending a clear and resounding message to drug dealers and other criminals that law enforcement will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance approach. In a commendable display of policing excellence, SAPS members across the district arrested 20 suspects for drug-related offences during the Easter Weekend and seized drugs with an estimated combined street value of R491 000.

The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews said this significant achievement was made possible through the relentless dedication of members deployed on operational duties. Andrews said they conducted thorough stop-and-search operations and applied sharp instincts and sound policing skills to detect and confiscate the illicit substances.

“Our members remained steadfast in their duties. They did not relent, they did not slow down, and their commitment has contributed to making Namakwa safer for all. These successes can be attributed to the excellent corroboration between SAPS and the community.

“We express our sincere appreciation for these outstanding results. The safety on roads across the district is a result of intensified visibility and deployment of both traffic officials and SAPS members throughout the district,” he said.

Andrews further said disruptive actions will continue unabated to address priority crimes in hotspot areas.

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Captain suspended after defrauding SAPS millions of rands

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

7 April 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-corruption unit has arrested a police captain (53) for fraud. His arrest emanates from an internal investigation sanctioned by the Division: Financial Management Services, following suspicious transactions on the Polfin system.

The captain is set to appear at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 7 April 2026, on a charge of fraud. The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the captain was attached to the Protection Security Services (PSS). Mathe said the internal investigation uncovered discrepancies and suspicious transactions within the division.

“The member is attached to the finance section of the Protection and Security Service (PSS) and allegedly used his access to the finance system to withdraw monies running into millions.

“An investigation has uncovered that he manipulated the system to book out cash for himself under the disguise that the money was meant for travelling expenses for close protectors attached to the Presidential Protection Services (PPS),” she said.

Mathe further said investigations uncovered that the money was not received by the close protectors, but booked out in lump sum cash amounts by the member. She added that following a lengthy investigation, a case of fraud was registered at the Sunnyside Police Station and an internal departmental investigation has led to his suspension.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, applauded the Financial Management Division for identifying and uprooting criminality within their ranks and has assigned the SAPS anti-corruption unit to investigate the matter. Masemola said the SAPS takes this opportunity to assure the nation that it has stringent measures in place to ensure taxpayers monies are utilised in service to the nation and that the SAPS will not tolerate fraud and corruption within its rank.

“No close protector attached to the President, Deputy President, Ministers or Deputy Ministers are implicated in this case,” he said.

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A search conducted over a missing chopper

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Picture: The police conduct a search amid missing chopper/Generic

By STAFF REPORTER

7 April 2026 – A search has been sanctioned after a chopper/helicopter went missing inside the Kruger National Park with four occupants. The chopper disappeared on 6 April 2026, during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass that was discovered hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the aircraft, which was on this routine operation, had on board a pilot and two SAPS investigators as well as an Environmental Crime Investigator. Mathe said a report indicates that the team departed in the morning around 9am and did not return as anticipated.

“Some efforts to establish communication with the helicopter crew yielded no results due to poor signal and it is suspected that the chopper could have been flying low.

“All attempts to reach them via their mobile phones and other means were unsuccessful. It was only in the evening that it was realised that something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them,” she said.

Mathe further said in response to the situation, another helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities, alongside drones, was swiftly deployed to assist in the search efforts. She added that, unfortunately due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn.

“However, the drones continued their search throughout the night, said Mathe.

Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, remarked that the committed members were carrying out their duties even on a day that is recognised as a holiday in the country.

“We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to locate the missing members. This morning, Tuesday, we aim to resume search operations with an expanded resource base, which includes the deployment of additional helicopters and personnel dedicated to this crucial mission.

“We will continue to search tirelessly until we find our colleagues, remaining hopeful for their safe return,” he said.

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‘Postponement of AANSSC reflects a failure of basic planning’

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Picture: The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa

By STAFF REPORTER

6 April 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa has expressed deep concern and disappointment at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s last-minute postponement of the 2026 Autumn Athletics National School Sport Championships, calling it a clear failure of planning and accountability. McGluwa said the championships were scheduled to take place from 8–12 April 2026, at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

“This postponement is unacceptable. It reflects a failure of basic planning and due diligence. The unavailability of the stadium was foreseeable and avoidable, yet provinces were instructed to proceed with procurement and logistical arrangements.

“As a result, provinces have already incurred significant costs for accommodation, transport, and contractual obligations; costs that now translate into financial losses and reputational damage,” he said.

McGluwa further said this breach of trust is deeply concerning. He added that communities, learners and educators have planned in good faith.

“For many young athletes, this event is the highlight of their sporting year, only to be let down by poor planning. The committee made it clear to the Athletic South Africa last week when the entity appeared before the committee, that sport is not a luxury.

“Sport is a constitutional commitment to youth development, equity, and social cohesion, and a means of living if one reaches the top echelons of professionalism. When planning collapses at this scale, it undermines the very purpose of national championships,” emphasised McGluwa.

He said the committee has demanded full accountability from the department. McGluwa said they require a clear explanation of how this lapse occurred, immediate clarity on revised dates and venue, and a concrete plan to compensate provinces for the financial strain already incurred.

“This failure goes beyond logistics. This is about respect – respect for our youth, our educators, and the communities that carry the weight of school sports in our country. We call on both the department of Sport, Arts and Culture, and the Department of Basic Education to manage national school sport with discipline, foresight.

“National school sport must be administered with professionalism, coordination and respect for provinces and stakeholders. On behalf of the committee, we wish all athletes, including private clubs participating in various sporting codes over this Easter Weekend good luck and he appealed to everyone to remain safe on the roads,” he said.

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