Category: News

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a court order preventing former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) senior manager, Sanele Dlamini, from accessing his pension benefits until the finalization of a civil case against him.

The civil case relates to the alleged illegal disbursement of some R6 million in NLC funds signed off by Dlamini to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation.

“The SIU’s investigation revealed that an NLC-funded project – a sports complex – was never initiated, and supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, were falsified.

“Mr Dlamini, who facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation, co-signed the fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or documentation, enabling the unlawful payout,” the SIU said in a statement.

The corruption busting unit explained that it turned to the courts for a freezing order to “limit the risk of a hollow judgment if funds were released, noting concerns that Mr. Dlamini may lack sufficient assets to satisfy future claims”.

“The interdict bars Mr. Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU’s main case, a civil recovery action tied to the misallocation of R6 million in NLC grant funds, is concluded.

“The fourth respondent, Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, has been directed to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim,” the statement read.

The Office of the Deputy President has released a statement denying allegations of misusing State funds related to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s international travel.

This statement follows extensive media coverage from various news outlets and public speculation on the matter.

“Categorically, the Office and the Deputy President have not, as seems to be suggested, misused State funds or been extravagant in financing the costs of the Deputy President’s international travel,” the statement read on Tuesday evening.

According to the Presidency, the matter was first raised after a written parliamentary inquiry from Action SA, which prompted detailed disclosures regarding travel expenses.

“In light of such an expected phenomenon, the Deputy President replied to the question in full and also provided specific details, which include correct figures and breakdown of individual costs by members of the delegation supporting the Deputy President.”

The Deputy President’s Office has stressed that all international trips undertaken are in his official capacity, representing the South African government, as directed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Moreover, the majority of these strategic international visits are aimed at strengthening existing bilateral, political, economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and visited countries.”

Mashatile has engaged in several significant international working visits since taking office on 3 July 2024, including trips to Ireland, the United Kingdom and Japan, with further planned visits to France.

The Office has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the expenses associated with these trips, stressing that many figures circulated in the media are inflated.

News24 recently reported that the Deputy President’s recent trip to Japan in March cost R2.3 million, with R900 000 covering accommodation for him and his wife.

However, the Presidency stated that the Japan visit was particularly highlighted for its strategic relevance, marking the first high-level engagement between South Africa and Japan in a decade, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

During the Japan working visit, the country’s second-in-command was accompanied by various Ministers.

The Presidency believes that the visit was advantageous for South Africa’s African Agenda, especially considering the current overlap of South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) chairship and Japan’s upcoming hosting of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August.

“This presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to communicate its own and the continent’s position and priorities to Japan, and the expected support and role that Japan could play in this regard.”

In addition, the Deputy President’s Office stated that the claims of exorbitant costs for certain officials have been disputed, and that the actual expenditure is significantly lower.

“Regrettably, some of the figures presented by the media are significantly blown out of proportion and do not accurately reflect the cost of the trips. For example, one media liaison officer, referred to by TimesLive as the ‘most expensive supporting official’, is said to have cost R580 582 for Japan alone, when in fact, the total cost for that official is less than R66 000, including flights and accommodation.”

The Office has reassured the public that the Deputy President’s travels are conducted with fiscal responsibility and in alignment with South Africa’s commitment to global relations and investment.

“In terms of the travel policy in the Presidential Handbook, transport for the President and Deputy President during travel outside South Africa is the responsibility and for the account of the State.”

In addition, the Office mentioned that the financial responsibilities for the visits, which include travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses, are typically shared between the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other participating departments.

“In all these visits, the Office of the Deputy President has insisted on the most cost-effective provisions for the Deputy President and his delegations and has therefore not misused or extravagantly used State funds, as alluded.”

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man in Bloubergstrand, in the Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their two daughters, aged three and eight.

“The suspects face multiple charges, including the production of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”), rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The victims were rescued during the police operation and have since been placed in a place of safety.

“The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the national and Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Units, officials from the Department of Social Development supported by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” the police said.

The suspects were located at a residence identified through joint investigative efforts.

Several electronic devices were seized during the arrest on Tuesday.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points, with effect from 30 May.

This reduces the prime lending rate from banks to 10.75 %.

Five members favoured this action, while one preferred a cut of 50 basis points.

“Looking forward, we have revised down our inflation forecasts. This reflects the lower starting point, as well as a stronger exchange rate assumption and lower world oil prices.

“These factors offset pressure on fuel costs from the higher fuel levy announced in the Budget. In addition, our previous forecast included VAT increases, which have since been cancelled,” SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Thursday, while delivering the Monetary Policy Committee statement.

The inflation was below 3% again in April. The undershoot of the target mainly reflects falling fuel costs, but underlying inflation is also well contained. Core inflation came in at 3%, at the bottom of SARB target range.

“Now that inflation has slowed, we have a chance to lock in lower inflation at low cost. This scenario illustrates that opportunity,” Kganyago said.

While the inflation outlook appears benign, the MPC considered an adverse scenario, which illustrates the upside risks.

“This was based on a global slowdown, triggered by escalating trade tensions, where the rand depreciates sharply. The scenario showed how a country with some fundamental vulnerabilities, like South Africa, risks stagflation, with growth moving lower while inflation rises due to currency weakness. In these conditions, monetary policy tightens to stabilise the macroeconomy.

“The threat of rand depreciation that we warned of at our last meeting, given both global and domestic factors, manifested last month, with the currency briefly touching a multi-year low against the US dollar. However, the exchange rate has since recovered, and conditions seem more settled than they did in March, even if the global environment remains uncertain,” he said.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projections were trimmed and the growth was currently expected at 1.2% this year, rising to 1.8% by 2027.

“The global environment remains difficult, which makes domestic reform critical for achieving healthy growth. The SARB’s main contribution is to deliver price stability, and we see scope to lock in low inflation and clear the way for sustainably lower interest rates.

“Additional measures that would improve economic conditions include reaching a prudent public debt level, further repairing and strengthening network industries, lowering administered price inflation, and keeping real wage growth in line with productivity gains,” Kganyago said.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is encouraging all applicants for the disability grant to use their online platform to book for disability-related assessments.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Agency said the platform allows beneficiaries to access SASSA services in their comfort zone, save money on transport, and avoid long queues.

“This programme is not meant to prevent beneficiaries and applicants from going to SASSA offices. Those who do not have access to the internet are encouraged to visit SASSA offices to book for their assessment.

“After the assessment, the applicant can complete the application online and submit it. Before uploading the required documents, the applicant must ensure that all documents are certified, valid within six months, and that the information in the documents is accurate,” SASSA said.

To avoid scammers, beneficiaries are urged not to seek assistance from strangers and avoid exposing personal information to unreliable people.

“If an applicant fails to access SASSA services online, they can visit the SASSA office for assistance,” the Agency said.

The requirements for the disability grant are as follows:

• Must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee permanently residing in South Africa
• 18-59 years of age
• Undergo a medical assessment confirming disability
• Provide a referral form duly completed by a treating facility
• Applicant and spouse must be subjected to the means test
• Not be maintained or cared for in a state-funded institution
• Not be in receipt of another social grant in respect of themselves
• Submit a 13-digit barcoded identity document for self and spouse. In the absence of an ID card or birth certificate, an alternative identification prescribed by SASSA will be acceptable

For more information, beneficiaries can contact toll-free during working days/hours at 0800 60 10 11 / [013] 754 – 9428/9363 during working hours Monday – Friday, and WhatsApp 082 046 8553.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has condemned the alleged rape of a trainee by a police instructor at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Training Academy in Tshwane.

According to reports, the trainee was walking with her platoon to their sleeping quarters when the police captain, who is also an instructor, called her to his office.

Once inside, he allegedly locked the door and threatened her with a misconduct charge related to a previous incident in April, where the police captain accused the trainee of failing to salute him.

Letsike commended the swift action taken by SAPS in arresting and removing the accused officer, who was taken into custody following the incident, which allegedly occurred on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

“We welcome the swift action taken by [Police] Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in calling for the arrest and removal of the perpetrator from the SAPS institutions,” Letsike said.

Letsike described the incident as a “despicable act of violence”, emphasising that such abuse against any vulnerable member of community, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities, must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.

“The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message that no one is above the law,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Deputy Minister reiterated the department’s call for the protection of vulnerable groups by all members of society, especially law enforcement agencies entrusted with safeguarding the public.

She joined voices with Mchunu in calling on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to expedite the investigation processes and ensure that internal disciplinary procedures are strictly followed.

She also urged the IPID to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served, and that internal processes are followed diligently.

The suspect made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court last week Thursday.

The case against suspect was postponed to Friday, 23 May 2025, to allow IPID to conduct further investigation into other alleged sexual assault incidents against the police officer.

South Africa has suspended imports of live poultry, eggs and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The decision comes after a report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) on 15 May 2025.

The virus was detected in breeding chickens at an establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture announced that no new import permits will be issued for the affected products.

However, the department noted that the import of consignments containing poultry products that were packed in their final packaging, on or before 30 April 2025, and heat-processed poultry products, where the risk of transmitting the virus has been mitigated, will still be allowed.

“An urgent Chief Veterinary Officer to Chief Veterinary Officer meeting was held on 19 May with the purpose of getting an update on the outbreak from Brazil and the deployed disease control strategy. It was agreed in this meeting that Brazil will provide additional information for South Africa’s consideration,” the department said.

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will inject over R381 million into the Post Office to save nearly 6 000 jobs, Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has announced.

This comes after an agreement was signed by the South African Post Office (SAPO) and the UIF to provide immediate financial relief to 5 956 employees while enabling the post office to implement a sustainable turnaround strategy.

Through the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), the UIF will inject over R381 million into SAPO over a six-month period.

“This is a bold and necessary step to protect workers and restore confidence in our public institutions. The TERS programme is not just a financial mechanism, it is a strategic tool to stabilise employment, support economic recovery, and ensure that no worker is left behind,” Meth said on Sunday.

The UIF and the post office have formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two entities.

The Minister emphasised that the funding will be disbursed in monthly tranches through a dedicated TERS bank account, with strict governance, auditing, and compliance measures in place.

SAPO is required to submit regular reports, maintain transparent accounting records, and implement a detailed turnaround strategy as a condition of the funding.

This intervention follows a rigorous adjudication process by the TERS Single Adjudication Committee (TERS SAC), which includes representatives from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Small Business Development, and other key stakeholders.

The Minister has reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with all social partners to drive inclusive economic growth and protect the dignity of workers across the country.

Home Affairs offices have extended their operating hours in May due to the uptake of Smart ID cards by naturalised citizens and permanent residents from visa exempt countries.

The extension on Saturdays came into effect on 17 May and will continue until 31 May 2025.
This means that offices will open from 8 am until 1 pm.

“The Department of Home Affairs will extend its operating period by five hours on Saturdays in May 2025 at front offices to assist naturalised citizens and permanent residents to apply for Smart ID Cards.

“Extended hours over the specified weekends will allow for processing of Smart ID Card applications from naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries, in possession of green barcoded ID books,” said the department in a statement.

READ | Home Affairs commends uptake of Smart IDs for naturalised citizens, permanent residents

The department encouraged naturalised citizens and permanent residents from listed countries to make use of this opportunity.
“This will take us closer to fully adopting the more secure Smart ID Card and doing away with the green bar-coded ID book.

The listed countries can be found here: : https://bit.ly/smartidcards-naturalised-and-pr

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will continue with its appeal of the Timothy Omotoso acquittal judgement despite his departure from South Africa.

Omotoso, who was acquitted of charges including rape, racketeering and human trafficking, left South Africa on Sunday.

“The South African legal system does not require active participation or presence of an accused person during the hearing of an appeal by a court. An appeal process requires the involvement of the legal teams of the appellants and respondents, the Registrar of the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as well as the judiciary.

“Timothy Omotoso is not a fugitive from justice; there are no legal grounds to prevent him from leaving the country. His departure means that person considered undesirable, is no longer enjoying his life in this country, pending the outcome of the appeal, which could take a long time to finalise,” the NPA said in a statement on Monday.

Furthermore, if successful, the prosecutorial body will apply for his extradition back to the country.

“The NPA will utilise all existing bilateral, regional and international cooperation treaties and mechanisms to ensure he is extradited to South Africa. These include our bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria and the Commonwealth Scheme for extradition,” the statement concluded.

READ | NPA to appeal Omotoso judgement

At a recent media briefing, Cabinet noted and welcomed the NPA decision to appeal the recent acquittal of Omotoso and his two co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has noted Omotoso’s departure.

READ | Omotoso faces contravention of Immigration Act charges

The department had taken the controversial pastor to court for alleged contravention of the Immigration Act.

“This comes after the Minister of Home Affairs rejected an application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn an earlier decision of the Department to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person. The Minister’s decision meant that Omotoso was illegally in the Republic of South Africa.

“Upon his departure, Omotoso was still a prohibited person and given that he was illegally in the country, he was issued with a notification as an undesirable person, meaning that he will not be able to return to the country for five years.

“On expiry of that five-year ban, he will have to apply for his prohibition to be uplifted in terms of section 29 of the Immigration Act. The Department of Home Affairs continues to be guided by our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour,” the department said.