Category: News

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced the automatic cancellation of all fraudulent R370 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments.

The SRD grant is administered in terms of app-section 32 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004) and is implemented with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance. The grant is meant for South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers and special permit holders, who are between the ages of 18 and 60 years, who have insufficient means, who do not receive social grants on behalf of themselves, or who are not contributing to or eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund payment, and have no financial support from any other source.

In a statement on Monday, the agency informed all beneficiaries that it is mandated to cancel all fraudulent grant payments, while emphasising its commitment to combatting fraud and ensuring that grants are paid to the rightful beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries, whose grants are cancelled due to suspected fraud, are allowed to reapply.

“SASSSA implemented this activity to ensure that the Agency pays social grants to the right people and avoid fraud.

“The agency is encouraging people to take responsibility to make sure that their identity numbers are not utilised for fraudulent activities. SASSA beneficiaries must ensure that they do not share their identity numbers with strangers to avoid becoming aiding fraudsters,” the Agency said.

To manage these cases effectively, SASSA has deployed a team of well-trained officials assigned to deal with COVID-19 SRD grant cases.

Beneficiaries, who suspect fraudulent activity involving their grants, are encouraged to report it immediately via SASSA’s toll-free hotline or WhatsApp service.

“Beneficiaries are encouraged to note that when they check their status and find out that it states “referred” it means that the SASSA system is suspecting fraudulent activity therefore the beneficiary must contact SASSA immediately to resolve the case,” the Agency said.

SASSA also warned beneficiaries not to keep changing their banking details and contact numbers because those processes delay the payment processes.

For further assistance or information, beneficiaries can contact SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11, or call 013 754 9428/9363 during working hours, Monday to Friday. WhatsApp inquiries can be directed to 082 046 8553.

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, has ordered maximum resources to be mobilised in finding an alleged Stilfontein mining kingpin.

This comes after James Neo Tshoaeli, known as “Tiger”, allegedly escaped from the police custody, after resurfacing from the mine shaft 11 at Stilfontein, last week.

In a statement issued on Monday, Asaneng said extensive investigations and tracing operations were underway to find the officials who aided Tiger’s escape between shaft 11 and the Stilfontein police holding cells.

“According to records, Tiger was never booked into various other stations where some illegal miners are being kept. Tiger is also not admitted at a local hospital for further medical care,” Asaneng said.

The alleged kingpin and ringleader is a Lesotho national and according to records, his name is James Neo Tshoaeli but is commonly known as Tiger.

According to the Acting Commissioner, Tiger is being fingered in several statements as one of the ring leaders who controlled operations underground.

“He is also being accused by some illegal miners who resurfaced underground as being allegedly responsible for some deaths, assault, and torture that is alleged to have taken place according to videos in police possession. He is also alleged to have hoarded and kept food away from other illegal miners,” Asaneng said.

Asaneng has expressed disappointment in what he terms as an “embarrassment to the Vala Umgodi operation that has been running from December 2023”.

He warned that heads would roll once they find the officials that aided the kingpin to escape from police custody.

“Tiger is a fugitive of justice and is considered dangerous. Members of the public are advised to share any information pertaining to his whereabouts to the Stilfontein Police Station,” Asaneng said.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, says eyes at the power utility are now firmly fixed on reaching a year without implementing load shedding – a target that is just slightly more than two months away.

This as Eskom reached 300 days without implementing the scheduled rolling black outs today.

“Credit goes to all our 40 000 dedicated and skilled Eskom employees, who are committed to serving South Africa. Our sights are now firmly focused on delivering one year without load shedding at midnight on 26 March 2025.

“These 300 days without load shedding have been characterised by a significant reduction in unplanned outages, which have long been one of the biggest challenges, a notable improvement in the energy availability factor of approximately 7%, and savings in diesel expenditure of R16.42 billion,” Nxumalo said.

The State-owned entity’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the performance is putting the power utility on a “path to profitability”.

Eskom’s performance has been on a steady upward trajectory since the implementation of the Energy Action Plan introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022, as well as the implementation of the power utility’s own Generation Recovery Plan.

“Public sentiment is shifting. Business leaders, who once had to invest precious capex in self-generation, have enquired whether they should revert to investing in Eskom for their power needs.

“The savings we are making in diesel spend are invested in the business to drive efficiencies further and place Eskom on a path to profitability and long-term operational and financial sustainability,” Marokane said.

Eskom said it will continue to focus on implementing plans to further improve performance.

“Eskom expresses gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Minister of Electricity and Energy, the Eskom Board, government and the National Energy Crisis Committee, for the collaborative effort in addressing the country’s electricity challenges.

“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing generation recovery, strengthening governance, and tackling crime and corruption, while future-proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” the power utility said.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced a 36% increase in the allocation of certain key fish species.

This allocation marks a significant step towards empowering small-scale fishers, strengthening local economies and driving sustainable growth in South Africa’s fishing communities.

“This 36% increase in fish allocations for own use is about improving livelihoods, empowering fishing communities, and stimulating economic activity in our coastal regions.

“By supporting small-scale fishers, we’re ensuring that they become central players in driving local development and sustainability,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

He said the increased allocations form part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive economic growth and job creation while preserving South Africa’s rich marine biodiversity.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is working to reinvigorate coastal harbours as hubs of economic activity and it wants to help uplift small-scale fishers so that they can fully capitalise on these expanded opportunities.

“This initiative reaffirms the government’s dedication to addressing socio-economic obstacles in coastal areas while ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources for future generations,” the department said.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned the public to be aware of a fake traffic officer job learnership circulating on social media site, TikTok.

The RTMC said the advert, inviting individuals to apply for a Traffic Officer Learnership, is “entirely fake and has not been published by the corporation”.

“The RTMC condemns, in the strongest possible terms, individuals who prey on the public by spreading false information and exploiting job seekers in an attempt to solicit bribes or other personal gains.

“These unethical and criminal activities not only tarnish the image of genuine organisations but also cause financial and emotional harm to innocent members of our society.

“We wish to emphasise that all RTMC job opportunities, including learnerships and internships, are advertised on the official RTMC website www.rtmc.co.za. and on reputable publications. The corporation does not charge any fees or require any payments for applications or interviews,” the corporation said in a statement.

The public is urged to verify any RTMC job related information at www.rtmc.co.za or by email at info@rtmc.co.za or by calling 0861 400 800.

“If you encounter any suspicious job adverts or are approached with demands for payment in exchange for employment, please contact the RTMC to assist in combating this fraudulent activity.

“The RTMC remains committed to promoting integrity, transparency, and fair opportunities for all South Africans. The RTMC further denounces those who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of others,” the statement concluded.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has issued a statement assuring the public that there is no need to panic about the reported cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

“This commonly occurring virus causes respiratory illness and is in the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HMPV is detected all year round in South Africa as one of the regular seasonal respiratory viruses,” said the NICD, a division of the National Laboratory Service.

The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, much like RSV and influenza.

HMPV is mostly associated with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and possibly a fever. In most cases, these symptoms resolve within a few days.

In some instances, HMPV may also cause infection in the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis/bronchiolitis or pneumonia).

“HMPV is typically detected less commonly among patients presenting for care with respiratory illness compared to influenza or RSV, but this can vary depending on the time of year.

“People who are at risk of the virus are infants who are under six months of age (specifically those who are born prematurely), older people, people with comorbidities such as chronic lung and heart disease, those with conditions that affect the immune system (such as HIV), and people with diabetes are at increased risk of developing severe illness,” said the NICD.

It said, as with most respiratory viral illnesses, there was no specific treatment for HMPV.

Treatment of mild illness would include symptomatic relief, such as rest, medicines for pain and fever. People should also remain at home while ill to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Should symptoms not resolve within 3 to 5 days or become severe (difficulty breathing, fever not settling), people should seek care at a clinic or general practitioner.

More severe illnesses would be managed supportively with admission to the hospital for monitoring, supplementary oxygen and fluids as needed.

The NICD said vaccines for HMPV are in the late stages of development.

“There is also a combination vaccine (for HMPV and RSV) in development. These will likely be available in the next few years.”

The NICD has robust surveillance systems across South Africa, which will be able to detect an increase in respiratory pathogen circulation, and their laboratory has the capability to test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

“Many private laboratories in South Africa can also test for HMPV and other respiratory viruses. In addition, in August 2024, multidisciplinary and multilevel stakeholders convened in Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in a tabletop simulation exercise to test and refine the draft National Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Plan.

“Simulation exercises are essential for countries to test and validate their preparedness and response mechanisms for public health emergencies, including epidemics and pandemics,” it said.

The City of Tshwane Metro Municipality has announced that water supplied from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant to Hammanskraal is safe for consumption.

This comes after the completion of Phase 1 of the water treatment project.

The areas which fall under the first phase and have access to the clean water include Wards 49, 73, 74 and 75, which encompass Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (also referred to as Steve Bikoville), and Babelegi Industrial.

The completion of  Phase 1 of the project follows extensive testing conducted by the Department of Water and Sanitation, City of Tshwane, and Magalies Water, which confirmed that the water is now meeting all the required health standards for consumption.

In a statement posted on social media, X, on Wednesday, Tshwane Municipality Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, explained that “extensive testing” was done before laboratory tests confirmed that “the water now meets all the required health standards for consumption”.

This comes after a process of purging the reticulation system, which was previously supplied by Temba Water Works, using clean water sourced from the new Klipdrift Package Plant.

Moya noted that the purpose of the prolonged purging process and accompanying inspections was to ensure that the system is fully rehabilitated, disinfected and safe.

“The successful delivery of services to Hammanskraal forms part of long-term projects by the city and the national government to ensure that the quality of water provided to this community meets the constitutional obligations enjoyed by many citizens in the country,” Moya said.

Moya said the Magalies Water Klipdrift package project consists of “four phases estimated to be completed in mid-2025”.

“With the completion of each stage, more areas in Hammanskraal will benefit. This will be complemented by upgrades to Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) being conducted by the city. The combination of these two projects will allow communities to benefit from a reliable and clean water supply,” the Mayor said.

Rooiwal WWTP tender first stage of investigation completed

Meanwhile, Moya reported that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has this week confirmed that the first stage of its investigation into the Rooiwal WWTP tender has been completed.

She said this has resulted in criminal referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority and disciplinary referrals to the City of Tshwane.

“The mayoral executive welcomes the news of the completion of the first part of the investigation and is awaiting formal communication from the Special Investigating Unit to the city. We look forward to receiving the report and acting on its recommendations.

“Addressing the injustice of the failure to provide potable water to the residents of Hammanskraal must include consequence management for the failures and corruption of the initial project. The completion of the first part of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit brings us one step closer to ensuring accountability,” Moya said.

The Mayor also acknowledged the residents of Hammanskraal for their patience and committed to addressing other challenges plaguing the area.

“We thank residents for their patience during the process of ensuring the safety of the water and will continue to work with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation, to successfully deliver the future phases of the project,” Moya said.

For more than a decade, the community of Hammanskraal has suffered from a lack of clean, and constant water supply.

This led to the death of 32 people due to an outbreak of cholera in the area in 2023.

This prompted a visit to the area by President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he apologised to the residents.

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has arrested more than 800 motorists between 1 December 2024 and 5 January 2025 for driving under the influence (DUI) and excessive speeding.

Of those arrested, 512 were arrested for DUI and 364 were arrested by the department’s high-speed unit for speeding.

In a statement, the JMPD said it was carrying out road safety operations across the city as part of efforts to “combat lawlessness, enhance road safety, and address the alarming rate of serious and fatal accidents”.

“These arrests serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with these offences. Driving under the influence and excessive speeding can lead to the loss of life, severe injuries, and legal repercussions, including fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of driving licences.

“Additionally, accidents can have devastating emotional and psychological impacts on victims, their families, and the broader community,” the statement read.

The metro police explained the dangers of speeding and driving while intoxicated.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol poses significant dangers not only to the driver but also to other road users. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and diminished coordination greatly increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

“Excessive speeding is equally as dangerous. It drastically reduces a driver’s ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, significantly increasing the severity of potential crashes,” the statement said.

The JMPD said it is ramping up its operations as the festive season draws to a close.

“The JMPD will continue its intensified operations, focusing on high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-searches, and targeted enforcement in high-risk areas, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and the community.

“The JMPD urges all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritise road safety,” the statement concluded.

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy and the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have sent messages of heartfelt condolences and support to the families of the bereaved and injured following a major crash that resulted in the loss of 18 lives and one person sustaining serious injuries.

The crash occurred on Monday at approximately 20:30 on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Reports received thus far indicate that a truck, a minibus and a light motor vehicle were involved in a multiple vehicle crash that resulted in 18 fatalities (13 adults and 5 children) and one baby seriously injured. The cause of the crash is unknown at this stage and will be subject to an investigation,” the Department of Transport said on Tuesday.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has dispatched a team of crash reconstruction experts and investigators to the scene to determine the cause of the crash.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have wished the injured a speedy recovery to good health.

“Our hearts and our prayers are with all the families, the loved ones and friends of the deceased and injured during this period of deep grief. We also wish a speedy return to good health to all who sustained injuries during this sad and tragic occurrence,” Creecy said.

The Minister and Deputy Minister have reiterated their call to motorists and all road users for heightened vigilance on the roads, emphasising the call and the appeal that road users must always take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others on the roads.

The Ministry of Transport reminds all road users of the following important road safety tips:

• Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
• Buckle up at all times.
• Adhere to the speed limit.
• Exercise extra caution when driving in inclement weather and maintain a safe following distance.
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Avoid using cell phones while driving.
• Take regular breaks when driving long distances.
• Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections.
• Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.

The festive season has started on a bleak note, with the preliminary road statistics showing that in the first six days of this month, 162 fatal crashes and 193 deaths were recorded in the country.

“To date, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have the highest number of accidents and fatalities, with a concentration of incidents in the metros. While current figures represent a decrease compared to the same period last year, these figures are still too high,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said on Monday.

Addressing media during the Cross-Alive Road Safety campaign at the Lebombo Border Post, the Minister said the most recent data was collected at the end of Friday, 6 December, and preliminary analysis of the figures indicated a high number of buses and trucks involved in accidents, with most of the accidents occurring after dark.

“To rectify this situation, urgent meetings will be convened this week with bus and truck operators, as well as traffic management authorities in the provinces and metros concerned.

“Road traffic operations in the first five days of December stopped nearly 200 000 vehicles and made 512 arrests. The top five offences include speeding; driving without a seat belt; driving an unlicensed vehicle; driving without a driving licence and driving a vehicle with worn tyres,” Creecy said.

Mpumalanga accounted for the highest number of impounded vehicle,s with 267 vehicles being taken off the road.

“Government is working hard to increase traffic patrolling and law enforcement operations. However, government alone cannot change this reality. We can only save lives if road users change their behaviour, because it is the behaviour of people that leads to most of the deaths on our roads,” the Minister said.

She reiterated government’s message on road safety.

“Before any journey, check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy. Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one, and carry a valid driver’s licence.

“If you are a pedestrian this festive season, make smart choices. Only cross the road at a marked intersection or pedestrian crossing. Avoid jaywalking and wear bright clothing at night,” Creecy said.

She reminded those who will be getting behind the wheel on a long journey to take a break every two hours or every 200 kilometres.

“Remember, buckle up and stay within the speed limit. Do not overtake on a barrier line. Travel during the day – it is safer. If you are planning to party, please do not drink and drive. Please do not drink and walk. Stay over or appoint a designated driver who will not drink, or use public transport,” Creecy said.

Lebombo Border

The Minister visited the Lebombo Border post to receive first-hand information on the work that has been done to decongest trucks waiting to cross into Mozambique.

The Minister’s visit was necessitated by reports received on Saturday morning on the closure of the border, which had resulted in trucks queuing on the South African side.

“The queue reached distances of more than 20 kilometres, and this brought other challenges. This means that the Mozambiquan authorities opened the border to allow returning empty trucks and for passenger vehicles to leave that country. Since [Sunday], passenger vehicles have also been allowed to cross the border into Mozambique

“To address this challenge, my department is working with the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency and other law enforcement agencies to develop a plan to address this dire situation. Our country’s border authorities are in touch with their Mozambican counterparts, who will advise when it is safe for freight vehicles to cross the border,” the Minister said.

The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency is also in touch with the trucking industry to update them on the current situation.

“This situation has happened on a number of occasions in recent times.  We plead for patience from the truck drivers, who have to stomach a very frustrating situation and spend long hours on the road,” the Minister said.