Category: News

The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has issued a stern warning to travellers, who are in contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Last night, during a routine intelligence-driven operation, 25 travellers were intercepted and deported by the BMA Immigration officials at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), who were trying to enter South Africa illegally.

Of those,13 Bangladeshis and three Pakistanis were found to be in possession of fake visitors’ visas. One Bangladeshi, a Nigerian, three Pakistanis and four Ghanaians failed to meet the relevant entry requirements on arrival.

These travellers were intercepted on flights from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ghana and Nigeria, and they were deported back in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations.

The ICAO provides global standards for air transport operations and highlights that a person who has entered a state illegally or denied entry shall be returned to their country of origin by the respective airlines that brought them to South Africa and shall bear the costs of that particular travel.

ORTIA has been a target, with various travellers attempting to enter the country illegally.

This past Sunday, five Bangladeshis and five Ethiopians were intercepted in collaboration with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

Masiapato commended the operations by BMA officials at ORTIA, saying that as the biggest and busiest airport in Africa, detection systems need to continue to be advanced.

“The outstanding efforts of our dedicated BMA immigration officers in successfully intercepting these travellers is commendable. With the BMA just one year in operation, this work exemplifies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders and maintaining the integrity of our immigration laws.

“The diligence and professionalism displayed by our team have prevented potential security threats and upheld the rule of law.

“We will continue to enhance our capabilities and escalate cooperation with ACSA security as well as collaborate with international partners to address and combat such illicit activities effectively,” Masiapato said.

ACSA Regional General Manager Jabulani Khambule has thanked and congratulated the BMA on these latest interceptions of illegal travellers, praising officials for their hard work and dedication to protecting South Africa’s ports of entry.

“These latest successful interceptions of illegal travellers by the BMA demonstrates the importance of our multi-agency safety and security approach throughout our environment to enhance airport and aviation security in general.

“The aviation security model that is vertically and horizontally integrated with various law enforcement authorities is important to root out criminality across our airports,” said Khambule.

As the third law enforcement authority responsible for five key functional areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and the general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas, the BMA has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to criminal or unlawful behaviour at all ports of entry.

The BMA will continue to intensify its operations with the deployment of an additional 400 Junior Border Guards, who have resumed duty on the 1st of June 2024 at various ports.

Travellers are warned to avoid attempting to enter South Africa illegally, as they will be caught by BMA officials.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola has condemned the brutal killing of two children in Soshanguve, Gauteng.

The two children, aged four and seven, died when the shack they were in was set alight by gunmen, who were allegedly after their father.

The suspects had allegedly already shot six other people at a shebeen in the same area, killing two.

“It is unconscionable that such horrific indent occurs during a period when our country is commemorating Child Protection Week.

“It highlights the urgent need for swift action from law enforcement to bring perpetrators to book. The full might of the law must be demonstrated to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” Lamola said.

Police have subsequently launched a manhunt for the alleged killers.

Lamola also condemned the killing of family members in Glenmore, KwaZulu-Natal, allegedly related to their support of Palestine.

“This senseless act of violence, which resulted in the death of a woman and the attempted murder of her husband and son, is a blatant attack on South Africa’s Constitutionally-guaranteed rights to freedom of association, expression and political choice.

“We call for a thorough investigation and prosecution to ensure that justice is served,” Lamola said.

The KwaZulu-Natal government remains on the ground to provide humanitarian assistance to the families that have been displaced by devastating floods following heavy rains that have battered parts of the province on Monday night.

The heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc in various parts of the province, affecting five districts, including eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.

The preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 people have died, and these include seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, respectively.

Over 55 people were reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.

Dozens of people have also been left homeless after their homes were ripped apart by heavy winds. Three temporary shelters have been established, where the affected families are receiving humanitarian aid.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of people that have tragically lost their lives, and wished a speedy recovery to the people who were admitted and are recovering in hospital.

Dube-Ncube led a government delegation to various areas in eThekwini Metro on Tuesday to receive a first-hand report on the extent of the damage and ensure a coordinated rapid response from government.

The Premier said the provincial government’s priority is to ensure that the displaced families receive immediate humanitarian relief and to fast-track the restoration of services.

“We have rallied all government departments to ensure an all-hands on deck approach as we consolidate our rebuilding and recovery plan of action. Our aim is to support affected families to rebuild their lives.

“Assessments are continuing so that work to repair damaged infrastructure can begin. The assessment reports will give us a clear indication of the extent of the damage and funding that will be required,” Dube-Ncube said.

She has also urged the municipalities to ensure that all affected people are profiled and receive the necessary support from government.

Immediate humanitarian aid

Disaster management teams are conducting assessments and coordinating humanitarian efforts for the affected families.

Non-governmental organisations, including the Red Cross, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Gift of the Givers and IPSS Medical Rescue, are working closely with government to ensure the provision of hot meals, mattresses, blankets, food parcels and humanitarian assistance.

uThongathi is currently being classified as the most affected area, with hundreds of houses severely destroyed. Other areas, including Umgababa, south of the eThekwini Metro, Eshowe, Utrecht, Osizweni and KwaHlabisa have also been severely affected.

Public infrastructure, including schools, roads, community halls and health care facilities, were also affected.

Repairing of infrastructure

The Premier said repairs to damaged transformers and powerlines, which left many areas in the eThekwini Metro without power, have started, and power has been restored in some areas, while work continues to ensure that all areas are fully restored by the end of the week.

Overhead electricity infrastructure has been severely impacted. This includes infrastructure above-ground, such as electricity poles, transformers and overhead lines.

The heavy rain also resulted in higher levels of turbidity in raw water abstracted from the uThongathi water works and the water works was shut down for few hours.

The uThongathi water works is presently operating optimally and water supply is being gradually restored.

“Residents are urged to continue to heed weather warnings whenever they are issued to minimise the impact and loss of lives,” Dube-Ncube said.

Hawks member Kgaugelo Aubrey Mogale (47), a police sergeant, was on Tuesday released on bail by the Nelspruit District Court after having been arrested by the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Corruption Investigation unit for corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

The arrest followed a financial investigation that was carried out by auditing firm KPMG during the Project Blood Orange investigation.

It was discovered that Mogale, one of the team members involved in the investigation, unduly received an amount of R6 000, deposited by the main suspect in the case, into his account over a period of time.

An internal investigation was conducted, which also established that the member did not disclose the financial benefit of R6 000.

A case docket was registered and the investigation was finalised. The matter was referred to Public Prosecutor, who decided that there is a prima facie case against Mogale.

A warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on Tuesday 4, June 2024. Mogale was released on R1 000 bail and his case postponed to 27 June 2024.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber, said he is deeply concerned that a member of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was arrested on these serious charges.

“The DPCI strives in all aspects to employ members whose integrity is beyond reproach. We strive to be a crime and corruption fighting entity, which is not tainted by allegations of corruption within our own ranks,” Gerber said.

Gerber commended the DPCI for acting against one of their own.

“This shows a commitment to be a directorate that will, without fear or favour, apply the law, irrespective of your standing in society.

“No form of criminality or corruption will be condoned. This must send a clear message to all that as DPCI Mpumalanga, we endeavour to run a clean ship,” he said.

Consumers are expected to feel some relief this month as the price of all grades of fuel are expected to fall.

This was announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) in a statement on Tuesday.

The decreases are as follows:

• Petrol 93 and 95 (ULP and LRP): R1,24 decrease.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R1,18 cents decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R1,08 cents decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 80 cents decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: R1,07 decrease.
• Maximum LP Gas Retail Price: R1,35 decrease.

The department explained the factors influencing the adjustments in prices.

“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 88.10 US Dollars (USD) to 82.98 USD per barrel, during the period under review.

“The average international product prices decreased following the lower Brent Crude oil prices during the period under review. Furthermore, petrol prices were also affected by the release of inventories by the US ahead of the Memorial holiday. The movement in product prices has led to a lower contribution to the Basic Fuel Price (BFP) of petrol by 76.16 c/l, diesel by 60.00 – 71.00 c/l and illuminating paraffin by 50.20 cents per litre.

“The Rand appreciated, on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.90 to 18.45 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of all products by about 30.00 cents per litre on all products,” the department said.

The price adjustments are expected to take effect on Wednesday (tomorrow).

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has welcomed the outcome of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections held last week.

SACCI said the outcome of the vote reflects the will of the people.

“We congratulate South Africans who filed in the long queues to make their voices heard and did so in an orderly and peaceful manner. Our democracy is indeed a vibrant one with free political contestation and multi-party contestation,” SACCI said in a statement.

It also commended the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which, despite challenges, continues to execute its mandate with credibility.

SACCI said it is looking forward to working with the new administration.

“Given the lack of an outright majority party to lead South Africa, we call on all the political parties to prioritise the interests of the people of South Africa first in putting together a coalition that will take the country forward. Foremost should be the alleviation of high levels of unemployment, building a meritocracy and sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and ridding the state and the private sector of corruption.

“Political stability and policy certainty are the fundamental hallmarks that will drive business and investor sentiment. Political parties have an opportunity to unite South Africa for the better development of the republic and the continent,” SACCI said.

It added that there are a number of successful developed countries that are run by coalition governments from whom “we can learn in managing the instability problems, inherent in coalitions”

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) had captured close to 55% of the ballots as of 9am on Friday.

According to the IEC results dashboard, the African National Congress (ANC) is taking the lead nationally, with 3 236 550 votes representing 42.07%.

The ANC is followed by the Democratic Alliance with 1 821 912 at 23.68%, while the new kids on the block the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has already secured 832 178 at 10.82%.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which is currently the third biggest party in Parliament, is sitting at 9.58% with 737 238 votes.

Newcomer, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) is also making headway at position five with 211 738 at 2.75%.

These are currently the leading parties by voting station, as the IEC officials continue to capture the results in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The counting procedures have been concluded with only a few voting stations reported to still be counting at 3pm on Thursday.

“The process of results compilation entails ensuring accuracy and validation of the results. This process involves scanning each result slip to create an image of the result, double-blind capture of each result slip, auditing of each result slip by independent auditors,” the IEC said.

According to the commission, the resulting system was audited externally and the parties also had to verify them.

The results have been trickling in throughout the night, as capturing continues.

The IEC said last night they were sitting on a 58.69% voter turnout, hovering just below 60% of voters, with bigger stations’ results still to come in.

As per the IEC data, 27 782 777 people registered to vote, with 7 943 840 total votes cast.

Of these, 7 840 658 were valid, with 103 182 spoilt votes.

The results continue to be captured and displayed on the leaderboards at the Results Operations Centre in Midrand.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has appealed to the citizens in and around uMhlathuze Ward 14, in KwaZulu-Natal, to be on the lookout for an IEC branded ballot box, which went missing in transit from the voting station at Matamzana Dube School to the municipal electoral office for storage.

“The ballots in the box have been counted, reconciled, and validated. The Electoral Commission is required, by law, to store ballots cast in general elections for a period of six months.

“Furthermore, the IEC appeals to anyone who finds the ballot box to return it to us,” said the commission said in a statement.

The IEC reminded South Africans that anyone found to be in possession of ballots was liable to criminal prosecution.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has handed over a R2 million cheque to the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) to support their Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Programme aimed at suppressing False Codling Moth (FCM).

False Codling Moth is a phytosanitary pest affecting export crops including citrus, table grapes, and stone fruit.

The programme offers immense potential in reducing pests and ensuring that South African agricultural products meet the strict standards required by international markets.

The programme, which uses cutting-edge science, also reduces the reliance on environmentally harmful pesticides and leads to improved fruit quality.

Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said addressing False Codling Moth will contribute to increased export earnings for especially the citrus industry, creating jobs and uplifting rural communities.

“Colonies of False Codling Moth are raised in special facilities where the male and female insects are sterilised using radiation from the isotope Cobalt-60 and are safely released in large numbers. Females mated with sterile males then lay eggs that do not hatch. A large decline in the pest population follows,” Meyer said.

Meyer said the trials for the programme in Citrusdal began in 2005 through a collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“The successes that followed lead to the founding of X Sterile Insect Technique (X-SIT). X-SIT now administers the SIT programme lending the programme their expertise.

“Despite its immense potential, the SIT programme faces challenges in that it is expensive. The high cost of SIT compared to cheaper but much less sustainable alternatives threatens its long-term viability,” Meyer said.

The MEC said the programme currently covers 20 400 hectares but has the potential to expand to over 4 ,000 hectares with adequate funding, and this could facilitate the creation of an estimated 50 job opportunities.

Meyer said the Citrus Growers Association has emphasised the critical need for financial support to sustain and grow the program, ensuring the continued production of export-quality residue-free fruit.

Meyer said the entire programme is currently funded by citrus and table grape growers who use the service themselves.

However, he said, the R2 million funding would alleviate some of the financial burden of the Western Cape growers and help ensure the continuation and expansion of this vital pest management strategy.

“Our support for the SIT programme underscores our commitment to a sustainable agricultural sector. This funding will help secure the future of our citrus industry, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market while protecting our environment and creating jobs,” Meyer said.

Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick expressed his gratitude, saying the support from the provincial government is a significant boost for X-SIT and everyone involved.

“The CGA hopes this type of agricultural innovation will find widespread support, as developing new technologies, though essential, does not come cheaply,” Chadwick said.