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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, has officially handed over R514 million in contracts to 15 Labour Activation Programme (LAP) partner companies in Mpumalanga, aimed at stimulating job creation in the province.

The 15 LAP partner companies are expected to provide training to over 9 600 job seekers after signing a pledge committing to the absorption of these jobseekers in key sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the handover event held at Mbombela Stadium on Monday, Meth said the handover is not just about launching projects but also igniting opportunities that will reach thousands of individuals, uplift families, and strengthen communities.

“We are investing not just in businesses, but in people, skills, and making dreams that deserve to be realised a possibility. This is what real economic transformation looks like – not just numbers on a page, but real impact on the lives of those who call Mpumalanga home,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that the partners whom the contracts have been handed over to have been given a condition to guarantee jobs for beneficiaries.

“I have made it a requirement that all the LAP partners recruit at least 70% of the beneficiaries from the Employment Services of South Africa (ESA) platform, which is a government system placed to connect job seekers with available opportunities,” she said.

She moved to highlight that Mpumalanga is a province of movement, boasting infrastructure that connects the nation to greater possibilities. It is home to one of the most important economic corridors, the Maputo Corridor, a vital route that links us to the Port of Maputo and connects South Africa to the rest of the world.

“Through this corridor, we export our agricultural produce, our minerals, and our manufactured goods, which fuel the country’s economy. It is this very corridor that has the power to transform small businesses into major players, to take local industries and give them a global footprint,” she said.

The Minister also noted that approximately 1 million young South Africans become available to the labour market. However, only 400 000 find steady work, 300 000 find some work, while about 300 000 never find work.

She stressed that without decisive and intentional interventions from the government, in collaboration with relevant societal partners, the situation is unlikely to improve.

Young people continue to face challenges in entering the labour market due to a lack of work experience, and in some cases, possessing skills that do not align with market demands.

“It is for this reason I emphasise that our response must be decisive, and I dare say – aggressive.

“I am pleased and equally excited that today, at this municipality of Mbombela we gather to handover the Labour Activation Program contracts to 15 partners, who will create job opportunities for 9 616 beneficiaries to the value of over R514 million across 4 districts and spanning to over 11 local municipalities,” the Minister said.

The Minister said the Labour Activation Program is the department’s direct policy response to unemployment, affording job seekers opportunities to improve their employability and connect them to the world of work.

“Our focus should combine skills training, work experience, and job placement services to help participants transition into the labour market.

“With these projects, we are saying to the people of Mpumalanga: we see you, we believe in you, and we are committed to your success. We are saying to the youth that there is space for you in this economy, that your talents and skills are needed, as the future belongs to you. We are saying to businesses that you are not alone, the government is here to support you and to open doors to break down barriers that have held back growth for too long,” the Minister said.

The Minister added that government is strengthening private sector partnerships to collaborate in creating more job opportunities and ensure training programs are relevant to industry needs.

“We need every South African to believe in the power of collective action. This drive grew stronger after President Ramaphosa established an Inter-Ministerial Committee of government and business partnership on unemployment, skills development and SMME support, which is chaired by me as the Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour.

“Throughout this partnership, our targeted interventions for groups disproportionately affected by unemployment, such as youth, women and people with disabilities remain our priority.

“Let us continue working together to build a better country- collectively working together, we can change the trajectory of unemployment,” the Minister said.

The inaugural Lobelo la Dipitsi Traditional Horse Racing event, held at Bloomtech Lodge in Vryburg at the weekend, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the North West province while also stimulating local economic growth.

According to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Lobelo la Dipitsi represents a significant milestone in the province’s initiative to use traditional sports for economic development.

The race attracted an influx of visitors from across the province and neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Namibia, boosting tourism and fostering cross-border collaboration.

A key feature of the event was the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) exhibition, which showcased 69 stalls supported by the Department of Economic Development, Conservation, Environment, and Tourism (DEDECT)and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.

These enterprises, ranging from flea market vendors to informal traders, displayed a variety of artisanal products, including handcrafted African-themed clothing, footwear, organic herbs, spices, perfumes, and wooden vases.

The gathering was attended by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and the DEDECT MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane with the MEC emphasising the race’s role in economic transformation, saying it is not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also a strategic initiative to drive local business growth.

This platform empowers Black entrepreneurs, facilitates job creation, and strengthens the local economy.

“Through the North West Gambling Board, we envisage empowering emerging race associations with compliance in terms of acquiring relevant licenses with gambling legislations.”

During a walkabout of the flea market, the MEC engaged directly with small business owners to assess their experiences and the impact of the event on their enterprises.

She alluded to the fact that the department will continue to offer support to small businesses and cooperatives to ensure that their products are well packaged, properly labelled, and adhere to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements.

“The economic activity generated by the event reaffirmed the potential of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development.”

The event reached its highlight with an exciting prize-giving ceremony, officiated by the province’s leadership.

Lenkopane commended the participation of young riders and the involvement of regional partners from Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, highlighting the significance of this initiative in fostering strong economic and cultural ties.

“I am confident that Lobelo la Dipitsi has the potential to grow into a flagship event on North West’s tourism calendar,” she added.

She further extended her gratitude to the event sponsors, including GBets, Goldrush, Sunbets, CGM and other contributors, for their commitment to making the event a reality.

She also expressed gratitude to community members and horse riders for their enthusiastic participation and support.
Lobelo la Dipitsi will be rotated annually across the districts of the province, ensuring continued economic impact, cultural preservation, and regional integration.

This groundbreaking initiative has reinforced the NWPG’s commitment to empowering local communities through strategic events and sustainable economic initiatives.

Seven suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi are expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s court today on charges of the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, the seven were arrested in Sabie on Friday, 28 March 2025.

“The arrested suspects, aged between 18 and 67, were found to be undocumented foreign nationals,” said the police of the intelligence driven operation conducted by the proactive and combat team in collaboration with Phoenix Security.

During the operation, illegal mining equipment were confiscated, which included Phendukas, gas cylinders, motors, oxygen cylinders, and generators.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities.

Through Operation Vala Umgodi, the men and women in blue remain committed to working alongside other stakeholders to address illegal mining activities in the province.

A high-density operation in the greater Kuruman, Northern Cape, has resulted in fines amounting to R38 500 issued for various road traffic violations.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), under the leadership of Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johny Besnaar, together with the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeled, and Acting John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, led a successful high-density operation in the greater Kuruman area and Bothithong policing precint.

The high-density operation, which was carried out on 28 and 29 March 2025, was supported by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers.

“The multi-disciplinary operations were executed by members from the affected stations, [including] SAPS K9 unit, flying squad, members from the Provincial Proactive policing, Provincial Corporate Communication and the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS),” the SAPS said in a statement on Sunday.

The police actions targeted various offences, including aggravated and business robberies, burglary at residential premises, preventing stolen property in transit, combating of drugs and human trafficking, as well as stock theft

The disruptive actions commenced with stop and searches, foot patrols, blue light patrols, compliance inspections and drugs searches.

Police also conducted roadblocks on the N14 road during which 392 vehicles were stopped and searched, where fines amounting to R38 500, were issued for various road traffic violations.

During compliance inspections, tuckshops and taverns operating in Kuruman and Bothithong, were visited.

One tavern was closed down and a fine was issued for non-compliance.

A total of seven people were also arrested for contraventions, including drunk and driving, possession of drugs, riotous behaviour, shoplifting, and contravention of the Immigration laws.

Police further discovered an unregistered day care centre operating without the required documentation in a Kuruman residential area, and the local Department of Social Development personnel were contacted for further handling.

The Acting District Commissioner and Brigadier Baloyi commended all role-players and law enforcement agencies, who were involved the crime blitz, for the collaboration in combating and preventing crime during the operations.

“These actions reaffirmed that police will continue to stamp down the authority of the state in the district, especially as we are approaching the Easter holidays and beyond,” the SAPS said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities via the MySAPS  App or the 08600 10111 Crime Stop number.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged citizens to check their children’s vaccination status due to a rise in diphtheria cases in the country.

Since the beginning of 2025, up until 23 March, diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been confirmed in 40 people in South Africa.

Of these cases, 19 exhibited symptoms, while 21 were asymptomatic.

“These asymptomatic individuals were carriers identified during contact tracing,” the statement read.

According to data from the NICD, there were 15 reported cases of respiratory diphtheria in the Western Cape, two cases in Gauteng, three cases in Mpumalanga, and one probable case in Limpopo.

Laboratory tests did not confirm the case from Limpopo, but the person exhibited symptoms consistent with respiratory diphtheria.

Over 78% of the cases have occurred in adults aged 18 and older.

Among the symptomatic cases, the public health institute said it was important to note that nine people have died, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27% (nine out of 33 cases) since the beginning of 2024.

“Adults who have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the last 10 years are urged to seek vaccination at a clinic or with their usual healthcare provider.

“Pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine with each pregnancy to protect the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”

Diphtheria is a contagious, severe, vaccine-preventable illness usually associated with a sore throat, fever, and large, swollen glands in the neck.

The NICD said this illness is sometimes called a “bull neck”, and on examining a patient, the doctor will see a characteristic adherent membrane over the tonsils and the throat, also known as a “pseudomembrane”.

“If not treated early, the public health institute said diphtheria causes difficulty in breathing and can lead to complete blockage of the airway and death. The organism also produces a toxin that affects the heart muscle, kidneys, and nervous system, leading to life-threatening illness.”

Treatment is with diphtheria antitoxin to neutralise the toxin produced by the bacterium and appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the organism, which should be given early to be effective.

The NICD is encouraging doctors and healthcare workers to be on high alert for suspected diphtheria cases and are urged to report cases on the Notifiable Medical Condition app or the NICD website.

The NICD said the best protection against diphtheria is vaccination.

Infant vaccine is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses at 18 months and six and 12 years.

The available vaccines include Dt (diphtheria and tetanus) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough).

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has welcomed the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decision to allow for the continued use of the SASSA gold card until all the cards have been successfully replaced.

The decision by SARB comes after several engagements between SASSA and Postbank on several issues, including alternative payment methods for beneficiaries who have not migrated to the Postbank black card.

SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, said the decision has been made in the best interest of all the beneficiaries to safeguard their dignity, lessen panic, while ensuring their safety and easy access to their grants.

Matlou said he respects and abides by the decisions taken by the relevant banking authorities, including SARB. He also appealed to all gold card holders to still go out to change their card to Postbank black card sooner rather than later.

“We humbly plea to our beneficiaries to use this opportunity and not wait for the last hour, as this will further inconvenience them. From the onset, we listened to the cries of our beneficiaries and understood their frustration.

“This should not make you to relax, this should make you to wake up tomorrow, with less pressure, and change your card,” Matlou said in a statement on Friday.

Briefing the media on Thursday, following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the deadline for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries to swop their SASSA gold cards for the new Postbank cards had been extended to 30 April 2025.

This is to allow SASSA and the Department of Social Development to complete the migration of the outstanding beneficiaries

The eThekwini Municipality has approved the transfer of R2 million within the water and sanitation capital budget in the 2024/25 financial year to address persistent water challenges affecting various areas in the northern parts of the city, particularly Verulam and surrounding areas.

The decision was taken during the City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting on Tuesday.

In a statement after the meeting, the council said the funds will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project to the ‘Hazelmere to Grange’ Reservoir pipeline project.

The Pinkney Park project has been delayed by the Bid Evaluation Committee due to insufficient funding in the current approved 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

The municipality said the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project is an ongoing project that urgently requires an additional R2 million in funding to complete it in the current financial year.

“Work has stopped on site due to funds having been exhausted for the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project. The additional allocation to complete the project will ensure much needed relief to the communities in the northern parts of the city, who have been experiencing water shortages,” the council said.

It said the water challenges have been further worsened by the recurring flood disasters that have battered the KwaZulu-Natal city in recent years.

R3 million approved for oThongathi crematorium 

The Executive Committee also approved an additional R3 million for the urgent replacement of the furnace at the oThongathi Crematorium.

This follows the initial allocation of R5 million in the city’s adjustment budget, bringing the total investment to R8 million.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the decision by EXCO emphasises the city’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the northern region have access to cremation services.

“We are pleased that EXCO has responded swiftly to this urgent matter. The failure of the furnace has left many families without access to cremation services in the area. This funding will allow us to expedite the process and restore this essential service,” Xaba said.

The existing cremator, which has been in use for many years, suffered repeated breakdowns before completely failing on 24 January 2025. Technical assessments confirmed that the furnace had reached the end of its lifespan, necessitating full replacement.

To fast-track the project, Xaba said the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit has identified savings within its capital budget to cover the R3 million shortfall.

He said the municipality will now proceed with appointing a service provider to manufacture, construct, and install the new furnace.

The contractor, who must be South African-based, will also provide maintenance support for 12-months under warranty, with a potential extension for two years.

Xaba reiterated the city’s commitment to delivering dignified and efficient services.

“We understand the cultural and religious significance of cremation for many communities. The urgent reprioritisation of funds demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that all residents have access to essential municipal services,” the mayor said.

He said the city will continue to provide updates to residents as the project progresses, with the aim of restoring full operations at the crematorium within the current financial year.

Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across the country, with police having arrested 12 892 suspects recently.

“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [South African Police Service] continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement this week.

The arrests were made in the period 17 – 23 March 2025.

The police said 123 suspects were arrested for attempted murder; 167 suspects were arrested for murder (with the majority of these suspects, 45, arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and followed by the Western Cape with 42). The police also arrested 1 753 wanted suspects and 203 drug dealers.

A further 1 507 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects (689) were arrested in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 115 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms.

Additionally, 10 suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 432 drivers were arrested for drunken driving.

One hundred and nineteen firearms and 1 335 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The police also recovered 76 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Curbing smuggling

Members of the Limpopo Anti-Smuggling team conducted a successful operation along the N11 road in Mahwelereng, which resulted in the arrest of 20 Ethiopian foreign nationals, who were allegedly smuggled into the country.

Police also arrested suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man and South African woman arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police. Police seized cocaine valued at over R1 million. Their arrest has now brought the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.

“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS.

Social grant beneficiaries who have not replaced their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards with the new Postbank black cards, have been urged to do so.

On 20 March 2025, SASSA gold cards will be deactivated and beneficiaries who have not yet transitioned to the new Postbank black cards, may face disruptions in making transactions from the card.

The beneficiaries will also not be able to use the SASSA gold cards to make any transaction, even if they have funds in their account.

However, Postbank will continue to replace SASSA gold cards with new Postbank black cards in all its card replacement sites, even after this date.

Postbank and SASSA have assured that all social grant beneficiaries will continue to be paid, including all the social grant beneficiaries who have not been able to get their black cards.

Beneficiaries are urged to note that the Post Office branch payments will be restricted to social grant beneficiaries that are yet to replace their SASSA gold cards, asylum seekers and Postbank green Mzansi/blue cards’ grant beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries who already have Postbank black cards are urged to use their card through ATMs and retailers to access their funds.

The initial deadline for this transition was set for 28 February 2025 but was extended to 20 March 2025 to provide beneficiaries with additional time to make the switch. ​

The new Postbank Black Cards can be obtained at various retailers, including Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer. To receive a new card, beneficiaries need to present a valid South African ID or a temporary ID. ​

Postbank has also made it easy for beneficiaries to locate the nearest place in every province where they can collect their Postbank Black Cards. Beneficiaries can use their cellphones to:​

Dial: *120*355#​

To continue, reply by pressing number: 1​

Reply with the number representing the province you live in. ​

The new Postbank Black Cards offer several benefits, including improved security features, one free card replacement per year, three free withdrawals in stores per month, and one free monthly statement over the counter.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba says the city remains committed to ensuring that permanent houses are built for the families affected by the recent floods.

Speaking at during an Executive Council (Exco) meeting held this week, Xaba reported that between 19 February and 15 March 2025, the recurring floods have claimed the lives of 15 people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.

Xaba said the report received from the Joint Operations Centre indicated that 1 452 houses and 5 939 people were affected. The worst affected areas include Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Pinetown, KwaDabeka and Lamontville.

Xaba conveyed the council’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, saying that the city is working with the bereaved families to ensure that their loved ones receive a dignified burial.

“Together with the Premier [Thamsanqa Ntuli] and the Chairperson of Trading Services, Mduduzi Nkosi, we visited the affected families in Inanda and Lamontville, including those who have been relocated to family-friendly accommodation in the inner-city. As… [the three spheres of] government, we are committed to ensuring that permanent houses are built for these families,” Xaba said.

However, Xaba noted the challenges encountered in building permanent houses in identified sites.

He said the existing community members are not cooperating, either because they themselves are flood victims who have not been allocated houses, or they do not want low-cost houses in their neighbourhood.

“As the rains persist, we will continue to face the shortage of land to resettle flood victims, considering that the city has 603 informal settlements and some of them are located in flood-prone areas. Working together, we must intensify public awareness campaigns urging people not to settle in flood plains because the frequency and intensity of floods, due to climate change, poses a huge risk to human lives and infrastructure,” Xaba said.

Since 2017, the city has been experiencing recurring floods, and this has put a huge strain on the city’s water drainage system.

In eThekwini, stormwater systems are designed to handle a “1-in-10-year” storm event, Xaba said.

“Our large canals and river protection works are built to withstand 1-in-50 or 1-in-100-year storm events. In the last two months, we have been experiencing heavy downpours that we would ordinarily receive in every 20 – 40 years.

“It is in this context that we must continue to urge members of the community to dispose of waste in designated places so that during heavy rains, the same waste does not clog our drainage system and flood our homes,” Xaba said.