Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

As the country commemorates Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), the Department of Social Development (DSD) has reiterated the need for stronger partnerships to improve support services for children with disabilities. The department said the diverse and complex needs of children with disabilities require a collaborative approach involving civil society organisations, service providers, government stakeholders and communities. The department’s Chief Director of Communications, Lumka Oliphant, said this year’s DRAM theme provides a framework for developing practical solutions to address the challenges faced by children with disabilities. “Guided by the 2026 theme, ‘Creating Strategic Multi-sectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society’, the DSD…

Nine suspects have been arrested in a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation over allegations that they were preparing to travel abroad to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. The operation, involving the Hawks, Interpol and other law enforcement agencies, led to the arrests at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested after intelligence was gathered during investigations. “The multidisciplinary team operationalised an intervention that resulted in the arrest of nine suspects aged between 20 and 26 last night. The suspects were allegedly preparing to board…

Civic organisation Defend Our Democracy (DOD) has deployed 2,433 accredited election observers across all nine provinces to promote transparency, accountability and credible electoral processes during the 2026 Local Government Elections. According to the organisation, the observers have undergone comprehensive training and will monitor various stages of the electoral process, including voting and the counting of ballots. In a statement, DOD said its observers would cover 1,515 voting stations across 807 wards and 108 municipalities nationwide. “In the City of Johannesburg alone, our observers will monitor 263 voting stations across 107 wards. This cohort represents one of the country’s largest citizen-led…

Residents of the Elshadai Voting District in Ward 11, Marikana, in Ikageng, outside Potchefstroom, have expressed hope for change as they cast their ballots in the local government elections. Voters turned out at the polling station, hoping to elect municipal representatives who will address their concerns and improve living conditions in the community. Speaking to Newsnote, one voter expressed satisfaction with the electoral process and encouraged others to participate. “We need a lot of things. So that inspired me to vote. I believe the process was free and fair, and I hope others will come and vote,” the voter said.…

The Department of Employment and Labour has urged workers to use Wednesday, 4 November, not only as a public holiday but also as an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote in South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared 4 November a public holiday in terms of Section 2A of the National Public Holidays Act, 1994. Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth encouraged employers and employees to work together to create an environment that allows eligible workers to fulfil their civic responsibilities while maintaining workplace operations. “The right to vote is a cornerstone of our…

Voters across South Africa can expect hot temperatures and possible thunderstorms as they head to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). SAWS has forecast above-normal temperatures across several parts of the country, with weather conditions expected to vary from one region to another. According to the Service, the seasonal outlook, influenced by the developing El Niño weather pattern, suggests that parts of the country are likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures. However, isolated showers and thundershowers remain possible in some areas. “The seasonal forecast, influenced by the developing El…

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has justified the deployment of 510 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to KwaZulu-Natal, following criticism from members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence. The soldiers were deployed as part of a joint law enforcement operation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), known as Operation Prosper. Committee members raised concerns that they had not been adequately informed about the Ministry’s decision to deploy the troops. However, Motshekga maintained that escalating tensions linked to protests against illegal immigration had necessitated the urgent deployment of soldiers to the province. “When we got the request, it…

Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has recommended KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for appointment as the next national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. The recommendation was made in terms of Section 17CA(1)–(3) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Act 68 of 1995, which provides for the appointment of the DPCI head. According to ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi, Cachalia has submitted a memorandum to Cabinet seeking its concurrence with Mkhwanazi’s proposed appointment. “The Acting Minister has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking Cabinet’s concurrence for the appointment of Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla…

Wits University academic Professor Leketi Makalela has dismissed concerns that the introduction of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTBBE) in schools could lead to teacher retrenchments, describing such fears as misconceptions that risk creating unnecessary panic. Makalela, an education and language specialist at the University of the Witwatersrand, made the remarks during the South African Democratic Teachers Union’s (SADTU) three-day Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education Orientation Programme in Ekurhuleni. He said incorporating learners’ mother tongues into teaching and learning could improve educational outcomes while creating new employment opportunities in the education and language sectors. According to Makalela, the initiative could increase demand…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reassured applicants that its eRecruitment portal remains operational despite delays and slower response times caused by a surge in applications for its Police Trainee Recruitment Programme. In a statement, SAPS attributed the delays to high traffic volumes on the online recruitment platform. The service said its Technology Management Services division, working alongside its technology partners, was working around the clock to manage demand and maintain the system’s functionality. “The SAPS Technology Management Services division, together with its technology partners, is working around the clock to manage the increased demand and ensure the continued…