South Africa Vision

The National Counterfeit Goods Unit has led multiple intelligence driven takedown operations that has led to the arrest of five people and the seizing of counterfeit goods worth more than R94 million.

In a statement on Thursday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it along with its crime fighting partners, remain relentless in efforts to disrupt and dislodge illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband goods.

The teams comprised of various internal and external stakeholders that included, among others; SAPS members from various specialised units, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI – ‘Hawks’), Department of Home Affairs, South African Revenue Services (SARS), Traffic, Metro Police Departments and Brand Protectors as well as force multipliers such as private security companies.

On 16 August 2024, police found and seized counterfeit clothing and sneakers worth over R37 million in a self-storage facility in Gauteng’s Doornfontein.

On 25 August 2024, police also seized counterfeit
goods that included sneakers, clothing, watches and backpacks worth more than R41 million at a shopping centre in Bellville, Western Cape.

‘On 29 August 2024, counterfeit sanitary pads, deodorants and other consumables worth over R4.8 million were seized at a self-storage facility in Mayfair, Johannesburg.

‘On the same day, counterfeit sanitary pads, hair extensions, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R9.3 million were seized at a small holding in Bredell, Kempton Park, Gauteng.

‘The team also seized branded packaging, labels, machinery and other equipment used to manufacture counterfeit goods. Five Malawian nationals were also arrested for the contravention of both the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Immigration Act,’ the statement read.

Furthermore, on 2 September 2024, police seized counterfeit shoe polish, deodorant, toothbrushes and other consumables worth over R2 million at a self-storage facility in Bonaero Park, Benoni.

‘Police will continue to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goo
ds, protecting legitimate businesses and consumers who are subjected to substandard products that pose health and safety risks,’ the SAPS said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken significant steps to deal with construction mafia through a coordinated and multi-disciplinary response to criminal activities.

‘Investigative capacity has been established to address extortion and violence at construction sites across the country, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and other areas where similar problems have been reported,’ said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The Deputy President was engaging Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on matters related to his delegated responsibilities.

In March this year, the Deputy President addressed the Criminal Justice System Review Conference where, amongst other important matters, criminality in the construction sector was highlighted.

‘When delivering the keynote address, I stated the following: ‘Murderous construction mafia have brought many companies to their knees, and we must fight back to safeguard this industry’.’

Mashatile believes that a concerted eff
ort from all is necessary to unravel the complex web of construction site disruptions, which endanger lives and impede government’s objectives of transforming the nation into a massive construction site that generates employment and expands the economy.

He told MPs that the police have partnered with various stakeholders, including State-owned entities (SOEs), government departments, private security companies and civil society to enhance their efforts in combating these criminal networks.

Mashatile reiterated government’s, commitment to addressing this challenge through the introduction of policies that will curtail and eliminate mafia in the construction sector.

These include the National Infrastructure Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the Social Facilitation Programme, and the Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum.

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF), the Deputy President said, was another intervention that is yielding positive results in stopping criminal activities
by the so-called ‘construction mafia’.

He explained that the IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment, and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

In addition, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, through the application of the Social Facilitation Concept which was approved by Cabinet in 2021 is conducting pilot projects like the Salvokop Precinct Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP), which serves as a test case for integrating social facilitation into construction practices.

He explained that lessons learned will help further calibrate the framework.

‘Given all the interventions I have outlined above, the challenge remains that the actual number of crimes committed by these mafias may be underreported, as witnesses and victims are often reluctant to come forward.

‘It is crucial
for communities, organisations, and businesses to work together with the South African Police Service to bring these criminals to justice.’

Meanwhile, he said top-class detective and crime intelligence work must be intensified to produce airtight prosecutions and see these crime bosses evicted, locked up and their proceeds of crime seized.

‘The impact of these construction mafia on our nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The existence and activities of construction mafia significantly undermine the concept of a developmental State, as envisioned in the National Development Plan 2030.’

The Deputy President told Parliamentarians that these criminal organisations pose serious threats to public safety and the integrity of construction projects, which are essential for driving economic growth and development.

‘As government, at all levels, we are committed to addressing this issue through independent investigations and partnerships with organisations like Business Against Crime South Africa, but mos
t importantly with civil society organisations who live around and know these criminals.

‘Let us stand together in the fight against these criminal organisations and work towards a safer and more prosperous South Africa for all living in it.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, says she did not have any improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Polokwane Municipality.

Last week, allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.

‘I did not have any improper relationship with the contractor appointed by the municipality. Mayors are never involved…in procurement. The work of appointment of a service provider is the responsibility of the executives in the municipality.

‘[Gundo Wealth] were appointed to provide services through a procurement process and this was done through committees of council. I did not receive any improper benefits from the contractor,’ she said.

The Minister appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to present clarity on allegations of impropriety on her part related to VBS Mutual Bank.

On t
he issue of whether or not there is a conflict of interest in her position as Minister and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – which is prosecuting the VBS Mutual Bank saga – the Minister said the department plays no role in the decision-making of the NPA on who to prosecute or not.

‘The office I hold does not have a direct relationship in instructing or convincing the NPA on how to act on their mandate.

‘On the matter of taking the loan, I have dealt with the conflict of taking the loan. My understanding is that, if you ask for assistance on someone who doesn’t have a direct bearing or payment with the municipality, it is possible and I repaid it,’ she said.

Simelane explained that the loan was for a business that would create wealth for herself and family after she leaves public office.

‘Political positions by their very nature are short term and necessitated me to investigate a feasibility [study] of commencing such a business and a coffee shop seemed a feasible option so that I could create an
employment opportunity for myself and my next of kin.

‘I made this consideration…to ensure that I have an alternative when the public office life comes to an end,’ she said.

The Minister said she had initially intended to partially withdraw from her retirement savings to fund the coffee shop but the ‘percentage of tax made the idea not feasible’.

‘I asked Gundo for advice on any other idea on how best I could get finance and I was advised against the withdrawal of the retirement savings. In those discussions, Gundo then informed me and advised of a loan product that they have that I could access.

‘In consideration for the options…there existed no conflict in my view is securing a loan from Gundo. I took a decision to proceed with the business,’ Simelane said.

She added that the loan was repaid over three instalments.

Treasury steps in

Simelane told the committee that as the beginning of the decline of VBS Mutual Bank began to set in, National Treasury told municipalities that it was a breach of regulat
ions to invest in mutual banks.

The Minister said she had already taken steps to ensure that the municipality withdraws from VBS, even before the directive from Treasury.

‘[On] the advice of technical experts within the municipality, myself as the mayor, instituted the withdrawal of Polokwane Municipality from VBS. My attitude at the time was, if there was anything improper with regard to municipality funds, it must be stopped,’ she said.

A Treasury-led investigation into municipal investments at the bank began after that – a process the Minister insists she ‘fully participated’ in. This was followed by a report.

‘That report didn’t spare me as the Executive Mayor from corrective measures. The…sanction to us was to either go to University of Pretoria or University of Witwatersrand which are the only ones that offers…a programme which is designed by National Treasury which is called Municipal Management [Programme].

‘I took this corrective measure very seriously [and] commenced with my studies the followi
ng year when universities opened. I concluded this programme…after I was no longer a mayor, when I was a Deputy Minister,’ she said.

Turning back to the matter between the municipality, her loan and VBS Mutual Bank, Simelane re-emphasised that she received no improper benefits.

‘[I] affirm that one: there was no improper relationship. I requested for a loan, a loan was advanced.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The police in Tonga, Mpumalanga, are working hard to trace a rape suspect who targets learners as they travel to school.

Two learners, aged 16 and 17, were reportedly raped by an armed suspect on their way to school at Mzinti on Monday morning.

According to information, the two victims had to attend to an early class when they met the suspect.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the suspect allegedly took the learners to the nearby bushes at gunpoint then raped them both. They were then allegedly threatened to be killed should they report the incident.

‘On arrival at school, the learners bravely reported the matter to their teacher. Police were in turn informed where two counts of rape were opened,’ Mdhluli said.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit has been assigned to probe the incident.

Police have urged learners to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when they walk in secluded areas to and from school.

‘Parents are also encouraged to give all t
he support needed to their children so as to prevent incidents that may compromise their safety,’ Mdhluli said.

Members of the public who might see anything suspicious or have information that may assist in apprehending the suspect are urged to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.

Mdhluli assured that all received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi reassured the public that the team, including skilled SAPS members, are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to book.

“We will not tolerate a situation whereby learners become terrified to go to school. As the police, we have intensified our efforts and, working in collaboration with community structures, we will soon make a breakthrough in this matter. Our aspiration is to corner the suspect before he can prey on another victim,’ Mkhwanazi said.

Source: South African Govern
ment News Agency

South Africa has signed two declarations of intent with the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and ASI Global during the State Visit to China.

South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson was one of the Ministers who joined President Cyril Ramaphosa on his State Visit to China to help achieve the vision of turning South Africa into a construction site, growing the economy and creating thousands of new jobs.

READ | SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub

According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the declaration of intent with the CCCC will work towards inviting the company to bid through the Public Management Finance Act (PMFA) in the construction and development of municipal works and public-owned buildings, fishing harbours and small ports.

Meanwhile, the declaration of intent with ASI Global will work towards the entity helping to develop construction talent in South Africa, as well as their professional development.

‘Shortly after
I was appointed as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister roughly two months ago, I vowed that I will aim to use the portfolio to turn the country into a construction site for us to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs.

‘The two declarations of intent signed during bilateral meetings in China, therefore, mark an important step towards us achieving that goal,’ Macpherson said in a statement.

He described the CCCC and ASI Global as two ‘very important’ players in their respective fields.

‘The declarations of intent means that we can now invite them to make their expertise available to help develop our infrastructure and construction capabilities in South Africa, which will benefit the South African people across the country.’

The Minister said that in the months ahead, the department will build on these declarations of intent to further develop agreements towards unblocking any challenges which may stand in the way of launching construction projects in South Africa.

‘I look forward to inviti
ng the CCCC and ASI Global to join us as we work towards our dream of turning the country into a construction site.

‘If we truly want to see rapid economic growth and job creation, the assistance of entities such as the CCCC and ASI Global, and many others across the world, will be crucial. I look forward to seeing how they work to help us improve South Africa. Let us build South Africa.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has held meetings with various international partners to reinforce South Africa’s commitment to enhancing the education sector through global collaboration.

In a statement, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said these discussions which were held at the departmental offices in Pretoria, emphasised the critical role of international partnerships in advancing the country’s educational objectives.

Minister Gwarube met with Andreas Schleicher, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Director for Education and Skills, to discuss the Joint Work Programme (JWP) between South Africa and the OECD.

The JWP, aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), supports initiatives in early childhood education, career development and curriculum standards.

‘The meeting also covered South Africa’s participation in the 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), which offers insights into teacher development and education trends.

Ad
ditionally, the OECD offered support for South Africa’s Education Working Group during its G20 Presidency in 2025,’ the department said.

In her meeting with UNICEF country representative, Christine Muhigana, Minister Gwarube discussed UNICEF’s collaboration with the DBE.

Key focus areas included Early Childhood Development (ECD), quality basic education and adolescent development.

‘UNICEF has played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s efforts to improve ECD, boosting educational outcomes and empowering adolescents, particularly girls, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The partnership also aims to strengthen teaching practices and promote skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,’ the department said.

Minister Gwarube also met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sandra Kramer, to discuss partnerships with South Africa particularly in the field of education.

The EU has supported South Africa’s education sector through the General Budget Support (GBS) approach s
ince 2009, aligning funding with national priorities.

‘This partnership has notably improved literacy, numeracy and technology education, especially in Grades 7 to 9. The Minister expressed her gratitude for the EU’s 30 years of support whilst highlighting the importance of continued collaboration,’ the DBE said.

The Minister also met with Japanese Ambassador, Ushio Shigeru and JICA Chief Representative, Kaoru Okada, to discuss the long-standing partnership between the DBE and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

‘This collaboration, which commenced in 2012, focuses on improving Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) education. The Minister sought an extension for JICA to finalise the National Mathematics Improvement Plan and acknowledged Japan’s assistance in rebuilding schools damaged by the 2021 floods in the KwaZulu-Natal Province,’ the DBE said.

The ongoing meetings have highlighted South Africa’s ongoing commitment to leveraging international partnerships to enhance its education sy
stem and address the needs of all learners in a rapidly changing world.

Source: South African Government News Agency