GAUTENG GOVERNMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

GAUTENG GOVERNMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY

Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo has lauded Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and municipalities for their collaborative efforts in accelerating service delivery initiatives and enforcing the law across all five regions in Gauteng. MEC Mamabolo, who chairs the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Forum on Law Enforcement, received comprehensive progress reports from all municipalities on their ongoing crime-fighting initiatives. 

The forum, established by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, coordinates integrated interventions to tackle crime, one of the 13 key challenges confronting the province. The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) conducted various operations including crime prevention operations, roadblocks, bylaw enforcement and high visibility patrols to address priority crimes in the city. 

Officials arrested 107 suspects for charges which include driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving, contravention of the immigration act, public drinking and 40 pedestrians for being a source of danger on the roads. 

To this end, 8984 Aarto notices were issued, 5440 vehicles and 3221 people were searched, 9852 vehicles inspected, 878 law fines were issued, and 338 vehicles were impounded across Tshwane. 

The TMPD Overload Control Units at the Akasia and Centurion weighbridges weighed 94 vehicles where 50 Aarto fines and 15 warnings were issued. Five vehicles were discontinued at the Akasia weighbridges, while the TMPD Public Transport Unit impounded 40 vehicles and issued Section 56 and Aarto fines. Officials conducted bylaw operations which resulted in the arrest of suspects for contravention of the immigration act, Aarto fines issued, Section 56 and Section 341 fines issued, two shops were closed as a result for noncompliance. 

The TMPD also conducted clean-up operations removing illegal structures along Solomon Mahlangu Road between Pretoria Road and Hartley Road, Nellmapius as well as illegal immigrants. 

The City of Johannesburg conducted various operations including traffic management, crime prevention, by law enforcement. 5873 people and 9051 vehicles were searched in the city, while 7401 Aarto fines were issued in the city. 135 vehicles were impounded for illegal parking, being unroadworthy and for number plate investigation. Some 32 Vehicles were discontinued, and 234 arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol. “We appreciate the increased effort by our municipalities to fight the scourge of crime which threatens the stability of our province. 

We have seen much more improved impact of the law enforcement operations as we work as one integrated Gauteng in fighting crime,” said Mamabolo. The JMPD officials recorded speeding incidents within the Sandton, Johannesburg and Roodepoort. Speed chases resulted in 77 arrests and bylaw enforcement operations resulted in 937 perishable and nonperishable goods. Moreover, 74 illegal structures were demolished while illegal dumping trucks and trailers were impounded, 86 illegal water connection meters were removed and 485 advertising boards, flags and banners were removed. In the Sedibeng District Municipality, an Integrated Crime Safety and Service Delivery operation took place in the Lesedi Local Municipality, whereby roadblocks, bylaw enforcement operations and public transport operations were conducted. 43 Suspects were arrested, others for contravention of parole and 43 notices were issued, while nine shops were visited and 05 were found to be non-compliant. 

In the Midvaal Local Municipality, traffic management operations were conducted to check for speeding, overloading and bylaw enforcement. 726 notices were issued for Section 56 and Section 341. Six vehicles were impounded, and 85 warrants were executed. The officials conducted Community based Crime Prevention programmes, Schools Safety Visits and Talks, Scholar Patrol Training, School Searches and Seizure Operations, GBVF and Crime Prevention Programs, Road Safety Public Education and Awareness among others. 

In the Emfuleni Local Municipality, 21152 speed measures were conducted, 708 trucks were stopped and checked for overloading and 2317 notices were issued for Section 56, valued at R1 024 700, while 981 Section 341 notices were issued. Law enforcement officials conducted roadblocks, targeted drunk diving conducted by-law enforcement operations. 

Overall, 1059 warrants valued at R331 190 were executed and six businesses were found to be clean and operating fairly in the industrial park area in Sebokeng, Zone 10. Other activities included schools safety visits and talks, scholar patrol training and community-based crime prevention programme s among others. In the Westrand District Municipality, between 24 October 2025 and 06 November 2025, joint bylaw enforcement operations and traffic management operations were conducted in Mogale City Municipality together with the South African Police Services (SAPS), 

Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), West Rand District and internal departments, focusing on enhancing a multi-disciplinary approach and crime prevention. Notably, cases were recorded to the value of more than R4 million rand and warrants issued valued at more than R120 000. In the Rand West Local Municipality, K78 roadblocks were conducted together with SAPS, Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP)the where 221 cases were recorded valued at R221400 while 382 warrants were recorded to the value of R272 100. As part of enforcing bylaws, goods were confiscated and two shops closed in Randfontein while illegal street traders and mechanics were removed along Hillshaven and four traders were charged R2000. 

On 01 October 2025, officers responded to the Zenzele Cemetery to investigate criminal activities that had occurred involving vandalism and theft of tombstones. Law enforcement agencies in Merafong responded to cable theft graveyard vandalism and a housebreaking case where they enhanced police visibility through patrols. 

Joint bylaw operations were conducted, operations targeting illegal trading and illegal dumping where 10 fines were issues related to these cases. These concerted efforts reaffirm the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to building a safer province for economic growth and job creation. Working as one cohesive province, together with all 11 municipalities, the GPG will continue to coordinate efforts and combine resources to ensure safer communities. 

Members of the public are encouraged to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and supporting initiatives that make Gauteng a safer and more economically vibrant province for all. 

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POSITIVE TURNAROUND IN EMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN SOUTH AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

POSITIVE TURNAROUND IN EMPLOYMENT FIGURES IN SOUTH AFRICA 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the encouraging news released by Statistics South Africa, showing a significant and broad-based improvement in the employment landscape. The official unemployment rate has declined by 1.3% to 31.9%, while the expanded definition has dropped by 0.6% to 42.4% in the third quarter of 2025. 

This progress reflects the tangible impact of a coordinated economic interventions and the ANC’s 10-Point Plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and restore hope among our people. More than 248,000 new jobs were created during the quarter, bringing total employment to over 17.1 million South Africans, the highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The number of unemployed persons decreased by 360,000, confirming that the country is steadily shifting from despair to renewal. This positive momentum underscores that our collective efforts to rebuild the economy, stabilise energy supply, and accelerate infrastructure investment are beginning to bear fruit. 

The ANC is encouraged that the state’s strategic support for key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and tourism, is helping to reignite economic activity and expand opportunities for ordinary South Africans. However, while we celebrate this progress, the ANC remains concerned that far too many of our people are still without work. 

The fight against unemployment remains our foremost priority. The ANC calls on government, labour, and business to deepen collaboration in unlocking industrial investment, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring that every public rand spent contributes to productive and inclusive growth. As we enter the festive season, the ANC urges employers, particularly in retail, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture, to build on this progress by protecting and expanding jobs, ensuring decent working conditions, and paying workers on time. The movement’s vision remains rooted in building an economy that works for all, where young people, women, and rural communities are fully part of South Africa’s growth story. 

The ANC’s 10-Point Economic Plan, focusing on energy security, water provision, infrastructure rollout, industrialisation, and employment creation, continues to guide the Government of National Unity’s actions. This progress signals that South Africa is indeed turning the corner towards a period of stability, renewal, and inclusive growth. 

The ANC salutes all South Africans, workers, entrepreneurs, and communities, whose resilience and hard work are driving this recovery. 

Together, we are rebuilding our economy, restoring dignity, and realising the promise of a better life for all. 

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JOBS CORRUPTION EXPOSED EPWP AND CWP

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

JOBS CORRUPTION EXPOSED EPWP AND CWP 

On the back of the Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure Dean Macpherson’s nationwide Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Listening Tour, which has uncovered widespread allegations of corruption and abuse, the Democratic Alliance will be launching a crucial oversight in the EPWP and Community Work Programme (CWP) to champion their cause.

This also follows growing media reports of the ANC making use of the programme for its personal gain, including, most recently, the MMC for Treasury in the Bojanala District Municipality, who allegedly used EPWP workers to clean and maintain her private home in Lebotlwane, while coercing the workers to pay for ANC membership cards and fuel contributions.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure also recently confirmed that R13.8 million was lost to corruption across the EPWP.

The Independent Development Trust (IDT) received R4.65 billion as an implementing partner, but serious irregularities have been exposed. Meanwhile, over 200 EPWP workers went unpaid for five months and were collectively owed R1.7 million.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) won’t tolerate a growing trend of political corruption in the work opportunity programmes of government, because this corruption is stealing jobs from people who need to put food on the table for their families. 

The DA cannot accept this, and we are taking up a fight against political corruption by launching a national probe.

We are furthermore reinforcing our support for the reform efforts underway by Minister Macpherson, which will see new levels of transparency and accountability being introduced in the EPWP programme to remove opportunities for abuse and provide new pathways towards permanent employment. 

This is because, as the Democratic Alliance, we want to see a system that works for all.

The crucial oversight initiative we are launching in the EPWP and CWP to help champion their cause.

This national initiative will help identify corruption, mismanagement, and political interference affecting these vital poverty-alleviation programmes.

All provincial structures of the DA are tasked with documenting issues with these programmes in their areas, as corruption is robbing the most vulnerable people of a work opportunity to put food on the table.

The findings we obtain will be compiled and delivered to the relevant committees to hold entities and individuals accountable. More information will be shared as respondents provide information.

Communities here have repeatedly raised concerns about political interference, delayed payments, and unfair recruitment. We will engage with affected participants will provide us with valuable information about the scale of abuse and help guide meaningful reforms.

The DA will support efforts to provide dignified work opportunities and ensure that all officials and politicians implicated face accountability.

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Six Accused Sentenced for Mob Justice Murder

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Six Accused Sentenced for Mob Justice Murder

FREE STATE - The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Detectives, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority, secured heavy sentences against six accused who brutally murdered the late Moratwe Mofokeng of Bohlokong in June 2024.

The case was heard at the Bethlehem Regional Court before Magistrate Matshaya, with Prosecutor Mr. Jaco Scholtz representing the State, and Detective Warrant Officer Bobo Hlabi of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Detective Service leading the investigation.

On 11 November 2025, the Bethlehem Regional Court sent a strong message to the community that crime does not pay , particularly in matters of mob justice, which has become prevalent in some parts of Bohlokong where community members take the law into their own hands instead of involving the police.

The following accused were convicted of murder (mob justice) and sentenced as follows:

Eric Mabe (26), Tshepo Mofokeng (25), and Thabang Moloi (24) — each sentenced to 18 years’ direct imprisonment.

Thabo Mdledle Shabangu (28), Mosuwane Mokoena (29), and Lefu Patrick Shabangu (30) — each sentenced to 25 years’ direct imprisonment as they were regarded as the ringleaders.

On 29 June 2024, the deceased, Moratwe Mofokeng, was chased from a local tavern by the accused. He attempted to hide on the roof of a nearby shack, but the accused discovered him and began pelting him with stones. The deceased jumped off the roof and tried to flee, but was caught. He was then assaulted with bricks, bottles, booted feet, and knives.

Some community members attempted to intervene but were threatened with violence by the accused. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.

The South African Police Service strongly condemns acts of mob justice. Taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offence and leads to devastating consequences for both the victim’s and the perpetrators’ families.

No individual has the right to take another person’s life, even if they suspect that person of a crime. We urge all community members to report crimes to the police and allow the justice system to take its course. Let us resolve our differences through dialogue and lawful means, not violence.

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BEE UNDER REVIEW DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE

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BEE UNDER REVIEW DEPUTY PRESIDENT PAUL MASHATILE 

The DA welcomes that Parliament has been informed today that “BEE is under review” - announced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Mashatile made the unexpected announcement in his reply to my oral question, about how the ANC can continue to justify and defend BEE when it only benefits political insiders at the top of his party.

44 Million South Africans - majority black South Africans - live in poverty because BEE has been captured by political elites, and has done nothing to help them out of poverty into economic opportunity.

The DA will not allow this entrenched poverty to go on, enforced by failing BEE that makes insiders rich and leaves everyone else behind.

The DA sees a much more prosperous future for all South Africans, if we can replace BEE together.

The DA is determined to replace BEE, with real economic inclusion for all, that is beyond reproach of political meddling. With our version of a procurement scorecard that assesses the actual means and needs of individuals, and will ensure value-for-money for public procurement, the DA’s alternative will lift millions out of poverty.

Now that Mashatile has confirmed BEE is up for review the DA’s “Economic Inclusion for All” Bill is the only current alternative to BEE on the table in Parliament, and the DA looks forward to thorough engagement on our plan.

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EMPD EXPOSED AT MADLANGA COMMISSION

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EMPD EXPOSED AT MADLANGA COMMISSION 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni welcomes the revelations made at the Madlanga Commission of Enquiry relating to the grand scale criminality within the ranks of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

We also welcome the long overdue suspension of EMPD Deputy Chief of Police, Julius Mkhwanazi, who has been a central figure in the allegations of EMPD criminal capture.

Many of the matters brought to the attention of the Commission are issues that we have been fighting tirelessly over a number of years.

These include:

The illegal CAT VIP blue-light matter

The implementation of the Independent Police Investigative Department (IPID) report recommendations relating to criminal activities by EMPD Deputy Chief of Police, Julius Mkhwanazi.

Rouge criminal EMPD syndicates

The implementation of criminal vetting of EMPD personnel

We are vindicated by the testimonies of both the suspended EMPD Chief of Police, Isaac Mapiyeye and former EMPD Deputy Police Commissioner, Revo Spies relating to political interference and high-level cover-ups of crimes committed by EMPD members.

Now that the spotlight is on these matters before the Commission, they must not be swept under the rug.

For too long have criminals, corrupt high-level officials, including former City Manager, Dr. Imogen Mashazi and shady politicians tainted the EMPD and made conditions for honest, hardworking members impossible.

The DA will never cease in its pursuit of a professional and ethical EMPD free from corruption and political interference.

Due process and justice are nothing less than what residents in the City of Ekurhuleni deserve.

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Delft Triple Murder Suspect Arrested

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Delft Triple Murder Suspect Arrested

WESTERN CAPE - Police deployments in the Delft Policing precinct, following a surge of violent crimes reported over the weekend, resulted in several arrests including a suspect in the murder case of three people in Sandrivier Street, Leiden on Sunday. Members of Operation Shanela II followed up on intelligence and arrested a 25-year-old male suspect for murder. 

The suspect was apprehended at around 19:00 in Bordaair Street, Voorbug, Delft yesterday. He was found with a firearm holster and an amount of R7400. Both the holster and the cash were confiscated, and more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. The suspect will make his first court appearance in the Bellville Magistrate’s court, once charged.

In an unrelated incident, Operation Shanela II members were patrolling when they spotted a group of school boys smoking dagga during school hours. The members questioned the boys and they pointed out the house where they bought the dagga. 

The police proceeded to the address in Kaiser Street and while searching, they found dagga trees and 20 5L bottles of liquor. 

The occupants were not co-operative, and five suspects were arrested for possession of dagga, possession of illicit liquor and resisting arrest. 

The five will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court, once charged.

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NDPP SHAMILA BATOHI’S REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH PARLIAMENTARY AD-HOC COMMITTEE

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NDPP SHAMILA BATOHI’S REFUSAL TO COOPERATE WITH PARLIAMENTARY AD-HOC COMMITTEE 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is appalled by the arrogant and deliberate decision by the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi, to not cooperate with the work of the Ad Hoc Committee of Parliament which is investigating allegations of corruption and infiltration of law enforcement in South Africa. 

Batohi whose tenure has been marked by inefficiency and incompetence, displayed utter contempt not only for Parliament but towards the people of South Africa during proceedings, wherein she blatantly refused to provide the name of a prosecutor who is allegedly involved in organised crime within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). 

This is despite this prosecutor being on suspension and referred to the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC). Batohi’s refusal to name this prosecutor, in the wake of concerns that the NPA is complicit in the enabling of criminal syndicates and drug cartels, is part of a pattern of her shielding the corrupt in the NPA. 

It was on the 05th of June 2025 on a television interview on broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, where Shamila Batohi alleged publicly that the NPA is being infiltrated by people that do not have the rule of law at heart. Following a meeting with the Minister of Justice and the President of the Republic of South Africa, Batohi later rephrased her commentary and stated that she used inappropriate language to describe the situation which she had earlier characterised as infiltration. Today however at the Ad Hoc Committee in Parliament Batohi confirmed that she had received information from the National Police Commissioner Lt General Fannie Masemola and from Crime Intelligence Head Lt General Dumisani Khumalo, to corroborate the allegations she made of infiltration in the NPA. 

Adding that, amongst others, there is a prosecutor involved in organised crime whom she is not in a position to name, citing vague consequences that may arise should she do so. 

When pressed by the President of the EFF Julius Malema who, as a point of reference, highlighted that the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andrew Chauke had been suspended by the President of South Africa on similar allegations of corruption. Malema noted that these allegations were being publicly ventilated, proving that her claim to protect the corrupt prosecutor by not naming the individual is inconsistent with precedence. To which, disappointingly, Batohi baselessly stood her ground. 

The EFF has been keenly observing the proceedings at the Ad Hoc Committee and at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry closely and has intentionally avoided conducting running commentary as these unfold to ensure that a comprehensive reflection can be made, which will inform subsequent recommendations. 

The deliberate decision however by the Head of the NPA to not assist the Committee with its work in defence of a suspended prosecutor who is alleged to be corrupt, demands that all South Africans register their displeasure and outrage. 

Batohi has disregarded the important work of uprooting the rot in our criminal justice system and has no sense of duty to the Republic which she has failed as her tenure comes to an end in January 2026. Her presentation of consulting with her legal counsel if she should provide the name of the prosecutor either through documentation or in camera testimony is an insult on its own, which is worsened by the fact that she places no set timelines on when she will submit the name, all while utilising state resources for legal counsel on a continuous basis. 

The EFF will, therefore, pursue all mechanisms to ensure that Batohi discloses the names of all those within the NPA who are alleged to be corrupted and complicit in crime. 

This is especially important in this climate where criminals receive lenient sentences or are set free due to incompetence by prosecutors and collaboration between prosecutors and those who terrorise South African people. 

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Anti-Gang Unit Multiple Arrests

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

Anti-Gang Unit Multiple Arrests 

GAUTENG - The dedicated members of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) have executed multiple operations beginning Monday, 3 November 2025, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals across various communities, including Westbury, Reiger Park, Mapetla, Boksburg and Johannesburg Central.

The arrests were made for various offences, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, resisting arrest, interfering with police duties, and possession of drugs.

Throughout the week, the AGU’s proactive operations led to significant seizures, including a 9mm Glock 19 Gen 4 firearm, 4 rounds of live ammunition, 423 grams crystal meth, 218 grams methcathinone (CAT), 192 full mandrax tablets, 153 halves of mandrax tablets, 2 quarters and cash. 

These successful outcomes are a testament to the collaborative efforts between the AGU and the community, with many of the arrests resulting from valuable information provided by local residents, along with regular stop-and-search initiatives conducted by the dedicated AGU team.

All suspects are expected to appear before the relevant courts today.

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HOUSE FIRE IN EKURHULENI

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

HOUSE FIRE IN EKURHULENI 

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is deeply saddened by a tragic incident in which two learners, a toddler, and their parents who lost their lives in a house fire on the night of Sunday, 9 November 2025, in Steve Biko informal settlement in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni. 

The victims include a 17-year-old Grade 11 girl learner from Dr Harry Gwala Secondary School, a 11year-old Grade 6 boy learner from Thembelihle Primary School, their one-year-old girl sibling, and their two parents. It is reported that the family of 5 was trapped inside their home when the fire broke out. School principals and officials from both schools visited the family’s home on Monday morning to offer condolences and gather further information surrounding the incident from the survivor, relatives and neighbours. 

The Department’s psychosocial support teams have been dispatched to visit both schools tomorrow on Monday, 11 November 2025, to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the broader school communities. 

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The GDE extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and encourages communities to unite in offering compassion and support during this period of mourning. “We are devastated by this heartbreaking loss of young lives and their parents. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school communities during this painful time. We will continue to support them,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane. 

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Speech John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture

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Speech John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture

Chairperson of the South African Bee Industry (SABIO), Ms Tumi Mobu, SABIO board members, Beekeepers, Farmers, Environmental stewards, Media Today, we gather to celebrate the honeybee because of its enormous impact on our agriculture, our economy, and our future. Beekeeping (apiculture) in South Africa relies on two indigenous bee subspecies, namely: The Cape Honeybee (Apis mellifera capensis) and African Honeybee (Apis mellifera scutellate). 

These two species are listed as animals in terms of Section 2 of the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998). This Act provides for genetic improvement in order to improve the production and performance of animals. 

This implies that bees are recognised as an important species in the agricultural sector for contribution to food security, income generation and economic development. Beekeeping contributes directly and indirectly to job creation in South Africa—from the beekeepers to the farmworkers involved in pollination-dependent crops.  

Ladies and gentlemen, some of you will recall that during the Bee Conference held in June in Centurion, Pretoria, I made a commitment that I will meet with the bee industry before the end of this year to strengthen collaboration between the department and the sector on policy and institutional issues for food security.  

The beekeeping sector is one of the priorities of the department towards supporting key fundamental outcomes, which include the following: 

 • Outcome 2: Increased production in the agricultural sector;  

• Outcome 3: Improved food and nutrition security;  

• Outcome 5: Increased market access; and 

• Outcome 6: Enhanced biosecurity and effective disaster risk reduction.  

You will agree that bees are essentially the farmers of the sky.  

They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit.  In South Africa, bee pollination contributes more than R10 billion every year to agriculture. They pollinate almonds in Western Cape, citrus in Limpopo, macadamias in Mpumalanga, and sunflowers in Free State. 

Without them, supermarket shelves would be emptier, prices higher, and farming communities poorer.  For our smallholder farmers, pollination shortfalls translate into lower incomes and greater vulnerability.  The concept is simple—no bees, no food.  No pollination, no prosperity.  

Feeding those who feed us For bees to feed us, we must feed them. Their food is the nectar and pollen from flowering plants—their natural energy source. But droughts, land clearing, and monocropping have shrunk these natural food sources. When the land stops flowering, bees go hungry, colonies weaken, and honey yields decline. Imagine if every farm, school, and roadside in South Africa became a bee garden—filled with indigenous plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers. 

Those blossoms would become feeding stations for bees, restoring the balance between people, plants, and pollinators. Planting flowers may seem small, but to a bee, it is life itself. Pesticides—protecting without destroying Pesticides are meant to protect crops, however, too often, they destroy pollinators. Spraying at the wrong time —during bloom— can kill thousands of bees overnight. Beekeepers have described entire apiaries gone silent in a single morning—no buzzing, no movement, just loss. 

This is why we are strengthening integrated pest management, encouraging farmers and beekeepers to communicate, spray responsibly, and use less toxic options. Protecting crops and protecting bees must go hand in hand. Because when bees die, farming loses its heartbeat.  

From hive to table—the honey value chain Beyond pollination, bees give us one of the most precious natural products on earth—honey. But honey is more than sweetness; it is an economic lifeline. South Africa produces up to 2 500 tons of honey per year, yet we consume nearly double that amount. We rely heavily on the imports of natural honey, with more than 80% of our imported honey coming from China. 

We also import from Zambia, India, Poland and Yemen. Since there is such a high demand for this product, we have seen an increase of very poor quality and sometimes adulterated honey. 

The Department of Agriculture’s Directorate: Inspection Services will again conduct an operation in December—removing products that are labelled and sold as honey-based syrup from stores. These operations are part of our efforts to ensure that citizens get the quality goods they intended to purchase. By investing in our local beekeepers, honey processors, and cooperatives, we can grow this sector into a thriving value chain that supports rural jobs, exports, and food authenticity. With relatively low land and capital requirements, beekeeping offers a viable entry point for youth, women, and rural entrepreneurs. 

It can be practiced alongside other forms of agriculture, creating economic multipliers within communities. Honey, beeswax, propolis, and other hive products can generate income through local markets, agro-processing, and even exports. As such, beekeeping is not only a tool for ecological sustainability, but also a means of economic empowerment. It fits squarely within the principles of climate smart farming and inclusive rural development. Distinguished guests, the development of an effective and efficient beekeeping policy and strategy is crucial to safeguarding the sector from any potential threats. Bees need to be conserved. 

This will ensure that the South African beekeeping industry is resilient and sustainable through the value chain of honey production and pollination, which will ultimately support and contribute to food security, economic growth, and job creation. To show my commitment for this sector, the department participated in the Forty-ninth Apimondia International Congress from 23 to 27 September 2025. 

The participation of the department was important to initiate a discussion between South Africa and the European Union (EU) regarding the export of honey to the EU. In accessing this important honey export market, the department is in the process of finalising the Residue Monitoring Plan to demonstrate compliance with the EU requirements. To date, there are some African countries which are already exporting honey to the EU, - like Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zambia - and South Africa is more than eager to join them,.  

To achieve this, there is a great deal of collaboration, government support and assistance required among us, to ensure honey production and export sustainability. Bees and the ecosystem Beyond economics, bees are the quiet custodians of our environment. Healthy ecosystems produce healthy food, and bees are nature’s most visible and effective biodiversity champions. 

Through their daily movements between plants, bees support seed dispersal, soil regeneration, and the reproduction of wild flora. They play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. Bees remind us that prosperity depends on balance—between growth and protection, between farming and conservation. Closing and hive inspection In a few minutes, we will open a hive—a living city of thousands of workers, each doing their part. Inside lies a perfect lesson for us as a nation: Teamwork, order, and purpose. Distinguished guest, this event is hosted in a province that is reliant on bees—the Cape bee, for effective pollination to maximise crop production. Of importance, 

I would like to appreciate the Western Cape Bee Industry Association for developing the standard for pollination. Cognisant of the importance of bees in this province for pollination, bees should be protected from all potential threats, which include the bee disease—American foulbrood (AFB) that can cause bee decline if left unmanaged.   

Ladies and gentlemen, regarding the AFB, the department has commissioned the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to conduct research on bees: “Survey of AFB in honeybee colonies in South Africa protecting beekeeping and pollination services”. This research also intends for the development of a consolidated National Beekeeping Strategy for South Africa, as well as an AFB Management Strategy. Our task is clear—to protect these pollinators, nurture our beekeepers, and grow South Africa’s honey industry into a model of sustainability and pride. Before I conclude, I would like to point out key focus areas following the Bee Conference. 

The department has made progress on strategic areas to support the bee industry for sustainability and these include: 

 • Development of a National Beekeeping/Apiculture Strategy for South Africa; 

 • Development of AFB and other disease management and response strategy; 

• Bee Forage Strategy; • finalisation of the Residue Monitoring Plan for honey export to the EU; 

 • Establishment of the Honey Value Chain Round-Table Forum; 

 • Resuscitation of the biliteral engagement platform between the department and bee industry (SABIO) 

 • Lab accreditation in South Africa for the testing of honey for disease and chemical residues.  

Together, we can make sure that the hum of the honeybee continues to be the sound of life, abundance, and hope for generations to come. 

Thank you.  

 

John Steenhuisen 

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KING MISUZULU KAZWELITHINI WEDDING

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

KING MISUZULU KAZWELITHINI WEDDING

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends revolutionary gratitude to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini for the honour bestowed upon our Commander-in-Chief (CIC) and President, Julius Sello Malema, through an invitation to attend and participate in the Royal Wedding of His Majesty to Queen Nomzamo Myeni, held at KwaKhangelamankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma yesterday. 

The EFF further expresses appreciation to His Majesty for affording our CIC the opportunity to address the esteemed guests and the broader Zulu nation on this momentous occasion. This gesture is a clear reflection of mutual respect and recognition between revolutionary leadership and traditional authority, both of which remain indispensable pillars of African society. 

The EFF holds the institution of traditional leadership in the highest regard, recognising it as a living embodiment of our people’s history, culture, and dignity. The invitation extended to our CIC and the warm reception he received from His Majesty are a testament to the growing appreciation that the struggle for economic freedom is not in opposition to traditional leadership, but rather a continuation of the same mission, the liberation and restoration of African people. 

As a movement rooted in Pan-Africanism and the pursuit of total emancipation of the oppressed, the EFF firmly rejects the false and reactionary notion that socialist movements and traditional leadership cannot coexist. Our revolutionary outlook embraces the wisdom and authority of traditional leaders, who remain custodians of land, culture, and community cohesion. 

We believe that the cooperation between revolutionary movements and traditional leadership must be deepened to advance the interests of our people, particularly the rural poor who continue to be marginalised by a capitalist system that exploits their land and labour. 

In a demonstration of respect and solidarity, the CIC Julius Sello Malema presented His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini with a traditional gift of cattle — a symbol of honour, unity, and appreciation in African custom. This gesture reflects the EFF’s commitment to upholding our cultural values while promoting genuine African unity grounded in mutual respect and dignity. 

The EFF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ties with traditional leaders across the province. Our collaboration with the custodians of the land is not only cultural but also political which is aimed at ensuring that the fight for land, wealth, and dignity is carried forward with the guidance and blessing of those who represent the heartbeat of our people’s heritage. 

We once again express our gratitude to His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini for the invitation and for upholding the enduring bonds of unity among Africans.  

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