South African police are continuing to evaluate candidates for 5,500 trainee positions after receiving more than one million applications by the July 18 deadline. Authorities conduct psychometric tests and integrity screenings across nine provinces to identify suitable recruits. The process includes fitness assessments, background investigations, and medical examinations before final selection.
Officials prefer applicants with tertiary credentials at the National Qualifications Framework level six or higher, as well as a valid driver's license. Over 334,765 applicants hold degrees in policing, law, or forensic studies. The agency plans to professionalize its workforce to address crime rates and staffing shortages within the...
A protected witness told the Madlanga Commission on Thursday that businessman Vusimuzi Matlala provided 500,000 rand to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu for party leadership activities. Witness C testified that Matlala funded travel and lodging expenses for African National Congress events in Cape Town. The businessman doubted Mchunu would succeed but feared refusing the minister's requests.
The witness alleged Mchunu interfered with police operations after officers raided Matlala's residence on Dec. 6, 2024. Investigators searched the property while pursuing leads about a kidnapped businessman. Mchunu allegedly used surveillance technology to identify Crime Intelligence officers who conducted the search.
Lieutenant-General...
An African National Congress member from the Free State praised former Premier Sefora Ntombela for facilitating a peaceful leadership transition in the province. Thembeni Skully Nxangisa credited Ntombela with placing party interests above personal ambition when officials requested her cooperation with succession arrangements. The writer referenced her nickname, "Halala," as a recognition of her public service achievements.
Ntombela led the Free State from 2018 to 2022 before stepping aside as part of the party's restructuring. Statistics South Africa labor data showed the provincial unemployment rate decreased from 38.1 percent in the third quarter of 2021 to 33.8 percent two years later. Observers initially predicted conflict within...
A Gauteng resident defended Premier Panyaza Lesufi against a Democratic Alliance motion of no confidence filed this week. The supporter accused the opposition party of racial bias and political maneuvering rather than legitimate governance concerns. The writer praised Lesufi's community programs addressing safety, education and economic development in townships.
The statement characterized the DA motion as an attempt to undermine progress under leadership focused on working-class residents. The author highlighted initiatives like Amapanyaza safety patrols and youth employment efforts as evidence of effective administration. Critics argue that opposition parties apply different standards to leaders from different backgrounds...
Deputy President Paul Mashatile secured agreement on Wednesday on procedural rules for the Government of National Unity Clearing House Mechanism. The framework establishes methods to resolve policy disputes among 10 coalition partners that formed the administration after the 2024 elections. Political leaders will review the document before it is approved.
A working group addressed contentious provisions about consensus procedures and deadlock resolution. Justice Deputy Minister Andries Nel chaired the committee that consulted constitutional law professor Jaap de Visser. Members from the Democratic Alliance, Rise Mzansi, and Pan Africanist Congress participated in drafting revisions.
The mechanism will hold monthly sessions and refer...
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Wednesday that his government is pursuing written negotiations with Washington to resolve trade disputes stemming from the 30 percent American tariffs. The leader spoke to reporters in Bern while visiting Switzerland. Both nations face economic pressure from the levies imposed by the Trump administration.
Ramaphosa stated that the barriers forced his country to pursue alternative commercial relationships across global markets. He referenced recent diplomatic missions to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which resulted in agreements in the agriculture and technology sectors. The president suggested these partnerships could compensate for reduced American trade volumes.
Switzerland...
Gauteng Social Development Department extended nonprofit funding applications until Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. MEC Faith Mazibuko warned organizations that submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. The province moved the original Oct. 15 cutoff after groups requested additional preparation time.
Organizations must submit their materials through the provincial website or via email by midnight on Thursday. Applications require registration certificates, constitutions, annual reports, financial statements and project proposals. The department targets programs addressing family support and youth development for the 2026-27 budget cycle.
Mazibuko described nonprofits as essential partners delivering community services...
The Free State Training and Development Institute awarded certificates to 181 provincial workers on Friday at the Sand du Plessis Theatre in Pacofs. Officials completed public administration programs at NQF levels five through seven. Former Premier Sefora Ntombela initiated the enrollment effort between 2018 and 2022 as part of workforce development priorities.
Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae attended the graduation ceremony that began at 9 a.m. The institute partnered with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority to fund initiatives recognizing prior learning. Graduates gained qualifications in budget management, policy implementation and community services.
Recipients credited Ntombela for emphasizing education...
Two suspects in the murder case of rapper Kiernan Forbes and chef Tebello Motsoane abandoned their extradition challenge from Eswatini. Brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi Dave Ndimande will return to South Africa to join five co-accused in court proceedings scheduled for July. The National Prosecuting Authority in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed receipt of abandonment notices from Eswatini officials.
Attackers shot Forbes and Motsoane on Friday, February 10, 2023, outside a Durban restaurant on Florida Road. Prosecutors identified the brothers as gunmen in the assassination. Seven men face murder and conspiracy charges related to the killings that stunned the entertainment industry.
The accused awaiting trial in South Africa are...
