AKF to Host Anti-Racism Network South Africa

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), located in Lenasia, is set to convene the Anti-Racism Network South Africa in observance of Anti-Racism Week from March 14 to 21, 2025.

A significant event will take place on March 16, 2025, at the Pelindaba Cemetery and Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This day will include a visit to the Pelindaba Cemetery and the Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct, where participants will learn about the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. Attendees will engage with local historians and activists, culminating in a reflective session at the Sharpeville Memorial. The focus will be on understanding the historical significance of the massacre and its relevance to contemporary society.

This event is part of Human Rights Month and will lead up to Human Rights Day, which coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

In a statement, the AKF highlighted that this year's theme underscores the importance of collective action in addressing racism and dismantling systemic inequalities. The Foundation noted that racism remains deeply entrenched in society, necessitating ongoing awareness, dialogue, and meaningful action to combat it.

Anti-Racism Week provides a platform for individuals, communities, and institutions to reflect on the progress made in the fight against racism and to take concrete steps toward fostering a more inclusive and just society.

For those interested in participating in this significant event, please contact Rethabile Ratsomo at rethabile@kathradafoundation.org.

City of Johannesburg Finance Department Prioritizes Public Participation and Service Delivery

The City of Johannesburg's Finance Committee, chaired by Councillor Mpumi Edward, has made significant strides toward enhancing public participation and improving service delivery following a sitting on 7 March 2025. The committee has adopted a new policy aimed at directly welcoming submissions from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. This marks a pivotal shift toward transparent, citizen-driven governance. 

During the session, the committee decided to focus on converting financial stability into tangible improvements in service delivery for all residents.  

 Key Focus Areas:

- ICT & Digital Transformation: Ensuring the City’s technological systems effectively serve the people. This includes improving billing systems, digital platforms for service requests, and smart infrastructure to provide residents with efficient and accessible digital services.  

- Fair and Efficient Revenue Collection: Implementing transparent and effective revenue collection mechanisms to support essential services like waste management, water provision, electricity supply, and road maintenance.  

- Accountable Financial Governance: Upholding the highest standards of accountability to ensure that resources are allocated to address the community's most pressing needs.  

“As the Finance Committee, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of Johannesburg’s residents are not only heard but directly influence the City’s financial policies and service delivery strategies,” said Councillor Edward. 

She further assured that the committee is dedicated to fostering a financially stable, service-driven City of Johannesburg where every resident benefits from effective and responsive governance. By actively engaging with residents and stakeholders, the committee ensures that financial decisions reflect the real needs of the community.

The committee encourages residents, business owners, and community leaders to submit their concerns and recommendations, as their input is crucial to shaping the future of Johannesburg.

In conclusion, Councillor Edward reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to holding the Executive accountable and ensuring that financial decisions result in improved services, better infrastructure, and a higher quality of life for all Johannesburg residents. 

Together, the committee aims to build a City that truly serves its people.

More than 634 People Arrested Across Gauteng Over the Weekend

In a significant crackdown on crime, the South African Police Services (SAPS), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Gauteng Traffic Wardens (GTWs), and various stakeholders executed a High-Density Operation and Operation Shanela from March 3 to March 9, 2025. 

During the weekend-long initiative from March 7 to March 9, 2025, over 634 individuals were arrested across Gauteng, underscoring the provincial government's commitment to enhancing public safety and curbing lawlessness. A total of 14,165 arrests were made across the country throughout the week.

Arrests were made in multiple areas within the City of Johannesburg, including Eldorado Park, Mondeor, Lenasia, Bramley, Naledi, Diepsloot, Braamfischer, Dobsonville, Doornkop, and Cosmo City. A total of 84 individuals were apprehended for a range of offenses, such as driving under the influence, public drinking, drug possession, selling liquor without a license, assault (GBH), robbery, house robbery, and possession of stolen goods.

In the West Rand District Municipality, law enforcement officials recorded 59 arrests for various offenses, including the apprehension of undocumented persons, shoplifting, housebreaking, and drug possession. Authorities also addressed incidents of domestic violence, failure to appear in court, and violations of protection orders across Fochville, Kagiso, Magaliesburg, Westonaria, Krugersdorp, and Muldersdrift.

The City of Ekurhuleni saw a substantial number of arrests, totaling 200 across different policing precincts such as Primrose, Katlehong, Elsburg, and Boksburg. Among those arrested were 38 undocumented foreign nationals, 16 individuals for selling liquor without a license, and 27 suspects for drug possession. Other charges included drinking and driving, common assault, theft, drug dealing, and even murder.

In the City of Tshwane, 187 arrests were made, with offenses ranging from drinking and driving (45 arrests) to public drinking (86 arrests), immigration-related issues, and drug possession. These arrests occurred in areas including Ga-Rankuwa, Sunnyside, Erasmia, and Pretoria Central.

The Sedibeng District Municipality reported 105 arrests for offenses such as selling liquor without a license, illegal cigarette sales, drug possession, assault (GBH), and possession of illegal firearms. A significant number of these arrests involved undocumented individuals, with 78 suspects detained in Sebokeng, De Deur, Orange Farm, and Vanderbijlpark.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Sello Maremane, highlighted the detrimental effects of public drinking, drinking and driving, and drug possession on community safety. He praised the efforts of law enforcement officials and reaffirmed the commitment to continue such operations to eliminate crime from local neighborhoods.

“The team cracked down on a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million that was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products. Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa,” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk.

She stated that 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.

More than 634 People Arrested Across Gauteng Over the Weekend

In a significant crackdown on crime, the South African Police Services (SAPS), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Gauteng Traffic Wardens (GTWs), and various stakeholders executed a High-Density Operation and Operation Shanela from March 3 to March 9, 2025. 

During the weekend-long initiative from March 7 to March 9, 2025, over 634 individuals were arrested across Gauteng, underscoring the provincial government's commitment to enhancing public safety and curbing lawlessness. A total of 14,165 arrests were made across the country throughout the week.

Arrests were made in multiple areas within the City of Johannesburg, including Eldorado Park, Mondeor, Lenasia, Bramley, Naledi, Diepsloot, Braamfischer, Dobsonville, Doornkop, and Cosmo City. A total of 84 individuals were apprehended for a range of offenses, such as driving under the influence, public drinking, drug possession, selling liquor without a license, assault (GBH), robbery, house robbery, and possession of stolen goods.

In the West Rand District Municipality, law enforcement officials recorded 59 arrests for various offenses, including the apprehension of undocumented persons, shoplifting, housebreaking, and drug possession. Authorities also addressed incidents of domestic violence, failure to appear in court, and violations of protection orders across Fochville, Kagiso, Magaliesburg, Westonaria, Krugersdorp, and Muldersdrift.

The City of Ekurhuleni saw a substantial number of arrests, totaling 200 across different policing precincts such as Primrose, Katlehong, Elsburg, and Boksburg. Among those arrested were 38 undocumented foreign nationals, 16 individuals for selling liquor without a license, and 27 suspects for drug possession. Other charges included drinking and driving, common assault, theft, drug dealing, and even murder.

In the City of Tshwane, 187 arrests were made, with offenses ranging from drinking and driving (45 arrests) to public drinking (86 arrests), immigration-related issues, and drug possession. These arrests occurred in areas including Ga-Rankuwa, Sunnyside, Erasmia, and Pretoria Central.

The Sedibeng District Municipality reported 105 arrests for offenses such as selling liquor without a license, illegal cigarette sales, drug possession, assault (GBH), and possession of illegal firearms. A significant number of these arrests involved undocumented individuals, with 78 suspects detained in Sebokeng, De Deur, Orange Farm, and Vanderbijlpark.

Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Sello Maremane, highlighted the detrimental effects of public drinking, drinking and driving, and drug possession on community safety. He praised the efforts of law enforcement officials and reaffirmed the commitment to continue such operations to eliminate crime from local neighborhoods.

“The team cracked down on a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million that was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products. Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa,” said SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk.

She stated that 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.

Police Unravel Drug Syndicate in Pretoria

On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) successfully dismantled a drug syndicate operating in Pretoria that was involved in the online sale of steroids, stimulants, and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). The operation led to the arrest of six suspects—three men and three women—across various locations in the city.

The suspects now face multiple charges for violating the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, the Medicines and Related Substances Act, and the Counterfeit Goods Act.

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, SAPS national spokesperson, stated, “The takedown operation followed extensive investigations by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) Narcotics Unit, with support from the Transnational Vehicle Crime Investigation (VCI) Unit, Gauteng Provincial Narcotics Unit, Crime Intelligence, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).”

According to Van Wyk, the suspects were operating an online platform to trade and distribute counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, scheduled medicines, steroids, and stimulants. Investigations, which included forensic analysis, revealed that some of the products contained prohibited substances. Notably, one item marketed as a "fat burner" was found to contain Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or Tik.

During the arrests, law enforcement seized a significant quantity of counterfeit and illicit drugs, including steroids and stimulants, along with various electronic devices used in the operation.

The suspects are expected to appear in court later this week as investigations continue.

            Photos: Supplied by SAPS