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ACO RADIO, 232 Niemann Road Buhle Park Phase 1A, Germiston (2026)

23/06/2026

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the local government elections will be held on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Voter registration weekend was held on 20–21 June 2026, giving eligible voters the chance to register or update their details at voting stations closer to where they live. Voter registration can still be done in person at local IEC offices during office hours, at voting stations during registration weekends, and through targeted registration drives and civic education events.

Citizens can also register online through the commission’s Online Voter Registration Portal until the election date is officially proclaimed. The platform also allows users to update their details, confirm their address, find their voting station, and apply for special votes.

Visuals: Supplied

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22/06/2026

MPUMALANGA – Government to Host One-Stop Service Exhibition at Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality

Residents of Mpumalanga will have the opportunity to access a wide range of government information and services under one roof when the Government Exhibition Day takes place at the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality later this week.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, 25 June 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00, is part of an annual programme that underscores government’s commitment to making services and information more accessible to communities. It will be hosted at the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in the Gert Sibande District.

According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), which is organising the event in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the exhibition aims to create an integrated “one-stop” platform where the public can engage directly with various government departments.

“The objectives of the Government Exhibition Day are to promote an integrated ‘one stop’ platform for Government information and service offering by inviting Departments which are making use of mobile services to reach out to the communities — i.e. Labour, Home Affairs, Health, Education, SASSA, etc.,” reads a statement from GCIS.

The event also provides a platform for departments, agencies and state-owned entities to market their products and services directly to the public at no additional cost, while giving residents a chance to interact with officials on government programmes and activities.

All government departments, municipalities and state-owned entities have been requested to exhibit and render services to the public. Exhibitors have been asked to bring their own gazebos, tables and chairs, with exhibition space provided and set-up to be concluded by 08:00.

The Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality is a Category B municipality situated within the Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga. It is one of seven municipalities in the district.

Residents are invited to attend and are encouraged to bring any queries or documents they may need assistance with. The event is targeted at all South African citizens and aims to interface with the youth and members of the public on government programmes.

Event Details:

- Date: Thursday, 25 June 2026
- Time: 09:00 – 15:00
- Venue: Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Mpumalanga.

Visuals: Supplied

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22/06/2026

Gauteng Premier Lesufi appeals for calm as 30 June anti-immigration protests loom

JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has addressed citizens on the province's preparedness ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations scheduled for 30 June 2026, appealing for calm and emphasising that criminality and violence will not be tolerated.

In a video address shared on the Gauteng Provincial Government's page on Monday, 22 June 2026, Lesufi said he respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest. However, he made it clear that any conduct involving criminality or violence would be met with the full force of the law.

"Any conduct that includes criminality or violence will not be tolerated," Lesufi said, adding that the province would be directly affected by the demonstrations.

The Premier confirmed that the provincial government would soon convene a stakeholder meeting to prepare for the planned protest. He also pleaded with citizens to allow law enforcement officials to carry out their duties diligently and called on the public to remain calm.

Lesufi noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa already has measures in place to address the situation. The President has previously urged South Africans to reject violence and allow the law to take its course.

Growing tensions ahead of 30 June deadline

The Premier's address comes amid mounting anticipation of ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests that have been seen across various provinces, with demonstrators calling for undocumented foreign nationals to return home over allegations of various social ills.

The protests are reportedly expected to be led by March and March, a citizen-led movement calling for stronger action against undocumented immigration. The movement, founded by Jacinta Ngebose-Zuma, has gained momentum amid rising frustration over illegal immigration, unemployment, and economic hardship.

A 30 June deadline was set by some groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Threats have been made that action will be taken against undocumented foreign nationals who are still in the country after that date.

Government on high alert

Law enforcement agencies are ramping up security measures ahead of the planned nationwide march. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has assured citizens that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is operationally prepared to maintain peace, stability and public order.

"While the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality will be tolerated," Cachalia said.

The SAPS has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces. Daily operational assessments, briefings and continuous monitoring will ensure deployments remain responsive to any emerging risks.

Cachalia is expected to meet with premiers across all nine provinces this week to ensure peace and stability is maintained.

Repatriations under way

The heightened tensions have already prompted several countries to arrange transportation for their nationals to return home.

About 500 Malawian nationals are currently waiting in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, for repatriation to their home country. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson William Baloyi, the government has relocated the group from Cape Town to Johannesburg, with the Malawian diplomatic mission facilitating their return.

According to local media reports, more than 1,000 Malawian nationals have already been repatriated, while citizens of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria have also returned to their respective countries.

The Department of Home Affairs has been assisting displaced foreign nationals, with municipalities and relevant provincial departments providing support.

"Legitimate concerns" but violence condemned

President Ramaphosa has acknowledged that South Africans protesting against undocumented foreign nationals are raising "legitimate concerns". However, he has condemned those using the tense atmosphere to commit acts of violence.

"Those who are not documented, those who do not have the proper permits and papers to be here, should not be here," Ramaphosa said during voter registration activities in Katlehong. He added that employers who employ undocumented migrants were also being put under pressure.

The government has dismissed claims that foreign nationals have until 30 June to leave the country, saying no such government directive exists and reaffirming that migrants' rights are protected under the Constitution and international law.

Visuals: Facebook/GPG

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22/06/2026

Nearly 3 Million South Africans Flock to Register in Record-Breaking Voter Registration Weekend

PRETORIA – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has hailed the first National Voter Registration Weekend as a resounding success, with nearly 3 million citizens heeding the call to register or update their details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

A total of 2.9 million registration transactions were recorded over the two-day period on 20 and 21 June, marking a significant improvement from the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the comparable registration weekend for the 2021 municipal elections. The surge has propelled the national voters' roll to 28.5 million registered voters, up from 27.7 million during the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo described the turnout as a reaffirmation of the nation's strong and enduring commitment to electoral participation. "The Commission has achieved two significant objectives through this voter registration weekend: the continued growth of the voters' roll and improved registration yield from young persons," Mamabolo told the media in Pretoria on 22 June 2026.

Youth Lead the Charge

Young South Africans emerged as the driving force behind the registration drive. Citizens aged 16 to 29 accounted for 785,078 transactions, representing 27% of the total activity. Even more striking, young people made up 80% of all first-time registrations, with 379,767 new voters from this age cohort joining the roll.

"These figures indicate that the youth-focused campaign is finding resonance with young persons and that far from it, young people are not apathetic," Mamabolo said.

Women also featured prominently, accounting for 1.6 million transactions (57% of total activity). Of the 477,174 first-time registrations, women represented 53%.

KZN Leads Provincial Turnout

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest volume of registration transactions with 691,504 (23% of the national total), followed by the Eastern Cape with 534,773 (18%) and Gauteng with 502,229 (17%).

Online Portal Now Zero-Rated

In a move to further expand access, the IEC announced that its Online Voter Registration Portal has been zero-rated, allowing eligible citizens to register, update, and verify their details at no data cost. The portal, available at www.registertovote.elections.org.za, processed 362,296 transactions – 12% of the total activity – with young people accounting for 48% of online self-registrations.

VMD Technology Performs "Near Perfection"

Addressing questions about the reliability of the Voter Management Devices (VMDs), which faced scrutiny after challenges in previous elections, Mamabolo said the commission had taken "extraordinary measures" to ensure smooth functioning. Over 2.5 million transactions (88%) were processed through VMDs at registration stations. "On this occasion, the VMDs performed near perfection," Mamabolo stated.

Second Registration Weekend Set for August

Citizens who missed this weekend's drive will have another opportunity. The IEC has confirmed that a second Voter Registration Weekend will take place on 1–2 August 2026.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November. Mamabolo reminded citizens that in local government elections, voters may only cast their ballots at the voting station where they are registered.

The commission acknowledged the collaborative efforts of political parties, community leaders, and civil society in mobilising citizens to participate in the democratic process.

Visuals: Supplied

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22/06/2026

Mpumalanga CoGHSTA Slams ‘False’ Sunday Times Report on R470 Million Asset Seizure

MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has vehemently rejected a media report claiming that the state is scrambling to prevent a massive asset seizure, labeling the narrative as "devoid of any truth" and a "gross misrepresentation" of the facts.

In an official statement released on Monday, 22 June 2026, the department addressed a recent Sunday Times article titled "State Scrambles to Stop R470 Million Asset Seizure," which detailed an ongoing legal battle with XJR Construction Company.

"CoGHSTA rejects the false narrative being advanced and views the publication as a gross misrepresentation and falsification of facts surrounding the matter," the department stated.

Officials expressed concern that the reports appear to be driven by anonymous sources intent on spreading misinformation, which undermines public confidence in state institutions.

"The Department is concerned that certain reports appear to be devoid of the facts and have become a willing channel for anonymous sources intent on promoting mischief and misinformation. Such reporting undermines public confidence and fails to present a balanced and factual account of the dispute," the statement read.

The department clarified that it is actively challenging the default judgment that was issued against it in favor of XJR Construction Company. While acknowledging the legal proceedings, CoGHSTA confirmed that it has already formally challenged the ruling and remains confident in its legal stance.

MEC for CoGHSTA, Speed Mashilo, emphasized that the department would not be pressured into making payments that are not legally due, particularly as the custodian of public resources.

"As the custodian of public resources, the Department remains committed to safeguarding public funds and will continue to exercise its responsibilities in strict compliance with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)," stressed Mashilo.

"We will continue to take all lawful and necessary measures to protect the public purse while ensuring that all disputes are resolved through the appropriate legal channels," he concluded.

The department reiterated that appropriate legal processes are currently underway and that it would be inappropriate to comment extensively on issues that remain sub judice. However, it expressed confidence that the judicial process will provide the appropriate platform for all relevant facts to be presented.

CoGHSTA has urged all stakeholders and the public to exercise caution when engaging with unverified claims and to allow the legal process to run its course without undue interference.

Visuals: Facebook/SpeedMashilo/

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22/06/2026

Deputy President Mashatile Visits CCCC in China to Deepen Infrastructure Cooperation

Beijing – His Excellency the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, has visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) in Beijing as part of his Working Visit to the People's Republic of China, where he conducted a walkabout of the company's demonstration wall and engaged with company leadership.

The engagement provided an opportunity to explore practical avenues for expanding cooperation in infrastructure development, investment and regional connectivity.

The Deputy President commended CCCC as one of the world's leading infrastructure companies, with extensive experience in delivering large-scale engineering projects and advancing regional connectivity initiatives.

"In South Africa, the Mtentu Bridge project stands out as a flagship example of CCCC's ability to deliver complex infrastructure while aligning with our transformation and localisation objectives," said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Mtentu Bridge, a flagship project for CCCC in South Africa, is a key component of the N2 Wild Coast Road project and a significant undertaking under the Belt and Road Initiative. The bridge features a main span of 260 metres with a deck 220 metres above the valley floor, making it the longest-span and tallest-pier continuous rigid-frame bridge in Africa. The 66-metre concrete beam launching technique employed in the project is also the largest of its kind on the continent. Awarded to a CCCC and MECSA Construction joint venture at R4.05 billion on 1 November 2022, the project is expected to become a significant economic engine for South Africa for decades to come.

Deputy President Mashatile arrived in China on Saturday, 20 June 2026, for a Working Visit scheduled from 20 to 26 June. The visit builds on the successful outcomes of the South Africa-China Bi-National Commission held in Cape Town in March 2026, which he co-chaired with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.

During the Working Visit, the Deputy President is participating in the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) at the invitation of the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Mr Ren Hongbin. This marks his second participation in the Expo, following his attendance at the third CISCE in July 2025.

As part of efforts to strengthen economic ties and explore opportunities for investment and industrial cooperation, the Deputy President is engaging with leading Chinese companies, including CCCC, Geely Auto, Green Minerals and Metals, Beijing GeoEnviron Engineering, China State Construction Engineering Corporation, Chery and SANY Group. The engagements focus on infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, technology innovation, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, as well as senior government officials. He will thereafter travel to Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, from 25 to 26 June 2026, to build on the outcomes of the 2024 Shenzhen Presidential Business Forum.

China has been South Africa's largest trading partner for more than a decade and a key investor in mining, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure. The visit reflects South Africa's commitment to building sustainable partnerships with Chinese enterprises as part of the country's economic recovery and development agenda.

Visuals: Supplied

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22/06/2026

Deputy President Mashatile Positions South Africa as Reliable Supply Chain Partner at 4th China International Supply Chain Expo

BEIJING – His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Monday, 22 June 2026 positioning South Africa as a reliable and strategic partner within evolving global supply networks.

Addressing delegates at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue), the Deputy President underscored that the expo serves as an important platform to strengthen partnerships, rebuild confidence in global trade systems, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

"A Defining Moment in the Global Economy"

"We meet at a defining moment in the global economy. Geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, climate imperatives, and changing patterns of production are reshaping the architecture of global commerce," Mashatile said.

He noted that businesses and countries are increasingly seeking "greater resilience, diversification, decarbonisation and sustainability within global supply chains," creating new opportunities for nations such as South Africa.

South Africa's Value Proposition

The Deputy President outlined three key pillars of South Africa's value proposition within international supply chains.

First, he highlighted South Africa as an attractive investment destination, supported by sophisticated industrial capabilities, a world-class financial sector, and well-established logistics infrastructure. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, accelerating infrastructure development, and strengthening industrial competitiveness through the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Second, Mashatile emphasised South Africa's role as a reliable source of high-value products and critical inputs required for modern industries and the global energy transition. He pointed to the country's extensive reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, and chromium, as well as its agricultural production capabilities, advanced manufacturing sector, and growing services and digital trade industries.

Third, he positioned South Africa as a gateway to the African continent. "Through the African Continental Free Trade Area, investors located in South Africa gain access to a market of more than 1.3 billion people," he said, presenting significant opportunities for regional value chain development and industrial expansion across Africa.

Shifting Towards Value-Added Manufactured Goods

"A key objective of our engagement in Beijing is to expand the range and value of South African exports entering the Chinese market and to shift our trade relationship increasingly towards value-added manufactured goods," Mashatile stated.

He invited Chinese and international partners to work with South Africa in positioning Africa "not merely as a consumer market, but as a competitive production base, a sourcing destination, and an important node within global supply chains."

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Deputy President's address comes during a working visit to China from 20 to 26 June 2026, aimed at further strengthening South Africa-China relations with a focus on political cooperation, industrial investment, trade facilitation, and economic collaboration. He noted that the implementation of the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity (CADEPA), signed earlier this year, is complemented by a zero-tariff preference scheme that came into effect on 1 May 2026, allowing qualifying South African exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free.

A Global Supply Chain Platform

The 4th China International Supply Chain Expo, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), runs from 22 to 26 June 2026 under the theme "Connecting the World for a Shared Future." The event features six major chains, Advanced Manufacturing, Green Agriculture, Digital Technology, Healthy Life, Smart Vehicle, and Clean Energy, along with a Supply Chain Service Exhibition Area. This year's expo has drawn over 670 companies and organisations from 85 countries, regions, and international organisations, with a record 36.5% of exhibitors coming from outside China.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also addressed the opening ceremony, while NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang delivered a video address, underscoring the event's significance as a premier platform for global supply chain collaboration.

Visuals: Supplied

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21/06/2026

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

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21/06/2026

Nkangala District Municipality presents | CALL FOR APPLICATIONS! 🚨EPWP-SASSETA LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 📚💼

👉 50 learners to be selected
📍 From all 6 pf it's Local Municipalities (LMs)
📄 See advert below for FULL details ⬇️

Visuals: Supplied

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