News Headlines as of 17 February 2026

Parliament still reviewing SANDF deployment for Gauteng, Western Cape.

Parliament must approve President Ramaphosa’s request before SANDF troops can be deployed to Gauteng and the Western Cape to combat illegal mining and gang violence. Defence Portfolio Committee Chair Dakota Legoete stressed that oversight is essential and called for a long-term crime-fighting strategy, noting the SANDF is only a temporary measure. He described the deployment as overdue, citing the loss of thousands of lives to criminal elements as undermining national sovereignty. Parliament will determine the date and plan once the official request is received, ensuring the deployment aligns with broader security goals.

Zambia halts all South African livestock imports, transit routes.

Zambia has imposed an immediate ban on all livestock imports and transit from South Africa, including cloven-hoofed animals, dairy, trophies, skins, and animal feed. The move follows President Ramaphosa’s declaration of the KwaZulu-Natal foot-and-mouth outbreak as a national disaster. Zambia’s Department of Veterinary Services revoked all existing permits to prevent the disease’s spread. Officials emphasized that these precautionary measures will be reviewed depending on how the outbreak progresses, urging farmers and stakeholders to comply. The ban underscores regional concern over protecting animal health and safeguarding agricultural industries from cross-border infection risks.

E-Hailing Federation urges government probe into driver attacks

The National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA) has urged government intervention after a Pretoria driver was killed during a hijacking. The federation wants a national task team to investigate escalating attacks, citing recent incidents in Phoenix, Mamelodi, and Pretoria East. NEFSA President Elijah Uhuru Lekgowane stressed that these violent crimes against drivers represent a national crisis requiring urgent response.