News headlines as of 25 February 2025

Over 450 SANDF soldiers deployed in Gauteng.

Gauteng has received over 450 SANDF soldiers to combat illegal mining and gangsterism. Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced the deployment during his State of the Province Address, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive earlier this month. Soldiers are already stationed in hotspots like Sporong, where illegal miners displaced over 600 residents. Lesufi emphasized that syndicates armed with high-calibre weapons threaten communities across West Rand, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, and Sedibeng. The government aims to end this violence and protect residents, urging that the military presence be maintained long-term to ensure safety and stability in the province. 

Lesufi vows crackdown on mkhukhu mafia, protect Gauteng communities. 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi warned of the rapid growth of informal settlements, saying the province cannot be reduced to a “shanty town.” He announced interventions including a multi-disciplinary team to dismantle illegal shack expansions, starting with Plastic City in Ekurhuleni. Lesufi stressed the fight targets “mkhukhu mafias,” not the poor, and highlighted housing efforts: nearly 7,000 units built this year, 8,644 planned next year, and over 13,000 serviced stands released since 2020. He also addressed hijacked buildings in Tshwane and redevelopment in Marabastad, emphasizing relocation, land acquisition, and housing delivery to improve living conditions. 

Jacinta-Zuma Ngobese, March still uncharged after arrest. 

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, says she has not been charged a month after handing herself over to police. She was accused of inciting public violence against undocumented foreign nationals during protests at Addington Primary School. Ngobese-Zuma claims police have provided no feedback, only stating that the National Prosecuting Authority is yet to act. She alleges the case was opened by an unnamed officer and views the process as intimidation. Despite this, she insists she will not be silenced, emphasizing her stance against what she sees as misuse of the law.