VAAL (2026)

10/04/2026

🏛️ WEBINAR INVITATION: 2026/2027 NHC Heritage Funding & Ubuntu Call for Proposals Workshop

The National Heritage Council (NHC) invites you to a virtual workshop explaining the 2026/2027 Heritage Funding and Ubuntu Initiatives Call for Proposals, including detailed application guidelines.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

📅 Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 – 13:00
💻 Platform: Microsoft Teams

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Step-by-step guidance on the application process
• Clarification of key eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria
• An interactive live Q&A session with the NHC Funding Team

HOW TO JOIN

The link to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be shared on the NHC’s social media platforms.

FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS

Community organisations, heritage practitioners, and NPOs across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi are encouraged to attend. Come learn how to apply for funding and bring your heritage projects to life.

10/04/2026

🗳️ BY-ELECTION REGISTRATION WEEKEND: 11–12 April 2026 – Emfuleni (Ward 28) & Mafikeng (Ward 02)

The Electoral Commission (IEC) will this weekend, Saturday, 11 April 2026 and Sunday, 12 April 2026, hold voter registration ahead of municipal by-elections scheduled for Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Ward 28 – Emfuleni Municipality (GT421), Gauteng
Ward 02 – Mafikeng Municipality (NW383), North West

⏰ Time: 08:00 – 17:00 (both days)

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Register as a new voter
• Check your registration details
• Provide or update address details where necessary

WHAT TO BRING

Eligible voters must bring their identity document:
• Green barcoded ID book
• Smartcard ID
• Valid Temporary ID Certificate

Note: Documented proof of address (e.g., municipal account) is not required. You will complete your physical home address on registration or provide sufficient particulars of your place of residence.

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

Residents of Ward 28 in Emfuleni Municipality (Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sebokeng area) are encouraged to participate in this registration weekend ahead of the 27 May by-election.

10/04/2026

🤖 DRAFT NATIONAL AI POLICY GAZETTED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT – Minister Solly Malatsi

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has gazetted South Africa’s Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy, opening a 60-day public consultation process.

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

The policy sets out a framework for the safe, responsible, and inclusive use of AI to:

• Drive economic growth
• Improve service delivery
• Protect the rights of all South Africans

HOW TO COMMENT

📧 Submit comments to: [email protected]

📅 Deadline: 10 June 2026 at 16:00

ACCESS THE DRAFT POLICY

🌐 Available on the DCDT website:
www.dcdt.gov.za

🔗 Direct link: https://www.dcdt.gov.za/documents/legislations/policies/file/419-draft-south-african-national-artificial-intelligence-ai-policy.html?start=20

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS & BUSINESSES

Stakeholders across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi – including businesses, tech professionals, academics, and civil society – are encouraged to review the draft policy and submit comments before the deadline.

10/04/2026

🚔 SAPS SASOLBURG POP UNIT ARRESTS FOUR SUSPECTS IN INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN DRUG OPERATIONS

Members of the SAPS Sasolburg Public Order Policing (POP) Unit have arrested four male suspects following a series of intelligence-driven drug-related operations between Thursday, 9 April and Friday, 10 April 2026.

OPERATION DETAILS

Members of Platoon 02 acted on information regarding alleged drug dealing activities in the Zonke Section of Oranjeville.

ARRESTS & SEIZURES

Suspect 1 (21 years old – Zonke Section)
• Granted permission for a search
• Suspected drugs found in his possession – immediate arrest

Suspect 2 (22 years old – Potoloha Section)
• Found in possession of eight half mandrax tablets and 40 quarter mandrax tablets (‘5 Star’)

Suspect 3 (25 years old – Ditwebeng Section)
• Found in possession of 12 ziplock bags containing suspected crystal methamphetamine

Suspect 4 (22 years old – Potoloha Section)
• Officers recovered 11 full mandrax tablets

COURT APPEARANCE

All seized substances have been confiscated and will undergo further investigation. The suspects are expected to appear soon before the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of drugs.

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

These operations took place in Oranjeville, which falls under Metsimaholo Local Municipality (Fezile Dabi) . Community cooperation is vital to removing drugs from the streets.

10/04/2026

⚠️ PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL: Boston Scientific Medical Devices – AXIOS Stent & Cryoablation Catheters

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) alerts health facilities and medical practitioners of product safety recalls affecting certain Boston Scientific medical devices.

RECALL 1: AXIOS STENT & ELECTROCAUTERY ENHANCED DELIVERY SYSTEM

• Affected units in South Africa: 128
• Sizes: 6mm x 8mm, 8mm x 8mm, and 20mm x 10mm

Defect: Affected devices may experience difficulty during deployment. The first fl**ge may fail to deploy or expand as intended, which may result in prolongation of the procedure or the need for additional intervention, including endoscopic or surgical removal of the device and closure of the puncture site.

RECALL 2: POLARx™ & POLARx™ FIT CRYOABLATION CATHETERS, POLARSHEATH™ STEERABLE SHEATHS & SMARTFREEZE™ CONSOLES

• Affected units in South Africa: 63

Purpose: These devices form part of a cardiac cryoablation system used in the treatment of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pulmonary vein isolation).

Defect: The recall is due to potential safety issues with the cryoablation system components.

WHAT HEALTH FACILITIES MUST DO

• Immediately discontinue use of affected products
• Remove them from inventory
• Segregate them in a secure location pending return to Boston Scientific

ENQUIRIES

📧 [email protected]

FOR LOCAL HEALTH FACILITIES

Hospitals and clinics across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi that stock these Boston Scientific devices should check their inventory immediately.

Patient safety comes first.

10/04/2026

🚔 JMPD INTERCEPTS STOLEN VEHICLE EN ROUTE TO BORDER; FOREIGN NATIONAL ARRESTED

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has announced a breakthrough in the fight against organised vehicle crime and cross-border smuggling.

OPERATION DETAILS

On the afternoon of Thursday, 9 April 2026, officers from JMPD operational units successfully intercepted a stolen vehicle at the intersection of Albertina Sisulu Road and the N1 off-ramp in the Florida area.

Acting on information received from a credible source, officers tactically positioned themselves to intercept the targeted vehicle. The vehicle was identified and stopped.

THE VEHICLE & SUSPECT

• Vehicle: Reported stolen in Krugersdorp
• Suspect: A Pakistani male national
• Destination: The vehicle was being transported to Zimbabwe

Evidence collected at the scene suggests the suspect is connected to a sophisticated syndicate of foreign nationals specialising in vehicle theft and cross-border smuggling.

SEIZURES & ARREST

• The recovered vehicle has been seized and booked at the SAPS vehicle pound
• The suspect was immediately arrested and remains in custody
• He is expected to face charges related to possession of a stolen motor vehicle, pending further investigation

JMPD COMMISSIONER’S STATEMENT

Commissioner Patrick Jaca commended the success:
“This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing. Our officers remain vigilant in securing our roads and ensuring Johannesburg is not used as a transit point for criminal syndicates.”

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

While this interception occurred in Johannesburg, vehicle theft and cross-border smuggling affect communities across Gauteng, including Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi. Residents are urged to report suspicious activities.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

📞 JMPD or SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111

10/04/2026

📋 UIF DEPENDANT BENEFITS: Qualifying Conditions & Requirements

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) provides Dependant Benefits to eligible family members of a deceased UIF contributor.

QUALIFYING CONDITIONS

• Surviving spouse or life partner must apply within 18 months from the date of the contributor’s death

• Dependant child may apply if the surviving spouse or life partner has not applied within 18 months

• Guardian may apply for children under 18, or children between 21–25 who are learners/students, if the spouse did not apply within the prescribed period

• Child aged 21–25 may qualify if they are a learner/student and were wholly dependent on the deceased contributor

• Maximum benefit: 365 credit days (once every 4 years)

• Nomination: Contributors may nominate beneficiaries if there is no surviving spouse, life partner, or children

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• 13-digit barcoded / Smartcard RSA ID, passport, or asylum seeker permit for dependants
• Death certificate of deceased contributor (South African burial order issued by Home Affairs – foreign death certificates not accepted)
• Marriage certificate or lobola letter or affidavit (for life partner)
• Birth certificate(s) of dependant(s)
• Proof of schooling for dependants aged 21–25
• Proof of guardianship (if applicable) and letter confirming minor is still in school

PAYMENT TIMEFRAME

Applicants do not have to wait 18 months for claims to be processed. Valid and complete claims are normally paid within 20 working days.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit your nearest Department of Employment and Labour labour centre or UIF service point.

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

Families across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi who have lost a loved one who was a UIF contributor should apply within the 18-month window. Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays.

10/04/2026

👮‍♂️ PUBLIC CONSULTATION UNDERWAY AT RATANDA: Community Voice on Police Resource Allocation

A public consultation is currently underway at the Ratanda Multi-Purpose Hall in Heidelberg as part of SAPS’s revised Station Post Requirement (SPR) tool public participation process.

ABOUT THE CONSULTATION

The consultation covers an identified sample of 100 police stations across South Africa, with approximately 11 stations per province. The sample includes:

• The top 30 high-crime contributing stations in the country – SAPS Ratanda is one of them
• A mix of rural, urban-rural, and urban stations to ensure broad and inclusive stakeholder engagement

WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS

This opportunity gives communities a voice to:

• Provide inputs on the allocation of human resources at their local police stations
• Ensure policing is effective, equitable, and responsive to local needs
• Build trust and collaboration between SAPS and the community

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS

The Ratanda consultation is of direct relevance to communities in Lesedi Local Municipality (Sedibeng District) , including Heidelberg and Ratanda. Community participation helps shape how police resources are allocated to address local crime challenges.

10/04/2026

📣 NATIONAL LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2026 – 5 DAYS TO GO

Join leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders as they come together to shape the future of local economic growth in South Africa.

SUMMIT DETAILS

📅 Dates: 15–16 April 2026
⏰ Time: 08:00 – 16:00
📍 Venue: Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre

THEMES

Day 1: Unlocking Resources, Infrastructure, and Skills for Local Economic Development (LED)

Day 2: Ease of Doing Business and an Enabling Environment

KEY LEADERSHIP

• Minister Stella Tembisa Ndabeni – Department of Small Business Development
• Mr Bheke Stofile – President of SALGA (South African Local Government Association)

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Impactful conversations on local economic development
• Collaboration between government, business, and stakeholders
• Solutions for unlocking resources and infrastructure
• Strategies for easing business operations at local level

FOR LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS

Business owners, local government officials, and economic development practitioners across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi are encouraged to attend.

Let’s collaborate, innovate, and build stronger local economies together.

10/04/2026

📢 MEDIA ADVISORY: Minister Buthelezi to Launch Transformative Digital Governance Training in Partnership with Russian Presidential Academy

The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, will on Monday, 13 April 2026, officially welcome a high-level delegation from the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) to launch a week-long executive training programme focused on the digital transformation of the public sector.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Hosted by the National School of Government (NSG) , this programme marks the first major implementation of the five-year Cooperation Agreement signed between the NSG and RANEPA in November 2025. The initiative responds to the Government of National Unity’s mandate to build a capable, ethical, and developmental state by equipping public servants with 21st-century digital competencies.

TRAINING THEMES

Distinguished practitioners from RANEPA will lead sessions on:

• Regulatory frameworks for digital development
• GovTech platforms and smart city systems
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data management in the public sector
• Digital feedback mechanisms to improve citizen-centric service delivery

MINISTER’S STATEMENT

“The public service must digitally transform, or it will become irrelevant to the very people it exists to serve. This partnership brings world-class expertise to our most critical challenge: ensuring every citizen can access government services efficiently and without delay.” – Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi

MEDIA INVITATION

📅 Date: Monday, 13 April 2026
⏰ Time: 09:00
📍 Venue: Centurion River Meadow Manor

Enquiries & RSVPs:
📞 Dikeledi Mokgokolo – 082 888 2355
📞 Malebo Ralehlaka – 082 802 1752

FOR LOCAL CONTEXT

This training programme has implications for public servants across all provinces, including those serving Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi, as digital transformation efforts aim to improve citizen-centric service delivery.

10/04/2026

🌍 CALL FOR PROPOSALS: Pulitzer Center Impact Seed Fund 2026 – Grants for University Educators & Researchers in Africa

The Pulitzer Center invites university educators and researchers in Africa to apply for the 2026 Impact Seed Fund (ISF) , designed to aid successful applicants in developing impactful educational initiatives on climate and environmental issues.

GRANT AMOUNT

💰 US$2,500 – $4,000

FOCUS AREAS

The 2026 ISF focuses on:

• Ocean
• Transparency and governance
• Climate change, rainforests, and interconnection with workers and vulnerable communities

TYPES OF PROJECTS SUPPORTED

• Integrate journalism into teaching and learning – using Pulitzer Center-supported reporting (documentaries, photography, podcasts, infographics, data visualisations) into syllabi, course materials, and student learning activities

• Inform research, scientific panel, and public dialogues – using reporting insights as evidence for academic research, comparative studies, and decision-making

• Strengthen cross-sector collaboration – fostering collaboration among universities, journalists, Indigenous and affected communities, and local institutions

ELIGIBILITY

• University professors or researchers based in an institution in Africa
• Applicants may propose projects through a consortia of educators from universities in one or more regions

REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must use at least one story reported by Pulitzer Center-supported journalists, relevant to:
• Rainforests (Rainforest Investigations Network)
• Ocean (Ocean Reporting Network)
• Climate and labour (Our Work/Environment initiative)
• Transparency and governance

Projects must demonstrate a strong Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) approach.

TIMELINE

📅 Africa deadline: 19 April 2026
📅 Selection process: 20 April – 6 May 2026
📅 Announcement: 7 May 2026
📅 Project implementation: 1 June – 15 December 2026

HOW TO APPLY

🔗 Details & application: https://shorturl.at/lcknr

Contact for Africa region: Eric Selemani – [email protected]

10/04/2026

📱 CALLING ALL INFLUENCERS: Apply for Key Opinion Leadership Training Camp in China

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) invites young South African influencers to apply for this exciting international opportunity – a Key Opinion Leadership Training Camp in China from 11–20 May 2026.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This global programme, in partnership with international youth platforms, will bring together young digital creators to explore:

• Digital innovation and technology
• Culture, storytelling, and creative industries
• Tourism and global youth exchange

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

• Young South African influencers aged 18–35
• Strong digital presence and active engagement

Content creators in:
• Culture: food, fashion, music, arts
• Tourism/Lifestyle: travel, experiences
• Technology: innovation, digital content

WHAT TO SUBMIT

• A short profile (who you are and what you do)
• Your social media links + follower count
• Your content focus area

IMPORTANT NOTE

Selected participants will be expected to:

• Represent South Africa on an international platform
• Create content during the programme
• Contribute to youth development initiatives upon return

HOW TO APPLY

📧 Submit your details to: [email protected]

📅 Deadline: 14 April 2026 at 17:00

CONTACT

📞 Toll-Free: 0800 585 858
📞 Phone: 064 758 5058

FOR LOCAL INFLUENCERS

Young content creators across Sedibeng (Emfuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi) and Fezile Dabi with a strong digital presence are encouraged to apply for this fully-funded international opportunity.

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