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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Young SAPS officer takes policing to new heights

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

    Among them is 27-year-old Constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.

    Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.

    Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.

    Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.

    From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas. 

    In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.

    Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.

    Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.

    True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.

    “You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Deputy President to respond to oral questions

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile will this afternoon respond to questions for oral reply in the National Assembly. 

    At Thursday’s session, which will take place at 2pm, the country’s second-in-command will touch on a wide range of issues from agricultural support, water shortages and intensified efforts in the country’s comprehensive HIV and AIDS response.

    As Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President will inform Members of Parliament (MPs) on government efforts towards improving access to funding and resource support for small-scale and smallholder farmers, as well as supporting infrastructure development in rural areas.

    Following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding by the United States Government, the Deputy President will reassure MPs that government has the capacity to fund its HIV/AIDS programme. 

    “The withdrawal will not have a dire impact in the purchasing and the distribution of the antiretrovirals,” the Deputy President Office’s statement read. 

    The Deputy President is also expected to emphasise the need to enhance municipal service management and financial stability in the water sector to address water shortages in the country.

    “In light of the persistent and evolving threat posed by gang-related violence in both urban and peri-urban areas, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on the comprehensive strategy the Justice, Crime-Prevention and Security Cabinet Committee has implemented to dismantle organised criminal networks,” the statement read. 

    He will further reiterate South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law, which his Office said is a cornerstone of South Africa’s democratic constitutional order. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Clothing and textile sector is crucial to SA’s economic recovery

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The clothing and textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.

    He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town. 

    Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the government which are aimed at revitalising the South African economy. Among these is the creation of 100 000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current term of government. 

    He said that under the Government of National Unity, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy – one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

    However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation. 

    This, according to Whitfield, requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day. 

    “The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative; it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up.

    “It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.

    He said that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector. 

    “We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability.
    “And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place. 

    “Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives but thrives.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Over 1 700 suspects nabbed in Vala Umgodi operations

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    A total of 1 775 suspects of different nationalities were arrested in May during nationwide Vala Umgodi operations aimed at combating and preventing illegal mining.

    These suspects were arrested for illegal mining related offences and various other serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of explosives and possession of suspected stolen property. 

    Moreover, SAPS members deployed in the provinces as part of Operation Vala Umgodi also help to prevent and combat crime, which is not necessarily related to illicit mining activities.

    Some of the items seized during Vala Umgodi operations in May include 27 unlicensed firearms, 827 rounds of ammunition, 51 vehicles (including sedans, bakkies, trucks, trailers and excavators) and 380 pendukas (a hand-powered cylindrical device used in informal mining operations).

    Vala Umgodi successes for the month of May 2025 include:

    • Free State: On 14 May 2025, police officers attached to Vala Umgodi conducted operations at the Kudu Old Mine area, which resulted in the arrest of two foreign nationals, aged between 33 and 51 years. During the arrest, police seized 59.40 kilograms of suspected gold bearing material. In a separate incident, the team also arrested two foreign nationals, aged between 36 and 42 years, at Merriespruit Crusher Plant and seized gold bearing material weighing at 56.80 kilograms.
       
    • Police in Gauteng conducted an intelligence-driven Vala Umgodi operation, which led to the arrest of 102 suspects at Shaft 9, Mogale Crusher mine, West village in Krugersdorp, on Thursday, 8 May 2025. The suspects were arrested for illegal mining, illegal immigration, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The team also seized pendukas, steel balls, firearms and ammunition.
       
    • KwaZulu-Natal: Two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with the Vala Umgodi team in KZN at Wasbank, near Ladysmith, on 22 May 2025. Police operationalised intelligence about the whereabouts of the suspects wanted for CIT robbery incidents, which happened in KZN between June 2022 and March 2025. 
       
    • Limpopo: Last month alone,  Operation Vala Umgodi task teams deployed in the five districts of Limpopo arrested 230 suspects, including 30 individuals directly linked to illegal mining operations. Of those detained, 51 were South Africans, while 179 were illegal immigrants. Two hundred and five suspects were deported to their countries of origin.
    • Mpumalanga: On 3 May 2025, Operation Vala Umgodi members found four minors, aged between 12 and 16 years, underground during an operation targeting illegal mining activities at the Dukes old mineshaft in Pilgrim’s Rest. The 12-year-boy was taken to a place of safety. Fourteen adult suspects, aged between 18 and 47 years, were also arrested. One suspect was charged for possession of explosives, possession of dagga, and possession of illegal mining equipment.
       
    • Northern Cape: Members of Vala Umgodi arrested two male suspects, aged between 29 and 35, for the possession of unpolished diamonds in Port Nolloth on Tuesday, 13 May 2025. The team intercepted a Ford bakkie allegedly transporting illegal miners, en-route to Port Nolloth and discovered a significant quantity of unpolished diamonds.
       
    • North West: In the Bojanala district, 91 suspects of different nationalities were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal mining. Police also seized diesel generators, hammers and jackhammers, shovels, electric extension cords, grease pumps, pendukas and steel balls.

    To date, a total of 27 275 suspects have been arrested, while 697 firearms, including imitation firearms and 16 247 rounds of ammunition, have been seized through Operation Vala Umgodi since December 2023.

    “Operation Vala Umgodi is government’s initiative to combat and prevent illegal mining activities, as well as to safeguard economic growth by addressing the root causes of illegal mining and enforcing the law,” said the South African Police Service in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is today visiting flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, to assess the impact of the recent floods and evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts.

    Thursday’s visit follows the urgent sitting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), convened by the Minister on Tuesday, 10 June 2025. 

    The committee meeting was aimed at coordinating a comprehensive national response to severe weather conditions that have impacted several provinces but mostly the Eastern Cape.

    All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. 

    READ | Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

    The Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the severe weather incident. 

    A scholar transport minibus transporting children was swept by water near Mthatha, leading to the loss of life. 

    Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree. 

    On Wednesday, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government reported that 49 people died since the start of the floods as the search continues for those who are unaccounted for.

    “We’d like to convey on behalf of government our condolences to all the people of the Eastern Cape and the people of Mthatha where a tragedy occurred as a result of bad weather we’ve been experiencing since the weekend,” Hlabisa said on Thursday morning. 

    He also expressed his condolences to the affected schools, including the learners and parents and the surrounding communities. 

    “As government, we have descended to the Eastern Cape in Mthatha to give our support and ensure that when the people are in a difficult situation, government is not absent. That’s why at the national level, two Ministers are on the ground,” he added. 

    According to Hlabisa, the team will announce the line-up of more senior government leaders who will also visit the province. 

    During the visit, Hlabisa will conduct on-site inspections of areas severely impacted within the OR Tambo District Municipality. 

    He will also receive briefings from local and provincial disaster management teams, engage directly with affected families and community members, and provide updates on ongoing search and rescue operations.

    This gesture also serves as government solidarity with families mourning the recent scholar transport tragedy in the region. 

    The Minister is also assessing the support mechanisms in place to ensure that all necessary interventions are effectively implemented. 

    Meanwhile, mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal, following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

    This led to the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone where work is currently underway to remove the snow. 

    While deaths have been reported because of the inclement weather in KwaZulu-Natal, several people have been injured and infrastructure has been significantly affected. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration

    Source: Chatham House –

    Asia Pacific programme hosts event on Japanese foreign policy during the second Trump administration
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event, the second in a series held at Japan House in London, discussed the impact of President Trump’s new administration on Japanese domestic politics and foreign policy.

    Ben Bland, Director of Chatham House’s Asia-Pacific Programme, chaired an event at Japan House on 11 February 2025 to discuss Japanese foreign policy at a time of minority government in Tokyo and a new Trump administration in Washington. 

    The event also discussed related issues including the Japan–China relationship, the impact of the ongoing political crisis in South Korea and broader security connections between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

    Speaking at the event were Kanehara Nobukatsu, chief cabinet secretary to the prime minister of Japan from 2012-19; Tsuruoka Michito, an associate professor in the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University; and Kristi Govella, an associate professor of Japanese politics and international relations at the University of Oxford.

    Ben Bland said:

    ‘The return of Donald Trump to the White House has brought added turbulence to an already contested Indo-Pacific, making it an important time discuss the impact on Japan and its relations with key partners in the region. 

    ‘We are grateful to Japan House London for enabling us to host this timely discussion at their venue, and for giving us the opportunity to connect with a new network of individuals following events in Asia.’

    Watch the event in full here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced

    Source: Chatham House –

    New Director of Chatham House Africa Programme announced
    News release
    jon.wallace

    Tighisti Amare has been appointed to lead our highly respected Africa Programme.

    Chatham House is pleased to announce the appointment of Tighisti Amare as Programme Director of its Africa Programme. Tighisti will take up the role in August 2025.

    With over 15 years of experience at the Institute, Tighisti has played a pivotal role in shaping the Africa Programme’s research agenda and external engagement. 

    Most recently serving as Deputy Director, she has led major research initiatives, convened high-level dialogues with African and international policymakers, and collaborated extensively with international organizations, civil society, business leaders, media, and academic institutions.

    Tighisti will take over the reins of the programme from Dr Alex Vines OBE who is stepping down this year. He led the programme since 2002, building it up to be a recognized and highly respected name and brand across the continent.

    Director and CEO of Chatham House Bronwen Maddox said: 

    ‘The Africa Programme is a vital part of Chatham House’s global research agenda, contributing important perspectives on the continent’s political, economic, and strategic developments. Tighisti has been instrumental in shaping its development. 

    ‘I am in no doubt that under her able leadership, the programme will continue to deepen understanding of Africa’s evolving role in international affairs and global governance during what is a critical and exciting period.’

    Tighisti’s research interests include Africa in global governance, multilateralism, Africa–Europe relations, geopolitical realignment, and regional integration. 

    Her recent publications explore African responses to multipolarity, the future of the continent’s engagement with the Commonwealth, and the role of soft power in UK–Africa relations.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia

    Source: Chatham House –

    Africa Programme co-hosts security and natural resources conference in Slovenia
    News release
    jon.wallace

    The event explored how to ensure positive, secure resource governance in Africa. 

    Chatham House partnered with the government of Slovenia, the European Union, and the Bled strategic forum to co-host an Africa Day conference on security and natural resource governance on 30 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference highlighted Slovenia’s prioritization of climate security during its tenure on the UN Security Council and explored how to ensure good, secure resource governance on the continent of Africa. 

    Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign and Security Affairs of Slovenia HE Tanja Fajon highlighted the importance of institutions and partnerships for resource governance, saying:

    ‘Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable growth, and it is vital to support efforts that strengthen institutions, promote governance and enhance regional cooperation. Only by working together in partnership can we build a safer and more stable future. Slovenia supports and will continue to support emerging partnerships with African countries.’

    During the event a high-level panel discussed how to improve regional collaboration to enable equitable sharing of resources, stop criminal networks whose activities undermine good resource governance, and ensure continuing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.  

    DRC Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and the Francophonie, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, said: 

    ‘A priority for the DRC is to enhance the performance of artisanal mining, given the sector’s importance for our local communities. We want to reinforce the capacities of artisanal miners to further develop small-scale mining, and improve their technical capacities.’

    ‘Our goal is the promotion of the DRC as a stable and reliable investment destination for external investors. This includes the stabilization of the fiscal regime, guarantees for investors, protection against expropriation, the traceability of minerals, better governance and the continued fight against corruption’.

    The conference also explored the relationship between natural resource governance and human rights. 

    Reflecting on Slovenia’s constitutional enshrinement of the right to clean water, Chatham House Associate Fellow Sheila Khama noted that, for Africa, ‘the intersection between mineral resources and non-renewable resources is fundamental. It is the gap between sustainability or the lack of it. Mining requires a lot of water, but we need to make sure that does not detract from citizens’ rights to access this resource’. 

    Senior Research Fellow Christopher Vandome said:

    ‘Slovenia’s prioritization of water management and climate security, coupled with the extent of engineering expertise, offer significant opportunities for collaboration with African countries, and can make important contributions to EU discussions on responsible sourcing in Africa.’

    The Africa Programme would like to thank its partners and all those who attended for their help delivering this valuable event.

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia could use military force against alliance in five years

    Source: Chatham House –

    NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia could use military force against alliance in five years
    News release
    jon.wallace

    In his Chatham House speech the Secretary General said he expects NATO states to commit to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence, arguing ‘America has carried too much of the burden for too long’.

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Chatham House on 9 June to outline his vision for the alliance’s future funding and priorities, in his keynote pre-summit address before the NATO meeting on June 24 and 25.

    In his speech, Rutte outlined the need to ‘make our alliance stronger, fairer and more lethal’ in order to meet an increasing range of threats, particularly regarding Russia’s capacity to rearm and threaten alliance countries in the near future.

    ‘In terms of ammunition, Russia produces in three months what the whole of NATO produces in a year,’ he said. ‘And its defence industrial base is expected to roll out 1,500 tanks, 3,000 armoured vehicles, and 200 Iskander missiles this year alone…Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years’. He repeated five years for emphasis.

    The Trump–Albanese conversation could be complicated by the Australian government’s imposition this week of sanctions on two hardline Israeli ministers for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

    This action, in concert with the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, was immediately condemned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who called for the sanctions to be withdrawn.

    All this before we even get to the issue of tariffs, and Australia offering a deal on critical minerals to try to get some concessions.

    There is a lot of scripting prepared before such meetings. Albanese will have his talking points down pat. But with Trump being an “off-script” man, it is not an occasion for which the PM can be confident ahead of time that he is fully prepared.

    But Albanese has one safeguard, in domestic political terms. If things went pear-shaped Australians – who have scant regard for Trump – could be expected to blame the president rather than the prime minister.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. View from The Hill: Is the US playing cat and mouse ahead of expected Albanese-Trump talks? – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-is-the-us-playing-cat-and-mouse-ahead-of-expected-albanese-trump-talks-257336

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Statement on Senate Republicans’ Latest Effort to Force Nevada Public Land Sales in their Billionaire Tax Cut Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement after Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) released legislation that would use public land sales to pay for Senate Republicans’ billionaire tax cut bill. Senator Cortez Masto pushed to get similar provisions struck from the House bill, and just today called out Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for the administration’s lack of consultation on such a critical issue for Nevada.
    “It is clear that this language was developed behind closed doors without input from critical Nevada stakeholders because it ignores provisions for affordable housing and eliminates funding Nevada relies on for our schools and water conservation projects,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “If we truly want to support affordable housing and economic development in Nevada, everyone needs to be at the table. Shoving lands sales in a reconciliation bill in order to pay for tax cuts for billionaires is not the way forward, and I’ll continue to fight against this misguided proposal.”
    Senator Lee’s language directs the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to sell a certain percentage of federal lands in Nevada and other Western states for fair market value, while ignoring the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) and the Nevada tradition of sending federal land revenues back to the state to fund drought mitigation, public education, and conservation projects. Senator Lee’s bill would instead send the revenue from future lands sales in Nevada to the general Treasury. The legislation also ignores numerous already-negotiated lands bills across the state, including Cortez Masto’s Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, a years-long effort to help Clark County grow, encourage affordable housing, and protect 2 million acres for conservation.

    MIL OSI USA News –