NCOP Question:  On interventions and plans developed by government, to mitigate against economic impact of the decline of the rail transport system on provincial economies and economic activities of rural towns. 

REPLY BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson, 

Let me thank Honourable Mmoiemang for raising this important matter concerning the decline of the rail transport system and the consequent economic impact on provincial economies and rural towns that historically depended on functioning passenger and freight rail services. 

Among my delegated responsibilities is the implementation of rapid response interventions to address service delivery challenges and to troubleshoot disruptions identified in service delivery hotspots. Through this function, we have prioritised stronger intergovernmental coordination, improved planning, and more effective execution across the spheres of government to restore the performance of critical economic infrastructure, including rail.

In this regard, we continuously engage the relevant Ministers, including Public Works and Infrastructure, Transport, Water and Sanitation, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to reinforce the upgrading and safeguarding of strategic infrastructure systems that underpin economic activity and job creation.

Honourable Chairperson, 

Government has already committed resources toward restoring rail and logistics capability. The Minister of Finance announced an allocation of R21.9 billion to the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), targeted at major infrastructure projects, including Transnet’s coal and iron ore corridor upgrades aimed at restoring rail capacity on these corridors.

Government is also capacitating PRASA to implement its corridor recovery programme and modernise rail service infrastructure. By the end of 2025, PRASA had commissioned 35 of 40 passenger corridors and achieved an audited annual figure of 77 million passenger journeys.

On long distance passenger rail services, PRASA’s Long Distance Passenger Division plans to reintroduce Main Line Passenger Services in the 2026/27 financial year, subject to funding availability and locomotive readiness. These include:
• Johannesburg–Durban;
• Johannesburg–Queenstown–East London;
• Johannesburg–Cape Town; and
• Johannesburg–Musina / Cape Town–Queenstown.

PRASA is further rolling out thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable as part of its new signalling system through private sector partnerships to strengthen safety and real time communication across the rail network.

Honourable Members, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), in collaboration with the Department of Transport and our strategic partners, is prioritising the productive utilisation of rail infrastructure and associated assets that have been underutilised, vandalised, or inactive for prolonged periods. 

This work includes the revival of critical rail services that support agriculture, mining, manufacturing hubs, and rural trading towns that rely heavily on reliable rail connectivity. Furthermore, through Operation Vulindlela, Government is fast‑tracking structural reforms aimed at modernising our rail and logistics infrastructure. This includes opening the rail network to third‑party operators to enhance efficiency and competition, as well as accelerating the rehabilitation of passenger rail services to improve mobility, safety, and economic participation for our citizens.

Finally, the President announced an infrastructure investment programme of R500 billion over the next three years, of which R120 billion is ring fenced for transport infrastructure, including freight rail rehabilitation, port efficiency upgrades, and road network maintenance.

Government is acting with urgency to restore the integrity of our transport and logistics systems, because efficient rail, roads, ports, and public transport are essential to economic growth, competitiveness, and social wellbeing.

I thank you Honourable Chairperson.

NCOP Question: On measures adopted and implemented by government to detect and prevent corruption in the SA Police Service (SAPS).
 
REPLY BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson,

As Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster Cabinet Committee, I wish to emphasise that the JCPS Cluster remains central to ensuring a coordinated, whole of government response to crime, violence, and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Prior to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, measures to detect and prevent corruption within South African Police Service (SAPS) included, among others:
• The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Task Team (ACTT) in 2010 to investigate high level graft;
• The rollout of integrated, technology driven case management systems to reduce manual interference and vulnerabilities; and
• Strengthening forensic and investigative capability across the security environment.

Honourable Chairperson, 

The JCPS Cluster continues to intensify internal controls and accountability through SAPS’s Ethics Management Strategy and Fraud and Corruption Prevention Strategy, overseen by internal governance structures including the Ethics Committee, Risk Management Committee, and Audit Committee.

To strengthen detection of wrongdoing, SAPS has enhanced whistleblower protection through National Instruction 18 of 2019: Integrity Management, enabling safe reporting through platforms such as the National Anti-Corruption Hotline, internal ethics lines, and oversight bodies including IPID, the Public Protector, and the Auditor General.

Operational reforms have also been undertaken to reduce opportunities for corruption, including improvements to crime scene management, enhancement of investigative capacity, and the establishment of specialised units such as the Anti-Gang Unit and the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams.

Technological tools, including CCTV in high-risk areas and the Integrated Person Management System, as a key component of the Integrated Justice System, support integrity by improving identity verification, reducing identity fraud, and enhancing tracking from arrest through incarceration.

Honourable Chairperson, 

The SAPS continues to strengthen internal detection mechanisms through vetting and screening of prioritised categories of personnel, including Senior Management Service members, Crime Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, the DPCI, and those deployed to ultra-sensitive posts. These measures are supported by lifestyle reviews and financial disclosure analysis, including reactive lifestyle audits where allegations are received.

Where serious allegations of fraud and corruption arise, forensic audits and criminal investigations will follow, and those found guilty will be prosecuted.

To strengthen policing capacity, the President announced the recruitment of 5,500 additional police officers, alongside strengthened enforcement of firearm legislation. 

Based on interim findings of the Madlanga Commission indicating prima facie wrongdoing, the President directed the Acting Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to establish a special task team to investigate criminality involving senior SAPS members and other implicated officials.

The JCPS Cluster will continue to ensure coordinated action across all arms of the State to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities.

I thank you, Honourable Chairperson.

NCOP Question: On the challenge of illegal mining in Gauteng’s East and West Rand, particularly in the Gugulethu and Sporong informal settlements 

REPLY BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson,

I thank the Honourable Mananiso for highlighting this important issue of illegal mining and its impact on communities, including violent incidents in Gugulethu and Sporong informal settlements in Randfontein. 

Government is deeply concerned about the threat posed by illegal mining, which fuels violence, undermines the rule of law, endangers lives, and erodes the integrity of the economy. Illegal mining has evolved into a complex phenomenon often associated with transnational syndicates, illicit financial flows, undocumented migration, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

As a results, Government is intensifying intelligence driven operations under initiatives such as Operation Vala Umgodi. This includes the deployment of specialised units, disruption of supply chains, arrests of perpetrators and syndicate leaders, and seizures of equipment and contraband, in cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to secure convictions.

Honourable Chairperson,

The JCPS Cluster continuously assesses operational gaps and strengthens interdepartmental coordination. South African Police Service (SAPS) responds through a structured escalation model from station level to district, provincial and national intervention, coordinated through NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS structures. The NATJOINTS Illegal Mining Priority Committee is activated where national coordination is required and reports into the JCPS Cluster and Cabinet.

This intervention calls for coordinated action between SAPS, the Hawks, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Home Affairs, and other security agencies.

We are also addressing the threat posed by the infiltration of illegal and counterfeit goods, which continue to undermine South African jobs and industrial competitiveness, through the 12‑dimensional National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme. Government has secured funding to commence implementation of this programme, which includes Targeted Enforcement in High‑Risk Sectors experiencing major revenue losses and entrenched syndicate activity, notably illegal mining, fuel smuggling, and port‑linked illicit trade. 

In conclusion, Government has affirmed its commitment to combating escalating gang violence and illegal mining associated with organised crime by announcing the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support the SAPS. This deployment enhances NATJOINTS coordination and strengthens continuous monitoring efforts to prevent any resurgence of criminal activity. The President’s directive underscores government’s determination to confront these urgent challenges, and we appreciate his decisive leadership in this regard. 

Government remains resolute in restoring order, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that those who profit from criminality face the full might of the law.

I thank you, Honourable Chairperson.

NCOP Question: On government efforts to improve the functioning of municipalities and address community concerns.

REPLY BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson,

Government is aware that certain municipalities, including Ditsobotla and Emfuleni, continue to experience serious service delivery challenges notwithstanding multiple Section 139 interventions. These challenges are rooted in governance instability, financial mismanagement, weak institutional capacity, and persistent backlogs.

We acknowledge that Section 139 interventions have not always yielded sustainable improvements. Concerns about politicisation and misuse are noted, and steps are being taken to strengthen oversight, professionalise municipal administration, and ensure clearer recovery and exit strategies.

The absence of clean audits in municipalities under intervention reflects deep, systemic weaknesses requiring long term institutional reform. In the case of municipalities such as Ditsobotla and Emfuleni, support has included multidisciplinary teams assisting with Financial Recovery Plans and strengthening technical capacity, with support from MISA and National Treasury.

Honourable Chairperson,

Section 139 remains a constitutional safeguard triggered when a municipality cannot fulfil its executive obligations. Uneven outcomes often reflect structural constraints, political instability, debt overhangs, skills deficits and weak controls rather than a defect in the constitutional mechanism itself.

Through the review of the White Paper on Local Government, Government will introduce measures to strengthen the local government system, including potential reforms to the funding model, enhanced technical capacity, and consideration of restructuring Section 139 interventions to improve sustainability of outcomes.

As part of DDM implementation, Government continues to work with COGTA and sector departments on targeted action plans for distressed municipalities. We also monitor targeted municipal interventions through the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign. Together with SALGA, DDM Champions and relevant Ministers, we engage with communities and set clear timelines for improvement.

I thank you, Honourable Chairperson.

NCOP Question: On the roll-out of the District Development Model and the effective coordination of the different spheres of government to improve the functioning of municipalities. 

REPLY BY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson, 

A significant number of municipalities are assessed as financially distressed and/or dysfunctional, as reflected in audit outcomes, service delivery performance and financial indicators.

According to the 2026 review by National Treasury, 162 municipalities were identified as financially distressed in the 2023/24 financial year. This is driven by poor cash flow management, inadequate revenue collection and rising debt, exacerbated by 113 unfunded budgets and a total revenue shortfall of R35.9 billion.

While challenges remain significant, improvements in audit outcomes have been recorded in a number of municipalities, and clean audits have been achieved by municipalities including Midvaal and uMngeni.

Honourable Chairperson, 

Consequence management is central to restoring accountability. COGTA is implementing disciplinary measures, criminal investigations where necessary, and conditional allocation or withholding of grants. In collaboration with the SIU, Government has established the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum to strengthen coordination against corruption at provincial and municipal levels.

Government has also initiated enforcement measures relating to water and sanitation failures, including criminal charges against municipalities and steps to pursue accountability of municipal managers in respect of statutory breaches.

These actions demonstrate Government’s commitment to stabilising local government and ensuring public funds are safeguarded and properly applied to service delivery.

I thank you Hon Chairperson.

NCOP Question: On the negative impact of abandoned and incomplete water infrastructure projects in South Africa on the current water crisis. 

REPLY DEPUTY PRESIDENT MASHATILE:
Honourable Chairperson,

The sustainable supply of water remains a national priority. The Water Task Team has assessed the impact of abandoned and incomplete water infrastructure projects and confirmed that delays have reduced water availability, weakened system reliability, compromised water security, and affected environmental compliance.

To address these challenges, long outstanding grant funded projects have been identified and prioritised for accelerated completion. Government has also taken steps to reprioritise funding to ensure delayed projects are finalised and water systems stabilised.

In Gauteng, where severe interruptions have been experienced, the President delegated the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation and COGTA to undertake oversight engagements with municipal leadership. Practical steps include:
• Approval of increased abstraction from the Integrated Vaal River System to assist Rand Water in restoring reservoir levels;
• Coordination of demand reduction measures and enforcement of restrictions (a municipal competency); and
• Acceleration of leak reduction and infrastructure repairs, supported through programmes aimed at improving ring fencing of water revenues and long-term sustainability.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has further advised Gauteng municipalities to strengthen water restrictions, reduce losses through leak repairs and pressure reduction, and invest in additional storage and pumping capacity.

On 20 February 2026, I undertook oversight at the Carlswald reservoir construction site and the Grand Central Water Tower in Midrand. The 20 million litre reservoir is set for completion in 2027 to support long term supply stability.

Government is implementing practical measures in other provinces, including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape, focusing on accelerating bulk projects, reducing non-revenue water, emergency supply interventions, and strengthened intergovernmental coordination.

Finally, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, chaired by the President, to address severe shortages, infrastructure failures, and municipal performance challenges across the country. 

I thank you Hon Chairperson.