On 12 March 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation reviewed public submissions on the National State Enterprises Bill [B1-2024], which proposes the establishment of the State Asset Management SOC Ltd (SAMSOC) as part of a centralised ownership model for South Africa&rsquo;s state-owned enterprises. During the meeting, the Committee resolved to invite stakeholders for oral hearings, marking a further step in the Bill&rsquo;s legislative process.

Portfolio Committee Advances National State Enterprises Bill to Implement Centralised SOE Ownership Model

Complete the implementation of a new centralised ownership model for SOEs. This will improve accountability, transparency, governance and oversight, while reducing inefficiency and the potential for corruption.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with other law-enforcement agencies and stakeholders, conducted a multidisciplinary takedown operation in Johannesburg CBD and seized more than 1,700 counterfeit sports apparel and footwear items, as well as manufacturing equipment and materials valued at more than R1.5 million. The operation targeted criminal networks involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of counterfeit and illicit goods.

Police seize counterfeit goods worth more than R1.5 million

Address illicit economy crimes, prioritised organised crime, including serious commercial crime and cybercrime through prevention, investigation, prosecution and conviction through the Integrated Organised Crime Plan

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) reported progress on 13 corruption cases linked to the Department of Defence and Military Veterans. Nine cases had been completed and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision, while four remained under investigation.

Hawks report progress on corruption cases linked to the Defence Department

Fight corruption and prevent undue political interference in the administration of the state

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) secured the arrest of Joel Govindraju in connection with the investigation into alleged tender fraud involving more than R2 billion at Tembisa Hospital.

SIU and NPA secure further arrest in Tembisa Hospital tender-fraud investigation

Establish capable, sophisticated and independent law enforcement agencies that can fight complex and organised crime.

The Special Investigating Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority Asset Forfeiture Unit secured a final court order to permanently seize R325 million in luxury assets linked to businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela and the alleged Tembisa Hospital corruption syndicate. The assets were identified following a Special Investigating Unit investigation that found the syndicate had allegedly siphoned approximately R2 billion intended for improving healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital through fraud and corruption.

Permanent Seizure of Corruption-Linked Assets in the Tembisa Hospital Fraud Case

Increase in freezing and recovery of money assets that are the proceeds of unlawful conduct and crime

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that government had already lodged criminal charges against 56 municipalities for failing to meet their obligations under the National Water Act 36 of 1998. He further indicated that municipal managers implicated in contraventions of the Act would also face criminal complaints. This forms part of government efforts to hold local officials accountable for failures in water service delivery and legal compliance.

Criminal Charges Against Municipal Officials for Water Law Violations

Pursue criminal charges against mayors and municipal managers for contravention of the National Water Act

Government has strengthened South Africa&rsquo;s anti-corruption and criminal justice system through the permanent establishment of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) within the National Prosecuting Authority, granting it enhanced investigative and prosecutorial powers. It has recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds through the Special Investigating Unit and Asset Forfeiture Unit. In addition, government has implemented reforms in anti-money laundering legislation, procurement systems through the Public Procurement Act of 2024, and intelligence services restructuring through the disestablishment of the State Security Agency and creation of two separate intelligence entities. Further reforms include public service professionalisation measures such as mandatory lifestyle audits, corporate accountability enforcement actions, and the enactment of legislation aimed at strengthening anti-corruption safeguards and whistleblower protection.

Citizens Watch

Promise

Promise History

Portfolio Committee Advances National State Enterprises Bill to Implement Centralised SOE Ownership Model