Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport

03/09/2026

FUDUWA RECRUITMENT RAFFLE ACCELERATING SERVICE DELIVERY IN WARD 17

Today, Thursday, 03 September 2026, the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Hon. Jabu Mbalula, conducted a FUDUWA recruitment raffle in Ward 17, Bloemfontein, reaffirming the Free State Government’s commitment to putting service delivery and the needs of communities at the centre of its work.

The recruitment forms part of the Reseal and Fogspray Project on Martindale Road, an important intervention aimed at improving road infrastructure, enhancing road safety and creating much-needed employment opportunities for local residents.

Through the FUDUWA process, 44 participants were sourced, ensuring that local people have an opportunity to benefit directly from government infrastructure investment.

The MEC was first briefed on the project at Kootnieman Primary School, before conducting the recruitment raffle at the same venue. This approach reflects a commitment to accountability, transparency and meaningful community participation in the implementation of government programmes.

Under the leadership of MEC Mbalula, the Department continues to translate infrastructure investment into visible service delivery, safer roads and economic opportunities, ensuring that government programmes make a tangible difference in the lives of communities.

Government at work — delivering infrastructure, creating opportunities and improving lives.

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

FREE STATE PRESEN ITS CRIME STATISTICS: PROGRESS RECORDED, MORE WORK AHEAD

On 01 September 2026, the Free State SAPS Provincial Commissioner, General Thabang Lesia, led a media briefing to present the Provincial Crime Statistics for the 4th Quarter of the 2025/2026 (January to March 2026) and the 1st Quarter of the 2026/2027 (April to June 2026) Financial Years.

The Provincial Commissioner outlined the province's crime trends in line with the National Crime Statistics released by the Acting Minister of Police, Prof Firoz Cachalia.
Nationally, contact crimes and murder continue to show a sustained decline, with murder down 9.5% in Q4 and 5.9% in Q1. The Free State briefing focused on provincial performance, progress made through Operation Shanela and other intelligence-led operations, and areas requiring intensified intervention.

The media briefing was attended by the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure and other relevant stakeholders, including the Deputy Director General, Advocate Mojalefa Molotsi who represented the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport.

The SAPS in the Free State remains committed to intensifying crime prevention measures, enhancing police visibility, and strengthening partnerships with communities to ensure the safety of all residents.

28/08/2026

39 OPERATING LICENCES HANDED OVER TO LAWFUL BENEFICIARIES

Today, 28 August 2026, the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, led by Hon. MEC Jabu Mbalula, formally handed over 39 Operating Licences processed through Estate Transfers to lawful beneficiaries of deceased taxi operators.

The handover was supported by Fezile Dabi District Mayor Cllr Khashudi, Moqhaka Municipality Mayor Cllr S. Tau, SANTACO leadership and Regional Taxi Associations, together with other relevant stakeholders.

The initiative ensures continuity of lawful public transport operations while protecting the livelihoods of affected families.

DCSR&T remains committed to a fair, transparent, efficient and legally compliant regulatory system that supports beneficiaries and strengthens the public transport sector.

&T

28/08/2026

PROVINCIAL ROAD SAFETY DEBATE & PET COMPETITIONS UNDERWAY IN VENTERSBURG

Today, 28 August 2026, the Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport, in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), held the Provincial Road Safety Debate and Participatory Educational Techniques (PET) Competitions at Al-Dam Conference Centre, Ventersburg.

The Debates and PET competitions are annual programmes coordinated by the RTMC and the National Department of Basic Education to promote road safety through active learning and youth participation.

The programme aims to:

🔹 Raise awareness amongst Grade 10 and 11 learners about critical road safety issues.
🔹 Encourage learners to identify road safety challenges in their own communities and develop innovative solutions through PET.
🔹 Develop research, public speaking, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills through competitive debating.
🔹 Empower learners to become Road Safety Ambassadors in their schools and communities.

Selected learners from districts across the Free State competed today, with provincial winners set to represent the Free State on the national stage.

We are proud of all our young participants for using their voices to champion safer roads for all.

26/08/2026

FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SAFETY, ROADS AND TRANSPORT CELEBRATES WOMEN’S MONTH THROUGH SAFETY, SKILLS AND EMPOWERMENT

The DCSR&T will host a Women’s Safety Skills and Prevention Workshop which aims to empower women with practical skills, essential safety knowledge and confidence to better protect themselves and respond to potential risks. The workshop is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, 10h00 at Public Works National offices and forms part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to implementing the National Strategy Plan (NSP) by promoting safer communities and empowering women through practical interventions that address everyday safety concerns.

This workshop will focus on key areas of personal safety skills, including changing a tyre, understanding and responding to safety risks, firearm awareness and safety, as well as identifying and responding to household maintenance such as plumbing leakages. These practical sessions are designed to equip women with useful knowledge and basic skills that can assist them in challenging or emergency situations.

The Department recognises that empowerment extends beyond awareness and information. Women must be provided with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge and develop the confidence to act decisively when confronted with risks or unexpected circumstances. Through this workshop, participants will be encouraged to become more informed, prepared and capable in their daily lives.

The initiative is guided by the message: “Prepared women are powerful women. Be informed. Be prepared. Be empowered.” This workshop will create a supportive environment where women can learn, engage with experts and gain practical insights that contribute towards building safer and more resilient communities.

Women attending the session will leave with valuable information and practical skills that can contribute to greater confidence, personal preparedness and everyday safety.

26/08/2026

The MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport (DCSR&T), Mr. Jabu Mbalula will formally hand over Operating Licences that have been processed through Estate Transfers to the lawful beneficiaries of deceased taxi operators.
When an operator dies, their family and dependants may be affected. The lawful transfer of the Operating Licence ensures that the transport business can continue within the required regulatory framework.
The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) has processed qualifying applications and will officially hand over the transferred Operating Licences to widows and other lawful beneficiaries.

Beyond the physical handing over of licences, the occasion is intended to demonstrate the human and developmental importance of an efficient regulatory system. It recognises that the conclusion of an Estate Transfer provides a lawful mechanism through which a family can preserve a transport business established by a deceased operator, while ensuring continued compliance with public transport regulatory requirements.

24/08/2026

The Hon. MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Mr Jabu Mbalula, today, 24 August 2026, conducted the Fuduwa recruitment process in Maluti-A-Phofung (Qwaqwa) as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme, providing local community members with employment opportunities.

The recruitment took place across Ward 17 and Ward 12, with participants selected from both communities:

Employment opportunities:

* Ward 17: 20 participants
* 12 females
* 8 males
* Ward 12: 18 participants
* 11 females
* 7 males

The Fuduwa initiative provides temporary employment opportunities for local residents for a period not exceeding four months, while supporting the implementation of the Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme.

Through programmes such as Fuduwa, the Department continues to create employment opportunities, support local communities and contribute to infrastructure development across the Free State.

20/08/2026