Eskom Suspends Services in Part of Khayelitsha After Hijacking
Employees were robbed at gunpoint in Makhaza
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Designed For Recycling: Nestlé Boasts New Packaging Improvements
On this Global Recycling Day, Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR) is excited to announce that nearly all its packaging is now made from recyclable materials. The company’s strong commitment to a waste-free future is evident through its focus on designing packaging that is specifically intended for recycling (D4R). As an active member of …
Kenya’s President Ruto Awards African Development Bank’s Adesina Highest National Honour
- “I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto
- “What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!” Adesina
Kenya's President H.E. William Samoei Ruto has conferred the country's highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart CGH, on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org).
Dr Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967 and first awarded to Kenya's founding father and former President, H.E. Jomo Kenyatta. Others include globally renowned leaders such as former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Kenya's subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto.
During a colourful investiture ceremony at Nairobi's State House, President Ruto praised Dr Adesina's distinguished service, commitment, and passion for the economic development of Kenya and Africa.
President Ruto congratulated Adesina and told him, “You are amazing. You are a great leader. You deserve this honour and investiture.”
The two leaders share a warm relationship that dates back 20 years when Adesina lived and worked in Kenya for the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA. At that time Ruto was Kenya's Minister for Agriculture. Both recalled how they worked together to provide subsidies to farmers despite opposition at the time from some donors and global financial institutions.
President Ruto said under his presidency he has continued with the same policy of offering subsidies to farmers, leading to an increase in the country's food production.
“Our maize production increased from 40 million to 70 million bags last year. Our sales from tea, generated more than 220 billion shillings [approximately $1.7 billion], the highest ever earnings.”
“I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto told Adesina who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina.
In its citation, the Kenya government recognized Adesina as a distinguished economist and a global development leader.
“He transformed the African Development Bank into a globally recognized institution for financial innovation and development impact and grown the Bank's general capital from $93 billion to $318 billion,” the citation reads.
In his acceptance speech, Adesina said: “I am greatly humbled by your incredible kindness! What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!”
Adesina spoke about Kenya's special place in the history of the Bank which was established in 1964. Since then, the Bank has financed a total of 167 projects, with financial commitment of $7.8 billion.
He said the Bank's current portfolio in Kenya consists of 45 projects worth $4.09 billion. They include, among others:
- The Last-Mile Connectivity electricity project, which has helped to increase the number of Kenyans connected to the national electricity grid from 2.42 million households in 2014 to 9.7 million households in 2024.
- The expansion of the Thika-Nairobi Highway, which has drastically reduced travel time from 2-3 hours to just 30-45 minutes between the two destinations.
- The Bank is providing $634 million for the Kenya Town's Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation project. This includes 314.92 million Euros for the construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Dam, to be completed by July 2026. It will provide water to about 1.3 million people in Kitui and Makueni counties, as well as the Konza Techno-City in Machakos County.
- The Bank's support for the private sector in Kenya includes over $700 million in lines of credit to more than eight commercial banks.
President Ruto said the Bank's support to the country's mortgage sector has boosted the government's national housing programme, with 150,000 houses under construction, generating jobs for 260, 000 youth.
Speaking about Kenya's high youth unemployment, Adesina pointed to several youth riots that shook the country last year.
In addition to providing $309 million for eight on-going projects targeting skills development, Adesina said the Bank is preparing for Board approval, financial support for the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya.
“This will be a stand-alone financial institution, that will be 100 percent dedicated to providing technical assistance, debt and equity financing for youth businesses in Kenya.”
Adesina was accompanied by Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Dr Kevin Kariuki, the Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Nnenna Nwabufo; the Director General for East Africa, Kennedy Mbekeani; the Executive Director for Eastern Africa, Jonathan Nzayikorera; and his Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Dr Victor Oladokun, who delivered the opening prayer for the ceremony.
“This is an honour that I will cherish for life,” Adesina said. “It will be a constant reminder that the country I love so much, Kenya, loves me back, appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and values and honours the incredible contributions of the Bank to its development. I accept this honour with great humility.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
To look at the album click here (apo-opa.co/3FzwNt7).
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Powerful Young Playwrights Named as the National Playwright Competition’s Finalists
The National Playwright Competition, supported by HEINEKEN Beverages, has selected four dynamic finalists, now on the road to being selected as the overall winner and having their play staged at the 2025 National Arts Festival. The competition was created to give a voice and platform to emerging playwrights, while also providing invaluable mentorship and support …
Tightest Ever Race
With just six rounds left to play, the Race to the Eight in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship is poised to deliver the most unpredictable battle for the Play-Offs in league history. The Vodacom URC era has set a new bar for competitive campaigns and with 15 teams fighting for just eight Play-Off places after …
Opportunities presented by green economy must be a shared prosperity
Opportunities presented by green economy must be a shared prosperity
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says there is a need for global consensus to ensure that the new opportunities presented by the green economy result in shared prosperity.
He was leading a delegation of officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in briefing a joint session of the Portfolio and Select Committees on the policy priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the dtic’s role in this regard.
Tuesday's session was held ahead of the first Trade and Working Group meeting which will be held virtually later in the day.
The working group is expected to hold further meetings later in the year before the main ministerial meeting in October.
Its primary focus will be on four priority areas, namely, trade and inclusive growth, a responsive trade agenda to address global commons, green industrialisation and the reform of the World Trade Organization.
The Deputy Minister told the Parliamentarians that the G20, as a forum of the largest economies in the world, bears a unique responsibility in ensuring a response to the environmental, social and economic challenges that continue to affect stability and hamper the pursuit of sustainable development.
“A particularly worrisome prospect is the lack of multilateral solutions and cooperative approaches and widening punitive approaches to addressing the issues of global commons and the rise in risks of fragmentation of international trade in the context of the transition to cleaner energy sources.
“We need to ensure that trade and climate/environmental policies should be mutually supportive and are consistent with World Trade Organisation principles contribute to the objectives of sustainable development.
“Mobilising support and resources to tackle the internal disparities driven by the uneven distributional effects of trade and globalisation is critical,” he said.
He said investments into developing countries must move away from “pit to port” activities that promote resource extraction.
“There is a need to promote beneficiation and local value addition of resources at source resulting in an additive rather than an extractive relationship.
“This necessitates finding a requisite balance that ensures that resource-rich countries benefit greatly from their endowments and that investments that contribute to structural transformation and industrial development while there is also a flow of resources to ensure the integrity of global and regional value chains.
“By strengthening and reforming multilateral mechanisms and institutions; by deepening International economic cooperation, we can indeed realise a better world free from the twin scourges of inequality and underdevelopment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 14:15
152 views
BW Movers: Pioneering Excellence in the Moving Industry
Johannesburg, South Africa – In the dynamic landscape of moving services, BW Movers has established itself as a beacon of reliability and expertise. With a rich history of providing seamless relocation experiences, the company continues to set standards in the industry through its dedication to customer satisfaction and innovative practices. Introduction BW Movers, a prominent …
Introducing Freak Marbles: The Collectible Toy That’s Rolling In!
The latest craze in collectible toys has arrived—meet Freak Marbles, the wild and wacky marbles that bring a fresh twist to a classic trend. Marbles have always been a toy favourite, and now Freak Marbles are here to shake things up. With bold characters, rare designs, and exciting new ways to play, this collectible toy …
Water Checked, Future Secured
A collaborative water testing project in 115 high schools across five provinces equips students with the knowledge and tools to protect South Africa’s water quality. “Water checked, future secured” is the slogan of the WaterCAN Youth Collective’s water testing project for high school students. The recently launched project aims to empower teachers and students as …
High-Income Earners Rely on Payouts for Half Their Income and Building Wealth
December may be South Africa’s traditional month for 13th cheques, but March brings another wave of bonus payouts, creating income spikes that influence savings, debt repayments, investments, and travel – especially among high-income earners. Salary data from Standard Bank shows significant lump sum payouts in March, particularly among customers earning over R4 million a year, …
The Ups and Downs of Life as a Rugby Player
It’s been a season of highs and lows for Harri Millard, but then he’s well used to the vagaries of life as a professional rugby player. Back in 2023, he was left wondering whether that career was coming to an end when he was released by Cardiff Rugby amid the contractual uncertainty in Wales. For …
Well wishes for former Minister Pandor as she takes up new academic role
Well wishes for former Minister Pandor as she takes up new academic role
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has congratulated former Cabinet Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor on her recent appointment as an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP).
Nkabane said this achievement is a fitting recognition of Pandor’s extensive contributions to the South African higher education sector, having served admirably as the Minister of Education; Science and Technology; Higher Education and Training; and more recently, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Nkabane noted Pandor’s significant contribution to reconfiguring the South African higher education landscape in the post-apartheid era, by ensuring that the restructuring of the higher education sector serves South Africans, irrespective of race, gender, and other forms of exclusion.
The Minister also noted Pandor’s visionary leadership and a pivotal role she played in transforming the South African higher education system, promoting social justice and equality through progressive policies.
“South Africa has positioned itself at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, thanks to the solid foundation laid by Dr Pandor. Her unwavering commitment to building an inclusive and coordinated higher education sector is commendable,” Nkabane said in a statement on Monday.
She said the University of Pretoria had made an excellent and befitting appointment, highlighting that Pandor’s knowledge and passion for transformation, will “undoubtedly enrich the university and the broader higher education community.”
“Her academic achievements, including her doctoral research on transformation in the South African higher education context, reflect her deep commitment to shaping a progressive and inclusive sector.”
Nkabane further expressed her personal admiration for Pandor, saying, “It is an honour to stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. Pandor, whose mentorship and guidance continue to inspire me.”
“I consider her a mentor, mother, and a constant source of wisdom as we navigate the challenges facing our higher education system. Her contribution to the sector is invaluable, and I wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.
“The Department of Higher Education and Training wishes Dr Pandor well in her new role and looks forward to the positive impact she will continue to make within the higher education space,” Nkabane said.
Contribution to development
Meanwhile, University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, said Pandor joins UP’s Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Higher Education Futures, where she will contribute without remuneration to research, and student and staff development.
Speaking at a recent event held at UP’s Hatfield campus to welcome Pandor, Petersen said Pandor is a leader whose impact on education, policy and innovation, and whose unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and sustainable development, aligns perfectly with the mission of the centre.
“It is truly a privilege to have someone of her calibre joining our academic network in this esteemed role.”
Petersen highlighted that Pandor’s appointment followed an external peer-review process and was vetted by the Senior Appointments Committee of the UP Senate. The university’s Registrar issued a formal note confirming that Professor Pandor is permitted to use the title of “Professor.”
Pandor received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from UP in 2019, after completing her doctoral thesis, titled ‘The contested meaning of transformation in higher education in post-apartheid South Africa’.
“Her passion for education stems from her background as a teacher and a lifelong curiosity about the field. Through her research, Prof Pandor explored the vast and rewarding landscape in education, while acquiring academic and research skills,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He added that the honorary professorship was a testament, not only to Pandor’s academic abilities and remarkable contributions to transformation, but also to her excellence as a leader with strong ethical values.
“Balancing the responsibilities of a Cabinet Minister and PhD student was no easy task. She meticulously planned her schedule and dedicated every available moment outside work and politics to her studies, even reducing her public engagements. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her academic goals,” Petersen said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 06:56
254 views
SA U20 Men’s National Team reports for camp – SAFA.net
18 March 2025 – The South African U20 Men’s National Team will report for camp this afternoon to continue preparations for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will be held in Côte d’Ivoire from 26 April – 18 May and coach Raymond Mdaka said the team will play two friendly matches against […]
The post SA U20 Men’s National Team reports for camp first appeared on SAFA.net.
African Markets Digitalize Mining Licensing to Boost Investments
African countries rich in minerals are accelerating the digitalization of their mining licensing processes to attract investment and maximize resource exploitation for economic growth. As part of this push, Zambia launched its Zambia Integrated Mining Information System last month, aiming to streamline the awarding of licenses. The digital platform is set to play a key role in attracting mining partners and help the country reach its goal of increasing copper production to 3.1 million metric tons by 2031. This launch follows a record-breaking $9.3 billion in mining investments in 2024 and a 79% increase in permits granted, reflecting growing global interest in Zambia's mining potential.
As African markets increasingly adopt digital solutions to simplify licensing procedures, African Mining Week will be at the forefront of this transformation, showcasing the vast potential of the continent's digitalized mining sector. The event will highlight lucrative investment opportunities across various markets, featuring numerous mining blocks being licensed by African nations.
South Africa, historically a major gold producer, plans to leverage its first digital mining licensing system to attract new investors and diversify its mining sector. Set for launch by June 2025, the system will improve the efficiency and transparency of the licensing process, reducing the time required to initiate new mining projects, including those for platinum group metals, according to Gwede Mantashe, South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum.
Tanzania is also streamlining its mining sector with a new licensing management system designed to maximize investments in lithium, graphite and rare earth minerals – commodities that are experiencing soaring global demand. According to Aziza Swedi, Acting Director of the Tanzania Mining Commission, the country has issued 54,626 mining licenses over a seven-year period through November 2024, with plans to expedite future licensing via its digital platform.
Rwanda has embraced digital transformation in its mining sector with the launch of the Inkomane Digital platform in October 2024. Companies such as Aterian have aligned their mineral trading operations with this tool. The platform connects mining companies, trading partners and regulatory bodies like the Rwanda Revenue Authority, enhancing compliance, workforce management, payroll generation and monitoring of mining activities. Similarly, Nigeria introduced its Mineral Resources Decision Support System in May 2024 to attract investors to its vast solid mineral reserves. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, offering easy access to geological and policy data while enabling investors to seamlessly apply for mining permits.
As more African nations integrate digital tools into their mining sectors, African Mining Week will spotlight the digitalization of mining operations across the continent. The event will feature discussions on new licensing systems and highlight the investment opportunities emerging as African nations unlock their mineral wealth.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Motsoaledi’s Regulations Will Kill 1 800 Businesses
Dear Editor The DA strongly opposes Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to ban cannabis-based foodstuffs, citing both the negative public policy implications and the significant economic harm this decision could inflict on South Africa’s growing hemp and cannabis industries. The global hempseed market, valued at over USD 5 billion in 2023, is expected to double by …
AI Scammers Are Fooling South Africans – Here’s How to Stay Safe
AI Scammers Are Impersonating Your Bank – Can You Tell the Difference? Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message that looks exactly like it’s from your bank. The logo is correct, the wording is professional, and the person on the other end claims to be a bank official offering a lucrative investment deal. They even send a …
Alleged Eskom fraudster Michael Lomas granted R2 million bail
Alleged Eskom fraudster Michael Lomas granted R2 million bail
Eskom fraud and corruption accused Michael Lomas, has been granted R2 million bail by the Johannesburg High Court.
Lomas appeared in court on Monday and is facing charges in relation to a R745 million payment made by Eskom to Tubular Construction Project.
The company was involved in the construction of Kusile Power Station, in Mpumalanga, where millions of rands were allegedly paid to Eskom officials in illegal gratuities for the awarding of lucrative contracts.
The British businessman, a former contractor for power utility Eskom, was extradited from the United Kingdom in September 2024 to face 65 counts of corruption
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Henry Mamothame, said Lomas’ bail was granted under "stringent conditions".
The court ordered that his United Kingdom passport and his South African Identity Document be surrendered to the investigating officer.
“[Lomas is] barred from applying for travel documents, reside at a care home where he will be provided with the necessary assistance, details of the home to be provided to the investing officer, source a smartphone with location monitoring facility to be monitored by the investigating officer and should not leave the Gauteng jurisdiction without informing the investigating officer,” Mathomane said.
Lomas has been indicted with 11 co-accused in the case, including Eskom’s former senior manager for capital contracts, France Hlakudi, former Eskom group executive for group capital Abram Masango, Tubular Construction Projects’ former chief executive, Antonio Trindade, and businessman Maphoko Kgomoeswana.
The trial is expected to commence in July 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 08:05
359 views
MSC World America Completes Successful Sea Trials Ahead of April Launch
MSC Cruises’ third LNG-powered ship enters final phase of preparation for inaugural season in Caribbean Ship to homeport at MSC Cruises’ new PortMiami terminal – the world’s largest Geneva, Switzerland –- MSC Cruises’ latest flagship, MSC World America has successfully completed her deep-water intensive systems tests during a final sea trial in the Atlantic Ocean. …
Zero-tolerance for misconduct on SA Antarctica base
Zero-tolerance for misconduct on SA Antarctica base
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any misconduct that would “affect the working and relationship conditions” at South Africa’s current research base at Antarctica, the SANAE IV.
This after allegations of assault and threats at the base emerged in the media over the weekend.
The reports alleged that one of the nine team members assaulted another and threatened to kill them.
The department, in a statement on Monday, said there were no incidents that required the team’s return from the base.
“The department confirms that there were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.
“If such incidents occurred, the management team of the department would have replaced such an overwintering team member with immediate effect, as the DFFE’s position on the matter is clear: zero tolerance for any misconduct that would affect the working and relationship conditions at the SANAE IV. At the time the vessel departed for Antarctica on 1 February 2025, all was in order,” the DFFE said in a statement.
The alleged assault was reported to the department last month and a response plan to deal with the matter was activated to “engage the individuals involved through trained professionals in order to mediate and restore relationships at the base”.
“This process has been ongoing on an almost daily basis in order to ensure that those on the base know that the department is supportive and willing to do whatever is needed to restore the interpersonal relationships, but also firm in dealing with issues of discipline.
“The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, together with the Director-General of the Department, Nomfundo Tshabalala, have personally taken charge of the management processes.
“This is particularly important given the fact that a majority of usual operations at all other scientific bases in Antarctica have stopped due to the onset of winter and unpredictable weather conditions,” the statement read.
The alleged perpetrator has “willingly participated in further psychological evaluation”.
“[He] shown remorse and is willingly cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended. He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base.
“The department has also implemented a longer term sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services in order to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment.
“The DFFE have also, in parallel, activated a Labour Relations process to deal with the matter as it relates to the alleged physical assault. An alleged sexual harassment is also being investigated. Reports of sexual assault are not correct,” the statement said.
Furthermore, Minister George will be “engaging the team to reassure them of his support and commitment to their wellbeing”.
“He emphasises that careful management is required to give comfort to those at the base, and also to their families. The willingness of the team to engage in Wellness Programme interventions, as well as the professional and independent counselling will assist in crafting a solution.
“The ultimate goal would be that all at the SANAE IV are safe and healthy, working together as a team to advance the very important work they are performing in Antarctica,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 10:01
133 views
From Design Platform to Multimillion-Rand Creative-Economy Catalyst: Decorex Africa Is Back and It Means Business
Economic impact 2024 at a glance 50 000+ visitors 600+ exhibiting brands 689 business matchmaking meetings 15 international hosted buyers from 11 countries 44% of trade visitors holding purchasing authority 14% of trade visitors reporting R100-million+ annual turnover 24% increase in Cape Town trade attendance 148% increase in Johannesburg trade attendance total 29 000m2 exhibition …
Simelane commits to implement recommendations into George building collapse
Simelane commits to implement recommendations into George building collapse
Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, has undertaken to implement all recommendations contained in the final report of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) into a building that collapsed in George, in the Western Cape in 2024.
The current preliminary report suggests that several procedures were not followed, a breach of the Housing Consumers Protection Act Measures Act, 1998 (Act No. 95 of 1998) and the recently signed Consumer Protection Act 25 of 2004.
NHBRC is a regulatory body established to protect the interests of housing consumers and to regulate the home-building industry in South Africa.
Its primary functions include ensuring that home builders are registered and adhere to prescribed building standards and ethical practices and conducting inspections during various stages of construction to ensure compliance with national building regulations and technical standards.
“Upon its finalisation, should it happen that there are procedural flaws and compromise of NHBRC building standards, we will not hesitate to refer its recommendations to the law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible criminal charges,” Simelane said.
The Minister underscored that if any crime was committed, including by her officials at NHBRC, she would not hesitate to act.
She acknowledged that the George building collapse was of public interest, and committed to taking the nation into her confidence once the final report has been concluded.
The Minister urged the nation to be patience as the process is at an advanced stage.
“The Ministry of Human Settlements will not conduct further media engagements on the matter while a final report is being prepared.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 10:14
107 views
Asylum Seekers Face Arrest While They Battle Broken System
Refugees without valid visas are blocked from applying for asylum
The MAC 24 Hour Challenge – Always a Great Event
Dinghy Sailors from Yacht Clubs, Sailing Schools and the Sea Scouts will converge on Rietvlei for the annual MAC 24 Hour Challenge. The Event will be hosted by Milnerton Aquatic Club and the challenge starts at 12 noon on Saturday the 29th of March and finishes on Sunday the 30th of March at 12 noon. …
KZN Foot and Mouth Disease boundaries extended
KZN Foot and Mouth Disease boundaries extended
In response to the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal, Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has announced the extension of the province's Disease Management Area boundaries to curb further outbreaks.
According to a departmental report on Monday, the outbreaks of FMD in KwaZulu-Natal have not been successfully contained, with new cases recently detected in the Newcastle area.
“The disease has now spread beyond the initial Disease Management Area (DMA) declared in 2021, when outbreaks of the SAT2 FMD strain first emerged in the province,” the department said.
READ | Ministry provides update on Foot and Mouth Disease
The department said the latest measure aims to control the movement of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) and their derived products in affected areas.
“No cloven-hoofed animals, their products, or genetic material may be moved from, to, or within the DMA unless authorised by a state veterinary permit and in full compliance with the stipulated conditions of such [a] permit. The updated DMA boundaries will be officially declared in the Government Gazette in the coming days,” the department said.
The DMA has now been extended to local municipalities including Big Five Hlabisa; Mtubatuba; Nongoma; Ulundi; Umhlabuyalingana; Jozini; Pongola; Abaqulusi; Mfolozi; uMhlathuze; Mthonjaneni; Nqutu; Nkandla; uMlalazi; and Mandeni Local Municipality.
Partial municipalities (specific portions covered by the DMA) include:
• Emadlangeni: South of R34 from R33
• Newcastle: South of R34 up to and east of N11
• Dannhauser: East of N11 and north of R68
• Endumeni: North of R68 and east of R33
• Msinga: East of R33
• UMvoti: East of R33 up to R74 and north of R74
• Maphumulo: Northeast of R74
• Ndwedwe: East of R74
• KwaDukuza: Northeast of R74 up to the N2 and west to the N2 up to Mandeni.
Movement control measures and responsibility
The department has reiterated that movement control measures, originally declared in October 2022, remain in place nationwide, and “these control measures have been included again in the new Government Gazette notice".
“These measures require that: any movement of cattle, sheep, or goats must be accompanied by an owner declaration confirming the animals’ origin and health status; and that the recipient of the animals at the destination must provide a signed undertaking ensuring the animals will be isolated for at least 28 days before integration with the main herd,” the department explained.
The department emphasised that Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), places a legal obligation on all animal owners and farm managers to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Essential biosecurity measures include:
• Limiting or postponing the introduction of new animals onto farms.
• Only introducing animals from known, disease-free sources with a valid health declaration.
• Preventing direct contact between farm animals and those outside the farm.
• Maintaining secure farm boundaries and restricting access to livestock areas.
• Minimising human and vehicle access to farms, with proper disinfection protocols in place.
Reporting
FMD is classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), which mandates specific control measures, such as isolation and movement restrictions, enforced by Veterinary Services.
“Any suspicious clinical symptoms, such as salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping, or hoof lesions, should be reported immediately to the local State Veterinarian, and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances,” the department emphasised. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/18/2025 - 08:45
137 views