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We Demand Protection for Law Enforcers in Mpumalanga

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) addressed an urgent letter to the Provincial Legislature expressing grave concern over the rising number of violent attacks and murders on police officers in the province. The tragic murder of Constable Khulani Shabangu (29) on 30 May 2025 in Lillydale (near Calcutta) underscores the urgency of the matter. Shabangu, […]

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Lifestyle Audits Are Crucial

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) reiterates its demand for conducting comprehensive lifestyle audits of all provincial and municipal officials in Mpumalanga. This measure is not only a reasonable request, but also a crucial instrument in combating seemingly rampant corruption. Recently, two senior councillors from the Emalahleni Municipality were arrested after being implicated in alleged […]

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Mpumalanga: Department of Social Development’s Policy Robs Children of Their Future

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is gravely concerned about the dire situation in which Mpumalanga child welfare organisations find themselves as a result of the Department of Social Development’s mismanagement, inadequate funding and needless bureaucratic delays. Two non-profit child welfare organisations (NPOs) recently voiced their concerns in a formal letter to the Freedom Front […]

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Urgent Action Demanded to Address Growing Number of GBV and Rape Incidents in Mpumalanga

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned about the persistent increase in gender-based violence and rape in Mpumalanga, and demands urgent action from the relevant authorities. Mpumalanga’s residents – particularly women and children – live in constant fear due to the high incidence of sexual crimes and violence. The most recent crime statistics, […]

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ANC Rejects Request for Skills and Merit in Mpumalanga’s Labour Force

Location: News

In a disappointing move for those advocating for a skilled and competitive labour force, the ANC government rejected a motion by the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) aimed at promoting merit-based appointments in both the public and private sectors in Mpumalanga. The motion, tabled in the Provincial Legislature, called for urgent recognition of the need […]

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GE Vernova modernizes Sasol’s Secunda power plant in South Africa

Location: Business
GE

  • The new upgrade increases operational efficiency at Sasol's plant, while reducing NOx emissions significantly
  • Project is expected also lead to water consumption savings equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually
  • GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) announced this project at Enlit Africa 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa

GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) today announced the successful completion of the modernization of global energy and chemical company Sasol's Secunda power plant in Mpumalanga. The modernization included the replacement of the existing pre-combustor system with a new DLN1+ combustor supplemented by the Fuel Gas Module (FGM) skid to increase the operational efficiency of the two installed 9E gas turbines and reduce carbon emissions.

This project serves as a model for modernizing power plants across Africa. As the continent faces increasing energy demands, initiatives like this highlight how innovative solutions can enable more efficient energy production with reduced emissions, without requiring entirely new infrastructure.

The upgrade led to significant improvements, including:

  • Reduction of NOx emissions significantly below the guaranteed values of 25 ppm, representing a reduction of three quarters from previous level.
  • Avoidance of using water as a diluent with the DLN technology, with an expected water consumption saving equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually.
  • There was an efficiency improvement compared to the previous combustor, translating to approximately 10,000 metric tons less CO2 emitted per gas turbine, supporting Sasol's environmental objectives.
  • Extension of the maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.
  • Enhanced reliability of the power supply delivered to the national grid.

"This project exemplifies our purpose to electrify the world," said Joseph Anis (http://apo-opa.co/4k6G5fI), President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. "Building on our advanced combustion technologies, we are helping Sasol address South Africa's energy needs more efficiently. Together, we are demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver tangible benefits for both businesses and communities."

This project will be showcased at Enlit Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4k3OEYH), taking place from 20 – 22 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. GE Vernova's participation will include interactive activities at booth C22 in Hall 3 and speaking sessions covering a wide range of topics, including: a keynote on technology driven transformation, smart grids and the future of energy management, digitization and modernization of projects and accelerating women in energy.

GE Vernova has contributed to the development of the energy infrastructure in Africa for over a century, supporting power generation, transmission and distribution solutions, energy sector software applications, talent development, and community outreach.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.

Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/4dJXJnj

Notes to editors:
© 2025 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

For more information, contact:
Media Contact – GE Vernova
Winnie Gathage
Africa Communications Leader
GE Vernova
winnie.gathage@gevernova.com

Laura Aresi
Media Relations Leader, Power
GE Vernova
Laura.aresi@gevernova.com

Lesego Malete
Group Account Director
Burson Africa
lesego.malete@bursonglobal.com

About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company's purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com), GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa (https://apo-opa.co/435wb81), and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4jY25JD). GE Vernova's Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. It is a global leader in gas turbines and gas power plant technologies and services with the industry's largest installed base.

Forward Looking Statements:
This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements often address GE Vernova's expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on the Company's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy.

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COGTA Committee Commends CRL Rights Commission for Efforts to Safeguard Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Friday reaffirmed its support for the Cultural, Religious and Linguistics (CRL) Rights Commission's efforts to safeguard these rights.

The committee received briefings from the CRL Rights Commission and the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) on their strategic and annual performance plans. The MDB's mandate includes, among other things, the delimitation of municipal wards after consulting the Independent Electoral Commission.

Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize acknowledged the commission's role in addressing harmful practices performed under the guise of religion. He also encouraged the commission in its ongoing efforts to confront psychological, physical and sexual abuse linked to such cases. “While we respect religious freedom in South Africa, these rights must be exercised in line with constitutional protections and human dignity,” he said.

The commission's briefing follows the recent Eastern Cape High Court judgement, which cleared Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso of all charges, including sexual assault and human trafficking.

Welcoming the commission's presentation, the Chairperson reaffirmed the importance of the commission's work in protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and the crucial role this plays in nation-building and social cohesion.

The committee noted the challenges impacting the commission's work, particularly budget constraints. It was encouraged by ongoing efforts to recognise and develop historically marginalised languages, such as SePulana (a language spoken by the Mapulana people in Limpopo and Mpumalanga) and isiMpondo (spoken by the AmaMphondo people in the Eastern Cape).

The committee also welcomed the continued focus on customary initiation practices and ensuring they conform to constitutional principles. The Chairperson stressed that there should be zero tolerance for illegal schools, mutilation, or loss of life in exercising this traditional custom. “There can be no acceptable number when it comes to mutilations or fatalities. Our goal must be zero in all respects. There is no acceptable threshold for such harms,” he said, stressing the need for stronger oversight, awareness and community education.

The committee also welcomed the shift in focus of the commission's referral and oversight systems that now ensure matters brought before it are addressed, even when other departments are involved. Previously, the commission would refer matters to relevant departments.

Meanwhile, while welcoming the MDB's presentation, the committee expressed concerns about the practicalities and impact municipal boundary determinations may have on communities. Highlighting that communities are often built on relationships and shared access to services, the Chairperson cautioned the Board against only relying on legal frameworks when making boundary determinations that may split communities and social networks. “The MDB must be sensitive to avoid dividing a settled cohesive community into different wards, municipalities, districts, and sometimes provinces as this practice may disrupt social stability and access to social amenities and centres for service delivery.”

Moreover, the committee sought concrete evidence of public consultation during demarcation. Members also called on the MDB to be more responsive to dissatisfaction in affected communities and asked for evidence that public education initiatives helped build public trust in the demarcation process.

Noting the budget constraints, the committee urged the MDB to build its institutional capacity and not solely rely on municipalities to do its work at the local level.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCOGTA Committee Commends CRL Rights Commission for Efforts to Safeguard Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights

Call to monitor rented spaces 

Location: News

Call to monitor rented spaces 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says municipalities must rise to the occasion and be aware of the activities taking place in the spaces they rent out.

The Minister’s comments come as he visited various drug laboratories and a warehouse which were discovered and shut down by the Hawks in Mpumalanga.

“The spaces where this operation was carried out (industrial and residential areas) are indicative that municipalities have to rise to the occasion and be aware of the activities which take place in relation to the spaces they rent out,” the Minister said following his visit to the sites on Sunday.

READ | Police Minister to visit Mpumalanga drug labs following arrests 

The visit follows an operation carried out by a team comprising of among others, the Hawks in Secunda, Standerton K9, and the Standerton Crime Intelligence on 4 April.

“A search warrant was obtained and large quantities of liquid chemicals in drums, powder chemicals in sacks, machinery and equipment were found. It was confirmed that the building was used as a storage facility for illicit drug producing material,” the Minister said.

Three Mozambican nationals found at the scene were arrested; a fourth suspect who is also a Mozambican national was also arrested. 

“All these individuals are illegal immigrants. Three vehicles were seized. Further investigation led us to a farm, where a clandestine drug lab was discovered, and a Mozambican couple was arrested - parents to one of the suspects arrested prior. Again, these individuals do not have the requisite papers to be in South Africa,” he said.

The combined value of items found was around R20 million.

All six suspects appearance in the Standerton Magistrate court on Monday, 07 April 2025.
Additionally, intelligence about two additional laboratories in the area were received. Search warrants were applied for and executed on 8 April 2025.

“The Investigation team comprising of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI/Hawks) Secunda, SANEB [South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau] head office, Standerton K9, Standerton Crime Intelligence, and private security visited a farm and discovered it was empty and then proceeded to a residential address. 

"A tablet pressing machine, a disassembled machine worth over R2 million, petrol generator and 20 litre buckets full of finished powder products valued at over R28 million were found,” said the Minister.

Two South African males were arrested while a third suspect, handed himself in. They appeared in the Standerton Magistrates Court on 10 April 2025.

Several luxury vehicles were seized, including a Mercedes Benz and an amount of R3 689 200 was found in the boot of the Mercedes Benz. A white Isuzu van was found at another address and is in police custody.

“All suspects have since appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court; one suspect (South African) has been released but investigations are still underway. The eight suspects who are in custody will appear again for a formal bail hearing on the 25th of April 2025.

This whole operation is an indication that we need to increase our law enforcement capacity in order to achieve such results and more. This is one aspect which we as the SAPS [South African Police Service] are focused on,” the Minister explained.

He added that the police have prioritised tackling the drug trade and is looking at dismantling the entire value chain.

“Since August 2024, the SAPS have uncovered several clandestine drug laboratories, leading to significant seizures of illicit substances and manufacturing equipment.”

Among some of the drug busts made by police previously include the dismantling of a laboratory valued at R100 million was dismantled in Rietfontein, Tshwane, resulting in the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national in November last year.

In December 2024, a drug bust valued at R4.5 million was executed, uncovering machines used for drug production, though no suspects were found at the scene in Kibler Park, Johannesburg.

“The total estimated street value of the 800 kilograms of drugs that were destroyed on 7 March 2025 is in excess of R340 million. About a year ago, drugs worth R550 million were destroyed. In three years, various types of drugs worth R5.2 billion have been destroyed.

“As the SAPS, we have a constitutional duty to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe. Drugs have a negative impact on our communities. They have an impact on the crime levels, they destroy young lives and the health of those who consume them,” he said.-SAnews.gov.za 

 

Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 11:48
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President Ramaphosa to undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape province where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a briefing on the Port of Ngqura.

The President’s programme will commence on Tuesday with a briefing by the Transnet leadership on the port which is one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, designed for high-efficiency container handling and large vessels. 

It is also strategically aligned with the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and positioned as a key transshipment hub for Southern Africa.

“During the visit, the President will receive an update on plans to improve operational efficiencies at the port and projects currently underway,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

On Wednesday, the President and Cabinet will meet with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his executive council to discuss conditions and opportunities in the province as part of strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation.

“The national and provincial executives will discuss various approaches to improving service delivery at local government level,” the Presidency said.

The President’s visit will seek to tighten alignment between provincial priorities and those of the 7th Administration, in line with the joined-up development approach adopted by government in the District Development Model.

This visit will be the fifth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:01
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Police Minister to visit Mpumalanga drug labs following arrests 

Location: News

Police Minister to visit Mpumalanga drug labs following arrests 

Police Minster Senzo Mchunu is this afternoon expected to visit the two drug laboratories and a warehouse which were discovered and shut down by the Hawks in Mpumalanga this week, said the Ministry of Police.

In a statement, the Ministry said the Minister will be accompanied by the National Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, together with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation National Head, (Dr./Adv) Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

The discovery was made in Standerton.

“Equipment and substances with an estimated value of R48 million and seven vehicles have been seized for further investigation. Nine suspects have been arrested,” said the Ministry ahead of Sunday’s visit.

On Wednesday, the Hawks said that two suspects would appear in the Standerton Magistrate's Court after the arrest of six Mozambican nationals.

This as the Hawks’ Secunda based Serious Organised Crime investigation monitored the origin of drugs in Standerton after numerous cases of possession of drugs were reported. 

“The task was successfully executed as two clandestine laboratories were clamped down within a week,” the Hawks said at the time.

Additionally, a pressing machine and 35 buckets filled with powder and ready to be pressed into tablets were recovered.  -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo
Sun, 04/13/2025 - 13:01
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DPWI on track to develop small harbours

Location: News

DPWI on track to develop small harbours

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Friday have a stakeholder consultation in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, as part of bringing to reality the development of a small harbour in the area.

Zikalala will be joined by the Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, Port St Johns local Municipality Mayor, Cebisa Mazuza and the Eastern Cape Chair of the House of Traditional leaders, Mpumalanga Gwadiso.

“Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape, Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal and Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape have been identified for small harbour development, which will create jobs and boost the economy,” the department said on Wednesday. 

Last month, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Mayor of Saldanha Bay, André Truter, committed to working together to redevelop the St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay small harbours.

The two small harbours in the Western Cape, which are owned and managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, have over the years fallen into a state of disrepair, often attracting criminal activity and deterring investment in the surrounding communities. 

READ | Public Works commits to rehabilitating St Helena and Saldanha Bay harbours. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 11:58
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Five sluice gates remain open at Vaal Dam

Location: News

Five sluice gates remain open at Vaal Dam

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says the five sluice gates remain opened at the Vaal Dam, while outflows at Bloemhof Dam are to be increased to manage rising water levels.

“Since the opening of the fifth sluice gate [on Sunday] morning due to the heavy inflows into the Vaal Dam, the Department of Water and Sanitation will keep all the five sluice gates opened and there will be no changes in the dam’s outflow…

“However, should there be increased inflows into the Vaal Dam, it may result in additional gates being opened. The DWS will continue to monitor Vaal Dam and effect changes on the outflow as and when necessary,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

The department reported that the water storage level at the Vaal Dam was at 111.11% on Monday morning, rising from Sunday’s 109.3% full supply capacity.

This is due to the continuous high inflow of water at 1002.25 mᵌ/s from the upper catchment.

The Bloemhof Dam storage level has also increased from 107% on Sunday to 112.08% full supply capacity on Monday morning.

As a result, the department said water releases at the dam will be increased at different times on Monday and will be staggered from the current 1 400 m3/s to 1 550 m³/s at 12pm to 1 700 m³/s at 2pm, and the last increase will be 1 850 m³/s at 4pm.

Possible overtopping of riverbanks downstream

The department warned that the current controlled water releases by the five sluice gates may lead to possible overtopping of riverbanks downstream, and this will affect infrastructure built in lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline.

“People living within the floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal Dam and the Bloemhof Dam should evacuate and move to a safe area and remove valuable equipment, movable infrastructure and livestock,” the department said.

One sluice gate remains open at Grootdraai Dam

One sluice gate remains open at Grootdraai Dam in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of the Vaal Dam, to enable water releases.

On Monday morning, the dam recorded 102% full supply capacity.

The department reiterated that these necessary controlled water releases at the dams are being implemented, as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and protect human life.

“The DWS is continuously monitoring the water levels in the Vaal River System. Through various platforms, the department continuously shares hydrology reports and provides regular updates regarding the water levels in the dams, with recommendations in order to provide early warnings in case of flooding.” – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:22
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Eastern Cape welcomes Presidential visit to Gqeberha

Location: News

Eastern Cape welcomes Presidential visit to Gqeberha

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s official visit to the province, to assess progress on service delivery, challenges and opportunities for inclusive economic growth.  

The Presidential Oversight Visit, set to take place in Gqeberha from 15 to 16 April 2025, will be attended by leaders from all three spheres of government, and provides an opportunity for government to interact with residents.

Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane and his Executive Council are looking forward to engaging with President Ramaphosa and Members of the National Executive on key provincial priorities.

In a statement, the provincial government said the visit underscores the President’s commitment to engaging directly with provinces, strengthening collaboration, and driving South Africa’s broader development agenda.

“The provincial government is particularly encouraged by the visit’s focus on fostering synergy, sharing best practices, and enhancing service delivery to accelerate economic growth,” the statement read.

The two-day visit will include an oversight visit at Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), followed by a Joint Cabinet meeting, which will be extended to Executive Mayors of the Eastern Cape District and Metro Municipalities.

This platform will allow for a comprehensive review of progress made, as well as a candid discussion on both the challenges and opportunities in advancing inclusive economic growth and efficient service delivery for the people of the Eastern Cape.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government said it remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and improved public services.

“We are confident that this visit will strengthen the partnership between the Eastern Cape and National Government. Working closely with the President and his administration, we aim to accelerate development, address critical needs, and unlock the full potential of our province,” Premier Mabuyane said.

This visit will be the fifth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng. - SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:32
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Fifth sluice gate opened at Vaal Dam

Location: News

Fifth sluice gate opened at Vaal Dam

A fifth sluice gate has been opened this morning at the Vaal Dam to manage water levels, which have increased overnight as a result of the ongoing rainfall in the Vaal River catchment. 

This is in about 24 hours after the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had opened the fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam.

Water storage levels at the dam stood at 107.82% on Saturday but as of this morning, the levels have risen to 109.39%. The outflows at the dam will move from 550 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) to just under 700 mᵌ/s. The inflows into the dam are currently 1 000 m3/s. 

Bloemhof Dam storage levels have also risen from yesterday’s 103.23% to 106.91% this morning, and water releases will be staggered incrementally from the current 1 000 mᵌ/s to 1 100 m³/s at 10am; 1 200 m³/s at 12h00; 1 300 m³/s at 14h00, and the last increase at 16h00 to 1 400 m3/s.

The increased outflows from Vaal Dam are expected to reach the barrage in about six hours and Bloemhof Dam in three to four days, and will result in water levels rising in both the dam and the river, overtopping of the riverbanks. 

Due to increased water releases by the five sluice gates, there might be a possible overflowing at the riverbanks downstream and this will affect infrastructure built in lower lying areas. 

At Grootdraai Dam located in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of Vaal Dam, one sluice gate remains opened at 2.5 metres to enable the water releases. The dam is currently sitting at 102.41%. 

The department is implementing these necessary controlled water releases at the dams as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard infrastructure and ensure that there is full storage capacity after the rainfall season. 

The department, through various platforms, continuously shares hydrology reports and updates on a regular basis with recommendations in order to send early warning systems and activate evacuation plans in case of flooding. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 11:22
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Read moreFifth sluice gate opened at Vaal Dam

Hlabisa launches public consultations for ward delimitation process

Location: News

Hlabisa launches public consultations for ward delimitation process

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has launched a series of public consultations aimed at facilitating the ward delimitation process in Mpumalanga.

Hlabisa officially launched the Municipal Demarcation Board’s (MDB) public consultation process for the 2025 Ward Delimitation.

The event, held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Thursday, marked the beginning of engagements with communities nationwide regarding the adjustment of municipal ward boundaries, in preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).

The Ward Delimitation Process plays a crucial role in enhancing democracy by ensuring that municipal ward boundaries accurately reflect demographic changes, promote fair representation, and foster effective local governance. 

Public participation is essential to empower communities to influence how they are represented in local government, ensuring that public policies and initiatives reflect the diverse needs, values, and perspectives of the communities they serve.

Delivering a keynote address, Hlabisa encouraged communities to actively participate in these discussions.

The Minister reflected on the impact of ward delimitation on the lives of communities, as it is also a transformative opportunity for communities. 

Hlabisa believes that the timely conclusion of this process is also integral to the success of the next Local Government Elections. 

The Minister called for all stakeholders to provide the Municipal Demarcation Board with maximum support, to ensure the success of this process within the agreed timeframe.

According to the department, Section 154 of the Constitution stipulates that, if the electoral system includes ward representation, the delimitation of wards must be conducted by an independent authority appointed in terms of, and operating according to, procedures and criteria prescribed by national legislation. 

The MDB is the independent authority tasked with defining municipal boundaries and overseeing community consultations with support from CoGTA and other relevant stakeholders.

“I urge us all to consider the impact that effective spatial planning and demarcation have on the lives of our citizens and the prosperity of our communities. This is important because while Municipal Wards are the smallest, they are critical units of local governance. They are the foundation upon which we build inclusive and effective systems for local governance,” Hlabisa said. 

Hlabisa also stressed the significance of recognising that the delimitation of municipal wards is not merely a technical task, but “a transformative opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote inclusivity, and enhance service delivery.” 

According to the Minister, the municipal wards serve as the fundamental building blocks of local government and spaces, where citizens directly engage with elected representatives and where community needs are identified and discussed. 

“Wards reflect the diversity of our cities and towns, serving as microcosms of their respective communities. For these reasons, we should strive to ensure that ward delimitations foster improved social cohesion among our communities,” he added. 

The Minister called on everyone, including the youth, people in traditional areas, and other community structures across the country, to become active participants in the process set to finalise the wards ahead of the LGE. 

“The social cohesion will result from the connectedness, solidarity, and shared goal of ensuring democracy in action through the ward delimitation process. This will result in the community feeling empowered and included in deciding and finalising the wards. 

“This will foster trust emanating from the engagements with communities through the public consultation process.”

The event focused on redefining municipal wards and the building blocks for inclusive and efficient local governance. 

The gathering kick-started with public consultations for the nationwide ward delimitation process.
The public consultations will occur in all provinces, from April to June 2025. 

The department believes that the success of the process depends on the nationwide maximum participation of our communities.

By the end of October 2025, the MDB will hand over the wards to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), in preparation for the 2026 LGE.

The speakers at the event emphasised that the ward delimitation process is democracy in action as it will see all South Africans given an opportunity to have a say on how their wards will be configured.

The outcome of the ward delimitation process will be the municipal ward boundaries, which accurately reflect demographic changes and foster effective local governance. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 09:36
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Read moreHlabisa launches public consultations for ward delimitation process