SA News

3 March 2025

Government activities for the week 03 – 07 March 2025

Location: News

Government activities for the week 03 – 07 March 2025

On Monday, 03 March, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in strategic partnership with the North West University’s Mahikeng Campus, is set to officially launch the Agri-Hub.

On Tuesday, 04 March, the Commission for Gender Equality in KwaZulu-Natal will hold a men’s engagement conference in collaboration with the men’s sector and other stakeholders to address gender-based violence and promote collaborative solutions across communities.

Also on Tuesday, the Department of Social Development will host a multi-stakeholder engagement on implementation of Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (3-5 March).

On Wednesday, 05 March, Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana lead the 1 st Technical Meeting of the Anti-Corruption Working Group (3-5 March).

On Thursday, 06 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg (6-7 March).

Friday, 07 March, no confirmed events.

Neo
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 11:29
62 views

3 March 2025

DPSA hosts inaugural G20 Anti-Corruption meeting

Location: News

DPSA hosts inaugural G20 Anti-Corruption meeting

Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi will from today host the first G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) in Cape Town.

The ACWG ends on Wednesday.

The Department of Public Service and Administration, in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Department of International Relations (DIRCO), is at the forefront of South Africa's efforts to combat corruption.

The ACWG’s work is guided by the St Petersburg Strategic Framework of 2013 and the G20 ACWG Action Plan for 2025-2027, aligning with the priorities of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

As South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency in December 2024, a series of important events led by the ACWG are planned throughout the year.

Co-chaired by South Africa and Brazil, the ACWG will focus on four key priorities:

Strengthening the Public Sector: Promoting good practices for transparency and accountability, culminating in a Ministerial Declaration.
Increasing efficiency of asset recovery measures: Discussions will centre on high-level principles for managing seized assets, with technical assistance from global partners.
Enhancing inclusive participation: Mobilising the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia to combat corruption collaboratively and share best practices through dedicated side events.
Enhancing whistle-blower protection: Reinforcing commitments to safeguarding whistle-blowers with accountability reports and specific side events focused on effective protection mechanisms.

The agenda for the first ACWG Technical Meeting, to be held from 3 to 5 March 2025 - includes sessions dedicated to increasing the efficiency of asset recovery measures, enhancing whistleblower protection mechanisms and fostering inclusive participation among diverse stakeholders.

Sessions will also receive updates on upcoming anti-corruption events, including the financing for development agenda and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of State Parties (CoSP 11). – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:32
202 views

3 March 2025

Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future

Location: News

Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future

Research-based insights and collaboration on finding solutions to Africa’s most urgent challenges will be at the heart of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)’s 19th Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference.

The conference which gets underway tomorrow, is being held in collaboration with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).

Under the theme “Enabling Africa’s Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference will gather over 100 young and emerging scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from various regions of Africa to share research-based insights and collaborate on solutions to the continent’s most urgent challenges.

The gathering will take place at UMP’s Mbombela campus from 4 to 6 March 2025.

“We are excited to provide a platform for Africa’s next generation of leaders to engage, share knowledge, and shape the continent’s future,” said the Executive Head at the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), Dr Sabelo Gumedze.

He believes that the AYGS Conference has the potential to contribute significantly to Africa’s developmental trajectory, and said they were looking forward to fostering innovative solutions, enhancing capacity, and informing policy decisions with research-based insights.

Meanwhile, the UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the university was privileged to partner with the HSRC and other prominent stakeholders to engage and strengthen an opportunity framework for emerging scholars through critical thinking and policy impact.

“UMP benefits from this convening to further advance our focus on sustainability and innovation, building a strong base of intellectual engagement, international networks, and learning,” Stroebel added.

The conference will feature sessions covering various topics such as advancing agricultural sustainability and food security.

The panellists will also zoom into governance, peace, and security in enabling Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development; climate change action and the Just Transition; and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s development priorities.

Meanwhile, more than 30 papers will be presented by scholars from over 15 countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The annual AYGS conference is a research capacity-building project that was conceived in 2005 to build a body of knowledge and to project the African “voice” into various global discussions.

It is further intended to bridge the existing expertise gap in knowledge production on African affairs by developing a society of knowledge producers among the youth.

The conference, which features a comprehensive programme including a pre-conference training workshop on policy-engaged research and open science, is hosted by the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) in collaboration with the UMP, the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre, the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), and other key partners. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:50
134 views

3 March 2025

Umhlali police arrest alleged house robbers minutes after committing crime

Location: News

Umhlali police arrest alleged house robbers minutes after committing crime

The swift action of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Umhlali, in the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has led to the arrest of five suspects wanted for a house robbery and kidnapping - just minutes after the crime had been committed.

The suspects were arrested on Friday after they allegedly terrorised a family of three at their home in Shakashead in the Umhlali Policing Precinct.

It is alleged that the five armed suspects entered the victims’ home, removed the safe from the bedroom wall and questioned the victims about the vehicles they owned.

They are believed to have terrorised the victims and assaulted them before taking one of the victims, a 32-year-old male, to withdraw money from a nearby ATM.

It is then that the victim’s mother immediately contacted SAPS Umhlali.

Within minutes, Umhlali Police responded and intercepted the suspect’s vehicle, approximately 100m from the crime scene.

All five suspects were arrested and the victim was rescued. The vehicle used in the commission of the crime was recovered and the victims were taken to receive medical treatment.

All five suspects were charged for house robbery and kidnapping and will appear in KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.

ILembe District Commissioner Major General Anthony Gopaul commended the swift and decisive action of the SAPS Umhlali.

"Their rapid response and effective coordination led to the immediate arrest of these dangerous suspects and the safe rescue of the victim. This incident serves as a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to combat crime and bring perpetrators to justice. This successful operation reinforces the message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in the iLembe District," Major General Gopaul said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:54
122 views

3 March 2025

Renewed focus on ECD a critical investment in SA’s future

Location: News

Renewed focus on ECD a critical investment in SA’s future

An increased focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD) is critical for the future of South Africa.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.

“Better educational outcomes in basic education are linked to broader social and economic development. Education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, to uplift individuals and communities, and to bringing about a more equitable society.

“As was evident from the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla [held last week], all stakeholders in the education space are committed to prioritising foundational learning as the most effective means to enable young South Africans to succeed and thrive far into the future,” he said on Monday.

The President highlighted that government has spent the last 30 years “trying to correct” the devastating impact that Bantu Education under Apartheid had on foundational learning.

“This effort has now received greater impetus with the passage of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. This Act makes Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, compulsory.

“Through an enhanced focus on ECD, the Act will help ensure that young children are better prepared for formal schooling. Early Childhood Development plays a critical role in developing early literacy, early numeracy and social-emotional skills during an important time in a child’s cognitive development,” he said.

READ | Call to intensify efforts to improve early childhood learning

In the State of the Nation Address in February, President Ramaphosa committed to expanding access to ECD for all children through “registering and formalising existing ECD centres and ensuring that they have the facilities, training and material that they need to provide quality early learning”.

Now, the President reiterated the importance of making ECD more accessible.

“Children who attend quality pre-primary programmes tend to have larger vocabularies, better number awareness, stronger perceptual skills, improved social skills and greater curiosity.

“Quality ECD provision promotes social equality. Children from poor families benefit most from access to ECD. As the learning journey progresses, quality ECD is also linked to better transitions into high school, lower repetition and dropout rates, and better academic performance overall.

“The Basic Education Sector Lekgotla discussed how best to realign the existing education curriculum to strengthen foundational learning, including through ongoing assessments, scaling up teacher training and development, and expanding the provision of ECD learning and teacher support material,” President Ramaphosa emphasised.

The President highlighted that further down the line, basic education must also produce learners who can find work in an evolving world.

“A recent report by the World Economic Forum on the future of jobs shows that the need for science, technology, engineering and mathematics related jobs are fast outstripping ‘traditional’ occupations, which are on the decline in the face of technological advances.

“Our basic education system has to produce learners that are able to find work in an ever-changing knowledge and technology based global economy.

“The efforts of the Department of Basic Education to strengthen the provision of technical and vocational pathways to learners in high school are therefore to be welcomed. Even in more industrialised economies than ours, technical and vocational training is recognised as a solid pathway to employment and entrepreneurship,” President Ramaphosa explained. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 09:20
9 views

2 March 2025

President Ramaphosa to engage Gauteng on developmental priorities

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to engage Gauteng on developmental priorities

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will on Thursday visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg, said the Gauteng Provincial Government.

The two-day visit beginning on Thursday is aimed at engaging with the province on its strategic development priorities.

“This meeting is part of the President’s engagement with all provinces to ensure alignment on the 7th Administration’s Medium Term Development Plan.

“The Premier and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will use the visit to update the President and Ministers on the plans of the Gauteng Provincial Government to improve service delivery in the province,” the provincial government said on Sunday.

To date, the President and his Cabinet Ministers have visited KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 15:24
371 views

2 March 2025

Minister announces fund to support spaza shops

Location: News

Minister announces fund to support spaza shops

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni has announced the creation of a R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund that aims to enhance market competitiveness to help spaza shops and food handling outlets compete with larger retailers.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister said the fund will be launched soon and will support township convenience shops, including spaza stores.

“The fund will be launched in the next two weeks and a date will be communicated,” she said adding that the fund will comprise of funds from the Department of Small Business Development (R150 million) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (R350 million).

The Minister made the announcement at the briefing that followed the close of the registration period for spaza shops and food-handling businesses to register their businesses with their local municipalities on 28 February.

READ | Spaza shops who met registration deadline to receive support

She said other businesses will still benefit from existing departmental funds and programmes including financial assistance by the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and other development finance institutions (DFIs).

The fund aims to achieve economies of scale by linking spaza shops and food handling outlets to buying groups for bulk purchasing; build business capacity through training and support to improve shop operations; enhance market competitiveness to help spaza shops and food- handling outlets compete with larger retailers.

“We are planning a to roll out a multi-disciplinary outreach programme. The purpose of the outreach program is to bring government services closer to the people through disseminating information on community convenience shops and support offerings.

“We will continue to do these things with provincial and local government and will facilitate awareness campaigns in all 52 districts and metros across the country. The awareness campaigns are scheduled to take place from 03 March 2025 to 30 March 2025.”

The awareness campaigns will continue beyond the month of March and the awareness workshops will be facilitated by district champions, SEDFA and business regulation officers.

She said that the Department of Small Business Development has recruited 61 business regulation officers on six -month contracts, each assigned to a District or Metro across the country.

“These officers will be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns, research, and geo-mapping of spaza shops and food-handling facilities among other functions.”

Regulation

The Minister further added that the country’s regulatory environment needs to be streamlined, and the department has embarked on a Red Tape Reduction Program to include practical solutions.

“As a key strategic intervention to support the red tape reduction efforts, the department will ensure that municipalities are assisted with E-registration systems. We remain committed as government to streamline business licensing in South Africa, reduce regulatory burdens, and foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

“Our amended National Business Licensing Bill, once approved and implemented, will provide clarity, consistency, and transparency in business licensing, enabling businesses to thrive and contribute to the country's economic growth and development,” she explained. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 16:14
272 views

2 March 2025

Botes to co-chair political consultations with Slovak Republic counterpart

Location: News

Botes to co-chair political consultations with Slovak Republic counterpart

South Africa and the Slovak Republic will review the state of their bilateral political relations to consolidate and further enhance diplomatic and political cooperation.

Bilateral political relations as well as diplomatic and political cooperation will be up for discussion at the meeting between International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes and the Slovak Republic’s State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs,Marek Eštok.

The Deputy Minister will co-chair the South Africa-Slovak Republic Political Consultations with the State Secretary on Monday in Pretoria.

“This round of political consultations provides an opportunity for the Deputy Minister and his counterpart to review the state of the bilateral political relations to consolidate and further enhance diplomatic and political cooperation between the two nations.

“The Deputy Minister and State Secretary will also share perspectives and deepen their understanding of regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Bilateral political consultations between South Africa and the Slovak Republic are based on the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, signed in 2007 in Bratislava.

Economic and trade relations are conducted through a Joint Council for Economic Cooperation (JCEC).

“Relations between South Africa and the Slovak Republic are cordial and relatively modest, with trade and investment levels remaining at a very low base. Bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 totalled €287.4 million, representing an increase of 3.1% in comparison to 2023,” said the department ahead of Monday’s meeting in Pretoria.

South African exports to the Slovak Republic in 2024 amounted to €92.1 million, a decrease of 4.8%. Slovak exports to South Africa amounted to €195.3 million, an increase of 7.3% compared to 2023. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 16:43
97 views

2 March 2025

Advancements in technology should not exclude rural communities

Location: News

Advancements in technology should not exclude rural communities

Technological advancements including the move to digital radio should not exclude rural and underprivileged communities, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong said.

“Today, we see new innovations in Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), internet radio, and mobile-based radio services. These advancements offer greater accessibility and interactivity, allowing audiences to receive and engage news in real-time. However, we must ensure that the transition to digital does not leave behind those in rural and underprivileged areas who still rely on traditional radio as their primary source of information,” the Deputy Minister.

Morolong was speaking at the Northern Conference of the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) in Kuruman on Friday.

“As you know, media is not just a platform for communication; it is a vital institution that informs, educates, and empowers our people. In South Africa, government recognises the power of the media in strengthening our democracy, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accountability,” he told those attending the conference.

READ | Community media plays a vital role in promoting social change

He said that radio played an important role in the anti-apartheid struggle, providing an alternative voice when mainstream media was restricted.

In post-apartheid South Africa, the sector has grown to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation.

“As South Africa celebrate 30 years of Freedom and Democracy, we acknowledge that our celebration coincides with 30 years of community media; 102 years of broadcasting and 21 years since the establishment of the MDDA [Media Development and Diversity Agency]. Community radio is an important and vibrant sector within broadcasting that is philosophically and structurally distinct from both commercial and public service models. It is owned and controlled by the communities, autonomous from commercial interests and maintains a participatory relationship with its constituent communities. Radio remains one of the most powerful and resilient forms of media, adapting to technological advancements while remaining deeply embedded in our communities,” he explained.

He added that the journey of radio can be traced from the early analogue era of AM and FM frequencies to the digital age, where streaming and podcasting have revolutionized the way, we consume audio content.
This as South Africa had a vibrant community radio sector with approximately 285 licenced community stations covering a wide range of geographies, religious and cultural interests, and in various languages.

In addition to the growth in the number of community stations licenced (from 133 in 2012), listenership has also increased.

“However with this growth there are persistent challenges. The battle for survival is the biggest concern for most stations and is more acute for stations serving poor, rural communities.

“This battle can often detract stations from their mandate of improving community involvement, programme quality and relevance. The focus on generating income through selling advertising and airtime, means that other income streams that might enhance and diversify programming (for example, programme sponsorship and membership fees and donations from the community) are often not explored sufficiently.”

He said that a key challenge for the sustainability of community stations is that they are dependent on the discretion of advertisers, the limited resources available to the MDDA and government advertising.

“Part of the problem is that sustainability is often thought of only in terms of finances, yet good governance, quality, entertaining and informative programming are interlinked elements of sustainability.

As the Presidency, we do not take our role at the MDDA for granted, because we are mindful that South Africans are at the heart of all our work, and we are therefore committed to continue to support the MDDA to maintain its agenda of enabling access, ownership, diversity and the promotion of marginalised languages and communities,” said the Deputy Minister.

He added that government values the role of NCRF as a collective voice.

“In strengthening the community radio sector, organisations like the National Community Radio Forum play an indispensable role. The NCRF has been a unifying force, advocating for the rights and sustainability of community broadcasters across the country.”

The NCREF lobbies for the diversification of the airwaves in South Africa.

“As government, we recognise and support the NCRF’s efforts in advancing the interests of community radio. We look forward to strengthening partnerships between government, media stakeholders, and the NCRF to build a robust, independent, and sustainable community broadcasting sector.”

G20

He added that the Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS) has committed to ensuring that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is made known through the use of community media broadly and community radio more specifically.

“In short, community radio will bring the agenda and discussions of the G20 to our people through community radio. This should help our people all over this province and the Republic to get updates on all the G20 meetings taking place this year,” he said.

South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 16:26
27 views

2 March 2025

Spaza shops who met registration deadline to receive support

Location: News

Spaza shops who met registration deadline to receive support

Spaza shop and food handling businesses that applied to register their businesses with their local municipalities but were awaiting their registration outcomes will not be penalised, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni said.

“We know the process had challenges, with many municipalities not having electronic business registration systems. All those that have applied are within their constitutional rights to do business but still await the registration outcomes will not be penalised.

She revealed that only 60 out of the municipalities in the country had a digital registration system.

Additionally, 135 registration centres were visited to gain firsthand experience of the challenges.

“We understand the difficulties and costs associated with becoming compliant and this is why over the next six months we will be supporting these spaza shops who applied but are not yet compliant with non-financial support to enable their successful registration and compliance,” the Minister said on Sunday.

Ndabeni was addressing media in Pretoria on the on Friday’s the spaza shop and food outlet registration deadline.
This as the deadline for registration was on Friday, 28 February 2025.

“This is the developmental approach to compliance we have adopted, offering assistance to those seeking to comply through training programs provided by our agency, the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). We already have a spaza shop support programme that we are running including with the Wholesale and Retail SETA and others partners where we train spaza shops on inventory management and assist with essential equipment such as point-of-sale systems as well as financial support for stock.

“This is our proof of concept which we will improve and scale going forward. We also have a range of other interventions and offerings to support township and rural enterprises, including asset assist, business infrastructure support, as well as wholesale and direct lending, as well as credit guarantees we offer to banks to get them to lend to township and rural enterprises,” the Minister explained.

She said that Friday’s deadline does not necessarily mean that the problems and challenges of compliance by spaza shops and food handling outlets are over.

“The aim of the registration drive was two-fold, to ensure compliance with all food safety standards and to rebuild a more competitive and compliant business in our country,” Ndabeni said.

Ndabeni said the registration of spaza shops is but one of the interventions in a multi-disciplinary approach to curbing foodborne illnesses.

Sunday marked exactly 107 days since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the registration of all spaza shops and food handling outlets. The announcement came after several incidents of food poisoning and deaths related to foodborne illnesses that were reported in different parts of the country.

The initial 21 days registration period, which would have ended in December last year, was subsequently extended by the President to 28 February as part of accommodating all eligible businesses to comply with the directive.

After the announcement by the President, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), seven workstreams were established with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) leading the economic workstream focussing more on interventions to build capacity in township and rural spaza shops and food convenience stores.

“We have supported the registration process which the Minister of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] will speak to in the NATJOINT briefing in two weeks’ time,” she said. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 15:08
56 views

2 March 2025

President wishes Muslim community well over Ramadaan

Location: News

President wishes Muslim community well over Ramadaan

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to the Muslim community as they observe the fasting month of Ramadaan.

“For our Muslim brethren here at home and around the world, this is a sacred time of reflection, prayer and performing acts of charity – values that unite us all,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

In his statement, the President added that South Africa is a country united in its diversity, “and this is our greatest strength as we work together to build a better South Africa of equality and opportunity for all.”

For the world’s approximately 1,9 billion Muslims, the month of Ramadaan is observed by fasting from sunrise to sunset, performing special prayers, and feeding the needy.

“As a country we laud these acts of compassion, empathy and generosity by the Muslim community [as they] are even more sorely needed in today’s troubled world.

“Even as this is a time of fraternity and spiritual growth for Muslims, we are keenly aware that [the] suffering peoples in Gaza, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and in the troubled Sahel region will experience little cheer this Ramadaan,” said President Ramaphosa.

The President also reaffirmed the country’s solidarity with oppressed peoples everywhere, and a call for an end to intolerance, conflict and war.

“We are grateful to be a nation where many cultures and faiths co-exist in harmony - may this also be a time for outreach and building bridges of tolerance and understanding between our different communities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 12:04
119 views

2 March 2025

Ministry provides update on Foot and Mouth Disease

Location: News

Ministry provides update on Foot and Mouth Disease

The Ministry of Agriculture has encouraged livestock farmers across the country to limit animal movement as much as possible given the ongoing presence of Foot and Mouth Disease viruses in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The department recently received test results confirming the ongoing presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) viruses in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Cattle at a dip tank in Mtubatuba have tested positive for FMD.

“These cattle showed clinical signs of FMD in December, prompting sample collection, and laboratory results confirmed the introduction of a SAT1 FMD virus into the area,” it said in a statement on Friday.

Given that a SAT2 FMD event has been ongoing in the region since 2021, further investigations were conducted, confirming that the detected SAT1 virus is similar to one recently identified in the northern part of the Kruger National Park.

Over the past two weeks, clinical signs of FMD have also been observed in districts around Vryheid and Newcastle Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the FMD virus, with virus typing still in progress to determine whether these outbreaks were caused by a SAT1 or SAT2 strain.

Control measures within the Disease Management Area (DMA) remain unchanged.

READ | Minister meets His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini over FMD

The Ministry said the affected dip tanks remain under quarantine, and vaccination efforts in the area continue. The vaccine being used covers all three FMD SAT strains. Dip tanks in newly affected areas have also been placed under quarantine.

“These outbreaks highlight the persistent threat of FMD and the critical need for stringent control measures to prevent its spread. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen stressed the importance of strict compliance with biosecurity protocols and urged farmers and livestock owners to promptly report any suspected cases to veterinary authorities.”

Additionally, it reminded livestock owners that control measures implemented nationwide since October 2022 must be strictly followed to reduce the risk of further spread.

These measures include:
• Cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa may only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner, confirming the animals’ health at the time of movement.
• Any newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be kept separate from resident herds for at least 28 days.

“All livestock farmers across the country are strongly encouraged to limit animal movement as much as possible. Auctioneers and livestock owners should be particularly cautious when purchasing cloven-hoofed animals from provinces with active FMD outbreaks. No cloven-hoofed animals should be accepted from areas under FMD restrictions in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga provinces.”

The Ministry added that Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on all animal owners or managers to take reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or property to others.-SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 14:21
119 views

2 March 2025

SA participates in expedition along the African coastline

Location: News

SA participates in expedition along the African coastline

The South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), a long-term environmental observation and research facility of the National Research, is participating in the Around Africa Expedition, the National Research Foundation said.

Led by global ocean exploration non-profit organisations, OceanX and the newly established Ocean Quest, Around Africa Expedition is a pioneering collaborative expedition along the African coastline and is an endorsed action programme of the United Nations Ocean Decade framework (2021-2030) for its contributions to capacity building and scientific understanding of the ocean.

“Its journey began on 30 January 2025 in Moroni, Comoros aboard OceanX’s state-of-the-art research and media vessel, OceanXplorer. The first leg of this expedition, conducted in collaboration with NRF-SAEON, aimed to map and conduct biodiversity surveys of Indian Ocean seamounts on the Madagascan Ridge and Agulhas Plateau,” said the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The guest science team onboard included established and early career researchers from South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, Portugal, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

In its statement, the NRF said the measurement of both the physical features and biodiversity at these seamounts will advance scientific knowledge and help to guide informed decisions on conservation and restoration efforts in these remote ocean areas.

“Although these seamounts are located in the high seas, far from any human populations, their contribution towards serving as larval transport corridors are critical and can influence population connectivity across vast ocean distances, supporting ecosystem resilience and replenishment of fisheries in both deep-sea and coastal environments.”

South African benthic ecologist, Dr Lara Atkinson from NRF-SAEON is part of the team leading the exploration of seamounts, including Walters Shoal and the Africana II seamount.

“A seamount is an underwater mountain that rises from the seafloor but does not reach the ocean’s surface. Seamounts are formed primarily by volcanic activity, often at tectonic plate boundaries or hotspots.

“Their height can range from hundreds to thousands of meters, depending on the intensity and duration of volcanic activity. They play an important role in influencing ocean currents, creating nutrient-rich upwelling that supports diverse marine life, including plankton, corals, sponges, fish, and marine mammals,” said Atkinson.

Meanwhile, a group of Cape Town high school learners from Luhlaza, Ocean View, Bulumko, Masiphumelele and Usasazo High Schools had the privilege to join a live-streamed session from OceanXplorer on its journey towards Cape Town, as researchers onboard conducted a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) dive on Walters Shoal seamount.

The curious learners in attendance were fascinated by the live view of the seabed at a depth of nearly 500 m and this inspired them to ask many interesting questions to gain further insights about the science being conducted during the expedition.

Thabo Mbuyazi, a technician from the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), explained the importance of ensuring that all scientific equipment is maintained to the highest of standards to be able to collect data for researchers.

He introduced the learners and educators to the two submersibles onboard the vessel, Neptune and Nadir. These three-person submersibles hosted some of the research team during deployments to 500 m depths during the expedition. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 12:49
80 views

2 March 2025

SA and Chile sign trade cooperation agreement

Location: News

SA and Chile sign trade cooperation agreement

South Africa and Chile have signed an agreement that will see the two countries cooperate in areas of trade and industry promotion, decarbonisation and critical minerals among others, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said.

The agreement was signed at the 8th meeting of the Joint Trade and Investment Commission (JTIC) between South Africa and Chile in Pretoria on Friday.

The agreement also extends to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women-led enterprises as well as value chains.

The JTIC was jointly led by the Deputy Minister of the dtic, Zuko Godlimpi and Chilean Vice Minister of Trade, Claudia Sanhueza Riveros.

Godlimpi said both countries have identified concrete steps to increase and further diversify trade and investment. These include exchange of products of export interest.

“In addition, we have also agreed on decarbonisation and adding value to our critical minerals, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that an era has passed whereas developing countries we find ourselves at the lower levels of global value chains.

“We agreed to explore cooperation to encourage beneficiation of these critical minerals. Beneficiation opportunities will include cooperation of fuels cell and battery manufacturing,” said Godlimpi.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that while both countries used the opportunity to discuss trade and investment opportunities that exist between them, it would also be important to understand opportunities that the private sector identify, as well as challenges.

“For Chilean companies operating in South Africa, they will have access to markets in [the] Europe Union, the European Free Trade Association, Mercosur and also on the continent of Africa through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. There is a great potential for South Africa to serve as [a] gateway for Chilean companies into Africa.”

He further said that South Africa and Chile consider cooperation in small and medium enterprises and women-led enterprises as critical to promoting inclusive trade.

“There will be cooperation in exchange of knowledge and expertise, integration into global value chains, start-up programmes, export opportunities for incubators and finance for small businesses. Relevant ministries and agencies tasked with small and medium enterprises and women-led enterprises will make contact with each other before end of April 2025,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 12:07
93 views

2 March 2025

President Ramaphosa attends funeral of former Namibian President Sam Nujoma

Location: News

President Ramaphosa attends funeral of former Namibian President Sam Nujoma

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday joined other Heads of State and Government in bidding farewell to the late former President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Samuel Shafishuna Nujoma.

This as he attended the State Funeral of President Nujoma who passed away on 11 February 2025 while receiving medical attention in Windhoek at the age of 95.

Arriving in Windhoek, President Ramaphosa reiterated, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia.

“South Africa and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the fraternal and historical relations cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid. The two countries established diplomatic ties in March 1990,” the Presidency said.

READ | Condolences for Namibia following passing of former President Nujoma

Dr Nujoma became involved in anticolonial politics during the1950's and was the founding member and the first President of the Southwest Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) in 1960. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 12:01
16 views

28 February 2025

KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs

Location: News

KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs

The KwaZulu-Natal province aims to secure an additional R4 billion in investments in the 2025/26 financial year and create 5 000 potential jobs, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said on Friday.

This is after the KZN Investment Conference held in November 2024 resulted in R75.8 billion in investment pledges, including major projects like the Westown mixed-use development in Shongweni and SAPPI Southern Africa upgrades.

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Premier outlined a bold future for the province.

Ntuli began by honouring the memory of citizens lost to recent floods and heavy rains, as well as soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

READ | KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation

He stressed the province’s resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and the impacts of global crises.

Ntuli also highlighted significant achievements over the past eight months and outlined strategic priorities for the coming year.

The Premier also detailed the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the N3 and N2 highways, the construction of new dams, and the expansion of the Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.

According to Ntuli, these projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.

Meanwhile, the King Dinuzulu Innovation Valley at Dube TradePort, set to open in June 2025, will serve as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.

The province is also rolling out broadband connectivity projects to ensure high-speed internet access for all citizens.

He also emphasised the province’s commitment to reducing poverty and the rising cost of living which remains as a persistent challenge for many families across the province.

Initiatives include social grants, support for child-headed households, and efforts to combat gender-based violence, while also focusing on youth and women empowerment through various programmes and funds.

“Poverty and the rising cost of living remains a persistent challenge for many families across KwaZulu-Natal. While social assistance remains a necessary lifeline for many of our people, this trajectory is not sustainable.”

Instead, he believes government should build a nation where economic opportunities replace dependency, where employment and entrepreneurship empower people, and where prosperity is driven by innovation and productivity.

The Premier also noted the province’s record-breaking 2024 matric pass rate of 89.5% and improvements in healthcare services, including the purchase of new ambulances and the expansion of the school nutrition programme.

Meanwhile, he stated that efforts to improve school infrastructure and reduce dropout rates are also underway.

Ntuli reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. This includes strengthening public institutions, enhancing service delivery, and rooting out corruption.

Spaza shops

Meanwhile, he said from 14 October to 14 November 2024, the provincial government conducted unannounced inspections of spaza shops and wholesale businesses.

“What we uncovered was deeply concerning. It became abundantly clear that economic activity in many of these areas has shifted away from our local entrepreneurs, with some businesses operating in direct violation of our laws – engaging in illicit trade and other criminal activities that threaten the well-being of our communities.”

A joint operation was conducted, resulting in the inspection of 7 729 premises and as a result, 337 premises were closed, and 142 arrests were made.

In addition, 2 429 compliance notices and 480 fines were issued, alongside the confiscation of 10 210 kg of illicit goods.

“It is our firm belief that the township and rural economy in KwaZulu-Natal plays a vital role in both economic growth and job creation for local communities, with substantial value and employment opportunities across informal sectors like spaza shops, street vendors, and small-scale manufacturing.”

READ | Deadline won't be extended for spaza shops to register

Today marks the deadline for spaza shop and other food handling to register their businesses with their local municipalities.

He called on all citizens and stakeholders to work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future for KwaZulu-Natal.

“The future calls, and we must answer with action, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the service of our nation, “ he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:58
233 views

28 February 2025

Collective effort needed to rear children as equals

Location: News

Collective effort needed to rear children as equals

Deputy Minister in the department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for a collective effort in raising children equally so as to dismantle historical injustices while also eradicating inequality.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during a panel discussion hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on the importance of focusing on the boy child as part of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) prevention strategy.

She underscored the significance of all stakeholders in shaping a just society.

"The young people of our country will grow up in a better place when we all put our hands together.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address, made a clarion call for a nation that works for all. All stakeholders matter in bringing up a better strong child justice system. We are a resilient people, and this country will be built by everyone, including the children before us. Let us nurture them, guide them to do the right thing, and let them thrive," Letsike said.

She emphasised that children should be raised equally, regardless of gender, and lamented the historical social constructs that have led to divisions between boys and girls.

"Sometimes, as adults, we diagnose and redefine how we bring up children, even to the point of polarising them. Children are meant to be brought up equally, they are born equal…We have divided children, we have divided men and women. We know the contributing factors which stem from issues of patriarchy, dominance and privilege.”

Speaking to those attending the session at the GCIS head office in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister highlighted the social implications of unequal child-rearing which can lead to bullying, violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles.

She emphasised that past initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child were never meant to diminish the boy child but to address historical inequalities.

"When we paid attention to the girl child, it was never to minimise the boy child. It was about addressing inequality and dismantling social constructs that left both men and women behind.

“We must liberate ourselves by affirming that the girl child matters, the boy child matters, and the LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more] community matters. We must return to our African principles of unity and raising children as a community," she said.

CEO of Soul City Institute, Phinah Kodisang, reinforced the need for equal treatment of all children, stressing that achieving equality requires challenging societal norms.

"We need to challenge the things that make equality difficult to achieve. The boy child must understand the privilege they live in and advocate against factors that perpetuate inequality. Before I am a woman, I am a human being, and even our Constitution speaks to human rights.

“We need to dismantle divisions that were created in the past and shift from mere words to action. Let’s instil values in our children through behaviour, even in something as simple as the toys we buy for them," Kodisang said.

The Soul City Institute for Social Justice is an intersectional feminist organisation committed to social justice for all.

Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of Primestars, Nkosinathi Moshoana, spoke on the importance of allowing young boys to open up about their struggles and vulnerabilities.

"Men are often perceived as perfect when put on a stage, and this makes it difficult for young boys to share their challenges. The key to helping young men express themselves is for society and fathers to be vulnerable and share their own struggles. That way, boys will see that we also faced challenges and overcame them," Moshoana said.

Primestars is a provider of youth development programmes.

Pledge

During the event, young boys in attendance signed a pledge to end gender-based violence and femicide committing to fostering a culture of respect and equality.

Deputy Minister Letsike commended the boys for their bravery.

“You are brave and strong. You must continue to be strong," she concluded.

The panel discussion emphasised the need for an inclusive approach to child-rearing, one that fosters equality, respect, and unity to build a safer and more just society for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:21
211 views

28 February 2025

SA presses forward for a just society

Location: News

SA presses forward for a just society

Family law and the creation of a just society were some of the issues under scrutiny at the launch of Human Rights Month on Friday.

“We’re gathered here today because we are all interested in creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society given our past, which was characterised by a range of injustices and lack of access to justice for the majority. Creating such a society requires a paradigm shift,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.

The Minister hosted a stakeholder engagement session at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.

The session also focused on matters related to civil and criminal law, among others.

The session with civil society organisations also served as the official launch of Human Rights Month supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as the custodian of National Days.

The democratic government declared 21 as March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for the country’s liberation and the rights citizens enjoy today.

“Again, I must say that today, the context will be us launching this Human Rights Month. We took a decision that we should not launch a Human Rights Day as just an event, but through a dialogue that reflects those 30 years we’ve been in this democracy.

“How far we have travelled and what other lessons [have been] learned? What is it that we need to improve? What are the issues that as a society, as South Africa, we still have to deal with?” she remarked.

The Minister said the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 is the framework and foundation upon which the transformation of law, State, and society is anchored.

“Accordingly, the preamble of the Constitution proclaims that the new paradigm can only be created by establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights and improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Republic.”

Kubayi said the engagement was part of a collective introspection into the work done over the years to advance the constitutional imperative of expanding access to justice for all, including the poor and the most vulnerable.

“Our quest to expand access to justice is based on the saying that everyone is equal before the law and has a right to equal protection and the benefit of the law. That equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.

“It also goes on to highlight that everyone has an inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”

Shifting her focus to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the Minister described it as a pandemic.

“Today, the State bears a constitutional duty to provide effective remedies against domestic violence.”

She also said the law now provides for means whereby same-sex couples can enjoy the same status, entitlements, and responsibilities accorded to heterosexual couples through marriage and that employers may not discriminate against anyone based on their HIV positive status.

“Because today they have become normal, but we’ve got to understand that it is through this democracy that we’ve attained these freedoms, “she added.

She called on South Africans to dedicate this Human Rights Month to commemorating and honouring those who have lost their lives for the attainment of freedom and human rights, to promote the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, while acknowledging the injustices of the past. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:44
165 views

28 February 2025

Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface

Location: News

Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface

The Department of Health has issued a call for heightened awareness among the public as three new laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox have been detected.

According to the department, the first case, identified on 21 February 2025, involves a 30-year-old male residing in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, who recently travelled to Kampala, Uganda.

“The patient was diagnosed with Grade I Mpox virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and has been reported in travellers returning to many locations around the globe,” the statement read.

The other two confirmed cases - a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, both from Ekurhuleni, were identified through thorough contact tracing and monitoring efforts led by outbreak response teams.

The department believes this development highlights the vital importance of open communication from primary cases to facilitate effective contact tracing.

“All three cases are now recovering and self-isolating at home,” said the department.

The latest statistics bring the total cumulative number of positive cases from 25 to 28 cases, including three deaths since the outbreak in May last year.

Meanwhile, these are the first positive cases of Mpox recorded in South Africa this year after the last infection was reported in September 2024.

Globally, Mpox continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as per the declarations by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in August 2024.

While the department assures that there is no need for public alarm, it stressed the importance of remaining vigilant regarding the transmission of Mpox.

Symptoms to watch for include a rash lasting two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen glands.

Generally, Mpox presents as a mild, self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate.

The risk of widespread transmission in South Africa at this time is considered low; however, the department said the disease can affect individuals across all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and races.

“The department urges all people experiencing any of the symptoms, with or without travel history to countries and regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks, or who had close contact with known Mpox patients to seek medical care.

“Although, the country has a limited stock of Mpox-specific vaccines for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of this disease,” it said.

Residents were also reminded to practice handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers, especially before eating or after using the restroom, to help mitigate the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 16:06
69 views

28 February 2025

Montana weather event confirmed as a landspout

Location: News

Montana weather event confirmed as a landspout

Analysis of the recent destructive weather event in Montana, north of Pretoria, has been confirmed as a landspout and not a tornado.

This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) conducted a thorough analysis of the destructive weather event that took place on Tuesday, 18 February.

“Following the analysis, which included visits to the site of the event and a close study of high-resolution satellite images of the event, among other things, the SAWS has concluded that the event was, in fact, a landspout as opposed to a tornado,” the weather service said on Friday.

In its statement it explained that a landspout develops over land and is generally smaller and weaker. A tornado, on the other hand, is a violent rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and measures less than a few hundred meters in diameter although some are larger than 1 km.

“Tornadoes and landspouts are two small-sized events that the SAWS is working tirelessly to nowcast for the benefit of the public. Unlike with other weather conditions, signs of the potential development of a tornado are very evasive, particularly for landspouts,” it explained.

However, there has been an instance where the SAWS issued a tornado warning before its formation (on Saturday, 30 December 2017) albeit four minutes before it struck.

“Both tornadoes and landspouts have a similar appearance, but their development mechanisms and strengths differ. It is for this reason that the SAWS conducted a thorough analysis across Montana after which it was concluded that the event was a landspout.”

The landspout developed shortly before 5pm local time and affected a short stretch to the busy Sefako Makgato Drive.

From there, it uprooted trees and remained on the one side of the main road. Eyewitnesses estimated that this landspout took less than five minutes before lifting and disappearing.

The trace of its weakened phase was noted towards Zambezi where only tree branches were broken off with a zigzagging motion to the right side and back to the left of the main road.

Here, carport awnings and more roof sheeting were broken, twisted and lofted into the air.

“It is miraculous that, to date, no reports of deaths or injuries have been received.

“The landspout was rated as an EF0 according to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale for tornado intensity, which is in use internationally. An EF0 event is generally associated with light or minor damage and corresponds to estimated wind speeds of the order of 90 to 130 kmh,” SAWS said.

At the time of the incident, the SAWS had an Orange Level 5 Impact-Based weather warning in place over Gauteng and adjacent provinces for disruptive rainfall and/or localised flooding.

Action to be taken when either a landspout or tornado strike:

•    Where possible, quickly get out of the zone to which two thunderclouds are moving. Within such zones, it is almost certain that the wind will be strong and potentially damaging with injurious debris. Community members at the sudden start of a tornado or landspout may be caught by surprise, but each next minute should be used effectively.
•    Do not use a tree as shelter when it is positioned in the path of a tornado or landspout.
•    Loud sounds associated with tornadic impacts should quickly be used to scan the direction of clouds some distance away from the tornado / landspout. Thereafter, move out of the path of this event before moving opposite the main direction of clouds. Then find refuge.
•    When indoors in a formal house, remain in a small room such the bathroom.
•    To minimise impact for the shack dwellers, use the inside of small-sized furniture such as a sided wardrobe.

The SAWS said such action validates the saying “save one life, safe the world”.

Situational awareness creates a smooth and continuous defence against potential weather hazards, and it forms part and parcel of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative.

The EW4All was introduced by the United Nations to ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through lifesaving Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027.

“The public can be rest assured that SAWS, as mandated by the SAWS Act (Act 8 of 2001), will continue to monitor and assess developing weather systems and endeavour to issue weather-related Impact Based Early Warnings in a timely manner,” it said.

Such early warnings are routinely disseminated via mainstream news platforms such as radio, television, printed media as well as the SAWS website www.weathersa.co.za .

Additionally, pertinent information regarding on-the-ground impacts and significant expected weather events are posted on major social media platforms such as X (previously Twitter) @SAWeatherServic, Facebook (South African Weather Service) as well as YouTube. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 11:11
241 views

28 February 2025

Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector

Location: News

Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector

The South African government is committed to reinvigorating the country’s logistics sector as an enabler of economic prosperity.

This is according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy who delivered remarks at the launch of a new World Bank report titled: “Driving Inclusive Growth in South Africa: Quick Wins with Competitive Markets and Efficient Institutions".

“[Government has] established the National Logistics Crisis Committee [NLCC]…comprised of representatives from the Presidency, various government departments and the private sector.

“Its work includes securing strategic logistics corridors handling commodities that are essential to the export market and economic growth; addressing backlogs and congestion at strategic border crossings; combatting congestion in key national highway corridors such as the N1 and N3, as well as interventions to combat cable theft and maintenance backlogs at Transnet.

“This collaboration has seen modest improvements in our logistics performance,” she said on Friday.

The department and Transnet have set a target of moving at least 250 million tonnes of freight on the Transnet network by the year 2030 up from 150 million tonnes in the 2023/24 financial year.

Investment

Creecy highlighted that to achieve this, the rejuvenation of the rail sector is a key objective, which began with the Cabinet’s approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy in March 2022.

“The Rail Policy introduces structural reforms in the sectors that are intended to enable private sector investment, optimal utilisation of the rail network, and effective economic regulation of rail that will facilitate equitable access to the rail network and ensure that it is properly managed.

“As part of this process a Private Sector Participation [PSP] Unit is being established by the department in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Once established, this unit will help direct and coordinate private sector investments in priority rail projects requiring capital investment.”

The Minister revealed that the department is currently in the process of issuing Requests for Information “regarding potential investment in the rail and port sector”.

“This serves to share information with the public regarding possible PSP projects, but also to allow the department, and by extension Transnet, to gather information on projects with the potential for third party involvement.

“I want to emphasise again that throughout this process all rail and port infrastructure will remain under the government’s ownership. We are also in the process of consulting with organised labour regarding the details of our freight logistics roadmap.

“We cannot continue with the status quo, where derailments and port blockages cost our economy billions of rands, and thousands of jobs in all sectors of our economy are at risk,” Creecy said.

Port efficiency

Turning to inefficiencies at South African ports, the Minister said Transnet has launched a recovery plan aimed at “increasing and stabilising port and rail volumes”.

“The establishment of various war rooms for specific corridors and commodities has allowed Transnet and the private sector to collaborate and share expertise and address challenges such as derailments and unplanned maintenance.

“As part of Transnet’s Recovery Plan, replacement and refurbishment of crucial ports infrastructure such as cranes, gantries and straddles is planned in the short, medium and long term, and continued collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has ensured that spare parts for essential machinery can be secured when necessary.

“This has resulted in improvements we are seeing in our ports which have cut down on ship waiting times and queuing times for trucks,” she said.

Creecy told stakeholders at the launch that collaborations have also assisted to address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

She insisted that all the measures set out by government will “enable us to meet the targets that we set for the logistics sector, based on pre-pandemic figures”.

“Transnet and the department have set the goal of 250 million tonnes of freight per year, moving on the Transnet network by 2030. Transnet achieved 150 million tonnes of freight per year during the 2023/ 2024 financial year. At our ports, the target is to improve gross crane moves per hour from the 2024 average of 16 to 30 by 2030.

“These ambitious targets cannot be achieved within the existing Transnet system and will require significant private and public investments in infrastructure, rolling stock and digital systems.

“This can only be achieved through a partnership between government and the private sector, where technical knowledge, experience, [the] world’s best practice and funding can be shared,” Creecy concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:44
147 views

28 February 2025

Deadline won’t be extended for spaza shops to register

Location: News

Deadline won't be extended for spaza shops to register

With today marking the final deadline for spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to register their businesses with local municipalities, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has confirmed that no extension will be granted.

Spaza shop owners and vendors have until the end of the day to complete their registration, after which unregistered businesses may face penalties.

“Following several engagements within the IMC [Inter-Ministerial Committee] and in consultation with the President, a decision has been taken not to extend the deadline of the 28th February 2025, as ample time was given to business owners to comply with the Presidential directive,” NATJOINTS said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on foodborne illnesses and illicit goods expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing government interventions ahead of today’s deadline.

On November 15, 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day period for the registration of food handling business. This was extended on 18 December 2024 to 28 February 2025.

The intervention follows a serious incident involving foodborne illnesses, which resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024.

In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop.

The NATJOINTS statement stated that the Ministers of Health and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Aaron Motsoaledi and Velenkosini Hlabisa, as the co-Chairs of the IMC said that valuable lessons were learnt during this period. This is especially regarding the need for strengthened enforcement of regulation of the spaza shops and other food handling outlets.

The IMC has overseen the implementation of the action plan by the multi-disciplinary teams at the NATJOINTS drawn from the commitments made by the President.

“It is important to emphasise that the work of multi-disciplinary teams under the NATJOINTS will continue beyond this deadline. Enforcement of the law is not an event, and we are committed to continuing the work to formalise, regularise the sector and compliance with the law,” said the NATJOINTS.

This includes warehouses and other establishments that unlawfully stock hazardous chemicals, banned substances, and pesticides.

“We have strengthened our capacity and systems to monitor and database this sector. This will enhance our ability to support and encourage their growth and formalisation, while at the same time ensuring adherence to business registration and food safety laws including municipal by-laws.”

The IMC stressed that registration alone does not mean that a business is eligible to trade.

READ | Last day to register spaza shops

To obtain a licence or permit to trade, business owners must comply with all health regulations and municipal by-laws related to conducting business.

Where business owners are found to be non-compliant, the law will be enforced and this includes fines, arrests, and closures as applicable.

“We want to emphasise that our cardinal aim is to help businesses to comply with the law and to ensure the safety of our citizens and children. Working together we can build a safer, healthier, and more equitable food ecosystem for all South Africans,” said the co-Chairs. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:52
188 views

28 February 2025

KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation

Location: News

KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation

Victims of the recent Durban floods have been moved to temporary emergency accommodation, the Ministry of Human Settlements said on Friday.

This as the province of KwaZulu-Natal has been experiencing inclement weather.

A joint operation by the three spheres of government, namely the national and provincial Departments of Human Settlements, and eThekwini Municipality saw 47 households being moved to a temporary emergency accommodation on Thursday.

In its statement, the department said residents were moved from a mass care centre.

Earlier in the week, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane deployed a team of officials with a clear mandate for an urgent temporary solution to be sought to assist the affected households.

READ | Call for urgency in assisting KZN flood victims

Meanwhile, the Minister has noted the scale of the disaster and commended NGOs such as the Red Cross for partnering with the government to assist those in need.

In the new week, (04-05 March 2025), Minister Simelane will evaluate the responses and interventions made thus far to alleviate the situation of the victims of the disaster.

She will be joined by KZN MEC for Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma and Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Xaba, in visiting the impacted areas. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:16
81 views

28 February 2025

GBV to come to the fore at CGE conference

Location: News

GBV to come to the fore at CGE conference

A men’s engagement conference seeking to address gender-based violence and promote a shift towards healthy masculinity is set to be held next week.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will hold the conference in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

The session will be held in collaboration with the men’s sector and other stakeholders to address gender-based violence (GBV) and promote collaborative solutions across communities.

“The conference, amongst others, seeks to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue on GBV and its root causes, promote a shift towards healthy masculinity, dismantle harmful cultural norms, promote men’s well-being, and protect human rights,” said the CGE in a statement.

The commission seeks to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders in the province to implement context-specific GBVF prevention strategies and generate actionable recommendations to inform future interventions and policy development.

Tuesday’s session at the Hilton Garden Inn in Umhlanga will get underway at 9 am. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:57
20 views