Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Botswana’s Minister of Water and Human Settlements Onneetse Ramogapi are expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the joint management of water quality and aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.

The agreement forms part of ongoing cooperation between South Africa and Botswana on the management of shared transboundary water resources.

Majodina is currently on a working visit to Gaborone for the 6th Session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), taking place on 20 and 21 May 2026.

The two countries enjoy strategic water cooperation on shared water resources in the Limpopo River Basin and are both members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LimCom), established between South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to ensure the protection, ecosystem-based management, development and equitable utilisation of the shared river basin.

The Limpopo River Basin is a critical transboundary water resource that supports the livelihoods of a population of approximately 14 million people across the four nations through agriculture, domestic water supply, industry, biodiversity, and economic development.

The river transverses across the four countries, and as upstream members, South Africa and Botswana have a responsibility of ensuring that the quality of water in basin does not negatively impact the other countries.

The Upper Limpopo River Basin includes the Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo, and Mogalakwena catchments in South Africa and the Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse, and Tuti Rivers in Botswana.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said Majodina will also participate in a ministerial meeting ahead of the BNC session, where discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing cooperation on transboundary water resources between the two countries and progress made on the joint feasibility study on Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (LBWT) project.

The LBWT project aims to supply water for domestic, agricultural and industrial usage by Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa through a 700 km water conveyance pipeline from a dam on the Makhaleng River, a tributary to the Orange-Senqu River in the lowerlands of Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has welcomed South Africa’s multimillion-dollar contribution to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda’s response to the Ebola outbreak.

The US$2.5 million pledge was made through the Africa CDC Africa Epidemics Fund.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an outbreak of the disease a public health emergency of international concern, with hundreds of cases reported. 

“Africa CDC expresses its sincere appreciation to the people and Government of South Africa, and to H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, for this timely demonstration of leadership, solidarity and commitment to Africa’s collective health security.

“At a time when the continent faces increasing public health threats with significant risks of cross-border transmission, South Africa’s contribution sends a strong and reassuring message that Africa stands united in protecting the lives and well-being of its people, a pathway for Africa’s health security and sovereignty,” the continental health body said.

The pledge will support: 

• Strengthening critical response operations including continental coordination,
• Surveillance, laboratory systems, rapid response deployment,
• Infection prevention and control, cross-border preparedness, and support for affected communities.

“South Africa’s leadership reflects the growing importance of African-led financing mechanisms and reinforces the vision of a more resilient, self-reliant and health-secure continent.

“It is a practical demonstration of African solidarity in action and a reflection of the continent’s collective responsibility to respond rapidly and decisively to public health emergencies,” the Africa CDC said.

The CDC encouraged AU member states, donor countries, development partners, philanthropic institutions, and the private sector to “follow this example by contributing to the Africa Epidemics Fund and supporting ongoing response efforts”.

“The current outbreak demands urgent, coordinated and adequately financed action to contain transmission, save lives and prevent wider regional escalation.

“Africa CDC remains fully committed to working closely with affected Member States, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities, and global partners to ensure a rapid, effective and Africa-led response,” the Africa CDC said.

The WHO response

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is ramping up efforts to support the government of the DRC to swiftly implement critical measures to control and halt the outbreak of Ebola in the country.

“More than 35 experts and first responders from WHO and the Ministry of Health have been deployed to the field. 

“Additional teams are being deployed as the response intensifies to reinforce key measures including disease surveillance for early detection; clinical care; infection prevention and control; and engaging communities to ensure public health measures are observed.

“Collaboration with partner organisations and the private sector has been crucial in the timely delivery of the emergency supplies.

“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has provided essential airlift support for transporting supplies from Nairobi and facilitated ground access to enhance operational effectiveness,” the WHO said in a statement.

WHO Africa Head of Regional Emergency Operations and Logistics, Adama Thiam added: “The collaboration with MONUSCO has been pivotal in ensuring a swift response. Their ability to provide airlift support significantly enhances our logistics capabilities, allowing us to respond to the needs of the community effectively.”

Additionally, following negotiations, Ethiopian Airlines has reprioritised their flights to “ensure urgent delivery of cargo, demonstrating the commitment of our partners to assist during this critical time”.

“The supplied materials include personal protective equipment, medical kits, tents, and water, sanitation and hygiene items – all crucial for preventing infection and managing cases effectively.

“Additional supplies are already in transit from Kinshasa and will reach Ituri in the coming days to bolster response operations, save lives, protect frontline responders and help end the outbreak,” the WHO said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Rand Water has announced major planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems, which will lead to water supply interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water said the maintenance will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure aimed at improving system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term water supply stability.

According to Rand Water, some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to several municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity.  They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures,” the utility said in a statement.

Rand Water said the work had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during the winter season, which is traditionally a low-water-demand period.

Key maintenance activities will include Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems; the installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4; replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.

The planned maintenance will affect parts of Gauteng, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.

Municipalities expected to be affected include the Metros of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities such as Mogale City, West Rand, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and the Royal Bafokeng Administration.

Rand Water said various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers.

“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers,” Rand Water said.

The utility added that regular updates on the maintenance programme would be communicated through its official channels, including social media platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a series of major breakthroughs in the fight against COVID-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud.

This includes arrests in Mpumalanga, a conviction in the Free State and the preservation of assets obtained through the proceeds of crime.

“Together, these outcomes represent more than R27 million in UIF [TERS] funds that were siphoned from the state and are now preserved or recovered for the benefit of South Africans,” the unit said in a statement.

Mpumalanga ghost employees

In Mpumalanga, three people appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud involving ghost employees in the UIF-TERS scheme.

The three people – Fumu Mkalira Msiska, his wife Gladness Mkhonto Msiska and his brother-in-law, Bongani Zoran Mkhonto – allegedly fabricated employees and submitted fraudulent claims to the scheme.

“These ghost employees were used to channel public funds into private hands, depriving genuine workers of relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is further alleged that the funds were subsequently transferred from A and F Consulting to Khulani Quality Contribution, a company linked to Msiska’s wife. The brother-in-law, Mkhonto, allegedly acted as a runner by sourcing identification particulars used to facilitate fraudulent claims involving ghost employees and former workers of the company.

“When the SIU and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation [the Hawks] interviewed some of the people from the North West and Mpumalanga whose details were used for these claims, and their details were obtained through scams that promised special grants, they were receiving free driving licenses or the details allegedly stolen from the local Sheriff’s office,” the SIU explained.

The husband-and-wife duo were granted R300 000 bail while Mkhonto was granted bail of R3 000.

“The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, issued a preservation order against assets suspected to be the proceeds of crime, including three properties in Pretoria, Middelburg, and White River, which were preserved, along with household goods, office equipment and bank accounts, ensuring that unlawfully acquired wealth is safeguarded pending forfeiture,” the corruption busting unit said.

Additional assets frozen include:

• 2019, Land Rover, Range Rover L560,
• A 2011 Toyota Fortuner
• A 2005 Mercedes-Benz, C180 Kompressor
• A 2015 BMW X6
• A 2019 Mercedes-Benz V250 D,
• 2010 Caterpillar, backhoe loader

In the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court, a 51-year-old man, Ente Thibello Sekhoto and his company, Batlokoa Circle 12 Plaster Services were convicted and sentenced for fraud and money laundering.

“The SIU’s investigation found that Sekhoto fraudulently applied for relief funds on behalf of individuals who were not employed by his company, cheating the Unemployment Insurance Fund into paying R201 812.36 into his company’s bank account. The Department of Employment and Labour suffered direct financial loss,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit said the conviction and preservation order “demonstrate the effectiveness of SIU investigations in ensuring accountability and restitution of stolen public funds.

“The SIU continues to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, to ensure that perpetrators of corruption face the full might of the law. These outcomes reaffirm the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting public funds and restoring trust in institutions.

“The SIU is also authorised to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation and to recover financial losses suffered by the State, including funds paid for services not rendered,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Consumer Price Index (CPI), known as inflation, has risen by some 1.1% in April to reach some 4% mainly driven by rising fuel prices.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), this is the highest inflation has been since August 2024 when it stood at 4.4%.

“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18.2% from March, the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

“Petrol prices were up by 15.2% and diesel by 35.4%. The price for inland 93-octane petrol rose from R20.19 per litre in March to R23,25 per litre in April. This is the fifth-largest increase for this grade in 50 years, and the biggest this century. Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21.28 in March to R28.80 in April,” Stats SA said.

Furthermore, passenger transport services index climbed by some 3.1% between March and April, the “largest monthly rise since July 2022”.

“Following a 14.3% hike in March, the price of an air ticket jumped by a further 24.5%. This is the largest monthly increase in airfares since March 2008, when ticket prices rose by 32.4%,” the statistical service said.

Contrastingly, annual food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) inflation slowed for the third month in a row, decreasing from 3.6% in March to 2.9% in April.

“Meat registered the largest decline, easing from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April. Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3% and stewing beef from 22.6% to 8.7%. The rate for pork moderated from 19.5% to 17.7%.

“The cereal products category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation. Five of the 19 items in the category are cheaper than a year ago. These include white rice, maize meal, porridge, basmati rice and bread flour.

“Milk, other dairy products and eggs recorded its first annual increase since May 2025. The rate was 0.1%, up from March’s -0.5%. Powdered milk and eggs continue to occupy deflationary territory, at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively,” Stats SA highlighted.

The insurance index rose by some 1.3% owing to increase in medical aid contributions.

“Health insurance recorded a monthly rise of 1.8%, taking the annual increase to 8.3%.

“Several medical schemes increased their contributions earlier in the year, with the remainder implementing new premiums in April,” Stats SA noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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