Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga has claimed the lives of ten people, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the RTMC, the crash occurred at approximately 05:15 on Thursday. 

All ten fatalities were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver. The deceased comprise nine men and one woman.

Two other people sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment, while the bus driver suffered minor injuries. One passenger travelling on the bus escaped unharmed.

Authorities said the taxi had been travelling from Morgenzon towards Standerton at the time of the crash, while the bus was travelling in the opposite direction.

Investigations into the cause of the collision are underway.

Misty conditions were reported in the area at the time of the crash, which may have reduced visibility on the road. However, reckless or negligent driving has not been ruled out.

“The RTMC extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic crash. We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery,” the corporation said.

It urged all road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly during early morning travel, and to obey all traffic laws to help prevent further loss of life.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a swift recovery. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has assured residents of Vredenburg and surrounding communities that government remains committed to supporting the families affected by severe weather conditions in the Western Cape.

Speaking in Vredenburg on Thursday, Mhlauli said government was intensifying relief efforts in affected areas, following torrential rain, flooding and freezing temperatures.

Addressing community leaders, residents, representatives of the Al Imdaad Foundation and members of the media, Mhlauli said the disaster had damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and left many vulnerable families uncertain about the future.

“When disaster strikes, it is often the poorest and most vulnerable who are affected the most,” she said, adding that the loss of essentials such as shelter, food, school uniforms and household items posed a serious setback for struggling households.

Mhlauli said government was working with the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local governments and community-based organisations to mobilise resources for immediate relief and longer-term recovery support.

As part of the intervention, relief packages and essential supplies were handed over to affected residents in partnership with the Al Imdaad Foundation.

She praised the organisation for its contribution to the relief programme, describing its support as “a powerful expression of ubuntu”.

“This initiative demonstrates an important truth: when government and civil society work together, we can respond more quickly, more effectively, and with greater compassion,” she said.

Mhlauli also reflected on South Africa’s democratic milestones, noting that 2026 marks 30 years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and 30 years of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the country’s social assistance system.

She said the Constitution remained the foundation of democracy, guaranteeing rights including housing, healthcare, education, social security and access to information, while placing a responsibility on government to improve citizens’ quality of life.

“Our Constitution is more than a legal document. It is a living covenant between the people and the state,” she said.

Mhlauli also highlighted the role of social grants in reducing inequality and supporting vulnerable households over the past three decades.

“For many households, a social grant is the difference between hunger and a meal, between despair and hope,” she said.

Mhlauli assured the people of Vredenburg and the wider West Coast that government would continue working to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and strengthen communities against future challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

The Western Cape Provincial Government has welcomed the classification of a provincial disaster following severe weather conditions that affected large parts of the province between 10 and 14 May 2026.

The classification forms part of a process led by the National Disaster Management Centre towards the formal declaration of a disaster, which is expected to unlock additional funding for emergency response and recovery efforts.

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, chaired a Provincial Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, where the impact of the recent storms and flooding dominated discussions.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, attended the meeting and engaged with the council on the ongoing disaster response and recovery operations.

READ | Western Cape agriculture sector assesses damage after severe weather

Winde stressed the importance of ensuring that funding is made available urgently to support affected communities, restore damaged infrastructure, and strengthen resilience against future disasters.

“These kinds of disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive. We need a new approach from national government that prioritises proactive budgeting and futureproofing of public infrastructure.

“The Western Cape remains committed to investing in resilience, preparedness and protecting our residents, but we need national support to move faster and respond more effectively,” the Premier said.

Hlabisa commended the provincial government for its leadership and proactive response to the severe weather conditions and assured the province of continued support from national government wherever possible.

The Executive Council meeting noted that the provincial response has now shifted toward ongoing humanitarian relief, the repair of critical infrastructure, and the restoration of essential services.

Electricity restoration 

Representatives from Eskom informed the council that electricity supply had already been restored to 72% of the areas affected by the severe weather.

Restoration teams remain on the ground and continue working to reconnect remaining communities as quickly and safely as possible.

The council also expressed its gratitude to disaster management teams, including municipalities, emergency services personnel, humanitarian organisations, volunteers, businesses, and residents for assisting affected communities during the crisis.

“The response from communities across the Western Cape has once again demonstrated the strength, compassion and resilience of our province. We thank every individual and organisation who stepped up to help those in need,” Winde said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

While welcoming the drop in food inflation to its lowest level in 14 months, Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has warned that soaring fuel prices are threatening South Africa’s agricultural sector.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday, showed that annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation eased to 2.9% in April 2026, down from 3.6% in March.

The decline marks the third consecutive month of easing food inflation, providing some relief for consumers struggling with the cost of living.

However, the easing in food inflation coincided with a sharp increase in fuel costs.

READ | Price of petrol and diesel to increase from Wednesday

According to the CPI data, the national fuel index rose by 18.2% in April compared with March — the steepest single-month increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

Petrol prices increased by 15.2%, with inland 93-octane petrol rising from R20.19 to R23.25 per litre.
Diesel prices surged by 35.4%, climbing from R21.28 to R28.80 per litre.

Steenhuisen said diesel remained one of the most critical production inputs for farmers.

“Fuel, primarily diesel, is a crucial input for South African farmers, typically accounting for 11% to 18% of total production and logistics costs. With farmers being price takers, they struggle to pass these high energy costs onto consumers, putting pressure on profit margins across grain, fruit, and livestock sectors,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister warned that instability in global oil markets linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East could worsen the situation later this year.

“It [also] needs to be noted that the global oil markets might remain volatile for some time, caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. If these tensions trigger further fuel price increases later in the year, production and logistical costs will rise. This creates an uncertain outlook where domestic progress on food inflation could be reversed by global shocks.”

Meat and grain prices ease

Despite pressure from fuel costs, several food categories recorded slower inflation or continued deflation during April.

Meat inflation slowed from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April, partly due to increased cattle slaughter linked to national Foot-and-Mouth Disease management measures.

Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3%, while stewing beef inflation declined sharply from 22.6% to 8.7%.

The grains and cereals category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation, with products such as maize meal, white rice, basmati rice, porridge, and bread flour all cheaper than a year ago.

Milk, dairy and eggs shifted to a marginal annual increase of 0.1% in April, compared with -0.5% in March, marking the category’s first annual increase since May 2025.

However, powdered milk and eggs remained in deflation at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively.

The Department of Agriculture said it will continue working with agricultural bodies, logistics networks and state resources to identify mechanisms to ease input costs for farmers.

“Protecting producers from global energy shocks is necessary for long-term national food security,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has completed several settlement agreements with service providers and individuals linked to the R431 million in decontamination, disinfection, and sanitisation of school contracts awarded by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The contracts were reviewed and set aside by the Special Tribunal in 2022.

“The SIU has since concluded settlement agreements with some service providers and individuals linked to the Chachulani Group Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd respondents, who have agreed to pay the SIU R25 million in full, out of the R40 million paid by GDE.

“This settlement is a critical outcome of the SIU’s relentless efforts to recover public funds lost during the COVID-19 National State of Disaster. The SIU remains committed to protecting public funds, restoring integrity in procurement and ensuring that those who unlawfully benefit from state contracts are brought to justice.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa directed the SIU, under Proclamation R23 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, and malpractice, as well as payments made by State institutions, in relation to PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] procurement and the conduct of State employees,” the SIU said on Thursday.

The service providers and individuals who agreed to the settlements are at least 16 and have “consented to the following preserved amounts being debited from their respective bank accounts”.

“The financial institutions are required to transfer the settlement amount into the SIU’s bank account within seven days of the Tribunal granting the order.

“This follows the Special Tribunal’s order preserving assets worth R27 million pending the final determination of the review application, which was finalised in 2022,” the SIU said.

The dodgy contracts

The SIU investigation found that the GDE deviated from standard procurement processes after schools were closed during the peak of the pandemic in March 2020 and subsequently reopened in June 2020 under the COVID-19 Disaster Management Regulations.

“As part of preparations for the reopening of schools, the GDE implemented cleaning protocols requiring schools with reported COVID-19 cases to close temporarily for decontamination and sanitisation.

“The SIU’s probe found that service providers were sourced informally from existing supplier databases, referrals, and WhatsApp messages without the involvement of the GDE’s Supply Chain Management [SCM] division, despite SCM being responsible for sourcing and vetting suppliers,” the corruption busting unit said.

The procurement process was then found to not be cost-effective as “service providers were not paid per square metre of the area cleaned”.

“Rather, a senior official in the GDE appeared to have arbitrarily decided to offer a fee of R250 000 to R270 000 for the decontamination of primary schools; R250 000 to R290 000 for secondary schools; and R250 000 to R300 000 for district offices. The fees charged were not proportionate to the work performed by the service providers or the cost of materials used.

“The SIU found that the selection and appointment of the service providers were conducted in a haphazard, unfair, and inequitable manner, contrary to the requirements of Section 217 of the Constitution.
“Senior officials involved in the procurement process also admitted that prescribed SCM procedures were not followed,” the SIU added.

The unit will refer to the National Prosecuting Authority any allegations of criminal behaviour.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for accelerated African industrialisation, stronger regional integration and an end to xenophobic violence as the continent marks 25 years of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

Speaking at the NEPAD@25 High-Level Business Breakfast in Cape Town on Thursday, Deputy President Mashatile said Africa must move beyond reflection and focus on practical implementation to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.

The event brought together political leaders, business representatives and development partners, including former President Thabo Mbeki, one of NEPAD’s founding architects.

Reflecting on NEPAD’s launch in Abuja in 2001, the Deputy President said the initiative was created to tackle poverty, underdevelopment and Africa’s marginalisation in the global economy.

“As we mark Africa Month and celebrate 25 years of NEPAD, we return to that founding vision: an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens,” he said.

He condemned recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, describing anti-migrant violence as “shameful” and inconsistent with the country’s values.

“While acknowledging concerns about illegal foreign nationals involved in crime, we strongly condemn the anti-migrant protests and xenophobic violence,” he said, adding that criminality should be addressed through lawful means rather than mob action.

The Deputy President said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented a major opportunity to reshape Africa’s economy through increased trade, industrialisation and regional value chains.

He noted, however, that intra-African trade still accounts for only around 15% of total trade on the continent.

“Africa cannot continue exporting raw materials while importing finished products at a higher value,” Deputy President Mashatile said. “This model exports jobs, industrial capacity and opportunity outside the continent.”

He stressed that infrastructure investment would be critical to Africa’s future growth, highlighting transport systems, ports, energy networks and digital connectivity as priorities.

“Regional integration cannot exist without modern infrastructure,” he said. “Without reliable energy, industrialisation cannot occur at scale.”

He warned that energy insecurity and infrastructure deficits continued to undermine manufacturing and economic competitiveness across Africa, while renewable energy investment remained too low compared to global levels.

The Deputy President called for reforms to global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, saying Africa needed fairer representation and financing models suited to the developmental realities of the Global South.

As chair of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 Ministerial Follow-up Committee, the Deputy President said South Africa would use its leadership role to accelerate implementation of the continent’s long-term development blueprint during the current “Decade of Acceleration” running from 2024 to 2033.

He said South Africa’s automotive sector, renewable energy transition, mineral beneficiation capabilities and digital economy could support broader regional industrial expansion.

The Deputy President also linked development to peace and stability, referencing his role as South Africa’s special envoy to South Sudan and calling for peaceful resolutions to conflicts across Africa and globally.

He extended South Africa’s call for peace to the wars involving Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in the Middle East and instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Concluding his address, the Deputy President urged African leaders, institutions and investors to act urgently to build a more integrated and self-sufficient continent.

“Now is the time to build on the native land,” he said. “Not tomorrow, not next year, but now.” – SAnews.gov.za