Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called for stronger and more responsive regulation across Africa, warning that mounting environmental and economic pressures are straining the continent’s water systems.

Mahlobo was speaking at the 4th Africa Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators’ Conference currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Delivering the opening address on Tuesday, Mahlobo warned that climate change, population growth and ageing infrastructure are placing increasing strain on the continent’s water systems.

He stressed that effective regulation is now “indispensable” to ensuring water security, economic development and public health.

The three-day conference, running from 19 – 21 May 2026, has brought together policymakers, regulators, and development partners from across Africa. It is convened by the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation Regulators Association (ESAWAS).

Held under the theme, “Regulatory Requirements to Accelerate and Sustain Sector Progress”, the conference aims to address the enablers that need to be in place for regulators to catalyse continuous improvements in the access, quality and sustainability of services, while creating confidence in the sector for increased investment.

Mahlobo said the key question facing the continent is no longer whether water regulation is necessary, but whether existing systems are sufficiently capable, transformative, developmental and resilient to confront the realities of the 21st century.

“Those realities include intensifying climate change, rapid urbanisation, population growth, deteriorating infrastructure, growing inequality, financing constraints, rising energy costs, ecological degradation, and increasing competition over limited water resources,” he said.

He added that regulation must move beyond administrative compliance to become “an instrument of justice, sustainability, accountability and inclusive development”.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that in South Africa, access to water is enshrined as a fundamental human right under Section 27 of the Constitution, placing a clear obligation on the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within available resources, to progressively realise this right.

This constitutional obligation is further reinforced through the National Water Act of 1998 and the Water Services Act of 1997, both of which fundamentally transformed the governance philosophy of the water sector after apartheid.

At the centre of this framework, Mahlobo highlighted the principle of “water justice”, which seeks to ensure equitable access regardless of geography, race, income, class or historical privilege.

“It requires that rural communities, informal settlements, small towns, and historically disadvantaged populations enjoy the same dignity and developmental opportunities as affluent urban centres. Water justice further requires that regulation must balance economic sustainability with social equity,” Mahlobo said.

While water institutions must remain financially viable and operationally efficient, the Deputy Minister argued that no society can claim developmental progress when millions remain vulnerable to unreliable water supply, unsafe sanitation and infrastructure collapse.

South Africa, classified as a water-scarce country, faces growing pressure on its limited water resources. Average annual rainfall remains significantly below the global average, while demand for water continues to rise due to urbanisation, industrialisation, mining, agriculture, energy generation and the ongoing imperative to expand access to underserved communities.

Mahlobo said this reality means that effective regulation is essential to allocate water equitably, monitor performance, enforce compliance, protect consumers, improve efficiency, reduce non-revenue water, strengthen financial sustainability, and create certainty for long-term infrastructure investment.

“Importantly, regulation also creates the conditions necessary for public trust. Communities must have confidence that water institutions are transparent, accountable, and capable of delivering services consistently and sustainably,” the Deputy Minister said.

Across Africa, Mahlobo acknowledged persistent challenges, including ageing infrastructure, limited financing, weak municipal capacity, high levels of non-revenue water, pollution, rapid urbanisation and climate vulnerability.

However, he said these challenges also present opportunities to modernise infrastructure, adopt new technologies and strengthen regional cooperation.

“Africa cannot achieve Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or meaningful industrial development without securing sustainable water and sanitation systems. Water is not peripheral to development. Water is development,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the recipients of the 2026 National Orders as men and women whose contributions have helped shape a democratic South Africa founded on equality, justice and dignity for all.

Jubilation, applause and a celebratory atmosphere marked the occasion at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Tuesday, as recipients, their families, dignitaries and guests gathered to witness the country’s highest honours being bestowed.

The venue was filled with excitement as moments of pride and emotion punctuated the formal proceedings.

Speaking moments before the presentation of the country’s highest honours, the President said the recipients had, through their work and activism, become pillars of the nation. 

“We have gathered here this morning to honour those among us who, in many diverse ways, have shaped the country that we call home,” President Ramaphosa said.

The National Orders are the highest awards bestowed by the President on South African citizens and eminent foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to the country and humanity.

President Ramaphosa said the recipients represented generations of patriots whose sacrifices and achievements helped give life to the dream of a free and just South Africa.

“Their activism has extended to music, politics, sports, literature, culture, medicine, science, education and the advancement of human rights. In their many fields of endeavour, they have made an invaluable contribution to our national life,” the President said.

Read I The Presidency announces recipients of National Orders 

The President conferred the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.

Speaking on the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises excellence in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport, President Ramaphosa said this year’s recipients reflected the enduring power of sports, arts and culture to capture the hopes and triumphs of the nation.

“It is a testimony also to the diversity and richness of the South African experience and the many ways in which the life of our nation is interpreted and expressed,” he said.

On the Order of Mapungubwe, which recognises South Africans who have attained excellence and exceptional achievement for the benefit of the country and beyond, the President said the achievements of this year’s recipients demonstrated South Africa’s growing international standing in science and medicine.

“Their achievements remind us that scientific endeavour is inseparable from the pursuit of human progress and well-being.

“We seek knowledge not for its own sake, but to protect lives, to improve health and to build a better life for all,” he said.

The President said recipients of the Order of the Baobab had made their mark in fields that became the building blocks of modern South African society.

Meanwhile, recipients of the Order of Luthuli were recognised for their dedication to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.

“It recognises the men and women whose activism lit the path to our freedom and to those who continue to keep that flame burning,” the President said.

He emphasised the importance of honouring liberation struggle veterans and stalwarts while they are still alive to share their stories and preserve the country’s living history.

“Though the passage of time has robbed us of many of the brave men and women who were at the forefront of the struggle for liberation, we celebrate those who are still here: to tell their stories and to impart a living legacy to the next generation,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also paid tribute to foreign nationals honoured with the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo for their friendship and solidarity with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

“We did not win our freedom alone. We were carried by a great tide of human solidarity that stretched across our continent and the globe,” he said.

The President thanked the families of recipients for supporting and sharing these distinguished South Africans with the nation.

“I would like to acknowledge the families present here today and thank them on behalf of all South Africans for lending us these great sons and daughters of the soil,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the recipients reflected the same values of dignity, equality and freedom that underpin the Constitution.

“In a land of innumerable heroes and heroines, the South African people have decided that it is these men and women they will lift to the sky. This is the greatest honour,” the President said.

He officially conferred the National Orders under powers vested in him by the Constitution, declaring the recipients esteemed Members of the Orders.

“The people of South Africa salute them all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

The two-day Pietermaritzburg Urban Development Indaba has concluded with a series of commitments aimed at reversing urban decay, improving municipal efficiency, and restoring investor confidence in the city.

Hosted by the Msunduzi Municipality in partnership with Invest PMB and supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the gathering brought together more than 300 delegates from government, business, civil society, and the investment sector.

The Indaba formed part of the broader Pietermaritzburg Urban Renewal Programme, which seeks to reposition the city as a safe, functional, and investment-ready economic hub.

Among the key outcomes announced at the close of the conference was the establishment of a one-stop shop for investment facilitation, intended to streamline processes for investors and improve ease of doing business in the municipality.

Delegates also agreed on measures to strengthen the municipality’s e4 rates clearance system to improve efficiency in property-related transactions, while a Single Municipal Law Enforcement Unit will be operationalised to tackle by-law violations, illegal activity, and urban decay in the city centre.

The municipality further reaffirmed its commitment to land use reform aimed at accelerating inner-city regeneration and unlocking development opportunities. 

Support for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) was highlighted as a key pillar of inclusive economic growth.

Discussions during the Indaba focused on improving service delivery, strengthening infrastructure, enhancing safety and law enforcement, and creating conditions for investment-led renewal.

Closing the event, Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said the city’s renewal efforts would be judged by implementation rather than promises.

“Our mission is not only to attract investors but to build confidence to show that this city is ready for business. The success of our city will not be measured by what we promise today, but by what we deliver tomorrow,” he said.

The conference concluded with stakeholders committing to a joint implementation pact designed to ensure that resolutions taken during the Indaba are translated into measurable action. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela conducted oversight inspections at the Tsamaya Road (K54) and Garsfontein Road (K50) projects in the City of Tshwane on Monday as part of efforts to monitor progress on major road infrastructure developments in the province.

According to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the visits were aimed at assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of the projects and ensuring that implementation aligns with approved plans, budgets and quality standards.

Speaking during the inspections, Diale-Tlabela said both projects were progressing well and expressed confidence that they would be completed on time and within budget.

“The K54 and K50 projects are critical investments in Gauteng’s future. Improved road infrastructure will enhance mobility, reduce travel times, stimulate economic activity, and create opportunities for communities across the province,” the MEC said.

The department said the oversight programme is designed to identify operational and technical challenges that may delay project completion. 

The inspections also allow officials to implement immediate corrective measures to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

The MEC said the department continues to face several obstacles affecting infrastructure delivery across the province, including encroachments, community disruptions, project stoppages and contractor performance issues.

“Road infrastructure development remains a major challenge for us in Gauteng due to a variety of issues, including encroachments, community disruptions, project stoppages, and contractor performance. This is why we continuously assess our projects to ensure they are completed on time,” she said.

The MEC added that proactive oversight was essential to ensuring projects meet engineering and safety standards while maintaining accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

“These oversight visits are essential to ensuring that our road infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to the highest engineering and safety standards,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The department said continued investment in smart transport infrastructure forms part of government’s broader vision to improve mobility, accessibility and socio-economic opportunities across Gauteng.

“Smart transport infrastructure is central to our vision of a modern, connected, and inclusive Gauteng. These projects will not only improve accessibility but also unlock socio-economic opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities,” the MEC said.

The inspections form part of the department’s ongoing commitment to advancing the #GrowingGautengTogether vision through smart mobility initiatives.

“As government, we have a responsibility to ensure that every rand invested in infrastructure delivers tangible benefits to our residents. Through these inspections, we are reinforcing accountability, transparency, and quality service delivery,” Diale-Tlabela said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Human Settlements will this week host public information sessions in Mpumalanga and Limpopo on the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Amendment Bill.

The sessions are scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 19 May to Thursday, 21 May 2026, following successful engagements held in KwaZulu-Natal on 13 and 15 May.

On Tuesday, sessions will be held at Valencia Community Hall in the City of Mbombela, Mpumalanga, and at Nirvana Community Hall in Polokwane, Limpopo.

In Mpumalanga, the sessions will proceed to Nkangala District Municipality on 20 May at City Hall in Middelburg, and at the Gert Sibande District Municipality on 21 May at City Hall in Secunda.

In Limpopo, a session is scheduled for 20 May at Seleka Community Hall in Lephalale, located within the Waterberg District Municipality.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998 (PIE Act), which governs the process of evictions and aims to balance the rights of landowners with those of unlawful occupiers.

The bill was published in the Government Gazette by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and has now been open for public comment for over a month.

Members of the public have until 16 June 2026 to submit written comments via email to PIE.AmendmentBill@dhs.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) is assessing the impact of severe weather conditions that struck the province between 10 and 13 May 2026.

A series of intense cold fronts resulted in widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to farming communities across key agricultural regions.

According to the department, the agricultural sector has been particularly hard hit, with extensive damage reported in areas such as Hex River Valley, Grabouw/Elgin, and the Ceres and Worcester areas.

Floodwaters have devastated vineyards, orchards, and cropland, with some farmers reporting complete loss of harvests, including apple crops in Grabouw.

In addition to crop damage, farms have sustained serious infrastructure damage.

Irrigation systems, access roads, and bridges have been compromised, while power outages have disrupted irrigation, storage, and packhouse operations. In several cases, farms have been completely cut off due to flooded rivers and damaged transport routes.

“The knock-on effects are expected to impact the province’s agricultural economy, particularly fruit and wine export supply chains. Delays in harvesting and transport are likely to reduce yields, affect export quality, and increase financial losses across the sector,” Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Disaster risk reduction damage assessment app

To support response efforts, the WCDoA has deployed its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Damage Assessment App to improve the collection of real-time data from affected farming areas.

The department said the digital platform is playing a critical role in strengthening situational awareness and coordinating recovery efforts, despite challenges such as power outages, poor connectivity, and limited access to some rural communities.

Meyer said the department is currently consolidating preliminary damage reports gathered through the app, extension officers, and industry stakeholders.

“As conditions stabilise and access improves, teams will conduct on-site verification visits to assess crop losses, infrastructure damage, and broader impacts on livelihoods, with priority given to high-value agricultural regions,” he said.

Recovery and disaster classification under consideration

The provincial Department of Agriculture met with industry representatives on Monday, 18 May, alongside the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, to assess road and infrastructure damage, and prioritise critical agricultural regions.

Meyer reported that contractors have already been appointed to begin repairs on critical road infrastructure in several affected regions. Mopping-up operations, including road clearance and humanitarian support, are ongoing as part of a coordinated provincial response.

The Western Cape Provincial Government is expected to meet on Wednesday, 20 May, to consider declaring the event a provincial disaster. Should this proceed, authorities will approach the National Disaster Management Centre to seek a formal declaration, which would unlock additional national resources to support recovery efforts.

“The scale of this event presents a complex and evolving challenge for the agricultural sector. Our immediate priority is to ensure accurate damage assessment and to support farmers through a coordinated, data-driven recovery process,” Meyer said.

He also commended farmers, organised agriculture, volunteers, and law enforcement agencies for their response efforts.

“The WCDoA remains committed to working closely with farmers, industry bodies and government partners to mitigate the impacts of the disaster and support the recovery of affected agricultural communities,” Meyer added. – SAnews.gov.za

By Legadima Leso, Head of Communications, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs 

Each year, as the winter and summer initiation seasons approach across South Africa, thousands of young people prepare for one of the most significant moments of their lives: customary initiation. For generations, this sacred rite of passage has marked the transition from childhood to adulthood, shaping identity, instilling discipline and reinforcing the cultural fabric of communities across the country.

In many homes, families gather with pride and anticipation. Elders prepare teachings, communities organise ceremonies and young initiates step forward on the journey to adulthood. Traditionally, customary initiation has been a time of celebration, reflection and transformation. It is a cultural milestone deeply rooted in African heritage, where elders guide young people and pass on values that shape character, responsibility and respect.

Restoring safety and dignity

However, alongside this proud tradition, troubling realities have emerged over the years. Each initiation season brings reports of injuries, dehydration, infections and, in some cases, deaths. These tragedies cast a shadow over what should be a joyful and meaningful time for families welcoming their children back home from initiation schools.

Many of these incidents are linked to illegal initiation schools operating without proper oversight, untrained traditional surgeons and caregivers, poor health and sanitation conditions, and the growing commercialisation of what was once a sacred cultural practice.

In such environments, initiates are placed at risk, far removed from the careful guidance and protection that traditionally defined initiation. However, registered schools also experience challenges which traumatises initiates and their families.

These challenges have prompted necessary conversations across communities, traditional leadership and government. The burning question is how has this proud age-old, respected cultural practice become associated with such preventable tragedies? What must be done to restore its dignity and safety?

Government has implemented various interventions to ensure that legal initiation schools comply with applicable regulations, illegal initiation schools are prevented from operating and authorities are empowered to respond promptly to emerging risks.

A whole of society approach

The introduction of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) of 2021, marked an important step in strengthening oversight and accountability. Among others, the far-reaching legislation seeks to regulate initiation schools, improve safety standards and ensure that those responsible for negligence are held accountable. However, legislation and government alone cannot preserve tradition or protect young lives.

As the primary people responsible for their children’s safety, health and emotional well-being, parents and guardians are an integral part of a successful customary initiation process; the sacred rite of passage.

The CIA of 2021 recognises the active role of parents, which includes verifying that initiation schools are properly registered, ensuring that traditional surgeons are trained and recognised, staying informed about the conditions at initiation schools and engaging traditional leaders when concerns arise.

Parental involvement does not weaken tradition; rather, it strengthens it by ensuring that cultural practices continue in a safe and responsible manner.

Saving lives

The establishment of provincial initiation coordinating committees, heightened awareness campaigns and the deployment of monitoring teams working in collaboration with various stakeholders, can ensure safe initiation and help save lives.

It is also imperative to strengthen the registration and monitoring of initiation schools, support the training of traditional surgeons and caregivers, and improve coordination between government departments, traditional leadership structures and health authorities.

The mandatory pre-initiation medical screenings required under the CIA of 2021, seek to prevent deaths and injuries. They are necessary in identifying underlying health issues such as dehydration and chronic medical conditions before initiates embark on the initiation process. Pre-screening initiates often is a life-saving action by acting as a crucial barrier between life and death.

Protecting initiates is a shared responsibility. Communities and families must remain vigilant and informed. They must report illegal initiation schools to authorities. This challenge requires an all of government and society approach, hence the need for communities, traditional leaders, health professionals, faith leaders and organisations to work together.

Customary initiation symbolises identity, unity and continuity, therefore, the goal is to restore its dignity.

Communities must collaborate with government to strengthen efforts to restore the dignity of customary initiation. By so doing, we can ensure that it remains a proud, safe and transformative journey into adulthood for generations to come.

No family should experience a loss of life because of a botched initiation process. As CoGTA, we are saying, “One life lost is one too many”, hence the clarion call that “Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Bephila”. 

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Manager Magazine