Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

By Shadi Motau
Earlier in the year, the African Union declared 2026 the Year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” In doing so, the continent elevated water and sanitation from basic service-delivery concerns to matters of strategic political priority.

This continental focus is aligned with the global development agenda, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation and the sustainable management of water resources.

Water is a catalyst for economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security and regional stability. It powers economies, sustains communities and binds nations together. Yet this precious resource is under growing pressure from population growth, climate change, infrastructure backlogs, pollution and uneven access. Protecting it is therefore not only a present-day responsibility, but a generational duty.

The global water challenge is particularly significant for Africa. The continent contributes relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions yet remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, changing rainfall patterns and growing pressure on water resources. These challenges threaten economic development, food security, public health and livelihoods. At the same time, Africa has significant opportunities to build climate resilience, strengthen water infrastructure and pursue sustainable, low-carbon development.

The Africa Water Vision 2063 gives practical expression to this ambition. It seeks to build a resilient Africa where sustainable water resources and safe sanitation are accessible to all. The Vision recognises that water security is fundamental to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063, including inclusive economic growth, improved livelihoods, social development and a peaceful and prosperous continent.

At the centre of this work is SDG 6, which provides an important international framework for measuring progress on water access, sanitation, water quality, water-use efficiency and sustainable water-resource management. Achieving SDG 6 is essential not only for the water and sanitation sector, but for the broader development agenda. 

Reliable water and safe sanitation contribute to improved health, reduced hunger, better educational outcomes, greater gender equality and the inclusion of vulnerable communities. Water is therefore both a development goal and an enabler of almost every other development objective.

For Africa, achieving these ambitions will require more than national interventions. Water does not respect borders. Rivers, groundwater systems and watersheds connect countries and communities, making regional cooperation essential to sustainable water management. Partnerships between African countries can strengthen water security, support economic development and promote peaceful cooperation around shared resources.

South Africa’s cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a practical example of what such cooperation can achieve. The project was designed to generate hydropower benefits for Lesotho while transferring water to South Africa, particularly to the Vaal River System, which supports Gauteng and surrounding economic regions. Comprising dams, tunnels and related infrastructure across Lesotho, the project demonstrates how shared water resources can strengthen regional integration, support economic activity and contribute to improved livelihoods when infrastructure development is accompanied by meaningful consideration of affected communities.

South Africa is also translating the continental and international water agenda into action domestically. The release of the National Water Action Plan provides a framework for addressing the country’s water challenges, including infrastructure constraints, water security, institutional capacity and the reliability of water services. This is important because the success of Africa’s water ambitions ultimately depends on what happens at national and local level – in municipalities, communities, households, farms and businesses.

As July ended, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament, held under the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation. The President underscored that access to clean water and safe sanitation is fundamental to human dignity, public health and Africa’s long-term development. His message reaffirmed South Africa’s support for collective continental action to translate Africa’s shared aspirations into cooperation, implementation and measurable progress.

The domestic dimension is particularly important as we commemorate Women’s Month. Water insecurity is not gender neutral. Across many communities, women and girls bear a disproportionate responsibility for securing water for households and caring for families when reliable services are unavailable. Inadequate sanitation can also affect women’s health, safety, dignity, education and participation in economic activity.

This is why water security must also be understood as a gender equality issue.

International organisations, including UN Women, have highlighted the links between access to water and sanitation and women’s rights, health, safety and economic participation. Improving local water systems, expanding access to safe sanitation and ensuring that women participate meaningfully in decisions about water management are therefore important steps towards advancing gender equality.

For South Africa, this means that our response to water challenges must be people-centred and inclusive. Investment in infrastructure must be accompanied by effective maintenance, accountable institutions, sustainable water management and meaningful community participation. Women, particularly those in underserved communities, must not only benefit from improved water services; they must also have a voice in the planning, management and governance of water resources.

From the international commitment to SDG 6, to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Africa Water Vision 2063, and finally to South Africa’s own national water priorities, the message is clear: water security is central to sustainable development.

The task before us is now to turn these commitments into tangible improvements in people’s lives. Africa’s water future will not be secured by declarations alone. It will be secured through investment, innovation, regional cooperation, accountable governance and partnerships that put communities at the centre.

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, we must also recognise that securing water is part of securing women’s dignity, health, safety and economic participation. Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation is therefore not simply about meeting a development target. It is about building a more resilient, equitable and prosperous Africa – one in which no person is left behind.

*Motau is Deputy Director: Cluster Support at the Government Communication and Information System 

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says jet fuel supplies across its major airports remain stable despite an unplanned shutdown at the Natref refinery, which could affect Jet A-1 availability from early September.

ACSA said on Friday that it had put measures in place to ensure continued fuel security and minimise any impact on airport operations, following the shutdown of a downstream unit at Natref on 25 August.

Natref supplies between 70% and 80% of the jet fuel demand at OR Tambo International Airport, with the balance supplied through the Multi-Product Pipeline from the coast and dedicated rail deliveries.

ACSA said OR Tambo currently has between five and six days of fuel cover, against average demand of about 3 850 cubic metres a day.

Cape Town International Airport’s supply is also secured, with between 70% and 75% of its jet fuel sourced from the Astron refinery and the remainder supplied through marine imports stored at the Burgan terminal.

ACSA said Cape Town currently has around 4.5 days of fuel cover, with daily replenishments in place. This is expected to increase to about 5.5 days, following the return of a fuel storage tank from planned maintenance on 26 August.

The airport operator said fuel reserves at other airports remain robust.

King Shaka International Airport has approximately 12 days of stock cover, while several other airports, including Chief Dawid Stuurman International, King Phalo, George, Bram Fischer, Kimberley and Upington, have import-backed supply arrangements and maintain at least six days of stock.

ACSA said it was monitoring fuel stocks daily and has set a minimum baseline of five days’ stock at its fuel farms.

The measures come after Natref experienced an unplanned shutdown caused by a steam boiler failure, which damaged key refinery units.

According to the information provided by Sasol to Transnet Pipelines and the Fuel Industry of South Africa, the resulting repair and recommissioning programme is expected to affect refinery production and, in particular, jet fuel availability from around 6 September to 4 October 2026, subject to the successful completion of repairs.

The immediate concern is the security of jet fuel supplies to OR Tambo, with the industry expected to rely more heavily on coastal imports through the Port of Durban during the Natref outage.

ACSA said an integrated industry response was being developed to maintain supplies, including increased coastal jet fuel imports, additional diesel injections, optimisation of Transnet logistics capacity and closer coordination among industry stakeholders.

The company said it would trigger formal crisis management measures if fuel stocks at any airport were expected to fall to three days of cover.

These measures would include closer monitoring of replenishments, direct engagement with affected airlines and activation of ACSA’s Fuel Forum.

The company said it is working with relevant stakeholders to manage the situation proactively and ensure minimal disruption to airport operations.

Sasol and FIASA are expected to submit a formal industry mitigation proposal to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Monday, 31 August. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is expected to experience generally fine to partly cloudy conditions this weekend, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm in different parts of the country.

The extended weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday indicates that some areas will be fine, while others can expect partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions.

Isolated showers and rain are expected in some areas on both days. However, the possibility of rain will increase on Sunday, with scattered showers and rain forecast in the southern and south-eastern parts of the country.

Residents in affected areas are advised to remain weather-aware as conditions could vary from one region to another over the weekend.

The forecast points to a largely settled weekend overall, although rain-bearing conditions could affect parts of the south and south-east, particularly on Sunday. – SAnews.gov.za
 

More than 1.8 million social grant beneficiaries have migrated from SASSA gold cards to Postbank’s new black cards, with the bank reporting that more than 80% of its targeted migrations have been completed ahead of the 31 August deadline.

In a statement on Friday, Postbank said that the migration process was progressing smoothly, with no significant challenges reported. 

The bank said beneficiaries who have already migrated were experiencing the ease and convenience of the new cards and benefiting from the card enhancements.

The accessibility of card replacement sites, particularly those located at retailers where beneficiaries regularly shop, has also been welcomed, Postbank said.

This has made it easier for beneficiaries, including those in rural areas, to access migration services as part of their normal shopping routines.

The bank said the transition had been carefully planned and supported by extensive operational preparations and a comprehensive public awareness campaign to ensure beneficiaries were informed about the changes and the importance of migrating within the stipulated period.

Postbank said provinces that had initially recorded lower migration numbers, including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, had increased their conversion volumes this week. 

Social grant beneficiaries receiving child support grants, who are typically young and mobile mothers, account for up to 90% of beneficiaries who have not yet completed their migration to black cards.

Postbank Chief Commercial Officer Thami Cele said the bank’s migration plan remained on track. 

“The Postbank’s established card migration plan remains on track and is being implemented as planned. We are encouraged by the latest visible strong response from beneficiaries and the progress we have made. 

“As a state-owned bank, our priority is always to ensure that every social grant beneficiary makes a transition to the new cards and does not experience any inconvenience. We are particularly pleased that most of the elderly and disability grants category groups have completed their migrations, and we now urge all beneficiaries who have not yet migrated to take advantage of the remaining time and complete the process without further delay,” Cele said. 

Extended operating hours 

Postbank will extend the operating days of its card replacement sites to include Saturday and Sunday from 09H00.

Beneficiaries who have not yet migrated are encouraged to use the additional operating days to complete the process before the deadline.

However, Postbank said beneficiaries who miss the 31 August deadline will continue receiving their social grants, with their accounts remaining active after the deadline.

The bank will also keep its card replacement sites open after 31 August to assist beneficiaries who still need to migrate.  

Postbank urged beneficiaries not to wait until after the deadline and to make use of the remaining time and extended weekend operating days. 

The migration can be completed at Postbank sites located inside selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores.

Beneficiaries can dial *120*355# from any cellphone to locate their nearest card migration site.

The migration process is free of charge and beneficiaries only need to present a valid ID or temporary ID. No forms are required. 

Cards can be collected from any province, regardless of the province in which the beneficiary’s SASSA grant was approved.

The black cards work immediately upon issue, with no need for beneficiaries to visit a SASSA office. 

Postbank also said any balance on a beneficiary’s gold card would automatically be reflected and remain accessible. For more information, beneficiaries can contact Postbank on 0800 5354 55. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the public release of the report of the Nkabinde Panel of Enquiry, which investigated the fitness of Gauteng South Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andrew Chauke to hold office. 

Before the report was made public, President Ramaphosa communicated to Adv Chauke that he had been exonerated by the Panel of Enquiry.

President Ramaphosa established the enquiry on 29 September 2025 in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act of 1998.

The enquiry was mandated to investigate and determine whether Adv Chauke was fit and proper to continue holding office amid serious allegations concerning his fitness and propriety to serve in the position.

President Ramaphosa had placed Adv Chauke on suspension with effect from 20 July 2025, pending the finalisation of the enquiry.

The panel, chaired by Justice Baaitse Elizabeth Nkabinde, found that there was no credible evidence to conclude that Adv Chauke had taken prosecutorial decisions as alleged in relation to the Cato Manor matter.

It also found no credible evidence that he had acted unlawfully in the performance of his coordination functions.

“Based on the panel’s conclusions, President Ramaphosa indicated to Adv Chauke that [he] was satisfied that there was no basis upon which to conclude that Adv Chauke was unfit to hold office as Director of Public Prosecutions,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The release of the report brings to public attention the findings of the enquiry and the basis for the President’s decision regarding Adv Chauke’s fitness to hold office.

The panel’s report can be accessed at www.thepresidency.gov.za through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/4aak7y6v. – SAnews.gov.za

Government is positioning South Africa as a leading player in the global e-mobility and battery value chains, with a strong focus on local manufacturing, mineral beneficiation, skills development and job creation, says Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina.

Speaking at the 2026 uYilo e-Mobility Summit held at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha on Wednesday, Gina emphasised the need for South Africa to seize the opportunities presented by the global transition to electric mobility.

“The question is not whether electric mobility will happen. The question is whether South Africa will capture value from it. We have the minerals, the research capability, the industrial base and the policy instruments needed to participate meaningfully in the green economy,” said the Deputy Minister. 

Gina highlighted the critical role of science, technology and innovation in supporting the growth of a locally competitive battery industry, noting that the DSTI’s green transition strategy is anchored on the hydrogen economy and the battery economy. 

Through the DSTI’s energy storage research, development and innovation (RDI) flagship programmes, government is supporting the development of technologies, intellectual property (IP) and skills that can strengthen South Africa’s participation in global battery and electric vehicle value chains. 

A key milestone in this effort is a strategic collaboration between the University of Limpopo and the Manganese Metal Company, which successfully demonstrated pilot-scale production of battery-grade manganese sulphate from locally available manganese resources and locally developed, publicly funded IP. 

The initiative converts locally mined manganese into high-value material for lithium-ion battery production, advancing South Africa’s mineral beneficiation objectives.

In addition, the energy storage RDI programme provides specialised training across the lithium-ion battery value chain. The programme has achieved a graduate absorption rate exceeding 70%, with participants securing employment opportunities across various industries. 

“We must convert innovation into industrial participation, investment, jobs and inclusive growth. Together, we can accelerate electric mobility, expand local manufacturing, create quality jobs and position South Africa as a leader in Africa’s green industrial revolution,” she said.

In her opening address, Professor Muki Moeng, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at NMU, said that electric mobility formed part of South Africa’s broader just energy transition.

“We need reliable electricity and charging infrastructure. We need batteries and the ability to test, reuse and recycle them. We need people who are trained to work safely with these new technologies. We need South African businesses that can develop, manufacture and supply products and services. And we need government, universities and industry to work together to make all of this happen,” said Moeng.

The Professor added that research, innovation and sustainability are important to the realisation of this vision.

“This means using research to better understand real-world challenges, developing new technologies and solutions, preparing students and professionals with the skills needed for a changing world, and working with industry, government and other partners to put knowledge into practice,” said Moeng.

Held under the theme: “Accelerating Electric Mobility Implementation in South Africa: From Innovation to Industrial Participation”, the summit featured an exhibition of the latest electric vehicles in South Africa. 

On display were the eKamva minibus, South Africa’s first 15-seater electric minibus taxi, as well as the Thula, the country’s first game-viewing vehicle designed for silent, zero-emission wildlife safaris. Another proudly South African product is the Microcare electric vehicle charger.

Meanwhile, Chris Joseph Abraham, the founder and CEO of EV-Fleet, an engineering consultancy based in Stellenbosch, said data is needed to develop electric vehicle solutions that have financial, environmental and technical benefits to society.

“The summit’s objective is to bring together all these organisations to share the data, knowledge and potential partnerships to make industry participation possible,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has praised 35-year-old Constable Refilwe Calphonia Rapelang, a dedicated investigator attached to the Kathu Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in the Northern Cape.

Constable Rapelang joined the police service in 2017 as a Constable. Her potential to investigate crimes against women and children was recognised while undergoing the Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP).

She received in-service training at the Postmasburg FCS Unit and was later permanently placed at the Kathu FCS Unit as an investigator.

Looking back at a career that stretches over nine years, Constable Rapelang says she wakes up every morning with a purpose, and that is to protect and serve the people of South Africa.

She has secured several successful convictions in court over the past few years.

A recent success includes the sentencing of 40-year-old Carlos Domingos by the Kathu Regional Court to two life imprisonment terms for raping two minor girls, aged seven and 10.

On Saturday, 11 October 2025, a concerned community member noticed Domingos with the two girls at a local dumping site and alerted their parents. The young victims then disclosed what had happened to them, and Domingos was arrested that same day.

Rapelang was assigned to investigate the case. Roping in the assistance of a forensic social worker, she meticulously pieced all the evidence together. Her quality investigation resulted in a water-tight case against the accused in court, who remained in custody until he was sentenced.

Beyond investigations, Rapelang actively participates in community awareness initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), child abuse and sexual offences.

Rapelang, a mother of two girls, balances her demanding career by prioritising her physical and mental wellbeing through her passion for long-distance running.

“As an investigator of crimes against women, children and other vulnerable persons, my duty goes beyond building cases; it is about giving victims a voice, pursuing justice with compassion and integrity, and ensuring that those who prey on the vulnerable are held accountable,” said Rapelang.

The police continue to celebrate women in blue like Constable Refilwe Calphonia Rapelang this Women’s Month.

They embody the SAPS’ commitment to advancing the Reset Agenda by strengthening public trust, upholding the rule of law and delivering professional, ethical and people-centred policing to build a safer South Africa where every woman and girl can live free from fear. – SAnews.gov.za