Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has announced that South Africa will host a Special World Economic Forum (WEF) Summit in 2027.

Speaking at the recent World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Lamola said that as Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key voice of the Global South, South Africa is uniquely positioned to convene global leaders to advance collective solutions to pressing global challenges

“South Africa’s leadership in climate diplomacy, renewable energy transition, digital transformation, and regional integration align closely to the World Economic Forum’s mission to improve the state of our world,” the Minister said.

World leaders from government, business, civil society and academia gathered in Davos from 19 to 23 January 2026 to engage in forward-looking discussions to address global issues and set priorities.

South Africa’s delegation to the 2026 WEF meeting held successful meetings with global investors, potential investors and business partners.

Led by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, the meetings gave Team South Africa a valuable platform to highlight the country’s recent progress in implementing the reforms needed to unlock growth and generate much needed employment.

“When we came here in 2025, we presented our ambitious plan for driving economic reforms, building investor confidence and mobilising private investment. We returned in 2026 with concrete evidence of our progress. We returned not with promises, but with real successes,” Godongwana said on Friday.

In engagements with potential investors and business partners, the delegation highlighted the positive impacts of South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist and an upgrade of its sovereign credit rating by rating agency S&P Global as well as the structural reforms driven by Operation Vulindlela that have stabilised electricity supply, improved port and freight rail operations and lifted investment in infrastructure.

The Minister emphasised that government would deliver on its commitment to stabilise debt in the current fiscal year. 

“This signalled its commitment to the macroeconomic stability and consistent policy execution needed to create an environment for higher local and global investment. He also noted that the recent lowering of the inflation target would contribute to reducing costs across the economy and providing policy and price certainty for investors,” National Treasury said.

The WEF hosted a press conference at which Team South Africa reported on its 2025 G20 Presidency that culminated in a historic G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

“Our G20 Presidency offered an increasingly rare opportunity for economic cooperation and dialogue to rise above narrow self-interest, geopolitical rivalry and brinksmanship.

“We will continue to act a as credible mediator on key issues of debt relief, climate and infrastructure finance, global tax rules and the reform of multilateral institutions,” Godongwana said.

The Ministerial delegation consisted of Minister Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni; Minister of  Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; and the Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is accelerating the roll out of Smart Driver Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the province, bringing efficient, ethical and modern licensing services directly to communities while supporting the department’s road safety objectives.

Currently, operational Smart DLTCs include Atteridgeville, Denlyn, Maponya Mall, Centurion, Protea Glen and Midrand, with the Umphakathi Smart DLTC set to open soon, further expanding access to quality licensing services in townships and underserved areas.

“We are expanding Smart Licensing Centres to ensure services are closer to communities. These centres offer online, cashless services, with licence renewals taking approximately 10 minutes,” MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said on Sunday.

According to the department, these cutting-edge facilities have redefined the licensing experience, providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience while significantly improving turnaround times for licence renewals and other services.

The Smart DLTCs are fully integrated into the eNaTIS administration system and are designed as hubs of licensing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, renewals and more.

The MEC said the roll out forms part of the provincial government’s “Smart Mobility Plan” under Growing Gauteng Together 2030 and supports broader road safety objectives.

“This is about more than convenience; it’s about road safety too. When licensing is accessible and corruption-free, more people get properly licensed instead of driving illegally or obtaining fake licences. Road safety starts with proper licensing,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The extension of Smart DLTCs into townships, informal settlements and hostels ensures quality services are available where people live, reducing the need for long journeys to distant licensing offices.

“These centres reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and respond effectively to the province’s renewal service demands. They also relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices, improving the system for everyone,” the MEC said.

The key features of the smart DLTCs include:

Saturday operations: Smart DLTCs operate Monday to Saturday, allowing working residents to access services at their convenience.

10-minute service: Using smart enrolment technology and cashless systems, licence renewals are processed in approximately 10 minutes.

Corruption-free: Appointment-only operations eliminate the need for runners. Law enforcement officials manage the centres, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Road safety: By making licensing accessible and eliminating corruption, the centres ensure drivers are properly tested and legally licensed (competent drivers), supporting the department’s “E Thoma Ka Wena” (It Starts With You) road safety campaign.

Job creation: The centres have created employment for young people from local communities, with the majority being women. -SAnews.gov.za

The enquiry into the fitness to hold office of Advocate Andrew Chauke will resume its hearing on Monday following its adjournment for the festive period.

The enquiry was established last year by President Cyril Ramaphosa in terms of section 12(6)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998 to inquire into the fitness of Advocate Andrew Chauke to hold the office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

“The forthcoming hearings mark the next phase of the enquiry’s work and are expected to feature testimony from witnesses led by the evidence leaders, as well as witnesses to be called by the legal team of Advocate Andrew Chauke, as the fact-finding process continues.

“The Nkabinde Enquiry expects that the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi, who remains under oath, will resume her testimony. However, at this stage, it remains unclear whether she will return to the witness stand when the hearings resume,” a statement by the Enquiry said.

Following Advocate Batohi excusing herself from the proceedings, pending her acquiring legal counsel, the evidence leaders have written to her to enquire whether she will resume her testimony on 26 January 2026. 

No response has been received as of publication and any further developments in this regard will be communicated. – SAnews.gov.za

Rand Water has confirmed that consumers may continue to drink water directly from their taps safely.

This comes as claims that the Vaal Dam had been poisoned were circulated on social media.

A WhatsApp audio clip claimed that the “dam has been poisoned” and that tap water should not be consumed unless it is first boiled.

“Rand Water categorically dismisses these claims as false and misleading. Rand Water abstracts raw water from the Vaal Dam, which undergoes a comprehensive treatment process before being supplied to consumers.

“Vigorous and continuous testing is conducted on both the raw water and the treated bulk water prior to distribution to consumers, including municipalities,” Rand Water said on Saturday.

The bulk water services provider emphasised that that recent water quality results confirm that Rand Water’s treated bulk water supply fully complies with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS241).

Rand Water said it remains committed to protecting the health of consumers.

“Should any bulk water-related matter arise, Rand Water will communicate formally through its official communication channels. Customers and residents are encouraged to rely on Rand Water’s verified platforms for accurate and credible information regarding drinking water quality,” the entity said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has provided an update on the national roads that were affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding in Mpumalanga. 

According to SANRAL Mpumalanga’s Provincial Head, Mabuyi Mhlanga, the roads agency continues to closely monitor the situation by carrying out assessments at locations where it is safe to do so. 

“This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all road users. Where it is still unsafe, assessments will be conducted once the flood water has subsided. Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams are also on standby.

“We appeal to all road users to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances for those roads open to traffic, and avoid driving through flooded areas, as water depth and road conditions may not be visible,” Mhlanga said.

The recent update on the affected national roads is as follows:

Nkomazi Local Municipality:

• The R582 at Coopersdal Road from N4 to R571 Intersection was damaged at the Komati River Bridge overtopped, R582 Section1. One way traffic flow is being maintained.

Thaba Chweu Local Municipality:

• On the R37 Section 4 – location at Sabie/Nelspruit intersection to Mbombela Border – predominately from Km 24 at Brondaal old pump station to km 28. The damage includes  three slip failures in this section of the road, and wo-way traffic flow is maintained in both directions.
• On the R36 Section 3 between Lydenburg and Bambi there is severe pavement deterioration along this section of the road.

Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality:

• On R40 Section 1 at the Bulembu Border there is drainage and structural failure, and one-way traffic flow is being maintained.
• R40 Section 4 – location at Km19.4 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
• R40 Section 4 at Km 27 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
• There is a 24-hour stop and go traffic in place at R40 Section 5 at Km 30.4 between Bushbuckridge and Dwarsloop.
• At the R40 Section 5, location Km 45 between Acornhoek and Dullstroom has a slip failure and culvert failure. Two-way traffic is maintained in both directions.
• A 24 hour stop and go is in place R40 Section 5, location Km 50.4 between Dwarsloop and Acornhoek. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has advocated for the protection of persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy.

“The call for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the changing climate follows the clarion call by the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is calling for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives,” the department said on Sunday.

South Africa was recently affected by severe weather conditions and widespread flooding in various parts of the country and government responded by declaring a National Disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

The severe weather, which included heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding, impacted Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West.

This extreme weather resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, the displacement of communities, disruptions to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga recorded 20 fatalities, with over 1 300 houses, roads, and public infrastructure damaged. The death toll in Limpopo stands at 18.

“Persons with disabilities in South Africa are vulnerable to severe climatic events. This call is aligned with Article 11 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.

“Climate action that excludes persons with disabilities undermines these commitments and deepens inequality. South Africa continues to experience the escalating impacts of climate change, including severe storms, floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

“These impacts disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, who already face systemic barriers to access, participation, and protection. This has heightened the vulnerability of disabled communities to environmental conditions,” the department said.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, increase the prevalence of diseases, and disrupt livelihoods.

“This is especially alarming for persons with disabilities, as they are particularly susceptible to the detrimental impacts of climate change. The disproportionate vulnerabilities that persons with disabilities face under changing climate conditions,” the department said. 

They include physical, social, economic, and institutional barriers that limit their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related emergencies.

“South Africa should protect persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy. Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.

“Climate justice is disability justice. Building a climate-resilient South Africa requires inclusive planning, equal participation, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all, especially persons with disabilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za