Category: Africa

Seventy years after 18-year-old Sophie de Bruyn helped lead 20 000 protestors to the seat of apartheid power, she returned to the very steps of the Union Buildings, which were once a symbol of racial and gender subjugation, to urge a new generation of women to rise against the contemporary plagues of gender-based violence, corruption and systemic inequality.

In her address to the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, de Bruyn spoke of how the women marched, not without fear, but with determination and courage to confront the brutal apartheid government.

“The joy of that solidarity, the triumph of knowing that we could break the back of oppression is a fire that still burns deep within me even today.

“We emerged from the darkness with a firm belief that our daughters, our children would walk in absolute freedom from the triple yolk of oppression as a race, class and gender which we experienced under apartheid,” de Bruyn said on Sunday.

This as the National Women’s Day commemoration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
She noted that today, the women of South Africa face different challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV) and the knock-on effects of corruption, adding that freedom now is a “painful paradox…our present realities are so deeply disappointing and distressful”.

“We fought to banish the pass laws, yet today our women are prisoners in their own homes. Gender-based violence continues to cast a dark cloud on our society. And every single day I weep for the girl child, the daughters, the mothers and grandmothers who are abused, violated and silenced.

“And yet, even when these clouds [gather], my spirit refuses to break and give up. And my happiness comes back from looking at you, the women of today. You are still the rock; you are still resilient.
She added that despite the struggles, women continue to hold families and communities together.

“Your courage is the beacon of hope and the light that keeps this country moving forward,” de Bruyn emphasised.

She challenged authorities to “not let our sacrifices be in vain” through eradicating corruption and protecting women and children.

Furthermore, leaders are urged to “have a moral compass and backbone and match the bravery of 1956 with bold, honest and accountable leadership”.

“To the ordinary citizens of our country, in particular women, do not give up hope. Your vote, your voice and your unity are your critical weapons. We handed you a free country. It is now up to you to make it a safe and prosperous one. Let us march forward once more, not against pass laws.

“But this time against crime and insecurity, poverty, corruption, unemployment, homelessness, violence and the many ills that restrict your future, your safety, your freedom and your prosperity.

“To the young women, do not wait for anyone’s permission. Stand up, use your voice and fight for your future, fight against poverty and abuse. Just like we fought against apartheid, and together let us finish the march we began 70 years ago. Let the spirit of the 1956 rise again in each of your hearts,” de Bruyn urged.

Courage
Speaking at the commemoration, Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who survived being shot in the face for advocating for girls’ schooling, praised the courage displayed not only by the 1956 marchers but also by the generations that followed.

“It took incredible courage to speak out in 1956, four decades before the end of apartheid. The risks were greatest for black South African women, as they still are today. They faced not only the racial discrimination of apartheid but the added burdens of being women in a patriarchal society. Yet, they chose to lead and demanded to be seen. 

“It is their legacy of courage that brings me back to South Africa today. I was honoured to be here three years ago. We have come not only to mark this historic anniversary but to learn from you, from elders like Madam Sophie [de Bruyn]. We want to learn how South Africans organised and how you endured generation after generation until the world had no choice but to listen,” Yousafzai said.

The two women spoke ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address under the theme:“Empowered Women, Empower Nations.”
– SAnews.gov.za

As a wide-ranging investigation continues, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is urging the public not to collect or consume dead fish found on beaches,” the department said.

This as no dead or dying sardines have been reported to the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) since Thursday, 6 August, suggesting that the recent mortality event along the Western Cape coast has run its course.

“West Coast canneries continue to accept healthy sardines caught north of St Helena Bay, while some factories in affected areas have elected to await the Department’s results before resuming operations.

The cause has not yet been confirmed. A wide-ranging investigation involving the Department, research institutions, specialist laboratories, the fishing industry and other collaborating scientists is continuing,” the department said.

In a statement on Sunday, the department said samples of dead sardines have been obtained from Saldanha Bay, Hout Bay, Betty’s Bay, Gansbaai and the Cape Canyon area.

“As a precaution, while testing continues, members of the public should not collect or consume dead fish found on beaches,” the department said.

Healthy sardines from Elands Bay and Lambert’s Bay have also been collected for comparison,” said the department, adding that the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and Rhodes University are undertaking disease testing, while SAIAB and a specialist commercial laboratory are screening samples for marine biotoxins.

The department’s scientists are examining water samples, stomach contents and gills for evidence of harmful algae.

“Basic biological examinations, including measurements of size, weight, condition and maturity, and macroscopic examination of the gills, have also been undertaken. A harmful algal bloom caused by Alexandrium catenella was present in Saldanha Bay when the mortality began.”

The harmful alga has previously been associated with sardine mortalities in South Africa and remains one of the possible causes under investigation. However, it has not been detected in the water samples or sardine stomach contents examined to date, and preliminary analyses have not identified a harmful-algal cause.

“Oceanographic information supplied by SAEON [ South African Environmental Observation Network]and the CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research] indicates enhanced upwelling, unusually cold nearshore water and low oxygen in St Helena Bay before the event. A southward-moving coastal current could also have transported affected fish from the West Coast towards Cape Point and farther east. These observations provide useful context but do not establish the cause,” said the DFFE.

No wider effects on the marine ecosystem have been reported to date, and the department said sardines are an important food source for seabirds, seals and predatory fish.

“The department will continue to monitor any possible effects on the sardine population and its predators.”

The department thanked the fishing industry, individual fishers and vessel crews, CapMarine, BirdLife South Africa, SAIAB, Rhodes University, SAEON, the CSIR, Cape Nature, other collaborating scientists and specialist laboratories, and members of the public who supplied reports, photographs, videos and samples.

The response, it said, demonstrates the strong links between government, research institutions, specialist laboratories and the fishing industry, enabling multiple parallel lines of investigation to proceed rapidly.

“Further updates will be provided once disease testing and initial biotoxin results are available, most likely early next week. These specialised analyses take time because samples must undergo several stages of preparation, testing and verification before the results can be interpreted reliably,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

As the country commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is celebrating a 29% increase in cervical cancer screenings across the province.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Faith Mazibuko, said the progress demonstrates what can be achieved when women have access to health information and services.

“The women of 1956 understood that progress begins when women stand up and act. Seventy years later, we honour them by ensuring that women are empowered with information and access to services that can save their lives.  Every woman who goes for screening is taking charge of her health, her future and the wellbeing of her family,” she said on Sunday.

This is as the National Women’s Day commemoration is being held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
According to the provincial department, a total of 198 611 women were screened during the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 153 703 in 2024/25. This represents an increase of 44 908 women accessing a service that can detect changes in the cervix early, before they develop into cancer.

The department said the improvement is attributed to cervical cancer awareness drives implemented across all five districts from the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The West Rand recorded the greatest improvement, while Ekurhuleni has been identified for further targeted intervention to increase screening uptake.

The increase is encouraging, but our work will continue until every eligible woman understands the importance of screening and can access the service,” said Mazibuko

According to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa’s March 2024 report, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The report further states that 18 of the 20 countries with the highest cervical cancer burden globally are in the African Region, which accounted for 23% of global cervical cancer deaths in 2022.

However, cervical cancer is largely preventable through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening, and it can be cured when detected early and treated promptly.

HPV campaign
The increase in screening complements the department’s single-dose HPV vaccination campaign currently underway across Gauteng. The campaign targets eligible Grade-5 girls aged nine years and older, protecting them against high-risk HPV types that cause most cervical cancer cases.

During the 2025/26 implementation period, 72 249 Grade-5 girls were vaccinated at public schools, while a further 9 740 were vaccinated at independent schools.

During the current financial year (2026/27), the department will continue with awareness drives and train Ward-Based Primary Health Care Outreach Teams to provide education during household visits.

Under the department’s screening programme, HIV-negative women are screened at the ages of 30 and 50, while women living with HIV are eligible for screening from the age of 20.

The department encouraged women not to wait for symptoms before going for screening, as early changes in the cervix may not cause noticeable symptoms. Women are also encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause; unusually heavy or prolonged periods; unusual vaginal discharge; pain during sex; or lower abdominal pain.

“This Women’s Day, the department calls on women to make their health part of the continuing march towards equality and empowerment by going for cervical cancer screening and encouraging other women to do the same.

“Parents and caregivers are also urged to sign and promptly return HPV vaccination consent forms to schools so that eligible girls do not miss the opportunity to receive protection against cervical cancer,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, together with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, will hand over some 150 completed low-flush sanitation systems at the Zenzele and OR Tambo townships in the Rand West Municipality, Gauteng, on Monday.

The Minister will be accompanied by Mayor William Matsheke and the Rand Water Foundation delegation and will also visit and showcase 15 of the newly completed household sanitation installations.

“Minister Majodina will also hand over a Decentralised Water Supply System at Lukhanyo Secondary School in Mohlakeng Township, providing the school and surrounding community with a reliable and consistent water supply,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said ahead of the visit.

On Tuesday, Majodina and Mahlobo will hand over a further 100 completed low-flush household sanitation systems at the Mimosa Township in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.

The new sanitation systems will benefit some 500 residents in the area.

“During the same visit, the Minister, accompanied by the Rand Water Foundation Board and Rand Water leadership, will also hand over two Decentralised Water Supply Systems in Brakfontein village and Savanna Ward 7, providing immediate access to safe drinking water in communities affected by water supply constraints,” the department added.

Government has committed to resolving water and sanitation challenges by implementing interventions.
“The handovers highlight the Department’s partnership with Rand Water and the Rand Water Foundation in accelerating service delivery, strengthening water security and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to safe water and dignified sanitation infrastructure,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Western Cape police are probing the deaths of 11 individuals in three separate shooting incidents in Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha.

“Provincial Serious Violent Crimes Unit detectives are investigating three separate shooting incidents in Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha after 11 people were shot and killed overnight,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Sunday.

In one incident, three men aged 25, 31 and 35 were shot dead in the TR Section at Lingelethu West in Khayelitsha on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, in Langa, four men and a woman were shot and killed at Winnie Mandela Street in Phase 3, KwaLanga at approximately 22:45.

In another incident that occurred in the Barcelona informal settlement in Gugulethu, two men and a woman were also shot dead at 04:10 on Sunday morning. Two other victims sustained injuries from the shooting.

Western Cape police have reinforced deployments in the affected areas as well as other potential hotspots. The motive for the shooting incidents is the subject of the police investigations that are currently underway.

“Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi and his management team are visiting the affected communities with a view to strengthening investigations and overseeing deployments in the areas. No arrests have been made yet.”

Anyone with information that could help expedite the police investigations is urged to contact the SAPS on 08600 10111. Information may also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information received will be handled in strict confidence. –SAnews.gov.za

Eskom has, this financial year, recorded the highest Energy Availability Factor (EAF) performance in six years.

The EAF for the financial year to date has improved by some 7.19%, rising to 67.24% from a low of 60.05% achieved during the corresponding period last year.

“This is the highest financial year-to-date EAF achieved since 18 November 2020, reflecting the impact of sustained operational improvements and structural interventions implemented across the generation fleet.
“Compared with the same period three years ago, Eskom’s EAF has improved by 11.9%, returning approximately 5.9GW of generating capacity to the grid. Notably, more than 85% of the coal fleet is currently operating at EAF levels between 70% and 92%,” the power utility said on Friday.
Improvements are reflected in the reduction of unplanned outages.

“Between 31 July and 6 August 2026, average unplanned outages declined significantly to 7 718MW, down from 10 758MW during the same period last year. This represents a reduction of 3 039MW, or 28.3% year-on-year. This reduction is almost equivalent to the size of the generating capacity of a power station such as Tutuka.

“This sustained improvement is also reflected in the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], which significantly improved to 16.12% from 22.60% in the corresponding period last year, underscoring the continued gains achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan.

“Together, these achievements have strengthened system reliability, supported a stable electricity supply and enabled South Africa to meet increased Winter demand while maintaining energy security,” the power utility explained.

Furthermore, Eskom has some 3360MW in cold reserve due to “excess capacity, providing further assurance of system adequacy”.

“The continued strengthening of Eskom’s operational performance reflects a progressive shift from Recovery to Reliability and Sustainability.

“Sustained improvements across the generation fleet are delivering a more dependable electricity supply, significantly reducing reliance on diesel generation and reinforcing South Africa’s energy security.

“Stronger plant performance and improved system resilience are enabling Eskom to meet demand more efficiently while creating lasting operational and financial benefits for customers, communities and the broader economy,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi and the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will today visit the scene in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, where two civilian women and two members of the Anti-Gang Unit tragically lost their lives.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the delegation will also be joined by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, as they visit the scene on Sunday afternoon.

This as the Acting National Commissioner appealed to the community of Reiger Park and surrounding areas to stand with the police and assist investigators in bringing to justice those responsible for the killings.
Government also condemned Friday’s incident in which the two officers were conducting patrols in the area when they heard gunshots and moved towards the source of the shots and were subsequently shot and killed.

“Government will not allow criminal elements and gangs to undermine the ability of law enforcement to protect communities and uphold the law. Law enforcement agencies have deployed resources to apprehend those responsible for these killings. Every effort will be made to ensure that those behind this attack are brought to justice and face the full might of the law,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said in a statement.

SAPS’ Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has been mobilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Reiger Park community members are urged to work with police to provide any information they have on the incident.

“Communities have a vital role to play in reclaiming their neighbourhoods from gangs, drugs and other forms of criminality. Government recognises that the fight against crime cannot be won by law enforcement alone.

“Communities are an essential partner in this effort. Community members are encouraged to work with the police, report criminal activity and provide information that can assist in disrupting criminal activities.
“The killing of these two officers reinforces the need for a united response to criminality. 

“Government will continue to strengthen law enforcement operations and work with communities to create safer neighbourhoods, while ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of South Africans are held accountable,” the statement read.

Increased measures have been rolled out by the government to combat organised and violent offences, encompassing both gang criminality and illicit narcotics.

“Through sustained, intelligence-led and multidisciplinary operations such as Operation Shanela, law enforcement agencies are targeting crime hotspots, tracing wanted suspects, disrupting criminal networks and removing illegal drugs and other illicit goods from communities.

“Government remains resolute in protecting the lives and safety of all South Africans and in defending the rule of law,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has urged Banyana Banyana to hold their heads up high following their elimination from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026).

“Defeat is temporary, but our love for Banyana Banyana is permanent. Lessons were learned, and we shall return a better team. Hold your heads high, ladies,” the Minister said in a post on social media platform X.

The national senior women’s football team crashed out of the WAFCON following a 1-2 defeat to tournament host Morocco on Saturday night.

“Banyana Banyana found themselves a goal down in the first half after Sakina Ouzraoui scored the opening goal of the match in the 31st minute. The Moroccans were awarded a penalty early in the second half,” the South African Football Association (SAFA) said.

Saturday’s quarter-final match was played at the Moulay el Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

“Coach Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges fought their way back and forced the hosts on the back foot, with Thembi Kgatlana pulling one back in the 67th minute. Banyana Banyana fought very hard for the equaliser, but in the end, Morocco held on to proceed to the next stage of the tournament,” said SAFA.

Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, commended the team for putting up a good fight at WAFCON.

“The team gave it their all, but unfortunately it was not enough to see them through this time around.  It is unfortunate that Banyana’s journey in the competition came to an end unexpectedly.

“We are still proud of Banyana Banyana despite their elimination from the competition, as they displayed courage, determination and resilience. The team put up a brave fight against formidable teams of the continent throughout the competition. We thank the coach, players and the technical team for not giving up after a rough start. Reaching the knockout stages was not easy, and they gave it their best”.

“Their determination to keep on fighting is emblematic of the spirit of the women of 1956 who never wavered even when it was difficult. As we observe the 70th anniversary of the historic Women’s march, we wish to encourage Banyana not to be despondent and learn from those who came before them as they prepare for the future”, said the MEC.

This is as government encouraged all South Africans to unite behind the team and celebrate how far they have come.
READ | Government urges nation to support Banyana Banyana
–SAnews.gov.za