Category: Africa

For Dr Faith Peta, the journey into science began with an unlikely source of inspiration:  Brooke Logan, a character in The Bold and the Beautiful, an international television soap drama. More than 20 years later, Peta has helped develop South Africa’s locally produced Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine – a journey she sees as a testament to life unfolding as it should.  

Peta is a scientist and Chief Research Technician in the FMD Vaccine Production Programme at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The programme focuses on the development and manufacturing of specialised veterinary vaccines to address domestic outbreaks while improving the health of livestock.

The council is an entity of the National Department of Agriculture. South Africa ceased the production of the vaccine in 2005 due to ageing technology and infrastructure, which were non-compliant with the international Good Manufacturing Practice standard.

Hers is a story of determination, curiosity and an innate responsibility to leave the world in a better state than she found it.

“A human being,” she modestly answers the question of who she is, bursting into laughter before proceeding to list the different roles she plays, including sister, team leader and daughter.

FMD developments
As the team leader, she played an important role in the historic development of the country’s locally produced Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine. On 6 February 2026, the ARC handed over the first batch of 12 900 locally produced FMD vaccine doses, which were subsequently distributed across the nine provinces.

In her role at the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR), she manages all technical activities related to vaccine production, including personnel and infrastructure.

“Because FMD is still problematic and we still don’t have, as the ARC, adequate capacity to satisfy the national demand, we have brought bigger equipment [to produce more vaccine doses]. They will be installed as of next month, and we are hoping that by next year we will be able to at least start meeting the demand of our country based on the control strategy that the government has set out,” she said in an interview with SAnews.

The ARC has committed to producing 20 000 doses per week, with plans to scale up to 200 000 doses per week in 2027.

She is a key member of the team designing a new vaccine manufacturing factory, having developed the user requirements and technical specifications for production equipment.

“We are busy buying bigger vaccine production vessels, 1000-litre systems, and we will install them in our existing facility as a stop-gap measure so that we can be self-reliant. Our
aim has always been to have vaccine development and production sovereignty,” she said.

Peta, who previously spoke to SAnews in February 2026, said the vaccine has been hailed as “very efficacious and strong” by farmers and provinces.

“They are quite pleased with the performance of our vaccine but also frustrated because at this stage, we can’t provide it at the scale they need. Hence, we keep on importing to cover the gap from international markets. We hope that by mid next year, we should be able to stop importing and roll out our vaccine on a monthly basis to address our national need.”

Peta’s comments came ahead of the announcement that Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp’s proposal had been approved, allowing qualifying private companies to use the ARC’s intellectual property (IP) to manufacture FMD vaccine on a large scale.

The decision, taken on 21 September 2026, is aimed at addressing current manufacturing constraints and increasing the availability of the ARC vaccine as South Africa continues to respond to the FMD outbreak. Under conditional IP licensing agreements, local and international companies will be allowed to manufacture the vaccine, helping to expand production while the ARC continues to strengthen its own manufacturing capacity.

This comes as the Department of Agriculture earlier this month said tangible progress is being made in the fight against FMD, while the North West province also announced that it had recorded no new cases of FMD for the first time since December 2025.

The North West development, she said, was “encouraging”.

“FMD is going to be with us for at least five to 10 years. The national strategy is to vaccinate the entire herd and once vaccinated, we have to consistently prove that we don’t have new infections for a long time.  Vaccination will help us do that. I’m saying five; with that being very conservative. It is  planned to be 10 years and above,” she explained.

With the country having transitioned from the winter period, Peta explained that FMD is transmitted more easily during rainy and windy periods.

Beginnings
Born in Marapyane, Mpumalanga, Peta’s journey wasn’t clear-cut from the time she finished matric.
“The drive to become a chemist was based on Brooke Logan,” she said, as we both burst into laughter in the boardroom at the Onderstepoort facility in Pretoria.

In the long-running television soapie, Logan developed a formula that made clothing shrink-proof, helping to turn the fortunes of a fashion house.

After realising that chemistry was not for her in the first year after completing matric, she pursued a Veterinary Technology qualification, which enables technologists to diagnose animal diseases.
“A sick animal doesn’t end up being a steak on your plate,” she said.

After qualifying as a technologist at the Tshwane University of Technology, she completed her compulsory in-service training at the University of Pretoria’s Veterinary Science faculty as a diagnostician in the serology lab for poultry diseases.

“I then became sad about diagnosing diseases and looked into how we prevent diseases from happening. As I studied further, I became interested in virology, and that led me to vaccine production. Vaccine production doesn’t treat; it aims to prevent disease from happening.”

She completed her Master’s degree in 2014 and her PhD in Medical Virology in 2022.

When she joined the ARC in 2001, she and two other scientists were tasked with setting up a Bacterial Molecular Biology Diagnostics Lab that diagnoses bacterial diseases using molecular biology techniques. She then moved on to work at the ARC’s Transboundary Animal Disease Facility.

Leadership
After developing a system for manufacturing vaccines using the FMD virus, she got the opportunity to train young scientists who had just completed their BScs.  

However, that was not her first voyage into a leadership role.

“I think I’ve always had a leadership role because I’m a firstborn. I’m a deputy parent, you know how that goes,” she said of her responsibility as the elder sibling of two brothers and a sister.

Peta, who was raised in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, also has nephews and nieces who she “loves to bits”.

To follow in her footsteps, an inquisitive mind, a liking for how things work, and a good helping of patience are prerequisites in her line of work.

“Research as a discipline requires an inquisitive mind. On top of that, you must have patience because experiments will humble you; things don’t work the first, second, third and even the fourth time,” she said in an exasperated tone.

The ability to regroup, think of a different approach to an issue and not take things personally, as well as self-belief, are among the ingredients needed.

“If you persist, you will surely reap the results. The thing I like about science is that it doesn’t lie; you cannot conjure things up. It is a cumulative output of all these little steps, experiments, all the self-belief, persistence and at the end of 20 years, the product is there [vaccine]. Can you believe it? We started working on it in 2006.”

Women in science
A lack of that very same self-belief remains a challenge in the workplace for women, she believes.
“Women still struggle with the things that women themselves need to fix. In my opinion, that is self-belief,” she said.

She urged women not to shrink themselves while also cautioning women not to be egotistical or pompous either.

“Be comfortable with[in] yourself. Know yourself; I found it to be the most liberating type of knowledge for a person. If you are given the opportunity, take space and do not say, I am only a girl.”
She commended the strides women have made in the science field.

“I think it is catching on being a scientist and a woman, and I love it!  Because women are involved, suddenly things will be called “soft” science. I actually don’t mind anymore because we [women] are soft, so we will make everything soft. If we need to make science soft, then let it be so that women can get the opportunities they deserve.”

She also spoke of the importance of being honest with oneself and accepting that life unfolds as it should.
“It doesn’t mean that things will go my way every time. Trees lose their leaves at some point; they do not move and accept the provision of life with the trust that one day the sun and rains will come and they will be green again. Everything has an ebb and flow,” she said.

Public Service Month
With the country marking Public Service Month in September, Peta said there is a misconception that the public service is indolent.

“There has been a misconception out there that the public service is for lazy people who do not have ambition, who just need to earn a salary. That is not correct. I am so encouraged by the quality of public servants we see on board in the type of work we do,” she said.

She said the work being done at the Madlanga Commission, for example, not only demonstrates the high calibre of professionals in the public service, but also “showcases our capabilities and capacity as the new cohort of public servants.”

“We need to keep on striving for excellence, do our work diligently and showcase our capacity, and not look down on ourselves as public servants.

“We must deliver as well. When you serve, you become a servant, and servants cannot afford to be rude.  We mistakenly think that a calling is of priesthood or a spiritual healer, but our professions are what we say we are serving humanity with. Let us aim to always be proud of the work we do.”

Public Service Month serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the government, especially on service delivery.

Custodian of creation
On what keeps her going, Peta said: “I think it is that I am the custodian of creation and that I need to leave it better than I found it. We were gifted this creation, and we are the custodians thereof. In whatever I do, my aim has always been to say that we have been entrusted with it and the next generation needs to live off it as well. It’s not about me all the time. To leave things better than I found them is what makes me get out of bed.” –SAnews.gov.za

 

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As South Africa joins the globe in observing World Rabies Day, Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp has urged South Africans to play their part in preventing and eliminating rabies by ensuring that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against the deadly disease. 

Observed on 28 September, World Rabies Day is an annual awareness campaign aimed at promoting rabies prevention and highlighting progress towards eliminating the disease.  

The 2026 observance marks the 20th World Rabies Day, held under the theme: “Stronger Together”, highlighting the importance of collaboration among communities, pet owners, veterinary professionals, healthcare workers, government departments, policymakers, and partner organisations in the fight against rabies.

“This year is about realising we are stronger together in the fight against rabies. It is still Rabies Month, and I want to encourage all dog and cat owners out there to please make sure that your animals are vaccinated against rabies. It can be prevented,” Aucamp said.

The Department of Agriculture said communities can contribute to eliminating rabies by ensuring that their pets are vaccinated and sharing information about the disease with family members and others.

“Vaccinating your pet against rabies is more than responsible pet care. It is an act of protection for your family, your neighbours, and your entire community,” the department said.

This year’s campaign also reinforces the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in preventing and controlling diseases.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. The virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, or when its saliva comes into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.

The department has urged anyone exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for 10 to 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.

Post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes a course of rabies vaccinations and, where necessary, the administration of rabies immunoglobulin into or around the wound, can prevent the disease from developing if administered promptly.

“While rabies is 99.9% fatal once a person or animal shows clinical signs, it is also 100% preventable,” the department said.

The public is encouraged to consult their local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician, or animal welfare organisation for information on rabies vaccination and prevention.

State veterinary office contact details are available at:
https://www.nda.gov.za/index.php/component/content/article/451-provincialveterinary-services-contacts

A list of all registered veterinary facilities is available at: https://savc.org.za/wpcontent/uploads/2026/07/FacilityRegisterPublish_July-2026.pdf – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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By William Baloyi
Across every colour of skin, every language spoken, and every corner of this land we call home, one truth unites us all: we bleed the same colour. It is one of the few truths that connects every South African, regardless of who we are or where we come from. This should encourage each of us, where possible, to consider one of the simplest yet most meaningful acts of service, which is donating blood.

As South Africans, we often pause to remember the contributions of those who came before us and the role they played in shaping the South Africa we know today. As we commemorate their contributions, especially during significant moments such as Heritage Month, we are reminded of the values of humanity, compassion and service to others that can continue to strengthen our communities.

We, too, can be inspired to make our own contributions through acts of service that may extend beyond our immediate circles and touch the lives of people we may never meet.

Blood donation is one such act of service. It asks only that we roll up a sleeve and give a little of ourselves so that a mother in labour, a trauma victim requiring immediate care, an individual involved in a road accident, or an elder awaiting surgery, might live to see another day.

This year has offered meaningful occasions to reflect on why this cause matters so deeply. In April 2026, South African National Blood Service (SANBS) marked 25 years of service to the nation, which reflects 25 years of practical collective action in building our nation’s healthcare system and people.

Following this, in June, the country observed National Blood Donation Month, culminating in World Blood Donor Day on 14 June, when Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health reminded the nation that a well-functioning blood service remains the cornerstone of an effective and responsive health system, particularly in supporting patients during medical emergencies, procedures and treatments.

This year’s global theme, “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives”, places solidarity and compassion at the centre of blood donation, values that speak directly to who we are as a nation.

South Africans are urged to play their part in strengthening our nation’s blood reserves, especially after the SANBS’s recent urgent appeal for eligible South Africans to donate blood amid declining national stocks. The SANBS requires a five-day blood stock level for each blood group to ensure sustained availability for those in need, and to meet this daily demand, it must collect 3,500 units of blood daily. However, collections at present do not meet this target, which strains our national blood supply and indicates the urgent demand for more blood donors and donations.

A single unit of donated blood does not serve one patient alone, as it can be separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets; one donation has the potential to save up to three lives. There are patients whose recovery depends on something many of us can give in just a few minutes, which is a gift that lasts beyond a single day: the gift of life.

Blood cannot be manufactured, and donated blood has a limited shelf life, which is why regular blood donations are so crucial. By becoming a regular blood donor, you help ensure that blood remains safe and sufficiently available to meet the needs of patients not only during moments of crisis, but every single day of the year.

Becoming a donor is a straightforward commitment, requiring that an individual be at least 16 years old (with proof of identification), weigh 50kg or more, be in good health, lead a low-risk lifestyle and be ready to donate.

Frequent blood donors not only walk away with a great sense of purpose and the knowledge that they have contributed to a life-saving impact but also receive a free mini health check with every donation, giving them peace of mind about their own wellbeing while confirming they are fit to donate. Regular donors can further benefit from SANBS’s Donor Wellness Support Programme, which offers ongoing health education and support to help donors maintain good health.

Citizens are urged to learn more about blood donation and seek accurate information regarding processes and campaigns directly from the SANBS website (https://sanbs.org.za/) and official sources.

We call on every eligible South African, across every community, workplace, and educational institution, to answer this call to save a life. Donating blood does not cost you much, yet it may mean everything to a family whose loved one is fighting to survive. It is an act of solidarity that transcends race, class and circumstance, embodying the very spirit of Ubuntu on which our democracy was built.

Play your part in saving a life. Find your nearest blood service donor centre and make a meaningful difference through this simple, selfless act. We honour the quiet generosity of millions of blood donors whose gift keeps our hospitals running and gives hope to those in need. Your blood can save a life, and your generosity can give someone another chance.

*Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to uphold the constitutional values of non-racialism, non-sexism, equality, democracy and human dignity, while rejecting violence against women, xenophobia and intolerance.

In his weekly newsletter, the President reflected on last week’s Heritage Day, a celebration of South Africa’s many languages, traditions and cultures. 

He said the celebration was made possible by the country’s democratic government, which acknowledges the grave injustices and immense suffering of the past and is committed to building a nation that lives in harmony despite its diversity.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s heritage was not only something to celebrate, but also something to defend.

“We cannot allow violence against women to define who we are. The abuse, rape and killing of women is a stain on our national conscience. We cannot claim to be a society founded on freedom, equality and human dignity while half of our population lives in fear of violence,” the President said.

He added that South Africa should not be defined by xenophobia and intolerance.

“The peoples of Africa provided moral and material support to our liberation struggle and our democracy. Democratic South Africa remains committed to advancing the ideals of African unity and integration. 

“At the same time, migration must take place within the law. Government has a responsibility to manage our borders effectively, and everyone who lives in South Africa is required to respect our laws,” Ramaphosa said.

The President said racism would never define South Africa, a nation determined not to return to the racial division and oppression of the apartheid past.

“In 1994, we chose to build one nation from people of different races, cultures and backgrounds. It is a choice that we must continue to renew every day. 

“Democratic South Africa is committed to correcting the injustices of the past. There is no moral equivalence between redress and discrimination,” he said.

Ramaphosa emphasised that legitimate, constitutionally grounded redress measures could not be equated with apartheid’s systematic racial oppression.

“There is no equivalence between measures designed to overcome racial exclusion and the apartheid laws that were designed to enforce racial exclusion, dispossession and inequality. 

“We must remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine our national unity and turn South Africans against one another. We all have a responsibility to hold our social fabric together. 

“We must guard against words and actions that polarise communities, inflame public opinion and reopen the wounds of our past,” the President said.

While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that this right comes with responsibility.

“In a country where women live in fear of abuse and are killed every day, the public humiliation of women is not harmless. It reinforces the attitudes that sustain discrimination and violence.

“At a time when undocumented migration is fuelling social tensions, inflammatory statements about foreign nationals are dangerous and irresponsible.

“In a country with unacceptably high levels of violent crime, language that glorifies killing or encourages hostility has no place in our public life,” the President said.

Ramaphosa also condemned the false claim of a “white genocide”, saying that promoting it abroad discouraged investment in South Africa and was neither responsible nor patriotic.

“At a time when unemployment is high and we need to grow our economy and attract investment, travelling to foreign capitals to spread the falsehood of a “white genocide” and discourage investment in one’s own country is neither responsible nor patriotic.

“We may be a diverse nation, but we are united by the constitutional values that make us South African. These values transcend race, gender, language, culture and geography,” the President said.

He encouraged South Africans to continue working together to overcome the country’s common challenges.

“Every day, through our words and our deeds, we must renew the choice we made in 1994 and affirmed when we adopted our Constitution: the choice to build this country together. That is our shared heritage. It is also our shared responsibility,” Ramaphosa said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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EThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has commended the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for accelerating projects aimed at enhancing passenger rail services in the city.

Xaba, Members of the Executive Committee (EXCO), and PRASA’s top management travelled by train from Durban Station to Umlazi on Friday, to assess the condition of the corridor and the progress being made to modernise the signalling and telecommunications systems.

PRASA is currently undertaking an R11 billion signalling and telecommunications programme across various corridors. The entity is also investing approximately R2 billion in the rehabilitation of the Umlazi Corridor, which carries the largest number of train passengers in the province. Both projects are at various stages of implementation.

Xaba said the signalling and telecommunications programme is expected to significantly improve the safety, reliability, and scheduling of train services.

Upon completion, the project will enable trains to operate at intervals of between three and five minutes, supporting the growth of annual passenger numbers from the current 1.8 million to a projected 10 million.

In anticipation of increased demand, PRASA has already procured 101 new trains.

Next month, PRASA will officially unveil the first of seven sections where signalling has been completed. The first section will cover the corridor between Crossmoor and Havenside, while the second section will cover the Rossburgh to Pinetown Corridor.

Xaba expressed his gratitude to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and PRASA management for the investment being made to enhance passenger rail operations in Durban.

“This investment is crucial because trains are the most preferred mode of transport for poor and working-class communities,” Xaba said.

He said the revitalisation of the rail network is crucial to building an integrated, safe, and reliable public transport system for the city. – SAnews.gov.za

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