Category: Africa

South Africans visiting voting stations this weekend to register to vote or update their details can expect mostly fine weather with cool conditions.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to operate 23 699 voting stations across the country from 8am to 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Fine and cool conditions are expected for Saturday and Sunday, except along the east coast of South Africa, which will be partly cloudy with isolated showers on Saturday

“Damaging winds and waves are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, while the northern interior parts of the province will be windy on Friday,” the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves, which may lead to difficulty in navigation, localised disruption at small harbours and/or ports for a short period, and a risk of small vessels taking on water and capsizing between KwaDukuza and Kosi Bay on Friday.

It also warned of extremely high fire danger conditions on Friday over the Matzikama Municipality in the Western Cape.

Eligible voters are encouraged to use the weekend opportunity to secure their place on the voters’ roll ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

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The Department of Home Affairs will extend operating hours at all offices across the country during the final Voter Registration Weekend on 01 and 02 August 2026.

In a statement on Friday, Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said all Home Affairs offices will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 to ensure that eligible citizens can access the services they need to register to vote.

According to the department, more than 360 000 identity documents are currently awaiting collection at Home Affairs offices nationwide.

Schreiber urged citizens whose documents are ready to collect them, including those who still need a Smart ID card to visit their nearest Home Affairs office during the extended operating hours.

A valid identity document is required to register to vote.

“The right to vote is one of the cornerstones of our constitutional democracy. By extending operating hours this weekend, Home Affairs is making it easier for every eligible South African to obtain the identity documents they need to register to vote.

“I encourage everyone whose identity document is ready for collection, or who still needs to apply for a Smart ID card, to make use of the extended operating hours this weekend,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Operation Vulindlela (OV) is making strides in the implementation of reforms in various sectors in South Africa.

This according to the 2026 Quarter 1 report released on Friday.

The reform implementation programme is a joint initiative of the National Treasury and the Presidency aimed at accelerating structural reforms to achieve rapid and inclusive economic growth, improve service delivery and strengthen state capability.

“This quarter saw continued progress in advancing reforms to improve the performance of network industries, address challenges in local government, and create an enabling environment for investment.

“While the global economic environment remains uncertain, sustained implementation of structural reforms is improving South Africa’s competitiveness, reducing constraints to growth, and laying the foundations for higher levels of private investment and inclusive economic growth,” the report read.

Electricity and freight sector reforms

Progress in these sectors continued to gather pace with progress noted in the establishment of a competitive South African electricity market.

The first phase of the Eskom Restructuring Task Team’s (ERTT) work has been completed with its report on the establishment of an independent state-owned transmission entity endorsed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“This is a critical step to ensure that the restructuring of Eskom is conducted in a manner that minimises financial, operational, and fiscal risk while maintaining energy security and advancing the objectives of electricity sector reform to reduce the high cost of electricity.

“Government remains focused on completing the transition to a competitive electricity market by launching the South African Wholesale Electricity Market, with key steps taken to establish a regulatory framework for the market,” the report read.

On the freight front, institutional reforms to increase private sector participation are advancing.

“Progress during the quarter included the publication of the latest iteration of the Network Statement to enable access to the freight rail network for multiple operators, conclusion of Rail Access Agreements with 11 train operating companies, development of an implementation plan for the corporatisation of the Transnet National Ports Authority, and finalisation of the draft National Rail Bill to establish a modern legislative framework for rail reform,” the reported noted.

Water and sanitation reform

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the National Water Action Plan aimed at ensuring the delivery of running water for all South Africans, regardless of their location.

“The establishment of the National Water Crisis Committee [WATERCOM] and publication of the National Water Action Plan provide a coordinated framework to address South Africa’s water challenges.

“Progress was also made in operationalising the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, advancing the Water Services Amendment Bill, implementing the Revised Raw Water Pricing Strategy, and expanding the pipeline of infrastructure projects through the Water Partnerships Office and the newly established Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency [IFISA],” the report highlighted.

Visa and immigration reform

South Africa’s visa and immigration reforms continue to modernise and now offer better support to tourism, investment and skills attraction.

The expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system is now underway.

“Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme was launched to enable all qualifying employers to participate, and progress was made in implementing new visa programmes to support business events, tourism and the creative industries.

“Government also advanced the redevelopment of major land ports of entry through public-private partnerships to improve the efficiency of cross-border trade and travel,” the Q1 reported noted.

Practical measures

Local government reform – aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening municipal governance – is also gathering pace.

“The first cohort of metros is now implementing reforms through the Metro Trading Services Reform Programme to improve the governance and performance of municipal trading services.

“Progress was also made towards finalising the White Paper on Local Government, the Municipal Finance Management Act Amendment Bill, the review of the Local Government Fiscal Framework, and preparations for implementing the expanded mandate of the Public Service Commission in local government,” the OV report stated.

Meanwhile, practical interventions to improve access to affordable housing and address spatial inequality are also being developed in furtherance of spatial integration and housing reform.

“Progress was made towards developing demand-side and capital subsidy programmes to support investment in affordable housing, releasing strategically located public land for housing development, and addressing the title deeds backlog.

“In parallel, PRASA made further progress in restoring passenger rail services and expanding the availability of rolling stock, supporting improved urban mobility and economic inclusion,” the report highlighted.

Turning to digital public infrastructure reform, the report noted accelerated implementation of the:

• MyMzansi platform
• The MzansiXchange data integration layer
• A digital identity system
• The payments modernisation programme

“During the quarter, implementation focused on establishing the technical and governance foundations required to deliver integrated, citizen-centred digital services while strengthening interoperability across government systems,” the report said.

The report acknowledged that some areas have borne “uneven progress” however, as implementation gathers pace, more can be achieved.

“With increasing emphasis on establishing new institutions, finalising enabling legislation and regulations, reforms can be expected to translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure investment, service delivery and economic performance.

“Progress in some areas has been uneven and, in certain instances, slower than initially anticipated due to the complexity of institutional reforms and the need to align multiple stakeholders.

“As implementation enters a more mature phase, the focus will increasingly shift towards accelerating delivery, resolving remaining bottlenecks, and ensuring that reforms translate into measurable outcomes that strengthen South Africa’s competitiveness and support higher, more inclusive economic growth,” the Q1 report read. – SAnews.gov.za

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Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agency (VOCMA) Chief Executive Officer, Lerato Morake, has emphasised that protecting South Africa’s water resources requires strong partnerships between government, communities and water users.

Speaking during a public consultation on the proposed 2027/28 raw water tariffs in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, Morake said every contribution made through raw water tariffs helps safeguard the country’s rivers, dams and catchments, while enabling the agency to fulfil its mandate of managing and protecting water resources for current and future generations.

“We appreciate the water users who continue to pay for the use of our water resources. Your contribution enables us to carry out our responsibility of protecting, managing and sustaining these vital resources, which are the foundation of our country’s social and economic development,” Morake said.

The consultation, hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in partnership with VOCMA, formed part of a nationwide public participation process aimed at engaging water users and key stakeholders on the proposed tariff adjustments for the 2027/28 financial year, before they are finalised.

The agency spans five provinces, including the Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, North West and Gauteng, and includes a broad range of water users.

The department said the consultations provide an important platform for stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the raw water pricing process, the factors influencing tariff adjustments, and the role that tariffs play in ensuring the sustainable management and protection of South Africa’s water resources.

Raw water tariffs are reviewed annually to ensure that sufficient funding is available for the protection, management and sustainable development of the country’s water resources.

Revenue generated through these tariffs contributes to water resource management activities such as monitoring water quality and quantity, protecting catchments, operating and maintaining water infrastructure, and ensuring the long-term availability of water for domestic, agricultural, industrial and economic development.

The department said the consultation also demonstrates its commitment to transparency, accountability and meaningful stakeholder participation in the annual raw water tariff-setting process.

“By engaging directly with water users, the department seeks to ensure that stakeholders understand the methodology used to determine tariffs and have an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and make informed submissions before the tariffs are approved,” the department said.

The session was attended by representatives from DWS, VOCMA, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Merafong City Local Municipality, Harmony Gold Mine and other stakeholders representing various water use sectors.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all water users and stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s water resources are managed sustainably, equitably and efficiently for the benefit of all. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government is undertaking preparatory work to repatriate the remains of South Africans who died in Angola between 1976 and 1992 in cases linked to apartheid-era political conflict, as part of efforts to return them to their families.

This is according to Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, who provided an update on the Angola phase of the SA Exile Repatriation Project in Pretoria on Friday.

The Exile Repatriation Project gives effect to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which called on government to continue tracing people who disappeared in political circumstances between 1960 and 1994.

This includes people who died within South Africa, as well as those who died or disappeared while living in exile.

“Available information indicates that between 300 and 400 combatants of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) died in Angola during this period. Current assessments indicate that between 30 and 50 per cent of the deceased may be recoverable.

“Symbolic and spiritual repatriation will therefore remain an important component of the Angola project for families whose relatives cannot be physically located or identified,” Nel said.

The Missing Persons Task Team has recovered the remains of more than 230 people in cases linked to apartheid-era political conflict.

The Exile Repatriation Programme has also resulted in the recovery of the remains of 49 people from Zambia and Zimbabwe.

A preliminary mission to Angola was undertaken in 2025 to conduct grave mapping, during which the Technical Team identified 89 potential graves for excavation.

This is an initial figure and does not include all possible burials at former African National Congress (ANC) camps.

“Further investigations are expected to identify additional sites. Recovery will proceed in phases. The initial work will concentrate on sites that can be investigated without the extensive preparation required in more complex areas.

“Former camps in parts of the Eastern and Northern Fronts are expected to be addressed in 2027 because bush clearance and demining must first be completed.

“Preparatory work is also being conducted in South Africa. The TRC Unit and the Missing Persons Task Team are tracing affected families and collecting DNA  (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples from appropriate relatives,” the Deputy Minister said.

Nel said DNA reference samples will be essential, as identification in many Angola cases will depend heavily on comparison with biological relatives.

The TRC Unit is engaging families, explaining the process, assisting with travel documentation, and coordinating with provinces, municipalities and other institutions.

“Family representatives will travel in groups to Angola to undertake pre-exhumation visits and rituals. The Viana Transit Camp has been identified as an important location for these visits because MK members passed through it during their time in Angola.

“Families will be able to conduct relevant spiritual, cultural or religious rituals there. At the pre-exhumation stage, families will not be taken to particular graves because the identities of those buried at individual sites will not yet have been scientifically confirmed,” Nel said.

The Technical Team is scheduled to undertake excavations and exhumations in September or October 2026, subject to approvals by the Angolan authorities.

The planned sites include three cemeteries in Luanda; Malanje town, Quela village and a field site in Cacuso in the Eastern Front; as well as Caxito Camp and eight graves at the entrance to Pango in the Northern Front.

“Where there are clear indications that remains are South African, they may be exhumed and transferred to a storage area made available by the Angolan authorities for further forensic examination.

“DNA analysis will be used to confirm identity unless reliable identification can be established through other evidence. Where there is insufficient certainty about the nationality of remains, DNA samples may be taken without removing the remains at that stage,” the Deputy Minister explained.

Nel emphasised that repatriation will take place only after South African status and, where possible, individual identity have been confirmed.

The remains will then be returned to South Africa for formal handover and reburial, in consultation with the affected families, provinces and municipalities. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

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In a bid to strengthen communal livestock farming, improve herd genetics, and increase cattle production, North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha has handed over a livestock handling facility and three breeding bulls to farmer associations in the province.

The MEC handed over the livestock handling facility to the Vaal Reefs Livestock Farmers Association and three breeding bulls to the Isibaya the Kraal and Umzimhle Farmers Association in Matlosana Local Municipality.

The beneficiary groups comprise communal farmers from Vaal Reefs and surrounding areas who collectively manage a significant cattle herd in the Matlosana region.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said the initiative forms part of an ongoing partnership with local farmers aimed at enhancing livestock production, improving herd quality and animal health, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

The intervention is expected to strengthen food security, boost productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.

The handover on Thursday, formed part of the department’s broader programme to support communal livestock farmers through targeted investments in agricultural infrastructure and access to quality breeding stock.

It is one of several agricultural support initiatives recently rolled out by Sambatha across the province, with additional projects expected to be completed in the coming months, as the government continues to drive the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The livestock handling facility will enable farmers to manage their cattle more safely and efficiently during dipping, vaccination, branding, and other routine animal health activities.

The three breeding bulls are expected to improve herd genetics, leading to increased productivity and enhanced value for livestock owned by members of the association.

As part of the handover programme, cattle were also vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with all vaccinated animals tagged to improve identification, traceability, and effective disease control.

Addressing farmers during the handover ceremony, Sambatha reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting emerging and communal farmers through practical interventions that strengthen agricultural production, enhance food security, and create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.

“I encouraged beneficiaries to take ownership of this facility and ensure the breeding bulls are properly managed to maximise their long-term benefits for current and future generations of livestock farmers,” he said.

Beneficiaries welcomed the department’s support and expressed gratitude for addressing the challenges faced by local farmers. They added that the investment will play a vital role in improving farming operations, increasing productivity, and sustaining household incomes.

The department said the handover is expected to improve herd quality, contributing to the development of a more competitive, productive, and sustainable livestock sector. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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