Category: Africa

The South African government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to water and addressing persistent supply challenges.

This as the Department of Water and Sanitation handed over a newly completed borehole to the Sokhulumi community in Bronkhorstspruit on Friday.

Speaking during the handover at the Indlu Yokuthula Service Centre, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the project forms part of broader government interventions aimed at strengthening water security and improving access to basic services in communities that continue to face supply interruptions. 

The borehole – delivered during National Water Month and in the lead-up to International Women’s Day and Human Rights Day commemorations – is intended to provide a reliable water source for residents while also easing the burden on households that have struggled with inconsistent supply.

Majodina said the intervention goes beyond the delivery of infrastructure, highlighting government’s efforts to restore dignity, improve public health and bring services closer to communities. 

She noted that for many South Africans, particularly women in rural and peri-urban areas, water insecurity remains a daily reality, often requiring long walks to collect water and placing additional strain on households. 

According to the Minister, the Sokhulumi borehole is part of ongoing government programmes to expand reliable access to water through sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives. 

The intervention is also linked to the department’s International Women’s Day 2026 Ministerial Engagement and Water Month flagship programme. 

Government has acknowledged that while significant progress has been made since the advent of democracy in 1994, challenges persist across the water sector. Majodina said millions of households previously excluded under apartheid have since been connected to basic water services through expanded bulk infrastructure, new dams and rural water schemes.

However, she conceded that ageing infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, climate variability, vandalism and governance weaknesses have placed increasing pressure on water systems in several areas. 

These factors, combined with South Africa’s status as a water-scarce country with limited rainfall and unevenly distributed resources, have contributed to ongoing supply constraints. 

The Minister said targeted interventions such as the Sokhulumi borehole demonstrate government’s efforts to respond to local needs while building resilience against disruptions in supply.

“This intervention strengthens water security and shows that government listens and acts,” she said, adding that ensuring reliable access to water remains central to fulfilling the constitutional right to sufficient water. 

Beyond infrastructure delivery, government is also using the initiative to advance its Sector Wide Women in Water Programmatic Approach for 2026 to 2030. 

The framework aims to promote women’s participation and leadership across the water and sanitation sector, including expanding skills development opportunities for young women and supporting women-owned enterprises within the water value chain. 

Majodina said improving water access is closely linked to broader social outcomes, including better healthcare services, improved school attendance and stronger livelihoods for households.

She added that government is also preparing for future pressures on the water system by prioritising maintenance, diversifying water supply sources, reducing leaks and promoting water conservation as part of long-term planning.

The Minister called on communities to play a role in protecting water infrastructure, reporting leaks and illegal connections, and using water responsibly, emphasising that water security requires cooperation between government and citizens.

She said the handover in Sokhulumi serves as both a symbol of progress and a reminder that government must continue accelerating delivery in areas where service backlogs remain. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, will spearhead continuing efforts to roll out the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine campaign, with a visit to Katlehong on Saturday.

This is part of government’s robust, multi-pronged strategy to protect the national livestock herd and ensure food security, with a nationwide mass vaccination campaign.

“This ongoing vaccination rollout forms part of government’s urgent response to curb the spread of FMD, a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

“The campaign aims to reach as many farmers and livestock owners as possible, reducing economic losses and ensuring food security,” the department said in a statement.

A consignment of 1.5 million vaccines was received last week.

READ | Turkish FMD vaccines arrival scales up national vaccination drive

“This successful importation of Dollvet FMD vaccines from Turkey, facilitated by Dunevax Biotech as the authorised agent, highlights government’s decisive partnership with the private sector to secure a reliable pipeline of high-potency vaccines in South Africa’s fight against FMD,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has praised South African rugby for its role in promoting unity and nation-building, saying the sport continues to inspire national pride and social cohesion. 

“These sportsmen teach us that through shared purpose and collective sacrifice, South Africans can overcome challenges and achieve greatness together. Their example underscores the importance of unity in nation building. 

“We must remember that nation building is an ongoing process, one aimed at uniting a once deeply divided society into an equitable and cohesive nation. Even today, sport continues to play a vital role in the transformation of our society by promoting inclusivity and expanding opportunities,” the Deputy President said. 

Deputy President Mashatile was speaking during the South Africa National Rugby Union (SARU) Player of the Year Awards held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on Thursday evening.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx was awarded the prestigious SA Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award, while Nadine Roos was named SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for a second successive season.

Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks were honoured with Coach and Team of the Year.

Addressing rugby administrators, players and sponsors, the Deputy President said the awards celebrated excellence while reflecting the deep cultural significance of rugby in South Africa.

“Tonight, we honour a legacy deeply ingrained in our country’s culture and unity, while celebrating extraordinary excellence in rugby,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on the historical significance of rugby in the country, noting that the sport once symbolised division during the apartheid era.

“Looking back, rugby in South Africa was historically intertwined with the power structures of the apartheid era. It stood as a symbol of exclusion and a reminder of the inequalities that shaped that time,” he said.

However, a turning point came during the 1995 Rugby World Cup when former President Nelson Mandela wore the Springbok jersey in a powerful act of reconciliation. 

“When the late President Nelson Mandela walked onto the field wearing the green Springbok jersey, a symbol that once divided us instantly became a symbol of unity and national pride,” Deputy President Mashatile said.  

He said the victory that followed reflected South Africa’s broader journey of reconciliation and resilience. 

“The victory that followed reflected South Africa’s broader journey of resilience and reconciliation. It demonstrated how shared purpose can inspire national cohesion and pride,” he added. 

The Deputy President highlighted the country’s continued success on the global stage, including victories at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

“The 2023 triumph in particular, which secured a historic fourth title, cemented the Springboks as the most successful team in rugby history,” he said.

The Deputy President called for greater investment in grassroots sport, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to ensure broader participation and development.

“Investment in grassroots sport remains one of the most powerful catalysts for social cohesion, youth development and economic transformation in our country,” he said. 

He concluded by congratulating all nominees and award recipients, saying their achievements bring pride to the nation and reinforce rugby’s enduring place in South Africa’s story.

The awards were attended by leadership of the South African Rugby Union, including President Mark Alexander and CEO Rian Oberholzer, as well as government representatives and members of South Africa’s national rugby teams. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is intensifying intelligence-driven operations to combat illegal mining in parts of Gauteng, including communities in the East and West Rand.

Mashatile was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday regarding illegal mining in the Gugulethu and Sporong informal settlements in Randfontein.

He said illegal mining poses a serious threat to communities and the economy, often linked to transnational criminal syndicates, illicit financial flows, undocumented migration and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

“As a result, government is intensifying intelligence-driven operations under initiatives such as Operation Vala Umgodi. This includes the deployment of specialised units, disruption of supply chains, arrests of perpetrators and syndicate leaders, and seizures of equipment and contraband, in cooperation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to secure convictions,” he said. 

Mashatile said the South African Police Service, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Department of Home Affairs are working together to combat the problem.

The Deputy President said government is also addressing the threat posed by the infiltration of illegal and counterfeit goods, which continue to undermine South African jobs and industrial competitiveness, through the 12‑dimensional National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme. 

“Government has secured funding to commence the implementation of this programme, which includes targeted enforcement in high‑risk sectors experiencing major revenue losses and entrenched syndicate activity, notably illegal mining, fuel smuggling, and port‑linked illicit trade,” he said. 

In addition, Mashatile said the South African National Defence Force has been deployed to support police operations aimed at curbing illegal mining and gang-related violence.

This deployment enhances NATJOINTS coordination and strengthens continuous monitoring efforts to prevent any resurgence of criminal activity. 

“The President’s directive underscores government’s determination to confront these urgent challenges, and we appreciate his decisive leadership in this regard,” the Deputy President said. 

Measures to curb corruption in SAPS

The Deputy President said government continues to strengthen measures to detect and prevent corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

He said the cluster remains central to coordinating government’s response to crime, violence and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Measures implemented to curb corruption include the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Task Team in 2010 to investigate high-level graft, as well as the rollout of technology-driven case management systems to reduce manual interference and vulnerabilities.

“Operational reforms have also been undertaken to reduce opportunities for corruption, including improvements to crime scene management, enhancement of investigative capacity, and the establishment of specialised units such as the Anti-Gang Unit and the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams,” he said. 

To encourage reporting of wrongdoing, the police service has also enhanced whistle-blower protection through National Instruction 18 of 2019, enabling safe reporting through platforms such as the National Anti-Corruption Hotline and internal ethics reporting systems.

Mashatile said other oversight bodies involved in detecting corruption include the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Public Protector of South Africa, and the Auditor-General of South Africa.

SAPS continues to strengthen internal detection mechanisms through vetting and screening of priority personnel, including members of Crime Intelligence, supply chain management and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

“These measures are supported by lifestyle reviews and financial disclosure analysis, including reactive lifestyle audits where allegations are received. Where serious allegations of fraud and corruption arise, forensic audits and criminal investigations will follow, and those found guilty will be prosecuted,” he said. 

To strengthen policing capacity, the President announced at the State of the Nation Address last month the recruitment of 5 500 additional police officers, alongside strengthened firearm legislation enforcement.

Further, the President has directed the Acting Minister of Police and the National Commissioner to establish a special task team to investigate criminality involving senior SAPS members, following interim findings of the Madlanga Commission. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele will launch the African Digital Transformation Centre (ADTC) as a national and regional platform to accelerate innovation, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship this afternoon.

Friday afternoon’s launch comes as South Africa stands as a leading digital innovation hub in Africa, with a well-established technology ecosystem supported by strong infrastructure, advanced financial systems, and a vibrant network of startups and innovators.

The launch of the centre at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria is also expected to foster partnerships between government, academia, industry, and development organisations.

“The country’s commitment to digital transformation is anchored in key policy instruments, including the National Digital Economy Masterplan, the Draft National AI Policy Framework, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) initiatives, and broader alignment with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).

“Anchored at The Innovation Hub in Tshwane, the ADTC will form part of the 18 ITU’s Network of Acceleration Centres across the globe, under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, a global initiative aimed at bridging the digital innovation divide and advancing inclusive digital economies,” said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Government has welcomed the sentencing of former Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Smith to seven years’ imprisonment on charges that include fraud and corruption related to state capture.

Smith was sentenced in the Johannesburg High Court on Thursday after agreeing to a plea and sentence agreement with the State.

Smith was accused of accepting gratifications from controversial security company, BOSASA, in the form of security upgrades to his home.

He also allegedly accepted money transfers – through his company, Euroblitz 48 – in exchange for shielding the company from scrutiny while he was chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.

“This sentencing follows recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, which investigated widespread corruption and fraud.

“The Commission played a critical role in uncovering wrongdoing and recommending institutional reforms to strengthen accountability and rebuild public trust.

“Smith’s sentencing also reflects government’s commitment, as articulated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, to intensify the fight against corruption and ensure that those who abuse public resources are held accountable,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.

It said government was committed to implementing the recommendations of the Zondo Commission and other commissions as a “key part of strengthening democratic institutions and restoring integrity in government”.

“Government places ethical governance and the rule of law at the centre of building a capable and developmental state.

“Commissions of inquiry are therefore vital instruments to enable government to expose wrongdoing, recommend reforms and ensure that justice is ultimately served,” the GCIS statement said.

The former law maker pleaded guilty to charges, including contravention of Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Act.

He was sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.

“Government reiterates that no one is above the law and that the country’s democratic institutions remain resolute in the fight against corruption.

“The implementation of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, together with the commitments outlined in the 2026 State of the Nation Address demonstrates government’s determination to strengthen accountability, rebuild public trust and ensure that public resources are used to advance the development and well-being of all South Africans,” the GCIS concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government is implementing measures to stabilise municipalities facing persistent service delivery challenges.

Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, Mashatile acknowledged that municipalities, such as Ditsobotla Local Municipality and Emfuleni Local Municipality, continue to experience governance and service delivery difficulties. 

He said the challenges stem from governance instability, financial mismanagement, weak institutional capacity and long-standing service delivery backlogs. 

Mashatile noted that Section 139 interventions, which allow provincial governments to intervene when municipalities fail to fulfil their obligations, have not always produced sustainable results.

“Concerns about politicisation and misuse are noted, and steps are being taken to strengthen oversight, professionalise municipal administration, and ensure clearer recovery and exit strategies,” he said. 

Support measures for affected municipalities include multidisciplinary teams assisting with Financial Recovery Plans and strengthening technical capacity with assistance from the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent and National Treasury of South Africa.

Government is also reviewing the White Paper on Local Government to introduce reforms aimed at strengthening the local government system. 

Through the review of the White Paper on Local Government, Mashatile said the measures include potential reforms to the funding model, enhanced technical capacity, and consideration of restructuring Section 139 interventions to improve sustainability of outcomes. 

“As part of the DDM [District Development Model] implementation, government continues to work with COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] and sector departments on targeted action plans for distressed municipalities. 

“We also monitor targeted municipal interventions through the Clean Cities, Towns and Villages Campaign. Together with SALGA [South African Local Government Association], DDM Champions and relevant Ministers, we engage with communities and set clear timelines for improvement,” he said. 

District Development Model key to improving municipal performance

Answering a question on the roll-out of the District Development Model (DDM), the Deputy President said the DDM remains central to improving coordination between the three spheres of government and strengthening municipalities.

He highlighted that many municipalities remain financially distressed.

According to the National Treasury of South Africa, 162 municipalities were identified as financially distressed in the 2023/24 financial year.

This has been driven by poor cash flow management, inadequate revenue collection and rising municipal debt.

Mashatile said the challenges are further compounded by 113 unfunded municipal budgets and a combined revenue shortfall of R35.9 billion.

Despite these challenges, some municipalities have achieved improvements in governance and financial management.

Mashatile noted that municipalities, such as Midvaal Local Municipality and uMngeni Local Municipality, have achieved clean audits.

“Consequence management is central to restoring accountability. COGTA is implementing disciplinary measures, criminal investigations where necessary, and conditional allocation or withholding of grants,” he said. 

In collaboration with the SIU, government has established the Local Government Anti-Corruption Forum to strengthen coordination against corruption at provincial and municipal levels.

Government has also initiated enforcement measures relating to water and sanitation failures, including criminal charges against municipalities and steps to pursue accountability of municipal managers in respect of statutory breaches.

“These actions demonstrate government’s commitment to stabilising local government and ensuring public funds are safeguarded and properly applied to service delivery,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has initiated a public consultation process on its intention to interrupt electricity supply in some municipalities.

The power utility explained that the move is aimed at addressing “escalating municipal debt, protect affordability, strengthen financial sustainability and advance sector reform”.

Municipal debt to Eskom has reached some R110 billion – including the Municipal Debt Relief Programme – to assist struggling municipalities to address their debt.

“Having exhausted all reasonable avenues through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, Eskom is in the process of issuing notices in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act [PAJA], providing affected parties an opportunity to make representations before further action is considered.

“Around 14 municipalities have been selected because they have not settled their accounts for at least the last 18 months, have not met the conditions of the National Treasury municipal debt relief programme, or pose a significant financial risk to Eskom.

“Initiating the PAJA process ensures that Eskom complies with legal requirements while taking necessary steps to maintain the stability of the electricity supply system,” Eskom announced in a statement.

The State-Owned Entity (SOE) did not announce the names of the municipalities.

“Eskom encourages all stakeholders to support efforts to resolve the matter and invites written representations or proposals that may assist in achieving a sustainable solution.

“Eskom will determine and communicate the way forward once all representations submitted through the PAJA process have been fully considered,” the statement read.

The electricity supplier highlighted that while it “empathises with communities that may be affected”, it has been left with “no option but to initiate this process”.

“[This is] unless the municipalities urgently regularise their accounts as supplying electricity without payment is unsustainable.

“The municipalities collect revenue from customers for electricity services, and failure to remit these funds undermines Eskom’s financial viability, while impacting the delivery of electricity to the relevant communities.

“Should the municipalities fail to take corrective action, Eskom will proceed with credit control measures, which may include interrupting electricity supply at predetermined times, as permitted by law. If defaults persist, Eskom will be compelled to limit supply to levels commensurate with payments received,” Eskom explained.

Acting Group Executive Distribution, Agnes Mlambo added: “We have to address rising arrear debt to protect the operational stability we have restored and the financial discipline we have rebuilt in the first three years of our turnaround to deliver on our developmental mandate.

“Through the turnaround, we are enabling business to protect and create jobs and supporting strategic industries to remain competitive, that in turn enable communities to thrive”.

Interventions needed

Eskom explained that the amounts owed by municipalities is making it “impossible” to further delay interventions.

Furthermore, initiating the PAJA process ensures that the necessary legislative requirements are adhered to while taking steps to protect electricity supply.

“The persistent rise in arrears highlights the critical need for Eskom to proceed decisively,” the power utility said.

On the Municipal Debt Relief Programme, Eskom explained that the programme “ring‑fences historic electricity debt and suppresses related interest to create financial space for municipalities to meet their ongoing obligations”.

At least 71 municipalities have been enrolled into the programme with only 15 consistently meeting the programme conditions.

“Throughout the country, municipal debt has surpassed R110 billion, despite the National Treasury’s intervention through municipal debt relief programme aimed at restoring sound financial management. The persistent rise in arrears highlight the urgent need for Eskom to proceed with debt recovery decisively.

“The escalating municipal debt burden also has wide implications for South Africa’s electricity reform agenda, that is designed to enable new entrants to enter the marketplace and is delaying progress on the legal and operational unbundling of Eskom’s Distribution business,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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