Category: Africa

Kliptown residents in Soweto have answered the call to join the #LoveYourStreet campaign, by taking to the streets to clean their neighbourhood, in a demonstration that cleaner communities depend on collective action.

They joined Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as she rolled up her sleeves, handed over refuse bins and planted trees – as part of government’s ongoing drive to foster community pride, active citizenship and clean and safe neighbourhoods.

Ntshavheni was accompanied by Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, senior government officials, non-governmental organisations and civil society groups for the Kliptown leg of the campaign.

The initiative also advances the Presidential One Billion Trees Planting Campaign, which promotes an inclusive, collaborative approach to environmental sustainability, greening, climate resilience and community participation.

“Today we are in the Kliptown area. We came here because we heard the community’s concerns that the area was not clean and that there was extensive illegal dumping. We have received support throughout the week and will continue working here,” the Minister told SAnews.gov.za.

Ntshavheni launched the Love Your Street campaign in the Western Cape, earlier this year, and over the past two weeks, the campaign has also been rolled out in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

The campaign also supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to transform neglected, poorly lit and overgrown parks and open spaces identified as gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) hotspots, into safe, clean community spaces.

It also raises awareness of GBVF reporting channels and available support services.

Tackling challenges

On the ground in Kliptown, Ntshavheni encouraged residents to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.

Community members, in turn, raised concerns about refuse removal and the distribution of refuse bags.

“The City of Johannesburg has responded [to concerns]. Pikitup will distribute refuse bags to communities and continue collecting refuse. The community has also acknowledged that refuse is collected in certain areas. Collection does not take place only once a week; depending on the volume, it sometimes takes place twice a week,” she said.

The Minister said government would develop a plan to help the community establish corridors of cleanliness and support food gardens created through the Community Work Programme (CWP).

The CWP provides a job safety net for unemployed people of working age, enabling them to perform useful work that builds public assets, delivers social services and improves the quality of life in marginalised communities.

Touching every street

The Love Your Street campaign is being extended to other provinces to accelerate and strengthen coordinated service-delivery interventions.

“We also appreciate the support of the municipalities and cities that have partnered with us. While we are here today, another programme began yesterday in Nelson Mandela Bay under the leadership of Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, who is leading clean-up activities across various wards to address illegal dumping.

“We also call on the communities of Nelson Mandela Bay to join us in loving their streets and keeping their areas clean,” Ntshavheni said.

She added that government would install “No Illegal Dumping” signs in selected areas to remind residents that illegal dumping is an offence.

“Illegal dumping is against the law. That is why the community meetings we are holding are so important,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister is expected to return to Kliptown on Wednesday to discuss practical ways for residents and government to keep neighbourhoods clean and safe.

“We appreciate the community’s response and participation in the clean-up. We also call on the communities of Ekurhuleni to continue loving their streets and to stop illegal dumping.

“We are thoroughly cleaning the Kaalspruit stream area and converting it into a park so that it can become a vibrant public space.

“This work will also help reduce pollution flowing into the Hennops River and, ultimately, Hartbeespoort Dam, where pollution remains a problem,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni also commended the City of Matlosana Local Municipality in the North West province for joining the campaign and sustaining its clean-up efforts.

“In Matlosana, businesses and residents who dump illegally are traced and required to clean the affected areas. Our message to communities and businesses in Matlosana is clear: no illegal dumping. The City actively follows up on violations,” Ntshavheni said. –SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Dr Jack Bloom, says Gauteng can save billions of rands and improve water supply by reducing water losses, with a new national framework setting a target to bring non-revenue water (NRW) down to below 25% by 2035.

Bloom said Gauteng currently loses or fails to account for about 48% of its water, highlighting the need for urgent interventions to address leaking infrastructure, inaccurate billing and water theft.

Speaking at a workshop on the Strategic Framework for Water and Sanitation Services in Boksburg on Tuesday, Bloom said physical water losses through burst and leaking pipes alone amount to an estimated 431 billion litres annually.

“At Rand Water rates, this is about R7 billion a year and at municipal rates, it is probably more than double this figure, so at least R14 billion is revenue lost to municipalities,” Bloom said.

He said the situation is particularly concerning because many residents continue to experience unreliable water supply, with some communities relying on water tankers, while others faced interruptions, despite water flowing from broken pipes in their streets.

The Deputy Minister noted that the extent of water losses varies across Gauteng, with Johannesburg records NRW of about 49%, including physical losses of 26%, while Tshwane stands at 45%, with physical losses accounting for 34%. Ekurhuleni records NRW of about 30%, including physical losses of 22%.

“The worst non-revenue water is at Emfuleni (over 70%) and Mogale, which is over 60%,” Bloom said.

The new Strategic Framework updates the previous framework adopted in 2003, which focused primarily on expanding basic access to water and sanitation following the inequalities of apartheid.

Bloom said the 2026 framework aims to close the gaps in recognising that a tap without reliable and clean water is not access, and a pit toilet that is not regularly serviced is not dignity.

Bloom said that a household with a water connection, but no reliable supply of clean water, cannot be considered to have meaningful access, while sanitation facilities that are not properly serviced undermine dignity.

The Deputy Minister said the framework makes climate risk assessments and adaptation central to water services planning, while promoting the use of smart meters, digital asset registers and transparent reporting.

It also requires municipalities to plan for informal settlements, peri-urban communities and people living on private land.

“The framework calls for an independent economic regulator for water services to be legislated by 2029, separating regulation from the department’s other roles. Grants must fund repairs and renewal, not only new projects, because too many new projects fall into disrepair when they are not maintained,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that water revenue must be ring-fenced, and lifecycle costing becomes compulsory.

Key targets

The framework sets several key targets for 2035, and these include:

•    National NRW reduced to below 25% by 2035.
•    Eighty percent of urban households to have smart meters by 2032.
•    Water Services Authorities to renew at least 10% of high-risk ageing assets annually, with at least 30% of end-of-life pipelines, pumps and process units replaced by 2035
•    Investment in water-services infrastructure to reach at least 0.75% of GDP by 2035.
•    All schools and clinics to have adequate and safe water and sanitation services by 2035.
•    Free basic water and sanitation policy implemented in all Water Services Authorities by 2035.
•    One hundred percent compliance with SANS 241 potable-water standards by 2035.

Bloom said Gauteng will need to roughly halve its current water losses to meet the national target, adding that municipalities cannot afford to delay interventions until the deadline.

“Every leak fixed and every meter read correctly brings water to people who don’t currently have it,” he said.

Bloom said the framework and the workshops being held across the country aim to help close the gap between policy commitments and the actual delivery of reliable water and sanitation services. – SAnews.gov.za

By William Baloyi
South Africa has every reason to be proud of its aviation industry. For 40 years, the country has maintained a record without a fatal commercial airline accident, an extraordinary achievement that reflects decades of professionalism, discipline and an unwavering commitment to passenger safety. This remarkable achievement is a source of national pride and a milestone worthy of recognition and celebration.

There are moments when a nation’s pride seems to rise above us. Many South Africans will remember the sight of an aircraft sweeping across the sky above a stadium filled with passionate rugby supporters as the Springboks prepare to take the field. It captures something special about our country: our love for sport, our shared identity, and our ability to unite in moments of collective pride. Such moments also remind us of the skill, precision and rigorous attention to safety required to make these spectacular displays possible.

This commitment to aviation excellence is also reflected in South Africa’s recent preliminary score of 95.12%  in the latest safety oversight assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations agency responsible for international civil aviation standards. The score places South Africa first in Africa and seventh in the world for aviation safety. It reflects the importance of rigorous safety standards, effective oversight, proper aircraft maintenance and continuous training for pilots and other aviation professionals.

Together, these achievements tell a compelling story about South Africa’s place in global aviation. They demonstrate the country’s expertise and professional capabilities in meeting demanding international safety standards. This is more than a moment to celebrate; it is an opportunity to build on a hard-earned reputation, attract investment, grow tourism and trade, and reinforce South Africa’s position as a gateway to the African continent.

South Africa’s aviation remains an important enabler of economic growth. According to Airports Company South Africa’s 2025/26 Integrated Annual Report, international tourist arrivals increased to 10.5 million in 2025, up from 8.9 million in 2024, supporting increased travel demand. As connectivity improves and passenger and cargo capacity expands, South Africa has an opportunity to translate its strong aviation safety record into greater investment, business activity and employment across the economy.

Aviation’s contribution to the economy also extends to the transportation of time-sensitive, high-value and perishable goods, including medicines, fresh produce, specialised equipment and electronics. Reliable airfreight services enable South African businesses to get their products to domestic and international markets quickly, protect product quality and remain competitive. Through the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) network, government aims to move 1.2 million tons of airfreight by 2029, highlighting the role of an efficient and reliable aviation sector in expanding trade and creating economic opportunities.

Our biggest task now is to protect our stellar record while building for the future. A strong safety record needs regular investment, strong oversight, well-maintained aircraft and skilled workers. It also requires people to find and fix risks before they lead to tragedy. This is urgent because the International Civil Aviation Organisation forecasts global demand for more than two million qualified aviation personnel by 2030.

In South Africa, work is already underway to meet this demand. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), ACSA, and Air Traffic and Navigation Services offer internships, bursaries and learnerships. These programmes help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds enter careers that may once have seemed out of reach, such as piloting, aircraft maintenance, aeronautical engineering, airport management and development.

South Africa’s aviation expertise also extends beyond its borders, attracting students from other African countries and further afield, including India and Vietnam, to pursue aviation training. This international interest reflects the value of South Africa’s specialised training capabilities and creates opportunities for the country to share its expertise with the next generation of aviation professionals.

South Africa’s 40-year record without a fatal commercial airline accident and its strong safety assessment are significant achievements, but there is no room for complacency. The country must continue to build on this success by sustaining a safe, reliable and competitive aviation sector that grows tourism and trade, attracts investment, creates skilled jobs, and connects South Africa with the rest of Africa and the world.

* Baloyi is the Deputy Government Spokesperson 
 

The City of Tshwane has stepped up interventions to stabilise water supply across affected communities, including targeted overnight water restrictions, increased tanker distribution in Ekangala and continued monitoring of water quality in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit.

Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya said the city has established a daily evening Water Management Committee to coordinate responses to the multiple water-related challenges affecting the municipality.

In a statement issued on Monday after the committee meeting, Moya said the challenges include the ongoing water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, water quality concerns in Hammanskraal, infrastructure failures, and supply restrictions in other parts of Tshwane.

The committee brings together senior officials and technical teams to assess developments, coordinate interventions and monitor progress across the affected water systems.

Moya acknowledged the frustration and hardship caused by prolonged water interruptions, particularly for households that had been without water for several days.

She said the city is working with Rand Water to stabilise supply in affected areas, particularly Garsfontein and Klapperkop, where critically low reservoir levels continue to affect communities.

“These challenges have been compounded by a combination of infrastructure failures, reduced bulk water supply and exceptionally high consumption, which has prevented reservoirs from recovering sufficiently,” Moya said.

Production at the Roodeplaat Water Treatment Plant has resumed, following repairs to electrical infrastructure. This is expected to help restore supply to communities served by the Montana system and ease pressure on other parts of the network.

“As part of our coordinated response, the city is implementing targeted overnight restrictions to 14 reservoirs with adequate storage but exceptionally high consumption. These measures are intended to reduce demand on Rand Water’s upstream system and support the recovery of critically depleted reservoirs,” the mayor said.

Moya acknowledged that the restrictions will cause temporary inconvenience to more residents, but that they are necessary to support recovery across the broader network, particularly for communities that have experienced prolonged interruptions.

She also clarified that a video circulating on social media showing a major water leak in Garsfontein is outdated, as the pipe failure was repaired the previous week.

“There is currently no major leak at Garsfontein. The current supply challenges are primarily the result of critically depleted reservoir levels, reduced supply from Rand Water and high water consumption, rather than an ongoing major leak.”

Emergency response in Bronkhorstspruit

In Bronkhorstspruit, Moya said Rand Water continues to lead the rehabilitation programme at the water treatment works, while the city maintains alternative water provision and public health monitoring.

Following concerns about the reliability and fairness of water tanker distribution, particularly in Ekangala, she said the city is reorganising its distribution arrangements.

“Distribution arrangements are being reorganised, with nine tankers scheduled to serve Ekangala from [today]. A centralised coordination point is also being established to improve route management and ensure that affected communities receive more consistent access to water,” Moya said.

The city has also completed cleaning emergency water storage tanks at clinics. The tanks are awaiting water quality testing before being brought into use, while the cleaning of additional community storage facilities is scheduled to begin in Ekangala.

Moya said oversight of alternative water provision has also been strengthened to ensure that water distributed to affected communities meets the required health and safety standards.

“Independent private water tanker operators wishing to assist affected communities are required to obtain verification and authorisation from the city before distributing water. This includes water quality testing by our Environmental Health Practitioners, while the Tshwane Metro Police Department will conduct compliance checks to ensure that operators meet the necessary requirements,” the mayor said.

In the Pretoria CBD, the city has resolved the contamination incident affecting Findlay Reservoir following the isolation of the affected groundwater source, the introduction of alternative supply, reservoir cleaning and further testing.

According to Moya, the water was confirmed safe for consumption, and the ‘boil water’ advisory was lifted on 24 October.

“Further work continues to address the underlying infrastructure failure affecting the Fountains groundwater source.”

In Hammanskraal, the city has started introducing water from the Klipdrift package plant into the affected Phase 3 network.

However, Moya noted that microbiological non-compliance remains a concern, with network flushing and water quality monitoring continuing.

“The existing unsafe water advisories in Hammanskraal Phase 3 and Bronkhorstspruit remain in place. Residents in these areas must continue using authorised alternative water supplies until the water has been confirmed safe,” Moya said – SAnews.gov.za
 

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at the launch of Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) new initiative aimed at advancing women’s participation and leadership in research and innovation.

The launch will be held in Durban on Wednesday.

MUT has established the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) platform which is designed to enhance the visibility, participation, development and impact of women across the university’s research ecosystem.

WRIGHT will foster collaboration, mentorship and opportunities for growth while working to dismantle persistent barriers that hinder women’s advancement in research careers.

The initiative addresses international, continental and national calls for gender transformation in science, technology and innovation and recognises that women’s full participation is essential for inclusive knowledge production, technological progress and sustainable development.

Gina’s keynote address, titled: “Breaking Barriers: The Critical Role of Women in Driving Global Research Innovation” – will emphasise the importance of tackling obstacles that restrict women’s participation and career growth in research and innovation.

Other contributors to the programme include MUT Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Mncedisi Maphalala.

Deputy Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Professor Kogieleum Naidoo, will also share insights on women’s leadership in scientific excellence.

Seasoned patent attorney with 18 years of experience, Omphile Netshiozwi, will share insights on the female agenda in technology commercialisation.

Discussions will also explore how intellectual property protection and technology commercialisation can support women-led innovation.

This event marks a significant step forward in advancing gender transformation and empowering women in South Africa’s research and innovation landscape. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africans must exercise their democratic right to vote responsibly, as an act of remembrance for the sacrifices made to win the nation’s freedom.

This was the call made by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at a wreath-laying ceremony for liberation icon and former leader of the African National Congress, Oliver Reginald Tambo, held at the Tamboville Cemetery in Benoni on Tuesday.

Tambo passed away in April 1993, just a year before South Africans – most for the first time – cast their historic votes in 1994 and later ushered in a new democratic dispensation.

The Deputy President described Tambo’s passing as a “powerful reminder that the right to vote should never be taken for granted”.

“Every election is an opportunity to honour those who fought, suffered, and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. Every vote cast is a tribute to their sacrifice.

“Responsible voting is therefore an act of remembrance. It is an acknowledgement that our democracy was won through struggle and sacrifice, and that preserving it requires active participation from every citizen,” Mashatile noted.

He reminded the country that Tambo was not alone in his sacrifice, noting that thousands of men and women gave their lives so that future generations could determine their own destiny through the ballot box.

Mashatile called on citizens to reflect deeply on the values that defined Tambo’s life and this year’s theme: “Honouring O.R. Tambo’s Legacy: Inspiring Active Citizenship and Responsible Voting”.

“This theme speaks directly to the values that defined O.R. Tambo’s life. He believed in democracy, ethical leadership, justice, equality, and above all, the power of ordinary people to shape the future of their country.

“As we continue to honour the life and legacy of President O.R. Tambo, I invite us all to reflect deeply on this year’s theme and on the important message it conveys to each of us.

“It calls on us not only to remember his contribution, but also to demonstrate through our actions a commitment to active citizenship, democratic participation, and responsible voting,” the Deputy President stated.

South Africans are due to cast their votes in the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.

He reminded South Africans that respecting election outcomes and allowing democratic institutions to function as intended is essential to upholding Tambo’s memory.

“O.R. Tambo believed in democratic participation and constitutionalism. We honour his legacy when we engage peacefully, vote responsibly, and respect the will of the people, even when the outcome may not be the one we had hoped for.

“If we do this, O.R. Tambo’s legacy will live not only in monuments, museums, and annual commemorations. It will live in the daily choices and actions of South Africans committed to building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous nation,” he explained.

Building the nation together

Mashatile acknowledged that government bears a responsibility to address poverty, unemployment, crime, inequality and gender-based violence.

However, he emphasised that nation building requires active participation from all citizens.

“We cannot afford to be spectators in the project of building our nation. We must all be active participants. The South Africa we want will not be built by a few individuals acting alone; it will be built by citizens who are prepared to work together, take responsibility, and contribute to the common good.

“Those of us entrusted with positions of leadership in government have a particular responsibility to lead this journey. But lasting progress will only be achieved when government, communities, civil society, business, and citizens work hand in hand to build a better South Africa for all.

“Active citizenship is demonstrated whenever citizens volunteer their time to uplift their communities; whenever they stand against corruption and criminality; whenever they assist the vulnerable; and whenever they choose unity over division,” the Deputy President stated. – SAnews.gov.za