Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa have expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that the developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Presidency said the situation carries far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.

President Ramaphosa called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Referring to Article 51 of the UN Charter, the President noted that the provision provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion.

He emphasised that anticipatory self-defence is not recognised under international law, and that claims of self-defence are not permitted under international law, and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.

The President also stressed that experience has repeatedly demonstrated that there can be no military solution to fundamentally political problems that can and should be resolved diplomatically. Military confrontation has never delivered sustainable peace, nor has it addressed the legitimate grievances that underlie conflict.

“Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to justice and coexistence.”

The President reiterated his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations.

“We urge the international community, including multilateral institutions and regional partners, to redouble efforts aimed at promoting mediation and peaceful resolution. As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As part of commemorating National Water Month, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to commission the completed Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme in the iLembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

Sunday’s commissioning of the completed bulk water supply scheme has been funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water.

The scheme includes the upgrading of pumps and the expansion of the water treatment plant’s capacity from six to 12 megalitres (12 million litres) per day. It also involved the construction of a weir on the Hlimbitwa River, the installation of raw water pumps, and the laying of bulk pipelines.

Upon completion, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said the scheme is expected to supply potable water to approximately 160 000 households and provide bulk water to communities in Maphumulo, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and KwaDukuza within the iLembe District.

The oversight visit will be followed by a community engagement session at Dlakathi Hall in Ward 11, KwaMaphumulo.

Observed annually from 1-31 March, National Water Month is led by the DWS. The campaign promotes water conservation, highlights infrastructure development, and mobilises all South Africans to protect and preserve the country’s limited water resources.

The campaign is an expansion of World Water Day commemorated internationally on 22 March.

The 2026 theme: “Water and Gender”, under the campaign slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows”, highlights the deep interconnection between gender equality and water access, calling for women and girls to be centered in water solutions, leadership, and decision-making.

The launch of National Water Month 2026 in KwaZulu-Natal will also see a series of high-level oversight visits to key bulk water infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening long-term water security in the province.

On Monday, 02 March 2026, the Minister will head to the Ugu District to inspect progress on the Lower uMkhomazi Project, which forms part of the broader catalytic uMkhomazi Dam currently under construction.

The project includes the Goodenough Abstraction Works on the banks of the uMkhomazi River, the Ngwadini Dam, and the development of a 100-megalitre per day water treatment works.

Together with the Upper uMkhomazi Dam, to be constructed by the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the Lower uMkhomazi development is expected to provide long-term water security to several municipalities, including eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala, and uMgungundlovu districts. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has conveyed his condolences following the deaths of four children and a young adult in a shack fire in Shakashead, Stanger.

“We wish to express our deepest condolences to the surviving family members. I am currently liaising with the Mayor of KwaDukuza Local Municipality, Councillor Sduduzo Gumede, following this incident.

“We have assigned a team from my office and the Department of Human Settlements to work with KwaDukuza Local Municipality to assist the affected family,” the MEC said in a statement on Saturday.

According to KwaDukuza Local Municipality’s Disaster Management team, the fire broke out around 5:05 am on Saturday.  Four of the children were aged between one, three and 14 years old.  The fifth victim was a 19-year-old.

“One child and the mother of the children, Ntombovuyo Menemene have been taken to the hospital. The father, Sivuyile Noyila, sustained minor injuries. We salute the mother who saved the surviving child,” said the MEC.-SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has launched a nationwide mass vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following the rapid arrival and distribution of vaccine consignments aimed at curbing outbreaks across the country.

Steenhuisen visited Colbourne Dairy Farm near Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, as part of the official rollout of the Department of Agriculture’s intensified response to the highly contagious livestock disease.

The first major consignment of one million FMD vaccine doses, sourced from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina, arrived in South Africa on Saturday, 21 February 2026. Within days, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) had distributed the vaccines to all nine provinces, completing dispatch by Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

KwaZulu-Natal received 200 000 doses, followed by the Free State with 200 000 and the Eastern Cape with 150 000. Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo each received 100 000 doses, Gauteng 70 000, the Northern Cape 50 000 and the Western Cape 30 000.

A further 1.5 million doses from Turkey-based manufacturer Dollvet were scheduled to arrive in the country on Saturday, 28 February 2026, with additional consignments from Argentina expected shortly thereafter.

Locally, the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has committed to producing 20 000 vaccine doses per week, with plans to scale up production to 200 000 doses weekly by 2027 to strengthen long-term biosecurity capacity.

Steenhuisen commended the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for initiating vaccinations within 24 hours of receiving supplies. The province has been identified as the primary FMD risk epicentre, with more than 1.6 million cattle in high-priority zones and a total herd of approximately 2.4 million.

“We are committed to protecting the livelihoods of our farmers, from our communal lands to our commercial operations. This department has ensured that 45 teams will be deployed daily to 45 locations to vaccinate up to 90 000 animals per day to cover the 2.4 million cattle herd in the province,” Steenhuisen said.

Shift to protect the dairy sector
The Minister also announced measures to ease pressure on the dairy industry, which has faced economic strain amid movement restrictions.

With effect from 24 February 2026, there are no restrictions on milk from vaccinated, uninfected farms or from farms that have not been infected or suspected of being infected with FMD. The change is captured in the amendment of the 2024 FMD Contingency Plan, which is expected to be gazetted soon.

For the movement of milk originating from quarantined farms, only a single pasteurisation process will be required for local consumption. However, milk from properties under FMD restriction may not be processed for the export market, unless expressly approved by the importing country.

“We are moving away from treating high-risk farms as guilty until proven innocent. Only farms with confirmed or clinical signs of infection will be quarantined.

“We will not stop until FMD is eradicated, and South Africa receives its ‘FMD free with vaccination’ status. This is our promise to our farmers: We are doing everything in our power to keep your milk moving and your herds safe,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister also welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the national mass vaccination programme and the National Treasury’s reallocation of approximately R400 million underspent agriculture funds toward the war on FMD.

READ | Cabinet backs local FMD vaccine production

Easing restrictions
To ease restrictions on affected farms as soon as possible, the Veterinary Working Group has also agreed to immediate amendments to guidelines aimed at easing restrictions on affected farms, pending formal regulatory updates.

On infected or suspected premises, all cloven-hoofed animals must be individually identified and recorded in a traceability database. On farms not infected or suspected of infection, vaccinated animals must likewise be individually identified and recorded to ensure lifelong traceability. Authorities confirmed that no “F” branding will be required for suspect, infected, or vaccinated animals.

Controlled slaughter protocols have also been adjusted. For slaughter within three months of the outbreak’s “day zero”, existing risk mitigation measures at designated abattoirs remain in place. From three months after day zero, controlled slaughter from quarantined premises may occur at any registered non-export abattoir.

Meat processed after three months must undergo maturation, but will not require additional risk mitigation measures or carcass part removal. As with milk, animals from properties under FMD restriction may not be slaughtered for export markets unless agreed to by the importing country.

National effort
Steenhuisen expressed gratitude to farmers, including farm workers and industry bodies, for their cooperation amid strict movement controls and vaccination protocols.

“In the face of this unprecedented outbreak, the practical cooperation on movement controls and vaccination, and the willingness to work within difficult restrictions have reminded us that this is a national effort—one that the government cannot wage alone,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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A total of R216 million has been allocated to address KwaZulu-Natal’s potholes, starting with a backlog of 3.12 million square metres across the provincial road network.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli made the announcement in his State of the Province Address on Friday, where he outlined an intensified road maintenance drive aimed at restoring safety and mobility.
To accelerate the programme, the province has secured 55 trucks and appointed more than 100 roadworker aides and supervisors dedicated to eradicating the potholes.

“This effort is to reduce the impact of potholes on vehicles, leading to punctures and wheel damage, traffic congestion and delays. This would assist in reducing the risk of accidents, including fatalities, improve mobility, and economic activity in the province,” Ntuli said.

The intervention forms part of a broader infrastructure-led growth strategy, with R4.11 billion earmarked for the public sector-led infrastructure investment programme in the upcoming financial year.

In addition, projects led by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) account for R3.6 billion in spending directed to small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), with 6 842 jobs created to date.

Ntuli emphasised that addressing bulk services supply constraints is critical to unlocking delayed projects. The province will strengthen its “one stop shop” to resolve bottlenecks in statutory approvals, including compliance with the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, water use licences and funding processes. The aim is to accelerate infrastructure rollout while providing certainty to investors.

The Premier added that clearer directives would be issued to the private sector and municipalities to incentivise infrastructure investment, including awareness of potential rate rebates and discount holidays during investment periods.

He said strengthening land agreements with the Ingonyama Trust Board is also a priority to ease approval processes and fast-track development in affected areas.

Across districts, infrastructure projects are advancing in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining and infrastructure development. In uMgungundlovu, 12 projects valued at R24 billion are underway, while uThukela hosts six projects worth R38 billion, and uMzinyathi has seven projects valued at R1.6 billion.

In Amajuba, 15 projects amounting to R1 billion are progressing, while Zululand has seven projects valued at R1.7 billion. uMkhanyakude leads in project numbers with 25 projects worth R5 billion. King Cetshwayo has eight projects valued at R44 billion, and Ugu accounts for 17 projects totalling R13.2 billion.

Transformation 
Ntuli said transforming the construction and infrastructure sector is central to inclusive growth.

“The transformation of the build economy is not optional; it is imperative,” he said, noting that women’s participation in the sector must expand beyond beneficiary status to leadership and decision-making roles.

In the third quarter of 2025 alone, women-owned companies benefited from projects valued at R35.5 million, contributing to a cumulative R62 million spent across 98 projects awarded to 84 women contractors. This translates to 35.3% women’s empowerment achieved within the infrastructure portfolio.

Infrastructure delivery has also accelerated, with 70 out of 100 planned capital projects completed, creating approximately 5 000 jobs.

Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), 128 906 work opportunities were created, including 96 698 for women, 39 330 for youth and 734 for persons with disabilities.
Capacity building for emerging contractors remains a focus. Of the71 contractors trained during the review period, 49 were women.

In the uMzinyathi District, 38 women participated in a bricklaying workshop conducted in partnership with Corobrik, while 11 women in Amajuba attended an Emerging Contractor Training Programme.

Key projects
Key social infrastructure projects are progressing across the province, with Mahlabathini Primary School in Zululand District undergoing a R78 million upgrade, while in uMzinyathi, the Cwaka Clinic is being developed at a cost of R87 million, and Mosvold Hospital in uMkhanyakude is receiving a R200 million expansion.

King Dinizulu Hospital is developing a new tuberculosis complex, and Ngwelezane Hospital in King Cetshwayo District is being upgraded at a cost of R63 million. Governance and economic infrastructure projects include the new Nongoma RTI offices, valued at R98 million, and the Paulpietersburg Agricultural Offices, valued at R42 million.

Collectively, Ntuli said, these projects are expected to generate more than 1 000 job opportunities during implementation, while stimulating local enterprises.

Road infrastructure remains a pillar of connectivity 
Ntuli emphasised that road infrastructure remains a central pillar of the province’s connectivity strategy, with progress being recorded on major corridors, including the P304 from KwaMiya to the Drakensberg (25% complete at R177.8 million) and the P31 between Marburg and Port Shepstone (13% complete at R775 million).

Tourism-linked routes such as the P372 Heritage Tourism Roads project are advancing, alongside inland corridors including the P7-4 between Bulwer and Underberg and the P230 Umlalazi Drift Rehabilitation project. In northern KwaZulu-Natal, the P47/3 Melmoth and P90 in Nkandla projects are improving accessibility in historically underserved areas.

Under the Vukayibambe programme, routine maintenance has created 3120 jobs towards a target of 3 350. Bailey bridge construction across multiple districts has further enhanced rural mobility, while the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant has allocated R269 million, R969 million and R1 billion over the medium-term framework to sustain road upkeep. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare and education, describing the two sectors as foundational to economic growth and social development.

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, Ntuli said improving education and healthcare remains one of the administration’s eight strategic priorities.

“No economy can grow, and no society can thrive, without a healthy and educated population,” he said.

Despite fiscal constraints, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has continued to prioritise service delivery, guided by the Batho Pele principles. The province’s approach has focused on improving health literacy, disease prevention, access to services, treatment adherence and strengthening long-term health system resilience.

In January 2026, the department reached a milestone by formally employing more than 4000 community health workers on a full-time basis for the first time. The move restores job security and stability for frontline workers while reinforcing community-based healthcare services.

The Premier also highlighted the success of the Ikhemisi Eduze Nawe (A Chemist Closer to Your Home) Programme, through which more than 1.1 million active patients now collect chronic medication closer to where they live. The initiative has reduced transport costs, eased congestion at healthcare facilities and improved continuity of care.

Ntuli committed to expanding medication pick-up points and strengthening partnerships to reach more communities.

Shift to prevention and improved HIV outcomes
The provincial government has intensified its Healthy Lifestyle Programme, promoting physical activity, improved nutrition and reduced tobacco, alcohol, and substance use.

Through community outreach initiatives such as Isibhedlela Kubantu (Hospital to the People), wellness activations and school engagements, the province is strengthening prevention efforts against communicable diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as non-communicable diseases like hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Ntuli described the approach as a deliberate shift from a curative to a preventive healthcare model.
The province has also recorded sustained improvements in HIV prevention and treatment, with more than 1.57 million people across the province currently on antiretroviral treatment.

Through the #CloseTheGap campaign, over 210 000 patients who had defaulted were traced and returned to care.

“As a result, KwaZulu-Natal is no longer the leading contributor to new HIV infections nationally,” Ntuli said, describing the development as a significant milestone in epidemic control.

Infrastructure upgrades and emergency services
Infrastructure renewal remains central to improving patient experience and service delivery.
The Premier highlighted that over the past two financial years, several clinics have been renovated and upgraded, including the Cwaka Replacement Clinic, Newtown Clinic and Sokhela Clinic, strengthening the province’s primary healthcare platform.

Maintenance initiatives, including generator installations, boreholes, improved lighting, perimeter fencing, sewer upgrades and roof replacements, have enhanced safety and reliability at facilities.

Construction is continuing at the Mpaphala Medium Clinic, Nyavini Clinic and Mpolweni Small Clinic, while designs for the uMtubatuba Community Health Centre and the Vryheid Mortuary are being finalised.
Ntuli said the province remains committed to modernising facilities and expanding capacity in high-demand areas despite budget pressures.

Emergency Medical Services have been reinforced with the addition of 44 new ambulances, and plans to procure more than 60 additional ambulances in 2026.

During the past financial year, more than 240 nurses and over 238 doctors were appointed, with recruitment focused on critical clinical posts to stabilise facilities and reduce workload pressures.

Through Operation Sukuma Sakhe and the District Development Model, the province continues to strengthen household-level outreach, linking vulnerable families to healthcare and social services. Efforts to improve queue management, staff accountability and patient engagement are also being intensified, alongside stronger monitoring of service standards and complaints resolution.

Investment in education
Turning to education, Ntuli said the KwaZulu-Natal Fiscal Framework remains anchored on the provincial equitable share, with allocations over the medium-term expenditure framework to progressively equalise remuneration for Grade R teachers, following the incorporation of Grade R into compulsory basic education.

He announced that the education sector will receive R70.068 million in 2026/27 from the Presidential Employment Stimulus for the Teacher Assistants Programme. Under conditional grants from the same programme, allocations amount to R270.510 million, R915.263 million and R932.934 million over the medium term.

Early Childhood Development has been allocated R133.3 million, while the Education Infrastructure Grant amounts to R55.8 million.

Ntuli said these investments aim to strengthen foundational learning, expand employment opportunities, and ensure that both healthcare and education systems are equipped to support inclusive growth across the province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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