Category: Africa

South Africa faces a complex and worsening fire risk environment, driven by rapid urbanisation, the rapid growth of informal settlements, expansion of the wildland–urban interface, climate variability, and uneven municipal capacity.

According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) fire incidents continue to result in devastating human, economic and infrastructural losses. 

Year after year, South Africa records financial losses that exceed into billions of rands, a figure that excludes uninsured incidents and the long-term social impact on affected communities.

Against this backdrop, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), under the COGTA, will this week host the annual National Fire Services Indaba, which will bring together key players in the fire and disaster management sector to discuss challenges and solutions for reducing fire risks in the country.

Convened annually by the NDMC, the Indaba seeks to strengthen coordination, policy alignment, and implementation across national, provincial, and municipal fire services.

The 2026 Indaba will take place at the President Hotel in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 26 to 27 February under the theme: “Building Resilient Communities: Collaborative Strategies for Fire Risk Reduction”.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Free State Department of COGTA and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

The two-day event will provide a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing, with discussions set to focus on critical vulnerabilities, emerging risks, and the evolving future of fire and disaster risk management in South Africa.

In a statement, the department said the Indaba supports a decisive shift from reactive fire response to a proactive, prevention-led, and predictive approach to fire risk reduction.

“This shift is anchored in the White Paper on Fire Services and aligned to the priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), particularly those related to building safer communities, strengthening state capability, and improving disaster resilience,” the department said.

Key focus areas for the 2026 Indaba include:
•    Enhancing intergovernmental coordination and mutual aid agreements.
•    Improving fire risk profiling, early warning systems, and data-driven planning.
•    Addressing fire risks in informal settlements and high-density areas.
•    Advancing training standards, professionalisation, and compliance with national norms and standards. – SAnews.gov.za
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return home of the South African men who were lured into the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine by South African elements that remain under investigation. 

The South African government working closely with the Russian government secured the safe return of the men after receiving distressed calls for assistance to return home from 17 South African men between the ages of 20-39 years. 

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

President Putin had pledged his support during a telephone call with President Ramaphosa held on 10 February 2026.  

“Out of the 17 men, four are already back in the country, while 11 will be on their way home soon. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements,” the Presidency said. 

The South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the individual that is in hospital until he has fully recovered to travel. 

The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Government will host the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Johannesburg on 31 March 2026, as government intensifies efforts to attract R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years.

The upcoming summit builds on the success of the previous five-year investment cycle, which concluded in March 2023, after raising R1.51 trillion, surpassing the initial R1.2 trillion target. 

To date, more than R600 billion of these commitments have flowed into projects, supporting the establishment of new factories, mines and other productive facilities across the country.

Announcing the conference during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government was determined to build on this momentum.

“Over the course of the first five South Africa Investment Conferences, we were able to raise R1.5 trillion in investment commitments. To date, over R600 billion has flowed into projects. New factories, mines and other facilities are being opened each year.

“We have now set ourselves a target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years. We therefore look forward to hosting the sixth South Africa Investment Conference on the 31st of March 2026,” the President said.

The 2026 conference aims to reinforce a clear narrative to investors: credible reforms drive investor confidence, unlock deployable opportunities and foster sustainable global partnerships.

Since its launch in 2018, the conference has drawn thousands of local and international delegates, positioning South Africa as a competitive and globally relevant investment destination. An estimated 1 250 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 edition in person.

Among its objectives, the conference will seek to showcase South Africa’s economic recovery strategy, highlight strategic sectors and bankable projects, and emphasise government’s continued commitment to clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption. It will also profile the country’s role as a gateway to regional markets and a key trade and investment partner on the African continent.

The sixth SAIC comes at a time when government is prioritising industrialisation, infrastructure development, energy reform and job creation as central pillars of economic transformation and inclusive growth. – SAnews.gov.za

Applause and ululations filled the air at the Marine Building overlooking Durban’s busy harbour as 25 women entrepreneurs from across KwaZulu-Natal stepped forward to receive more than just cheques, but a vote of confidence in their dreams.

The beneficiaries were officially handed over R1.25 million from the Women Advancement Fund (WAF) during a ceremony led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, marking another milestone in the province’s drive to place women at the centre of economic transformation.

Launched by the Premier in August 2024, the Women Advancement Fund is a pioneering provincial initiative designed to confront the structural barriers that continue to limit women in business, from lack of start-up capital and market access to entrenched gender bias and limited mentorship.

Beyond financial support, the fund offers beneficiaries business development services and guidance aimed at helping enterprises move from survivalist ventures to scalable operations.

Held on Monday, the gathering brought together government officials; representatives from Absa Bank, a key sponsor of the fund; Human Insight representative Nokwazi Shezi; Acting Director-General in the Office of the Premier Sibusiso Ngubane; and WAF beneficiaries, among others.

Delivering his keynote address, Ntuli underscored the importance of collaboration between government and business in driving inclusive economic development. He expressed appreciation to Absa Bank for backing the initiative, noting that meaningful public–private partnerships are essential in unlocking economic participation for women.

The Premier’s message extended beyond funding. He highlighted the social realities that continue to undermine women’s economic progress, particularly gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing them as obstacles that continue to undermine women’s full participation in development programmes.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to intensify efforts to eliminate these social ills.

“Through the Women Advancement Fund, we want to see women contributing constructively to the economy of the province and the country,” Ntuli said, urging beneficiaries to think beyond provincial borders and position their enterprises for national and global markets.

He also encouraged them to innovate, scale up, and pursue sustainable growth opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries Sindisiwe Dlamini from Nquthu welcomed the support and praised the provincial government for creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

For Dlamini, the moment represented years of persistence.

She encouraged fellow applicants not to lose heart, saying “patience and perseverance has ultimately paid off for many beneficiaries now stood proudly as recipients.”

The Women Advancement Fund forms part of a broader provincial initiatives, aimed at supporting women-owned enterprises, promoting financial inclusion, and expanding women’s participation in key economic sectors across KwaZulu-Natal.

As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that the event was not simply a handover of fund, it was an investment in leadership, resilience and the next generation of women shaping the province’s economic future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The National Planning Commission (NPC) has welcomed the strong focus of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the objectives of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP).

In a statement on Monday, the NPC said it was pleased that, in his SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the NDP at the centre of South Africa’s long-term planning framework.  

The Commission highlighted that ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), it called on the President to reaffirm the centrality of the NDP in guiding national priorities and ensuring policy coherence. This message was further reiterated when the NPC addressed the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation on 18 February 2026.

While the NPC’s presentation to the Portfolio Committee focused on progress made with meeting the NDP targets, the NPC took the opportunity to point out its status as an independent advisory body, not an implementing department. 

The presentation outlined the constraints caused by the state’s inability to translate policy and plans into viable projects with budgets and outcomes. The Commission also pointed out the problem of poor coordination and lack of coherent implementation across government departments.

“The Commission raised concerns about delayed infrastructure, deteriorating services, reduced private sector confidence, and slower job creation, which have a disproportionate effect on women, children, youth, and people with disabilities. 

“By drawing attention to specific challenges emanating from the inability of local governments to access and utilise reliable and comprehensive data, the Commission pointed out the importance of state capacity. Reliance on fragmented data sets undermines the state’s ability to detect and respond to performance gaps and implementation lapses,” the statement read. 

The presentation to Parliament had been preceded by an NPC virtual Post-SONA public engagement designed to deepen public dialogue and analysis of the SONA. This took place on 16 February 2026, with the theme: “Perspectives and Priorities Beyond the President’s Address”. 

The engagement brought together Commissioners, stakeholders, and members of the public to reflect on the alignment between SONA commitments and the country’s long-term developmental objectives.

Alignment with the National Development Plan

Addressing the engagement, NPC Deputy Chairperson, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, described the SONA as a critical moment for national reflection. 

 “The State of the Nation Address is a very important moment in the annual calendar of the country. It allows us to assess whether we are making sufficient progress towards eradicating poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and, increasingly, corruption as outlined in the National Development Plan,” he said. 

While welcoming the strong resonance between the President’s address and the Commission’s work, particularly on water security, energy reform and economic development, Maluleke cautioned against crisis-driven governance based on short-term planning. 

Key sectoral reflections

During the engagement, Commissioners reflected on major priorities across economic, social and governance sectors. They emphasised the need to strengthen coordination in mobilising financial resources for productive investment, infrastructure expansion and job creation, supported by improved governance and accelerated energy and green growth reforms. Small and medium enterprises were identified as central to employment and innovation, yet constrained by regulatory complexity, underscoring the need for streamlined licensing, reduced red tape and enhanced digital systems.

“The importance of building a capable state through, among others, the professionalisation of the public service, the strengthening of municipal capacity and the combating of corruption and organised crime was emphasised,” the Commission said. 

Commissioners also highlighted that persistent rising cost of living, persistent unemployment and inequality continue to undermine quality of life. They emphasised the need for strengthening income support, early childhood development, digital inclusion and broader social protection systems.

Planning Beyond 2030

The NPC welcomed the President’s emphasis on planning beyond 2030, and the National Dialogue process aimed at shaping a new social compact. 

“As the country approaches the 2030 horizon, the Commission will continue to provide independent, evidence-based advice to support implementation, strengthen institutions and advance inclusive development”. 

As an independent advisory body appointed by the President, the NPC is the custodian of South Africa’s NDP: Vision 2030. 

The primary role of the NPC is to advise government and Parliament on matters pertaining to the implementation of the NDP. It also has the responsibility to mobilise the whole of society, including the private sector, around the objectives of the NDP, which remains the only cross-cutting long-term plan for national development in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Lydia Zigomo, says the SADC region continues to lead globally in HIV response, with sustained reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths driven by a combination of prevention and treatment scale-up.

“We are at a decisive moment where gains will either be accelerated, sustained or reversed,” Zigomo said.

Speaking at the SADC Health Ministers Meeting currently underway in Sandton, near Johannesburg, Zi said the SADC region stands at a defining moment in 2026.

“While the SADC region has demonstrated exemplary leadership in positioning reproductive rights as the cornerstone of sustainable development, we find ourselves at a critical threshold where our hard-won progress remains fragile,” Zigomo said.

Zigomo said in 2025, the SADC region is aggressively operationalizing a new global strategy – a roadmap designed to accelerate its collective journey toward 2030.

“Our mission remains uncompromising. We are scaling our interventions to achieve the three Transformative results of Zero preventable maternal deaths, Zero unmet need for family planning and Zero gender based violence and harmful practices,” she said.

Zigomo said in the East and Southern Africa, the SADC region recognises that HIV prevention is not just a health goal, but it is a necessity.

“We cannot afford a reversal of gains, especially for our adolescent girls and young women who continue to carry the heaviest burden.

“In 2018, this region took a bold stand. Under the leadership of the Governments of South Africa, Eswatini, and Namibia, the SADC SRHR Strategy was adopted as a promise to every woman and girl in Southern Africa,” she said.

“Seven years later, the mid-term review confirms that this was not merely rhetoric. The region has moved from policy to decisive action,” Zigomo said.

According to Zigomo, over 163 laws, policies and strategies have been developed or strengthened across maternal health, HIV, family planning, adolescent SRHR, CSE and gender equality with the SADC region scorecard highlighting measurable progress.

“Maternal mortality has declined significantly in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe in some cases by up to 50%.

“The region continues to lead globally in HIV response, with sustained reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths driven by a combination of prevention and treatment scale-up,” Zigomo said. 

South African Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is chairing the meeting and is expected to give the closing remarks later today.

South Africa is hosting a joint meeting of the Ministers of Health and other Ministers responsible for HIV and AIDS within the SADC region to discuss a number of priority health issues, review progress made on regional health commitments and strengthen collaboration in addressing shared public health challenges.

The region continues to face a burden of disease characterised by the triple threat of high HIV/AIDS prevalence, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. This is aggravated by rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and climate-related health risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera. 

The SADC region accounts for at least one-third of all people living with HIV and AIDS globally, while eight member states are among the countries with the highest rates of TB.

On the other hand, about 75% of the population in the region remains at risk of contracting malaria, a deadly but preventable and treatable disease. – SAnews.gov.za