Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has agreed to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance Act (NHI) following litigation brought against the President and the Minister of Health.

In a statement on Tuesday, The Presidency said the decision was taken after consultations between President Ramaphosa and Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in light of legal challenges currently before the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

“The litigation that has been initiated by various parties against the President and the Minister of Health has necessitated that President Cyril Ramaphosa, following consultations with Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, agree to delay the proclamation of any sections of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments in challenges due to be heard on 5 – 7 May 2026,” the statement read. 

The matters, which are scheduled to be heard from 5 – 7 May 2026, relate to the public participation process that preceded Parliament’s adoption of the NHI Bill.

According to the statement, the undertaking to delay proclamation will remain in place until the Constitutional Court has handed down its judgments. The agreement is expected to be made an order of court on 24 February 2026.

The Presidency emphasised that the delay will not affect the broader timetable for implementing the NHI. The Department of Health has indicated that preparatory work, including efforts to strengthen and improve health services, is ongoing before any sections of the Act are brought into operation.

Government reaffirmed its commitment to the National Health Insurance policy, stating that it will continue to act within the requirements of the law and respect the judicial process to ensure that implementation proceeds without undue delay.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health will continue fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of care for all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

By Andrea Naicker

One of the most enduring symbols of South Africa’s democracy is the ballot box — a reminder of our collective struggle for freedom and the power each citizen holds in shaping our nation’s future. As we approach the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, this democratic right depends increasingly on the availability of accurate, credible information that enables citizens to make informed decisions. Yet this critical foundation is threatened by the growing challenge of disinformation.

Disinformation — false or misleading information created with the intent to deceive — is not new. Historically used during wars and political transitions, it is now amplified by modern technologies, including sophisticated AI‑driven tools capable of generating deepfakes, fabricated narratives, and computational propaganda. These tactics distort public perception, undermine confidence in democratic institutions, and have far‑reaching social and economic consequences. Locally, disinformation sows mistrust in municipal, provincial, and national governance and can escalate tensions within communities.

Often people struggle to distinguish credible news from false content, especially on social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube. As the local government elections draw near, communities may encounter hyper‑localised disinformation exploiting existing pressures—such as service‑delivery issues or political uncertainty. These falsehoods can take the form of manipulated “technical glitches”, misleading voter‑registration messages, fabricated voice notes, or rumours of sabotage. The speed at which false narratives can spread via community WhatsApp groups and neighbourhood networks makes them especially difficult to counter.

Recognising these risks, a coalition of partners convened at the “Countering Disinformation, Safeguarding Local Democracy” dialogue held in Cape Town on 18 February 2026. Hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa, alongside the Embassies of Lithuania and Poland and the Delegation of Flanders in collaboration with the Institute of Security Studies, the dialogue brought together international experts, government representatives, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), civil society, media professionals, and policy makers. 

The gathering underscored the need for coordinated multi‑stakeholder approaches to strengthen information integrity ahead of the local elections.

Cognisant of this, the IEC has intensified efforts to safeguard the electoral environment. It has introduced Rapid‑Response Pathways linking community radio stations and youth networks to fact‑checking partners, ensuring swift correction of misleading claims at local level. The Commission has also prioritised transparency, ensuring that voter management devices and results systems undergo independent, end‑to‑end testing so the public can trust that all technologies function as a “glass box.”

Its “News Sausage” approach encourages media houses to openly demonstrate how results are verified and audited, helping curb suspicion and prevent the spread of conspiracy theories. Additionally, the IEC is enhancing its outreach through an improved WhatsApp service and a dedicated podcast platform aimed at engaging younger voters as active truth‑seekers.

Government continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting citizens with reliable information by proactively debunking false narratives, investing in media literacy initiatives, and encouraging the public to rely on credible sources, such as government websites (for example: https://www.sanews.gov.za/ ) and reputable media outlets in South Africa. 

Furthermore, there have been policy developments – including the White Paper on Communications and Digital Technologies and proposals to address online harms, including platform accountability and faster detection and removal of disinformation. Partnerships with organisations such as Moxii (formerly Media Monitoring Africa) and Real411, among other entities further expand rapid‑response and monitoring capabilities.

Safeguarding democracy requires the involvement of all stakeholders: government, electoral bodies, technology companies, civil society, community media, youth networks, and citizens themselves. Through public engagement, transparent communication, coordinated action, and accessible digital tools – such as zero‑rated portals allowing voters to verify information – South Africa is building a resilient “Democracy Shield” that protects the integrity of the vote.

South Africa’s democracy is further strengthened by legislation that upholds information integrity and enforces accountability. Key instruments such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct provide clear legal measures to ensure that individuals who intentionally disseminate harmful digital disinformation face the appropriate consequences.

As we prepare for the local elections, the message is clear: we are not just defending a ballot – we are defending the truth. Ensuring information integrity is essential to protecting the democracy that so many fought to build.

*Naicker is an Assistant Director: Content Development, Communication Resource Centre at the Government Communication and Information System. 

By Nosihle Shelembe 

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unlocked a US$8 billion commitment to drive industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen the economy by adding more value to South Africa’s natural resources.

The commitment paves the way for expanding local manufacturing and mineral processing, investing in critical infrastructure such as energy, developing industrial parks and special economic zones, and improving access to regional and continental markets under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the multilateral financial institution was advanced during the signing ceremony of the Instrument of Accession in Johannesburg earlier this month, when South Africa became a full sovereign member (Class A shareholder) of the bank.  

This elevated status grants the country a stronger voice in the institution’s governance, including greater influence over its strategic direction, institutional structure, and leadership appointments.

In addition, sovereign membership provides access to the bank’s intervention facilities, often used to assist African Member States and their private institutions whenever there is market failure, global financial, economic, and geopolitical crises. 

Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the multilateral financial institution was established in 1993 to facilitate, promote, and expand both intra-African and extra-African trade.

According to the bank, its programs, instruments and services are available to large corporates, governments, financial institutions and other clients which are any other entity which may not necessarily be classified as a government, large corporate or financial institution that may be “supported if the underlying transaction or project fits with the Bank’s mandate and meets the lending requirements and policies of the Bank.”

The accession process followed legal and constitutional steps, including Cabinet endorsement and parliamentary approval, as outlined in Section 231(2) of the Constitution, which pertains to international agreements.

The Presidency affirmed that sovereign membership helps South African companies, banks, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) secure better trade finance.

It provides more funding for trade under the AfCFTA. It also encourages more cross-border projects and investments, stronger partnerships with other African financial institutions, and access to different risk management tools.

“Afreximbank plays a pivotal role in promoting and financing cross-border trade within Africa, with [the] AfCFTA as a key driver of its mission. By attaining Class A status, South Africa will be better positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s network, resources, and financing instruments to support local businesses in accessing broader African markets,” the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa said.

The corporation is a state-owned national export credit agency under the ambit of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

South Africa became the 54th state to accede to the Bank’s Establishment Agreement, marking a historic milestone as the two partners seek to unlock trade opportunities within a global financial architecture that is rapidly fragmenting due to protectionist policies and shifting trade blocs.

The agreement enables South Africa to leverage the bank’s stronger investment grade rating and Preferred Creditor Status. This offers more protection than standard commercial debt. It offers more competitive financing and risk coverage for South African exporters, state-owned enterprises, and private companies.

Providing support
Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Elombi said the bank is keen on supporting South Africa.

“We have put together what we consider an important package of US$8 billion for South Africa. We will do whatever it takes to support the government and the private sector in building a local economy that serves all South Africans, and that looks out to the wider African continent as a natural source and destination of wealth,” Elombi said.

With a continental market of about 1.4 billion people, African countries can leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost intra-African trade in manufactured goods while sourcing raw materials from within the continent.

“We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Let us look within the continent for sources of development,” Elombi said.

Development and supporting small businesses
The bank plans to invest in the development of critical infrastructure, including energy generation and transmission, which are vital for industrial production.

In the energy sector, the bank could co-finance projects that support the just energy transition, particularly through climate finance mechanisms.

According to the Presidential Climate Commission, a just transition to a low-carbon economy will benefit all South Africans by driving economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing our energy security, while addressing the serious threat of climate change.

The bank’s programmes are also designed to support SMME development across all strategic sectors, like automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.

SMMEs could receive access to Afreximbank-backed trade finance and training programs. Afreximbank funding could be leveraged to integrate SMMEs into regional supply chains, fostering job creation and industrial growth.

“The bank also has initiatives to promote e-commerce readiness for SMMEs to tap into digital trade across the continent. In the area of mineral beneficiation, funding support could target developing local smelters, refineries, and processing plants for gold, platinum, and battery minerals, including lithium,” a document by the dtic read.

In a drive towards a private sector-led transformation of the South African and the continent’s economies, Afreximbank will work with institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and commercial banks such as Rand Merchant and Standard Bank.

Deepening trade
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision to accede to the bank affirms the government’s commitment to African industrial development and to deepening trade, investment, and development across the continent.

“Accession brings us a step closer towards the incubation of a South African Export–Import Bank. Working closely with Afreximbank and building on the experience of our Export Credit Insurance Corporation, we are laying the foundations for a national institution that will support exporters, crowd in investment, and provide financing aligned to our industrial priorities.

“This is a strategic investment in our ability to compete and to support South African firms across the export lifecycle. It will help to ensure that our participation in African and global trade is sustained, resilient, and developmental,” the President said.

South Africa’s strategic partnership with the bank is expected to enhance the Export Credit Insurance Corporation’s capacity to deliver on its mandate of facilitating South African exports, particularly in high-value sectors, while contributing to the broader continental agenda of economic integration and development.

The Export Credit Insurance Corporation provides insurance that enables South African exporters to offer their services and products on the international market, with a particular focus on emerging markets in Africa that are considered too risky for conventional insurers.      
   
The government has mandated the entity to make South African exporters attractive to international buyers to attract foreign income, stimulate domestic economic growth, and create local jobs.

“As the continent’s largest regional contributor to intra-African trade – accounting for 19.1% of total African trade in 2024 – South Africa is well positioned to leverage Afreximbank’s trade infrastructure, technical expertise, and pan-African footprint to expand its export relationships across the continent,” Afreximbank said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng Provincial Government says its approach to economic growth is firmly grounded in the reindustrialisation of Gauteng and the deliberate inclusion of township and local enterprises in the mainstream economy.

“Towards the end of 2025, South Africa’s labour market showed modest improvement, with national employment rising by almost a quarter million due to growth in the infrastructure and services sectors.

“Our province outperformed the national trend, reaching a record 5.24 million employed and accounting for nearly 70% of national job gains over the past year, with growth strongest in construction, finance, community and social services,” said Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi.

He said Gauteng has managed to attract R27 billion in Foreign Direct Investment from a diverse set of countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Australia, Cyprus, the USA and the UAE, underscoring international confidence in this province as South Africa’s primary investment and industrial hub.

“In our SOPA last year, we committed to attracting new investments to create sustainable jobs. We did as promised…We attracted R312 billion investments in our Inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference. Today, R73 billion is now moving from commitment to implementation, creating 114 000 jobs across multiple sectors.

“Last year, Gauteng secured the largest share of the Presidential Investment Conference amounting to over R180 billion, and we expect nothing less of our performance in this year’s Presidential Investment Summit.

“The City of Johannesburg, with its Netherlands partners, secured a R7 billion waste-to-energy project.

“Through the assistance of our dynamic Minister [of Electricity Kgosientsho] Ramokgopa, all major electrical appliances and equipment will now be made in Ekurhuleni with an initial investment of R2.2 billion, creating 3000 new jobs.

“We brought Chery International Car Manufactures to our shores to build their cars here rather than bringing them to our province as finished products. This intervention will also bring new jobs and also protect 700 jobs affected by Nissan’s repositioning.

“Heineken Global has started construction of a R1.9 billion investment in Midvaal. This is not about malt but about farmers and job seekers. Microsoft invested a R5.4 billion data centre expansion in the Midrand–Centurion corridor, positioning Gauteng as Africa’s digital gateway.

“We successfully brought in Chung Fung Metal, a R2.5 billion investment that opened its factory doors last month and created more than 1000 jobs. This new steel factory has brought the latest technology in steel manufacturing to our shores.

“The proposed DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) steel plant located in Lesedi Local Municipality represents a major industrial investment with the potential to create more than 1 000 permanent employment opportunities once fully operational.

“The Gauteng Dry Port is moving towards reality, representing a projected investment of approximately R50 billion. Once fully operational, it will create approximately 50 000 permanent jobs.

“The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has secured R1.61 billion in confirmed new investments and remains on track to achieve the 4 000 construction jobs committed for Phase 2.

“The Vaal SEZ, which has recently been gazetted for comments by Minister Parks Tau, is expected to contribute over R10 billion to the Gauteng economy.

“Lanseria Smart City has secured R4 billion for Cradle Film Studios, which is set to become the largest film production facility on the continent. The project is expected to create 15 000 jobs, including 10 000 in film production.

“The Tambo Springs SEZ is projected to deliver significant and long-term economic benefits to Gauteng, underpinned by an estimated R23.6 billion capital investment. During the construction phase, the project is expected to contribute to and support about 50 000 jobs and enable over 1000 new MSMEs.

“Haier–Kwikot is investing approximately R2.4 billion in Benoni as part of one of the most significant industrial investments in our province in recent years. This investment secures more than 700 existing jobs.”

The Premier said all these investments are ready and capable of assisting in defeating unemployment, totalling just 250 000 jobs, especially for the youth.

The Gauteng Economic Growth and Development Plan is the roadmap for economic development. The Premier announced the resumption of the action labs for the 12 high-growth sectors, such as manufacturing, green economy, transport and logistics.

“We will formally launch the action labs on 19 March 2026, which brings together government, the private sector and critical stakeholders to convert sector plans into bankable projects, attract foreign direct investment, and drive job creation in our high-
growth industries.”

Lesufi said in support of international tourism growth, Gauteng set a target of opening four new air routes during this financial year.

To date, three routes have been secured, namely FlyGabon, Qantas Airlines, and United Airlines. These routes provide access to three strategic markets, including Central Africa, North America, and Australasia.

He said with the potential gas cliff due to Sasol’s possible reduction in this space, Transnet has entered into a partnership to construct and operate South Africa’s first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Richards Bay, which will transport gas from Richards Bay to Gauteng for the first time.

The converted pipeline will make imported gas available to industrial users across Gauteng, thus wetting Gauteng to ignite the economy.

“Those who came before us in 2012 saw the need to go to the private market to secure funding for R27 billion to build the Gautrain. By the end of March this year, the private sector will handover to us the R52 billion infrastructure fully owned by the people of Gauteng.

“To maximise this investment later this year, we will resume the process to expand Gautrain to Soweto, Mamelodi, Springs, Atteridgeville, Fourways, etc. We are finalising the concessionaire for the Gautrain expansion for the next 15 years,” said Lesufi.

He said the Gauteng- Limpopo Provincial Rail Link speed train has taken an impressive turn.

“Over 30 investors have raised their hands willing to bankroll this project. With the undivided support of our President and the Minister of Transport, this dream is about to be realised in our lifetime.”

He said the province must deal with the illicit trade that continues to cripple the economy. Recently the British American Tobacco (BAT) announced its intention to completely close its manufacturing plant in Heidelberg, placing livelihoods at risk.

The company attributes its decision largely to the persistent growth of the illicit cigarette trade in the country, which has significantly eroded its market share and revenues.

“Together with the police, we are intensifying the protection of our manufacturing and retail sectors. Already, we have confiscated counterfeit goods valued at R250.2 million last year.” – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is undertaking a high-level working visit to Japan to strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Japan in the water and sanitation sector.

The visit, from 23 – 27 February, builds on the longstanding partnership between the two countries and advances the existing Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a particular focus on capacity building, skills transfer, and sustainable water management solutions.

Mahlobo’s visit comes at a time when he has been closely involved in stabilising water supply systems in Johannesburg, working with municipalities, water entities, and communities to address infrastructure pressures and service delivery constraints.

The department said this firsthand experience in navigating complex operational and governance challenges brings a practical perspective to the delegation and positions the visit as a continuation of ongoing efforts to secure long-term sustainability in South Africa’s water sector.

The Deputy Minister is accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), reflecting a coordinated approach to supporting municipalities and driving measurable reform in water management.

South Africa continues to grapple with serious water sector challenges, with non-revenue water identified as a critical concern in more than 80 percent of assessed municipalities. Water losses through leaks, illegal connections and billing inefficiencies are placing immense strain on already constrained municipal finances and infrastructure systems.

“Reducing these losses is central to restoring reliable supply, protecting revenue, improving infrastructure performance and safeguarding scarce water resources in a climate-constrained environment,” the department said in a statement.

The visit also reinforces cooperation with the Government of Japan, represented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Cooperation, focuses on water infrastructure management, disaster risk reduction and capacity building, and has positioned Japan as a strategic technical partner in strengthening South Africa’s water sector.

The department noted that through the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), South Africa has already advanced the development of a comprehensive Non-Revenue Water Training Programme, aimed at strengthening the Department’s Infrastructure Branch Training Centre in Roodeplaat.

According to the department, the technical cooperation has resulted in the construction of a specialised training yard that simulates real municipal water systems and provides hands-on, practical learning directly aligned to the operational realities faced by municipalities.

“Implemented in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association and MISA, the programme prioritises practical skills in pressure management, metering accuracy, data analysis and active leakage detection,” the department said.

Technical cooperation agreement

In terms of the Technical Cooperation Agreement, the department reported that 10 South African officials per year over a three-year period will participate in specialised training of trainers programmes in Japan, producing 30 accredited trainers.

“From 2 to 13 February 2026, the first group of 10 water sector officials — drawn from municipalities, MISA and the department — are participating in the intensive programme to ensure that expertise acquired in Japan is institutionalised and cascaded locally,” the department said.

During the visit, the delegation will engage with Japanese counterparts to review and strengthen the cooperation agreement, examine Japan’s water governance and licensing systems, and explore advanced infrastructure and disaster resilience models.

As South Africa advances the establishment of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency, the delegation will also engage with the Japan Water Agency to draw lessons from its institutional framework. Technical site visits will include integrated river basin and flood management systems, reinforcing the shared emphasis on resilience and long-term planning.

The department said the partnership presents mutual benefits, creating opportunities for innovation exchange while delivering tangible improvements in municipal capacity and operational performance in South Africa.

“Mahlobo’s working visit demonstrates government’s commitment to combining international best practice, strong bilateral partnerships and intensive skills development to address water challenges decisively.

“Through strengthened cooperation with Japan, South Africa is taking practical steps to improve service delivery, support municipalities and secure the nation’s water future,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says a R760 million infrastructure investment upgrade is underway in the city of Johannesburg to permanently resolve water issues.

Delivering the State of the Province Address at Nasrec in Johannesburg on Monday, the Premier said the upgrades will be implemented over a phased approach.

The construction of a new ground reservoir and a tower in Brixton is underway and will go live by this Saturday to improve water supply. Also, an emergency boosting pumping station will go live next week.

“The permanent solution will be realised once the construction of the 5km pipeline is concluded at the end of the year. Furthermore, the national government is assisting us in realising the return on investment made, so that the people of Hammanskraal, Bronkhorspruit, Kokosi, Fochville, Kwa-Thema and other areas can have their dignity restored,” he said.

Lesufi said the challenge was not water availability, but the interruptions caused by infrastructure failures, leaks and high-demand peaks.

“We are working as the three spheres of government to fix the water challenges in our province. We are about to conclude the expansion of our water infrastructure so that we can be ready to receive additional water from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, thus cementing our water security permanently.”

On 27 January 2026, Johannesburg was hit by an unexpected water shortage. There was an explosion at the Rand Water plant. After the explosion, a fire hit the transmission machines, followed by a huge burst pipe.

“Immediately thereafter, our water supply was deeply affected. We then went into emergency mode. The area affected by the explosion was rectified within 72 hours, the fire extinguished, and the burst pipe repaired. However, the water levels were badly affected.”

The President sent a Ministerial team to the province and the water emergency team went into overdrive. 

The Premier said this resulted in the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, giving an extraordinary proclamation to allow Rand Water to immediately extract more water from the Vaal River Integrated Water System.

The first suburban area to be hit hard was Midrand, where water has been fully restored.

“In Soweto, we have made great progress, except for Meadowlands Zones 3 and 4 and areas receiving water from the Doornkop reservoir. Our engineers have assured us that this will be addressed urgently; in the West Rand, water in Kagiso and the surrounding areas has been restored. Besides Bedfordview, Tsakane, and parts of Kwa-Thema, the Ekurhuleni water supply is now stable, including Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.”

The Premier said there were areas where residents have a full supply but might be affected by pressure at night due to nighttime throttling. Nighttime throttling reduces pressure to allow system recovery.

The areas affected include Kensington, Bezuidenhout Valley, Bruma and Berea. Other areas that are still experiencing instability are those supplied through the Commando System and the Brixton Towers.

The areas that remain stubborn and difficult include parts of Westdene, Coronationville, Sophiatown, Melville, Emmarentia, and sections of Doornkop.

“To avoid the sporadic shortage of water, together with mayors and the national government, we prioritised the need for investment in water storage.

“In Midrand, we are building a new water storage facility to house 20 million litres. The private developers matched this investment with a donation of 10 million litres of water that will be available to the people of the Midrand. Similar investments are rising in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane and the West Rand municipalities.”

Lesufi said while progress is being made, the water challenges in the province need constant monitoring and support.

“We once more sincerely apologise to our residents that went and still go through the inconveniences caused by this unfortunate situation. Be assured of our commitment to permanently resolve this challenge.” – SAnews.gov.za