Category: Africa

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has called for a human-centered approach to artificial intelligence (AI), emphasising that rapid technological innovation must not leave South Africa’s workforce behind. 

The Minister delivered the keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 31^st Annual Summit currently underway in Pretoria.

“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are rapidly changing the way economies operate, businesses produce goods and services, governments deliver services and people work. These developments present enormous opportunities.

“AI can improve productivity, support innovation, strengthen service delivery, create new industries and open new opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment. 

“However, we must also recognise that technological progress is not automatically inclusive. If not properly managed, technological change can deepen existing inequalities, displace workers, widen the digital divide, and exclude those who do not have access to the skills and infrastructure required to participate in the new economy,” Ramokgopa noted.

The Minister emphasised that any transition towards a tech-enabled economy must be cushioned by targeted investments in human capital. 

Furthermore, upskilling and re-skilling initiatives are essential to ensure young South Africans and current workers are fully equipped to navigate shifting labour market dynamics.

“Artificial Intelligence is already changing the world of work. Some occupations will change, some tasks will become automated, new occupations will emerge, whilst existing occupations will require new skills. We must therefore ensure that our approach to AI is centered on people.

“The transition to an AI-enabled economy must not leave workers behind. This requires investments in education, skills development, re-skilling, and lifelong learning. Our young people in particular must be equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

“We must also ensure that workers are protected as workplaces undergo technological transformation. This is an area in which social dialogue will be particularly important. Business will need to consider how technology can improve productivity while supporting workers through periods of transition,” he noted.

The Minister noted that while more needs to be done, the age of AI presents South Africa with an “opportunity to improve South Africa’s productivity and competitiveness.”

“Our challenge is to ensure that increased productivity translates into broader economic benefits.

“Technological advancements must support investment, strengthen enterprises – particularly small and emerging businesses – and contribute to sustainable employment creation,” he said.

Working together for a better future

In the face of the “difficult economic and social challenges” that the country faces, the Minister noted that platforms and institutions like NEDLAC remain critical.

“The concept of social dialogue is central to our democratic project. It provides a platform through which government, business, labour and the community constituency can engage, identify areas of interest and work towards solutions to the challenges facing our economy and society.

“Under today’s theme, we must ask: how can we utilise social dialogue to ensure that [AI] contributes to inclusive economic growth, improved productivity and competitiveness and job creation.

“Our response [to difficulties] requires more than the efforts of government alone. It requires meaningful partnership between government, business, labour and communities. Social dialogue can assist us in building greater consensus around the difficult choices that must be made to place our economy on a more sustainable and inclusive growth path,” Ramokgopa said.

He noted that the country is simultaneously facing technological and environmental transitions which must be “managed in a manner that is just and inclusive.”

“Workers and communities whose livelihoods may be affected by economic restructuring must not be left behind. We must invest in skills, infrastructure and new economic opportunities whilst ensuring that the benefits of the transition are broadly shared and inclusive.

“This requires strong partnerships between government, business, labour and communities,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court’s decision to sentence two men to life imprisonment for the murder of the uMngeni Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.

Hitman Khayelihle Shabalala and hitman coordinator Thabo Mathonsi were convicted after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Ndlovu in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court, on Thursday.  

Ndlovu was shot and killed in front of his wife and children at his home in Mpophomeni on 5 December 2023, in a killing that prompted an investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). 

Shabalala was identified as the alleged hitman, while Mathonsi was accused of helping coordinate the killing from prison.

The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the PKTT for their investigative work, saying the sentence will help deter violence ahead of local government elections. 

“We specifically commend the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team investigators for their commitment, professionalism and dedication to ensure that perpetrators behind political killings and violence are serving their time behind bars and ensure that justice is served. 

“These members remained focused on their responsibility and mandate to investigate political killings and ensure that families and fellow politicians find closure,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said.

Last week, investigators arrested the fifth suspect, Mnelizi Zuma, in the Mpophomeni area for his alleged involvement in the murder of Ndlovu, and he is expected to appear before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Friday for a formal bail application.

Once his bail application is finalised, he will join the other two suspects, mastermind Chief Simphiwe Zuma and spotter Thobani Hlongwa, in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court for Indictments. 

Zuma is allegedly the mastermind behind the murder of his nephew, Ndlovu. –SAnews.gov.za

The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), in coordination with district and local municipalities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders, has activated monitoring and preparedness measures, as the province braces for severe weather conditions.

This follows the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warning that severe thunderstorms are to develop over parts of the Free State, North West and Gauteng from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening. 

The storms could be accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong and potentially damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, with the potential for localised flooding in vulnerable areas as well as a significant drop in temperatures.

Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Tebogo Gaolaolwe, said the province is on high alert and closely monitoring the developing weather system expected to move across several parts of the country over the weekend.

Gaolaolwe urged communities, motorists, farmers and all residents of the North West to remain vigilant and closely monitor official weather updates as the system develops.

“Caution is advised in low-lying and flood-prone areas, near rivers and streams, and when travelling during periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The PDMC will continue to monitor developments in collaboration with municipal disaster management teams and will activate appropriate response mechanisms should the situation warrant intervention,” Gaolaolwe said.

The weather service also warned that the risk of severe thunderstorms is expected to shift further eastwards, affecting parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from Sunday morning, with the possibility of extending into the southern parts of Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za

A suspect linked to a R16 million fleet tender awarded by the Emfuleni Local Municipality is set to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

This comes after the 40-year-old was nabbed by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) on Thursday at a mall in Pretoria following an investigation into the tender.

The supplier was contracted to deliver 18 vehicles, including municipal trucks, but only seven vehicles were delivered to the municipality.

“The 40-year-old suspect faces charges of corruption, fraud and theft and is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 07 September 2026.

The arrest follows the earlier arrest of the municipality’s former fleet manager, who is currently out on bail in connection with the same investigation,” said the police.-SAnews.gov.za 

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has launched a full-scale manhunt, following an incident in Lenasia, Gauteng, where an on-duty officer was disarmed of his service weapon.

According to the JMPD, the officer was accosted by multiple male suspects on Thursday while performing official duties in the Lenasia area.

During the encounter, the suspects managed to disarm the officer before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle toward the Golden Highway.

No severe physical injuries to the officer have been reported at this stage while medical and wellness support mechanisms have been activated to assist the officer involved.

Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured the moment the three suspects cornered a JMPD officer at gunpoint and a third suspect emerged from inside the shop and searched the officer before the group made off with his service firearm.

The JMPD condemned any attack on law enforcement personnel noting that an “attack on an officer represents a direct threat to the safety of our communities”. 

“Dedicated units, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, are actively investigating the matter to recover the weapon and bring those responsible to justice.

“We appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding this incident to report it immediately,” the JMPD said in a statement.

Members of the public who might have information on the incident or have seen what happened can provide information anonymously via the City of Johannesburg Emergency Number at 011 375 5911 or the SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several advisories for very cold, wet and windy conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape and the Northern Cape on Friday.

“Wet and windy conditions are expected over most parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Very cold conditions are expected in places over the Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi district municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Very cold, wet and windy conditions can also be expected in places over Namakwa in the Northern Cape and the interior of the Western Cape,” SAWS said.

The weather service also warned that extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the eastern parts of the Free State and North West, as well as the central and northern parts of Limpopo.

The weather service issued the following warnings:

• Orange Level 5 Warning: Severe thunderstorms that could lead to flooding of formal and informal settlements, as well as roads and bridges, wind and hail damage to structures, falling trees and disruption to municipal services due to excessive lightning, are expected over the east-central parts of the Northern Cape.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Severe thunderstorms that could lead to localised flooding of susceptible low-lying areas, roads and bridges, wind and hail damage to structures, falling trees and disruption to municipal services due to excessive lightning, are expected over the central and eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the western parts of the Free State, the extreme western parts of North West and the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging winds that could lead to interruptions to power, communication and other utilities and services, damage to settlements, injuries and danger to life from flying debris, as well as problems for high-sided vehicles on routes prone to crosswinds, are expected over the western parts of the Northern Cape, the central and north-eastern parts of the Western Cape and most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, except the south-west.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging winds and waves that could disrupt ports and harbours and pose a danger to navigation at sea are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
• Yellow Level 4 Warning: Damaging winds that could disrupt ports and harbours and pose a danger to navigation at sea are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging waves that could disrupt ports and harbours and pose a danger to navigation at sea are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Damaging winds that could damage temporary structures and settlements and disrupt transport routes and travel services are expected over the western and southern parts of the Western Cape, the north-western interior of the Eastern Cape and the southern and central parts of Mpumalanga.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe thunderstorms that could lead to localised wind and hail damage to structures, falling trees and disruption to municipal services due to excessive lightning are expected over the eastern parts of the Free State, the central and eastern parts of North West, the southern parts of Gauteng and the south-western parts of Mpumalanga.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Disruptive rainfall that could lead to localised flooding of settlements, roads, low-lying areas and bridges is expected over the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

–SAnews.gov.za