Category: Africa

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has assured parents, guardians and residents that learners will not be disrupted by the scholar transport protest taking place on Friday.

Working closely with the Gauteng taxi industry and law enforcement agencies, the MEC has put contingency measures in place to ensure the safety and mobility of learners, parents and operators who will not be participating in the scholar transport protest. 

The MEC has reiterated the importance of maintaining an undisrupted academic calendar. 

While she fully acknowledges and respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest, she strongly condemned in the harshest terms the circulation of voice notes and threats that seek to intimidate and incite violence against learners and other vulnerable members of society.

“We stand firm in our fight against lawlessness, non-compliance and unroadworthy vehicles operating on our roads. The department remains on high alert and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to safeguard learners and ensure stability across the province,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The department has welcomed and appreciates the firm commitment demonstrated by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in Gauteng and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) in prioritising the interests of residents, particularly learners. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa, says the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is ready to deploy troops in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen the fight against gang violence and illegal mining in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Holomisa said operational preparations are already under way, pending formal approval from Parliament.

“What we are expecting now is word from Parliament on how to proceed. Once that is received, we will move in. Within two weeks we will be deploying troops to work with the police and ensure that the President’s directive is carried out,” he said.

The President has instructed the Ministers of Police and Defence to finalise a tactical deployment plan in the coming days, identifying priority areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng where security forces will be deployed to address gang violence and illegal mining.

President Ramaphosa said he will formally inform the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces about the timing, locations and projected costs of the deployment.

“We have to act to rid our country of gang violence. At the same time, we are implementing an integrated strategy to address the root causes of crime through coordinated interventions across society, from street lighting to access to social services,” the President said.

Holomisa urged communities to cooperate with deployed soldiers, emphasising that SANDF members will be carrying out a lawful mandate in support of police operations.

“No one should point a gun at our soldiers. They will be there to do a job in support of law enforcement,” he said.

The Minister added that the department stands ready to assist other government departments in strengthening border security as part of broader crime-prevention efforts. However, he stressed the need to ensure that troops are adequately equipped and supported when deployed along the country’s borders.

The planned deployment forms part of a coordinated national effort to stabilise affected communities and reinforce law enforcement capacity in high-risk areas. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to the province to support police in the fight against criminality, especially illegal mining.

The intervention was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Cape Town on Thursday evening.

“Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage.

“The deployment of soldiers to assist the police demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities,” Lesufi said in a statement on Friday.

The scourge of illegal mining has cost the South African economy billions of Rands in lost economic revenue and, in some areas, contributed to escalating violence.

Last week, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety noted an incident in which an alleged zama-zama (illegal miner) was shot and wounded during night-time gunfire in Bekkersdal. The committee added that the presence of illegal miners has also contributed to a surge in kidnappings in the area.

“The people of Gauteng deserve to live in safe communities free from criminality. We remain committed to doing everything possible, together with national government, to eradicate illegal mining and its associated crimes,” Lesufi said.

In the SONA, President Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the SANDF to support police in Gauteng and the Western Cape, to deal with gang violence and illegal mining.

“I have directed the Minister of Police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan on where our security forces should be deployed within the next few days in the Western Cape and Gauteng to deal with gang violence and illegal mining,” said the President.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has welcomed the interventions announced in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to deal with critical challenges facing South Africans – key of which include economic growth, job creation, water security and support for small businesses.

Ntshavheni said government’s renewed focus on expanding the economy and supporting small businesses will play a central role in creating employment opportunities.

“We welcome firm interventions to grow the economy and create jobs, particularly support for small businesses that are at the coalface of job creation,” the Minister said.

Delivering the SONA at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that more than R2.5 billion in funding will be provided this year to over 180 000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), alongside a further R1 billion in guarantees to improve access to finance.

The President said government will prioritise women-and youth-led businesses to advance economic empowerment. He also announced plans to amend regulations under the National Credit Act to make it easier for businesses to access credit at a lower cost.

“The transformation of our economy is necessary to drive sustained growth, reduce inequality and correct the injustices of the past. We are undertaking a review to refine, realign and strengthen our Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) framework to ensure that it supports greater transformation and inclusive growth,” President Ramaphosa said.

Ntshavheni also welcomed progress in the logistics sector to ensure that the country is ready to export.

She highlighted government’s clear industrial policy direction, which includes expanding local manufacturing, supporting mining exploration and positioning the mining sector as a critical contributor to the green economy.

“Mining is no longer a ‘dirty’ economy; it is an important part of a green economy producer, and we have an abundance of resources to do that,” the Minister said.

Water crisis intervention

On water security, Ntshavheni welcomed the President’s announcement of the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will personally chair.

This structure will bring together all existing efforts into a single coordinating body and deploy technical experts and resources from national government to municipalities facing water challenges.

The committee will also ensure that action is taken swiftly and effectively to address the problem.

READ | President Ramaphosa to Chair National Water Crisis Committee

To address revenue shortfalls affecting water infrastructure in many metros, cities and towns, the President also announced the introduction of a new R54 billion incentive programme to support reforms in water, sanitation and electricity services.

This is in line with the commitment made last year.

President Ramaphosa said the initiative will ensure that revenues from water usage are reinvested directly into maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure, including pipes, reservoirs and pumping stations.

Strengthening the fight against crime

Ntshavheni further welcomed interventions aimed at combating crime, particularly organised crime, and strengthening the criminal justice system.

READ | Justice system reform on the cards

She said these interventions will enhance the system’s ability to function effectively and contribute to a safer and more secure country. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Members of Parliament have welcomed the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), expressing unified support for government’s commitment to tackling critical challenges affecting the country, including crime, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), transport bottlenecks and water infrastructure constraints.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday evening outlined government’s coordinated response to these pressing issues, emphasising economic growth, service delivery and strengthened state capacity as key priorities for the year ahead.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen welcomed the President’s announcement that the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been classified as a national disaster, enabling a more coordinated national response.

President Ramaphosa described the outbreak as one of the most severe the country has experienced, noting its damaging impact on the cattle industry, including export bans, trade restrictions and significant losses to livestock farmers.

The President confirmed that at least 14 million cattle will be vaccinated, with an estimated 28 million vaccine doses required over the next 12 months. He said government will centrally facilitate the acquisition of vaccines to ensure that the correct strain-specific vaccines are secured.

Steenhuisen said the declaration would strengthen coordination efforts, including through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), to enforce movement controls.

“This will assist us to prevent the movement of animals from infected to non-infected areas and ensure that containment measures are effectively implemented,” he said.

The Minister described the new strategy as proactive and commended the deployment of additional extension officers to work with communities and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

He further welcomed the broader SONA focus on crime and economic growth.

“It was a good speech. The President’s approach to tackling crime and corruption, including the announced deployments, is the right move. We need more boots on the ground to get on top of crime,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the emphasis on economic growth would likely shape the upcoming national budget.

Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa also welcomed the President’s State of the Nation Address, describing it as balanced and fair. He said it gave an account of how far the country has come since the Government of National Unity (GNU) started.

“Transport is the backbone of the aspirations of the country, as we see it now and what we seek to achieve if you look at passenger rail, and freight logistics. The President acknowledged the very progressive work that we have done as the department and our entities.

“What is important now is to build on the gains and to be able to come back in a year’s time and report progress,” Hlengwa said.

In his address the President highlighted progress made in improving the performance of the county’s ports and freight rail lines, which is steadily increasing the volume of goods that are moved in and out of the country.

He said the country has restored its passenger rail system, with more commuters now able to travel to work on new locally made trains, significantly reducing their transport costs.

He added that government is now investing in roads, bridges, rail lines, ports, dams, wind, and solar farms, across the country.

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato welcomed the President’s emphasis on combating illegal migration and strengthening border security.

He underscored the need for enhanced infrastructure along the country’s borders, as well as improved technological capabilities.

“We require more technology, particularly drones, to monitor movements and intercept those attempting to enter the country illegally,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will personally chair.

This as government intensifies efforts to confront South Africa’s deepening water challenges.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, the President elevated water to one of the country’s most pressing concerns, from large cities such as Johannesburg to smaller towns like Knysna and rural areas such as Giyani.

“Three years ago, when we were experiencing daily power cuts, we established the National Energy Crisis Committee to enable a focused national response. We overcame what seemed like an insurmountable challenge by adopting a clear plan and delivering on it.

“Using the same approach, we will now elevate our response to the water crisis to a National Water Crisis Committee, which I will chair,” the President said. 

The committee, he said, will ensure swift, coordinated action to address persistent water supply disruptions affecting communities across the country.

The move comes amid mounting frustration in provinces such as Gauteng, where residents have endured recurring water outages, low pressure and infrastructure failures. 

Municipalities in parts of Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni have faced repeated supply interruptions linked to ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance, power failures at pumping stations and growing demand.

“We have all seen the pain that our people have been expressing through demonstrations in various parts of Gauteng. These protests have been fuelled by frustrations over inadequate and unreliable access to basic services such as water,” President Ramaphosa said.

Other provinces, including the Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo, have also battled prolonged water shortages, with some communities relying on water tankers for extended periods due to dysfunctional treatment plants and failing municipal systems.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the crisis is rooted in systemic weaknesses at municipal level.

“Poor planning and inadequate maintenance of water systems by many municipalities are the main cause of the problems we are going through now and are the reason that taps often run dry.

“There is no silver bullet to address this challenge, which has its roots in systemic failures and many years of neglecting infrastructure,” the President said. 

He added that, however, the real challenge lies not in the availability of water, but in getting water to people’s taps.

President Ramaphosa said the National Water Crisis Committee will ensure that action is taken swiftly to address these challenges and strengthen coordination across all spheres of government.

“This structure will bring together all existing efforts into a single coordinating body. It will deploy technical experts and resources from national government to municipalities facing water challenges. It will ensure that action is taken swiftly and effectively to address the problem,” he said. 

In a strong warning to non-performing municipalities, the President indicated that government will move to lay criminal charges against municipal managers who violate provisions of the Water Services Act.

“To address the challenges effectively we will not hesitate to use the powers enshrined in the Constitution and in the Water Services Act to intervene in municipalities where necessary. We will hold to account those who neglect their responsibility to supply water to our people,” he said.

Government has already laid criminal charges against 56 municipalities that have failed to meet their obligations. 

“We will now move to lay charges against municipal managers in their personal capacity for violating the National Water Act,” he said. 

The intervention signals a shift toward greater accountability in the water sector, where infrastructure neglect, financial mismanagement and lack of technical capacity have contributed to deteriorating services.

“The critical problem is that in many metros, cities and towns, water revenue is being used for other purposes and very little is invested in upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure,” the President said.

The country’s water infrastructure has come under increasing strain in recent years, with experts warning that billions of rands are needed for maintenance, upgrades and new bulk supply projects. In Gauteng, concerns have also been raised about system overuse and delayed infrastructure expansion to match rapid urban growth.

Government has previously rolled out support interventions through the Department of Water and Sanitation and National Treasury, but implementation at municipal level has remained uneven.

By placing the crisis committee under his direct leadership, President Ramaphosa is seeking to elevate the urgency of the matter and drive stronger oversight and consequence management.

The President emphasised that reliable access to water is a basic right and central to economic development, public health and human dignity, committing significant investment to the sector.

“We have committed more than R156 billion in public funding for water and sanitation infrastructure alone over the next three years,” he said, adding that projects such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Ntabelanga Dam are advancing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to draw on the country’s deepest values and collective strength as it confronts challenges including crime and a worsening water crisis, declaring that the nation will stand firm both at home and on the global stage.

“To navigate this new world, we must draw on our strength as a nation. Our strength comes from our values. The values of dignity and equality, of non-racialism and non-sexism, diversity and of the inherent worth of every person. It comes from our people. From our tolerance, generosity, kindness and solidarity,” the President said. 

He was delivering the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the seventh administration at the City Hall in Cape Town on Thursday.

The evening commenced with a grand display of national pride which included a ceremonial guard, the singing of the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, an aircraft exhibition, and a full military band. 

The President was ushered into the National Assembly by Ria Reen, a Khoi-San woman from the Northern Cape, with a powerful poetic voice. 

Framing his address against the country’s historic milestones of 1956, 1976 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1996, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s resilience lies in its people, its institutions and its democratic ethos.

In an increasingly volatile global environment, the President made clear that South Africa’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.

“In a world where powerful nations often assert their dominance and influence over less powerful states, our country’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination is sacrosanct. It is not negotiable. 

“We will stand firm on our sovereignty and promote our national interests, values and the rights of our people. We are clear that we will continue to respect the rights and sovereignty of other nations, but we must be equally clear that we will not be bullied by any other country,” he said. 

Confidence rising, economy stabilising

The President said South Africa is “stronger today than we were a year ago”, pointing to four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, two primary budget surpluses and declining borrowing costs.

“Our economy is growing again, and this growth is gathering pace. While we have experienced four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, we know that it has to grow much faster to meet our social and economic challenges. 

“Our credit rating has improved, interest rates are coming down and inflation is at its lowest level in 20 years. We are on a clear path to stabilising our national debt. The Rand has strengthened against the Dollar,” the President said. 

Government has committed more than R1 trillion in public investment over three years, the largest infrastructure allocation in the country’s history, targeting energy, logistics, water and digital infrastructure. 

“All our actions now are driven by the need for rapid and inclusive economic growth to create more jobs and better quality jobs. To give effect to the Medium-Term Development Plan, Cabinet has approved a comprehensive implementation plan to drive growth and inclusion,” President Ramaphosa said.

Through Operation Vulindlela, structural reforms have been accelerated in energy, logistics and telecommunications. Load shedding has been brought to an end, and regulatory changes have unlocked a surge in renewable energy investment, with more than 40% of supply expected to come from renewable sources by 2030. 

Significant reforms are also underway in rail and ports. Private rail operators now have access to the freight network, and public-private partnerships are being rolled out at port terminals and rail corridors.

Last month, government concluded a partnership with an international port operator to manage the Durban Pier 2 Container Terminal, aimed at restoring it to world-class standards.

“We have begun to turn around the performance of our rail system and ports, so that our businesses can get their products to global markets,” the President said.

Government remains focused on sectors that will drive future growth, including agriculture, mining, the green economy and digital services. New investments in rare earths, renewable energy manufacturing and data centres are positioning the country to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

“We know that we can create millions of good quality jobs in sectors like agriculture, mining, services and the green economy. These are areas where we can be more than competitive. We can be the best in the world,” he said. 

Despite the gains, President Ramaphosa was unequivocal that South Africa faces serious internal threats.

“Organised crime is now the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development,” he said.

Government will consolidate intelligence at national level, identify priority syndicates and deploy multidisciplinary intervention teams to dismantle criminal networks. The South African National Defence Force will be deployed in parts of the Western Cape and Gauteng to support police in tackling gang violence and illegal mining.

“We cannot fight organised criminals by treading softly. We must act with zero tolerance and bring the full force of the law to bear. Let this message be clear: there will be no impunity for acts of corruption and criminality,” the President said. 

A new criminal justice reform initiative, modelled on Operation Vulindlela, will be established in the Presidency to fast-track reforms across the system. The Whistle-Blower Protection Bill will be introduced, and procurement reforms will be accelerated to close corruption loopholes.

To tackle the water crisis in the country and coordinate a focused response, the President announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will chair.

“This structure will bring together all existing efforts into a single coordinating body,” he said. It will ensure that action is taken swiftly and effectively to address the problem,” he said.

Jobs, youth and inclusive growth

Addressing high unemployment, especially among young people, the President said small businesses and public employment programmes would play a central role in job creation.

“If every small and medium business in South Africa could employ one additional person, we would create 3 million new jobs,” he said.

This year, government will provide more than R2.5 billion in funding to over 180 000 small and medium enterprises, extend R1 billion in guarantees and amend the National Credit Act regulations to improve access to affordable credit.

Public employment programmes, including the Presidential Employment Stimulus, EPWP and Community Works Programme, will be expanded and better coordinated to provide income support and pathways into longer-term work.

Government will also overhaul the skills development system, reform SETAs and strengthen TVET colleges as primary sites for artisan and occupational training.

“These reforms will ensure that various training programmes we have in government are a door to opportunity, not a dead end,” President Ramaphosa said.

A turning point

Concluding his address, the President described the moment as a national turning point.

“Our nation has reached a turning point. We are leaving behind an era of decline and turning towards an era of prosperity and growth.

“This must be the year that we make South Africa stronger. We must fix local government. We must fight crime and corruption and restore trust in the criminal justice system. We must create jobs and livelihoods for every South African.”

“Above all, we must ensure that this rising tide lifts every South African… This is the time for all south Africans to rise and we must rise together,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has announced additional measures to strengthen South Africa’s borders to curb illegal immigration and to protect the country’s security, stability and economic progress. 

“Funding to strengthen border security will be prioritised, covering infrastructure, technology and people. Key border posts will be redeveloped through public-private partnerships and we will extend the Electronic Travel Authorisation to all international airports and the busiest land ports of entry,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall, the President noted that drones and other technology are already being used to great effect all along border lines.

“Employers that hire foreign nationals without the required visas will face the full might of the law. To tighten enforcement, we will hire an additional 10 000 labour inspectors this year,” the President said.

He emphasised that government will address illegal immigration while ensuring that the fundamental human rights of every person in this country are upheld and protected.

The police, Home Affairs and labour inspectors will work together to crack down on violations of existing immigration, labour and other laws.

“As we undertake these interventions, we insist that the laws of our country must be observed by everyone. We will not tolerate violence and other acts of lawlessness directed at foreign nationals.

He further spoke out against foreign nationals being barred from accessing public facilities, including schools.

“No foreign national should be unlawfully barred from accessing public facilities, including schools and health facilities,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government is set to vaccinate the national herd of at least 14 million cattle, as South Africa grapples with one of the worst outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) the country has experienced.

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the vaccination drive requires 28 million vaccines over the next 12 months.

“This disease is damaging our economy, resulting in export bans, trade restrictions and devastation of herds. The state will facilitate the acquisition of the vaccines centrally to ensure that we get the right vaccine for the particular strain of the virus in South Africa,” the President said on Thursday night.

He was delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP),  at the Cape Town City Hall.

“We will work closely with the private sector to enable an efficient rollout and most importantly we will ensure that commercial, private and communal farmers have immediate access to vaccines,” he said.

The President has established a task team made up of farmer organisations and experts, working together with the Minister of Agriculture and his department.

The task team will report to the President every month on the progress the country is  making in dealing with this pandemic.

“We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilising all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis.” 

Last week, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa has resumed local production of foot and mouth disease vaccines.

The President noted that the agriculture sector is expanding rapidly.

“Already, we are the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. We are opening new markets for our exports, from citrus and avocados to maize, livestock, grapes and wine.

“Through the Blended Finance Scheme, working with the Land Bank and commercial banks, we have provided R7.8 billion in innovative funding to black producers. We will deploy 10 000 new extension officers to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said these interventions will give rise to many opportunities for young people to be employed in the agricultural sector.  –SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government is working to see the eradication of load reduction by next year.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the State of the Nation Address on Thursday evening.

Load reduction is implemented by Eskom in specific areas where electricity supply is available, however, a transformer is at risk due to overloading, which can lead to equipment failure and outages.

“We will work in each province to address transformer overloading, illegal connections and equipment failure with the objective of eradicating load reduction by next year.

“We are committed to the path that we have embarked on to modernise our energy system,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the restructuring and establishment of an independent State-owned transmission entity is underway.

“This entity will have ownership and control of transmission assets and be responsible for operating the electricity market.

“Given the importance of this restructuring for the broader reform of the electricity sector, I have established a dedicated task team under the National Energy Crisis Committee to address various issues relating to the restructuring process, including clear timeframes for its phased implementation,” he said.

The task team will report to the President within three months.

“In addition, we will this year commence the first round of independent transmission projects to enable private investment in expanding our national grid,” President Ramaphosa added.

He emphasised the importance of transforming the energy system to “ensure long-term energy security”.

“For decades, our economy grew on the back of cheap electricity. But then state capture, mismanagement, inadequate maintenance and inflated megaprojects drove up the cost of electricity to businesses and our citizens.

“Now, with the far-reaching changes we are making to the sector and with our abundant solar and wind resources, we will be able to drive down the cost of electricity,” he assured.

New legislation, such as the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act 38 of 2024 (ERAA), has paved the way to allow for more competition in the electricity sector.

“Regulatory changes have enabled a massive and growing pipeline of investment in renewable energy. By 2030, more than 40% of our energy supply will come from cheap, clean, renewable energy sources.

“We are establishing a level playing field for competition, so that we are never again exposed to the risk of relying on a single supplier to meet our energy needs,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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