Category: Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that high temperatures and scattered thunderstorms are expected across parts of the country this week.

SAWS said a surface trough was expected over the western interior, while a surface high-pressure system would remain over the eastern parts of the country. 

Upper-air disturbances were also expected during the week.

These weather systems, combined with high temperatures, may result in isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the central and eastern parts of the country.

On Monday, cloudy and cool conditions are forecast along the east and south coasts. Elsewhere, conditions are expected to be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms over the central and eastern parts of the country.

On Tuesday, cloudy and cool conditions are expected along the east coast and adjacent interior. Widespread rain and showers are possible along the Eastern Cape coast and in southern KwaZulu–Natal.

Elsewhere, conditions are expected to be partly cloudy and warm to hot, with isolated to scattered thunderstorms over the eastern parts of the country.

SAWS urged the public and stakeholders to monitor its official forecasts and warnings, which will be updated as the likelihood and severity of potential impacts become clearer.

The public is also advised to avoid relying on or sharing information from unauthorised or unverified sources.

For regular updates, visit https://www.weathersa.co.za/ or follow SAWS on its official media channels. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has received no reports of a recurrence of widespread sardine mortality, apart from isolated wash-ups that occur periodically for various reasons.

The widespread sardine mortality event was observed between late July and early September 2026. On 23 October 2026, a small number of juvenile sardines measuring less than 5 cm washed up sparsely along an approximately 200 m stretch of beach near Mossel Bay.

“Samples were collected for pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) testing. Other beaches in the surrounding area were inspected, but no further wash-ups were found. Small, isolated wash-ups occur periodically for various reasons, and it is not yet known whether this occurrence is linked to the earlier mortality event,” the DFFE said.

The department said laboratory testing was continuing on samples collected before, during, and after the event.

“The emerging diagnostic pattern shows that PHV has been detected substantially more frequently in affected or dead sardines than in apparently healthy fish, strengthening the association between the virus and the mortality event.

“Further testing, quality-control work and sequence confirmation are continuing to clarify the timing, geographic distribution and epidemiology of PHV,” the DFFE said.

PHV is a fish virus and is not known to infect people.

The department assured the public that commercial sardine products released through regulated channels remained safe.

“Limited directed sardine catches, and sardine bycatch have been recorded in several areas during October 2026. These observations confirm that sardines remain present in parts of the coast but cannot, on their own, indicate overall abundance,” the department said.

The temporary precautionary limit on directed sardine catches remains in force until 30 October 2026.

The Small Pelagic Scientific Working Group will meet on 27 October 2026 to consider the latest mortality reports, diagnostic results, fishing and catch information, predator-monitoring information, and preparations for the end-of-year survey.

Any subsequent management decision will be communicated once the required scientific and administrative processes have been completed.

“Preparations for the end-of-year hydroacoustic survey are continuing. The survey will provide the first fisheries-independent estimate of sardine biomass, distribution and size structure following the mortality event.

“The tender to charter a suitable research vessel closed on 23 October 2026, and bid evaluation and the associated administrative processes will begin in the coming week.

“Members of the public should nevertheless not collect or consume dead or dying sardines found on beaches or near the shore, feed them to animals, or use them as bait. Any unusual fish mortality should be reported promptly to the relevant coastal authority or DFFE.” – SAnews.gov.za

South Africans will head to the polls on 4 November 2026 to elect local government representatives in the Local Government Elections.

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), special voting will take place on 2 and 3 November 2026 from 8am to 5pm.

On Election Day, voting stations will open from 7 am to 9pm.

Prior to Election Day, voters can check that their voter registration details are correct and confirm their voting station. According to the IEC website, for municipal elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered.

Voters can check their details through the IEC website at www.elections.org.za, SMS their 13-digit ID number to 32810, or send “Hi” to the IEC WhatsApp number 060 088 0000.

Voters are reminded to take an acceptable identity document: a smart ID card, green barcoded ID book or valid temporary identity certificate.

The Electoral Commission cautioned South Africans not to bring driver’s licenses, passports, student cards or photocopies of ID documents, as these are not accepted for voting purposes.

What happens at the voting station?

Upon arrival at a voting station, an election official will verify your identity and registration details. Your name will then be checked against the voters’ roll.

Your thumbnail will be marked with indelible ink to prevent double voting. You will then receive your ballot papers. 

Know your ballot papers

The number of ballot papers you receive depends on the municipality where you are registered.
If you are registered in a metropolitan municipality, you will receive two ballot papers.

These are:
–    A ward ballot to choose a ward councillor.
–    A proportional representation (PR) ballot to choose a political party for representation in the metropolitan council.

If you are registered in a local municipality, you will receive three ballot papers:
–    A ward ballot to choose a ward councillor.
–    A PR ballot to elect a political party for the local municipal council.
–    A district PR ballot to elect a political party for representation on the district municipal council.
Take the time to understand each ballot before making your choice.

How to cast your vote:

–    Take your ballot papers into the voting booth and vote in private.
–    Make one clear X (cross) inside the box next to your chosen candidate or political party on each ballot paper.
–    Do not write your name, sign the ballot or make unnecessary marks, as this could make your ballot invalid.
–    If you make a mistake, do not place the ballot in the ballot box. Return it to the Presiding Officer and ask for assistance.
–    After voting, fold your ballot papers to keep your choice private and place them in the ballot box as directed by election officials.

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele

The eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to take precautions following a Level 2 severe thunderstorm warning issued by the South African Weather Service effective from Sunday, 25 October, until Monday evening, 26 October 2026.

The forecasts indicated widespread and severe thunderstorms across the province, with the eThekwini region expected to be significantly affected.

Heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, and hail are anticipated, posing a serious risk to life, property, and infrastructure.

The anticipated thunderstorms may result in flooding on roads, bridges, and low-lying areas. Poor visibility and slippery road surfaces are expected to make driving hazardous.

The municipality urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly informal settlements, to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.

“Motorists are advised to exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe following distances on wet and slippery roads. Where possible, residents are encouraged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel,” the municipality said.

The municipality said its Disaster Management Directorate and emergency services are on high alert and ready to respond to incidents.

Residents have been advised to monitor the municipality’s official communication platforms for weather updates and further safety information.

The municipality has warned the public against attempting to cross swollen rivers or streams, particularly where water levels are above ankle height.

Residents requiring emergency assistance can contact the City’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, on Monday, following reports of gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated water in the area.

The visit forms part of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Water and Sanitation, chaired by the Deputy President. The committee coordinates government interventions to address water and sanitation challenges, strengthen accountability and accelerate responses to service delivery concerns affecting communities.

“During the visit, the Deputy President will visit the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW) to assess the situation, receive an update on the condition of the water treatment infrastructure and engage with relevant authorities on measures being implemented to restore the safety and reliability of the water supply,” the Presidency said.

The Deputy President will also visit hospitalised patients following reports of gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of contaminated water.

Approximately 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported in the Bronkhorstspruit area after residents consumed water suspected of being contaminated and linked to the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.

“The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the water supply and the potential health risks to communities The engagement will provide an opportunity to receive updates on the condition of affected residents and the healthcare response,” the Presidency said.

The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has led the response, including interventions to address water quality concerns, assess the affected infrastructure and implement measures to safeguard public health and restore the supply of safe water to affected residents.

During the visit, the Deputy President will assess progress in addressing the crisis and engage with the City of Tshwane and relevant government departments to reinforce the importance of coordinated action, effective oversight and accountability in ensuring access to safe and reliable water.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo; Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi; Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo; and Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Dr Nasiphi Moya, along with other relevant government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, extended his warm congratulations and well wishes to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election for a historic fourth term. 

In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa described President Lula’s re-election as a victory that extends beyond Brazil, highlighting its significance for the Global South and progressive forces around the world.

“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I congratulate my dear brother and friend, President Lula and the people of Brazil. This victory will echo beyond the shores of Brazil. It is a victory for the global south and progressive forces throughout the world.

“We affirm our commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries and working closely together in all multilateral fora to forge a just and better world order underpinned by solidarity and adherence to international law,” the President said.

South Africa and Brazil maintain close bilateral and strategic relations founded on South-South cooperation, multilateralism and shared leadership in international forums, including BRICS, the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum, the Group of 77 and China (G77+China) and the Group of 20 (G20).

In March 2026, President Ramaphosa undertook a state visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Lula, a visit that further strengthened the existing trade and political relations between the two countries.

READ | President Ramaphosa reaffirms strong SA–Brazil partnership during State Visit

The re-election comes as the two countries continue to cooperate on shared priorities, including multilateralism, international solidarity and efforts to advance a more just international order. – SAnews.gov.za

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has called for further water quality testing at St Albans Correctional Facility, following concerns raised about the safety of drinking water at the institution.

According to the municipality’s routine water quality monitoring records, no incidents of compromised water quality have been reported in St Albans.

However, the municipality warned that this should not be interpreted as conclusive proof of the water quality at every point of consumption within the correctional facility.

The municipality in the Eastern Cape said the concerns warrant appropriate consideration against the available monitoring records and any additional test results that may be obtained.

The municipality explained that although St Albans receives water from the municipal supply system, the water is conveyed to the facility through a private pipeline operated and maintained by the Department of Public Works. The water is subsequently stored in tanks at the facility, which is maintained by Public Works.

“This distinction is important because water quality can be affected by conditions within private pipelines, storage infrastructure and plumbing systems after water leaves the municipal distribution network. The municipality must therefore distinguish between the quality of water supplied through its network and the quality of water at the point where it is ultimately consumed,” the municipality explained.

It further added that the Department of Public Works, as the party responsible for maintaining the private pipeline and storage tanks serving the facility, should arrange for water samples to be collected from the facility’s storage tanks and points of consumption and tested by a suitably qualified and accredited laboratory.

The municipality said it can provide relevant information from its routine monitoring programme to support the assessment of the municipal water supply.

“The findings from appropriate testing will be important in determining whether any water quality concern exists, where it may originate and what corrective action may be necessary.

“Should test results identify a potential health risk, the relevant authorities must act promptly to implement appropriate corrective measures and communicate the necessary precautions to those affected, in accordance with applicable requirements.”

The municipality reiterated its commitment to providing drinking water that meets the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS 241) requirements and respond responsibly to resident concerns, institutions, and other water consumers.

“[The municipality] will not dismiss concerns simply because they have not been reflected in routine monitoring records. Equally, conclusions about the safety or cause of a suspected water quality problem must be based on reliable evidence and appropriate testing.”

Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe called for cooperation among the relevant authorities to ensure that concerns raised are investigated and any necessary interventions are informed by reliable evidence.

“Protecting public health is a shared responsibility, and the priority must remain the safety and wellbeing of everyone who depends on this water supply,” Lobishe said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom generation recovery continues to bear fruit, with the power utility’s Energy Availability Factor for the financial year-to-date reaching 68.1%, representing approximately 6424MW of additional available generation capacity as compared to three years ago.

The sustained recovery has resulted in less reliance on diesel-fired Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), contributing to a R4.81 billion year-on-year reduction in diesel expenditure.

“Unplanned outages have improved by 6.89% year-on-year, representing approximately 3115MW of generation capacity returned to service compared with the corresponding period last year. Over the past three years, average unplanned outages have declined by 7064MW, from 16 172MW to 9 108MW.

“These improvements, driven by the Generation Recovery Plan, have contributed to South Africa recording 525 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025,” Eskom said in a statement.

Furthermore, the power utility now has 4961MW of available generation capacity above current demand requirements.

“The sustained improvement in generation availability, declining unplanned outages, lower diesel expenditure and substantial reduction in load reduction demonstrate continued progress in strengthening Eskom’s operational performance.

“The focus is now on sustaining these gains and progressively shifting from recovery to reliability and sustainability, while supporting a reliable electricity supply for South Africa’s economic growth and industrialisation,” the statement read.

The electricity provider’s plans of eradicating load reduction also continue to bear fruit.

Some 1.5 million customers previously affected by load reduction have already been restored to normal electricity supply.

“The number of customers affected by load reduction has declined from approximately 1.69 million to 193 556, an 88.6% reduction. Seven provinces have been free from load reduction, with the remaining impact confined to selected areas in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Approximately 80% of customers previously affected in these two provinces have been restored to normal supply, while the remaining 193 556 affected customers represent approximately 2.7% of Eskom’s customer base,” the statement continued.

Targeted interventions, like the smart meter rollout, continue in the remaining communities as Eskom advances towards its March 2027 eradication target.

Some 524 375 smart meters have been installed on load reduction feeders, reaching approximately 91% of the 577 347 target for high-priority areas.

“Approximately 83% of these installations are concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, where pressure on the network is highest. The rollout remains focused on high-loss areas impacted by illegal connections, infrastructure overloading and electricity theft.

“Despite ongoing stakeholder engagement, including work with ward councillors, public meetings and media platforms, resistance in some areas continues to affect progress. These include safety incidents, intimidation and work stoppages, resulting in delays, with more than 122 000 planned installations impacted to date,” Eskom explained. – SAnews.gov.za