Category: Africa

The eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate, working together with the City’s Emergency Services, has deployed teams to attend to multiple incidents across the city following strong winds, which caused outages across the city.

The strong winds on Saturday afternoon and early evening left several communities without electricity, and caused multiple incidents of fallen trees and storm damage across the city.

In a statement, the municipality reported that the city’s Electricity and Energy Directorate was attending to a number of power outages, most of which occurred on overhead medium-voltage circuits that are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

Tree branches and other flying objects, including roof sheets, can damage overhead electricity infrastructure and cause power outages.

Affected areas include Baphehli, Folweni, Amaoti, Waterloo, Moriah, Klaarwater, Savannah Park, Inanda, Gunjini, Redcliffe, Malukazi, KwaNdengezi, Clermont, Umlazi C and Thornwood, among others.

“Technical teams worked through the night and supply has since been restored to a number of affected communities. Teams remain deployed and are working to clear the outstanding backlog and bring the remaining affected areas back online,” the municipality said.

The municipality said restoration of electricity supply can take time as switching staff and technical teams are required to inspect affected overhead line circuits to identify the cause of faults.

“Once the fault has been located, teams may need to carry out the necessary repairs before supply can be safely restored.”

The teams are also responding to multiple incidents of fallen trees and other storm-related damage.

Fallen trees were reported across the city, with teams cutting and removing trees and clearing debris from affected areas.

Locations include Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Currie Road, Prospect Road, Balmoral Road, Kenneth Kaunda Road, Ridge Road in uMhlanga, Mazisi Kunene Road, John Zikhali Road, Patrick Duncan Road in Kloof, Margaret Maytom Avenue, Hilltop Road in uMkomaas, Marian Road in Amanzimtoti, O’Flaherty Road, Quarry Road, Penzance Road and Hatton Avenue in Sherwood.

No injuries were reported at the time of the update.

“The Durban Metro Police Service is managing traffic along affected routes and motorists are urged to follow the directions of officers on the scene. Fire Services are also attending to a damaged billboard near the N2 and Queen Nandi Drive, which might pose a risk to road users.

The municipality said the full extent of the damage is not yet known, with assessments ongoing and the number of reported incidents expected to change as further reports are received.

Motorists are urged to avoid affected routes where possible, reduce speed and remain alert to fallen trees, debris and damaged structures.

The public is also warned not to approach or attempt to move fallen electricity cables, particularly where trees have brought down power lines.

Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel where possible and secure loose objects around homes and properties.

Fallen trees, damaged structures and other wind-related incidents should be reported to the Disaster Management Centre.

The municipality said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide further updates as assessments are completed. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has received an additional 28 593 Lenacapavir initiation packs as the province moves to expand access to the six-monthly, long-acting HIV prevention injection.

The department said the new stock is currently being distributed to 133 participating healthcare facilities across Gauteng, with the replenishment aimed at restoring access for eligible clients following temporary shortages at some facilities.

While many facilities across the province still have stock available, the latest delivery will replenish facilities in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Sedibeng that experienced temporary shortages due to exceptionally high demand following the successful rollout of Lenacapavir in June 2026.

The latest consignment brings the total number of initiation packs received to date to 57 231 across three batches.

By the end of July 2026, Gauteng had already initiated 17 937 eligible clients on Lenacapavir, demonstrating strong public uptake of the HIV prevention option. 

The province has been allocated sufficient stock to initiate 114 160 eligible clients between June 2026 and March 2027, with further supplies scheduled for quarterly delivery.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Faith Mazibuko said the strong public response to Lenacapavir was encouraging and showed that more residents were taking proactive steps to protect themselves against HIV infection.

“The overwhelming demand for Lenacapavir is a positive sign that more people are embracing HIV prevention services and taking charge of their health. It also demonstrates the need for innovative prevention options that are convenient, effective and responsive to people’s lifestyles and circumstances,” MEC Mazibuko said.

The department said the strong uptake of Lenacapavir reflects growing awareness of HIV prevention services and residents’ willingness to access interventions aimed at reducing new HIV infections.

It said the temporary stock shortages experienced at some facilities resulted from demand exceeding initial projections.

“While the Department acknowledges the frustration experienced by some clients, it is encouraged by the growing number of people seeking HIV prevention services,” the department said, adding that it was working to replenish stock and ensure eligible clients could access Lenacapavir at any of the 133 participating facilities across Gauteng.

The department also reminded communities that Lenacapavir is intended for HIV prevention and not HIV treatment.

There have been instances where people living with HIV have requested the injection, with healthcare workers continuing to provide education on its purpose and eligibility criteria. Individuals are required to undergo HIV testing before being initiated on Lenacapavir.

The GDoH further emphasised that while Lenacapavir is highly effective in preventing HIV infection, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies.

The public is therefore encouraged to continue using condoms and access regular HIV and STI screening services, which are available free of charge at public healthcare facilities throughout Gauteng.

To improve access to Lenacapavir, the department has strengthened provincial and district stock-monitoring systems and expanded training for healthcare workers, pharmacists, programme managers and data personnel.

It also continues to conduct weekly monitoring of programme implementation, clinical guidelines and reporting systems, while community engagement and demand-creation activities remain central to the programme.

The department also stressed that daily oral PrEP remains an important HIV prevention option and continues to be available at public healthcare facilities across the province.

“Lenacapavir is intended to complement, not replace, existing prevention methods,” the department said.

Clients initiated on Lenacapavir are encouraged to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Following initiation, clients are required to return for a one-month follow-up visit and thereafter every six months for subsequent injections.

The department said these visits are important for HIV retesting, clinical monitoring and addressing any questions or concerns that clients may have. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has registered 124 renewable energy generation facilities during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. 

The solar and wind facilities have a combined 804 MW of total capacity with an investment value estimated at R20.18 billion.

“NERSA processed the applications for the registration of the 124 generation facilities within an average of 10 working days.

“This is an improvement from the 2025/26 financial year’s first quarter, during which 111 applications for registration were processed within an average of 11 working days. This shows NERSA’s commitment to efficient evaluation and processing of generation facilities’ registration applications,” the regulator said in a statement.

Some 122 solar photovoltaic (PV) technology facilities with a capacity of 236 MW were registered, while two wind technology facilities at a combined capacity of 568 MW were registered.

The facilities were registered within all of South Africa’s provinces.

“Of the 124 registered facilities, 63 are connected to municipal distribution networks, representing a combined capacity of 47 MW and an estimated investment cost of R639 million. The remaining 61 facilities are connected to the Eskom network, accounting for 757 MW of capacity and approximately R19 541 million in investment.

“In the first quarter of 2026/27, the average investment cost was approximately R25 099/kW. Since the inception of the registration regime in 2018, NERSA has registered 2 619 generation facilities, with a combined capacity of 20 131 MW and an estimated total investment cost of approximately R409 billion. 

“NERSA’s approval of 124 new generation facilities supports grid reliability and safety, improves national electricity planning, encourages private investment, expands generation capacity, strengthens South Africa’s energy security and facilitates the transition to a more competitive, renewable-based electricity sector,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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A major urban transformation is underway in Ntuzuma Ward 42, north of Durban, where more than R200 million is being invested in projects aimed at driving economic inclusion, creating jobs and expanding opportunities for local residents.

At the centre of the transformation is the construction of the Ntuzuma Mall and the R32 million upgrade of the KwaNozaza ICT Hub.

The projects are also creating opportunities for local young people to transition from vocational training into practical infrastructure and employment opportunities.

The developments form part of the eThekwini Municipality’s broader efforts to stimulate local economic activity, improve access to quality retail and technology infrastructure, create employment opportunities and equip communities with skills that can support sustainable livelihoods.

“The Ntuzuma Mall development, which is progressing through various construction phases, is expected to strengthen the area as a neighbourhood retail and economic hub.

“The development will include anchor tenants, line shops, internal and external walkways, as well as supporting road, paving and landscaping infrastructure.

“Major retailers expected to form part of the development include Shoprite and Boxer, among others,” the municipality said.

Beyond its retail offering, the project is providing a platform for local skills development, with young people applying vocational skills in a live construction environment.

These include plumbing, electrical installations, bricklaying, plastering and tiling, creating a direct link between training and practical employment opportunities.

The R32 million KwaNozaza ICT Hub upgrade is also progressing, with the facility being developed into a modern technology and innovation space aimed at expanding access to digital opportunities within the community.

The municipality views the investments as important catalysts for economic inclusion, spatial transformation and local development, particularly in township communities, where access to economic opportunities remain a priority.

The Ntuzuma Mall development was unlocked through the eThekwini Development Planning and Facilitation process as a neighbourhood centre and retail development.

The project is aligned with the municipality’s strategic priority of Economic Growth and Job Creation and is expected to contribute towards more efficient and inclusive spatial development.

Nkululeko Mkhize, Deputy Director for Programme Coordination, said the Ntuzuma Mall development, supported by the eThekwini Municipality, represents a significant 18 000-square metre private sector investment aimed at boosting the local economy and empowering small and medium enterprises.

“Key highlights include the creation of hundreds of construction jobs for local youth and the integration of small businesses alongside major retailers upon its 2027 completion, fostering long-term sustainability through inclusive development,” Mkhize said.

Mkhize said the municipality will continue working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the developments contribute meaningfully to local economic participation, skills development and improved services and facilities for residents of Ntuzuma and surrounding communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says the third phase of the government-business partnership will focus on accelerating economic growth, expanding employment opportunities and ensuring that the benefits of economic reforms translate into improved livelihoods for South Africans. 

In his latest newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Ramaphosa said the third phase, launched last week, builds on the progress made through the partnership since its establishment in 2023, when South Africa was grappling with severe constraints in electricity supply, freight logistics and security.

“While the first two phases of the partnership were about stabilisation and structural reform, the third phase focuses on areas of the economy that can stimulate greater growth and job creation,” he said.

The President said the partnership had demonstrated the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the country’s most pressing economic challenges. 

He highlighted progress in the electricity and logistics sectors, including more than 400 days without load shedding, strengthened port operations and the opening of freight rail corridors to private operators.

“This has been possible thanks to a remarkable turnaround in generation led by Eskom, a rapid expansion in private generation capacity and significant progress toward a competitive electricity market,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also pointed to South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, saying the partnership had contributed to the progress, which was followed by improved outlooks and ratings from credit rating agencies.

“These are real outcomes that demonstrate that social partnerships are more than meetings and presentations; they are practical, delivery-focused mechanisms that achieve measurable results,” he said.

Despite these gains, the President said the country’s economic growth rate remained insufficient to absorb the millions of people seeking employment.

“With around 8.5 million unemployed citizens by the official rate and roughly 300,000 net new work-seekers entering the labour force each year, we must accelerate our pace,” he said.

Targeting growth and jobs

Phase Three has set a target of lifting South Africa’s GDP growth above 3% a year and contributing towards the creation of one million new jobs by 2030.

The next phase will be driven by three pillars aimed at turning macroeconomic stability into broader improvements in the lives of South Africans.

The first pillar will focus on sustaining the country’s core economic enablers. This includes completing the unbundling of Eskom, building new electricity transmission lines, fully operationalising the wholesale electricity market and expanding private train operations on the rail network. 

The second pillar will focus on unlocking growth in industries with significant employment potential, including mining, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and infrastructure.

Key interventions include rolling out the new mining cadastre system to boost mineral exploration, streamlining visa systems to attract international tourists, expanding agricultural export markets and scaling up public-private investment in infrastructure.

The third pillar will focus on strengthening confidence in society and the economy.

This will include efforts to tackle crime and corruption, extend partnership models to improve municipal service delivery and strengthen specialised forensic capacities to accelerate high-impact prosecutions against organised crime syndicates.

Expanding opportunities for young people

The partnership will also intensify efforts to create employment and livelihood opportunities for young South Africans.

This will include joint initiatives to increase youth placement in entry-level jobs, supported by increased employment incentives and assistance for work-seekers.

Government will also sustain and expand effective public employment programmes while working with business to improve the transition of young people into sustained earning opportunities.

President Ramaphosa said the experience of the partnership over the past three years had demonstrated that South Africa’s economic challenges could not be addressed by any one sector acting alone.

“The overarching lesson of these past three years is that no single sector of society can resolve South Africa’s economic challenges in isolation. Government brings an electoral mandate, regulatory authority and policy direction. Business brings investment, technical skills and resources,” he said.

He said closer alignment between government, business, labour and civil society could help the country translate reforms into stronger economic growth and shared prosperity.

“When we align our capabilities around clear, measurable objectives, we move our country forward. This approach reflects and strengthens our broader democratic tradition of social dialogue and cooperation,” he said.

The President said the next phase of the partnership would build on the momentum already established by focusing collective efforts on investment, economic expansion and job creation.

“By deepening these social partnerships and maintaining our collective momentum, we will convert confidence into investment, growth and jobs. And we will convert transformational reforms into shared prosperity for all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has welcomed the launch of Phase Three of the Government-Business Partnership, which will expand its focus to tourism as one of the key sectors identified to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation and build confidence.

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched Phase Three of the partnership on Friday, with an immediate target of lifting economic growth above 3%, signalling a shift from stabilising and reforming the economy towards accelerating growth, investment and job creation.

Tourism, agriculture and agro-processing, and mining have been prioritised for their potential to attract investment, generate foreign revenue and create jobs on a large scale.

For tourism, the government has identified improved air access, faster and more modern visa processing, stronger destination marketing, enhanced tourist safety and increased investment in tourism infrastructure as key areas requiring attention.

De Lille said these priorities are closely aligned with the work already being undertaken through the Cabinet-endorsed Tourism Growth Partnership Plan (TGPP), which brings government and the private sector together around five priorities: ease of access, coordinated destination marketing, safety and security, tourism product development and job creation.

De Lille said the existing partnership had already identified the barriers limiting tourism growth and the interventions needed to address them.

“Operation Vulindlela now gives us an opportunity to bring greater momentum, coordination and accountability to this work as we continue to demonstrate that tourism policy is economic policy,” she said.

As part of the TGPP, a Project Management Office has been established and a dashboard introduced to measure progress against the sector’s macroeconomic targets and track implementation across its various workstreams.

The Department of Tourism said it would work with the Presidency, other government departments and the private sector to turn the priorities identified under Phase Three into measurable outcomes.

The focus comes as tourism continues to make a significant contribution to the South African economy.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism sector supported 954 000 direct jobs in 2024 and contributed 4.9% to the gross domestic product. 

The sector’s contribution to the economy was higher than that of agriculture, utilities and construction, according to the department.

With tourism now formally included in the next phase of the government-business economic partnership, the sector is expected to play a more prominent role in efforts to boost investment, employment and economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

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Social grant beneficiaries, who have not yet replaced their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards with Postbank Black Cards, have less than a week to complete the migration before the 31 August 2026 deadline. 

Postbank has urged beneficiaries, who are yet to make the switch, to do so as soon as possible, warning that Gold Cards are being phased out and will no longer function, once the migration process is concluded.

Beneficiaries, who fail to replace their cards by the deadline, could face disruptions when accessing their social grant payments.

Postbank has also cautioned beneficiaries against waiting until their usual grant payment dates to replace their cards, as increased demand could result in longer queues at card replacement sites as the deadline approaches. 

How to replace cards 

Postbank Black Cards are available at selected retailers, including Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, Pick ‘n Pay, Boxer and Spar stores. 

Card replacement sites are open nationwide from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Beneficiaries can dial *120 355# from their mobile phones to locate their nearest card replacement site. 

The replacement process is free, and beneficiaries are required to present a valid South African identity document or temporary ID.

Postbank has encouraged beneficiaries to visit a nearby Postbank service point rather than SASSA offices for enquiries relating to Gold Cards and Black Cards.

Beneficiaries can also contact the Postbank call centre on 0800 5354 55 for assistance with payment-related queries, including missed payments, PIN-related issues, lost or stolen cards, card reissues and declined transactions. – SAnews.gov.za

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Young South Africans have been urged to take a more active role in democratic and governance processes, with concerns about youth disengagement, misinformation, unemployment and exclusion taking centre stage at a Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) roundtable in Pretoria.

The roundtable, held at the GCIS Auditorium, brought together young people from different backgrounds, including students from various institutions and youth from different communities, to discuss the challenges preventing greater participation in democracy.

The engagement comes amid ongoing national concern about the involvement of young people in democratic processes. 

Participants were given an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and seek clarity on the role young people can play in governance.

Discussions emphasised that democracy extends beyond voting during elections and includes active citizenship, community involvement, holding leaders accountable and staying informed about issues affecting society.

Several themes were addressed during the discussions, including the power of the vote, online activism and misinformation, youth employment and local economic participation, as well as the participation of women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in democratic processes.

Participants also examined the growing influence of social media on young people and the risks posed by misinformation and digital manipulation. Discussions highlighted the need for young people to distinguish credible information from false or misleading content.

Social media was also identified as a potential platform for constructive civic engagement. Participants said digital platforms could be used not only to express views and raise awareness, but also to encourage community involvement and participation in democratic processes.

Employment and economic opportunities emerged as another major concern. Young people linked meaningful participation in society to access to sustainable livelihoods and opportunities to contribute to local economic development.

The roundtable also focused on inclusive participation, with participants stressing that women, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups should not be excluded from democratic processes.

Small-group discussions were used to encourage broader participation and allow young people to reflect on challenges in their communities and propose practical solutions. Each group later selected a representative to present its key recommendations and reflections to the wider gathering.

The discussions provided an opportunity for participants to identify common challenges while exchanging ideas on how young people could become more involved in governance.

The roundtable concluded with a call for young people to view themselves as active citizens and future leaders. Participants were encouraged to remain informed, challenge misinformation, participate in their communities and hold people in positions of authority accountable.

The engagement demonstrated that, despite concerns about youth disengagement, young people remain willing to discuss challenges facing South Africa and contribute ideas aimed at addressing them. – SAnews.gov.za

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Workplace skills required by South Africa’s green economy are set to receive a much-needed boost through the Renewable Energy Training Centre located in the Eastern Cape.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, will preside over the official co-launch and handover of the Ngqungqushe Campus and Renewable Energy Training Centre at Ingwe TVET College in Lusikisiki.

The launch, which is set for Thursday, marks an important milestone in expanding access to quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in rural communities, while equipping young people with skills needed for the economy of the future.

“The event will bring together two significant investments at Ingwe TVET College’s Ngqungqushe Campus, made possible through a strategic partnership involving the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA),” the NSF said in a statement.

The newly developed Ngqungqushe Campus forms part of government’s continued investment in expanding access to quality post-school education and training, particularly for young people in rural areas.

The Renewable Energy Training Centre, established through EWSETA, in partnership with the Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), is expected to contribute to developing the skills required to support South Africa’s growing renewable energy sector and the country’s Just Energy Transition.

The NSF said the co-launch demonstrates the value of strategic collaboration and coordinated investment among institutions within the post-school education and training system.

“The partnership between the NSF and EWSETA further provides an important example of how government entities and SETAs can work together to maximise the impact of available resources, complement one another’s investments and avoid duplication,” the NSF said.

The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase how investment in modern TVET infrastructure, future-focused skills and strategic partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for young people and communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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A total of 1 145 suspects have been arrested across Mpumalanga during a four-day high-density crime-fighting operation targeting serious and violent offences, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

Operation Shanela II was conducted between Thursday, 20 August and Sunday, 23 August 2026, across all three districts of the province, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.

Police focused on priority crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related offences, illicit mining and the possession of gold-bearing material.

The operation included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols and the tracing of wanted suspects.

Police and their partners also carried out compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers, liquor outlets and formal and informal businesses.

According to the SAPS, firearms and ammunition, drugs, copper cables, counterfeit goods and suspected stolen vehicles were among the items recovered during the operations.

The suspects face a range of charges, including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, drug possession and dealing, illicit mining and the illegal sale of liquor.

Others were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and driving under the influence of alcohol.

All those arrested are expected to appear before various magistrate’s courts across the province.

Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, praised police officers, partner law enforcement agencies and community members for their role in the operation.

“Through Operation Shanela II, police and other law enforcement agencies continue to bring forth positive results and this demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fighting crime and stamping the authority of the state in our communities,” Modise said.

She said the arrests and recoveries demonstrated the police’s determination to disrupt criminal networks and prevent criminals from operating in communities.

Modise also thanked participating members, sister departments and other stakeholders for their “dedication, professionalism and teamwork”, while acknowledging residents who provided information to police.

Operation Shanela is part of ongoing high-density policing efforts aimed at increasing police visibility, disrupting criminal activity and targeting wanted suspects and other priority crimes. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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