Category: Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation has urged communities in Mpumalanga to use water sparingly as dam levels across the province continue to decline.

According to the department’s latest weekly state of reservoirs report, the provincial average dam level decreased from 98.7% to 98.3%, with all but three dams recording declines over the past week.

The three dams that recorded no change are located in the Lowveld region of the Ehlanzeni District. These include Longmere, which is at 101.6%, Klipkopjes at 100.4%, and Primkop at 101.7%.

The department has called for strengthened water conservation efforts and to prevent water wastage amid declining dam levels and concerns about the potential impact of a Super El Niño weather phenomenon.

The Limpopo-Olifants Water Management Area (WMA) declined from 99.8% to 99.1%, while the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA decreased from 97.8% to 97.5%.

At district level, Ehlanzeni’s average dam levels dropped from 99.9% to 99.6%, Gert Sibande from 97.5% to 97.2%, and Nkangala from 99.6% to 99.0%.

“The listed dams that recorded declines in water levels include Kwena Dam from 99.8% to 99.2%, Witklip Dam from 100.4% to 100.3%, Da Gama Dam from 99.8% to 99.3%, Driekoppies Dam from 100.4% to 100.2%, Inyaka Dam from 100.1% to 99.7%, Blyderivierpoort Dam from 100.2% to 100.1%, Buffelskloof Dam from 100.3% to 100.2%, and Ohrigstad Dam from 88.6% to 87.5%,” the department said.

All listed dams in Gert Sibande also recorded decreases. Grootdraai Dam declined from 100.6% to 100.4%, Nooitgedacht Dam from 99.2% to 98.6%, Vygeboom Dam from 100.4% to 100.3%, and Jericho Dam from 91.7% to 90.5%.

Westoe Dam dropped from 52.5% to 51.9%, Morgenstond Dam from 100.3% to 99.9%, and Heyshope Dam from 100.4% to 100.3%.

The report also indicated a decline in dam levels across the Nkangala District, with all listed dams recording decreases.

Witbank Dam declined from 99.2% to 98.4%, Middelburg Dam from 94.6% to 94.2%, Loskop Dam from 100.2% to 99.5%, and Rhenosterkop/Mkhombo Dam from 100.0% to 99.5%.

The department urged water users to use water wisely and prevent wastage by fixing leaking taps and pipes. Communities are also encouraged to report leaks in bulk water pipelines and incidents of infrastructure vandalism to the relevant institutions and authorities.

The department reiterated that South Africa is a water-scarce country, requiring responsible and efficient water use by households, businesses and other water users.

“Every drop counts as water has no substitute,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) School of Engineering has upgraded its computer laboratory, following a R2.2 million investment by Aberdare Cables to improve digital learning and strengthen engineering skills development.

The lab can accommodate 163 students.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, officially launched the AberTech LAN facility on Wednesday, an investment which will help prepare students for the demands of a rapidly changing technological and industrial environment.

The upgraded facility, which previously accommodated 80 students, features 175 new network access points, modern workstations, new projection systems, improved lighting and a collaborative learning environment.

Dube-Ncube welcomed the investment as an example of how partnerships between government, higher education institutions and industry can improve the quality of education and ensure graduates acquire relevant workplace skills.

“A student who learns on outdated machines risks graduating with outdated skills. A student who models, simulates, codes and designs on current systems enters the workplace ready to contribute from the first day,” Dube-Ncube said.

She encouraged Aberdare Cables and UKZN to expand their partnership beyond infrastructure and bursaries to include Work Integrated Learning opportunities, internships and workplace placements.

The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of industry investment in engineering education to develop the skills needed to support South Africa’s economic growth, particularly in the energy sector, including electricity grids, renewable energy projects and transmission networks.

Dube-Ncube noted the partnership built on Aberdare Cables’ existing support for engineering and information and communications technology students through bursaries.

She said such collaborations are aligned with government’s commitment to expanding access to quality post-school education and training (PSET) and making institutions more responsive to the economy.

In the 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the Skills Revolution at the centre of the country’s development agenda under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All.”

The President also directed the Ministers of Finance and Higher Education and Training to develop a proposal for more universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges with specialised areas of focus.
“Government cannot do this alone. Partnerships like this one are how those commitments become real,” Dube-Ncube said.

She added that modern teaching and learning facilities are increasingly important as artificial intelligence and other technological advances transform the workplace.

Students were also called to protect the facility against vandalism and theft, while the university has been urged to establish a clear maintenance plan and budget for software licences and the regular renewal of equipment.

“Every rand invested, whether public or private, must deliver lasting value.”

Call for peaceful resolution of disputes

Addressing student conduct, Dube-Ncube called for peaceful resolution of disputes, following tensions surrounding the university’s Student Representative Council elections, including an incident at the Westville Campus in which staff members were injured.

While acknowledging that student elections are an important school of democracy, and disagreement as part of democracy, she said disputes must be settled through university rules, appeal processes, dialogue and the law, rather that violence, intimidation or disruption of other students’ learning.

“Violence against the staff who keep our campuses safe is unacceptable,” she said, calling on all student formations to protect the university’s people, reputation and facilities.

Dube-Ncube further urged students to promote respect and equality, highlighting the need to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the PSET system.

She called on young men, to champion equality and encouraged students experiencing substance abuse, or other challenges to seek support from campus services and Higher Health.

The Deputy Minister noted the facility also supported efforts to develop engineering solutions to climate change, including resilient infrastructure, efficient energy systems and clean technologies.

She linked the investment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education, gender equality, industry, innovation and infrastructure, and climate action. – SAnews.gov.za

South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Dr Johnstone Makhubu, has welcomed the revised revenue estimate announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday.

South Africa’s gross tax revenue forecast for 2026/27 has been revised upwards by R17.1 billion, supported by stronger-than-expected collections from corporate income tax, dividends tax and Value-Added Tax (VAT).

The revised revenue target is set at R2.144 trillion, up from the historic R2.01 trillion net revenue collected in the 2025/26 financial year.

SARS noted that the upward revision presents a “challenge”.

“However, SARS accepts the challenge and remains committed to its mandate of collecting all revenues that are due, enhancing compliance and facilitating legitimate trade.

“This will provide government with the resources needed to build a capable state, promote the social and economic development of all South Africans, deliver public services, and support infrastructure development.

“SARS notes that the revenue outlook excludes the fuel levy relief announced at the MTBPS by the Minister. This relief reflects our government’s efforts to help South Africans cope with rising fuel costs and its associated cost of living implications,” the revenue service stated.

Strong showing

In the year up to September, the revenue service collected some R992.2 billion in net revenue, including gross collections of R1.231 trillion and refund payments totalling R239.1 billion.

“The year-to-date outcome demonstrates the resilience of South Africa’s revenue system.

“However, as reflected in the Minister’s speech, sustainable revenue growth ultimately depends on economic expansion, investment, job creation and broad-based compliance,” Makhubu said.

Furthermore, compliance interventions secured a preliminary R137.7 billion.

“Every rand recovered through compliance interventions protects honest taxpayers and strengthens the fiscal framework. Compliance is one of the most effective tools available to safeguard the integrity of the tax and customs ecosystem,” the Commissioner noted.

He expressed confidence in SARS’ ability to ensure that all revenue due to the state is collected.

“The fiscal position demands disciplined execution across the organs of state and a capable, trusted revenue authority that fulfils its mandate firmly, without fear, favour or prejudice. SARS will continue to collect all revenue lawfully due, facilitate legitimate trade and protect the revenue base that funds government’s development agenda.

“The Minister has challenged all 14 500 SARS employees to make every effort to collect the resources needed to make South Africa work. I am confident that Team SARS will answer the nation’s call. I thank our employees for their steadfast commitment, and compliant taxpayers and traders for contributing to the development of our country,” Makhubu stated. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom’s Koeberg Power Station Unit 1 has returned to service, following completion of the required recovery activities.

“On 16 October 2026, during testing activities associated with the planned maintenance outage of Koeberg Unit 2, an electrical disturbance exceeded the predefined tolerance limits of a protection system associated with Unit 1, resulting in the automatic opening of the unit’s 400 kV and 24 kV breakers.

“The subsequent investigation concluded that a conservative protection relay setting contributed to the response, with the protection system operating as designed to safely shut down the unit and ensure the continued safe operation of the plant,” the power utility said in a post on social media platform X.

In the post on Thursday, Eskom noted that there was “no impact on nuclear safety”, adding that the unit at the Western Cape based power station is now stable and synchronised to the grid.

“The successful return of Unit 1 reflects the coordinated efforts and commitment of the Koeberg teams responsible for the recovery and restoration activities.

“Unit 2 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station remains in planned maintenance,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has welcomed the additional funding for the agency’s capacity announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday.

The Minister said government is considering measures to strengthen the capacity of border inspectors and immigration officers to address illegal migration. 

“We welcome the support announced by the Minister of Finance towards the capacitation of the Border Management Authority. This is an important recognition of the strategic role that the BMA plays in safeguarding our country’s borders, protecting national security and facilitating legitimate movement across our ports of entry.

“Strengthening the Authority’s capacity is fundamental to building an effective, integrated and intelligence-led border management system. As the BMA continues to implement its mandate, adequate resources are critical to enhancing our operational capabilities and responding to the demands placed on our ports of entry and border law enforcement environment,” Masiapato stated.

The BMA noted that the Minister’s announcement is an important step to enhance the security of South Africa’s borders.

“The Minister’s announcement recognises the importance of building state capability and strengthening frontline institutions responsible for safeguarding national security, facilitating legitimate trade and travel, and addressing challenges associated with illegal migration.

“The capacitation of the BMA is essential to ensuring that the Authority is adequately equipped to respond to the growing demands of integrated border law enforcement. The BMA also expressed its appreciation to the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, for his continued advocacy for additional resources to strengthen the Authority’s capacity.

“This announcement marks an important step towards realising these efforts and ensuring that the BMA is better equipped to fulfil its mandate,” the BMA said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has elected Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane as the incoming Chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

SADC has also approved the appointment of Treasure Thembisile Maphanga as Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.

The decisions were taken during the virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held on Wednesday, under the chairpersonship of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

READ | President Ramaphosa calls for stronger SADC institutions

Matekane’s election completes the Organ Troika, which comprises the current Chairperson, King Mswati III of Eswatini, and the outgoing Chairperson, Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Summit also approved Maphanga, an Eswatini executive with experience in continental trade, industrial policy, the digital economy and institutional development, as the new Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.

According to SADC, Maphanga brings 30 years of experience in policy formulation, trade negotiations, institutional reform, public-private partnerships, resource mobilisation and programme delivery.

The appointment is expected to support the implementation of regional priorities outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020–2030 and advance the organisation’s vision of a more integrated, prosperous and resilient region.

The Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration provides strategic oversight of programmes covering regional trade, industrialisation, infrastructure development, food security, social and human development, and economic cooperation among member states.

Disaster preparedness

The Extraordinary Summit also called on member states to strengthen regional disaster preparedness, enhance anticipatory action and improve coordination in responding to emerging humanitarian risks.

This comes amid concerns about the potential cascading impacts of the 2026/2027 El Niño and cyclone season in Southern Africa.

Summit congratulated Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo, the African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management, on hosting the inaugural International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa in Maputo from 13 to 15 October 2026.

Held under the theme: “Scaling Proactive Governance and Strategic Investment for Disaster Risk Reduction and a Resilient Africa”, the conference called for accelerated implementation of disaster risk reduction commitments, stronger partnerships and increased investment in resilience-building initiatives across the continent.

Acknowledging outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary

The Summit also expressed gratitude to outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angèle Makombo N’Tumba, whose contract ends on 26 October 2026.

SADC acknowledged her dedicated service and contribution to regional integration and the socio-economic development agenda during her four-year tenure at the Secretariat.

“[The] Summit expressed appreciation to His Excellency Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the successful hosting of the Extraordinary Summit and for his continued leadership and commitment to advancing the SADC regional integration agenda,” the Communique said. 

In closing the meeting, President Ramaphosa thanked Heads of State and Government and their representatives for participating, reaffirming the importance of collective efforts to promote regional integration, peace, stability and sustainable development across Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

A prominent North West businessman, added as an accused by the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) in connection with two cases involving the attempted theft of motor vehicles, fraud and uttering, is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo today.

In a statement ahead of Thursday’s court appearance, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the cases emanate from an incident on 22 July 2026, when police members stationed at the Beitbridge border post in Musina intercepted two motor vehicles allegedly destined for Malawi.

Two suspects were arrested and charged with attempted theft of motor vehicles, fraud and uttering. Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicles were allegedly being transported from Mahikeng towards the Beitbridge border post for onward travel to Malawi.

“It is alleged that arrangements had been made to obtain bank authorisation documents to facilitate the legal cross-border movement of the vehicles. However, the required authorisation was allegedly not provided, and fraudulent bank documents were subsequently arranged,” said the SAPS.

The police further added that the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of fraudulent documentation and the intended movement of the vehicles across the border form part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the two vehicles, which were still financed, were handed over to the bank.

“The two suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before the Musina Regional Court on 27 October 2026. On 21 October 2026, the businessman was charged and added to the two existing cases. 

“He is expected to make his first court appearance before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on 22 October 2026,” said the SAPS.

In May, the SAPS announced that the task team previously referred to as the Madlanga Task Team had been renamed the CRTT. –SAnews.gov.za