Category: Africa

By Narend Singh

Each year, World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the sea. This year, the theme, “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean”, challenges us to think differently about the future we wish to create.

For South Africa, a nation blessed with more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline and an ocean economy that supports livelihoods, trade, tourism and food security, this challenge could not be more urgent.

The ocean is often viewed as something distant from our daily lives a vast expanse beyond our cities and communities. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. The ocean produces much of the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, supports biodiversity and sustains millions of livelihoods. Every South African is connected to the ocean, whether they live on the coast or hundreds of kilometres inland.

Reimagining our relationship with the ocean begins by recognising a simple but profound truth, what happens upstream ultimately affects what happens downstream.

The health of our oceans is determined long before rivers reach the coast. The decisions we make in our homes, businesses, municipalities and industries shape the quality of our rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. Pollution entering a river in the interior does not disappear. It travels through catchments and estuaries before eventually reaching the sea.

This Source to Sea perspective is central to South Africa’s environmental governance framework. It recognises that protecting our oceans requires protecting the entire ecological system that feeds into them.

One of the clearest examples of this interconnectedness is plastic pollution.

For too long, plastic pollution has been viewed solely as a waste management issue, while effective waste collection and recycling remain essential, the challenge extends far beyond litter. Plastic pollution affects ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, tourism, fisheries and economic productivity. It undermines the resilience of communities and threatens the natural systems upon which we depend.

Recent scientific studies undertaken in South Africa continue to deepen our understanding of how microplastics and other pollutants move through our river systems and into our oceans. The evidence is increasingly translucent plastic pollution is not a single sector problem and cannot be solved through isolated interventions. It demands coordinated action across government, industry, academia, civil society and communities, and this is why partnerships matter.

Addressing complex environmental challenges requires all spheres of government and all sectors of society to work together. It requires evidence-based policymaking, investment in scientific research, and collaboration that transcends institutional boundaries. When researchers, municipalities, state owned entities, environmental organisations and communities unite around a common purpose, meaningful progress becomes possible.

South Africa is also contributing to international efforts to confront plastic pollution. As negotiations continue towards a legally binding global agreement on plastic pollution, countries around the world are recognising that this challenge knows no borders. Pollution released into one ecosystem can affect another thousands of kilometres away. 

Collective action is therefore not simply desirable, it is essential.
As we commemorate World Oceans Day during Youth Month, we must also recognise the opportunities that a healthier ocean can create for future generations.

The transition to a greener and more sustainable economy offers significant prospects for young South Africans. Environmental restoration, recycling, waste management, marine science, conservation, maritime industries, and broader ocean-based economic activities all hold the potential to create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and foster innovation.

Our young people are not merely beneficiaries of environmental protection; they are its future leaders. By investing in environmental skills, research, technology and sustainable industries, we can equip a new generation to participate meaningfully in the blue economy while safeguarding our natural heritage.

Ultimately, reimagining our relationship with the ocean requires more than policy change. It requires a shift in mindset.

We must move away from seeing nature as separate from ourselves and instead recognise our deep interdependence with the ecosystems that sustain life. We must rethink how we produce, consume and dispose of resources. We must strengthen cooperation between institutions and communities. And we must acknowledge that every action taken upstream has consequences downstream.

The renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle once observed; “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea.”

World Oceans Day reminds us that this connection carries both responsibility and opportunity.

If we are prepared to reimagine our relationship with the ocean, we can build a future where rivers flow free from pollution, where coastal ecosystems are resilient, where sustainable development creates opportunities for our youth, and where our oceans continue to sustain life and prosperity for generations to come.

The future of our ocean begins with the choices we make today.

*Singh is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

 

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South Africa’s science and technology capabilities will be on display this month when the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) launches National Science Month on Saturday.

The inaugural event represents a major transition from the traditional National Science Week, which has run since 2000.

The theme for the historic month is: “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone” and is aimed at deeply entrenching scientific literacy into everyday society.

“The transition to National Science Month is therefore more than an expansion of National Science Week. It is an opportunity to deepen public appreciation of science, technology and innovation by demonstrating how science helps us understand the natural and social world, create and apply new technological and social innovations, solve pressing real-world problems, and build the capacity of the State and economic actors to better serve the needs of our people,” Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande told a media briefing on Monday.

The formal launch of National Science Month is pencilled in for this Saturday at the Vaal University of Technology in Sebokeng and will kick off the month-long programme of “meaningful public engagement with science”.

The event on Saturday will feature an expansive exhibition boasting 132 stands with more than 100 exhibitors including major national entities like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as well as universities.

“National Science Month targets every sector of society, including learners, educators, students, scientists, researchers, innovators, industry players, indigenous knowledge holders, science interpreters, journalists, STEM professionals, government departments, research institutions, knowledge intermediary institutions, think tanks, tourists and the general public. 

“During July, over 31 days and across various provinces, these target groups, participating institutions, and partners will take part in an exciting range of interactive activities curated around 14 thematic areas,” Nzimande said.

These thematic areas include:

• Technology and innovation;
• Science in human health;
• Environmental conservation and management;
• Science in service delivery, and
• Science in education and others.

Scientific success

The Minister noted that beyond public awareness, the National Science Month serves as a powerful platform to reaffirm national pride by spotlighting the country’s formidable scientific achievements.

These achievements include:

• South Africa is cohost of the Square Kilometre Array, the world’s largest radio astronomy project, as well as another major scientific project, the Southern African Large Telescope
• The country built the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure at Steve Biko Academic Hospital which advances drug development and clinical research, and provides cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment for cancer, tuberculosis, and other major diseases
• Biovac received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to begin clinical trials of its oral cholera vaccine

“Historically, and still to a considerable extent today, South Africa possess one of the largest and most advanced public science systems on the African continent.

“But we must ensure funding and social participation in the development does not lag behind the pressing needs of the present and future,” Nzimande emphasised.

National Science Month is an opportunity to demonstrate how science to contribute to resolving every day challenges.

“It is also about using South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation capabilities to develop evidence-based solutions to everyday challenges such as unemployment, poverty, education, health care, water provision, energy security, crime, violence, and migration.

“We therefore wish to use this historic announcement to make a strong call to every citizen and every family, in every town and village to please find out which institution in your province will be participating in National Science Month activities and get involved,” Nzimande concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 15 384 suspects for various offences during nationwide Operation Shanela II operations conducted last week.  

The suspects, arrested between 22 and 28 June 2026, are facing charges including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and drug trafficking.

Among those arrested were 2 884 foreign nationals of different nationalities, apprehended in various parts of the country for contravening the Immigration Act. 

“South Africans can rest assured that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to safeguard the country, protect lives and property, and maintain law and order,” the SAPS said in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, police have reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens’ constitutional right to protest ahead of demonstrations taking place across the country on Tuesday against illegal migration.

“The SAPS’ role is to maintain public order, protect lives and property, and act decisively against any criminality that threatens public safety,” the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said.

Protesters have been urged to demonstrate peacefully while ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

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Ahead of planned repatriation operations, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration on Monday conducted a site inspection at the Beitbridge border post in Limpopo. 

The IMC is chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

“The inspection forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and enhance migration governance,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said in a post on social media platform, X.

The department said Kubayi was accompanied by Deputy Minister Andries Nel; the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson; Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia and the Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo.

The department said the delegation is assessing the operational readiness of the temporary processing centre ahead of planned repatriation operations. 

Last week, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said the BMA continues to facilitate the lawful and orderly repatriation of foreign nationals through the Beitbridge port of entry, with over 8 000 persons having been processed at the time.

READ | More than 8 000 foreign nationals processed at Beitbridge

At a media briefing on Friday, Kubayi said government is making “substantial progress” in the deportation and repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa, reflecting the five-point comprehensive approach for managing migration through lawful, coordinated, and constitutionally sound mechanisms.

This as government has ramped up its work to clamp down on illegal immigration through the Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully and responsibly, while warning that acts of violence, intimidation and vigilantism have no place in the country’s constitutional democracy. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, ahead of planned demonstrations against undocumented immigration on Tuesday, the President acknowledged that South Africans have raised legitimate concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services and criminal syndicates that exploit the country’s immigration system. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, is this afternoon hosting the pre-launch of the inaugural edition of National Science Month (NSM).

Monday’s briefing at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) offices in Pretoria comes ahead of the launch of the inaugural edition, which will be held at the Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng on Saturday, 4 July.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said National Science Month is South Africa’s first month-long science engagement event of its kind and marks an important milestone in advancing public engagement with science, technology and innovation (ST&I).

“National Science Month represents a significant expansion of National Science Week, one of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s flagship science engagement initiatives, which has been implemented since 2000.”

Like National Science Week, National Science Month forms part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) Science Engagement Strategy.

The strategy seeks to build a science-aware and science-literate society in which citizens can form independent opinions on ST&I issues and have confidence in science, scientists and science institutions.

In contrast to National Science Week — in which grant-funded activities were carried out by the DSTI funded organisers — National Science Month is a nationwide science observance during which all sectors of society are encouraged to use any means available to demonstrate their connection to science, technology, and innovation.

“National Science Month provides an opportunity for all sectors across society to mobilise and organise their own theme-related initiatives.

“These activities will demonstrate the value and impact of science in society while significantly scaling up the promotion of careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation among learners and students,” said the ministry.

National Science Month is aimed at encouraging all South Africans to recognise the role of science, technology and innovation in everyday life. This includes learners, educators, students, scientists and researchers and indigenous knowledge-holders among others.

The launch programme later this week will include media engagements, an exhibition tour by dignitaries, the formal launch ceremony and a public science exhibition featuring 132 exhibition stands from 105 organisations representing universities, science councils, government institutions, the private sector, innovation organisations, science centres and civil society.

Fifteen universities, together with all DSTI entities, have confirmed their participation in the exhibition including Vaal University, the University of Johannesburg and Stellenbosch University among others. –SAnews.gov.za

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