Category: Africa

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau says South Africa’s industrial future will be defined by bold and collaborative decision-making, 

Speaking at the Sasol Engagement Dinner on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba in Cape Town on Thursday, Tau outlined a vision of reindustrialisation built on a low-carbon economy.

The Minister said the path to a thriving, competitive and sustainable economy lies in adopting a low-carbon industrial policy that draws global investment, broadens market access and safeguards South Africa’s industrial base.

“If we build the energy system of the future, mobilise capital at scale, and secure our position in the global critical minerals economy, we will not only decarbonise, but we will also reindustrialise,” Tau said.

He emphasised that Sasol and its clients have a pivotal role to play and affirmed that government stands ready to partner with them. 

“Together, they can turn this period of transition into a transformative opportunity that drives growth, strengthens competitiveness and expands opportunities for all South Africans.

“The transition before us requires reliable electricity, which must be both green and affordable. There are hard-to-abate sectors that cannot be fully electrified, and for these industries we must unlock sustainable fuels that are competitive at scale,” Tau said.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for coordinated planning, greater transparency and a shared commitment to long-term policy certainty.

Against this backdrop, he stressed that collaboration must also extend across government-to-government channels. 

This, he said, can be advanced through deepening commercial dialogue with the United States, strengthened cooperation with China, and engagement with the European Union through the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.

“Sasol’s role is profound in building a new industrial economy. The operations sit at the intersection of energy, chemicals, fuels, and advanced manufacturing, which gives both responsibilities and opportunities. 

“The opportunities include unlocking giga-scale investment in renewable energy, mega-storage, High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission, and gas-to-power—especially as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) becomes central to our industrial feedstock strategy post-2028,” emphasised Tau. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that Tropical Cyclone Gezani, currently located in the Mozambique Channel, poses no direct threat to South Africa.

“Latest satellite imagery shows Tropical Cyclone Gezani situated over the Mozambique Channel. The system remains well-defined, with organised convective cloud bands concentrated around its centre. In South Africa, cloudy and cool conditions are observed in the east, with active isolated to scattered thundershowers,” SAWS said on Friday.

Gezani developed over the south-west Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar and made landfall over Madagascar as a tropical cyclone on Tuesday afternoon.

On Thursday, SAWS reported that Gezani was moving west-southwest and strengthening.

“Under favourable conditions, Gezani is expected to intensify steadily over the next 36 hours and could reach intense tropical cyclone stage late on Friday (13 February 2026) evening near the Mozambique coast. The intensity forecast is then uncertain from Saturday onwards.

“The scenario of a Mozambique landfall remains uncertain and varies among forecast models, but cannot be ruled out,” SAWS said.

Current guidance suggests a very close approach to the Mozambican coast, with the possibility of a partial and temporary landfall. 

“This could result in accumulated rainfall amounts of 80 – 100 mm in less than 24 hours near the coast and locally 200 mm at the point of closest approach to the system. 

“Wave heights are expected to increase significantly from Friday noon, exceeding 4,0 m and temporarily reaching 7,0 – 10,0 m between Friday night and Saturday morning,” the weather service said.

SAWS has advised vessels operating in or transiting through the south-west Indian Ocean and the Mozambique Channel, as well as offshore marine operations to exercise caution, as rough seas, strong winds, and hazardous marine conditions are expected in the vicinity of the storm. – SAnews.gov.za

Thirty years ago, South Africa adopted its Constitution, a historic milestone that entrenched democracy, equality and human rights, including landmark rulings on the abolition of the death penalty.

As the country prepares to commemorate three decades of constitutional democracy, government says the anniversary will serve not only as a celebration, but also as an opportunity for reflection.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said a year-long programme will be rolled out to mark the milestone, culminating in national commemorations that will bring together a broad range of stakeholders.

The programme will also focus on public education, particularly among young people, to deepen understanding of the Constitution, its guarantees and the responsibilities it places on citizens.

“We believe this milestone is worth celebrating. Our democracy and our country are founded on this Constitution. It guarantees many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today, and it shapes the way we live as a society,” Kubayi said.

She added that government will use the anniversary to take stock of how the Constitution has shaped the country over the past three decades, assess areas of weakness and identify improvements going forward.

Stepping up the fight against organised crime

Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Kubayi also welcomed government’s renewed focus on combating organised crime and dismantling criminal syndicates.  

Thursday night’s address took place in the year South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its Constitution in 1996.

In his address, the President described organised crime as the most immediate threat to South Africa’s democracy, social stability and economic development.

He announced that the primary focus this year will be on intensifying the fight against criminal networks through the use of technology, improved intelligence coordination and integrated law enforcement operations.

Government plans to consolidate intelligence at national level, identify priority syndicates and deploy specialised, multidisciplinary teams to dismantle organised criminal networks.

Kubayi said law enforcement agencies, including the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), will work in close coordination to ensure that arrests lead to successful prosecutions.

“The department believes in prosecution-led investigations to ensure that cases are properly prepared and successfully concluded,” she said.

A key component of the strategy will be strengthening asset forfeiture measures to deprive criminals of the proceeds of crime.

“These criminals steal from the State and utilise the money they had gotten wrongly to come and fight the State. We are saying, let us freeze and forfeit their assets so that they do not have the means to fight the justice system,” Kubayi said.

She noted that the courts must be adequately capacitated to handle the anticipated increase in complex cases. The department has already appointed more than 200 magistrates across the country to strengthen judicial capacity and will continue engagements with the judiciary to address shortages, including the backlog in the appointment of judges. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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

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

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

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
 

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
 

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