Category: Africa

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has visited fire-affected areas in the Wemmershoek region, near Franschhoek, to assess the situation firsthand and engage team members on the ground.

This comes after a wildfire that originated in the Langrug area on 7 January 2026 burned over 17 000 hectares, amid challenging conditions of high temperatures, strong winds, and rugged mountainous terrain. 

“This blaze is part of a broader wave of wildfires that have tested our collective response across the province. Recent updates from the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Fire Services indicate significant progress,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday.

During his visit he observed that the suppression objectives for the remaining active fire lines were largely achieved, with strong advances made particularly along the fire line above Mont Rochelle. 

Ground teams continue to work in accessible areas such as above Fisantekraal, while closely monitoring inaccessible sections above Stettynskloof Dam. 

“Mop-up operations and vigilance against flare-ups remain ongoing in contained zones. This incident and the many such other fire incidents around the country, underscores the severe impact of climate-driven extreme weather on our ecosystems, biodiversity, and communities, including threats to farmland, vineyards, and livelihoods in this iconic Winelands region,” Singh said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it remains fully committed to supporting provincial and local authorities through the department’s Working on Fire programme, which supports integrated wildfire management operations across South Africa.

The department said it stands in solidarity with the affected communities and will work together to ensure recovery and sustainability for the Franschhoek and broader Western Cape region

“I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the role players who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and collaboration. Your tireless efforts, coordination, and bravery in the face of difficult conditions have been instrumental in protecting lives, property, and our natural heritage,” Singh said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued an urgent public notice about critically high water levels at several dams across Limpopo. 

According to the department, ongoing rainfall and strong inflows have caused 14 out of 19 monitored dams to exceed 100% capacity, with several of these structures operating well above their full supply levels.

“This presents a tangible safety risk to communities, infrastructure, and recreational users in proximity to these dams.” 

This announcement follows a visit from President Cyril Ramaphosa to the province after heavy rainfall and flooding which have resulted in at least 19 fatalities and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Many schools and clinics have been forced to close.

Current dam status

The latest verified measurements indicate that several dams in Limpopo are at or near maximum capacity, with many actively releasing water. 

According to the department, several dams are reported to be operating above 105% capacity, greatly exceeding their intended limits.

The Nsami Dam is currently the most overfull at 128.54%, followed by Merensky at 120.59% and Nzhelele at 114.47%. Tzaneen Dam is at 108.64%.

Vergelegen Dam stands at 106.99%, while Modjadji is at 105.60%, Thabina at 105.46%, Nandoni at 105.25%, Mutshedzi at 105.39%, and Magoebaskloof at 105.22%, all slightly above the 105% mark.

In addition, several dams are full or nearly full. Glen Alpine is at 103.72%, Ebenezer at 103.04%, Nwanedzi at 102.20%, Luphephe at 102.07%, and Dap Naude is at exactly full capacity at 100%.

Albasini Dam, currently at 95.60%, is releasing water at a rate of 35 cubic metres per second through five open gates to reduce pressure. 

Meanwhile, Doorindraai Dam stands at 98.85% and remains stable, with all gates closed.

The department announced that Middle Letaba Dam is well below capacity at 20.25% and does not pose a flood risk.

Emergency preparedness

The department said it has put strict measures in place to reduce potential risks. 

These include real-time monitoring of water levels, weather conditions and the structural safety of dams, in line with established operating rules. 

The department is also carrying out controlled water releases, such as at Albasini Dam, to create buffer capacity while limiting the impact on downstream areas. 

In addition, the department confirmed that its emergency preparedness plans are fully operational.

Community partnership

The DWS stated that water security and public safety depend on collective vigilance and that the department relies on communities living near dams to report unusual water releases, structural concerns, or blocked spillways immediately. 

The department urged communities to share early warnings with neighbours, especially vulnerable households and respect restricted zones around dam infrastructure.

“Please take note that, while we manage water resources with technical precision, community awareness is our strongest defence against tragedy. Together, we can work together to avoid any catastrophic incidents.”

While the department manages dam operations and flood forecasting, evacuations, search-and-rescue operations, and emergency relief fall under the mandate of provincial and municipal disaster management authorities. 

These structures will activate all flood alerts issued by DWS.

In the meantime, the public has been urged to:

•    Avoid all recreational activities near dam walls, spillways, and downstream riverbanks.

•    Heed all warning signs, barriers, and instructions from dam officials.

•    Never attempt to cross flooded roads or streams near dam infrastructure.

•    Keep children and livestock at a safe distance from water’s edges.

•    Be careful of the aquatic animals that are carried over by the heavy water flows, such as crocodiles and hippos. – SAnews.gov.za

The MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, has encouraged learners who did not meet the requirements for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations to take advantage of the department’s Second Chance Programme.

Hlomuka said the programme offers learners a valuable opportunity to rewrite selected subjects and improve their results during the May/June 2026 examination sitting.

“Not achieving the desired outcome in the NSC examinations does not define a learner’s future. The Second Chance Programme is a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that every learner is given an opportunity to succeed,” said Hlomuka.

The MEC announced that registrations for the programme will be open until Friday, 6 February 2026. 

Eligible learners are encouraged to register at their nearest district office or designated centre where they will receive guidance on subject selection, registration requirements, and available academic support.

The initiative will provide structured revision, curriculum-focused support, and access to learning materials to help learners address their weaknesses identified during the NSC examinations.

Hlomuka further called on parents, guardians, and communities to support learners during this process, stressing that collective encouragement plays a critical role in learner success.

“The Second Chance Programme is exactly that, a second opportunity to rise, refocus, and achieve. We urge our learners to seize it with determination and confidence,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal achieved an impressive 90.6% matric pass rate. 

This stellar performance aligns with a national trend, as the country reached its highest-ever pass rate of 88%, marking a 0.7% increase from 2024.

Despite facing significant budget challenges in 2025, the MEC  said he remains optimistic about the 2026 academic year.

He told SAnews this week that the province has already begun the early opening of schools and is focusing on completing the syllabus ahead of time to allow for revision. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The National Treasury has published the draft General Laws Amendment Bill, in terms of the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing framework, for public comment in the Government Gazette. 

“The draft Bill seeks to strengthen the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating  Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) system by addressing the remaining deficiencies identified in the 2021 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report for South Africa, and also during the remedial process that culminated in South Africa exiting the FATF greylist in October 2025,” National Treasury said.

South Africa was placed on the greylist in February 2023 and has been subsequently delisted after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The draft Bill is an updated version of the draft General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Bill, 2024, that was published for public comment on 13 December 2024, as conveyed in Government Notice No. 5683 in Government Gazette No. 51772. 

National Treasury subsequently expanded on the draft Bill to incorporate amendments related to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the conducting of lifestyle audits to continue strengthening the country’s AML/CFT system. 

“These additions will better prepare the country for the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa that will commence in mid-2026 and conclude in October 2027,” National Treasury said.

The draft Amendment Bill was developed together with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Department of Social Development, the Financial Intelligence Centre, and financial sector regulators (Prudential Authority and Financial Sector Conduct Authority). 

It proposes amendments to four pieces of legislation that fall under the administrative responsibilities of different Ministers, namely: 

• the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001: Minister of Finance;
• the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017: Minister of Finance; 
• the Companies Act, 2008: Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition; and 
• the Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997: Minister of Social Development.

The sections of the above laws that would be amended in the draft Amendment Bill, if enacted, are the following:

• Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Act to deal with minor deficiencies relating to targeted financial sanctions in sections 26A, 26B, 28A and 51A;
• Section 40 of the FIC Act to allow the FIC to share information with the Public Procurement Office and the Border Management Authority;
• Section 40 of the FIC Act to authorise the FIC to share information it obtains through conducting lifestyle audits;
• Section 41A of the FIC Act to expand the sections of the Act that the protection of personal information apply with regard to the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013;
• Section 42 of the FIC Act to address minor deficiencies identified with respect to new technologies;
• Section 46 of the FIC Act to address a deficiency relating to customer due diligence measures for anonymous clients;
• Section 30 of the Nonprofit Organisations Act to specify the maximum amount of the fine and years of imprisonment in respect of an offence in terms of the Act;
• Sections 82 and 175 of the Companies Act, 2008 to address deficiencies related to the application of remedial actions and/or dissuasive and proportionate sanctions for non-compliance with beneficial ownership obligations; 
• Sections 2, 3, 58, 106, 108, 111, 131 and 135 of the Financial Sector Regulation Act to close gaps in the protection of financial sector customers, and licensing and regulations for market conduct and anti-money laundering, and to strengthen licensing and enforcement powers; and
• Other technical amendments related to strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering and anti-corruption laws.

The General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Bill, 2025 can be accessed on the National Treasury website at www.treasury.gov.za.

It was published as Government Notice No. 6997 in Government Gazette No. 53955 that was published on 14 January 2026. 

The due date for submitting public comments is 13 February 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has revealed that the Vaal Dam, one of South Africa’s most critical reservoirs, continues to perform strongly with storage levels remaining above capacity this week. 

According to the department, the latest assessment indicates that the Vaal Dam has recorded a slight decrease, from 103.8% last week to 102.2%, this week. 

However, it remains at satisfactory levels and continues to ensure a reliable water supply to Gauteng and the surrounding provinces.

The report also shows that major reservoirs continue to perform well. Sterkfontein Dam remained stable at 100.1%, Bloemhof Dam showed a marginal increase from 98.0% to 98.2% and Grootdraai Dam has increased from 101.4% to 101.19%.

The department said the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), a critical water supply system supporting Gauteng and the surrounding provinces, has experienced a slight decrease from 100.8% to 100.1% this week. 

“Despite this marginal decline, the IVRS continues to demonstrate strong performance, with stable storage levels ensuring sustained water availability across the country.” 

Meanwhile, storage facilities associated with the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) also reflect encouraging trends. 

Mohale Dam has decreased slightly from 102.3% to 101.9%, while Katse Dam declined from 100.8% to 99.0%.

While current dam levels remain favourable, the department has reiterated the importance of responsible water use, continuous infrastructure maintenance, and effective demand management. 

“Water supply capacity is influenced not only by storage levels but also by operational efficiency, water conservation practices, and prevailing climatic conditions.” 

The department stated that it will continue to monitor reservoir levels weekly to ensure the stability of water supply capacity and to keep the public informed.

“Overall, these figures demonstrate the strong performance of the national water storage system, supported by consistent inflows and reliable water resource management,” the statement read. 

The department has also underscored that water security in the IVRS should not be viewed solely through the status of the Vaal Dam. 

“The system functions as an integrated network supported by several reservoirs and inter-basin transfer schemes, including the LHWP.” – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has welcomed the more than R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group for the Sandy Point Harbour fishmeal plant, located at St Helena Bay, in the Western Cape.

The plant produces a range of fish products for local and export markets.

“This facility is so much more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention in the small pelagic value chain that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested. 

“It strengthens local opportunities without increasing pressure on the resource base. It is a symbol of investment in people, in communities, and in the future of South Africa’s fishing industry, and a bold step towards advancing the objectives of South Africa’s Oceans Economy Master Plan and our broader industrial policy framework,” the Minister said on Thursday.

Addressing the inauguration of the fishmeal plant, Aucamp hailed the investment as it speaks directly to South Africa’s commitment to industrialisation, localisation, job creation and the sustainable utilisation of our marine living resources.

“The more than R170 million investment represented by this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth in a priority coastal node.

“This is the practical expression of the partnership we seek to build between government, science and the fishing industry. A partnership that recognises ecological limits, respects the rule of law, and unlocks inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.

The small pelagic sector remains a pillar of coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains and export earnings particularly for the West Coast.

“It is also a sector that is inherently sensitive to environmental variability and climate-driven regime shifts. 

“Recent scientific assessments have confirmed significant fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, most notably the record-low anchovy recruitment observed in 2025 and the persistently low, though cautiously improving, sardine population levels,” the Minister said.

In recent years, the scientific advice has highlighted the importance of diversifying fishing effort towards more abundant stocks, particularly round herring, whose biomass has shown strong performance. 

“This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy are constrained. Investments such as this fishmeal plant therefore directly support resilience in the sector by enabling efficient processing of a broader species mix, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

The closing date for the submission of public comments on the Draft Revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection has been extended from 31 January 2026 to 15 February 2026.

“On 12 December 2025, the Department invited members of the public to submit comments on the Draft Revised White Paper, recognising that public consultation is a critical component of the policy development process. In order to maximise public participation and inclusivity following the festive season, the department has now extended the deadline to 15 February 2026.

“Since the publication of the Draft Revised White Paper, the department has received valuable written submissions from members of the public and key stakeholders,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

Comments may be submitted in writing until 15 February 2026 via email to Whitepaper@dha.gov.za or via post to The Director-General, Department of Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001.

“To further enhance public participation, the department is hosting a series of provincial public engagement sessions, as well as a national public consultation, from 15 to 30 January 2026. 

“The Draft Revised White Paper, together with the questionnaire, can be downloaded from the Department’s website at www.dha.gov.za,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za