Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday.

The President will undertake an official visit to the UAE from 12-13 January 2026 at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

“The ADSW summit brings together the Heads of State and Government, the private sector leaders and civil society to promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, drive large-scale systemic change, and shape the next era of global sustainability,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

The ADSW is an annual event hosted in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The 2026 event will be held from 11-15 January 2026, under the theme: “Nexus of Next: All Systems Go”.

South Africa maintains cordial bilateral relations with the UAE, characterised by regular high-level visits as well as robust economic cooperation, for the mutual benefit of both countries. The UAE is also a major investor in the South African economy across various sectors such as transport, logistics and renewable energy.

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$5,22 billion.

South Africa’s exports to the UAE totalled US$2,68 billion, reflecting an increase of 5.53% compared to 2023. Imports from the UAE amounted to US$2.96 billion, representing a decline of 25.8% over the same period. 

“The strong trade relations underscore the importance of the UAE as a strategic economic partner for South Africa in the Middle East and highlight ongoing opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.”

President Ramaphosa will participate in the Heads of State and Government segment, as well as other high-level sessions of the summit. During his visit, the President will also engage with leading captains of the industry and business leaders to promote investment and strengthen collaboration.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has expressed its readiness for the 2026 academic year, with schools set to reopen on Wednesday, 14 January.

“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is prepared and ready for the start of the 2026 school year. Educators and school-based staff will return on Monday, 12 January 2026, and learners will enter the school gates on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to begin their first term,” the provincial department said.

It further added that the beginning of a new school year sees hundreds of thousands of young people starting their learning journey, which is the first step towards independence and economic inclusion.

“By ensuring that their children are well-prepared for the school year, as well as every school day, parents are giving their children the strongest foundation for becoming independent and thriving adults.

“We urge parents to ensure they are fully prepared for the start of the school year by reading all communication from their child’s school carefully. Notices often include important details such as stationery lists, uniform requirements, and other essentials,” said the WCED.

The WCED has procured and delivered essential items well in advance to ensure teaching and learning in schools can begin immediately.  It said that schools were able to order top-up textbooks between 12 and 23 May 2025, with full delivery completed by October 2025, amounting to R58.7 million.

Stationery for non-section 21 schools valued at R25.3 million was delivered by November 2025, and an additional R31.6 million worth of goods were delivered by December 2025.

“We are also ready to respond to new requirements that may arise due to late applications or unexpected demand.”

Late applications
The WCED is currently processing a significant number of late school applications for the 2026 academic year.
“As of 7 January 2026, the WCED has successfully placed 180 960 (96% of) learners for whom applications were received for Grade R, 1, and 8 for the 2026 school year.

Placement is still in progress for 7 540 learners in these grades. However, late applications continue to affect placement progress. 
Since 1 November 2025, the WCED has received 10 666 late applications:
•    November 2025: 5 873 new late applications
•    December 2025: new late 4 035 applications
•    January 2026 (up to 7 January): 758 new extremely late applications

“Late applications create considerable challenges for the WCED. They disrupt planning for learner placement, resource allocation, and staffing, and place additional strain on the department to place learners immediately during a period when schools are closed for the holidays. This means that discussions around placement can only resume once schools reopen, delaying the process further,” it explained.

The department is working to secure placement opportunities for learners who are still awaiting allocation.

“With schools reopening for staff on Monday, we will engage more extensively with principals and management teams to identify additional spaces. Further movement within the system is expected as schools finalise promotion, progression, and enrolment lists, which often create additional capacity.”

In addition, the WCED will conduct its 10-day snap survey once schools have been open for ten days. The survey provides accurate data on learner numbers in each grade, allowing the system to settle before reporting.

The information gathered is critical for determining where additional resources—such as furniture and equipment—are needed and where further placement opportunities may exist.
The department also urged any parent who has not yet applied for the 2026 school year to do so immediately at their education district office.

District office details are available here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions-officials 
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has condemned the photoshopping of her X account with vulgar images and misinformation as not only distasteful, but also shameful.

“In a country that is battling with a scourge of gender-based violence, the continued use of sexual images to tarnish women is deplorable at the least. The cowards responsible for the photoshop [material] represent the worst sexists and gender-based violence perpetrators,” the government said in a statement on Saturday.

Acting Government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the government has noticed the coordinated misinformation campaign primarily targeting Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“The public is warned about uncouth images published allegedly on the Minister’s account. The Minister’s account is not hacked, but the images are photoshopped. Attempts to defocus Minister Ntshavheni from the tasks at hand will not succeed,” said Mnukwa. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will continue to work with municipalities and stakeholders to create much-needed work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

This is according to Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, who concluded a three-day monitoring and evaluation visit to projects funded by the DFFE in the North West province on Friday.

She visited the Rustenburg Waste Tyre Depot in Tlhabane, participated in a Clean-up campaign in Rustenburg, as well as the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Mogwase, where she inspected trees planted as part of the Greening Programme’s One Million Trees Campaign held on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.

She said that  such projects must align with the EPWP Phase V, which places due importance on providing exit opportunities for participants.

“We are also continuously calling for meaningful exit plans for EPWP participants. We will explore partnerships with SETAs to ensure that participants acquire practical skills that will enable them to enter the formal job market or secure other sustainable livelihood opportunities upon exiting the programme,” she said.

Cabinet approved Phase V of the EPWP in February 2024, aiming to create five million work opportunities between April 2024 and March 2029, with an estimated five-year budget of R178 billion.  The EPWP was established to provide short-term, skills-based work opportunities to unemployed South Africans.

During her visit to St. Stephen’s, which participated in the DFFE Greening Programme, Swarts reiterated the department’s commitment to working with all sectors of society to advance President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to plant trees.

Following the success of a first-of-its-kind project of planting one million trees in a single day last year, 24 September, Deputy Minister Swarts announced that plans are already underway to plant five million trees in a single day this year.

“South Africans have demonstrated that when different stakeholders work together, it is possible to plant one million trees in a single day. This year, I once again call on all South Africans to partner with us to ensure that we plant five million trees in a single day,” she said.

She reiterated that trees are key for South Africa to mitigate the dire impacts of climate change. She appreciated the partnership with the faith community and how it may be extended to include environmental awareness for different communities in all languages.

Swarts also inspected operations at the Rustenburg Waste Tyre Depot, where she assessed the facility’s operations to engage black-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME’s) and their staff. Over the past two years, the depot operator, with the assistance of the Waste Bureau, has been able to drive operational efficiency improvements to move the depot from being at near full capacity to having significant capacity.

The bureau functions as a specialist implementing agent within the DFFE and monitors the implementation of industry waste management plans and the impact of incentives and disincentives, among others.

At the community clean-up campaign in Tlhabane, Swarts called on all residents of South Africa to participate in government efforts to keep communities clean.

She explained that keeping communities clean not only contributes to a healthier environment and cleaner air but also plays a role in socio-economic upliftment.

“Residents must understand that waste is gold. For example, collecting cans or bottles and selling them to recycling companies can help create jobs and business opportunities within communities,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has emphasised the importance of community-run and faith-based organisations in helping to move the country forward.

“Across South Africa, community-run and faith-based organisations quietly carry a heavy responsibility, often with limited resources, yet with deep commitment. Places like Rakatane are not just facilities. They are homes, sanctuaries and bridges to a better future for children who have faced difficult circumstances.

“Government recognises that when these institutions are weakened, the most vulnerable pay the price. When they are strengthened, society as a whole benefits,” the Deputy Minister said.

This was as she led a community outreach programme at Rakatane Place of Safety in Tlhabane, North West province on Friday.

The outreach programme, held in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), was hosted under the theme “Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection.”

The Deputy Minister said that social cohesion and nation-building are not only built through laws and policies, but through everyday institutions at the community level that protect and nurture people.

“Government’s presence here is not an act of charity, but a responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and shared accountability. Our role is to ensure that women, youth, children and persons with disabilities are not left behind, regardless of where they live. Initiatives like this translate policy commitments into real improvements in people’s daily lives, beyond speeches and documents.”

She further added that social protection works best when government, communities and institutions act together, each playing their part.

“I would like to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers, staff and volunteers who serve here with compassion, often under challenging conditions.”

She also commended the NYDA and partners for recognising that youth development and social cohesion begin with safe and supportive environments.

“Let us continue to strengthen and sustain institutions that operate at the frontline of child wellbeing and social protection. I encourage communities to keep working together to build safe, nurturing and inclusive spaces where children can grow, learn and thrive.”

Rakatane currently provides care to 18 children and youth, including children with disabilities, school-going children, toddlers and unemployed youth. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured the public that work is being done to stabilise the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.

In a statement on Friday, the department said it noted with concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.

In early December 2025, the Knysna Council at a meeting, declared the Greater Knysna Municipality as a water-stressed area. At the time, Executive Mayor Thando Matika said it was a necessary step to allow national and provincial interventions to be completed and evaluated for their effectiveness in providing sustainable water solutions for the area. In addition, water restrictions were increased to Level 4.

At another meeting with senior representatives from national and provincial government, including the DWS, the Mayor made reference to the combined pressures of below-average rainfall, ongoing drought patterns across the Garden Route, saline intrusion in critical water sources, and limited reservoir storage capacity in certain supply zones.

“The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) notes with serious concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District.

“The department is working closely with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Knysna Municipality, and other municipalities, which are Water Services Authorities, to safeguard water security and mitigate the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses, and the tourism sector,” the department said.

The DWS added that Knysna’s water supply system has reached a “critical stage” with the Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality’s primary storage facility, currently at approximately 19% full, translating to an estimated 13 days of usable water at present consumption levels.
“The situation constitutes a serious water security crisis and warrants immediate and collective action from all sectors of society.

“Compounding this pressure are below-normal rainfall patterns, reduced river flows due to drought conditions, and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism. These factors have significantly reduced inflows into the system and further constrained the Municipality’s ability to meet growing demand,” it said.

Response
In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a standing intergovernmental structure, has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions.

The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government, and Knysna Municipality and draws technical and regulatory support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Garden Route District Municipality.

The JOC is tasked with planning and executing short-term emergency measures, medium-term resilience interventions, as well as longer-term water resource solutions to reduce vulnerability to future climatic and environmental shocks.

Given the severity of the matter, the department has directed the municipality to urgently explore and activate alternative water sources, including groundwater abstraction, borehole development, and reuse technologies.

The DWS, together with BOCMA, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, and Knysna Municipality, will implement a Compliance and Enforcement Blitz to assess adherence to water use authorisations, imposed restrictions, and environmental regulations.

The intervention is intended to prevent illegal abstraction, wastage, and non-compliance that could further compromise available supply.

The following measures are currently being monitored by DWS in collaboration with the JOC:
1.    Demand reduction initiatives encouraging all water users to significantly curtail consumption.
2.    Sourcing and blending of additional water supply where technically feasible.
3.    Enforcement and monitoring of Level 4 water restrictions.
4.    Public communication and awareness campaigns to keep residents and visitors informed.
5.    Preventative maintenance of critical infrastructure to minimise unplanned outages or leak-related water losses.

These actions are aimed at extending available supply, delaying system failure, and preserving reserves for priority domestic and public health needs.

Climate change
“The current crisis underscores the growing impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in coastal and tourism-driven municipalities,” it said.

The department further reiterated that Water Services Authorities can no longer rely exclusively on surface water systems and must diversify portfolios through a mix of groundwater development, water reuse and recycling, and stormwater capture, among others.

“To support institutional resilience, DWS is further assisting Knysna Municipality through its Policy Development Special Project to develop and implement new Water and Sanitation By-Laws, enabling more effective regulation, tariff alignment, and enforcement capacity going forward.”

Appeal

DWS remains concerned about the potential socio-economic implications of the crisis on households, public services, the local economy, and the tourism industry, particularly during peak season.

It appealed to residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly and responsibly. It also condemned incidents of vandalism of municipal infrastructure and called on community members to report such actions to law enforcement authorities.

“DWS wishes to reassure the public that the national, provincial and district spheres of government, along with sector stakeholders, are aligned and working collectively to stabilise water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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A low-pressure system is expected to influence weather conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country, bringing significant rain and thunderstorms over the coming days, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

“The SAWS wishes to update the public on a low-pressure system currently located over the southern parts of Mozambique, which is expected to significantly influence weather conditions over north-eastern South Africa over the coming days,” it said.

In a statement on Saturday, the weather service said current weather forecasts indicate that the lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo Valley, and most eastern parts of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms, up to at least Wednesday, or even beyond.
“For these regions, significant rainfall accumulations are expected throughout the week, beginning from Sunday evening,” said the weather service.

The SAWS had issued severe weather warnings for severe thunderstorms, an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, 10 January 2026, as well as an orange level 6 warning for Sunday. Anticipated impacts include flooding leading to damage to infrastructure and settlements, as well as injuries and a danger to life.

“There is currently a possibility that warnings may be escalated to indicate the likelihood of severe impacts in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Monday, depending on the evolution of the system and forecast confidence. The SAWS will continue to monitor this evolving weather system and provide regular updates to ensure public safety and preparedness.

“This weather system may also affect the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday, when heavy rains would be possible,” it said.

In an update on Sunday, the weather service said persistent rainfall continues over the north-eastern parts of the country, affecting the Lowveld areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

“Since overnight, observed rainfall amounts in eastern Limpopo range between 18 and 85 mm,” it said in a post on the social media platform, X.

It further added that observed rainfall amounts across parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal indicate widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours.
“SAWS station data shows notable accumulations, with up to 113 mm recorded at Graskop AWS and 73–85 mm measured around Phalaborwa,” it said.

The weather service has called on the public and stakeholders to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings.

“The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain [from] distributing such information further,” said SAWS.

For regular updates, please visit www.weathersa.co.za or follow SAWS official media channels. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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