Category: Africa

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will institute legal action against individuals implicated in the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

The tragedy unfolded between 2015 and 2016 when psychiatric patients were moved from licensed care facilities to unregistered and ill-equipped centres, resulting in the death of some 141 patients.

The decision to prosecute – taken after years of investigation and legal processes – was confirmed by NPA’s regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.

“For nearly a decade, families of the deceased have endured prolonged delays in the pursuit of justice. These delays were occasioned by the complexity of the case, the scale of the evidence, and the necessity of ensuring a thorough and legally sound process. 

“The NPA acknowledges the pain and frustration experienced by affected families during this period.

“Delay in communicating the final decision taken by the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions was that it had to be endorsed by the NDPP who retired at the end of January 2026, and the incoming NDPP, Advocate Andy Mothibi had to be briefed about the decision.

“After he was briefed, the NDPP, Advocate Mothibi has expressed his appreciation at the progress in this matter and that the affected families and public needed to be informed that the NPA has decided to institute prosecution in this matter,” Mahanjana said.

An inquest was launched into the tragedy in 2021 presided over by Pretoria High Court Judge Mmonoa Teffo.

Teffo found that the former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and then Mental Health Director Dr Makgabo Manamela can be held accountable for the deaths of some the patients.

“The inquest proceedings, presided over by Judge Teffo, concluded with findings that several deaths were caused by negligence and systemic failures within the Gauteng Department of Health. The court further identified individuals whose conduct may give rise to criminal liability.

“After careful consideration of the inquest findings, supporting evidence, and applicable legal standards, the NPA has resolved that there is sufficient basis to institute criminal prosecutions. 

“The charges are expected to include culpable homicide, among others, against those deemed responsible for the unlawful and negligent actions that led to the deaths,” Mahanjane added.

Specific charges and further details on court dates will be communicated.

“This decision marks a critical step toward accountability and justice for the victims and their families. 

“The NPA reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable in a court of law,” the spokesperson concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo will on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, conduct an oversight visit to the Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works in the Midvaal Local Municipality.

The visit aims to assess progress on the upgrade and expansion project and engage with key stakeholders in the locality. It will also review ongoing and planned interventions, aimed at assisting the municipality to comply with effluent discharge standards and improve sanitation services provision to its residents.

The Meyerton Wastewater Treatment Works project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) at a tune of R220 million, with Rand Water as an implementing agent. 

The project includes upgrading and expanding the existing treatment plant by 15 megalitres per day (ml/d) from 10 ml/d to 25 ml/d, to improve treatment capacity and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The department noted the importance of the oversight visit, as it provides an opportunity to assess whether the project is progressing as planned and delivering its intended benefits. It also strengthens accountability and transparency, ensuring that public funds are being used effectively.

“Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve wastewater treatment capacity and management, reduce risk of sewer spillages, and enhance compliance with environmental standards,” the department said.

Among the primary beneficiaries of the project include residents of Meyerton and surrounding areas, as well as local businesses and industries that depend on reliable sanitation services. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a cut-off low (COL) is situated over the central interior of the country, and it has resulted in scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts. 

The COL is expected to exit the mainland by Tuesday; however, the rainfall persists throughout the week. 

“Partly cloudy in the west, otherwise cloudy and cool to warm with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread over the central and eastern parts of the country. There are warnings issued for severe thunderstorms,” the weather advised for Monday.

There is a high likelihood of minor impacts due to severe thunderstorms that are expected over the extreme southern part of Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga Highveld on Monday and Tuesday.

These weather conditions may cause localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock. 

“A low likelihood of significant impacts due to severe thunderstorms is expected over the Escarpment areas of Mpumalanga. These storms may result in flooding of susceptible low-lying areas (including bridges and roads) and damage to infrastructure and settlements,” SAWS warned.

The extended weather forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday shows partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers.

SAWS has urged members of the public and stakeholders to continuously monitor official forecasts and warnings, as these may be updated as the likelihood and severity of impacts become clearer.

The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and to refrain from sharing such information. –SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has formally published the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD), introducing a new framework to strengthen disease management in South Africa’s livestock sector. 

The draft scheme, established under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), marks a significant shift toward a voluntary, nationwide framework for managing one of the most economically impactful viral diseases in the livestock sector.

Steenhuisen said the RVS-FMD has been designed to facilitate coordinated FMD vaccination for domesticated cloven-hoofed animals. 

By establishing a formal structure for routine vaccination, the department aims to mitigate disease risk and ensure the continuity of business operations for participating farmers and livestock owners.

“The objective of this scheme is to mitigate against the risk of FMD and create an enabling environment for continued business operations for participants,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the scheme is about partnership, noting that through the cost-sharing mechanism and phased implementation, “we are promoting equitable participation to safeguard the agricultural economy.”

About the scheme

The proposed scheme introduces several crucial oversight and operational mechanisms.

A dedicated committee will be formed that includes state and private veterinarians, experts in virology and vaccinology, representatives from agricultural associations, including the dairy, feedlot, small stock and pick industries.

To ensure participation, all animals must be uniquely identified and recorded on a national traceability system. This includes branding, tattooing, or electronic ear tags to ensure every animal’s life cycle and vaccination status are monitored.

This scheme mandates strict oversight of vaccine receipt, cold chain management, and vaccination techniques.

While enrolment is voluntary and open to livestock owners across the country, the Minister emphasised that participants must comply with biosecurity plans and regular audits to maintain their status.

Taken together, he said the draft Routine Vaccination Scheme represents a decisive step forward in South Africa’s sustained effort to bring FMD under control and also moves the country beyond reactive containment toward a proactive, risk-based system built on partnership, traceability, and accountability.

“By aligning industry and government around a shared framework for vaccination and biosecurity, the scheme strengthens our ability to reduce outbreaks, protect the national herd, and restore confidence in our livestock sector. In doing so, it marks a meaningful leap forward in our war against FMD, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience, improved market access, and eventual return to internationally recognised disease-free status with vaccination,” the Minister said.

Comments invited on proposed scheme

The Department of Agriculture invites all interested parties to submit comments or representations regarding the proposed scheme within seven calendar days of the notice. The notice was gazetted on 10 April 2026.

Submissions should be directed to Dr EM Mogajane from the FMD Command at FMDCommandcent@nda.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africans do not have to wait for the upcoming voter registration weekend to confirm their status on the voters’ roll ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Electoral Commission has encouraged citizens to use its online platform to check and update their details.

While the first voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 – 21 June, the Commission said voters can already verify and update their registration details online, including their residential address, to ensure they are correctly assigned to a voting station and able to participate without delays on election day.

The online voter registration portal can be accessed at: https://registertovote.elections.org.za/.  

Citizens can also use the portal to apply for a special vote and check their special vote applications status.

The commission unveiled its new election logo and tagline: “Get Up. Show Up. Vote” on 1 April 2026, signaling what it described as an advanced stage of readiness for the polls. 

The campaign is aimed at driving participation, particularly among young voters, while promoting a sense of shared responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the call to action was designed to resonate with citizens in a simple and emotionally engaging way, encouraging them to see voting as part of a broader national effort. 

He described the logo as a symbol of inclusive civic activism and national pride that belongs to all South Africans.

Moepya called on political parties, government bodies and civil society to work together to strengthen democracy, stressing that collaboration is essential to the success of the electoral process. 

The date for the Local Government Elections is yet to be announced by government. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will on Tuesday officially launch the Gert Sibande Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab and Centre of Specialisation Millwright Workshop in the Mpumalanga Province.

The launch represents a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to advance skills development in line with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“The initiative also highlights the Gert Sibande TVET College’s commitment to equipping students with future-ready technical and artisan skills, while strengthening industry partnerships and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.

“This initiative is supported by several key partners, including Sasol, National Skills Fund and Festo, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance vocational education and training in South Africa,” the Presidency said.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, Acting College Principal, Ms ZZ Beku; the District and Local Municipality Mayors, as well as senior government officials. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African companies are leading the investment charge following the successful hosting of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), where a record R890 billion in investment pledges was secured. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the success of the conference reflects renewed confidence in the country’s economy. 

“The success of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference two weeks ago, where we secured a record R890 billion in investment pledges, reflects renewed confidence in our economy,” the President said.

He noted that the milestone comes after a difficult period marked by slow growth, state capture and prolonged load shedding.

“It was also a milestone in what has been a difficult journey to rebuild our economy in the wake of years of slow growth, a decade of state capture and prolonged periods of load shedding,” he said. 

Domestic investment signals confidence

President Ramaphosa said a key feature of the 2026 SAIC was the strong participation of local companies, which are increasingly choosing to invest in South Africa.

“The decision by domestic firms to accelerate or reaffirm investment in their own country is a measure of confidence,” the President said. 

He said these investors are sending a strong signal to the global market.

“These investors, who know the country and its conditions best, are signalling to international capital that this is an economy that is stable, on an upward trajectory and ripe for investment.”

Diversity 

The President highlighted that investment commitments span a wide range of industries aligned with government’s growth priorities.

“These include established industries like mining and beneficiation, agro-processing and tourism. We have also seen substantial investments in renewable energy, the green economy and the digital economy,” the President said. 

He said this diversity supports efforts to accelerate economic growth and job creation.

Government targets R3 trillion in investments

Encouraged by the outcomes of the conference, government has set a new target to mobilise R3 trillion in investment over the next five years.

The President acknowledged that achieving this goal will require increased domestic investment and collaboration across all sectors of society.

“The outcomes of the 2026 Investment Conference have encouraged us to set our sights even higher, to mobilise R3 trillion in investment over the next five years. To do so, we will count on higher levels of domestic investment,” he said. 

Reforms and the infrastructure build programme 

The President said government is continuing with structural reforms to create a more conducive environment for investment.

“Investments cannot be realised under conditions of policy uncertainty. The reform and transformation processes will continue apace to resolve longstanding challenges not only in areas such as electricity, water and logistics,” he said. 

He said government will continue to foster transformation and reforms in various areas that will improve the lives of the people and continue to create a conducive environment for investment. 

“We will continue to take decisive steps to root out corruption, to prevent extortion at construction sites and to break the back of the illicit economy. We will continue to support existing and new industries,” he said. 

Government is also playing a catalytic role through its infrastructure build programme, with R1 trillion earmarked for large-scale projects over the next three years.

“Our investment drive does not start and end with the Investment Conferences. We continue with our outward investment missions in search of new markets and to consolidate existing trade ties. 

“We continue to convene structured business forums on the sidelines of bilateral engagements, including state visits and bi-national commissions. As we have done in the past, we continue to prioritise targeted, one-on-one engagements with investors during international trips,” the President said.

Positive outlook for growth

President Ramaphosa said there are signs of improvement in the economy, with growing confidence and increased job creation.

“Our economy is starting to pick up pace, more jobs are being created and confidence is improving. Our economy is increasingly better positioned to take advantage of the technological shifts underway in the world. This bodes well for faster growth and greater investment,” the President said. 

He expressed confidence that the country can meet its ambitious investment targets.

“Some people have said that our target of R3 trillion in new investment over the next five years is unrealistic. Yet, building on the momentum that has been created, drawing on the efforts of all South Africans, there is no reason why we cannot achieve it,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, will officiate the inaugural Investment and Jobs Conference on Monday at the Seperepere International Convention Centre, in Kimberley.

The conference will bring together public sector leadership, industry experts, investors and community stakeholders to unpack the investment opportunities, challenges and long-term vision for the industrialisation of the vast Northern Cape region. 

It coincides with the launch of Invest South Africa’s One Stop Shop (OSS) by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, in Kimberley.

The investSA One Stop Shops form part of South Africa’s efforts to reduce regulatory red tape and improve the “Ease of Doing Business” for domestic and foreign investors. 

Its customer interface serves as the primary gateway through which investors and stakeholders engage with South Africa’s investment facilitation ecosystem.

It is designed to ensure broad, accessible and responsive engagement through multiple channels, including South African foreign missions, foreign missions based in South Africa, business chambers, the investSA website, social media platforms, direct marketing emails, newsletters, surveys, and targeted domestic and international investment promotion event.

As in other provinces, the One Stop Shop facility in the Northern Cape is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Northen Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, other national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, traditional leaders and business associations.

 Minister Tau will address the conference on Tuesday on “Industrialisation and the future of the South African economy.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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