Category: Africa

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has noted with concern an accident with a helicopter operating at the fire site on the slopes of Hout Bay in Table Mountain National Park, while confirming that the occurrence is not linked to its contractual operations.

The helicopter incident involving Kishugu Aviation took place on Wednesday, prompting an emergency medical response and the activation of Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR). The pilot was reported to be safe.

In a statement on Thursday, the department explained that it holds a five-year agreement with the Kishugu Joint Venture — of which Kishugu Aviation forms part — to implement its Working on Fire Programme. 

The programme provides critical aerial support for firefighting operations on DFFE-managed land and, when necessary, assists in responding to community fire incidents.

However, the department emphasised that the incident, which occurred on 25 March 2026, falls outside the scope of this agreement.

“The department confirms that, at the time of the incident, the helicopter was deployed under a separate contractual arrangement and was not undertaking work on behalf of DFFE. The aircraft was operating under a contract with South African National Parks (SANParks).”

The department has sent well wishes to the pilot, wishing them a speedy recovery, and commended all firefighting and emergency personnel involved in the wildfire suppression efforts. 

“The relevant aviation and law enforcement authorities are expected to investigate the incident. DFFE further notes that, according to the service provider’s initial account, the pilot exited the aircraft unaided, made his way to safety, and was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.” –SAnews.gov.za

With nearly 30 years of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and China, government has identified significant potential to expand cooperation in infrastructure development, amid a growing investment footprint by Chinese enterprises in the country.

“We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation of ports, rail and road networks, which remain critical to unlocking economic growth and improving regional integration,” Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Thursday in Cape Town. 

Mashatile is hosting his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, where both leaders are co-chairing the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC). 

“Over nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing meaningfully to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

He emphasised that the BNC remains relevant today and continues to provide strategic direction for the implementation of partnership, particularly under the Ten-Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation (2020–2029).

“Therefore, my hope for today is that this meeting will guide us in consolidating progress since the 8th session, help us identify priority areas for future cooperation, and strengthen sectoral collaboration.

“As we meet under the theme of advancing shared modernisation, we are reminded that our partnership must respond to a rapidly changing global environment, while advancing inclusive growth, industrial development and technological progress,” the Deputy President said.

He added that South Africa remains encouraged by the growing investment footprint of Chinese enterprises and is committed to ensuring that the partnership delivers practical outcomes that improve livelihoods and support sustainable development.

“South Africa’s approach to international relations remains guided by its national interest, which is to advance the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.

“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” Mashatile said.

South Africa and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The Bi-National Commission (BNC), established at the Deputy Presidential level in 2000, remains the highest structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic and sectoral cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said the continued high-level engagements between the two nations reflect enduring friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to development. 

He noted that 2026 marks 28 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

“We recall with appreciation the strong momentum in our bilateral relations, including my Working Visit to China in July 2025, aimed at strengthening economic and trade cooperation, followed by the meeting held in November 2025 with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel in Sandton which advanced South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile added that since the establishment of the Bi-National Commission through the Pretoria Declaration in 2000, the platform has served as the apex mechanism guiding and consolidating cooperation between South Africa and China. –SAnews.gov.za

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has mobilised significant resources to implement comprehensive disease control, improve biosecurity, and support agricultural production across the province.

Presenting the Department of Agriculture’s 2026/27 Policy Speech at the Provincial Legislature on Wednesday, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe announced that R55 million has been allocated to procure more than one million vaccine doses to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), alongside R22 million for critical veterinary consumables.

Kontsiwe said the recent FMD outbreak has severely impacted the sector, disrupting production, restricting livestock movement, and limiting access to key export markets.

“The outbreak has resulted in significant financial losses, placing strain on farmers and the broader food system. FMD has highlighted the critical importance of strengthened biosecurity systems.” she said.

To address these challenges, the MEC announced that the department has invested R25 million in developing infrastructure aimed at enhancing biosecurity and reduce climate change risks in livestock production.

As part of efforts to unlock export opportunities, the department will develop an export quarantine facility at Dohne Agriculture Development Institute.

“This facility will enable both small and large stock producers to quarantine the animals that are earmarked for the export market, as is a requirement of all importing countries,” Kontsiwe said.

The department outlined a wide range of initiatives to boost productivity, market access, and sustainability across the sector, and these include:

• An amount of R4.5 million has been allocated to roll out the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), aimed at improving compliance with the Animal Identification Act and strengthening disease control.
• A R42 million partnership between the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) and the Land Bank will support farmers through blended finance mechanisms.
• The department is investing R23.3 million to construct 17 shearing sheds and implement eight stock water projects across the province, while R8 million will support genetic improvement through the provision of 900 sheep and goats.
• The department has allocated R18.3 million to poultry production support, with 40% earmarked for youth and women enterprises. An investment of R7.5 million in poultry infrastructure development will also be made in seven enterprises in Sarah Baartman, OR Tambo, and Chris Hani.
• Grain and oilseed production will be intensified and R80 million that will support this initiative. At least 62km of fencing will also be erected to safeguard croplands.
• The department aims to leverage R50 million in investment for 36 Black smallholder citrus farms through ECRDA and Land Bank partnerships. 
• To improve the competitiveness of the citrus industry, the department is also collaborating with the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), industry players, and the national and Western Cape governments, to implement a cost-effective method of controlling the False Codling Moth using the Sterile Insect Technique in more than 4 500 hectares of citrus in the province.
• The department is partnering with the Agriculture Research Council (ARC) to drive water use efficiency through irrigation scheduling technology that is funded to the value of R900 000 to ensure irrigation schemes align with precision agriculture. 
• A budget of R5.2 million is set aside to develop a commodity-specific shared mechanisation centre offered by the irrigation scheme to farmers of the scheme.
• An amount of R1.5 million will be used to revitalise a milk pasteurising facility at Seven Stars Dairy, while R4 million will support lucerne production on 300 hectares in Qamata and Zanyokhwe.
• Further support includes R200 000 for oyster and sea urchin producers and R2 million for small-scale fisheries. R18 million has also been allocated to land rehabilitation initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za

The Auditor-General of South Africa has urged government to intensify efforts to improve accountability and service delivery, while highlighting areas of progress that demonstrate the potential for meaningful reform across the public sector.

Releasing the 2024-25 General Report for national and provincial departments, public entities and legislatures in Pretoria on Thursday, Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke, said there has been minimal improvement in audit results during the first year of the 7th administration. 

Of the 417 auditees assessed, only 151 achieved clean audits. 

Maluleke warned that many institutions, particularly high-impact auditees responsible for key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and energy, continue to struggle with basic financial and performance management. 

These entities account for the majority of government expenditure but remain unable to produce credible financial reports or comply with legislation.

The report found that 266 auditees failed to achieve clean audits and are responsible for managing 88% of the total expenditure budget. In addition, 45 auditees experienced regressions in their audit outcomes, including several high-impact institutions overseeing hundreds of billions of rand.

Maluleke emphasised that the audit process continues to play a critical role in strengthening transparency and accountability. 

Through the implementation of the Material Irregularity (MI) process, tangible improvements have already been realised.

Financial losses amounting to R2.41 billion have been prevented or recovered, while practical interventions have led to better use of public resources. 

These include in some instances where underutilised health facilities were brought back into operation and unused buses being converted into mobile libraries. 

The report also highlights improvements in reducing irregular and wasteful expenditure compared to the previous year, suggesting that tighter controls and increased awareness are beginning to have an effect. 

While challenges remain, some of the downward trends signal that corrective measures can yield positive results when consistently applied.

Maluleke stressed that strengthening institutional capability, governance and oversight will be key to unlocking further progress.

She pointed out that many of the shortcomings identified are not due to a lack of legislation or funding, but rather inconsistent implementation and weak accountability. Addressing these root causes, she said, would enable government institutions to better deliver on their mandates and improve outcomes for citizens.

Despite ongoing issues such as non-compliance with legislation, procurement weaknesses and infrastructure delays, the report underscores that solutions are within reach. 

The successes achieved through the MI process demonstrate how decisive action, ethical leadership and effective oversight can lead to real improvements in service delivery and financial management.

Maluleke called on leaders across government to build on these gains and foster a culture of performance, transparency and accountability. 

She reaffirmed the AGSA’s commitment to supporting the public sector through its audits and expanded powers, with the aim of strengthening public institutions and ensuring that resources are used effectively to improve the lives of South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has allocated over R600 million to provide tools aimed at improving labour efficiency, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting value addition at household level.

Delivering the department’s 2026/27 Policy Speech at the Provincial Legislature on Wednesday, MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said the Ilima Lokulima Programme remains a key strategy to address food insecurity in the province.

The MEC highlighted that the programme has already supported more than 33 000 households to produce their own food during the 2025/26 financial year. In the 2026/27 financial year, the department plans to expand this support to 35 000 households, with a budget of R65 million.

She noted that the department has strengthened partnerships with the Departments of Education and Social Development, as well as organisations such as Oxfam, Farmers Network South Africa, the Graca Machel Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Walter Sisulu University, among others, to enhance community-based food production.

As part of these efforts, the department is collaborating with the Department of Education to expand agricultural production across 1 930 schools through the establishment of school gardens.

“This effort aims to strengthen local food production and enhance nutrition for learners and the surrounding communities,” Kontsiwe said.

In addition, nine Climate Smart Tunnels will be rolled out across all districts to support community food production and improve resilience against climate-related challenges.

“These combined initiatives are helping to establish sustainable community food systems and promote food sovereignty throughout the province,” she said.

To further scale up the Ilima Lokulima Programme, the department will procure 50 hand-held tractors with a budget of R3 million to support small-scale producers.

The provincial department will also expand its Spring Water Protection Programme, as a key mechanism to address water scarcity for sustainable agricultural production.  A total of R9.6 million has been allocated to protect 13 additional springs in water-stressed districts.

Kontsiwe said the intervention aims to provide reliable irrigation water access to communities, strengthen household resilience, and expand local food availability year-round.

“This initiative not only enhances water access but also establishes a solid foundation for consistent household food production and improved livelihoods,” Kontsiwe said. — SAnews.gov.za

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) Unit for securing two life imprisonment sentences for a 36-year-old man.

The man was arrested for rape and sexual assault to his 15-year-old stepson.

According to the police reports, the abuse began in 2019 when the stepfather, who had been living with the victim and his mother in the Masakaneng Informal Settlement in Groblersdal, would often come home drunk and molest the minor.

“The abuse escalated to rape with the stepfather forcing himself on the victim to perform unacceptable acts and often uttering degrading words to him.

“The ordeal continued for four years until the victim finally opened up to his mother in 2024, who immediately reported the matter to the police. The accused was arrested on 11 October 2024 at his workplace at a local farm by members of the Groblersdal FCS Unit,” the police said in a statement.

Warrant Officer Victoria Lekgala Phala was assigned to the case and worked tirelessly to ensure the accused was brought to justice. 

The accused made several court appearances before being granted bail but was ultimately found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Tuesday.

The Groblersdal Regional Court sentenced the accused to two life terms of imprisonment for rape and five years for sexual assault. The court also declared the accused unfit to possess a firearm.

Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the tough sentence.

“This sentence sends a strong message to perpetrators of gender-based violence and child abuse that the police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring they are brought to justice.” – SAnews.gov.za