Category: Africa

Government joins the global community in commemorating World Radio Day, a day that recognises the enduring power of radio as a trusted and accessible source of information, education and entertainment. 

Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO member states and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, World Radio Day (WRD) is celebrated every February 13th. 

This day highlights the important role radio continues to play in strengthening communication, promoting cultural diversity, and advancing democratic participation.

“Radio remains one of the most widely used and affordable forms of communication, especially in communities where access to digital platforms may be limited. 

“Across South Africa, community, public, and commercial radio stations serve as vital platforms that connect citizens, amplify local voices, and ensure that information reaches people in all corners of the country. 

“Through radio, millions of listeners stay informed about government programmes, public services, and matters affecting their daily lives,” said a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Friday.

On this World Radio Day, government said it recognises the contribution of broadcasters, journalists, producers, and technical teams who work tirelessly to keep the nation informed. 

“Their commitment to ethical reporting and reliable communication plays a critical role in building an informed society and supporting transparency, accountability, and public dialogue.”

The theme for this year is: “AI is a tool, not a voice” which highlights the continued relevance of radio in an evolving media landscape. 

“Even as technology advances and new digital platforms emerge, radio remains a resilient medium that adapts to change while maintaining its unique ability to reach diverse audiences in real time. 

“It fosters social cohesion, supports local languages, and preserves cultural heritage through storytelling and community engagement. Technology alone does not build trust. Radio broadcasters do,” said the GCIS.

The GCIS encouraged all radio stations to continue partnering with government and civil society to share information that empowers citizens, promotes development, and supports national priorities.

Radio serves as a bridge between government and communities, ensuring that important messages on health, education, safety, and economic opportunities are widely understood and accessible.

“As we celebrate World Radio Day, GCIS reaffirms its commitment to strengthening communication across the country and supporting the vital role of radio in promoting unity, inclusivity, and participation. 

“We call on all South Africans to recognise and support their local radio stations, which remain an essential part of our democratic and developmental journey,” government said. – SAnews.gov.za

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