Category: Africa

With South Africa and the rest of the world at risk of not meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), government has emphasised that strengthening collaboration between public and private institutions is necessary for addressing environmental sustainability.

“Strong institutions, both public and private, are critical for ensuring that all people live in peaceful, just and inclusive societies,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said on Tuesday, in Johannesburg.

He was addressing thought leaders, businesses, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and industry experts at the Future of Sustainability Conference, which aims to inspire businesses to take actionable steps towards implementing green, sustainable and ethically sound strategies. 

The conferences mobilises Africa towards becoming a zero-carbon emission, waste-free, fully sustainable and smart continent.

Singh said the primary focus should be anchored towards driving stronger coordination between institutions and public-private partnerships to ensure environmental policy alignment, necessary for addressing environmental sustainability and governance.

“The world is increasingly recognising that global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable consumption and production practices and resource scarcity have a significant impact on economies, human health and well-being and can only be addressed collectively through international, national and local action.   

“We are confronted by the reality that some SDGs have made remarkable progress over the last 11 years, while the remaining SDGs have had mixed and uneven progress that are either progressing too slowly or regressing,” the Deputy Minister said.

SDGs call for action by all countries to improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve the oceans and forests.

“There are challenges in implementing the SDGs, including financing for their implementation, which South Africa has consistently called for, in partnership with the Global North, who have made commitments to financing for development that have not been met. 

“There is a risk that development financing will be redirected to other priorities, placing countries like South Africa behind in their SDG implementation and broader development targets,” he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that clearer accountability and improved policy implementation can positively influence environmental governance.

“For 20 years, the People and Parks Programme has strengthened partnerships between conservation authorities and communities adjacent to protected areas.   

“Communities are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of conservation; as protection of our national heritage cannot succeed without the meaningful participation of the people who live closest to it,” he said.

Through co-management arrangements and representation in decision-making structures, communities are active partners shaping the future of protected areas. 

“The Biodiversity Economy initiative has ensured that the sustainable use of our wildlife and flora directly benefits the people.  Hence, our commitment to biodiversity conservation is being translated into action through ensuring that development does not come at the cost of our ecological integrity,” Singh explained.

He added that through increased industry participation, South Africa has increased investment in infrastructure for the collection, sorting, and recycling of waste.

These partnerships have driven job creation and local circular economy initiatives and support for Waste Pickers.

“The forging and strengthening of relationships and innovative partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society can potentially address challenges such as data availability, regulatory frameworks, and education, thereby fully unlocking the potential of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and sustainability investing in South Africa. 

“Thus, we recognize the huge opportunity such partnerships present, serving as a catalyst for sustainable development, especially if we can strengthen capacity to engage in and lead such efforts,” Singh said. –SAnews.gov.za

By Thulani Mdakane 
Many decades later, the colonial and apartheid impact of land dispossession lingers on and continues to define the current skewed patterns of land ownership and access. Legislative measures, such as the Natives Land Act of 1913 and the Group Areas Act of 1950, facilitated the removal of many Black individuals from their ancestral lands, depriving them of their inherent rights to land ownership in their native country.

This system of discrimination perpetuated racial subjugation and social exclusion, manifesting through forced removals, evictions, and ongoing tenure insecurity in the land that Black people had previously owned. Some Black landowners, who effectively farmed their land for crops and livestock, had their properties unjustly confiscated. 

Consequently, many were compelled to become tenants and labourers for the new white landowners, to whom the government had allocated this land without just cause.  Homes of families who had lived in vibrant, multiracial neighbourhoods since time immemorial were destroyed, and people were expelled to underdeveloped, overcrowded, and remote townships. In some traditional communities under the jurisdiction of Amakhosi and Kings, productive land was lost to commercial agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity conservation.

All of these were brutish and brutal acts of injustice that decimated the dignity and self-worth of all those who were victims of land dispossession, alienating them from land, which is a critical productive asset that generates wealth and sustains livelihoods for their families and communities.

Invariably, the struggle for freedom and democracy had the question of land ownership and access at its core as part of a transformative national agenda to achieve restorative justice, equitable land access, and foster national cohesion. It was a national agenda grounded in the respect for the human rights of all those who suffered the indignity of an unjust system.

Since 1994, the democratic government has always understood the constitutional injunction of redress through the implementation of the land reform programme that foregrounds land restitution, land redistribution, and tenure reform. Land transformation and spatial justice are not acts of punitive vengeance against apartheid-era land beneficiaries but are key pillars of responsibly guided constitutional imperatives of redress, economic inclusion, and nation-building.

Over the years, the land reform programme has restituted and redistributed vast hectares of land to many beneficiaries across the country for productive use in agriculture, human settlements, and industrial development. While a great deal of progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to address the backlogs and ensure the optimisation of limited fiscal resources to accelerate and enhance the effective implementation of land reform programmes.

There is still more work needed in the provision of post-settlement support to beneficiaries to ensure that restituted farms are kept productive. Targeted support is also critical in enhancing the productive utilisation of communal land to advance the goals of rural development in partnership with traditional leaders.
Through the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture chaired by Deputy President Mashatile, Government continues to leverage a collaborative intergovernmental platform to provide leadership and oversight to ensure that various components of the government system help unblock challenges faced by claimants and beneficiaries who seek urgent support from Government, including the speedy finalisation of land transactions, post-settlement support packages, and handing over of title deeds.

At the level of the Presidency, the President and the Deputy President are working with relevant departments and government entities to speed up the processing and handover of title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries. The core leadership message is that those who have been given back the land must till the land, make it productive, and create sustainable employment, contributing to local economic development while ensuring that this asset generates wealth for households for generations to come.

On the 13th of March 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, together with the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso, handed over land and title deeds to the Mtsweni family, whose claim is registered as Schulk Marhiqa CPA, in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality in Mpumalanga. The land comprised 18 households and 86 beneficiaries and measures more than 627 hectares, specifically Portions 24 and 26 of Grootvlei Farm.

The family had once owned a substantial portion of this land before it was taken under the Natives Land Act of 1913 and allocated to the Frans Herbs family. Deputy President Mashatile characterised this handover as evidence of government’s unwavering commitment to restorative justice and redress. 

When addressing the gathering, the Deputy President said: “This handover is a testament to the ongoing pursuit of justice, and each hectare restored is a meaningful step towards healing historical injustices and reaffirms our resolve to building a fairer and more equitable South Africa. It is also a fulfilment of a promise we made in 1994 that land would be returned to its rightful owners.”

The Deputy President and the leadership at the handover ceremony recognized the Schulk Marhiqa CPA as a commendable example of family cohesion and robust institutional governance that will facilitate productive use of restituted land. The CPA has commenced farming on 100 hectares of maize and 30 hectares of soya beans, and is actively engaged in livestock production, including cattle and goats.

To ensure its long-term viability, Government has provided R16,585,627.80 for support, specifically targeted at bolstering livestock farming, grain production, and essential skills development for the claimants. Government will continue to provide mentorship and market access support to ensure farm production is integrated into agricultural value chains locally and globally where opportunities exist.

This week, on 20th March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will also preside over the handover of approximately 17 020 hectares to three deserving communities in the Harry Gwala District Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal. The ceremony will see these communities being presented with title deeds, namely the St. Paul Community Land Claim, measuring 7 611.2015 hectares; Ngunjini Community Land Claim, measuring 6 859.5246 hectares; and Nzimankulu/Vierkant Community Land Claim, measuring 2 550.9542 hectares.

As we observe Human Rights Month, government remains committed to correcting the injustices of the past in line with constitutional imperatives of equity and fairness. Land restitution is a critical instrument to achieve social cohesion and inclusive participation in land ownership and wealth creation.

*Mdakane is Special Adviser, Office of the Deputy President at the Presidency 
 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has expressed deep shock and sadness following the fatal stabbings of two learners in separate incidents in Johannesburg and Ennerdale.

In a statement on Tuesday, the department said it is alleged that a 17-year-old Grade 8 learner from Forest High School was severely beaten and stabbed on Friday, 20 March 2026, at a park near the school after classes. The learner was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to another facility, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

In a separate incident, a Grade 12 learner from Daleview Secondary School was fatally stabbed on Monday in an open veld while walking home after school.

The circumstances surrounding both incidents are currently under investigation by police.

The Gauteng Department of Education has mobilised psycho-social support services to assist affected learners, educators and the bereaved families during this difficult time.

“This is a deeply painful loss for our education community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both school communities affected by these tragedies,” Chiloane said.

He added that violence against learners, whether within or outside school premises, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.

“We call on communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, and to stand united in protecting our children so that our schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning,” Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa’s Tuberculosis (TB) programme has achieved remarkable success in reducing the rate of incidence; the latter being the number of new cases each year. 

This as government’s efforts to reduce the rate of TB infection and disease, continues to make gains. 

“Year after year, we continue to see a steady decline in the number of people contracting TB. In fact, by 2024, we have seen a 61% reduction in that incidence rate,” the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, said on Tuesday, in the Western Cape.

Addressing the national World TB Day commemorative event at the Caledon Sports Grounds, Mashatile said treatment outcomes for drug-resistant TB patients have improved significantly. 

“We are now seeing a 79% treatment success rate, and for the first time, lost-to-follow-up rates for Drug-Resistant TB are in single digits. This breakthrough is a result of our accelerated efforts in scaling up the introduction of shorter, more effective regimens.

“This progress is worth celebrating, as it not only saves lives but also restores hope. It exemplifies that through unity, strengthened partnerships and innovation, we can effectively combat disease, reclaim futures, rebuild communities, and revitalize our national spirit,” the Deputy President added.

At the same time, Mashatile acknowledged that while the government has made strides, there is still room for improvement.

“The proportion of estimated TB cases successfully placed on treatment has dipped from 79% to 74% this past year. This is not a statistic to ignore; it is a call to action!

“It tells us that we must double our efforts, close the gap, and ensure that every person who needs care receives it promptly. For progress is not measured only in victories achieved, but in the determination to reach those who remain waiting. Our End TB campaign is showing strong momentum,” he said.

This year, the government achieved 70% of the ambitious testing target. 

Over 3.5 million tests have been conducted since the launch of the End TB Campaign during last year’s World TB Day in KwaZulu-Natal.

“This is the highest number ever recorded in a single year for our TB programme. It stands as a testament to the tireless dedication of our health workers, the resilience of our communities, and the steadfast support of our partners,” the Deputy President said.

Regardless of the gains made by government, TB remains a major public health concern and is still the leading cause of death, particularly for People Living with HIV. 

“Despite a slight decrease in overall TB deaths, we have only managed a 17% reduction compared to 2015, far short of the 75% target we set for ourselves.

“This gap reminds us that lives are still being lost unnecessarily, and we must do much more to turn the tide,” he said.

Another harsh reality, the 2021 TB Survey showed that 56% of people affected by TB in the country continue to face catastrophic socio-economic constraints that push families into poverty. 

“We cannot ignore this human and economic toll. We need to make our response more patient-centred, meeting people where they are and removing all barriers against access to testing and treatment. 

“Early detection is the key to breaking the cycle of infection and protecting families and communities. When we diagnose and treat TB sooner, we save lives and prevent further spread,” Mashatile said.

He called on men to get tested for TB. 

“Our data shows clearly that many of the missing cases are among men. In the past 11 months, even though fewer men have been tested, their positivity rate is much higher. Testing more men will help us find those hidden cases and protect everyone.

“I also urge anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has TB to visit their nearest health facility right away. Get tested. If you test positive, start treatment immediately and finish it as prescribed by a health practitioner. If you test negative, ask about TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) to protect yourself and stop the spread,” the Deputy President emphasised. –SAnews.gov.za

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the swift intervention by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to expedite the importation of six million doses of the Dollvet vaccine to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

This follows a Section 21 permit issued on Friday for two million doses of the Dollvet vaccine.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Department of Agriculture said SAHPRA has confirmed that two additional permits will be granted for the remaining four million doses. 

Steenhuisen said the phased procurement, in consignments of two million doses, is a logistical necessity in light of the current conflict in the Middle East. On 1 March 2026, 1.5 million Dollvet vaccines from Turkey arrived in South Africa.

In addition, the Minister and the department confirmed that a further five million doses of the Biogénesis Bagó vaccine will soon be ordered. This follows the arrival of one million doses from Argentina last month.

Steenhuisen underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing the outbreak.

“I want to recognise the vital role the private sector has played in navigating the complexities of vaccine acquisition and logistics. To our farmers and all the role players walking beside the Department of Agriculture in this fight – thank you for your resilience and cooperation. We are not fighting this battle alone, and it is through this united front that we will protect our national herd and ensure long-term food security,” the Minister said.

The department also expressed its appreciation to SAHPRA for its responsiveness and understanding of the urgency of the situation, which is vital in ensuring the arrival of vaccines to South Africa without delay.

Further details on the delivery schedule are expected to be communicated once finalised. 

KZN targets bi-annual vaccination

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, led by MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has implemented a comprehensive vaccination strategy aimed at inoculating all commercial and communal cattle in the province twice over the next 12 months.

The programme will utilise five million doses, including both BioGenesis Bagó and Dollvet vaccines.

The department confirmed that vaccination efforts against Foot and Mouth Disease are ongoing in uMzimkhulu, located within the Harry Gwala District Municipality. 

Harry Gwala is the second district to receive vaccine supplies, following Ugu District Municipality on the province’s south coast.

According to the latest livestock census, KwaZulu-Natal is home to approximately 2.5 million cattle, making it the country’s second-largest cattle-holding province after the Eastern Cape.

“As per the schedule, vaccines have been arriving in batches, with the first shipment of 200 000 doses of BioGenesis Bago from Argentina in February and 560 000 doses of Dollvet vaccines from Turkey having arrived early this month, all stored at Allerton Provincial Veterinary Laboratory at Cascades in Pietermaritzburg,” kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said.

She added that, weather permitting, veterinary-led vaccination operations in uMzimkhulu are expected to conclude with mop-up activities early this week, after which the next district targeted for rollout will be announced. 

A total of 15 037 doses of vaccines were administered last Friday, bringing the district’s total to nearly 120 000. – SAnews.gov.za