Category: English

Source: South Africa News Agency

Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather.

Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

Updating the media on Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programmes in the province, to enable Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground and offer support to the affected communities.

This after assessing the extent of widespread devastation, following the rains and strong winds that hit the province’s OR Tambo District Municipality enduring most of the severe weather.

“Each of the MECs are looking at the service delivery needs of this and other affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin in earnest. Together with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the provincial government is on the ground assessing the damage, to support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities,” Mabuyane said.

The Premier extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 49 people who passed away in OR Tambo District alone. Among the deceased are children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters. 

“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi…. sadly, four learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. The rest of the deceased people are citizens of different ages. Four learners are still missing,” the Premier said.

The heavy rains in the Amathole District have also displaced hundreds of residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather also caused power outages across several areas in the district.

Mabuyane said a coordinated, multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province and remains actively involved in recovery, evacuation, and support efforts across the affected areas.

The continuous provision of shelter, food, psychosocial support services, blankets, and other essentials to displaced families, through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities are some of the interventions that have been put in place by the provincial government.

“Through the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), technical experts are addressing damage to water infrastructure. When necessary, water tankers will be dispatched to ensure access to clean drinking water,” the Premier said.

Search and rescue operations for the scholars is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the Department of Education is intervening to bring in the necessary support to the affected families during this tragic time.

Restoration of electricity, reopening of roads

Mabuyane also noted progress being made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall, and the continuous restoration of electricity following outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.

“Over the past 48 hours, at least 136 000 customers have since been brought back online, down from 300 000 that were without electricity. Eskom teams have resumed to continue with restoration to outstanding customers,” Mabuyane said.

The Premier commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts confirming that the inclement weather is coming to an end, as the cut-off low system responsible for the recent conditions moves out to sea.

He also expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams, including SAPS K-9 divers, the SAPS Search and Rescue Airwing, as well as residents for their swift response.

The Premier further urged those that are yet received assistance to remain calm and patient, and that relief efforts will move faster with the easing of the inclement weather.

“Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to carry out assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage as well as interventions that are required across the province. At this stage 20 health facilities have suffered damages to varying levels.

“In terms of road infrastructure, engineers are on the ground assessing the impact and extent of the damage on our road network including rural roads. The R58 Khowa to Barkey through the Barkely is now open,” Mabuyane said.

He advised motorists to exercise caution due to slippery conditions. He further called on citizens, and organisations to support the communities, as they continue to deal with this tragedy.

“Condolences once again to the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.

The Premier’s update on Wednesday came ahead of the visit of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province on Thursday.

READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

–SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The South African Government has expressed its “deep concern” at the decision of the United States to sanction four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

This is after the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced sanctions against four ICC judges for alleged “illegitimate transgressions against the United States and Israel”.

According to reports, the sanctions are in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants for top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and its investigation into alleged United States war crimes in Afghanistan. 

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) believes that this move represents a direct affront to the principles of international justice and the rule of law. 

“Such punitive actions against judicial officers performing their mandated duties are regrettable and they undermine the independence of the ICC, and threaten the integrity of international legal institutions. 

“They furthermore hinder the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions.” 

The department said South Africa, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the Court’s efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of the most serious crimes. 

“The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, to which 125 States are parties, and its mandate is to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so.”

DIRCO is of the view that these sanctions on ICC judges sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden those who seek to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. 

“It also poses a significant challenge to the global fight against impunity and the enforcement of international norms.” 

South Africa has since reaffirmed its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and will continue to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions.

“In this regard, we highlight our participation in the Hague Group, a coalition of countries dedicated to defending the rulings and authority of the ICC and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“The pursuit of justice for victims of the gravest crimes must not be compromised by political considerations. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as a rules-based international order based on international law,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is today visiting flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, to assess the impact of the recent floods and evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts.

Thursday’s visit follows the urgent sitting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), convened by the Minister on Tuesday, 10 June 2025. 

The committee meeting was aimed at coordinating a comprehensive national response to severe weather conditions that have impacted several provinces but mostly the Eastern Cape.

All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. 

READ | Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

The Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the severe weather incident. 

A scholar transport minibus transporting children was swept by water near Mthatha, leading to the loss of life. 

Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree. 

On Wednesday, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government reported that 49 people died since the start of the floods as the search continues for those who are unaccounted for.

“We’d like to convey on behalf of government our condolences to all the people of the Eastern Cape and the people of Mthatha where a tragedy occurred as a result of bad weather we’ve been experiencing since the weekend,” Hlabisa said on Thursday morning. 

He also expressed his condolences to the affected schools, including the learners and parents and the surrounding communities. 

“As government, we have descended to the Eastern Cape in Mthatha to give our support and ensure that when the people are in a difficult situation, government is not absent. That’s why at the national level, two Ministers are on the ground,” he added. 

According to Hlabisa, the team will announce the line-up of more senior government leaders who will also visit the province. 

During the visit, Hlabisa will conduct on-site inspections of areas severely impacted within the OR Tambo District Municipality. 

He will also receive briefings from local and provincial disaster management teams, engage directly with affected families and community members, and provide updates on ongoing search and rescue operations.

This gesture also serves as government solidarity with families mourning the recent scholar transport tragedy in the region. 

The Minister is also assessing the support mechanisms in place to ensure that all necessary interventions are effectively implemented. 

Meanwhile, mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal, following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

This led to the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone where work is currently underway to remove the snow. 

While deaths have been reported because of the inclement weather in KwaZulu-Natal, several people have been injured and infrastructure has been significantly affected. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

The clothing and textile sector has a critical role to play in South Africa’s economic recovery and re-industrialisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.

He was addressing the Annual General Meeting and 20-year anniversary of the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster held at UVU Africa in Cape Town. 

Whitfield highlighted some key targets of the government which are aimed at revitalising the South African economy. Among these is the creation of 100 000 new direct jobs in manufacturing, a 4.1% growth in manufacturing exports and a 3% average annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth during the current term of government. 

He said that under the Government of National Unity, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is advancing a bold, coordinated industrial strategy – one the builds real momentum behind inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

However, government alone cannot achieve sector revitalisation. 

This, according to Whitfield, requires collaboration with key stakeholders, through platforms such as clusters, on factory floors, in skills development hubs, and within local ecosystems that are solving problems and scaling practical solutions every day. 

“The Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster (CCTC) is not just a regional initiative; it is a catalyst. Through shared services, coordinated skills training, and supplier development, this cluster is helping to build a stronger, more competitive, and more sustainable industry from the ground up.

“It is strengthening local supply chains, enhancing productivity, and enabling firms, large and small, to respond to global market demands with agility and innovation,” he said.

He said that working with all its key partners through the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, government is committed to doing the work necessary to deal with the trade imbalance that has resulted in the staggering 223% rise of imports within the sector. 

“We must boost export capacity, focusing on quality, reliability, and compliance, to reach key global markets with premium finished goods. We need to be ready, on standards, on delivery, on traceability.
“And we must shift from being exporters of raw input to suppliers of premium, finished product. The road ahead is clear, and the groundwork is already in place. 

“Through collaboration, innovation, and continued investment in people and partnerships, we can ensure that this sector not only survives but thrives.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

This Youth Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly celebrates the dynamic young men and women in uniform, who go above and beyond the call of duty. 

Among them is 27-year-old Constable Roycolle Naicker, a trailblazing drone pilot based in Johannesburg District, Gauteng.

Armed with a qualification in Forensic Science and Technology, Naicker is part of a new generation of officers using innovation to fight crime. He joined the SAPS in 2019 at just 21 years old, trading in his previous role in the motor industry as a fitter and turner for a life of public service.

Policing runs in Naicker’s blood. Growing up surrounded by family members in the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, he was inspired by their dedication and courage. Their example lit a fire in him to serve and protect his country.

Following basic police training, Naicker quickly expanded his skillset. In 2020, he completed Crime Intelligence training, and two years later, earned his licence as a drone pilot. His work now takes him to the skies, providing critical aerial support for operations on the ground.

From capturing high-definition footage during crime prevention missions to collecting evidence that strengthens investigations, Naicker’s drone expertise plays a vital role. These flying tools offer a bird’s eye view that helps officers plan ahead, track suspects, and access hard-to-reach areas. 

In search and rescue missions, drones equipped with thermal cameras even allow officers to detect movement in the dark, giving the SAPS a powerful edge.

Drones have revolutionised police operations, allowing them to monitor high risk areas, predict suspects’ movements, and respond faster than ever before.

Although he is passionate about drones, Naicker’s heart remains rooted in his forensic background. He hopes to one day join the SAPS Forensic Division, where he believes his technical skills and drone expertise can further strengthen crime scene investigations.

True to his values, Naicker lives by the principle of doing good even when no one is watching. It’s this quiet integrity that he hopes to pass on to South Africa’s youth.

“You can do anything you put your mind to,” said Naicker to the youth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za