Category: English

The Department of Health has confirmed four new mpox cases in South Africa, bringing the cumulative national total from 22 to 26 cases reported since 1 January 2026. 

These 26 laboratory-confirmed cases are distributed as follows: 18 from the Western Cape, three from Gauteng, two from the Eastern Cape, two from the Free State and one from KwaZulu-Natal. 

Of the 18 cases reported from the Western Cape, two were imported cases involving foreign nationals visiting South Africa, while the remaining 16 cases were linked to local transmission.

According to the department, 25 of the 26 cases are male, with ages ranging from 23 to 50 years and a median age of 37 years. Clade and lineage information is currently available for 17 cases, of which 13 are associated with the Clade Ib mpox virus and four with Clade IIb. 

“The department urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to seek healthcare promptly if they develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes or fatigue. Individuals who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected mpox case should inform healthcare workers and monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days,” the department said in a statement. 

“Should symptoms develop, they should avoid close contact with others and seek medical attention.

“Mpox is a preventable and treatable viral infection. The public is reminded to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has an mpox-like rash, and not to share bedding, towels, clothing or other personal items with affected individuals. 

“Healthcare workers are also urged to maintain a high index of suspicion and to adhere to infection prevention and control protocols when managing suspected cases.

“The department will continue to work closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, provincial health authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, case finding, contact tracing, risk communication and community engagement in order to contain further spread of mpox,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT) has met with scholar transport operators at Boekenhoutkloof Traffic College in Tshwane as part of the Learner Transport Education and Awareness Programme (LTEAP).

LTEAP is aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, promoting responsible operations and improving learner transport services across the province.

“The initiative forms part of the department’s proactive response to concerns surrounding learner transport incidents in Gauteng.

“Through education, enforcement and stakeholder collaboration, the programme seeks to address operational challenges and promote a safe, reliable, compliant and well-regulated learner transport system.

“During the session, operators were sensitised to their legal and operational responsibilities, including operating licence requirements, vehicle roadworthiness and responsible driving practices.

“The department further emphasised the importance of complying with road traffic laws and ensuring that vehicles used to transport learners meet prescribed safety and operational standards,” the department said.

The role of the Gauteng Public Transport Regulatory Information System (GPTRIS) was also highlighted as an important component in strengthening scholar transport regulation and improving access to licensing services.

“Through GPTRIS, scholar transport operators will benefit from improved access to licensing information and more efficient application processes, enabling them to monitor their applications and address compliance requirements,” the department said.

The department emphasised that effective learner transport management requires cooperation among operators, parents, schools, transport associations, law enforcement agencies and government departments.

The session provided operators with an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarity on regulatory requirements and discuss challenges affecting their operations.

Feedback gathered during the engagement will inform follow-up interventions aimed at improving compliance, strengthening accountability and enhancing coordination among relevant stakeholders.

According to the department, LTEAP will be implemented through a structured roadshow across all five regions of Gauteng, providing consistent education and guidance to scholar transport stakeholders.

“The initiative forms part of Gauteng’s broader road safety strategy and adopts the Safe System Approach, which promotes shared responsibility for preventing road crashes and serious injuries,” the department said.

The department has called on all scholar transport operators to work closely with it and its partners to comply with the applicable legislation and the prescribed standards for transporting learners.

“Ensuring the safety of learners remains a shared responsibility. Through responsible driving, regulatory compliance and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders, Gauteng can continue working towards safer and more reliable learner transport services across the province.” 

The session took place as South Africa marks Transport Month this October. – SAnews.gov.za

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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Executive Mayor of Kouga Local Municipality, Hattingh Bornman, have announced an agreement to formally protect approximately 235 hectares of State-owned land at Ongegunde Vryheid, near Cape St Francis, for nature conservation.  

This first-of-its-kind arrangement for the department, which was announced on Friday, breaks a decade-long administrative deadlock, ensuring that the land is actively managed and delivers lasting benefits for the local community. 

The process began in 2015, when Kouga Local Municipality approached the department regarding the use of State-owned land for development and municipal purposes. 

Subsequent environmental assessments established that significant portions of the property were unsuitable for residential development, requiring a solution that balanced conservation priorities with the municipality’s housing needs.

In October 2025, Macpherson directed that a definitive resolution be found. The department subsequently developed a revised approach that separated the conservation land from the portion earmarked for future human settlements, allowing both processes to proceed independently. 

Following legal review and the necessary approvals, Macpherson granted final approval for the revised arrangement on 29 September 2026. 

Under the arrangement, the land will be formally protected as a nature reserve under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, while the municipality assumes responsibility for its ongoing management at no operational cost to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. 

The land contains environmentally sensitive ecosystems, wetlands and the critically endangered St Francis Strandveld vegetation type, as well as habitats for threatened plant species and diverse wildlife. 

Its coastal dune systems play an important role in beach stability, while its wetlands help regulate water flows and sustain local ecosystems. 

The area also contains significant archaeological heritage that will be protected for future generations. Beyond its conservation value, the arrangement will help preserve the natural assets that underpin nature-based tourism and contribute to the area’s attractiveness as a destination. 

By establishing a clear management framework, the agreement also ensures that an important public asset is protected from environmental degradation and put to productive use in the public interest.

Macpherson said the announcement demonstrated the importance of taking decisive action to unlock the value of State-owned land. 

“This is an example of what can be achieved when government takes the initiative to overcome administrative obstacles and find practical solutions that put public assets to work for the benefit of communities.

“For too long, this land was caught in an administrative impasse. We have now found a way forward that protects our natural heritage, strengthens local conservation efforts and ensures this land serves a clear purpose.

“Government land must not remain idle when it can deliver meaningful public value. Our responsibility is to ensure that these assets are managed effectively, whether that means supporting housing and economic development or protecting environmentally sensitive areas for future generations. At Ongegunde Vryheid, we are doing precisely that,” he said.

Bornman said the agreement is an important step in protecting Kouga’s unique natural heritage, while ensuring that future housing needs can still be addressed. 

“Ongegunde Vryheid is an environmental asset that deserves to be protected and managed responsibly, not left vulnerable to degradation because of administrative delays.

“By working together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are securing 235 hectares for conservation, protecting our wetlands and endangered vegetation, and preserving the natural environment that contributes to our local tourism economy. 

“This partnership also allows us to put the land under active management without adding operational costs to the national department.

“We have a responsibility to protect what makes Kouga special, while planning responsibly for future generations. This agreement demonstrates that conservation and development need not be in conflict when government works collaboratively to find practical, sustainable solutions,” he said.

The department said it looks forward to the positive impact the arrangement will have on conservation, local tourism and the wider community. 

“The separate process relating to the land earmarked for future human settlements will continue through the appropriate channels.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit has seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during a multi-disciplinary operation in the Johannesburg CBD this past week.

“The team, with support from the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit in Pretoria, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs Division and brand protectors, executed search-and-seizure warrants on Tuesday at several identified shops located in a retail building.

“This resulted in the seizure of more than 62 000 counterfeit items, including high-end branded clothing, footwear, cosmetics, watches, jewellery and sunglasses.

“The operation forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to dismantle the illegal trade, manufacturing, and distribution of counterfeit and illicit goods in the country,” the police said.

Community members are reminded:

• Counterfeit goods infringe on the intellectual property rights of legitimate brand owners;
• Counterfeit and illicit goods pose serious health and safety risks to consumers;
• These products are often manufactured and distributed outside regulated systems, with no regard for quality standards, safety, or lawful trade practices, and
• Legitimate manufacturers and retailers lose market share to illegal traders, leading to reduced production and job losses. – SAnews.gov.za

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande wants the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and its Science and Technology Park to become a driving force for innovation-led industrialisation, supplier development and inclusive economic growth in the Eastern Cape.

During a high-level visit to the ELIDZ, Nzimande said South Africa’s industrial development must be supported by a robust, diversified and resilient National System of Innovation that connects research, skills and technology with production and the everyday development needs of communities.

“Special Economic Zones must be more than providers of land, infrastructure and incentives. They must become dynamic ecosystems where laboratories, incubators, training institutions, investors and manufacturers work together around shared industrial missions,” he said.

The Minister said the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) should be measured not only by infrastructure and investment, but also by productivity gains, supplier upgrading, patents, prototypes, new products and services, skills development and competitiveness.

He reiterated his proposal to consolidate the existing regional innovation forum into a dynamic science, technology and innovation forum for Buffalo City.

The proposed forum would coordinate institutions, identify development challenges requiring innovative solutions, connect these challenges with relevant expertise, and support science and technology parks linked to SEZs across the Eastern Cape.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, working through entities such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), has supported the ELIDZ through several initiatives.

These include funding the feasibility study that led to the establishment of the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park, which was launched in 2014.

Between 2018 and 2023, the department also provided R2.4 million to the East London Regional Innovation Networking Platform, which reached 120 beneficiaries, including 17 technology-focused small, medium and micro enterprises.

Further support included integrating elements of the regional platform into the TIA–ELIDZ Science and Technology Park partnership and piloting a bio-entrepreneurship programme to help emerging enterprises turn locally available hemp and cannabis biomass into higher-value biomaterials and biochemicals.

Minister Nzimande said the Eastern Cape had significant potential to build a coordinated innovation ecosystem by connecting its universities, public TVET colleges, ports, manufacturing assets, agricultural opportunities, renewable-energy resources, coastal assets and youthful population.

East London’s established automotive industry, in particular, presents opportunities to expand advanced manufacturing and strengthen capabilities in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and digital production.

The shift towards electric and other new-energy vehicles, sustainable materials and circular manufacturing could also open up opportunities for new products, services and enterprises.

Closer collaboration between the automotive industry, the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park, universities, TVET colleges, science councils and TIA would help local innovators and emerging businesses participate in evolving industrial value chains.

“Innovation-led industrialisation must open opportunities for small enterprises, township and rural innovators, women-owned businesses and young people. The benefits must extend beyond the zone into Buffalo City, Mdantsane, surrounding towns and the wider provincial economy,” the Minister said.

He also called for stronger technology transfer, incubation, supplier development, access to research infrastructure, and incentives that promote innovation and localisation.

“We must use the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park to move ideas into factories, prototypes into products and local solutions into markets,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The role of radio in disseminating information that empowers communities remains ever important to the country’s ongoing project of strengthening democracy and promoting social cohesion, says Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong.

Morolong on Friday handed over a new broadcasting studio equipment to Rainbow FM in the West Rand of Johannesburg.

The new studio equipment, valued at R2.15 million, was approved by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) to help strengthen the station’s broadcasting infrastructure and enhance its ability to serve communities.

“Today, we are not simply handing over a new studio but rather strengthening a powerful voice in our community. This is an investment in the power of community media to inform, inspire, educate and unite people,” Morolong said.

Also known as the “Voice of Hope”, Rainbow FM serves communities across the West Rand, including Roodepoort, Randfontein, Krugersdorp, Kagiso and Ennerdale.

The station broadcasts in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Sesotho and Sepedi, reaching a diverse audience and ensuring that communities can share their experiences and stories in their own languages.

Morolong welcomed the station’s use of online streaming and podcasts to extend its reach beyond its traditional broadcast area.

As a religious community radio station, Rainbow FM also contributes to the spiritual wellbeing of its listeners, promotes positive values and strengthens the moral fibre of society.

“At a time when communities are confronting challenges such as substance abuse, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), crime and fragmented family structures … institutions that promote positive values become increasingly important. The fight against these social ills cannot be won by government and law enforcement agencies alone,” he said.

Morolong emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a collective effort involving homes, schools, places of worship and community spaces.

“Community radio stations, such as Rainbow FM, help shape attitudes and behaviours by promoting values of integrity, compassion, responsibility and service to others.” 

Morolong said community radio plays a significant role in connecting people, ensuring that communities are informed and heard, and provides platforms for dialogue and accountability.

“Community radio helps government forge conduits through which local stories are told by local voices. Community radio provides access to information in formats and languages that resonate with the communities they serve.”

Morolong said community media has grown into a vital platform for diversity, participation and inclusion since the advent of democracy in 1994, contributing to social cohesion and nation building.

Promoting active citizenry

With South Africa preparing for the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, Morolong called on Rainbow FM to use its platforms to encourage voter education and participation, particularly among young people.

“As we approach the Local Government Elections, community radio has the power to turn information into participation and voices into action. 

“Through the microphone, Rainbow FM can take voter education into homes, taxis, workplaces and communities, helping people understand how local government affects their daily lives and why their vote matters. We must make a special appeal to our young people that their future is on the ballot,” the Deputy Minister said.

He encouraged the station to engage young people through interactive programmes, interviews with young leaders and initiatives aimed at mobilising eligible first-time voters.

“Let us use the airwaves to remind young people that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires their voices, their choices and their votes.”

Morolong urged the station to help ensure that eligible voters are informed and encouraged to participate in the elections.

Government support for community media

The Deputy Minister said the handover demonstrates government’s continued commitment, in partnership with the MDDA, to strengthening community media across South Africa.

Government has invested in funding, training, infrastructure and capacity building to help community media organisations operate sustainably and effectively.

The MDDA has played an important role in advancing media development, particularly in underserved communities.

The R2.15 million investment builds on the longstanding partnership between the agency and Rainbow FM, which received support in 2018 and again in 2024 through the current funding programme.

Morolong said the new facility represents more than an infrastructure upgrade, providing a platform for community expression, talent development and engagement.

“A modern studio is more than bricks, cables and equipment. It is a platform for community expression. It is a place where ideas are shared, faith is strengthened, talent is nurtured and communities find their voice.”

Rainbow FM reaches an estimated audience of more than 100 000 listeners, giving the station an opportunity to inform, uplift and empower communities through its programming.

Morolong encouraged listeners, volunteers, local organisations, faith-based institutions and community leaders to support the station’s continued growth.

Also speaking at the same event, MDDA Board member Jayshree Pather said the handing over of the equipment is a proud milestone for the radio.

“The new facilities will strengthen the station to perform its duties. Our mandate is very important, and that is to communicate to the public through radio.” 

Pather said the station provides a platform for communication for communities to express themselves.

“As the MDDA, we will continue to support community radio, as this is the most important tool that gets people together and informed.” 

Local ward councillor Caled Finn said he has spent many years working with the station.

“I am happy to see progress and development at the station. The development is incredible, as this enables the station to serve its people better.”

Finn thanked government and the MDDA for supporting and guiding the station.

Rainbow FM broadcasts to the Gauteng area on the frequency 90.7 FM and live streams worldwide through its website. – SAnews.gov.za

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The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has called on qualifying residents and municipal account holders to take advantage of the city’s Debt Relief Programme Phase 4 before applications close on 31 October 2026.

According to the CoJ, the programme is aimed at efforts to assist qualifying customers experiencing financial difficulties, rehabilitate municipal accounts, encourage responsible payment behaviour and strengthen the City’s long-term revenue sustainability.

Some 18 043 applications have already been received, representing R2.052 billion in outstanding municipal debt across various customer categories.

CoJ Director of Communications and Stakeholder Management in Group Finance, Kgamanyane Maphologela, urged customers to apply with haste.

“We are making a final appeal to all qualifying residents and account holders who have not yet submitted their applications not to wait for the last minute.

“The Debt Relief Programme presents an important opportunity for eligible customers to address historical municipal debt and work towards restoring their accounts to good standing.

“We encourage customers to submit complete applications, together with all required supporting documents, well ahead of the closing date. Early submission allows sufficient time for applications to enter the assessment process and reduces the risk of delays associated with the last-minute rush,” Maphologela said.

Apply for the programme by:
–    Visiting an official City of Johannesburg Revenue Customer Service Centre for assistance with the application process and submission of the required documentation. 
–    Visiting www.joburg.org.za and select the Debt Relief Programme link or icon to access the relevant application information and online process. Applicants should ensure that all information supplied is accurate and that the necessary supporting documents are included

“This programme is about giving qualifying customers an opportunity to address their historical debt while building a culture of consistent payment for municipal services. Every account that is successfully rehabilitated contributes to a more sustainable revenue environment and ultimately supports the City’s ability to deliver services.

“The closing date is 31 October 2026. We, therefore, urge residents not to leave their applications until the last moment. Act now, use the official application channels and ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline,” Maphologela said.

The City emphasised that the programme is not an “automatic or blanket cancellation of municipal debt”.
“Applications are assessed individually in accordance with Council-approved eligibility requirements and the applicable conditions of Phase 4,” the CoJ said.

Customers are encouraged to note the following important conditions:
–    Relief is not automatic: Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Each application must meet the prescribed qualifying criteria.
–    Relief differs by customer category: The extent of relief depends on the applicable customer category, qualifying debt and programme conditions.
–    Current municipal accounts remain payable: Customers must continue paying their current monthly municipal charges in accordance with the programme requirements.
–    Complete documentation is essential: Applicants should ensure that the prescribed application form and all required supporting documents are submitted.
–    Beware of fraudulent intermediaries: Customers should use official City channels and avoid individuals or organisations promising guaranteed approval in exchange for payment.

“The City further emphasises that debt relief must be accompanied by a commitment to sustainable payment behaviour to prevent customers from accumulating new municipal arrears,” the CoJ said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Film and Publications Board (FPB) has encouraged the public to adopt good online habits to protect themselves from cyber threats as South Africa joins the international community in observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.

The month is being observed under the theme: “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” with a focus on promoting digital safety and protecting personal data.

“While that sounds like a technical topic for IT professionals, the truth is that staying safe online is now a basic life skill for all of us – just like looking both ways before crossing the street.

“You don’t need to be a computer genius to protect yourself. You just need to build a few good habits. Here are four simple things you can do starting today to keep your digital life safe,” the FPB said.

The FPB has shared the following tips to help the public stay safe online.

Treat your passwords like toothbrushes

You wouldn’t share your toothbrush with your neighbour, right? Treat your passwords the same way. Don’t use the same password for your email, banking and social media accounts.

If a hacker figures out one password, they may try to use it to access your other accounts. Make sure each account has a unique password.

If you have trouble remembering all your passwords, consider using a password manager app to store them securely.

Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect your online accounts.

For example, when you log into a website and receive a code via text message to verify your identity, that is 2FA.

Even if a hacker steals your password, they will still need the verification code sent to your phone to access your account.

Enable this feature on your email and banking apps. It takes only a few minutes to set up and can save you hours of stress later.

Think before you click

Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. You might receive a text message claiming that a package has been delayed or an email warning that your account has been locked.

These messages often appear legitimate but may contain links designed to steal your personal information.

If you receive a suspicious message asking you to click on a link or provide personal information, stop and check the sender’s email address.

If the address looks suspicious, delete the message. When in doubt, visit the official website directly instead of clicking on the link.

Update your devices

Many people ignore software update notifications on their phones and laptops, often postponing updates until later.

However, these updates frequently contain important security fixes that protect devices against cyber threats.

Delaying updates can leave your devices vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The next time you receive an update notification, install it promptly to help keep your devices secure.

The FPB emphasised that cybersecurity is not about being paranoid but about being prepared.

By taking these simple steps, individuals can help make the internet a safer place for themselves and others. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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