Category: English

Municipalities in the country have reaffirmed their commitment to principled governance by adopting a code that enjoins them to ensure ethical and accountable leadership.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has welcomed the adoption of the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government by 100 municipalities, describing it as a positive development in efforts to ensure good governance.

“The adoption of the Code by the 100 municipalities across the nine provinces reflects a growing commitment within the local government sector to place ethical leadership, accountability and good governance at the heart of municipal leadership,” Hlabisa said.

The Code is the brainchild of the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative, a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department of Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Moral Regeneration Movement.

It was launched at the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government, held in Gauteng on 1 March 2024.

In October 2024, Hlabisa and SALGA President Bheke Stofile, entered into a mutual agreement to encourage all municipalities in the country to adopt the Code through a formal Council Resolution.

The Code, which is based on the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy of 2015, is applicable to all people in municipal leadership positions, including political figures, councillors, traditional leaders, and administrative personnel, such as municipal managers and officials.

It outlines the principles and practices for ethical governance and leadership in the local government sector.

Following a plethora of governance and ethical challenges, the Code seeks to promote well-governed, efficient and effective municipalities.

“The Code will inspire local government leaders in the 100 municipalities to serve their communities with integrity, discipline and commitment, and enable communities to hold them accountable,” Hlabisa said.

He has encouraged the remaining municipalities in the country to also adopt the Code.

Meanwhile, the councils of the 100 municipalities are expected to institutionalise the Code by developing implementation plans aimed at fostering a culture of ethical and accountable leadership.

The Code is accessible on the www.cogta.gov.za and www.tei.org.za/lgeli websites. – SAnews.gov.za

The North West Department of Education has been left devastated after strong and destructive winds damaged roofs and destroyed mobile classrooms at more than 20 schools. 

The damage, which occurred between 4 and 5 September, comes at a particularly difficult time for the department, which is already responding to the loss of three schools in recent fires.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it has been working to intervene at schools affected by the fires, but the storms have now caused further damage to schools, placing additional pressure on the already strained departmental Infrastructure.

In the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, the affected schools are Thuto ke Matla Secondary School in Groot Marico, Setilo Secondary School in Mareetsane village, Refentse Primary School and Serite Early Learning Centre in Ga-Khunwana vllage.

In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, the affected schools are Pudulogo Primary School in Ikageng; Maitemogelo Secondary School in Wolmaranstad; Noordwal Primary School in Orkney; Tshedimosetso Secondary School in Jouberton; Toevlug Primary School in Ventersdorp; Sentlhaga Primary School in Wolmaranstad; Laerskool Saamtrek in Klerksdorp; Promosa Primary and Secondary School in Potchefstroom; Boitshoko Secondary School in Ikageng; Gatelapele Secondary School, and Tigane Primary School in Tigane.

In the Bojanala District, the affected schools include SG Ntuane Primary School in Tlhatlhaganyane village; Rantlaka Primary School in Phalane village; Nonceba Primary School in Welverdiend, and Motshabaesi Primary School in Obakeng village.

In the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, the affected schools are Kokomeng Primary School in Kokomeng village; Walter Letsie Secondary School in Manthe; Raditshipi Primary School; Thapama Secondary School; Choseng Secondary School, and Reabetswe Secondary School.

The MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by the strong winds at schools across the province.

“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the damage caused by these destructive winds … Our immediate priority is to assess the extent of the damage, ensure the safety of learners and educators, and put measures in place to minimise disruptions to teaching and learning.

“We are working closely with the relevant stakeholders and disaster management teams to respond to the affected schools and ensure that the necessary interventions are implemented as urgently as possible. We understand the impact this situation has on our school communities, and we will continue doing everything within our means to support the affected schools”, Mohono said. 

Following the damage over the weekend, the department will dispatch its infrastructure teams to assess the extent of the damage and determine alternative measures to ensure that teaching and learning are not disrupted at the affected schools. – SAnews.gov.za

A former Emfuleni Local Municipality service provider has appeared in court over charges of fraud, theft, and corruption related to a R16 million fleet tender awarded by the municipality.

Mpho Edward Malema appeared in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates Court for his first appearance following his arrest by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

“It is alleged that between July 2015 and July 2023, the Emfuleni Local Municipality Fleet Manager, Lerato Selaelo Mpholo, who is Accused 1 in the matter, received payments of R50 000, as well as other undisclosed amounts, from Malema for facilitating and awarding the Emfuleni Local Municipality fleet procurement contracts to Malema and his company.

“Following the awarding of the contracts, the municipality allegedly ordered and paid R16 million to Malema for the procurement of 18 vehicles, including UD trucks and bakkies. However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered to the municipality. Seven of the vehicles have since been recovered from other entities, the rest of the vehicles are still outstanding,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

The case has been postponed to 14 September 2026 for formal bail investigations and possible bail application with the State intending to oppose bail. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has extended his deep condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, following the passing of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Mr Hassan, 71, passed away on Monday, while receiving treatment for a cardiac condition.

He had a distinguished career as an agricultural academic and agriculturalist.

President Ramaphosa said his thoughts are with President Hassan, her children, and the extended family and friends during this difficult time.

The President also conveyed his sympathies to the government and people of the Republic of Tanzania, a founding member of SADC.

“As the people of our region, we reach out in our hearts and prayers to President Hassan and the nation of Tanzania in this difficult moment.

“We offer you our heartfelt condolences and wish you strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of an outstanding citizen and partner to the First Lady,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has marked the start of National Parks Week with the handover of tourism units and the official opening of the Letaba High Water Bridge.

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier on Monday cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge at Letaba Rest Camp, situated in Limpopo. Damage to the bridge had led to restricted access to the northern sections of the park.

This came after parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga were lashed by heavy rains in January. Floodwaters submerged areas of the camp, leading to its closure to tourists. Reconstruction work at the camp has since resulted in the restoration of some tourism units.

“The opening of the restored Letaba Rest Camp facilities and the Letaba High Water Bridge represents far more than the completion of infrastructure. It represents resilience, determination and commitment in ensuring that one of the world’s great conservation landscapes remains strong, accessible and sustainable into the future.

“The units we are opening today represent a decision not just to replace the damaged infrastructure with what it was before, but to use the opportunity to upgrade the units,” the Minister explained.

Maynier and senior SANParks management visited one of the upgraded units within the rest camp.

He added that the new, modern look and feel of the units would improve the experience of guests at the park.

“With additional units expected to follow later this year in time for peak tourist season, it is clear that SANParks management is taking steps to address the severe economic impact of the floods. Getting more tourists back into guest accommodation is a clear priority for this team. Work has been completed so quickly.”

At Letaba Rest Camp, 25 tourism units in Circles A to C have been restored at a cost of R19 million. The completed work includes furniture and 10 family cottages. A further 64 tourism units remain under restoration and are expected to reopen in phases, with completion anticipated by 30 November 2026.

Maynier also commended SANParks for the speedy work done on the bridge, with the rebuilding project having kicked off on 4 February and reaching finality “a week and a half ago.”

“The urgency to reconnect the north and south of the park is clear. This work is an investment into the Kruger National Park today but also an investment into the Kruger National Park of tomorrow,” he said.

The bridge was opened to traffic on 23 March 2026, reconnecting the northern and southern sections of Kruger. Final work, including sand sealing of the road, was completed on 28 August 2026.

SANParks said the R9.5 million project included the reconstruction and stone pitching of the damaged bridge approach, together with improved drainage.

Maynier further highlighted the importance of the country’s national parks being better prepared for the challenges of the future.

“The projects we are opening today demonstrate what the future can look like. We can use the Kruger National Park as a springboard for innovation, partnerships and investment that can strengthen resilience, not only here but across the entire national parks.”

He added that government alone cannot address the challenges of the future and that partnerships are needed.

“Imagine a future where our national parks become leaders in resilient infrastructure design, not just in our country but across the world, where roads and bridges and visitor facilities are designed with future climate realities in mind.”

The Minister has invited industry, investors, research institutions and development partners to engage with government and SANParks to collectively accelerate investment in resilient conservation and infrastructure. SANParks Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hapiloe Sello said the day was one for celebration.

“It’s a day that allows us to demonstrate as SANParks that we are committed to restoring, strengthening and sustaining the assets entrusted to us so that they continue serving visitors, supporting conservation and contributing to the broader economy of South Africa,” she said.

National Parks Week

With the annual SANParks National Parks Week underway, Maynier encouraged South Africans to make use of the opportunity presented by the initiative.

“This is our natural heritage, and it belongs to all of us. Please do visit your local national park and share in the extraordinary beauty of our treasures,” he said.

This as pupils in school uniform, among others, were seen at the rest camp premises.

The 21st South African National Parks Week is an initiative that has become one of the most important opportunities for South Africans to explore and reconnect with their national parks.

SANParks announced that 7 to 13 September 2026, would be the dates during which day visitors can gain free access to participating national parks.

However, for Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park, free access is from Monday, 7 September, to Friday, 11 September 2026 and excludes the weekend.

According to SANParks, free access covers day entry only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other paid tourism products. Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded. Entry limits and other conditions may differ between participating parks. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will represent South Africa at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial (HEM) Meeting to be held in Japan on Thursday.

The visit is aimed at advancing South Africa’s energy transition agenda, strengthening the country’s industrialisation agenda and expanding international partnerships in science, technology and innovation.

“The meeting aligns with South Africa’s Just Energy Transition framework, Hydrogen Society Roadmap and Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy.

“It also supports national objectives to diversify energy sources, stimulate inclusive economic growth, and position South Africa as a competitive producer and exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives,” the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement on Monday.

According to the Ministry, the two countries share a significant strategic partnership in “hydrogen research, innovation and technology development”.

“Cooperation between the two countries includes programmes such as the Green Ammonia Synthesis Project, industry engagement through the Japan External Trade Organization, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and partnerships with leading Japanese universities and research organisations,” the statement read.

According to the Deputy Minister, South Africa’s participation offers key opportunities to advance its domestic hydrogen development plans. 

“Therefore, Japan’s ambition to establish a mature hydrogen society by 2030, supported by substantial investments in hydrogen production, transportation, storage and utilisation technologies, presents significant opportunities for South Africa to leverage Japanese expertise, investment and market access.

“South Africa’s participation in the HEM therefore provides an important opportunity to position the country as a preferred green hydrogen partner, deepen bilateral cooperation with Japan, attract investment into South Africa’s emerging hydrogen economy, and contribute to international dialogue on the development of sustainable and secure hydrogen markets,” Gina said.

While in the Asian country, the Deputy Minister will attend “high-level plenary discussions, ministerial roundtables, bilateral engagements and participate in the H2 and FC EXPO”.

“The Deputy Minister will also visit Tohoku University to strengthen cooperation in postgraduate training, research mobility, and innovation, particularly to support the proposed South Africa-Japan doctoral programme. 

“She will also meet with the President of the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Prof Hiroshi Okamoto, to advance collaboration on energy policy, hydrogen technologies and the clean energy transition, as well as the President of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Dr Hitoshi Nakagama, to advance bilateral cooperation in health research and innovation,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za