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Cabinet has called on citizens to prioritise road safety and act responsibly as traffic volumes increase ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Speaking during a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday in Pretoria, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the period was marked by increased travel as many people visit family, friends and religious gatherings.

“Cabinet calls on everyone to act responsibly when driving, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy before driving, and everyone in the car, including children, must fasten their seat belts,” she said. 

Cabinet also extended well wishes to all South Africans and visitors for a safe and joyous Easter, while stressing that individual responsibility remains key to ensuring a smooth and incident-free holiday period.

“Cabinet wishes all the South Africans a safe and joyous Easter long weekend…We also welcome visitors to our country and reassure South Africans and visitors alike that fighting crime remains one of the priorities of South Africa’s government,” the Minister said. 

Increased law enforcement and crime prevention

Cabinet reassured both citizens and visitors that safety remains a priority, with heightened deployment of law enforcement agencies during the Easter period.

Ntshavheni said the country continues to make steady progress in the fight against crime, with declining statistics recorded over time.

“Our country remains committed and is continuously registering declines, year-on-year, quarter-on-quarter on the crime statistics that are recorded by the police. We assure everyone on our shores that they will be safe, but they must take precaution, they must not act recklessly,” the Minister said. 

She added that additional security has been deployed at popular tourist attractions. 

Border readiness for holiday traffic

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods across the country’s 71 ports of entry.

Cabinet said measures are in place to ensure efficient and secure border operations, while preventing illegal crossings through strengthened monitoring systems supported by security forces.

“Be warned, the BMA is seriously advanced and our borders are effectively being managed and monitored by our National Defence Force,” the Minister said. 

Call for responsible animal movement

Cabinet has appealed to farmers and transporters to exercise caution in the movement of livestock to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. 

The Minister warned that the irresponsible movement of animals could worsen the outbreak, impacting the agricultural sector and food security.

“Due to the Food and Mouth Disease situation in the country, Cabinet is appealing for responsible animal movement to prevent the further spread of the disease in our country,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is urging motorists to prioritise road safety amid changing weather conditions expected across the country as South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter period.

SAWS has forecast partly cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers on Thursday and Friday. 

In its latest weather outlook, the weather service said conditions will be cool to warm in most areas, but hot in some regions, with a higher likelihood of scattered showers in the western parts of the country.

The forecast comes as increased traffic volumes are expected on major routes, with authorities calling on motorists to plan their journeys carefully and remain weather aware.

With changing weather conditions, SAWS is encouraging travellers to prioritise safety on the roads, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and reduced visibility.

The weather service is encouraging travellers to download its WeatherSmart App, which can help detect weather conditions ahead of time.

“Headed somewhere this Easter? Our WeatherSmart App helps you know when to stop, stay safe from lightning and arrive relaxed. Your safe travel this Easter is only as good as your data,” SAWS said in a post on X.

The weather service also highlighted the importance of using reliable weather data to make informed travel decisions.

The app enables users to monitor weather patterns in real time, identify when it may be safer to delay travel, and stay alert to lightning risks.

Lightning awareness and verification
As thunderstorms are expected in some areas, SAWS has also emphasised the importance of lightning awareness, particularly for those travelling long distances or leaving property unattended.

The weather service offers a Lightning Verification Report at a fee, which can confirm whether a lightning strike occurred at a specific location, a tool aimed at helping citizens protect valuable assets and support insurance claims if needed.

SAWS has urged the public to stay updated through official weather platforms and adjust travel plans where necessary.

With variable conditions expected over the Easter period, travellers are advised to remain cautious, take regular breaks, and ensure their journeys are guided by up-to-date weather information to arrive safely at their destinations. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a ministerial task team to coordinate government action to cushion South Africans against the impact of the war in the Middle East which has triggered rising costs of fuel.

This according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who led a post Cabinet media briefing in Tshwane on Thursday.

Conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran in the Middle East has placed strain on crude oil supply chains across the world, consequently triggering increased local fuel prices.

The task team comprises of:

• Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe as chairperson;
• Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana;
• Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy;
• Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau;
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola;
• Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen;
• Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa;
• Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp and
• The Presidency.

“[The task team will] coordinate government’s response in a holistic manner to mitigate the impact on the cost of living, fuel and food security.

“As an immediate intervention, the task team recommended the reduction in the fuel levy in the immediate period to alleviate the impact on the fuel price increases that took effect on Wednesday,” the Minister said.

The general fuel levy reduction of R3 announced on Tuesday ensures that the fuel levy will fall from some R4.10 per litre to R1.10 per litre of petrol and reduce from R3.93 to R0.93 per litre of diesel – reducing further burden on consumers.

Stable supply

Ntshavheni assured South Africans that fuel supply remains stable in the country, adding that dry fuel stations across the country are a result of “logistics constraints due to panic buying and fuel hoarding”.

“South Africans are discouraged from panic buying and fuel hoarding. We have got an adequate supply and we have got plans that will make sure South Africa remains fuel supply adequate,” the Minister added.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet called for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Iran, Israel and the US.

“Cabinet is kept abreast on the security of domestic fuel supply which is affected by the ongoing war and it was assured that South Africa’s fuel system remains supply adequate in the immediate period.

“Cabinet was informed that South Africa only relies on the Middle East supply for refined products,” Ntshavheni reiterated. – SAnews.gov.za

The eThekwini Municipality has placed the safety of visitors, residents and churchgoers at the centre of its Easter holiday preparations, rolling out an integrated law enforcement plan to ensure a safe and peaceful period.

The city confirmed that the plan brings together multiple agencies, including Metro Police, the South African Police Service, private security, the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate, Home Affairs and Customs.

In a statement on the municipality’s plans for Easter holiday, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba announced that more than 1 000 officers will be deployed across the municipality, maintaining 24-hour patrols at key hotspots such as beaches, entertainment areas and major routes.

Freeway patrols have also been increased to address pedestrian safety and will intensify enforcement on public transport to remove unroadworthy vehicles.

“Over 20 multidisciplinary roadblocks will be conducted during this period, focusing on all forms of crime, including drinking and driving,” Xaba said, adding that safety awareness campaigns will be conducted at taxi ranks in partnership with the taxi industry.

With thousands expected to attend Easter services, law enforcement agencies will closely monitor religious gatherings across the city, including a Good Friday service hosted in partnership with the Diakonia Council of Churches on Friday, 3 April 2026.

“Police will assist with crowd management and traffic control, while shopping centres and tourism sites will also be monitored to ensure the safety of patrons,” Xaba said.

Beaches open and safe

Xaba confirmed that all 23 bathing beaches are open and safe for swimming, following ongoing investment in sanitation infrastructure to improve water quality.

More than R1.2 billion has been allocated toward upgrading sewer networks, pump stations and wastewater treatment works to reduce pollution and prevent contamination of rivers and beaches.

Water quality testing has been intensified during the holiday period, with weekly assessments conducted and results shared publicly to ensure transparency.

“To ensure the safety of bathers, the municipality will deploy 200 lifeguards along the coastline from 6am to 6pm daily. We urge beachgoers to cooperate with lifeguards by swimming in designated areas and avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol,” Xaba said.

The municipality also assured residents and visitors of a reliable water supply despite increased demand during the holiday season.

Officials said recent repairs to the Nagle Dam aqueduct system have stabilised supply to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, with inflows and outflows now at normal levels.

The planned shutdown of the Southern Aqueduct for pipeline upgrades is not expected to disrupt water availability over the Easter period. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the construction of a new ground reservoir and tower in Brixton has been successfully concluded, making a tangible difference in strengthening water provision across Johannesburg.

The Premier held a media briefing in the city on Wednesday.

Johannesburg has faced several water challenges due to several factors including ageing infrastructure, increasing supply demand and maintenance backlogs.

“[The] construction…has been successfully concluded, alongside the completion of an emergency boosting pumping station. These projects are already making a tangible difference in strengthening water provision across Johannesburg’s suburbs.

“While occasional shortages and maintenance backlogs persist, these interventions have brought significant stabilisation across our province. These interventions align and support progress toward long-term resilience as we prepare for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2,” Lesufi said.

He added that the provincial government is going further to secure water supply.

“This is only the beginning. As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are resolute in our mission to secure reliable, sustainable, and equitable water supply for all our residents.

“We will continue to invest in modern infrastructure, expand capacity, and work tirelessly to ensure that every household, every business, and every community has access to the water they need. Water is life, and we are committed to protecting this lifeline for generations to come,” the Premier said.

At the same time, the provincial government has handed over 440 new housing units across Gauteng with 188 walk-up units in Benoni and 132 units in Lesedi.

Furthermore, some 148 homes in Clayville and 120 units in Affrivillage/Droogeheuwel were handed over last month.

“Each set of keys represents more than just bricks and mortar; it is the restoration of dignity, the assurance of shelter, and the promise of stability for families who can now call these houses their homes.

“These projects are a testament to our unwavering commitment to building communities where every resident has the right to safe and decent living conditions,” Lesufi noted.

Additionally, some 3 000 title deeds have been handed over to communities in Ratanda and Impumelelo.

“A title deed is more than a piece of paper—it is a guarantee of ownership, a safeguard of security, and a foundation for generational wealth.

“By placing these deeds in the hands of our people, we are not only affirming their rightful place in society but also empowering them with the confidence that comes from true ownership. This is how we build a Gauteng where dignity is restored, security is assured, and opportunity is unlocked for all,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za

As travellers begin to make their way to various destinations for the Easter and Passover holidays, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has reiterated its call for citizens to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their homes and ensure safety on the roads.

GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa on Thursday urged residents to take precautionary measures to protect their property while away.

“Ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured, and double-check all entry points before leaving home, even for short periods,” Mnukwa said.

She also cautioned against sharing travel plans publicly, particularly on social media platforms.

“Do not publicise your travel plans; avoid posting holiday details or locations on social media,” she added.

Mnukwa emphasised that road safety remains critical during the busy holiday period, calling on motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, to curb road fatalities and save lives.

“Motorists must obey the rules of the road, avoid speeding, reckless and drunk driving, and always wear seatbelts,” she said.

She further advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before departure by checking tyres, brakes, lights and fluid levels.

Mnukwa also emphasised that the safety of children should remain a top priority, with parents and caregivers encouraged to use appropriate child restraints and always maintain close supervision.

Travellers have also been urged to stay informed about weather conditions and to heed warnings or advisories issued by authorities, particularly when travelling across provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Human Settlements Minister Thembisile Simelane has urged a shift from investment pledges to tangible delivery, saying South Africa’s credibility now depends on turning commitments into real economic outcomes.

Simelane said the next phase of the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) must be defined by implementation rather than promises.

“Our credibility as an economic partner will increasingly be defined by our ability to translate pledges into projects, and projects into tangible development outcomes,” the Minister said.

Simelane, who chaired the Economic Diplomacy and Economic Cooperation plenary at the conference, emphasised that economic diplomacy should be measured by its impact on communities both in South Africa and across the African continent.

Positioning South Africa as a gateway to Africa

The Minister said the conference is not only about attracting investment into the country, but also about positioning South Africa as a gateway to broader African opportunities.

“It is fundamentally about positioning South Africa as a platform for shared continental growth and opportunity,” she said.

She noted that strong international participation at the conference was a clear affirmation of growing global confidence in South Africa as both an investment destination and a strategic partner in advancing development across Africa.

Since its inception, Simelane said the SAIC has served as a key instrument of economic diplomacy, translating diplomatic engagement into tangible investment commitments, partnerships, and implementation outcomes.

“Our message to the global investment community remains clear: South Africa is open, ready, and available to lead in partnering for Africa’s development,” the Minister said.

Simelane also highlighted South Africa’s role as a strategic entry point into African markets, supported by established institutions, advanced infrastructure, sophisticated financial systems, and a stable regulatory environment.

Through platforms such as the SAIC, she said government aims to position the country as an enabler of regional value chains rather than a competitor within the continent.

“Economic success in Africa will not be achieved through fragmentation, but through integration, scale and shared prosperity,” she said.

She pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as central to unlocking these opportunities, offering a single market and more predictable regulatory frameworks to support trade and investment.

Through platforms such as SAIC, she said the country intentionally positioning South Africa not as a competitor within the continent, but as an enabler of regional and continental value chains, unlocking scale, efficiency, and shared growth.

Focus on key growth sectors

Simelane said the conference is also being used to promote cooperation across sectors critical to Africa’s growth, including:
•    Energy and the Just Energy Transition: as a shared continental opportunity for sustainable growth and resilience.
•    Manufacturing and industrialisation: to deepen regional value chains and support job creation.
•    Agro-processing and food security: to drive inclusive growth and strengthen resilience across the continent.
•    The digital economy: enabling new forms of cross-border trade, innovation, and service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za

The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit and the National Prosecuting Authority have secured a preservation order in a kidnapping and murder case. 

The order was granted by the Mthatha High Court. The asset was a silver grey and white Mitsubishi worth R100 000. 

The case marks a decisive advancement in the strategic deployment of asset forfeiture as a crime-combatting instrument.

“The matter arises from the abduction of the victim on 17 January 2023. The victim was allegedly accused of stealing the accused personal property. 

“This accusation precipitated a calculated and sustained act of violence, where the victim was subjected to severe assault before being forcibly conveyed to a remote forested area utilising a motor vehicle under the control of the culprits,” the Hawks said in a statement.

Following the incident, a Missing Person Enquiry was initiated. However, through meticulous investigative scrutiny, evidentiary synthesis and prosecutorial consultation, the matter underwent a critical reclassification, culminating in the registration of a kidnapping and murder. 

During investigation, the accused were identified as Andile Tyusha (52) and Olwethu Mampofu (37). 

Despite extensive, resource-intensive search operations conducted by law enforcement, the victim remains untraced, thereby intensifying the gravity and complexity of the case.

The criminal case is still active and was remanded to 25 May 2026 for trial at Mthatha High Court. The preservation order prohibits the use if the asset pending the finalisation of the matter. – SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called for a more comprehensive and balanced approach to gender equality in the African higher education sector.

Delivering the keynote address at the 3rd Edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) Africa Universities Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday, Manamela warned that progress in access for women has not yet translated into equal power or opportunity.

He emphasised that gender equality must go beyond enrolment figures and address deeper structural inequalities within institutions and society.

“There is no neutral education system. Paulo Freire reminded us that there is no such thing as a neutral education process. Education either reproduces the world as it is or helps us transform it.

“When we speak about equity, diversity, inclusion, and gender equality in African higher education, we should be clear that we are not discussing a side issue, or a matter of institutional image. We are discussing who gets access to knowledge, who succeeds, who leads, who is left behind, and what kind of society our universities help to build,” Manamela said.

Held under the theme: “Powering Africa’s future through talent development, innovation and inclusion”, the two-day brought together higher education leaders, policymakers and sector stakeholders to engage on critical issues shaping the future of the continent.

Among the key areas of focus included global challenges; innovation and entrepreneurship; start-up ecosystems; work readiness and skills development; and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in higher education.

Manamela highlighted significant gains made by women in South Africa’s higher education system, where women currently make up the majority of university students and graduates, accounting for 62.7% of enrolments and 65.4% of graduates in 2023.

“Women are not only entering higher education in larger numbers; they are also graduating in larger numbers. These reflects long struggles for access, democracy and redistribution. It reflects public policy, public investment, and social change far beyond the education sector itself.

‘It [also] tells us that what happens in higher education is not merely the achievement of universities. It is also a reflection of wider shifts in households, communities, aspirations, social movements and the democratic order. But that is only one side of the story Because if we stop there, we tell the wrong story,” Manamela said.

However, the Minister warned against viewing these gains as the end of the gender equality journey. Instead, he described a “contradiction” in the system: while women dominate enrolment and graduation, they remain underrepresented in positions of authority.

The leadership gap

He highlighted the academic gap in staffing profile, where among professors in South African universities, women account for only about a third, with 1 129 female professors compared to 2 216 men.

He stressed that equity, diversity and inclusion must be measured across the full academic chain, from access and progression to employment, leadership and institutional power.

The Minister also highlighted similar patterns in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), where women make up the majority of enrolments overall, yet remain underrepresented in certain skills programmes traditionally dominated by men.

This, he said, reflects broader societal patterns that continue to shape opportunities along gender lines.

Challenging common assumptions, Manamela pointed out that women are increasingly represented in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) fields in South Africa.

However, that participation does not automatically translate into equality in career advancement, research leadership or earnings.

Manamela highlighted the role of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as a key instrument of gender transformation, with women accounting for over two-thirds of beneficiaries and receiving the majority of funding. – SAnews.gov.za