Category: English

The Love Your Street campaign arrived in Thembisa this week – not merely with cleaning material and refuse bags, but with a broader message: safe, clean public spaces are a shared responsibility and in communities scarred by violence, they can also be a matter of life and death.

Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, together with a delegation of government officials, civil society organisations and community members, rolled up her sleeves for the latest leg of the campaign aimed at improving cleanliness in neighbourhoods and community safety.

But, while the immediate task was clearing overgrown grass and picking up litter, the programme itself is part of a far larger government drive to strengthen partnerships between communities and municipalities, encourage active citizenship and reclaim neglected public spaces.

Launched earlier this year by The Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Mannenburg and Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, the Love Your Street campaign is being rolled out across provinces in collaboration with community structures, ward committees, community development workers, sector departments, ward councillors and constituency offices.

At its core, the campaign encourages residents to take collective responsibility for the spaces in which they live.

“The initiative forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between communities and municipalities in addressing local service delivery challenges and improving the quality of life of residents.

“The campaign encourages residents to take collective responsibility for the spaces in which they live by participating in cleaning activities, preventing illegal dumping, clearing overgrown grass and maintaining public spaces. It also promotes a culture of community pride, environmental responsibility and active citizenship,” the GCIS said.

In Thembisa, those words took physical form as cleaning activities were conducted at an open space next to Thembisa South Police Station, a site chosen deliberately to send a message about safety and visibility.

“During the programme in Thembisa, cleaning activities were conducted at an open space next to Thembisa South Police Station.

“The activities highlighted the importance of reclaiming neglected public spaces and ensuring that communities can use these areas in a clean, safe and welcoming environment,” the GCIS explained.

Shared responsibility

For Ntshavheni, the campaign is about forging a new compact between residents and local government.

At the Thembisa clean-up, she stressed that cleanliness cannot be outsourced to the municipality alone.

“It’s all our responsibility. At Brand South Africa we say: ‘Everyone must play their part’.

“To the municipality, we are saying that you have the responsibility to debush overgrown areas and to also make sure that there are streetlights. The streetlights do not have to use great amounts of electricity; they can use solar electricity. Make sure that the environment is safe, and it’s fully lit for women and children to be able to walk about safely,” she stated.

Ntshavheni also addressed the challenge of illegal dumping, encouraging residents to wait for the municipality’s weekly refuse removal service rather than dumping waste in open spaces.

“If your refuse bags are full, don’t dump them illegally. Wait for the municipality to come and pick up the refuse weekly because we want to keep our cities clean.

“The municipality has a refuse removal service, which is weekly. It doesn’t mean when your refuse is full, you go and dump somewhere. You wait for the municipality to come and collect.

“This is not only a call to the municipality. We are here to solicit a partnership with communities to [curb] illegal dumping,” the Minister urged.

The GCIS echoed that call.

 “The campaign calls on residents to work alongside local government in identifying challenges affecting their neighbourhoods and taking practical steps to improve their surroundings,” the department noted.

Confronting GBVF through environmental design

The visit to Thembisa carried a sombre, serious weight as the area was the site of the recent discovery of the bodies of several women and this marked the Minister’s second visit in three weeks.

The shadow of that violence, which shocked South Africans, added urgency to the campaign’s focus on safe, well-lit and clean public spaces.

Ntshavheni linked the campaign directly to the national fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“This is supporting the effort of the IMC against GBVF in the country – because part of the programme they have adopted as part of the National Strategic Plan against GBVF – is ‘safety by environmental design’, meaning that we should be safe because our streets are safe and also clean,” she said.

The Minister noted that the women who were found dead had largely been discovered in illegal dumping sites, with some bodies in advanced stages of decomposition.

The GCIS said the Love Your Street campaign forms part of a broader effort to transform spaces that have become associated with danger.

“The initiative also supports government’s efforts to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, particularly in areas where neglected parks, poorly lit spaces and overgrown open areas may raise safety concerns for community members.

“Through the Love Your Street campaign, government seeks to transform these spaces into safer and more accessible areas while raising awareness about GBVF, reporting mechanisms and the support services available to survivors,” the department stated.

Ntshavheni said the cleaning of the area around Thembisa South Police Station was meant to signal that police stations should be safe spaces for women and communities.

“We’re cleaning the area within the vicinity of the police station, and then we’ll go to the illegal dumping site because we have a clear fight against illegal dumping sites…[given that] terrible things happen there, and we want to encourage the communities not to dump illegally,” she said.

Beyond brooms: trees, towns and lasting change

The Love Your Street campaign is not only about refuse removal.

“The programme further builds on the Clean Cities and Towns campaign, launched by Deputy President Paul Mashatile in 2025, which calls for stronger cooperation between municipalities and communities to improve cleanliness and address environmental challenges in cities and townships.

“In addition, the Love Your Street campaign supports the Presidential One Billion Trees Planting Campaign, which promotes tree planting, greening, environmental sustainability, climate resilience and community participation in protecting the environment,” the GCIS said.

Ntshavheni said tree planting was about more than beautification.

“We are also planting trees because [the department has] a commitment of planting 1 billion trees, as tasked by the President.

“But, those trees are not just [planted] for their own sake. They are trees that show we want to have places where we gather; places that are safe and we want an environment and air that is clean,” she said.

The Minister also pointed to schools as key partners in instilling a culture of cleanliness and pride.

“Where I come from in the district of Vhembe, our schools have vegetable gardens. It doesn’t matter what [learners are] studying but they learn to feed themselves and to use the environment to feed themselves.

“They also run competitions of ‘the most beautiful flower gardens’. We want to work with the Ekurhuleni Municipality to make sure that we also get to that stage,” she said.

The campaign also highlights the role of collaboration across sectors.

“The involvement of community organisations and other stakeholders, including the MDDA [Media Development and Diversity Agency], also highlights the importance of collaboration across different sectors in supporting government initiatives that seek to improve the lives of South Africans.

 “The campaign reinforces the principle that service delivery is a shared responsibility requiring the active involvement of government, municipalities, businesses, community organisations and residents.

“Through initiatives such as these, government aims to encourage communities to take ownership of their neighbourhoods, protect public infrastructure, maintain clean surroundings and contribute to safer, healthier and more sustainable settlements,” the GCIS said.

As the brooms were packed away and the refuse bags collected, the challenge now is to sustain the momentum beyond a single campaign day.

“Residents are encouraged to sustain the momentum beyond campaign activities by keeping their streets clean, reporting service delivery challenges and working with local authorities and community structures to maintain public spaces,” the GCIS said.

For Ntshavheni, the equation is simple: “When it’s clean, it’s also safe. When it’s safe, it’s conducive for women and children to thrive”. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has introduced 17 new long-distance buses equipped with advanced safety technology to its City-to-City fleet, marking the first fleet acquisition of its kind since 2010.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced this during the launch of the new City-to-City fleet in Pretoria on Thursday, as part of October Transport Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system.”

Creecy said the acquisition of the new buses follows a difficult restructuring process within the long-distance bus operation, which involved management, organised labour, the PRASA Board and the shareholder, with sacrifices made by all parties.

“The operation is designed to run on a ring-fenced basis and to sustain itself financially. The new coaches carry advanced safety technology, including lane assistance, following-distance monitoring and stability systems. 

“Drivers will be supported through monitoring and targeted training, and a control centre will oversee incidents en route. Over time, these services are intended to work alongside long-distance rail, offering families an affordable and dependable way to travel between cities, towns and rural communities.

“Whether on a suburban line or a long-distance route, our purpose remains the same: safe, reliable and affordable public transport that connects people to opportunity,” Creecy said.

A further 30 coaches are planned for the 2027/28 financial year, followed by 48 in 2028/29, bringing the total to 95 modern coaches. The fleet renewal programme is expected to be completed by 2030.

Meanwhile, PRASA has undertaken extensive efforts to revitalise and rebuild the country’s passenger rail services.

These efforts have focused on restoring railway infrastructure, improving safety, upgrading signalling systems and enhancing the reliability of commuter services.

“Not only have we witnessed the rebuilding of rail within PRASA, but we have also seen significant progress within their Long-Distance Passenger Services as well as secondary mandate,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced revised payment dates for social grants in November 2026 ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections on 4 November.

In a statement, the agency said the revised schedule follows consultations with various stakeholders to ensure the efficient and secure administration of grant payments, with minimal disruption during the election period.

National Treasury has approved the revised payment dates, allowing the agency to implement the new schedule.

In terms of the revised arrangements, social grants will be paid as follows: 

• Older Persons Grant: Friday, 30 October 2026.

• Disability Grant: Monday, 02 November 2026.

• Children’s Grants: Tuesday, 03 November 2026.

SASSA said the adjustment was intended to support the smooth administration of grant payments during the period surrounding the elections.

“The agency remains committed to ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their grants in an orderly and reliable manner,” the statement read.

Beneficiaries, whose grants are under review, are reminded to respond to official communication and attend review appointments when requested.

A further payment date on Thursday, 5 November, has been set aside specifically for beneficiaries whose grants fall within the review process.

SASSA urged beneficiaries not to visit its offices unnecessarily, noting that payments would be processed according to the announced schedule.

Beneficiaries have also been encouraged to use the agency’s official communication channels for accurate information and to guard against misinformation and disinformation relating to social grants.

SASSA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the social assistance system while ensuring continued access to grants for millions of South Africans who rely on the support. – SAnews.gov.za

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Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi will engage the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to establish whether sufficient safeguards are in place to protect online gamblers and whether operators are complying with regulatory requirements.

“I think it is important that we understand what measures can appropriately be taken within ICASA’s regulatory mandate where electronic communications networks and services are used to facilitate access to gambling and betting products,” the Minister said on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

Speaking to leaders from government, broadcasting, sports federations, brands and clubs at the annual Sport Business Forum, Malatsi said his department is responsible for ensuring that all South Africans are safe online, including when gambling.

“Sports betting has grown exponentially in recent years, supported by the evolution of smart devices and technology. This offers strong revenue opportunities for teams, federations and other stakeholders in sport. 

“But we have a duty to be aware of the impacts online gambling is having in a country where many people are poor, unemployed, desperate, and have low levels of financial literacy,” Malatsi said.

Digital technology opportunities 

While new technologies bring major drawbacks, including job displacement, privacy and security risks, environmental damage and negative health impacts, the Minister focused on harnessing their benefits to grow the sports business industry.

Malatsi said digital technology has opened new avenues for revenue generation, disrupted stagnant business models and brought brands, institutions and public figures closer to their audiences than ever before.

“Technology is driving the same evolution in sport, with video and big data analysis informing load management and new commercialisation models being opened through digital advertising, team platform ownership, in-house content production and influencer revenue streams,” he said.

The Minister highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is improving broadcasting processes and enabling businesses to identify, measure and assess sponsorship more effectively.

“Clever use of geolocation and adaptive advertising means that adverts flighted during the same event can be targeted to different audiences in different markets, expanding the commercial opportunities for sponsors, broadcasters, federations and teams. 

“For fans, digital technology allows for streaming onto smart devices, deeper connections with their favourite teams and personalities through more content, and easier access to online communities. Stars, teams and fans are now in charge of telling their own stories,” he said.

The Minister noted that the evolution of digital technology has also fostered the growth of new audiences and a resurgence in the popularity of school sport, creating more opportunities for young people to be scouted.

“SuperSport’s school and university offering could soon be competing with some of the best youth sport coverage we see in markets like the United States of America.

“By beaming school and club sport into the homes of millions of people, fans are now connecting with the stars of tomorrow, tracking their journey from their school first teams to the professional ranks and possibly even into the national teams. Youngsters such as Markus Muller, Ethan Adams, and Kwena Maphaka have become household names from their exploits in school sports. Scouting has been amplified,” Malatsi said.

Bridging the digital divide 

He added that technology is already pushing human endeavour to greater heights, stressing that communications and digital infrastructure will become as essential to sport at most levels as floodlights, turnstiles and turf.

“Many of the sponsors and investors in sport are leading technology businesses, whether they be telecommunications giants, software developers, hardware companies or broadcasters. 

“This may already be happening in certain spheres, but I would urge sporting teams to look beyond financial models of support and to leverage their commercial partnerships to drive innovation in their own teams, sporting fields or federations,” Malatsi said.

He emphasised that, for sport to grow, more people need to watch it, whether at a stadium or on a screen. 

“It is therefore important that attending games in person or watching them virtually is within reach of as many South Africans as possible. It cannot be that only the elite or urban citizens have access to the stars who bring us so much joy – or pain, if you support Manchester United.

“I urge you to remember the digital divide and how you can play your part to build a more inclusive society by using technology to connect with more people – not to deepen that divide by building products and experiences limited to a fortunate few,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule have stepped up oversight of the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, visiting examination centres in Gauteng and Mpumalanga as the Class of 2026 continues its final school examinations.

The examinations commenced across the country on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with candidates in all nine provinces sitting for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers. 

Gwarube visited Thembisa West Secondary School in Gauteng on Thursday morning to monitor the writing of English Paper 3, assessing the school’s readiness and the arrangements in place to ensure the smooth administration of the examinations.

The visit forms part of the department’s efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the national examinations, ensuring that candidates write in a secure and conducive environment.

In a message to candidates, the Minister encouraged learners to remain focused and confident as they tackle their papers.

“To every matric learner writing today, I wish you the very best. Approach your paper with confidence, stay focused, manage your time wisely and trust in the preparation you have put in.

“Your hard work has brought you to this important milestone and I encourage you to give it your very best. South Africa is rooting for you. All the best, Class of 2026,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Mhaule, accompanied by Mpumalanga MEC for Education Lindi Masina, monitored the examinations at Masana High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.

The visit reinforced the department’s commitment to maintaining rigorous oversight and ensuring that every candidate writes under fair, secure and credible conditions.

The department has emphasised that the integrity of the NSC examinations is essential to ensuring that learners’ achievements are assessed fairly and transparently, while protecting the value of the certificate and the opportunities it unlocks for further education and employment.

Mhaule encouraged the Class of 2026 to approach the examinations with confidence, trust in the preparation provided by their teachers and uphold the integrity of the examination process.

She also reminded candidates that completing matric was not the end of their educational journey, but a stepping stone towards future opportunities.

Masina highlighted the Bohlabela District as the most improved district in the province, urging it to build on this achievement and continue improving educational outcomes through sustained commitment and hard work.

No major irregularities have been reported since the start of the examination period on Tuesday.

The examinations are a significant milestone for Grade 12 learners across the country, marking the culmination of 12 years of formal schooling and determining access to further education, training and other opportunities beyond school.

As the examinations continue, learners have been encouraged to remain disciplined, manage their time effectively and approach each paper with confidence. – SAnews.gov.za

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called for disaster risk assessments to be integrated into housing delivery, warning that poorly located developments and inadequate infrastructure can expose communities to foreseeable hazards.

The Minister said housing projects must be planned and implemented in ways that protect families from risks such as flooding and fires, while ensuring that settlements have reliable access to essential services. 

“A home should give a family greater security. If its location or construction exposes that family to foreseeable harm, an essential part of our responsibility remains unfulfilled,” Simelane said.

Simelane was speaking during a panel discussion on risk-informed planning and safer communities at the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction engagement held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday.

Held under the theme: “Resilience Starts at Home”, the engagement focused on the role of housing delivery and spatial planning in reducing disaster risks and building safer communities.

Simelane emphasised the need for disaster risk assessments to be conducted before land is acquired and housing projects approved. These assessments must consider hazards, site conditions, climate projections and the infrastructure required to support settlements over the long term.

She warned that land with a low purchase price can ultimately prove costly if it requires extensive flood protection, has unstable ground, or cannot be reliably serviced.

The Minister also emphasised the need to coordinate land preparation, infrastructure provision and environmental assessments early in the project planning process to prevent delays and avoid development on unsuitable sites.

Municipal infrastructure, including drainage, water, sanitation, electricity and roads, is equally important in determining whether communities can withstand disasters.

“For flood-exposed communities, this means drainage designed for local conditions, functioning culverts, and development that respects waterways. For fire-exposed settlements, it means safe access for emergency vehicles, adequate water for firefighting, safer energy provision and layouts that reduce the spread of fire,” the Minister said.

She said these measures must be planned and funded alongside housing projects, with clear responsibility for infrastructure maintenance and repairs.

Simelane also stressed the importance of construction quality, calling for appropriate building materials, site-specific specifications and effective inspections to identify defects before homes are occupied.

Turning to existing informal settlements, the Minister said government must reduce residents’ exposure to hazards while longer-term housing solutions are being developed.

The Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme provides a framework for transforming unsafe and unserviced settlements into habitable, legally secured and sustainable neighbourhoods through in-situ upgrading or relocation, where necessary.

She said upgrading can include improved drainage, safer access routes and the reorganisation of settlement layouts to create space between structures and improve emergency access.

However, where serious risks cannot be adequately addressed on site, the Minister said relocation may be necessary, and in such cases, government must consult residents, explain the reasons for relocation, and provide credible alternative accommodation.

The Minister added that residents must receive interim protection while land acquisition, approvals and construction processes continue.

On funding and accountability, Simelane called for disaster prevention measures to be reflected in development budgets, warning that cutting essential infrastructure or site protection costs can result in greater expenses through displacement, repairs and repeated reconstruction.

She said housing projects must be assessed against their long-term costs, including maintenance and potential disaster losses, rather than the initial cost per housing unit alone.

The Human Settlements Development Grant, Urban Settlements Development Grant and Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant should be coordinated with municipal infrastructure programmes and disaster risk priorities, in line with their applicable frameworks and approved business plans.

Simelane further called for provincial housing plans, municipal integrated development plans, spatial development frameworks and disaster management plans to identify the same high-risk communities and set out the interventions needed to protect them.

She said oversight mechanisms must track whether identified risks have been addressed before occupation, whether upgrading projects were reducing exposure and whether construction defects had been corrected.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of community participation in disaster planning, noting that residents possess valuable knowledge about local flooding patterns, inaccessible routes and households that may need assistance during evacuations.

“An early warning is useful when people understand what it means and can act on it. Communities need accessible information, safe evacuation arrangements and assistance for people who cannot leave independently. Women, older people, and persons with disabilities must have a meaningful voice in those arrangements,” Simelane said.

She emphasised that community awareness cannot replace government’s responsibility to provide safe land, functioning services and effective technical oversight.

She further called for national and provincial government to assist municipalities facing shortages of planning and engineering expertise, warning that requiring technical assessments without providing the capacity to conduct them could leave projects stalled and communities exposed. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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