Category: English

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for an end to the dualistic rural economy, where a few commercial farmers dominate output while millions of smallholder farmers remain excluded from sharing in the gains of the economy.

“We must link subsistence farmers to markets, foster partnerships, and build value chains that unite rather than divide so agriculture becomes a driver of shared prosperity,” the Deputy President said on Friday in Bloemfontein.

Mashatile was addressing rural development and land reform stakeholders at the National Rural Development Indaba, where he stressed that transforming and integrating the agricultural sector requires a shared responsibility approach.

He urged the sector to work together with the government in building rural communities that are safe, productive, connected, and fully integrated into the economy.

“At the heart of many rural economies lies agriculture. But we must be frank: subsistence farming alone cannot lift rural communities out of poverty. 

“Our task is to build a productive, competitive, and transformed agricultural sector that creates jobs; supports agro-processing and rural industrialisation; integrates emerging farmers into value chains; and strengthens food security while growing the economy,” the Deputy President said.

This requires secure land tenure, post-settlement support, access to inputs and finance, and real market participation.

“It is within this context that the work of strategic coordinating departments such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition assumes strategic national importance.

“These departments, along with the various institutions and partners they collaborate with, remain essential in ensuring that the country capitalises on its competitive advantages and the growth opportunities it presents,” the Deputy President said.

He added that 30 years of the country’s development-based democracy have shown that South African cannot develop rural and urban economies separately. 

“Our rural areas supply food, labour, energy, and natural resources. Our urban centres provide markets, technology, finance, and services. These are bound together in a single economic system.

“We must therefore abandon the false choice between rural and urban development and embrace integrated spatial planning, aligned infrastructure investment, and regional value-chain development. 

“Sustainable rural development depends on strong, connected urban centres just as urban prosperity depends on strong rural producers,” the Deputy President said.

He mentioned that the Government’s 30-Year Review emphasises that South Africa’s strategy should integrate agriculture, tourism, mining, natural resources, and forestry while being backed by strong economic infrastructure, including roads, water and sanitation, public facilities, and telecommunications. 

“By prioritising the vibrancy of rural economies, the government aims not only to improve local livelihoods but also to curb the increasing migration pressures on urban centres,” Mashatile said.

The Deputy President made the point that the slow growth of rural economies leads to migration towards cities, as rural communities struggle with limited access to infrastructure, economic opportunities, and essential services, driving people to urban centers for better prospects.

 “While urbanisation is a global trend, in our context it often reflects uneven development and limited economic prospects in rural regions. Addressing these spatial and economic imbalances requires a shift toward an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to development,” he said.

To address migration towards cities, Mashatile advocated for targeted, coordinated action by civil society, government, and private partners to rebalance urban and rural development.

Safety and security 

The key to rural development is security, specifically rural safety and social cohesion, as development cannot take root where people live in fear, Mashatile said.

“Rural crime, stock theft, gender-based violence, and insecurity discourage investment and weaken the bonds of our communities.

“Safety must never be treated as an afterthought. It is an integral pillar of rural development. Without safety, there is no stability; without stability, there is no investment; and without investment, there is no renewal,” the Deputy President said.

Addressing rural safety requires a comprehensive strategy beyond policing. 

“Key actions include strengthening rural policing through specialised units, empowering community safety structures (like neighbourhood watches and youth forums), and fostering collaboration among SAPS, traditional leaders, and local government.

“The strategy should also leverage technology for rural communication and surveillance while prioritising social cohesion programmes to combat gender-based violence and restore confidence in rural communities,” Mashatile said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation has assured the public that the Kouga Dam remains structurally safe and fully operational despite water levels exceeding capacity following heavy rainfall in its catchment area.

This comes amid growing public concern as the current water levels at Kouga Dam reached approximately 120.6% following recent high inflows.

According to the department, peak outflows recorded on the morning of 7 May 2026 were estimated at 2,491 cubic metres per second, equivalent to a one-in-50-year flood event.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said these outflows remain well within the dam’s design limits.

“Kouga Dam is performing exactly as designed and remains structurally safe,” Mavasa said.

She explained that Kouga Dam is a 72-metre-high double curvature concrete arch dam with an uncontrolled spillway and two radial gates. 

The spillway alone can discharge more than 6 100 cubic metres per second of water, before overtopping the non-overspill crest, which is more than double the current outflow.

“The reservoir provides flood attenuation, allowing large volumes of inflow to be temporarily stored, thereby reducing downstream flood peaks,” she said.

Mavasa added that even in the unlikely event of overtopping, the structural integrity of the dam would not be compromised.

The department confirmed that the radial gates are currently not in operation as a precautionary measure due to the presence of Alkali–Aggregate Reaction (AAR), a condition that causes concrete to expand.

“Operating the gates under these conditions may create challenges in safely closing them, potentially resulting in permanent loss of storage capacity. The uncontrolled spillway is adequate to safely pass current and anticipated flows, making gate operation unnecessary, which is about 15% of the overall discharge capacity,” Mavasa said.

Residents and communities living downstream of Kouga Dam have been urged to remain cautious, as river levels may rise above normal flood lines during periods of spillage.

“The department continues to closely monitor inflows, reservoir levels and the dam’s structural behaviour,” Mavasa said, adding that all necessary precautions are in place to safeguard communities.

Algoa water supply system upsurge

Meanwhile, the Algoa Water Supply System has seen a sharp recovery over the past 48 hours, with dam levels rising significantly following the recent rainfall.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Churchill Dam stood at 115%, Impofu Dam at 92%, Loerie Dam at 119%, and Groendal Dam at 72%.

This marks a dramatic turnaround from just days earlier, when overall system storage had dropped to 35.6% on 4 May 2026.

The department said the improved dam levels bring much-needed relief to water security in the region, following a prolonged period of declining surface water storage. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law following a Constitutional Court judgment in a matter brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). 

In a statement issued on Friday, the Presidency said it had noted the judgment in the case challenging the National Assembly’s decision regarding Section 89 proceedings against the President. 

“The Presidency has noted the judgment of the Constitutional Court in the case brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters challenging the National Assembly’s decision with respect to Section 89 proceedings against the President,” the statement read.

According to The Presidency, President Ramaphosa respects the ruling of the apex court.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa respects the Constitutional Court’s judgment and reaffirms his commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” the Presidency said. 

The Presidency said the President has consistently cooperated with various processes linked to the matter.

“President Ramaphosa has been consistent in providing his full assistance to the various enquiries into this matter,” the statement said. 

The statement further reiterated the President’s position on accountability and due legal process.

“President Ramaphosa maintains that no person is above the law and that any allegations should be subjected to due process without fear, favour or prejudice,” the Presidency said. 

The President also called on South Africans to respect the judgment and the country’s judicial institutions.

“The President calls on all South Africans to respect the Constitutional Court judgment and all judicial institutions,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

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KwaZulu-Natal municipalities have recorded mixed financial performance in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, with signs of stability in revenue collection overshadowed by persistent structural challenges.

Tabling the Consolidated Municipal Budget Performance Report on Thursday, 7 May 2026, MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers said municipalities generated R85.9 billion in operating revenue by the end of March 2026, representing 78.7% of adjusted budgets, surpassing the 75% benchmark expected at the end of the third quarter.

However, Rodgers warned that the overall figure conceals significant disparities between municipalities.

“Revenue performance is heavily concentrated in major urban and non-delegated municipalities. Metro and large local municipalities contribute the overwhelming share of revenue, while many smaller municipalities remain structurally dependent on transfers.

“This imbalance is not sustainable in the long term and must be addressed through revenue reform, improved billing systems, and credible indigent management,” Rodgers said.

On operating expenditure, municipalities incurred a total of R73.7 billion (68.9%) of their adjusted budgets.

While this appears below the 75% benchmark, Rodgers warned that underspending often reflects deeper financial management issues rather than efficiency.

“In too many cases, lower expenditure reflects delayed payments to creditors, incomplete reporting, system weaknesses, or failure to account correctly for depreciation, debt impairment, and bulk purchases.

“We must therefore treat underspending with caution. Fiscal restraint is commendable; financial distortion is not,” the MEC said.

Capital spending, a key driver of service delivery, including pipes, roads, sanitation, electrification, and community assets, remain a major concern.

Municipalities reported capital revenue of R7.2 billion (46.6%) of adjusted budgets. Capital expenditure stood at R7.4 billion (47.6%), rising to 49.5% when reporting errors are corrected.

The MEC said the level of performance is well below the desired trajectory for the third quarter and points to ongoing weaknesses in infrastructure delivery.

“Of concern is the persistent under-performance in infrastructure delivery, compounded by incorrect reporting in certain municipalities, delays in project implementation, weak contractor management, and cash-flow constraints.

“Infrastructure backlogs cannot be resolved on PowerPoint presentations alone. They require execution, discipline and consequence management,” the MEC said.

The report also highlighted growing financial pressure from unpaid municipal bills. Total outstanding debtors rose to R74.3 billion, with more than 86% of the debt, R64.1 billion older than 90 days.

Households account for the majority of total outstanding debt, followed by commercial users and organs of state.

Rodgers stressed that compassion does not mean chaos, warning that indigent support does not justify billing failure and social protection cannot survive in a municipality that collapses financially.

“Municipalities must maintain credible indigent registers, enforce credit control fairly but firmly, improve billing accuracy, and take political responsibility for revenue decisions,” Rodgers said.

At the same time, municipalities reduced creditor debt to R9.2 billion, although most of this remains unpaid beyond the legally required 30-day period. Bulk electricity and water accounts continue to dominate unpaid obligations.

Rodgers warned that failure to settle these accounts poses serious risks to service delivery.

“Unpaid Eskom and water board accounts are not accounting issues — they are systemic service delivery risks,” he said.

Spending of conditional grants also lagged behind expectations, with municipalities utilising only 62.5% of allocated funds by the end of the quarter.

Twenty municipalities face serious financial challenges

A total of 20 municipalities in the province have been flagged as facing serious financial challenges. Of these, six are already receiving support under Section 154 of the Constitution.

The MEC said additional technical support has been deployed through the Municipal Finance Improvement Programme, extended to March 2027.

Despite ongoing interventions, Rodgers stressed that long-term improvement depends on stronger governance and accountability at municipal level.

“Let me state clearly, support does not replace accountability. No intervention can succeed where political leadership interferes with administration, budgets are knowingly unfunded, supply chain controls are undermined, or consequence management is absent,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Francois Rodgers has outlined a set of “non-negotiable” measures aimed at restoring financial discipline and accountability in municipalities across the province.

Tabling the third-quarter municipal performance report on Thursday, Rodgers warned that continued underperformance and governance failures would no longer be tolerated.

“Local government must stop managing crisis and start governing sustainably,” he told the provincial legislature.

Key non-negotiables outlined by the MEC include the adoption of credible, funded budgets and strict enforcement of credit control and debt management; full compliance with payment obligations to Eskom, water boards and suppliers; clean, accurate and timely reporting; and consequence management for persistent non-performance.

Rodgers emphasised that municipalities must improve revenue collection while maintaining accurate indigent registers to ensure support reaches qualifying households without undermining financial sustainability. 

He also called for full compliance with payment obligations, particularly to bulk service providers such as Eskom and water boards.

“Failure to pay creditors within 30 days is a direct violation of the law and a threat to service delivery,” he said.

Accurate and timely financial reporting was highlighted as another critical requirement, with Rodgers warning that unreliable data undermines governance and decision-making.

“A municipality that cannot report accurately cannot govern responsibly,” he said.

The MEC further stressed the importance of consequence management, calling for disciplinary and criminal action against officials responsible for financial misconduct.

Citing recommendations from the Auditor-General of South Africa, Rodgers said the lack of consequences remains a major obstacle to improving municipal audit outcomes.

He urged municipalities to strengthen procurement processes, improve contract management, and eliminate irregular expenditure driven by poor planning.

The MEC also called for greater political oversight, including empowering Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs); ensuring councils interrogate audit outcomes, financial health indicators and service delivery performance; and intervening early where dysfunction is evident, rather than waiting for Section 139 intervention.

“Without decisive political leadership, administrative improvements cannot be sustained,” he said.

Rodgers reiterated that provincial interventions are intended to support struggling municipalities but warned that accountability ultimately rests with local leadership.

“These interventions are not punitive. They are protective — aimed at restoring credibility, stabilising finances and safeguarding services,” Rodgers said.

He said the Provincial Treasury will continue to monitor performance closely and escalate interventions where necessary, as part of efforts to stabilise local government finances in KwaZulu-Natal.

“As Provincial Treasury, our role is to support, monitor and intervene. But responsibility ultimately lies where the Constitution places it — with municipal councils and accounting officers. 

“The future of local government in this province will be determined not by Treasury alone — it will be determined by political will, administrative discipline, and ethical leadership at the municipal level,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The South African National Parks (SANParks) says teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access to the Garden Route National Park after persistent rainfall caused widespread damage to infrastructure.

In the Wilderness Section, several roads remain eroded and inaccessible, while mudslides and fallen trees continue to obstruct access routes. 

Water levels are subsiding but remain high in parts of Swartvlei. Recreational activities and hiking trails remain closed. Accommodation facilities have not been affected, and no cancellations have been reported.

The Knysna Section recorded extreme rainfall of 378 mm, resulting in significant infrastructure challenges. Roads, including Komsepad and Kranshoek, remain blocked by fallen trees and require extensive clearing operations.

The R339 is currently accessible only to 4×4 vehicles. Power outages and limited network coverage also persist. 

The Thesen Island Regional Office and Front Office remain open. One vessel was destabilised during the flooding but poses no environmental risk. Diepwalle campsite and trails remain closed.

“Teams are currently clearing large floating debris from the Knysna Estuary. Navigational channel markers have also been displaced in the estuary. As a precaution, skippers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the estuary,” SANParks said on Friday.

In the Tsitsikamma Section, conditions have improved as rainfall and strong winds have subsided. Water levels at the Groot River in Nature’s Valley have dropped, and debris-clearing operations at the bridge are underway.

The temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp has been temporarily closed after being covered by foam caused by flooding conditions. All hiking trails and water-based activities remain suspended.

Nature’s Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park remains closed while teams assess the extent of the damage and continue with mop-up operations.

“SANParks teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access, repair infrastructure damage, and ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and neighbouring communities across the Garden Route National Park.” –SAnews.gov.za

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