Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, May 07, 2026
The State of Qatar participated on Thursday in a meeting of foreign ministers from the EU Mediterranean group (MED9), the League of Arab States, and Western Balkan countries, held via videoconference.
Qatar was represented by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi.
The meeting discussed strengthening food security and facilitating access to fertilizers.
Source: Government of South Africa
Government addresses Ditsobotla service delivery challenges
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has assured residents of Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) that government interventions currently underway are aimed at addressing challenges related to inadequate water and sanitation services, unreliable electricity supply, and poor road infrastructure.
The Deputy President made the commitment on Thursday during an engagement with community members in the municipality, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen municipalities’ capacity to deliver basic services effectively.
“Our intervention in Ditsobotla is concrete, targeted, and already underway. We are acting decisively to restore governance, rebuild services, and renew hope,” he said of his visit to the municipality in the North West.
The Deputy President’s visit is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen municipalities’ capacity to deliver basic services effectively to communities.
READ | Deputy President to take stock of developments in the North West
“This visit is about restoring presence, action, and accountability. We are serious about fixing local government in real time, accelerating delivery, and ensuring visible improvements. Some of the interventions mean a change will not happen overnight, but visible change must begin, and it must be sustained,” he said.
As part of efforts to stabilise the municipality, government has deployed former Free State Director-General Kopung Ralikontsane to work on the ground to help rebuild and strengthen the municipality.
“We will continue to be here with you until the water systems are stabilised. Electricity revenue is protected and reinvested in ensuring the security of supply. Roads are repaired, and nonperforming contractors are reprimanded, put to terms, and terminated,” the Deputy President said.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that economic support reaches local entrepreneurs and that skills development initiatives are aligned with economic opportunities.
“Skills development is aligned to our local, national, and global economic environment so that our young people are properly skilled for real work.”
Restoring functionality
While acknowledging community frustrations over poor service delivery, the Deputy President said government would maintain a sustained presence in the municipality to ensure accountability and implementation.
The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution.
These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.
“Government has noticed this and decided to deal with this by appointing a National Cabinet Representative (the NCR) in this municipality, through whom the Cabinet will attend to the situation in this municipality on a day-to-day basis.
The NCR is a multi-disciplinary team under the supervision of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Treasury.
“Ditsobotla must be turned from being an example of all that resembles the worst in our democratic dispensation to an epitome of greatness, good governance, excellence in the delivery of services, and the best example of collaboration amongst all stakeholders and residents of municipalities.”
He also warned officials that the era of delayed implementation and empty promises was over.
“The time for endless discussions is over. The time for decisive action has come. Now is the time to have qualified officials, clear authority, and firm accountability.
“We want councillors, management, and staff to be united in supporting the intervention. Officials must be empowered to deliver and held accountable when they do not.”
Open door
He added that his office would remain engaged with the municipality until conditions improve.
“My office remains open to you as we work toward addressing your challenges, and we will stay engaged until Ditsobotla works,” the Deputy President said.
The Deputy President’s visit was preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local Traditional Leadership, as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.
He also visited the Klipveld Water Treatment Plant to assess the work being done to provide water, and he inspected the upgrades that are being done on Nelson Mandela Drive.
This has been described as the busiest road in Mahikeng and an economic transport arterial road, which carries large volumes of traffic, especially during peak hours. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Source: Government of South Africa
Massive levy collection boosts food security and transformation investment in agriculture
South Africa’s agricultural sector has surpassed the R1.155 billion mark in statutory levy collections, reinforcing the sector’s ability to invest in food security, farmer support, transformation, and global competitiveness.
According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) 2025 Status of Statutory Measures Report, levy income increased from R1.149 billion in 2024 to R1.155 billion in 2025, marking sustained growth above the R1 billion benchmark first achieved in the 2023/24 financial year.
Reinvestment drives sector growth
Levy funds continue to be channelled back into the sector, with total expenditure reaching R1.21 billion in 2025, reflecting strong industry confidence and the strategic use of accumulated reserves for priority programmes.
Research and innovation accounted for the largest share of spending at 46.7% (R564 million), followed by transformation initiatives at 19.7% (R237.5 million). Export promotion and market access received 13% (R157.1 million), while information and data systems accounted for 6.4% (R77.6 million). Administrative costs remained contained at 6% (R72.9 million), well below the recommended 10% guideline.
Focus on innovation and inclusive growth
NAMC noted that since surpassing the R1 billion mark in 2023/24, the sector has steadily strengthened its focus on innovation and climate‑resilient farming systems, expanding access to export markets, empowering previously disadvantaged producers, and world‑class agricultural data and information systems.
In 2023/24 alone, the Council said, R1.022 billion was already invested back into industry functions, with research accounting for nearly half of all spending.
“Transformation spending increased to R237.5 million in 2025, representing a 5% increase from the previous year. This aligns with the NAMC’s guidelines that at least 20% of levy income supports transformation initiatives across most industries.
“With global markets becoming more competitive, the sector allocated R157 million to export promotion and market access. This supported South Africa’s position as a reliable agricultural exporter, despite logistical and geopolitical challenges,” the Council said.
Why this matters for food security and jobs
The Council said statutory levies play a critical role in sustaining industries by funding critical research and innovation, maintaining national food security, building high‑quality agricultural data systems, and supporting inclusive growth and rural employment.
“The success of the grains, oilseeds, citrus, deciduous fruit and wine industries demonstrates how coordinated levy investment can deliver long‑term economic and social returns,” NAMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Source: APO
Lerato D. Mataboge, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union (AU), has joined the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition – taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town – as a speaker. Her participation puts the AU’s institutional voice at the center of the event at a moment when the continental body is moving from policy architecture to execution, and growing increasingly vocal about the conditions it will and will not accept from international partners.
Mataboge has been among the clearest African voices pushing back on the terms of the global energy transition debate. At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, she challenged the prevailing narrative, arguing that baseload power is a non-negotiable prerequisite for African industrialization and that the continent cannot be assessed by the same benchmarks applied to economies that already have reliable electricity. Africa holds around 20% of the world’s identified uranium resources yet accounts for less than 1% of global nuclear electricity consumption, a disparity she has cited as emblematic of a broader pattern of resource wealth that has yet to translate into energy sovereignty.
Speaking in Cape Town in March, Mataboge noted that Africa has approximately 245 GW of installed generation capacity, while electricity consumption averages around 600 kWh per person per year, roughly five times below the global average. Closing the gap means connecting between 90 and 100 million additional people to electricity annually, requiring roughly $200 billion in annual investment by 2030 against a current annual investment level of approximately $45 billion.
Mataboge’s mandate at the AU is to build the institutional architecture that can begin to mobilize that capital at scale. She is overseeing the operationalization of the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), which aims to integrate the continent’s fragmented regional power pools into a unified electricity market, alongside the Continental Power Systems Masterplan and the Ten-Year Infrastructure Investment Plan for Cross-Border Connectivity, the AU’s master pipeline for transmission and generation projects. These frameworks have been in development for years, but the challenge has been turning them into bankable propositions that attract private capital. At AEW 2026, that case will be made to the investors and developers who can act on it.
“Commissioner Mataboge is the institutional link between Africa’s continental energy ambitions and the investors and developers who can make them real,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Her message is clear – that Africa will not subordinate its development needs to external financing conditions that were never designed with this continent in mind. AEW is the right room to have that conversation, and the right moment.”
AEW 2026 – Africa’s premier energy event – convenes Africa’s foremost policymakers, financiers, developers and operators to advance the continent’s energy agenda. Commissioner Mataboge’s address will place the AU’s institutional framework, and the financing gap it is working to close, at center stage.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Source: Government of South Africa
TNPA calls for proposals for bulk terminal operator
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is inviting interested parties to submit bids in response to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and/or construct a Liquid Bulk Terminal at the Port of Cape Town for a 25-year concession period.
The project site is an existing brownfield development comprising a tank farm with eight storage tanks offering a combined storage capacity of approximately 44,430 m³, including an adjacent storage warehouse and admin building.
The site allows for the interface with common-user berths at Tanker Basin 1 and Tanker Basin 2, supporting both local supply from the refinery and the importation of bunkering products.
Through this RFP, the Port of Cape Town seeks to retain and enhance a strategically important liquid bulk terminal, ensuring the continuity of critical services. This also supports long-term financial sustainability and optimal infrastructure utilisation through private sector participation.
“The Port of Cape Town is strategically positioned to support multiple liquid bulk operations, and this RFP allows for private sector participation to enhance liquid bulk cargo volumes whilst strengthening bunkering capabilities and revenue generation,” said Ophelia Shabane, Acting Port Manager at the Port of Cape Town.
“By attracting a capable terminal operator, we aim to ensure that the site continues to operate efficiently while supporting regional fuel supply and broader economic growth.
“The RFP is underpinned by demonstrable market demand, which informs the appointment of a new terminal operator to deliver operational efficiency, ensure operational continuity and effectively use and modernise existing infrastructure,” Shabane said on Thursday.
The RFP documents can be accessed from the National Treasury’s e-tender portal www.etender.gov.za and/or the Transnet website: www.transnet.net
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay, and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Source: APO
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the Africa’s First Ladies, also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation more Than a Mother” announced the winners of their Fashion, Song, and Film Awards 2025, under two themes: “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes & Hypertension”. The theme of “More Than a Mother” Awards was to raise awareness on social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV at all levels. The theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in African countries.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I am incredibly proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Merck Foundation Fashion, Song and Film Awards together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”.
I congratulate our 51 winners from 15 African countries. I am truly impressed by the quality and quantity of the entries we received this year. Our winners have creatively and effectively conveyed important social and health awareness messages through their work. I have always believed that fashion and art play a crucial role in raising awareness about health and sensitive social issues.”
Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for the 2026 Edition of Merck Foundation Fashion, Song & Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’, in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia.
“We invite the young talents to submit their creative work, carrying powerful messages that break the silence,” she added.
Here is the list of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “More Than a Mother” 2025 Winners:
Here are the Winners of Merck Foundation FASHION Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2025:
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Song Awards 2025:
English Language
French Language
Local Language
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’ Song Awards 2025:
English Language
French Language
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Film Awards 2025:
English Language
French Language
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension’ Film Awards 2025:
As part of their Community Awareness Program, Merck Foundation has released more than 30 songs in English, French, Portuguese, and local languages, with the aim to address important issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, and Diabetes Awareness.
Click here to listen to Merck Foundation Songs:
Moreover, Merck Foundation has also released a series of Animation Films in English, French, Portuguese, Swahilli and Spanish to address a wide range of social and health issues.
Watch Merck Foundation’s More Than a Mother Animation Film: https://apo-opa.co/3RpSZMc
Merck Foundation CEO has also conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation,’ a pan-African TV program designed to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various fields with the aim of raising awareness and creating a culture shift across Africa. Watch the Promo: https://apo-opa.co/4tpX4O3
The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations in several countries, capturing the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across the continent. “Our Africa” TV Program is also available on social media handles of Dr. Rasha Kelej [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/496Ecwf), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4wbzE1r), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/48Pavzr) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4tjJuLM)] and Merck Foundation [Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4d5rSPf), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4nhuyfW), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4tWVynl) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4cWNNYP)].
Details of Merck Foundation Awards 2026:
1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: Media representatives and media students from African Countries are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2026.
5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026:
Media representatives from African, Asian and Latin American Countries are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submitting multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
6. Merck Foundation Film Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
8. Merck Foundation Song Awards “Diabetes & Hypertension” 2026: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Submission deadline: 30th October 2026.
Apply: https://apo-opa.co/3RqDJyB
Entries can also be submitted via email to:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4d5rSPf
X: https://apo-opa.co/4tWVynl
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4cWNNYP
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4nhuyfW
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3QYqogU
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/48Nk9CR
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3QRo4IE
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4d5rSPf), X (https://apo-opa.co/4tWVynl), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4nhuyfW), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4cWNNYP), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3QYqogU) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/48Nk9CR).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Source: APO
Angolan oilfield services provider InterOil has joined the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference and Exhibition as a Silver Sponsor, taking place September 9-10 with a pre-conference on September 8. For over 21 years, InterOil has worked alongside international operators, playing a strategic role in maintaining stable and reliable offshore activities. It’s AOG sponsorship not only demonstrates a commitment to the growth of the industry, but positions the logistics and offshore support provider at the center of Angola’s next wave of deepwater and infrastructure-led projects.
InterOil’s sponsorship reflects a core reality in Angola’s hydrocarbon market: as projects become more complex and move into deeper waters, the ability to sustain operations through integrated logistics solutions is emerging as a defining constraint. The company’s model – combining onshore coordination with offshore execution – addresses this directly, ensuring continuity across high-intensity operations where downtime carries significant financial and technical risk.
Operating in a complex offshore environment, InterOil has built its track record around reliability and operational discipline. A key reference point is the Kaombo development in Block 32, operated by TotalEnergies. Since 2014, the company has supported the project through integrated onshore and offshore logistics, sustaining operations for both the FPSO Kaombo North and FPSO Kaombo South. The development remains one of Angola’s most technically complex offshore assets, and InterOil’s role in maintaining operational continuity underscores the importance of logistics providers in stabilizing production and ensuring efficiency at scale.
This operational focus is complemented by a long-term commitment to local content development. InterOil has prioritized the recruitment, training and advancement of Angolan professionals, embedding structured capacity-building and knowledge transfer into its operating model. In a market where local participation is both a regulatory requirement and a strategic imperative, this approach supports workforce development while reinforcing operational resilience.
As Angola seeks to sustain production above one million barrels per day by expanding infrastructure, accelerating offshore projects and deepening local participation across the value chain, the role of logistics providers is becoming more strategic. AOG 2026 provides a platform where these capabilities are integrated into broader project discussions, connecting operators, service providers and investors around execution as a core pillar of project success. InterOil’s participation underscores a broader industry shift: in Angola’s next phase of growth, operational delivery will carry as much weight as resource potential.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Source: APO
APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the pan-African communications and PR consultancy integrating advisory, execution, and proprietary news distribution, has been named Best Public Relations & Media Consultancy Agency of the Year South Africa 2025 at the World Business Outlook Awards.
This recognition affirms APO Group’s continued leadership in performance-driven communications and reflects the strength of an integrated model that delivers strategic advisory, execution, and guaranteed media visibility across Africa.
Part of the international World Business Outlook Awards programme, the award recognises organisations demonstrating excellence, innovation, and measurable impact in their respective sectors. For APO Group, it builds on a sustained record of performance, having won the same category in 2024, and scooping dual honours in 2023: Leading PR Firm Africa and Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa.
These consecutive wins reflect consistent delivery, market leadership, and growing recognition of APO Group’s differentiated approach to communications on the continent.
Operating across 54 African markets, APO Group has built an integrated communications model designed to replace fragmented approaches often associated with multi-market public relations, providing clients with the clarity, consistency, and control required to manage reputation and visibility at a continental scale.
“Our focus has always been on performance, not activity,” said Bas Wijne, Chief Executive Officer at APO Group. “This recognition reflects the trust clients place in us to deliver communications strategies that are measurable, accountable and effective across Africa’s diverse markets. It also reinforces our belief that integrated communications, when built around outcomes, can create real strategic advantage.”
APO Group’s model supports multinational companies, African institutions and development organisations seeking measurable results across complex, fast-evolving markets. By aligning advisory, execution and guaranteed visibility within a single system, the consultancy enables clients to achieve stronger narrative consistency, greater media impact and more controlled reputation outcomes.
As organisations increasingly seek communications partners capable of delivering both strategic counsel and executional certainty, APO Group continues to strengthen its position as a consultancy built for performance, designed for Africa, and trusted by organisations operating across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Media Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com
About APO Group:
APO Group guarantees visibility across all 54 African markets through one integrated PR and communications model. Combining strategic advisory, on-the-ground execution, crisis and reputation management, and press release distribution through its proprietary newswire, APO Group operates as Africa’s only fully integrated PR and communications consultancy.
Its platform secures placement on 250+ Africa-focused news sites and connects organisations directly with journalists, analysts, investors, and policymakers worldwide. Operating continent-wide, APO Group delivers the scale, consistency, and control required to shape reputation across Africa.
Recognised internationally for excellence in PR and media strategy, including SABRE Awards and Davos Communications Awards, APO Group supports organisations driving growth and influence across the continent.
Source: Government of South Africa
Western Cape remains vigilant as inclement weather continues
The Western Cape government says it continues to implement a coordinated, multi-disciplinary response to mitigate the impact of the intense weather system that has swept across parts of the province, with the Garden Route and parts of the Central Karoo among the hardest-hit areas.
Acting Premier of the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, and acting provincial MEC of Local Government, Anroux Marais, on Thursday provided an update on measures implemented by government and disaster management stakeholders in response to the severe weather conditions.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had earlier issued a warning of an intense cut-off low bringing disruptive rain and strong winds to parts of the province.
“The Western Cape government, together with affected municipalities, disaster management teams, emergency services and humanitarian partners, continue to respond to severe weather impacts,” the provincial government said.
A Joint Operations Centre (JOC) has since been activated through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to coordinate the response.
Tragically, one person has died as a result of the severe weather conditions.
“Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues of Ms Lauren Fredericks, who was a social auxiliary worker at the Western Cape Department of Social Development.
“Our priority during disasters is always to protect lives. Ms Fredericks’ death is deeply unfortunate. Our most sincere condolences go to her family,” Meyer said.
Numerous incidents of localised flooding have been reported, while several roads in affected areas remain closed until further notice.
Authorities have urged road users to avoid flooded roads and comply with all road closure notices.
While the weather system affecting the Garden Route has since been downgraded, authorities warned that the risk of flooding remains.
Emergency shelters, food provision and support services have been activated in several municipalities to assist displaced residents and vulnerable communities.
In Bitou Municipality, approximately 58 people are being sheltered at the Kranshoek Griqua Church, while a further 138 people are being accommodated at the Wittedrift Community Hall.
Additional displaced residents are also being housed at community halls in Qolweni, Kwanokuthula and New Horizon.
In Knysna Municipality, about 200 people are currently being accommodated at a local church, while some residents from Masifunde and Hornlee have been relocated to community halls as a precautionary measure.
In Oudtshoorn, 25 people are being accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where food and blankets have been provided.
The provincial government said an additional 10 people remain cut off by floodwaters but are not believed to be in immediate danger.
“All 64 occupants at the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort are safe. The resort supervisor and staff remain on site, and rescue operations will be undertaken at first light tomorrow should they become necessary,” the provincial government said.
Meanwhile, in Prince Albert Municipality, 80 people displaced in Klaarstroom are being housed in a community hall, with hot meals provided by the Central Karoo District Municipality.
In Beaufort West Municipality, a rescue operation successfully assisted two adults and two children trapped by rising water at Grootvlei Farm in the Loxton area.
The provincial government said it remains in close coordination with municipalities, disaster management centres, emergency services and community organisations to monitor conditions and respond where required.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas and roads, and follow official safety advisories and emergency instructions.
“I urge all residents to remain safe and not take unnecessary risks. All stakeholders – disaster management teams, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and faith-based groups – have been working incredibly hard under difficult conditions to keep residents out of harm’s way. I cannot thank you enough. We have all shown how we can come together to help one another,” Meyer said.
The acting provincial MEC of Local Government, Marais, also thanked all role players involved in the disaster response.
“To every person and organisation involved in this response: your commitment, professionalism, and service are deeply appreciated. Thank you for standing together in support of our communities during this challenging period,” Marais said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Source: Government of South Africa
Cabinet approves early childhood development and other bills
Cabinet has approved a series of legislative measures aimed at strengthening early childhood development at a time that the country marks Child Protection Month.
Cabinet approved the submission of the Children’s Act Amendment Bill, 2026 to Parliament.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the proposed bill seeks to streamline South Africa’s fragmented Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes and regulatory framework by consolidating oversight under a single authority.
“The programmes and regulations were overseen under Chapter 5 of the Children’s Act by different authorities to a consolidated ECD regulation under the revised Chapter 6 of the Amendment Bill under the sole responsibility of the Department of Basic Education.
“The Amendment Bill introduces a single registration process for ECD centres and one set of Norms and Standards for the ECD Programme,” the Minister said at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
South Africa marks Child Protection Month in May. Speaking at the official launch in eDumbe Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday, Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe called for urgent and coordinated national action to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Tolashe warned that the rising cases of child sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy remain a “national disgrace”.
READ | Minister Tolashe calls for urgent national action to protect children
Draft Nuclear Energy Amendment Bill, 2025
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the publication of the Draft Nuclear Energy Amendment Bill, 2025, for public consultation.
The draft legislation proposes amendments to the Nuclear Energy Act of 1999, which governs the country’s participation in international trade involving nuclear materials and technology.
Ntshavheni noted that the bill addresses the regulatory gaps resulting from developments in the global and domestic nuclear landscape by updating terminology, aligning the Act with international standards, and strengthening oversight of nuclear material, goods, and related activities across the value chain.
National Building Regulations and Building Standards Amendment Bill, 2026
In addition, Cabinet further approved the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Amendment Bill, 2026 for public participation.
The draft bill aims to promote uniformity in law within the jurisdiction across municipalities, and ensure safe construction practices through sound building science, good workmanship, and quality materials.
The bill also responds to longstanding concerns over challenges related to the inconsistent application and interpretation of the Act, which have contributed to uneven compliance and safety risks in the built environment. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
