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Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, says although the “risk remains low at this time” for Africa regarding the current Hantavirus case flagged in South Africa, vigilance remains high.

A case of the rare but deadly disease was confirmed by the South African Department of Health after the condition of a patient aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management.

Two other passengers, a couple, also presented with severe acute respiratory infection, with one collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to her home country of the Netherlands.

In a post on social media platform X, Janabi assured that the WHO Africa is “closely monitoring and supporting response” to the event.

He said that as of Sunday, three people have died although only one case of the virus has been laboratory confirmed. 

“Hantavirus is a rare disease typically linked to exposure to infected rodents, and while severe in some cases, it is not easily transmitted between people. WHO is working closely with the countries concerned and the ship’s operators to support medical care, coordinate evacuations and conduct a full public health risk assessment.

“For Africa, the risk remains low at this time, but our vigilance is high. We are strengthening surveillance and preparedness to ensure swift and effective response.

“Let me reassure the public that this is a serious but contained event and there is no need for panic or travel restrictions at this stage. Our focus is clear: to save lives, contain risks and ensure that countries are fully supported with science-based action,” Janabi said.

What is Hantavirus?

On its website, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) explains that Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) causing viruses are found in the Americas and are associated with “cricetid rodent host in endemic areas of South and North America”.

Transmission mainly occurs through “inhalation of aerosolised virus particles from rodent urine droppings, or nesting materials” with transmission through rodent bites less common.

“Human-to-human transmission of hantaviruses that cause HPS is very uncommon. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission for the majority of HPS-causing viruses, and rodent exposure — rather than human contact — causes infection. Andes virus [reported from parts of South America] is the only hantavirus with well-documented human-to-human transmission.

“Transmission of the Andes virus has been inefficient and required close contact in household and health facility settings, unlike highly transmissible respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

“Evidence from Andes virus outbreaks (particularly in Argentina and Chile) indicates transmission can occur through close, prolonged contact with an infected person, especially involving household contacts, sexual partners, and caregivers. Likely routes of exposure include respiratory secretions (e.g., droplets from coughing), direct contact with saliva, and possibly other body fluids during the early symptomatic phase,” the NICD explained.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in the first 3 to 5 days.

“As the disease progresses, patients may develop coughing and shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the lungs [pulmonary oedema] and a drop in blood pressure resulting in shock. The cardio-pulmonary phase can progress very quickly within hours], and the case fatality rate [CFR] for HPS is high, between 30 – 50 %.

“The CFR varies by virus, region, and access to intensive care, and patient factors [i.e., the influence of co-morbidities]. Common differential diagnoses (i.e., other diseases presenting with similar signs and symptoms) of suspected cases of HPS include (but are not limited to) influenza (i.e., flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus infection, Legionnaire’s disease, mycoplasma pneumonia, or severe community-acquired pneumonia,” the institute said.

There currently is “no specific antiviral treatment for HPS”, with management of the virus through hospitalisation, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation and intensive care.

“In endemic countries, prevention focuses on reducing exposure to rodents. This includes sealing homes to prevent rodent entry, proper food storage, safe cleaning of rodent-infested areas (using disinfectants and avoiding sweeping), and using protective equipment when necessary.

“Since most hantaviruses that cause HPS are not readily transmissible from person-to-person, no other precautions are recommended, and for patients with HPS, isolation precautions may not be required.

“In the case of the Andes virus, patients diagnosed with HPS should be isolated with droplet precautions and careful handling of respiratory secretions. For HPS associated with the Andes virus, contacts of cases should be identified and monitored for 42 days (i.e., the maximum incubation period of the virus),” the NICD said. – SAnews.gov.za

A team of South African animal health experts will later this month travel to Brazil for an intensive knowledge exchange on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), traceability and surveillance methods.

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen made the announcement during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday, 5 May 2026.

Reporting on the outcomes of his trip to Latin America, the Minister said the visit forms part of the outcomes of high-level engagements in Brazil and Argentina aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

Steenhuisen said the engagements marked a strategic set of partnerships and interventions designed to move the country from a defensive posture to a decisive offensive in the war against FMD.

In Brazil, South Africa signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) and an Action Plan which will immediately accelerate FMD eradication efforts.

Steenhuisen said the collaboration draws on Brazil’s success in achieving FMD-free status without vaccination, recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as of May 2025.

“Their 64-year journey offers us a roadmap for our own ten-year strategy. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. We can adjust and follow the blueprint that has already led others across the finish line,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said South Africa’s strategy is now anchored in moving from a reactive state to a partnership-driven model that prioritises scientific results and reliable supply chains.

He said the partnership could also pave the way for a proposed Brazil–South Africa Biosecurity Corridor, including joint early-warning systems and harmonised risk assessments, turning biosecurity from a trade barrier into a bridge for economic growth.

The Ministerial visit to Brazil was the first to operationalise some of the outcomes of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit, which took place in March this year.

The Minister said the outcome of these visits is a fundamental shift in how South Africa handle animal health, noting that the country is moving away from isolated, reactive measures toward a South-South Strategic Alliance.

“By integrating international science with local production, we are closing the gap between policy and practice. We are bringing the private sector into the fold under government coordination to ensure vaccines reach every farm as efficiently as possible,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister reiterated that the country has no shortage of vaccines, adding that the plan is to build a resilient, competitive, and sustainable agricultural sector that will restore international confidence in South African beef and livestock.

“It is important that our farmers know that we have heard their cries. There is no shortage of critics, but given the enormity of this task, we are making steady progress. 

“The war against FMD is far from over, but for the first time in decades, there is a solid, scientific plan to steer us in the right direction,” said the Minister.

Vaccine distribution agreement with Argentina 

Steenhuisen noted that in Argentina, focus was on securing a steady vaccine supply.

“We cannot fight a biological war without ammunition. We have already distributed 2.5 million doses of FMD vaccines which were procured from the renowned vaccine manufacturer, Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina,” he said.

The Minister announced that another five million doses are ready for export, pending the finalisation of the required import procedures.

“During this visit, OBP and Biogénesis Bagó signed a distribution agreement that will guarantee that our vaccine pipeline remains stable and reliable. 

“The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has also renewed its partnership with Argentina’s National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA) to ensure our vaccine innovation remains worldclass,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for Africa’s cultural and natural heritage to be repositioned as a key driver of economic development, urging greater investment and stronger partnerships to unlock its full potential. 

Delivering the keynote address at the 10th African World Heritage Day and the 20th anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund at the Development Bank of Southern Africa in Midrand on Tuesday, Mashatile said heritage must move beyond preservation and be integrated into broader economic planning. 

“Heritage cannot exist in isolation, confined to the cultural sector. It must be integrated into broader development frameworks. It must speak the language of investment, sustainability, and economic growth. Let me be clear: heritage is an economic sector,” he said.

Mashatile emphasised that Africa’s heritage holds untapped value for tourism, job creation and local economic development, if managed and financed effectively. 

“Across the continent, heritage sites drive tourism, support local enterprises, and create employment opportunities for guides, artisans, conservators, and entrepreneurs. When managed effectively and financed sustainably, heritage contributes to diversified local economies, strengthens national identity, and enhances Africa’s global competitiveness,” Mashatile said. 

The Deputy President said the African World Heritage Fund represents a shift towards continental ownership and leadership in preserving Africa’s heritage.

“The World Heritage Fund is not just a financial instrument, but also a declaration that Africa must take ownership of its heritage and define its future,” he said. 

Marking two decades since the establishment of the Fund, Mashatile highlighted progress made, including an increase in World Heritage sites on the continent and investments in capacity-building.

“Over the past two decades, we have achieved meaningful milestones. The number of World Heritage sites across Africa have increased significantly. Investments in capacity-building have grown, with thousands of professionals trained in conservation and heritage management,” the Deputy President said. 

Despite these gains, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including underfunding and limited representation of African sites on the global stage.

“Yet, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Africa still accounts for a small proportion of the World Heritage List. Many sites remain underfunded or at risk, and several countries have yet to secure representation,” he said. 

He described these gaps as a “call to action”, urging stakeholders to integrate heritage into development frameworks and prioritise sustainable financing.

“Heritage cannot exist in isolation, confined to the cultural sector. It must be integrated into broader development frameworks. It must speak the language of investment, sustainability, and economic growth,” the Deputy President said. 

Mashatile called for strengthened collaboration between governments, development finance institutions, the private sector and communities, noting the role of institutions such as the DBSA in supporting heritage investment.

“This calls for stronger partnerships between governments, development finance institutions, the private sector, and communities. It requires innovation, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to ensuring that heritage delivers tangible social and economic benefits,” he said. 

He also backed efforts to mobilise a US$25 million endowment fund to secure long-term support for heritage initiatives across the continent.

“Today, I therefore support a call for renewed commitment to the following: Mobilising the 25 million US dollar Endowment Fund of the African World Heritage Fund; strengthening partnerships with governments, finance institutions, and the private sector; reinforcing the Fund’s role as Africa’s central heritage mechanism,” he said. 

Mashatile said the preservation of heritage is ultimately about safeguarding identity and building a legacy for future generations.

“History will judge us on how well we protect what has been entrusted to us, and on whether we have succeeded in passing it on stronger and more vibrant to future generations,” he said. 

The event, held as part of Africa Month, brought together government leaders, development institutions, and heritage experts to reflect on progress and mobilise renewed investment in Africa’s cultural and natural assets.

“Let us ensure that it serves as a foundation for development, a source of dignity, and a pillar of unity across our continent,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced the winners of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, describing the initiative as a celebration of football’s ability to unite and uplift South Africans.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, McKenzie said the competition had drawn thousands of entries from across the country.

“Today is a proud and exciting moment for our country. Today, we celebrate the power of football to unite, inspire, and take ordinary South Africans onto the world stage,” he said. 

The competition was launched to give local supporters an opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 and support the national team, Bafana Bafana, in their opening match in Mexico.

“A few days ago, we launched the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, a simple but powerful idea: give our passionate supporters a chance to represent South Africa at the biggest sporting event on earth — the FIFA World Cup 2026,” McKenzie said.

He noted that entries reflected the passion and diversity of South African football supporters.

“South Africans responded in their thousands. From every corner of the country, fans sent us their stories, their energy, their pride, and their love for Bafana Bafana. We saw creativity, we saw passion, and most importantly, we saw the true spirit of Mzansi,” he said. 

McKenzie emphasised that the initiative goes beyond a travel prize.

“This competition was about more than just winning a trip. It was about giving a platform to the voices of our people — the fans who stand by their teams through every victory and every challenge,” he said. 

An independent adjudication panel assessed entries based on enthusiasm, passion for football, authenticity of support, and the strength of each participant’s personal story.

“From this process, one outstanding fan was selected from each PSL club. In addition, opportunity for wildcard selections will be made public from tomorrow, ensuring that no great story or undeniable passion is left behind,” he said.

A total of 16 winners were announced, each representing a Premier Soccer League (PSL) club:

• Bonakale Hlengiwe Nzuza (Orlando Pirates) 
• Sebe Thusi (TS Galaxy) 
• Adam Mtombeni (Kaizer Chiefs) 
• Konelo John Tahlo (Siwelele FC) 
• Ndumiso Zondi (AmaZulu FC) 
• Ernest Jacobs (Stellenbosch FC) 
• Hlekulani Kobe (Magesi FC) 
• Happiness Dumakude (Lamontville Golden Arrows) 
• Vennitious Motswi (Kaizer Chiefs) 
• Obakeng Mokgara (Mamelodi Sundowns) 
• Mamello Constance Makha (Mamelodi Sundowns) 
• Mickey Seroke Mokone (Orbit College FC) 
• Adam Schlosberg (Chippa United) 
• Thaven Pillay (Durban City FC) 
• Salmaan Khan (Richards Bay FC) 
• Tshegofatso Sello (Marumo Gallants FC) 

According to the Minister, additional winners and wildcard selections will still be announced.

Each winner will receive a fully sponsored trip to Mexico, including flights, accommodation, meals and match tickets.

“These winners will travel to Mexico to support Bafana Bafana in their opening match of the World Cup. Each winner will receive a fully sponsored experience — flights, accommodation, meals and a match ticket — but more than that, they carry something priceless: the hopes, the pride, and the spirit of South Africa,” the Minister said. 

McKenzie said the selected supporters will serve as ambassadors for the country.

“To our winners: you are not just fans; you are representatives of a nation. When you stand in that stadium in Mexico, you carry the flag, the voice, and the heartbeat of millions back home,” he said. 

He also thanked the adjudication panel, led by veteran broadcaster Robert Marawa, for ensuring a fair selection process.

“This is what we mean when we say sport has the power to change lives. South Africa, your time is now. Bafana Bafana, the nation is behind you. And to our lucky fans: go and show the world what it means to be proudly South African,” McKenzie said. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa observes Child Protection Month this May, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding children, particularly in relation to their movement across the country’s borders.

Child Protection Month is commemorated annually to raise awareness about children’s rights and the urgent need to shield them from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. 

During this period, government departments, child protection agencies, and civil society organisations intensify collaborative efforts to promote the wellbeing of children and address ongoing social challenges affecting young people.

In a post on social media platform X, the BMA emphasised the importance of vigilance at ports of entry, noting that the movement of minors remains a critical area of focus. 

The authority highlighted its role in monitoring and regulating cross-border travel involving children, ensuring that all legal requirements are met to prevent trafficking, abduction, and other forms of harm.

The BMA’s efforts form part of a broader national initiative aimed at mobilising all sectors of society to protect children. 

Authorities have called on parents, guardians, and communities to remain alert and informed about regulations governing the travel of minors, particularly when crossing international borders.

By strengthening oversight and working closely with other stakeholders, the BMA aims to contribute to a safer environment for children, reinforcing the message that their protection is a shared responsibility.

Child Protection Month continues throughout May, with various awareness campaigns and interventions planned across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of two appeals by Profteam CC and Magwa Construction, shutting down the companies’ final attempt to challenge findings that their R40 million Beitbridge border fence contracts – awarded during the COVID-19 National State of Disaster – were unlawful.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two companies were contracted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to construct the razor mesh fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe at a cost of some R40 million.

The fence fell apart soon after, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to sign a proclamation which authorised the SIU to probe the contracts.

“In both matters, the Constitutional Court concluded that the applications did not engage in its jurisdiction and refused leave to appeal with costs. These dismissals follow the earlier ruling of the Supreme Court of Appeal [SCA], which, in January 2026, rejected the contractors’ bid for reconsideration.

“Together, these outcomes close the door to further appeals and cement the findings of the Special Tribunal, High Court and SCA,” the SIU said.

The two companies’ legal problems began at the Special Tribunal where the initial ruling was handed down declaring the contracts invalid and stripping them of their profits.

Their appeal and special leave to appeal applications to both the High Court and the SCA were both dismissed, leaving them with only the apex court which gave the latest ruling against them.

The findings against the two companies by the South African courts include that:

• The R40 million Beitbridge border fence contracts were constitutionally invalid due to procurement irregularities.
• Contractors are not entitled to retain profits from unlawful conduct, but only to reimbursement of reasonable and proven expenses, which are subject to audited accounts.
• The contracts were awarded without a competitive bidding process, in violation of section 217 of the Constitution and Treasury Regulations. The contractors received large advance payments of approximately R21.8 million before any substantial work was performed. 

“The SIU welcomes the Constitutional Court’s refusal of leave to appeal as a final affirmation of accountability in this matter. These judgments reinforce the principle that no party may profit from irregular and unlawful procurement, and they vindicate the SIU’s mandate to protect public resources.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has moved to reassure students that funding and allowances will continue uninterrupted, despite the decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration.

The Minister announced the intervention following persistent governance and operational challenges within NSFAS.

Addressing a media briefing on Monday, Manamela cited governance instability, audit failures, ICT system breakdowns, unresolved student appeals, and accommodation shortcomings as key reasons for the move.

READ | NSFAS placed under administration

He emphasised that the decision is aimed at stabilising the institution rather than disrupting its core functions.

“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. Student funding will continue, allowances will continue, appeals processes will continue, and universities and TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges will continue engaging NSFAS operationally.

“The purpose of the intervention is precisely to protect continuity and restore confidence,” the Minister said.

The Minister stressed that NSFAS is one of the most important public institutions in South Africa’s democratic project, as it enables students from poor and working-class backgrounds to access tertiary education and training opportunities.

“For many families, NSFAS is not an abstract institution; it is the difference between exclusion and opportunity, between hope and despair,” he said.

Manamela said any instability within NSFAS has far-reaching implications, affecting not only universities and TVET colleges but also students, households, communities, the fiscus, and broader public confidence in the democratic state ability to advance social justice.

“It is for this reason that government has a responsibility to act when the effective functioning of the institution is seriously undermined,” he said.

As part of the intervention, Manamela has appointed Professor Hlengani Mathebula as Administrator of NSFAS. Mathebula brings more than three decades of experience in governance, financial management, regulatory oversight, and institutional leadership across both the public and private sectors.

The Minister reiterated that the administration is a temporary but necessary intervention to restore institutional credibility, operational effectiveness, and public confidence in NSFAS.

“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. It is about protecting students, stabilising a critical public institution, restoring accountability, and ensuring that NSFAS performs its mandate effectively and lawfully,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health has called for ongoing transparency and public engagement regarding the confirmed case of Hantavirus in South Africa.

The case was confirmed by the Department of Health after the condition of a patient aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius necessitated his medical evacuation to a South African private health facility in Sandton for further medical management.

Two other passengers, a couple, also presented with severe acute respiratory infection with one collapsing at the OR Tambo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to her home country of the Netherlands. 

She has passed away with lab results still outstanding.

“The committee underscores the importance of ensuring that all infection prevention and control protocols are strictly adhered to, particularly in health facilities managing high-risk and highly infectious diseases.

“While noting the departments assurance that there is no immediate cause for public panic, the committee emphasises the importance of transparency, vigilance and ongoing public communication as investigations continue and laboratory results are finalised,” a committee statement read.

The department said it is working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Gauteng Health Department authorities for contact tracing while the World Health Organisation coordinates a multi-country response to contain the virus.

Committee chairperson Faith Muthambi welcomed the coordination.

 “The committee recognises that incidents of this nature are at times complex often crossing national borders and requiring multi-country coordination. We therefore welcome the confirmation that the World Health Organisation is coordinating a broader international response to contain any potential spread of infection.

“The committee will closely monitor developments, including the progress of contact tracing, cross-border information sharing and the management of isolated cases. It is critical that South Africa’s public health response remains proactive and rooted in scientific evidence,” Muthambi said. – SAnews.gov.za