Category: English

A kudu in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) has tested positive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease following a second round of diagnostic testing on samples collected from the animal. 

This is according to South African National Parks (SANParks), which is working in coordination with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.

“The finding must be understood in the context of the broader FMD situation in the Eastern Cape. The positive result in kudu confirms the presence of the virus in the sampled animals, but does not, on its own, establish the source of infection, the direction of transmission, or a link between AENP and any other outbreak in the province,” SANParks said in a statement on Monday.

The Department of Agriculture was notified after SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance detected increased lameness among kudus.

“Although the initial tests were negative, a follow-up investigation and further testing confirmed FMD in kudu within the Park. At present, no other wildlife species in the Park are showing clinical signs consistent with FMD.”

“These matters are being investigated by the relevant veterinary authorities. FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals and is not considered a human health risk. No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the Park unless authorised by the relevant veterinary authority following the required risk assessment,” SANParks said.

SANParks is working closely with the Department of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders to assess the extent of the occurrence, monitor animal health and implement appropriate disease-management measures.

Any future movement of susceptible animals will be subject to a veterinary risk assessment, statutory requirements and formal approval.

Biosecurity controls have been strengthened. These include disinfecting vehicles before they leave designated game-viewing areas, along with measures to limit the potential movement of infectious material beyond affected or controlled areas.

SANParks said it is maintaining communication with neighbouring landowners, livestock producers and other stakeholders to align precautionary measures where necessary.

“Further controls will be introduced if advised by the veterinary authorities or required under applicable animal-disease legislation.”

“There is no human health risk associated with FMD. Tourism operations remain open and will continue to be managed in accordance with veterinary requirements and the Park’s disease-management measures. Visitors can assist by following all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the Park,” SANParks said.

The national parks body assured the public that it maintains active wildlife disease surveillance and response systems and will continue to monitor affected kudu.

“Monitoring will also cover other susceptible wildlife and relevant risk pathways, in cooperation with veterinary authorities. Further public updates will be issued when verified, material information becomes available. This measured approach is intended to support effective disease control while keeping visitors, neighbouring communities and stakeholders appropriately informed,” SANParks said. –SAnews.gov.za

Government is investing R8.9 billion to restore the 861 km Iron Ore Export Line, strengthening a critical freight corridor that links Sishen in the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape.

“The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager’s (TRIM) long-term Ore Line Restoration Programme, which runs until 2030, is valued at approximately R8.9 billion and is aimed at restoring reliability, improving capacity and supporting economic growth through a safe, efficient and reliable rail network,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said during a site visit to the Iron Ore Line on Monday, held as part of the annual maintenance shutdown.

Creecy said the export corridor is vital to mineral exports, economic activity and thousands of jobs across the logistics value chain.

“This corridor is therefore far more than a railway line. It is an economic artery that supports exports, industrial growth and employment across our economy.

“When this corridor performs well, mines can move their commodities efficiently, exporters can reach international markets, ports can operate more effectively and businesses across the logistics value chain can grow. It also strengthens South Africa’s position as a reliable trading partner,” Creecy said.

Intensive maintenance during shutdown

The annual maintenance shutdown, underway from 6 to 16 October, gives TRIM a dedicated window to carry out intensive work that would be difficult to complete while normal rail operations continue.

During the shutdown, teams are replacing rail and sleepers, screening ballast, replacing and maintaining turnouts, accelerating track maintenance, rehabilitating formations and installing culverts. Electrical and signalling maintenance is also underway.

“These may sound like highly technical activities, but ultimately they have a simple purpose: to build a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway.

“Safety is not separate from delivery. It is the foundation of delivery. The success of this shutdown will be measured not only by the maintenance completed, but by ensuring that every person returns home safely and that the corridor is restored to service without compromise,” the Minister said.

Funding rail and rolling stock renewal

To support the programme, government has allocated R3.4 billion through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) over the current and next financial years.

This year, TRIM will invest approximately R2.2 billion in restorative maintenance on the Ore Corridor, including R1.5 billion funded through the BFI allocation.

Transnet’s efforts to improve operations on the line also include R1.47 billion for ore line rolling stock maintenance: R752.3 million for wagons and R721.9 million for locomotives.

Similar amounts will be allocated to rolling stock maintenance in the next financial year.

“These investments will support critical maintenance and overhaul programmes, including the 15GO and 43DGO locomotive overhaul programmes, while addressing long-standing maintenance backlogs and improving fleet availability, reliability and operational stability.

“Rail interventions are being complemented by strategic investments in the Port of Saldanha, ensuring an integrated corridor approach to restoring South Africa’s iron ore export capacity,” Creecy said.

Port upgrades support export capacity

At the Port of Saldanha, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is commissioning the Bulk Power Upgrade Project, representing a total capital investment of approximately R750 million.

The project will increase the port’s power supply, enabling Transnet Port Terminals to operate its third tippler and support higher export volumes through the port.

Jobs and opportunities for local businesses

“The benefits of a programme of this scale should not only be measured in kilometres of rail replaced or sleepers installed. We must also ask what this investment means for the communities through which this railway passes.

“For this October intervention, approximately 1,300 fixed-term contract opportunities have been created, with more than 600 indirect opportunities expected through associated economic activity,” the Minister said.

The programme also creates opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises in civil works, track-related services, logistics, transportation, plant and equipment support, material supply, accommodation and other support services.

Larger contractors can extend these benefits through subcontracting and procurement from local enterprises.

Infrastructure investment underpins rail reform

“It is important that we view today’s work within the broader context of South Africa’s rail reform programme. Government has made a clear policy choice to restore rail as the backbone of our freight logistics system.

“A central component of this reform is opening the freight rail network to private train operating companies while retaining rail infrastructure in state ownership,” Creecy said.

She said establishing the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager had created a dedicated entity to manage and maintain the national rail network and provide access to it. The Network Statement sets out the framework through which train operating companies can gain access.

“However, open access cannot succeed through policy and regulation alone. We need infrastructure that can turn reform from policy into practical implementation. 

“Train operating companies must have confidence that when they invest in locomotives, wagons, people and operations, the infrastructure on which those investments depend is progressively becoming safer, more reliable and more predictable.

“That is why maintenance interventions such as the one we are witnessing today are fundamental to rail reform. We cannot invite greater volumes onto the railway without investing in the infrastructure that must carry those volumes,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

Scholar and public transport operators in the Western Cape are urged to take up the provincial government’s free vehicle safety checks to be conducted this week.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s October Mobility Month road safety campaign aimed at promoting road safety by encouraging drivers and operators to proactively check their vehicles, identify potential defects and address safety concerns.

Free vehicle inspections will be conducted between 8am to 3pm at Gene Louw Traffic College and participating vehicle testing centres across the province, in partnership with municipalities and vehicle testing centres.

Western Cape Mobility Department Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said the initiative promotes a culture of preventative vehicle maintenance.

“October Mobility Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our roads safe. Our free vehicle safety checks give scholar and public transport operators an opportunity to identify potential defects and address safety concerns before they put passengers at risk.

“These free inspections are an important preventative measure that contribute to safer and more reliable transport services. We encourage all operators to make use of this free service and make vehicle safety a priority,” Bezuidenhout said.

She urged scholar transport and public transport operators to take advantage of the service and ensure their vehicles are in a safe condition for learner and commuter transportation.

Bezuidenhout noted that the inspections are not full roadworthy tests, but practical safety assessments conducted by qualified vehicle examiners.

After the inspections, operators will receive printed reports identifying defects and safety concerns that require attention.

The inspections will cover key vehicle safety components, including tyres, braking system, lights, suspension, CV joints, exhaust system, windscreen wipers, and other critical safety elements.

The department said preventative vehicle maintenance remains one of the most effective ways to reduce breakdowns and prevent avoidable incidents by ensuring defects are identified and addressed early.

Free vehicle safety checks

The inspections will take place from 8am to 3pm daily from 13 to 15 October 2026 at the following centres:

•    Brackenfell: Gene Louw Traffic Training College, Brackenfell Boulevard.
•    Malmesbury: Swartland Municipality, St Thomas Street.
•    Moorreesburg: Swartland Municipality, River Street.
•    Bredasdorp: Cape Agulhas Municipality, 1 Dirkie Uys Street.
•    Clanwilliam: Cederberg Municipality, 2A Voortrekker Street.
•    Citrusdal: Cederberg Municipality, Citrusdal Traffic Department.
•    Riversdale: Hessequa Municipality Testing Centre, Mulder Street.
•    Beaufort West: Beaufort West Municipality, Lock Way, Newton.
•    Kuils River: City of Cape Town, Fabriek Street.
•    Bellville: City of Cape Town, 2 Reed Street.
•    Airport Industria: AVTS Airport, Boston Circle.
•    Bellville: AVTS Bellville, corner of Duminy and Voortrekker roads.
•    Cape Town CBD: AVTS CBD, 86 Sir Lowry Road.
•    Lansdowne: AVTS Kenilworth, 422 Imam Haron Road.
•    Strand: AVTS Strand, 3 Calvyn Street.
•    Table View: AVTS Table View, 139 Blaauwberg Road.
•    Goodwood: AVTS Wingfield, Olympic Park, Voortrekker Road.
•    Lansdowne: Lansdown Vehicle Testing Station, Unit 21, corner of Blomvlei Road and Jan Smuts. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has called for increased investment in disaster prevention and preparedness to protect communities from the growing impact of climate change and other hazards.

The call was made during the two-day national commemoration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), which commenced in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and strategic stakeholders, is hosting the event, which brings together approximately 500 participants from government, municipalities, traditional leadership, academia, civil society, humanitarian organisations and the private sector.

Speaking on the first day of the commemoration, CoGTA Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana said resilience must be built before disasters occur.

“Resilience begins when households and communities understand risks, participate in planning processes and take action to reduce vulnerabilities.”

Tshangana stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning, service delivery and infrastructure investment, while strengthening early warning systems, municipal capacity, and community participation.

He also called for closer alignment between climate action and disaster risk reduction, with greater emphasis on prevention and preparedness investment, rather than responding only after disasters had occurred.

“Let us move from knowing risk to managing risk, from warning to early action, and from response to prevention. Together, we can build communities that are safer, stronger and more resilient,” he said.

Head of the NDMC, Dr Elias Sithole, called for stronger efforts to build South Africa’s resilience to disasters, climate change, and growing vulnerabilities.

“Resilience is the ability of communities, institutions and systems to anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and recover in ways that support sustainable development,” Sithole said.

He noted that climate change, urbanisation and ageing infrastructure continue to increase disaster risks, placing local government at the forefront of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery.

“Municipalities remain at the forefront of building resilient communities. Strengthening local capacity, early warning systems and investment in prevention remains critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and development gains,” he said.

The 2026 commemoration is being held under the theme: “Resilience starts at home: Building Resilient Communities Through Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action”.

The theme highlights the importance of empowering households and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, particularly as climate variability, environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerabilities intensify existing risks.

Observed annually on 13 October, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes public awareness of disaster risks and encourages action to strengthen preparedness and build resilient communities.

The commemoration comes amid growing risks associated with floods, droughts, veld fires, severe storms and extreme temperatures, which continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic activity.

The national programme includes a technical practitioners’ session on Tuesday, followed by the political commemoration on Wednesday, which will be led by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

The event also seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, communities, academia, civil society and the private sector in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Disaster Management Act of 2002 and the National Disaster Management Framework.

The theme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements, as well as the New Urban Agenda’s commitment to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.

Organisers expect the commemoration to strengthen public understanding of disaster and climate risks, promote inclusive participation in disaster risk reduction initiatives and reinforce the role of household preparedness, early warning systems and community action in protecting lives and livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Service Delivery, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will conduct an outreach visit to eDumbe in KwaZulu-Natal this Friday, 16 October.

The integrated programme is aimed at addressing persistent challenges faced by the community in that area.

Challenges faced include issues relating to water provision, human settlements, environmental and waste management, community facilities, public safety, land rights and local economic development.

“Since the challenges cut across multiple government mandates and require coordinated intervention across national, provincial, district and local government, the IMC outreach visit, therefore, seeks to bring the relevant institutions together around priority challenges and accelerate implementation.

“Deputy President Mashatile has, to this effect, delegated a number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers to lead various aspects of the outreach visit, turning it from a once-off engagement into a coordinated implementation process focused on measurable outcomes, clear institutional responsibilities and sustained follow-through by the relevant departments,” a joint statement of the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) stated.

The programme will include visits to various projects by Ministers, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, the District Development Model Champion of the area, Deputy Ministers and other stakeholder leaders and will provide an opportunity to “assess implementation on the ground, identify outstanding constraints and facilitate practical solutions with the responsible institutions”.

“Projects to be visited include eDumbe Dam; a Clean Cities Campaign project; Services SETA-funded Dan Nkosi Skills Development Centre; Kanyekanye High School; Mpunzi Water Project; eDumbe Community Health Centre, and the Ophuzane Housing Project,” the statement said. 

The visit will culminate in a community engagement programme to ensure that government’s work remains responsive to the lived experiences and priorities of communities in eDumbe.

“A handover by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development of a number of Title Deeds and various portions of land to labour tenants and other beneficiaries from the community of eDumbe and Abaqulusi Local Municipalities will take place at the community engagement,” the statement read.

The community engagement will start at 12 pm at the Bilanyoni Sportsfield. – SAnews.gov.za

The five suspects arrested following the discovery of a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, have appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs. 

“Their appearance [on Monday] is subsequent to their arrest last week after a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory was uncovered at a farm near Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

“The clandestine laboratory, worth an estimated R100 million, was uncovered through a multidisciplinary operation led by the South African Narcotics Bureau of the Hawks, working in collaboration with SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 unit,” the police said on Monday.

Police discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.

The five will return to the same court on 21 October 2026 for formal bail application. – SAnews.gov.za

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed an Equality Court judgment against Gqeberha businessman, Dawood Lagardien, describing it as an important affirmation of constitutional rights to equality, dignity and protection against discrimination.

This comes after the court found Lagardien guilty of hate speech for displaying a discriminatory sign barring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people from his shop.

The court ordered Lagardien, owner of La Gardi Plastics and Baking Requirements in Parkside, to pay R200 000 in damages to a non-governmental organisation to be identified by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The matter has also been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal investigation.

The case stems from a sign displayed outside Lagardien’s business in 2023, stating that LGBTQIA+ people were not welcomed in the shop. Lagardien also established a WhatsApp group containing harmful and threatening messages directed at the LGBTQIA+ community.

The CGE was the second applicant in the proceedings, joining the case to support efforts to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

In a statement on Tuesday, the commission said the judgment represents an important affirmation of the constitutional commitment to equality, dignity and protection against discrimination.

“For the CGE, this judgment is significant beyond the circumstances of the case. It reinforces the constitutional promise that every person is entitled to equal protection and equal benefit of the law, and that no person should be subjected to discrimination or diminished dignity because of who they are,” CGE spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, said.

Baloyi emphasised that respect for diversity of belief and expression must go hand in hand with a commitment to equality, dignity and non-discrimination.

“The protection of one constitutional right cannot become a licence to undermine the rights of another person.”

The commission has called for continued vigilance against discrimination, exclusion and intolerance directed at LGBTQIA+ people and other groups, whose rights and dignity remain vulnerable to prejudice.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to using its constitutional and statutory mandate to advance gender equality, challenge discriminatory practices, and contribute towards a society in which every person can live with dignity, equality and respect. – SAnews.gov.za
 

KwaZulu-Natal is positioning itself to attract investment and create jobs in the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, as South Africa’s automotive industry transitions towards cleaner transport technologies.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed a convoy of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct in Durban on Sunday, ahead of South African Auto Week and the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference.

The events are taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 to 16 October 2026.

The convoy, which travelled to Durban from various provinces, forms part of the Escaping the Noise 3.0 NEV Road Trip initiative, which also brought together participants from Gqeberha, KuGompo and Cape Town.

Ntuli said the shift towards cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicles is becoming increasingly important as households and businesses continue to face pressure from high fuel and transport costs.

“Electric vehicles offer an alternative mobility option, while contributing towards efforts to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and promoting a cleaner environment,” Ntuli said.

The Premier highlighted the potential economic opportunities associated with the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, including investment, industrial development, skills creation and employment opportunities.

He said the province remains committed to positioning itself to benefit from changes in the automotive industry and the broader transition towards cleaner transport technologies.

“The automotive sector remains an important contributor to economic activity, manufacturing and employment, and the growth of new-energy technologies presents further opportunities for innovation and investment,” Ntuli said.

The arrival of the convoy ahead of South African Auto Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the future of mobility and the need for South Africa to prepare for technological changes affecting vehicle manufacturing, transport, and energy consumption.

Ntuli emphasised that the transition towards new-energy vehicles must also support economic development and ensure that opportunities created by emerging industries benefit South Africans.

Building a climate-resilient economy

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality said the NEV initiative aligned with its vision of building a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy, while strengthening local industries.

The Deputy Head of the municipality’s Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, said developing local suppliers and manufacturers within the automotive value chain will contribute significantly to expanding the city’s manufacturing sector.

“Highlighting these new energy initiatives creates an important platform to review and elevate our automotive performance, reinforcing our commitment to building a stable, competitive and sustainable future,” Rathiyaya said.

He added that South African Auto Week and the Investment Conference will shine a global spotlight on eThekwini’s robust automotive manufacturing capabilities and attract investment.

“The municipality boasts a world-class automotive hub, and we are fully geared to attract high-value investments, localise sustainable supply chains, and generate vital green jobs for our communities.

“The eThekwini Municipality is open for business and ready to drive the next chapter of automotive innovation. We invite delegates, investors and automotive pioneers to explore the massive potential our region offers during this historic week,” Rathiyaya said.

The events bring together government, industry stakeholders and investors to explore opportunities in the automotive sector, including the development of sustainable supply chains and new-energy mobility technologies. – SAnews.gov.za