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The late struggle veteran Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota will be remembered as a principled leader who remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and service to the people, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

Delivering the eulogy at Lekota’s Special Official Funeral Category 2 in Bloemfontein on Saturday, Deputy President Mashatile said the former Defence Minister was known for his courage to speak the truth, even when it was unpopular.

“Ntate Lekota was a man who told the truth, even when it was uncomfortable. He did not chase popular acclaim; he chased justice. His integrity was not for sale, nor was his commitment to the downtrodden found wavering. 

“He believed that the true measure of our liberation was not in the opulence of the few but in the dignity of the poor,” the Deputy President said. 

Deputy President Mashatile delivered the eulogy on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the funeral held at the Old Grey Sports Club. 

Lekota passed away on 4 March 2026 at the age of 77.

The Deputy President described Lekota as a towering figure of South Africa’s liberation struggle whose political journey spanned several defining moments in the country’s history. 

He noted that Lekota began his activism in the 1970s through the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO), where he championed Black Consciousness and mobilised communities against apartheid.

Lekota was later imprisoned on Robben Island alongside several struggle leaders, including former President Nelson Mandela.

“From his youth, through the United Democratic Front and into government, his journey was marked by sacrifice and service,” the Deputy President said.

In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State between 1994 and 1996, where he played a key role in establishing the province’s first democratic administration.

He later became the inaugural chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.

Deputy President Mashatile said during his tenure as Defence Minister, Lekota helped shape a defence force committed to protecting democracy and peace.

“He envisioned a [South African National] Defence Force not as an instrument of repression, but as a guardian of democracy and peace, a vision that continues to guide us today. In guiding the SANDF, the former  Minister ensured that the instruments of war became guardians of peace, transforming them into protectors of a democracy still in its infancy. 

“His vision was clear: that the strength of a nation lies not in its weapons, but in its ability to reconcile, to heal, and to live in harmony,” the Deputy President said.

He also reflected on Lekota’s role in founding the Congress of the People (COPE), describing him as a leader who remained guided by principle throughout his political career.

He said Lekota consistently reminded leaders that democracy required integrity, vigilance and a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

“He was clear that corruption robs the poor, inequality divides the nation, and unemployment steals hope. He challenged us to confront these realities with honesty and courage, and to govern not for ourselves but for the millions who look to democracy as a promise of a better life,” the Deputy President said.

He added that Lekota’s passing during Human Rights Month should prompt reflection on the country’s progress in addressing inequality, unemployment and gender-based violence.

“We can state without hesitation that Honourable Lekota’s footprint is indelible in the milestones of our democracy. His hand is evident in the triumph of universal suffrage, in the expansion of housing and healthcare, in the opening of classrooms and the provision of social grants,” he said.

The Deputy President extended condolences to the Lekota family, thanking them for sharing a leader who dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa has reached 300 consecutive days without load shedding, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of the country’s electricity generation system. 

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said the milestone was achieved at midnight on 12 March 2026, reflecting improvements in the performance and reliability of its generation fleet under the Generation Recovery Plan.

“This achievement reflects the sustained upward trajectory in plant performance, supported by an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) that is consistently above 65%, currently at 65.85% for the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026), demonstrating the sustained progress in Eskom’s turnaround strategy. 

“Notably, the generation fleet has also achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF milestone on 83 occasions so far over this timeframe,” the power utility said. 

Eskom said the improvement is also reflected in the significant reduction in unplanned outages, with a 53% decrease in average unplanned outages recorded. 

“Between 6 and 12 March 2026, average unplanned outages recorded at 7 224MW showing a notable improvement from the 15 382MW experienced during the same week last year, a reduction of 8 158 MW. This underlines the ongoing gains in reliability across the fleet,” Eskom said. 

Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), reflecting unplanned outages, was at 14.85%, representing a reduction of 17.22% compared to the 32.07% recorded during the same period last year.

During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF) which reflects planned maintenance, averaged 13.81%, up from 10.21% in the previous financial year, as part of efforts to ensure environmental compliance, improve reliability, and support long‑term sustainability

In addition, the power utility said 5 861MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity.

Diesel usage has also declined significantly.

For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 12 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R8.58 billion lower than during the same period last year, a 57.35% reduction year on year.

Over the past week, diesel usage contributed 10.08GWh of electricity to the grid at a cost of R59.70 million, resulting in a weekly load factor of 1.76%.

“The use of diesel this week was due to statutory grid code testing and to meet the reserve requirements, as specified in the South Africa Grid Code. Year‑to‑date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget and is expected to remain below budget through to the end of the financial year,” the power utility said. 

South Africa has now experienced 301 consecutive days without any interruption in electricity supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025 during the current financial year.

Eskom to add 3 330MW to grid ahead of evening peak demand

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom plans to bring 3 330MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 16 March 2026. 

Evening peak demand is forecast at 23 858MW, with 27 652MW of available capacity, providing a healthy reserve margin above current demand.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no loadshedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

Key Performance Highlights

• For the financial year to date, the UCLF decreased to 22.73%, reflecting a week-on-week improvement of 0.17% and remaining well below last year’s 25.74%.
• For the financial year to date, planned maintenance was at an average of 5 377MW, accounting for 11.42% of total generation capacity, more than last week’s 11.38% and lower than the 12.61% over the same period last year.
• Between 1 April 2025 and 12 March 2026, Eskom generated 1 075.23GWh from OCGT plants at a diesel cost of R6.381 billion. This is significantly lower than the 2 498.75GWh generated during the same period last year (1 April 2024 to 12 March 2025), which resulted in costs of R14.963 billion. Notably, diesel usage has declined consistently month-on-month since May 2025, and the month-to-date load factor stands at 1.11%.
• The year-to-date OCGT load factor has further decreased to 3.79%, reflecting a 0.03% improvement from the previous week. This is significantly lower than the 8.81% recorded during the same period last year and remains below the set target.

Progress on ending load reduction

On progress made in ending load reduction, Eskom said199 160 customers are no longer affected during peak periods.

“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network,” Eskom said. 

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. 

The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million.

Key interventions include the rollout of smart meters, the integration of Distributed Energy Resources, and the expansion of Free Basic Electricity support. These measures will be accompanied by targeted customer education initiatives. 

To date, Eskom has installed 444 062 smart meters nationwide, of which 171 507 (about 39%) have been deployed on load reduction feeders. These installations empower customers with greater visibility and control over their electricity consumption, support accurate billing, and significantly enhance the overall user experience.

Of the 171 507 smart meters installed on load reduction feeders, approximately 90% are concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu‑Natal, where network risk is highest.

The phased programme to eliminate load reduction programme targets the installation of 577 347 smart meters on load reduction feeders by March 2026, with full rollout on these feeders planned for completion in 2027. 

Current implementation represents approximately 30% of the total end‑state target.

“The rollout is deliberately focused on high-loss areas affected by illegal connections, meter bypassing, overloaded infrastructure and widespread electricity theft. Eskom has undertaken extensive community and stakeholder engagement through ward councillors, public meetings, radio platforms and social media to support the implementation of the programme,” Eskom said. 

Eskom further explained that despite these efforts, installation teams continue to face persistent resistance, including intimidation, violent incidents and repeated work stoppages. These disruptions have led to deployment delays, the redeployment of teams, and heightened safety risks for Eskom employees and contractors. 

As a result, approximately 122 000 planned meter conversions have been delayed to date, undermining the stability and predictability of the rollout programme. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers has called for the accelerated implementation of policies and programmes to advance regional integration and development.

The call was made at the conclusion of the two-day Council of Ministers meeting held in Pretoria from 12 to13 March 2026 under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”.

The meeting was opened and chaired by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.

South Africa is currently leading the regional bloc following its election as the interim Chairperson of SADC during a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held on 7 November 2025. 

Minister Lamola called for enhanced regional cooperation to make a tangible difference in the lives of the SADC citizens through improved livelihoods, jobs, food security, energy access and resilience. 

He also stressed that SADC citizens are looking forward to seeing regional integration producing meaningful economic opportunities and improving their prospects for a better future.

“If integration remains rhetorical, confidence in our common agenda will diminish. But if we act decisively and implement agreed commitments effectively, our region has the potential to emerge as a dynamic force for industrial growth, innovation and sustainable development,” the Minister said. 

He called on the Member States to strengthen resource mobilisation efforts, ratify legal instruments that support regional cooperation, and leverage the opportunities that arise from strategic partnerships.

The Chairperson of the Council of Ministers noted progress made, including the expansion of digital connectivity, with internet penetration in the region reaching 54%. 

Progress was also reported in infrastructure development through the rollout of One-Stop Border Posts and the addition of more than 14 000 megawatts of new generation capacity, which has increased the share of renewable energy in the regional energy mix from about 25% to 38%.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi highlighted that consolidating peace and security remains a top priority for regional development.

“Without stability, industrialisation falters, investment declines, and Vision 2050 slips beyond reach,” Magosi said. 

He added that the region continues to engage actively in addressing the situation in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar to find a sustainable solution to the peace, security and governance challenges facing the two countries.

On trade integration, the SADC Executive Secretary highlighted the advancements made in increasing intra‑SADC trade in manufactured goods which has risen modestly from 19% to 22%, reflecting progress in market integration and value chain development. 

He called on Member State to put in place measures to eliminate trade barriers and boost economic growth.

Magosi highlighted that the region is repositioning the mining sector as a catalyst for industrialisation, with the current shift in focus from exportation of raw materials to value addition.

“Our challenge has never been scarcity, but value addition,” Magosi said, citing the revision of the SADC Protocol on Mining to align with its Regional Mining Vision and the adoption of the Critical Minerals Framework at the G20 Summit as opportunities for SADC to reshape global supply chains and fuel prosperity at home.

On resource mobilisation to support regional integration and development, Magosi stressed the importance of the Regional Development Fund (RDF), a regional financing mechanism for driving regional integration and development. 

“The RDF is our vehicle for transformation. Without it, we stand still. And with it, we can boldly move forward together,” he said.

Key outcomes of the Council of Ministers meeting

The Council approved the 2026–2027 Annual Corporate Plan, which outlines interventions and outputs designed to accelerate the implementation of the priorities of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030. 

These priorities include Peace, Security, and Good Governance; Industrial Development and Market Integration; Infrastructure Development in Support of Regional Integration; Social and Human Capital Development; as well as cross-cutting issues such as Gender, Youth, Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management.

In light of geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, climate-induced shocks, and disruptions in global supply chains, all of which directly affect the SADC region, Council resolved to convene an urgent meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to assess the impact of these geopolitical developments on the region. 

The Council approved three years of funding for 12 projects to be implemented in SADC Member States under the SADC HIV and AIDS Special Fund Round IV. The selected projects focus, among other areas, on HIV prevention research; integration of mental health services; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender-based Violence prevention and response; and targeted interventions for key populations, including both in-school and out-of-school youth.

Three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were approved between SADC and Japan, the African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI), and the World Food Programme (WFP). 

These agreements are designed to strengthen cooperation in key areas that align with regional priorities, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The next Ordinary Council meeting will take place in August 2026, ahead of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held in eThekwini, KwaZulu Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile will, on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the eulogy at the funeral of the late former Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick “Terror” Lekota this weekend.

In honour of his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic development, President Ramaphosa declared that he will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. 

Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle and former Premier of the Free State and inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, passed away on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, at the age of 77.

He was also the founding President of the Congress of the People (COPE).

“Lekota dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. As a member of the South African Students’ Organisation and a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), he played a significant role in mobilising communities against apartheid. 

“He was imprisoned on Robben Island for eight years alongside struggle leaders, including Tata Nelson Mandela,” the Presidency said.

In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State (1994–1996), the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (1997–1999), and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.

The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations until the evening of the funeral on 14 March 2026. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will proceed with lifestyle audits for its officials in a phased-in approach.

This was announced by NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Andy Mothibi during a media briefing this week.

“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has made a call for all the entities under the Justice Portfolio and those in the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to implement lifestyle audits, over and above the financial disclosures framework that is regulated by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).

“The NPA has been exploring the implementation thereof for some time and we have now made a firm decision to proceed with lifestyle audits, in a phase-in approach. We will commence with ExCo and ManCo members with immediate effect and other NPA officials, especially those in high-risk work environments, will then follow,” Mothibi announced.

He noted that officials have already been subject to regular integrity checks in terms of the NPA Ethics and Accountability Program which includes some form of lifestyle auditing.

“A lifestyle audit is a proactive integrity measure designed to strengthen trust and accountability. It ensures that declared income and financial interests align with observable standards in line with governance standards.

“As a key institution within the criminal justice system, the NPA has a duty to the public to ensure that its staff can be trusted to deliver justice to the people of South Africa,” the NDPP said.

Ethical prosecutions

Mothibi acknowledged allegations that some prosecutors are interfering in investigations and prosecutions of “certain cases in the commercial crimes environment in the Gauteng Local Division in Johannesburg”.

“We are taking these allegations very seriously. The NPA’s Office for Ethics and Accountability will thoroughly investigate these allegations; and we have already shared the preliminary findings on some of these investigations with the public through the media, and in the more complex cases, the investigations are still underway,” he revealed.

The prosecutions boss committed to full transparency with South Africans once the matters have been fully fleshed out.

“We commit to transparency on these complaints and we will keep the public informed as and when the investigations are finalised.

“Where the findings reveal any malfeasance or misconduct, appropriate consequence management measures will be put in place,” he said.

Civil litigation

Mothibi stated that the prosecutorial body has been the subject of civil litigation stemming from prosecutorial decisions.

“The NPA has through the Legal Affairs Division (LAD) consistently defended these civil litigation matters. This is demonstrated by the 81.3 % success rate in defending claims of malicious prosecution and unlawful detention against the NPA,” he said.

He highlighted that the amount of money paid towards civil litigations has reduced from some R9.7 million in the 2023/2024 financial year down to R5.5 million in 2024/2025.

“Efforts are being made to further reduce these payments during this year, with initiatives or measures meant to empower prosecutors to effectively prosecute and make prosecutorial decisions that are legally sound, with a view to minimise exposure to civil litigation.

“The NPA, through LAD continues to monitor significant issues coming out of the many Commissions of Inquiry and the Ad Hoc Committee, and reflection sessions are undertaken at a management level to consider any interventions to be made where necessary,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

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