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President Ramaphosa expresses sadness over tragic loss of life during recent floods in E Cape

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sorrow over the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, which have claimed the lives of nearly 80 people. 

In response to the devastating situation in Mthatha this week, government officials, including the President, key Ministers, the Premier, and local government representatives, visited the area to offer support and assess the damage. 

The disaster has caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

“Many people have tragically died, especially young children whose school transport was swept away by the floods. I was informed that one child has still not been accounted for,” he told the community. 

The President shared a story about a local woman who lost her mother and children, one of whom is still missing.

“We sympathise with you because losing a parent or child is one of the most painful experiences one can endure. I also came here because we are not accustomed to losing so many people all at once.” 

The country’s commander-in-chief emphasised the severity of the situation, noting that while the impact has been tragic, quick response teams prevented an even worse outcome. 

“We are very, very disturbed that so many people have passed away, but it could have been much worse. The response teams acted quickly.” 

The President announced that the deceased individuals have been taken to a mortuary and that the forensic team have acted quickly to perform autopsies, ensuring that their loved ones can receive their remains and prepare for memorial services as well as burials.

“And my thanks also go to the Premier, his MECs, to the Mayors, as well as all other officials. This is a catastrophic disaster for us, which is caused by climate change.” 

The floods have caused widespread destruction to homes, government facilities, roads, hospitals, and schools, highlighting the urgent need to tackle climate change.

“There shouldn’t be any floods during winter. In the Eastern Cape, we expect cold weather and snow during this season. However, the occurrence of floods highlights the severity of the climate change issue we are facing. The same flooding issues are also happening in KwaZulu-Natal.” 

He highlighted that this is becoming a new reality for South Africa, with both Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experiencing recurring annual disasters. 

“The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are now prone to continuous annual disasters that are causing a lot of pain and suffering amongst our people, where a number of people are dying.”

Government officials pledged continued support to the affected communities, promising to assist families in their time of grief. 

“We will continue to give you the support and the assistance that is required, so that your sorrow must not deepen beyond what you are experiencing now; this we will do; because it’s our responsibility as government, and that is why I also came.” 

He also extended his condolences to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, who are facing significant challenges due to climate change. 

The President expressed his gratitude to the Gift of the Givers, as well as other organisations and religious leaders, for their support and for comforting grieving families during this difficult time.

Government also announced that mourning is being considered to remember those who lost their lives in this catastrophic event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy President to undertake working visit to Russia

Source: South Africa News Agency

Strengthening economic and trade relations will be at the core of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s working visit to Russia.

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the trip will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, automotive, energy, and mining, as well as collaboration in science and technology.

The working visit set for 17-21 June in Moscow and St. Petersburg, will involve high-level engagements and activities focused on economic diplomacy.

In Moscow, Deputy President Mashatile will meet with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to discuss cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, and energy.

The Deputy President will meet with several high-ranking officials, including President Vladimir Putin, Valentina Matvienko, the Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, the current Chairman of the State Duma, which is the lower house of the Russian Parliament.

While in Moscow, the Deputy President will lay a wreath at the memorial site honouring South Africa’s liberation heroes, John Beaver (JB) Marks and Moses Kotane. 

Following this, he will participate in the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2025).

This year’s forum will be held from 19 to 21 June,  under the theme: “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World.”

The Deputy President will take part in the plenary session of SPIEF2025 while he has also received an invitation to speak at the Russia-Africa Business Dialogue.

In addition, he is scheduled to deliver a public lecture at St. Petersburg State University on the topic: “South Africa’s G20 Presidency in a Rapidly Changing Geopolitical Environment.”

He will address attendees at the opening of the South African Trade and Investment Seminar.

“The St. Petersburg leg of the visit is expected to leverage on promoting South Africa’s trade relations and South Africa as an investment destination.” 

According to the Deputy President’s Office, this trip will be his first visit to Russia since he took office under the seventh administration. 

He will be accompanied by a delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are part of the Economic Sectors, Investment, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cabinet Cluster. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister calls for urgent, coordinated, and victim-focused response to GBVF

Source: South Africa News Agency

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for a more urgent, coordinated, and victim-centred national response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country. 

“This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centered, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,” the Minister said. 

She was delivering opening remarks at a roundtable discussion at the Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, focusing on the implementation and progress made in the National Strategic Plan as well as evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of services provided to GBVF victims.  

The engagement, convened during Youth Month, comes as South Africa grapples with the devastating consequences of recent disasters and ongoing gender-based crimes that continue to claim the lives of women and children.

The Minister took a moment to send her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods in the Eastern Cape this week. 

“Today, we are gathered here once again, saddened by the news as our country is devastated by the disaster that took the lives of young and elder people. To all those who have lost their lives, we are sending deepest condolences to their families and those who might be hospitalised we wish them a speedy recovery. 

“To those who have been affected; some in having lost their shelters; may our government agilely working with the relevant partners, work towards their settlement. This has also impacted negatively on the attendance of some Ministers who were supposed to be with us today,” she said. 

The roundtable is a response to widespread public protests and marches demanding justice for victims of GBVF. 

According to the Minister, the public outcry triggered the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to propose an urgent engagement.

She highlighted the need to reflect on and address the challenges of existing legislation, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, which has yet to fully bridge service gaps or ensure trauma-informed support for survivors.

“Gender-based violence and femicide remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa. 

“Hence today we must deal with all existing legislation and national strategies, including the National Strategic Plan on GBVF as victims continue to experience delays in accessing justice, poor service integration, and a lack of trauma-informed support. “Today we gather here to gain insights and brainstorm on ways to respond to the cry out there,” she said. 

Tolashe said the roundtable must serve as a platform to develop practical, community-driven and institutionally supported solutions.

“We need to respond in a collective national way to address institutional inefficiencies and restore public confidence,” the minister said.

A Cry for Shelter Services

One of the key voices at the roundtable, Dr Zubeda Dangor, Head of the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, painted a dire picture of the state of shelters in the country – particularly in Gauteng.

“Women’s shelters play an essential role in the fight against GBV, offering women and children safe accommodation, support, and training as they attempt to leave their abusers,” Dangor told SAnews.

Representing more than 100 affiliated shelters, Dangor called on government to urgently address the chronic underfunding of shelter services. 

“Currently in Gauteng, only 10 out of 23 shelters are funded. Now, the government is closing down some of the shelters or not supporting them, while starting new ones. Yes, it is good to open new ones since they are needed, however, the ones that are functioning need support as well,” she said. 

She emphasised that shelter helplines now have no place to refer victims to, placing them at risk of returning to dangerous environments. 

“We are appealing and hoping to engage government further,” she said. 

Background

The roundtable reaffirmed the urgent need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities, to safeguard the rights and lives of South Africa’s women and children.

The South African government, through the Justice, Crime Prevention and Social Cluster (JCPS Cluster) established the 90-Day Accelerated Programme on Gender Based Violence and Femicide to focus and accelerate efforts to end the scourge of gender based violence. 

The 90- Day Accelerated Programme is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Social Development, respectively. 

The implementation of the programme is convened through the NatJoints. 

Six workstreams were established to focus on key areas of the response to gender-based violence and femicide, with targeted deliverables for each workstream. 

One of the targeted deliverables was to convene a roundtable to focus on GBVF.

The roundtable convened national leaders, state departments, and civil society stakeholders to directly respond to these petitions, assess current gaps, and define a clear, actionable pathway to improve services and ensure justice for GBVF victims and survivors. – SAnews.gov.za

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Together, Lesotho’s blood donors save lives


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One afternoon in May 2025, 48-year-old Lebohang Pitso* from Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, felt her life slipping away. Weakened from a bout of severe bleeding caused by cervical cancer, she sought emergency care at the city’s renowned Senkatana Oncology Clinic. A few hours after being admitted and receiving a blood transfusion, she felt a powerful transformation take place in her body.

“It was like a heavy cover was removed from my face,” she says. “The blood gave me life.”

Moved by the experience, Pitso asked her family to give back. “Four of my family members went to the blood bank and donated blood,” she says. “Blood donors are doing a great job. If it were not for my condition, I would be a regular donor. I encourage those who can, to give life to others.”

Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services is ramping up efforts to recruit and retain blood donors. It has implemented several strategic approaches, such as promoting blood donor clubs in schools and conducting mobile outreach blood donation drives, which have led to improved blood collection. In 2024, the institution carried out 165 mobile blood donation drives. Overall, there has been an almost 70% increase in the number of units collected between 2017 and 2024, from 5583 to 9411.

“But demand is higher than supply,” says Manaledi Makhetha, a phlebotomist at Lesotho Blood Transfusion Services. “For example, the 180 units we collected during a week-long campaign this year were all used in just two days,” she says. The total number of units collected per year, although improved, still falls short of the annual target of 10 000 units.

Makhetha screens donors, collects blood and ensures its safe delivery to various hospitals. “The primary need for blood transfusions is maternal- and cancer-related cases and road traffic crash survivors, among others,” she says.

On average, Senkatana Oncology Clinic uses 2‒3 pints of blood a day. Many cancer patients require frequent transfusions, as both the illness and treatment compromise blood production. Rethabile Makhetha, an oncology nurse at the clinic, recalls one morning when four patients needed blood, but the clinic only had sufficient units for three. “Cancer is a long journey,” she says. “The patients become family. When we can’t help them due to blood shortages, it’s devastating.”

The Ministry of Health is increasing public awareness, advocating for regular donations and expanded infrastructure to meet increasing demand. “With World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners supporting the Ministry of Health with guidelines, policies and campaign events, Lesotho is making strides,” says Stephen Monkoe, Director of Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health. “We are grateful to partners and donors alike. Blood donors are our heroes.”

Every year on 14 June countries mark World Blood Donor Day, as a tribute to unpaid blood donors who save lives, strengthen communities and show solidarity with others. The day is also an opportunity to highlight the ongoing need for safe, regular blood donations. 

“It is imperative that everyone, from citizens to community leaders, private and public partners, and government, redouble our efforts to strengthen the national blood service,” says Thato Mxakaza, Health Promotion Officer in WHO’s country office in Lesotho. “By investing in vigorous collection, safe processing, and equitable distribution, we ensure that the profound gift of blood translates into sustained life and renewed hope for every recipient.”

In Maseru, 32-year-old Nthomeng Leuta encourages others to become regular blood donors. Curious to know her blood type, she began donating blood at high school. She discovered she was type O negative, the only blood type that can be transfused to any recipient and is therefore critical during emergencies when a recipient’s blood type is unknown. Motivated by her special status as a “universal blood donor” she jokingly refers to the blood bank her “second home.” 

Leuta’s most precious memory is when she responded to a social media post from a man whose wife urgently needed a blood transfusion for an emergency caesarean section. Leuta responded, and the result of her donation was a healthy mother and baby boy. “The husband called me to inform me how I had saved two lives that are so dear to him,” she says. “I felt humbled and so happy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Lesotho.

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Ghana Accelerates Efforts to Boost Intra-African Trade

Ghana is fast-tracking the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses across Africa by moving beyond commodity-based trade towards value addition for its traditional exports such as gold, oil and cocoa. 

Speaking during the Ghana Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive under AfCFTA by improving trade infrastructure, financing and market access. 

“Under our Market Expansion Programme, the National AfCFTA Coordination Office is providing firm-level support to over 2,000 MSMEs in Ghana. This includes sensitization, market readiness training programmes, training on AfCFTA’s Rules of Origin, trade finance and market access initiatives. Ghana has also conducted targeted trade expeditions to East Africa, taking Ghanaian businesses to Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda to explore real-time opportunities and negotiate supply contracts,” the Minister said in a speech read on her behalf by the Acting National Coordinator, National AfCFTA Coordination Office, Benjamin Kwaku Asiam. 

The Ghana IATF2025 Business Roadshow brought together government officials, the trade community, including businesses and investors, and executives from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The event focused on promoting intra-African trade under the theme: Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA. 

The Business Roadshow is one of five planned in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Algiers ahead of the fourth edition of the biennial Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025), scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. IATF is Africa’s premier trade and investment event, held by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and exchange trade and investment information within the continent’s single market. 

In his keynote address, the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene noted that the IATF offers an unparalleled platform for the exchange of trade and investment information; and is a marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships.  

“As we work to scale up intra-African trade, build regional value chains, and accelerate industrialisation, IATF serves as a key platform for connecting African businesses, investors, governments, and innovators. It is a catalyst for turning the promise of AfCFTA into concrete outcomes: trade deals signed, investments mobilised, and jobs created. By establishing a large, integrated market, AfCFTA encourages countries to specialize and add value to products, attracting investment and creating jobs,” H.E. Mene said, adding that this supports economic diversification, poverty reduction, and Africa’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development. 

Afreximbank’s Group Chief Economist & Managing Director, Research, Dr. Yemi Kale described IATF as AfCFTA’s commercial marketplace, which brings to life Africa’s efforts to trade more with itself not only in raw materials, but also in value-added goods, services, and innovations. 

“One of the persistent barriers to intra-African trade is not tariffs or logistics alone—but also access to accurate, timely, and actionable market intelligence. Trade cannot flourish in the absence of information,” Dr Kale said, adding that IATF2025 provides a platform for addressing this. He invited Ghanaian businesses and government agencies to participate in IATF2025, where over 2,000 exhibitors from Africa and beyond will showcase their products to more than 35,000 visitors and buyers from over 140 countries, with trade and investment deals projected to exceed US$44 billion. 

Cumulatively, IATF has attracted over 4,500 exhibitors, more than 70,000 visitors, and facilitated over US$100 billion in deals. The last edition held in Cairo attracted nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 65 countries generated US$43.7 billion in trade and investment deals. 

The upcoming IATF2025 will be hosted by the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Speaking at the Business Roadshow, Algeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mourad Louhaidia welcomed visitors and exhibitors to Algiers, pledging his government’s commitment to facilitate a successful IATF2025 by mobilising transport and hospitality infrastructure and facilitating smooth entry for all participants into the country. 

“The Algerian embassy will fast track processing of visas for all participants from Ghana. We have set up a dedicated team at the embassy to handle all information requests and visa applications to participate in IATF2025,” H.E. Louhaidia added.  

IATF2025 will feature a trade exhibition, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme spotlighting cultural industries, a four-day Trade and Investment Forum, and the Africa Automotive Show. Special Days will highlight countries, public and private sector entities, tourism, cultural attractions, and Global Africa Day celebrating ties with the African diaspora. 

Additional activities include business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking, the AU Youth Start-Up programme, the Africa Research and Innovation Hub, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) to promote local trade and cultural exchanges. The IATF Virtual platform is also live, connecting exhibitors and visitors all year-round. 

Ghanaian IATF Ambassador and Chairman, Oakwood Green Africa, Gabriel Edgal said: “Long before borders were drawn, Africa thrived as a connected economy. Trade was a way of life. Value was created locally. Progress moved through relationships and exchange. Across the world, we see increasing protectionism. Traditional aid partners are looking increasingly inward. The global economic tide is shifting, and everybody is focusing on themselves instead. I believe this is a wake-up call — that we need to now be more deliberate about trading among ourselves, to create interconnected prosperity, to trade among ourselves, build with ourselves, and grow for ourselves. It is time for action”. 

Ghana has been recognized as a leading example in AfCFTA implementation, with the government actively facilitating private sector participation through the National Coordination Office and initiatives like the Guided Trade Initiative, which has seen Ghanaian companies successfully trade with neighbouring African countries 

To participate in IATF2025 please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media contact: 
media@intrafricatradefair.com
 press@afreximbank.com

About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. 

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South Sudan’s peace deal at risk of collapse without stronger regional action, warns United Nation (UN) Commission


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The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has sounded the alarm that the 2018 Revitalized (Peace) Agreement is at serious risk of collapse and called for urgent, coordinated regional intervention to salvage the faltering peace process.

The Commission stressed that escalating military offensives, political crackdowns, and foreign military presence are not only accelerating the breakdown of the Agreement but also fueling deep fear, instability and widespread trauma among the people of South Sudan.

“South Sudan’s peace agreement is in crisis,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. “The renewed violence is pushing the Revitalized Peace Agreement to the brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse. Such a breakdown risks fragmenting the country even further.”

“Regional partners – especially the African Union and IGAD – must urgently increase their leverage and pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to de-escalate tensions, return to meaningful dialogue, and fully implement the peace agreement,” Sooka said. “It remains the only credible pathway to stability, peace, and democratic transition.”

Earlier this week, the Commission held consultative dialogues with a range of stakeholders, including civil society representatives, to assess the deepening crisis and explore measures to avert a return to civil war. Participants expressed widespread fear and anxiety among communities, who are increasingly traumatized by persistent violence, arbitrary arrests, and the erosion of civic space.

Since March 2025, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have launched sustained military operations, including airstrikes on civilian-populated areas, causing significant casualties and mass displacement. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions where operations continue.

Reports of Ugandan forces supporting the SSPDF, alongside the government’s move to recruit thousands of additional soldiers – seemingly outside the security sector reform commitments in the Revitalized Agreement and pointing towards protracted conflict – have further heightened public fear and concern over looming widespread violations.

“South Sudanese are living with extreme trauma. They are enduring targeted military attacks that have upended lives and instilled widespread fear. The ongoing recruitment drive by the SSPDF directly contradicts the Revitalized Agreement, which calls for the training and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces. The country’s leaders – signatories of the Agreement – must abandon partisan agendas and act in the interest of the people,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández. “The world cannot remain as bystander while civilians are bombed, and opposition voices are silenced. The time for passive diplomacy is over – these senseless attacks must stop.”

Political tensions in South Sudan have sharply escalated with the arbitrary detention of key opposition figures, including the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, alongside expanded military operations by the SSPDF, including in populated civilian areas, and against armed opposition forces and groups.

Escalating armed violence has deepened South Sudan’s humanitarian and human rights crises. Civilians in Upper Nile State have been particularly affected, as the region – already grappling with emergency-level food insecurity – has become a key transit corridor for refugees fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Fears are growing that if this conflict trajectory is not averted, South Sudan’s conflict will entwine with the crisis of Sudan, with even more dire consequences.

“Salvaging South Sudan’s peace agreement should be of utmost priority in an already turbulent region, as the agreement enables political adversaries to partner towards a transformative transition in this country,” said Commissioner Barney Afako. “Torpedoing the transition is an act of profound folly and recklessness, that is already reigniting violence, deepening insecurity, and imposing further grave violations on long suffering citizens, and undermining regional peace architectures.”

“Regional partners and peace guarantors must not indulge these damaging machinations; rather, they should resolve to urgently restore a credible transition that will deliver citizens’ aspirations for durable peace and justice,” Afako said.

The Commission reiterated its call for regional and international actors to intensify diplomatic pressure on South Sudan’s leaders to ensure immediate de-escalation and full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.

Commissioner Yasmin Sooka also noted that “any unilateral attempts to derail the transition and undermine regional peace architectures have grave implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and that failure to act could plunge the country into another devastating cycle of conflict.”

The Commission continues to monitor developments closely and is documenting human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including those potentially amounting to war crimes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

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Majodina dismisses claims linking Mthatha dam to devastating floods

Source: South Africa News Agency

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, together with OR Tambo District Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana and King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality Executive Mayor Nyaniso Nelani, has dismissed claims that the Mthatha Dam caused the recent flooding in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

This comes after widely circulated social media videos alleging that the recent floods were due to the opening of sluice gates at the Mthatha Dam.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of Water and Sanitation described the allegations as “unfounded and devoid of any truth.”

“The Department of Water and Sanitation that owns and operates the Mthatha Dam, can confirm that the dam does not have sluice gates but have designed spillways which automatically releases water when it reaches its full capacity. KSD and OR Tambo Municipalities have no jurisdiction over the dam which is a source of water supply for the Mthatha area,” the department said.

The department also disputed a separate viral video purporting to show the Mthatha Dam overflowing. The department said the dam shown in the footage is located over 20 kilometres downstream of the Mthatha dam and is unrelated to the dam or flood-affected communities.

Following Tuesday’s flooding, the department said dam safety engineers were dispatched on the ground to assess the situation.

Their findings indicated that flooding was caused by significant inflows from the Cicira tributary into the Mthatha River, downstream from the dam, which resulted in the riverbanks overtopping.

“Upon assessment by the department’s engineers, the gauge readings at the dam indicated that on 9 June 2025 at 4pm, the water levels at the dam were sitting at 99.8%, which was a slight decline from the 99.9% of the previous week.

“However, by midnight on the same day, the dam experienced a sudden inflow of water from the rains in the upstream catchment which increased the stored water from 99.8%% to 102% leading to the dam spilling,” the department explained.

The department added that the outflow of water from the dam coincided with the heavy flows from Cicira River downstream.

According to assessments, the upper reaches of the tributary also experienced flash flooding in saturated conditions, leading to the Mthatha River overflowing its banks.

The department said it is working with the OR Tambo District to restore operations at the Thornhill Water Treatment Works, which was also affected by the floods.

Efforts are also underway to resume its function and able to supply the town with potable water.

Majodina condemned the distribution of fake news, while the nation mourns the tragic deaths occasioned by the inclement weather. She also urged the public to be vigilant and verify the facts before sharing online.

“Read the room and refrain from inflicting more pain to those that are affected by the disaster,” Majodina said.

The Minister also conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones due to devastating floods, which have claimed 78 lives across the province, including over 50 of them from Mthatha alone. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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Seminar to explore leveraging of AfCFTA for inclusive development

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Human Sciences Research Council’s Africa BRICS and Global South (ABGS) research unit will host a seminar focused on utilising the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote regional health-industrial integration and foster inclusive development across the continent. 

The ABGS research unit, based at the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC), focuses on issues related to Africa, BRICS, and the Global South.

Their research explores topics like economic integration, health security, and the role of BRICS in the Global South. 

The hybrid seminar will be held at the HSRC Building in Pretoria on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Presented by Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Geoffrey Banda, the seminar will focus on how the AfCFTA can be a powerful catalyst for strengthening Africa’s local health security through increased and resilient regional trade, industrialisation, and innovation.

“The seminar will further explore how aligning health and industrial policy within the framework of the AfCFTA can drive job creation, enhance resilience, and support the continent’s broader development ambitions under Agenda 2063,” the advisory read. 

In his recent book, “Cancer Care in Pandemic Times: Building Inclusive Local Health Security in Africa and India”, Banda makes a strong argument for an interdisciplinary approach that combines health research with industrialisation and regional economic integration. 

The HSRC said this approach aims to develop sustainable and context-specific solutions to the health challenges faced in Africa.

Key themes to be explored include the vulnerabilities associated with reliance on global supply chains, the intentional connection between health and industrial capabilities, the transition to new technologies along with industrial capabilities, and the use of the AfCFTA to scale innovative procurement. 

“This approach aims to gradually develop continental innovation ecosystems that support resilient regional trading systems.”- SAnews.gov.za

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SA extends its condolences to India following plane crash 

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 13, 2025

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has extended condolences to the government and people of India after a plane that was carrying 242 passengers crashed.

“The thoughts of the people of South Africa are with the people of India as well as the people of all other countries affected by the crash during this difficult time and extends its sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones,” the department said in a statement.

This as an India Airlines plane crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Flight AI171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed into a hostel for doctors. 

It was carrying 242 passengers from various nationalities, and the cause of the crash is still unknown.

According to the latest reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the scene of the plane crash and met the injured people in the hospital. 

BBC reported that the sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, who sat in seat 11A, is recovering in hospital, with his brother stating he “has no idea how he survived”. 

The British public service broadcaster stated there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian on the flight. 

Meanwhile, other reports indicate that at least 290 people are dead as families continue to provide DNA samples to assist in identification victims.

Former India’s Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who served between 2016 and 2021, was among the passengers on the plane. – SAnews.gov.za

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Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Tourism in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will launch the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State province next week.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion George will launch the Centre.

The two departments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre to boost tourism in the Free State.

“The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is a world class and state-of-the art interactive visitor attraction with strong potential for tourism growth,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement. 

Situated within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park (GGHNP) in the Free State, the centre will offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge (paleontological, archaeological and geological) with a broader appreciation of cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions. 

The department successfully secured funding of R120 million from the European Union through the National Treasury for the implementation of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre. 

The centre is managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and it is envisaged that the facility will increase the bed occupancy and more activities for visitors to the park. 

The development of the project includes the Interpretation Centre (paleontological offices and work space), the reception area, lecture halls, the display area-exhibition and display installation, the coffee/curio shop, the activity node – office, activity areas (children), parking – paved parking area, look-out point and bulk services, upgrade electrical supply – transformer & cable, sewer – connect to existing system water – connection.

According to the Department of Tourism, the centre celebrates a globally significant paleontological discovery—the oldest dinosaur embryos known to man offering a world-class educational and cultural experience that deepens public understanding of our natural history.

“The interpretation centre is a unique local attraction which offer visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of scientific knowledge,” the department said.

The centre will be a key driver of local economic development, job creation and tourism growth in the eastern Free State.

The event will culminate with a graduation of the tourist guides that were trained as part of the development of the centre. – SAnews.gov.za