Category: MIL-OSI

The African Union Committee on South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit has adopted a Declaration setting out a range of measures to support peace, political stability and credible elections in South Sudan.

The Declaration, adopted at the Summit chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, reaffirms the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan as the paramount legal instrument governing the country’s political transition. 

Closing the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the Declaration sets out a number of recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges facing South Sudan as it prepares for national elections.

“We have agreed that the Revitalised Peace Agreement remains the paramount legal instrument with which all parties must comply and by which progress in South Sudan will be measured,” he said in his virtual address.

Among the recommendations is a call for all parties to fully comply with the provisions of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and demonstrate their commitment to its implementation.

The Declaration also calls on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, uphold the Permanent Ceasefire and refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine the peace agreement.

On the political environment, the Summit called for the release of persons arbitrarily detained on political grounds, while respecting South Sudan’s sovereignty and judicial processes.

It further called for guarantees on the rights, humane treatment and due process of persons facing judicial proceedings, with the aim of contributing to an inclusive political environment.

The Declaration also sets out measures aimed at strengthening preparations for South Sudan’s elections that are set to be held in December 2026.

The Summit called on the Government of South Sudan to adopt a feasible, consensual and time-bound electoral roadmap that clearly sets out the legal basis, scope and sequencing of elections.

It also called for predictable, adequate and timely domestic financial resources to be provided to electoral and transitional institutions to enable credible preparations.

The government was further urged to address the political, legal, technical, operational, financial and security requirements necessary for a peaceful, credible, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

The Declaration also places emphasis on the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.

It calls on all parties to protect civilians, humanitarian and medical personnel and United Nations peacekeepers, while ensuring safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected communities.

It further calls for accountability for attacks against peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.

Supporting South Sudan

The Summit also outlined a role for regional and continental institutions in supporting South Sudan.

It recommended that the African Union, the C5 and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) coordinate voluntary and needs-based technical assistance in support of the electoral process and implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement.

President Ramaphosa also called on international partners to provide coordinated support to South Sudan, while stressing that national ownership must remain central to the implementation of the agreed measures.

“Primary responsibility for the implementation of the agreed measures rests with the government and parties of South Sudan. The support of the C5, the African Union and international partners must reinforce South Sudanese national ownership and respond to clearly identified priorities,” the President said. 

The Declaration comes as South Sudan prepares for its first general elections since attaining independence in July 2011, amid ongoing efforts to implement the Revitalised Peace Agreement. 

President Ramaphosa said the Summit’s objective was to help accompany South Sudan through a critical period as it works towards peace, stability and democracy.

“Peace, stability and prosperity for South Sudan are aspirations we all share. For democracy to take hold in South Sudan, its leaders must demonstrate genuine commitment to inclusivity, peace and national reconciliation,” the President said.

He said the implementation of the measures agreed by the Summit could help South Sudan strengthen its institutions and democratic practice.

“Only then can South Sudan begin in earnest to build its institutions, strengthen democratic practice and build a unified nation,” the President said.

In his opening address at the Summit earlier, President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently address outstanding challenges ahead of the elections, stressing that credible elections must be underpinned by an inclusive political process.

READ | Call for inclusive political process ahead of South Sudanese elections
– SAnews.gov.za

 

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For Kelebogile Boleu, becoming a mother also meant becoming a student who had to learn a new language and how to advocate for a child whose experience of the world is different from her own.

“I don’t know what it is like to have a son who is not Deaf. He is my firstborn and the person who introduced me to parenting. It has been a remarkable calling and I am grateful to be trusted to be his parent,” Boleu, who is a lecturer at the University of the Free State (UFS), said.

Like most children, soon-to-be 11-year-old Nathanael is a handful.

“He has always been a handful. He is very confident and very courageous. I enjoy how independent he is now and how he can be placed in any room, and he will not feel small, but he will take up that space and make it his own,” the 36-year-old mother of two said in an interview with SAnews.

She described her son as competitive and kind, recalling an incident when one of his classmates came to school with a damaged bag and how her son came home, washed one of his older school bags and gave it to the classmate.

“To this day, he does not remind his friend or talk about it at home, and that is the character I enjoy most about him – helping quietly. I hope he does not change,” she says of her son who she affectionately refers to as “Nate.”

Boleu’s comments come as the country commemorates Deaf Awareness Month, in September. Deaf Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the rights, experiences and aspirations of Deaf people and to promote greater understanding of the importance of sign language.

According to the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), an estimated 600 000 people in the country are Deaf.

This year’s Deaf Awareness Month is marked under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.” 
 
Prior to the birth of Nate, neither Boleu nor her husband had a family member who was hard of hearing or Deaf. She had an “easy” pregnancy with nothing of his development being flagged.

“I flagged it when he was just older than two years. I took him to a speech therapist who gave us activities to do, which were mostly what we did at home: reading, puzzles, singing and so on. But it took two different opinions until I landed on a speech therapist who is also an audiologist. 

“The very first assessment she highlighted that Nate did not have a speech problem but a hearing problem, and so the testing and hearing aids came until we landed on SASL [South African Sign Language],” she explained.

Hearts project
Boleu, who is a lecturer at the university’s Department of Criminology and a PhD student, said she tries her best to advocate for her children’s rights while empowering them to do the same.  

She started the Hearts project, where parents can learn SASL and children can improve their reading skills.

“I write a lot of opinion pieces about Deaf education, and through that and recognising the barriers in education that exist for Deaf children, I began a project called Hearts where parents can learn SASL and children can improve their reading skills. My current academic work is centred around Deaf Rights; with for PhD, my research is titled: “Exploring procedural justice for Deaf people in the South African criminal justice system: From arrest to corrections,” she said.

Hearts was initially formed with Nate’s education and the related challenges in mind.

“But I also realised that for him, reading would be his most important route in terms of access, to be able to read and write, which is a global issue, which can be solved through intentional reading development opportunities.

“Speaking to other parents, I also realised we are different because Nate comes home to a family that signs, which creates an environment of being and relationship. I soon realised this is not the common experience. Many parents struggle to sign,” explained the 36-year-old.

Because many parents struggled to sign, it was difficult for them to help their children with homework. Maintaining meaningful conversations and relationships with Deaf children in their families also became difficult, leaving some Deaf children feeling isolated.

Boleu then consulted a friend and colleague in the South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies Department at UFS. She also consulted another friend and colleague in the university’s library department.

“I knew they were both passionate about their work, and they are practical in how they help communities. So, I asked them to help the community of Deaf learners and their parents; this is how the collaboration began.

“They both put their time and resources, and I gathered up the troops – all the parents and children I could find, who have remained consistent in attending and learning. The improvement in their signing has been remarkable. I am encouraged and inspired by the Hearts community,” she says of the initiative.

Nathanael began using SASL when he was six, learning to sign fluently in three months. 

Boleu’s own introduction to SASL came during a year of her undergraduate studies. She admits that she is still “very intimidated” by first-language SASL speakers. 

“I am still trying to catch up. My daughter and I, with a few close friends, had a few months of formal lessons. We now sign at home and learn as we go, through engaging with Nate. My daughter also attends the Hearts project, so through learning how to read in SASL, her signing has advanced far beyond mine. Our interaction with the Deaf community is really the biggest influence on all our SASL learning.”

She added that SASL is not an easy language to learn.

“My broader family and friends do their best, but it is not an easy language to learn, nor is it a widely used language, so learning should be intentional and practising is essential.”

Capacity building 
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the recognition of South African Sign Language as one of the country’s official languages in July 2023. Since that recognition, PanSALB has continued to support its practical implementation through awareness and capacity-building programmes. 

These include basic SASL workshops for frontline service workers and for parents, siblings and families of Deaf children; the verification and authentication of SASL signs and dictionary vocabulary in consultation with diverse Deaf stakeholders; and ongoing advocacy during Deaf Awareness Month.

In a statement earlier this month, PanSALB said plans to establish a dedicated SASL National Lexicography Unit are also underway. 

“These initiatives are intended to ensure that the official recognition of SASL results in meaningful access to information, public services and full participation in society for Deaf people,” said PanSALB.

Boleu said while the enactment of SASL as the country’s 12th official language is a start, more needs to be done.

“I think SASL being an official language is a start, the efforts towards interpreters and other accommodations in the effort to reduce barriers and allow access to services. However, there can be a better sense of inclusion, knowledge sharing, and practical applications of intentions. Policy and legislation need to be practical.”

Asked about what Nate would like the world to know about Deaf people, in her view, she said that they are people and barriers exist structurally, but these should not take from their livelihoods, their experiences of life and success.

“He would say that he and his friends are just kids, and they enjoy being able to take part in the same activities as other children. My son loves people and enjoys life, and would want everyone to see, experience, and know that.”

She added that a Deaf child is a blessing just as any child is.

“Deafness or any disability, though not an easy road, is a call to parent, a call to love, a call to be intentional about the life you’ve been called to guide and shape.”

Pride in Deaf culture 
Boleu urged parents to learn SASL, adding that the Deaf community is proud of its culture.

“I encourage you to learn SASL. Create an environment for your child to feel a sense of belonging that begins at home in their household through their people. Learn and meet the Deaf community around you. Lean on their experiences and see your child through their brilliance, excellence and courage. 

“The Deaf community is one that is proud of their culture, their language and welcoming to those who engage with them, accept them and allow their Deaf children to be who they are born to be,” she explained.
Asked about the lessons she’s learned in her journey of parenthood, Boleu said parents of Deaf children are no different from other parents.

“We are simply doing what parents have always done: loving intentionally, learning continuously and hoping fiercely. I love my son, and I cannot imagine him to be anyone but who he is. He has created a better human in me, as has my daughter,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Losing her car and other belongings was not at the top of Mpho Mudau’s list of priorities on 15 January 2026, when the river burst its banks at the South African National Parks (SANParks) Letaba Rest Camp in Limpopo.

“It was at about 8am on 15 January 2026, when we realised that the river had broken its banks. It started at the restaurant, which is one of the main areas where people were sitting around and having their breakfast.

“One of my managers called me because I was in the office and said: ‘Come quickly, the river has broken its banks’. I had to go and see for myself. Immediately, I thought, no, let’s evacuate the camp; we need to leave. I immediately informed reception to take out the list for in-house guests for everyone around this big camp,” Mudau recalls of the day. 

In an interview with SAnews, Mudau, the Hospitality Services Manager at the camp, said the disaster team collected guests from the occupied units scattered across the camp.

“Some of the guests were resisting, saying the water won’t reach here, and we said no, we’re leaving the camp, so you need to make sure that you pack out your things and we leave,” the petite Mudau explains. 

Despite the chalets being scattered across the camp, the team managed to evacuate it in 45 minutes.

“The water was flowing very strongly. It was like the sea, and you could actually see the waves in the water,” she said as we stood in the middle of the camp. The overcast weather during the interview helped to paint a picture of what it must have been like on that day.

This was as parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga were lashed by heavy rains in January. Floodwaters submerged areas of the camp, leading to its closure to tourists.  Letaba, which is located in the Nxanatseni region, was one of the worst affected areas, with extensive damage to tourism facilities, engineering services and perimeter fencing.

However, reconstruction work at the camp has since resulted in the restoration of some tourism units, with SANParks earlier this month marking the start of National Parks Week with the handover of tourism units and the official opening of the Letaba High Water Bridge.

“So, at the highest place we could all meet was here, where we were standing, and the water was taking the furniture outside the camp,” she recalls. 

Getting to safety
At the time, there were about 15 guests staying in the camp while others had already gone home given the adverse weather in the area. In addition, over 80 staff members call the camp home.

“At the time, I didn’t care about anything else; the only thing I cared about was saving lives, making sure that the guests were safe and the staff were safe. So, the material things, we said no, leave them behind, let’s go.

“I lost everything, even my car. My car just came back last month [August], since [it was taken in for repair work] in January. Its sensors were out; everything was out, and my house was under water. That is my house, “she said,  pointing   to a nearby house with a green roof not too far from where we were standing.
“I forgot about my car at the time,” she laughs. 

Mudau, who turns 45 this year, studied Hospitality Services at Wits and has worked at Letaba for about 13 years. She has also worked at other camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

Extent of the damage
Recalling the events of January 2026, SANParks Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hapiloe Sello said that while management knew the rains were coming, it did not know their severity.

“On the day that Letaba was flooded, I was getting updates initially every hour, then it became every 15 minutes. Truly, the emotions were mixed; I was frightened and concerned, to be honest. The thing was, is everybody safe? That has to be the first thing you think about before you think about the infrastructure. 

“Then something peculiar happened: in 2000 there was a flood, and if you drive around Kruger National Park you’ll see markers that say 2000 flood. That was the worst that had hit Kruger. Then the Letaba River surpassed the 2000 mark; that’s when I knew we were in serious trouble. Be that as it may, the first concern was the people,” she said of the marker seen near river at the Letaba camp. 

Remarkably, not a single life was lost, with Sello adding that much of this was due to the team’s preparedness and the park’s own disaster management capability.

The rains caused substantial damage to infrastructure in the KNP, including roads, accommodation, and water-related infrastructure, with the total cost of the repairs estimated at R950 million. 

Restoration journey 
At Letaba, 25 tourism units in Circles A to C have been restored at a cost of R19 million. The completed work includes furniture and 10 family cottages. A further 64 tourism units remain under restoration and are expected to reopen in phases, with completion anticipated by 30 November 2026.

The bridge was opened to traffic on 23 March 2026, reconnecting the northern and southern sections of Kruger. Final work, including sand sealing of the road, was completed on 28 August 2026.

SANParks said the R9.5 million project included the reconstruction and stone pitching of the damaged bridge approach, together with improved drainage.

SANParks also recently officially opened rebuilt culverts on the H4-1 Road in the Kruger National Park’s Skukuza Rest Camp. The redesigned culverts have been reinforced with concrete.

Sello said it took about a month for the floodwaters to subside.

The January floods were not Mudau’s first experience of flooding, as she has been working at the KNP “literally from school.”

“I love this park; this is not the first flood I was in. There was the 2013 flood up in Shingwedzi which I was in as well, but you manage to get everything in order,” she said.

She rates the Mopani and Shingwedzi Rest Camps among her favourites in the KNP network.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said he is “hugely impressed” by SANParks’ response to the floods.

“In under a year, the KNP top management have managed to open a major piece of infrastructure, the Letaba High Water Bridge joining the north and the south of the Kruger National Park and the opening of the first 25 chalets which have been reconstructed with a wonderful new, modern feel which I think is going to contribute to a much better guest experience here,” the Minister said.

Maynier, who visited one of the upgraded units within the rest camp, said he loved the new design of the chalets.

“I think the team has got the design just right.”

Looking ahead
Maynier added that the KNP is a special place.

“As a young boy, I spent a lot of time in the park with my family and also with my aunts, and so it is a very special place. What I think we need to recognise is that the park is responding with more modern infrastructure, very different guest experiences, and I think the park is going from strength to strength, and it really is the crown jewel in the SANParks portfolio,” he said.

He said the next step for the KNP is ensuring that Phase 2 of the reconstruction, particularly of the Letaba Rest Camp, is completed by November 2026.

“That is the next big test, but everything tells me that the team are on track – the contractors are working seven days a week, often through the night, and I think we are on track to complete Phase 2 of the project and Letaba Rest Camp will be fully open for the festive season,” he said.

Mudau said while the camp is busy throughout the year, international guests mainly visit in August and September thanks to European holidays. She added that the camp also sees increased foot traffic during the Easter Holidays as well as during National Parks Week which is typically held in September annually, during which day visitors gain free access to participating national parks.

Tourism and conservation
As the country moves to the end of Tourism Month, which is commemorated annually in September, Mudau expressed her love for her work and for nature.

“I love the park and I love nature.  I left the Joburg life, but from there, conservation and tourism have been one of my loves,” she said as she smiled. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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In a bid to ensure that cases involving violence against women and children are not stalled, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a four-point recovery plan to ensure that cases are processed and that perpetrators are brought to book.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, the President announced that he has directed the Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia and Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to undertake a national case-recovery operation focused on unresolved murders, attempted murders, rapes and serious sexual offences involving women and children.

He said individual recovery plans must be in place for priority cases as well as cases that have stalled.

“Within 60 days, this audit must identify the number and age of unresolved cases, cases awaiting forensic evidence, cases in which suspects have been identified but not arrested and cases in which investigative or prosecutorial action has been unreasonably delayed,” the President explained.

READ | Cases of murdered Ekurhuleni women will not go cold

Each plan, he said, must identify the outstanding action, the responsible official and the deadline for moving the case forward.

President Ramaphosa said he has also directed the Minister Cachalia, the Acting National Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, and the relevant forensic authorities to present, within 60 days, a funded plan to reduce forensic backlogs and establish clear turnaround standards for priority gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases.

“The plan must set out the size and age of the backlog, shortages of personnel and equipment, the resources required and the dates by which the backlog will be reduced.

Priority forensic samples in cases involving the rape or murder of women and children must be ring-fenced for urgent processing. Progress against the turnaround standards must be reported publicly every quarter,” the President said.

The President also announced that every municipality must begin a women’s safety audit without delay.
“High-risk areas must be identified working with provincial governments and the police. Within 60 days, these audits must identify broken streetlights, overgrown public spaces, abandoned buildings, unsafe transport routes and facilities, poorly secured parks and other conditions that place women at risk.

“Within 90 days of completing the audit, the most urgent hazards must have been addressed or included in a funded implementation plan with clear completion dates.”

The President has also directed the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, working with the Ministers of Health, Social Development, Police and Cooperative Governance, to submit to Cabinet within 60 days a coordinated legislative and enforcement package to reduce alcohol-related violence.

“Alcohol does not cause gender-based violence [GBV] and it can never excuse it. Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator. But harmful alcohol use is a significant aggravating factor in interpersonal violence, and it must be addressed as part of our wider prevention effort.

“Women should not have to live in fear because government has failed to repair a light, clear a public space, process evidence or enforce a law. Every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility,” the President said. 

He further added that every sphere of government must understand that the safety of women is part of its responsibility.
Progress reports
In addition, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will monitor these measures and issue consolidated public progress reports every quarter.

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the President said the first consolidated report must be issued within ninety days, with public progress reports every quarter thereafter, while also stressing that the directives “are not just a statement of good intentions.”

These, he said, establish responsibilities, deadlines and a duty to submit reports on a regular basis to the nation.

The directives support the accelerated implementation of key pillars of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which continues to guide the work underway across all spheres of government and all parts of society.

“We must prevent the violence before it starts because programmes, stronger laws, additional resources and more police officers will not, on their own, end violence against women.”

Attitudes and role players
He said attitudes that women are inferior and the belief that a man has the right to control a woman, among others, are not helpful.
 
“It begins when a man refuses to accept the word no. We must confront the uncomfortable, devastating truth that the primary GBV hotspot is in the home and in interpersonal relationships.”

READ | Violence against women “inhuman”, says President Ramaphosa

This as a national study by the South African Medical Research Council found that more than 60% of the women murdered in 2021 and 2022 were killed by an intimate partner.

He said the prevention of violence against women must begin at home.
“It must begin with how we raise our sons; with what boys learn about girls, anger, rejection and consent, and with what they learn from watching the men around them.”

He said the country has placed the burden of male violence on women.

“For too long, gender-based violence has been treated as a women’s problem to solve. That must change.”

He indicated that the freedom promised by the Constitution cannot be a freedom enjoyed fully by men and cautiously by women.

“It is time for good men to stop being silent men. We salute the many South African men who are already speaking out, including prominent figures such as Siya Kolisi and Temba Bavuma, who have used their public platforms to urge men to confront violence against women and to become better men.”

The President has directed the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to strengthen the work of the Moral Regeneration Movement and to ensure that it contributes meaningfully to changing the attitudes, social norms and practices that enable violence against women.

He also acknowledged the work of faith-based organisations, community organisations, women’s and youth formations, educational institutions, traditional leaders and many other structures that confront gender-based violence every day. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the families of the women who have been brutally killed and whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni that their cases will not be allowed to go cold.

“The state is bringing together its available capabilities to establish what happened and to identify those responsible,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday night.

The country has been rocked by the discovery of the bodies of several women in and around Ekurhuleni in Gauteng. This came after the body of another woman was found in Springs, Gauteng on Sunday. The discovery brought to 11 the number of women’s bodies found in Ekurhuleni since July.

Addressing the nation on the killing of women in and around Ekurhuleni since July, President Ramaphosa said government will continue to provide the public with information as investigations progress without compromising the investigations or the rights of those involved.

“I appeal to members of the public. If you know something, say something. If you have reason to fear that something is wrong, report it immediately. Hours matter. Information matters. A photograph matters. A vehicle registration number matters,” President Ramaphosa said, appealing to community members who might have information on the killing of the women to contact the police.

READ | Violence against women “inhuman”, says President Ramaphosa

He said a message, a telephone call or an observation that seems insignificant may provide the clue investigators need.
Alongside the investigations, police visibility has also increased in Ekurhuleni, with the President saying these operations will continue “as long as they are required”.

“But we must be clear. We cannot police our way out of gender-based violence alone. We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis alone. And we cannot wait until a woman is murdered before the state intervenes.

“Our task must be to prevent the violence before it happens. As a government, we are determined that attention and resources be directed at all parts of the country where women are under siege from gender-based violence,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said since gender-based violence and femicide [GBVF]was classified as a national disaster last year, government has reprioritised resources and strengthened coordination across the criminal justice system and survivor-support services.

The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is now operational and has a responsibility to coordinate and drive the national response.  The inaugural meeting of the Council’s Board was held in Pretoria in August 2026.

READ | Keeping the fight against GBVF alive

“Resources have been allocated to strengthen the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units,” President Ramaphosa said.

In addition, more resources will be allocated by the Minister of Finance in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which will be tabled on 21 October 2026.

Government is also expanding  Sexual Offences Courts, and Thuthuzela Care Centres continue to provide medical, forensic, counselling and legal services to survivors. Shelter services are being expanded, while the processing of DNA and forensic evidence is being strengthened.

The law is also being tightened to make it more difficult for perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV) and domestic abuse to obtain bail.

“Across the country, police stations have established Victim Friendly Services and GBV desks. Police officers continue to receive proactive training on issues related to gender-based violence,” the President said.

He further added that a woman who summons the courage to report abuse must not be turned away from a police station.

“A woman seeking a protection order must not be sent from office to office. A protection order must not become merely a piece of paper while an abuser continues to threaten his victim.

“A forensic sample must not sit unprocessed while a perpetrator remains free. A case must not collapse because a docket has been lost, an investigation has been poorly conducted, or a survivor has been treated without dignity. Where the state fails women, we must hold ourselves accountable and correct those failures,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za 

 

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