Category: MIL-OSI

South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho will next week officially unveil the completed Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

In a significant boost for regional integration and water security, the bridge will be declared ready for use by motorists on 22 April 2026 in Mokhotlong District, Lesotho.

Constructed at a cost of approximately R2.4 billion, the Senqu Bridge is the largest of three major bridges being developed as part of Phase II, alongside the Mabunyane and Khubelu bridges. 

These crossings are designed to ensure continued access across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise following the dam’s completion.

Measuring about 825 metres in length and standing roughly 90 metres high, the Senqu Bridge will provide a vital transport link across the reservoir, maintaining connectivity to the national road network via the A1 route, which links Mokhotlong to Maseru.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the bridge is a “legacy infrastructure asset” that will ensure uninterrupted access to key areas such as Mokhotlong and surrounding communities, even after existing routes are submerged by the Polihali Dam. 

Strengthening a flagship regional project

The Senqu Bridge forms part of the broader LHWP, a multi-phased, treaty-based partnership between South Africa and Lesotho established on 24 October 1986 to address water security, energy generation and socio-economic development.

The project harnesses the Orange–Senqu River system through a network of dams and transfer tunnels, supplying water to South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System, which supports the economic hub of Gauteng. 

At the same time, Lesotho benefits through hydropower generation, infrastructure development and long-term economic opportunities.

Phase II of the project is currently under construction and includes the Polihali Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill structure approximately 165 metres high, as well as a 38-kilometre transfer tunnel that will connect the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Once completed, this phase will increase water supply capacity from 780 million cubic metres per annum to 1 270 million cubic metres per annum, significantly strengthening long-term water security for South Africa.

Engineering achievement and economic impact

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge represents a major engineering accomplishment in one of Southern Africa’s most challenging terrains.

It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho, combining cable-stayed and prestressed girder design, and was constructed using an incremental launching method to improve safety and reduce environmental disruption. 

The project has also delivered tangible economic benefits. It created approximately 250 000 person-days of employment, with a peak workforce of around 1 200 workers, the majority of whom were Basotho. 

In addition, procurement processes were structured to promote inclusivity, with significant expenditure directed towards local enterprises in both countries, including South African black-owned firms.

Phase I: Laying the foundation

Phase I of the LHWP, completed in 2003, laid the foundation for the current expansion. It comprised two sub-phases and included the construction of major infrastructure such as the Katse and Mohale dams, as well as the Muela Hydropower Station.

The Katse Dam, completed in 1997, is one of the highest dams in Africa and serves as the main storage reservoir of the project. It is connected to the Mohale Dam through a transfer tunnel, forming an integrated system that delivers water to South Africa via an extensive network of tunnels.

Phase I currently delivers approximately 780 million cubic metres of water annually to South Africa, significantly enhancing water security for Gauteng and surrounding areas, while enabling Lesotho to generate hydropower and earn revenue through water royalties.

Phase II: Expanding capacity and impact

Phase II, which commenced in 2022 following earlier delays, builds on this foundation and is estimated to cost around R42 billion.

Key components include the construction of the Polihali Dam, a 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam, and the 38-kilometre transfer tunnel linking Polihali to Katse. Additional infrastructure includes bridges, feeder roads, accommodation facilities, power lines and telecommunications.

Once completed, Phase II will increase water transfer to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres per year, raising total supply to approximately 1 270 million cubic metres annually into the Integrated Vaal River System.

Progress on major components is advancing steadily, with the Polihali Dam over 50% complete and tunnelling work nearing the halfway mark.

Build-up event to spotlight tunnel construction

Ahead of the official launch, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources Mohlomi Moleko will on 20 April unveil the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the Polihali construction site.

The TBM is a critical piece of equipment that will be used to drill the 38-kilometre tunnel connecting the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, a central feature of Phase II aimed at increasing water transfer capacity to South Africa.

Advancing regional integration and development

The LHWP continues to stand as a flagship example of regional cooperation, demonstrating how shared natural resources can be managed through rules-based collaboration for mutual benefit.

Through joint governance structures and coordinated implementation, the project reflects a high level of trust and interdependence between South Africa and Lesotho.

As Phase II progresses, infrastructure such as the Senqu Bridge is expected to play a critical role not only in supporting construction and connectivity, but also in enabling long-term development outcomes, including improved mobility, access to services and expanded economic opportunities. 

The launch of the bridge signals continued progress in one of Africa’s most ambitious water infrastructure projects, reinforcing the role of regional partnerships in addressing shared development challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Deputy Director-General Michael Currin has urged government communicators to uphold ethical communication, integrity, honesty and professionalism at all times.

“We are not merely conveyors of information; we are the bridge between government and the citizens we serve,” he said on Friday.

Currin was addressing participants of the Mastering the Art of Government Communication course, hosted jointly by GCIS and the National School of Government at the GCIS head office in Pretoria.

He emphasised that the work of government communicators plays a critical role in shaping public understanding, building trust and supporting effective service delivery.

“We are operating in a time where communication can either stabilise a nation or deepen uncertainty. We have seen this both locally and globally,” Currin said.

He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of misinformation created confusion and, at times, resistance to life-saving interventions.

“False claims about vaccines, treatments, and government interventions circulated widely, demonstrating how quickly unverified information can influence public behaviour.

“On the global stage, we continue to witness how communications shape geopolitical realities. The Russia-Ukraine war is not only being fought on the battlefield but also in the information space where narratives, propaganda and information influence international opinion and police decisions,” Currin said.

Currin explained that the purpose of the programme is to professionalise government communications across all spheres and to equip communicators with the skills and tools needed to navigate complex and often volatile environments.

“It is about strengthening our ability to plan strategically, craft meaningful messages and ensure alignment with broader government priorities. These are not just technical skills, they are essential capabilities that enable us to communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose,” he said.

Currin stressed the importance of recognising the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation.

“As communicators, we carry the responsibility of ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information. This requires us to be proactive, vigilant, and responsive.

“It also calls on us to use platforms effectively to counter false narratives and to build public trust through transparency and consistency,” he said.

Speaking to SAnews, Craig Jansen from the National School of Government (NSG) said the development of the course started in 2021.

“In 2024-25, we ran a pilot programme at the GCIS, and it was successful,” Jansen said.

Four groups have been trained so far.

“To date, we have trained approximately 100 officials in various capacities, these include Media Liaison Officers (MLOs) and Heads of Communication in various government departments. Invitations were extended to managers in the public sector,” Jansen said. 

The programme will be officially launched in May this year by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi. 

It marks a significant milestone in strengthening the government communication system.

It is designed to equip communicators and managers with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively communicate government programmes, achievements, and opportunities to the people of South Africa.

The course also aims to equip communication practitioners and managers in the public sector and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with knowledge, skills and capabilities to foster a service-oriented culture and ethos.

This includes enhancing understanding of communication processes in government, producing useful information about departmental operations, encouraging professional, honest, and considerate behaviour, and implementing government policies and programmes to improve service delivery. 

The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems. – SAnews.gov.za

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect or suspects involved in a quadruple murder that took place in Walmer in the early hours of Friday.

Police officers responded to a shooting complaint at approximately 12:34am on Friday via radio control.

According to the police, upon arrival at a residence on Ndlovu Street in Airport Valley, Walmer, officers were met by the complainant outside the premises, who led them to a shack on the property. 

Inside the shack, police discovered the bodies of four victims who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. They were two brothers, aged 20 and 22, as well as two young women aged 19 and 17.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect or suspects involved and investigations are ongoing.

Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha has strongly condemned the incident, describing the killings as a “heinous crime”.

“We are confident that the police will find and arrest the perpetrator(s) linked to this heinous crime. We urge all community members to collaborate with the police and other law enforcement agencies to support the collective efforts to eradicate crime in the Nelson Mandela District. We believe that strong collaboration is essential for this initiative to succeed,” Nqatha said.

Four linked to mob justice arrested 

Meanwhile, Nqatha commended police in the OR Tambo District for progress in a case involving mob justice.
Four suspects were arrested in connection with an incident in Empa Locality in Bityi last week, where three men accused of stealing electricity cables were allegedly attacked by a group of community members.

The arrest comes after an angry mob accused three African males of stealing electricity cables in the area. The victims were then assaulted and set alight on the roadside.

Police have indicated that further arrests are expected as investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, the European Commission and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have announced a landmark financing partnership to support Biovac in building Africa’s first end-to-end multi-vaccine manufacturing facility in South Africa.

The project is aimed at strengthening Africa’s health security, expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity on the continent and improving access to essential immunisations. 

It is backed by a €75 million quasi-equity investment from the EIB Group, which has also helped unlock an additional $20 million senior loan through an IFC-led financing package, with further mobilisation of funding underway.

The investment is supported by a European Commission guarantee under the Human Development Accelerator programme, part of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. 

It also contributes to the Team Europe initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa.

The new facility, expected to be completed by 2028, will initially manufacture oral cholera vaccines before expanding production to include vaccines for polio, pneumonia and meningitis. 

Once operational, the site is expected to produce between 30 million and 40 million doses annually.

Biovac Chief Executive Officer Morena Makhoana said the new facility would secure reliable vaccine supply for Africa while building skills, expanding technology transfer and driving vaccine innovation.

The partners said the plant could help close around 40% of the global cholera vaccine supply gap while supplying regional markets through procurement channels such as UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The project is also expected to create more than 340 skilled jobs and around 7 000 indirect jobs, while promoting technology transfer, innovation and long-term health resilience across the continent.

EIB President Nadia Calviño said the project would help save lives by protecting millions of children from serious diseases and equipping African scientists and health workers to support their own communities.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela described the investment as an example of the Global Gateway strategy in action, combining health sovereignty with economic development.

IFC Regional Vice President for Africa Ethiopis Tafara said building local manufacturing capacity was both a development priority and a strategic investment in resilience.

The initiative also supports the African Union’s Vision 2040 target of achieving 60% local vaccine production and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health, economic growth, industry and partnerships. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with the City of Matlosana, hosted a housing hand over ceremony for military veterans on Friday.

The programme began with a briefing session at the City Council Committee Room. 

The Executive Mayor of the City of Matlosana, Fikile Mahlophe, officially opened the session, welcoming delegates, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.

He highlighted that the hand over was proof that when all spheres of government work together, the dignity of the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom can be restored. 

The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi, in his remarks emphasised the department’s commitment to restoring the dignity of military veterans through the provision of housing. 

He reaffirmed government’s pledge to prioritise those who served the country and highlighted the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in accelerating housing delivery.

Acting Speaker of Council, Lebohang Itebogeng, reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between government entities to ensure sustainable service delivery. 

Following the briefing session, dignitaries, officials and veterans proceeded to Jouberton Extensions 31 and 34, where seven houses were officially handed over to military veterans.

The hand over forms part of the ongoing Military Veterans Housing Programme, which aims to provide adequate shelter to qualifying military veterans across the North West Province. – SAnews.gov.za