Category: MIL-OSI

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has detailed government’s ongoing interventions and programmes that are being implemented to ensure that small-scale farmers receive support.

The Deputy President was responding to questions for oral reply in Parliament on Thursday.

He explained that through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme and other programmes, government is subsidising small holder farmers through the provision of fertiliser, seeds and production inputs.

WATCH | Question and Answer Session
 

Financial support is also being provided.

“This is complimented by infrastructure support such as fencing, irrigation systems, boreholes and mechanisation ensuring that farmers can sustain productivity even under rising input costs.

“In partnership with the Land and Agricultural Development Bank and other development finance institutions, blended finance instruments are also being expanded to cushion farmers against market volatility and to strengthen their access to affordable credit,” he said.

Furthermore, the Agriculture Department, together with the Perishable Products Export Board are assisting these farmers with support towards “meeting the food safety and health requirements required by retail markets”.

“Support is sourced from statutory levies authorised by the Minister of Agriculture [John Steenhuisen] with a commitment that at least 20% of these levies is dedicated to fostering transformation.

“These initiatives aim to integrate more small holder farmers into various agricultural value chains,” Mashatile explained.

The local production of fertiliser is also being explored and ramped up to “reduce dependency on imported inputs” as well as the promotion of sustainable farming.

“Extension and advisory services play a key role here, transferring knowledge on sustainable soil management, water efficient irrigation and low input farming practices.

“In addition, the small holder empowerment programme implemented in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency is guiding farmers towards market-led production, helping them meet food safety and health requirements for retail markets and integrating them into agricultural value chains,” the Deputy President said.

He emphasised that government’s efforts are aimed at protecting and enhancing the sustainability and profitability of small-scale farmers by “providing access to markets, finance, resources and technology”.

“As government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting their viability and resilience, recognising that small-scale farmers are indeed the foundation of food security in our nation,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a bus on the R39 between Standerton and Morgenzon in Mpumalanga has claimed the lives of ten people, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) confirmed on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the RTMC, the crash occurred at approximately 05:15 on Thursday. 

All ten fatalities were occupants of the minibus taxi, including the driver. The deceased comprise nine men and one woman.

Two other people sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment, while the bus driver suffered minor injuries. One passenger travelling on the bus escaped unharmed.

Authorities said the taxi had been travelling from Morgenzon towards Standerton at the time of the crash, while the bus was travelling in the opposite direction.

Investigations into the cause of the collision are underway.

Misty conditions were reported in the area at the time of the crash, which may have reduced visibility on the road. However, reckless or negligent driving has not been ruled out.

“The RTMC extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic crash. We wish the injured a speedy and full recovery,” the corporation said.

It urged all road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly during early morning travel, and to obey all traffic laws to help prevent further loss of life.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a swift recovery. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has assured residents of Vredenburg and surrounding communities that government remains committed to supporting the families affected by severe weather conditions in the Western Cape.

Speaking in Vredenburg on Thursday, Mhlauli said government was intensifying relief efforts in affected areas, following torrential rain, flooding and freezing temperatures.

Addressing community leaders, residents, representatives of the Al Imdaad Foundation and members of the media, Mhlauli said the disaster had damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and left many vulnerable families uncertain about the future.

“When disaster strikes, it is often the poorest and most vulnerable who are affected the most,” she said, adding that the loss of essentials such as shelter, food, school uniforms and household items posed a serious setback for struggling households.

Mhlauli said government was working with the National Disaster Management Centre, provincial and local governments and community-based organisations to mobilise resources for immediate relief and longer-term recovery support.

As part of the intervention, relief packages and essential supplies were handed over to affected residents in partnership with the Al Imdaad Foundation.

She praised the organisation for its contribution to the relief programme, describing its support as “a powerful expression of ubuntu”.

“This initiative demonstrates an important truth: when government and civil society work together, we can respond more quickly, more effectively, and with greater compassion,” she said.

Mhlauli also reflected on South Africa’s democratic milestones, noting that 2026 marks 30 years of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and 30 years of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the country’s social assistance system.

She said the Constitution remained the foundation of democracy, guaranteeing rights including housing, healthcare, education, social security and access to information, while placing a responsibility on government to improve citizens’ quality of life.

“Our Constitution is more than a legal document. It is a living covenant between the people and the state,” she said.

Mhlauli also highlighted the role of social grants in reducing inequality and supporting vulnerable households over the past three decades.

“For many households, a social grant is the difference between hunger and a meal, between despair and hope,” she said.

Mhlauli assured the people of Vredenburg and the wider West Coast that government would continue working to rebuild homes, restore livelihoods and strengthen communities against future challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

The Western Cape Provincial Government has welcomed the classification of a provincial disaster following severe weather conditions that affected large parts of the province between 10 and 14 May 2026.

The classification forms part of a process led by the National Disaster Management Centre towards the formal declaration of a disaster, which is expected to unlock additional funding for emergency response and recovery efforts.

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, chaired a Provincial Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, where the impact of the recent storms and flooding dominated discussions.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, attended the meeting and engaged with the council on the ongoing disaster response and recovery operations.

READ | Western Cape agriculture sector assesses damage after severe weather

Winde stressed the importance of ensuring that funding is made available urgently to support affected communities, restore damaged infrastructure, and strengthen resilience against future disasters.

“These kinds of disasters are becoming more frequent and more destructive. We need a new approach from national government that prioritises proactive budgeting and futureproofing of public infrastructure.

“The Western Cape remains committed to investing in resilience, preparedness and protecting our residents, but we need national support to move faster and respond more effectively,” the Premier said.

Hlabisa commended the provincial government for its leadership and proactive response to the severe weather conditions and assured the province of continued support from national government wherever possible.

The Executive Council meeting noted that the provincial response has now shifted toward ongoing humanitarian relief, the repair of critical infrastructure, and the restoration of essential services.

Electricity restoration 

Representatives from Eskom informed the council that electricity supply had already been restored to 72% of the areas affected by the severe weather.

Restoration teams remain on the ground and continue working to reconnect remaining communities as quickly and safely as possible.

The council also expressed its gratitude to disaster management teams, including municipalities, emergency services personnel, humanitarian organisations, volunteers, businesses, and residents for assisting affected communities during the crisis.

“The response from communities across the Western Cape has once again demonstrated the strength, compassion and resilience of our province. We thank every individual and organisation who stepped up to help those in need,” Winde said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

While welcoming the drop in food inflation to its lowest level in 14 months, Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has warned that soaring fuel prices are threatening South Africa’s agricultural sector.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday, showed that annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation eased to 2.9% in April 2026, down from 3.6% in March.

The decline marks the third consecutive month of easing food inflation, providing some relief for consumers struggling with the cost of living.

However, the easing in food inflation coincided with a sharp increase in fuel costs.

READ | Price of petrol and diesel to increase from Wednesday

According to the CPI data, the national fuel index rose by 18.2% in April compared with March — the steepest single-month increase since the current CPI series began in 2008.

Petrol prices increased by 15.2%, with inland 93-octane petrol rising from R20.19 to R23.25 per litre.
Diesel prices surged by 35.4%, climbing from R21.28 to R28.80 per litre.

Steenhuisen said diesel remained one of the most critical production inputs for farmers.

“Fuel, primarily diesel, is a crucial input for South African farmers, typically accounting for 11% to 18% of total production and logistics costs. With farmers being price takers, they struggle to pass these high energy costs onto consumers, putting pressure on profit margins across grain, fruit, and livestock sectors,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister warned that instability in global oil markets linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East could worsen the situation later this year.

“It [also] needs to be noted that the global oil markets might remain volatile for some time, caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. If these tensions trigger further fuel price increases later in the year, production and logistical costs will rise. This creates an uncertain outlook where domestic progress on food inflation could be reversed by global shocks.”

Meat and grain prices ease

Despite pressure from fuel costs, several food categories recorded slower inflation or continued deflation during April.

Meat inflation slowed from 11.6% in March to 9.4% in April, partly due to increased cattle slaughter linked to national Foot-and-Mouth Disease management measures.

Beef mince inflation slowed from 22.2% to 15.3%, while stewing beef inflation declined sharply from 22.6% to 8.7%.

The grains and cereals category recorded its third consecutive month of deflation, with products such as maize meal, white rice, basmati rice, porridge, and bread flour all cheaper than a year ago.

Milk, dairy and eggs shifted to a marginal annual increase of 0.1% in April, compared with -0.5% in March, marking the category’s first annual increase since May 2025.

However, powdered milk and eggs remained in deflation at -3.4% and -5.8% respectively.

The Department of Agriculture said it will continue working with agricultural bodies, logistics networks and state resources to identify mechanisms to ease input costs for farmers.

“Protecting producers from global energy shocks is necessary for long-term national food security,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za