Category: MIL-OSI

The North West province has recorded no new cases of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) over the past week for the first time since December 2025.

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said the development signals a positive shift in the province’s fight against the disease and provides encouragement that the intensified vaccination and disease-control interventions are beginning to yield results.

The province has been implementing a mass FMD vaccination programme across all four districts and 18 local municipalities, as part of broader national efforts to contain the disease and protect the provincial livestock sector.

To date, the province has received 1 570 100 doses of FMD vaccines, of which 1 413 859 animals have been vaccinated.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha welcomed the latest development but urged farmers and livestock owners to remain vigilant and continue implementing strict biosecurity measures.

“The fact that we have gone a full week without recording a new case of Foot-and-Mouth Disease is encouraging and demonstrates the progress we are making through our collective efforts. However, we must remain vigilant,” Sambatha said.

The MEC emphasised that while vaccination remains an important component of the province’s response, it needs to be complemented by responsible livestock management and adherence to disease-control measures.

The department is expected to begin booster vaccinations in September in areas where animals have already received their initial vaccinations.

This will be undertaken alongside continued efforts to identify and vaccinate animals in areas that have not yet been reached by the vaccination programme.

The department urged farmers and livestock owners to report suspected cases immediately to veterinary authorities to support early detection and containment.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with farmers, organised agriculture, municipalities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen disease surveillance, expand vaccination coverage and improve compliance with disease-control measures. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says protection of women in sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, hospitality and retail must remain a departmental priority.

“The National Minimum Wage remains a critical protection for sectors where women are concentrated, domestic work, agriculture, hospitality, retail, and its enforcement, not merely its existence, must remain a departmental priority.

“Our national unemployment rate stood at 33.6% in the second quarter of this year, the highest in several years, with women and young people carrying the heaviest share of that burden. The cost of living continues to erode the value of every wage packet, and that pressure falls hardest on households headed by women,” Meth said.

The Minister was speaking on Monday evening during the Women’s Leadership Reception marking the closure of Women’s Month held at Birchwood Hotel in Kempton Park. 

Held under the theme: “Connecting People. Inspiring Leaders. Transforming Generations”, the gathering brought together distinguished women leaders and emerging young leaders from government, academia, business, politics, civil society and the international community.

The event provided a platform for intergenerational dialogue on women’s participation in the labour market, employment creation, entrepreneurship, the future of work and workplace protection.

Meth said a significant proportion of economically active women in South Africa work in the informal economy, largely outside the reach of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), the Compensation Fund and other protections delivered by the Department of Employment and Labour.

“Bringing that economy into the fold of protection and support, rather than treating it as someone else’s problem, has to be part of how we measure progress. The just energy transition, digitisation and the green economy will create the jobs of the next decade, and government’s own procurement targets for women owned enterprises will only mean something if the pipeline of capable, financed women owned businesses exists to fill them”, Meth said.

The Minister said the 26th Commission for Employment Equity Annual Report confirmed that the country’s labour market remains hierarchical along race, gender and disability, with inequalities hardening at senior and top management levels where institutional power sits.

She said Black women remain concentrated in lower to middle levels of management, while persons with disabilities make up only 1,3% of the workforce overall.

“South Africa does not have a shortage of talented women; we have a conversion problem, one that plays out in promotion, succession planning, mentorship, remuneration, procurement and, ultimately, ownership,” she emphasised.

The event sought to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration and mentorship, while creating pathways to opportunity for the next generation.

Meth’s remarks came as the National Minimum Wage Commission recently invited public comments to inform the 2027 adjustment.

The current National Minimum Wage is fixed at R30,23 per hour worked. – SAnews.gov.za

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A 37-year-old man has appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to face multiple charges arising from allegations relating to the procurement of medical supplies and equipment at Tembisa Hospital.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Stefan Joel Govindraju, faces charges including fraud, theft, money laundering and corruption-related offences following his arrest over the weekend.

“It is alleged that, between January 2020 and April 2023, Govindraju was the beneficial owner of numerous companies that were used to secure procurement contracts from Tembisa Hospital and the Gauteng Department of Health [GDoH].

“The State alleges that the accused engaged in, among others, fronting practices and cover quoting, thereby creating the false impression that procurement processes were fair, transparent and competitive.

“It is further alleged that fraudulent and non-compliant documents were submitted in support of quotations and that certain entities received payments for services and goods that were allegedly not legitimately rendered or delivered,” the NPA said.

The prosecutorial body further alleges that the conduct caused “prejudice of approximately over R583 million” to be suffered by the GDoH, the Tembisa Hospital, National Treasury and “ultimately, the citizens of South Africa”.

“The… State further alleges that the accused paid gratification totalling over R41 million to officials who were employed at Tembisa Hospital in exchange for their intervention in procurement and supply chain management processes.

“During the bail proceedings, the court ruled that the accused bore the onus of satisfying the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail. The court subsequently granted Govindraju bail of R200 000, subject to conditions.

“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability in cases involving the alleged abuse of public procurement processes and the misappropriation of public funds,” the NPA stated.

The matter has been postponed to 29 September. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Social Development has called for stronger prevention, early intervention and community action to address substance-related harm, as South Africa marked International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday.

Observed annually on 31 August, this year’s commemoration was held under the global theme: “25 Years On. Still Needed”, highlighting the continued impact of overdose on individuals, families and communities.

The department marked the day at Galeshewe Recreational Hall in Kimberley, bringing together government stakeholders, communities, young people, service providers and civil society partners to strengthen awareness and promote practical action around substance use and overdose.

The campaign was guided by the message: “Prevent. Recognise. Respond. Recover.” 

The department said overdose remains a serious challenge and requires sustained prevention, early intervention, access to appropriate services and collective action across society.

“The Department recognises that substance-use challenges cannot be addressed through awareness campaigns alone. They require a coordinated response that brings together social development, health, law enforcement, education, municipalities, community organisations, families and other stakeholders,” it said.

Government interventions include prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial and family support, community mobilisation and referrals to appropriate services.

The Department of Social Development plays a key role in strengthening prevention and support interventions while working with partners across government and civil society to ensure that people and families affected by substance use can access assistance.

Focus on young people

The national response places particular emphasis on young people and communities, with the department stressing that prevention needs to begin early.

It said young people need supportive environments, positive alternatives and access to information and services.

Programmes involving social workers, community-based organisations, youth initiatives, schools and other stakeholders provide opportunities to identify risks early, support affected individuals and families, and connect people to appropriate assistance.

The department said it would continue working with the Department of Health, SAPS, municipalities, educators, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, NGOs and other partners to strengthen an integrated response to substance-related harms.

Tackling stigma

International Overdose Awareness Day also provided an opportunity to address misinformation and stigma surrounding substance use.

The department said communities need to understand the risks associated with substance use, recognise potential warning signs and know where to seek professional assistance.

At the same time, people affected by substance use should be treated with dignity and compassion.

“We must move away from judgement and towards support, early intervention and recovery,” the department said.

It called on families, educators, community leaders, young people and community organisations to create spaces where substance-use challenges can be discussed openly and responsibly.

Families were also urged to play an active role in prevention, as substance use can have social, emotional and economic consequences extending beyond the individual.

“Supporting families, strengthening communication and ensuring that people know where to obtain assistance are therefore essential components of prevention,” the department said.

Seek help early

People concerned about their own substance use, or that of a family member or someone in their community, were encouraged to seek assistance from appropriate health and social development services.

The department said people can approach Department of Social Development offices, social workers, relevant health services and recognised service providers for assessment, referral and support.

Families and community members were also encouraged to seek professional assistance early, particularly where there are concerns about escalating substance use, dependence or other substance-related risks.

The department cautioned that information relating to emergency or clinical responses to suspected overdose should be obtained from appropriately qualified health professionals.

As it commemorated 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day, the department called on all sectors of society to take responsibility for building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

It called on parents and caregivers to talk to young people about substance use and its risks, while schools and educators were urged to strengthen prevention and early identification.

Community and faith-based organisations were encouraged to support families and promote recovery, while young people were urged to participate in positive prevention initiatives and support their peers.

“The fight against substance-related harm is not the responsibility of one department or one sector. It is a collective responsibility,” the department said.

The department encouraged communities to use International Overdose Awareness Day not only to remember lives lost, but also to strengthen prevention, encourage people to seek help and support those on the journey towards recovery.

“Twenty five years on. Awareness is still needed. Awareness creates understanding. Understanding strengthens prevention. Prevention can save lives,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The new Cornubia Business Park, located north of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, is expected to create thousands of jobs as the R200 million first phase of the development nears completion.

About 300 construction jobs have already been created through the development, with a further 100 permanent jobs expected when the first phase is completed in December this year.

The second phase, scheduled to begin next year, is expected to create close to 2 000 sustainable jobs.

eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba conducted an oversight visit to the development on Monday, accompanied by Fundamentum CEO Carlos Correia, the developer, and the municipality’s senior management team, led by the Chief Operations Officer Thando Mkhize.

The first phase, which includes retail stores by international home improvement retailer Leroy Merlin, is expected to be completed in December, with the stores scheduled to open to the public on 16 December 2026.

The next phases will include the development of the Emeris Campus, which is expected to accommodate approximately 8 000 students, as well as commercial properties.

The current and planned investments in the Cornubia precinct exceed R2.1 billion, while approximately R500 million has already been committed to infrastructure in the precinct and the Leroy Merlin development.

Xaba welcomed Fundamentum’s continued investment in eThekwini, noting that the company already has assets worth more than R8 billion in the municipality, including Westown Square in Shongweni, Bridge City Mall in KwaMashu and Midway Crossing Mall in Newlands West.

“We are excited that the investment being driven by Fundamentum in the Cornubia Business Park is a strong demonstration of private-sector confidence in our city and in the future of Cornubia,” Xaba said.

Xaba said the investments are significant not only for their financial value, but also for their potential to stimulate construction activity, employment opportunities, attract new businesses, and expand economic opportunities for the people of eThekwini.

“This is precisely the type of investment-led development that we want to encourage across our city,” the mayor said.

Xaba said the development also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in unlocking economic opportunities and supporting sustainable growth in eThekwini. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System will go into recess from Thursday 3 September 2026 to 11 September 2026, with the last day of public hearings this week expected to be on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

The commission, commonly referred to as the Madlanga Commission, is expected to file its final report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 16 November 2026, instead of the end of August after the reporting deadline was extended.

“The recess, for seven (7) working days, is necessary to ensure that two of the Commissioners honour commitments which they made at the time when the Commission was due to have completed its work by 31 August 2026. The Commission’s deadline has since been extended.

“The Commission’s senior functionaries and extended team will continue to work during the recess, preparing for the public hearings which resume on Monday 14 September 2026,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.

The Commission was established to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025, relating to criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Two interim reports have already been submitted to President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

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