Category: MIL-OSI

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has called for increased investment in disaster prevention and preparedness to protect communities from the growing impact of climate change and other hazards.

The call was made during the two-day national commemoration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), which commenced in Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and strategic stakeholders, is hosting the event, which brings together approximately 500 participants from government, municipalities, traditional leadership, academia, civil society, humanitarian organisations and the private sector.

Speaking on the first day of the commemoration, CoGTA Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana said resilience must be built before disasters occur.

“Resilience begins when households and communities understand risks, participate in planning processes and take action to reduce vulnerabilities.”

Tshangana stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning, service delivery and infrastructure investment, while strengthening early warning systems, municipal capacity, and community participation.

He also called for closer alignment between climate action and disaster risk reduction, with greater emphasis on prevention and preparedness investment, rather than responding only after disasters had occurred.

“Let us move from knowing risk to managing risk, from warning to early action, and from response to prevention. Together, we can build communities that are safer, stronger and more resilient,” he said.

Head of the NDMC, Dr Elias Sithole, called for stronger efforts to build South Africa’s resilience to disasters, climate change, and growing vulnerabilities.

“Resilience is the ability of communities, institutions and systems to anticipate risks, reduce vulnerabilities and recover in ways that support sustainable development,” Sithole said.

He noted that climate change, urbanisation and ageing infrastructure continue to increase disaster risks, placing local government at the forefront of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and recovery.

“Municipalities remain at the forefront of building resilient communities. Strengthening local capacity, early warning systems and investment in prevention remains critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and development gains,” he said.

The 2026 commemoration is being held under the theme: “Resilience starts at home: Building Resilient Communities Through Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action”.

The theme highlights the importance of empowering households and communities to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, particularly as climate variability, environmental degradation and socio-economic vulnerabilities intensify existing risks.

Observed annually on 13 October, International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction promotes public awareness of disaster risks and encourages action to strengthen preparedness and build resilient communities.

The commemoration comes amid growing risks associated with floods, droughts, veld fires, severe storms and extreme temperatures, which continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic activity.

The national programme includes a technical practitioners’ session on Tuesday, followed by the political commemoration on Wednesday, which will be led by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

The event also seeks to strengthen collaboration between government, communities, academia, civil society and the private sector in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Disaster Management Act of 2002 and the National Disaster Management Framework.

The theme also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements, as well as the New Urban Agenda’s commitment to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.

Organisers expect the commemoration to strengthen public understanding of disaster and climate risks, promote inclusive participation in disaster risk reduction initiatives and reinforce the role of household preparedness, early warning systems and community action in protecting lives and livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

8

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Service Delivery, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will conduct an outreach visit to eDumbe in KwaZulu-Natal this Friday, 16 October.

The integrated programme is aimed at addressing persistent challenges faced by the community in that area.

Challenges faced include issues relating to water provision, human settlements, environmental and waste management, community facilities, public safety, land rights and local economic development.

“Since the challenges cut across multiple government mandates and require coordinated intervention across national, provincial, district and local government, the IMC outreach visit, therefore, seeks to bring the relevant institutions together around priority challenges and accelerate implementation.

“Deputy President Mashatile has, to this effect, delegated a number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers to lead various aspects of the outreach visit, turning it from a once-off engagement into a coordinated implementation process focused on measurable outcomes, clear institutional responsibilities and sustained follow-through by the relevant departments,” a joint statement of the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) stated.

The programme will include visits to various projects by Ministers, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, the District Development Model Champion of the area, Deputy Ministers and other stakeholder leaders and will provide an opportunity to “assess implementation on the ground, identify outstanding constraints and facilitate practical solutions with the responsible institutions”.

“Projects to be visited include eDumbe Dam; a Clean Cities Campaign project; Services SETA-funded Dan Nkosi Skills Development Centre; Kanyekanye High School; Mpunzi Water Project; eDumbe Community Health Centre, and the Ophuzane Housing Project,” the statement said. 

The visit will culminate in a community engagement programme to ensure that government’s work remains responsive to the lived experiences and priorities of communities in eDumbe.

“A handover by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development of a number of Title Deeds and various portions of land to labour tenants and other beneficiaries from the community of eDumbe and Abaqulusi Local Municipalities will take place at the community engagement,” the statement read.

The community engagement will start at 12 pm at the Bilanyoni Sportsfield. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The five suspects arrested following the discovery of a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp, have appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of manufacturing and dealing in illicit drugs. 

“Their appearance [on Monday] is subsequent to their arrest last week after a multimillion rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory was uncovered at a farm near Krugersdorp, Gauteng.

“The clandestine laboratory, worth an estimated R100 million, was uncovered through a multidisciplinary operation led by the South African Narcotics Bureau of the Hawks, working in collaboration with SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 unit,” the police said on Monday.

Police discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory.

The five will return to the same court on 21 October 2026 for formal bail application. – SAnews.gov.za

9

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has welcomed an Equality Court judgment against Gqeberha businessman, Dawood Lagardien, describing it as an important affirmation of constitutional rights to equality, dignity and protection against discrimination.

This comes after the court found Lagardien guilty of hate speech for displaying a discriminatory sign barring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people from his shop.

The court ordered Lagardien, owner of La Gardi Plastics and Baking Requirements in Parkside, to pay R200 000 in damages to a non-governmental organisation to be identified by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The matter has also been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal investigation.

The case stems from a sign displayed outside Lagardien’s business in 2023, stating that LGBTQIA+ people were not welcomed in the shop. Lagardien also established a WhatsApp group containing harmful and threatening messages directed at the LGBTQIA+ community.

The CGE was the second applicant in the proceedings, joining the case to support efforts to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

In a statement on Tuesday, the commission said the judgment represents an important affirmation of the constitutional commitment to equality, dignity and protection against discrimination.

“For the CGE, this judgment is significant beyond the circumstances of the case. It reinforces the constitutional promise that every person is entitled to equal protection and equal benefit of the law, and that no person should be subjected to discrimination or diminished dignity because of who they are,” CGE spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, said.

Baloyi emphasised that respect for diversity of belief and expression must go hand in hand with a commitment to equality, dignity and non-discrimination.

“The protection of one constitutional right cannot become a licence to undermine the rights of another person.”

The commission has called for continued vigilance against discrimination, exclusion and intolerance directed at LGBTQIA+ people and other groups, whose rights and dignity remain vulnerable to prejudice.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to using its constitutional and statutory mandate to advance gender equality, challenge discriminatory practices, and contribute towards a society in which every person can live with dignity, equality and respect. – SAnews.gov.za
 

0

KwaZulu-Natal is positioning itself to attract investment and create jobs in the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, as South Africa’s automotive industry transitions towards cleaner transport technologies.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed a convoy of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct in Durban on Sunday, ahead of South African Auto Week and the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference.

The events are taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 to 16 October 2026.

The convoy, which travelled to Durban from various provinces, forms part of the Escaping the Noise 3.0 NEV Road Trip initiative, which also brought together participants from Gqeberha, KuGompo and Cape Town.

Ntuli said the shift towards cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicles is becoming increasingly important as households and businesses continue to face pressure from high fuel and transport costs.

“Electric vehicles offer an alternative mobility option, while contributing towards efforts to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and promoting a cleaner environment,” Ntuli said.

The Premier highlighted the potential economic opportunities associated with the emerging new-energy vehicle sector, including investment, industrial development, skills creation and employment opportunities.

He said the province remains committed to positioning itself to benefit from changes in the automotive industry and the broader transition towards cleaner transport technologies.

“The automotive sector remains an important contributor to economic activity, manufacturing and employment, and the growth of new-energy technologies presents further opportunities for innovation and investment,” Ntuli said.

The arrival of the convoy ahead of South African Auto Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the future of mobility and the need for South Africa to prepare for technological changes affecting vehicle manufacturing, transport, and energy consumption.

Ntuli emphasised that the transition towards new-energy vehicles must also support economic development and ensure that opportunities created by emerging industries benefit South Africans.

Building a climate-resilient economy

Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality said the NEV initiative aligned with its vision of building a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy, while strengthening local industries.

The Deputy Head of the municipality’s Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, said developing local suppliers and manufacturers within the automotive value chain will contribute significantly to expanding the city’s manufacturing sector.

“Highlighting these new energy initiatives creates an important platform to review and elevate our automotive performance, reinforcing our commitment to building a stable, competitive and sustainable future,” Rathiyaya said.

He added that South African Auto Week and the Investment Conference will shine a global spotlight on eThekwini’s robust automotive manufacturing capabilities and attract investment.

“The municipality boasts a world-class automotive hub, and we are fully geared to attract high-value investments, localise sustainable supply chains, and generate vital green jobs for our communities.

“The eThekwini Municipality is open for business and ready to drive the next chapter of automotive innovation. We invite delegates, investors and automotive pioneers to explore the massive potential our region offers during this historic week,” Rathiyaya said.

The events bring together government, industry stakeholders and investors to explore opportunities in the automotive sector, including the development of sustainable supply chains and new-energy mobility technologies. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The Border Management Authority (BMA) is set to launch a system designed to clamp down on cross-border vehicle theft. 

The Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, will on Sunday unveil their latest digital transformation initiative, the Vehicle Targeting System (VTS), at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Komatipoort. 

The VTS is a joint initiative of the BMA and the International Vehicle Identification Desk, established under a Memorandum of Understanding and executed under the BMA’s mandate, in terms of the Border Management Authority Act 2 of 2020.

“In light of vehicle theft and cross-border vehicle smuggling, the objective of the VTS is to replace indiscriminate manual inspection of vehicles with intelligence-led selection to enable officers to intervene where data points to, rather than at random. 

“As part of its digital transformation journey, the BMA is moving away from mundane, inefficient and repetitive random checks to intelligence-led and technology-driven targeted interceptions to enhance national security and combat cross-border vehicle smuggling,” the BMA said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will join Naamsa (the Automotive Business Council) and the KwaZulu-Natal government to commemorate Auto Week at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 -16 October 2026. 

This is the 5th annual session, bringing together industry, government, investors and other critical players for a dialogue on policy, sector trends, electric vehicles (NEVs), manufacturing, and economic growth. 

This year’s Auto Week is being held under the theme: “Transforming Tomorrow Today. Resetting Policy. Advancing the Energy Transition. Driving Investment & Inclusive Growth.”

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau will participate in various segments of the three-day programme, one of them being a round table discussion on barriers to supplier participation and agreeing on collaborative interventions to accelerate transformation.

SA Auto Week 2026 brings together leaders from logistics, trade and investment, and industrial development for “Investment and Industrial Competitiveness | Infrastructure, Energy and Logistics as Investment Enablers.”

Naamsa is South Africa’s Automotive Business Council, representing manufacturers, importers, and distributors across the automotive value chain. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0