Category: South Africa Government

In the quiet rural village of Ezindophi in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMlalazi Local Municipality, a group of determined women are rewriting the story of hardship into one of hope, dignity and opportunity.

What began as a small collective of five community members in 2005 has grown into the Qalekhaya Shining Star Cooperative (QSSC), a thriving, women-led enterprise changing lives through skills development, job creation, and social support.

Founded with a vision to tackle poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence (GBV), the cooperative has become a lifeline for many women and young people in the area, particularly those with limited access to economic opportunities.

Today, QSSC’s activities range from clothing and furniture manufacturing to food security initiatives. At its core, however, is a commitment to uplifting unemployed women, including survivors of GBV, by equipping them with practical skills and a path to financial independence.

With support from the National Development Agency (NDA), the cooperative has steadily expanded its reach and impact. Funding in 2021 enabled the purchase of essential equipment, including a generator that keeps operations running even during power disruptions. It also boosted production of school desks, benches and coffins supplied to local schools and communities.

But beyond production, the cooperative’s true impact is felt in households.

Through an NDA-supported volunteer programme, QSSC introduced the One-Home-One-Garden Project, encouraging families to grow their own food and improve household nutrition. This initiative later evolved into Shining Star Community Development, which tackles GBV and other social challenges at grassroots level.

More recently, additional support for sewing equipment has opened new doors for women rebuilding their lives after abuse. The programme offers training, mentorship and enterprise development, turning vulnerability into empowerment.

For beneficiaries like Phumzile Khoza, the change has been life-altering.

“I have successfully completed the sewing programme. I can now make full garments and have started helping other women reach my level. I am able to earn an income for myself,” she said.

Her story is one of many emerging from the cooperative, stories of resilience, growth, and renewed purpose.

During a recent oversight visit, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe described the initiative as proof of what is possible when rural communities are supported.

“We have not only heard but seen that when rural women and youth are given the right tools and support, they can build sustainable enterprises that change entire communities,” she said.

The Minister also stressed the importance of accountability in the use of public funds and called for successful models like QSSC to be replicated across the country.

Recognised by local authorities as a high-performing initiative, the cooperative continues to grow through partnerships with government departments and organisations, including KZN Wildlife, Department of Rural Development, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and Social Development.

For the women of Ezindophi, QSSC is more than a project, it is a symbol of what can happen when opportunity meets determination. In a place once defined by scarcity, it now stands as a beacon of possibility. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The impact of technology and rising uptake of social media are making an indelible mark on the landscape of journalism, shifting South African audiences from passive consumers to active participants in the news cycle.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong on Wednesday said audiences are developing new “news habits” that are transforming the role of journalists and media institutions.

“The good deal of what we know about our world, we know because of journalism,” Morolong said.

Speaking at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Funders’ Breakfast in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, Morolong said technology, smarter phones and faster internet — coupled with the rise of multinational social media platforms — pull audiences away from local content and shrink revenue streams for news organisations.

“Audiences are also increasingly involved in both curating media for sharing and in commenting, or in other ways augmenting the media they share,” he said.

He warned that digital news consumption, particularly via mobile phones and social media, is fragmenting audiences, weakening traditional income sources.

Printed newspapers — from community titles to established publications — are closing or scaling down at a considerable pace, while community publishers are increasingly struggling to survive.

“While South African news organisations are developing some new business models and income streams that might sustain independent news journalism into the future, this is not happening fast enough or across enough platforms to forestall a likely decline in media diversity, despite the affordances of mobile Internet,” Morolong said.

In the midst of these challenges, Morolong acknowledged the role of funders and partners in keeping community media alive.

“… [Let me extend] government’s deep appreciation for the vital role you play in building a vibrant and sustainable community media landscape.

“Today, we recognise your unwavering commitment and acknowledge the critical role that you, our funders and partners, have made in advancing media development and diversity in our nation.”

He emphasised that while the MDDA often measures its success through the number of community stations supported, the voices amplified and the reach achieved, the true foundation of that impact is anchored in partnerships.

“Behind every one of those measures lies a simple truth — none of it would be possible without partnerships,” he said.

The MDDA is a South African statutory body established in 2003 (Act No. 14 of 2002) to promote media development and diversity. It provides grant funding, training and research support to community and small commercial media, fostering a vibrant, innovative, sustainable, and people-centered sector, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.

Changing times

Morolong highlighted the financial strain facing the community media csector, noting that the MDDA relies on limited public funds, which must be spread across many beneficiaries.

As a result, many community media outlets operate on tight margins, grappling with high operational costs that too often lead to unsustainability, particularly for smaller projects that struggle to meet regulatory requirements, such as audited financial statements.

Morolong said that 30% funding for community media is now government policy.

“These community radio stations, television broadcasters and print publications exist because of the ecosystem we have collectively built.

“They provide a platform for diverse perspectives, echoing the voices of the citizens they serve and facilitating the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

He stressed that community media plays a direct role in strengthening democracy by improving access to information and contributing to better social and economic conditions.

With the first community station licensed in February 1995, the sector has grown into a powerful platform reflecting South Africa’s diversity.

Today, stations broadcast in a range of indigenous languages, including Nama and Khilobedu, ensuring that stories are told in languages that resonate most with communities.

Together, they reach an estimated four million listeners across all nine provinces, acting as a vital bridge for both information and culture.

Morolong said the sector’s resilience is supported by key industry bodies such as the National Community Radio Forum, the National Association of Broadcasters and the South African Community Radio Organisation, which continue to guide its growth.

Opening the event, MDDA representative Qondile Khedama underscored the importance of collaboration, telling delegates that the agency’s progress is rooted in strong stakeholder relationships.

“Without interaction with you, the MDDA would not be where it is today. Our interaction with you shows that you are one of the critical stakeholders,” he said.

Khedama called for robust discussions and forward-looking plans to ensure the sustainability of community media, stressing its critical role in local development.

Also addressing the gathering, Sandile Nene, Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), acknowledged stakeholder support and reiterated government’s financial commitment through the 30 percent grant.

Nene reminded delegates that South Africa operates within a three-tier broadcasting system and that the MDDA was established as a statutory body to promote media development and diversity.

The MDDA Funders’ Breakfast brought together representatives from community radio stations, newspapers and government, creating a platform not only for reflection, but for charting a path forward. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has clarified that he had no prior knowledge of an individual of interest to law enforcement who was reportedly present during his recent working visit to Zimbabwe.

This follows reports that surfaced after the President’s visit, which took place on Sunday at the invitation of his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Briefing media on Wednesday in Cape Town, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President travelled to Zimbabwe on Sunday at the invitation of his counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, for discussions on bilateral relations and regional matters.

Magwenya said the visit underscored the deeply historical relationship between the two countries, rooted in their shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid, as well as strong trade ties. In 2025, South African exports to Zimbabwe reached approximately US$4.3 billion, largely driven by agricultural products and machinery.

During the visit, the two leaders held discussions in an informal setting at Mnangagwa’s farm, where Ramaphosa also sought insight into initiatives supporting local farmers in surrounding areas.

However, the Presidency noted “with concern” reports that an individual wanted by law enforcement was present during the visit.

“President Ramaphosa had no prior knowledge of who will be present during the visit nor was he familiar with the said individual. The President flew to Zimbabwe for a meeting with his counterpart and nothing else,” Magwenya said.

He added that the President supports ongoing investigations, urging law enforcement agencies to pursue the matter “with no fear or hesitation”.

Water crisis response intensified

Magwenya also provided an update on the National Water Crisis Committee (WATERCOM), established earlier this year and chaired by the President to coordinate responses to water supply challenges.

The committee brings together key departments including Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Public Works and Infrastructure, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, as well as the South African Police Service.

At a technical level, the structure is led by the Director-General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni.

WATERCOM is overseeing the implementation of a National Water Action Plan aimed at addressing supply disruptions and accelerating reforms across government.

The plan focuses on improving service delivery in priority areas, reforming local government water systems, unlocking infrastructure investment, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and tackling corruption and criminality in the sector, including the misuse of water tankers.

Engagements on the plan have already taken place with provinces and municipalities, with further consultations planned with business, labour and civil society. An advisory group of water experts from academia and other institutions is also being established.

May programme

Meanwhile, the Presidency outlined a busy programme for President Ramaphosa in May.

On Thursday, the President will visit the South32 Hillside Aluminium smelter in Richards Bay to mark 30 years of operations. The facility, the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere, supports an estimated 29,000 jobs and has contributed around R35 billion to the economy over the past decade.

On 12 May, Ramaphosa will officially open the Africa Travel Indaba in Durban, a major platform for tourism investment and collaboration across the continent.

He is also expected to address the BlackRock Infrastructure Investment Conference on 13 May, engaging global investors on opportunities in energy, transport, digital and water infrastructure.

Other key engagements include responding to oral questions in the National Assembly on 14 May, presiding over the National Orders awards on 19 May, and undertaking a working visit to Botswana on 20 May for the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission.

The Presidency said these engagements form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, drive investment, and address domestic challenges facing the country. –SAnews.gov.za

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The National Council of Provinces (NCOP), led by Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, will roll out its flagship public participation and oversight programme, Taking Parliament to the People (TPTTP), to the Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West next week.

The programme will run from 12 to 15 May 2026, under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of the Constitution: Deepening Participatory Democracy for Service Delivery.”

TPTTP forms part of the NCOP’s constitutional mandate in terms of Section 72, which requires Parliament to facilitate public participation and conduct its business in an open and transparent manner.

Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the NCOP, as the House representing provincial and local interests at national level, plays a unique and critical role in strengthening South Africa’s democracy.

“Its core functions include oversight over local and provincial government; cooperative governance and protecting provincial interests. The NCOP acts as a bridge, ensuring that provincial and local concerns inform national policy and legislation,” Mothapo said.

He added that the TPTTP programme creates a direct platform for collaboration by bringing together all three spheres of government to the same table, with the same communities.

“Through the TPTTP, delegates to the NCOP assess service delivery challenges first-hand and hold government leaders accountable. The programme, therefore, is not merely a public dialogue but a constitutional exercise in participatory democracy, accountability and cooperative governance. It brings democracy to life at the grassroots level by enabling citizens to voice their concerns and contribute directly to decision-making processes,” Mothapo explained.

It also provides a unique platform for all three spheres of government, including national, provincial and local, to engage collectively on service delivery challenges and policy matters affecting communities.

The programme will enable communities in the Kenneth Kaunda District and surrounding municipalities to engage directly with government leaders on key service delivery issues.

These include local economic development and job creation; infrastructure maintenance, covering water and sanitation, roads, electricity, human settlements, health, and mining; as well as financial management and governance.

Activities will include public hearings, oversight visits to service delivery hotspots, and direct engagements with permanent delegates to the NCOP, Ministers, Members of Provincial Legislatures (MPLs), and local councillors.– SAnews.gov.za

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South African officials worked with speed to detect, contain and respond to the case of Hantavirus detected in the country.

This according to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who briefed Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health on Wednesday morning.

The Minister’s update followed the confirmation of Hantavirus in a critically ill British national in South Africa, and in a woman who collapsed at OR Tambo International Airport. She later died in South Africa. Her husband, a third patient, passed away in St Helena.

The three were passengers aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was sailing from Argentina to the Canary Islands via Cape Verde.

Motsoaledi explained that contact tracing continues, with 62 people already identified. 

“The lady who arrived at OR Tambo flew in from St Helena… we needed to know the people who were there at the airport before she collapsed (sic). The third contact traces are healthcare workers in Kempton Park where the lady went. 

“The fourth contact traces relate to the gentleman in a hospital in Sandton (and the ambulance crew). He was airlifted directly and didn’t come by commercial flight. 

“The total number of people who were traced and who could have come in contact with them were 62. [Some] 42 of them have already been traced and they are being observed.  The work is ongoing,” Motsoaledi said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is also conducting contact tracing internationally.

Addressing questions on how one of the patients had been allowed to come into OR Tambo International Airport, the Minister explained that the woman had not presented herself as ill to airline staff in St Helena, making it difficult to flag her in advance.

“On a routine basis, air staff are in touch with countries to report any person who might be sick in the aircraft to warn them…

“In this case, there was no warning coming in because even the staff did not pick up anything. When she arrived at the airport, she came in just like any traveller, not as a sick person. When people arrive, especially from international destinations, we have a temperature measuring [machine] but it does not mean that every human being who is sick [has a high] temperature. 

“This lady went through the scan. It did not record anything from temperature (sic). It cannot be said that South Africa’s safety mechanisms were so lax that they just allowed people in without screening,” Motsoaledi said.

The other patient currently in hospital was medically evacuated from Ascension Island to a South African private health facility in Sandton.

Hantavirus

There are 38 strains of Hantavirus. The Andes strain, which is predominant in South America, is the strain which was the cause of the infection detected in the patients who died in South Africa.

“Person-to-person contact is very rare and it has happened under specific conditions, namely: there must be very close person-to-person contact for transmission to occur from one human to another. Not surprising [is] that the first persons who died are husband and wife.

“It happens to be the only strain out of the 38 that is known to cause human-to-human transmission. But… such transmission is very rare and only happens due to very close contact,” Motsoaledi told the committee.

The Minister explained that Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from wild animals to humans and is endemic to the Americas.

 “Whether South African rats carry this… as far as I know, I have never been told of any presence of Hantavirus on the African continent.

“From the information I have, South African rats do not carry Hantavirus because it’s a virus that is found in the Americas… Europe [and]… India,” he said.

South African response

At the same briefing, infectious diseases expert at the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Professor Lucille Blumberg, told the committee that South African authorities had confirmed detection of the virus “within 24 hours of alert” from international colleagues about concerns about the cruise ship.

“On a ship, it’s not unusual for elderly people to travel… and deaths do occur. The first three cases are elder persons, all of whom have comorbidities. [A colleague] alerted me to patient 3, who was admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg as a pneumonia patient… Within 12 hours, we had an international call and we had a number of players discussing this. It is quite a remarkable effort to make that diagnosis of a most unusual pathogen in a most unusual setting in such a short time.

“As a country, we’ve done extremely well. Patients don’t come and say, ‘I’m part of [this]’ and it does take a bit of time to get all the facts. Within 24 hours, we knew what we were dealing with and we had a large amount of information,” Blumberg said.

Furthermore, contacts were identified and contact tracing began.

“All the names of people who were involved – at OR Tambo, those at the hospital close to the airport and all of those who either transported or admitted the patient – were put on a list and contact monitoring was started.

“It was started even before we knew what we were dealing with. That is in progress and is really working quite well. The incubation period is quite long… and they will have to be monitored. We will go back and identify who is a high risk and decide what we are going to do, and maybe intensify monitoring on those people,” Blumberg explained.

Collaboration with experts in other countries is also underway.

“We have had a number of consultations with counterparts in South America, who have a lot experience of Hantavirus. There’s been lab consultations. The international community have come together to support…in an extraordinary way and all of this has been coordinated through the WHO.

“This is quite an extraordinary response to what was an unknown, unusual virus in an unusual setting,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), in coordination with municipalities and emergency services, has activated monitoring and preparedness measures across affected districts, as the province braces for severe weather conditions.

Members of the Provincial Legislature convened on Tuesday evening, 5 May 2026, to assess the state of readiness of disaster risk management teams in anticipation of an intense weather system expected to impact several regions.

The Western Cape Government expressed confidence in the level of preparedness among disaster management agencies and stakeholders. Discussions included the latest operational updates from the Joint Operations Centre (JOC), which has been activated through the PDMC.

The briefing followed an extended Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) meeting, where mayors and municipal managers from affected areas gave the assurance that all emergency resources have been mobilised.

The principals indicated that continuous monitoring of dam and river levels is underway, particularly in areas where storage capacity is already under pressure.

During the JOC briefing, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed that a cut-off low system remains in place and is expected to affect parts of the Western Cape, including the Garden Route, Central Karoo, and other inland regions.

In addition to heavy rainfall, the system is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds, very rough sea conditions, especially between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay, and dangerous wave activity that may pose risks to coastal infrastructure and public safety.

Cold conditions are also expected, with the possibility of snowfall over high-lying areas and mountain passes.

Acting Western Cape Premier, Dr Ivan Meyer, said all provincial departments are on high alert, with the South African Police Service expected to deploy necessary resources.

“Daily JOC meetings will continue until the severe weather subsides. Our highest priority is to protect lives. I strongly encourage all residents to stay safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Meyer said.

He added that the provincial government and other role players will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as required.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines, including, including avoiding non-essential travel during peak of the weather event, staying clear of rivers, streams and flooded roadways, refraining from coastal and marine activities, securing loose household items that may be displaced by strong winds, and adhering to official warnings and updates issued by authorities.

School closures

As a precautionary measure, the Western Cape Education Department has announced school closures on Wednesday and Thursday in selected circuits within the Eden and Central Karoo Education Districts. Affected areas include George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, and surrounding areas.

Learner transport services in affected circuits have also been suspended. The full list of school closures is available on the WCED website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education 

The Provincial Legislature has expressed appreciation to all officials and stakeholders who are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of communities during the adverse weather conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has defended the integrity of its textbook catalogue development process, rejecting claims of impropriety and maintaining that its system is designed to ensure fairness, quality and cost-effectiveness.

This follows criticism from some sections of society questioning the transparency of the processes underpinning the catalogue. 

“The department firmly rejects any insinuation of impropriety and reiterates that its catalogue development framework is founded on a rigorously controlled, anonymised screening process designed to ensure objectivity, fairness, and accountability at every stage,” it said on Tuesday. 

The DBE explained that its catalogue development framework is anchored in a blind screening methodology, which removes all non-curricular identifiers such as publisher and author details during the evaluation process.

“This blind screening methodology not only safeguards the integrity of decision making but also plays a critical role in fostering competitive pricing, thereby directly advancing the department’s strategic objective of achieving more cost-effective and equitable procurement of learning and teaching support materials,” it said.

According to the department, all submitted materials undergo a multi-stage quality assurance process, where they are assessed solely on curriculum alignment and pedagogical merit.

“Only materials that meet this stringent quality standards are considered for inclusion in the catalogue,” the DBE said.
Once materials meet the required standards, pricing is then taken into account, with the most cost-effective options selected.

“Thereafter, pricing considerations are applied, with the three most cost-effective compliant titles selected. In instances where fewer than three submissions meet the required standards, the qualifying one or two titles are automatically included,” the department explained.

Addressing concerns around the Tshivenda Home Language materials for Grades 1 to 3, the DBE said only two submissions met the required standards, making price comparison at the selection stage unnecessary.

“In the specific case of Tshivenda Home Language materials for Grades 1–3, only two submissions met the required quality and curriculum standards. As a result, price comparison at the point of selection was not applicable and a moot exercise.”

The department also responded to concerns regarding pricing by Fulu Publishers, noting that while the issue has been flagged, it did not influence inclusion in the catalogue. 

“While concerns regarding the pricing of materials submitted by Fulu Publishers have been noted, it is important to clarify that such pricing was not determinative for catalogue inclusion and is being addressed through established catalogue processes,” the department said. 

However, the DBE acknowledged that the pricing in question does not align with the intended objectives of the framework.

“The department considers the pricing in question to be excessive and inconsistent with the intent of the catalogue framework, which is to ensure cost-effective access to quality learning materials.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has raised concern over the safety, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities as severe and persistent adverse weather conditions continue to affect parts of the country.

The department warned that increasingly frequent and intense climate-related events, including floods and storms, are disproportionately affecting persons with disabilities due to existing social, economic, and infrastructural barriers.

DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said people with disabilities face heightened risks during disasters, citing challenges such as limited mobility, lack of accessible transport, and exclusion from emergency planning processes.

She also noted that early warning systems and disaster-related communication often remain inaccessible, leaving many without critical, life-saving information.

“An extreme weather conditions worsen existing health challenges and disrupt access to essential healthcare and support services. Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds pose a disproportionate risk to persons with disabilities, many of whom face mobility challenges, limited access to emergency services, and barriers to timely information,” Chikunga said.

She said these conditions heighten vulnerability, particularly for those living in informal settlements, rural areas, and under-resourced communities.

The department has called on all spheres of government, including emergency services, and community structures to prioritise inclusive disaster response measures. These include:
•    Ensuring accessible early warning systems, including sign language interpretation;
•    Accessible communication formats, prioritising evacuation support for persons with disabilities;
•    Providing accessible temporary shelters and essential services; and
•    Strengthening coordination with disability organisations on the ground.

The department also urged families, caregivers and communities to check on people with disabilities during this period to ensure no one is left behind in emergency responses.

The Minister emphasised the need for a coordinated and inclusive approach that recognises the specific needs of persons with disabilities and always safeguard their rights and dignity.

“Disaster situations must not deepen existing inequalities of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that inclusive measures are implemented effectively,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatiile will conduct an oversight visit to the Ditsobotla Local Municipality (DLM) in the North West on Thursday as part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to effectively deliver basic services to communities.

“The visit follows concerns raised by residents of the DLM during the Deputy President’s recent engagement with the community in January 2026. Among the key issues highlighted by community members, were inadequate access to water and sanitation, unreliable electricity supply, poor road infrastructure, and broader service delivery challenges affecting their quality of life,” said the Presidency.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said the oversight visit forms part of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance by ensuring alignment and integration of national, provincial, and local Government plans. 

“The DLM has been facing persistent governance and service delivery challenges, which led to the National Cabinet placing it under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. These challenges include financial mismanagement, instability in political and administrative leadership, failure to provide consistent basic services, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Therefore, this intervention aims to restore functionality, strengthen institutional capacity, and ensure improved service delivery outcomes.”

Through the DDM approach, government seeks to accelerate service delivery, enhance accountability, and ensure that communities receive coordinated and sustainable support.

The programme of the Deputy President’s visit will be preceded by an engagement between the Deputy President and the local traditional leadership as well as an engagement with business fora, spearheaded by Ministers.

During the visit, Deputy President Mashatile is expected to engage with local leadership, including the provincial government, municipal administrators, and other key stakeholders, to assess progress made since the intervention and to identify areas requiring urgent attention. 

He will also interact with community members to provide feedback on Government’s interventions thus far.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Premier of the North West and supported by Ministers and/ Deputy Ministers of Mining and Petroleum Resources; Sport, Arts and Culture, Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education; Finance; Agriculture; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Electricity and Energy; Communications and Digital Technologies (DDM Champion); as well as Mayors, Councillors and senior Government officials.

Furthermore, as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign, Ministers will undertake a cleaning Campaign at Matlaba Primary School and Tau Rapulana Secondary School, in the Bodibe Village. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre has fully activated the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) as severe weather conditions and flooding continue to impact various parts of the metro.

“Teams are actively monitoring the impact of the heavy rains, including damage to infrastructure, affected communities, and disruptions to daily services. Particular attention is being given to roads that have been flooded or closed, with real-time updates informing response and recovery operations,” the Eastern Cape municipality said on Wednesday.

It said that a multi-disciplinary meeting has been convened with all relevant emergency and essential service departments to assess the situation on the ground, coordinate response efforts, and prioritise areas most affected by flooding.

The municipality has urged residents are urged to remain cautious, avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, and adhere to all safety advisories issued by authorities. 

“Emergency services remain on high alert and are attending to incidents as they arise. Further updates will be communicated as the situation develops,” it said.

READ | Nelson Mandela Bay calls for caution on the roads 

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Wednesday said that weather conditions are expected to begin clearing from the central parts of the country this afternoon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Wednesday.

READ | Weather conditions expected to start clearing 

In an update, the weather service said weather conditions will begin clearing across Gauteng, North West and the Free State. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

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