Category: South Africa Government

Mokhotlong, Lesotho – President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the strength and longevity of relations between South Africa and Lesotho, describing the Senqu Bridge as a powerful symbol of cooperation and shared development.

Speaking at the official launch of the bridge under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) on Wednesday in Mokhotlong, President Ramaphosa said the structure reflects a partnership built on mutual respect, shared history and a common vision for regional progress.  

“The Senqu Bridge is a milestone in our longstanding collaboration. This bridge is testament to the deep-seated relationship between our two countries. 

“Rising high above the river valley, located more than 2 500 meters above sea level, this bridge has been built to endure. It will serve many generations to come,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa, along with His Majesty King Letsie III, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art Senqu Bridge, marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between South Africa and Lesotho under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. 

Set against the highlands of Mokhotlong, the historic moment unfolded as President Ramaphosa arrived by helicopter near the bridge before joining King Letsie III for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The two leaders then unveiled a commemorative plaque bearing the inscription: “Officially opened on 22 April 2026 by His Majesty King Letsie III, Kingdom of Lesotho and H.E President Cyril Ramaphosa in celebration of 40 years of partnership and regional development” .

The Senqu Bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of R2.4 billion, is the largest of three major crossings being developed under Phase II of the LHWP. Measuring approximately 825 metres in length and rising about 90 metres above the river valley, the bridge will play a critical role in maintaining connectivity across the Polihali Reservoir once water levels rise.

President Ramaphosa noted that beyond its engineering significance, the bridge is designed as long-term infrastructure that will improve connectivity, mobility and economic access for communities, businesses and visitors in the region.

“Together with the two other bridges being constructed to span the Polihali Reservoir, this bridge will improve travel across this part of the country, making transport easier and cheaper for communities, businesses and visitors,” the President said. 

Constructed in the mountainous highlands of Mokhotlong, the bridge forms part of a broader infrastructure programme aimed at supporting both water security and economic development.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the project reflects a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that communities affected by construction are not left worse off, despite the complexities involved.

He highlighted the economic benefits already realised, including the creation of more than 1 200 jobs, largely for Basotho, as well as skills development initiatives such as the Young Professionals Programme, which is equipping graduates with technical expertise in the sector.

The President described the LHWP as one of the world’s most ambitious and successful transboundary water projects and the largest investment South Africa has made beyond its borders. 

He also expressed appreciation to the people of Lesotho for their continued partnership in sharing water resources that are essential to South Africa’s economic growth.

“South Africa is a water-scarce country, and the waters of Lesotho’s highlands are vital to our country’s development. We remain forever grateful to the great Basotho nation for making water resources available to us,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa further noted that cooperation between the two countries is expanding across multiple sectors through the Bi-National Commission, including water and energy, infrastructure, skills development, defence and social development.

He said this growing collaboration reflects a broader commitment to regional integration and development, aligned with the vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The building of partnerships is very important in a changing, complex and uncertain global environment. 

“Guided by the spirit of Pan Africanism, South-South cooperation and solidarity, we are forging ahead to realise the vision of an economically integrated Africa, as espoused by the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President added that the Senqu Bridge stands as a symbol of African capability and solidarity, demonstrating what can be achieved through partnership and shared purpose.

“This project is more than infrastructure. It is more than steel and concrete. It is a symbol of a deep and enduring partnership.

“The Senqu Bridge is an example of what Africa can achieve when it believes in itself, when it works together to advance the needs of the people,” President Ramaphosa said.

SA pledges R30 million support to Lesotho

President Ramaphosa also announced that South Africa will provide R30 million in humanitarian assistance to Lesotho through the African Renaissance Fund.

He said the funding will support the country’s response to HIV and tuberculosis, particularly in the context of declining international assistance.

The President noted that South Africa will continue to champion regional cooperation through platforms such as the Southern African Development Community, with a focus on strengthening trade, investment and integration across the region.

Background of the LHWP

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.

Beyond its strategic importance, the Senqu Bridge is also a major engineering achievement. It is the first extradosed bridge in Lesotho and was constructed using advanced techniques suited to the region’s mountainous terrain. 

The project has created significant employment opportunities, with more than 1 200 workers, the majority of them Basotho, contributing to its construction.

The bridge is one of several components under construction in Phase II, alongside the Polihali Dam, transfer tunnel and supporting infrastructure such as roads, power lines and telecommunications. – SAnews.gov.za

By David Jacobs

The Senqu Bridge is a visible reminder of how South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have chosen cooperation over competition in the management of shared natural resources, particularly water, one of the most strategic assets in Southern Africa.

The bridge, constructed as part of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), restores and safeguards connectivity for communities once the Polihali Reservoir is impounded. But its deeper significance lies in what it symbolises: a mature, treaty‑based approach to regional development, rooted in shared benefit, legal certainty and long‑term planning.

At the heart of the LHWP is the Treaty on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, signed on 24 October 1986 between the Governments of South Africa and Lesotho. Far from being a once‑off agreement, the Treaty established a permanent framework for cooperation, defining roles, responsibilities, governance systems, cost‑sharing arrangements and dispute‑resolution mechanisms.

Through this Treaty and its accompanying Protocols, the two countries jointly committed to:

• the equitable use of the Senqu/Orange River system,

• the delivery of high‑quality water to South Africa, particularly to Gauteng,

• hydropower generation and economic development in Lesotho, and

• shared responsibility for social and environmental impacts arising from large‑scale infrastructure.

The Senqu Bridge stands out as a flagship example of people-centred development, embodying a holistic approach that integrates skills transfer, road infrastructure development, service delivery, local procurement, and livelihood restoration, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Phase II Agreement.

Furthermore,while the LHWP is unique in scale and longevity, it is not an anomaly. The Treaty explicitly recognises that water resources in Southern Africa are shared, transboundary assets whose sustainable use requires cooperation, not unilateral action.

The LHWP therefore stands as one example among many bilateral and regional arrangements through which neighbouring countries collaborate on bulk water supply, river basin management and infrastructure development. 

What distinguishes the South Africa–Lesotho cooperation is its depth and durability: a multi‑decade legal framework supported by detailed protocols on royalties, cost apportionment, taxation, governance and dispute settlement.

In an increasingly water‑scarce region, such arrangements matter. They demonstrate that water diplomacy can be developmental, delivering mutual gains and uplifting both countries. 

In addition to this, the Project’s governance model, centred on the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, and South Africa’s Trans‑Caledon Tunnel Authority, ensures joint oversight and accountability. Cost allocation, royalties and financing responsibilities are clearly delineated through legally binding instruments, reducing uncertainty and reinforcing trust.

For South Africa, the benefits include secure, gravity‑fed water supply to its economic heartland at lower long‑term pumping costs. For Lesotho, the Project delivers hydropower generation, infrastructure investment, royalties, employment and skills development. 

These benefits are commendable as they demonstrate the effectiveness of the treaty. 

Over and above, the Senqu Bridge remains a key achievement worth celebrating in the SADC Regional Cooperation. As vehicles cross the bridge for the first time, they do so on a structure made possible by a shared vision forged four decades ago. 

On the other hand, in a time when pressures on water resources are intensifying across Southern Africa, the LHWP and milestones like the Senqu Bridge, offer an important lesson. When neighbouring states embed cooperation in law, institutions and long‑term planning, infrastructure can become more than concrete and steel. It can become a bridge between national interests, carrying shared prosperity into the future.

*David Jacobs is Chief Director: Cluster Communication and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

The Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has announced the arrival of two million doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine in South Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to control the spread of the disease.

The vaccines, sourced from Dollvet in Turkey, represent the first tranche of a six million doses order secured through local agents Dunevax. Distribution to provinces is expected to begin within the next few days.

Building on this progress, the Minister said an order for an additional five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina has been placed with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP).

He said the consignment of vaccines will arrive in the country in two batches, 3.5 million and 1.5 million doses, pending approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) under a Section 21 application.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Steenhuisen said the department has secured all matched vaccines currently available on the international market to ensure access to a steady supply.

“We will push forward to make sure that we achieve our goal – vaccinate the national herd to achieve World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH) recognition of FMD-free status with vaccination. This will allow us to access international markets for South African red meat that have been closed for decades due to FMD,” Steenhuisen said.

Strategic vaccine allocation

In order to effectively manage the vaccine rollout, the Minister said the Department of Agriculture is implementing a scientific, targeted allocation strategy based on animal risk and population figures.

Under this approach, the latest batch of vaccines will be distributed as follows: 
The Eastern Cape has been allocated 135 400 doses; Free State 182 400 doses; Gauteng 124 800 doses; KwaZulu Natal 192 000 doses; Mpumalanga 144 000 doses; North West 182 400 doses; Western Cape 150 000 doses; Northern Cape 100 000 doses; and Limpopo 150 000 doses.

Additional allocations have been set aside for key agricultural sectors to ensure the continuity of our food supply chain, including 100 000 doses for the dairy industry, 150 000 for feedlots, and 150 000 for the pig industry. A further 239 000 doses will be reserved for immediate emergency deployment where required.

The Minister said strengthened surveillance and faster reporting systems, which allows the department to capture data from provinces more quickly, are critical to these efforts.

“We continue to work closely with the private sector and industry bodies to ensure that our vaccination drive remains efficient and reaches every corner of our country,” Steenhuisen said.

Since February 2026, South Africa has received four million FMD vaccine doses, including 2.5 million from Biogénesis Bagó and 1.5 million from Dollvet. 

This is in addition to the 2 million vaccine doses imported in the last quarter of 2025. This has ensured the vaccination of more than 2.1 million animals nationwide.

On 10 April 2026, Minister Steenhuisen officially announced the intention to publish the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD) under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

The department said the deadline for comments was 17 April 2026, and the submissions that have been received are currently being evaluated and consolidated, following which the final scheme will be published.

Global context

FMD outbreaks remain a global concern and are not unique to South Africa. Recent cases have been reported in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, including in Greece, China, Cyprus, Israel, and most recently Germany.

The SAT1 topotype 3 strain currently affecting South Africa has also been detected in several countries, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Israel, Cyprus, and Syria between late 2025 and early 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
 

His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has reaffirmed the importance of credible, transparent, and peaceful elections as a cornerstone of constitutional democracy and societal stability.

The King received a high-level delegation from the Electoral Commission at his Private Office at Emashobeni Royal Palace in Pongola on Tuesday.

The meeting formed part of the Commission’s national stakeholder consultation programme ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Zulu Kingdom spokesperson Prince Thulani Zulu said the engagement served as an important platform to explore constructive and collaborative approaches to strengthening trust in democratic processes.

“The delegation presented His Majesty with a comprehensive briefing on the state of readiness for the elections, including key timelines, operational preparedness, and ongoing voter education initiatives aimed at ensuring free, fair, and credible polls,” Zulu said.

He added that discussions also reflected on recent findings highlighting challenges related to public confidence in governance institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.

The King emphasised the critical role of traditional leadership in fostering social cohesion, civic responsibility, and active participation in democratic processes, particularly at community level.

He further expressed his full support for the work of the Commission and encouraged all eligible citizens, especially the youth, to register and participate in the upcoming elections in a peaceful and responsible manner.

The Private Office of His Majesty welcomed the Commission’s recognition of the role of traditional leaders in advancing voter education and participation, particularly in rural communities, and underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in this regard.

Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peaceful elections, strengthening democratic participation, and working collaboratively to enhance public confidence in the electoral process. 

The Commissioners of the Electoral Commission, led by Chairperson Mosotho Moepya will on Friday, 24 April 2026, brief members of the media on the conclusion of a week-long stakeholder engagement programme in KwaZulu-Natal.

The briefing to be held in Durban, will present the key outcomes of the engagements, consider the implications of the Voter Participation Survey for the province, and provide an update on the province’s state of readiness for the 2026/27 municipal elections.

The briefing will also provide a comprehensive account of the key issues raised by stakeholders, outline the Commission’s planned interventions to mitigate identified risks, and reaffirm its constitutional mandate to deliver free, fair, and credible municipal elections. – SAnews.gov.za

As South Africa experiences more frequent extreme weather events, government has launched a national initiative to strengthen climate-responsive development across municipalities.

Municipalities play a critical role in addressing climate change through service delivery, infrastructure development and community engagement. 

However, many local authorities continue to face capacity, coordination and resource constraints that limit their ability to effectively plan and implement climate responses.

“South Africa has made significant progress in developing robust climate policy frameworks. However, the true test of our success lies not in the policies we adopt, but in the impact we deliver on the ground – particularly within municipalities, where citizens experience the realities of climate change most directly,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said on Tuesday in Pretoria.

He was speaking at the launch of the Climate Action Planning (CAP) Support Project, an initiative of the South African Local Government Association in partnership with the African Climate Foundation.

The project was initially piloted and is still ongoing at nine district municipalities. 

It is designed to provide focused technical and institutional support to all 44 district municipalities in the country, to review, strengthen, and implement Climate Action Plans in line with the Climate Change Act, national climate policy, and South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and developmental priorities.

The launch expands the intervention to 35 remaining district municipalities.

“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is actively advancing the implementation of the Climate Change Act, Act 22 of 2024.

“We have embarked on the process of developing the National Climate Change Adaptation Scenarios to provide South Africa with the scientific basis upon which we frame our adaptation responses. 

“These scenarios will be consulted upon to ensure that we collect inputs across our stakeholders, ensuring that they reflect the realities faced by communities across urban, rural, and coastal environments,” the Deputy Minister said.

The department has also developed technical guidelines to support different spheres of society to undertake their adaptation needs and response assessments, as well as corresponding climate change response plans required by the Act. 

These guidelines are intended to ensure consistency, improve planning quality, and support municipalities in meeting their legislative obligations.

Beyond introducing the project, the launch established a platform for stakeholder alignment, partnership mobilisation and resource coordination, reinforcing municipalities’ role as key implementers of South Africa’s climate response. 

The initiative also positions SALGA as a leading champion of climate-responsive local governance and collaborative action across sectors. –SAnews.gov.za

Suspended police official Sergeant Fannie Ezekiel Nkosi has been denied bail in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court.

In January, Nkosi was identified as a possible wrongdoer by the Madlanga Commission’s first interim report and was arrested this month following a raid at his home.

“It is alleged that police officials attached to a task team emanating from the Madlanga Commission acted on information regarding the unlawful possession of ammunition at the accused’s residence.

“On 02 April 2026, the task team executed a search warrant at Nkosi’s home in Pretoria North. During the search, police discovered firearms, ammunition, a stun grenade, South African Police Service dockets, and other state-issued items at various locations on the premises.

“A substantial amount of cash, exceeding R50 000, was also found concealed beneath a mattress. The accused was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money. He was subsequently arrested,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement.

The prosecutorial body – which opposed Nkosi’s bail application – welcomed the decision of the court.

“The court found that the accused failed to discharge the onus resting upon him to satisfy the court that the interests of justice permit his release on bail.

“Nkosi faces multiple charges, including unlawful possession of explosives; three counts of failure to safeguard firearms; eight counts of failure to safeguard ammunition; defeating the administration of justice; failure to mount a stand up safe as per the SABS 953-1/2, theft and money laundering.

“In opposing bail, the State, led by Advocate Tholoana Sekhoyana, placed on record the affidavit of the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Thembekile Mathwa. The affidavit indicated that the accused poses a flight risk, may evade trial, and is likely to interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations, particularly given his knowledge of police processes,” the statement read.

The case has been postponed to 21 May 2026 for further investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Home Affairs has expressed concern over unfounded media reports and social media posts suggesting that nationals of Lesotho will no longer be required to present valid passports when entering South Africa.

The department has dismissed these claims as false, emphasising that citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho are still required to present valid passports when entering the Republic and cannot use only their national identity cards for travel.

“No such agreement has been reached between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

“Allowing entry without a valid passport would violate South Africa’s laws. Specifically, such an act would contravene section 9 of the Immigration Act of 2002, which stipulates that no person shall enter or depart from the Republic unless they have a valid passport,” the department said.

Home Affairs Ministers of Lesotho and South Africa met in Cape Town on 17 April 2026, to receive a study report from a joint task team that was established to look at the development of a new migration model. 

The Ministers were directed by the Bi-National Commission between the two countries to undertake the study. 

This was the first time that the outcome of the study was presented to the Ministers with various recommendations which are to be considered by the Bi-National Commission.

“For any such change to even be considered, a legislative process involving Parliament would be required to amend existing immigration laws. No such process is currently underway.

“The status quo remains. All Lesotho nationals and South African citizens must continue to present valid passports for all entry and exit purposes at our shared ports of entry. The department urges the public to desist from spreading this misinformation,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Following a fire incident at the retail shop at Lower Sabie rest camp in the Kruger National Park, guests with bookings at the campsite should stock up on supplies before arrival.

“Accommodation has not been affected, with the camp fully booked for the upcoming two long weekends, 27 April and 1 May 2026. Activities such as guided game drives and walks are continuing as normal,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said on Tuesday.

Although the restaurant did not suffer any fire damage, it will remain closed due to the power cuts affected by the fire. 

A temporary retail, food and beverage services will be implemented as soon as possible.

“SANParks urges guests at the camp to stay clear of the affected area for safety reasons.”

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of Tuesday’s fire. –SAnews.gov.za

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called for the urgent development of a coherent education-to-work pipeline, stressing that South Africa must align early childhood development, schooling and post-school training to ensure young people transition successfully into the economy.

Delivering a keynote address at the National Education Summit held this week at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Gauteng, Manamela said the country’s greatest challenge is not only unemployment, but a “crisis of pathways” that leaves millions of young people disconnected from opportunity.

The Minister warned that about 3.4 million young South Africans are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET), describing this as a “lived reality” reflecting systemic failures in linking education to economic participation.

“Our crisis is not only unemployment [but] a crisis of pathways. A system that does not yet move young people efficiently from learning into earning, from potential into productivity… from aspiration into dignity.

“We must build a pipeline that is coherent from early childhood, through schooling, into post-school education and training, and ultimately into the economy,” the Minister said.

Manamela said education should not be viewed as a merely sector, but a bridge between that waiting and economic citizenship.

The Minister identified Early Childhood Development (ECD), entrepreneurship education and vocational training as critical pressure points requiring urgent intervention.

He highlighted that government has made progress in ECDs through increased funding and expanded access, including the allocation of R18.4 billion over the medium term and the addition of 300 000 children gaining access to early learning programmes.

However, Manamela warned that only 42% of children are developmentally on track by the age of five, according to the Thrive by Five Index findings.

“This means inequality is not simply reproduced later in life. It is produced early, in access to nutrition, stimulation, language development, and quality early learning,” he said.

Turning to entrepreneurship, Manamela said the education system must evolve from producing job-seekers to job creators, particularly in an economy that cannot absorb all graduates.

He noted that all 50 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are now offering entrepreneurship programmes, with more than 47 000 students participating in 2024. 

He, however, stressed that success depends on providing practical exposure, access to funding and markets, and building confidence through mentorship and support networks.

“Entrepreneurship will not thrive in an economy that is structurally closed. This is not only about changing the mindset of young people but also opening the economy itself [and] ensuring that small enterprises can access funding, compete, and grow,” the Minister said.

Expanding centres of specialisation

On vocational education, the Minister highlighted a persistent skills gap, noting that while the economy requires approximately 30 000 artisans annually, the country is currently producing around 20 000.

He said government is expanding Centres of Specialisation, which are central to the country’s artisan strategy, increasing training capacity, improving quality, and aligning programmes with economic demand.

Targets include 37 000 artisan registrations this year, 29 000 artisans qualifying annually within the next two years, and over 200 000 work-based learning opportunities.

“Vocational education is not a second choice. It is a central pillar of our development. From fragmentation to a single system,” he said.

Manamela acknowledged that while significant funding has been allocated to education, including support for over 700 000 students through National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and daily meals for nearly 10 million learners, delivery, and execution matters.

“Our challenge is not a lack of programmes but fragmentation,” he said. “This is a system problem, and it requires a system response.”

He called for stronger collaboration between government, industry, labour, and civil society to build an integrated and responsive education system.

“When funding is delayed, when systems fail, [and] when young people are left uncertain, we are not simply dealing with administrative issues [but] breaking a contract. That is why we are addressing these challenges directly, with urgency and accountability.

“We have the plans, resources, and targets. Delivery requires all of us as government, industry, labour, and civil society to work together as a coordinated system,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za