Category: South Africa Government

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has called on transport operators to act responsibly, work with the department in good faith, and take immediate steps to regularise their operations.

“The department is willing to work with scholar transport operators who genuinely want to regularise their operations. However, compliance with the law is not optional. Scholar transport is a safety-critical service, and the safety and dignity of our learners remain non-negotiable,” MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said.

According to the National Land Traffic Act 5 (2009, section 54 and 62), a public transport operator must be in possession of a valid operating licence, allowing him/her to convey commuters for a fee on the country’s roads.

To demonstrate the department’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to operators, over 1 000 operating licence application forms have been issued to aspiring scholar transport operators and clear information is provided on the list of requirements.

In an effort to engage government on their concerns regarding challenges around the issuing of scholar transport operating licences, more than 500 scholar transport operators gathered at the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s Head Office at 45 Commissioner Street in Johannesburg, on Monday.

The engagement underscored the urgency of resolving long-standing licensing issues that have hindered many operators from formalising and sustaining their operations within the sector.

The MEC acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns raised and further highlighted gaps in information regarding the application process and required documents.

“As a provincial government, we will not condone disruptions, shutdowns or intimidation aimed at forcing the department to overlook issues related to non-compliance.

“In many cases, resistance to compliance arises because vehicles or documentation do not meet the required standards. The law will be enforced without fear or favour.

“If you cannot meet the minimum legal requirements to safely transport learners, you have no business operating in this space. Our learner’s lives are not negotiable,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The department has reiterated that no operator may provide scholar transport services unlawfully, as enforcement operations will continue intensifying across the province to ensure compliance and safeguard learners and other road users.

Guardians, parents and community members are urged to report any reckless driving or unsafe scholar transport vehicles to the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate on 0800 428 8364. 

Required documentation for Scholar Transport Operating Licence applications are as follows:

• Copy of the contract (for purposes of contracted services)

• Certified copy of South African Identity Document 

• Certified copy of a valid driver’s licence/PrDP

• Valid police clearance certificate

• Certified copy of vehicle registration (CoR)

• Certified copy of roadworthy certificate (CoF)

• Original tax compliance status (SARS)

• Proof of residential address

• Recommendation letter from a school with original signature and school stamp 

• List of learners with parents/guardian contact details

• Proof of insurance, including insurance indemnity cover

• Route description

• Should a CK/business be used, attach ID copies of directors and all documents must reflect the CK details (such as SARS documentation)

• Any additional documentation as prescribed by the department.

Applications must be submitted, in person, to the Gauteng Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Boards offices during working hours: 

• Tshwane TOLAB – 230 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria Central

• Johannesburg TOLAB – 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, JHB 

• Ekurhuleni TOLAB – 1 Hardach Street, Germiston, Ekurhuleni

• West Rand TOLAB – Kagiso Drive and Mmusi Street, Kagiso

• Sedibeng TOLAB – 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg 

The department said R600 is charged per application. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the establishment of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), saying its composition brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise from the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, academia, regulatory practice and law.

The Minister formally constituted the council in accordance with the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982). The term of office of the newly-constituted council will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2029.

Steenhuisen said the depth and diversity of skills represented on the council would strengthen its ability to fulfil its statutory mandate in the interests of animal health, veterinary public health, food safety and professional integrity.

“I am confident that this council is fit for purpose and its composition reflects a careful balance between professional experience, technical expertise, and independent oversight. This breadth of perspectives will enhance the quality of decision making and support the council in carrying out its responsibilities effectively and responsibly,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the constitution of the new council followed a careful and considered process, undertaken in line with his statutory responsibilities and oversight role.

While a range of views and representations were received from across the sector during this period, Steenhuisen said he independently considered the recommendations before him and was guided at all times by the requirements of the legislation and the long-term interests of both the professions and the public.

“My responsibility is not to simply endorse recommendations, but to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of merit, balance and suitability,” the Minister said.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that future appointment processes are conducted in strict accordance with the Act, including that all nomination and selection processes are properly constituted as prescribed.

The council has been constituted as follows:

Ministerial designees:

• Officer of the Department of Agriculture (veterinarian): Dr Motsisi-Mehlape;
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from elected members: Dr R Mulder, Dr B Lourens, and Dr JA Fraser;
• Person with knowledge of law: Advocate R Maruma;
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from nominations: Dr NP Moswa-Kato, Dr L Kgatswetswe, Dr J van Deemter, and Dr N Mnisi;
• Non-veterinarian designated from nominations: Professor S Willows-Munro; and
• University-nominated veterinarian (University of Pretoria): Professor V Naidoo.

Appointees nominated and/or elected:

• Veterinarians elected by their peers: Professor JP Schoeman, Dr P van der Merwe, and Dr J Basch;
• Animal Health Technician: T Serebolo;
• Laboratory Animal Technologist: B Mogodi;
• Veterinary Technologist: LS Mokami;
• Veterinary Nurse: Sister E Bornman;
• Veterinary Physiotherapist: J Hager; and
• South African Veterinary Association nominee: Dr L de Bruyn.

Steenhuisen expressed confidence that the council will execute its duties without fear or favour, and with the independence, integrity and professionalism required of a statutory regulator entrusted with safeguarding professional standards of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.

“The establishment of this council marks an important step in restoring stability, credibility and effective governance within the veterinary regulatory environment,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister acknowledged the patience shown by practitioners and stakeholders during the period leading up to the reconstitution of the council and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that statutory bodies within the agriculture sector function effectively, transparently and in the public interest.

The induction and inaugural meeting of the new council is scheduled for February 2026, enabling it to commence its work without delay and address outstanding matters inherited from the previous term in accordance with its statutory mandate. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Assessments and monitoring of the Senteeko Dam is ongoing with pressure on the dam wall slightly reduced, following the construction of an emergency spillway last week, to release excess water.

The Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam and commonly known as Senteeko Dam, is at high risk of failure, following recent heavy rainfall in the region.

While interventions are underway, including the emergency spillway and sandbags placed to prevent overtopping, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has warned that it is too early to declare the dam safe.

Head of the Specialist Unit: Dam Safety at the department, Wally Ramokopa, said significant risks remain despite the progress made so far.

Ramokopa joined a team of engineers and the Approved Professional Person (APP) on Monday to continue the ongoing assessment and monitoring of the dam, which is located near Barberton in Mpumalanga. 

An Approved Professional Person is an engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and specifically approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

Speaking to SAnews at the dam site, Ramokopa said water levels have dropped slightly since excavation began, but the department remains concerned.

“As you can see, the interventions are still ongoing. Excavation equipment has been brought to the site so that we can try to reduce the water level as much as possible, but at this stage it has only dropped a little bit.

“The capacity is still high, [and] the volume of water that is still flowing could have significant impacts. We are not happy yet, and we are not going to declare this dam safe because we have seen downstream underneath the material continuing to fall due to instability,” he said.

Ramokopa said a second spillway would be opened this week. 

Engineers are currently widening it before excavating deeper to allow more water to be released in a controlled manner.

“We want to control the speed of the release because if water flows out too quickly, it might cause damage. That is why engineers are on site to guide the operators on how and when to do it. If we leave this to a person who does not have the necessary knowledge, we may trigger a failure unintentionally,” he told SAnews.

Evacuation measures

Ramokopa sought to allay fears among neighbouring communities, emphasising that only residents within the floodplain, especially the farming communities, may need to evacuate.

“We don’t have densely populated communities downstream. There are no townships, towns, or villages directly in the flood path. We are fortunate in that regard. People in Barberton should not panic, as they are far from the floodplain.

“Most people who would know when this dam is spilling are people who are using this water for irrigation purposes,” he said.

He said communities in Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini would not be affected, noting that the nearest international border along the flood path is more than 160km downstream.

“There is no reason for neighbouring countries to be alarmed at all.”

Responsibility for the dam

Ramokopa said the dam owner remains responsible for it’s maintenance and repairs.

“This is a privately owned dam. It does not belong to government. However, any work carried out must be authorised by the Department of Water and Sanitation because we issue licences for dam construction and repairs.

“If repairs are required, the Appointed Professional Person [employed by the dam owner] knows they need to design the work properly and submit the plans to the department for approval. Even if there would be any repair work conducted, it would not be done without our knowledge, [and] if that happens, that would be unlawful,” he explained.

Ramokopa said a WhatsApp group has been established to facilitate communication between the department, engineers, and the dam owners.

“For now, our priority is to ensure that we avoid failure and protect lives. We also need to engage with downstream land users about long-term stability, because the situation cannot be left as it is. If they do, we risk further flooding, this year or next year. Something has to happen, but for now, our focus is on ensuring that we do not lose lives in the event,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Government has clarified that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and not the World Economic Forum Africa Summit, as previously communicated.

“Government expresses its appreciation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) for selecting South Africa as the host of this gathering. South Africa stands ready and fully prepared to host a successful meeting in 2027 and to welcome delegates from across the world,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

 This will be the first time that the WEF Spring Davos is hosted in South Africa.

These meetings are part of the WEF’s efforts to extend its global presence beyond Davos (Switzerland) and to provide high-level platforms for dialogue on economic development, sustainability and collaboration.

“Following the successful hosting of the recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, the decision affirms South Africa’s proven ability to convene high-level international engagements and manage complex global events in a safe, efficient and professional manner.

“The selection reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s institutional capacity, infrastructure readiness and commitment to constructive multilateral dialogue,” the GCIS said.

Hosting the WEF Spring Davos meeting is expected to support activity in the tourism and services sectors, including hospitality, transport, logistics and related services, while reinforcing South Africa’s position as a destination for high-level international engagement and business travel.

The meeting will also strengthen South Africa’s international profile as a platform for global investment, trade and economic cooperation.

“As a premier global platform that brings together Heads of State, business leaders, civil society and thought leaders, the Spring Davos Special Meeting will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global economic discussions, while advancing priorities of inclusive growth, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has formalised a strategic partnership with the Beier Group aimed at advancing academic excellence and strengthening skills development across the province.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it convened a strategic engagement with the Beier Group on 23 January 2026 in Pinetown, led by the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo. The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in public–private collaboration.

In terms of the agreement, the Beier Group will sponsor an all-expenses-paid engineering bursary for one of the department’s top achievers. The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing scarce skills and building a future-ready workforce in KwaZulu-Natal.

The department welcomed the partnership, noting that it underscores the critical role of collaboration between government and industry in expanding access to higher education opportunities and empowering high-performing learners from the province.

Speaking during the engagement, Ngcobo emphasised the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to unlock opportunities for deserving learners, particularly in priority fields such as engineering, which are central to economic growth and development.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that support learner success, promote excellence, and contribute meaningfully to human capital development in the province,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed focus on investment and infrastructure development to ensure that South Africa’s recent economic gains translate into sustained and inclusive growth. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country entered the new year with growing momentum in its economic recovery, supported by several positive indicators recorded toward the end of 2025.

The economy has recorded four consecutive quarters of growth, while unemployment levels have continued to decline. Recent data released by Statistics South Africa also show a notable reduction in poverty and inequality.

“Confidence in our economy is rising. The stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades,” he said. 

According to the President, South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list late last year marked a significant improvement in institutional credibility and sent a positive signal to investors. This progress was further reinforced by a recent sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility.

While welcoming these developments, President Ramaphosa cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained economic growth depends on expanding investment.

“While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment. 

“With a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, we have wind in our sails. Now we must steer our ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans,” he said.

The President said the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), at its first meeting of the year, had outlined key proposals to convert recent gains into long-term growth. The council recommended a simultaneous increase in public infrastructure investment and a reduction in the cost of doing business.

He emphasised that infrastructure investment must focus on well-executed projects that unlock growth, lower business costs and create jobs, rather than increased spending alone.

Strong support was also expressed for ongoing structural reforms in critical sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These reforms have contributed to the end of load shedding and improvements in rail and port performance, while promoting competition, efficiency and lower costs across the economy.

The President highlighted electricity reforms as central to inclusive growth, noting that a competitive electricity market is essential to lowering energy costs. Improvements in rail, ports and freight corridors were also identified as vital to boosting exports, industrialisation and job creation.

He said government has already laid a strong foundation for increased infrastructure investment by streamlining regulations, facilitating public-private partnerships and strengthening institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund. More than R1 trillion has been committed to public infrastructure projects over the next three years.

“We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our State-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels. 

“We must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions,” the President said. 

He underscored the need for South Africa to improve competitiveness and expand markets, particularly within the African continent. 

“We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation. Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to grow investment and create jobs, building on the gains achieved so far.

He said Cabinet’s upcoming annual Lekgotla would outline coordinated actions across government and with social partners to ensure that economic progress delivers tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans.

“Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has led a welcoming ceremony for 36 South African graduates at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria following their successful completion of a specialised training programme at Beijing Polytechnic College in China.

The graduates form part of the first cohort to benefit from a collaboration between Beijing Polytechnic College and nine South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, under the Joint Declaration of Cooperation (JDC) signed in 2024.

The initiative enabled the students to participate in an intensive 18-week programme at the School of Mechanical Engineering in Beijing.

The programme is embedded within the longstanding and growing cooperation between the Republic of South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in the fields of higher education and skills development.

“This partnership continues to play a significant role in strengthening South Africa’s technical capacity and advancing the country’s knowledge economy,” Dube-Ncube said during the ceremony on Friday.

As the coordinator of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), the Deputy Minister highlighted the mutually beneficial nature of the cooperation between the two countries, noting with enthusiasm the expanding scope for future opportunities in education, training and industrial skills development.

Addressing the graduates and stakeholders, the Deputy Minister encouraged South African youth to adopt a broader and more strategic outlook when considering study opportunities in China.

She emphasised the importance of aligning international learning experiences with long-term national priorities, particularly those outlined in South Africa’s National Development Plan.

Dube-Ncube also expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Wu Peng, and the diplomatic staff at the Chinese Embassy for their continued support in ensuring the smooth implementation of exchange programmes.

She also acknowledged the presence of Chinese businesses operating in South Africa, thanking them for their contributions and encouraging continued support for South African students in acquiring critical technical and vocational skills.

“The ceremony reaffirms the commitment of both countries to deepening educational cooperation and empowering young people with skills that support sustainable development and economic growth,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Head of the Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, will today join a team of engineers and the Appointed Professional Person (APP) to continue the ongoing assessment and monitoring of Senteeko Dam.

Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam and commonly known as Senteeko Dam, is classified by the department’s Dam Safety Office as a medium-sized dam. It is 26 metres high, with a storage capacity of 1.8 million cubic metres.

The dam is owned by the Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.

The department has warned that the dam, located near Barberton in Mpumalanga is at high risk of failure following recent heavy rainfall in the region.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa confirmed that an emergency safety assessment conducted by the Dam Safety Office found that the dam’s spillway structure has sustained severe and irreversible damage. This includes advanced erosion and undercutting, which have resulted in significant structural instability.

Mavasa warned that failure of the dam is imminent and could occur without further warning.

To mitigate the risk, an excavator was mobilised on Saturday morning to widen the emergency side-channel spillway in order to further lower the water level in the dam.

“Excavations have been done and a side channel spillway has been created to release the water and reduce the pressure on the dam wall. Overnight, the water level had dropped by 25mm,” Mavasa said in a statement on Sunday.

The department has further reassured the public that in the event of dam failure, neither the Republic of Mozambique nor the Kingdom of Eswatini would be affected, as the distance from the dam’s spillway to the nearest international border along the flood path exceeds 160 kilometres.

Dam safety and the protection of life remain the Department of Water and Sanitation’s highest priority. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has entered 2026 with a markedly stronger and more stable power system than in the previous five years, supporting the country’s return to work and continued economic activity.

“This recovery reflects the sustained impact of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, which continues to strengthen operations and reinforce long‑term energy security. Eskom’s power system remains stable, strengthened by increasing plant availability and sustained reduction in unplanned outages,” the power utility said.

Eskom said after the clearance of the 132kV line fault on Tuesday, which necessitated both Koeberg Nuclear Power Station units to operate at reduced capacity, the units have been ramped up to full capacity, producing maximum official capacity of 941MW and 950MW for Unit 1 and Unit 2 respectively. 

“Eskom reassures the public that operations remain safe, secure, and fully compliant with nuclear safety standards, ensuring a reliable electricity supply.

“The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) further increased to 64.79% year to date, underscoring the progress made in restoring reliability and enhancing system stability. The fleet has now achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 55 occasions (un-audited figures).

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply,” Eskom said.

Between 16 and 22 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 8 067MW from last year’s level at this time of 13 390MW. 

This represents a significant improvement of 5 323MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) reduced to 16.63%, a significant improvement of 11.26% compared to 27.89% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF)—essentially planned maintenance—averaged 12.64%, compared to 13.16% in the previous financial year,” Eskom said.

This reduction is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects its strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability, and support long‑term fleet performance.

“The reduced maintenance requirements are the result of the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical levels over the past three years and focused on restoring fleet reliability.

“The benefits of this approach are already evident in the continued decline of unplanned outages. The ongoing improvement in EAF has greatly reduced Eskom’s reliance on expensive diesel generation, enabling a stronger focus on more cost‑effective primary energy sources,” Eskom said.

In addition, 9 041MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity.

For a fifth consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past four weeks. 

“Diesel spending is now R3.63 billion lower than the same time last year. This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system.

“Year-to-date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget. South Africa has now experienced 252 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded in April and May 2025 during this financial year,” Eskom said.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 320MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 26 January 2026. 

Evening peak demand is forecast at 22 601MW, with 27 532MW of available capacity, providing a healthy reserve margin above current demand.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Transnet has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI) and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center (APEC) to modernise South Africa’s port system, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen regional trade competitiveness.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in port operational excellence, digitalisation, sustainability, infrastructure planning, and regional corridor development to strengthen South Africa’s logistics performance.

The collaboration introduces global best practices, technical training, benchmarking, and advisory support to build long-term institutional capacity within Transnet divisions.

“This partnership comes at a critical time as we accelerate the modernisation of our ports and strengthen South Africa’s position in regional and global trade. Through this collaboration, we will leverage global best practices in order to strengthen our ports’ strategic position as gateways for regional and international trade. 

“Our Reinvent for Growth Strategy (R4G) seeks to modernise, expand and optimise our ports through strategic investments and partnerships,” Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips said on Friday.

The partnership was signed on the sidelines of the recent World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The parties intend to cooperate and collaborate on the following areas: 

• Managerial, operational, strategic and governance advisory support;
• Sustainability strategy and policy for energy, ecological, and social responsibility transitions;
• Port operations and digitalisation;
• Corridor development and foreign investment programmes; and 
• Training, and strengthening of human and institutional capacities.

The parties have agreed to establish a Joint Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the MoU. – SAnews.gov.za

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