Category: South Africa Government

The handover of a forensic laboratory is set to strengthen in KwaZulu-Natal’s efforts to fight crime.

“The facility will support investigative forensic work of the South African Police Service [SAPS] in KwaZulu-Natal. 

“It brings together specialised forensic services into a single, secure and fit-for purpose environment, strengthening the State’s ability to process evidence, support investigations and improve the integrity of the criminal justice system,” Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, said on Friday.

The Minister officially handed over the KwaZulu-Natal Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, in Mayville, Durban on Friday. The lab aims to boost the fight against crime.

“Today is a big day for the people of KwaZulu-Natal, SAPS and the fight against crime. It is a day where we reiterate that the rule of law and the protection of the criminal justice system remain our number one priority,” said the Minister.

He added that the handover, which was also attended by Minister Cachalia, and the Deputy Ministers of Police among others, shows what happens when departments work with purpose  and when infrastructure is delivered not just for its own sake, but to help solve crime and criminality.

“Crime is the number one enemy of South Africa’s future. A country cannot thrive when its people live in fear, that is why defeating crime cannot be the responsibility of SAPS alone. It requires every part of government to play its role.”

Macpherson said his department is committed to playing its part in fighting crime by delivering infrastructure that enables law enforcement to act effectively, professionally and with the tools required to bring criminals to justice.

“This laboratory is a clear example of that commitment in action,” he said.

Also speaking at the handover, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said the new laboratory will enhance the accuracy and speed of forensic analysis, support criminal investigations, help secure convictions of offenders, and protect innocent individuals from wrongful prosecution.

According to the provincial government, the laboratory was previously housed in two buildings, in Amazimtoti (which was situated in a flooding zone) and Durban. 

The previous facilities faced several challenges, including flooding risks that damaged evidence, lack of proper security infrastructure, limited parking for staff and visitors, maintenance issues and unsafe working conditions for specialised units such as ballistics. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says early data indicates that South Africa’s mass vaccination strategy against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is yielding positive results, with no new infections reported in already vaccinated herds.

Steenhuisen highlighted that since February 2026 to 26 March 2026, provinces have vaccinated a total of 2 033 289 animals as part of efforts to contain the outbreak and protect the national herd.

“Crucially, there have been no new breakthroughs in herds that have already been vaccinated. This provides a clear indication that the vaccines are effective and that the strategy is working,” Steenhuisen said.

Current outbreak situation

While outbreaks have been reported across all nine provinces, the Minister said the severity varies.

As of 10 April 2026, a total of 1 317 cases had been recorded. Free State has reported 328 and North West which have recorded the highest numbers reported 247 cases reported, while Northern Cape remains the least affected with only three cases recorded.

Cases reported in other provinces include Eastern Cape 71, Gauteng 241, KwaZulu-Natal 225, Limpopo 49, Mpumalanga 140, and Western Cape 13.

Steenhuisen attributed the recent increase in reported cases to improved government capacity.

“We have strengthened surveillance and implemented a centralised reporting system, allowing for earlier detection and faster data capture. Furthermore, heightened awareness has helped identify “sub-clinical” cases, where animals carry the virus without showing obvious symptoms, which previously might have gone unnoticed,” Steenhuisen said.

Vaccine rollout and industry partnership

The Minister reported that the department has secured a steady supply of vaccines to sustain the campaign.

To date, four million doses have been received, including 2.5 million from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina and 1.5 million from Dollvet in Turkey. An additional two million doses from Dollvet are expected to arrive by the end of April.

“An order for five million doses from Biogénesis Bagó has already been placed with Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). The process to import has begun and 3.5 million doses of the ordered five million doses is expected to arrive before end of April 2026,” the Minister said.

He said vaccination is being implemented through a risk-based approach, prioritising areas with high concentrations of susceptible animals.

“This strategy has seen significant success in the dairy sector,” said Steenhuisen, highlighting that all recorded dairy farms in the Free State have been vaccinated, while major dairies in the Western Cape have also been fully attended to.

“The Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) has been requested to provide information on any dairy farms that have not been vaccinated. KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape have received the largest allocations due to their high animal populations, with over 78 000 doses already provided to the MPO in Eastern Cape alone.

“KwaZulu-Natal had allocated 250 000 doses to the MPO and an additional 100 000 doses has recently been allocated. All recorded dairies in Free State have been vaccinated,” the Minister said.

Routine vaccination scheme

On 10 April 2026, Steenhuisen announced plans to publish a Routine Vaccination Scheme for FMD (RVS-FMD), under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984).

The closing date for public comments is Friday, 17 April 2026. All submissions can be directed to Dr EM Mogajane at the FMD Command Centre via email at FMDcommandcent@nda.gov.za

“Following the consolidation of these, the final scheme is envisaged for publication on 24 April 2026,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has called on business, labour, civil society and government to work together to transform the country’s skills base, create jobs, drive economic transformation, and build a capable state that can meet the demands of a changing workforce.

He stressed that in the State of the Nation Address earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa was unambiguous: human capital development is the central national priority of this administration. 

“Not because it sits well in a policy document, but because South Africa cannot grow, cannot create jobs, cannot transform its economy, and cannot build a capable state without the skills to do all of these things,” the Minister said on Thursday.

While addressing delegates at the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Summit in Johannesburg, he said the skills revolution should be a national compact.

“If it is a government project, it will achieve what government projects typically achieve. Some of it. Unevenly. Not fast enough. If it is a national compact, if every constituency in this room owns a defined part of the solution and is held publicly accountable for delivering it, then something different becomes possible,” Manamela said.

With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence is already reshaping what jobs exist, what skills they require, and what it means to be productive. 

“Our speakers today will bring evidence from the World Economic Forum and from leading institutions about the scale and pace of this disruption, greater than most skills systems in the world are currently prepared for.

“The Just Energy Transition is creating new demand for artisans, technicians, and engineers in sectors that did not exist in their current form five years ago. The green economy is growing. The digital economy is growing. The platform economy is growing and bringing with it a form of work that does not look like a job in the traditional sense, but is work nonetheless, performed by millions of South Africans who deserve qualifications, protections, and skills pathways,” the Minister said.

Taking place under the theme: “Living and Working in a Changing World,” the HRDC launched the Reconceptualised Human Resource Development Strategy (HRD Strategy) 2025–2035 and its implementation framework, the Master Skills Plan (MSP) 2025–2030.

The strategies aim to reform the country’s skills development system, reduce unemployment, and better align education with economic needs. 

The new strategy identifies four catalytic goals with the potential to unlock system-wide impact:

• Improving early learning and schooling outcomes, recognising that foundational capabilities determine life opportunities.
• Improving the employability of youth who are not in employment, education, or training, especially through short courses, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship.
• Enhancing the responsiveness of the post‑school education and training system, particularly to skills demanded by the green, digital, and care economies.
• Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state, without which no reform can be sustained.

While the new national skills framework accounts for the changing landscape, the Minister emphasised that a strategy does not train anyone.

“This is the most comprehensive and forward-looking national skills framework that South Africa has produced,” the Minister said.

However, he acknowledged that South Africa has a governance problem, not a policy problem, and not primarily a funding problem, but a governance problem. 

“The institutions we have built to implement this strategy are not yet operating at the level that the task requires.

“Our Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) system holds billions of rands in levy funds and has the potential to transform skills delivery at the sector level. In some sectors, it is doing exactly that. In others, the funds are not reaching learners in ways that change outcomes,” Manamela said.

He expressed concern about how the HRDC council operates.

“The HRDC has all the right architecture. But a body that meets periodically, produces communiqués, and waits three years for the next Summit to check whether anything happened is not an accountability body. It is a consultation forum,” the Minister said. 

He encouraged the government to work with its partners in implementing the strategy.

“South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is not a social problem that business can observe from a distance. It is a structural feature of an economy that is not absorbing the people it educates.

“To organised labour: the Skills Revolution is not a threat to workers. It is the protection that retraining, upskilling, and new qualification pathways provide in the face of disruption that is coming, whether we act or not,” the Minister said.

He said South Africa is at a moment of genuine possibility.

“What remains to be built is the accountability architecture that makes all of this mean something beyond this room,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper trade ties, strengthened democratic partnerships and a more equitable multilateral system at the Spain–South Africa Business Forum during his working visit to the Kingdom of Spain. 

Addressing delegates at the Business Forum on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the visit underscores the shared commitment between the two nations to build a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship. 

“This visit reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and our shared commitment to building a modern, dynamic and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” he said.

Framing his address around trade expansion, democratic values and the importance of multilateral cooperation, the President highlighted the steady growth in economic ties between the two countries.

“In 2025, total trade between South Africa and Spain reached approximately 2.8 billion Euros. South Africa’s exports to Spain reached 1.3 billion Euros, a 10 percent increase over the previous year.

“This makes Spain our fastest-growing major trading partner within the European Union,” the President said. 

He emphasised that the relationship between the two economies is complementary rather than competitive.

“Our countries do not compete. We complement each other, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can strengthen global value chains,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa noted that more than 150 Spanish companies operate in South Africa, supporting over 20 000 jobs across sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, technology and tourism.

He further pointed to Spain’s investment of over 2.1 billion Euros in South Africa’s just energy transition as a strong signal of confidence.

“It is a statement of confidence not merely in our economy, but in our future,” he said.

Diversifying trade and strengthening value chains

While acknowledging the strength of bilateral trade, the President cautioned that the relationship remains concentrated in a narrow range of exports.

“Even though our trade relationship is strong, it remains structurally imbalanced. It is concentrated in a narrow range of products,” the President said. 

He said diversification is critical to building resilience, particularly as motor vehicles for the transport of goods account for nearly half of South Africa’s exports to Spain.

President Ramaphosa identified critical minerals, green industrialisation and advanced manufacturing as key areas for future cooperation, especially as the global economy transitions to cleaner energy. 

“South Africa holds the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals. These critical minerals sit at the heart of hydrogen fuel cell technology, clean energy systems and the future of electric mobility,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said Spain’s growing leadership in the hydrogen economy presents an opportunity for alignment. 

“South Africa brings the resource base. Spain brings technological capability, investment and market access. Together, this creates the foundation for a new kind of partnership, a collaboration across the value chains of the future,” he said. 

Call for fair global rules and inclusive multilateralism

Placing the discussion within a broader global context, the President stressed the importance of fair and inclusive rules in international trade and climate governance.

“As we expand trade, we must ensure that the rules governing global commerce are fair and support development,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He cautioned that emerging regulatory measures, such as the European Union’s carbon border policies, should not disadvantage developing economies.

“But new regulatory frameworks, including the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, must not become instruments that inadvertently punish developing economies for emissions they did not historically cause,” he said. 

While reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to climate action, he called for stronger support mechanisms within global frameworks.

“We are not opposed to the principle of carbon accountability. What we ask is that climate measures be accompanied by the necessary climate finance, technology transfer and transitional arrangements that the Paris Agreement and successive COP commitments have promised,” the President said. 

Investment, industrial cooperation and shared prosperity

The President used the platform to position South Africa as an attractive investment destination, highlighting a pipeline of 85 projects valued at over 62 billion Euros across key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digital connectivity and pharmaceuticals.

“Our message to every Spanish company in this room is that South Africa is open for business,” he said. 

He encouraged Spanish firms to partner with South Africa as long-term collaborators in building industries that support inclusive growth.

“We invite you to partner with us not only as investors, but as long-term industrial partners, as co-builders of industries that will serve our people and yours for generations,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Concluding his address, President Ramaphosa underscored the broader significance of the partnership between the two nations.

“We have an opportunity to connect European technological strength with African growth. We have an opportunity to build supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and inclusive,” he said. 

He added that such cooperation can drive shared prosperity across both regions.

“Most importantly, we have an opportunity to create prosperity that is genuinely shared in Madrid and in Johannesburg, in Seville and in Durban,” the President said. 

The President arrived in Spain on Thursday for a Working Visit that runs until 18 April, where he is participating in the In Defence of Democracy Initiative and engaging with political and business leaders to reinforce bilateral relations between South Africa and Spain. 

The President is also scheduled to have an audience with King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Royal Palace today. 

On Saturday, he will be in Barcelona where he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Pedro Sánchez at the Fira de Barcelona, before delivering remarks at the plenary session on Extremism and Inequality. 

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an order from the Special Tribunal freezing assets belonging to Nhlakanipho Mngomezulu after an investigation into the unlawful receipt of Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds.

According to the SIU, Lubelo Hlomuka Holdings, trading as SA Scrum Assembly, of which Mngomezulu is the director, unlawfully received approximately R16 362 525.29 from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), administered by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The SIU said the funds were secured through a sophisticated fraudulent scheme involving ghost employees, with money diverted from its intended purpose of supporting workers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Investigators found that between 2020 and 2022, shortly after receiving the funds, Mngomezulu allegedly embarked on a spending spree, purchasing several vehicles in cash.

The vehicles affected by the preservation order included a Volkswagen VN 750 Caravelle, KIA K2700, Toyota Avanza and Ford Ranger.

The tribunal order also covers immovable properties allegedly bought using the misappropriated funds. These include two properties in Glyndale, KwaZulu-Natal, four apartments in Pietermaritzburg, and one property in Zeekoe Vallei, eThekwini.

Bank accounts linked to Mngomezulu and SA Scrum Assembly have also been frozen.

The SIU said analysis of bank records showed SA Scrum Assembly received 45 payments from the UIF, with no evidence that employee salaries were paid.

Instead, investigators found that the funds were channelled through other accounts in a pattern that appeared to be a money-laundering scheme.

The investigation further revealed that Mngomezulu personally benefited from the alleged fraud, receiving more than R5 million in multiple payments derived from the TERS funds.

In November 2025, the SIU approached the Special Tribunal seeking preservation orders over the identified properties, vehicles and bank accounts, with the intention of ultimately forfeiting the assets to the State.

Judge Margaret Victor, President of the Special Tribunal, granted an interim order preventing Mngomezulu from selling, disposing of, transferring, leasing or otherwise dealing with the assets until the matter is finalised.

President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate allegations relating to the affairs of the UIF under Proclamation R.8 of 2021, including TERS payments made to ineligible recipients and false or irregular applications.

The SIU said it remains committed to recovering public funds meant for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and holding accountable those who unlawfully benefited.

In terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, the SIU said any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during the investigation would be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza will today lead an ID Campaign and high impact outreach programme in Escourt, in KwaZulu-Natal, aimed at bringing key government services closer to communities.

The initiative is focused on ensuring that all qualifying residents have access to important civic documents, particularly identity documents, ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the programme seeks to ensure that no eligible community member is left behind, recognising that IDs are more than documents, but “a gateway to dignity, opportunity and full participation in society”.

Working alongside the Electoral Commission of South Africa, the outreach programme will include voter education to help residents understand the importance of participating in shaping the future of their communities.

The campaign comes as South Africa marks 30 years of its Constitution, highlighting the continued commitment to protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring that all people, particularly those in underserved areas, are able to fully exercise their democratic rights.

The event will take place at Phangwini Community Hall in Estcourt on Friday, 17 April 2026, starting at 09:00. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The eThekwini Municipality has expanded its Durban Metro Police K9 Unit, as part of ongoing efforts to strenghten safety, combat crime and restore public confidence.

A total of 13 newly trained K9 handlers were officially introduced during a passing-out parade this week near the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The teams demonstrated their capabilities in drug detection, suspect tracking and combating illegal activities.

The addition of the new handlers follows four months of intensive training and brings the total number of K9 Unit personnel to 20, significantly boosting the Metro Police’s ability to respond effectively to crime.

eThekwini Deputy Mayor and Chairperson of the Community Safety and Security Committee, Zandile Myeni, highlighted the important role of the K9 Unit in modern policing.

She described the unit as a critical force multiplier, assisting in detection of drugs, explosives and illegal firearms, as well as in tracking suspects.

She said this milestone marked a significant advancement in the city’s law enforcement capacity.

“As crime continues to challenge our communities, including drug trafficking, vehicle hijackings, and violent crime, the deployment of specialised teams such as the K9 Unit is essential in strengthening our response and improving public safety,” Myeni said.

The municipality continues to make significant progress towards its 2030 vision of becoming Africa’s most liveable and caring city, with safety and security remaining a key priority.

Metro Police Commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu urged the newly qualified officers to uphold the values of integrity and accountability, reminding them that their role carries both authority and public trust.

Head of College Geraldine Stevens also welcomed the new members, urging them to serve with discipline, courage and professionalism.

The passing-out parade marks the beginning of the unit’s operational deployment.

The event also highlighted the dedication, teamwork, and commitment that underpin effective policing and service to the public. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Eskom has concluded a three-year wage agreement following a Central Bargaining Forum (CBF) process which entails a 7% annual salary increase for workers.

The signatory unions represent more than 75% of the employees in the CBF. The agreement is binding on all employees within the bargaining unit, including those affiliated with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA).

“The conclusion of the wage process represents an important procedural milestone. It provides Eskom with the stability and predictability required to focus fully on delivering our business objectives and fulfilling our mandate to South Africa. We recognise that our people are central to driving sustainable growth and to building an organisation that is resilient and attractive to future partners and investors,” said Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.

By maintaining a three year framework, Eskom and organised labour have established a predictable environment that reduces the volatility associated with annual bargaining cycles. The agreement continues Eskom’s established practice of multi year collective bargaining arrangements, supporting cost predictability and operational stability, which has also contributed to the delivery of Eskom’s successful turnaround strategy.

The agreement entails a 7% annual salary increase for all employees within the bargaining unit and effective for a three-year period, starting from 1 July 2026, providing labour certainty over the medium term.

The established multi-year framework secures the labour stability and skills necessary to maintain and reinforce Eskom’s recent gains in overall system performance.

“Eskom remains dedicated to maintaining a constructive partnership with organised labour as a fundamental driver of operational excellence and business sustainability. This collaborative approach ensures the utility remains focused on its primary mandate: the safe and reliable operation of the national power system for the benefit of all South Africans.

“The agreement concludes a structured and intensive collective bargaining process. While negotiations were robust, Eskom acknowledges that NUMSA has declared a deadlock and opted not to sign the current agreement,” said the power utility.

The wage process has been concluded in line with applicable Central Bargaining Forum processes and labour legislation. Eskom remains committed to structured and ongoing engagement with all three of its recognised trade unions on all other matters of mutual importance. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

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The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (Necsa) has attracted international and local interest in its planned Small Modular Reactor (SMR) demonstration project, following a compulsory briefing session held for prospective suppliers.

The session formed part of Necsa’s recently issued Expression of Interest (EOI), which was released at the end of March and closes on 29 May 2026. 

A total of 54 potential partners attended the briefing, representing 12 countries, including South Africa.

Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe said the meeting provided an important opportunity to clarify technical, commercial and strategic aspects of the corporation’s SMR programme.

“The briefing session held with the interested suppliers [on Thursday] provided a platform to clarify technical, commercial and strategic aspects of Necsa’s SMR programme,” he said.

Tyabashe added that it was encouraging to see strong interest from nuclear designers and institutions involved in advancing nuclear technology.

Following the closing date for submissions on 29 May 2026, Necsa will evaluate the responses and move to the next stage of the process, which will involve issuing a request for proposals to shortlisted organisations.

Necsa Board Chairperson David Nicholls said the organisation was committed to ensuring the SMR programme includes local industry participants.

“It was important to see a number of South African organisations in the briefing session [on Thursday],” he said.

Nicholls said Necsa remains committed to a transparent and competitive process aligned with South Africa’s energy policies, while seeking to combine local and global expertise through strategic partnerships. – SAnews.gov.za

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North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, will today hand over seven houses to military veterans in Jouberton, in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality. 

According to the department, the housing project is implemented in accordance with the Military Veterans Act, 2011 (Act No. 18 of 2011), which outlines government’s responsibility to support and manage the affairs of military veterans across all nine provinces. 

The Act further makes provision for a range of benefits to military veterans, including access to housing support.

“The hand over will be followed by an Imbizo with Military Veterans across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. This engagement will serve as an important platform for military veterans to engage government on various issues, particular those within the human settlements mandate,” the department said. 

MEC Molapisi will be accompanied by the Executive Mayor the City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Cllr Fikile Mahlophe. – SAnews.gov.za

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