Category: South Africa Government

A low-pressure system is expected to influence weather conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country, bringing significant rain and thunderstorms over the coming days, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

“The SAWS wishes to update the public on a low-pressure system currently located over the southern parts of Mozambique, which is expected to significantly influence weather conditions over north-eastern South Africa over the coming days,” it said.

In a statement on Saturday, the weather service said current weather forecasts indicate that the lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo Valley, and most eastern parts of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms, up to at least Wednesday, or even beyond.
“For these regions, significant rainfall accumulations are expected throughout the week, beginning from Sunday evening,” said the weather service.

The SAWS had issued severe weather warnings for severe thunderstorms, an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, 10 January 2026, as well as an orange level 6 warning for Sunday. Anticipated impacts include flooding leading to damage to infrastructure and settlements, as well as injuries and a danger to life.

“There is currently a possibility that warnings may be escalated to indicate the likelihood of severe impacts in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Monday, depending on the evolution of the system and forecast confidence. The SAWS will continue to monitor this evolving weather system and provide regular updates to ensure public safety and preparedness.

“This weather system may also affect the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday, when heavy rains would be possible,” it said.

In an update on Sunday, the weather service said persistent rainfall continues over the north-eastern parts of the country, affecting the Lowveld areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

“Since overnight, observed rainfall amounts in eastern Limpopo range between 18 and 85 mm,” it said in a post on the social media platform, X.

It further added that observed rainfall amounts across parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal indicate widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours.
“SAWS station data shows notable accumulations, with up to 113 mm recorded at Graskop AWS and 73–85 mm measured around Phalaborwa,” it said.

The weather service has called on the public and stakeholders to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings.

“The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain [from] distributing such information further,” said SAWS.

For regular updates, please visit www.weathersa.co.za or follow SAWS official media channels. –SAnews.gov.za

Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has terminated the lease agreement with Medicare 24 Tshwane District, linked to suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

This is in respect of a hospital facility situated in Pretoria West. According to the DPWI the lease agreement was terminated on Friday, 09 January 2026.

The termination follows allegations made in the Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee and an investigation by a South African media company, which detailed how Medicare 24 Tshwane District – which was reportedly owned by Matlala and where he was formerly listed as a director – allegedly bypassed standard procurement processes to obtain the lease.

The Minister said that after learning of the serious allegations relating to the lease, he requested an internal investigation, which found that the lease agreement entered into with Medicare 24 Tshwane District in December 2023 could not lawfully come into operation, as the hospital facility was not declared surplus to the requirements of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The SAPS remains the designated user of the facility in terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007.

Departmental records indicate that SAPS requires the hospital facility for service delivery purposes. The formal declaration of the hospital facility as surplus is a necessary precondition for any lease to take lawful effect.

“It was in light of these facts, and to ensure legal certainty as well as compliance with applicable legislation and governance frameworks, that the department on Friday morning issued a notice of termination of the lease agreement with immediate effect,” the department said in a statement.

“As soon as I learnt of the serious allegations raised, I requested a thorough investigation by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which found that the property had not been declared surplus by SAPS and that the lease agreement could therefore not be implemented.

“In line with my commitment to ensure that public assets are used for the public good, I instructed that a termination of the lease be issued to prevent any wastage of public funds. As a department, we can never tolerate the abuse of state resources,” Minister Macpherson said.

The Minister added that the department will conduct an investigation to ensure that any officials who played a role in authorising the lease are held accountable.

“We will also work closely with law-enforcement agencies and hand over any information relating to possible criminality to ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law. We are working decisively to rid the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure of corruption and abuse, and to ensure that it delivers meaningfully for the South African people,” he said.

In December 2025, the Department of Correctional Services said Matlala had been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.

Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover, and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies. –SAnews.gov.za

As the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek continues to burn out of control, the Cape Winelands District Municipality said a reconnaissance flight will be conducted to assess the full extent of the fire.

“During the night, the fire spread rapidly down the mountain across a large area, threatening surrounding farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301). Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. The fire later shifted back toward the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented,” the municipality said on Sunday.

This as the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services in the Western Cape reported a challenging night as the fire continues to burn.

The fire was reported on Wednesday and originated in the Langrug area.

The fire has claimed one structure and damaged another. No injuries have been reported.

“A reconnaissance flight will be conducted this morning to assess the full extent of the fire following last night’s activity. This assessment will inform the operational plan for the day as active firefighting and mitigation efforts continue.”

Meanwhile, the municipality has thanked its partners, farmers, landowners, and volunteers for their support.

“However, all firefighting operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System (ICS). For safety and coordination reasons, members of the public are requested not to organise or participate in independent or ad-hoc firefighting groups,” said the municipality.

Meanwhile, firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford in the Western Cape.

READ | Progress made in containing Overstrand fires

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement. –SAnews.gov.za

Firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Standford in the Western Cape.

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement.

The municipality added that the right flank is expected to burn out against the old burn scar from the recent De Kelders fire.

“The fuel load remains high in dense alien vegetation, which is conducive to flare-ups under strong wind conditions. Firefighters and landowners will remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames.”
On the seaside of Pearly Beach, the fire crew will closely monitor and continue with mop-up operations.
“There are no active fire lines at this stage, and there is no threat to houses,” he said.

However, day five of the Stanford fire remains challenging, with renewed efforts focusing on the inaccessible old vegetation (aliens and fynbos) where active fire lines are still persisting.

O’Neill added that all roads are open, including the R43 Stanford, Gansbaai, and Pearly Beach, which were affected by the Pearly Beach and Stanford fires.

“However, roads may close at short notice if conditions change,” he said.

In the update given on Saturday night, the municipality said that it had received numerous donations, particularly essential goods to support the firefighters who risk their lives every day to bring these fires under control.

It thanked businesses, organisations, and individuals who stepped in to assist.
It added that in the Stanford fire, firefighting crews successfully contained the fire line from the Die Kop informal settlement to the R43, preventing the fire from crossing the road.

“The fire threatened Eskom power lines; however, crews successfully extinguished the immediate threat. The fire was then guided into an old burn scar near Es La Vida Farm, where it was allowed to burn itself out,” it said at the time.

In an alert on Saturday morning, the municipality said “evacuations are currently underway for Eluxolweni,” with the Eluxolweni Community Hall open for evacuees due to the Pearly Beach fire.

At the time, the municipality said residents in Panorama, Groeneweide, and Standskloof should remain on high alert and that evacuation may become necessary if conditions worsen. –SAnews.gov.za

As industries gradually resume operations following the festive break, Eskom says its power system remains stable and ready to meet the projected rise in electricity demand amid the heightened economic activity in the coming weeks.

“Eskom’s power system remains stable and ready to meet the projected rise in electricity demand amid the heightened economic activity in the coming weeks as industries gradually resume operations. The resilience of the power system reflects the major improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet and the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, driving stronger operations and securing the country’s energy future,” the power utility said in a statement.

Additionally, the utility continues to see gains in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF), with the year-to-date EAF further increasing to 64.55%. Its fleet has achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 55 occasions.

“These figures underscore 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.

It added that the improvements are driven primarily by the reduction in unplanned outages, reflecting the effectiveness of the Generation Recovery Plan and the benefits of disciplined maintenance execution.

Between 02 and 08 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 7 705MW from last year’s level of 13 876MW, representing an improvement of 6 171MW.

Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) further reduced to 16.02%, a significant improvement of 12.80% compared to 28.82% recorded during the same period last year.

During the same timeframe, the average Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), also referred to as planned maintenance, was at 9.32%, compared with 14.72% in the previous financial year. 
The reduced level follows Eskom’s intensive maintenance programme implemented in the last financial year, exceeding historical norms over the past three years, to restore fleet reliability.

“Planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and supports ongoing efforts to enhance plant reliability, improve operational stability, and strengthen long term fleet performance,” the utility said.

The ongoing improvement in EAF has reduced Eskom’s reliance on expensive diesel generation, enabling a stronger focus on more cost effective primary energy sources.

“In addition, 7 305MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity and lower demand during the holiday season,” said Eskom, adding that for a third consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past three weeks.

The utility’s diesel spending is now R2.959 billion lower than at the same time last year.
Year-to-date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget.

It added that the country has had over 200 days of no load shedding.
“South Africa has now experienced 238 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of loadshedding recorded in April and May 2025 during this financial year,” it said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the power utility added that although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, persistent adverse weather, together with fires in the Coega, Humansdorp, and Sarah Baartman areas in the Eastern Cape, has resulted in an increase in faults across Eskom’s distribution network.

“Eskom teams continue to diligently restore power safely and efficiently in affected areas, while prioritising the safety of both its staff and the public throughout the restoration process,” it said.

In addition, illegal connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose serious safety risks.

“As a temporary measure, Eskom is maintaining load reduction in high risk areas to protect communities and the network.”

Eskom called on communities to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly, and protect infrastructure. Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. –SAnews.gov.za

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has once again condemned the unilateral military strikes carried out by the United States against Venezuela, reaffirming the country’s commitment to multilateralism.

He also denounced the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse, who are facing trial in the United States. 

This follows an incident in which United States special forces took Maduro and his wife to the United States early on Saturday morning.

In his first court appearance in New York on Monday, Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges. 

Lamola believes that the recent actions by the United States reflect the warnings made by former President Nelson Mandela regarding the dangerous times affecting the world.

Writing as a President in waiting about South Africa’s future foreign policy, former Statesman Mandela argued: “Because the world is a more dangerous place, the international community dare not relinquish its commitment to human rights.”

Lamola emphasised that South Africa’s foreign policy should prioritise justice and international law, as President Mandela highlighted, cautioning that current challenges could undermine the UN Charter and multilateralism.

“As the machinations of powerful States threaten to return us to an era when international relations were defined by trusteeship, mandates and spheres of influence, the need to stay true to our values and principles couldn’t be more pressing.

“Chief among the principles we have sworn to uphold is the sovereign equality of all nations. When we placed our signatures upon the UN Charter, we made a solemn covenant. 

“We agreed to replace the sword with the statute, the battlefield with the negotiating table. We pledged to refrain from force, understanding that to violate the territorial integrity of one is to violate the peace and stability of all,” he said on Friday.  

The Minister was speaking in the North West, where the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in collaboration with the Rustenburg Local Municipality, hosted a public participation event at the Civic Centre in Rustenburg.

“In this challenging environment, South Africa must continue to advocate for a rules-based international order grounded in international law… The rule of law remains fundamental to global stability, legitimacy and governance.

“It is for this reason that we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism, with the UN at its centre.” 

Lamola believes that this period of significant geopolitical tension will determine whether the UN fulfils its commitments or if the world reverts to the era of the League of Nations.

“An age of wars, fragmentation and racial hierarchy. We hope that stability and peace prevail. If multilateralism is to survive the current geopolitical headwinds, reform is no longer an option.”

He once looked to Madiba’s words, who said: “The United Nations (UN) should not be dominated by a single power or a group of powers, or else its legitimacy will continuously be called into question.”

Lamola described the foreign policy as one of the tools used to create the conditions for inclusive growth, decent work and a dignified life.

“Far too often, our critics argue that South Africa is too concerned with the rest of the world while our country faces pressing challenges of its own. They argue that all politics is domestic and foreign policy is a distraction from bread-and-butter issues at home. This is a false choice.”

In the face of the raw exercise of power, Lamola said President Mandela’s teachings remain incisive. 

“Principle is not a costume you wear when convenient and tear apart when it feels too heavy.

“To ask us to abandon Ubuntu, justice, and the quest for human dignity for the sake of appeasing those who resort to raw power and falsehoods to enforce their will is to ask us to shed our identity.

“South Africa is the 20th century’s biggest beneficiary of international solidarity. What explanation will we offer to posterity if we discard our values and identity at the altar of expedience?” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Some 40 National Senior Certificate (NSC) 2025 candidates, who were implicated in a breach of exam papers, will have to wait to hear their exam results as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the National Investigative Task Team (NITT) investigating the breach continue their processes.

This according to DBE Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who briefed the media on Friday afternoon.

Last month, the Minister announced that NSC exam markers in Gauteng detected an unusual similarity in answers provided by a candidate with the answers provided in the marking guidelines for the English Paper 2 examination.

“On the NITT’s recommendation, results for the implicated 40 candidates will be withheld temporarily while the official irregularity processes are completed. 

“As part of these processes, each of the 40 candidates will be subjected to an independent hearing. Where a candidate is found guilty by the independent presiding officer, this finding, together with recommendations, will go to the Provincial Examination Irregularity Committee and thereafter the National Examination Irregularity Committee. [Further education and training quality assurer] Umalusi will be the final arbiter,” Gwarube announced.

Candidates, who are found guilty may have their results in the relevant subjects “nullified and may be further sanctioned”, which can include a ban from writing the NSC examinations for up to three examination sessions.

The DBE has already instituted precautionary suspensions against officials suspected to be involved in the breach – including an official whose child was writing the exams.

“In addition, the Department is implementing the NITT’s recommendations to institute investigations and disciplinary proceedings against implicated officials; to continue the forensic investigation into unlawful access to and distribution of examination materials; and to support criminal proceedings where the evidence warrants it.

“Those who compromise the NSC do not only break rules, they also attempt to steal opportunities from honest learners. We will pursue accountability through every appropriate disciplinary and criminal process, in line with due process once the necessary investigations are concluded,” the Minister vowed.

Examining the breach

Gwarube explained that the breach started at department’s secure exam paper system environment – where question papers are set, handled and stored.

The seven papers leaked are:

• English Home Language: Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3;
• Mathematics: Paper 1 and Paper 2; and
• Physical Sciences: Paper 1 and Paper 2.

“The NITT further indicated that, on the evidence available to date, a DBE official whose child was an NSC 2025 candidate is alleged to have been involved in this breach, with the learner subsequently forming part of the distribution chain. The NITT also noted that a possible second suspected official remains subject to corroboration through the ongoing forensic and investigative work.

“Based on evidence available to date, the NITT reported that the breach was contained to 40 candidates in the Tshwane area and therefore localised. This reflects a very small portion in comparison to the over 900 000 candidates who wrote the NSC exams in 2025,” she added.

The minister moved to assure that the integrity of the NSC 2025 examinations remains intact, particularly in light of Umalusi’s approval of the exams earlier on Friday.

“Umalusi’s certification today is a clear assurance  to every candidate, every guardian and every parent that the NSC 2025 remains credible.

“This breach was detected through the strength of our marking and quality assurance systems. Markers are our first line of defence. The fact that anomalies were identified, escalated through established protocols demonstrate that the NSC system is designed to detect irregularities and act decisively to protect honest learners.

“We will not compromise the future of honest learners because of the actions of a few. We will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring accountability and safeguarding the credibility of the NSC,” Gwarube said. – SAnews.gov.za