Category: South Africa Government

Government is prepared to strengthen regulation and enforcement against plastic pollution, including targeting companies that fail to comply with waste management obligations, says Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp.

Addressing industry leaders, environmental organisations and government stakeholders in Cape Town on Monday evening, Aucamp said South Africa had made significant progress in tackling plastic waste through collaboration between government, business and civil society, but warned that stronger measures may be required to drive further change.

“We now know that if we do not address problematic plastic products, they threaten the reputation and the future of all plastic products,” Aucamp said, speaking at the launch of the South African Plastics Pact’s 2030 targets.

He said regulatory instruments would be needed to ensure greater compliance and to remove problematic plastics from the country’s ecosystem, while also compelling companies that have not joined voluntary initiatives such as the Plastics Pact to contribute to broader industry reforms.

The launch of the SA Plastics Pact’s new 2030 targets marks the next phase of an initiative that was first established in January 2020 to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy. 

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been a partner in the initiative since its inception.

Aucamp described plastic pollution as one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing South Africa and the world, despite the material’s important role in modern society.

“The result is growing pressure on our environment, our oceans, our communities, and our waste management systems,” he said.

The Minister said government had adopted a proactive and evidence-based approach to the issue, combining policy reforms, scientific research, public awareness campaigns and partnerships across sectors.

Among the achievements highlighted were the continued implementation of EPR regulations, increased industry investment in recycling and collection infrastructure, and efforts to improve the working conditions of waste reclaimers who play a key role in South Africa’s recycling economy.

Government is also exploring deposit return schemes to improve collection rates and increase material recovery, while amendments to plastic carrier bag regulations are expected to stimulate demand for recycled materials through the introduction of recycled-content targets.

Aucamp credited collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for supporting investment and innovation through initiatives such as the Plastics Sector Master Plan and the Industrial Policy Action Plan.

The Minister praised the growing support for the South African Plastics Pact from businesses across the plastics value chain, saying their commitment to improved product design, recyclability and resource efficiency was helping to drive meaningful change.

“The launch of the SA Plastics Pact 2030 is a declaration of intent to achieve more,” he said. 

“It signals our collective determination to move beyond business as usual and towards a future in which economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion go hand in hand.”

Aucamp thanked GreenCape, which serves as the secretariat of the Plastics Pact, as well as participating businesses and stakeholders for their continued support. – SAnews.gov.za

0

South Africa is successfully maintaining key livestock export markets despite the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, says Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen.

Speaking at a media briefing in Parliament on Monday, Steenhuisen said retaining and expanding export markets was critical for supporting farm incomes, sustaining processing facilities and protecting jobs across the agricultural value chain.

The Minister said South Africa’s response to FMD had entered a new phase, with record vaccine acquisitions, intensified vaccination efforts and sustained engagement with international trading partners.

Since February, South Africa has procured 13.5 million doses of FMD vaccine and vaccinated nearly 4.4 million animals nationwide, making it the largest vaccine acquisition programme ever undertaken by the state. 

A further 3.5 million vaccine doses arrived in the country last week, while regulatory approval has been granted for the importation of an additional 14 million doses to support booster vaccinations.

Government has invested R494 million in vaccine procurement and deployment to date.

“Protecting the national cattle population, safeguarding jobs, preserving food security and restoring confidence in the livestock economy are national priorities,” Steenhuisen said.

While acknowledging the significant hardship experienced by farmers due to movement restrictions, higher feed costs and market uncertainty, the Minister said government had shouldered the financial burden of the vaccination campaign to reduce the impact of the outbreak on producers.

He paid tribute to farmers who had complied with movement controls and vaccination programmes despite facing severe financial pressure.

“Their cooperation has been essential to containing the outbreak and protecting the broader livestock industry,” he said.

A key focus of government’s response has been ensuring that disease-control measures do not unnecessarily disrupt trade.
Steenhuisen said South Africa had worked extensively with international trading partners to maintain market access for livestock products through science-based risk management measures.

As a result, Jordan remains open to South African exports and shipments are already taking place. 

The United Arab Emirates continues to accept South African products under updated certification arrangements, while Hong Kong remains open for red meat exports. Kuwait also remains open under agreed conditions, and discussions with Qatar are progressing positively.

South Africa is expected to engage additional markets this week, including Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, with proposals aimed at facilitating continued trade.

The livestock sector forms part of a broader agricultural industry that continues to perform strongly despite disease outbreaks, severe weather events and logistical challenges.

Agricultural exports grew by 7% over the past year, while the sector generated a trade surplus of approximately US$7.3 billion in 2025, an increase of 18% compared with the previous year. 

The citrus industry recorded one of its strongest export performances on record during the same period.

Steenhuisen highlighted South Africa’s role in strengthening regional cooperation on animal health following a recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministerial meeting in Zimbabwe.

South Africa welcomed the decision by SADC Ministers and livestock experts to prioritise the development of a Regional Coordination Framework for Foot and Mouth Disease control.

The proposed framework aims to improve cooperation across borders through progressive buffer zoning, coordinated vaccination efforts, strengthened surveillance systems, biosecurity corridors and compartmentalisation models designed to limit the spread of disease while protecting trade.

“In a region where livestock mobility, wildlife interfaces and cross-border trade are deeply interconnected, stronger regional coordination is critical,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the framework would help move Southern Africa away from fragmented national responses towards a coordinated and preventative regional biosecurity system.

Domestically, government is also expanding diagnostic capacity through additional laboratory resources, recruitment of veterinary personnel and improved provincial coordination.

Steenhuisen said the country was steadily transitioning from a reactive disease-control system to a proactive and risk-based biosecurity model, supported by growing collaboration between government, producers, veterinarians, feedlots, processors and commodity organisations.

A public-private biosecurity framework is expected to be launched in the coming weeks to formalise these partnerships and strengthen future disease preparedness. – SAnews.gov.za
 

4

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have arrested 36 people, including illegal immigrants, and confiscated more than 800 rounds of live ammunition and 16 unlicensed firearms during law enforcement operations in Gauteng.

Authorities also recovered illegal mining equipment, including phendukas, gas cylinders, generators and steel pot crushers, during the joint operation known as Operation Prosper, which was conducted across the West Rand, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni between 25 and 31 May 2026.

The intervention forms part of a national initiative announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to intensify efforts against criminal networks linked to illegal mining and gang violence.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said the operation’s aim is to uphold the rule of law, with SAPS leading enforcement while the SANDF acts as a force multiplier.

“Police and soldiers have tightened the net on gangs and illegal miners in Gauteng and in other places in Gauteng. The intelligence-driven operation is targeting gang violence and illegal mining across the West Rand, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Nevhuhulwi said the operation is aimed at disrupting criminal networks and restoring stability in communities affected by gang crime and illegal mining.

She said law enforcement teams will remain on the ground as part of ongoing efforts to remove illegal firearms, arrest suspects and dismantle criminal operations.

Police have called on communities to help by reporting criminal activities at their nearest police stations or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send anonymous tip-offs through the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

0

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has tabled a series of resolutions adopted during the provincial Workers’ Parliament, aimed at addressing unemployment, promoting decent work and strengthening economic participation across the province.

The Workers’ Parliament, held at the Greytown Civic Centre in the uMvoti Local Municipality under the uMzinyathi District Municipality on Friday, 29 May, brought together representatives from government, organised labour, workers’ formations and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting workers, economic development and employment creation in the province.

The sitting took place against the backdrop of recent labour market statistics released by Statistics South Africa. According to the latest statistics, the national unemployment rate has increased to 32.7%, leaving an estimated 8.1 million South Africans without work. Youth unemployment remains a significant concern, with 45.8% of people aged between 15 and 34 currently unemployed.

Addressing delegates, Ntuli acknowledged the severity of the unemployment crisis and its impact on households, communities and the broader economy. He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among government, organised labour, business and civil society in finding sustainable solutions to unemployment and economic exclusion.

Despite the challenging national economic environment, Ntuli highlighted encouraging developments within KwaZulu-Natal.

“The province recorded the creation of more than 6 000 new jobs, contributing to a decline in the provincial unemployment rate from 32.3% to 31.2%,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli attributed the improvement to targeted government interventions aimed at stimulating economic growth, supporting investment, strengthening industrial development and expanding opportunities for job creation across key sectors of the provincial economy.

“The resolutions adopted by the Workers’ Parliament will assist government in shaping responsive policies and programmes that promote decent work, protect workers’ rights and strengthen economic participation, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups,” the Premier said.

The Workers’ Parliament reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working closely with organised labour and social partners to accelerate economic growth, improve living conditions, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people of KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za

0

The eThekwini Council has officially adopted the Municipality’s 2026/2027 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF), approving a R75.3 billion budget aimed at accelerating service delivery, renewing infrastructure, and advancing turnaround strategies for the city’s trading services.

The adopted budget comprises an operating budget of approximately R69 billion and a capital budget of R6.3 billion. The budget was developed within an overall planning framework aligned to the city’s strategic objectives, with a strong focus on sustainable service delivery and long-term financial stability.

Addressing Council during the adoption of the budget, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the budget represents a practical and sustainable financial plan for the city.

“The 2026/2027 budget is not an aspirational document. It is a funded, credible, and sustainable plan, assessed as such by National Treasury. It prioritises the acceleration of repairs, the upgrading of bulk infrastructure, and the full implementation of our trading services turnaround strategies,” Xaba said.

Xaba said the budget followed an extensive public participation process after the draft budget was tabled in March 2026. Between 13 April and 11 May 2026, the city hosted 12 public budget hearings, including dedicated engagements with business stakeholders, disability organisations, and ratepayer associations, as well as regional hearings covering all municipal wards.

“The hearings were well attended, with most inputs reflecting the real challenges faced by our communities. The process was widely advertised through radio, print, and social media, inviting public participation and written submissions,” he said.

The city noted that several public inputs were incorporated into the final budget to provide relief to residents amid ongoing economic pressures.

“As a result, we have made meaningful adjustments to the draft budget. However, not all requests could be accommodated within the available financial envelope. This budget therefore balances service delivery, infrastructure renewal, job creation, affordability, and financial sustainability,” the mayor said.

Following engagements with stakeholders and national government, Council approved revised tariff increases for the 2026/2027 financial year, including reductions to the proposed increases for water, sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, and property rates.

The revised tariff adjustments are as follows:
•    Domestic water tariff increase reduced from 15% to 12%
•    Business water tariff increase reduced from 16% to 13%
•    Domestic sanitation tariff increase reduced from 13% to 8%
•    Business sanitation tariff increase reduced from 14% to 9%
•    Average property rates increase reduced from 5% to 2%
•    Refuse tariff increase reduced from 13% to 9.5%
•    Electricity tariff increase reduced from 10.5% to 9%

Xaba said the revised tariffs are intended to provide much-needed relief to residents and businesses.

“As a caring city, we certainly hope that this brings some relief to our ratepayers and consumers,” he said.

Council also approved amendments to the City’s Indigent Support Policy to ensure more targeted assistance for vulnerable households. 

The threshold for exemption from property rates for indigent households has been increased from R350 000 to R400 000, while pensioner rebate qualification thresholds have been raised from R2.5 million to R2.75 million.

The Mayor said the main sources of funding for the operating budget are service charges, property rates, and grants and levies. Key areas of expenditure include bulk purchases, employee-related costs, contracted services, and operational expenditure.

The adopted budget places significant emphasis on upgrading ageing infrastructure, improving the reliability of water, sanitation, and energy services, and driving spatial transformation initiatives across the city.

“The main focus of the budget is to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to our residents in order to uplift their quality of life,” he said.

Improved access to basic, infrastructure services

The Mayor highlighted the significant progress made over the past five years, including improved access to basic services and major infrastructure delivery.

“There has been improved access to basic services, with more than 21 000 new electricity connections, mostly in previously underserved areas, bringing electricity coverage to almost 100%. 

“We have built 7 910 housing units and issued 3 200 title deeds, restoring dignity and providing security of tenure to families who previously had no shelter, and we have successfully rehabilitated more than 500 kilometres of roads,” the mayor said.

An emphasis has also been placed on good governance and internal controls to drive productivity and value for money. 

This includes interventions to reduce overtime abuse, improve response times, and the use of artificial intelligence and digitalisation to improve efficiency and effectiveness. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

0

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has commended members of the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and the Commission Recommendations Task Team (CRTT) for their investigative work following the denial of bail in two high-profile cases.

While all accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, SAPS Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, welcomed the courts’ decisions, saying they reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system and send a strong message that serious crimes, including murder, corruption and fraud, will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

Dimpane said the denial of bail in both matters reflects the quality of the investigations conducted by the respective teams and demonstrates the strength of the cases presented before the courts.

The first case relates to the murder of Marius van der Merwe (Witness D). Accused Matipandile Sotheni appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, where bail was denied.

The second case involves Janitha van Reneen, an employee of Emfuleni Local Municipality, who is facing fraud charges linked to transactions involving the municipality. 

She was also denied bail by the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court.

“The decision by the courts to deny bail is an indication that compelling evidence was placed before the court. 

“It demonstrates the diligence, professionalism and commitment of our investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) prosecutors in ensuring that those accused of serious crimes are held accountable through the criminal justice process,” Dimpane said. –SAnews.gov.za

0

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged Indian business leaders and investors to work with South Africa to build industries that create jobs, advance technology and expand skills to meet the changing needs of the economy.

Addressing the South Africa-India Technology, Trade and Investment Roundtable, he underscored the importance of deeper cooperation in turning global challenges such as unilateralism, climate change and resource depletion into opportunities.

“Our collective task is therefore to transform these shared challenges into opportunities, to turn climate action into renewal, technology into empowerment, and global governance into a voice for all. 

“This is the call of our time to face the limits of our planet with courage, to harness the power of innovation with wisdom, and to defend the dignity of nations with unity,”  the Deputy President said on Saturday.

He said India’s globally competitive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and South Africa’s industrial and entrepreneurial base offer strong complementarities.

To leverage the strengths of both countries, Mashatile proposed the establishment of a South Africa-India Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Industrial Linkage Programme focused on supply-chain integration, co-production and joint market access.

“This partnership will prioritise sectors where our strengths are complementary, including agro-processing, mining beneficiation, renewable energy components, pharmaceuticals and digital services, and will move beyond trade facilitation towards true industrial cooperation.

“Critically, this collaboration must be digital by design. India’s experience in technology-enabled MSMEs, including AI and automation, offers valuable lessons as South Africa strengthens the competitiveness of its small business sector,” he said.

Mashatile also called for a shift from technology transfer to technology co-creation.

“Artificial intelligence will shape competitiveness across mining, logistics, retail and public administration. South Africa and India must be active architects of this transformation while deepening cooperation on AI ethics, governance and public trust,” Mashatile said.

He urged businesses to invest in data centres, cloud infrastructure and fibre connectivity to strengthen Africa’s digital economy and enable scale under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“India already has a strong investment footprint in South Africa. We now seek to deepen this through beneficiation-led and manufacturing-focused investment, particularly in critical minerals such as platinum group metals, manganese and vanadium, as well as pharmaceuticals and renewable energy technologies,” the Deputy President said.

Mashatile said South Africa could learn from India’s technical training and industrial skills to expand capacity in software engineering, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and green technologies.

“We will therefore pursue a South Africa-India Skills and Innovation Exchange, anchored in university partnerships, youth technology programmes and vocational training aligned with industry demand.

“At the same time, we see strong potential to connect our innovation hubs, from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, creating an Africa-Asia Innovation Bridge that supports start-ups, co-investment and global scaling,” he said.

The Deputy President said India-affiliated Global Capability Centres in South Africa present a significant opportunity by leveraging the country’s skilled talent base and continental reach.

“To focus our collective effort, we propose three flagship outcomes from this collaboration: first, the launch of the South Africa-India SMME Industrial Linkage Programme within the next year.

“Second, the establishment of at least two joint technology or pharmaceutical manufacturing projects serving African markets. Third, the rollout of a South Africa-India Youth Technology Skills Programme targeting AI, digital services and advanced manufacturing,” Mashatile said.

He said these initiatives would provide tangible platforms for partnership, investment and job creation. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

8

Mpumalanga has achieved a historic first after a Grade 11 learner from Sintintile Secondary School was crowned the 2026 national winner of the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP).

This secures Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi’s position to represent South Africa on the global stage in Sweden later this year.

The 17-year-old from Kanyamazane in Mbombela, was named the overall winner during the 27th SAYWP national finals held in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, on Friday, 29 May 2026.

His victory marks the first time that a learner from Mpumalanga has won the national title, placing the province firmly on the map for youth-driven innovation in science, technology and water sustainability.

Hosted annually by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the South African Youth Water Prize is a flagship educational programme for learners in Grades 9 to 11. 

The competition challenges young people to identify water-related problems in their schools and communities, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions that contribute to environmental protection and water security.

Sinenhlanhla captured the judges’ attention with his pioneering project titled “The Sentinel Barrier”, an engineered silicone-based elastomeric coating applied to the inner surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles. 

The innovation is designed to prevent the release of microplastics and chemical leaching into drinking water, offering a practical response to one of the world’s growing environmental and public health concerns.

As the national winner, Sinenhlanhla will represent South Africa at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden in August 2026, where he will compete against some of the world’s most promising young scientists from more than 30 countries.

Reflecting on his achievement, Nkosi said the victory was both humbling and inspiring.

“Winning still feels unreal. More than a personal achievement, I am excited about the opportunity to share my invention with the world. Stockholm is where leading water experts come together, and taking my solution from Kanyamazane in Mpumalanga to that global platform means a great deal to me.

“It demonstrates that innovation does not always require extensive resources or large institutions. Sometimes all it takes is identifying a problem and having the determination to address it,” Sinenhlanhla said.

Beyond the award, Sinenhlanhla sees the competition as a stepping stone toward a future career in engineering. He plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering after completing matric, believing it will provide the technical foundation needed to further develop his invention and contribute to solutions that improve water quality.

“My invention addresses a materials-based challenge, and Mechanical Engineering will equip me with the technical knowledge to improve it and develop scalable solutions. 

“Mechanical engineers play an important role in designing systems that improve water treatment and protect water quality. I want to contribute meaningfully to solving the growing challenge of microplastic contamination through my future work,” he said.

Sinenhlanhla encouraged fellow learners to continue pursuing innovation regardless of competition outcomes.

“Not winning a competition does not define the quality of an idea. Every project contributes to learning, improvement, and helping to strengthen future work,” he said.

He advised learners to focus on their own growth and development, rather than comparing themselves to others.

The national competition showcased innovative research and inventions from learners across the country. Second place was awarded to Alissa Pillay from Star College Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, while third place went to Moegamat Panker and Rylee Joseph from Kimberley Technical High School in the Northern Cape.

Department officials congratulated Sinenhlanhla on his remarkable achievement and praised the role of teachers, mentors, and schools in nurturing young talent and innovation.

The Department further reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Department of Basic Education to enhance water education and broaden opportunities for meaningful youth participation in the water sector.

DWS Gauteng Provincial Head Justice Maluleke encouraged learners to appreciate the important work being undertaken in the water sector and to make the most of the opportunities presented through the competition.

“I urge you to sharpen your minds while you are still in school and to fully embrace the learning experiences and engagement opportunities presented through the competition,” Maluleke said.

The adjudication panel comprised representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Water Research Commission, Nelson Mandela University, Rand Water and Thungela Resources. Seven adjudicators evaluated projects submitted under two categories: the Awareness Category, which focuses on identifying water challenges and proposing practical solutions, and the Innovation Category, which centres on developing technical models and inventions to address water-related issues.

All national finalists received bursaries and laptops in recognition of their commitment, innovation and outstanding participation.

One of the adjudicators, Mashila Phihlela, a former South African Youth Water Prize participant who now works for the Department of Water and Sanitation, shared an inspiring message with the finalists.

“I am somewhere in the future, and I look much better than I am looking now,” he said, encouraging learners to remain hopeful, ambitious and confident about their future. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

6

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to improve their vehicles’ visibility and exercise extreme caution when driving late at night or in the early hours of the morning after 24 people died in separate crashes.

“The corporation calls on motorists to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol and to take road conditions into account when travelling,” the RTMC said on Monday.

Five people died when a bakkie crashed into the back of a hatchback on Old Randfontein Road in Kagiso, near Mogale City, Gauteng, on Sunday. The crash occurred at about 3am, and all the deceased were travelling in the hatchback.

The driver of the bakkie was not injured, while all five occupants of the hatchback died at the scene.

Nine other people died on Thursday, shortly before midnight, when a minibus and a truck collided at the intersection of the R500 and R42 at Buffelshoek in North West.

The RTMC said the minibus, which was towing a trailer and carrying 13 passengers, collided with a truck. 

Six men, a woman and a girl died at the scene, while another person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to nine.

A head-on collision on the N1 near Nyl Plaza in Limpopo on Friday also claimed five lives.

The crash involved a truck and a minibus. It is alleged that the minibus crossed the median into the truck’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision.

Another crash occurred on Sunday on the N1 between Kroonstad and Heuningspruit in the Free State, where a minibus collided head-on with a Ford Ranger. 

Four occupants of the minibus, who were trapped in the vehicle, were burned beyond recognition.

Another occupant of the bakkie later died in hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

The RTMC is investigating the causes of the crashes. –SAnews.gov.za

 

5