Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane, alongside KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Transport Siboniso Duma and local municipalities’ mayors, is leading a two-day programme to hand over homes to families affected by the 2022 floods.

The programme, taking place from 19–20 August forms part of Operation Siyahlola to assess interventions made in response to disasters that affected parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The programme includes site visits to eThekwini, uMsunduzi and Impendle Municipalities to assess progress on disaster recovery interventions.

On Tuesday morning, Simelane received a briefing on temporary residential units and long-term housing plans in the Umgungundlovu District.

Together with uMgungundlovu District Mayor, Mzi Zuma, the Minister held an engagement with the affected communities in Impendle Municipality, where she introduced a contractor to begin building permanent homes for the families affected by recent disasters.

The delegation also handed over newly built houses in Copesville to flood survivors in uMsunduzi Municipality.

According to the department, central to the planned Operation Siyahlola is the delivery of permanent houses to families affected by disasters in eThekwini and uMsunduzi Municipalities.

“Minister Simelane and the provincial government will also hand over title deeds as part of the government-wide campaign to register and hand over 80 000 title deeds by 2029, thus unlocking over 16 billion asset value.

“Working with all stakeholders, including traditional leaders and community members, the government is convinced that interventions aimed at settling all flood victims will continue to yield positive results,” the department said.

On Wednesday, Simelane is scheduled to hand over houses at the Illovo Infill and Cato Crest housing projects, both built for victims of the 2022 floods in eThekwini.

Upgraded Coedmore bridge reopens

Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has officially reopened the Coedmore bridge, which was severely damaged during the April 2022 floods.

The R47 million project included the construction of a 150-metre access road, installation of traffic-calming measures, and enhances surface drainage systems to improve water management.

Speaking at the recent opening of the bridge, Xaba said the state-of-the-art bridge will benefit residents by eliminating their travel time, which had increased due to detours.

“The bridge has been widened and is now two lanes. Following the damage caused by the floods, we are building back better and have rebuilt three bridges of this nature, with state-of-the-art, resilient infrastructure. So, even during heavy rains, the structures will not collapse,” Xaba said.

The project also benefited local communities, as it created 10–15 job opportunities per month, with community-based subcontractors contributing to specialised works including earthworks, concrete placement, steel fabrication, drainage installation, landscaping, and electrical services.

Xaba said this inclusive approach ensured that economic benefits were shared locally, while building skills and capacity in the area. 

Mayor Xaba noted that while completion was initially scheduled for late last year, delays were caused by unfavourable weather and unforeseen geotechnical complexities at the site.

“This rebuilt bridge is one of the three best bridges in the city. We are happy that we have these unique bridges, which have brought hope to people. We are not concerned about heavy rains as these bridges have been built to be resilient,” the mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Suspects arrested for possession of illegal firearm and dealing in drugs

Edwin
Tue, 08/19/2025 – 10:33

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has announced a targeted strategic initiative to achieve a 50% reduction in the toxicology case backlog by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

According to the NHLS, this initiative, supported by new investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources, aims to significantly improve turnaround times for toxicological results across all NHLS Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs).

City Press reported that forensic laboratories are overwhelmed by significant DNA and toxicology backlogs, with some cases pending for over 17 years.

“The NHLS recognises the recent media coverage and public apprehensions regarding delays in toxicology services. These concerns are legitimate, and the organisation is committed to working diligently to stabilise and expedite service delivery within the criminal justice and forensic pathology domains,” the national public entity said. 

The NHLS reported a toxicology backlog of 40 051 cases, most of which predate the NHLS’s integration of the FCLs. 

To advance this backlog recovery plan, the NHLS said it has procured new high-output analytical instruments for its laboratories in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. 

“These instruments are exclusively designated for backlog samples, ensuring that they do not disrupt the processing of new incoming cases,” the entity explained. 

In addition, the NHLS has hired extra technical professionals on fixed-term contracts, whose primary responsibility will be to clear the backlog, leaving permanent employees to focus on routine casework. 

In Johannesburg, additional laboratory space has been acquired to establish a dedicated backlog processing unit. 

“New submissions will be processed in an expanded area, facilitating a critical separation of functions and creating two parallel workflows that promote faster and uninterrupted processing. A similar model has been implemented in the Pretoria FCL.” 

Meanwhile, the NHLS is also in the process of expanding its toxicology services in KwaZulu-Natal, while addressing the sample capacity in Pretoria and Cape Town FCLs.

To increase capacity, the NHLS has also launched a full technical assessment of all analytical equipment, ensuring that any faulty or out-of-date instruments are serviced or replaced immediately. 

“In addition, a structured shift system is now in place, accompanied by approved overtime hours, to increase throughput and decrease sample turnaround times.” 

As part of a wider digital modernisation programme, the NHLS stated that it was transitioning its existing Labware Laboratory Information Management System to TrakCare. 

“This migration will improve performance reporting, data integrity, and management oversight, ensuring real-time visibility into progress made toward backlog targets.” 

The entity believes that this initiative represents a critical advancement toward long-term sustainability and accountability within the FCLs. 

“By enhancing both capacity and systemic efficiency, the NHLS aims to restore operational effectiveness, strengthen public confidence, and reaffirm its commitment to supporting justice and public health.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Six suspects appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Tuesday in connection with a scheme involving the trade of 964 rhino horns that were destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia. 

Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, while funnelling them into illegal international markets. 

Under South African law, domestic trade is permitted with a valid DFFE-issued permit in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004.

International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

“After a seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has dismantled a major transnational rhino horn trafficking network.

“The six suspects, between the ages of 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the NEMBA, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration,” the department said.

The six suspects, five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the arrests as a decisive victory in South Africa’s fight against international wildlife crime.

“This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Enforcement unit of the Department (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa’s resolve to protect its natural heritage.

“The Hawks’ work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, is recovering after experiencing a health scare during the opening of the Y20 South Africa Summit 2025 on Monday.

Chikunga was escorted off stage while delivering a keynote address at the summit, currently underway at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Johannesburg.

The department confirmed that the Minister is recovering and has been advised to take time off her official schedule to rest and recuperate.

“The Minister remains committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by women, youth, and persons with disabilities, through economic empowerment, social justice and inclusion, as well as advocacy, mainstreaming, monitoring, and evaluation,” Selala said.

He added that the department continues to work towards “creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all, with a particular focus on empowering and enhancing the well-being of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.”

Held from 18-22 August 2025, under the theme “Youth for Global Progress: Uniting for Solidarity, Championing Equality, Driving Sustainability”, the summit is the first Y20 gathering held on African soil.

It serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, ensuring that young voices contribute meaningfully to global decision-making.

The summit aims to include voices from across the continent, amplifying youth perspectives in addressing global and regional challenges.

The discussions at the summit will focus on five thematic areas linked to South Africa’s priorities, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda, all reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to social and economic development and climate action.

Under the South African G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, the Y20 Summit will gather youth delegates from G20 nations, regional representatives, and additional invited nations.

In her address, before the incident, the Minister encouraged the youth delegates to consider “pathways to a fairer and more connected world, while dismantling old ones.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has announced the launch of its first-ever Renewable Energy Offtake Programme.

This marks a significant milestone in the utility’s strategic objective to facilitate a “competitive future energy industry” and integrate more clean power into the national grid.  

In a statement on Tuesday, the power utility said that it was transitioning its generation mix from predominantly coal to a blended portfolio with an increasing proportion of clean energy sources by 2040. 

The programme, unveiled through a Request for Proposal (RFP), invites large power users to procure 291MW of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Eskom-owned renewable energy sites. 

According to Eskom, this programme follows a successful Expression of Interest (EOI) process and extensive engagement with commercial and industrial customers, which revealed strong demand for direct contracting through long-term PPAs.

These agreements enable businesses to align with global sustainability standards, reduce carbon footprints, and green their supply chains, enhancing competitiveness. 

The RFP offers tailored solutions that meet operational requirements while contributing to South Africa’s decarbonisation goals. 

Successful bidders will enter PPAs ranging from 5 to 25 years, with renewable energy delivered in phases from multiple Eskom projects. The earliest project is expected to reach commercial operation by December 2027. 

Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the programme was a crucial step in reshaping the company’s generation mix.

“This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in line with global electricity industry trends for environmentally sustainable solutions that support broader decarbonisation objectives. 

“We have seen strong interest in Eskom’s capabilities in green energy supply, which this programme demonstrates. Just over a year into our turnaround strategy, we are not only focused on ending loadshedding but are also pivoting Eskom into a sustainable and competitive company while ensuring security of supply through a customer-centric approach,” Marokane said. 

Eskom Distribution Acting Group Executive, Agnes Mlambo, said the programme signalled Eskom’s innovation in building a resilient energy future.

“This programme demonstrates Eskom’s commitment to innovation and building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By offering customised renewable energy offtake solutions, we are enabling our customers to transition to low-carbon operations while ensuring a secure and competitive supply, through customer-centred solutions,” Mlambo said. 

She added that structured engagement with the private sector would give impetus to Eskom’s efforts to create a sustainable pathway for clean power integration into the grid. 

Eskom said it continues to develop a balanced energy mix, comprising coal, nuclear, gas, renewables, and energy storage solutions such as Battery Energy Storage Systems and pumped hydro. 

The power utility added that a renewable energy business will accelerate deployment of green projects, targeting 2 gigawatts (GW) of construction-ready capacity by 2026 and scaling up to 32GW, including Green Hydrogen projects, by 2040. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Oversight Coordinating Committee and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) will launch an awareness campaign about the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act (CIA) to prevent deaths at initiation schools in the North West. 

The campaign is set to launch on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa Traditional Council in Dinokana. 

The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of safe and lawful cultural practices. This includes educating people about the rights of initiates, as well as the roles of traditional leaders, parents, and initiation school principals.

According to the PICC, the campaign follows the mushrooming of illegal initiation schools during the past winter initiation season, which led to over 100 initiates being rescued and the tragic death of six initiates. 

The campaign aims to achieve zero deaths during initiation seasons and eliminate unnecessary fatalities through strict enforcement of the CIA, fostering collaboration between government, traditional leaders and communities.

The event will be attended by the Chairperson of the National Initiation Oversight Committee (NIOC), Ikosi Vembi William Mahlangu; the North West PICC Chairperson, Kgosi Godfrey Gasebone; the Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe, traditional leaders and representatives from government departments.

Gasebone has thrown his weight behind the campaign and stated that the emergence of illegal initiation schools, especially those run by opportunists seeking financial gain, will never be tolerated.

“We call upon all traditional school principals to work with local traditional authorities, the department and the PICC to ensure compliance and approval of hosting initiation schools. If we all comply, this will go a long way in safeguarding the lives of our young people,” Gasebone said. 

The CIA aims to protect, promote, and regulate initiation practices. It also establishes acceptable norms and standards, oversees initiation processes, and coordinates structures for this purpose. 

In addition, the CIA focuses on the protection of life, the prevention of injuries, and the safeguarding of people from all forms of abuse. 

It also addresses the governance aspects of initiation, protects the traditional practice, and ensures that initiation is conducted in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.

“As per the Act, no person must be forced or coerced into attending initiation school. No person under the age of 16 may attend initiation, and a person between 16 and 18 years may only attend after obtaining written consent letter from parents,” the PICC said.  

It announced that principals of initiation schools have until 3 October 2025 to apply for permission to operate schools during the summer initiation season. 

In addition, traditional surgeons must be at least 40 years old, have undergone initiation more than 10 years ago, and must have served as a mentor to others for a minimum of five years. – SAnews.gov.za