Category: South Africa Government

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms that are expected in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

“Severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, extreme south-eastern Lowveld of Limpopo, and the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal [are expected],” said the SAWS.

In addition, a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for the Free State, North West, the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, and the extreme western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng (excluding the extreme north) and the Highveld of Mpumalanga. 

Heavy downpours, leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock are expected. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the reappointment of Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi as the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal on a five-year fixed-term contract.

In a statement on Saturday, the SAPS said the reappointment follows consultation with the Premier of the KwaZulu-Natal province, Thamsanqa Ntuli.

“Further details will be provided in due course. [National Police Commissioner] General [Fannie] Masemola has wished Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi well as he continues to provide stability and decisive leadership in the province of KwaZulu-Natal,” said the police. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Police operations have led to the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million across various parts of the country.

“This week, police collectively seized counterfeit goods worth more than R160 million during multiple takedown operations in different parts of the country. The National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a joint takedown operation in Bellville on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth more than R117 million,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday.

The multidisciplinary team also comprised members from the Western Cape Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, Crime Intelligence, the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Public Order Policing (POP) and officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Division, among others.
The team seized over 130 000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, sports apparel, sneakers, caps, sunglasses, and watches.

In Gauteng, police executed several takedown operations in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Meyerton, Vanderbijlpark, and Vereeniging throughout the week.

In one operation, the Gauteng Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, with support from various role players, shut down a counterfeit manufacturing plant operating in a medical building in the Johannesburg central business district.

“Counterfeit goods and label-printing machines worth over R28 million were seized. Additionally, a takedown operation in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in the seizure of a large consignment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over R15 million in Sydenham,” said the police.

The police said the illegal trade in counterfeit goods not only undermines the economy of South Africa but also threatens consumer health and safety, infringes on intellectual property rights, and erodes legitimate businesses.

Vehicle smuggling
Meanwhile, the work of the National Task Team deployed to the Emanguzi northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal has secured yet another conviction of a vehicle smuggler.

This follows the Mtubatuba Regional Court sentencing 45 -year-old Mpumelelo Cloud Goba on Friday to direct imprisonment for the theft of a motor vehicle worth more than R700 000 from a parking lot in Durban in August 2025.

“The accused was sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment, half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition he is not found guilty of a similar offence,” the police said in a statement.
According to the police, the team operationalised information which was circulated about a Toyota Fortuner stolen from the parking lot in Durban.

Police intercepted the said vehicle with false registration en route to Emanguzi to be handed over to another driver to be smuggled into Mozambique, ultimately leading to Goba’s arrest.

“He was charged with the theft of a motor vehicle, and the team further conducted an investigation as well as successfully opposing his bail application in the Hluhluwe District Court until his case was transferred and finalised in the Mtubatuba Regional Court on 27 March 2026.

“This sentence underscores the Emanguzi Task Team’s unwavering commitment and dedication to deal decisively with cross-border crimes, especially vehicle smuggling from South Africa to the neighbouring countries, mostly to Mozambique,” the police said.

Since April 2025 to date, the team has arrested 96 suspects for various offences, seized 16 illegal firearms, including imitations and recovered 67 vehicles, as well as a truck.

“The team remains dedicated to combating cross-border crimes in the north of KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas, specifically focusing on vehicle theft and smuggling, robbery, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder and robbery,” the police said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa’s power grid has continued to show stability, with Eskom recording over 300 days without load shedding.

“South Africa’s power grid continues to demonstrate a sustained period of stability, with Eskom’s generation fleet delivering consistent improvements and strong operational performance,” the power utility said.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom said the country has experienced 315 consecutive days without an interruption in supply. Only 26 hours of load shedding were recorded in April and May 2025.

Eskom said the progress made is driven by the Generation Recovery Plan, which has resulted in a 10.80% improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF). The EAF stands at 65.37% for the financial year to date, compared to two years ago.

In addition, year on year diesel expenditure has been reduced by 61.22%.
“These gains underline Eskom’s commitment to securing long term energy sustainability and supporting South Africa’s economic growth,” it said, adding that the EAF remains consistently above 65%.

Between 20 and 26 March 2026, the average unplanned outages recorded were at 11 265MW. This showed a notable improvement from the 14 122MW experienced during the same week last year, a reduction of 2 857MW.
“This underlines the ongoing gains in reliability across the fleet.”

For the financial year to date (1 April 2025 to 26 March 2026), diesel expenditure is R10.098 billion, significantly lower than during the same period last year, a 61.22% reduction year on year.

“Over the past week, diesel usage contributed 0.49 GWh of electricity to the grid at a cost of R2.78 million, resulting in a weekly load factor of 0.085%. This diesel usage was primarily associated with commissioning tests conducted during the return to service of Unit 11 at Gourikwa Power Station following a major outage,” it said.

To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 995MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 30 March.

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

In addition, the utility is making progress in ending load reduction with 210 453 customers no longer affected during peak periods.

“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks. In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.”

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has launched a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027. The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers across all provinces, out of Eskom’s total customer base of 7.2 million. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, over the course of the weekend.

The weather service has issued a Yellow Level 4 Warning for severe thunderstorms for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

“Severe thunderstorms leading to flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as strong damaging winds and hail, resulting in damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock [are] expected over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service said in an update.

In addition, the weather service said hot and humid weather will result in extremely uncomfortable conditions along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has urged residents to stay alert. According to the provincial government, the warning is in place from 2 pm on Saturday until Sunday, 29 March.

“Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and severe lightning are expected, posing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and dangerous travel conditions, especially in the north-eastern parts of the province. 

“Stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to cross rivers or streams. Your safety comes first, stay alert and follow official updates,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the SAWS has also issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads, and bridges. This also includes strong, damaging winds and hail over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, central parts, and eastern parts of Free State, as well as in places over KwaZulu-Natal, except in the north-east.

A Yellow Level 1 Warning for severe thunderstorms has also been issued for the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. According to the service, the rains could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges, as well as strong, damaging winds and hail, resulting in localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood, and livestock. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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As the Easter Holidays approach, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on South Africans to donate blood, highlighting the critical need to maintain adequate supplies during the long weekend.

The SANBS has set a national target of collecting 6 000 units of blood by today, Saturday, 28 March 2026, as part of its “Answer the Call” campaign.

The organisation warned that while many people will be travelling or spending time with loved ones over the long weekend, hospitals will continue to treat trauma patients, perform surgeries, and care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and managing chronic illnesses, all of which rely on a steady blood supply.

“In hospitals across South Africa, there are patients lying in hospital beds whose recovery depends on something many of us can give in just 30 minutes, blood. Behind every blood donation is a life waiting to be saved,” the SANBS said.

Public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection centres, increasing the risk of shortages.

One example is Lezhanne Hartwell, where blood donors became the lifeline that helped save her young daughter’s life. Her 18-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in October 2020, and required a blood transfusion shortly after.

“I would like to thank all blood donors because of your generosity; you have contributed to saving our little girl’s life,” Hartwell said.

Her daughter received a 200ml transfusion at Donald Gordon Hospital – an experience that changed Hartwell’s perspective on blood donation. Despite being afraid of needles, she has since committed to donating blood regularly after realising how vital it can be for families facing medical emergencies.

SANBS noted that each unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, yet public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection sites.

The national blood service has encouraged both regular donors and first-time donors to take time on 28 March to help ensure that hospitals have the blood they need throughout the Easter period.

Young donors like Sibongeleni Hlongwane, a 23-year-old from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, are already answering that call.

Hlongwane began donating blood at the age of 17 while still in school and continues to do so as a way of giving back to society.

“Donating blood is a meaningful way to help others. I encourage more young people to get involved and participate in community blood drives,” he said.

SANBS Senior Manager for Donor Relations, Monique Schreiner, said Easter is a time associated with giving and renewal.

“By donating blood, South Africans can give a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday, the gift of life,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner emphasised that the blood donation process takes about 30 minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime.

To participate, South Africans are encouraged to visit their nearest SANBS donor centre or mobile clinic on 28 March. To find your nearest donor centre, call the SANBS toll-free number on 0800 11 90 31 or visit the organisation’s website at www.sanbs.org.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has expressed shock and sadness following the tragic death of a Grade 3 boy learner from Lerutle Primary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, after a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday. 

In a statement on Friday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said preliminary information indicates that a section of the school wall reportedly collapsed during breaktime on Thursday, falling onto six learners and leaving them with severe injuries.

Emergency services responded swiftly, and all six learners were transported to various medical facilities for urgent medical treatment.

Tragically, one of the injured learners, a Grade 3 boy, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention in hospital.

The department said circumstances surrounding the wall collapse are currently under investigation. 

The department has deployed psycho-social support teams to provide counselling and emotional support to affected learners, educators, and the bereaved family, during this difficult period.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the loss of such a young life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community as they mourn this devastating loss. We will ensure that the necessary support is provided and that the circumstances surrounding this incident are determined,” MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms on Friday, 27 March 2026.

In an update, the weather service said the thunderstorms could lead to localised flooding of low-lying areas, susceptible roads and bridges as well as localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over the central to eastern parts of Northern Cape, northern parts of the Eastern Cape, west to southern parts of Kwazulu-Natal, and most parts of Free State, except for the north.

The weather service said partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated showers and thundershowers can be expected in Gauteng while Mpumalanga can expect partly cloudy weather and warm but hot in the Lowveld with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Free State, Limpopo and the North West can expect partly cloudy and warm conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers.

The Northern Cape can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions and warm to hot, with scattered to isolated showers and thundershowers but widespread over the central interior conditions.

The SAWS said that in the Western Cape, cloudy and warm to hot with isolated showers and thundershowers over the eastern interior conditions can be expected. In the western half of the Eastern Cape, partly cloudy conditions are expected in places, otherwise cloudy and warm to hot with scattered showers and thundershowers expected. The eastern half of the province the wind along the coast is expected to be light to moderate northeasterly, reaching fresh to strong in places during the afternoon.

KwaZulu-Natal is expected to experience scattered showers and thundershowers.

“The wind along the coast will be light and variable between Port Shepstone and Richards Bay at first, otherwise light to moderate northerly to north-easterly,” said the Weather Service. –SAnews.gov.za

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Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has named unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the province.

The Premier was speaking during an engagement led by President Cyril Ramaphosa between the National Executive and the provincial government on Friday.

Statistics South Africa’s Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey released last month placed the province’s official unemployment rate at some 37.2% – second only to the Eastern Cape with a rate of 42.5%.

“Unemployment remains the most immediate and pressing crisis confronting our province. Over one million of our people remain without work, with young people bearing the greatest burden.

“The reality of youth exclusion from economic participation is not only unsustainable; it is a direct threat to social stability and long-term development. We therefore approach this moment with clarity and resolve,” Letsoha-Mathae said.

The Premier outlined the work the provincial government is taking to propel and reposition the economy “towards sectors that can unlock inclusive growth and sustainable employment.” 

These include:
•    Artificial Intelligence and robotics.
•    Renewable energy and green hydrogen.
•    Natural gas development.
•    Agro-processing and food production. 
•    The digital economy and e-commerce.
•    Entrepreneurship and support for small enterprises.

“Our focus is on building a competitive, future-oriented provincial economy that delivers real opportunities for our people.

“At the same time, we recognise that economic reform must be accompanied by decisive action to address persistent social challenges, including crime, substance abuse, and inequality. These issues require an integrated, whole-of-government response that is both coordinated and results-driven,” she said.

Cooperative governance in action

The Premier described the engagement as an opportunity to deepen collaboration between national and provincial government in confronting challenges.

“This oversight visit is not merely ceremonial, but a critical expression of cooperative governance and a platform for decisive alignment between national and provincial priorities in advancing service delivery and improving the lived realities of our people.

“[The] previous engagement with our province reaffirmed the urgency with which we must confront the social challenges facing our communities. We remain resolute in intensifying our efforts, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence and in building safer, more cohesive communities,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae committed to presenting a “candid reflection” of the province’s fortunes.

“We utilise this engagement as a platform for accountability and progress. We will present a candid reflection of where we are succeeding, where we are falling short, and where focused national support is required to accelerate implementation.

“We are committed to strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring public confidence in the capacity of the state to deliver.

“We look forward to a constructive and solution-oriented engagement with you and your Cabinet, as we work collectively to drive implementation, unblock challenges, and ensure that our people experience meaningful change,” the Premier concluded.

The President is leading the engagement with the provincial government today at the University of Free State Centenary Complex in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”.

READ | Free State to outline challenges, solutions, in engagement with President Ramaphosa

“The visit is aligned with President Ramaphosa’s commitment to encourage closer collaboration with Provinces and Local spheres of government to tackle service delivery challenges.

“This initiative accords with Section 154 of the Constitution, which mandates national and provincial governments to support and strengthen capacity of municipalities in governance,” the Presidency said in a statement, ahead of Friday’s engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Free State province’s strategic location has the potential to catapult the province into South Africa’s natural logistics and distribution hub.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the opening remarks at a meeting between the National and Provincial Executive Councils. 

The President is today convening the eighth engagement in a series between national and provincial governments.

“The Free State is uniquely positioned to be at the heart of our country’s economic growth story.  It is strategically located, making it a natural logistics and distribution hub, linking major economic centres,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President added that the province should share the practices it is using to successfully address certain challenges, so they can be replicated elsewhere in the country. 

“For example, the Free State is leading the way in providing comprehensive agricultural support to emerging farmers and in implementing food security initiatives in vulnerable communities. 

“During the last financial year, the province also exceeded its work opportunities targets through the Expanded Public Works Programme, reaching more than 46 000 beneficiaries. The Free State also continues to register successes in the provision of health services, notably around HIV/Aids and TB. There has also been notable progress in fighting crime.

“As you build on the progress made over the past year, be assured of our full support as the National Executive,” he said.

The province’s other strategic advantages include strong agricultural capacity, established mining industry and potential in renewable energy and battery storage.

“These endowments and advantages must be leveraged to drive inclusive growth and create jobs. 

“With the necessary support, focus and direction, guided by the provincial One Plan developed under the DDM [District Development Model], the Free State’s full potential must be unleashed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Reflecting on the State of the Province Address delivered by Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae earlier this year, President Ramaphosa commended the “ambitious, future-facing and outcomes-oriented” plans for the province.

“I was particularly struck by the attention to detail given to the initiatives planned for the year ahead, particularly around youth job creation, vocational training for young people, support for the agricultural sector, township economy revitalisation and others. 

“This is what the District Development Model we initiated in 2019 is all about – namely the finer, granular details of not just what is being done to localise development, but also the ‘how’ and the ‘when’.

“Timeous implementation is the yardstick by which we are measured, and also by which we will be judged. We look forward to the presentation from the Premier on the priorities, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Free State,” he said.

Resolving local government challenges

A central theme to the President’s remarks was the need to restore municipalities that face severe challenges.

Some 35 of South Africa’s 257 municipalities are in distress with a further 63% at risk.

“When there are weaknesses or failings at local government, it isn’t just service delivery that suffers, but the trust between government and citizens becomes frayed. To put it quite bluntly, across much if not most of the country, local government is in crisis,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that municipalities – including seven in the Free State – are being placed under administration, adding that government is “alive to the realities and to the magnitude of this problem”. 

“In this year’s State of the Nation Address, I outlined the steps we will be taking to strengthen local government, including reviewing the funding model for municipalities and establishing ring-fenced utilities for water and electricity services.

“We will also be undertaking extensive consultations around the updated White Paper on Local Government during the course of this year. Restoring the fortunes of local government must be at the centre of our efforts if we are to attract investment that creates jobs and boosts the provincial economy,” he said.

Working together

The President urged the provincial government to ensure that as solutions are presented, implementation follows suit.

“Inasmuch as we need to drill down on what the challenges, obstacles and bottlenecks are, this must be matched by solutions, and timelines for implementing them. This would be time well and effectively spent today,” he urged.

The President emphasised that the engagement with the Free State government serves as an additional channel of communication.

This supplements the existing intergovernmental relations frameworks such as the President’s Coordinating Council.

“With the State of the Nation address having given the line of march, as it were, we are here to offer our support, and also our counsel. Being agile and responsive is a hallmark of the capable, ethical and developmental state we are striving to build, and we are also here to listen.

“We are one government, united by One Constitution for One People, and it is in this spirit of cooperation that I would like our deliberations today to proceed,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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