Category: South Africa Government

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has instructed officials from his department to ensure that the victims of the N2 road crash in Mtubatuba are accorded a dignified funeral.

Six members of the Mnyango family died, following a collision involving a family vehicle, a Corsa, and a truck along the N2 in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality on Friday, 30 January 2026.

Initially, one young girl survived the crash and was admitted to hospital with serious injuries. However, she later succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll to six.

“We were nursing a hope that the brave girl, who sustained serious injuries, was going to survive. Sadly, she has departed,” said Duma.

Following the accident, the MEC deployed a departmental team, accompanied by religious leaders, to support the family and engage on funeral arrangements to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity.

In a statement issued on Monday, Duma said the family had indicated their wish to hold the funeral on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 09:00 at Mawombe Stadium, Ward 11, Umfolozi Local Municipality.

“I have received a report from the team we assigned to be closer to the Mnyango family. I have mandated officials from the department to attend to every detail and ensure a dignified funeral,” Duma said.

Surviving family members are expected to identify the deceased at the Empangeni mortuary on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.

Describing the identification process as deeply traumatic, the MEC said departmental chaplains had been deployed to provide spiritual support. 

He expressed appreciation to Social Development MEC Mbali Shinga for assigning social workers to offer psychosocial support to the bereaved family.

The Mtubatuba crash occurred shortly after another deadly accident in Lotus Park, Isipingo, involving a truck and a minibus taxi, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including a learner.

According to the reports, the Isipingo crash occurred after the truck driver allegedly made a U-turn, resulting in a head-on collision.

The accidents come despite the province recording a historic 18% decrease in road fatalities during the festive season. – SAnews.gov.za

Traditional construction methods may no longer meet the needs of a growing population facing climate change and rising urban pressures, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Speaking at the Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) Summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday, the President said while government has provided approximately five million housing opportunities since 1994, more remains to be done as the population expands, with an estimated 2.5 million families still on the waiting list.

“In the face of this, accelerating technological housing innovations is a social imperative and an economic necessity,” he said.

 President Ramaphosa noted that by 2050, nearly eight out of every 10 South Africans are expected to live in cities – many in informal settlements on land vulnerable to floods, drought, heat stress, and environmental degradation. 

“If we continue to build in the old way – on the same land, with the same vulnerabilities, using the same methods – then we are not solving the housing challenge. We must make a change. We must embrace the tide of technological progress to future-proof human settlements,” he urged.

The President cited inadequate supply, limited land availability, rising construction costs, and project delays as key contributors to housing scarcity. These pressures, he said, push prices and rents upward for the middle class, while worsening conditions for the poor, resulting in homelessness and expanding informal settlements.

“Having shelter that provides privacy, safety and freedom is inextricably bound to human dignity. Housing is not merely about shelter, but it is about belonging, security and opportunity,” Ramaphosa said.

The summit also focused on climate-resilient housing, particularly after recent floods in Limpopo claimed at least 25 lives and caused R4 billion in infrastructure damage. The President stressed that homes must be built to “protect lives, conserve resources and endure over time”, arguing that traditional construction alone is unsustainable.

“Innovative building technologies offer us a strategic opportunity. When appropriately regulated, financed, socially accepted and locally embedded, innovative building technologies allow us to build faster and at scale. They enable us to reduce carbon emissions and water use, improve energy efficiency, and enhance durability and quality,” he said.

Building together through a social compact

A key outcome of the summit is the Social Compact, aimed at taking innovative building technologies from pilot projects into mainstream use. Through the compact, government, banks, insurers, and development finance institutions have pledged to align funding, de-risk projects, and recognise IBT housing as financeable and insurable.

“Without this alignment, innovation stalls,” President Ramaphosa said.

Concluding his address, the President framed the summit as a call to action. 

“Resilience is the difference between recovery and repeated loss, between dignity and displacement, between success and failure. We have the technology to build for the present and to be prepared for the future. Now we need leadership. We need partnerships. 

“We need to be creative. We need to build faster and better. Let us work together to build a resilient, inclusive South Africa which is a home to all our people, and in which all our people have a decent home.” – SAnews.gov.za

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is ramping up investment in critical port infrastructure with the delivery of eight new hydraulic shore tension mooring units to improve container shipping efficiency at the ports of Cape Town, Durban and Ngqura.

The latest investment forms part of TNPA’s broader port development programme aimed at strengthening vessel safety and maintaining cargo handling operations during adverse weather conditions. It also supports Transnet’s strategy to align its freight logistics operations with key commodities that contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.

The move comes as South Africa’s container sector continues to show steady growth, driven largely by agricultural exports. Between April and December 2025, TNPA recorded container throughput of approximately 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), exceeding budget by 2.3% for the period. The authority expects this upward trend to continue, forecasting container volumes of 4.5 million TEUs in the 2025/26 financial year, above the annual budget of 4.4 million TEUs.

Designed to securely moor large and newer vessels, each hydraulic shore tension unit measures 7.4 metres in length, 0.58 metres in width and 2 metres in height. The units use high-strength mooring lines to keep vessels safely alongside the berth, improving operational stability and productivity along the quay.

Of the eight units delivered, four are already operational at the Port of Cape Town’s container berths. The ports of Durban and Ngqura have each received two units, which are nearing completion of the commissioning process.

The delivery brings the total number of mooring units received by TNPA to 32, out of a planned acquisition of 52 units. The Port of Cape Town currently has the highest allocation, with 14 units. The overall investment of R534 million is expected to help reduce vessel delays and improve port efficiency.

TNPA Acting Chief Executive Mohammed Abdool said the new assets arrive at a critical time, as climate change increasingly exposes ports to strong winds of between 35 and 50 knots and sea swells exceeding 3.5 metres.

He said the investment in reliable port infrastructure is essential to meeting growing container demand and improving service levels for customers. The initiative is expected to support shipping lines and terminal operators by improving cargo handling turnaround times and enhancing the ease of doing business at South African ports. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) has urged all eligible applicants in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country to participate in its verification drive to finalise their status and gain access to benefits.

The department, through the Database Verification, Cleansing and Enhancement (DVCE) Work Stream under the Presidential Task Team, is continuing its national verification programme aimed at validating applications for inclusion in the National Military Veterans Database.

The DVCE Work Stream verifies and validates applications to ensure that the DMV maintains a credible and reliable database. The process confirms eligible military veterans so they can access benefits provided by the department.

The programme mainly targets non-statutory force (NSF) members, who did not integrate into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), as well as applicants who submitted applications between 2016 and 28 February 2022.

In a statement, the DMV said the programme has already been implemented in Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.

“The verification process will now proceed to KwaZulu-Natal from 2 February 2026 to 18 July 2026,” the department said.

KwaZulu-Natal verification schedule:
•    Newcastle: 2 February 2026 – 5 SAI Battalion.
•    Pongola: 3–4 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Ulundi: 5–6 February 2026 – OPS Corona Base.
•    Richards Bay: 7 and 9 February 2026 – 121 SAI Battalion.
•    Port Shepstone: 10–12 and 16–17 February 2026 – Banana Beach Resort.
•    Durban: 18 February–1 June 2026 – Army Support Base KZN.
•    Pinetown: 2–3 June 2026 – Venue to be confirmed.
•    Pietermaritzburg: 8 June–16 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.
•    Esigodini: 17–18 July 2026 – Ingoma-Makhosi Base.

Applications will be assessed from members of the following groups:
•    Former Umkhonto weSizwe (MK);
•    Azanian People’s Liberation Army (APLA);
•    Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA);
•    Self-defence units; and
•    Former political prisoners with prison numbers.

The department noted that applicants who already have force numbers or Certified Personnel Register (CPR) numbers are not required to attend the verification process.

Verification requirements
•    Applicants must attend in person for face-to-face verification.
•    A valid South African ID document or ID card must be presented.
•    Only applicants with complete and submitted files will be invited.

Sessions will be scheduled according to location and submitted applications.

Definition of a military veteran

In terms of the Military Veterans Act 18 of 2011, a Military Veteran is a South African citizen who rendered military service, completed training, no longer serves, and was not dishonourably discharged. More information is available at www.dmv.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has moved to provide clarity on the regulatory requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG).

This after a media article claimed that members of the public had been threatened with fines or disconnection if they did not register their SSEG systems.

“NERSA wishes to clarify the applicable regulatory position to avoid public confusion and ensure that electricity consumers, installers and other stakeholders are correctly informed of the legal requirements governing embedded generation.

“According to the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 (as amended), read with the Exemption and Registration Notice, the requirement to register an embedded generation facility is determined by whether the installation has a point of connection to the electricity grid and its installed capacity and not by whether electricity is exported to the grid or consumed on site,” the regulator said in a statement.

What this means

• Small-scale embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of 100kW or less, and with a point of connection to the electricity grid, are required to register with the relevant distributor (Eskom or the applicable licensed municipality).
• Embedded generation facilities with an installed capacity of more than 100kW and a point of connection to the grid are required to register directly with NERSA.

“Embedded generation facilities without a point of connection to the electricity grid are exempt from registration requirements.

“These regulatory requirements exist to support the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electricity system, including compliance with applicable technical standards, system planning and network protection.

“While a Certificate of Compliance confirms that an installation meets electrical safety requirements, registration serves a distinct regulatory purpose and does not duplicate safety certification processes,” the statement continued.

The regulator outlined the purpose behind these rules.

“NERSA emphasises that registration is not intended to discourage the uptake of renewable energy technologies, but rather to ensure that the integration of embedded generation occurs in a manner that protects the integrity of the electricity network and the interests of all electricity users.

“NERSA remains committed to enabling South Africa’s transition to a more diverse and sustainable electricity supply while ensuring compliance with the legislative and regulatory framework. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their licensed distributors or NERSA directly for accurate guidance on registration requirements,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is “determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow” the tourism sector. 

The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter following the Tourism Department’s announcement that South Africa welcomed some 10.48 million international visitors last year, an increase of some 17.6% compared to 2024.

It is also the highest number of arrivals on record – surpassing pre-COVID-19 numbers in a “vote of confidence in a sector that continues to show great potential for further growth”.

“An increase in international visitors is also a vote of confidence in South Africa’s brand appeal, and in our reputation as a safe, reliable, value-for-money tourism destination.

“As government, we are determined to strengthen the regulatory and policy environment to further grow the sector. We are equally committed to deepening collaboration with the private sector, labour and other stakeholders to further bolster the industry,” President Ramaphosa said.

Building blocks

Last year, Cabinet endorsed the Tourism Growth Partnership Plan with initiatives aimed at improving the performance of the sector.

Tourism currently contributes nearly 9% to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“[Initiatives] include the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, which was successfully piloted during the G20 Summit last year, and is currently being rolled out in key tourism markets.

“We will also be strengthening the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched last year, which streamlines visa processes for groups whose applications are submitted by vetted tour operators. A significant number of tourists from key markets like India and China are already using group tour operators for a more structured, tailored travel experience.

“Improving connectivity is also being prioritised. We have seen an increase in direct flight routes to South Africa from key markets such as Australia and France,” he explained.

Additional tourism monitors have been deployed and a crime call centre by the private sector has been established to ensure the safety of tourists.

Furthermore, tourism infrastructure is also under improvement.

“At last year’s inaugural Tourism Infrastructure Investment Summit, eight projects worth R1 billion were launched, signalling renewed investor confidence in our tourism sector.

“Our strategic destination marketing efforts continue, as does the focus on niche markets such as halal and green tourism to attract diverse visitors,” the President noted.

Citizens are also being encouraged to “embrace the burgeoning tourism industry”.

“[The] Department of Tourism offers fully funded Mandarin language training for registered freelance and employed tourism guides to enable them to better support tourists from the growing Chinese market. We also continue to support the transformation of the industry through various support programmes.

“Retaining our reputation as a tourism destination of choice is a society-wide effort, one in which communities have a particularly important role to play. 

“Every South African should be a tourism ambassador and every community a potential tourist attraction. Our country is rich in natural beauty, history and culture, with much of this potential untapped,” President Ramaphosa said.

He noted that foreign visitors contribute to the country’s foreign earnings, “support local businesses, bolsters local economies and helps to create and sustain jobs”.

“Working together as government, communities and tour operators, we can popularise and attract more tourists to regions and locations that don’t traditionally feature highly as destinations for tourists.

“Working together as Government, industry, communities and civil society we can realise even greater value from this jewel in our nation’s crown,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has scored big wins in the fight against crime, focusing strongly on taking illegal guns and ammunition out of circulation.

During the nationwide Operation Shanela II, police arrested 14 589 suspects for crimes including murder, rape, sexual assault, robberies, drug offences and illegal mining between 26 January and 1 February 2026. 

Furthermore, 2 032 wanted suspects were also traced and arrested for serious crimes during the same period. 

Police also recovered 119 firearms, including 10 rifles, seven shotguns, and five homemade firearms, alongside 1 144 rounds of ammunition. These recoveries form part of a broader clampdown on violent crime.

In addition, police arrested 100 suspects for illegal possession of firearms; 88 suspects for illegal possession of ammunition; 124 suspects for murder; 164 suspects for rape; 102 suspects for armed robbery, and 532 suspects for drug dealing.

Under confiscations and recoveries, 51 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the past week; more than 700 dangerous weapons were seized across the country; different types of drugs were recovered, and contraband goods worth more than R1 million were seized.

Communities are urged to continue reporting criminal activities to their nearest police stations, or through Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za