Category: South Africa Government

Eskom’s recovery continues to yield results as the power utility records some 260 days without the implementation of load shedding.

The sustained progress stems from implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan, government’s Energy Action Plan and the improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF).

“Together, these developments are enhancing operational reliability and supporting South Africa’s long-term energy security,” Eskom said in a statement.

According to the electricity provider, the EAF increased to 64.95% between 1 April 2025 to 29 January 2026, underscoring the “progress made in restoring reliability and enhancing system stability.”

“The fleet has now achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 64 occasions [un-audited figures].

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security, grid stability and security of the national electricity supply,” Eskom added.

Unplanned outages have also shown improvement and have decreased from 12 993MW during the period between 23 January and 29 January last year to some 8 362MW during the same period this year – an improvement of 4 630MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] reduced to 17.27%, a significant improvement of 9.90% compared to 27.17% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor [PCLF] – essentially planned maintenance – averaged 10.46%, compared to 15.82% in the previous financial year.

“This reduction is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects our strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability and support long-term fleet performance,” the power utility said.

Improvements in the EAF have allowed Eskom to decrease reliance on diesel generation with expenditure on the costly fuel remaining below budget in the year to date.

“After five consecutive weeks with no diesel expenditure for Open-Cycle Gas Turbines [OCGT] operations, diesel spend of R1.61 million was recorded [last] week, with 0.285GWh of associated energy send-out.

“Despite this, the total diesel expenditure remains R4.26 billion lower than at the same point last year. This sustained reduction reflects both significant cost savings and ongoing improvements in operational performance driven by Eskom’s turnaround initiatives. Overall, the trend underscores the increasing stability, efficiency and resilience of the power system,” Eskom noted.

Some 2 200MW of generation capacity is expected to be brought online this week. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Health will today kick off its 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive.

The drive is aimed at vaccinating girls aged 9 years and older to protect them from developing cervical cancer later in life.

“South Africa continues to record a high number of cases of cervical cancer and related deaths annually, despite the availability of lifesaving vaccines at public health facilities and the private health sector. 

“Over 5 700 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year in the country, while more than 3 000 women die from cervical cancer-related complications. This means, unvaccinated girls and women living with HIV are at a higher risk of serious health complications if develop cervical cancer later in life, compared to the general population,” the department said.

The department assured that trained teams of healthcare workers will carry out the vaccinations.

“This school-based HPV vaccination campaign is implemented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders including the World Health Organisation and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. 

“The HPV vaccine is safe and most effective when provided from age nine or before girls become sexually active. In South Africa, the HPV vaccination was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2008 for its efficacy and safety. Millions of girls in South Africa have received the HPV vaccine without any serious side effects,” the department explained.

Some 3.6 million girls – mostly in public schools – have benefitted from the HPV vaccination with more than 7.2 million doses administered since 2014.

“The programme has now been expanded to reach all girls in both public and private schools, including special independent schools to ensure no one is left behind. This annual campaign will target mostly girls in Grade 5 aged 9 years and older to protect them from cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, after breast cancer. 

“The success of the campaign to protect girls from this preventable, yet deadly disease hinges on stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly parents and caregivers, who are required to complete the vaccination consent forms issued by schools to eligible girl learners,” the department added.

Parents, caregivers and legal guardians are requested to sign consent forms issued by schools to enable the girls to receive the vaccination. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa is currently under “no immediate risk” of the Nipah Virus (NiV) outbreak reported in India.

This is according to the Department of Health (DoH) which assured in a statement that there is “no need for the public to panic.”

Two cases of the potentially fatal virus were reported by Indian authorities in January 2026.

“The department is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases [NICD] which is closely monitoring the situation as the outbreak evolves and will keep the public informed of any new developments. 

“The scientists have advised that at this stage there is a very low risk outside the affected countries and there is no need for screening at ports of entry. Meanwhile, the NICD will be offering training to the Civil Aviation Authority as part of efforts to assist in communicating the message through the airlines and airport staff,” the statement read.

The department explained that the virus jumps from animals to humans, usually “transmitted from animals like bats to humans”.

However, it can also be transmitted from contaminated food or directly between people.

“The virus is currently not categorised under notifiable medical conditions but will be categorised as a respiratory disease of unknown origin which is notifiable. Laboratory testing is available at the NICD, and key resources have been updated to include current outbreak specifics.

“Transmission of this deadly virus to humans can occur from direct contact with infected animals like bats, farming animals such as pigs or horses and by consuming fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated by infected fruit bats. Some of the symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, difficulty breathing or cough.

“According to the World Health Organisation, there is currently no treatment or vaccine available for this virus, however several candidate products are under development. Early intensive supportive care can improve survival. This means non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hygiene practices remain one of the most effective prevention methods to reduce the spread of the virus,” the department added.

Animal-to-human transmission risk can be reduced by “wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling sick animals such as pigs or horses, and during slaughtering and culling procedures.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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By Terence Khala 
As the first school term of 2026 begins, there is a deeper responsibility that cannot be overlooked which is to deal with the safety and well-being of our children. Children are our future leaders, and they must always be protected, whether on and off the school grounds, be it on drugs, human trafficking, teenage pregnancy or road safety.  

It is unfortunate and heartbreaking that the excitement of a new school year has been dampened by an accident that took the lives of 14 learners who were on their way to school around the Vaal in Vanderbijlpark. 

As government we are concerned that far too many lives are lost on the road due to human error particularly reckless driving. There is a desperate need for all road users to play their part in reducing the number of accidents on the road especially for our learners. 

One of the major risk learners face is during their commute to school, as roads become increasingly congested and traffic intensifies. Therefore, every one of us has the responsibility to drive in accordance with the rules of the road and by doing so reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road. 

To improve the safety of learners on the road, the Department of Transport launched a back-to-school road safety campaign in Rustenburg in the North West on 8 January 2026 with the aim of improving scholar transport safety. This initiative encourages behaviour change and is a call to action for all road users particularly scholar drivers to be more responsible on our roads.  

We can all play our part by avoiding dangerous behaviours such as speeding or drinking and driving which can recklessly cost the lives of innocent children. Parents, transport operators and drivers are encouraged to prioritise road safety by ensuring that their children’s scholar transport is roadworthy and teach their children the basics of crossing roads safely.

With the phenomenon of human trafficking on the rise, parents and caregivers should also educate children about the dangers of interacting with strangers and encourage them to report suspicious behaviour to their teachers or law enforcement officials. 

To deal with the safety of our learners, the Department of Basic Education is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), to intensify efforts to enforce the Safe Schools Implementation Protocol. This includes increased police visibility and joint crime prevention initiatives, to cultivate safe learning environments that are free from violence, gangsterism and substance abuse. 

It is deeply concerning that the average age for drug dependency in South Africa is 12 years old while 50% of teens consume alcohol. These alarming statistics from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAC) call for urgent intervention and collaborative efforts. Parents, teachers and community members must take a firm stand against underage drinking and substance use which robs young people of their childhood.

Resources such as the Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) or SADAG’s WhatsApp Chat Line (087 163 2025), are useful tools for dealing with harmful behaviours and overcoming these social ills.

We call on parents and guardians to have open and honest discussions with their children about the consequences of engaging in risky behaviours, including sexual activity. While sexual education is integrated into school curriculum through subjects such as Life Orientation, it remains vital for parents to educate their children about sexual health, contraceptive measures, consent, their rights, and the dangers of exploitative relationships.

Many vulnerable young girls have fallen victim to abusive or exploitative relationships, which not only disrupt their learning but also threaten their lives. Furthermore, a concerning trend has emerged with reports indicating that a significant number of adolescents have fallen pregnant whilst still navigating their childhood. Recent statistics reveal the extent of this issue, with over 130 teenage births reported on Christmas Day 2025 and an additional 160 teenage births on New Year’s Day across the country.

High rates of teenage pregnancy undermine education and health outcomes, with reports of learners as young as 10 falling pregnant which is an act that constitutes statutory rape. Parents and guardians are called upon to break the silence on sexual violence by encouraging the reporting and destigmatising access to sexual health services, thereby empowering young people to take charge of their futures.

Parents must regularly check in on their children’s emotional well-being, ensure they have nutritious meals, and encourage balance through sports and recreational activities. Schools, religious organisations and civil society must work together to build resilience and hope.

Finally, as we recommit to creating safe learning environments, we must remember that education is more than about academics, it is about nurturing future leaders in a society free from violence and despair. Government cannot do this alone. It requires a united front involving parents, teachers, communities and learners themselves. Together, we can make 2026 a year of safety, dignity and progress.

*Khala is the Acting Director: Communication and Research, Department of Basic Education

 

 

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The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has informed the Government of the State of Israel of South Africa’s decision to declare the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, Mr Ariel Seidman, persona non grata.

In a statement issued on Friday, DIRCO said the decision follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice that pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” the department said. 

According to the department, these actions amount to a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention, and have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.

DIRCO said South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable, and that Seidman is required to depart the Republic within 72 hours.

“We urge the Israeli government to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates respect for the Republic and the established principles of international engagement,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed political commitment, stronger institutional support and sustainable financing to fast-track Africa’s infrastructure development. 

Addressing the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI) Heads of State and Government Meeting on Friday at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, the President said strategic infrastructure remains central to Africa’s transformation, trade integration and long-term economic growth. 

“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. Through the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, we are charting a course to accelerate the continent’s transformation by placing strategic infrastructure at the heart of our shared vision,” the President said in his closing remarks. 

The meeting reviewed progress made under the PICI portfolio and reflected on joint actions required to maintain momentum, particularly ahead of the African Union Summit scheduled for mid-February.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that infrastructure development goes beyond physical construction, noting that its impact must be felt at community level.

“This initiative is not simply about building roads, bridges and energy corridors. It is about connecting our people, our economies and our aspirations. 

“We need to ensure that these projects translate into tangible progress for every community, every region and every citizen,” he said. 

In his opening remarks, the President highlighted infrastructure as a key catalyst for inclusive growth, enabling access to markets, essential services and economic opportunities across the continent. 

“Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth and drives inclusive development. By prioritising infrastructure development, we are laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience and continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. 

Citing a joint report by the OECD and the African Union Commission, President Ramaphosa noted that Africa could double its GDP by 2040 if infrastructure investment is scaled up, but warned that the funding gap remains significant.

“It is estimated that between $130 billion and $170 billion is required annually to close the infrastructure funding gap in Africa,” he said.

Governments account for 41% of the continent’s infrastructure spend, underscoring their role in mobilising investment alongside development partners and the private sector.

Despite fiscal constraints and geopolitical shifts, President Ramaphosa said flagship projects under the PICI have shown resilience, pointing to progress on major cross-border initiatives.

“The Trans-Sahara Highway, for example, is now more than 90% complete. 

“The Algerian segment of the fibre optic link between Nigeria and Algeria is now operational,” the President said. 

He also welcomed efforts to eliminate roaming charges in the East African Community and renewed political momentum around the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which has mobilised more than $15 billion in investment interest.

To sustain this progress, the President said the PICI Secretariat must evolve into a dedicated project facility capable of moving projects from concept to financial close.

“With sufficient financial capacity, we will be able to deploy high-level technical expertise, conduct rigorous feasibility studies and create investment-ready packages that meet international standards,” he said.

However, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that challenges such as financing constraints, weak coordination, limited secretariat capacity and security risks continue to slow progress.

“These are real and pressing obstacles but they are not insurmountable,” he said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming AU Summit, the President said the focus must be on securing a clear mandate to strengthen political support, institutional capacity and financing for the next generation of infrastructure projects.

“We seek a mandate that re-energises political support for the initiative, that strengthens its institutional base, and that secures the sustainable financing and partnerships necessary to deliver the next generation of transformative infrastructure,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming that Africa’s development must remain driven by African leadership.

“Let us leave this meeting not only with a report to adopt, but with a renewed conviction that Africa’s development is, and must remain, championed by Africans. 

“It must be driven by our leadership, financed through our ingenuity and sustained by our shared vision for a continent that is connected in every sense.” 

The PICI was born out of a proposal by South Africa in 2011 to accelerate regional infrastructure development through the political championing of projects. The initiative serves as a high-level platform to put Africa on the right track towards unlocking its potential and thus achieving the “Africa we want”, as noted in Agenda 2063. 

With the active involvement of 12 championing Member States, PICI stands as solid proof of the steadfast dedication of African Heads of State and Governments towards accelerating infrastructure development through strong political support.

The PICI currently comprises 12 member countries (increased from the original eight), with the following Heads of State and Government serving as political champions: South Africa (Chair) – under President Cyril Ramaphosa, Algeria, Benin, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Sudan as the latest to request admission. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has delivered essential supplies to individuals and communities affected by the recent floods across Limpopo.

The intervention underscores government’s commitment to supporting affected communities during a challenging period, while emphasising the values of solidarity, compassion and collective responsibility.

The relief effort was undertaken in partnership with Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), the Office of the President, the State Security Agency, and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). The collaborating departments donated clothing and food parcels to flood-affected communities.

Speaking during the outreach on Friday, Ntshavheni said the initiative was inspired by the resilience and community spirit displayed by those affected.

“When we saw that resilience and community spirit, we felt the need to contribute. We made a call to staff of the departments that constitute the Ministry of the Presidency, including the Presidency, GCIS, StatsSA and the State Security Agency, asking them to donate.

“We said to them, in you own wardrobes, there would be things that you do not use. Can you donate them? And they donated in large volumes. Those are the volumes that we have brough to Limpopo,” the Minister said.

She added that surplus donations would be distributed to other affected provinces. 

“We are also going to take them to Mpumalanga, and if there are still remaining items, we will take them to northern KwaZulu-Natal,” she said.

Ntshavheni further noted that public interest in contributing had increased after the Ministry announced the donation drive. She said government would communicate mechanisms through which members of the public could continue donating, reinforcing the principle of “building together”.

In Tzaneen, the Minister acknowledged the support provided by the Department of Social Development (DSD), which delivered food parcels to residents who had been left without food. She appealed for donations of non-perishable food items to sustain ongoing relief efforts.

“The foundations can come and leave, but we need to be there as a community and support each other, and that is a call out (sic),” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister’s first visit was to Giyani, where she emphasised the strong cooperation between national and provincial government. She highlighted the establishment of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management, which is coordinating the response and recovery efforts across affected areas.

Her second visit was to Tzaneen, followed by a visit to Petanenge Training Centre, where she reflected on the recurring nature of flooding in Limpopo. The final stop was at Impala Park Stadium in Phalaborwa, where she handed over clothing and essential items to affected residents. She confirmed that efforts to restore electricity in impacted areas are underway.

Ntshavheni expressed her empathy for the Phalaborwa community and commended residents for their unity and cooperation during the crisis. She also called for stronger collaboration between local communities and mining companies operating in Limpopo.

Referring to the recent Cabinet Lekgotla, the Minister said flood response efforts were among the matters discussed, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring close coordination between national, provincial and local structures in responding to disasters. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Social Development has urgently deployed Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks to Mpumalanga to assist an elderly woman heading a household of five, including two grandchildren, following the recent floods.

The children recently lost their mother, and their house collapsed during heavy rains in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga. Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the incident, although most of the family’s belongings remain buried under the rubble.

During a site visit on Friday, Hendricks was moved by the condition of household items recovered from the debris and immediately mobilised assistance for the family.

The Deputy Minister sourced an eight-sleeper heavy-duty army tent, fully equipped with double bunk beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, a fire extinguisher and a wash basin. He also contacted the Chinese Embassy for assistance, which generously covered the cost of the tent and its contents.

In addition, five more fully fitted tents have been sourced through other donors. Hendricks indicated that efforts are under way to secure a total of 100 tents to support families affected by recent floods in the area.

Following the handover of temporary relief accommodation to the grandmother and her family, the Deputy Minister engaged with the members of the local Youth League to assist with monitoring the tent, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

“We are pleased that the granny can now have all the children she cares for living with her. The tent has taken up space previously used for her vegetable garden, and we hope that an alternative area will soon be identified so she can continue gardening.

“The living arrangements in tents for families take temporary relief to a new level, especially as many families feel uncomfortable staying in municipal halls, which affect privacy and, in some cases, separate families,” Hendricks said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Department of Higher Education and Training is in the process of conducting a sector-wide workshop on international relations, which is aimed at strengthening coherence and strategic alignment across the higher education and training sector.

This was announced by Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, at the South African Students in China Association (SASCA) 3rd Virtual National Conference held on 31 January.

Delivering her keynote address, Dube-Ncube described the conference as a critical platform for advancing discussion, research and a deeper understanding of South Africa–China relations.

She emphasised that the engagements are valuable not only from a government-to-government perspective, but also through the lived experiences of students, who are the “end-product of this developmental partnership”.

She noted that the conference takes place at an opportune time, as the current dispensation reconsiders the significance of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system in addressing urgent national priorities. These include inclusive economic growth, economic recovery, skills development and innovation, while manoeuvring an increasingly competitive and complex global context.

Dube-Ncube reflected on the evolution of South Africa–China relations over the past few decades, stating that the partnership cannot be viewed solely through the lens of economic engagement, but also rooted in shared historical experiences, political interests, and strategic calculations that have shaped the trajectory of the relationship in a deliberate and sustained manner.

She underscored that mutually beneficial cooperation between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China in the field of higher education and training, particularly within the framework of the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM), remains both timely and strategic.

She said this cooperation is underpinned by focus areas that are designed to translate policy commitments into practical and measurable outcomes.

A central pillar of this collaboration is the expansion of international scholarship opportunities and short-term training seminars.

“These initiatives are essential to equipping South African students and professionals with advanced skills, global exposure and specialised training in priority areas aligned to South Africa’s development needs. They also contribute to building a cadre of globally competent graduates, who are well-positioned to contribute to the economy and public service upon their return,” Dube-Ncube said.

Internationalisation and national development linkage

The Deputy Minister highlighted that internationalisation has become essential for innovation, competitiveness and high-quality research in higher education.

“Alliances with foreign organisations offer opportunities for collaborative research, jointly supervised postgraduate education, innovation hubs and information sharing, especially in developing nations.”

Referencing President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to Beijing in 2024, Dube-Ncube reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which is firmly embedded in the country’s foreign policy ambitions.

She explained that the department’s sector-wide engagement on international relations will inform the finalisation of its International Relations Strategy. The initiative, she said, recognises that in an increasingly interconnected global environment, South Africa’s engagement in international education and research must be both coordinated and purposeful.

“Importantly, this sector-wide engagement will also contribute to the finalisation of the department’s International Relations Strategy, which will provide a clear policy framework to guide South Africa’s international cooperation in higher education and training. This strategy will serve as a critical instrument in aligning global partnerships with national skills needs, research priorities, and South Africa’s broader development agenda,” she said.

She stressed that while international partnerships are essential, they must be guided by clear national priorities, mutual benefit, and a long-term commitment to capacity building.

South Africa’s long-standing collaboration with China in various areas of higher education and training, Dube-Ncube said, continues to grow and contribute significantly to the country’s knowledge and skills development, alongside partnerships across other regions of the world.

Geopolitical focus-strategic partnership

Through trade, investment, infrastructure development, and technological collaboration, Dube-Ncube said China has strengthened strategic alliances on a bilateral level.

On multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, G20 and BRICS, China has played an increasingly prominent role in advancing collective action, South-South cooperation, and a more inclusive and multipolar global order.

The Deputy Minister said China is widely expected to play a leading role in advancing the BRICS agenda, leveraging its economic strength and global reach to deepen cooperation among Member Dtates.

In closing, the Deputy Minister emphasised that SASCA as more than a student organisation, but a bridge of unity, learning, and cultural exchange, empowering South African students to thrive abroad while proudly representing our nation and fostering enduring ties between the two countries.

She encouraged students to lead with passion, embrace challenges as opportunities and build lifelong connections.

“Let us carry the spirit of South Africa wherever we go, inspiring others through our actions, our culture, and our commitment to excellence,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in collaboration with other stakeholders will host outreaches in the form of activations, community media engagements and dialogues ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation on the programmes of government on 12 February 2026.

The address is delivered at a Joint Sitting of Parliament, including both the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and focuses on the current political and socio-economic state of the nation.

The speech marks the opening of the Parliamentary programme and attracts interest from various stakeholders nationally and internationally as it sets the government agenda for the forthcoming year.

The GCIS said it would host outreach events such as activations at malls, taxi ranks, road intersections and schools; as well as public educations sessions and civic education awareness to encourage the public to participate and follow the 2026 SONA through mainstream media, and online and digital platforms.

“GCIS will also be encouraging the public to comment on what they would want the President to say during his speech and subsequent SONA reply to the debate post SONA.

“The outreaches aim to encourage members of the public to participate in the upcoming SONA by watching TV, listening to community media or being part of the event through social media by following #SoNA2026 on various social media platforms.

“The outreaches will also be encouraging, and collation of data from the public on what they expect government and the President to urgently address,” said the GCIS in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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