Category: South Africa Government

The eThekwini Municipality says its disaster management teams are working around the clock following severe rains that caused widespread flooding and damage across parts of Durban at the weekend.

In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said teams were immediately deployed after the storm left a trail of submerged roads, fallen trees and damaged vehicles in several areas.

Disaster management officials, supported by recreation and parks teams, are currently on the ground responding to incidents, clearing debris and restoring access to affected routes.

According to the municipality, the Durban Central and Southern regions were the hardest hit, with 22 incidents reported, particularly in Chatsworth and Morningside. 

Flooded roads and fallen trees led to significant traffic disruptions.  

In the Western region, 13 incidents were recorded, with Westville among the most affected. Teams are working to clear debris, manage waterlogged roads and assess damage to protect residents.

The Northern region reported seven incidents, with Newlands West bearing the brunt of the storm. Emergency crews are continuing to address flooding and other storm-related hazards.

The municipality has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roads and report hazards such as fallen trees, damaged power lines or blocked routes through official channels.

“Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, as water levels may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

“eThekwini remains committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of residents. Teams are working around the clock to restore normality, reduce risks, and provide support where needed,” the statement said.

Residents in need of emergency assistance can contact the city’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000. 

Further updates are expected as teams continue to assess the extent of the damage. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thabo Mofutsanyana District Police have arrested 12 suspects during Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes.

The intensified, high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes. However, the district also recorded an increase in cases of murder, attempted murder and rape.

“Six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities. Among the victims were two women, who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden.

“In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax. Several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol.

“Police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old person and minors. In one particularly case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern,” the police said.

Furthermore, four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice. 

A total of four illegal firearms were seized during operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Tseki. An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate Courts today.

Police commended community members, who provided valuable information leading to these arrests. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has welcomed Infrastructure South Africa’s contribution to the successful hosting of the South African Investment Conference in Sandton, last Tuesday.

Macpherson also welcomed its role in helping to unlock a $1 billion investment pledge by global agricultural company UPL, announced at the conference. 

The investment amounting to approximately R17 billion and led by UPL Chairman and Group CEO Jai Shroff, is linked to a large-scale bioethanol production facility in South Africa. 

The project will utilise sugarcane and maize as a feedstock and support the development of an integrated agricultural and energy value chain. 

Infrastructure South Africa, an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, played a key facilitative role in advancing the project by bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural, energy and financial sectors.

This included supporting engagements between UPL and a major development finance institution to explore project preparation and financing opportunities, as well as broader collaboration to move the project towards implementation. 

The project has significant potential, including the cultivation of approximately 400 000 hectares of sweet sorghum and the production of up to 1.3 billion litres of bioethanol annually. 

This will inject significant amounts of money directly back to small and large scale farmers. 

This positions South Africa as a potential leader in the biofuels sector, while supporting rural development and job creation. 

Macpherson said Infrastructure South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in unlocking investment by removing bottlenecks, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting project preparation.

“When I was appointed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister 21 months ago, I committed to turning the department into the economic delivery unit of South Africa to help grow the economy and create much-needed jobs. 

“The $1 billion investment, facilitated by Infrastructure South Africa, is clear evidence of the progress we are making in achieving that goal,” Macpherson said. 

He said this investment demonstrates what is possible when government plays an active role in facilitating partnerships, removing obstacles, and aligning stakeholders behind a common objective. 

“It also highlights the growing importance of Infrastructure South Africa in ensuring that projects of this scale move from concept to implementation as we work to build a better South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has resumed its hearings this morning.

The commission resume its public hearings after the Easter recess with City of Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Commissioner, Yolanda Faro, taking the stand.

“The commission will, over the coming months – ahead of its final deadline at the end of August 2026 – continue to expand its focus on areas of its Terms of Reference, which have not yet been covered.

“The inquiry will continue to run Phases 1 and 2 in parallel, with Phase 1 being the airing of allegations, and Phase 2 broadly being the responses by implicated individuals to specific allegations against them, as well as giving those implicated persons the opportunity to tell their side of the story,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.

He noted that while the commission is investigating allegations about the criminal justice system made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a media conference last year, the commission is not mandated to investigate “all allegations of wrongdoing across the criminal justice system”.

“Any person who wishes to provide the commission with information, which falls within the Terms of Reference, can do so anonymously and confidentially by contacting the commission’s hotline on 0800 111 369, or via email at madlangacommission@behonest.co.za,” Michaels said.

The term of the commission has been extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, with a final report expected in August this year.

A second interim report is expected to be handed to the President by the end of next month. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Local Municipalities of Lesedi and Midvaal, will host public consultations on the planned designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

This follows the publication, on 3 March 2026, of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau’s intention to designate the proposed SEZ for public comment.   

The consultation on 8 April at the Meyerton Town Hall will provide businesses, and stakeholders with an opportunity to express their views and share ideas on the proposed SEZ with national, provincial and local government leadership. 

The session will lead up to a broader engagement planned at the Vereeniging Civic Centre in the Sedibeng District.

The Vaal SEZ land area will comprise of five land parcels in Heidelberg, Rietspruit, Langlaagte, Zwartkopjies and Kookfontein, according to the department.

“The prospective sites for the Vaal SEZ are strategically located near significant population centres and essential transportation infrastructure, moreover, the development of the Vaal SEZ aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the Sedibeng District Municipality’s District Development Model (DDM) and its District One Plan,” it said.

The Vaal SEZ will explore the diverse investment opportunities that the region offers. These include: 

• Green industrialisation aimed at transforming the industrial basin into the country’s pre-eminent hub for low carbon manufacturing and renewable energy production.

• High impact investments into the food, agriculture and the agro industries value chain.
• Investment in gateway logistics to exploit the locational advantages of the Sedibeng District. 
• Investment in the blue economy and the tourism sector on the back of the Vaal river.
• Building a smart city along the Vaal River and an aerotropolis (aerozone) to drive urban development. 
• Building strong local linkages between township and rural economies with the value chains that the Vaal SEZ will develop and strengthen. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By More Matshediso

Tshililo Mafuka is a tomato farmer from Muswodi Dipeni in Musina, Limpopo, whose passion for agriculture began long before he launched his own farming business.

His rise in the agricultural sector is a story of resilience and a meaningful contribution to strengthening South Africa’s local food supply chain.

Mafuka gained practical experience in crop cultivation and machinery operation while working on a farm several years ago, which inspired him to establish his own operation.

He said his decision to focus on tomato production was strategic.

Tomatoes have consistently high market demand and are well suited to Limpopo’s climate and growing conditions.

“Over the years, I developed a strong interest in agriculture and a desire to run my own operation, particularly in tomato production,” he said. “I started farming on 2.9 hectares, and tomatoes remain my main crop because of my experience and confidence in managing their production.”

Beyond production, Mafuka’s farming operation has also contributed to local employment. Depending on the season and labour requirements, his business has created up to 20 seasonal jobs, providing income opportunities for community members.

Mafuka is one of 10 smallholder farmers in the Musina area who collectively supplied more than 3,386 tonnes of tomatoes to Tiger Brands for the production of its All Gold Tomato Sauce.

His work was recognised when he was named Tiger Brands’ inaugural Emerging Farmer of the Year / Most Promising Farmer for 2025.

The award acknowledges Mafuka’s success as a smallholder farmer and his role in supporting sustainable agricultural development through his business, Bob and Maggie Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, which was established three years ago and specialises in tomato production.

“This award is a significant milestone for me,” Mafuka said. “It recognises the effort, perseverance and consistency that went into building my farm — from starting on rented land using stream water to owning land with a borehole. It reflects resilience, dedication and continuous learning throughout my journey.”

Increased harvest

The increased harvest was made possible through support provided by the recently launched Tiger Brand Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme. Through the programme, participating farmers boosted production, created an additional 156 jobs in their communities, and sustained about 500 jobs across the value chain.

In the case of Musina-based farmers, irrigation infrastructure was identified as a critical requirement to unlock production potential and accelerate output.

The Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme aims to address key barriers faced by emerging and smallholder farmers. These include limited access to equipment and infrastructure, climate-related challenges, and restricted access to formal markets.

Director for Transformation and Enterprise Supplier Development at Tiger Brands, Maanda Milubi, said the programme highlights the strong interdependence between the company and local farmers.

“The Hulisani initiative underscores the interdependence between Tiger Brands and local farmers,” Milubi said. “By investing in farmers’ long-term resilience, we secure a steady supply of commodities and raw materials, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen local value chains.”

He added that for emerging and smallholder producers, the programme creates opportunities to build sustainable enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to South Africa’s long-term food security.

Mafuka said: “I joined the Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme about a year ago, and the support has been transformative. The programme has played a key role in strengthening and expanding my farming operation.

“It provided irrigation pipes, technical guidance to improve production, and financial support linked to our supply agreement.”

Mafuka now holds a renewable annual contract to supply Tiger Brands with high-quality fresh tomatoes.

His message to fellow emerging farmers is to start small, remain committed, and continue learning.

For more information about the Tiger Brands Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme, visit www.tigerbrands.com.

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele

 

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By Michael Currin

Just a few years ago South Africa’s energy situation looked bleak with power outages sometimes exceeding eight hours a day. Communities and businesses endured severe stages of load shedding, disrupting economic activity and eroding public confidence. It became distinctly clear that urgent and coordinated intervention was needed to change the trajectory of our electricity grid.

This turning point materialised through the establishment of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) in 2022, which was a decisive response to an escalating national emergency as the nation experienced some of the most severe power cuts. NECOM was created with a clear mandate to fix Eskom, reduce load shedding and expand new sources of power. 

It brought together high level officials from across government, Eskom, business and social partners to stabilise the grid and unlock new energy investments. All of these efforts we now all recall were captured in what became popularly known as the Energy Action Plan or EAP.

The results now speak for themselves. In March this year, South Africa recorded 300 consecutive days without load shedding. Furthermore, our Energy Availability Factor is consistently above 65%, and on some occasions exceeded 70%, marking a significant improvement in operational performance. These gains are not accidental and are a result of targeted, specialised work, which includes improved operational stability, more efficient power station performance, and a coordinated push for wind, solar, gas and battery storage solutions. 

The success of NECOM highlights an important truth that when the nation focuses its attention, expertise and resources into a single, clearly defined problem, meaningful progress becomes possible. Our experience in energy reform shows what specialised committees can achieve when they are empowered to act with urgency and accountability.

Substantial improvement was also achieved in our freight logistics system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee which was established in 2023. Key achievements include improving public-private partnerships with a notable increase of slots on 41 routes across six corridors for eleven private train operators and 75% reduction of vessel anchorage times at Durban Port. With Durban Pier 2 welcoming private operators, we expect to unlock R200 billion in investment by 2030.

Similar models are already yielding results also under the banner of the District Development Model in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, a strong intergovernmental and cross-societal initiative aimed at bringing the city back to its glory days. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted, during this year’s State of the Nation Address, “we will expand our support to municipalities that require assistance, drawing on the lessons of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. We are seeing great progress in eThekwini as we implement the district development model”.

Building on these proven models, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee. This is an urgent intervention to address South Africa’s escalating water challenges which include repeated and prolonged water outages, attributed to ageing infrastructure, weak municipal management and underinvestment, as well as illegal connections to the water pipelines in communication siphoning water off to non-paying illegal users, among other issues.

The new committee is mandated to address immediate water supply disruptions through a nationally coordinated response that mobilise technical expertise and resources to priority areas. Over R156 billion has been set aside for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years. A further R54 billion incentive has been set aside for metros to reform their water, sanitation and electricity services. This will ensure that revenue collected for water is reinvested into fixing damaged pipes and water leaks, upgrading reservoirs and maintaining pumping stations as we seek to end our current water challenges.

More recently, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that R27.7 billion has been allocated over the medium term to a performance-linked reform for metro trading services in electricity, water, sanitation to rectify maintenance backlogs and ultimately fix water supply. 

To ensure that these investments and reforms translate into real improvements on the ground, accountability is also being strengthened in municipalities across the country. Government has already laid criminal charges against 56 municipalities for failing to meet statutory obligations and will pursue charges against Municipal Managers who have violated the National Water Act. 

Water outages are not simply operational interruptions; they reflect underlying governance and system challenges, which government is addressing through strengthened coordination, improved public communication, increased awareness on water conservation, and decisive action against illegal connections and losses. 

As we look ahead to the next phase of renewal, specialised committees will play a greater role in securing a sustainable future for our nation. Whether in energy, water, local government or other priority areas, these structures provide the focus, expertise and discipline necessary to resolve long standing challenges.

With strengthened oversight, targeted investment and a renewed commitment to service delivery, government remains firmly committed to delivering the stable energy supply, reliable water services and effective local governance our people deserve.

The work of renewal is already underway, and we can expect positive outcomes and remain optimistic for a sustainable future. As we have seen in the transformation of the energy sector, when we mobilise the full capability of the state toward a clearly defined goal, progress is not only possible, it is inevitable.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

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By Sihle Manda

In the villages and busy taxi ranks of Rustenburg, North West, blue LPG cylinders are becoming unlikely symbols of dignity and safety.

At the centre of this quiet energy shift is Refilwe Sebothoma, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hakem Energies, a self-funded enterprise determined to tackle energy poverty while building opportunity from the ground up.

“I am very passionate about entrepreneurship because I believe it is a powerful tool that can help me empower people. Throughout the years, we have done a lot of things in different industries.”

Ending energy poverty 

Her move into the energy sector was driven by concern about what she calls “energy poverty”.

“In marginalised communities such as townships and villages, you still find people without electricity,” she explains.

“And for those who do have electricity, it is expensive and they experience things such as load shedding. Some villages can go for weeks without electricity. 

They then have to collect wood, while others resort to using paraffin and coal. There are a lot of dangers associated with energy poverty – and it mostly affects women.”

One incident cemented her resolve.

“In one of the villages where we sell gas, a woman was recently brutally raped and killed while she was collecting wood in the field. From a business perspective, it still shouldn’t be happening that people have to risk their lives. That is how this business was started. LPG for us was a solution that is already available, but we needed to package it in a way that low-earning communities can afford.”

Registered in 2022 and operational from 2024, Hakem Energies has built its model around flexibility.

“One of the biggest things for us is that customers can refill as they can afford. If you go to a fuel station to fill a 9kg cylinder, it will cost you about R400 and it is not something that our communities can afford. With our model, you can come with whatever amount you can afford. If you can only afford R40, that is what you will refill for.”

Affordability is matched by strict compliance.

“We just want to make sure that we comply correctly because this is a highly regulated industry. It is really important that we do things safely so that we can continue to save lives.”

Hakem’s reach extends beyond households.

“We serve not only households but also a broad range of commercial clients – from restaurants and resorts to funeral parlours, taxi ranks and mining operations. Whether in bulk or bottles, we deliver safe, certified LPG energy that keeps industries moving and communities thriving.”

Partnering with women and youth

The company also partners with local women and young people to distribute LPG.

“We see every flame lit not just as energy delivered, but as possibility ignited.”

Operating from North West, with a branch in Mpumalanga and plans to expand into Limpopo and Gauteng in 2026, the business employs 14 people.

Growth has required deep pockets in a tightly regulated sector

“We have five LPG boxes and one costs about R1 million – that’s a lot of money that many small businesses cannot afford. I was able to self-fund, but it has been very difficult and the margins are extremely tight. We are also consistently fighting against illegal operators who are not paying government taxes.”

Support from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency’s (SEDFA) Asset Assist Programme provided a R230 000 grant.

“They sat with us to analyse where the business was and the kind of support that we needed. They bought us stock – cylinders and LPG – which really shifted things for us and gave us the ability to expand and attract new customers.”

Sebothoma believes national reforms could further unlock growth.

In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa committed more than R2.5 billion in funding for over 180 000 SMMEs, alongside R1 billion in guarantees. He also pledged to ease regulatory hurdles through the Business Licensing Bill and amend the National Credit Act regulations to make credit more accessible and affordable, particularly for women- and youth-led enterprises.

Sebothoma welcomed the commitment, describing it as “the kind of support SMMEs were looking to receive from government,” she concluded.

For more information, call +27 (68) 037 5410 or visit www.hakemenergies.co.za.

The NYDA can be reached at www.nyda.gov.za.

For more information on SEDFA’s Assest Assist Programme, visit www.dsbd.gov.za/asset-assist-progamme.

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele

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Traffic volumes along major corridors across the country are expected to increase as travellers return from various religious and holiday destinations.

With the majority of road crashes attributed to human behaviour, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has urged drivers, passengers and pedestrians to take responsibility for their conduct on shared roads.

Government continues to implement the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign throughout the year, aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.

“Our mandate is clear: to ensure that every South African who sets out on a journey returns home safely. We are calling on every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take ownership of their conduct on our shared roads,” Creecy said.

She emphasised that law enforcement during this period will be uncompromising.

Should you find yourself in an emergency, call:

• Police: 10111
• Ambulance: 10177
• Emergency: 112
• ER24: 084 124
• Netcare: 082 911
• Report bad driving by using the National Traffic Call Centre Number: 0861 400 800. 

Road users are therefore encouraged to follow these safety tips:

• Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure.
• Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km.
• Be responsible for seatbelt wearing – always wear a seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
• Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s licence with you.
• Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone with you so you can request assistance in the event of an emergency.
• Always adjust your driving to the driving conditions and environment.
• If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on. Try to reduce speed and try not to brake suddenly. Often, there is oil and petrol on the road, which can cause you to skid out of control.
• Always keep in mind – if you cannot see or operate the vehicle safely, you should not be driving.
• Inspect your vehicle and trailer tyres, lights, tow connections, brakes, batteries, and fluid levels. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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