Category: South Africa Government

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Transport’s mid-term festive season preliminary road safety report shows a decline in road fatalities compared to the same period last year, with 113 lives saved. 

“The number of fatal crashes last year this time was 545, compared to the 431 we have seen this year. The fatal crashes took 638 lives last year this time compared to 505 persons this year,” Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said on Friday.

Addressing a media briefing in Cape Town on the preliminary report of the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign for the 2025 festive season, Creecy said preliminary reports indicate a 20.9% reduction in fatal crashes and 20.8% reduction in fatalities in the middle of December (December 1 -16) following intensified law enforcement, road safety education, and public messaging.

The Free State has been identified as the best performing province, managing to bring down major crashes from 40 last year this time to 19 this year, while road deaths were brought down from 61 to 20.

This translates to a 67.2% decrease in fatalities.

“While Gauteng was able to bring down crashes by 12%, it remains the highest contributor to the death toll. In Gauteng, 105 people were killed in 95 crashes, with 88 fatalities in KwaZulu-Natal from 85 crashes,” the Minister said.

The Western Cape recorded 66 deaths in 55 crashes in the first half of December.

The Eastern Cape recorded 52 fatalities in 45 crashes, Mpumalanga has 69 fatalities in 50 crashes, North West has 34 deaths in 28 crashes, Limpopo has 40 road deaths in 34 crashes and Northern Cape 31 road deaths in 20 crashes.

Despite strong enforcement, two provinces recorded increases in fatalities year-on-year. They are Mpumalanga and Northen Cape, illustrating that behavioural risk remains “stubbornly high”.

“The average fatalities per day is 32. which is the lowest in five years. The top four types of crashes that contributed to the high number of fatalities are accident with pedestrian, hit and run, single vehicle overturned as well as head-on collisions.

“However, pedestrians continue to represent a disproportionately large share of the road toll, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of non-motorised road users. The contribution of pedestrians to fatalities is 44%, passengers contributed 28%, drivers contributed 26%, and cyclists contributed two percent (2%).

“These preliminary figures remind us that danger remains ever present, and the peak travel days of Christmas and New Year are still ahead. Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the roads this weekend leading to Christmas and New Year’s Day. 

“Traffic volumes and congestion will be experienced again in the first weekend of January as many holiday makers will be making their way back to the cities for the re-opening of schools and return to work,” the Minister said.

Creecy said the mid-season shows that enforcement is having an impact on incident rates, but fatal crashes are still occurring at unacceptable levels.

“Alcohol misuse, speeding, fatigue, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour remain the dominant risk factors. Heavy rainfalls and thunderstorms in the period under review also had a devastating impact on our campaign.

“These patterns emphasise that law enforcement and infrastructure improvements alone are not enough. They must be paired with sustained behavioural change — the core message of our 365 Days of Road Safety commitment,” the Minister said. 

In the coming days, government will maintain a 24-hour high visibility patrols on highway and secondary routes. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for heightened vigilance as above-normal rainfall and thunderstorms are expected during the festive season.

According to current weather forecasts, above-normal rainfall is expected across the central and eastern parts of South Africa, accompanied by warm to cool conditions across the country.

The Highveld is likely to experience frequent afternoon thunderstorms on most days, while eastern provinces face a 30 to 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms as Christmas and the New Year approach.

While welcoming the anticipated rainfall in many areas, Hlabisa warned that the conditions significantly increase the risk of flooding, lightning, strong winds and poor visibility on roads.

The Minister urged communities, holidaymakers, and travellers to remain alert and take necessary safety precautions.

He advised the public to closely monitor official weather updates, heed warnings issued by authorities, and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, and low-lying areas.

“Secure homes, informal structures, and loose items that may be affected by strong rainfall and winds. Stay indoors where possible or exercise extra caution when travelling, particularly during thunderstorms. Keep children and other vulnerable loved ones away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres,” Hlabisa said.

As families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, the Minister emphasised that safety must remain a priority.

“We urge everyone to act responsibly, remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to prevent avoidable loss of life and damage,” he said.

Hlabisa added that the department, working alongside provincial and municipal disaster management centres, remains on high alert and ready to respond to any weather-related incidents.

“Members of the public are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and celebrate the festive season safely.”

Seasonal climate outlook

The South African Weather Service (SAWS), through its Disaster Risk Reduction function, has released its latest seasonal climate outlook for the 2025/26 summer season, covering the period from December 2025 to April 2026.

The forecast indicates a transition toward a weak La Niña state, which is expected to influence rainfall and temperature patterns across the country.

La Niña refers to a climate pattern where the waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal. This cooling changes global wind and weather patterns.

“It typically brings above-normal summer rainfall to the north-eastern parts of South Africa such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, parts of the North West and Free State.

“Climate model predictions suggest an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over the central and eastern parts of South Africa, particularly in the north-eastern summer rainfall regions,” SAWS Senior Forecaster Jacqueline Modika said on Thursday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

These wetter-than-usual conditions are consistent with the typical impacts associated with La Niña episodes and are expected to persist into mid-to-late summer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The enhanced security measures implemented by the Border Management Authority (BMA) across the country’s ports of entry are ensuring that law transgressors are stopped in their tracks.

This operation is part of a strengthened multi-layered approach designed to ensure safe, efficient and well-coordinated border management during this peak travel period.

“As daily movements continue to increase, the Border Management Authority remains on high alert, committed to facilitating legitimate travel and trade while decisively preventing illegal activities and safeguarding South Africa’s borders,” Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Michael Masiapato, said on Friday.

The Commissioner is operating from the ground, overseeing border operations, with the processing of people and goods continuing smoothly and unimpeded at all Ports of Entry across the country.

On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the BMA Law Enforcement component at Kosi Bay intercepted two Mozambican male nationals travelling in a silver Volvo S40 while entering the Republic of South Africa from Mozambique. 

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 46 fraudulently stamped Mozambican passports concealed under the mat in the boot of the car. 

In addition, an amount of R34 890 in cash, believed to be proceeds of illicit activities, was confiscated from the suspects.

“The suspects attempted to bribe BMA officials with the same amount of cash in an effort to evade arrest. Both suspects were subsequently arrested and charged with fraud, resisting arrest, and bribery. This interception reflects the BMA’s zero tolerance on corruption and the facilitation of transnational organised crime,” Masiapato said on Friday.

In addition, the BMA Border Guards intercepted 585 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals at the Groblers Bridge Port of Entry to Botswana, as they were moving without travel documents through vulnerable segments of the borderline while leaving South Africa on 18 December 2025. 

They were carrying goods that were supposed to be declared through the normal customs processes.

Furthermore, about 142 Basotho nationals were also intercepted at Sani Pass.

“Operations at the Sendelingsdrift Port of Entry between South Africa and Namibia have been temporarily suspended due to increased water levels resulting from persistent rainfall. 

“These conditions pose a safety risk to the cross-border movement of the pontoon and to travellers between the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. The BMA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions improve,” the Commissioner said.

As he continues to monitor operations, he will on Friday be Maseru Bridge Port of Entry. 

The port is already experiencing an increase in the movement of travellers on both arrivals and departures. 

Despite the rising volumes, the situation remains manageable, with adequate deployments in place and systems functioning optimally. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing its immigration laws and upholding national sovereignty, while indicating that allegations involving the private data of United States officials will be addressed through diplomatic channels.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the recent deportation of seven Kenyan nationals by the Department of Home Affairs was carried out in full compliance with South African immigration legislation.

According to DIRCO, the individuals were found to be working in the country without the required work permits. The department stressed that the enforcement of immigration laws is a sovereign matter and forms part of government’s obligation to uphold the rule of law.

“Government will not negotiate its sovereignty and the implementation of the rule of law,” the statement said.

DIRCO also responded to what it described as an unsubstantiated allegation concerning the private information of US officials. The department said South Africa treats data security with the utmost seriousness and operates within strict legal and diplomatic frameworks.

It categorically rejected any suggestion of State involvement in the alleged actions, emphasising that such claims are not supported by evidence.

At the same time, DIRCO said South Africa remains committed to principled, transparent and constructive diplomacy. 

“Official channels have been opened with the United States government to seek clarity on this allegation and to reinforce that our bilateral engagements must be grounded in mutual respect and factual dialogue,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Heritage Council of South Africa (NHC) has announced the passing of its Council Member, Dr Natalie Skeepers, saying her passing is a loss to the public sector.

In a statement on Thursday, the Council which is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said Skeepers passed away unexpectedly on 15 December 2025.

“Dr Skeepers served the National Heritage Council with distinction, integrity, and unwavering commitment. She was a valued member of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, where she played a critical role in strengthening governance, accountability, and compliance within the organisation,” the Council said.

According to the council, Skeepers also advocated for ethical leadership, staff development, and institutional sustainability.

“Dr Natalie Skeepers was a principled and dedicated leader whose work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to good governance were evident in every space she occupied. She brought depth, integrity, and a people-centred approach to the work of Council. Her contribution to the NHC, particularly in governance and human resource matters, has left a lasting impact. Her passing is a profound loss to the organisation and the broader public sector,” NHC Chairperson Tau Masemola said.

Dr Skeepers was also a highly respected Governance, Risk and Compliance Specialist and Safety Engineer, and had recently been sworn in as a Board Member of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) on 26 November 2025, following a recommendation from the National Assembly.

Despite her brief tenure, she made meaningful contributions to discussions on legislative reform and the sustainability of community media.

“The National Heritage Council extends its deepest condolences to Dr Skeepers’ family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with her. Her legacy of ethical leadership, service excellence, and commitment to public institutions will be remembered with great respect,” said the NHC. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has confirmed that the affected section of the R563 will remain closed to traffic after geotechnical assessments found the area to be unsafe for public use. 

The decision follows the development of a sinkhole along the R563 near the N14 intersection in recent weeks. Based on the latest assessments, the department has resolved not to open the temporary road as previously considered.

Departmental officials remain on site and are set to begin excavating trenches to physically prevent vehicles from illegally accessing the closed section of the road. This comes amid growing concerns about motorists disregarding road closures and safety barriers.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, condemned the continued non-compliance by some road users, warning that such behaviour poses serious risks. 

“The continued lawlessness and blatant disregard for the safety measures is completely unacceptable. Such behaviour places motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, nearby residents and emergency services at serious and unnecessary risk,” the MEC said.

The department is also working to re-site barriers and install additional warning signage. At the same time, it is engaging law-enforcement agencies to intensify enforcement of the road closure, prevent illegal access and curb reckless driving in the affected area.

“Ignoring these safety measures endangers lives and will not be tolerated,” Diale-Tlabela emphasised.

The department has again urged road users to refrain from entering the closed-off section of the R563 and has appealed for patience and cooperation from the public while safety interventions and assessments continue. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed the nominations to the Steering Committee of the National Dialogue, marking a key milestone in the establishment of a citizen led, inclusive process aimed at shaping South Africa’s long-term social and economic future.

The President, who is convenor of the National Dialogue, confirmed the nominations received from a wide range of social sectors in a statement on Thursday. 

In line with his responsibility in terms of Section 83 of the Constitution to promote national unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened an inclusive National Dialogue to address the challenges confronting the country.  

The Steering Committee will be responsible for setting strategic priorities and coordinating the implementation of the National Dialogue process across the country.

The confirmation gives effect to a resolution of the First National Convention held on 15–16 August 2025, which agreed that all identified social sectors should nominate representatives to serve on the Steering Committee. 

The decision was intended to ensure that the National Dialogue remains inclusive, representative and firmly citizen led.
Over recent months, organisations across 33 identified sectors and six sub-sectors convened meetings to identify nominees. The Presidency said every effort was made to ensure that no sector of society was excluded from the process.

In addition to sectoral representatives, provision was made for the President to nominate two representatives, while the former Preparatory Task Team and Convention Organising Committee nominated additional members. The Steering Committee will also be able to co-opt up to five people with relevant expertise and experience to further strengthen inclusivity.

The National Dialogue has been convened as a society-wide process to reflect on the country’s challenges, develop a shared vision for the coming decades and agree on priority actions across sectors. 

Through this process, South Africa aims to forge a new social compact that will unite all South Africans on the kind of socioeconomic development and transformation the country should undergo in the next decades.

The Eminent Persons Group, appointed as guarantors of the integrity and inclusivity of the process, compiled the nominations from the various sectors and submitted them to the President for confirmation.

The Steering Committee is expected to hold its inaugural meeting and induction early in January 2026.

 Once constituted, it will also assist sectors that have not yet completed their nomination processes.
President Ramaphosa thanked all those who have made themselves available to serve. 

“I wish all Steering Committee members well in undertaking this important task to advance the building of a free, equal, united and prosperous nation,” he said.

The members of the Steering Committee are:

Sectoral Nominees
1. Valentia Andrews – National NGOs / NPO Networks
2. Michelle Arendse – Khoisan Leaders
3. Ashley Benjamin – Labour and Unions
4. Dumisile Cele – Children
5. Cynthia Chishimba – National NGOs / NPO Networks
6. Rebecca Como – Khoisan Leaders
7. Duduzile Dlamini – Sex Work
8. Scelo Duma – Government Departments
9. Khanyisa Dunjwa – Health / HIV
10. Luyolo Dwesi – Youth
11. Keagen Je-ron Gertse – Represented Political Parties
12. Jimmy Ntobeko Gotyana – National NGOs / NPO Networks
13. Annette Theresa Griessel – Foundations
14. Crispin Hemson – Restorative Justice, Peace & Safety
15. Cheryl Hendricks – Women
16. Josephilda Hlope – Government Departments
17. Lance Joel – Government Departments
18. Howard Johnson – Small Businesses, Stokvels & Informal Economy
19. Moipone Jwayi – Rural & Agricultural / Land Rights
20. Marble Bore Kalembo – LGBTQIA+
21. Luzuko Khohli – Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
22. Steven Thapelo Khunou – Faith Based Organisations
23. Bosa Ledwaba – Women
24. Tebogo Legodi – LGBTQIA+
25. Lawrence Elijah Lekgowane – Transport
26. Gomolemo Lesejane – Faith Based Organisations
27. Siyabulela Lucas – Persons with Disabilities
28. Innocent Madlala – Small Businesses, Stokvels & Informal Economy
29. Mahlatse Martinah Kgaladi Magoro – Persons with Disabilities
30. Bridgemohan Maharaj – Faith Based Organisations
31. Mxolisi President Siphamandla Mahlangu – Persons with Disabilities
32. Realeboga Makgeledise – Youth
33. Thulasizwe Makhanya – Foundations
34. Octavia Thenjiwe Makhubu – Education
35. Malemolla David Makhura – Represented Political Parties
36. Thabo Makwela – Small Businesses, Stokvels & Informal Economy
37. Steve Mashiya – Foundations
38. Loungo Masire – Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
39. Kganki Matabane – Formal Business 
40. Khulekani Mathe – Formal Business 
41. Looks Matoto – Persons with Disabilities
42. Busisiwe Mavuso – Formal Business 
43. Nokuthula Caritus Mazibuko – Academia, Think Tanks & Research
44. Odwa Mbane – Formerly Incarcerated
45. Hussein Mubaarak Mbonambi – Faith Based Organisations
46. Palesa Rosemary Mboweni – Women
47. Buhle Mchunu – Academia, Think Tanks & Research
48. Charles Mcunu – Transport 
49. Promise Memela – Health / HIV
50. Mabalane Mfundisi – Health / HIV
51. Donald Mkhwanazi – Students
52. Shannon Nontobeko Mokoena – Rural & Agricultural / Land Rights
53. Busang Obakeng Molekane – Sports
54. Mzwandile Molo – Faith Based Organisations
55. David Morema – Government Departments
56. Boitumelo Mosenogi – Small Businesses, Stokvels & Informal Economy
57. Keitumetse Fatimata Moutloatse – GBVF
58. Kunene Mpho – Media, Linguistic & Communication
59. Tshilidzi Mulaudzi – Academia, Think Tanks & Research
60. Muriel Mamotala Mumba – Civic Movements & Local Organisations
61. Treasure Ndesi – Men’s Sector
62. Marshall Nelson – Education
63. Nondumiso Ngonyama – Traditional Leaders
64. Beau Nkaelang – Men’s Sector
65. Mbali Nkosi – Youth
66. Matthew Parks – Labour and Unions
67. Letsiri Phaahla – Traditional Leaders
68. Tshegofatso Tebogo Phakisa – Media, Linguistic & Communication
69. Zandile Phiri – Represented Political Parties
70. Romeo Qetsimani – Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
71. Nkanyiso Radebe – Restorative Justice, Peace & Safety
72. Lebogang Ramafoko – Media, Linguistic & Communication
73. Hayley Reichert – Immigration
74. Vanessa Samuel-Chetty – GBVF
75. Edward Saunderson – Sports
76. Fatima Shabodien – Restorative Justice, Peace & Safety
77. Ngaletjang Emily Shilakoe – Media, Linguistic & Communication
78. Shakespeare Mandla Sibanyoni – Rural & Agricultural / Land Rights
79. Thandeka Patience Sibiya – Immigration
80. Tolika Sibiya – Youth
81. Lisa Silwana – Youth
82. Tumi Sole – Civic Movements & Local Organisations
83. Patric Solomons – Children
84. Sandile Soxokashe – Youth
85. Sinesipho Soxujwa – Civic Movements & Local Organisations
86. Qhamisa Tengile – Small Businesses, Stokvels & Informal Economy
87. Mammatli Thakhuli-Nzuza – Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
88. Ntandane Thembelihle – GBVF
89. Gerald Twala – Labour and Unions
90. Riaan Van der Bergh – Education
91. Tanya van Meelis – Labour and Unions
92. Lee-Anne Walker – LGBTQIA+
93. Monica Woodhouse – Children
94. Xolani Benson Xala – Immigration
95. Zwakele Zondo – Rural & Agricultural / Land Rights

Nominees of the Convention Organising Committee:
96. Boichoko Ditlhake                             
97. Tessa Dooms

Nominees of the President
98. Mduduzi Mbada
99. Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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