Category: South Africa Government

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving in inclement weather this weekend.

This comes as heavy rainfalls have been experienced in several parts of the country.

“Motorists are advised to delay their trips when they encounter heavy rainfalls and desist from crossing flooded bridges. Traffic officers will be deployed along the routes that are likely to be affected by severe weather patterns and motorists are urged to cooperate with them and obey their instructions,” the RTMC said on Saturday.

Traffic volumes have increased on many routes as travellers head to different destinations to spend the festive season with families, relatives, and friends.

“The RTMC reiterated its call for caution, patience, and respect for the rules of the roads. Pedestrians are warned to stay away from busy roads and only use pedestrian bridges to cross.

“Traffic officers together with members of the South African Police Service have been deployed on all busy routes to ensure free flow of traffic and to deal with those who break the rules of the road,” RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reiterated a call for motorists to exercise caution on the roads this festive season after 12 people died in two separate accidents this weekend.

On Saturday, seven people, including a baby, died when an SUV and a light delivery vehicle collided head-on on the N12 between Kimberly and Warrenton in the Northern Cape.

Both vehicles caught alight.

Five other people died on the N12 in Fochville, Gauteng, when two vehicles were also involved in a head-on collision. Three people died on the scene, while two others died later in the hospital.

The exact causes of these crashes are not yet known. The RTMC crash investigation unit is working with the police to probe factors that may have contributed to these fatal crashes.

“Motorists are further advised to take regular rest stops when travelling on long-distance trips. They must also reduce speed and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol,” RTMC said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will lead a South African delegation to the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption.

The Minister will lead the delegation to the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), taking place from 15 to 19 December 2025 in Doha, State of Qatar.

“Fighting corruption remains a central priority for South Africa and has strengthened alignment with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, deepening its commitment to addressing corruption, cyber-enabled crime, and international financial offences,” the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development said on Saturday.

More than 2 000 participants, including high-level officials from governments, regional and international organisations, civil society, and the private sector, are expected to attend.

CoSP11, also known as the UN Anti-Corruption Conference, is the world’s largest international gathering dedicated to combating corruption and serves as the main policymaking body of the Convention.

Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, UNCAC remains the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, offering a comprehensive global framework through its mandatory provisions.
The Convention entered into force in December 2005 and currently has 192 States Parties. 

“Convened every two years, the CoSP strengthens the capacity of and cooperation among States Parties in fulfilling the objectives of UNCAC.
“The Minister and delegation will share South Africa’s progress and experiences in combating corruption, while learning from and collaborating with other States,” the Ministry said.

Held under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”, CoSP11 will focus on five core thematic areas of the Convention: preventive measures, criminalisation and law enforcement; international cooperation; asset recovery; and technical assistance and information exchange, while also addressing emerging global threats.

Key topics include the use of artificial intelligence and new technologies to detect and prevent corruption; the links between corruption, economic crime, and organised crime; strengthening public financial systems to reduce illicit financial flows; advancing integrity in the private sector; and safeguarding investigative journalism, media professionals, and whistle-blowers.
Delegates will further reflect on progress since the 2021 UN General Assembly Special Session on Corruption.

A major milestone of the session will be the launch of the second phase of the Mechanism for the Review of Implementation of UNCAC, through a resolution to be tabled by the State of Qatar.

The South African delegation comprises of officials from the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Public Service and Administration (DPSA); the South African Police Service (SAPS); the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA); Special Investigating Unit (SIU); the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the Public Protector. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on members of the public and organisations to nominate suitable candidates for appointment to serve as commissioners on the Commission for Gender Equality.

The candidates must be South African citizens, who are fit and proper persons for appointment to the Commission and who are broadly representative of the South African community. 

The commission’s constitutional mandate is to promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality.

“They must also have a record of commitment to the promotion of gender equality and have applicable knowledge of and experience in matters connected with the objectives of the Commission,” the portfolio committee said on Friday.
The President will, on recommendation of Parliament, appoint a member to the Commission for a term of office not exceeding five years. 

“Commission members may be appointed as full-time or part-time commissioners. Any person whose term of office as a member of the Commission has expired may be reappointed for one additional term,” the portfolio commission said.
Nominations must contain the full name, address/email address and contact details of the person or organisation making the nomination, along with their signature, as well as a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee.

All applicants/nominees will be required to complete an online application, (https://forms.gle/PY6GQQVjZDNsRh1u9) on the parliamentary website or submit by hand at the Parliamentary Visitors Centre, 100 Plein Street, Cape Town City Centre, 8000. 
All applicants and nominees are required to submit a full curriculum vitae and certified copies (not older than three months) of their identity documents and academic qualifications.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 1 February 2026. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the arrest of eight motorists for allegedly attempting to bribe officers since the start of the festive season.

In a statement on Saturday, the RTMC said it is encouraged to witness the courage shown by traffic officers to deal with bribery and corruption.

“This is a new and refreshing attitude which shows a determination by traffic officers have adopted a zero tolerance to clean up their image and enforce the law without favour.

“The RTMC is pleased with the no-nonsense attitude displayed by the officers and is hoped that it will lead to a reduction in road crashes and fatalities.”

Two of arrests were made in the Western Cape, three in the Eastern Cape and three in Gauteng since 1 December 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is this weekend leading a South African delegation to Lesotho for an oversight visit to assess progress on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP).

The Minister is accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahobo and Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Mohai.

The delegation is scheduled to meet Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko.

Majodina will be joined on the two-day visit beginning on Saturday, 14 December 2025, by representatives of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, on behalf of the two countries, as well as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), which is the implementing agency for the project.

The oversight visit will include inspections of key infrastructure sites, including the Polihali Dam construction site, the Katse Dam Outfall Tunnel system, and the Senqu Bridge, among other infrastructure associated with the project.

The Minister will also lead bilateral consultation meetings to discuss project progress and ensure the continued success of the landmark initiative.

The LHWP remains central to strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho, while advancing development and economic prosperity in both countries.

The project involves the construction of a network of tunnels and dams to transfer water from the Orange–Senqu River in the Lesotho highlands to South Africa, and to use the water-delivery system to generate hydro-electric power in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Phase II of the water transfer component includes the construction of an approximately 165-metre-high concrete-faced rockfill dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange Rivers, as well as an approximately 38 kilometre concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs.

Upon completion, Phase II will increase the annual water transfer from Lesotho to South Africa by an additional 490 million cubic metres, raising total transfers from the current 780 million cubic metres per year to make it 1260 million cubic metres per year. The additional water will feed into South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

“The IVRS is the biggest system in the country, which supplies water to our economic hub of Gauteng and comprises 14 dams with catchments in four provinces, namely Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, and North West, with the Polihali dam becoming the 15th dam in the system,” the department said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Ministers responsible for water from the four Orange–Senqu River Basin states have reiterated their shared commitment to safeguarding the river basin as a strategic resource underpinning regional water security, climate resilience, economic development, and ecological sustainability.

The visit will conclude on Sunday, 15 December 2025.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement with WASAA CEF SOC Ltd to develop and operate a new liquefied petroleum gas terminal at the Port of Durban’s Island View Precinct.

With an investment value of approximately R1.4 billion, the execution of the project is crucial for advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition programme, which aims to shift the gas sector from fossil fuels to cleaner energies whilst supporting the decarbonisation of key sectors. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Port of Durban LPG Terminal on Friday, TNPA Board Chairperson Tshokolo Nchocho said the agreement formed part of the developmental mandate of transforming the South African ports system by creating opportunities that will translate into the economic growth of the country.

“In keeping with this mandate and the concession framework stipulated in Section 56 of the Ports Act, we are here today to celebrate a milestone of great significance,” Nchocho said.

In July 2024 TNPA issued an award letter for a 25-year concession for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in the Island View precinct of the port.

“A rigorous journey has brought us to this long-awaited and proud moment. I am immensely proud of the teams that have contributed their expertise to this transaction.

“Today is a clear reflection of TNPA’s strategic direction as we work to transform and modernise our port system, unlock infrastructure investment and support South Africa’s evolving energy and logistics landscape.

“This Terminal Operator Agreement represents a partnership that is aligned with national priorities, market demand and global energy dynamics. The development of the first LPG terminal in the Port of Durban is a timely and necessary response to where the world is moving,” Nchocho said.

The signing of the agreement reflects TNPA’s commitment to ensuring that Durban remains competitive, efficient and ready to attract future investment.

“The WASAA CEF Joint Venture brings together a level 1 black-owned and black-women-led entity with a national energy institution that carries a mandate to support security of supply and long-term energy development.

“This is transformation that is grounded in capacity, performance and in a vision for expanding South Africa’s strategic role in the regional energy market. It is the type of collaboration we want to see driving future concessions and infrastructure development across the port system.

“This agreement further demonstrates the value of a transparent, competitive and well-governed Section 56 process,” he said.

Advocate Michelle Phillips, Transnet Group Chief Executive, said the signing ceremony between TNPA and the Preferred Bidder comes at a time when the country is implementing strategies to ensure the Just Energy Transition, which is a framework that guides the transition of the economy from fossil fuels to cleaner energies and accelerate the decarbonisation of key sectors.

“At Transnet, we have been very clear about the direction in which we are steering the organisation. We are building a business that is stronger, more resilient, and fundamentally more capable of supporting national growth,” Phillips said.

Phillips said TNPA’s goal is to rebuild trust in its operations, attract investment and develop partnerships that will introduce new capacity and expertise into the logistics system.

“This new agreement reflects exactly the type of partnership we envision for the future. It brings together an experienced state-owned energy company and an emerging transformation-driven operator, both committed to delivering value at the highest standard,” she said.

eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, in his message of support congratulated TNPA and the WASAA CEF SOC LTD Joint Venture on reaching this significant milestone.

“For us as a city, this is a welcome development, as it will greatly enhance Durban’s position as a leading energy and logistics hub. It will also boost our economy and create much-needed jobs,” Xaba said.

He said he has no doubt that the development of the first-ever LPG gas terminal in the Port of Durban will support the city’s Climate Action Plan by reducing carbon emissions, an essential component to climate change.

“This project will also help us accelerate our programme to develop new electricity generation capacity. As you know, the Minister of Electricity and Energy has authorised the city to procure 400 megawatts of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers. 

“This includes 300 megawatts of gas-to-power and 100 megawatts of solar PV. Therefore, the timing of this project could not be more fitting,” the Mayor said.

Xaba said the city remains committed to working with Transnet, particularly TNPA, to unlock the full potential of the Port of Durban.

The construction of the LPG terminal in Island View, which will be known as LOT 100 Terminal, follows the company’s procurement of bp Southern Africa’s liquid bulk fuels import terminal in East London in 2022 which considerably entrenched WASAA’s position as an emerging commodity trader in the sub-Saharan region where it has regularly supplied LPG for over 10 years.

The East London terminal serves key customers such as Shell, bp, and Engen and boasts 55 million litres of operational storage capacity.

The construction and operation of the LPG terminal in Island View is expected to diversify the ports of entry for LPG imports into South Africa which are currently limited to Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Port Elizabeth. The three ports collectively account for 97% of all imports coming into South Africa between 2010 and 2022. 

Once operational, the Port of Durban terminal will also reinforce the port’s status as a major hub for the SADC region and a key transhipment point connecting global markets.

The agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on transforming the business through strategic partnerships and leveraging collaboration between public and private sectors to meet growing market demand.

It follows a successful competitive bidding process under Section 56 of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which led to TNPA appointing WASAA Gases and Central Energy Fund Joint Venture (JV) as a preferred bidder. The JV will develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the LPG terminal at the Port of Durban.

The agreement will result in a 50 000 m³ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal storage and handling capacity, a comprehensive solution addressing the growing demand, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape hinterlands. 

The terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will have capacity to dispatch up to 800m³ per hour of heated LPG mix. This, according to TNPA, will provide essential supplies to various industrial markets and produce specific grades suitable for residential use.

Women participation

Nokwande Qonde, founder and Managing Director of WASSA, told SAnews that the signing ceremony not only marks an important turning point for the company, but also carves a path for the meaningful participation of women in the oil and gas sector. 

“I strongly believe that having women playing a key-role in the industry cannot continue to be an aberration, we need to be intentional about dismantling the age-old, patriarchal, and exclusionary culture that views female entrants as an anomaly at best, and intrusive at worst,” she said. 

Qonde said it’s worth noting that LPG is being widely used for large-scale power generation in other parts of the world, especially in remote areas and developing regions which are unable to connect to the natural gas network.

“Through this signed 25-year concession agreement, the Port of Durban will enhance its strategic position as a key national logistics hub.

“The terminal will not only benefit the local economy, but it will also enable access to clean energy and help reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Mohammed Abdool. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has taken a pivotal step towards transforming water security in Limpopo with the commercial close of the first phase of the massive Olifants Management Model (OMM) programme.

The Badirammogo Water User Association (BWUA), a unique 50:50 public-private partnership representing both government and commercial partners, has successfully secured the R8.5 billion in funding required for Stage 1 of the OMM programme.

Government, through the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), collaborated with commercial members including miners, the Infrastructure Fund and a consortium of commercial lenders to bring the programme to life.

“This landmark event marks a critical milestone for one of South Africa’s most significant water infrastructure projects, implemented by BWUA, paving the way for Stage 1 Financial Close and the commencement of construction on a programme designed to transform water security and drive economic growth in Limpopo,” a joint statement by the partners read.

The OMM programme is aimed at providing water to areas including the Sekhukhune District, Mogalakwena Local and Polokwane Local Municipalities in Limpopo.

“Stage 1 of the OMMP is valued at R8.5 billion and comprises the construction of critical bulk raw water pipelines, pump stations and associated water treatment works, and an energy solution.

“At completion, the full OMMP will deliver approximately 263 million cubic metres per day to commercial and institutional users by 2050.

“It is projected to provide potable water to approximately 140 communities – benefiting approximately 390 000 people, supply raw water to key mining and industrial users and create an estimated 42 000 direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is set to announce its new President and Vice-President for the 2025–2030 term. 

This announcement will take place during the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted Council on Friday evening in Sandton, Johannesburg. 

According to Section 7 of the Health Professions Act of 1974, Council members are required to elect the President and Vice-President from among themselves at this inaugural meeting.

This election follows the recent official inauguration of the 12 professional boards for the 2025–2030 term, which was completed through a national nomination and ministerial appointment process, as stated by the HPCSA.

Representatives of the new boards and appointees of the Minister will collectively form the new Council that will serve for the next five years.

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will be in attendance at the Council’s Inaugural Gala Dinner this evening.

“The election of the President and Vice-President represents the final step in constituting Council for the new term, ensuring stable governance and continued fulfilment of the HPCSA’s legislative mandate to protect the public and guide the professions,” the advisory read. 

The HPCSA, along with its 12 professional boards, is established to oversee the education, training, and registration of health professionals as outlined by the Health Professions Act.
To protect the public and guide the professions, the Council ensures that practitioners maintain high professional and ethical standards. 

It also investigates complaints against practitioners and ensures that disciplinary actions are taken against those who do not comply with these standards. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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At least 800 National Road Traffic Law-Enforcement Officers, supported by various other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed throughout the festive season to monitor compliance with traffic regulations and maintain safety.

“We began the law enforcement operations in November at an intensified pace. It’s been a year-long campaign, and we have increased our efforts in November and December and will continue doing so through to the end of January,” Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said on Friday.

He was addressing members of the media during a law enforcement operation and festive season road safety activation along the Mooi River Toll Plaza on the N3 as part of a campaign to educate the public on road safety, focusing on behaviour change, enhanced law enforcement and 24-hour patrols in high-risk areas.

The Department of Transport has identified priority routes that include N1, N2, N3, N4, N17, as well as notorious secondary roads such as the Moloto Road. 

“We are here on the N3, which will remain one of our primary focus areas throughout the festive season as part of the top 20 priority routes identified across the country. 

“Truck drivers are often reckless and irresponsible in how they navigate traffic and manage the flow of movement towards Durban and back. We will be engaging with the Trucking Association next week so that we can develop joint messaging and improve interactions with truck drivers,” the Deputy Minister said.

The 365-day campaign is based on evidence gathered throughout the year, which shows that human error accounts for nine out of ten accidents. 

The law enforcement operations will also focus on bridges and weigh-in-motion assessments for all vehicles to prevent overloading and to ensure that trucks and public transport vehicles — including buses and taxis — do not travel long distances without inspection.

“Our message remains the same. We are asking drivers: please do not drink and drive. Please do not drink and walk or jaywalk.

“Forty-eight percent of our fatalities in the country are pedestrians. We remain deeply concerned about fatigue on the roads, especially during this period of long-distance travel. We urge motorists to rest every 200 kilometres or every two hours,” he said.

The department has established provincial operations across provinces and municipalities as part of an overall approach to share and pool resources for maximum consequence management. 

“We are working with civil society and the private sector as part of a joint national operation for road safety,” he said. 

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reported that in the first nine days of December, 213 fatal crashes were recorded resulting in 249 fatalities.

This accounts for a 30% decline for both fatal crashes and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.

For the period ended 30 November 2025,  preliminary reports show crashes at 8 613 and the corresponding number of fatalities at 10 089. 

This is an improvement in comparison to the prior year, where fatal crashes for the period were 9 288 and fatalities were 10 878, this is a reduction of 7.3%. – SAnews.gov.za

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