Category: South Africa Government

Rand Water has confirmed that consumers may continue to drink water directly from their taps safely.

This comes as claims that the Vaal Dam had been poisoned were circulated on social media.

A WhatsApp audio clip claimed that the “dam has been poisoned” and that tap water should not be consumed unless it is first boiled.

“Rand Water categorically dismisses these claims as false and misleading. Rand Water abstracts raw water from the Vaal Dam, which undergoes a comprehensive treatment process before being supplied to consumers.

“Vigorous and continuous testing is conducted on both the raw water and the treated bulk water prior to distribution to consumers, including municipalities,” Rand Water said on Saturday.

The bulk water services provider emphasised that that recent water quality results confirm that Rand Water’s treated bulk water supply fully complies with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS241).

Rand Water said it remains committed to protecting the health of consumers.

“Should any bulk water-related matter arise, Rand Water will communicate formally through its official communication channels. Customers and residents are encouraged to rely on Rand Water’s verified platforms for accurate and credible information regarding drinking water quality,” the entity said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has provided an update on the national roads that were affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding in Mpumalanga. 

According to SANRAL Mpumalanga’s Provincial Head, Mabuyi Mhlanga, the roads agency continues to closely monitor the situation by carrying out assessments at locations where it is safe to do so. 

“This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of all road users. Where it is still unsafe, assessments will be conducted once the flood water has subsided. Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams are also on standby.

“We appeal to all road users to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances for those roads open to traffic, and avoid driving through flooded areas, as water depth and road conditions may not be visible,” Mhlanga said.

The recent update on the affected national roads is as follows:

Nkomazi Local Municipality:

• The R582 at Coopersdal Road from N4 to R571 Intersection was damaged at the Komati River Bridge overtopped, R582 Section1. One way traffic flow is being maintained.

Thaba Chweu Local Municipality:

• On the R37 Section 4 – location at Sabie/Nelspruit intersection to Mbombela Border – predominately from Km 24 at Brondaal old pump station to km 28. The damage includes  three slip failures in this section of the road, and wo-way traffic flow is maintained in both directions.
• On the R36 Section 3 between Lydenburg and Bambi there is severe pavement deterioration along this section of the road.

Mbombela and Bushbuckridge Local Municipality:

• On R40 Section 1 at the Bulembu Border there is drainage and structural failure, and one-way traffic flow is being maintained.
• R40 Section 4 – location at Km19.4 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
• R40 Section 4 at Km 27 between White River and Hazyview experienced a slip failure and culvert collapse. The contractor is on site.
• There is a 24-hour stop and go traffic in place at R40 Section 5 at Km 30.4 between Bushbuckridge and Dwarsloop.
• At the R40 Section 5, location Km 45 between Acornhoek and Dullstroom has a slip failure and culvert failure. Two-way traffic is maintained in both directions.
• A 24 hour stop and go is in place R40 Section 5, location Km 50.4 between Dwarsloop and Acornhoek. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has advocated for the protection of persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy.

“The call for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the changing climate follows the clarion call by the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is calling for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable development initiatives,” the department said on Sunday.

South Africa was recently affected by severe weather conditions and widespread flooding in various parts of the country and government responded by declaring a National Disaster under Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002).

The severe weather, which included heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding, impacted Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West.

This extreme weather resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, the displacement of communities, disruptions to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga recorded 20 fatalities, with over 1 300 houses, roads, and public infrastructure damaged. The death toll in Limpopo stands at 18.

“Persons with disabilities in South Africa are vulnerable to severe climatic events. This call is aligned with Article 11 of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.

“Climate action that excludes persons with disabilities undermines these commitments and deepens inequality. South Africa continues to experience the escalating impacts of climate change, including severe storms, floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

“These impacts disproportionately affect persons with disabilities, who already face systemic barriers to access, participation, and protection. This has heightened the vulnerability of disabled communities to environmental conditions,” the department said.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate extreme weather events, increase the prevalence of diseases, and disrupt livelihoods.

“This is especially alarming for persons with disabilities, as they are particularly susceptible to the detrimental impacts of climate change. The disproportionate vulnerabilities that persons with disabilities face under changing climate conditions,” the department said. 

They include physical, social, economic, and institutional barriers that limit their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related emergencies.

“South Africa should protect persons with disabilities against climate change as mandated by law and policy. Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities obligates States to ensure their safety during risks like natural disasters and emergencies.

“Climate justice is disability justice. Building a climate-resilient South Africa requires inclusive planning, equal participation, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all, especially persons with disabilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has welcomed the announcement of an investment by Chery South Africa in the automotive sector. 

This investment comes at the back of an agreement signed between Chery SA and Nissan South Africa to acquire the assets in Nissan’s Pretoria facility.

It also coincides with ongoing engagements by the dtic with the industry to revamp the automotive policy and support measures

“The South African automotive sector remains a key anchor industry for manufacturing and job creation. This acquisition by Chery SA is subject to regulatory approvals; after which details on the investment will be shared with the public,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the ditic) said.

Chery SA has committed to continue working with the ditic during the implementation phase of the process.

According to Nissan, the company and Chery SA reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa.

Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.

The agreement will see the majority of associated Nissan employees offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions.

Following the acquisition of the plant by Chery SA, Nissan will continue to offer vehicles and services to customers in South Africa, as before, with several new vehicle launches planned for fiscal year 2026 including the Nissan Tekton and Nissan Patrol.

“Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector,” Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE) has urged the public to refrain from applying transformer oil or any other electrical equipment oil to the body or for any other non-industrial purpose.

Such oils may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) – toxic chemicals that pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

PCBs are a group of man-made organic chemicals that were largely manufactured between 1929 and 1989 and widely used as coolants in oil containing electrical equipment such as electric transformers and capacitors, hydraulic systems, and other industrial applications. 

They were widely used in electrical equipment by energy intensive sectors such as mining, paper and pulp, power generation and distribution, and chemicals, among others.

During engagements with municipalities in 2024, the department noted dangerous misconceptions in some communities, including the belief that transformer oil can be used for treating conditions such as rheumatic arthritis. 

“This has led to requests being made to municipal officials for access to transformer oil – some of which can be contaminated with PCBs. 

“The DFFE strongly warns against this practice and calls on municipal officials to refrain from supplying transformer oil to members of the public,” the department said on Friday.

Although their production was banned in many countries decades ago due to their toxic effects on human health and the environment, PCBs remain a persistent threat especially in older equipment and contaminated sites.

“Studies have shown that PCBs have a potential to cause a variety of adverse effects on both human health and the environment. They are considered possible human carcinogens and are linked to various health issues including immune, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine system problems,” the department said.

In 2014, South Africa gazetted the Regulations to phase-out the use of PCBs and PCB contaminated materials (PCB Regulations). 

“The purpose of which is to prescribe requirements to phase out the use of PCB materials and PCB contaminated materials. 

“These regulations enabled the country to move towards the phasing out of PCB materials as sectors of relevance made strides and put efforts towards the phase out targets of the country,” the department said.

Currently, the country is implementing a project to support municipalities to eliminate the use of PCBs in their equipment. 

This is aimed at ensuring the country’s compliance to the 2025 deadline set by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). –SAnews.gov.za

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Government continues to support vulnerable households by contributing to poverty alleviation and reducing inequality through the administration of social grants by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). 

These efforts are demonstrated by the disbursement of 9.2 million social grants to beneficiaries, providing a critical social safety net.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, who on Friday provided an update on government’s performance against the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 for the period April to September 2025.

The performance is measured against government’s priorities for the seventh administration that includes driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 

During this period 452 302 individuals benefitted from food and nutrition programmes, showing momentum in government’s intervention to increase access to nutritious food to all vulnerable individuals.

“Poverty and inequality remain structural challenges, and are compounded by slow growth, energy constraints, and global economic pressures. Social protection continues to play a critical stabilising role for vulnerable households,” the Minister said.

She noted that the rapid gains in poverty reduction achieved before the year 2011 have not yet been fully recovered.

“The rising administered prices and food costs continue to place pressure on household incomes. South Africa’s inequality remains high, with a Gini coefficient of approximately 0.63.

“High unemployment continues to undermine poverty reduction efforts, while challenges persist in grant payment systems, and resourcing for gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) interventions,” the Minister said.

A total of 120 935 victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) received psycho-social services, as part of government’s efforts to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and expand victim support services such as the Thuthuzela Centres, and GBV Desks and Victim Friendly Facilities in police stations.

Education and Early Childhood Development 

The Education and Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector exceeded its 2025 target of 10 000 ECD centres, in addition to the18 000 that are already registered.

The Minister indicated that 1.3 million children are enrolled in ECD programmes.

She said 97% of Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE) projects are completed while expressing concern for the decline in mathematics enrolment in schools.

Ramokgopa called for an acceleration in the elimination of pit latrines and modernisation of school sanitation.

“Expand teacher training and resourcing for mathematics and science. Scale up subsidised ECD access and maintenance funding to provinces. Strengthen disability support units across ordinary schools,” the Minister recommended.

In the reporting period, HIV viral suppression stood at 96%.

“TB treatment success improved to 76.8%, while there has been progress on National Health Insurance (NHI) governance structures despite litigation. Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) coverage is at 79%, short of the 85% target,” the Minister said.

Human Settlements

The Minister stressed that bulk infrastructure in metros and secondary cities should accelerate housing delivery.

This as 7 028 housing units were delivered, only meeting 27% of the MTDP target.

A total of 12 623 serviced sites were completed during the reporting period (against an annual target of 62 800).

“Fast track title deed restoration with digital cadastre integration. Strengthen municipal planning capacity for informal settlement upgrading. [Lastly] enhance coordination between the Departments of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, and Transport, and Eskom for integrated urban development,” the Minister said.

A total of 8 014 title deeds were issued during the reporting period against an annual target of 16 000.

“Overall, our analysis indicates that government is making steady progress in several priority areas, particularly where coordination across government has improved, and where clear performance indicators are in place.

“At the same time, we have observed that progress tends to be hampered by several challenges that include capacity constraints, delayed implementation, and uneven performance across sectors and regions.

“The MTDP is government’s blueprint for driving change and improving the lives of our people. While progress has been made, we are clear that more must be done, with urgency, discipline and focus,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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While government’s efforts to support economic recovery are gaining momentum, more need to be done to significantly reduce unemployment.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.

“South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said on Friday in Pretoria.

She was providing an update on government’s performance against the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 for the period April to September 2025, which measures performance against government’s priorities  for the seventh administration.

They include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Government has achieved a primary budget surplus, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. 

In addition, Operation Vulindlela has played a critical role in removing structural constraints to economic growth. 

“During the reporting period, progress has been reported in energy reforms, logistics and water infrastructure coordination. This has contributed to improved system performance and greater private-sector investment confidence,” Ramokgopa said.

She noted that South Africa recorded 0.8% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the strongest quarterly performance since 2022, despite global economic volatility. 

“The unemployment rate declined by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9%, with 248 000 jobs added in the third quarter (Q3) 2025. However, youth unemployment remains extremely high at 58.5%, signalling deep structural labour market challenges. 

“Poverty and inequality remain entrenched, with a Gini coefficient of 0.63. South Africa is making progress, but more must be done to ensure economic recovery translates into jobs, income, and improved well-being for all,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s exits from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism has improved investor confidence.

Ramokgopa highlighted key sectors that continue to show progress. 

These include R44.2 billion in new investments that were secured across sector masterplans, the automotive sector saw launch of BMW X3 Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, backed by a R4.2 billion investment and battery minerals pipeline is valued at R40 billion.

In the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and informal economy, 45 105 jobs were created, and 41 753 were sustained through MSME programmes.

“In tourism, international arrivals increased to 7.6 million between January and September 2025. Tourism visa reforms are underway through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system

“In terms of energy security, more than 175 consecutive days without load shedding were recorded in the reporting period. The Energy Availability Factor improved to 63.29%, reaching 70% on several days,” she said.

Infrastructure

Government has set aside R1.03 trillion for public infrastructure over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

The Minister emphasised that infrastructure investment remains a key lever for inclusive growth in the country.

“The Infrastructure Fund has approved 26 blended finance projects worth R101.6 billion. The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) approved 10 major projects worth R37.1 billion for implementation.

“Despite this momentum, delays persist due to municipal capacity constraints, procurement inefficiencies, and inadequate project preparation.

“High municipal debt levels (94.6 billion rand as at March 2025) pose risks to infrastructure sustainability. Grid expansion delays also threaten future energy security, despite recent improvements,” she said.

Local government performance

According to the Minister, work continues to strengthen the performance of local government as financial challenges in municipalities persist.

“An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to support distressed municipalities. Local government reforms are being introduced through the review of current legislative and regulatory framework with the development of a White Paper on Local Government (LGWP).

“The Presidential Working Group has also been established to support Metros, including the implementation of the Metro Trading Service Reform Programme,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate has invited registered and eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs), non-government organisations (NGOs) and non-profit companies (NPCs) in the performing arts and culture sectors to apply for Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding for the 2025/26 financial year.

The funding programme, aligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is aimed at providing financial and material support to community-based organisations that promote performing arts and cultural programmes, artist development, social cohesion, and economic opportunities within the eThekwini Municipality.

“Areas of focus include music, dance, theatre (drama), comedy, poetry and cultural development,” the municipality said in a statement.

Applicants must meet several compliance requirements, including the submission of a completed application form, a valid tax clearance certificate, latest annual financial statements, certified copies of registration documents and directors’ identity documents, and a detailed organisational profile and project or business plan.

Organisations are also required to provide proof of physical address, bank account details, registration on both the municipal supplier database and the Central Supplier Database, two recent reference letters from the creative sector, and an affidavit confirming that none of the directors are employed by eThekwini Municipality or any other government department.

Application forms and guideline documents are available on the eThekwini Municipality website at www.durban.gov.za, or can be obtained from the Arts and Living Cultures Office at the Stable Theatre, 115 Johannes Nkosi Street, Greyville.

Documents can also be requested via email at Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za.

Completed applications, together with all supporting documentation, must be submitted electronically to Ngiphiwe.Ndlovu@durban.gov.za, or Stable.Admin@durban.gov.za, or hand delivered to the Stable Theatre offices before the closing date of 15 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Employment and Labour has taken decisive steps to strengthen worker protection and close long-standing compliance gaps across key sectors, including security, municipalities and the creative industries. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department said it has officially withdrawn the 2003 Variation Notice that previously excluded the application of Section 34A of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), which governs the payment of employee benefit fund contributions.

The withdrawal restores the authority of labour inspectors to enforce the timely payment of pension, provident fund, retirement and medical aid contributions deducted from employees’ salaries. 

For years, the exemption created what the department described as “a significant enforcement gap”, leaving workers vulnerable to employers who deducted contributions but failed to transfer them to the relevant funds.

“With the exemption now removed, inspectors are empowered to verify whether employers have paid contributions into the correct funds, request proof of payment and contribution schedules, and take enforcement action wherever non‑compliance is detected,” the department said. 

The department said the intervention strengthens workplace-level accountability and provides enhanced protection for workers’ hard-earned benefits, particularly in the security sector and municipalities, where abuse has been widespread.

In a separate but related development, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, has published a notice indicating the department’s intention to classify performers and crew members in the film, television, advertising, artistic and cultural sectors as employees.

Many workers in these industries are currently designated as independent contractors, despite operating under conditions similar to permanent employment. The department said the move seeks to extend essential labour protections, including access to sick leave, maternity leave, severance pay, protection under the National Minimum Wage, and coverage through the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

The proposal would also ensure compliance with BCEA provisions on working hours, termination procedures and record-keeping, while extending rights related to fixed-term contracts under the Labour Relations Act.

According to the department, the proposed reform responds to “strong stakeholder submissions” and recognises the vulnerability of performers and production staff, who frequently operate without basic labour protections. It confirmed that the process could result in a sectoral determination tailored to the industry’s specific needs.

Stakeholders have 30 days from the date of publication to submit written inputs, while the Minister has requested the National Minimum Wage Commission to investigate wage levels and employment conditions in the sector.

“Together, these regulatory measures mark a clear step forward in advancing decent work in South Africa. They demonstrate a renewed commitment to closing compliance gaps, protecting vulnerable workers, and ensuring that employers across all industries uphold the country’s labour laws.

“The actions reinforce the department’s dedication to promoting fairness in the workplace, supporting a more equitable labour market, ensuring accountability among employers, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding for 626 935 first-time applicants, while 427 144 continuing university students have met the progression criteria for support.

Briefing the media on the state of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector and readiness for the 2026 academic year on Thursday, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela said NSFAS remains critical in enabling access to higher education for poor and working-class students.

However, he noted that sustained improvements in basic education, combined with broader economic constraints, continue to place pressure on the funding model.

“Short-term stabilisation measures are in place, while a medium-term sustainable funding reform is being developed. The missing-middle fund continues to scale,” Manamela said.

The Minister also acknowledged the critical role of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in expanding access to funding, particularly for students who do not qualify for NSFAS.

He said that during the 2025/26 funding cycle, SETAs are supporting more than 15 000 new bursary beneficiaries and nearly 8 000 continuing beneficiaries, with a combined value of close to R2 billion.

“This diversification of funding sources reduces over-reliance on NSFAS and strengthens system resilience,” he said.

Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee university admission 

Manamela used the briefing to address what he described as a persistent misunderstanding regarding university admissions for learners who obtain a Bachelor’s pass in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam.

He said that while 46.4% of candidates achieved a Bachelor’s pass in the 2025 NSC examinations, this often creates unrealistic expectations among learners and their families.

“A Bachelor’s pass does not guarantee admission to a university or to a specific programme. Universities apply faculty and programme specific requirements, including subject combinations, minimum symbols, and selection processes where demand exceeds capacity.

“Where learners and families experience disappointment, it is often not because of failure, but because of misaligned expectations. Our responsibility is to ensure that learners understand, early and clearly, the full range of credible post-school pathways, not only the most visible ones,” the Minister said.

A total of 28.1% candidates achieved a Diploma pass, while 13.5% obtained a Higher Certificate pass in the 2025 NSC examinations.

Manamela noted that with more than 40% of learners not achieving a Bachelor’s pass, the post-school system must be clearly differentiated, well-articulated and effectively communicated.

While welcoming the sharp increase in matric pass rates, the Minister said the outcome has placed significant pressure on the PSET system.

“The Post-School Education and Training System (PSET) currently has approximately 535 000 funded and planned spaces across universities, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, skills programmes, and workplace-based learning. This gap between success and capacity is real, structural, and longstanding,” Manamela said.

Manamela rejected claims that the post-school system is in crisis, saying it is undergoing deliberate reform.

“It is under pressure, but it is being deliberately reshaped. Education, training, and skills development in all their forms carry equal dignity and social value. Multiple pathways are not a compromise, they are a strength.

“Not every learner will secure immediate placement in their first choice but every learner must be able to find a credible, supported pathway into learning, skills development, and productive participation in society. That is the task we have set ourselves and that is the work we will continue to do,” the Minister said.

Second chance and community education

Manamela said Community Education and Training colleges remain central to inclusive access and are fully prepared for the 2026 academic year.

He said the colleges will accommodate youth and adults seeking the Amended Senior Certificate, participation in the National Senior Certificate Second Chance Programme, as well as occupational and skills programmes.

“The academic year commenced on 12 January 2026, with registrations for annual programmes closing on 27 February 2026, while short skills programmes remain open throughout the year,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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