Category: South Africa Government

Koeberg’s Nuclear Power Station Unit has been safely taken offline following a turbine trip, Eskom has said.

“Eskom confirms that Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 1 was safely and within procedure, taken offline just before 1am today following a turbine trip,” the power utility said in a statement on Thursday.

While the turbine trip is under investigation, the utility said it remains committed to transparency and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

It added that plant monitoring confirmed operating conditions remained stable throughout the event.

“Nuclear safety was never compromised, and there was no risk to employees, the public, or the environment. Koeberg’s protection and monitoring systems functioned as designed, ensuring the unit always remained safe.”

Eskom said removing Unit 1’s capacity from the grid poses no risk to the national electricity supply.

“Eskom has sufficient generation capacity available, and the grid remains stable and secure. Koeberg’s Unit 1 was last taken offline for major maintenance, completed in October 2025. 

“Since then, the unit has operated reliably, with generation temporarily reduced in August 2026 as a precautionary measure due to seawater intake challenges linked to a sardine influx near the station’s cooling water system. During the same period, increased sardine mortality was reported along the Southwestern and West Coast,” the utility explained.

It said the matter remains the subject of an ongoing inter-agency investigation led by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), and there is currently no evidence linking these incidents to Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s operations.

READ | Govt continues investigations into sardine deaths
–SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The Free State’s long history of resistance and the remarkable progress made by the province since 1994, took centre stage on Thursday, as Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong launched the Milestones of Freedom Campaign in Bloemfontein.

Speaking at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, a site steeped in South Africa’s political history, Morolong said the Free State had played an important role in the country’s journey towards freedom and democracy.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be in the Free State, a province that has played an important role in South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy,” Morolong said on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister recalled how, in 1912, African leaders from across the country gathered at the church under the leadership of Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme to deliberate on the challenges facing African people and respond collectively to colonial rule and racial discrimination.

A year later, women in the then Orange Free State intensified the resistance, with 5 000 women signing a petition against pass laws. When their concerns were ignored, women took to the streets of Bloemfontein in 1913, publicly tearing up and burning their passes.

This tradition of resistance continued through generations, culminating in the historic 1956 Women’s March, when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings. The Free State was represented by Annie Clorence Peters, who helped mobilise women from the province.

Morolong said the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom must continue to be remembered, including activists who died in exile.

Through the government’s repatriation programme, the remains of Free State activists Mahlomola Leoatle and Sabata Thauthau are being brought home for reburial in Bloemfontein.

“This is not only an act of remembrance; it is an important part of preserving our history, restoring dignity to those who sacrificed their lives, and ensuring that future generations understand the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.

The Milestones of Freedom Campaign, held under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future”, brings together four significant anniversaries: 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 youth uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six.

Morolong said the campaign was also an opportunity to showcase how democracy has changed lives.

In the Free State, 88.5% of households now live in formal dwellings, while 94.6% have access to electricity for lighting and 92.2% have piped water inside their homes or yards.

Education has also recorded significant gains, with the province’s matric pass rate rising from 69% in 2009 to 89.33% in 2025.

Morolong congratulated the province on its achievements, including Makwane Secondary School’s nine consecutive years of a 100% Physical Science pass rate, as well as six learners from Sentinel Primary School in QwaQwa who represented South Africa at a robotics competition in Singapore.

He also highlighted progress in early childhood development, with the 2025 General Household Survey recording the Free State’s ECD attendance rate at 48.5%.

While celebrating these milestones, Morolong acknowledged that much work remains, particularly in addressing land and spatial inequality.

He said the campaign must ultimately do more than remember the past.

“The Milestones of Freedom Campaign is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, recognise the resilience that brought us here, and renew our commitment to the work that remains,” he said.

“By remembering our history and learning from it, we can build a more inclusive, just and prosperous future for generations to come.” – SAnews.gov.za

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The Electoral Commission (IEC) has reminded political parties and independent candidates intending to contest the 2026 Local Government Elections that the deadline for the submission and completion of candidate nominations is on Friday, 28 August.

“The Commission urges all political parties and candidates who intend to participate in the elections to ensure that their candidate nomination details and all required information are completed and submitted well ahead of the deadline. This will enable a seamless transition to post-nomination processes,” the Commission said.

The Local Government Elections will be held on 4 November 2026.

The Commission advises that the stipulated date and times are based on the Election timetable, which cannot be changed or negotiated.

The Commission warned that after 5 pm on Friday, no changes will be permitted.

“This means the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS), will not be available for submissions beyond the cutoff time. Similarly, no political party or independent candidate will be allowed to enter the IEC Offices after 5 pm with the intention to submit candidate lists.”

The Commission encouraged prospective independent candidates and political parties to visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za or contact the Contact Centre at info@elections.org.za or on 0800 11 8000 for more information. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has closed the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Limpopo after processing nearly 49 000 foreign nationals since the facility was established in June.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration on Thursday, 48 948 foreign nationals were processed at the temporary centre near the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Of those, 46 744 – or 95.5% – were classified as people who had crossed the border outside designated ports of entry, while 2 204, or 4.5%, had reported through a port of entry.

The majority of those processed were Malawian nationals, followed by Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals.

The centre was established on 26 June 2026 as a temporary measure to manage increased migration pressures and provide for the lawful and orderly processing of undocumented migrants requiring assisted repatriation.

It brought together officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Police Service (SAPS), health and social development departments, as well as humanitarian organisations.

Government said the decision to close the facility followed a sustained decline in the number of people requiring processing and repatriation assistance.

Its operational capacity had already been reduced from 20 000 to about 1 500 people from 1 August as the number of arrivals declined.

In the period before its closure, there were days when no people presented for processing.

Government said the cost of maintaining the temporary facility, including hired equipment, generator fuel, additional security and the deployment of officials, also contributed to the decision to decommission it.

The dismantling of tents and other temporary infrastructure began on 21 August 2026.

Government stressed that the closure does not signal an end to deportations or repatriations.

“Immigration enforcement, deportation and facilitated repatriation remain the exclusive responsibility of the State,” the IMC said, adding that these operations would continue in accordance with South Africa’s immigration laws, constitutional obligations and international commitments.

It also clarified that undocumented migrants would not automatically be transferred to the Lindela Repatriation Centre following the closure of the Musina facility.

Instead, authorities will determine the appropriate processing or detention facility based on individual circumstances, legal requirements, available capacity, location and operational considerations.

The IMC said Lindela remains one of the authorised facilities that can be used where appropriate.

It will also continue working with neighbouring countries, diplomatic missions, the International Organisation for Migration and humanitarian organisations to facilitate safe and coordinated returns.

The temporary centre had demonstrated its ability to mount a coordinated response to exceptional migration pressures by bringing immigration, security, health, social development and humanitarian services closer to the border.

It reiterated its commitment to strengthening border management, enforcing immigration laws and tackling human trafficking and other criminal networks while protecting the constitutional rights and dignity of migrants.

The public was also warned against taking immigration enforcement into its own hands.

“Communities must not undertake unlawful identity checks, intimidation, removals or other acts of vigilantism against any person,” the IMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Special Tribunal has ordered former Nkandla project architect and principal agent Minenhle Makhanya to pay the National Treasury R147.27 million over losses incurred during the controversial security upgrades at former President Jacob Zuma’s private residence in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, found that Makhanya’s appointment and conduct in the project were unlawful and contributed to significant financial losses suffered by the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said the amount of R147 269 444.06 represents the financial loss suffered by the state as a result of unlawful conduct linked to the project.

The investigation was authorised under Proclamation R59 of 2013, which directed the SIU to investigate allegations that procurement for the Nkandla project had not been conducted in a manner that was fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.

Following Zuma’s election as President, he became entitled to state-funded security and protection for himself, his family and his private residence.

Security assessments conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANFDF) identified measures considered necessary to secure the property, including healthcare-related requirements and other installations.

DPWI initially estimated the project at R27.89 million, with the funding approved through its Planned Maintenance Budget Committee in August 2009.

However, the Tribunal found that Makhanya was appointed as principal agent without a competitive bidding or open tender process.

There was also no emergency or other lawful justification for bypassing procurement requirements, while Makhanya was not registered as a supplier with DPWI at the time.

According to the SIU, the project subsequently expanded well beyond the security measures identified by the security agencies.

The cost increased from the approved R27.89 million to R216.01 million.

Among the additional works authorised were tunnels with an exit, three lifts, 20 additional accommodation units for SAPS and SANDF members, a laundry, visitors’ lounge, basement parking for the clinic, VIP parking, a fire pool, the relocation of 4.5 households, internal roads, air-conditioning and extensive landscaping.

The SIU said these non-security-related structures and works amounted to R68.5 million.

The Tribunal found that Makhanya authorised and certified payments for structures and services that were not required by the security assessments. It also found that he failed to obtain the necessary written approvals for variations and over-designs.

In addition, the Tribunal found that payments were certified at costs above market-related rates and that payments were approved for work that had either not been performed or had not been properly accounted for.

The SIU also alleged that Makhanya authorised payments totalling R54.83 million to Moneymine Investments 310 CC and Bonelena Construction and Projects (Pty) Ltd, contrary to contractual provisions requiring him to protect DPW’s interests.

The Tribunal found that Makhanya breached statutory, professional and contractual obligations arising from legislation governing the architectural profession, the applicable professional code of conduct, DPWI’s Manual for Architects and the Joint Building Contracts Committee agreement.

It rejected his argument that he had acted within his authority by implementing instructions and decisions from SAPS and SANDF.

The Tribunal also dismissed arguments concerning prescription and the time-barring of the claims.

Judge K. Pillay said it was regrettable that Makhanya was the only person against whom the SIU had launched proceedings, given that he “clearly did not act alone” in allowing the project’s costs to escalate.

However, the judge said Makhanya, as architect and principal agent, had a responsibility to ensure that DPWI did not incur fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

The Tribunal consequently declared invalid the contract concluded by or on behalf of the then DPWI Director-General for Makhanya’s appointment.

Makhanya was also ordered to pay the costs of the legal proceedings, including the costs of two counsel.

The SIU said it accepted Makhanya’s submission relating to a R7.8 million reduction in the claim. The amount had been repaid by Zuma as a contribution towards non-security-related upgrades.

That amount will therefore be deducted from the total amount deemed just and equitable for Makhanya to repay.

The SIU said the judgment forms part of its broader efforts to recover public money lost through corruption and maladministration and to strengthen consequence management in the public sector.

It added that any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation would be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for possible further action, in accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government has condemned the killing of Captain Zamani Mzayiya, who was part of the Western Cape Provincial Tactical Response Team and was deployed in Knysna as part of investigations into the murder of councillor and former mayor of Knysna, Aubrey Tsengwa.

Two others were killed in separate shooting incidents that occurred last week.

“Government conveys its heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of the fallen officer. His death is a painful reminder of the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers as they work to protect communities, uphold the rule of law and maintain public order. Government will ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book without fear, favour or prejudice,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

The GCIS said an attack on law enforcement officers is an attack on the state, and such barbaric acts will not be tolerated.

“Law enforcement officers are key public servants who play a critical role in maintaining law and order in our society.”

In addition, government commended Captain Mzayiya for his bravery and heroic sacrifice while pursuing justice for the victims of crime.

“He served our country with pride, and his death is a reminder that the safety and security of our communities come at a great personal cost to the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect South Africans.

“Government calls on all communities to support law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity and sharing information that may assist ongoing investigations. Those responsible for attacks on law enforcement officers must be identified, arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said the GCIS. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will co-host a public webinar on Block Exemptions for Promotion of Exports with the Competition Commission of South Africa on 31 August 2026.

The Block Exemption for the Promotion of Exports was promulgated by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau in terms of the Competition Act in 2025. 

“The aim is to provide South African exporters with a formal legal basis to collaborate in export markets without contravening competition legislation,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

Some of the key objectives of the Webinar are to increase awareness of the exemption and its practical applications across export-oriented sectors, targeting export councils, industry associations, exporters among other critical stakeholders and to clarify what collaborative activities are permitted under the exemption. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africa’s tourism sector continues its strong growth trajectory, with 991 696 international tourists welcomed in July 2026. 

This marks an increase of 12.5% compared to July 2025. 

Cumulatively, this growth brings total international tourist arrivals between January 2026 and July 2026 to 6 576 169, representing growth of 12.4%, compared to the same period last year. 

During this period, arrivals from Africa increased by 14.3% year-on-year, while overseas arrivals grew by 5.7%.

“The data reveals that the growth is becoming geographically diversified, which has been one of our strategic priorities. Together with the private sector and stakeholders we’ll continue to build on this momentum through the recently launched digital visa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation system,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that Tourism is part of four key sectors identified to drive inclusive economic growth, job creation and build confidence under Phase three of the Government-Business Partnership, Operation Vulindlela. 

In 2024, tourism sustained 954 000 direct jobs and contributed 4.9% to GDP. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in partnership with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, will this afternoon officially launch the Strengthening Ethics, Integrity and Green Governance (SEIGG) project. 

The launch will be led by the DPSA Acting Director-General, Willie Vukela.

“SEIGG is a five-year initiative (2025–2030) funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International, with a budget of over R50 million,” the Department of Public Service and Administration said in a statement.

“It builds on the legacy of the Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Project (SEIP), which established the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU).

“The project aims to strengthen accountability, efficiency and transparency in the public administration, focusing on combating harassment (including sexual harassment), strengthening ethics and disciplinary management, and preventing procurement corruption, with particular attention to the climate change and energy sectors,” the department said.

The launch brings together government, international partners and civil society to mark the start of the project’s implementation phase and to reaffirm the shared commitment between South Africa and Canada to good governance and the fight against corruption. – SAnews.gov.za

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