Category: South Africa Government

Government continues to monitor areas experiencing adverse weather conditions due to wet, very cold and windy conditions expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement. 

The response measures are being coordinated through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.

“Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. 

“Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe,” the GCIS said in a statement.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for disruptive snow, disruptive rain and damaging winds in parts of the country on Tuesday.

“Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

“The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information,” the GCIS said.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
• Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
• Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
• Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
• Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
• Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
• Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

–SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has taken note of an audio recording currently in circulation across various social media platforms, in which a person purporting to be a member of the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation issues threats to bring about a complete shutdown of the town of Ngcobo, with effect from 05h00 on 11 August 2026. 

The organisation has previously led marches in the area concerning municipal grievances.

“SAPS views these threats with the utmost seriousness. In response, the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has directed the immediate deployment of additional operational resources, including Public Order Policing units and visible policing task teams, to the Ngcobo policing precinct to ensure public safety and the enforcement of law and order,” the police said in a statement.

SAPS further assured communities across the Eastern Cape that normal policing services and visibility remain fully maintained.

SAPS reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees the right of every person to assemble peacefully and to protest, provided such actions are conducted within the legal framework.

“SAPS will not hesitate to effect the arrest and institute criminal proceedings against those who threaten public order or infringe upon the rights of others. Any individual or collective that resorts to criminal behaviour will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the full provisions of the law,” the police said.

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant but calm. Law enforcement agencies are in full control of the situation and are committed to protecting the constitutional rights and safety of all residents.

Any information pertaining to unlawful activities should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Employment and Labour in Mpumalanga will host a work seeker registration drive across the City of Mbombela Local Municipality from 13 – 20 August 2026, which is aimed at connecting unemployed South Africans with employment opportunities. 

The campaign will enable new work seekers to register on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system, while existing work seekers are encouraged to update their profiles to improve their chances of being matched with available opportunities. 

The registration drive will be particularly beneficial to work seekers with experience and skills in technical fields, information technology, waste management, operations, product and consignment control, specialist functions, and artisan trades. 

The department is encouraging people with skills or experience in banana ripening and cold store operations, IT, waste management, forklift, rocker bin and cherry picker operations, consignment control and product control, marketing, finance and procurement, as well as electrical and plumbing trades, to attend the registration sessions.

Registration sessions across Mbombela

The first registration session will take place on Thursday, 13 August at Phumlani, followed by a session on Friday, 14 August at Mathafini Old Wood House. 

On Monday, 17 August, the drive will move to Mathafini Eskomo at Mbombela Stadium, followed by Msholozi on Tuesday, 18 August.

Registration will continue at KaMagugu on Wednesday, 19 August and conclude at Brondal on Thursday, 20 August.

All sessions will run from 09:30 to 14:30.

Documents required

Work seekers attending the registration drive are requested to bring a comprehensive CV containing their contact details, qualifications, Grade 12 subjects passed, work experience and references.   

They should also bring proof of residence.

The Department said the registration of work seekers on the ESSA system is aimed at strengthening access to employment opportunities by ensuring that job seekers’ details, qualifications and skills are captured on the national database for potential matching with available opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the family of the late Captain Daniel Perez, following the South African Government’s intervention to facilitate the release of his remains by Hamas. 

The President met with the Perez family on Monday and expressed his condolences following the return of the remains of Perez, who was born and raised in South Africa.

Perez was taken hostage and killed on 7 October 2023.

The meeting follows the South African Government’s efforts to facilitate the release of his remains and assist the family during the difficult period.

President Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the Perez family and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for an all-inclusive peace process that will deliver lasting peace for the people of Israel and Palestine.

Government assistance in conflict zones

The Presidency said the South African Government remains engaged in assisting South Africans, irrespective of race or religion, who are caught up in conflict zones.

Government also provides assistance to other foreign nationals where such support is requested.

“This includes facilitating the release of South Africans trapped in a war in Syria, citizens that were sold to Russian mercenaries and the safe return of Ukrainian children,” the Presidency said. 

The intervention involving the Perez family forms part of the broader assistance provided by government to people affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.

The Presidency said South Africa remained committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and resolving conflicts through inclusive peace processes. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has commended law enforcement on the swift work to apprehend a person of interest linked to the Reiger Park shooting, which claimed the lives of two police officers and two women.

On Friday, two officers were conducting patrols in the area when they heard gunshots and moved towards the source of the shots, and were subsequently shot and killed.

“The committee welcomes the apprehension of a person of interest for questioning and the successful recovery of firearms and ammunition that were taken from the two murdered police officers during the incident.

“This breakthrough demonstrates the dedication, professionalism and determination of the investigating teams to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” the committee said in a statement.

READ | Acting Police Minister to visit Reiger Park

Two rifles belonging to the South African Police Service (SAPS) were also recovered.

“The recovery of the stolen firearms is particularly important, not only as evidence in the investigation, but also because every firearm recovered prevents the possibility of further violent crimes being committed against innocent members of the public.

“The committee extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The brutal killing of the two police officers while serving and protecting communities is an attack on the rule of law and a reminder of the daily risks faced by law enforcement officers across Gauteng,” the statement read.

The committee noted that the Reiger Park community has raised concerns on, amongst others, the handling of serious criminal matters and allegations of bail being granted to individuals linked to violent crimes.

“The committee…calls on all role players within the criminal justice system, including prosecutors, investigators and the courts, to work collectively to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.

“Communities must have confidence that dangerous offenders will be effectively prosecuted and, where appropriate, denied opportunities to continue threatening public safety,” the statement continued.

The committee assured that it will seek to engage relevant criminal justice authorities “regarding concerns raised by residents about the handling of serious criminal cases affecting the Reiger Park community”.

“At the same time, the Committee reiterates that the tragic loss of life in Reiger Park reinforces the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and violent crime. The circulation of illegal guns continues to fuel murders, armed robberies, gang activity and attacks on law enforcement officers.

“The committee remains committed to its Gun Free Gauteng Campaign by advancing interventions aimed at building safer communities, strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities, recovering illegal firearms, and ensuring that the criminal justice system responds firmly and effectively to violent crime.

“The people of Gauteng deserve both effective policing and a criminal justice system that consistently protects communities, supports victims and holds perpetrators accountable,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), led by Minister Pemmy Majodina and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, together with Rand Water, have handed over some 150 completed low-flush sanitation systems at the Zenzele and OR Tambo townships in the Rand West Municipality, Gauteng.

On its social media pages, Rand Water explained that the municipality faces continuous sanitation and drainage challenges including “overflowing sewage, blocked street drains and unmaintained waste infrastructure”.

“A total of 430 systems have been constructed and installed in [the municipality] since 2023/2024 to date. Today’s handover of completed low-flush household sanitation systems aims to provide immediate relief to communities experiencing sanitation shortages.

“About 300 women-headed households have benefited from the project over the past three years. The project has also created 200 temporary jobs and supported four local SMMEs [small, medium and micro enterprises],” the water utility explained on Monday.

READ | Water and Sanitation Minister to hand over sanitation systems

The Minister and Deputy Minister also handed over a Decentralised Water Supply System at Lukhanyo Secondary School.

“With a leaner population of 1544, the school has experienced persistent interruptions through the municipal water supply, adversely affecting functionality of ablution facilities, resulting in unhygienic conditions, disrupting teaching and learning. 

“Through the Rand Water Foundation’s intervention, the school now has reliable and consistent water supply. The supply system comprises of a final depth of 55 metres and a yield of 6500 litres per hour, two 5000-litre water storage tanks and water filtration units.

“In addition, two communal taps have been installed, one supplying the surrounding community and the other supplying the school,” Rand Water stated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu–Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma has called on motorists to exercise extra caution as roads are wet and slippery, with snowfall in some parts of the province.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the province is experiencing cloudy and cold to very cold conditions, with scattered showers and rain, and snow over the western high ground.

The wind along the coast will be moderate to fresh southerly to south-easterly but strong in the north.

“Our energetic teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate and operators of Graders are already monitoring major routes and areas likely to experience another snowfall,” the MEC said in a statement on Tuesday morning.

He reported that the weather is overcast from Cedara towards Midway along the N3,  drizzling from Harrismith towards Van Reenen, and snow is clearing in Memel.

The N11 Amajuba Pass is open in both directions. –SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says South Africa will experience typical winter conditions throughout the week, with a cold front supported by an upper cut-off low.

The weather service said on Tuesday that wet, very cold and windy conditions can be expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Snowfalls are possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas are expected along the coast.

“Farmers and the public in general are advised to take necessary precautions,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued the following warnings for Tuesday:

• Orange Level 6 Warning for Disruptive Snow: Disruptive snow leading to disruptions to livelihoods, major traffic disruptions and some communities becoming temporarily inaccessible is expected over Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Snow: Disruptive snow leading to localised traffic disruptions, isolated loss of livestock and crops, and localised disruptions to services is expected in places over Dr Beyers Naude, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu local municipalities, as well as Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the eastern and southern parts of the Free State along the Lesotho border, and the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Rain: Disruptive rain leading to localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads and bridges is expected over Mpumalanga, except the extreme western parts.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds and Waves: Damaging winds and waves, which could result in disruptions to small harbours or ports, danger to navigation, disruption of coastal activities, damage to infrastructure and settlements, injuries, and danger to life from flying debris, are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds: Damaging winds, which could result in damage to formal and informal settlements, localised reduced visibility due to dust storms, and localised damage to temporary structures, are expected over the northern parts of the West Coast District and Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape, as well as the Namakwa District, except the north-eastern parts of Pofadder Municipality in the Northern Cape, and the western parts of Mpumalanga.
• Yellow Level 1 Warning for Damaging Winds: Damaging winds leading to difficulty in navigation at sea are expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon (11–12 August 2026).
• Extremely high fire danger conditions are also expected over the Richtersveld Municipality.

–SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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As South Africa marks Women’s Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) is highlighting the transformative role of shelters for survivors of gender-based Violence (GBV), with one woman’s journey from abuse to entrepreneurship illustrating the impact of timely intervention and support.

Nomfundo Nxumalo’s story reflects how access to protection, counselling and skills development can help survivors rebuild their lives and regain their independence.

After experiencing domestic abuse at the hands of her former boyfriend, Nxumalo sought assistance at the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court, where she applied for a protection order.

Her case was referred to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and a social worker placed her at the Theodorah Ndaba Victim Support Centre in Daveyton.

Funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the shelter provides accommodation, protection and comprehensive support services to women and children who have experienced abuse, in line with the Domestic Violence Act.

In addition to providing a safe place to stay, the centre offers counselling, psychosocial support, therapeutic programmes and skills development initiatives, aimed at helping survivors regain confidence and achieve financial independence.

Speaking during the closing of Mandela Month at the end of July, where the Ekurhuleni Women’s Forum donated pre-loved clothing, sanitary towels and toiletries to the shelter, the 43-year-old mother recalled arriving at the facility with her children and only the clothes on their backs.

“I arrived at the shelter with my children and nothing else. We only had the clothes we were wearing. The shelter provided for all our basic needs until we exited. While I was at Theodorah Ndaba, we received counselling, therapeutic programmes and a host of other services, including skills development, that helped restore my confidence and prepared me for a new beginning,” Nxumalo recalled.

Beyond providing a safe haven, the shelter equipped her with practical skills and opportunities that enabled her to rebuild her life. Through the organisation’s support, Nxumalo obtained her driver’s licence, secured employment, and was encouraged to save towards a more stable future for herself and her children.

“I managed to save R19 500 and bought a stand in an informal settlement. At the back of my mind, I always had the dream of building a home where my children and I could start a new chapter and have a better future,” she said.

Today, Nxumalo is a proud entrepreneur running a full-time perfume business, allowing her to provide for her family with dignity and confidence. Her transformation from a victim of abuse to a self-reliant businesswoman reflects the life-changing impact that timely intervention and holistic support can have on survivors of GBV.

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, the department said stories like Nxumalo’s highlight the importance of creating safe spaces where women can escape abuse, heal from trauma and access opportunities that empower them to become financially independent.

They also underscore the critical role played by social workers, counsellors and community organisations in restoring hope and helping survivors reclaim their lives.

“Nomfundo Nxumalo’s journey is a testament to the fact that while Gender-Based Violence may leave deep scars, it does not have to define a woman’s future. With the right support, compassion and determination, survivors can become thrivers, building brighter futures for themselves, their children, and their communities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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