Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Biovac has received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to begin clinical trials for its oral cholera vaccine.

This is a significant development that could position South Africa as the only country in Africa to manufacture this life-saving vaccine entirely in-house.

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi described the start of clinical trials for the country’s first fully manufactured cholera vaccine as a historic milestone, not just for Biovac and South Africa, but for the entire continent.

“The ability to manufacture a life-saving vaccine from start to finish right here at home strengthens our national capacity to respond swiftly to potential outbreaks and enhances Africa’s self-reliance in vaccine production. This milestone aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring health security and universal access to essential medicines,” said Motsoaledi.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, said government is committed to promoting local manufacturing, facilitating technology transfer, and commercialising scientific discoveries. 

These efforts are essential not only for public health but also for job creation, skills development, and industrial growth.

“Not only for the benefit of South Africa, but for Africa,” said Gina. 

Motsoaledi and Gina addressed the launch of South Africa’s first locally manufactured vaccine in over 50 years. The event took place at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The Ministers said the number of cholera outbreaks has been growing in Africa, coinciding with repeated shortages of cholera vaccines, leaving exposed communities vulnerable to unnecessary disease and deaths. 

Cholera, a preventable disease, can be fatal during outbreaks if treatments, such as oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics and vaccines to curb the spread, are unavailable. 

The Biovac vaccine development project receives support from the Gates Foundation, Open Philanthropy, the Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom, and the ELMA Vaccines and Immunisation Foundation, among others.

The African Union (AU) has set a target for 60% of all routine vaccines used in Africa to be manufactured on the continent by 2030, a major advancement from today’s level of less than 1%. 

Phase 1 of Biovac’s oral cholera vaccine clinical trial was initiated at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Perinatal HIV Research Unit (Wits’ PHRU), a renowned and established clinical trial site, in October 2025.

The first phase will focus on testing safety in adults, before proceeding to a further Phase 3 of the clinical trial, assessing the immunogenicity, which indicates that the vaccine can prevent cholera through antibodies developed in patients who receive the vaccine.  

The Phase 3 trial will be conducted at five sites, two in Johannesburg, two in Durban, and one in East London. 

Coordinated by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), this clinical trial also highlights South Africa’s ability to conduct trials for multiple types of products.  

If the vaccine is considered safe in the initial trial phase, a larger Phase 3 study will compare the Biovac oral cholera vaccine with Euvichol Plus, a cholera vaccine produced by EuBiologics.

Euvichol Plus is one of several oral cholera vaccines that are currently prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Depending on the trial outcomes, the vaccine could be approved and ready for use in Africa in 2028 and globally by 2028/29.    

CEO of Biovac, Dr Morena Makhoana, said the organisation is proud to be manufacturing this vaccine entirely in South Africa.

“If the trials are successful, South Africa will become the first country on the continent to produce a cholera vaccine. This development addresses a critical, life-saving need, given the ongoing global shortages of the vaccine amid recurring cholera outbreaks,” said Makhoana. 

Biovac is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cape Town, established in 2003 as a result of a collaboration between the government and private sector aimed at revitalising local vaccine production capabilities.

SAMRC Chief Scientific Officer and Distinguished Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University, Professor Glenda Gray, said: “We are honoured to lead the clinical trials for the oral cholera vaccine, a historical landmark for our country and a vital step in strengthening our country’s ability to respond to infectious diseases.” 

She said they were committed to ensuring that these trials are conducted in full compliance with good clinical practice guidelines, with the highest regard for the safety, care, and protection of all participants. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s beekeeping industry, describing honeybees as “the farmers of the sky” whose silent labour underpins food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity. 

Speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day, held at Oude Raapkraal in Westlake, Cape Town, Steenhuisen said the role of bees in agriculture goes far beyond honey production. 

“They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit. In South Africa, bee pollination contributes more than R10 billion every year to agriculture,” Steenhuisen said. 

Bees and food security 

The Minister emphasised that beekeeping is a vital contributor to the country’s agricultural sector for contribution to food security, income generation and economic development. 

“Beekeeping contributes directly and indirectly to job creation in South Africa – from the beekeepers to the farmworkers involved in pollination-dependent crops,” he said. 

Bees, recognised under the Animal Improvement Act (Act No. 62 of 1998) as agricultural animals, play a key role in several of the department’s strategic outcomes, including increased production, improved food and nutrition security, enhanced biosecurity, and greater market access. 

Steenhuisen warned that habitat loss, drought, and pesticide misuse threaten bee populations. “When the land stops flowering, bees go hungry, colonies weaken, and honey yields decline.” 

Imagine if every farm, school, and roadside in South Africa became a bee garden – filled with indigenous plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers,” Steenhuisen said. 

He also urged the responsible use of pesticides, noting that spraying at the wrong time, during bloom, can kill thousands of bees overnight. 

The department, he said, is strengthening integrated pest management, encouraging farmers and beekeepers to communicate, spray responsibly, and use less toxic options. 

Building the honey value chain 

Beyond pollination, the Minister highlighted honey’s growing economic importance. South Africa produces up to 2 500 tons of honey annually but consumes nearly double that amount, relying heavily on imports, primarily from China.

 “We rely heavily on the imports of natural honey, with more than 80% of our imported honey coming from China. We also import from Zambia, India, Poland and Yemen. Since there is such a high demand for this product, we have seen an increase of very poor quality and sometimes adulterated honey,” Steenhuisen said. 

To address this, he said the Department of Agriculture’s Inspection Services will again conduct an operation in December to remove mislabelled or counterfeit honey products from store shelves. 

“These operations are part of our efforts to ensure that citizens get the quality goods they intended to purchase. By investing in our local beekeepers, honey processors, and cooperatives, we can grow this sector into a thriving value chain that supports rural jobs, exports, and food authenticity.” 

Strengthening research and biosecurity 

The Minister noted progress on strategic areas to support the bee industry for sustainability, and these include development of a National Beekeeping/Apiculture Strategy for South Africa; development of an AFB (American foulbrood) Management and Response Strategy; Bee Forage Strategy; finalisation of the Residue Monitoring Plan for honey export to the EU; establishment of the Honey Value Chain Round-Table Forum; and resuscitation of the biliteral engagement platform between the department and bee industry (SABIO) lab accreditation in South Africa for the testing of honey for disease and chemical residues. 

He confirmed that the department has commissioned the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to conduct research on bees: “Survey of AFB in honeybee colonies in South Africa protecting beekeeping and pollination services.” 

The research also intends for the development of a consolidated National Beekeeping Strategy for South Africa, as well as an AFB Management Strategy. 

“Our task is clear – to protect these pollinators, nurture our beekeepers, and grow South Africa’s honey industry into a model of sustainability and pride. Together, we can make sure that the hum of the honeybee continues to be the sound of life, abundance, and hope for generations to come.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier champions ethical leadership, accountability in building a safer KZN

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Tue, 11/11/2025 – 10:07

Source: Government of South Africa

Traffic disruptions expected as Gauteng launches joint operations ahead of G20 Summit

DikelediM
Tue, 11/11/2025 – 09:50

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has postponed the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act to 1 July 2026.

The nationwide rollout of AARTO was initially scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the postponement comes amid an assessment of the state of readiness in some of the municipalities identified for the first phase of implementation.

According to the department, the assessment revealed several areas that require further attention before the system can be rolled out effectively. These include the finalisation of training of both law enforcement officers and back-office personnel, as well as the harmonisation of current law enforcement system used by various municipalities, and funding to align with AARTO requirements.

“The department will soon publish the new proclamation with new staggered implementation dates, the 1st of July 2026 being the official implementation date. The phased approach of implementation will still be maintained as initially envisaged,” the department said.

The AARTO Act is aimed at promoting safer roads through a uniform system of traffic law enforcement and the introduction of a demerit points system for offenders.

The AARTO Act provides for a system whereby a person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator, pays the penalty and incurs points when a traffic infringement is committed.

The system will involve demerit points being allocated according to the severity of infringements committed.

Under the demerit system, vehicles are not punished by the system, but the operator /juristic person is held responsible for the use of the vehicle.

Upon implementation of the demerit system, everyone will commence with zero points.

Ensuring coordinated rollout nationwide

Welcoming the announcement, Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said the postponement provides much-needed space to ensure that every municipality, enforcement agency, and operational team is fully prepared for this important transition.

Sileku said with national assessments highlighting gaps in training, system harmonisation, and funding, the additional time will help ensure a more efficient and coordinated rollout nationwide.

“This deferment is an opportunity to do things properly. We must walk this road together as all spheres of government and stakeholders. A successful transition depends on alignment, readiness, and making sure no one is left behind. That is how we build a safer, more efficient mobility system for everyone,” the MEC said.

The Western Cape Government reaffirmed its commitment to cooperative governance and engaging actively with national and local partners as the new phased timelines unfold. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the Weather Service, the yellow level 2 warning is valid from Tuesday, 11 November 2025, between 12:00 and 21:59, covering Gauteng, the escarpment and the Highveld of Mpumalanga, and the southwestern Bushveld of Limpopo.

Additionally, a level 4 warning has been issued for KwaZulu-Natal. 

“Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, accompanied by possible heavy downpours, damaging winds, large amounts of small hail and lightning leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, minor vehicle accidents and localized damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock are expected over Gauteng, the escarpment and Highveld of Mpumalanga as well as the southwestern Bushveld of Limpopo,” SAWS said in a post on social media platform, X.  

The expected impacts include:
•    Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
•    Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
•    Large amounts of small hail and falling trees blocking minor roads.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal is under a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, valid from Monday at 11:00 until Tuesday at 23:59.

“A surface trough deepening into the central interior associated with a broad upper air trough. As a result, scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KwaZulu-Natal …but isolated in the eastern parts. Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe in the western parts, and will be accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail,” said SAWS.

The Weather Service further warned of several possible impacts in KwaZulu-Natal, including:
•    Flooding of roads and bridges as well as formal and informal settlements.
•    Hail resulting in infrastructure damage.
•    Danger to life due to fast flowing water or streams.
•    Major travel disruptions and route obstructions.
•    Damage or loss of infrastructure and settlements.

Residents across all affected provinces are advised to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and follow official weather updates. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is implementing a nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation alongside Operation Shanela II in the fight against crime ahead of the festive season. 

“These intensified intelligence-led driven operations resulted in the arrest of 17 817 suspects from 03 to 09 November 2025 across multiple provinces,” the police said in a statement.

The week-long operations saw police tracking down and apprehending 2 843 wanted suspects for serious crimes such as murder, rape, car hijackings, drug trafficking, robberies and sexual offences.

The number of national arrests are as follows: 

• Murder: 145
• Attempted murder: 154
• Rape: 137
• Assault grievous bodily harm: 1 505
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: 630
• Illegal migrants: 1 366
• Illegal dealing in liquor: 921
• Illegal possession of firearms: 85
• Dangerous weapons possession: 529
• Possession of drugs: 3 255
• Dealing in drugs: 293

The police added that contraband to the value of more than R18.9 million was seized during this period; 121 firearms were seized, including 9 rifles, 4 homemade, 4 shotguns; 2 238 rounds of ammunition were seized; 48 vehicles were seized as well as 871 dangerous weapons.

Police, in collaboration with Interpol NCB Pretoria members, rescued three Botswana nationals, aged between 20 and 23 years, who fell victim to human trafficking at OR Tambo International on 07 November 2025.

Also, the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, in collaboration with National Head Office Counterfeit, Border Police, Public Order Police, Commercial Unit, and brand protectors, conducted an operation targeting counterfeit goods in Johannesburg Central on Friday, 7 November 2025. The operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods valued at R11.4 million, including clothes, shoes, embroidery machines, printing machines, stickers and packaging materials.

Four suspected cash-in-transit robbers were shot and killed in a shootout with police and other law enforcement officers in Bronkhorstspruit on 07 November 2025. The fifth suspect was arrested, and three firearms, including two rifles and magazines, loaded with ammunition as well as a Mercedes Benz, were seized during the operation.

In Limpopo on 04 November 2025, a 54-year-old male suspect, who is the brother of former police officer Rachel Kutumela, was arrested in connection with the ongoing R10 million insurance murder, fraud and money laundering case in Moletjie, outside Seshego.

In the Western Cape, police arrested four suspects believed to be behind the brutal murder cases in Philippi East on 30 September 2025, where victims were shot and set alight.

Members of Operation Lockdown III and the Endangered Species K9 Unit arrested Chinese and Malawian nationals for possession of abalone worth more than R3 million in Primrose Park on 07 November 2025. Drying equipment and gas cylinders were also confiscated.

In Ngome in KwaZulu-Natal, a 48-year-old suspect was arrested after he allegedly burnt his 41-year-old girlfriend to death and hacked her 28-year-old daughter with an axe before raping her 13-year-old daughter on 06 November 2025.

In Mpumalanga, police intercepted a truck transporting suspected illicit goods on the N4 in Middelburg, and three suspects aged between 30 and 38 years were arrested on the scene. They seized counterfeit and illicit goods, including sneakers, slides, soccer boots, and different brands of flip-flops worth R1 million.

In the Northern Cape, police intercepted a vehicle at the N7 Road and uncovered dagga worth R7.7 million. Two suspects were arrested, and the vehicle used in the commission of crime was also confiscated.

In Libode, in the Eastern Cape, a 34-year-old suspect was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed AK-47 and ammunition and found to be in possession of drugs on 05 November 2025.

The South African Police Service said it continues to urge communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as the festive season intensifies. – SAnews.gov.za