Category: South Africa Government

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Garsfontein Road upgrades to support Mooikloof Mega City development 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Provincial Government is undertaking the Garsfontein Road (K50) upgrading project to support the Mooikloof Mega City development.

The residential and commercial mega project is one of strategic integrated projects aimed at providing access to lifestyle services aimed at lower income groups.

“The department’s continued investments in providing quality road infrastructure will continue to serve as a key stimulator of economic activities and growth. We believe that road infrastructure upgrades such as these will go a long way in unlocking and integrating major economic nodes in these areas,” MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said on Wednesday.

The 30-month project, which is jointly being undertaken with the City of Tshwane, entails the upgrading of the existing two-lane Garsfontein Road and part of Solomon Mahlangu into a four-lane carriageway.
This will include a divided four-lane stretch between January Masilela and Lorista Street, with pedestrian lanes. Solomon Mahlangu Drive will be upgraded into a four-lane section up to Gilda Road/Delfi Avenue, also with pedestrian lanes installed. 

Diale-Tlabela said investing in road infrastructure, increasing capacity to reduce travel times and providing easy access to business and residential estates will contribute to improving the quality of life for local communities.

The MEC also noted the economic benefits from the project, which include the creation of much-needed job opportunities and promotion of social development.

Garsfontein Road links primarily the Menlyn node and the Garsfontein/Woodlands development nodes with the N1 freeway. 

It runs through the suburbs of Ashlea Gardens, DeBeers, Menlyn, Newlands, Waterkloof Glen, Garsfontein, Constantia Park and Moreleta Park, ending in Alphen Park.

This project is an integral part of the road infrastructure required to support the Mooikloof Mega City development. 

The upgrade project, backed by the Mooikloof Mega City development, supports the spatial prioritisation of the City of Tshwane’s Spatial Development Framework and respective Regional Spatial Development Frameworks, which derives their legislative mandate from Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA).

The Mooikloof Mega City development is a strategic integrated projects gazetted in 2020. It seeks to address the spatial and social inequality by providing access to lifestyle services to lower income groups. The project will also feature schools, shops and offices.

Notable progress has been made regarding construction of new storm-water lines; box-cutting for new lanes and preparing roadbed, before construction of the layer works. 

Various sections have started with the construction of layer works and structural works on the Constantia Spruit bridge crossing, which is being widened.

“The department and the City of Tshwane are constantly in engagements with affected communities and businesses to address challenges and concerns about the project.

“Motorists are encouraged to approach the roadworks site with caution as speed restrictions and barriers/delimitators are in place and the department is pleading for understanding and cooperation,” said the provincial department. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to announce Nationwide Cleanup Day 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to announce Nationwide Cleanup Day 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will designate a specific day for a nationwide cleanup, with all South Africans, including Ministers, participating in community cleanup efforts, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said. 

“We’ll dedicate time on the day that the President will indicate that at least on that particular day, for particular hours in the day, we work with our communities, and we clean,” the Deputy President said on Tuesday.

This as he visited the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State as part of the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign. 

The Deputy President officially unveiled a comprehensive national cleaning initiative aimed at transforming community hygiene and infrastructure maintenance in the province. 

The campaign is an integrated service delivery initiative that was officially launched in Kliptown, Soweto, in June of this year.

READ | Government launches community-driven campaign to keep cities clean

It aims to promote cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environments in both urban and rural areas.
The campaign encourages community involvement in cleaning their surroundings, working collaboratively with district and local municipalities.

The Mangaung leg of the campaign was held under the theme: “Bontle Ke Botho: A Free State that works for all – Building clean and sustainable communities.”

The campaign emphasises a collaborative approach across national, provincial, and local government levels, highlighting the campaign’s multifaceted strategy. 

“We’re not just picking up papers. This campaign is going to be combined with repairing and modernising things, dealing with challenges of potholes, fixing roads and repairing infrastructure,” Deputy President Mashatile told the community.

According to the country’s second-in-command, the initiative also includes several critical components, including weekly dedicated cleaning days and school engagement to instill a cleanliness culture. 

“We also went to visit schools to encourage our young children to inculcate this culture of clean-up. So, it’s going very well today,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said government plans to address municipal challenges, recognising that many local authorities struggle with limited economic resources. 

“Some municipalities are not able to perform critical services because they don’t have an economic base.” 
The campaign represents a “whole of government approach,” aiming to create a unified responsibility for maintaining clean, functional urban and rural environments.

The initiative is expected to roll out across provinces to transform South Africa’s approach to community maintenance and civic responsibility.

The Clean Cities and Towns Campaign seeks to revitalise urban areas, enhance service delivery, and combat environmental degradation. 

READ | Mashatile takes the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign to Free State

“We used to have bins where people could throw stuff in, and then twice a week or so, a truck comes to take it because if we don’t do that, they start throwing everywhere.”

It is also part of South Africa’s commitment to climate action to preserve the environment, support social cohesion initiatives and prioritise efforts for decent work, poverty eradication, and community resilience. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile

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Mantashe seeks wider market for SA’s natural diamonds

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has called for the marketing of South African natural diamonds across the world, as the sector faces a decline in demand and price.

The local sector now faces an added challenge of a US tariff of some 30%.

South African natural diamonds have not been excluded from the US tariff list, while minerals including gold, platinum group metals and coal enjoy exemption.

At a stakeholder consultation with the diamond sector on Tuesday, Mantashe said he was “convinced” that the sector needs an injection of aggressive marketing as a solution.

“Our biggest trading partner is China. The US is the second biggest trading partner for South Africa. With the 30% tariff… you are not going to escape it. I’m very convinced that the marketing of natural diamonds is a necessary intervention because you cannot replace natural diamonds with lab grown diamonds.

“We must market natural diamonds, but we must produce more natural diamonds, and the beneficiation thereof is quite critical. We must cut and polish market value added diamonds. Value addition must happen close to the point of production.”

The Minister encouraged diamond producers to “express their views” during the session and encouraged a “flow of ideas” on how government can intervene.

“We are having this platform today to hear your views. You agree that you want to be part of that agreement of [the] marketing of natural diamonds. Tell us and we will do it. However, we thought we should not do it without talking to [the sector]. I am convinced that it’s the right intervention. We must market…more aggressively.

“Natural diamonds are competing with lab grown [ones]… particularly in the West. [Some] 25% of [the] diamond trade in the US is lab grown. It’s very small in China… and India. 

“In the West, where there is a big market for natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are competing with us aggressively. What do we do? That’s the question we are putting to you. Help us think through this issue and give us ideas,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Petrol prices set to decrease, diesel on the up

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Petrol consumers will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps this month, as the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) has announced a decrease in the price of fuel for the month of August.

Those who use diesel and paraffin, however, will have to dig deeper into their pockets, with prices set to increase.

The fuel price adjustments for August are as follows:
•    Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 28 cent decrease.
•    Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): 28 cent decrease.
•    Diesel (0.05% sulphur): 65 cent increase.
•    Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 63 cent increase.
•    Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 32 cent increase.
•    Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: 43 cent increase.
•    Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: 69 cent decrease and 78 cent decrease in the Western Cape.

The DMPR explained the main reasons for the adjustments, including the recent marginal decrease – from $69.36 US Dollars (USD) to $69.06 USD – in the price of Brent Crude oil over the period under review.

“The main contributing factor to the lower crude oil price is the decision by OPEC [Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] to increase production and the uncertainty caused by looming US trade tariffs, including secondary tariffs, which could affect global economic growth and demand for crude oil.

“The average international petrol prices decreased in line with the decrease in crude oil prices. The prices of diesel and paraffin increased due to low stocks in the US, unplanned refinery shutdowns and closures of refineries in the EU [European Union], which have resulted in tight supply. 

“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices [BFP] of petrol by 23.49 cents per litre and higher contributions to the BFP of diesel and illuminating paraffin by 69.94 cents a litre and 35.57 cents a litre respectively. The prices of propane and butane decreased during the period under review,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

Furthermore, the Rand appreciated on average against the US Dollar, rising from R17.84 to R17.76 per US Dollar – leading to “lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol by between 4.00 – 5.00 cents per litre on all products”.

The price adjustment is effective from Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za

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Municipality commits to full repair of Kings Beach sewer system

Source: Government of South Africa

Municipality commits to full repair of Kings Beach sewer system

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has committed to fully restoring the sewer system in the Kings Beach and surrounding areas in Gqeberha.

This follows recent heavy rainfall, which led to a new sewerage spill in the Kings Beach parking area, despite existing flow control measures and bypass pumping infrastructure in the harbour.

According to the municipality, the spill was contained as of 31 July 2025, and cleaning and treatment (dosing) of the affected area are currently underway to reduce E. coli levels and address odour.

In anticipation of further rainfall in the coming days, the municipality has instructed its appointed contractor to deploy an additional bypass pump to better manage the increased stormwater flow and help prevent further overflows.

“A second contractor visited the site on 30 July 2025 to assess the damage and begin repair work. What was initially a point repair has escalated into a more extensive intervention due to further collapse of the sewer line.

“The original repair method required specialised dewatering equipment from Cape Town, which would only be available by 13 August, potentially delaying progress. To avoid this, an alternative technology has been selected to expedite the repair process,” the municipality said in a statement.

The newly appointed contractor has confirmed that all the necessary pipes are already in stock, and the repair is expected to be completed within two to three weeks, provided no further collapses occur during excavation.

The metro reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing maintenance and upgrades of the sanitation infrastructure, considering the challenge of aging infrastructure and budget constraints.

The metro also acknowledged the economic impact of the spillages in the bigger value chain, especially on the tourism sector.

“It is for this reason that whenever there is a problem, we swiftly mobilise resources to restore the situation in the shortest possible time. Water quality testing is ongoing to determine when it will be safe to reopen the beach to the public.

“We thank the public for their patience and cooperation, and will continue to provide updates as work progresses,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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North West relaunches Human Resource Development Council 

Source: Government of South Africa

North West relaunches Human Resource Development Council 

The North West Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) whose primary objective is to leverage the province’s skills base as a means of promoting socio-economic development, specifically to combat unemployment and poverty in the region, has been relaunched.

North West Premier Kagiso Lazarus Mokgosi recently relaunched the council at the Mankwe Campus of Orbit TVET College in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

The council also forms part of the reconceptualised national HRDC strategy and Master Skills Plan to align the country’s education and training systems with labour market demands. 

The council, chaired by Mokgosi, will serve as a multi-sectoral advisory and coordination platform. 
It will bring together various stakeholders, including government departments, municipalities, higher education and training institutions, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), organised labour and business representatives, as well as civil society and community members.

The Premier said the council will also serve as both a strategic and catalytic platform that will accelerate human capital development in the province. 

“Of critical importance is to commit to skills development as part of the province’s continued endeavours to empower young people, grow the economy and create jobs,” said the Premier.

He added that although the province has abundant natural resources, low skill levels hinder its ability to fully realise its economic potential.

“We have recently adopted the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, which has identified key economic drivers such as mining, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy and green economy, and infrastructure development as our key economic drivers. 

“However, none of these sectors can grow without the right skills base. The HRDC will therefore serve as the engine that drives skills planning, coordination, and implementation to support these sectors.”

The council, which among others will be tasked with strengthening artisan development and technical skills training, expanding workplace-based learning, internships and learnerships, as well as empowering youth, women, and people with disabilities through targeted programmes. 

The council will consist of members from the Executive Council and District Executive Mayors, along with the Economic and Investment Advisory Committee, which will be led by Professor John Lamola and Professor Raymond Parsons. 

Representatives from institutions of higher learning will be included under the leadership of Professor Bismark Tyobeka and Dr Pradheep Balkrishen.

In addition, organised labour, business, and civil society will be represented by Kabelo Kgoro, Benedict Modise, and Dieketseng Diale, respectively.

Mokgosi has urged council members to lead with integrity, transparency and urgency and ensure that skills development budgets are better spent and better targeted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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Progress made in improving operations at Port of Durban 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Nosihle Shelembe 

Significant progress has been made in improving operational and capacity-related challenges that have plagued the Port of Durban in recent years.

As a facilitator in trade and contributor to the economy, the Port of Durban was grappling with backlogs, equipment shortages, and ageing infrastructure. 

To minimise the impact on the South African economy, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) implemented a number of urgent interventions to ensure the port and cargo handling services to businesses in South Africa and beyond were efficient.

Handling approximately 60% of South Africa’s container traffic, the Port of Durban located in KwaZulu-Natal, is the largest and busiest container terminal in Africa. 

It plays a critical role in the national economy by facilitating trade and managing large volumes of cargo — including containers, vehicles, dry bulk, break bulk, and liquid bulk.

This activity supports business operations, job creation, factory productivity, tourism, and ultimately helps bring revenue into the country.

In addition to its cargo operations, the port also offers a range of marine services such as dredging, navigational aids, ship repairs, marine operations, and pilotage.

“As Transnet, we have been implementing our recovery plan, which is aimed at improving operational efficiency. The initiative started at the height of the congestion that took place in November 2023 through January 2024. 

“From a TNPA point of view, particularly at the Port of Durban, we started daily operational meetings with all our stakeholders to make sure that we deal with the issue. 

“It also became necessary to use our capital expenditure to acquire new cargo handling equipment, expand the tug jetty and upgrade the road infrastructure at the port,” TNPA Acting Port Manager, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said during a media tour at the port.

Transnet has been rolling out several initiatives aimed at improving both operational efficiency and financial performance. 

These efforts focus on improving the availability and reliability of rolling stock, strengthening the rail network, ensuring access to critical spare parts, and enhancing maintenance of both rail and port infrastructure. 

Investment

As part of its Recovery Plan, Transnet invested R3.4 billion this year to strengthen its equipment fleet, with the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) receiving the bulk of this investment.

The new equipment for DCT includes four ship-to-shore cranes for the South Quay, 40 haulers and 67 trailers, which are scheduled to arrive between April and December 2025.

This equipment will replace ageing machinery at the Durban Container Terminals Pier 1 and Pier 2, improving cargo handling capacity and speed.

In 2023, TNPA also acquired seven new tugboats at a cost of R1 billion, five of which were assigned to the Port of Durban, with two sent to the Port of East London.

“We invested in some equipment such as tugs. Tugs assist from a marine services point of view, as they are designed to manoeuvre other vessels by pulling or pushing them. We are making sure that we have the right equipment to ensure the improvements of the ship turnaround time,” Ben-Mazwi said.

A tugboat is a small vessel designed to guide and tow larger ships within confined harbours and narrow canals. They facilitate the safe passage of large ships through narrow channels, busy stretches, and shallow water.

“This acquisition forms part of TNPA’s Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which is an important element of Transnet’s efforts to revitalise South Africa’s ports and support economic growth.

“As the busiest port in sub-Saharan Africa, the additional fleet will enable the Port of Durban’s readiness to respond with [an] on-demand craft in the safe navigation of vessels within the port,” the Acting Port Manager said.

As part of ongoing efforts to modernise the port, TNPA completed the Tug Jetty Expansion Project in 2023. This involved the construction of a new jetty adjacent to the existing one, providing improved berthing for tugboats and enhancing their operational readiness.

Road rehabilitation

Due to the increased number of trucks entering the port, which has led to the deterioration of road conditions, TNPA invested R233 million to rehabilitate roads in key precincts such as container terminals Maydon Wharf and Island View (liquid bulk).

“Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.

“The road rehabilitation project will ensure that TNPA delivers on its mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to the South African economy,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

Improving operations 

The Prince Edward Dry Dock, built in the 1920s, remains a key facility for ship repair, maintenance, rescue services and vessel certification. Located in Durban, it contributes to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in marine engineering and ship repair industries.

“There are many other projects that we are doing to ensure that we improve operations, enable the economy of South Africa to grow and ensure that we do not destroy existing jobs. We remain resolute in making sure that we achieve that,” Ben-Mazwi said. 

In March this year, Transnet issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the appointment of a terminal operator to design and transfer a multi-purpose terminal handling agricultural dry bulk and other compatible cargo in the Maydon Wharf Precinct, Port of Durban.

With the precinct extending approximately 145 hectares, featuring 15 berths and boasting capacity of over seven million tons of cargo annually, it primarily serves as a mixed-use area hosting cargo terminal for dry bulk, break bulk, a limited amount of liquid bulk and a small number of containerised units.

Interested parties were invited to submit proposals to design, develop, fund, construct, operate, maintain, and transfer the terminal for a 25-year concession period.

The issuance of the RFP signified Transnet’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the Port of Durban. 

By attracting capable terminal operators, Transnet aims to modernise infrastructure, optimise cargo handling and strengthen the port’s role as a key trade gateway for the region. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mashatile to unveil bust of MK combatant in EC

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will unveil the bust of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) combatant Mbulelo “Khaya Kasibe” “Ntsizwa” Ngono on Thursday, 7 August 2025, in Lurhwayizo village, Eastern Cape.

As part of his responsibilities to promote social cohesion initiatives, particularly focusing on Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as well as Military Veterans, the Deputy President will lead the Eastern Cape government in honouring the 38th commemoration of the Battle of Lurhwayizo.

This year marks 38 years since the Battle of Lurhwayizo in Willowvale.

Lurhwayizo Store in Willowvale is the site of an iconic Battle of Lurhwayizo that took place 38 years ago over two days, from 21 and 22 January 1987. 

During this battle, Umkhonto weSizwe combatant Ngono bravely engaged a combined force of the Transkei Defence Force, Transkei Police, and South African Police Force, along with State helicopters, in a 36-hour shootout.

Government commemorated this battle in January by the memorialisation of the bravery of Ngono, which was followed by a theatre production and enactment of the happenings of that fateful day of 1987. 

After these activities, a bust of Ngono was commissioned and will be unveiled as a solemn tribute to the courage, resistance, and resilience of South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“Although the remains of Mbulelo Ngono remain missing, we continue to honour him and many others for putting their lives on the line in defence of the freedoms we enjoy today,” the Deputy President said. 

The Deputy President will be joined by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and the Provincial Executive. – SAnews.gov.za

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Progress made in protecting women, children and vulnerable groups

Source: Government of South Africa

With the country commemorating Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted progress made in protecting women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Over the past year, the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit has made significant inroads in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and related crimes. 

Between 01 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the unit secured 2 941 convictions and arrested 22 219 suspects for GBV, femicide, sexual offences and crimes against children.

This as there are 176 FCS units countrywide, supported by Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) units at both national and provincial levels. 

These specialised teams focus on four primary categories of FCS-related crimes:
•    Sexual crimes (rape, incest, sexual assault)
•    Person-directed crimes (assault, assault grievous bodily harm, murder)
•    Illegal removal of persons (kidnapping, abduction, missing children)
•    Electronic media-facilitated crimes (child sexual abuse material, non-consensual sharing of intimate content)

Forensic Social Workers (FSWs) also play a critical role within the FCS environment. They assist investigators by conducting age-appropriate forensic interviews with child victims, assisting courts to make fair and informed decisions.

Leading this critical unit is Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, a seasoned senior female detective who brings invaluable expertise to the fight against these crimes.

In a statement on Monday, the SAPS said 604 offenders were sentenced to life imprisonment, 350 offenders were sentenced to 20 years or more, 735 offenders were sentenced to 10–19 years and 1391 offenders were sentenced to 1-9 years between April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

“During this same period, 22 219 suspects who committed FCS related crimes were arrested. Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal registered the most arrests,” said the police.

The Western Cape had 4 727 arrests, Gauteng 4 278 and KwaZulu-Natal 3 802.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, praised the dedicated men and women in blue for their tireless efforts in protecting society’s most vulnerable.

“Through resilience, unwavering dedication, and high-quality investigations, our men and women in blue continue to ensure that sexual offenders are brought to justice and removed from society. Every conviction brings us one step closer to a safer South Africa for all women and girl children,” said General Masemola.

South Africa marks Women’s Month annually in August wherein the country pays tribute to the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. 
– SAnews.gov.za

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SAPS National Commissioner meets Basotho counterpart 

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has met with his counterpart in Lesotho, Advocate Borotho Matsoso.

Monday’s meeting in Maseru, Lesotho, discussed allegations that there are illegal Basotho military training camps in South Africa.

In a statement on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the delegation of senior officials from South Africa included the Deputy National Commissioner of Policing and Co-chair of the National Joints Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the head of Interpol in South Africa, a senior officer from SAPS crime intelligence, and a senior officer from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service delegation was led by Advocate Matsoso and consisted of the Deputy Commissioner of Police responsible for operations, Deputy Commissioner Likhama Moqhebi, senior officers from the Lesotho Mounted Police Service Crime Intelligence unit, specialised operations, and the detectives unit.

At the meeting, Commissioner Masemola appraised the Lesotho Police Chief on what SAPS crime intelligence driven operations have yielded thus far. –SAnews.gov.za