Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture has published regulations governing the sale of meat analogue products in South Africa.

The regulations, published under Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, follow a series of consultative meetings with all affected stakeholders, including the red meat industry.

The regulations set out minimum standards for meat analogues and prescribe the labelling requirements, and compliance to the standards for meat when presented for sale.

According to the department, any product labelled as a “meat replacer,” “meat substitute,” “meat alternative,” “plant-based protein,” or any similar terminology on the main display panel, must contain a minimum of 9% protein.

“The meat analogue products, also known as meat substitutes, mock meat, faux meat, or imitation meat, were initially defined in the Processed Meat Regulations as a product that approximates the aesthetic qualities (primary texture, flavour and appearance) and/or chemical characteristics of a specific type of meat.

“These products are derived from non-meat ingredients, sometimes without dairy products and are available in different forms (coarse ground meat analogues, emulsified meat analogues and loose fill, etc.),” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

The regulations specify acceptable product descriptors, allowing terms such as hot dogs, chipolatas, bites, steaks, pops, balls rounds, pieces, tenders, burgers, patties, sausages, bangers, griller loafs, polonies, mince, roasts, schnitzels and products named according to shapes, like frikkadel wheels, discs, nuggets, rolls and sizzlers.

“The use of these names shall be permitted with the use of names that describe the meat analogues and, if necessary, their use, and which are sufficiently clear to enable consumers to determine their true nature so that they are distinguishable from other products.”

The product names must not include references to specific animal species, cuts, or morphology. The words or expressions such as “chicken-style,” “beef-style,” “chick’n,” and “b*con”, or any similar wording referring to animal species or meat products, are prohibited under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990).

Until advised otherwise, departmental inspectors will oversee the enforcement of the regulations, considering that “there is currently no designated assignee.”

The Food Safety Agency will monitor compliance with labelling standards for both meat analogues and processed meats, while the Border Management Authority will enforce rules pertaining to imports.

The department emphasised that the publication of these regulations should be welcomed and appreciated by all affected stakeholders, as it brings the necessary clarity required for the trade of meat analogues and meat products.

“Consumers will enjoy the protection from the sale of misleading products. Furthermore, the publication of the Meat Analogue Products Regulations will foster confidence in the sale of meat analogues and meat products in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and decisive action in apprehending suspects linked to several high-profile crimes.

These cases include the tragic murder of City of Ekurhuleni Chief Auditor, Mpho Mafole, as well suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of engineer Armand Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane.

“These developments reflect the commitment and capability of law enforcement to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and the rule of law.

“However, while these successes are commendable, the committee emphasises that all victims of crime, regardless of their public profile, deserve equal attention, protection and justice. The fight against crime must be consistent and inclusive,” Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, said on Thursday.

Mafole, who served as the Group Divisional Head for Corporate and Forensic Audits, was brutally gunned down in Kempton Park last month in an execution-style killing. 

His death sent shockwaves across the province, while highlighting the grave risks faced by public servants committed to transparency and good governance.

“The committee welcomes the arrest of one suspect, who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. However, the second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, remains at large. The committee urges law enforcement to intensify efforts and leave no stone unturned in ensuring his swift apprehension,” Masuku said.

The case was postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation.

“It is particularly alarming that the arrested suspect was reportedly out on bail for a similar murder charge at the time of Mafole’s killing. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of bail conditions in cases involving violent crimes and calls for an urgent review of current judicial practices to prevent repeat offenses and safeguard communities.

“The committee also applauds SAPS for recent breakthroughs in other high profile cases, including the arrests of suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Thobejane. Crucially, the committee reiterates that trust between the police and the communities they serve is fundamental to effective policing.

“Building and maintaining this trust requires transparency, accountability, and ongoing engagement. Communities must feel confident that their safety is a priority and that their cooperation with law enforcement will lead to meaningful outcomes. Without this trust, efforts to combat crime will be severely undermined,” Masuku said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially switched on the 2026 Online Admissions System, marking the start of applications for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and Grade 8 at Gauteng public schools in the 2026 academic year. 

Speaking at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5, the MEC expressed confidence in the department’s online application system.

“I have just received confirmation that 80 000 applications have already gone through since the opening this morning. The parents are responding positively, and we are anticipating that we will have a much larger number by the end of the day. So far, so good. I have not received any complaints about glitches. There hasn’t been a system crash, so all is well,” Chiloane said. 

The YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5 serves as one of the 81 walk-in centres across the province, where parents and guardians who do not have access to the requisite resources can get assistance. 

Parents and guardians can submit their application online on any device by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. The 2026 online admissions application period will close on Friday, 29 August 2025 at midnight. 

The MEC said significant upgrades have been made to the province’s online admissions system aimed at improving user experience and processing efficiency. 

“Every year after we have done the application process, we do a review and engage a couple of stakeholders that interact with the system, the learner, parent, SGB just to get feedback as to where can we improve. 

“Largely, it has been improvements in communication that we have made. When you apply you get an SMS that shows you have completed the steps,” he said. 

The MEC said another major enhancement was the system’s processing capacity. 

The upgraded platform can now handle up to 40 000 applications per minute, reducing delays and improving turnaround time during the high-traffic application period.

“We have also improved as well on allowing parents (mother and father) to apply for the same child but obviously the system will only give them an option of 5 schools, so there has been quite a lot of improvement in the system, we have done quite a lot,” Chiloane said. 

How the system works

All parents need to register new profiles. Old profiles and previous login details will not work.

After registering on www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password).

“Parents must keep these credentials safe, as they will use them to access the Online Admissions System, and view and manage their profile and application details.

“Parents must accept the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] disclaimer, enter their correct ID number and details, and remember to read and accept the Terms and Conditions,” Chiloane advised. 

Once parents have gained access to the system, they must begin with the application process and ensure that they complete the 5 step application process. 

“It is essential for parents and guardians to fill in correct and accurate details in every step of the application process as prompted by the system. Documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven days of applying.

“Registering a profile without completing every step of the 5 step application process will result in an incomplete application and the applicant not being considered for placement,” he said.

To receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application(s), applicants must provide one reliable and correct cellphone number when registering.

“Every step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. There will be weekly pop-up messages on the system and SMS notifications sent to registered applicants as reminders to complete their application.

“SMS notifications will also be sent to parents to acknowledge submission and verification of documents. Therefore, parents are encouraged not to change or lose their cellphone numbers, but in unforeseen cases the department must be contacted for assistance,” the MEC explained.

He encouraged parents to use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying on the system to see schools with feeder zones that cover their home address.

To increase the chances of placement closer to the parent’s home address, parents should select schools with feeder zones that cover the parent’s home address.

When applying, parents are urged to select a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools. All schools will remain open and accessible on the system for applications during the application period.

Closing date 

No new applications will be accepted once the application period closes on 29 August 2025 at midnight. Parents are advised to not fall for scams that charge a fee to assist with applying online.

“Bogus operators are scamming parents by falsely promising guaranteed placements in exchange for money. All scams and illegal placements must be reported to the GDE. The GDE does not charge any fees for assisting parents with the application process, all official support is completely free,” the MEC emphasised.

For more information, assistance or comments:
•    Call 0800 000 789
•    WhatsApp 060 891 0361 or
•    Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za

– SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

HSRC to host free training academy to equip researchers for AI

Gabisile
Wed, 07/23/2025 – 10:33

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Tshwane, in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Magalies Water (MW), has moved to address the water challenges in the affected communities in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria. 

This follows growing concerns from the Hammanskraal community over continued inconsistencies in water supply, particularly in the Phase Two target areas.

The affected communities include Majaneng (east of Makapanstad Road), Kudube Units 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and Unit D, as well as the Jubilee Tower, Jubilee Direct, and Dominican Tower zones.

The department officially handed over Module 2 of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works to the City of Tshwane on 29 June 2025.

The new module is designed to supply 12.5 megalitres of water per day, but due to unanticipated delays in completing the permanent pipeline to take water from Babelegi to Temba, an alternative, older pipeline was used to deliver water in the interim.

However, the pipeline has experienced setbacks due to frequent leaks and delivery of lesser volumes than anticipated.

“The project partners – Magalies Water Board, the City of Tshwane, and the Department of Water and Sanitation – have resolved to expedite the completion of the main planned pipeline. In the meantime, the old temporary pipeline is still being used to provide what is likely to be an intermittent water supply for flushing purposes,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

To cover the shortfall, the City of Tshwane has made available additional water tankers. A detailed schedule outlining tanker availability per area will be shared with the community to ensure continued access to water while the permanent pipeline is being completed.

To address these challenges and improve the water supply to the affected areas, with the aim of restoring water supply by the second week of August 2025, the following actions are being undertaken:

• Permanent supply line from Babelegi to Temba Reservoir 3: The permanent pipeline is on track for completion, once completed, it will allow for a more stable and higher volume of water to be delivered. Water supply to the community through this route will be fully utilized after final testing confirms the water is safe to use and the pipeline is fit for transporting water.
• Improving the temporary Bosplaas Line: The Bosplaas pipeline is currently delivering an average of 6.3 million litres per day, which is not enough to complete the system flushing process. The technical team is working on adjusting the system to deliver improved volumes while working on completing the pipeline. These adjustments will help the system work more efficiently and effectively.
• Water quality testing and flushing: The process of cleaning and testing the water system is now over 90% complete and should be completed as soon as there is sufficient water to conclude the flushing, a week would be sufficient.

While some residents have called for the reactivation of water supply from the Temba Water Treatment Works, while waiting for increased volume, the department warned this would reverse the progress made to date and delay the completion of the flushing process to around mid-September 2025.

“The water currently being produced by the two modules meets the minimum safety standards (SANS 241:2015) and is being used to clean the system. However, residents in Module 2 are advised not to drink the water from their taps until official communication confirms the safe consumption and use of the water.

“We recognise the seriousness of the situation and assure the Hammanskraal community that all reasonable efforts are being made to restore a consistent and safe water supply. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and hardship caused by these challenges,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za