Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Southern African nations to remain united and vigilant in safeguarding their hard-won freedom, as the region commemorates Southern Africa Liberation Day.

In a statement on Monday, President Ramaphosa – in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – paid tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

“Through their unwavering commitment and resilience, many freedom fighters and ordinary citizens made immense sacrifices in the fight against colonial rule and apartheid, laying the foundation for the peace, dignity, and sovereignty we uphold today,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa also reflected on the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola, describing it as a turning point in the liberation of Southern Africa. He acknowledged the role played by Cuba in supporting regional liberation movements against apartheid forces.
The President said the battle contributed significantly to Namibia’s independence in 1990 and paved the way for South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

While describing Liberation Day as a key milestone, President Ramaphosa stressed that it should not be treated as a symbolic ritual, but rather as an opportunity for reflection on the region’s progress in achieving self-determination, economic control and dignity.

He reiterated the importance of preserving liberation history, highlighting a 2018 SADC resolution to integrate the history of Southern Africa’s liberation into school curricula across member states.

President Ramaphosa further encouraged the naming of heritage sites, monuments and institutions after fallen heroes and heroines, saying this would preserve their legacy and inspire future generations.
Amid an increasingly uncertain global environment, the President urged SADC member states to remain focused and united in advancing regional integration and development.

“The liberation we commemorate will remain incomplete as long as some of our fellow Africans continue to yearn for self-determination,” he said, expressing solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that peace and dialogue must remain central to sustaining freedom and building a more just and equitable world.

“As with the SADC Founders and many who fought tirelessly for our liberation, we reaffirm that it is neither the colour of our skin, nor the size of our military arsenals, nor the magnitude of our national budgets that should determine our humanity or the sustainability of the human race as a whole. 

“May dialogue and peace be our most righteous armour to safeguard the freedom we continue to enjoy and work collectively toward a more just and equitable world,” he said.

He concluded by wishing the SADC region a peaceful and reflective Liberation Day. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has released the official payment schedule for social grants for the 2026/2027 financial year, providing beneficiaries with clarity on when to expect their monthly payments. 

In a statement on Monday, the agency said the release of the payment schedule comes after the approval by the National Treasury on Friday, 20 March. 

For April, older persons will be paid on 2 April, followed by disability grant beneficiaries on 7 April, and children’s grant recipients on 8 April.

In May, older persons will receive their grants on 5 May, disability grants will be paid on 6 May, and children’s grants on 7 May 2026. 

“The general principle for determining the grant payment dates for social grants is to ensure they are paid as early in the month as possible, staggered over three days. in most months the old age grant will be paid on the 2nd of each month, disability grant on the 3rd of the month and children grants on the 4th of the month,” the agency said. 

However, the agency said that to ensure the optimal functioning, the National Payment System and access to funds by grant beneficiaries, the following are also considered:
•    Payments should not be made a day after a holiday.
•    Payments should not be made on the 1st of the month or a Monday; and
•    Payment dates should not fall over a weekend.

In addition, should any of the payment dates fall on a weekend or public holiday, the payment will take effect the following working day. 

Meanwhile, as announced by the Minister of Finance during his Budget Speech last month, social grants from April will increase as follows:
•    Older Persons Grant, Disability Grant and Care Dependency Grant will increase by R80 to R2 400. 
•    War Veterans Grant will increase by R80 to R2 420.
•    Foster Child Grant will increase by R40 to R1 290.
•    Child Support Grant and Grant-In-Aid will increase by R20 to R580

“SASSA reiterates its commitment to paying social grants to eligible beneficiaries at the right time and appeals to all beneficiaries who may have not received their grants on these specified dates to visit their nearest SASSA local office for assistance,” the agency said. 

Beneficiaries can follow this link for the full social grant payment dates: https://www.sassa.gov.za/payment-dates-for-2025-2026-financial-year.   – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says typical autumn weather systems will dominate over the country this week.

“This consists of a surface trough over the western and central interior, with the Atlantic High extending its ridge over the southern and eastern parts of the country, resulting in isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers in places,” SAWS said on Monday.

Monday’s forecast shows partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread in KwaZulu-Natal.

Low chances of severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

There is a low to medium chance of flooding due to heavy downpours in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

On Tuesday, the weather will be partly cloudy and cool to warm with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. 

There will be a low chance of severe thunderstorms in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

A low to medium chance of possible flooding due to heavy downpours in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

• Wednesday – Low to medium chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape.
• Thursday – Low to medium chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Friday – Low to medium chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Saturday – Low to medium chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Sunday – Low to medium chance in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga.

Possible severe thunderstorms:

• Wednesday – Low chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape.
• Thursday – Low chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Friday – Low chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Saturday – Low chance in the Eastern Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.
• Sunday – Low chance in the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng provincial government is addressing operational inefficiencies identified at the psychiatric unit at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, following the death of a patient in a fire.

The inefficiencies at the hospital are being addressed through increasing capacity, strengthening security, enhancing staff training, installing additional CCTV cameras, and implementing fire remedial projects.

“When the draft report on the matter was presented to us, we immediately undertook an overhaul to rectify the situation and to ensure that this kind of incident does not occur within our institution again,” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said on Monday, during a media briefing in Pretoria.

He was responding to a report by Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on the findings from two investigations into patient safety incidents in Gauteng.

The briefing addressed the death of a mental health care user at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and the neonatal death at Netcare Femina Hospital (NFH).   

Ms L Mohlamme, a 35-year-old mental health care user, died following a fire incident while admitted at the public hospital. She had been brought to the hospital on 19 June 2024 by her brother-in-law.

The Health Ombud’s investigation sought to determine whether the care provided complied with the Mental Health Care Act, which requires that all mental health care users receive humane, dignified, and least restrictive care.

Following the conclusion of the investigation into the death of Mohlamme, professional bodies, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the South African Nursing Council (SANC), will be requested to consider the findings and to initiate appropriate professional conduct enquiries on the implicated health professionals.

“More broadly, the investigation uncovered systemic violations of the rights of mental health care users, including the use of punitive practices, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and insufficient staff knowledge of the Mental Health Care Act. The findings also point to systemic weaknesses and failures in governance and oversight overall,” Mokoena said.

Since receiving the preliminary report, the Gauteng government has added 12 nurses, bringing the total to 105 nurses.

The Health Ombud recommended the redesign and refurbishment of the psychiatric unit at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to comply with all legal requirements of the psychiatric unit, including security and safety requirements.

 “As reflected in the reports, the reporting processes and security structures were non-existent.  We have now strengthened these by assigning nine permanent security personnel who are stationed on-site so that in incidents of this nature, they are the first to respond.

“We are strengthening supervision to ensure that those tasked with this work are properly trained and capacitated. To date, we have trained 21 nurses and two social workers, enabling them to better understand the responsibilities outlined in the report. We have also installed additional CCTV cameras to allow security personnel to monitor situations in real time,” the Premier said.

The government has also implemented fire remedial projects – some are still in progress, while those completed resulted in the issuing of a certificate of fire compliance on 19 February. 

“This means that the hospital is now fire compliant, although there are still outstanding matters requiring urgent attention. We need to procure items such as certified fireproof mattresses and other issues identified in the report, which we believe are critical to achieving full compliance,” Panyaza added.

The report also recommended upgrades to include the patient recreation and rehabilitation facilities.

“Protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of mental health care users is not optional; it’s a constitutional and legislative imperative. The Health Ombud will continue to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and will work with all stakeholders to ensure that such a tragedy does not occur again.”

Key findings in the Mohlamme case include the following:

• Her admission process did not comply with legal requirements, where two medical practitioners did not independently examine and commit the patient in the prescribed form and manner, thus rendering the application technically invalid.
• Mechanical restraint was applied in excess, inconsistent with national policy guidelines.
• A history of alleged sexual assault that she gave was not appropriately assessed, documented, or reported to the South African Police Services as required, thus representing both clinical and legal procedure failures.
• Prescribed medication was deliberately withheld as punishment. However, medical records were falsified to indicate administration.
• The patient was denied food as punishment during the seclusion.
• The required safety procedures were not followed during the seclusion process.
• The seclusion room was poorly located, being very far from the nurses’ station, and lacked adequate monitoring devices.
• Safety fire concerns raised by another patient were dismissed.
• The patient was not thoroughly searched before being committed to the seclusion room. The patient had a cigarette lighter on her person, which she most probably used to start the fire.
• Emergency exits were locked and keys were misplaced or hidden.
• Disaster-preparedness systems were inadequate.
• Mattresses in the psychiatric unit were not fireproof or fire-retardant and thus readily allowed ignition and spread of fire.
• A postmortem confirmed that Mohlamme was alive during the fire and died from severe burn injuries. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The countdown to Africa’s most prestigious horse racing and lifestyle event has officially begun, with preparations gaining momentum, following the reveal of the theme for the 2026 edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

The glitzy affair is set to take place on 4 July at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse in KwaZulu-Natal.

Unveiled recently at The Parade Ring within racecourse, the 2026 theme, “Country Allure,” calls on designers, fashion enthusiasts and racegoers to draw inspiration from rural landscapes blended with classic racing elegance.

The theme sets the stage for another standout edition of one of Durban’s flagship events, while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a leading destination for premier events. Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli, welcomed the announcement and reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to delivering a world-class experience.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of punters, fashion enthusiasts and visitors to Durban, boosting tourism and hospitality. The event remains key in driving economic growth, supporting jobs and the fashion industry, and contributing to the City’s GDP [gross domestic product]. Preparations will now begin to ensure a safe, seamless and memorable Durban July experience for all,” Ntuli said.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July continues to be a major economic driver for eThekwini.

The 2025 edition attracted more than 40 000 attendees and contributed approximately R840 million to Durban’s GDP. It supported around 4 500 jobs, generated R50 million in tax revenue and achieved hotel occupancy rates of 80% during race week.

Organisers expect an even greater impact in 2026.

Designer Mzwandile Mathonsi, founder of the ZWANDYY fashion brand, said the theme offers significant creative and commercial potential.

“The ‘Country Allure’ theme is rich with storytelling, allowing us to explore heritage and sophistication in bold ways. The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a platform to grow, reach new audiences and showcase African creativity. As a product of the City’s Fashion Development Programme, I am proud to be part of this journey and ready to deliver standout designs,” he said.

Stephen Marshall of Race Coast said the theme celebrates the heritage and authenticity of horse racing while inspiring creativity in fashion and design.

Meanwhile, Hollywoodbets spokesperson Devin Heffer described the event as a timeless celebration of sport, fashion and entertainment, adding that preparations are well underway to deliver another memorable edition.

Heffer described the event as a timeless celebration of sport, fashion, and entertainment that continues to attract guests from across the country and abroad. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has officially handed over the completed Avon Water Project in the Blouberg Local Municipality, within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo, bringing much-needed water services to the Ga-Seakamela community.

The R22.9 million project, funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), was implemented to assist the Capricorn District Municipality in addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the village, which previously did not have a reliable source of water.

The handover ceremony held on Friday, was led by DWS Limpopo Provincial Head Lucy Kobe, alongside Capricorn District Municipality Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor Maria Thamaga, and representatives from Lepelle Northern Water.

As part of the programme, the delegation conducted site visits, including to Selaelo Primary School, where boreholes have been installed to improve water access.

Kobe said the project includes two newly drilled boreholes and four refurbished ones, with a combined yield of 604.8 kilolitres per day at a 24-hour pumping cycle.

“In addition, the project includes five pump houses, a 200-kilolitre elevated steel tank, the construction of three kilometres of bulk pipeline and one kilometre of galvanised steel pipeline connecting boreholes to storage reservoirs, as well as the reticulation of 100 standpipes and palisade fencing for the infrastructure,” Kobe said.

Local government leaders welcomed the project, noting its positive impact on residents’ quality of life.

Kobe also urged communities to safeguard water infrastructure against vandalism and to use water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.

The handover forms part of activities marking National Water Month and contributes to the global observance of World Water Day on 22 March.

The event concluded with a community engagement session at Ditlou Sports Grounds, where residents expressed appreciation for ongoing service delivery efforts.

New water project to boost supply in Harry Gwala District

Meanwhile, the department, in partnership with the Harry Gwala District Municipality, is set to officially launch the Bhongweni Water Supply Project in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, as part of National Water Month.

The project is expected to significantly improve access to clean, safe and reliable water for underserved rural communities in the Harry Gwala District.

Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by DWS and implemented by the Harry Gwala District Municipality.

Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by the department and implemented by the municipality.

According to the department, the scope of work includes upgrading approximately five kilometres of secondary bulk pipeline to a 315mm diameter, running from the water treatment works to the distribution reservoir supplying the Bhongweni area.

“It also includes upgrading a service reservoir to a capacity of 2.5 megalitres, as well as the extension and upgrading of reticulation mains to accommodate both existing households and future developments,” the department said.

Once completed, the project will provide reliable water supply to 3,783 households in Bhongweni Township, with infrastructure designed to support up to 5,626 households by 2047.

“This forward-looking investment ensures long-term water security for a growing community and highlights government’s ongoing commitment to closing service delivery gaps and ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing this basic human right,” the department said.

For many households in Bhongweni and surrounding areas, the project represents a critical step toward dignity, improved health, and sustainable livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za

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Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, together with the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, are today conducting a ministerial oversight visit to the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

Monday’s visit to the border in Limpopo, forms part of the BMA’s preparations for the upcoming Easter period, one of the busiest travel seasons across South Africa’s ports of entry. 

“The oversight aims to assess operational readiness, evaluate systems and personnel deployment, and ensure that measures are in place to facilitate the efficient movement of travellers while maintaining border security,” the BMA said in a statement. 

The Minister and the Commissioner will conduct borderline patrols to test deployed equipment during the visit. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As part of ongoing efforts to combat motor vehicle theft, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane conducted targeted operations, which led to the raid of three properties linked to suspected criminal activities.

“On Thursday, members of the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) carried out an intelligence-driven operation following information received from a community member regarding a premises allegedly involved in the disposal of stolen vehicles,” the police said in a statement.

The information was verified through observation, after which an operation was executed at the identified premises.

“Upon arrival, police discovered multiple motor vehicle engines with tampered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), as well as a trailer with an altered VIN. Several vehicle wiring harnesses were also recovered and linked to cases reported at various police stations in the Tshwane District.

“Further investigations led members to an additional property associated with the suspect, where 18 stripped motor vehicle bodies were found.

“These were positively linked to stolen vehicles reported within the Tshwane District and as far as Witbank, Mpumalanga,” the police said.

At a nearby premises, two vehicles were also inspected. One was confirmed stolen, while a half-ton truck was found with a tampered VIN.

In total, police confiscated four tampered motor vehicle engines, one double-axle vehicle transporter, four vehicle wiring harnesses, four stripped vehicle bodies and one stolen motor vehicle.

Investigations are ongoing, with additional vehicle parts still being examined. Efforts to trace and arrest all suspects involved continue.

The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, commended the members for their dedication and commitment to dismantling vehicle theft syndicates. – SAnews.gov.za

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Dozens of lives and several homes were saved at the Kennedy Road informal settlement, west of Durban, after residents used recently acquired fire safety skills to contain a fast-spreading blaze.

Community members trained in fire safety and disaster risk reduction acted as first responders, bringing the fire under control before emergency services arrived and preventing what could have escalated into a devastating disaster in an area historically prone to destructive fires.

The blaze broke out in Ward 25, destroying four structures and partially damaging two others.

As flames threatened to engulf the homes, trained residents mobilised quickly, forming response teams, extinguishing hotspots and safely guided affected families to safety.

One of the trained residents, Linda Lloyd, described the experience as both terrifying and empowering.

“We saw the flames rising and knew we could not wait for help. The skills we learned kicked in immediately,” Lloyd said.

Lloyd noted that the team worked together to control the fire without assistance from emergency services.

“If it were not for the training, this fire could have destroyed rows of homes. Today, we have families still alive and homes still standing,” he said.

Last year, eThekwini Municipality’s Disaster Management and Fire Services units, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre, trained 100 Kennedy Road residents in fire safety and disaster risk reduction.

Kennedy Road has historically experienced frequent fires, resulting in displacement, injuries and a loss of life. The training programme aimed to equip residents with the skills to respond swiftly during emergencies, an investment that proved invaluable during the recent incident.

Ward 25 Councillor Themba Mkhize commended the residents’ courage and unity.

“This is the first time Kennedy Road residents have acted as first responders without relying on Fire or Disaster Management Services. Their actions prevented widespread destruction and possible loss of life. This demonstrates the impact of empowering communities,” Mkhize said.

Acting Divisional Commander Zwelethu Thusi also commended the residents for effectively putting their training into action.

“Hearing that residents managed to contain the fire themselves is extremely encouraging. It shows that the skills imparted are saving lives and reducing damage,” Thusi said.

Thusi added that the municipality is currently exploring ways to expand the training to other high-risk communities to ensure safer and better prepared neighbourhoods across eThekwini. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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