Category: South Africa Government

The eThekwini Municipality is experiencing a bumper festive season, with visitors to the city contributing an economic boom of some R6 billion to the city’s coffers.

This according to Municipal Mayor Cyril Xaba, who briefed the media on Monday.

“From December 1 to date, we have received 490 152 visitors. Hotel occupancy currently stands at 70%, with a direct visitor spend of R1.8 billion and an estimated contribution of over R6 billion to the city’s GDP. These indicators confirm strong festive season performance and sustained tourism demand.  

“While Durban is well known for its warm beaches, many visitors have also come to enjoy a variety of attraction and events hosted across the city. Total attendance at these signature events currently stands at 83 000, with an additional 61 000 attendees expected,” Xaba said.

He noted that the festive season is showing a “clear and measurable uplift in tourism activity across Durban”.

“Strong attendance at signature events increased accommodation occupancy, expanded tour operations, cruise passenger arrivals and high beachfront usage all point to sustained festive demand.

“Durban is delivering a vibrant, safe and well-coordinated festive season, translating into strong visitor numbers, meaningful economic impact and renewed confidence in the city as South Africa’s leading summer destination,” Xaba added.

Since the beginning of December, more than 873 000 visitors visited beaches.

On 16 December alone, some 201 000 visitors visited the beachfront, “making it the busiest day in recent history”.

“Despite this unprecedented crowd, the city is proud to report zero drownings and no major incidents on the day. This reflects the dedication and professionalism of our staff including lifeguards, emergency and disaster management staff, as well as law enforcement agencies.

“It is exciting to note that Durban is experiencing a bumper festive season last seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evident in the significant number of visitors who have already descended on our shores ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve,” Xaba said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Social Development’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) has reiterated its commitment to remaining open for 24 hours a day and seven days a week during this festive season.

The centre provides free, confidential and immediate support to survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“The GBVCC offers online trauma counselling, telephonic support, referrals to social workers, shelters, psychosocial services and law enforcement, ensuring that survivors receive timely assistance when they need it most.

“As South Africa enters the festive season, the department urges communities to remain vigilant and to report all forms of GBVF, noting that this period is historically associated with an increase in cases,” the department said.

The centre’s manager, Carol Tladi, noted that as the festive season ramps up, women and children face heightened risk.

“Our data consistently show that cases of gender-based violence increase during the festive season.

“Alcohol abuse, as well as the use of legal and illegal substances, remains one of the key drivers contributing to these incidents,” she explained.

Communities are urged to “play an active role in preventing violence, supporting survivors and reporting perpetrators”.

“GBVF is everyone’s responsibility. Help is available. Speak out,” the department said.

For assistance, contact the centre through the following means:

• Call: 0800 428 428
• Dial: *120*7867# from any cellphone
• Send a “Please Call Me” to *120*7867# – SAnews.gov.za

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Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, are conducting an oversight visit to the Brits Water Treatment Works in the North West.

The Brits Water Treatment Works is a critical infrastructure project of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) aimed at strengthening water provision for the Madibeng Local Municipality and surrounding areas.

“The Brits Water Treatment Works is a key bulk water supply infrastructure project, funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), at a value of over R80 million and implemented by the Magalies Water Board,” the DWS said in a statement.

The project is part of government efforts to “support Water Services Authorities in meeting their constitutional obligation to provide safe and reliable water”.

“Once fully operational, the upgraded Plant will increase its treatment capacity from 60 to 80 megalitres per day, improving the treatment of raw water, strengthening pumping and pipeline systems and enhancing the distribution network up to bulk reservoirs,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has arrested some 227 motorists for drunk driving.

This after JMPD officers conducted roadblocks, patrols and operations across the city over the past week.

JMPD Chief of Police, Patrick Jaca, emphasised that the arrests are aimed at averting road accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.

“We are seeing very high numbers of accidents on our roads, and more people are being killed. It is our responsibility to ensure that this does not continue and that we reduce these numbers.

“Each arrest made represents a potential tragedy averted and a commitment to protecting innocent residents and visitors. We will build a force feared by transgressors but trusted by the people,” Jaca said.

The JMPD warned would be perpetrators that its festive season campaign continues unabated.

“Under our zero-tolerance approach, our officers will remain deployed 24/7 across major routes and hotspots to ensure compliance with the law.

“We urge all motorists to designate a sober driver before heading out. Utilise e-hailing services or public transport if consuming alcohol. Respect the rules of the road to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

“Our message is clear: if you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested. Let us work together to make this festive season a safe one for all,” the law enforcement agency said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting Gauteng Premier, Jacob Mamabolo, has condemned the escalation in mass shootings that have occurred in the province.

This after a mass shooting at a tavern in Bekkersdal claimed the lives of at least nine people and left 10 injured.

Earlier this month, another mass shooting in Saulsville, Tshwane, left at least 11 people dead and 14 others injured.

At least three other incidents – in Reiger Park, Westbury and Olievenhoutbosch – have been reported this year.

“We will intensify operations to shut down illegal taverns, remove illegal firearms from our streets and disrupt the networks that enable such violence.

“We call upon our communities to share any information regarding this shooting or any other criminal activity with the police. We will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities and turn them into scenes of carnage,” Mamabolo said.

He conveyed condolences to the affected families.

“Our hearts are heavy, and we convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who are injured,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

Police have launched a manhunt to find suspects linked to the mass shooting perpetrated at a tavern in Bekkersdal in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident claimed 11 lives, with 10 others taken to medical facilities for injuries.

“It is reported that about 12 unknown suspects in a white kombi and a silver sedan opened fire at tavern patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they fled the scene. The tavern is licensed.

“Police have mobilised all the necessary resources, including Forensic Crime Scene Management and Crime Intelligence. The motive for the shooting will be determined by investigation,” police said in a statement.

Acting Gauteng Premier, Jacob Mamabolo, vowed that the provincial government will lend its support to the police as the investigation continues.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government will provide all the necessary support to the South African Police Service (SAPS) as they conduct a manhunt and investigation to find the perpetrators of this heinous act.

“We have full confidence in our law enforcement agencies and call on them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring those responsible are apprehended and face the full might of the law,” Mamabolo said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or send tip-offs on the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

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Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has extended condolences on the passing of the National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Riegel Du Toit.

“The Minister extends her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Advocate Du Toit during this difficult time.

“The Minister further conveys her sympathies to his colleagues and the entire prosecutorial fraternity who have lost a committed and respected public servant,” the department said in a statement.

The veteran prosecutor, Du Toit secured lengthy sentences for the murder of German supercar specialist Uwe Gemballa and played a role in the prosecution of infamous Czech organised crime boss, Radovan Krejcir.

Du Toit was assigned protection after his name was found on a hit list during a raid at Krejcir’s home.

“Advocate Du Toit served the justice system with dedication and professionalism, contributing meaningfully to the work of the National Prosecuting Authority and the broader pursuit of justice,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather warning for disruptive rains and severe thunderstorms across the country for today.

The warnings for rain are as follows:

• Orange level 5 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected over the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo.
• Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected in the northern parts of Mpumalanga and southwestern Limpopo, except in the extreme southeast.
• Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorm, leading to heavy downpours, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail a populated are expected over Gauteng, extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo, southern parts of Mpumalanga, eastern parts of North West, eastern parts of Free State, as well as the western parts KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow level 1 warning: Severe thunderstorms, leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges/areas, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail are expected over the north-central parts of the Northern Cape.

The weather service also issued warnings for possible fire danger in parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

“Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the over the western parts of the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the northern parts of the Western Cape. 

“Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in places over Namakwa district in the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the Western Cape, except along the south coast and adjacent interior,” the SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has assured that it will keep the lights on this festive season and meet demand.

In a statement, the power utility said the national power system remains stable and consistently meets “demand as Eskom’s generation performance continues to improve”.

“The success of the Generation Recovery Plan, combined with the intensified planned maintenance implemented last year, has strengthened the fleet and enhanced operational resilience.

“These achievements position Eskom to reliably meet peak festive season demand, support economic activity and reinforce energy security for South Africa,” Eskom explained.

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) stands at some 66.12% – an improvement of 8.43% at the same time last year when the EAF stood at 57.69%.

“Year-to-date, EAF has increased to 63.85%, with the fleet achieving or exceeding the 70% benchmark on 39 occasions. These results demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in generation performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability.

“The improvement in EAF is largely attributable to a continued reduction in unplanned outages, alongside a moderate decline in planned maintenance levels,” the power utility said.

Eskom has gone more than 217 days without implementing load shedding, with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded earlier this financial year.

“To maintain a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 4 670MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak [today].

“Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Parks (SANParks) says it is fully prepared to welcome increased visitor numbers to Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) this festive season. 

Visitors can expect an enjoyable visit at TMNP’s iconic sites, strong safety measures, and enhanced firefighting and environmental protection capacity.

“Visitors can look forward to fantastic scenery and unmatched views in the richly biodiverse TMNP with highlights including visiting the African penguins at Boulders penguin colony, 360-degree views from the Cape Point lighthouse or Signal Hill, standing on the table at the top of Table Mountain after a ride up the cableway or a hike up Platteklip Gorge, and picnicking at Silvermine Dam or Oudekraal beach. 

“A total of 850 kilometres of hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails await the adventurer to explore,” SANParks said in a statement. 

From April to October 2025, TMNP recorded 1 708 289 entries across its access points — an almost 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

With expected increases in flight and cruise ship arrivals, this upward trend is set to continue into December and January.

“TMNP now has 157 rangers deployed across the park, working closely with the 40-member Sea-Air-Mountain (SEAM) special operations unit. This unit was bolstered earlier this year with 24 additional elite rangers and the recent addition of six new operational vehicles,” SANParks said.

Drone technology has also been introduced to support safety patrols and firefighting operations.

“The park’s specialist teams continue to play a key role in visitor protection and environmental crime prevention, achieving significant successes in reducing poaching, theft and other illegal activities. 

“The TMNP canine unit will receive further support through contracted, trained dogs and handlers during the festive period, while the unit undergoes a review to strengthen its long-term operations,” SANParks said.

To bolster the range of different measures in place, a Senior Manager responsible for visitor safety and resource protection will assume duties before mid-December to oversee safety coordination and guide volunteer involvement. 

Volunteers already play an important role in joint safety campaigns and operations to address groups conducting illegal activities in the park, such as overnighting and making fires outside of designated areas.

SANParks urged all visitors to prepare adequately. These are some of the steps they can take to prepare:

• Plan routes in advance and hike in groups.
• Share your itinerary and expected return time.
• Carry enough water and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Use tracking apps where possible.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged and carry a power bank.

Emergency contacts:

• TMNP Emergency Number: 086 110 6417
• Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR): 021 937 0300
• National Emergency Number: 112 (from a cellphone)

–  SAnews.gov.za

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