Category: South Africa Government

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Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

Source: South Africa News Agency

Disaster Management Committee assesses impact of adverse weather

An urgent special meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) to respond to the country’s adverse weather conditions was convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa.

“The meeting was appraised by all provincial and sector departments on the state of play on the ground as disaster relief efforts are underway, stemming from the current incident.  

“The meeting noted that solid progress has been made in ensuring families who have lost their homes are housed in alternative accommodation,” the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said of Tuesday’s meeting.

The (ICDM) includes political leaders from all three levels of government and is responsible for ensuring a coordinated response across all sectors for the effective implementation of disaster management interventions.

This group involves representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). 

The Ministry believes that the current weather conditions serve as a “stark” reminder that climate change is real and that more needs to be done to save lives and livelihoods. 

In addition, technical experts were mobilised to ensure that urgent attention is paid to the damaged water infrastructure and that water tankers be directed where they are needed. 

Meanwhile, other teams are being deployed in some areas to provide psycho-social services. 

Social partners and various non-governmental organisations like the Gift of the Givers and Al-Imdaad Foundation are also helping. 
“The ICDM has commended them for their efforts to provide hot meals, blankets and other support measures,” said the Ministry.
 

Eastern Cape severe weather conditions

All provinces have faced severe incidents of extremely cold weather, with coastal provinces experiencing rough seas and rainfall. 
According to CoGTA, the Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit by the current severe weather incident.

“Sadly, a scholar transport minibus transporting children was unfortunately swept by water, leading to loss of life.  

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic bus accident, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we extend our sincere condolences to them,” said Hlabisa.

According to the latest reports, the search for pupils who were swept away in floods near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape is set to resume after their minibus taxi was carried off a bridge. 

Some media reports say three children survived the ordeal after they were found clinging to a tree.

The department said the rescue operations and search for the rest of the learners led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) around Mthatha are still ongoing.   

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier said the death toll in the OR Tambo District Municipality has risen to nine.
The Office of the Premier reported that hundreds of people have been displaced and are currently accommodated in various community halls throughout the OR Tambo District Municipality. 

In the Amathole District, over 200 people have been relocated from the Sikiti Informal Settlement to A.B. Bam Primary School. 
In addition, numerous people from the Eugene and Zithulele Informal Settlements have been housed at the Butterworth Town Hall. Power outages have been reported in some areas due to the torrential rains in both district municipalities.

Cleanup actions

The meeting acknowledged and praised the members of various cleanup teams, including those from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) and several municipalities in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

These teams have successfully ensured that all major roads are reopened, allowing traffic to flow smoothly. Many of the roads had been impassable since the weekend due to heavy snowfall.

“While this is good news, members of the public are once again explicitly reminded to drive with extreme caution as roads are wet and, above all, are advised not to attempt to pass through streams or strong flowing rivers.” 

READ | Mop-up operations underway in KwaZulu-Natal after heavy snowfall

READ  | Eastern Cape government activates disaster teams in response to cold front

CoGTA has announced that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has indicated that the inclement weather would be coming to an end as the cut-off low-pressure system is moving out to sea. The weather is expected to improve from Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile

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Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future

Source: South Africa News Agency

Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future

Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future and will have a major role to play in powering South Africa’s growth and employment prospects.

This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) in Cape Town.

The green hydrogen economy is a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low carbon emissions coupled with a global potential of at least $300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.

South Africa holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and 40% of the world’s platinum and palladium reserves which are key components in the production of hydrogen – placing it in a potentially lucrative position.

“Green hydrogen is a big part of the South African growth story because it helps us to beneficiate our upstream endowments in the form of our PGMs. Mining has got the highest employment absorption capacity of any sector so it’s going to help us beneficiate and get more and more people into employment,” he said.

Furthermore, the burgeoning sector has a big role to play in South Africa’s transition from a carbon intensive country to one powered in the main, by renewable energy technologies.

“It’s going to help us transition what we call the ‘hard to abate sectors’ of the economy. Electricity is a large part of our emissions and that’s why we are working with Eskom to reduce the emission levels.

“The next contributor to emissions is transportation but it’s very difficult to retrofit some of the renewable energy solutions…on aviation and maritime. So, we needed another solution and green hydrogen provides that solution,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister acknowledged that the sector remains “cost prohibitive” but assured that he expects those costs to reduce. 

“We are confident that with the maturity of the technology, we are going to come in competitively and it’s going to help us transition.

“Of course, it’s also going to help us diversify energy sources. It’s going to help us to ensure that there’s a multiplicity of energy choices in relation to how we meet our power needs. Green hydrogen is a big part of the conversation,” he told SAnews.

Turning to the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, Ramokgopa said African countries must align 

“The summit…will help us to position the continent in relation to how we can align policy to ensure that the continent benefits as a whole. We are capable of producing 60% of global renewable energy…but the total investment is less than 1%.

“So it is important that we align; we coordinate our efforts, see ourselves as a grouping of countries on the continent that can benefit from the endowments we have,” Ramokgopa said.

Unlocking employment

The green hydrogen industry is expected to create thousands of permanent and temporary job opportunities in South Africa with a particular focus on youth employment.

Two young people already hard at work in the sector are PhD graduates Dr Mphoma Matseke and Dr Victor Mashindi who spoke exclusively to SAnews.

The two youngsters are currently employed at Isondo Precious Metals which is playing a pioneering role in Africa’s green hydrogen economy.

Matseke highlighted that as the country moves toward green energy solutions, young people need to be more informed about renewable energy and how it works.

“As a young person, if you go to primary schools and even high schools and you ask them about green energy, they don’t have an idea of what you’re talking about. So, I feel like this is a platform that we can use to put the message out there about green energy and its applications.

“It feels amazing to be working at the cutting edge of technology,” she said.

Mashindi echoed the sentiments of his counterpart – describing the acceleration towards renewable energy technology as a boon for youth in science.

“Working with cutting edge technology at the forefront of renewable energy technology is very exciting because often times you mainly do theoretical studies at university and then you go on and work in a bank or a municipality.

“So…this is exciting because you get to apply the knowledge to solve real life problems. Knowing that we will be contributing meaningfully towards the development of the economy and the science and technology behind that keeps us going.

“I encourage young people to study sciences such as chemistry because these are the sciences that are taking us forward. There will be more facilities like these and more jobs in this industry…the future is really bright,” Mashinidi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Parents arrested for alleged child pornography, sexual grooming of daughters

Source: South Africa News Agency

Parents arrested for alleged child pornography, sexual grooming of daughters

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 47-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man in Bloubergstrand, in the Western Cape, for the alleged sexual abuse of their two daughters, aged three and eight. 

“The suspects face multiple charges, including the production of child sexual abuse material (commonly referred to as “child pornography”), rape, sexual assault and sexual grooming,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

The victims were rescued during the police operation and have since been placed in a place of safety.

“The operation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the national and Western Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations Units, officials from the Department of Social Development supported by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI),” the police said. 

The suspects were located at a residence identified through joint investigative efforts.

Several electronic devices were seized during the arrest on Tuesday.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Eastern Cape government activates disaster teams in response to cold front

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has activated its disaster management teams in response to severe cold front and associated weather conditions that have struck the province since Monday, 9 June 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the provincial government confirmed that emergency response teams have been dispatched to various areas and are working around the clock to provide critical support to communities impacted by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Alert Level 6, warning of disruptive snowfall in high-lying regions of the province, potential road closures, flooding, and possible power interruptions.

Several roads have been affected by the heavy rains, including the R61 from Umthatha to Ngcobo and N2 to Kokstad near Emakhaphetshwini outside Umthatha. Damages have also been reported in homes in the OR Tambo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman Districts and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Rescue teams were dispatched to bolster rescue efforts just along the R61 outside Mthatha, where three children were stuck on a tree. The children have since been rescued.

The provincial government also confirmed that roads such as Wapadsberg Pass, along the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet, have been blanketed in snow, prompting a warning to motorists to drive with extreme caution.

“The provincial government’s primary objective is to safeguard lives and infrastructure during this extreme weather event. Community members are advised to remain alert, monitor official updates, and strictly follow safety directives,” the provincial government said.

Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential traveling, as well as travelling through flood-prone and mountainous areas.

He also urged citizens to immediately report hazards, such as downed power lines and road accidents to the nearest authorities.

“Our disaster teams are on high alert and ready to respond wherever assistance is needed. We urge the public to stay cautious and prioritise safety above all else.

“Government is fully mobilised, coordinating closely with local municipalities and emergency services to manage the impact of the weather system and support those affected,” Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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National Convention to set agenda for the National Dialogue

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, which will represent the diversity of the South African nation and set the agenda for the National Dialogue.

The National Dialogue is an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in the country and many other people for some time now. 

“This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue. 

“It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others,” the President said on Tuesday.

The initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society. 

Over the last few months, government has been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the dialogue. 

WATCH | Announcement of the National Dialogue
 

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“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation. 

“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,” the President said. 

Following the negotiations process, he explained that dialogue was used to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division. 

He said the country achieved all this because everyone came together in dialogue to discuss difficulties, concerns, hopes and inspiration as a people. The country has worked together for more than 30 years to realise the promise of a democratic Constitution. 

Challenges 

Additionally, progress has been made in expanding freedom, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of millions, while also recognising the persistent challenges that remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent the nation and country from reaching its full potential.

“Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society. 

“We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children. 

“We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex] community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue,” he said. 

Shared vision

The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country in order to reimagine the future. 

“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system. 

“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” the President said. 

The dialogue is expected to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030 and help lay the groundwork for the next phase of the National Development Plan. 

He emphasised that the dialogue is not a single event, but rather a phased, participatory process beginning with local consultations and sector-specific discussions and culminating in provincial and national engagements.

Through various political, social and other formations, in workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation’s path into the future. 

“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.

“This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” he said. 

The President said he expects that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans. 

Eminent Persons Group

To guide and champion the National Dialogue, the President has appointed an Eminent Persons Group. 

He said these are leading figures in society, reflecting the country’s diversity with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. 

The members of the group are:
• Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, 
• Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, 
• Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, 
• Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, 
• Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, 
• Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, 
• Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, 
• Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, 
• Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, 
• Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, 
• Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, 
• His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, 
• His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, 
• The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, 
• Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, 
• Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, 
• Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, 
• Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, 
• Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, 
• Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, 
• Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, 
• Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, 
• Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, 
• Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, 
• Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, 
• Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, 
• Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, 
• Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, 
• Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, 
• Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, 
• Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist. 

The President added that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability. 

“I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process,” he said. 

IMC

An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC)  has been established under the chairpersonship of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue. 

The President said a Steering Committee will be established, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the dialogue process. 

The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council. 

“As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Mop-up operations underway in KwaZulu-Natal after heavy snowfall

Source: South Africa News Agency

Mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

Giving an update on the snowfall response measures, following the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the coordinated efforts of motor grader operators and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), who worked around the clock to ensure the free traffic flow.

Duma said the department on Tuesday set a target to remove the snow that blanketed the N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.

“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm. They have done exactly that and in record time. This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.

Snowfall response measures

In anticipation of severe weather, the province activated its comprehensive snowfall response plan following alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). 

Measures included:

•    The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.
•    Drivers of motor graders sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders to be stationed on identified routes to ensure that the response is faster.
•    The provincial government interacted with the South African Weather Service to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.

Duma said t the province has applied lessons learned during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system.

However, despite these efforts, he said several motorists, including trucks and luxury buses, became stuck along the N2 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed the warning from the SA Weather Service. If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.

District municipalities road conditions

The Department of Transport also provided an update on the status of roads across various district municipalities:
•    eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on the coastal area.
•    Ilembe District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on coastal area at this time.
•    uMgungundlovu District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy Berg winds currently.
•    Umkhanyakude District Municipality: All roads are open. Experiencing windy conditions. The main concern is a fallen tree on the road at R22, Section 2, which was reported last night. Our standby team responded promptly and removed the tree. The rehabilitation contracts are proceeding smoothly with only day closures currently in place. 
•    Zululand District Municipality: No issues have been reported, and the patrol teams are actively monitoring the route.
•    King Cetshwayo District Municipality: All seems to be in order for now. The patrol teams are inspecting the route.
•    N2 Ugu District Municipality: Rain with strong winds. Fallen trees are being attended by Routine Road Management (RRM). No major issues to report on the N2 towards Port Edward and N2 towards Harding.
•    Harry Gwala District Municipality: The N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad triangle is closed due to the snow. N2 from Kokstad triangle (Kokstad Bridge project) towards Brooksnek is also closed due to snow.
•    Amajuba District Municipality: N11-3 and 4 is clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.
•    Uthukela District Municipality: N11-1 and 2 are clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. Snow on the Drakensberg but not effecting any roads.
•    Umzinyathi District Municipality: N11-3 clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.

“There is rain and strong winds in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo. uMzimkhulu RTI and RRM closed the road on the N2 Stafford Post (Umzimkhulu area) because motorists are not heeding snow warnings and trying to go through despite the snow in Beesterkraal,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences pour in for judicial stalwart, Justice Sangoni

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has hailed former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni’s contribution to the law fraternity following his passing.

He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 78, following a short illness.

Sangoni also served as a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.

“His passing is a profound loss, not only to the justice system, but also to the nation, especially to the people under the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council, whom he served with distinction and dedication, and who will remember him for his unwavering commitment to justice and community leadership.

“The passing of Justice Sangoni leaves a vacuum in the justice fraternity that can never be filled. His contributions to the judiciary and the country at large will forever be remembered and cherished,” Kubayi said.

Sangoni’s legal career spanned some 40 years and culminated in his appointment as Judge President in the Eastern Cape High Court in 2010 – a position he held until his retirement in 2017.

“Justice Sangoni passes away at a critical time as South Africa is seized with efforts to expand access to justice. His passing comes as the department intensifies its work on developing Traditional Courts Regulations aimed at transforming existing Traditional Courts to align them with the values and principles of the Constitution. 

“Justice Sangoni, whose life and career bridged both the judicial and traditional leadership spheres, would have made a profound contribution to this important work,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President passes condolences for former Eastern Cape High Court Judge President

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

The passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni, is a “profound loss” to South Africa’s legal heritage.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has expressed his condolences to Sangoni’s family, following the justice’s passing on Tuesday.

“The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community, and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage.

“Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence,” the President said.

He praised Sangoni’s commitment and service to the bench in the Eastern Cape.

“Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province.

“Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts.

“We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction. May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Condolences for families who lost loved ones in cold snap

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the families of the six people who died as a result of severe weather and flooding in the Eastern Cape.

The province has experienced flooding, windy conditions and snow recently. 

The President implored communities to take caution as the severe winter conditions persists. 

“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute. I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.

“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.

“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers. We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions,” the President said in his statement on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the President urged communities to stand together during this time.

“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.

“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability. Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring,” President Ramaphosa said. 

This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality.

This as the cut-off low system persists over the interior of the country.

READ | Eastern Cape residents urged to postpone travel amid warning of heavy rain

Meanwhile, adverse weather has also affected other parts of the country with the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone having been closed due to snowfall.

“To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603 – Tacoma to Reit. Our message to motorists and snow chasers is that prevention is better than cure,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.

READ | N2 in KZN closed due to snowfall

In addition, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to take extra caution when driving on the roads as icy cold weather conditions have gripped the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The North West Provincial Government ( NWPG) has urged communities to stay vigilant amid severe weather and strong, fire-spreading winds.

“Freezing weather is upon us and an increasing dependence on indoor heating techniques like paraffin stoves, heaters and open fires are likely to be the order of the day,” the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said in a statement.

READ | Call for caution as severe winter weather increases risk of domestic and veld fires

Ahead of the start of the icy weather, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, also called for increased vigilance.

“This intense cold front is expected to begin over the weekend and affect large parts of the country,” he said in a statement on Friday.

– SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister proposes biosecurity compact to safeguard SA’s food systems

Source: South Africa News Agency

Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has proposed the development of a National Biosecurity Compact – shared commitment between government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen South Africa’s preparedness and resilience against biological threats.

Speaking at the National Biosecurity Summit 2025, held at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, Steenhuisen outlined the objectives of the proposed compact, which aims to coordinate national responses to animal and plant health risks.

“This compact will define baseline vaccine stock levels; clarify roles and responsibilities during outbreaks; embed data-sharing mechanisms and institutional partnerships like the Biosecurity Hub; and provide a framework for coordinated, credible, and timely responses,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuisen argued that the initiative is not only about defending against risk, but “it is about enabling growth.”

He said export markets require sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, and they demand evidence of control, traceability, and institutional readiness.

“Strengthening our biosecurity systems opens the door to new trade opportunities, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence in South African agriculture. Biosecurity is not a “nice-to-have”, [but] it is as fundamental to national stability as clean water, reliable electricity, or functioning roads.

“When it works, farmers prosper, food remains affordable, and our exports flourish. When it fails, the consequences are steep—economically, socially, and politically. We have the tools [and] the institutions, and now, we have the momentum,” the Minister said.

The Minister also noted one of the country’s most significant structural weaknesses, vaccine production, highlighting operational backlogs and infrastructure limitations at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) – the country’s primary vaccine producer.

“We cannot afford to repeat the failures of the past. Vaccines are not a luxury – they are the first line of defence in any biosecurity system, and we will hold OBP accountable.”

To address these challenges, the Minister announced that his office has implemented quarterly performance reviews, brought independent oversight, and is actively investigating diversification options to reduce dependence on a single supplier.

Addressing veterinarian shortage

The Minister also raised concerns about the critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly in the poultry industry and rural areas.
“Nationally, we require 400 veterinarians. We currently have around 70 in the public system,” the Minister said.

To close this gap, he said the department is expanding vet training posts, creating rural internships opportunities, and building regional partnerships.

“Through the Biosecurity Hub, we are also mapping career pathways to attract a new generation of animal health professionals.”

Biosecurity Hub at Innovation Africa

Launched in October 2022, the Biosecurity Hub is a joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture, then Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and Department of Science Technology and Innovation.

The hub is an innovative platform designed to foster collaboration, enhance information sharing, and strengthen our collective capacity to respond to biological threats, not only for South Africa, but potentially across the continent.

It is a strategic outcome aligned with the overarching objectives of the Agricultural Agro-Processing Masterplan (AAPM) and the Decadal Plan. Both these national frameworks emphasise the importance of safeguarding agricultural value chains, promoting sustainable, trade, agro-processing, and ensuring food security utilising also biotechnologically advanced practices. – SAnews.gov.za