Category: South Africa Government

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Media Statement by Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, at the release of the National Security Strategy 2024 – 2028 and the National Intelligence Estimates 2019 – 2024

Source: President of South Africa –

Today marks a historic milestone in our democratic journey, one which speaks directly to the principles of national security, constitutional accountability, transparency, and national resilience as enshrined in our Section 198 of the Constitution.

In line with the commitment I made during the 2024 and today’s Budget Vote Debates, and in direct response to the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency, I am here to formally release the public versions of the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029, National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 and its the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs).

As explained during the Budget Debate, national security considerations dictate that we cannot release the current version of NIE and NIPs. Hence, we are publishing the NIE covering the period of the sixth Administration.

This is the first time in the history of the Republic of South Africa that such instruments of national intelligence are being released in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while maintaining the required integrity for national security. It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the state, to Parliament, and to the people.

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019–2024 provides a consolidated, evidence-based assessment of the strategic threats, risks, and opportunities facing our nation.  It is the product of collaborative inputs from across the national intelligence community under the tutelage of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee (NICOC) as per the provisions of the National Strategic Act 1994 (Act 39 of 1994), and other strategic partners.

It seeks to ensure that our national response to complex security issues, from illegal migration, espionage, cyber threats and transnational organised crime to climate security as well as domestic instability amongst others, is informed, proactive, and coordinated.

The NIE is directly aligned with our national planning instruments and consist of five themes namely:

• Threats to the economy, 
• Territorial integrity, 
• Authority of the state, 
• Threats to the wellbeing of South Africans, as well as 
• Threats emanating from the foreign or global terrain.  

The 2019–2024 National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs) were fully integrated with the priorities of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), as follows:

Domestic Intelligence Priorities

• Investigate threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic and business capacity and capabilities emanating from both domestic and foreign actors and events. 

• Improve intelligence capacity to counter border-based and migration threats in support of the BMA. 

• Advise on vetting and forewarn about the appointment of foreign nationals at organs of State in strategic sectors where they have access to sensitive and classified information. This should be pursued in line with section 22 of the Constitution. 

• Identify and investigate the activities of FISs pertaining to South Africa’s economic and business interests, both domestic and abroad.

• Bolster cyber forensic capability to effectively address and regulate online technologies and crypto-currencies that are exploited to facilitate IFFs.

• Adjust South Africa’s cybersecurity posture to accommodate counter-intelligence and protective security at its core. 

• Conduct vulnerability assessments and vetting at SOEs. 

• Prioritise security appraisals and advice at critical infrastructure. 

• Address cybersecurity vulnerabilities at organs of State including in procurement, supply chain management and reliance on foreign-based companies within national security domains.

• Investigate activities related to terror financing that are characterised by vulnerabilities in the border security environment, exploitation of the cash economy, abuse of remittances, as well as the challenges presented by the new financial technologies.

• Investigate and mitigate organised or syndicated criminal activities, including drug smuggling as well as human smuggling and trafficking. 

• Investigate and mitigate the cross-border smuggling of narcotics and precursor chemicals for narcotics. 

Foreign Intelligence Priorities

• Establish and determine negative forces that seek to undermine and sabotage South Africa’s chairship of the African Union and also identify opportunities for country to boost her progressive overtures in the continent.

• Ensure and develop a system that would enhance and protect the country’s economic position and interest in the continent through the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

• Consolidate efforts to stabilise SADC region to advance the national interest and further enhance early warning mechanisms to manage risks to political, security, and economic stability in partnership with SADC member states.

• Enhance coordination of South Africa’s response and engagements in the United Nations Security Council throughout 2020 and continue to lobby for the reform of the UNSC.

• Develop a strategy and implement programmes aims at countering hostile forces that seek to undermine the country’s interest in the continent and further identify foreign powers in South Africa and the continent that are pro or against our interest. Further, develop legislation framework to deal espionage activities. 

• Strengthen the State’s capacity to detect and counter precursors of terrorism. 

• Develop a strategy to neutralise hostile activities of xxxxxxxx nationals in South Africa and then expedite efforts to resolve diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

National Security Strategy
 
The National Security Strategy (NSS) which was endorsed by the Cabinet on 13 March 2024 equally brings cohesion to our national security efforts. It outlines a whole-of-government, and with its publication, the whole-of-society approach to national security, by embedding intelligence at the core of strategic foresight, resilience-building, and crisis prevention.

The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest. There are eight critical pillars contained in the NSS, namely: 

PILLAR 1: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICANS OR PUBLIC SECURITY (Well-being of South Africans)

The objectives of this pillar is to ensure that the state:

• Protects the public and ensure its well-being.

• Protects the constitutional order of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

• Ensure its sovereignty, independence, and its territorial integrity by protecting fundamental human and civil rights and freedoms.

• Strengthen civil peace and harmony.

• Ensure political and social stability in society.

• Improve the mechanisms of interaction between state and civil society.

• Strengthen safety and security.

• Eradicate corruption.

• Protect citizens and all forms of property.

• Protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

• Eradicate poverty, inequality, unemployment and racism by promoting social cohesion.

PILLAR 2: PROTECTION OF THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF THE REPUBLIC

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the goal of defending the country are being achieved through the implementation of modern and funded defence review and updated defence policy through strategic deterrence and the prevention of military conflicts; the improvement of the military organisation of the state; the forms of use and methods of action of the armed forces of the RSA and increased mobilisation readiness.

PILLAR 3: PROTECTION AND PROJECTION OF OUR SOVEREIGNTY

This pillar will ensure that the foreign policy of the RSA creates favourable conditions for sustainable socio-economic development of the country, strengthens national security interests abroad, strengthens the position of the RSA on matters of national interest and national security by ensuring that the country’s position is coherent and redlines are understood.

PILLAR 4: PROTECTION OF THE ECONOMY OR ECONOMIC SECURITY

This pillar of the NNS will ensure that the economic security of the RSA is strengthened, the economic sovereignty of the country is protected and that the competitiveness of the South African economy is increased as well as its resistance to external and internal threats. It is further aimed at creating conditions for economic growth at the rate of which will be at par to global growth or higher.

PILLAR 5: PROTECTION OF CYBERSPACE ANDTHE ENVIRONMENT

This pillar aims at strengthening the sovereignty of the RSA in the information space through enhancing risk awareness; encourage the country stakeholders to assume responsibility for their cybersecurity; and build the necessary capabilities.

PILLAR 6: PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

This pillar is aimed at ensuring that the RSA’s scientific and technological development is independent and competitive. It further ensures that there is enough investment into research and development capacity and that the country’s intellectual property is protected.

PILLAR 7: PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES OR ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

This pillar will ensure the environmental security of the RSA and the rational use of natural resources. It will further ensure the quality of the environment necessary for favourable human life, conservation and restoration of the natural environment, balanced use of natural resources, and the mitigation of the negative effects of climate change.

PILLAR 8: PROTECTION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S CULTURE AND HERITAGE (Cultural Security)

This pillar will ensure the strengthening of the cultural sovereignty of South Africa and preserve its unified cultural space and heritage through the protection of historical truth, the preservation of historical memory, continuity in the development of the country and its historically established unity, and opposition to the falsification of history. This pillar is further aimed at building social cohesion, national identity and patriotism.

We must recall the warnings of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel, that a lack of policy coherence, political accountability, and institutional reform within the intelligence community posed a threat to national security itself.  In implementing the Panel’s recommendations, 

The release of the NIE, NIPs, and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal.  It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests.

Let me be clear, this is not the end of a process.  It is the beginning of a new, progressive chapter in how intelligence functions in the service of the South African people.  We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive.

In conclusion, I want to thank the men and women of our national intelligence community, who have worked with discipline, humility, and excellence to bring this moment to fruition. I also extend appreciation to Parliament for holding us accountable, and to the people of South Africa, for whom this transformation is being undertaken.

Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia.

Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred.

The documents are published on are www.gov.za and www.presidency.gov.za

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Minister Ntshavheni releases historic National Security Strategy to strengthen people-centred security

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has released the public versions of key national intelligence documents, in what she described as a historic milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey and a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability and institutional reform. 

The Minister released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019 – 2024, the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs), and the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029 during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

The Minister had earlier in the day tabled the 2025 State Security Agency Budget Vote in Parliament.

At the briefing, she underscored that this was the first time in the country’s history that such core national intelligence instruments were being published in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while preserving the integrity of national security.

“It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the State, to Parliament, and to the people,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister framed the public release of the NIE and NSS as part of a broader shift towards constitutional accountability, transparency and national resilience, in line with Section 198 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA).

“The release of the NIE, NIPs and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal. It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 

“This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests,” she said. 

Key threats and priorities identified

The NIE 2019 – 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats facing the nation, ranging from illegal migration, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, to climate and domestic instability. The Estimate is built around five core themes: threats to the economy, territorial integrity, the authority of the State, citizen well-being, and foreign influences.

The Minister detailed how the National Intelligence Priorities were aligned with government’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and focused on challenges such as:

  • Countering border-based threats and foreign infiltration in strategic sectors.
  • Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities to curb illicit financial flows.
  • Investigating threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic capacity.
  • Preventing terror financing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

On the foreign intelligence front, the focus includes consolidating South Africa’s continental leadership role, defending its interests in multilateral fora, and countering espionage and hostile foreign interference.

A whole-of-society security strategy

Central to the Minister’s announcement was the unveiling of the new National Security Strategy (2024 – 2029), which introduces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to security.

“The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest,” the Minister said. 

The strategy is underpinned by eight critical pillars, including:

  • Protection of South Africans or Public Security (Well-being of South Africans).
  • Protection of Territorial Integrity of the Republic.
  • Protection and Projection of the Country’s Sovereignty.
  • Protection of the Economy or Economic Security.
  • Protection of Cyberspace and the Environment.
  • Protection and Promotion of Technology and Innovation.
  • Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources or Environmental Security.
  • Protection of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage (Cultural Security).

Each pillar speaks to the State’s responsibility to safeguard not only physical borders, but also economic sovereignty, digital resilience and social cohesion.

Intelligence in Service of the People

Ntshavheni emphasised that the publication of these documents is not the end, but rather “the beginning of a new, progressive chapter” in national intelligence.

“We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive,” she said. 

She concluded by honouring the national intelligence community and reaffirming the importance of principled intelligence that serves the people and the Constitution, not partisan interests.

“Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia, and this is done within the constraints of our national security interests.

“Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA to hold a ‘critical‘ meeting with Formula 1 in two weeks

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has revealed that a significant meeting is set to take place in the next two weeks with representatives from Formula 1 (F1). 

The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.

“Many laughed when I uttered the words ‘Formula 1 must come back to South Africa’. One man in particular, who didn’t laugh was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack. 

“When I told him that government doesn’t have the money to host Formula 1 because of other more urgent priorities and we would not be able to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it [as] his patriotic duty to do just that.

“We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks.“

The Minister was speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, presenting a R6.3 billion budget aimed at unlocking local talent in both sports and the arts and culture.

“To those who say the country can’t afford to host the F1, I’m saying the country can’t afford not to… We hosted the best FIFA World Cup. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now.” 

According to McKenzie, what will be different this time is that government will not be expected to pay.

Meanwhile, he announced that companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and many others have expressed their support for this initiative.

“They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula 1 at the end of the month.” 

However, he stressed that those who believe that F1 is not important should consider the countries that are holding onto their F1 spots on the calendar.

“They see the value in it, and it can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular.” 

He also expressed gratitude to everyone who joined the mission to promote the sport of spinning, including Red Bull and Cell C.

“People were laughing when we said we’re going to make spinning big, but already this sport has left the townships and now Sam Sam is wowing the likes of Max Verstappen with his skills in Austria.”

Samkeliso Thubane, also known as Sam Sam, is a prominent South African spinning motorsport athlete sponsored by Red Bull. 

He is recognised as the world’s first official Red Bull spinning athlete and has gained international acclaim for his skills, performing at the reopening of Red Bull Hangar-7 in Austria.

LIV Golf

The country is exploring the potential of bringing a LIV Golf tournament, a professional men’s golf tour, to South Africa as early as next year.  

“Golf has not broken through to the masses and we hope to achieve that with LIV Golf. It’s not only golf, but also culture,” McKenzie said.

The Minister said he hoped to eclipse Australia’s attendance of more than 100 000 at a single event over three days.

Olympics

Meanwhile, he said the draft document has been developed, and plans are being finalised to send as many athletes as possible to the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

The Minister said last year, they travelled to Olympic House in Switzerland to express the country’s interest in hosting the Summer Olympic Games in South Africa in 2036.

VAR

McKenzie announced that they are finalising the funding process for video assistant refereeing (VAR) to ensure fairness in football matches, from the Premier Soccer League to international fixtures — meeting global standards.

“It is a necessity. We see stadiums vandalised when bad refereeing happens, and the success of teams like Mamelodi Sundowns makes global teams want to play here, but they get second thoughts because we don’t have VAR.“ – SAnews.gov.za

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McKenzie unveils R6.3 billion budget to boost local talent in sports and arts

Source: Government of South Africa

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has tabled a R6.3 billion budget this morning that he believes will help unlock local talent in both the sports, and arts and culture sectors.

“Change is difficult, but it’s necessary… Access and opportunity matter, and even the greatest of talents need that opportunity. That is why, to invest in all our talent, both in sport, and arts and culture, as well as preserving our heritage, the department has a budget of R6.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year,” McKenzie said on Tuesday in Parliament. 

Under Programme 2, Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, the Minister announced that the department will allocate R1.281 billion. 

To continue supporting sports in the country, McKenzie said R98.5 million will be allocated toward federation support.

“One of the biggest changes coming for our federations will be the provision of an office building for them to share, as many have been running their sports out of the boots of their cars.” 

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To support and develop local talent, the department has allocated over R627 million through the conditional grant for this financial year. 

According to the Minister, funding will be used for the purchase of equipment and attire for schools, clubs and hubs, as well as for training individuals in coaching, technical officiating, administration courses, and employment opportunities.

Repatriation

Under Programme 4, Heritage Promotion and Preservation, the department has allocated R2.787 billion, which includes R1.6 billion for the construction, maintenance, upgrading, and operation of valued libraries.

“Following the success of our inaugural programme to return the remains of South African fallen heroes from Zimbabwe and Zambia last year, we shall continue to repatriate the human remains of freedom fighters who fell outside the country during the struggle.

“I am told that there could still be 5 000 bodies that need to be returned, and we should not rest until they are home.” 

READ | Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

The Minister said they are currently negotiating with Scottish authorities to repatriate the remains of Khoi and San ancestors from the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum by September 2025. 

He also mentioned that government is nearing the conclusion of the reburial process for 58 ancestral remains from the Northern Cape.

This effort is guided by the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team, which includes representatives from the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities.

Museums

The ministry is also driving a campaign, under the theme: “Reimagining South African Heritage for a New Era”, which is aimed at making museums relevant to a new, curious generation, ultimately increasing visitor numbers.

“One of the first projects we are focusing on is Robben Island, which is undergoing a major revamp and facelift.”

Creative arts

Under Programme 3, focused on Arts and Culture Promotion and Development, his department is allocating R1.725 billion. 

To enhance skills and transform the cultural and creative industries, he stated that they will continue to recruit and place approximately 300 young people. 

This initiative aims to improve their chances of gaining employment and becoming self-employed in creative fields.

Sector clusters

He announced that the interim boards for the 17 sector clusters within the cultural and creative industry are now fully operational. 

These boards are responsible for organising their respective sectors, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges such as copyright protection, fair labour practices, and equitable distribution of funding. 

According to the Minister, they will receive a total budget of R34 million to support their operations.

“We understand the frustration of our creatives. For the past 30 years and the years before that, they have not seen their lives change for the better.”

In support of the preservation and development of the Khoi and San languages, the N|uu language in particular, the department is setting aside R2 million for a targeted call for proposals to preserve these languages. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has commended the conviction and sentencing of four foreign nationals involved in a major plant poaching case, valued between R6 million and R30 million.

The Calvinia Regional Court sentenced the accused to 15 years direct imprisonment for the illegal harvesting of 303 specimens of the critically endangered Clivia mirabilis, a rare species endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape.

The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade.

The convicts, Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33), and Elton Ngwanati (34), were arrested on 20 April 2024 after being found in possession of the endangered specimens.

The accused were convicted and sentenced on 3 July 2025 on charges related to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa’s immigration legislation.

The Minister said the case reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding their focus beyond succulents to exploit a wider range of South Africa’s rare flora, driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets.

He warned that these crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction.

“This conviction is a critical milestone in our fight against environmental crime. It sends a clear message: those who profit from exploiting our natural heritage will face serious consequences.

“The department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants,” George said.

The Minister also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and all involved officials in the case, in particular investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.

George confirmed that the department is actively investigating related cases of illegal plant poaching.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity and support efforts to protect South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

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Huge turnout at Western Cape youth career expo

Source: Government of South Africa

Huge turnout at Western Cape youth career expo

The 2025 Western Cape Youth in Action Career Expo has been hailed a tremendous success, drawing more than 11 500 attendees, which doubles the number from the 2024 turnout.

Organised by the Western Cape Education Department in partnership with the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) marketing team, the event served as a valuable platform for young people to explore various career paths and connect with potential opportunities.

The expo, which was hosted early this month, aimed to create an inclusive and empowering environment where learners from underserved schools and communities, as well as people with disabilities, could access information and opportunities. 

Senior Curriculum Planner for Life Orientation, Dr Ismail Teladia, highlighted the event’s alignment with the subject’s world of work component, providing vital exposure to industry partners and tertiary institutions.

Key stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town and Gift of the Givers,  provided transportation for learners from as far as Toews River.

“Despite inclement weather, parents and learners showed remarkable enthusiasm, keeping exhibitors busy for two days. More than 171 institutions participated, offering education, training, bursaries, and employment opportunities,” the Western Cape Education department said in a statement. 

Institutions from outside the province, including North West University, the University of Free State, Rhodes University, and Focus Air, an aviation school in Durban, showcased their programmes. 

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaaz Sooliman, Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, and Western Cape Agriculture MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer. 

“They praised the expo’s impact and potential to empower young people. Dr Teladia thanked all participants, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their contributions to the event’s success.” 

Teladia said the planning for next year’s expo has already begun, promising another opportunity for young people to connect with their future. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is set to take part in a high-level panel discussion during the 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue. 

Scheduled for Thursday, 17 July, the event which will be held under the theme: “One Year into the Government of National Unity: Quo Vadis?” will be held at Nedbank’s head office in Sandton.

According to the department, the dialogue convenes in the context of a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape, shaped by the first year of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

“The panel aims to explore the implications of the GNU for political stability, governance, structural reform, and long-term economic prospects,” the statement read.

Hlabisa will join a distinguished panel of thought leaders to provide insights into how the GNU is enhancing cooperative governance, stabilising the local government sector, and strengthening intergovernmental collaboration for improved service delivery and developmental outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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Call for caution amid increased road fatalities

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reiterated its call to motorists to exercise caution and show respect to each other on the roads.

This call comes after a spate of fatal crashes that claimed 15 lives since last Thursday.

The RTMC expressed concern over the increase in road fatalities, attributing the collisions to reckless and negligent driving. In all three incidents, vehicles were involved in head-on collisions.

On Sunday, 13 July 2025, two vehicles collided on the N18, approximately 40km from Mahikeng toward Setlagole in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province. Four people died on the scene. A fifth victim’s body was later discovered when fire emergency vehicles were booked into the South African Police Service pound for safekeeping.

Another fatal crash in North West occurred on Friday, when four vehicles were involved in a multi-car crash on the N4 between Swartruggens and Groot Marico, resulting in five deaths.

“It is alleged that one vehicle collided with another [and] two other vehicles also crashed into each other at the scene,” RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane said.

On Thursday, five more people, including a toddler, were killed in the Northern Cape when a light delivery vehicle that was being chased by the police collided head-on with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The crash took place on the N18 near Hartswater. – SAnews.gov.za

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No risk of load shedding as Koeberg Unit 1 return delayed

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has announced that Koeberg Unit 1 will return to service by the end of August, instead of the end of this month, due to additional steam generator maintenance.

The unit was initially pencilled in for a return by July.

“This revised timeline underscores Eskom’s commitment to conducting thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable performance of South Africa’s only nuclear power station.

“During scheduled detailed eddy current inspections – a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators – defects were identified on four tubes, among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators,” Eskom explained.

Upon discovery of the defects, the power utility, along with specialised international and local teams, “immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects”.

“These critical repairs have now been successfully completed to uphold the highest safety and quality standards.

“Importantly, the major maintenance activities, which included the legally required 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test [ILRT], where the reactor building was pressurised over 72 hours and its leak rate and structural integrity were monitored – were successfully completed. The ILRT confirmed the robustness and leak-tightness of Unit 1’s containment structure, further reinforcing its safety, in line with international standards,” Eskom said.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, emphasised that the safety of employees, the public and the environment remains top priority at the power utility.

“Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa’s energy future.

“The planned maintenance underway on Unit 1 will help deliver decades of affordable, low-carbon baseload power, demonstrating how nuclear energy can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability. 

“Through our commitment to high-quality maintenance and the expertise of the Koeberg team demonstrating exceptional skills, we are ensuring nuclear power remains a vital part of the country’s energy mix,” Nxumalo said.

The power utility reassured that the delayed return to service will not increase the risk of load shedding.

Since mid-May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

“The winter outlook released on 5 May 2025, which covers the period until 31 August 2025, remains valid. Importantly, the planned return of 2 500MW this winter does not rely on Unit 1.

“The outlook shows that load shedding will not be required if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. Even if outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day winter period, capped at Stage 2,” the power utility assured.

Once the work on Koeberg’s Unit 1 is completed, its “reactor core will be refuelled, tested and synchronised back to the national grid” – further boosting the power system.

“To protect supply, planned outages at Koeberg are carefully staggered every 16 to 18 months so that both units are never offline at the same time. Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 provide around 1 860MW – approximately 5% of the country’s electricity needs. 

“Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, with a year-to-date Energy Availability Factor [EAF] of 99.38% as of the end of June 2025.

“The national power system remains stable, with a month-to-date EAF of 62%. As the winter season continues, Eskom encourages all customers to adopt energy-efficient practices,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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New foot-and-mouth disease detected in the Free State

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Moqhaka Local Municipality, within the Kroonstad State Veterinary in Free State.

The outbreak was identified following epidemiological investigations and confirmed positive laboratory results.

The department said the affected property was placed under quarantine on 8 July 2025, and immediate control measures were implemented, including surveillance and vaccination of livestock.

“Trace-back activities are ongoing to determine the source of the infection, while farms in the surrounding 10km radius are undergoing surveillance to determine the possible extent of the spread,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Over 250 FMD cases reported in five provinces

As of July 2025, South Africa has recorded a total of 270 FMD outbreaks across five provinces. Of these, 249 outbreaks remain unresolved, while 21 have been declared resolved.

“KwaZulu-Natal has been the most affected province, with 191 reported outbreaks, of which 172 remain active and 19 have been resolved. Since May 2025, Gauteng has reported 32 outbreaks, North West has four open outbreaks, while Mpumalanga has reported three outbreaks,” the department said.

The Eastern Cape has recorded 40 outbreaks, with 38 still open and two resolved. No new cases have been reported in Eastern Cape since September 2024.

Correction on KZN Disease Management Area notice 

Meanwhile, the department has issued a correction in a Government Gazette notice (Gazette Notice 6396 of 4 July 2025), which repeal the previous notice (Gazette Notice 5997 of 17 March 2025). 

The department acknowledged that certain areas that still fall under the Disease Management Area (DMA) designation in KwaZulu-Natal were mistakenly omitted.

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused and request all stakeholders to take note of the following areas that are declared to be part of the KwaZulu-Natal DMA,” the department said.

The municipalities confirmed to remain within the DMA include the entire Big Five Hlabisa; Mtubatuba; Nongoma; Ulundi; Umhlabuyalingana; Jozini; Pongola; Abaqulusi; Umfolozi; uMhlathuze; Mthonjaneni; Nqutu; Nkandla; uMlalazi; and Mandeni.

Other areas include the portion of the Emadlangeni Local Municipality, south of R34 from R33; Newcastle Local Municipality, south of R34 up to and east of N11; Dannhauser Local Municipality east of N11 and north of R68; Endumeni Local Municipality, north of R68 and east of R33; Msinga Local Municipality, east of R33; UMvoti Local Municipality, east of the R33 up to R74 and north of R74; Maphumulo Local Municipality, north-east of the R74; Ndwedwe Local Municipality, east of the R74; as well as portion of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, north-east of R74 up to the N2 and west to the N2 up to Mandeni Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za