Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has reminded motorists to be alert on the roads as two separate crashes claimed the lives of 10 people on Monday.

Four people were killed on the R547 between Kinross and Kriel when a sedan they were travelling in lost control and overturned on the side of the road. 

The four were all men, and they include the driver. Two passengers sustained serious injuries, and they were transported to the nearby hospital in Evander for further medical attention.

In another incident that took place on the N12 between Delmas and Emalahleni, seven people, all passengers, lost their lives abruptly when an articulated truck crashed into another truck. 

“The truck, which has seemingly been converted to transport passengers, was at the time of the crash picking up employees on the road to ferry them to work at the nearby farm. The seventh person succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital,” the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison said.

Six passengers were seriously injured while eleven people escaped with slight injuries. 

The injured were rushed to the hospital closer to the scene for further treatment. The investigation into both crashes is already underway.

“Despite all efforts that government and its entities continue to put to reduce road crashes, the number of people losing their lives in these collisions is still rising.  It is essential that all road users play their part by being alert while driving. They must also comply with the rules. More than 80% of collisions on the road are caused by human behaviour and regrettably people’s recklessness claim innocent people’s lives,” the MEC said.

He has extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery. 

Motorists have been advised to follow these safety tips:
•    Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
•    Adhere to the speed limit.
•    Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
•    Avoid using cell phones while driving.
•    Buckle up at all times.
•    For long journeys, take regular breaks.
•    Pedestrians must cross streets at marked intersections.
•    Pedestrians must wear bright clothing when walking in dark areas.
–SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has emphasised the continent’s critical role in global climate research and the need for African institutions to contribute to global knowledge production. 

He highlighted the urgent need for African-led scientific research and climate adaptation strategies, stressing the importance of historically Black universities in Africa’s research agenda.

“I’m a very strong advocate for the deliberate development of the research capacity of our historically disadvantaged institutions, and for them to develop and be supported to be at the centre of knowledge production in our country and indeed globally,” he said. 

The Minister was speaking at the 3rd International Conference on Earth and Environmental Sciences (ICEES 2025), a collaboration between the University of Zululand and China’s Chang’an University on Monday. 

“While we value collaboration. We do not want our historically disadvantaged universities to be comfortable with simply being consumers of knowledge that others produce. 

“Universities on the African continent must make their own distinct contribution to the global knowledge project,” Nzimande said, calling for a sovereign Research and Development Agenda for Africa.

The conference comes against a backdrop of severe environmental challenges. 

According to the 2023 World Meteorological Organisation report, African countries are losing 2% to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to climate change, with some nations diverting up to 9% of their budgets to climate response efforts.

The report also states that up to 118 million extremely poor people living on less than US$1.9 per day will be exposed to drought, floods, and extreme heat and Africa. 

Nzimande also touched on the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, emphasising the urgency of prompt, well thought out actions.

“There is an unparalleled peak in climate-related crises, and no continent remains unaffected. We are increasingly witnessing life-threatening heatwaves, floods, disappearing species and the severe pressures on water as well as ecosystems.”

He warned that without coordinated action, “the outcomes for future generations will indeed be devastating”.

In the South African context, he made examples of extreme weather events and their impact on farmers and rural communities.

“All of this threatens the safety and the livelihoods of citizens, especially those who live in agriculturally dependent rural settings where biodiversity is the cornerstone of everyday survival.”

He announced that the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has put in place instruments to enable research and development and build State capacity, which is very important in various fields.

“We have developed what we call a science mission. We’ve got a number of these science mission focus areas. We have developed one on global change and biodiversity science, because we firmly believe that this needs to be strengthened.”

Some of the programmes under this science mission include South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth System Science (ACCESS) and the Centre for Global Change, which plays a crucial role in sustainable global change. 

They are also working on the initiative that focuses on climate change and environmental sustainability. 

Nzimande also discussed the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which includes 13 research infrastructure initiatives, including the National Equipment Programme, South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) and Centres of Excellence (CoEs).

South Africa also participates in global platforms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. 

He announced the upcoming Global Change National Conference, which will be hosted this year, aiming to strengthen capacity in climate change and environmental sustainability.

He also stressed student involvement, with him encouraging young researchers to “grab this opportunity with both hands”, viewing youth empowerment as a critical investment in Africa’s scientific future.

The conference also seeks to provide participants with the opportunity to share their experiences and research findings, challenges and solutions, with the view to establishing productive new academic and industry research collaborations.

The conference features keynote lectures by distinguished experts from various parts of the world and will bring together scientists and industry experts from over 70 countries across Africa, Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, August 18, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Free State Police, through Operation Vala Umgodi, have arrest 195 suspects involved in a wide range of crimes over the past weekend. 

The arrests were made for offences including bribery, possession of drugs, trespassing, possession of illicit cigarettes, contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of gold-bearing material and illicit mining.

​On Sunday morning, Vala Umgodi operatives, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, swooped on Virginia and Meloding. 

“During a search of a salon, a 32-year-old female, who is an illegal foreign national, was arrested. Two other individuals were also taken into custody after their documents were verified as fraudulent by Home Affairs personnel,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Monday.

​According to the police, the team proceeded to search sleeping quarters at the back of the complex. In three units occupied by undocumented foreign nationals, drugs, including mandrax, crystal meth and rock, with an estimated street value of R150 000, were discovered. 

Three suspects, aged between 24 and 36, including two foreign nationals and one female, were arrested for possession of drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act.

​In a separate operation in Meloding, two undocumented foreign nationals were arrested after being found inside tuck shops. All seven suspects arrested in Virginia and Meloding face charges ranging from possession of drugs to contravention of the Immigration Act.

​“A proactive team was also deployed to a mine where three undocumented males were observed engaging in illicit mining activities. They were arrested and a quantity of what is believed to be gold-bearing material was seized.

​“Furthermore, on 16 August, two teams, VOC 1 and VOC 2 [Venue Operational Centre], conducted disruptive operations in Viljoenskroon and Hoopstad. 

“These operations resulted in the arrest of 12 undocumented foreign nationals found at various tuck shops in the two towns. Additionally, a 45-year-old foreign national was arrested after being found in his tuck shop with illicit cigarettes,” the police said.

​Also on 16 August, a combat team on patrol in Ventersburg arrested a foreign national on the N1, who was looking for a hitch-hike to Cape Town. A second charge of corruption was added after he attempted to bribe the police with R500.

​In another operation on 16 August in Virginia, a team working in collaboration with mine security arrested three suspects, aged between 37 and 28 years. The suspects were found on mine premises engaged in illicit mining activities and were in possession of gold-bearing material and illegal gold processing equipment.

“The multi-disciplinary operations in Lejweleputswa and surrounding municipalities are ongoing. All suspects are expected to appear in their respective magistrates courts soon,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will undertake a working visit to the Amampondo Kingdom on Tuesday, 19 August. 

The visit will take place at the Enyandeni Royal Palace in Libode, located within the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape.

During this visit, Mashatile will meet with His Majesty, King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of the Amampondo aseNyandeni. 

The theme of the visit is ‘Traditional Leadership at the Centre of the Developmental Agenda and Social Cohesion through Cooperation with Government’.

The visit also aims to establish a platform for government and the relevant entities to collaborate on addressing service delivery challenges in the area, while promoting investment initiatives designed to enhance local economic development.

Mashatile leads the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Traditional Leadership, which President Cyril Ramaphosa established. 

This team aims to guide on various issues, including land ownership and tenure rights, accelerate socio-economic development in rural communities, promote infrastructure investment and enhance skills development initiatives. 

In addition, the task team focuses on fostering unity, cohesion and nation-building within these rural areas.

“The visit by the Deputy President demonstrates a distinct commitment by government to provide steadfast support for the work of traditional and Khoi-San leaders in addressing the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment affecting members of the surrounding communities.”

Mashatile supports President Ramaphosa in implementing the District Development Model, which aims to enhance municipal functionality and address issues related to community service delivery.

“In this regard, the Deputy President and his delegation, together with His Majesty, will receive an update on progress achieved by government in addressing service delivery issues such as access to water, electricity, adequate road infrastructure, agriculture support, and interventions to address crime, drugs and alcohol abuse,” the Deputy President’s office said. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions in South Africa (AWSISA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), marking a landmark step towards stronger collaboration in advancing water security and sustainable sanitation solutions.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina and AWSISA Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo officially signed the agreement on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit, held in Cape Town.

The agreement cements a shared commitment to unlock investment, drive innovation, and expand access to clean water and dignified sanitation for communities across South Africa and beyond.

It establishes a framework for cooperation that will see DWS and AWSISA work together to align strategies, programmes and plans across the sector; create platforms for joint engagement on policy development, legislative reviews, and sector reforms; and facilitate research, data sharing, and innovation to address pressing water and sanitation challenges.

The partnership will also promote leadership development, governance improvements, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to fast-track service delivery. In addition, the parties will collaborate on advocacy and public awareness campaigns, and co-host summits, workshops, and initiatives focused on infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, and transformation.

Majodina said the agreement is more than a symbolic gesture; but a practical and urgent commitment to work side-by-side in solving South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

“Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a basic human right and a cornerstone of public health, dignity, and economic development. By pooling our expertise, resources and influence, we can accelerate the pace of change, address infrastructure backlogs, build institutional capacity and introduce innovative solutions that respond to the realities of our communities.

“This is how we create a water-secure South Africa and contribute meaningfully to the African continent’s development goals,” the Minister said.

The collaboration also reinforces South Africa’s leadership in advancing regional and global water agendas, while fostering knowledge-sharing and transformation within the sector. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has welcomed the commitments secured at the inaugural African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit, expressing confidence that more will be achieved in tackling Africa’s water challenges.

The Minister announced on Monday that the three-day summit, held in Cape Town from 13–15 August, under the banner of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, mobilised over $10 billion in pledges for water and sanitation projects across the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the summit, which aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. It brought together Heads of State, Ministers, investors and development partners to drive solutions for water provision and climate-resilient infrastructure.

A total of 1 690 delegates who attended the summit, rallied support behind South Africa’s G20 priorities of rapid and inclusive economic growth, eradication of poverty and hunger, and climate sustainability, by accelerating investments into climate-resilient water and sanitation.

Majodina confirmed that 80 priority water investment projects from 38 countries were identified for the summit, and they have already attracted an estimated between $10 billion and $12 billion a year in potential investments.

“In the last three days, we have identified governance, finance, capacity and data gaps in the water sector and together we commit to pay focused attention to these matters. We are making a call to governments to help level the playing fields in order to attract investment. Let us eliminate long and unnecessary red tape which undermines and discourages investment,” Majodina said.

She added that the summit showcased a pipeline of bankable water and sanitation projects to prospective funders and investors.
“What we are grateful for is that the matchmaking sessions during the three days have managed to strengthen relations between governments, project developers, and financiers, building trust and paving way for long term collaborations.” 

She further noted that the Africa Water Investment Summit, hosted in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, helped to advance efforts towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social advancement.

The summit was convened under the auspices of the African Union, the High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa, and South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

Commitments were made by the 20 ministers responsible for water, sanitation and environment across the continent and beyond, supported by the African Heads of State and government leaders and global partners.

The inadequate investments in water have affected the gains made across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water and sanitation, and the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation and mitigation and the goals of Agenda 2063.

This is due to the continent’s growing needs, resulting in Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap. Therefore, the delivery of water investments across Africa is below target to meet the continent’s growing needs.

In December 2023 during Conference of Parties 28 (COP0 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the African Union Commission and AIP International High-Level Panel launched the Africa Water Investment Action Plan, outlining how countries can mobilise the additional US$30 billion per year required to ensure water security and sustainable sanitation on the continent.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, Moses Vilakati described the summit as more than a gathering, but a call to action, a platform for transformation, and a proof to Africa’s leadership in climate-resilient water security and safe sanitation.

“We came together with a shared mission: to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap, and we leave with renewed momentum, concrete commitments, and a bold vision for the future.

“The African Union declared Water as the Theme for the Year 2026, and it is our fervent hope that this will help in our drive for better water investments in the continent,” Commissioner Vilakati said.

The summit also served as a platform to consolidate the position of AU Member States on water investment in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. – SAnews.gov.za