Category: South Africa Government

Operation Shanela II has led to the arrest of 1 277 suspects across the Free State over the past seven days, as police intensify efforts to combat crime and remove criminal elements from communities.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said intelligence-led, high-visibility operations, supported by tip-offs, were conducted simultaneously across all five districts of the province.

During the operations, a total of 36 458 individuals were stopped and searched, while 15 880 vehicles were searched.

Detective services successfully traced and apprehended 254 wanted suspects, including several individuals with active warrants of arrest.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Labour, the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS FLASH (Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods) compliance teams.

A total of 530 premises were searched, including 2 856 farms and 966 licensed liquor outlets.

Authorities also arrested 134 undocumented foreign nationals for contravening the Immigration Act.

“The operation dealt a heavy blow to violent crime and gender-based violence (GBV), with 235 arrests for assault, 235 for rape, 52 for attempted murder, 40 for robbery, 13 for murder, 12 for attempted rape and seven for possession of unlicensed firearms.

“Efforts to clean up the streets resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects for drug dealing, while 77 individuals were caught in possession of illicit substances,” SAPS said.

Authorities confiscated drugs, including mandrax, dagga, crystal meth, nyaope, cat and cocaine.

Key highlights for the week included the arrest of two suspects by the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit for possession of explosives.

“Following a warehouse raid, three men, aged 22, 44 and 56, were arrested after police discovered 339 boxes of counterfeit cigarettes. The suspects also face charges under the Immigration Act.

“Ongoing specialised operations in the Lejweleputswa District remained tightly focused on disrupting illegal mining networks, targeting illicit miners, and seizing gold-bearing material and mining equipment,” police said.

Law enforcement officials issued fines to 277 drivers for contravening the National Road Traffic Act and arrested 59 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia commended the unwavering dedication of all members, specialised units and external stakeholders involved in squeezing the space for criminals and ensuring the safety of Free State communities. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has successfully installed a renewable energy microgrid solution at the Mafikeng Provincial Hospital in the North West, ensuring continued, reliable electricity supply to the institution.

According to the power utility, the microgrid will provide critical supply to units, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), operating theatres and the Emergency Department.

The hospital provides services to some one million people in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, making it a crucial component of the province’s healthcare system.

“As we commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, we are reminded that service is measured by impact.

“This renewable energy microgrid will help ensure reliable power for critical healthcare services and strengthen energy resilience. It is a practical demonstration of Eskom’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive energy future,” Eskom Group Executive for Corporate Services, Portia Mngomezulu, said.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said the facility’s handover on Mandela Day is a reflection of the power utility’s commitment to changing South African lives for the better.

“It is particularly fitting that this facility is being handed over on Mandela Day. By providing a clean and reliable energy solution to support critical healthcare services, we are investing in the well-being of communities and creating lasting social impact.

“This project reflects the Eskom Development Foundation’s commitment to touching the lives of South Africans positively,” she said.

Powering healthcare

The energy solution is comprised of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and battery storage system, integrated through the Central Microgrid Controller (CMG).

“The project provides the hospital with a 200kW solar PV system, coupled with a 400kWh battery energy storage system as a backup supply — sufficient electricity to efficiently meet the requirements of a provincial hospital.

“The donation of this technology solution will ensure continued reliable electricity supply, as the Eskom-supplied area is prone to cable theft, which negatively impacts power supply.

“The new equipment will assist in meeting the increasing energy demand of the hospital. The solution will also reduce the hospital’s operational costs due to the reduced requirement for diesel-powered backup generation,” Eskom explained.

The power utility said projects like the one at the hospital highlight the “role that renewable energy can play in strengthening essential public services, improving energy resilience, and supporting South Africa’s development objectives”.

“The microgrid demonstrates how renewable energy and battery storage can be deployed to support critical public services, while contributing to South Africa’s broader energy transition objectives.

“It also illustrates Eskom’s ability to combine reliable baseload electricity supply with modern clean energy technologies that deliver tangible benefits to communities.

“Eskom remains committed to delivering sustainable energy solutions that support economic growth, social development, and a secure electricity future for all South Africans,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom has confirmed that no radiation leak occurred during routine maintenance at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2, assuring the public that there was no risk to employees, surrounding communities or the environment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the utility said the incident, which occurred during scheduled maintenance inspections in July, was classified as Level 0 (no safety significance) on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES) – the lowest possible rating.

“The event had no impact on nuclear safety, plant operations, employees, the public or the environment,” Eskom said, adding that the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) had been notified in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Unit 2 has been on a planned maintenance outage since April 2026 and remains on schedule to return to service in November. Koeberg’s Unit 1 continues to operate normally.

Eskom said highly sensitive radiation monitoring equipment detected two brief and localised airborne radioactivity events inside a controlled work area within the Unit 2 containment building on 2 and 7 July during routine steam generator inspections.

The utility stressed that the detections were confined to the designated work area inside the containment structure and did not result in any release of radioactive material beyond the plant’s protective barriers.

As a result, there was no need to administer iodine tablets to employees.

According to Eskom, the airborne activity occurred during Eddy Current Testing (ECT), a standard non-destructive inspection method used worldwide to assess the condition of steam generator tubes.

During the inspection, a minute quantity of microscopic oxide particles, commonly known in the nuclear industry as “crud”, became airborne within the enclosed work area.

The inspections are conducted using robotic probes to establish a baseline of the steam generator tubes and identify signs of wall thinning long before they could affect plant performance or safety.

Eskom said minor airborne particulate events of this nature are a recognised phenomenon during steam generator inspections at pressurised water reactors globally and are managed through robust safety systems.

The utility said Koeberg’s multiple layers of safety and containment functioned exactly as designed.

These included physical containment barriers, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration operating under negative pressure, continuous airborne radiation monitoring through Constant Air Monitors (CAMs), and comprehensive radiation protection measures for personnel.

When the monitoring equipment detected the temporary increase in airborne activity, it automatically triggered an alarm.

In response, plant personnel immediately halted the inspection, secured the work area, allowed ventilation and filtration systems to remove the airborne particles, and carried out the required radiological assessments before maintenance resumed.

“These actions successfully contained the material within the designated work area and restored conditions to normal operating parameters,” Eskom said.

The utility said monitoring confirmed that the airborne particles remained confined to the controlled work area and that no radioactive material was released into the environment.

“The event demonstrated the effectiveness of Koeberg’s defence-in-depth approach, with monitoring, containment and radiation protection systems functioning as designed and providing early detection and control of the transient.”

Eskom said the incident had no impact on the safe operation of the power station, maintenance activities or the planned completion date of the Unit 2 outage. Personnel involved were also provided with a comprehensive safety debriefing following the incident.

The utility reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear safety, regulatory compliance and transparency in the operation of South Africa’s only nuclear power station. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) President and Chief Executive Officer Professor Ntobeko Ntusi has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Medical Sciences degree by the University of Glasgow in Scotland in recognition of his outstanding contributions to medical science and global health research.

The honorary doctorate was conferred during the university’s Commemoration Day celebrations marking its 575th anniversary.

The University of Glasgow said the award recognises Professor Ntusi’s distinguished career as a clinician-scientist, internationally acclaimed cardiovascular researcher and leader in advancing medical science, health equity and research excellence in Africa and globally.

Receiving the honour, Professor Ntusi described the recognition as both humbling and deeply meaningful.

“To be recognised by one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished universities, a university whose history spans nearly six centuries and whose contributions have shaped medicine, science, and society across generations, is an honour beyond anything I could have imagined.

“I accept this distinction with deep humility and sincere appreciation, recognising that it reflects not only individual achievement, but also the many students, colleagues, institutions and communities whose support has made my journey possible,” Ntusi said.

Throughout his career, Ntusi has championed scientific research as a catalyst for addressing some of the world’s most pressing health challenges while advocating for stronger investment in African research capacity, innovation and scientific leadership.

In his acceptance address, Ntusi highlighted the importance of ensuring that Africa plays a leading role in shaping the future of global health.

“The future of medical science cannot be built upon exclusion. It must be global, collaborative, and include Africa not merely as a participant but as a leader in scientific discovery, innovation, and knowledge generation.

“If we invest in talent, we invest in solutions; if we invest in science, we invest in prosperity; and if we invest in health research, we invest in a more secure and equitable future for humanity,” he said.

Ntusi also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of defending scientific integrity at a time when public trust in science is increasingly under pressure.

University of Glasgow Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said the institution’s honorary degrees recognise individuals whose work has transformed their professions and made a lasting contribution to society.

“Honorary degrees give us the opportunity to recognise individuals whose achievements have had a profound and positive impact within their professions and wider society. Their work embodies values that continue to inspire our community,” Glasgow, said.

The SAMRC said it was a proud moment, not only for the organisation, but also for South Africa and the African scientific community.

“It reflects the growing global recognition of African research excellence and reinforces the continent’s vital role in advancing medical discovery and improving health outcomes worldwide,” the council said.

Ntusi has dedicated his career to strengthening health research systems, mentoring emerging scientists, fostering international scientific partnerships and ensuring that research translates into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

“Under his leadership, the SAMRC continues to advance world-class research that addresses South Africa’s and Africa’s most pressing health priorities while contributing to global scientific knowledge.”

As Professor Ntusi noted, the honorary doctorate is not the culmination of a career, but rather a renewed commitment to advancing science, promoting equity in global health, building stronger research systems and inspiring the next generation of scientific leaders. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga says the Office of the Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge will not comment on ongoing commissions of inquiry or court proceedings, insisting that respect for institutional mandates is essential to preserving the credibility of South Africa’s justice system.

Addressing the media on the establishment and operationalisation of the Office at Pretoria on Sunday, Raulinga acknowledged that the Office begins its work amid heightened public interest in several ongoing legal and commission processes.

“The Office is not oblivious to the fact that the briefing comes at a heightened time of public interest matters that are before commissions of inquiry and the courts. As a retired judge, I have a duty to respect the processes of those institutions,” Raulinga said.

Raulinga said commissions of inquiry and the courts are the appropriate forums to assess evidence and make findings that are sound in law, making it improper for the Office to offer parallel commentary on ongoing proceedings, or to pre-judge any person or matter.

“The credibility of our legal system depends on each institution respecting the mandate of others.”

He assured the public that where complaints fall within the Office’s statutory mandate, they would be investigated independently and objectively.

“I can assure the public that this Office has the statutory mandate and the institutional independence to deal with any matter that properly comes before it. Where a complaint is received within our mandate, it will be dealt with objectively, thoroughly and in accordance with the law,” Raulinga said.

The retired judge also used the briefing to acknowledge the support received during the establishment of the Office.

He thanked Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi for her leadership and commitment in facilitating the creation of the Office and expressed appreciation to officials in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for laying the institutional foundations necessary for it to become operational.

He also recognised the National Prosecuting Authority for its cooperation throughout the process.

“The successful establishment of this Office reflects the collective commitment of these institutions to strengthening accountability, safeguarding the rule of law and reinforcing public confidence in South Africa’s justice system. Their continued support is deeply appreciated as we embark on this important constitutional mandate,” he said.

Raulinga said the Office’s guiding philosophy is Mutingati, a Tshivenda concept that reflects collective effort, mutual support and shared responsibility in pursuit of the common good.

He said the philosophy underpins the Office’s commitment to collaboration with law enforcement agencies, public institutions and communities in strengthening accountability and combating corruption.

In the coming months, the Office will roll out a stakeholder engagement programme to establish working relationships with key institutions, while issuing public reports where appropriate and consistent with legal confidentiality requirements.

“The trust placed in this Office by the public will be met with judicial integrity, and those who come forward in good faith can be assured that their rights and safety will be protected under the law,” Raulinga said.

He said the Office will carry out its constitutional mandate “without fear, favour or prejudice”, adding that public trust will be earned through integrity, impartiality and unwavering adherence to the Constitution. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Newly appointed Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Oversight Judge, retired Judge Takalani Joseph Raulinga, says the credibility of South Africa’s anti-corruption oversight framework will depend on the Office’s ability to operate independently, while strengthening constitutional accountability.

Addressing his first media briefing since the establishment and operationalisation of the Office in Pretoria on Sunday, Raulinga said the Office of the IDAC Oversight Judge, established under Section 22A of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, completes an important component of South Africa’s constitutional architecture by providing independent judicial oversight over IDAC.

“The operationalisation of this Office completes a vital component of our constitutional architecture. In any constitutional democracy, the exercise of investigative power must be balanced by an equally robust mechanism of independent oversight,” Raulinga said.

Raulinga stressed that the Office was not created to obstruct law enforcement, but to strengthen institutional integrity by ensuring that power is exercised within the bounds of legality, accountability and fairness.

“By providing independent judicial scrutiny, the Office contributes to public confidence in the justice system and reinforces the principles that sustain our constitutional democracy.”

He said institutional independence should not be confused with institutional isolation, noting that effective functioning of the justice system depends on principled and respectful engagement between institutions whose mandates may intersect but remain distinct.

“It is therefore important that all institutions respect clear jurisdictional boundaries while maintaining appropriate channels of communication where matters require procedural clarity or cooperation,” Raulinga said.

The retired judge said the Office will investigate complaints relating to alleged improper conduct by persons who fall within its oversight mandate, and these include prosecutors, investigators, deputy directors, seconded officials and other personnel appointed to support the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, as provided for in section 7(4)(a) of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act.

Its mandate covers serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial crime or financial crime arising from commissions of inquiry, referrals by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, statutory referrals and complaints lodged by members of the public.

Raulinga assured that every complaint will be assessed objectively and fairly.

“The Office will operate with strict judicial detachment. We do not participate in public debate, nor are we influenced by external pressure or popular opinion.

“Our mandate is executed through the careful and objective assessment of facts and law. Every complaint will be considered fairly, with due regard to the rights of both the complainant and the person who is the subject of the complaint,” the retired judge said.

He emphasised that justice will be administered without regard to “status, influence or affiliation”.

The Office receives complaints from both internal and external complainants and will provide strict confidentiality to whistleblowers and complainants in accordance with the Protected Disclosures Act.

Raulinga said although the Office is still establishing its internal structures, members of the public will soon be able to submit sealed written complaints through a secure drop-box at the SALU Building, 316 Thabo Sehume Street in Pretoria.

Complaints can already be submitted electronically to complaints.idac@justice.gov.za.

He also noted that the Office does not investigate intelligence matters falling under the Inspector-General of Intelligence, nor does it replace the investigative powers of the South African Police Service or the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

“The Office operates within clearly defined constitutional and legislative boundaries, complementing existing law enforcement and oversight mechanisms,” he said.

Raulinga said the Office reports to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and is ultimately accountable to Parliament through the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, a reporting framework designed to safeguard its independence.

He announced that the Office will undertake a stakeholder engagement programme to establish working relationships with relevant institutions and partners.

“Reports and public updates will be issued in due course, where appropriate and consistent with the requirements of confidentiality and the law,” Raulinga said.

While the independent execution of this mandate may create discomfort in some quarters, he emphasised that the Office remains committed to carrying out its statutory responsibilities without fear, favour or prejudice. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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The Department of Employment and Labour has committed to strengthening collaboration and expanding outreach programmes to improve ex-mine workers’ access to social security and compensation benefits, including an estimated R10 billion in outstanding claims.

Acting Director-General Jacky Molisane said the department will intensify efforts to improve access to services provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF), while working closely with partners to ensure former mine workers receive the dignity, support and benefits they deserve.

“The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund, continues to implement interventions aimed at improving access to social protection and compensation benefits for workers, including former mine workers,” Molisane said.

Molisane was addressing an ex-mineworkers’ stakeholder session held at Port St Johns, Eastern Cape. The meeting sought to resolve outstanding issues relating to compensation claims and access to social security benefits for former mine workers.

The session brought together the Department of Employment and Labour, the Eastern Cape provincial government led by Premier Oscar Mabuyane, the Compensation Fund, Rand Mutual Assurance, the National Department of Health, the South African Medical Association, and various stakeholders.

The initiative forms part of a coordinated intervention to address historical injustices experienced by ex-mine workers. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination and mobilising resources for the Ex-Mineworkers Intervention Programme.

The stakeholders’ session concluded a week-long multidisciplinary government outreach campaign that brought services directly to communities in Port St Johns and surrounding areas.

Services included workplace inspections, processing UIF and Compensation Fund claims for occupational injuries and diseases, career counselling and the registration of workseekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system.

The Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) and the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD), Barry Kistnasamy, said an estimated R10 billion in compensation claims remains unpaid to ex-mine workers nationwide.

The Eastern Cape Premier called for improved information sharing. “I cannot accept excuses that databases cannot be accessed when we are trying to alleviate the suffering of our people. It is unfortunate that the rewards of workers’ efforts have not followed them home,” the Premier said.

Molisane acknowledged the contribution of the Office of the Premier, Rand Mutual Assurance, the Thubelisha Project, organised labour, community structures, and all stakeholders for their continued efforts to address challenges facing ex-mine workers.

She reiterated that the Compensation Fund remains a critical pillar in supporting workers who suffered occupational injuries and diseases in the course of their employment, while the UIF continues to provide unemployment, illness, maternity, dependants’ and other qualifying benefits.

“The fund’s outreach programmes have been instrumental in taking services closer to communities and ensuring vulnerable citizens are not excluded from accessing their rights,” she said.

Despite progress, Molisane said significant challenges remain, including incomplete documentation, historical employment records, benefit tracing and limited access to services.

“These challenges require a collective response from government, social partners and community stakeholders,” she said.

According to Molisane, the Eastern Cape has contributed approximately 370 000 ex-mine workers to the national total of about one million since 1965, making it one of the provinces most affected by the legacy of labour migration.

She said many former mine workers had been exposed to occupational hazards such as silica dust, resulting in high rates of tuberculosis, silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease), other occupational lung diseases, workplace injuries and fatalities.

Since 2019, the UIF has paid R16.7 million in benefits to 5 625 former mine workers, Molisane said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined government leaders, civil society organisations and members of the community in supporting the official launch of the Healing Lives Foundation at the Mamelodi Community Hall in east of Pretoria.

Operating under the theme: “From Crisis to Career – From Silence to Strength”, the foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to preventing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), while empowering survivors through comprehensive aftercare services, psychosocial support, skills development initiatives, job readiness and community awareness programmes.

The launch on Saturday, 18 July 2026, served as a powerful call for collective action to end GBVF and underscored the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can heal, rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.

The initiative also seeks to promote economic empowerment, recognising financial independence as a critical step in helping survivors break free from abusive environments.

Mamelodi remains one of Gauteng’s identified GBVF hotspots and consistently ranks among the country’s areas with high levels of violence against women.

The launch of the foundation represents an important intervention aimed at providing support, hope and opportunities for survivors within the community.

Addressing community members, Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with organisations that provide support to vulnerable women and children.

“We are pleased to launch this programme with you that can assist vulnerable women and children. As the department, we are committing to work with you to declare war against gender-based violence,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

She added that government remains resolute in its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and called on all sectors of society to play an active role in protecting women and children.

She further emphasised that government, communities, faith-based organisations and civil society must continue working together to prevent violence, protect survivors and build safer communities where women and children can live free from fear.

Healing Lives Foundation founder and Director, Siphokazi Buwa, said many women continue to suffer in silence because they lack the support and resources needed to escape abusive situations.

“Our women suffer because they do not have a voice. So, we started this foundation to say, let us give you your voice back. Let us give you hope. Let us lead you to the light, so that you know that where you are, it is not the end, and it does not have to be the end,” Buwa said.

She added that the organisation’s vision extends beyond providing immediate support by ensuring survivors have access to education, skills development and sustainable employment opportunities.

“As we come together and launch the Healing Lives Foundation today, let us look forward to seeing more happening for our survivors. We want them to be educated and have jobs so that they do not become secondary victims,” she said.

The event was also attended by former Deputy President Baleka Mbete, a longstanding advocate in the fight against GBVF. Her presence reinforced the urgent need for government, civil society, communities and the private sector to work together to end violence against women and children.

The launch of the Healing Lives Foundation marks another important step in strengthening community-based responses to GBVF and advancing a united front against one of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially unveiled the Klipdrift 50-megalitre per day Package Water Treatment Plant in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, to improve water security and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water for communities in the area.

The commissioning of the treatment plant on Saturday formed part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Mandela Day programme, which was aimed at accelerating water infrastructure development and expanding access to clean drinking water in underserved communities.

The event also marked the national handover of 67 decentralised groundwater supply schemes across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, as part of Mandela Day commemorations and broader Mandela Month service delivery initiatives.

Addressing residents and stakeholders, President Ramaphosa commended the completion of the new treatment plant, saying it demonstrates government’s commitment to responding to the needs of communities through collaborative service delivery.

“I applaud the Minister of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Premier, and all who have worked to ensure that we have a package plant. This is the first time I have heard of a package plant that delivers 50 million litres a day. This is phenomenal. This is a great achievement for our government. This is how we respond to our people’s needs,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa recalled visiting Hammanskraal when the community was facing a severe water crisis and said government had since elevated water security to one of its top priorities.

He said a dedicated national water committee, comprising government, business, organised labour and other stakeholders, had been established to accelerate interventions and improve water service delivery across the country.

“This is one committee that is really working with all the key stakeholders. This is how we do things in our country – we collaborate. This project is the result of collaboration between national, provincial and local government,” the President said.

While welcoming the completion of the treatment plant, the President stressed that the next priority is ensuring treated water reaches households.

He called on the City of Tshwane to accelerate the rehabilitation of the local reticulation network and provide clear timeframes for restoring water to homes.

“We are now going to go on with the reticulation of water into the taps and into the homes of our people. I want a clear timeframe of when this is going to happen.

“This must happen within a short space of time. We don’t want the people of Hammanskraal to wait for years before water flows into the taps of their own homes,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said unveiling the facility on Nelson Mandela International Day reflected government’s commitment to honouring Madiba’s legacy through practical action that improves people’s lives.

He acknowledged that while significant progress had been made, more work remained to ensure communities across South Africa have access to reliable basic services.

Quoting Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Ramaphosa said the completion of the plant should serve as motivation to intensify service delivery efforts.

“Nelson Mandela reminded us that after climbing one hill, there are always many more hills to climb. That is precisely the message for us today. This is a great achievement, but much more still needs to be done to address the needs of our people,” the President said.

and forms part of government’s broader programme to improve water security and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water for communities across the country.

Strong intergovernmental relations key to delivering services

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised the importance of strong intergovernmental relations in addressing water challenges and delivering critical infrastructure.

Lesufi highlighted the close working relationship between the Gauteng Province and the Department of Water and Sanitation, saying that collaboration across all spheres of government is key to delivering services to communities.

“We are excited that the commitment our President made is being fulfilled today. Where there was no water, water is flowing now. Where there were challenges, we have concluded and resolved all those challenges,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that access to clean water is a constitutional right and remains central to government’s efforts to improve the lives of rural communities.

“Water is a fundamental human right enshrined in our Constitution. When a community has no access to clean and reliable water, it is denied more than a basic service; it is denied dignity, opportunity and the full enjoyment of its constitutional rights,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

The Deputy President made the remarks at the launch of Mandela Day Water Services Project and Acceleration Programme for unserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The launch, which coincided with Nelson Mandela International Day, reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that all South Africans have access to basic services essential for human dignity and health, especially clean and reliable water, honouring Madiba’s legacy through actions.

The launch included the unveiling of the Babanango Community Water Supply Scheme and the Msinga Borehole Water Supply Intervention.

Speaking at the launch of the Babanango Water Supply Scheme, the Deputy President, who was accompanied by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, said the project reflects government’s commitment to honouring Madiba’s legacy through practical action aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities.

The Babanango Water Supply Scheme combines protected spring water sources, a borehole backup system, a water treatment plant, reservoirs, pipelines and distribution infrastructure to supply up to 500 000 litres of treated water a day to surrounding communities.

Through the Babanango Water Supply Scheme, Deputy President Mashatile said, government is declaring that “access to water cannot be a privilege enjoyed by some; but must be a reality for all”.

“We are saying that no community is too remote, too small or too poor to be affected by development. We bring hope where there has been doubt, dignity where there has been struggle, and opportunity where there have been obstacles,” he said.

The Deputy President acknowledged that residents had waited years for reliable access to clean drinking water, describing the completion of the scheme as an important milestone in government’s efforts to extend access to basic services and improve the lives of rural communities.

He said the project demonstrated the value of cooperation between national, provincial and local government, traditional leaders and communities under the District Development Model (DDM), which seeks to improve service delivery through coordinated planning across all spheres of government.

The Deputy President said South Africa continues to face significant water supply challenges due to climate variability, ageing infrastructure, population growth, vandalism and years of underinvestment.

He said government had prioritised water security through several interventions, including the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which aims to expand access to safe and reliable water for communities that remain unserved or underserved.

The Deputy President highlighted that government is accelerating water provision through borehole development, spring protection, rainwater harvesting and the rehabilitation of existing water schemes, while the Water Services Infrastructure Grant is being used to address infrastructure backlogs in rural and underserved areas.

“These interventions are helping us to reach communities more quickly while building long-term resilience and sustainability,” he said.

As part of the Mandela Day programme, government also symbolically launched and handed over 27 decentralised water supply interventions across KwaZulu-Natal.

He urged communities to safeguard the infrastructure to ensure its long-term sustainability.

“The sustainability of projects such as this one depends on community ownership and active participation. We must protect this infrastructure against vandalism and misuse so that future generations can continue to benefit from these important investments,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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