Category: South Africa Government

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for greater global fairness in the sharing of benefits derived from biodiversity.

The Deputy Minister made the call as he opened the third meeting of the Steering Committee on the multilateral mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens on Tuesday.

Addressing delegates from across the world, Singh described the setting, located within the Cape Floristic Region, as a reminder of both the value of biodiversity and the shared responsibility to conserve it and ensure its benefits are distributed equitably.

He emphasised that the work of the Steering Committee comes at a critical time, noting that issues of fairness, equity and justice are central to how benefits from biodiversity are shared globally. 

In Africa, biodiversity is closely tied to livelihoods, cultures and identities, the Deputy Minister said, adding that decisions taken during the meeting would have real implications for Indigenous people and local communities who have protected these resources for generations.

He pointed to South Africa’s advanced Access and Benefit-Sharing system, which is aligned with international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, as an example of how equitable engagement between researchers, companies and communities can be achieved. 

Singh said this made South Africa a fitting host for discussions on the multilateral mechanism and the Cali Fund.

Reflecting on progress made at the 2024 UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16), Singh noted that countries had agreed to establish a multilateral mechanism to address the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including the creation of the Cali Fund. 

He described the decision as a milestone aimed at ensuring that benefits arising from genetic data used in research and innovation are shared more fairly, while strengthening corporate responsibility.

He traced the development of the issue back to 2016, when digital sequence information first gained prominence under the Convention, and outlined how ongoing discussions, including global dialogues initiated by South Africa and Norway in 2019, helped build consensus. 

He highlighted South Africa’s role in convening these engagements, including key meetings in Pretoria, which contributed to the eventual agreement reached in Cali.

Singh stressed that in the African context, benefit-sharing is not only a technical issue but also a historical one, noting that Indigenous knowledge has long contributed to sectors such as medicine and agriculture without adequate recognition or compensation. 

He said the work of the Steering Committee and the development of the Cali Fund present an opportunity to address these imbalances and ensure that both monetary and non-monetary benefits reach the communities that have safeguarded biodiversity.

The Deputy Minister added that South Africa’s own experience demonstrates how the use of genetic resources can deliver tangible benefits for both communities and conservation efforts, and expressed hope that this experience could inform broader discussions on shaping a fair, inclusive and effective mechanism. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the helicopter that went missing on Monday with four occupants, including the pilot, has been successfully located this morning with all individuals found alive and unharmed. 

The group, which includes two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday. However, as they attempted to navigate through the thick bush, they could not find the chopper. 

Following their rescue, it has been confirmed that all the occupants are safe. 

“The chopper disappeared on Monday during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass discovered in the Kruger National Park, hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof,” the police said in a statement.

A report indicates that the team departed in the morning around 09h00 and did not return as anticipated. 

Some efforts to establish communication with the helicopter crew yielded no results due to poor signal and it is suspected that the chopper could have been flying low. 

“All attempts to reach them via their mobile phones and other means were unsuccessful. It was only in the evening that it was realised that something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them.

“In response to the situation, another helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities, alongside drones, was swiftly deployed to assist in the search efforts. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn. However, the drones continued their search throughout the night,” the police said.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, remarked that the committed members were carrying out their duties even on a day that is recognized as a holiday in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

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The eThekwini Municipality says its disaster management teams are working around the clock following severe rains that caused widespread flooding and damage across parts of Durban at the weekend.

In a statement issued on Monday, the municipality said teams were immediately deployed after the storm left a trail of submerged roads, fallen trees and damaged vehicles in several areas.

Disaster management officials, supported by recreation and parks teams, are currently on the ground responding to incidents, clearing debris and restoring access to affected routes.

According to the municipality, the Durban Central and Southern regions were the hardest hit, with 22 incidents reported, particularly in Chatsworth and Morningside. 

Flooded roads and fallen trees led to significant traffic disruptions.  

In the Western region, 13 incidents were recorded, with Westville among the most affected. Teams are working to clear debris, manage waterlogged roads and assess damage to protect residents.

The Northern region reported seven incidents, with Newlands West bearing the brunt of the storm. Emergency crews are continuing to address flooding and other storm-related hazards.

The municipality has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded roads and report hazards such as fallen trees, damaged power lines or blocked routes through official channels.

“Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, as water levels may be deeper and more dangerous than they appear.

“eThekwini remains committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of residents. Teams are working around the clock to restore normality, reduce risks, and provide support where needed,” the statement said.

Residents in need of emergency assistance can contact the city’s Disaster Management Centre on 031 361 0000. 

Further updates are expected as teams continue to assess the extent of the damage. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thabo Mofutsanyana District Police have arrested 12 suspects during Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes.

The intensified, high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes. However, the district also recorded an increase in cases of murder, attempted murder and rape.

“Six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities. Among the victims were two women, who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden.

“In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax. Several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol.

“Police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old person and minors. In one particularly case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern,” the police said.

Furthermore, four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice. 

A total of four illegal firearms were seized during operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Tseki. An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate Courts today.

Police commended community members, who provided valuable information leading to these arrests. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has welcomed Infrastructure South Africa’s contribution to the successful hosting of the South African Investment Conference in Sandton, last Tuesday.

Macpherson also welcomed its role in helping to unlock a $1 billion investment pledge by global agricultural company UPL, announced at the conference. 

The investment amounting to approximately R17 billion and led by UPL Chairman and Group CEO Jai Shroff, is linked to a large-scale bioethanol production facility in South Africa. 

The project will utilise sugarcane and maize as a feedstock and support the development of an integrated agricultural and energy value chain. 

Infrastructure South Africa, an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, played a key facilitative role in advancing the project by bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural, energy and financial sectors.

This included supporting engagements between UPL and a major development finance institution to explore project preparation and financing opportunities, as well as broader collaboration to move the project towards implementation. 

The project has significant potential, including the cultivation of approximately 400 000 hectares of sweet sorghum and the production of up to 1.3 billion litres of bioethanol annually. 

This will inject significant amounts of money directly back to small and large scale farmers. 

This positions South Africa as a potential leader in the biofuels sector, while supporting rural development and job creation. 

Macpherson said Infrastructure South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in unlocking investment by removing bottlenecks, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting project preparation.

“When I was appointed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister 21 months ago, I committed to turning the department into the economic delivery unit of South Africa to help grow the economy and create much-needed jobs. 

“The $1 billion investment, facilitated by Infrastructure South Africa, is clear evidence of the progress we are making in achieving that goal,” Macpherson said. 

He said this investment demonstrates what is possible when government plays an active role in facilitating partnerships, removing obstacles, and aligning stakeholders behind a common objective. 

“It also highlights the growing importance of Infrastructure South Africa in ensuring that projects of this scale move from concept to implementation as we work to build a better South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has resumed its hearings this morning.

The commission resume its public hearings after the Easter recess with City of Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Commissioner, Yolanda Faro, taking the stand.

“The commission will, over the coming months – ahead of its final deadline at the end of August 2026 – continue to expand its focus on areas of its Terms of Reference, which have not yet been covered.

“The inquiry will continue to run Phases 1 and 2 in parallel, with Phase 1 being the airing of allegations, and Phase 2 broadly being the responses by implicated individuals to specific allegations against them, as well as giving those implicated persons the opportunity to tell their side of the story,” commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.

He noted that while the commission is investigating allegations about the criminal justice system made by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a media conference last year, the commission is not mandated to investigate “all allegations of wrongdoing across the criminal justice system”.

“Any person who wishes to provide the commission with information, which falls within the Terms of Reference, can do so anonymously and confidentially by contacting the commission’s hotline on 0800 111 369, or via email at madlangacommission@behonest.co.za,” Michaels said.

The term of the commission has been extended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, with a final report expected in August this year.

A second interim report is expected to be handed to the President by the end of next month. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Local Municipalities of Lesedi and Midvaal, will host public consultations on the planned designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

This follows the publication, on 3 March 2026, of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau’s intention to designate the proposed SEZ for public comment.   

The consultation on 8 April at the Meyerton Town Hall will provide businesses, and stakeholders with an opportunity to express their views and share ideas on the proposed SEZ with national, provincial and local government leadership. 

The session will lead up to a broader engagement planned at the Vereeniging Civic Centre in the Sedibeng District.

The Vaal SEZ land area will comprise of five land parcels in Heidelberg, Rietspruit, Langlaagte, Zwartkopjies and Kookfontein, according to the department.

“The prospective sites for the Vaal SEZ are strategically located near significant population centres and essential transportation infrastructure, moreover, the development of the Vaal SEZ aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the Sedibeng District Municipality’s District Development Model (DDM) and its District One Plan,” it said.

The Vaal SEZ will explore the diverse investment opportunities that the region offers. These include: 

• Green industrialisation aimed at transforming the industrial basin into the country’s pre-eminent hub for low carbon manufacturing and renewable energy production.

• High impact investments into the food, agriculture and the agro industries value chain.
• Investment in gateway logistics to exploit the locational advantages of the Sedibeng District. 
• Investment in the blue economy and the tourism sector on the back of the Vaal river.
• Building a smart city along the Vaal River and an aerotropolis (aerozone) to drive urban development. 
• Building strong local linkages between township and rural economies with the value chains that the Vaal SEZ will develop and strengthen. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By More Matshediso

Tshililo Mafuka is a tomato farmer from Muswodi Dipeni in Musina, Limpopo, whose passion for agriculture began long before he launched his own farming business.

His rise in the agricultural sector is a story of resilience and a meaningful contribution to strengthening South Africa’s local food supply chain.

Mafuka gained practical experience in crop cultivation and machinery operation while working on a farm several years ago, which inspired him to establish his own operation.

He said his decision to focus on tomato production was strategic.

Tomatoes have consistently high market demand and are well suited to Limpopo’s climate and growing conditions.

“Over the years, I developed a strong interest in agriculture and a desire to run my own operation, particularly in tomato production,” he said. “I started farming on 2.9 hectares, and tomatoes remain my main crop because of my experience and confidence in managing their production.”

Beyond production, Mafuka’s farming operation has also contributed to local employment. Depending on the season and labour requirements, his business has created up to 20 seasonal jobs, providing income opportunities for community members.

Mafuka is one of 10 smallholder farmers in the Musina area who collectively supplied more than 3,386 tonnes of tomatoes to Tiger Brands for the production of its All Gold Tomato Sauce.

His work was recognised when he was named Tiger Brands’ inaugural Emerging Farmer of the Year / Most Promising Farmer for 2025.

The award acknowledges Mafuka’s success as a smallholder farmer and his role in supporting sustainable agricultural development through his business, Bob and Maggie Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, which was established three years ago and specialises in tomato production.

“This award is a significant milestone for me,” Mafuka said. “It recognises the effort, perseverance and consistency that went into building my farm — from starting on rented land using stream water to owning land with a borehole. It reflects resilience, dedication and continuous learning throughout my journey.”

Increased harvest

The increased harvest was made possible through support provided by the recently launched Tiger Brand Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme. Through the programme, participating farmers boosted production, created an additional 156 jobs in their communities, and sustained about 500 jobs across the value chain.

In the case of Musina-based farmers, irrigation infrastructure was identified as a critical requirement to unlock production potential and accelerate output.

The Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme aims to address key barriers faced by emerging and smallholder farmers. These include limited access to equipment and infrastructure, climate-related challenges, and restricted access to formal markets.

Director for Transformation and Enterprise Supplier Development at Tiger Brands, Maanda Milubi, said the programme highlights the strong interdependence between the company and local farmers.

“The Hulisani initiative underscores the interdependence between Tiger Brands and local farmers,” Milubi said. “By investing in farmers’ long-term resilience, we secure a steady supply of commodities and raw materials, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen local value chains.”

He added that for emerging and smallholder producers, the programme creates opportunities to build sustainable enterprises, generate employment, and contribute to South Africa’s long-term food security.

Mafuka said: “I joined the Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme about a year ago, and the support has been transformative. The programme has played a key role in strengthening and expanding my farming operation.

“It provided irrigation pipes, technical guidance to improve production, and financial support linked to our supply agreement.”

Mafuka now holds a renewable annual contract to supply Tiger Brands with high-quality fresh tomatoes.

His message to fellow emerging farmers is to start small, remain committed, and continue learning.

For more information about the Tiger Brands Hulisani Agricultural Development Programme, visit www.tigerbrands.com.

*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele

 

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By Michael Currin

Just a few years ago South Africa’s energy situation looked bleak with power outages sometimes exceeding eight hours a day. Communities and businesses endured severe stages of load shedding, disrupting economic activity and eroding public confidence. It became distinctly clear that urgent and coordinated intervention was needed to change the trajectory of our electricity grid.

This turning point materialised through the establishment of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) in 2022, which was a decisive response to an escalating national emergency as the nation experienced some of the most severe power cuts. NECOM was created with a clear mandate to fix Eskom, reduce load shedding and expand new sources of power. 

It brought together high level officials from across government, Eskom, business and social partners to stabilise the grid and unlock new energy investments. All of these efforts we now all recall were captured in what became popularly known as the Energy Action Plan or EAP.

The results now speak for themselves. In March this year, South Africa recorded 300 consecutive days without load shedding. Furthermore, our Energy Availability Factor is consistently above 65%, and on some occasions exceeded 70%, marking a significant improvement in operational performance. These gains are not accidental and are a result of targeted, specialised work, which includes improved operational stability, more efficient power station performance, and a coordinated push for wind, solar, gas and battery storage solutions. 

The success of NECOM highlights an important truth that when the nation focuses its attention, expertise and resources into a single, clearly defined problem, meaningful progress becomes possible. Our experience in energy reform shows what specialised committees can achieve when they are empowered to act with urgency and accountability.

Substantial improvement was also achieved in our freight logistics system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee which was established in 2023. Key achievements include improving public-private partnerships with a notable increase of slots on 41 routes across six corridors for eleven private train operators and 75% reduction of vessel anchorage times at Durban Port. With Durban Pier 2 welcoming private operators, we expect to unlock R200 billion in investment by 2030.

Similar models are already yielding results also under the banner of the District Development Model in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, a strong intergovernmental and cross-societal initiative aimed at bringing the city back to its glory days. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted, during this year’s State of the Nation Address, “we will expand our support to municipalities that require assistance, drawing on the lessons of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. We are seeing great progress in eThekwini as we implement the district development model”.

Building on these proven models, President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a National Water Crisis Committee. This is an urgent intervention to address South Africa’s escalating water challenges which include repeated and prolonged water outages, attributed to ageing infrastructure, weak municipal management and underinvestment, as well as illegal connections to the water pipelines in communication siphoning water off to non-paying illegal users, among other issues.

The new committee is mandated to address immediate water supply disruptions through a nationally coordinated response that mobilise technical expertise and resources to priority areas. Over R156 billion has been set aside for water and sanitation infrastructure over the next three years. A further R54 billion incentive has been set aside for metros to reform their water, sanitation and electricity services. This will ensure that revenue collected for water is reinvested into fixing damaged pipes and water leaks, upgrading reservoirs and maintaining pumping stations as we seek to end our current water challenges.

More recently, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that R27.7 billion has been allocated over the medium term to a performance-linked reform for metro trading services in electricity, water, sanitation to rectify maintenance backlogs and ultimately fix water supply. 

To ensure that these investments and reforms translate into real improvements on the ground, accountability is also being strengthened in municipalities across the country. Government has already laid criminal charges against 56 municipalities for failing to meet statutory obligations and will pursue charges against Municipal Managers who have violated the National Water Act. 

Water outages are not simply operational interruptions; they reflect underlying governance and system challenges, which government is addressing through strengthened coordination, improved public communication, increased awareness on water conservation, and decisive action against illegal connections and losses. 

As we look ahead to the next phase of renewal, specialised committees will play a greater role in securing a sustainable future for our nation. Whether in energy, water, local government or other priority areas, these structures provide the focus, expertise and discipline necessary to resolve long standing challenges.

With strengthened oversight, targeted investment and a renewed commitment to service delivery, government remains firmly committed to delivering the stable energy supply, reliable water services and effective local governance our people deserve.

The work of renewal is already underway, and we can expect positive outcomes and remain optimistic for a sustainable future. As we have seen in the transformation of the energy sector, when we mobilise the full capability of the state toward a clearly defined goal, progress is not only possible, it is inevitable.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

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