Category: South Africa Government

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that parts of the country will experience isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers this week.

These weather conditions will affect the North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

“South Africa will this week experience a surface trough that will dominate the western interior, with a high-pressure system continuing to ridge over the eastern areas of the country throughout the week.

“The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue severe weather warnings when the need arises.”

This week’s weather conditions are as follows:

• Monday: Cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered to widespread rain and thundershowers. Otherwise, the weather will be partly cloudy and warm. Severe thunderstorms are possible from the afternoon over Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 
• Tuesday: Cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered to widespread rain and thundershowers possible over Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal into the afternoon. Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm conditions are expected with isolated showers and thundershowers over the North West, Gauteng and Free State.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

• Monday: low to medium chance (40 – 60% ): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
• Tuesday: low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Limpopo (South western regions) and eastern parts of the North West.
• Wednesday: Low (40%) chance: Northern Cape and escarpment of Mpumalanga.
• Thursday: Low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, and eastern parts of the Western Cape.
• Friday: Medium chance (60%): Free State, North West, Gauteng, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo(southern parts) and Mpumalanga.
• Saturday: Low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal (especially the northern parts), Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo.
• Sunday: Low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Possible severe thunderstorms:

• Monday: low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
• Tuesday: low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Limpopo (South western regions) and eastern parts of the North West.
• Wednesday: Low chance (40%): Northern Cape and escarpment of Mpumalanga.
• Thursday: Low to medium chance (40 -60%): Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and eastern parts of the Western Cape. 
• Friday: Medium chance (60%): Free State, North West, Gauteng, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo(southern parts) and Mpumalanga.
• Saturday: Low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal (especially the northern parts), Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo. 
• Sunday: Low to medium chance (40 – 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 64-year-old man who is allegedly linked to 42 cases of armed robberies that date as far back as 1998.

The arrest by the police at OR Tambo International Airport follows an armed robbery of three high-ranking senior police officials from one of the African countries.

Three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four men travelling in a silver Suzuki Swift.

Once the e-hailing driver had pulled over on the side of the R24, the men posed as police officers and thereafter robbed the police general and two other officers of money, watches, and cellphones.

Within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the serial robber. Police have impounded the vehicle. 

The Suzuki Swift has reportedly been used numerous times in the commission of crimes on the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp towards OR Tambo International Airport.

“During the investigation, police found that the serial robber has 42 other cases where he was arrested and charged for armed robbery, the possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud, and impersonating a police officer. These cases date as far back as 1998,”  SAPS said.

Police believe they have broken the back of a syndicate operating at the airport.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 03 March 2026.

Police are searching for three other suspects involved in this crime. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Hawks’ National Serious Corruption Investigation unit arrested three suspects this morning after warrants for their arrest were executed for fraud and theft in pursuance of common cause.

The three suspects, aged 67, 46, and 55, are set to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The arrests followed an in-depth investigation launched in April 2024 after it was alleged that in 2023 over R1 million was unduly awarded to a service provider in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, the Hawks said in a statement. 

The company of one of the suspects is also charged as the fifth juristic person as the monies were paid to the company. 

A fourth suspect, the service provider and her company are yet to be arrested. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), in partnership with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and other government agencies will from Wednesday host a three-day Breaking Barriers Business and Talent Expo in Limpopo.

The expo will be held at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre, under the theme: “Showcasing Ability Beyond Disability”.

According to the department, the event will bring together persons with disabilities, disability-owned enterprises, youth and women entrepreneurs, informal traders, learners from special schools, government, private sector partners, development agencies and potential investors.

The dtic will participate alongside its partners to ensure people with disabilities are fully included in the mainstream economy and supported to contribute meaningfully to economic development.

“The expo will provide an inclusive platform that showcases business, talent, and innovation while supporting enterprise recovery and growth,” the department said in a statement.

Its objectives include promoting inclusive economic participation, facilitating access to funding, skills development, mentorship, and markets, supporting flood-affected businesses, encouraging partnerships and fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and job creation.

The Breaking Barriers Business and Talent Expo 2026 is an initiative by the See the Light Foundation, focusing on empowering persons with disabilities, while also supporting small businesses affected by climate-related disasters such as floods. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has commenced implementing priority road rehabilitation projects across various regions of the province as part of the 2026 Light Road Rehabilitation Programme.

The programme is aimed at strengthening proactive road maintenance through targeted interventions that improve road safety, enhance mobility, and preserve critical road infrastructure that underpins economic activity and service delivery across Gauteng.

According to MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale‑Tlabela, priority routes have been identified in Tshwane, Sedibeng, the West Rand and the City of Johannesburg, following comprehensive road condition assessments.

“The department has taken a deliberate and strategic approach to prioritise key corridors and high‑traffic routes across all regions of Gauteng. These interventions are intended to extend the lifespan of our road infrastructure, improve road safety for all users, and support economic productivity across the province,” the MEC said.

She further emphasised that preventative maintenance remains the most cost‑effective approach to road asset management.

“Investing in structured road rehabilitation allows the department to minimise long‑term reconstruction costs while ensuring safer and more reliable travel for motorists, freight operators, and public transport users.

“We are strengthening oversight, inspections, and contractor accountability to ensure quality workmanship and value for money,” the MEC explained. –SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has confirmed the arrival of a major consignment of 1.5 million Dollvet Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The shipment, imported from Turkey, was facilitated by Dunevax as the authorised agent.

The Department of Agriculture said the successful arrival of this batch demonstrates its strategic decision to partner with the private sector to secure a steady pipeline of high-potency vaccines to strengthen the national response to FMD.

According to Dunevax, the arrival of the vaccines on Saturday, 28 February 2026, was delayed due to the tensions in the Middle East and the restricted airspace over the Gulf States.

Building on recent momentum

The latest shipment follows the arrival of one million FMD vaccine doses from Argentina on Saturday, 21 February 2026, from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina.

The department reported that its distribution network has moved with unprecedented speed.

Upon landing, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) immediately dispatched the Argentine doses to the provinces.

Provincial veterinary teams, supported by both state and private veterinarians, acted swiftly, with the vaccination of cattle herds already well underway in identified high-risk areas.

On Friday, 27 February 2026, Minister Steenhuisen concluded direct engagements with dairy farmers in the uMngeni Municipal Area to hear firsthand the challenges facing the industry.

READ | Minister launches mass FMD vaccination campaign

During the engagement, the Minister called for national unity, stressing that restoring and maintaining FMD-free status with vaccination is a collective effort that requires full cooperation between government and farmers.

With millions more vaccine doses scheduled to arrive in the coming months, the Ministry said efforts remain focused on suppressing viral circulation and containing outbreaks.

Steenhuisen said the arrival of the Dollvet vaccines on Sunday, is another win in the country’s war against FMD.

“By leveraging agents like Dunevax, we are proving that the department is willing to work with any partner who can help us protect our national herd. We are focused on action and results, and we will continue to deal decisively with every outbreak until South Africa is FMD-free,” the Minister said.

The department said it will continue to provide updates as additional doses are rolled out to the provinces to bolster the existing vaccination campaign. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has formally engaged the University of the Free State (UFS) following the release of a peer-reviewed study identifying the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in various sanitary pads and pantyliners available in South Africa.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the department acknowledged the importance of the findings, which indicate the detection of certain chemicals linked to potential hormonal interference.

“While the study does not establish immediate or short-term health harm, it raises important concerns regarding long-term exposure and cumulative health risks,” department spokesperson Cassius Selala said.

Selala emphasised that the purpose of the scientific research conducted at the university is not to create fear, anxiety, or panic, but to provide credible data that can inform and empower consumers, policymakers, and health professionals through robust data and scientific evidence.

As the coordinating department responsible for advancing the rights, dignity and well-being of women and girls, Selala said DWYPD regards menstrual health and sanitary dignity as fundamental to gender equality and public health.

“The department has initiated discussions with UFS researchers to gain a clearer understanding of the study’s methodology, findings and recommended next steps.”

In addition, the department welcomed the National Consumer Commission’s call for an investigation and regulatory review.

The department noted that such measures would help ensure that menstrual health products in South Africa remain safe, affordable, and accessible, “a priority aligned with national commitments to protect women’s health and consumer rights”. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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As South Africa observes TB Awareness Month, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has reported sustained progress in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly in reducing mortality, improving treatment outcomes and maintaining strong case detection.

In the first three quarters (Q1 – Q3) of the current 2025/26 financial year, the GDoH made notable progress in diagnosing and treating TB.

South Africa observes TB Awareness Month from 01–31 March 2026.

In a statement on Sunday, the provincial department said case-finding rates remained consistently high, with 95% of cases detected in Q1 (6655 of 6842 cases), 96% in Q2 (7481 of 7757 cases) and 95% in Q3 (6664 of 7020 cases).

“These results reflect the impact of intensive community-based screening and outreach programmes targeting townships, informal settlements and hostels. The department also focused on high-risk groups, including people living with HIV, ex-mine workers and sex workers.”

The GDoH exceeded treatment initiation targets, with over 20000 patients aged five years and older starting TB treatment in Q3, while 643 children under five began treatment.

“These successes were achieved through prompt monitoring of lost follow-ups, high testing rates, increased case finding and the implementation of the SMS strategy by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS),” said the department.

Treatment outcomes also showed positive trends with the department having reached a 71% treatment success rate for Rifampicin-Resistant/Multidrug-Resistant TB (RR/MDR-TB), driven by high retention in care and consistent mentorship for TB clinicians.

Mortality data also demonstrates measurable progress in saving lives. During Q1 and Q2, Gauteng recorded a total of 1131 TB-related deaths, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment adherence. 
Mortality audits indicate that late presentation at health facilities remains the primary contributor to TB fatalities, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and community engagement.
The department said these achievements are in line with the National END TB Campaign, which aims to screen five million people and improve TB case-finding, diagnosis and linkage to care.

“Gauteng also collaborates with key stakeholders, including private healthcare providers, mines, social development agencies and traditional and faith-based leaders, to expand access to testing and support adherence to treatment.”

The partnerships have enhanced outreach, especially in high-risk communities andimproved overall TB service delivery.

The department called on residents to take proactive action during TB Awareness Month.
Anyone experiencing persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss should seek testing immediately.

Residents are urged to complete the full course of treatment, which is critical to curing TB and preventing drug resistance.

“Every life saved and every patient successfully treated demonstrates the impact of sustained effort and targeted interventions. We encourage residents to seek care early at their nearest clinics and to support family, friends and neighbours to complete treatment.

“TB is curable when treatedearly and together, we can reduce transmission and safeguard community health,” Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile says that while Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) has faced implementation shortcomings, it has led to measurable progress in economic inclusion, particularly through the growth of the Black middle class and advancement in industries such as mining and finance.

Speaking at the second Frank Dialogue on the future of B-BBEE in Durban on Saturday, Mashatile stressed the importance of addressing historical inequities to foster inclusive growth.

“I fully agree with the prevailing view among panellists that it is crucial to address historical inequities for fostering inclusive growth, emphasising the need for transformative policies such as B-BBEE,” he said.
However, the Deputy President acknowledged that the implementation of B-BBEE has faced inconsistencies and various hurdles over the years, some of which are still evident today.

“Economic opportunities remain largely concentrated, accompanied by significant skill deficits that impede the policy’s effectiveness. Furthermore, procurement processes often marginalise Black-owned enterprises, contradicting B-BBEE’s objectives.”

He warned that empowerment must be substantive rather than symbolic.
“Policy legitimacy depends on outcomes. Where empowerment becomes paper-based rather than production-based, where fronting occurs, and where exclusion persists, trust is weakened.”

Mashatile called for firmer and more consistent enforcement, supported by credible oversight, to close gaps exploited by fronting practices and aligning agency interests more closely with the principles of B-BBEE.

Reform
The Deputy President warned against conflating governance failures of implementation and broader governance issues with the intrinsic purpose and design of B-BBEE.

“It is misleading to attribute complex macroeconomic outcomes solely to the policy while ignoring other pressing factors, including structural constraints. Abandoning B-BBEE is not an option. The path forward is reform, strengthening and disciplined implementation.”
Government is undertaking a two-phase review of the B-BBEE framework, led by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The aim, he said, is to refine and reinforce the policy so that it drives transformation, reduces corruption, and promotes inclusive, broad-based growth.

Mashatile referred to the BEE Commission’s 2022 National Status Report, which highlights annual certification data that tracks improvements in ownership, management control, skills pipelines, and supplier development, suggesting that transformation is advancing, albeit unevenly, rather than stagnating.
“This incremental upward trend is consistent with the Government’s stance that B-BBEE is a vital policy tool for promoting the meaningful involvement of historically disadvantaged groups, specifically women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in sectors where inequality persists,” the Deputy President said.

He emphasised that B-BBEE is also a moral obligation rooted in democratic processes. It aligns with Section 9(2) of the Constitution, which allows corrective actions to promote equality and redress discrimination.

The Deputy President linked empowerment policy directly to South Africa’s unemployment crisis.
According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate stood at 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with 7.8 million people unemployed. The expanded rate, including discouraged work-seekers, reached 42.1%, while youth unemployment among those aged 15–24 stood at 57%.

On poverty and inequality, the World Bank estimates South Africa’s Gini coefficient at around 63, with the bottom 40% of the population accounting for just 11.5% of income, compared to nearly 60% for the top 20%.

“Transformative policies such as Affirmative Action, Employment Equity, and B-BBEE remain absolutely necessary because exclusion remains measurable and unabated. Thus, these transformative policies offer an opportunity to shape a future where everyone has equal opportunities, despite not starting from an equal footing.

“These policies are essential in addressing the significant wealth gap between Black and White South Africans, highlighting the need for race-based laws to ensure a more equitable playing field. It is through proper implementation that we can also address unemployment and youth exclusion in the key economic activities,” the Deputy President said.

He also pointed to persistent representation gaps, noting that persons with disabilities remain at around 1% of workforce representation, underscoring slow progress without stronger delivery mechanisms.
The Deputy President said urgent attention is required to deepen Black participation in key sectors, including agriculture, mining, finance, and manufacturing.

Citing economist Wandile Sihlobo’s book “A Country of Two Agricultures,” he noted that Black farmers account for only about 10% of South Africa’s commercial agricultural output.

“This stark figure tells us that our growth agenda must have a deliberate bias towards the empowerment of Black farmers,” he said.

He outlined how B-BBEE tools, including ownership, skills development, preferential procurement and enterprise development, can be leveraged to support land reform, open markets, and integrate emerging farmers into value chains.

He further referenced findings by the Competition Commission of South Africa showing persistent market concentration, with small and medium enterprises representing 95% of firms but contributing only 24% of turnover, compared to 76% from large firms.

“Empowerment must be about opening value chains and expanding productive inclusion, not only compliance,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African Tourism is monitoring developments of the global flight disruptions linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East and associated airspace closures, which are impacting international travel schedules.

“South African Tourism is aware of confirmed global flight disruptions and cancellations linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East and associated airspace closures, which are impacting international travel schedules.

We are closely monitoring developments in collaboration with aviation authorities, airports, airlines, and tourism partners to remain informed of any implications for travellers to and from South Africa,” South African Tourism said in a statement on Sunday.

South African Tourism, which is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government, has encouraged all travellers to contact their airlines, travel agents, or relevant airports directly to confirm the latest flight information before proceeding with travel arrangements.

It also advised affected travellers to engage their booking agents or airlines regarding rebooking and onward travel assistance. It added that the safety and well-being of visitors remain our highest priority. South Africa values every visitor who has chosen to visit our country.

“During this period of disruption, South African Tourism has no doubt that, in the true South African spirit of ubuntu, the tourism industry will ensure that affected travellers are supported while they await onward journeys to their respective homes. This collective care is a reflection or our humanity and reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a welcoming and responsive tourism partner,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Dr Shamilla Chettiar.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations.

In addition, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that the current closure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace is having an impact on flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, thus far.

The current flight disruptions are as follows:
• O.R. Tambo International (JNB): eight cancellations (seven outbound and one inbound).
• Cape Town International (CPT): four cancellations (outbound).
• King Shaka International (DUR): two cancellations (outbound).
–SAnews.gov.za

 

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