Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa is this afternoon visiting Nkomazi Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to assess the extent of the  damage caused by the floods and the response of government. 

The President will commence the visit in Mjejana, Nkomazi Local Municipality, after 14h00 this afternoon. 

The National Disaster Management Centre officially classified the inclement weather — which has ravaged Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the North West, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape — as a national disaster, following loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, displacement of communities, disruption to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.

The President has expressly shared that his thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured, and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property.  

Furthermore, the President hailed first responders, volunteers and humanitarian organisations for their emphatic coordinated response to the devastation across affected provinces.

President Ramaphosa will monitor the state of the disaster response at flood affected areas at the Nkomazi Local Municipality, accompanied by Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, senior government officials and representatives of the National Disaster Management Centre. – SAnews.gov.za 

Prospective students, who need guidance in accessing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, are encouraged to make use of the Central Application Service (CAS). 

Here is a comprehensive guide on how the CAS works:  https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/CAS_Learner%20Guide.pdf.

The Department of Higher and Training (DHET) had previously introduced the Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) as a short-term intervention to match unplaced applicants with available spaces. However, from the 2026 academic year, CACH will be discontinued as part of broader reforms to the PSET application process, while CAS is rolled out.

CAS is a pilot project implemented by DHET to provide the following services for aspiring learners, who wish to undertake undergraduate studies at any PSET institution in South Africa.

Its services include: 

• Career Information.
• Career Guidance and Counselling Referral.
• Centralised Application Service.
• Application Clearing Service.

More information can be found on the link provided above. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed his deep devastation, following a tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark on Monday morning, which claimed the lives of 13 learners. 

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident occurred at approximately 7am when a private scholar transport vehicle collided with a side tipper truck on Fred Droste Road in Vanderbijlpark. 

According to authorities, 11 learners were certified dead at the scene, with two additional learners succumbing to injuries in hospital. The injured learners are being treated at local medical facilities. The taxi driver is reportedly also hospitalised, while details regarding the truck driver remain uncertain.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Matome Chiloane visited the tragic scene to assess the situation, offer support to the affected families, and engage with emergency services. 

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“It really is a tragic day for us as the department and the province. We extend our deepest condolences to the learners, families, and school communities affected. We call for greater vigilance when it comes to scholar transports, particularly private scholar transport,” MEC Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the loss of life resulting from violent incidents on the Cape Flats over the weekend and in a tragic collision involving a scholar transport vehicle, near Vanderbijlpark, on Monday morning. 

At least 26 people were killed in incidents of violence on the Cape Flats since Friday, while 11 learners lost their lives when the scholar transport vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a truck near Vanderbijlpark. 

The President conveyed his deepest sympathies to the families, communities and loved ones affected by the tragedies, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with citizens and community-based organisations to protect lives. 

Addressing the violence in the Western Cape, President Ramaphosa said affected communities could expect strengthened law enforcement operations and increased police visibility aimed at stabilising communities and preventing further violence. 

He acknowledged the fear and intimidation experienced by residents as a result of criminal activity and called on communities to strengthen their partnerships with law enforcement agencies through community policing forums. 

The President urged residents to provide information to the police on an ongoing basis, including information relating to neighbours or family members involved in criminal activity, to ensure that communities become unsafe for criminals. 

“With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders and 106 runners in the past three months,” the President said. 

He assured residents that government is implementing a balanced approach that combines immediate interventions to prevent and respond to violence with long-term socio-economic programmes aimed at improving living conditions and social stability. 

Turning to the scholar transport tragedy, President Ramaphosa said it was particularly distressing that the incident occurred on the same day that the South African Human Rights Commission released a report on scholar transport in the North West. 

The President extended his condolences to the families, teachers, classmates and friends of the learners who lost their lives. 

“Our children are the nation’s most precious assets and we must do all we can – from observing the rules of the road to the quality of service providers appointed to transport scholars – to protect learners,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said national and provincial authorities would provide the affected families and schools with the necessary psychosocial support during this difficult time. – SAnews.gov.za

Poorly functioning wastewater treatment plants and ongoing sewerage spillages continue to contribute significantly to water pollution in JB Marks Local Municipality in North West, prompting intervention by the national Department of Water and Sanitation. 

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo on Friday, 16 January 2026, met with the municipality to address the ongoing deterioration of sewerage infrastructure in Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom, and its impact on the Mooi River. 

The department said Seitlholo had received numerous complaints from residents about persistent sewerage spillages contaminating the Mooi River, a critical water source used for domestic water use, agriculture, livestock farming, and industrial activities. Several industrial areas rely on the river to sustain their operations, making its protection an urgent environmental and socio-economic priority. 

According to the department, the challenges facing the municipality are largely due to ageing and deteriorating sewerage infrastructure, which has resulted in frequent overflowing manholes that pose serious health risks and negatively affect residents and businesses. 

While the municipality has managed to unblock some manholes affecting local businesses, the lack of appropriate machinery has led to continued sewer spillages. As a result, pollution of the Mooi River has persisted, mainly from untreated sewage and wastewater entering the river directly or through stormwater channels. 

Between 2020 and 2023, affected communities and downstream water users lodged complaints to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). 

Following several inspections in Ikageng, DWS issued a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive to JB Marks Local Municipality in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998). 

Although the municipality responded to the notices and directives, the department said the responses failed to implement immediate and effective measures to stop the discharge of pollution into the environment. 

In addition to the directives, a criminal case was opened by civil society, with the matter currently under investigation by an Environmental Management Inspector from the DFFE. 

The DWS said it continues to receive complaints regarding sewage spillages in the area, which indicate failures within the sewer networks and the pumpstations. 

To address the challenges, DWS has approved several projects under the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) intended to rehabilitate and upgrade sewerage infrastructure in Promosa and Mohadin, areas that continue to experience persistent sewerage spillages. 

During the site inspections, Seitlholo and his delegation observed ongoing sewerage spillages in Extension 7, near Poortjies Dam, including the prolonged exposure of two households that have reportedly endured sewer spillages for an estimated period of 10 years. 

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasised that while the municipality has approved projects aimed at addressing these challenges, the lack of adequate tools of trade remains a critical impediment. 

“The municipality does not have the necessary equipment to respond swiftly and effectively to sewerage spillages, resulting in residents and businesses being forced to live and operate under unsanitary conditions for prolonged periods. 

“These matters were clearly raised with the Municipal Manager and the MMC, who was acting as Mayor at the time. The current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue,” Seitlholo said.

A follow-up meeting has been scheduled within the next two weeks to assess progress and ensure corrective measures are implemented. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Correctional Services has recorded a 94.4% pass rate for the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

This was revealed by Minister Pieter Groenewald, who released the results at the Goodwood Correctional Facility, in the Western Cape, on Monday.

Some 180 learners from 18 correctional services schools sat for the NSC examinations in 2025 with 15 schools achieving a 100% pass rate and a total of 132 distinctions earned.

“Two of our schools, Usethubeni in Durban-Westville in KwaZulu-Natal and Baviaanspoort in the Gauteng Region, have maintained a 100% pass rate for the past ten years. We are also immensely proud of the Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre School, which achieved a 100% pass rate.

“KwaZulu-Natal deserves special recognition for producing the highest number of matriculants, with 50 learners, of whom 45 attained Bachelor passes. Usethubeni alone accounted for 31 learners, all of whom achieved Bachelor passes. These results demonstrate that our focus is not merely on achieving a pass, but on producing quality outcomes,” Groenewald said.

The Minister emphasised to the gathering that “education is a powerful instrument for change”.

“We gather not merely to announce results, but to celebrate resilience, discipline and educational excellence. This ceremony stands as a powerful reminder that learning does not stop at prison walls, and that hope, when nurtured through education, can flourish even in the most constrained environments.

“To our matriculants, you have shown that your past does not define your future. Through discipline, perseverance, and commitment, you have invested in yourselves and in the future of this country. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for rehabilitation, reintegration, and nation-building.

“As the Department of Correctional Services, we remain resolute in ensuring that every inmate within our care is given a fair opportunity to succeed,” he said.

Family members, teachers and officials were also praised for their commitment to the learners.

“None of this would be possible without the unwavering commitment of our educators, who continue to teach under uniquely challenging conditions with dedication and professionalism.

“We commend Heads of Correctional Centres and all officials whose daily support ensures that learners remain focused in an environment where distractions may emerge.

“We also acknowledge the vital role played by parents and families, whose encouragement sustains learners through difficult journeys. Our appreciation also goes to the Department of Basic Education for its continued collaboration with our Formal Education Directorate and correctional facilities across the country,” Groenewald said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom is rolling out a new customer service model featuring scheduled mobile customer hubs and pop-up service points across communities in a bid to expand access to customer support and bring services closer to where customers live and work.

According to the power utility, customers will be able to get services from “Hub-on-Wheels” units, community pop-ups, self-service platforms and selected permanent customer service hubs.

“These mobile offerings operate in addition to Eskom’s brick-and-mortar facilities, which continue to operate in strategic and accessible areas. Permanent customer service offices will progressively resume operations and will officially open from 1 February 2025, with further locations to follow.

“As customer expectations evolve and Eskom deepens its operational and community programmes, this hybrid model offers faster access to assistance, supports service improvements, and creates more opportunities for direct customer engagement,” Eskom said.

Eskom Distribution Acting Group Executive, Agnes Mlambo, added: “This initiative reflects Eskom’s commitment to meeting customers where they are. We are moving away from a static service model to a dynamic, customer-centred approach. Whether through self-service, mobile hubs, pop-ups or in-person support, Eskom is improving access to services when and where it matters most.”

Limpopo and the North West will be the first provinces to have Hub-on-Wheels and pop-up engagements this month with a schedule for the rest of the country to be communicated via Eskom’s official communication channels.

“While offices will open from 1 February, mobile engagements will continue throughout the month and thereafter. The monthly schedule will be updated and published regularly, with the aim of providing predictable and reliable visits, ensuring communities are reached at least once per month while permanent offices remain available for in-person support.

“Additional provinces are being activated and will be announced over the coming weeks. Eskom intends to share a national schedule, including the full list of operational walk-in centres, by the end of January,” the power utility explained.

Digital platforms and self-service tools remain available for use.

“Customers can log service requests, submit applications or report faults via the Eskom Customer Application Tool at connect.eskom.co.za, contact Eskom on WhatsApp Alfred at 08600 37566, or call the Eskom Contact Centre. To speed up assistance, customers are encouraged to have their account and meter details ready.

“Eskom remains committed to improving the customer experience through accessible service channels, modernised support systems, and deeper engagement with communities across South Africa,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced that it continues to support various flood-stricken communities by conducting rescue operations to evacuate people stranded in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. 

These areas have been severely affected by flooding and rising water levels due to heavy rains over the past two weeks.

The SANDF has additionally deployed a search and rescue team, which included an Oryx helicopter from the South African Air Force (SAAF), to assist in search operations in Mozambique which has also been affected by adverse weather conditions.

According to the SANDF, the aircraft and advance team successfully landed in Maputo and are expected to collaborate with various emergency rescue teams and disaster management agencies in Mozambique as part of Operation CHARIOT.

“More air assets are scheduled to be deployed from South Africa to assist in the rescue mission,” the SANDF said in a statement. 

In South Africa, severe weather, which included heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and flooding, impacted Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the North West.

This extreme weather resulted in loss of life, significant damage to infrastructure and property, environmental degradation, the displacement of communities, disruptions to schooling and agricultural activities, and closures in parts of the Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga has recorded 20 fatalities, with over 1 300 houses, roads, and public infrastructure damaged. The death toll in Limpopo stands at 18.

Further rainfall warnings remain in effect. – SAnews.gov.za

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has called on South African journalists and media to submit their entries for the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards competition. 

The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists from the SADC member states in four categories: Photo Journalism, Print Journalism, Television Journalism, and Radio Journalism.

Established in 1996, the SADC Media Awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism that promotes regional cooperation, integration and development across the SADC region. 

“The awards celebrate media practitioners whose work highlights the shared values, principles, and aspirations of Southern Africa. Winners will receive US$2500 in each category, while runners-up will be awarded US$1000.

“SADC’s vision is of a common future where the peoples of Southern Africa enjoy economic well-being, improved standards of living, peace, security, freedom, and social justice. 

“These awards support that vision by encouraging reporting that strengthens regional bonds and deepens public understanding of SADC initiatives,” the GCIS said on Monday.

Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from the www.gcis.gov.za website.

The entry form can be accessed at https://zurl.co/sN1xF.

The rules of the 2026 competition can be accessed at https://zurl.co/yVIyN.

Completed forms may be submitted via WeTransfer or Google Drive links and emailed to: mphop@gcis.gov.za and keneilwe@gcis.gov.za or entries can also be posted or delivered to:

GCIS offices nationwide, marked as follows: 

SADC Media Awards Entry

Government Communications (GCIS)

1035 Francis Baard Street

Hatfield, Pretoria

0028

The closing date for submissions is 27 February 2026. – SAnews.gov.za