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The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, will release a report into the Jagersfontein Tailings Storage Facility failure to the public in due course.

Briefing the media on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that Cabinet has been briefed on the findings of the technical investigation into the failure which caused devastation to the town of Jagersfontein in the Free State. 

“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, will release the report to the public. Cabinet is pleased that criminal proceedings have commenced with the accused having appeared in the Jagersfointein Magistrate’s court on 11 September 2025,” said Ntshavheni.

In September, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), confirmed that criminal proceedings were set to commence following the 2022 tragic collapse of the facility.

The incident claimed the lives of two people.

READ | Prosecution to commence over Jagersfontein tailings dam failure

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also received an update on the developments in South Africa’s oil and gas sector.

Minister Ntshavheni said the country is making great strides towards leveraging gas resources for both power generation and fuel-related purposes and that shale formations in the Karoo Basin are estimated to hold as much as 200 trillion cubic feet of gas resources. 

“The country seeks to accelerate exploration in both on- and offshore markets to unlock the full potential of its oil and gas resources,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni explained that the ongoing exploration and production include the Virginia Gas Project in the Free State, the Amersfoort and Volksrust Gas Project in Mpumalanga, and the Lephalale Coal Bed Methane Project in Limpopo. 

“These projects hold substantial natural gas and helium resources. The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Environment has finalised the Shale Gas Regulations and they will be gazetted before [the] end October 2025. 

“These Regulations will provide a regulatory framework to control the environmental and safety risks associated with fracking,” the Minister said. 

On the international front, Cabinet condemned the continued conflict in Sudan that has resulted in the killing of estimated 60 civilians of which 17 were children by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on 9 October 2025 in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur in Sudan.

“Cabinet has noted with concern that to date, thousands of civilians remain trapped by the siege of El Fasher which has become the epicentre of indiscriminate attacks by the RSF which is worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis.”

Cabinet welcomed the strengthening of cooperation in the areas of security, intelligence and the formation of a joint economic committee between South Sudan and Sudan.

“Cabinet regards this strengthening of relations as critical for the improvement in regional stability and security,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS has received a boost with the USA government’s approval of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP) for South Africa to the value of US$115 million.

The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

Earlier this year, the USA government announced the freezing of global foreign aid funding, dealing a blow to funding that South Africa had been receiving to fight HIV/AIDS.

READ | Treasury allocates emergency funding of R750m towards HIV and TB after US funding cuts

“Cabinet welcomed the approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan (PBP) for South Africa to the value of US$115 million for a period of six months from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

“The PBP is meant to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery in South Africa by supporting HIV/AIDS service continuity and prioritising country-specific needs and life-saving impact. 

“Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the government of the United States of America on its commitment to supporting and sustaining progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Ntshavheni said.

She emphasised that now, the responsibility is to ensure that government and the international community’s efforts to fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic are not “regressed and we can achieve our 0.1% by 2032 with a target of an HIV free society later in that period”.

Furthermore, the Minister updated the nation on the proposed rollout of the HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir, scheduled for release in March or April 2026.

“Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting HIV prevention drug that offers protection for six months with just two annual doses. The initial rollout will focus on 23 high-incident districts across six provinces, targeting approximately 360 high-performing public clinics within these areas.

“The rollout will further bolster government’s fight against HIV and AIDS and our goal to of reducing new HIV infections to below 0.1% by 2032,” she added.

READ | SA to roll out lenacapavir for HIV prevention 

Turning to the discovery of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other prescription medications at the horrific bus crash scene at Makhado, Limpopo last Sunday, the Minister indicate that no documentation for medical cargo was found at the scene.

The crash, which took place near Makhado, claimed the lives of some 43 Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals, who were on their way back home from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

“A full-scale investigation has been launched, and law enforcement agencies are also treating this accident as a potential case of pharmaceutical smuggling. The theft of prescription medicines – in particular ARVs – also undermines the fight [for] an HIV free region.”

The Minister warned against the use of stolen medication and the impact it has on the entire region.
“People who are using this [stolen] medication, because they are not continuous, they are going to develop a resistance and thus create a problem for the fight against HIV.”

READ | President Ramaphosa extends condolences following Makhado crash

Cabinet further extended its condolences to the governments of Zimbabwe and Malawi.
“Cabinet further extended well wishes to the 48 injured people who remain in hospitals across the Vhembe District of Limpopo.

“Cabinet is saddened to note that this accident was unnecessary and preventable if road traffic regulations were adhered to and enforced. [Cabinet] has called on all road users, in particular public transport users, to obey the law by using only roadworthy vehicles, avoiding overloading of both passengers and luggage, and driving safely,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is positioning itself as the continent’s digital and investment powerhouse, using its economic resilience and advanced infrastructure to attract global capital and drive Africa’s growth story.

Speaking at the AFSIC – SA Investment Summit held in London on Wednesday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said South Africa is “forging ahead, breaking new ground, and inspiring new ways”, despite persistent global economic headwinds.

“Resilience, reinvention and opportunity are the hallmarks of the South African story. We continue to reform, diversify, and digitise our economy, while driving investment into sectors that power inclusive and sustainable growth,” Morolong said.

Africa’s most diversified economy

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of about R7 trillion (€348.5 billion), South Africa remains Africa’s most globally integrated and diversified economy, underpinned by strong governance, modern infrastructure, and a sophisticated financial system.

The country hosts over 180 Fortune Global 500 companies and leads the continent in digital development. Its digital economy is projected to account for up to 20% of GDP by 2025, almost double its 2020 contribution, driven by rapid growth in fintech, e-commerce, and cloud services.

Exports stand at R2.04 trillion (€101.7 billion) against imports of R1.94 trillion (€97.1 billion) — a balance Morolong said reflects South Africa’s industrial depth and global competitiveness.

Morolong said digital infrastructure is now central to South Africa’s growth strategy, positioning the country as a regional hub for technology and data traffic.

He cited major investments in submarine cable systems such as Seacom 2.0, Equiano, 2Africa, and WACS, which connect South Africa to Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as the country’s expanding 4G and 5G networks.

The data centre market is also booming, led by firms such as Teraco, Equinix, Africa Data Centres, Vantage, and NTT, which support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics.

“Our infrastructure investments are laying the foundations of a continental digital corridor that powers innovation, trade, and job creation,” Morolong said.

Investment opportunities across sectors

The Deputy Minister outlined a series of growth opportunities for global investors across South Africa’s digital and green economies, including data centres and cloud services; broadband and last-mile connectivity; 5G-enabled smart infrastructure; e-commerce and logistics; fintech and digital payments; digital skills development, and renewable energy for ICT operations.

Morolong said government’s R900 billion infrastructure pipeline to 2027, together with policy certainty and regulatory reform, has strengthened investor confidence and created a “predictable, innovation-ready environment”.

He emphasised that South Africa’s geographic and economic position gives investors direct access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — a market of 1.3 billion consumers with a combined GDP of more than $3 trillion.

He said South Africa’s banking systems, fintech hubs, and ICT networks form a foundation for cross-border innovation and digital trade, with the country serving as both a hub and a launchpad for businesses expanding across Africa.

“As we invest in South Africa, we are also investing in Africa’s shared prosperity. We envision an Africa that trades not only in minerals and commodities, but in data, design, and digital value.”

‘Open and ready for partnerships’

Closing his address, Morolong said South Africa’s commitment to democratic stability, infrastructure renewal, and digital transformation makes it one of the most reliable investment destinations in the developing world.

“South Africa is not merely open for business — we are open and ready for sustainable partnerships.

“Together, we can shape a future where South Africa is not just the gateway to Africa, but the driving force of its digital and industrial renaissance.” – SAnews.gov.za

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has opened a modern 700-bed facility that provides affordable and conveniently located housing for students in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

The launch of the facility through PRASA’s subsidiary Intersite, marks a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to leverage its property portfolio for socio-economic development and sustainable rail operations.

The Lab Building Student Accommodation was established after the redevelopment of an underused office building owned by PRASA was transformed into a vibrant student accommodation hub. 

The 12-storey building houses students from surrounding institutions of higher learning that are located in close proximity to Johannesburg’s integrated public transport network as well as the retail precinct at PRASA-owned Johannesburg Park Station, ensuring access to mobility.

PRASA’s secondary mandate, led by Intersite, is to generate income from the exploitation of its acquired assets, including its vast property portfolio and real estate. 

The role of Intersite is to utilise PRASA’s non-rail assets to generate additional revenue for long-term sustainability of the business. The project is a co-development between Intersite and Elevated Fund.

“Through Intersite, we are reimagining the role of transport-linked properties as catalysts for social and economic progress. This project embodies that commitment, transforming underutilised buildings into a space that provides safe, affordable, and dignified accommodation for students who represent the future of our country,” PRASA Board Chair Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo said on Tuesday.

The PRASA’s Rail + Property strategy aims to grow revenue to R2.5 billion by 2035. 

These are underpinned by Intersite’s execution in property development, co-investments, lease buybacks, and station precinct modernisation, among other initiatives, for future financial sustainability, renewable energy, and fibre optics to create lucrative revenues for future sustainability.

“Our task as the Board is to ensure that Intersite operates with commercial discipline, strategic agility, and developmental purpose, providing a true example of how State-owned entities can deliver both profit and public value,” Intersite Board Chair Ayanda Peter said. –SAnews.gov.za
 

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) has posted a net profit after tax of some R125.2m over the past financial year. 

The corporation presented its financial results for the financial year ended 31 March 2025 to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy on Wednesday.

Necsa also received a clean audit opinion and achieved some 93% on its Shareholder Compact.

“The positive operational and governance results we witness today bear testimony to a hard-working team of employees and guidance from our oversight bodies and support of stakeholders. This is not a destination, but a good base to launch our growth plans centred on our mandate in nuclear research and growth on the back of a vision of developing nuclear technology for global prominence. 

“The strategy we started implementing in 2021 has served us well and we are now ready to move into a new strategy that will make Necsa sustainable well into the future, and contribute to South Africa’s socio-economic objectives. We look forward to cementing this achievement and improving even further,” Necsa Group CEO Loyiso Tyabashe said.

A turnaround strategy was implemented at the organisation in 2021.

“At the core of the strategy was financial sustainability, efficient operations and good governance. The radioisotopes subsidiary NTP posted good results amidst volatility in global markets, ending at a net profit after tax of R118.3 million and a clean audit.

“The fluorochemical subsidiary, Pelchem, ended on a negative net profit after tax at R29. 73m. [It has] however reduced its losses compared to the previous financial years and achieved an unqualified audit,” Necsa explained.

Looking ahead

Going into the future, the organisation is eyeing six high impact programmes aimed at cementing “Necsa’s role in the nuclear technology and development space, including the nuclear energy industry at large”.

“This will be done through the implementation of these programmes that include re-establishing the front-end nuclear fuel cycle; positioning itself in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs); extending the life of SAFARI-1, and building a new multipurpose nuclear research reactor (MPR); increasing its footprint for the radioisotope production and services; beneficiating fluorochemicals and stabilising that businesses, as well as capacitating and strengthening skills development for the nuclear industry and other industries in general. 

“These programmes will set Necsa on a growth path and allow South Africa to occupy centre stage in the global nuclear technology industry,” Necsa explained.

Last week during the G20 Nuclear Energy Ministerial Conference in Durban, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa explained Necsa’s role in South Africa’s ambition to expand into nuclear energy.

“[We] will be making big announcements… post-Cabinet. We are close to that. Our ambition is to build a new job programme [of] at least initially the size of 5 000MW, and we think that we can derive the benefits of industrialisation and ensure that there is an exponential increase of the skills that are required to support that build programme.

“Necsa is a big part of the conversation. As we know, we are running a 60-year-old research reactor. We are looking for suitors or partners to help us to take it to another level. We have seen that there is an insatiable appetite from across the globe to partner and work with us,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has reminded non-provisional taxpayers to submit their annual income-tax returns by the deadline of 20 October 2025.

With only five days left before the deadline, 7 900 531 non-provisional taxpayers have already filed their tax returns, with more than 854 408 still outstanding. 

“SARS has made every effort to simplify and support the filing process. Through enhanced digital platforms, Auto Assessment, and accessible helplines, taxpayers have been empowered to meet their obligations with ease and efficiency,” the Commissioner said in a statement on Wednesday.

He urged all taxpayers not to abdicate their tax obligations as failure to submit a return by the deadline is a serious offence, and non-compliance can lead to administrative penalties and interest charges. 

“As part of our strategic focus to encourage voluntary compliance and enforce the law, SARS will continue to identify and act against those who do not meet their tax obligations,” said Kieswetter.

The Commissioner also extended appreciation to the 80% of taxpayers who have filed before the 20 October 2025 deadline. This includes about six million taxpayers who have been auto-assessed and received their refunds within 72 hours. 

This commitment to compliance plays a vital role in building a capable state and funding essential public services. The revenue service said that this is is making a difference in the lives of so many of our people.
“Many taxpayers wait until the last minute to file their returns, hoping to meet the deadline. However, rushing invites errors, misjudgements, unnecessary stress, and long queues at SARS branches. 

“SARS urges taxpayers to submit returns while there is still time to think clearly and avoid mistakes. Filing early protects taxpayers from penalties and ensures a refund, if due, which is payable in 72 hours,” Kieswetter said.

In the 2024 tax year, over 6.7 million non-provisional taxpayers filed their income-tax returns, including those who were auto-assessed. –SAnews.gov.za