MIL Africa Engine

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions as well as rough sea conditions, with snowfall, over the mountainous areas. 

These conditions, associated with a steep upper-air trough, are expected to spread to the Eastern Cape as the system moves eastwards.

On Monday, 10 August 2026, the upper-air trough is expected to deepen even further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country, spreading the cold to very cold conditions with rain and showers further inland, while scattered to widespread rain and showers are expected over the southern parts of the country. Snow is expected over the mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. 

While there is a low probability of light snow in some higher-lying areas outside these regions, confidence remains highest over the mentioned mountain ranges.

The main impacts associated with this weather system include:

• Localised flooding in low-lying areas, roads, bridges and informal settlements due to persistent rainfall.
• Damaging winds, which may result in fallen trees, damage to roofs and infrastructure, power interruptions, and hazardous driving conditions.
• Damaging waves and rough seas along the coastline, posing a risk to maritime activities and coastal infrastructure.
• Very cold conditions, which may increase the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities and place stress on livestock.
• Snow over mountain passes, potentially resulting in hazardous travel conditions, road closures, and disruptions to transport.

“We encourage the public, motorists, farmers, and disaster management authorities to remain informed by following updates and warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and to take the necessary precautions as this weather system progresses across the country.” –SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially launch South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) next week, marking a major milestone in government’s efforts to modernise the country’s immigration system through digital technology.

The launch will take place at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, following the successful pilot implementation of the system during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

According to the Presidency, the ETA will serve as the cornerstone of South Africa’s modern digital immigration system and the flagship reform of the department’s digital transformation programme.

“The ETA combines advanced biometric verification, machine learning and the upgraded Electronic Movement Control System (eMCS 2.0) as part of a modern digital immigration ecosystem that strengthens border security while making travel to South Africa faster, simpler and more secure for legitimate travellers,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The digital platform is expected to enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment, while improving the efficiency and security of border management.

“This reform will enhance South Africa’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism, business and investment, while supporting more efficient and secure border management,” the statement read.

Government said the launch represents a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA).

“The launch marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA), demonstrating government’s commitment to harnessing technology to improve service delivery, safeguard national security and facilitate economic growth,” the Presidency said. 

President Ramaphosa will officially unveil the Electronic Travel Authorisation alongside Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber. 

The programme will also include a live demonstration of the system and a guided tour led by Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato. – SAnews.gov.za 

Minister in the Presidency responsible for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Kenny Morolong, has underscored the importance of a coordinated and integrated approach to government communication. 

Speaking during an engagement session with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding, and community media support in the province, Morolong stressed that synergy is key to ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all spheres of government.

The GCIS, Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), and Brand South Africa have undertaken a series of engagements with provinces and other stakeholders to build support for the revised Government Communication Policy.
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At Wednesday’s session, Morolong explained that the policy aims to ensure coherent and coordinated communication across all spheres of government, public entities and government agencies. He further highlighted the allocation of between three and five percent of government budgets towards communication as one of the key provisions of the revised policy.

“We have agreed that communication can no longer be an afterthought. It is an important function that must be enhanced through funding,” the Deputy Minister said.

The policy also places a strong focus on supporting small commercial and community media, with government expected to set aside 30% of its advertising spend for these media outlets.

“[The] second part of the Government Communication Policy, which we socialised with the Provincial Executive Council, is for support for small commercial and community media,” he said.

He explained that government is encouraged by progress being made in advancing the objectives of the revised policy.

“We are quite encouraged by the progress registered, particularly here in KwaZulu-Natal,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong also highlighted the role of Brand South Africa in promoting the country domestically and internationally. 

He said discussions with the province had identified opportunities for greater collaboration, particularly in promoting KwaZulu-Natal as an economic destination.

“We have identified areas of collaboration, particularly in respect to promoting the province from an economic point of view. These discussions will continue between the province and our entities as we believe that there will be areas of collaboration that will be identified,” Morolong said.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the revised Government Communication Policy and the importance of strengthening coordination within government.

“It is important to note how things are done successfully. The Deputy Minister’s engagements are to ensure coherence within government,” said the Premier.

Government is stepping up efforts to transform the way it communicates with South Africans, with a revised communication policy placing greater emphasis on coordinated messaging, adequate funding for communication and increased support for small commercial and community media.

The KwaZulu-Natal engagement formed part of government’s ongoing communication policy advocacy programme aimed at strengthening a coordinated and integrated government communication system across all spheres of government.

The engagement follows similar sessions held in the North West, Free State and most recently, Mpumalanga, as part of a nationwide rollout.

The programme seeks to strengthen communication planning, promote a cohesive national narrative, expand support for community media and advance South Africa’s nation-branding objectives.

The Government Communication Policy can be accessed here: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/Government%20Communication%20Policy_REVISED%20Mar.pdf

– SAnews.gov.za

Behind every successful prosecution of a perpetrator of gender-based violence is an investigator who refuses to give up until justice is served.

This Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) proudly recognises female police officers whose determination, empathy and unwavering commitment continue to transform the lives of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

As part of the national “Women Leading the Reset Agenda” campaign, SAPS celebrates women whose leadership, professionalism and dedication are strengthening policing and restoring public confidence.

Today, SAPS shines a spotlight on Sergeant Sharlot Luphondo-Mkansi, an investigator attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Phalaborwa.

Known for her compassionate approach and relentless pursuit of justice, Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi has spent nearly two decades ensuring women and children receive the protection they deserve. She approaches every case with professionalism, integrity and genuine care for victims of violence.

Raised by a resilient single mother, Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi developed a strong sense of discipline, respect and service from an early age. Inspired to protect vulnerable people, she joined the South African Police Service in January 2006.

After serving at various police stations, Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi found her calling in 2017 when she joined the Phalaborwa Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. Since then, she has helped secure lengthy prison terms and life sentences for offenders who targeted women and children.

Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the investigation room. While balancing the demands of policing and raising three children, she pursued her academic goals, obtaining a Diploma in Policing, a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Policing and, most recently, an Honours Degree in Policing in 2026.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. During the 2024/2025 financial year, Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi was recognised as the Best Investigating Officer in Mopani District, an acknowledgement of her professionalism and exceptional investigative abilities.

Recent career highlights include solving a serial rape case. The perpetrator targeted women around Phalaborwa who were seeking transport. He then lured them into his vehicle before kidnapping, robbing and raping them in secluded areas.

Faced with multiple cases bearing similarities but no identified suspect, Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi meticulously connected the evidence, analysed the offender’s modus operandi alongside Crime Intelligence to identify the suspect. Her determination led to the arrest of Moses Shilabi in April 2024.

On 03 June 2026, the Polokwane High Court sentenced Shilabi to four life terms plus 70 years’ imprisonment on multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, housebreaking and theft.

“Every survivor deserves to know that someone believes them and will fight for them. As investigators, we carry the responsibility of restoring hope where fear once existed. Justice begins when victims know they are not alone,” says Sergeant Luphondo-Mkansi.

Sergeant Sharlot Luphondo-Mkansi embodies the SAPS Reset Agenda through her professionalism, integrity and commitment to protecting the vulnerable, inspiring both her colleagues and the communities she serves. – SAnews.gov.za