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The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has committed to institutional reforms aimed at making the continental legislature more effective, transparent and influential in advancing African integration, peace and sustainable development.

Opening the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Parliament in Midrand on Monday, President of the Pan-African Parliament, Dr Fateh Boutbig, said the new parliamentary term marked a turning point for the institution as it seeks to deliver tangible results for the people of Africa.

“It marks a pivotal moment in the journey of our continental institution and the beginning of a new chapter in which we are keenly aware of the magnitude of our responsibility, the nobility of our mission, and the breadth of the hopes that the peoples of Africa place in their Parliament,” Boutbig said.

He said the Seventh Parliament would be guided by the principles of “Reform, Effectiveness, Partnership, and Delivery”, shifting the institution from making recommendations to ensuring their implementation and impact.

“The peoples of our continent expect from us not eloquence, but sincerity of commitment. They judge the success of their institutions not by the promises they proclaim, but by the tangible achievements that improve citizens’ lives,” he said.

Boutbig said the Parliament would focus on building a modern institution founded on competence, innovation, transparency, accountability and effective parliamentary diplomacy.

He thanked South Africa for continuing to host the seat of the Pan-African Parliament and acknowledged the country’s contribution to advancing continental unity.

“I am pleased to extend my sincere thanks and profound gratitude to the Republic of South Africa – its President, Government, Parliament and people – for hosting the Seat of the Pan-African Parliament and for the generous and sustained support it has provided, and continues to provide, to our institution and to the institutions of the African Union,” he said.

The President reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, describing it as the framework that embodies Africa’s aspirations for prosperity, integration and security.

He identified four strategic priorities that will shape the work of the Seventh Parliament.

These include: strengthening the institutional performance of the Pan-African Parliament through governance reforms and revised rules of procedure; advancing legislative and economic integration to support implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); using parliamentary diplomacy to promote peace, justice and conflict resolution; and driving digital transformation and digital sovereignty across the continent.

On economic integration, Boutbig described the AfCFTA as a transformative project for Africa.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area is not merely an economic agreement or a legal framework governing trade among our countries. It is a civilisational and strategic project that embodies Africa’s determination to build its future through its own capabilities,” he said.

He said the Parliament would continue supporting legislative harmonisation and stronger cooperation among African states to unlock the full benefits of continental trade.

Addressing peace and security, Boutbig renewed the Parliament’s call for African-led solutions to conflicts across the continent while reaffirming support for international law and the rights of peoples.

“The Pan-African Parliament will remain a forum for dialogue, a platform for bridging differences, and a partner in supporting the African Union’s efforts to prevent conflict and resolve disputes by peaceful means,” Boutbig said.

Boutbig also highlighted the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year on safeguarding sustainable water and sanitation services, saying it underscored the need for legislative action to ensure responsible management of one of the continent’s most critical resources. – SAnews.gov.za
 

With the inaugural National Science Month drawing to a close, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is calling on citizens to hold on to their curiosity about science beyond July.

“Science has the power to transform lives, spark curiosity, and create solutions to society’s greatest challenges,” communication officer at the Academy, Henriette Wagener, told SAnews.

The Academy of Science of South Africa is the country’s official national academy of science. It was inaugurated in 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela and exists to use science for the benefit of society.
ASSAf mobilises South Africa’s leading scholars across all fields to provide independent, evidence-based advice; promote excellence; support scholarly publishing; strengthen public understanding of science; and connect South African science to the world.

National Science Month was born from the transition from National Science Week, which has been observed since 2000, to a month-long commemoration in July, reflecting  government’s recognition of the increasingly important role of science, technology and innovation in addressing complex global and national challenges.

“Globally, science is advancing rapidly, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), health, climate change, energy, space science and digital technologies. At the same time, the world faces growing pressure to ensure that science is ethical, inclusive and trusted. South Africa has excellent scientists, strong institutions and world-class capabilities, but we remain under-invested.  South Africa spends about 0.61% of GDP (gross domestic product) on R&D (research and development]),” she said.

The 2023 Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators (STI) Report published by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), which is an agency of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, states that gross expenditure on research and development as a percentage of GDP declined from 0.76% in 2017/18 to 0.61% in 2020/21.

She added that South Africa’s share of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates remains below the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average. The OECD, of which South Africa has been a key partner since 2007, is a global policy forum that promotes policies to preserve individual liberty and improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.

The OECD’s Education at a Glance 2025: South Africa country note states that across the OECD, the two most popular broad fields of study are science, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, administration and law – each accounting for 23% of graduates from bachelor’s or equivalent programmes.
These are closely followed by the broad fields of arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information, which account for 22% of graduates.

“In South Africa, 15% of bachelor’s degree students graduate from a STEM field; 38% from business, administration, and law, and 16% from arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism, and information,” it noted.

Wagener added that South Africa must strengthen “the school-to-university pipeline, especially in mathematics, science, and digital skills.”

However, she added that young people are interested in the study of the sciences, with interest being shown in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data science, robotics, health sciences, biotechnology, environmental science, climate change, engineering, space science, and renewable energy.

In addition, citizens should not be afraid of AI, as it can help with learning, translation, research, administration, healthcare, agriculture, business, and public services. However, AI also raises concerns around privacy, bias, misinformation, jobs, and accountability.

“The best response is not fear, but responsible use: understand the tools, check information carefully, protect personal data, and insist that AI serves people and society,” she said.

Bringing science closer to communities
Wagener added that the observation of the annual National Science Month (NSM) is a good move for the country.

“It places science, technology and innovation closer to communities, schools, industry, and citizens and affirms the theme that ‘Science, Technology, and Innovation Are for Everyone.’ For ASSAf, this is directly aligned with our mandate to promote public interest in science and science education. Science has the power to transform lives, spark curiosity, and create solutions to society’s greatest challenges,” she explained.

In its participation in the month-long initiative, the academy has engaged communities across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the North West provinces through interactive talks, science demonstrations, exhibitions and career engagement activities.

“By connecting communities with leading scientists and inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM, ASSAf is fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and evidence-based thinking. National Science Month is a celebration of the power of science to improve lives, empower communities, and build a more sustainable future for South Africa.”

Wagener is of the view that NSM can make a difference in perceptions about science.

“Science Month can help citizens see that science is not remote or elitist; it is part of everyday life – from clean water, public health, and food security to weather forecasting; technology; transport; and education. Its real impact will depend on sustained engagement in all provinces, in local languages, and with communities that do not always see themselves reflected in science.”

Inclusivity and trust 
Building a stronger and more inclusive science system is among the most pressing challenges facing science today.

“The most pressing challenge is building a much stronger and more inclusive science system. This means improving mathematics and science education, investing more in research and development, supporting young researchers, retaining talent, maintaining research infrastructure, and ensuring that scientific evidence informs public policy.

“We need science to address poverty, unemployment, inequality, climate change, health, energy, and food security,” she said.

Building and maintaining trust is another challenge facing the sector.

“One of the most pressing challenges facing science in South Africa is building and maintaining public trust. Scientific research can only have a meaningful impact if people understand, value, and trust scientific evidence. 

“Misinformation, limited science communication, and unequal access to quality science education can make it difficult for communities to engage with science or apply scientific findings in their daily lives.

Strengthening public trust requires scientists, policymakers, educators, and the media to communicate research clearly, involve communities in scientific discussions, and demonstrate how science improves people’s lives,” she said.

Improving lives
And yes, there is more to scientists than just lab coats.

“They are citizens too – parents, teachers, mentors, innovators, and problem-solvers. They do not claim to have all the answers, but they are trained to ask careful questions, test evidence, admit uncertainty, and revise conclusions when better evidence emerges. Science is not about arrogance; it is about curiosity, evidence, and service. Scientists are ordinary people dedicated to solving extraordinary challenges.”

Wagener said scientists are driven by curiosity and a desire to improve lives by addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, such as water scarcity, climate change, food security, disease outbreaks, energy sustainability, and biodiversity loss.

“While scientists may work in laboratories, in the field, or behind computers, their work is ultimately about finding practical solutions that benefit society. Like everyone else, they face challenges, learn from setbacks, and collaborate with others to make discoveries. By understanding that scientists are people working for the public good, citizens can build greater trust in science and appreciate its role in improving everyday life.”

The future  
ASSAf said the future of science will be more collaborative, interdisciplinary, and connected to society.

“The major challenges of our time cannot be solved by one discipline or one country alone. Our message to citizens is that science belongs to you. Ask questions, seek evidence, encourage young people to explore science, and help build a society where knowledge is trusted, shared, and used for the public good.

“The future of science depends on our ability to make science accessible and relevant to society. Scientific discoveries should not remain confined to laboratories or academic journals.”

Wagener added that these scientific discoveries need to be communicated in ways that people can understand and apply in their daily lives. –SAnews.gov.za 

Over 1000 suspects were nabbed in Operation Shanela II in the Free State in the past week, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Shanela is aimed at eradicating criminal elements and removing illegal drugs from communities.

“The high-density and multidisciplinary operations conducted throughout the province between 20 July and 26 July 2026 resulted in extensive visibility and enforcement with 14 115 vehicles stopped and searched during targeted stop-and-searches, vehicle checkpoints, and provincial roadblocks,” the police said in a statement on Monday.

A total of 1 457 suspects were arrested.

In addition, approximately 2 784 farm labour compliance inspections were conducted, and 132 formal and informal business compliance checks were completed.

Also, the FLASH (Firearms, Liquor, and Second-Hand Goods) component, alongside stakeholder departments, visited 154 scrapyards.

Coordinated field actions across all five provincial districts resulted in the arrest of suspects for various serious crimes. 

The police said 325 individuals were nabbed for assault, ⁠36 for attempted murder, 29 for robbery, and 21 for rape, among others.

When it comes to firearms, 63 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons. Additionally, 23 suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition, leading to the recovery of 65 live rounds, while 33 others were nabbed for damage to property.

A total of 90 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, and six were arrested for drug dealing. Confiscated substances included mandrax, crystal meth, and cocaine.

Following a fatal shooting in Mafora, Mangaung, on Saturday, 25 April 2026, anmeth,ensive intelligence-driven manhunt was launched by a team comprising the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, Kagisanong Detectives, and Parkweg Detectives.

The team successfully traced and arrested two 30-year-old male suspects at a local tavern in JB Mafora without further incident.

Meanwhile, targeted illegal mining activities in the province have led to the arrest of 15 illegal miners (zama zamas) and the confiscation of gold-bearing material and mining equipment.

Department of Home Affairs or immigration officials processed 134 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to SAPS for further processing and formal detention. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government is focused on the implementation of the National Water Action Plan to ensure the delivery of running water for all South Africans, regardless of their location.

The President addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday, following the launch of the plan last week.

The five intervention areas in the plan set out the immediate technical interventions and reforms designed to target the root causes of persistent water supply challenges plaguing municipalities.

“Our main priority lies in implementation, clear responsibilities and accountability.

“The National Water Crisis Committee, known as WATERCOM, will meet regularly to oversee implementation, track progress and hold the responsible departments and public entities accountable for delivery,” the President stated.

Addressing root causes

The President noted that to secure long term supply, government will continue to invest in dams, pipelines, treatment works and other bulk water infrastructure.

However, municipal water systems are “not being properly managed, maintained and financed”.

“In too many municipalities, revenue collected from the sale of water is used to fund other municipal functions. This leaves too little money to repair pipes, replace pumps or employ qualified engineers and technicians. 

“As a result, on average across the country, close to half of all the water pumped never reaches paying customers. It leaks out of broken pipes, is stolen or is simply never billed for. 

“We cannot build our way out of the crisis if we do not properly maintain and manage the infrastructure we already have. The National Water Action Plan will address the root cause of this crisis by changing the way that water services are delivered,” President Ramaphosa said.

From a legislative perspective, the Water Services Amendment Bill is currently before Parliament and it is aimed at establishing “clearer separation between the municipality’s role as the authority responsible for water and the role of the operator that actually delivers it, so that both can be held to account”.

“Water service providers will be required to obtain operating licences based on their technical, managerial and financial capability. Municipalities will only be able to appoint providers that meet the required standards and can demonstrate that they are capable of delivering reliable water and sanitation services.

“Where a municipality is failing, unwilling or unable to provide an acceptable service, government will intervene in accordance with the Constitution and the law to provide the required services to our people,” the President explained.

On financial management and sector partnerships, the President outlined mechanisms to ring-fence water revenues through the Metropolitan Trading Services Reform Programme, while crowding in private capital.

Through the Metro Trading programme, South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities are supported and incentivised to ringfence revenue derived from the provision of water services.

“This means that money collected for water and sanitation must remain within the water utility and be reinvested in infrastructure, maintenance and improved operations. Municipalities will also receive more technical support. We will bring in additional funding by partnering with private investors and lenders, and by paying contractors according to results delivered.

“Mobilising private finance and expertise does not mean surrendering public responsibility for water. Water will remain a public good and the state will continue to protect public ownership, affordability and universal access,” President Ramaphosa noted.

Making strides

Work to implement the action plan has been underway for the past few months. 

Interventions already underway include:

• Water boards helping struggling municipalities to drill boreholes and provide emergency supply.
• Grant money has been redirected to the worst-performing municipalities.
• Legal action has been taken against dozens of municipalities that have violated the National Water Act.
• The establishment of six Catchment Management Agencies across the country to protect and manage South Africa’s major water systems.
• Through national grants, government is investing R24 billion a year in municipal water and sanitation, with around 800 projects underway nationwide.

“Through our programme for unserved rural communities, 71 borehole projects have already been completed in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, reaching roughly 30 000 households that previously had none.

“Between 80 and 100 more boreholes will be drilled this year, and 500 over the next two years, extending water to around 250 000 households,” the President said.

Other larger projects underway include:

• In the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, R1.3 billion of grant-funded projects will improve the reliability of water services to over 130 000 households.
• In Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, a R2 billion project will provide access to 65 000 unserved households
• In Emfuleni, Rand Water has partnered with the municipality to create a new water utility called the Vaal Corporation Water Utility. This will result in a professionally run and financially self-sustaining water service provider that will provide greatly improved water services in a struggling municipality.

“In developing the National Water Action Plan, we have had extensive consultations across all relevant national departments and entities, provincial governments, municipalities and water boards. 

“Everyone is committed to the successful implementation of the plan and to ending the water crisis in our country once and for all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Banyana Banyana will face Tanzania in their opening CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) match on Monday evening at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Banyana Banyana head coach, Dr Desiree Ellis. said the opening match is crucial, as it will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

On the South African Football Association (SAFA) news website, Ellis said: “Everything we have done, everything we have prepared, was towards this game because you cannot prepare further than that without getting a good result.

“We have faced Tanzania a couple of times before, and the games have been very tight. They can play and they bring a lot of physicality, but we have dealt with teams like these in the past. We have prepared extremely well for the game. But what will be key is to keep a clean sheet and control the game,” she said.

The two nations will kick off at 7pm South African time (6pm local time in Morocco). The tournament will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, with South Africa drawn in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. –SAnews.gov.za