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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has formally published the Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot and Mouth Disease (RVS-FMD), introducing a new framework to strengthen disease management in South Africa’s livestock sector. 

The draft scheme, established under Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), marks a significant shift toward a voluntary, nationwide framework for managing one of the most economically impactful viral diseases in the livestock sector.

Steenhuisen said the RVS-FMD has been designed to facilitate coordinated FMD vaccination for domesticated cloven-hoofed animals. 

By establishing a formal structure for routine vaccination, the department aims to mitigate disease risk and ensure the continuity of business operations for participating farmers and livestock owners.

“The objective of this scheme is to mitigate against the risk of FMD and create an enabling environment for continued business operations for participants,” Steenhuisen said.

He added that the scheme is about partnership, noting that through the cost-sharing mechanism and phased implementation, “we are promoting equitable participation to safeguard the agricultural economy.”

About the scheme

The proposed scheme introduces several crucial oversight and operational mechanisms.

A dedicated committee will be formed that includes state and private veterinarians, experts in virology and vaccinology, representatives from agricultural associations, including the dairy, feedlot, small stock and pick industries.

To ensure participation, all animals must be uniquely identified and recorded on a national traceability system. This includes branding, tattooing, or electronic ear tags to ensure every animal’s life cycle and vaccination status are monitored.

This scheme mandates strict oversight of vaccine receipt, cold chain management, and vaccination techniques.

While enrolment is voluntary and open to livestock owners across the country, the Minister emphasised that participants must comply with biosecurity plans and regular audits to maintain their status.

Taken together, he said the draft Routine Vaccination Scheme represents a decisive step forward in South Africa’s sustained effort to bring FMD under control and also moves the country beyond reactive containment toward a proactive, risk-based system built on partnership, traceability, and accountability.

“By aligning industry and government around a shared framework for vaccination and biosecurity, the scheme strengthens our ability to reduce outbreaks, protect the national herd, and restore confidence in our livestock sector. In doing so, it marks a meaningful leap forward in our war against FMD, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience, improved market access, and eventual return to internationally recognised disease-free status with vaccination,” the Minister said.

Comments invited on proposed scheme

The Department of Agriculture invites all interested parties to submit comments or representations regarding the proposed scheme within seven calendar days of the notice. The notice was gazetted on 10 April 2026.

Submissions should be directed to Dr EM Mogajane from the FMD Command at FMDCommandcent@nda.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africans do not have to wait for the upcoming voter registration weekend to confirm their status on the voters’ roll ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Electoral Commission has encouraged citizens to use its online platform to check and update their details.

While the first voter registration weekend is scheduled for 20 – 21 June, the Commission said voters can already verify and update their registration details online, including their residential address, to ensure they are correctly assigned to a voting station and able to participate without delays on election day.

The online voter registration portal can be accessed at: https://registertovote.elections.org.za/.  

Citizens can also use the portal to apply for a special vote and check their special vote applications status.

The commission unveiled its new election logo and tagline: “Get Up. Show Up. Vote” on 1 April 2026, signaling what it described as an advanced stage of readiness for the polls. 

The campaign is aimed at driving participation, particularly among young voters, while promoting a sense of shared responsibility in shaping the country’s future.

IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the call to action was designed to resonate with citizens in a simple and emotionally engaging way, encouraging them to see voting as part of a broader national effort. 

He described the logo as a symbol of inclusive civic activism and national pride that belongs to all South Africans.

Moepya called on political parties, government bodies and civil society to work together to strengthen democracy, stressing that collaboration is essential to the success of the electoral process. 

The date for the Local Government Elections is yet to be announced by government. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will on Tuesday officially launch the Gert Sibande Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab and Centre of Specialisation Millwright Workshop in the Mpumalanga Province.

The launch represents a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to advance skills development in line with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“The initiative also highlights the Gert Sibande TVET College’s commitment to equipping students with future-ready technical and artisan skills, while strengthening industry partnerships and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.

“This initiative is supported by several key partners, including Sasol, National Skills Fund and Festo, reflecting a collaborative effort to enhance vocational education and training in South Africa,” the Presidency said.

The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, Acting College Principal, Ms ZZ Beku; the District and Local Municipality Mayors, as well as senior government officials. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South African companies are leading the investment charge following the successful hosting of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), where a record R890 billion in investment pledges was secured. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the success of the conference reflects renewed confidence in the country’s economy. 

“The success of the sixth South Africa Investment Conference two weeks ago, where we secured a record R890 billion in investment pledges, reflects renewed confidence in our economy,” the President said.

He noted that the milestone comes after a difficult period marked by slow growth, state capture and prolonged load shedding.

“It was also a milestone in what has been a difficult journey to rebuild our economy in the wake of years of slow growth, a decade of state capture and prolonged periods of load shedding,” he said. 

Domestic investment signals confidence

President Ramaphosa said a key feature of the 2026 SAIC was the strong participation of local companies, which are increasingly choosing to invest in South Africa.

“The decision by domestic firms to accelerate or reaffirm investment in their own country is a measure of confidence,” the President said. 

He said these investors are sending a strong signal to the global market.

“These investors, who know the country and its conditions best, are signalling to international capital that this is an economy that is stable, on an upward trajectory and ripe for investment.”

Diversity 

The President highlighted that investment commitments span a wide range of industries aligned with government’s growth priorities.

“These include established industries like mining and beneficiation, agro-processing and tourism. We have also seen substantial investments in renewable energy, the green economy and the digital economy,” the President said. 

He said this diversity supports efforts to accelerate economic growth and job creation.

Government targets R3 trillion in investments

Encouraged by the outcomes of the conference, government has set a new target to mobilise R3 trillion in investment over the next five years.

The President acknowledged that achieving this goal will require increased domestic investment and collaboration across all sectors of society.

“The outcomes of the 2026 Investment Conference have encouraged us to set our sights even higher, to mobilise R3 trillion in investment over the next five years. To do so, we will count on higher levels of domestic investment,” he said. 

Reforms and the infrastructure build programme 

The President said government is continuing with structural reforms to create a more conducive environment for investment.

“Investments cannot be realised under conditions of policy uncertainty. The reform and transformation processes will continue apace to resolve longstanding challenges not only in areas such as electricity, water and logistics,” he said. 

He said government will continue to foster transformation and reforms in various areas that will improve the lives of the people and continue to create a conducive environment for investment. 

“We will continue to take decisive steps to root out corruption, to prevent extortion at construction sites and to break the back of the illicit economy. We will continue to support existing and new industries,” he said. 

Government is also playing a catalytic role through its infrastructure build programme, with R1 trillion earmarked for large-scale projects over the next three years.

“Our investment drive does not start and end with the Investment Conferences. We continue with our outward investment missions in search of new markets and to consolidate existing trade ties. 

“We continue to convene structured business forums on the sidelines of bilateral engagements, including state visits and bi-national commissions. As we have done in the past, we continue to prioritise targeted, one-on-one engagements with investors during international trips,” the President said.

Positive outlook for growth

President Ramaphosa said there are signs of improvement in the economy, with growing confidence and increased job creation.

“Our economy is starting to pick up pace, more jobs are being created and confidence is improving. Our economy is increasingly better positioned to take advantage of the technological shifts underway in the world. This bodes well for faster growth and greater investment,” the President said. 

He expressed confidence that the country can meet its ambitious investment targets.

“Some people have said that our target of R3 trillion in new investment over the next five years is unrealistic. Yet, building on the momentum that has been created, drawing on the efforts of all South Africans, there is no reason why we cannot achieve it,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, will officiate the inaugural Investment and Jobs Conference on Monday at the Seperepere International Convention Centre, in Kimberley.

The conference will bring together public sector leadership, industry experts, investors and community stakeholders to unpack the investment opportunities, challenges and long-term vision for the industrialisation of the vast Northern Cape region. 

It coincides with the launch of Invest South Africa’s One Stop Shop (OSS) by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, in Kimberley.

The investSA One Stop Shops form part of South Africa’s efforts to reduce regulatory red tape and improve the “Ease of Doing Business” for domestic and foreign investors. 

Its customer interface serves as the primary gateway through which investors and stakeholders engage with South Africa’s investment facilitation ecosystem.

It is designed to ensure broad, accessible and responsive engagement through multiple channels, including South African foreign missions, foreign missions based in South Africa, business chambers, the investSA website, social media platforms, direct marketing emails, newsletters, surveys, and targeted domestic and international investment promotion event.

As in other provinces, the One Stop Shop facility in the Northern Cape is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Northen Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Provincial Investment Promotion Agency, other national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, traditional leaders and business associations.

 Minister Tau will address the conference on Tuesday on “Industrialisation and the future of the South African economy.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has arrived in New York to participate in the 2026 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said the forum will take place from 14 to 16 April 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters.

The forum, convened by the ECOSOC, serves as a global platform bringing together young leaders, policymakers and development partners to discuss innovative, youth-led solutions to accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

South Africa’s participation in platforms such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum aims to strengthen youth voices and promote policies on skills development, youth employment and entrepreneurship support.

According to the department, this aligns with the country’s National Youth Policy, which seeks to advance inclusive youth empowerment.

Speaking upon her arrival in New York, Deputy Minister Letsike said South Africa’s participation underscores its commitment to ensuring that young people are represented in global decision-making processes.

“South Africa will participate in the United Nations Youth Forum 2026, also known as ECOSOC, convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council…The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a global platform where young people engage directly with the global leaders to shape solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. 

“It places youth at the centre of decision making, while driving actions towards achieving the sustainable development goals and holding governments accountable,” Letsike said. 

She added that the forum represents a shift towards more inclusive governance.

“ECOSOC Youth Forum is a direct line of sight to power. It embodies a shift in global governance towards participatory, inclusive and intergenerational decision making. 

“Through the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities, our government continues to prioritise youth development by expanding access to skills, supporting entrepreneurship and creating pathways to employment,” she said. 

Letsike emphasised that the country’s participation reflects South Africa’s commitment to building multilateral cooperation grounded in solidarity and shared responsibility. 

“It affirms our belief that challenges facing humanity cannot be solved in isolation. We are a nation that works for all. Let us ensure that no young person is left behind,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, has outlined persistent challenges facing the province’s education system, including overcrowding, infrastructure backlogs, weak learning outcomes and teacher shortages.

Speaking in a media briefing on Sunday, the Gauteng Department of Education said while significant progress has been made since 1994, structural pressures continue to impact the quality of education and learner outcomes. 

Growing enrolment and pressure on infrastructure

Learner enrolment in Gauteng has more than doubled from 1 408 237 in 1995 to over 2.8 million in 2026, driven by urbanisation and migration into the province.

Despite achieving near-universal access to education, the department said rising learner numbers continue to strain infrastructure.

Gauteng faces a placement challenge driven by in-migration, with overcrowding in many township and inner-city schools reaching between 60 and 70 learners per teacher.

An estimated 723 schools show signs of overcrowding in some grades or across the whole school, with a documented shortage of about 5 554 classrooms – 3 166 in primary and 2 388 in secondary schools. 

Many facilities are in poor condition, increasing reliance on temporary structures and contributing to unsafe learning environments. Gauteng faces a deficit of at least 200 new schools to stabilise the system. 

Although the province repeatedly commits to building 10 new schools per year, many projects are behind schedule, increasing reliance on temporary classrooms as a short-term measure. 

“While the Gauteng Department of Education continues to deliver classrooms and new schools where needed, we have not been able to keep pace with the growth in the learner population. This is compounded by ageing infrastructure and, in some cases, inappropriate building materials or temporary prefabricated classrooms,” Maile said.  

Furniture shortages have also been identified, with tens of thousands of chairs and desks still needed across primary and secondary schools.

Budget constraints and resource pressures

Although the provincial education budget has increased significantly over the years, financial constraints remain a major challenge.

The department said rising costs, particularly for educational materials and school nutrition, continue to erode gains made through increased allocations.

“A rising wage bill for educators consumes a large share of the budget, leaving limited funding for learning materials, maintenance, and new infrastructure,” the MEC said. 

Austerity measures have also impacted key areas such as scholar transport, school safety, and learning and teaching support materials.

Early Childhood Development gaps

The department identified unequal access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a major concern.

The sector remains privately operated in Gauteng, with many centres unregistered and unable to access government subsidies.

“The key challenges with ECD centres in Gauteng is that a large number remain unregistered, often operating from informal structures that do not meet municipal health and safety requirements,” he said. 

Registration processes remain slow, while subsidy funding is insufficient to meet growing demand, particularly in low-income communities.

Weak literacy and numeracy outcomes

Learning outcomes, particularly in literacy and numeracy, remain a critical concern.

According to international assessments, about 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, with similar challenges reflected in Gauteng schools.

“In Gauteng, weak early-grade reading, comprehension, and numeracy create a silent crisis where learners progress without mastering basics,” Maile said. 

The department said this contributes to poor performance in subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences, particularly in overcrowded schools.

Textbook shortages also persist, with 871 public schools reporting gaps in learning materials.

Teacher shortages and capacity challenges

Teacher quality and availability remain uneven across the province, particularly in critical subjects.

Gauteng faces a shortage of qualified educators in Mathematics, Science and Technology, with an estimated shortfall of 370 teachers in key technical subjects.

“Large classes, often comprising of over 50 learners, contribute to burnout and limit individual attention,” the Mec said. 

The department also highlighted the need for more Foundation Phase teachers, particularly those proficient in African languages.

School safety and learner wellbeing concerns

School safety continues to be a major concern, with incidents of violence, bullying, substance abuse and mental health challenges affecting learners.

“School safety and learner wellness are increasingly material risks to learning in Gauteng, with incidents of violence near school premises, bullying, substance abuse, and escalating mental health needs,” the department said. 

While partnerships with the South African Police Service and other stakeholders are in place, community crime and gang activity continue to impact schools.

Strategic plan to drive reform

Meanwhile, the department has adopted its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan aimed at improving education outcomes and modernising the system.

The plan focuses on integrating technology into the curriculum, strengthening maths and science education, expanding technical schools, and improving overall learner performance.

“We are committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning in Gauteng, but we recognise that as the provincial government, we cannot achieve this on our own,” the MEC said. 

The department said it will engage stakeholders, including schools, parents, and the private sector, to support the implementation of the plan.

Public-private partnerships and collaboration with civil society and other institutions are expected to play a key role in addressing the province’s education challenges.

“We will also be relying on the media to continue its important work of informing and educating the public, while also maintaining its independence and holding us accountable where necessary,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

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