MIL Africa Engine

Eskom’s recovery continues to yield results as the power utility records some 260 days without the implementation of load shedding.

The sustained progress stems from implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan, government’s Energy Action Plan and the improvement in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF).

“Together, these developments are enhancing operational reliability and supporting South Africa’s long-term energy security,” Eskom said in a statement.

According to the electricity provider, the EAF increased to 64.95% between 1 April 2025 to 29 January 2026, underscoring the “progress made in restoring reliability and enhancing system stability.”

“The fleet has now achieved or exceeded the 70% EAF mark on 64 occasions [un-audited figures].

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security, grid stability and security of the national electricity supply,” Eskom added.

Unplanned outages have also shown improvement and have decreased from 12 993MW during the period between 23 January and 29 January last year to some 8 362MW during the same period this year – an improvement of 4 630MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] reduced to 17.27%, a significant improvement of 9.90% compared to 27.17% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor [PCLF] – essentially planned maintenance – averaged 10.46%, compared to 15.82% in the previous financial year.

“This reduction is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects our strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability and support long-term fleet performance,” the power utility said.

Improvements in the EAF have allowed Eskom to decrease reliance on diesel generation with expenditure on the costly fuel remaining below budget in the year to date.

“After five consecutive weeks with no diesel expenditure for Open-Cycle Gas Turbines [OCGT] operations, diesel spend of R1.61 million was recorded [last] week, with 0.285GWh of associated energy send-out.

“Despite this, the total diesel expenditure remains R4.26 billion lower than at the same point last year. This sustained reduction reflects both significant cost savings and ongoing improvements in operational performance driven by Eskom’s turnaround initiatives. Overall, the trend underscores the increasing stability, efficiency and resilience of the power system,” Eskom noted.

Some 2 200MW of generation capacity is expected to be brought online this week. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Health will today kick off its 2026 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination drive.

The drive is aimed at vaccinating girls aged 9 years and older to protect them from developing cervical cancer later in life.

“South Africa continues to record a high number of cases of cervical cancer and related deaths annually, despite the availability of lifesaving vaccines at public health facilities and the private health sector. 

“Over 5 700 cases of cervical cancer are reported each year in the country, while more than 3 000 women die from cervical cancer-related complications. This means, unvaccinated girls and women living with HIV are at a higher risk of serious health complications if develop cervical cancer later in life, compared to the general population,” the department said.

The department assured that trained teams of healthcare workers will carry out the vaccinations.

“This school-based HPV vaccination campaign is implemented in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and other stakeholders including the World Health Organisation and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. 

“The HPV vaccine is safe and most effective when provided from age nine or before girls become sexually active. In South Africa, the HPV vaccination was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority in 2008 for its efficacy and safety. Millions of girls in South Africa have received the HPV vaccine without any serious side effects,” the department explained.

Some 3.6 million girls – mostly in public schools – have benefitted from the HPV vaccination with more than 7.2 million doses administered since 2014.

“The programme has now been expanded to reach all girls in both public and private schools, including special independent schools to ensure no one is left behind. This annual campaign will target mostly girls in Grade 5 aged 9 years and older to protect them from cervical cancer, which remains the second most common cancer among women in South Africa, after breast cancer. 

“The success of the campaign to protect girls from this preventable, yet deadly disease hinges on stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, particularly parents and caregivers, who are required to complete the vaccination consent forms issued by schools to eligible girl learners,” the department added.

Parents, caregivers and legal guardians are requested to sign consent forms issued by schools to enable the girls to receive the vaccination. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa is currently under “no immediate risk” of the Nipah Virus (NiV) outbreak reported in India.

This is according to the Department of Health (DoH) which assured in a statement that there is “no need for the public to panic.”

Two cases of the potentially fatal virus were reported by Indian authorities in January 2026.

“The department is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases [NICD] which is closely monitoring the situation as the outbreak evolves and will keep the public informed of any new developments. 

“The scientists have advised that at this stage there is a very low risk outside the affected countries and there is no need for screening at ports of entry. Meanwhile, the NICD will be offering training to the Civil Aviation Authority as part of efforts to assist in communicating the message through the airlines and airport staff,” the statement read.

The department explained that the virus jumps from animals to humans, usually “transmitted from animals like bats to humans”.

However, it can also be transmitted from contaminated food or directly between people.

“The virus is currently not categorised under notifiable medical conditions but will be categorised as a respiratory disease of unknown origin which is notifiable. Laboratory testing is available at the NICD, and key resources have been updated to include current outbreak specifics.

“Transmission of this deadly virus to humans can occur from direct contact with infected animals like bats, farming animals such as pigs or horses and by consuming fruits or fruit products, such as raw date palm juice, contaminated by infected fruit bats. Some of the symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, difficulty breathing or cough.

“According to the World Health Organisation, there is currently no treatment or vaccine available for this virus, however several candidate products are under development. Early intensive supportive care can improve survival. This means non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hygiene practices remain one of the most effective prevention methods to reduce the spread of the virus,” the department added.

Animal-to-human transmission risk can be reduced by “wearing gloves and other protective clothing while handling sick animals such as pigs or horses, and during slaughtering and culling procedures.” – SAnews.gov.za

By Terence Khala 
As the first school term of 2026 begins, there is a deeper responsibility that cannot be overlooked which is to deal with the safety and well-being of our children. Children are our future leaders, and they must always be protected, whether on and off the school grounds, be it on drugs, human trafficking, teenage pregnancy or road safety.  

It is unfortunate and heartbreaking that the excitement of a new school year has been dampened by an accident that took the lives of 14 learners who were on their way to school around the Vaal in Vanderbijlpark. 

As government we are concerned that far too many lives are lost on the road due to human error particularly reckless driving. There is a desperate need for all road users to play their part in reducing the number of accidents on the road especially for our learners. 

One of the major risk learners face is during their commute to school, as roads become increasingly congested and traffic intensifies. Therefore, every one of us has the responsibility to drive in accordance with the rules of the road and by doing so reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road. 

To improve the safety of learners on the road, the Department of Transport launched a back-to-school road safety campaign in Rustenburg in the North West on 8 January 2026 with the aim of improving scholar transport safety. This initiative encourages behaviour change and is a call to action for all road users particularly scholar drivers to be more responsible on our roads.  

We can all play our part by avoiding dangerous behaviours such as speeding or drinking and driving which can recklessly cost the lives of innocent children. Parents, transport operators and drivers are encouraged to prioritise road safety by ensuring that their children’s scholar transport is roadworthy and teach their children the basics of crossing roads safely.

With the phenomenon of human trafficking on the rise, parents and caregivers should also educate children about the dangers of interacting with strangers and encourage them to report suspicious behaviour to their teachers or law enforcement officials. 

To deal with the safety of our learners, the Department of Basic Education is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), to intensify efforts to enforce the Safe Schools Implementation Protocol. This includes increased police visibility and joint crime prevention initiatives, to cultivate safe learning environments that are free from violence, gangsterism and substance abuse. 

It is deeply concerning that the average age for drug dependency in South Africa is 12 years old while 50% of teens consume alcohol. These alarming statistics from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAC) call for urgent intervention and collaborative efforts. Parents, teachers and community members must take a firm stand against underage drinking and substance use which robs young people of their childhood.

Resources such as the Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline (0800 12 13 14) or SADAG’s WhatsApp Chat Line (087 163 2025), are useful tools for dealing with harmful behaviours and overcoming these social ills.

We call on parents and guardians to have open and honest discussions with their children about the consequences of engaging in risky behaviours, including sexual activity. While sexual education is integrated into school curriculum through subjects such as Life Orientation, it remains vital for parents to educate their children about sexual health, contraceptive measures, consent, their rights, and the dangers of exploitative relationships.

Many vulnerable young girls have fallen victim to abusive or exploitative relationships, which not only disrupt their learning but also threaten their lives. Furthermore, a concerning trend has emerged with reports indicating that a significant number of adolescents have fallen pregnant whilst still navigating their childhood. Recent statistics reveal the extent of this issue, with over 130 teenage births reported on Christmas Day 2025 and an additional 160 teenage births on New Year’s Day across the country.

High rates of teenage pregnancy undermine education and health outcomes, with reports of learners as young as 10 falling pregnant which is an act that constitutes statutory rape. Parents and guardians are called upon to break the silence on sexual violence by encouraging the reporting and destigmatising access to sexual health services, thereby empowering young people to take charge of their futures.

Parents must regularly check in on their children’s emotional well-being, ensure they have nutritious meals, and encourage balance through sports and recreational activities. Schools, religious organisations and civil society must work together to build resilience and hope.

Finally, as we recommit to creating safe learning environments, we must remember that education is more than about academics, it is about nurturing future leaders in a society free from violence and despair. Government cannot do this alone. It requires a united front involving parents, teachers, communities and learners themselves. Together, we can make 2026 a year of safety, dignity and progress.

*Khala is the Acting Director: Communication and Research, Department of Basic Education

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has informed the Government of the State of Israel of South Africa’s decision to declare the Chargé d’Affaires of the Israeli Embassy, Mr Ariel Seidman, persona non grata.

In a statement issued on Friday, DIRCO said the decision follows a series of unacceptable violations of diplomatic norms and practice that pose a direct challenge to South Africa’s sovereignty.

“These violations include the repeated use of official Israeli social media platforms to launch insulting attacks against His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, and a deliberate failure to inform DIRCO of purported visits by senior Israeli officials,” the department said. 

According to the department, these actions amount to a gross abuse of diplomatic privilege and a fundamental breach of the Vienna Convention, and have systematically undermined the trust and protocols essential for bilateral relations.

DIRCO said South Africa’s sovereignty and the dignity of its offices are inviolable, and that Seidman is required to depart the Republic within 72 hours.

“We urge the Israeli government to ensure its future diplomatic conduct demonstrates respect for the Republic and the established principles of international engagement,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed political commitment, stronger institutional support and sustainable financing to fast-track Africa’s infrastructure development. 

Addressing the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI) Heads of State and Government Meeting on Friday at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, the President said strategic infrastructure remains central to Africa’s transformation, trade integration and long-term economic growth. 

“Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. Through the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, we are charting a course to accelerate the continent’s transformation by placing strategic infrastructure at the heart of our shared vision,” the President said in his closing remarks. 

The meeting reviewed progress made under the PICI portfolio and reflected on joint actions required to maintain momentum, particularly ahead of the African Union Summit scheduled for mid-February.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that infrastructure development goes beyond physical construction, noting that its impact must be felt at community level.

“This initiative is not simply about building roads, bridges and energy corridors. It is about connecting our people, our economies and our aspirations. 

“We need to ensure that these projects translate into tangible progress for every community, every region and every citizen,” he said. 

In his opening remarks, the President highlighted infrastructure as a key catalyst for inclusive growth, enabling access to markets, essential services and economic opportunities across the continent. 

“Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth and drives inclusive development. By prioritising infrastructure development, we are laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience and continental integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said. 

Citing a joint report by the OECD and the African Union Commission, President Ramaphosa noted that Africa could double its GDP by 2040 if infrastructure investment is scaled up, but warned that the funding gap remains significant.

“It is estimated that between $130 billion and $170 billion is required annually to close the infrastructure funding gap in Africa,” he said.

Governments account for 41% of the continent’s infrastructure spend, underscoring their role in mobilising investment alongside development partners and the private sector.

Despite fiscal constraints and geopolitical shifts, President Ramaphosa said flagship projects under the PICI have shown resilience, pointing to progress on major cross-border initiatives.

“The Trans-Sahara Highway, for example, is now more than 90% complete. 

“The Algerian segment of the fibre optic link between Nigeria and Algeria is now operational,” the President said. 

He also welcomed efforts to eliminate roaming charges in the East African Community and renewed political momentum around the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which has mobilised more than $15 billion in investment interest.

To sustain this progress, the President said the PICI Secretariat must evolve into a dedicated project facility capable of moving projects from concept to financial close.

“With sufficient financial capacity, we will be able to deploy high-level technical expertise, conduct rigorous feasibility studies and create investment-ready packages that meet international standards,” he said.

However, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that challenges such as financing constraints, weak coordination, limited secretariat capacity and security risks continue to slow progress.

“These are real and pressing obstacles but they are not insurmountable,” he said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming AU Summit, the President said the focus must be on securing a clear mandate to strengthen political support, institutional capacity and financing for the next generation of infrastructure projects.

“We seek a mandate that re-energises political support for the initiative, that strengthens its institutional base, and that secures the sustainable financing and partnerships necessary to deliver the next generation of transformative infrastructure,” he said.

President Ramaphosa concluded by reaffirming that Africa’s development must remain driven by African leadership.

“Let us leave this meeting not only with a report to adopt, but with a renewed conviction that Africa’s development is, and must remain, championed by Africans. 

“It must be driven by our leadership, financed through our ingenuity and sustained by our shared vision for a continent that is connected in every sense.” 

The PICI was born out of a proposal by South Africa in 2011 to accelerate regional infrastructure development through the political championing of projects. The initiative serves as a high-level platform to put Africa on the right track towards unlocking its potential and thus achieving the “Africa we want”, as noted in Agenda 2063. 

With the active involvement of 12 championing Member States, PICI stands as solid proof of the steadfast dedication of African Heads of State and Governments towards accelerating infrastructure development through strong political support.

The PICI currently comprises 12 member countries (increased from the original eight), with the following Heads of State and Government serving as political champions: South Africa (Chair) – under President Cyril Ramaphosa, Algeria, Benin, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Sudan as the latest to request admission. – SAnews.gov.za