MIL Africa Engine

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will continue to work with municipalities and stakeholders to create much-needed work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

This is according to Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, who concluded a three-day monitoring and evaluation visit to projects funded by the DFFE in the North West province on Friday.

She visited the Rustenburg Waste Tyre Depot in Tlhabane, participated in a Clean-up campaign in Rustenburg, as well as the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Mogwase, where she inspected trees planted as part of the Greening Programme’s One Million Trees Campaign held on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.

She said that  such projects must align with the EPWP Phase V, which places due importance on providing exit opportunities for participants.

“We are also continuously calling for meaningful exit plans for EPWP participants. We will explore partnerships with SETAs to ensure that participants acquire practical skills that will enable them to enter the formal job market or secure other sustainable livelihood opportunities upon exiting the programme,” she said.

Cabinet approved Phase V of the EPWP in February 2024, aiming to create five million work opportunities between April 2024 and March 2029, with an estimated five-year budget of R178 billion.  The EPWP was established to provide short-term, skills-based work opportunities to unemployed South Africans.

During her visit to St. Stephen’s, which participated in the DFFE Greening Programme, Swarts reiterated the department’s commitment to working with all sectors of society to advance President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to plant trees.

Following the success of a first-of-its-kind project of planting one million trees in a single day last year, 24 September, Deputy Minister Swarts announced that plans are already underway to plant five million trees in a single day this year.

“South Africans have demonstrated that when different stakeholders work together, it is possible to plant one million trees in a single day. This year, I once again call on all South Africans to partner with us to ensure that we plant five million trees in a single day,” she said.

She reiterated that trees are key for South Africa to mitigate the dire impacts of climate change. She appreciated the partnership with the faith community and how it may be extended to include environmental awareness for different communities in all languages.

Swarts also inspected operations at the Rustenburg Waste Tyre Depot, where she assessed the facility’s operations to engage black-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME’s) and their staff. Over the past two years, the depot operator, with the assistance of the Waste Bureau, has been able to drive operational efficiency improvements to move the depot from being at near full capacity to having significant capacity.

The bureau functions as a specialist implementing agent within the DFFE and monitors the implementation of industry waste management plans and the impact of incentives and disincentives, among others.

At the community clean-up campaign in Tlhabane, Swarts called on all residents of South Africa to participate in government efforts to keep communities clean.

She explained that keeping communities clean not only contributes to a healthier environment and cleaner air but also plays a role in socio-economic upliftment.

“Residents must understand that waste is gold. For example, collecting cans or bottles and selling them to recycling companies can help create jobs and business opportunities within communities,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has emphasised the importance of community-run and faith-based organisations in helping to move the country forward.

“Across South Africa, community-run and faith-based organisations quietly carry a heavy responsibility, often with limited resources, yet with deep commitment. Places like Rakatane are not just facilities. They are homes, sanctuaries and bridges to a better future for children who have faced difficult circumstances.

“Government recognises that when these institutions are weakened, the most vulnerable pay the price. When they are strengthened, society as a whole benefits,” the Deputy Minister said.

This was as she led a community outreach programme at Rakatane Place of Safety in Tlhabane, North West province on Friday.

The outreach programme, held in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), was hosted under the theme “Strengthening Community Institutions for Social Cohesion and Inclusive Social Protection.”

The Deputy Minister said that social cohesion and nation-building are not only built through laws and policies, but through everyday institutions at the community level that protect and nurture people.

“Government’s presence here is not an act of charity, but a responsibility rooted in dignity, inclusion and shared accountability. Our role is to ensure that women, youth, children and persons with disabilities are not left behind, regardless of where they live. Initiatives like this translate policy commitments into real improvements in people’s daily lives, beyond speeches and documents.”

She further added that social protection works best when government, communities and institutions act together, each playing their part.

“I would like to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers, staff and volunteers who serve here with compassion, often under challenging conditions.”

She also commended the NYDA and partners for recognising that youth development and social cohesion begin with safe and supportive environments.

“Let us continue to strengthen and sustain institutions that operate at the frontline of child wellbeing and social protection. I encourage communities to keep working together to build safe, nurturing and inclusive spaces where children can grow, learn and thrive.”

Rakatane currently provides care to 18 children and youth, including children with disabilities, school-going children, toddlers and unemployed youth. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured the public that work is being done to stabilise the water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route.

In a statement on Friday, the department said it noted with concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District in the Western Cape.

In early December 2025, the Knysna Council at a meeting, declared the Greater Knysna Municipality as a water-stressed area. At the time, Executive Mayor Thando Matika said it was a necessary step to allow national and provincial interventions to be completed and evaluated for their effectiveness in providing sustainable water solutions for the area. In addition, water restrictions were increased to Level 4.

At another meeting with senior representatives from national and provincial government, including the DWS, the Mayor made reference to the combined pressures of below-average rainfall, ongoing drought patterns across the Garden Route, saline intrusion in critical water sources, and limited reservoir storage capacity in certain supply zones.

“The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) notes with serious concern the escalating water supply challenges currently affecting Knysna and other coastal towns within the Garden Route District.

“The department is working closely with the Western Cape Provincial Government, Knysna Municipality, and other municipalities, which are Water Services Authorities, to safeguard water security and mitigate the impact of the crisis on residents, businesses, and the tourism sector,” the department said.

The DWS added that Knysna’s water supply system has reached a “critical stage” with the Akkerkloof Dam, the municipality’s primary storage facility, currently at approximately 19% full, translating to an estimated 13 days of usable water at present consumption levels.
“The situation constitutes a serious water security crisis and warrants immediate and collective action from all sectors of society.

“Compounding this pressure are below-normal rainfall patterns, reduced river flows due to drought conditions, and recent incidents of infrastructure vandalism. These factors have significantly reduced inflows into the system and further constrained the Municipality’s ability to meet growing demand,” it said.

Response
In response to the deteriorating situation, a Joint Operations Committee (JOC), a standing intergovernmental structure, has been activated to oversee coordinated interventions.

The structure is co-chaired by DWS, the Western Cape Department of Local Government, and Knysna Municipality and draws technical and regulatory support from the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) and the Garden Route District Municipality.

The JOC is tasked with planning and executing short-term emergency measures, medium-term resilience interventions, as well as longer-term water resource solutions to reduce vulnerability to future climatic and environmental shocks.

Given the severity of the matter, the department has directed the municipality to urgently explore and activate alternative water sources, including groundwater abstraction, borehole development, and reuse technologies.

The DWS, together with BOCMA, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs, and Knysna Municipality, will implement a Compliance and Enforcement Blitz to assess adherence to water use authorisations, imposed restrictions, and environmental regulations.

The intervention is intended to prevent illegal abstraction, wastage, and non-compliance that could further compromise available supply.

The following measures are currently being monitored by DWS in collaboration with the JOC:
1.    Demand reduction initiatives encouraging all water users to significantly curtail consumption.
2.    Sourcing and blending of additional water supply where technically feasible.
3.    Enforcement and monitoring of Level 4 water restrictions.
4.    Public communication and awareness campaigns to keep residents and visitors informed.
5.    Preventative maintenance of critical infrastructure to minimise unplanned outages or leak-related water losses.

These actions are aimed at extending available supply, delaying system failure, and preserving reserves for priority domestic and public health needs.

Climate change
“The current crisis underscores the growing impact of climate change on water resources, particularly in coastal and tourism-driven municipalities,” it said.

The department further reiterated that Water Services Authorities can no longer rely exclusively on surface water systems and must diversify portfolios through a mix of groundwater development, water reuse and recycling, and stormwater capture, among others.

“To support institutional resilience, DWS is further assisting Knysna Municipality through its Policy Development Special Project to develop and implement new Water and Sanitation By-Laws, enabling more effective regulation, tariff alignment, and enforcement capacity going forward.”

Appeal

DWS remains concerned about the potential socio-economic implications of the crisis on households, public services, the local economy, and the tourism industry, particularly during peak season.

It appealed to residents, businesses, and visitors to use water sparingly and responsibly. It also condemned incidents of vandalism of municipal infrastructure and called on community members to report such actions to law enforcement authorities.

“DWS wishes to reassure the public that the national, provincial and district spheres of government, along with sector stakeholders, are aligned and working collectively to stabilise water supply and improve system resilience in Knysna and the broader Garden Route coastal route,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

A low-pressure system is expected to influence weather conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country, bringing significant rain and thunderstorms over the coming days, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said.

“The SAWS wishes to update the public on a low-pressure system currently located over the southern parts of Mozambique, which is expected to significantly influence weather conditions over north-eastern South Africa over the coming days,” it said.

In a statement on Saturday, the weather service said current weather forecasts indicate that the lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo Valley, and most eastern parts of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms, up to at least Wednesday, or even beyond.
“For these regions, significant rainfall accumulations are expected throughout the week, beginning from Sunday evening,” said the weather service.

The SAWS had issued severe weather warnings for severe thunderstorms, an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms on Saturday, 10 January 2026, as well as an orange level 6 warning for Sunday. Anticipated impacts include flooding leading to damage to infrastructure and settlements, as well as injuries and a danger to life.

“There is currently a possibility that warnings may be escalated to indicate the likelihood of severe impacts in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Monday, depending on the evolution of the system and forecast confidence. The SAWS will continue to monitor this evolving weather system and provide regular updates to ensure public safety and preparedness.

“This weather system may also affect the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday, when heavy rains would be possible,” it said.

In an update on Sunday, the weather service said persistent rainfall continues over the north-eastern parts of the country, affecting the Lowveld areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

“Since overnight, observed rainfall amounts in eastern Limpopo range between 18 and 85 mm,” it said in a post on the social media platform, X.

It further added that observed rainfall amounts across parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal indicate widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours.
“SAWS station data shows notable accumulations, with up to 113 mm recorded at Graskop AWS and 73–85 mm measured around Phalaborwa,” it said.

The weather service has called on the public and stakeholders to continuously monitor official SAWS forecasts and warnings.

“The public is also advised to remain cautious of unauthorised or unverified information sources and refrain [from] distributing such information further,” said SAWS.

For regular updates, please visit www.weathersa.co.za or follow SAWS official media channels. –SAnews.gov.za

Minister Dean Macpherson has confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has terminated the lease agreement with Medicare 24 Tshwane District, linked to suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

This is in respect of a hospital facility situated in Pretoria West. According to the DPWI the lease agreement was terminated on Friday, 09 January 2026.

The termination follows allegations made in the Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee and an investigation by a South African media company, which detailed how Medicare 24 Tshwane District – which was reportedly owned by Matlala and where he was formerly listed as a director – allegedly bypassed standard procurement processes to obtain the lease.

The Minister said that after learning of the serious allegations relating to the lease, he requested an internal investigation, which found that the lease agreement entered into with Medicare 24 Tshwane District in December 2023 could not lawfully come into operation, as the hospital facility was not declared surplus to the requirements of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The SAPS remains the designated user of the facility in terms of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007.

Departmental records indicate that SAPS requires the hospital facility for service delivery purposes. The formal declaration of the hospital facility as surplus is a necessary precondition for any lease to take lawful effect.

“It was in light of these facts, and to ensure legal certainty as well as compliance with applicable legislation and governance frameworks, that the department on Friday morning issued a notice of termination of the lease agreement with immediate effect,” the department said in a statement.

“As soon as I learnt of the serious allegations raised, I requested a thorough investigation by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which found that the property had not been declared surplus by SAPS and that the lease agreement could therefore not be implemented.

“In line with my commitment to ensure that public assets are used for the public good, I instructed that a termination of the lease be issued to prevent any wastage of public funds. As a department, we can never tolerate the abuse of state resources,” Minister Macpherson said.

The Minister added that the department will conduct an investigation to ensure that any officials who played a role in authorising the lease are held accountable.

“We will also work closely with law-enforcement agencies and hand over any information relating to possible criminality to ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law. We are working decisively to rid the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure of corruption and abuse, and to ensure that it delivers meaningfully for the South African people,” he said.

In December 2025, the Department of Correctional Services said Matlala had been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad.

Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover, and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies. –SAnews.gov.za

As the fire in Wemmershoek, Franschhoek continues to burn out of control, the Cape Winelands District Municipality said a reconnaissance flight will be conducted to assess the full extent of the fire.

“During the night, the fire spread rapidly down the mountain across a large area, threatening surrounding farms along the Wemmershoek Road (R301). Firefighting efforts, including aerial resources, focused primarily on structure protection. The fire later shifted back toward the R45, where recognised firefighting techniques, including backburns, were implemented,” the municipality said on Sunday.

This as the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) Fire Services in the Western Cape reported a challenging night as the fire continues to burn.

The fire was reported on Wednesday and originated in the Langrug area.

The fire has claimed one structure and damaged another. No injuries have been reported.

“A reconnaissance flight will be conducted this morning to assess the full extent of the fire following last night’s activity. This assessment will inform the operational plan for the day as active firefighting and mitigation efforts continue.”

Meanwhile, the municipality has thanked its partners, farmers, landowners, and volunteers for their support.

“However, all firefighting operations are being conducted under a formal Incident Command System (ICS). For safety and coordination reasons, members of the public are requested not to organise or participate in independent or ad-hoc firefighting groups,” said the municipality.

Meanwhile, firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Stanford in the Western Cape.

READ | Progress made in containing Overstrand fires

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement. –SAnews.gov.za

Firefighters remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames in the Overstrand area following fires in Pearly Beach and Standford in the Western Cape.

In an update on Sunday morning, Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, said that good progress has been made along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama.

“On Day 8, the Pearly Beach Fire Crew made good progress overnight along the border of Groeneweide and Panorama. The left flank’s active fire line has been contained, and mop-up operations will now continue,” he said in a statement.

The municipality added that the right flank is expected to burn out against the old burn scar from the recent De Kelders fire.

“The fuel load remains high in dense alien vegetation, which is conducive to flare-ups under strong wind conditions. Firefighters and landowners will remain on high alert for any signs of smoke or flames.”
On the seaside of Pearly Beach, the fire crew will closely monitor and continue with mop-up operations.
“There are no active fire lines at this stage, and there is no threat to houses,” he said.

However, day five of the Stanford fire remains challenging, with renewed efforts focusing on the inaccessible old vegetation (aliens and fynbos) where active fire lines are still persisting.

O’Neill added that all roads are open, including the R43 Stanford, Gansbaai, and Pearly Beach, which were affected by the Pearly Beach and Stanford fires.

“However, roads may close at short notice if conditions change,” he said.

In the update given on Saturday night, the municipality said that it had received numerous donations, particularly essential goods to support the firefighters who risk their lives every day to bring these fires under control.

It thanked businesses, organisations, and individuals who stepped in to assist.
It added that in the Stanford fire, firefighting crews successfully contained the fire line from the Die Kop informal settlement to the R43, preventing the fire from crossing the road.

“The fire threatened Eskom power lines; however, crews successfully extinguished the immediate threat. The fire was then guided into an old burn scar near Es La Vida Farm, where it was allowed to burn itself out,” it said at the time.

In an alert on Saturday morning, the municipality said “evacuations are currently underway for Eluxolweni,” with the Eluxolweni Community Hall open for evacuees due to the Pearly Beach fire.

At the time, the municipality said residents in Panorama, Groeneweide, and Standskloof should remain on high alert and that evacuation may become necessary if conditions worsen. –SAnews.gov.za