MIL Africa Engine

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has confirmed that the event where large numbers of dead white mussel, whelks and other shellfish were washed out at St Helena Bay and Elandsbaai on the West Coast has remained confined to those two areas. 

Observations by Fisheries Control Officers (FCOs) and satellite imagery, indicate visible red tides from Elandsbaai 100km northward, to above the Olifants Estuary on the West Coast. 

There have been no mortalities of fish or shellfish reported associated with these visible new red tides. However, there remains a high risk of toxicity and it is still advised that “all shellfish, irrespective of being washed out or collected from shore or subtidal, should not be eaten”.

Satellite imagery and reports by members of the public and FCOs, also confirm a visible red tide in Walker Bay, Hermanus. 

“This red tide is bioluminescent, the phytoplankton producing spectacular flashes of colour at night. There have been no reported fish or shellfish mortalities reported with this red tide but a cautionary approach remains that no shellfish be collected and eaten,” the DFFE said.

Further eastwards, there has been a mass mortality of fish in the Hartenbos Estuary in Mosselbaai. This mass mortality, the department said, is not due to a red tide, but is the result of sewerage discharge and resultant eutrophication and ammonia toxicity.   

“There are a variety of reasons for the current mass kills and washouts of fish and shellfish on the West and South Coasts. However, the department cautions members of the public to refrain from eating any washed out marine animals as they carry significant health risks, rendering them unsuitable for consumption,” the department said.

The DFFE will continue to monitor the situations with respect to the extent of the red tides and resultant mass mortalities on the West Coast and South Coast. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has recorded robust law-enforcement outcomes through the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) during intensified operations conducted between 1 and 31 December 2025.

Working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and other law enforcement agencies, officers discontinued 410 vehicles, impounded 110 vehicles, and made 88 arrests across the province as part of efforts to curb lawlessness, remove unsafe vehicles and protect commuters during the festive season.

Johannesburg recorded the highest enforcement activity, with 2 825 e-force infringements, 186 vehicles discontinued and 39 vehicles impounded. 

Tshwane issued 914 handwritten notices, recorded 1 311 e-force infringements, and discontinued 155 vehicles. 

Ekurhuleni saw 35 arrests, 35 impoundments and 69 vehicles discontinued, while a further 15 arrests were recorded in Sedibeng.

Crackdown on public transport

A crackdown on public transport revealed serious non-compliance. Officers found 498 minibuses operating without licence discs, 629 drivers without valid driving licences, and discontinued 358 minibuses for critical defects.

Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the results reflect a firm stance against unsafe and illegal operations.

“These outcomes demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness on our roads. Operators who endanger commuters through non-compliance will be dealt with decisively,” said Diale-Tlabela.

She commended GTI officers for their commitment during the festive season and urged commuters to prioritise safety.

“We call on commuters to use licensed and compliant public transport only. Road safety is a shared responsibility. E Thoma Ka Wena! It Starts With You,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the new cohort of the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) Commissioners for the 2026 – 2030 tenure.

The 25 commissioners have been appointed in terms of the Climate Change Act, 2024.

The commissioners are representative of broader sections of South African society, including business, labour, civil society, traditional leadership, youth and South African Local Government Association as the new commission.

“The commissioners bring in diverse experience and relevant experience in climate change, environmental policy, sustainable development, economic development, energy, social justice and were appointed with a strong consideration to achieving diversity in gender, age, geographic spread and background in line with national transformation goals and procedural justice principles,” the Presidency said on Friday.

The appointments are a culmination of a public nomination process, which was initiated in August 2025, in accordance with Section 10(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act. 

The initial establishment of the PCC was an outcome of the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit, where social partners agreed to create a multistakeholder body to coordinate and oversee South Africa’s just transition to a low-carbon, inclusive and climate-resilient economy and society.

“President Ramaphosa has reiterated his appreciation for the outgoing commissioners on their leadership and achievements over the first five years and commends their role in shaping domestic climate policy, fostering inclusive national dialogue, and amplifying South Africa’s Climate Diplomacy,” the Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa called on the new commissioners to individually and collectively continue to fulfil their role and mandate of providing independent, evidence-based advice; facilitate inclusive dialogue in the pursuit of a consensus to address South Africa’s complex climate and development agenda and to put into practice, the country’s just transition framework.

The President will announce the Deputy Chairperson at the first Meeting of the Commission in 2026 and further outline high-level priorities for the Commission for the next five years.  

The appointed commissioners are:
1. Dr Phindile Masangane
2. Dr Ntombifuthi Nxumalo
3. Ms Ndiambani Magadagela
4. Ms Shaamela Soobramoney
5. Dr Sarushen Pillay
6. Ms Catherine Constantinides
7. Ms Tracy-Lynn Field
8. Ms Khungeka Njobe
9. Ms Zaynab Sadan
10. Dr Dipak Patel
11. Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe
12. Cllr. Kenalemang Phukuntsi
13. Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya
14. Dr Moegamad Riedwaan Gallant
15. Mr Cecil Monnanyana Mahlangu
16. Queen Neo Mononelo Mopeli 
17. Ms Thandile Zonke
18. Mr Errol Andile Mlambo
19. Prof Imraan Valodia
20. Prof Azwihangwisi Edward Nesamvuni
21. Ms Joanne Yawitch
22. Ms Boitumelo Molete
23. Mr Brandin Abdinor
24. Mr Waheed Hoosen
25. Ms Shamini Harrington

– SAnews.gov.za 

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has processed all funding applications ahead of the start of the 2026 academic year.

“NSFAS is pleased to confirm that it has processed all 2026 funding applications prior to the start of the 2026 academic year as committed to by the 31st December 2025. All students can view their funding statuses via the NSFAS Portal,” the scheme said.

The status of the applications are as follows:

First-time entering students

Applications qualifying for financial aid: 609 403.
Applications that are rejected for financial aid: 49 538.
Incomplete applications (awaiting documents): 218 043.
Withdrawn/cancelled applications: 16 863.
Total: 893 847.

In its statement on Friday, the scheme said first-time entering students, who meet the financial eligibility criteria, may still require confirmation of a valid acceptance from an institution of higher learning.

In most cases, this confirmation will only be available once matric results are released.

Applications classified as “in process” and reflected as “incomplete” relate to cases where additional documentation is outstanding.

“These applications are returned for further evaluation once applicants have submitted the required information. Notifications have been sent to affected students, some more than once, clearly indicating the documents that must be provided,” NSFAS said.

The outstanding documentation primarily includes the parental consent form, which enables household income verification, as well as complete parent or guardian details submitted through a correctly completed and signed NSFAS Declaration Form.

The financial aid scheme said applicants with outstanding documentation are reminded that they have 30 days from the date of notification to submit the required information. Applications that remain incomplete after 30 days will not be processed further and will be deemed unsuccessful.

Continuing students

Continuing students who have met the academic progression criteria:  416 688.
Continuing students who have not met the academic progression criteria: 129 264.
Total continuing students assessed: 545 952.

Continuing students are previously funded NSFAS students, who have met the academic progression criteria to continue to be funded. For continuing students, the information represents only university students, as Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) results will be released on 13 January 2026.

Appeals process

Rejected students, whether first-time entrants or continuing, have the right to appeal the NSFAS decision.

For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS has further streamlined its appeals process to ensure that every student is afforded a fair and equitable opportunity to have their application reconsidered.

“Upon receiving the outcome of their NSFAS application, students who wish to appeal are required to initiate the process promptly. The appeals window is open, and NSFAS will notify students of the outcome of their appeals on an ongoing basis,” said the financial aid scheme.

It further said that it is imperative that students submit all required supporting documentation as part of their appeal, as incomplete submissions cannot be processed.

“Applicants are granted a strict 30-day window from the date of their outcome notification to provide the necessary documents and complete their appeal. Failure to submit the requisite documentation within this period will result in forfeiture of the appeal opportunity.”

NSFAS encouraged students to prepare all relevant documents in advance and to adhere strictly to the prescribed deadlines to ensure their appeals are considered in a timely manner and without unnecessary delay.

Mop-up payments

Meanwhile, the scheme has cleared many outstanding claims to higher education institutions and invoices to accommodation providers. 

Where short payments remain, NSFAS is committed to working with accommodation providers in resolving these claims timeously and requests accommodation providers to lodge claims through the relevant NSFAS channels.

2025 Matric results

With the Department of Basic Education set to release the matric results on Monday, 12 January, NSFAS extended well wishes to every matric learner.

“As the 2025 Matriculation Class awaits the release of their results, NSFAS wishes to extend our heartfelt encouragement and best wishes to every learner. This is a moment filled with anticipation and hope — a testament to years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

“Regardless of the outcome, you have already demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment by reaching this significant milestone. Remember that your journey is only beginning, and many opportunities await you,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has had over 200 days free of interrupted power supply, indicating that Eskom’s power system remains stable.

“South Africa has now experienced 231 consecutive days without an interrupted supply, with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded in April and May during this financial year,” the power utility said in a recent statement.

The power utility on Friday said it continues to meet electricity demand, supported by sustained and measurable improvements in generation performance, despite the heavy rainfall experienced in December 2025.

“The Generation Recovery Plan is delivering clear results, and together with the intensive planned maintenance carried out over the past financial year, has strengthened the generation fleet, improved reliability, and enhanced Eskom’s overall operational resilience.”

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) was 69.14% in December 2025, representing a significant year-on-year improvement of 12.57% from 56.57% recorded over the same period in 2024. Year-to-date, EAF has increased to 64.35%, with the fleet achieving or exceeding the 70% benchmark on 49 occasions.

“This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply.”

Eskom said the improvements are driven primarily by the reduction in unplanned outages, reflecting the effectiveness of the Generation Recovery Plan and the benefits of disciplined maintenance execution.

Between 26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026, average unplanned outages declined to 6 822MW, less than half of last year’s level of 12 328MW, which was almost double the current figure.

Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) further declined to 14.06%, a significant improvement of 12.06% compared to 26.12% recorded during the same period last year.

Planned maintenance remains aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and supports ongoing efforts to enhance plant reliability, improve operational stability, and strengthen long-term fleet performance.

The ongoing improvement in EAF has reduced Eskom’s dependence on expensive diesel generation, enabling a stronger focus on more cost effective primary energy sources.

“To maintain a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 5 585MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 5 January 2026.”

Eskom published its Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which projects no load shedding due to sustained improvements in plant performance from the Generation Recovery Plan.

Load reduction

The power utility said that while the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, adverse festive season weather led to a sharp increase in faults across its distribution network, with reported incidents rising by about 40% compared to the same period last year.

“While supply has been restored in most areas, some communities remain without electricity due to severely damaged infrastructure. Eskom teams have been working throughout this period and continue to restore supply safely and as quickly as possible.

“At the same time, illegal connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose serious safety risks. As a temporary measure, Eskom is maintaining load reduction in high risk areas to protect communities and the network,” it explained.

To address these challenges sustainably, Eskom has initiated a phased programme to eliminate load reduction by 2027.

The programme targets 971 feeders and will benefit approximately 1.69 million customers through interventions such as smart meters, Distributed Energy Resources, and expanded Free Basic Electricity support.

Progress on key interventions

•    Smart meter rollout:
Eskom has installed and uploaded 73 523 smart meters on feeders affected by load reduction, with more than 90% of these installations located in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal. The programme aims to install a total of 577 347 meters by March 2026, with full completion expected in 2027. Current progress stands at approximately 12.73% of the overall target, and installations continue steadily to ensure the programme’s milestones are achieved.

•    Feeder removal:
The total number of feeders removed from load reduction has increased to 70. This includes 13 feeders in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (35% of the target of 37); 37 in Gauteng (29% of the target of 126); seven in the Eastern and Western Cape (47% of the target of 15), and 13 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State (14% of the target of 94). Nationally, the 70 feeders removed represent 26% of the overall target of 271 feeders to be removed from load reduction by March 2026. 

•    Customers:
With the additional feeders removed from load reduction, an estimated 95 989 customers are now benefiting, comprising 28 992 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 48 876 in Gauteng, 9 314 in the Eastern and Western Cape, and 8 807 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. 
The remaining customers still due for load reduction removal by financial year end are 205 344 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 96 606 in Gauteng, 16 188 in the Eastern and Western Cape, 119 039 in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, and 44 181 in the Northern Cape and North West. Overall, 481 358 customers out of 577 347 — equivalent to 83.37% of the target — still need to be cleared by March 2026.

•    Free Basic Electricity (FBE):
Nationally, registrations are at 579 360 customers. This reflects a 19.5% increase from the baseline of 485 000 customers and represents 27.6% of the 2.1 million eligible customers.

“Eskom is harnessing technology, upgrading infrastructure, and partnering with communities to ensure a safer, smarter, and more reliable power network for South Africa.”

It further called on communities to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly, and protect infrastructure. Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Government has noted with grave concern the United States’ military strike against Venezuela at the weekend.

“The Government of the Republic of South Africa notes with grave concern the recent developments, which were confirmed by the United States that the USA has conducted ‘a large-scale military strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicholas Maduro, who has been captured along with his wife and flown out of the country,’” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said South Africa views the actions of the United States of America as a “manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, which mandates that all Member States refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State”.

“Furthermore, the Charter does not authorise external military intervention in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of a sovereign nation,” it said.

The Ministry said that history has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign States yield only instability and deepening crisis. 

“Unlawful, unilateral force of this nature undermines the stability of the international order and the principle of equality among nations.

South Africa calls on the UN [United Nations] Security Council, the body mandated to maintain international peace and security, to urgently convene to address this situation,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Government has extended its condolences to the families and friends of those killed by lightning at the Mphebatho Troop Festival that was held recently in the North West.

This as lighting struck at the annual festival that was held at the Dertig Sports Ground on Saturday.

“The incident, caused by a lightning strike, resulted in more than 40 people, mostly spectators and troopers, being adversely affected. Emergency services responded promptly, and those injured were immediately attended to. Patients were taken to Mathibestad Clinic for observation, while others were transferred to Jubilee Hospital for further medical care,” acting Government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said in a statement.

It was reported that two people lost their lives in the incident. “Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have passed on and wishes all those injured a speedy and full recovery.

“Government commends emergency personnel and healthcare workers for their swift response and ongoing care and continues to work closely with relevant authorities to monitor the situation,” she said.

Meanwhile, North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi accompanied by MEC for Health Sello Lehari and Mayor of the Moretele Local Municipality, George Manyike and other dignitaries will visit the families of the two deceased.

“Premier Mokgosi takes this opportunity to extend his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes all other affected individuals a speedy recovery. The visit will be preceded by checking up on survivors of this unfortunate incident,” the Office of the Premier said ahead of the visit on Monday, 5 January. – SAnews.gov.za 

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