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The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a 25-year Terminal Operator Agreement with WASAA CEF SOC Ltd to develop and operate a new liquefied petroleum gas terminal at the Port of Durban’s Island View Precinct.

With an investment value of approximately R1.4 billion, the execution of the project is crucial for advancing South Africa’s Just Energy Transition programme, which aims to shift the gas sector from fossil fuels to cleaner energies whilst supporting the decarbonisation of key sectors. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Port of Durban LPG Terminal on Friday, TNPA Board Chairperson Tshokolo Nchocho said the agreement formed part of the developmental mandate of transforming the South African ports system by creating opportunities that will translate into the economic growth of the country.

“In keeping with this mandate and the concession framework stipulated in Section 56 of the Ports Act, we are here today to celebrate a milestone of great significance,” Nchocho said.

In July 2024 TNPA issued an award letter for a 25-year concession for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal in the Island View precinct of the port.

“A rigorous journey has brought us to this long-awaited and proud moment. I am immensely proud of the teams that have contributed their expertise to this transaction.

“Today is a clear reflection of TNPA’s strategic direction as we work to transform and modernise our port system, unlock infrastructure investment and support South Africa’s evolving energy and logistics landscape.

“This Terminal Operator Agreement represents a partnership that is aligned with national priorities, market demand and global energy dynamics. The development of the first LPG terminal in the Port of Durban is a timely and necessary response to where the world is moving,” Nchocho said.

The signing of the agreement reflects TNPA’s commitment to ensuring that Durban remains competitive, efficient and ready to attract future investment.

“The WASAA CEF Joint Venture brings together a level 1 black-owned and black-women-led entity with a national energy institution that carries a mandate to support security of supply and long-term energy development.

“This is transformation that is grounded in capacity, performance and in a vision for expanding South Africa’s strategic role in the regional energy market. It is the type of collaboration we want to see driving future concessions and infrastructure development across the port system.

“This agreement further demonstrates the value of a transparent, competitive and well-governed Section 56 process,” he said.

Advocate Michelle Phillips, Transnet Group Chief Executive, said the signing ceremony between TNPA and the Preferred Bidder comes at a time when the country is implementing strategies to ensure the Just Energy Transition, which is a framework that guides the transition of the economy from fossil fuels to cleaner energies and accelerate the decarbonisation of key sectors.

“At Transnet, we have been very clear about the direction in which we are steering the organisation. We are building a business that is stronger, more resilient, and fundamentally more capable of supporting national growth,” Phillips said.

Phillips said TNPA’s goal is to rebuild trust in its operations, attract investment and develop partnerships that will introduce new capacity and expertise into the logistics system.

“This new agreement reflects exactly the type of partnership we envision for the future. It brings together an experienced state-owned energy company and an emerging transformation-driven operator, both committed to delivering value at the highest standard,” she said.

eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba, in his message of support congratulated TNPA and the WASAA CEF SOC LTD Joint Venture on reaching this significant milestone.

“For us as a city, this is a welcome development, as it will greatly enhance Durban’s position as a leading energy and logistics hub. It will also boost our economy and create much-needed jobs,” Xaba said.

He said he has no doubt that the development of the first-ever LPG gas terminal in the Port of Durban will support the city’s Climate Action Plan by reducing carbon emissions, an essential component to climate change.

“This project will also help us accelerate our programme to develop new electricity generation capacity. As you know, the Minister of Electricity and Energy has authorised the city to procure 400 megawatts of renewable energy from Independent Power Producers. 

“This includes 300 megawatts of gas-to-power and 100 megawatts of solar PV. Therefore, the timing of this project could not be more fitting,” the Mayor said.

Xaba said the city remains committed to working with Transnet, particularly TNPA, to unlock the full potential of the Port of Durban.

The construction of the LPG terminal in Island View, which will be known as LOT 100 Terminal, follows the company’s procurement of bp Southern Africa’s liquid bulk fuels import terminal in East London in 2022 which considerably entrenched WASAA’s position as an emerging commodity trader in the sub-Saharan region where it has regularly supplied LPG for over 10 years.

The East London terminal serves key customers such as Shell, bp, and Engen and boasts 55 million litres of operational storage capacity.

The construction and operation of the LPG terminal in Island View is expected to diversify the ports of entry for LPG imports into South Africa which are currently limited to Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay, and Port Elizabeth. The three ports collectively account for 97% of all imports coming into South Africa between 2010 and 2022. 

Once operational, the Port of Durban terminal will also reinforce the port’s status as a major hub for the SADC region and a key transhipment point connecting global markets.

The agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy, which focuses on transforming the business through strategic partnerships and leveraging collaboration between public and private sectors to meet growing market demand.

It follows a successful competitive bidding process under Section 56 of the National Ports Act No 12 of 2005, which led to TNPA appointing WASAA Gases and Central Energy Fund Joint Venture (JV) as a preferred bidder. The JV will develop, construct, operate, maintain and transfer the LPG terminal at the Port of Durban.

The agreement will result in a 50 000 m³ liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal storage and handling capacity, a comprehensive solution addressing the growing demand, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape hinterlands. 

The terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2027, will have capacity to dispatch up to 800m³ per hour of heated LPG mix. This, according to TNPA, will provide essential supplies to various industrial markets and produce specific grades suitable for residential use.

Women participation

Nokwande Qonde, founder and Managing Director of WASSA, told SAnews that the signing ceremony not only marks an important turning point for the company, but also carves a path for the meaningful participation of women in the oil and gas sector. 

“I strongly believe that having women playing a key-role in the industry cannot continue to be an aberration, we need to be intentional about dismantling the age-old, patriarchal, and exclusionary culture that views female entrants as an anomaly at best, and intrusive at worst,” she said. 

Qonde said it’s worth noting that LPG is being widely used for large-scale power generation in other parts of the world, especially in remote areas and developing regions which are unable to connect to the natural gas network.

“Through this signed 25-year concession agreement, the Port of Durban will enhance its strategic position as a key national logistics hub.

“The terminal will not only benefit the local economy, but it will also enable access to clean energy and help reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Mohammed Abdool. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has taken a pivotal step towards transforming water security in Limpopo with the commercial close of the first phase of the massive Olifants Management Model (OMM) programme.

The Badirammogo Water User Association (BWUA), a unique 50:50 public-private partnership representing both government and commercial partners, has successfully secured the R8.5 billion in funding required for Stage 1 of the OMM programme.

Government, through the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), collaborated with commercial members including miners, the Infrastructure Fund and a consortium of commercial lenders to bring the programme to life.

“This landmark event marks a critical milestone for one of South Africa’s most significant water infrastructure projects, implemented by BWUA, paving the way for Stage 1 Financial Close and the commencement of construction on a programme designed to transform water security and drive economic growth in Limpopo,” a joint statement by the partners read.

The OMM programme is aimed at providing water to areas including the Sekhukhune District, Mogalakwena Local and Polokwane Local Municipalities in Limpopo.

“Stage 1 of the OMMP is valued at R8.5 billion and comprises the construction of critical bulk raw water pipelines, pump stations and associated water treatment works, and an energy solution.

“At completion, the full OMMP will deliver approximately 263 million cubic metres per day to commercial and institutional users by 2050.

“It is projected to provide potable water to approximately 140 communities – benefiting approximately 390 000 people, supply raw water to key mining and industrial users and create an estimated 42 000 direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is set to announce its new President and Vice-President for the 2025–2030 term. 

This announcement will take place during the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted Council on Friday evening in Sandton, Johannesburg. 

According to Section 7 of the Health Professions Act of 1974, Council members are required to elect the President and Vice-President from among themselves at this inaugural meeting.

This election follows the recent official inauguration of the 12 professional boards for the 2025–2030 term, which was completed through a national nomination and ministerial appointment process, as stated by the HPCSA.

Representatives of the new boards and appointees of the Minister will collectively form the new Council that will serve for the next five years.

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will be in attendance at the Council’s Inaugural Gala Dinner this evening.

“The election of the President and Vice-President represents the final step in constituting Council for the new term, ensuring stable governance and continued fulfilment of the HPCSA’s legislative mandate to protect the public and guide the professions,” the advisory read. 

The HPCSA, along with its 12 professional boards, is established to oversee the education, training, and registration of health professionals as outlined by the Health Professions Act.
To protect the public and guide the professions, the Council ensures that practitioners maintain high professional and ethical standards. 

It also investigates complaints against practitioners and ensures that disciplinary actions are taken against those who do not comply with these standards. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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At least 800 National Road Traffic Law-Enforcement Officers, supported by various other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed throughout the festive season to monitor compliance with traffic regulations and maintain safety.

“We began the law enforcement operations in November at an intensified pace. It’s been a year-long campaign, and we have increased our efforts in November and December and will continue doing so through to the end of January,” Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said on Friday.

He was addressing members of the media during a law enforcement operation and festive season road safety activation along the Mooi River Toll Plaza on the N3 as part of a campaign to educate the public on road safety, focusing on behaviour change, enhanced law enforcement and 24-hour patrols in high-risk areas.

The Department of Transport has identified priority routes that include N1, N2, N3, N4, N17, as well as notorious secondary roads such as the Moloto Road. 

“We are here on the N3, which will remain one of our primary focus areas throughout the festive season as part of the top 20 priority routes identified across the country. 

“Truck drivers are often reckless and irresponsible in how they navigate traffic and manage the flow of movement towards Durban and back. We will be engaging with the Trucking Association next week so that we can develop joint messaging and improve interactions with truck drivers,” the Deputy Minister said.

The 365-day campaign is based on evidence gathered throughout the year, which shows that human error accounts for nine out of ten accidents. 

The law enforcement operations will also focus on bridges and weigh-in-motion assessments for all vehicles to prevent overloading and to ensure that trucks and public transport vehicles — including buses and taxis — do not travel long distances without inspection.

“Our message remains the same. We are asking drivers: please do not drink and drive. Please do not drink and walk or jaywalk.

“Forty-eight percent of our fatalities in the country are pedestrians. We remain deeply concerned about fatigue on the roads, especially during this period of long-distance travel. We urge motorists to rest every 200 kilometres or every two hours,” he said.

The department has established provincial operations across provinces and municipalities as part of an overall approach to share and pool resources for maximum consequence management. 

“We are working with civil society and the private sector as part of a joint national operation for road safety,” he said. 

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reported that in the first nine days of December, 213 fatal crashes were recorded resulting in 249 fatalities.

This accounts for a 30% decline for both fatal crashes and fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.

For the period ended 30 November 2025,  preliminary reports show crashes at 8 613 and the corresponding number of fatalities at 10 089. 

This is an improvement in comparison to the prior year, where fatal crashes for the period were 9 288 and fatalities were 10 878, this is a reduction of 7.3%. – SAnews.gov.za

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In an address marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has examined South Africa’s healthcare system, challenging the current model of healthcare financing and advocating for transformative change.

“We are sick of unaffordable health costs,” Motsoaledi said in Pretoria on Friday, highlighting the day’s theme.

Universal Health Coverage Day advocates for urgent government efforts to implement UHC, ensuring that everyone can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.

This global campaign is led by the UHC2030, which is a global, multi-stakeholder platform for accelerating sustainable progress towards UHC. It is hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Minister’s speech traced the historical transitions in healthcare, drawing on The Lancet’s analysis report of three critical epochs, including sanitation, vaccination, and now, UHC. 

“The Lancet says the third transition is on the horizon, and it will signify the time when people don’t have to pay cash for their healthcare needs.”

Motsoaledi said the financialisation of health referred to a growing influence of financial markets, investors, and corporate interests in the healthcare sector. 

“Nobody invests money without expecting profit. But should we do that with sick people,” he questioned.

The Minister shared examples of how financial motivations compromise healthcare, including an anecdote about an elderly patient being prepared for surgery without clear consent or medical necessity.

“Healthcare becomes unaffordable for poor and marginalised communities, exacerbating disparities and inequalities,” Motsoaledi said, adding that the current system prioritises profits over patient well-being.

NHI

The Minister said the solution is the National Health Insurance (NHI), which he described as “a strong global antidote to financialisation of health”.

South Africa has made significant progress toward achieving UHC with the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

The NHI is based on the establishment of a single purchaser, the NHI Fund, which will acquire healthcare services from accredited and contracted providers in both the public and private sectors. 

This initiative aims to ensure that all citizens receive quality, affordable healthcare without facing financial hardship.

This is despite significant legal threats and challenges facing the implementation of the NHI Act, which is part of the country’s transformative agenda. 

He also spoke about a UHC model focusing on comprehensive care that particularly protects women and children, who are “the biggest losers in a financialised system.”

He also touched on South Africa’s potential to lead global healthcare transformation, drawing on the country’s successful HIV treatment campaign of 2010 as proof of what can be achieved when healthcare is prioritised over profit.

The Minister traced significant public health achievements, particularly in HIV/AIDS treatment, where maternal mortality rates dramatically decreased from 240 to just below 99 per 100 000 live births around 2019. 

He highlighted the affordability of a new HIV treatment, lenacapavir, initially priced at US$28 000 per person, now available for US$40 thanks to the Global Fund and other organisations.

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

“We are at the verge of eliminating HIV AIDS as a public health threat in our lifetime,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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