It’s official: The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is really coming back!

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by

In a landmark moment for South Africa’s tourism and heritage rail sector, Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company have signed a 25-year concession agreement to operate and manage the iconic Outeniqua Choo Tjoe heritage railway line.

This long-term concession marks a significant milestone in the revival of the much-loved steam train service, which last operated in 2006 and has remained a symbol of South Africa’s rich railway history.

The agreement enables the restoration, operation, and development of the line between George and Knysna, creating a new era of heritage tourism along the world-renowned Garden Route.

“The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is more than just a railway; it is a national treasure. This partnership ensures its return as a world-class heritage experience that will bring significant social, cultural, and economic value to the region,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said on Monday.

She made these remarks during the signing ceremony for the agreement in George, Western Cape.
Phillips hailed the agreement as “a model for public-private collaboration in the preservation and activation of strategic heritage infrastructure”.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is South Africa’s last remaining full-sized, narrow-gauge steam train to have operated a regular service and is fondly remembered by local and international passengers for its spectacular route along the Garden Route coastline.

This concession forms part of Transnet’s broader strategy to unlock value from non-core assets through partnerships that preserve heritage, boost regional tourism, and promote inclusive economic growth.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Company Chief Executive Officer, Alan McVitty, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential.

“We are honoured to partner with Transnet on this visionary journey. Our goal is to breathe new life into the Choo Tjoe, preserving its charm while delivering a safe, memorable, and economically impactful rail experience for locals and visitors alike,” McVitty said.

Photo credit: Ian Fleming

Eastern Cape police raise funds for cancer patients

Posted on October 27, 2025October 29, 2025 by

As part of efforts to raise funds for cancer survivors, Eastern Cape police officers have participated in a Shavathon event.

The Alexandria officers have either shaved their heads or spray painted their heads to raise funds for cancer survivors.

The well-attended event was held at the Dutch Reformed Church, Voortrekker Street in Alexandria last week.

“The members were also joined by several stakeholders, including the local Community Police Forum (CPF) coming together to make a bold statement against the dreaded disease.

“The proceeds that were collected on the day were donated to PALCARE, which is a local non-profit organisation (NPO) that provides home-based hospice and palliative care to those with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Sunday.

Brigadier Asogran Naidoo praised the police for participating in the event.

"Your role in the event highlighted compassion and dedication to serving the communities beyond traditional policing.

“This event highlights the ongoing efforts of the South African Police Service to strengthen community-police relations and to promote a 'community-first' approach to policing,” Naidoo said.

Eskom maintains over 98% electricity supply reliability

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by

During the current financial year, Eskom has ensured a consistent electricity supply for over 98% of the time due to the ongoing technical improvements achieved under the power utility’s Generation Recovery Plan.

As a result of this work, the power system continues to be stable, resilient and reliable with the plan yielding sustained grid stability and on-going efficiencies.

The country has gone 161 consecutive days without loadshedding, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 23 October 2025.

“Generation performance has improved significantly, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) having reached 70% and surpassing this level more than 24 times since August 2025.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF)—which measures the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages—reduced to 22.85%, reflecting a 2.81% improvement compared to 25.66% during the same period last year,” Eskom said on Friday.

The Planned Capacity Loss Factor (PCLF), which accounts for planned maintenance, increased to 12.55%, up from 12.51% recorded the previous year.

The increased planned maintenance is aligned with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and ongoing efforts to improve and maintain plant reliability and operational consistency.

During the period between 10 and 23 October 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 954MW in unplanned outages—an improvement from 11 155MW during the same period last year.

“This year-on-year reduction of 1 201MW in breakdowns reflects the growing reliability and resilience of the generation fleet.

“From 1 to 23 October 2025, the EAF stood at 64.28%, an improvement from the 61.44% recorded during the same period last year. This shows an improvement of 2.84% because of reduced unplanned outages and additional generation capacity,” the power utility said.

From 1 April to 23 October 2025, diesel expenditure remained consistently below budget, reflecting reduced reliance on the country’s diesel-powered Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) fleet, with the year-to-date load factor further decreasing to 6.06%.

According to Eskom, this trend highlights ongoing efficiency improvements, a significant reduction in dependence on diesel generation, and a sustained shift toward more cost-effective primary generation sources.

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 1 715MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 27 October 2025, and throughout the coming week.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no loadshedding due to the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

SA exits FATF Greylist after successful reform efforts

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by

South Africa has officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The decision to delist South Africa was taken at the conclusion of meetings of the FATF Plenary that took place over 22-24 October 2025 in Paris, France.

After South Africa was listed on the FATF greylist in February 2023, government worked tirelessly to address all the deficiencies that were identified by the FATF and which were reflected in the 22 Action Items in the Action Plan agreed between South Africa and the FATF.

The FATF is an intergovernmental organisation and finance watchdog that was established to combat money laundering, terrorist and proliferation financing, as well as other threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

It sets global standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, promotes the effective implementation of these standards, and conducts mutual evaluations of member countries to assess their compliance with the FATF Recommendations.

“Over the past 32 months, South Africa has engaged with a team of reviewers assigned by the FATF to assess progress against the Action Plan. This culminated in an on-site visit at the end of July 2025, when the assessors came to the country to confirm the sustainability of the reforms that had been reported to them,” National Treasury said on Friday.

This concluded with a meeting with Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, who assured the FATF of the South African Government’s political commitment to continue to sustainably improving the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system.

“South Africa’s progress in addressing the AML/CFT deficiencies and exiting the FATF greylist represents a major policy and institutional achievement for the people of South Africa, particularly following the weakening of key law enforcement and other institutions during the state capture era.

“However, while exiting the greylist is an important milestone and a demonstration of South Africa’s commitment to rebuilding the rule of law, it is only start of a broader process to continue to strengthen key institutions, improve enforcement and governance processes, and ensure that such improvements are sustainable and that our systems become increasingly effective in combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.

“Neither government agencies nor regulated entities in the private sector can afford to become complacent and stop improving. Instead, through public-private collaboration, they must continue to strengthen the AML/CFT system,” National Treasury emphasised.

The FATF requires countries that have exited the greylist to demonstrate continued commitment through measurable outcomes, including successful investigations, prosecutions, and sanctions as they relate to AML/CFT.

These actions will form the basis of the next FATF Mutual Evaluation for South Africa, which is expected to commence in the first half of 2026 and conclude in October 2027.

“To prevent being placed back on the greylist, it is important that systems of monitoring and enforcement work more efficiently and effectively, and that there are no gaps, by the time of the Mutual Evaluation.

Preparations, in this regard, have already begun and we remain confident that South Africa will be able to sustain the progress made,” National Treasury said.

The department has congratulated Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso, which were also delisted from the FATF greylist this week.

Qhawekazi Mazaleni crowned Miss South Africa 2025

Posted on October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by

Government has congratulated Qhawekazi Mazaleni, who was crowned this year’s Miss South Africa at a prestigious ceremony held at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria East.

At just 24 years old, the Eastern Cape-born beauty and youth ambassador has brought pride to the nation through her remarkable achievement.

“Government wishes Mazaleni well as she undertakes her reign and continues to inspire young women to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society.

“Warm congratulations are also extended to Luyanda Zuma, the first runner-up, and Karabo Mareka, the second runner-up, for their remarkable performances in this year’s competition,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Sunday.

Mazaleni won the coveted title on Saturday night after competing against nine women during the finale, which showcased South African beauty, culture, and purpose-driven vision.

“Beauty pageants, such as Miss South Africa, play an important role in uplifting the youth by promoting confidence, leadership, and social responsibility, while providing a platform for young women to advocate for change and make a meaningful impact in their communities. We say Halala!” GCIS said.