Category: News

Authorities crack down on Pretoria weight loss production pharmacy

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The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) have ramped up a nationwide crackdown on the illegal manufacturing and supply of unregistered weight-loss medicines.

The medicines contain Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or a combination product containing both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide.

“SAHPRA and SAPC conducted a joint investigation inspection at iDexis (Pty) Ltd trading as Sentra Pharmacy in Silverton, Pretoria. The inspection focused on Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and combination formulations and discovered critical regulatory non-compliance, all GIP/GLP-1 injectable products found onsite were seized.

“The investigation revealed that the company was producing and supplying medicines under the pretext of ‘compounding’, but outside the legal framework permitted under South African law.

“While compounding is strictly limited to the preparation of medicines for individual patients based on a valid prescription, the facility was found to be manufacturing and marketing GIP/GLP-1-based products, including Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and combination formulations, for broader commercial distribution, particularly for weight management purposes,” the two health watchdogs said in a joint statement.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed serious deficiencies in quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, including:
The illegal importation of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs);

-The absence of analytical testing to confirm identity, potency and purity;
-Inadequate sterile manufacturing conditions, high risk of contamination;
-Inadequate equipment for aseptic medical preparations; and 
-The lack of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

“The room allocated for producing GLP-1/GIP products didn’t meet the requirements of aseptically prepared products. In addition, no pharmacovigilance system was in place to monitor or respond to adverse drug reactions.

“SAHPRA has also noted reports of adverse events, including hospitalisations, linked to the use of these products, as well as concerns regarding possible illegal importation of APIs and promotional activities targeting healthcare providers and consumers,” the statement continued.

All finished products containing Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and related combinations have been seized.

“The company has been instructed to initiate a full recall of affected products distributed through healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other channels.

“According to the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 101 of 1965, as amended, compounding must remain strictly within the applicable parameters of the law and cannot be used as a mechanism for large-scale manufacture, advertising, or distribution of unregistered medicines,” the statement read.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela said: “SAHPRA will continue to take decisive regulatory and enforcement action against any entity that contravenes the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

“The unlawful manufacture, importation, advertising, and distribution of unregistered medicines pose a serious risk to public health. We will not hesitate to act to protect patients and safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s regulatory system.”

SAPC CEO Vincent Tlala added that the council will be taking further action against pharmacy professionals involved in illegal manufacturing.

“Unlawful manufacturing, promotion and distribution of unregistered GLP-1 medicines for weight loss is a serious violation of the law and a direct threat to public safety. 

“Following the inspection conducted at Sentra Pharmacy, the SAPC will pursue decisive regulatory action against those involved.

“Pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel found selling, compounding or distributing these unregistered medicines risk severe disciplinary action. Including possible removal from the register. Council will not tolerate any conduct that compromises patient safety or the integrity of the pharmacy profession,” Tlala warned.

Calls for urgent climate resilience in agriculture

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says resilience is no longer an abstract concept for agriculture but an “operational necessity” as climate change, failing logistics infrastructure and volatile global markets reshape the future of South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry.

Addressing the Hortgro Symposium 2026 in Somerset West on Monday, Steenhuisen said the deciduous fruit industry is operating at the frontline of change, confronting increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, logistical pressures, stricter export requirements and growing international competition.

“Climate change is no longer a future challenge for agriculture. It is already reshaping production realities today,” Steenhuisen said.

He said recent storms in the Western Cape, particularly in the Witzenberg and Breede River Valley regions, highlighted the urgent need for climate resilience and stronger disaster preparedness in agriculture.

“The devastating storms caused widespread damage to infrastructure, orchards and local communities. The collapse of critical electricity infrastructure and the pressure placed on cold-storage facilities created serious risks for the apple and pear industry at a particularly sensitive point in the export season,” the Minister said.

Steenhuisen warned that climate change is already reshaping agricultural production realities, particularly for deciduous fruit growers who depend on reliable winter chilling, stable irrigation systems and strict export-quality standards.

“Warmer winters, droughts, floods, storms, heat stress and changing pest pressures all have direct consequences for productivity, fruit quality and export competitiveness,” he said.

He commended the resilience of farming communities trying to protect crops and maintain export operations under severe strain.

“During my visit to the region last week, I was struck not only by the scale of the damage, but also by the resilience and determination shown by farmers, workers, municipalities, and local communities under extremely difficult conditions.

“These events are a stark indicator that climate resilience, infrastructure maintenance and disaster preparedness are becoming increasingly important components of agricultural sustainability,” the Minister said.

Despite mounting pressures, the Minister said South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry remained one of the country’s most dynamic and internationally competitive agricultural sectors, supporting more than 302 000 jobs across agriculture and agri-processing.
The industry also contributes to a broader horticultural economy valued at over R147 billion nationally.

Innovation is the foundation of sustainability.
Stennhuisen also stressed the growing importance of research, innovation and technology in helping producers adapt to changing conditions.

According to the Minister, innovation is no longer optional, “it is the foundation of sustainability.”

“Innovation in modern agriculture is not limited to laboratories or research institutions. It includes technology in orchards, data-driven irrigation systems, biological controls, advanced breeding systems, logistics optimisation and digital traceability platforms.

“The future of agriculture will belong to sectors that combine productivity with sustainability and science with competitiveness,” he said.

Steenhuisen also emphasised the importance of biosecurity and market access, saying South Africa’s future agricultural growth depended on expanding and protecting export opportunities. 

He highlighted the recent trade gains, including a new stone fruit export protocol with China and the reopening of fresh apple exports to Thailand, as examples of successful collaboration between government and industry.

However, he acknowledged that logistics failures and inefficiencies at the Port of Cape Town continued to undermine the competitiveness of the fruit sector.

“For a high-value perishable export sector, logistics efficiency is existential. When export fruit misses shipping windows, producers do not simply lose time. They lose value, market confidence and profitability,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister reaffirmed government focus on reducing unnecessary red tape, improving regulatory efficiency, supporting infrastructure and logistics improvements, and aggressively pursuing export opportunities for South African producers.

SARS refutes hacking claim

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has refuted claims that it suffered a breach of its systems.

This after an alleged hacker group claimed over the weekend that it had breached the revenue service.

“SARS continuously monitors its systems for any suspicious activity and has conducted a thorough investigation in response to these reports. These claims are false and unsubstantiated.

“At this stage, there is no evidence that SARS’s systems have been compromised. SARS wishes to reassure the public regarding the integrity of its systems,” SARS said.

The tax collector emphasised that it treats the “protection of taxpayer information and the security of its digital platforms as sacrosanct and as its core responsibility”

“This dovetails with SARS’s broader commitment to build a smart, modern institution with unquestionable integrity, and to strengthen public trust and confidence in the tax administration system.

“Members of the public are urged to verify information before sharing and not to circulate unverified claims or rely on information from unofficial sources. SARS will continue to monitor its digital environment and, where necessary, will communicate through its official platforms.

“The public is also reminded to remain vigilant against scams and phishing attempts, particularly where messages claim to be from SARS, and to consult the following link for guidance” SARS said. 

Western Cape Premier leads oversight visits to storm-hit areas

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Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, together with Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs), has embarked on oversight visits to several areas hardest hit by the severe weather system that struck the province earlier this month.

The two-day visit, taking place from 25-28 May 2026, forms part of the provincial government’s ongoing response and recovery efforts following widespread storm damage across parts of the Western Cape.

During the visits, Winde is expected to assess progress in rebuilding and repairing damaged infrastructure and restoring essential services.

He will also engage with disaster management officials, law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and municipal leadership, who played a key role in the province’s emergency response response.

Speaking at the Kransburg bridge and pipeline site near Klawer on the West Coast, Winde said several parts of the province were still without electricity as recovery operations continue.

“We are busy with the rebuild to get bridges and roads reopened, and to complete the necessary assessments,” Winde said.

The Premier expressed appreciation to teams working on the ground to restore normality in affected communities, while acknowledging that significant work still lies ahead.

“Our teams are on the ground this week, moving from town to town to... look at what is necessary, and possibly speed things up a little bit,” he said.

The oversight programme began in Malmesbury on the West Coast and is expected to conclude in the Swellendam area. 

South Africa joins efforts to combat Ebola outbreak

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South Africa has pledged an initial $5 million contribution to support a $319 million continental preparedness and response plan, as Africa mobilises to combat its second-largest Ebola outbreak in history.

This, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed a High-Level Meeting of African Ministers of Health on the Ebola outbreak that has swept through the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

South Africa had pledged an initial $2.5 million to the cause.

The President addressed the gathering in his capacity as African Union Champion on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

“The Kampala meeting aligned behind a continental preparedness and response plan of approximately $319 million for the period June to November 2026. This plan will support outbreak control in affected countries while strengthening preparedness in at least ten high-risk Member States.

“Importantly, African countries themselves have already committed initial domestic contributions representing approximately 10% of the required financing. This demonstrates ownership and responsibility. Africa is no longer waiting passively for others to act.

“In this spirit of African solidarity and African solutions to African challenges, the Government and people of South Africa are pleased to announce an initial contribution of U$5 million to Africa CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], in support of the ongoing continental Ebola response,” President Ramaphosa said on Monday.

The outbreak – which was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation – has claimed at least 200 lives, a situation President Ramaphosa descried as “deeply concerning”.

The outbreak is also the largest one since the one in West Africa more than a decade ago and the President raised concern over the trajectory of the disease, while underscoring the urgent need for regional solidarity.

“Although, at the onset of this outbreak, there are no therapeutics and vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain, we have reason to be hopeful. Working together with Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation through the interim medical countermeasures network, organisations such as GAVI [Vaccine Alliance], CEPI [Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations] and UNITAID are working at speed on promising vaccine and therapeutic candidates towards clinical trials.

“We strongly support these efforts, as Africa cannot continue to face deadly epidemics without equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines and treatments.

“We call on all relevant partners and manufacturers to accelerate research and development, strengthen genomic surveillance, expand laboratory systems, and fast-track the equitable delivery of safe and effective vaccines and therapeutics,” the President urged.

The international community is also urged to stand with the continent of Africa in the “spirit of partnership, solidarity and respect”.

“The world is safer when Africa is safer. Delayed support today will result in much higher human, social and economic costs tomorrow,’” he warned.

The President emphasised the outbreak currently confronting Uganda and the DRC is a reminder that preparedness cannot begin when a crisis is already expanding.

“We must continue investing in resilient health systems, strong national public health institutes, emergency operations centres, local manufacturing of medical countermeasures, community health workers, genomic surveillance and sustainable domestic financing.

“Africa has the institutions, expertise and leadership to respond effectively. What is required now is speed, unity, solidarity and trust in our collective capacity.

“The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and all countries at risk must know that they are not alone. Africa stands with them,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

Police clamp down on 1600 litres of alcohol in Garden Route

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Police in the Garden Route District have shut down six unlicensed liquor outlets and confiscated more than 1,600 litres of alcohol during crime prevention operations conducted over the weekend.

On Friday night, De Rust police acted on information about illegal activity and raided a property in the Riemvasmaak informal settlement, where they seized 1,569 litres of liquor and arrested a 48-year-old man.

In a separate operation on Saturday, Riversdale police raided two properties in Heidelberg, confiscating small quantities of liquor and arresting two women, aged 46 and 41.

Further operations in Oudtshoorn, Ladismith and Heidelberg led to the arrest of three more suspects.

All suspects face charges of selling liquor without a licence and are expected to appear in court once formally charged.

Police say the operations form part of efforts to curb alcohol and drug abuse, which contribute to incidents of gender-based violence and femicide in the region.

Minister saddened by Kruger National Park murder

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Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has expressed her condolences following the discovery of the bodies of a South African couple near a river in the northern section of the Kruger National Park.

In a statement, de Lille said she was saddened by the incident and extended her sympathies to the victims’ family and friends.
"The safety of all travellers is of utmost importance to the tourism industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims," said the Minister.

She added that the tourism sector continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to support tourist safety across the country and called on anyone with information related to the incident to assist police with their investigation.

The couple’s bodies were discovered on Friday after a search operation was launched when they failed to return to their camp on Thursday evening.

Addressing the media at Skukuza at the weekend, South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, described the incident as unprecedented in the history of the park.

"I would like to extend our condolences to the family and affected friends as well. It is indeed a tragic incident. We've never really seen this kind of incident in the 100 years of the Kruger National Park. This is the very first time that we are seeing something of this nature," he said.

Preliminary investigations by park rangers have revealed that the couple’s vehicle remains missing. However, evidence suggests the vehicle may have left the park through a fence bordering neighbouring Mozambique.

"The vehicle has not been found, but our rangers have done some preliminary investigations, and it has been discovered that tyre tracks are actually pointing us to the car having exited the park through a fence in Mozambique," Thakhuli said.

He noted that the vehicle did not leave the park through any official gate and that SANParks' surveillance systems had last detected it on the day the couple disappeared.

"We've got technology within the park. We have seen it as it came in, and we've seen it on the days that they were here in the park, but we have not seen it since Thursday when they disappeared," he said.

The incident has prompted SANParks to reassess security measures in remote sections of the park despite the organisation's existing surveillance capabilities.

Thakhuli also said SANParks executives and representatives of the South African Police Service met with the victims' family on Saturday and pledged ongoing support throughout the investigation and repatriation process.

The family is expected to visit the park on Monday.

"We're really going to be supporting the family throughout the entire process," Thakhuli said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said he had been briefed on the incident and had engaged SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the investigation being conducted by the South African Police Service. 

Moody’s revises South Africa’s outlook to positive

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Government has welcomed Moody’s decision to revise South Africa’s sovereign credit rating outlook from stable to positive, while affirming the country’s domestic and foreign-currency long-term ratings at Ba2.

According to the National Treasury, this makes South Africa the only Group of Twenty (G20) country currently on a positive outlook from Moody’s.

The decision comes amid negative ratings momentum globally, with more than 23 sovereign credit ratings negatively affected since the start of the current Middle East conflict.

Moody’s attributed its decision to South Africa’s gradually strengthening fiscal performance and sustained commitment to structural reforms, with prospects of increasingly tangible results.

"The agency expects a rising primary surplus and gradually improving debt-service costs to stabilise the government debt burden in the near term," the National Treasury said.

It said that while the Middle East conflict poses a risk to South Africa’s near-term growth outlook, Moody’s expects the policy response to remain measured and macroeconomic stability to be preserved.

The agency also expects stronger investment, supported by ongoing reforms, to gradually lift real gross domestic product (GDP) growth to around 2% by 2028 and support fiscal improvements.

Moody’s expects the primary fiscal surplus to rise to around 2% in 2028, supporting a gradual decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio.

National Treasury Director-General Duncan Pieterse said the latest decision by Moody’s further confirms South Africa’s improving fiscal credibility, driven by a turnaround in the sustainability of public finances.

"We continue to focus on our two fiscal objectives: ensuring that revenue remains higher than non-interest spending, and maintaining a debt-to-GDP ratio that declines from the current year onwards. We plan to embed the fiscal turnaround through the introduction of a fiscal anchor for South Africa," Pieterse said.

National Treasury reiterated that government remains firmly committed to reducing public debt while maintaining social spending and accelerating structural reforms to support inclusive growth and job creation.

The positive outlook is Moody’s first for South Africa since 2007, which was followed by an upgrade of the rating itself in 2009.

The decision follows S&P Global Ratings’ one-notch upgrade of South Africa’s rating in November 2025, while retaining its positive outlook. 

Call to vaccinate as 3.5 million FMD vaccine doses arrive

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With the arrival of the first batch of a 3.5 million-dose consignment of Biogénesis Bagó Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has called on all provincial departments to prioritise vaccinating as many animals as possible over the coming weeks.

The remainder of the record-breaking shipment from Argentina is already en route and is expected to arrive during the week.

“This is the largest single consignment of FMD vaccines ever imported into South Africa. Provinces must now move with speed and urgency to scale up frontline vaccination efforts and protect our national herd of approximately 14 million cattle,” the Minister said on Sunday.

South Africa has successfully secured and imported a total of 13.5 million vaccine doses before the end of May 2026, including the 3.5 million doses that arrived on Sunday.

“The acquisition of 13.5 million doses in just four months demonstrates the seriousness with which we are confronting this disease,” Steenhuisen said.

The rollout forms part of the Department of Agriculture’s broader strategy to achieve and maintain “FMD free with vaccination” status, while safeguarding rural livelihoods, food security and agricultural exports.

“If we maintain this disciplined and aggressive trajectory, and ensure these vaccines are administered rapidly and effectively, we can ensure that South Africa never again experiences outbreaks on this scale. But the government cannot do this alone. 

“Every livestock owner has a responsibility to protect their animals through strict biosecurity measures, compliance with movement controls, and full participation in vaccination and identification programmes,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that defeating FMD requires a unified national effort across government, industry and farming communities.

“This is a moment that demands partnership and collective action. Commercial farmers, communal farmers, veterinarians, industry bodies and government all have a role to play if we are to defeat this disease and secure the future of our livestock sector.

“The stakes could not be higher. This is about protecting jobs, defending rural economies, safeguarding food security, and protecting the national interest,” Steenhuisen said.

To support the accelerated vaccination campaign, more Animal Health Technicians will be appointed and deployed across affected provinces to strengthen the frontline operations and expand vaccination capacity

SANParks tightens security after couple found dead in Kruger National Park

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South African National Parks has announced plans to strengthen security measures in isolated areas of the Kruger National Park following the tragic discovery of a couple who went missing in the park last week.

The bodies of the Mossel Bay couple Dina (73) and Ernst Marais (71), were discovered on Friday near a river area in the northern section of the park after a search operation was launched when the couple failed to return to their camp on Thursday evening.

Speaking to members of the media on Sunday at Skukuza, SANParks Head of Communication and Spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, described the incident as unprecedented in the park’s history.

“I would like to extend our condolences to the family and affected friends as well. It is indeed a tragic incident. We've never really seen this kind of incident in the 100 years of the Kruger National Park. This is the very first time that we are seeing something of this nature,” Louw said.

According to preliminary investigations conducted by park rangers, the tourists’ vehicle remains missing. However, tyre tracks suggest that the vehicle may have exited the park through a fence into neighbouring Mozambique.

“The vehicle has not been found, but our rangers have done some preliminary investigations, and it has been discovered that tyre tracks are actually pointing us to the car having exited the park through a fence in Mozambique,” Thakhuli said.

He added that the vehicle did not leave through any official gate.

“We've got technology within the park. We have seen it as it came in, and we've seen it on the days that they were here in the park, but we have not seen it since Thursday when they disappeared,” he said.

Thakhuli said the incident has prompted SANParks to reassess security in remote sections of the park despite existing surveillance systems.

“We have really high-class security technology that we are using within the park, but this incident has actually given us another process that we need to embark on in terms of ensuring that even those areas that are isolated, we can have some security there,” he said.

He confirmed that SANParks would later issue a statement outlining mitigation measures aimed at improving security across the park.

Thahuli said SANParks executives and police representatives met with the victims’ family on Saturday and pledged continued support throughout the process.

“We were told that the couple are people who really loved the Kruger, and it’s people who would not really get out unnecessarily into areas that are dangerous,” he said.

The family is expected to visit the park on Monday, where SANParks will assist with arrangements, including the transportation of the deceased.

“We’re really going to be supporting the family throughout the entire process,” Thakhuli said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said he had been briefed on the incident and had engaged SANParks leadership to ensure continued cooperation with the investigation being conducted by the South African Police Service.

“On behalf of SANParks and the Department, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the victims during this difficult time.

“The SAPS and SANParks have located and notified the family of this tragedy,” Aucamp said.

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