News – Page 31 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Unemployment rate decreases by 0.5 percentage points

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South Africa’s official unemployment rate decreased by 0.5 percentage points from 31.9% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 to 31.4% in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025.

This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025 conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The results show an increase of 44 000 in the number of employed persons to 17.1 million, while there was a decrease of 172 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 7.8 million compared with the third quarter of 2025 results.

This resulted in a decrease of 128 000 (or 0.5%) in the labour force for the same period.

“During the same period, discouraged job-seekers increased by 233 000 to 3.7 million, other available job-seekers decreased by 110 000 to 855 000, and unavailable job-seekers decreased by 41 000 to 42 000, resulting in a total net increase of 82 000 to 4.6 million in the potential labour force population (i.e., persons who were available but not seeking or unavailable but seeking).

"Others outside the labour force increased by 165 000 to 12.5 million. Outside the labour force, which is the total of the potential labour force and others outside the labour force, increased by 248 000 to 17.1 million in Q4 of 2025,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The number of persons employed in the formal sector increased by 320 000 in Q4: 2025, and informal sector employment decreased by 293 000 over the same period.

The largest increases in industry employment were recorded in community and social service (46 000), construction (35 000) and finance (32 000).

Decreases in employment were recorded in Trade (98 000), Manufacturing (61 000) and Mining (5 000).
The results also indicate increases in employment observed in the Western Cape (93 000), Mpumalanga (37 000), North West (36 000), and Northern Cape (17 000).

The largest employment decreases were recorded in Gauteng (54 000), KwaZulu-Natal (41 000), and Eastern Cape (32 000) during the same period.

“The youth (15 – 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. The results for the fourth quarter of 2025 show that the total number of unemployed youth decreased by 84 000 to 4.6 million compared with Q3: 2025, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 113 000 to 5.8 million.

“As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 0.1438 of a percentage point to 43.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025,” Stats SA said.

In addition to the unemployment rate (LU1), other measures of labour underutilisation (LU) were measured.

The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment (LU2) decreased by 0.6 of a percentage point to 34.3%; the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force (LU3) decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter of 2025.

Lastly, the composite measure of labour underutilisation (LU4) -- which combines time-related underemployment, unemployment, and potential labour force as a proportion of the extended labour force -- was 44.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

These labour underutilisation measures highlight people in different situations and with different degrees of attachment to the labour market.

Concern over scholar transport incident on N4

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has expressed deep concern following a serious road crash involving a scholar transport vehicle, which occurred at approximately 7am Monday morning, on the N4 eastbound, near Atteridgeville, Tshwane.

“The reckless conduct displayed in this incident is unacceptable, particularly when it involves the lives of our children. Scholar transport operators carry a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Lawlessness on our roads will not be tolerated,” the MEC said on Monday.

According to reports, a nine-seater Toyota Condor - transporting 17 school children - collided with a Mercedes-Benz after the driver allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement by diverting onto an old dirt road before re-entering the highway.

It is believed that the driver was operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s licence.

All 17 learners were transported to a hospital with varying degrees of injuries. No fatalities have been reported.

The MEC has reiterated her call for intensified law enforcement operations to root out illegal and unroadworthy scholar transport vehicles and to ensure full compliance with road safety regulations.

She further emphasised that the driver must be held accountable for endangering the lives of innocent children through irresponsible behaviour.

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and enforcement to safeguard learners and restore discipline on the province’s roads.

Decrease in vandalism and theft at schools during summer holidays

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The number of burglary and vandalism incidents at schools in the Western Cape over the 2025/26 summer holiday has dropped significantly compared to the previous year.

A total of 36 incidents were reported at 32 schools during the recent holiday period. This is down from 47 incidents at 34 schools during the 2024/25 summer holidays.

Western Cape Education Minister David Maynier said the decrease points to more effective security measures and improved monitoring of school properties.

“We subsidised holiday security at 441 schools during the holidays to protect school properties and have worked closely with the South African Police Service and law enforcement to increase vigilance around our schools,” Maynier said.

Despite the improvement, he stressed that the province remains concerned about the ongoing damage to education infrastructure.

“Nevertheless, this is still 36 incidents too many,” he said.

Items stolen or damaged during the holidays included fencing, electrical cables, plumbing fixtures, kitchen equipment and food intended for learners. In one particularly serious case, more than 100 windows at a school were deliberately damaged.

Maynier described the destruction as “an act of senseless criminality”, adding that every damaged or stolen item must be replaced — diverting funds away from the core task of educating learners.

“Every single item that is damaged or stolen must be replaced, which diverts funding from the core task of educating our learners so that they can get a job or study further when they leave school,” he said.
“Stealing from a school is stealing from a child’s future.”

The department has urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity around schools to police or the Safe Schools hotline on 0800 45 46 47.

“If you have any information about the incidents that occurred over the school holidays, please speak up. You may hold the key piece of information that will allow SAPS to arrest the perpetrators and recover our schools’ stolen property,” Maynier said.

New species discovered at Richtersveld National Park

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Scientists have identified several insect species previously unknown to science in the richly biodiverse Richtersveld National Park.

Internationally respected entomologists, Dr Massimo Meregalli (Italy) and Dr Roman Borovec (Czech Republic), recently published new research on flightless weevils collected in remote parts of the park.

These soil-dwelling insects are notoriously difficult to study, living discreetly beneath shrubs and emerging mainly at night. Their discovery requires meticulous fieldwork in challenging terrain - conditions the Richtersveld is well known for.

“With the support and guidance of Richtersveld National Park Nursery Curator Pieter van Wyk, the researchers explored the remote Armmanshoek Valley, an area not previously surveyed for soil insects.

“Their efforts resulted in the identification of multiple new species, further confirming the Richtersveld as a hotspot of endemism and scientific importance,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

In recognition of the park’s conservation significance and SANParks’ role in enabling biodiversity research, the scientists named a newly described genus and species Richtersveldiella sanparkensis - the first known insect species formally named after SANParks and Richtersveld National Park.

The researchers have also previously honoured the region’s cultural heritage by naming other genera Khoisan and Nama, acknowledging the deep historical connection between local communities and this unique landscape.

“These discoveries highlight the importance of continued scientific exploration within protected areas and reinforce SANParks’ commitment to conserving not only iconic wildlife and landscapes, but also the often-overlooked species that form the foundation of healthy ecosystems.

“The naming of Richtersveldiella sanparkensis stands as a lasting scientific tribute to the Richtersveld and SANParks’ ongoing dedication to biodiversity conservation,” SANParks said.

Eskom powers on

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Eskom has continued to sustain positive momentum, as the power utility marked more than 270 days without load shedding.

Load shedding was last implemented in April and May 2025.

“South Africa’s power system continues to show sustained stability, supported by ongoing improvements in plant performance and the successful implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

“Over the past week, the national grid has remained reliable, with the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) continuing its upward trajectory and unplanned outages decreasing year‑on‑year. These gains have enabled Eskom to maintain a consistent supply without the use of diesel generation, contributing to stronger operational performance and long‑term energy security,” Eskom noted.

The EAF has risen to 65.04% for the financial year to date, with the generation fleet reaching or exceeding the 70% EAF mark on 66 occasions over the same time period.

Furthermore, last week, average unplanned outages measured 11 397MW, compared to some 10 965MW during the same period last year, indicating a slight increase of 432MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], reflecting unplanned outages, was at 23.29%, representing a slight reduction of 0.40% compared to the 22.89% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor PCLF, reflecting planned maintenance, rose to an average of 15.79%, up from 10.89% in the previous financial year.

“This increase aligns with Eskom’s maintenance strategy and demonstrates our commitment to improving plant reliability, strengthening operational stability, and supporting long‑term fleet performance,” the power utility added.

Reduced diesel dependence

The improvement in the EAF has resulted in a reduction in the power utility’s use of diesel generation.
“There was minimal diesel usage over the past week, mainly due to test runs conducted at the Ankerlig and Gourikwa power stations.

“Year to date… total diesel expenditure is now R4.88 billion lower than at the same time last year, reflecting substantial cost savings and continued improvements in operational performance driven by Eskom’s turnaround initiatives. Overall, this trend highlights the growing stability, efficiency, and resilience of the power system.

“Year to date, diesel expenditure remains consistently below budget,” Eskom said.

The power utility noted that it now has some “3 181MW… in cold reserve due to excess capacity”.

“To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 429MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 16 February,” Eskom said.

FMD vaccination drive targets 14 million cattle

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Government is set to vaccinate the national herd of at least 14 million cattle, as South Africa grapples with one of the worst outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) the country has experienced.

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the vaccination drive requires 28 million vaccines over the next 12 months.

“This disease is damaging our economy, resulting in export bans, trade restrictions and devastation of herds. The state will facilitate the acquisition of the vaccines centrally to ensure that we get the right vaccine for the particular strain of the virus in South Africa,” the President said on Thursday night.

He was delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), at the Cape Town City Hall.

“We will work closely with the private sector to enable an efficient rollout and most importantly we will ensure that commercial, private and communal farmers have immediate access to vaccines,” he said.
The President has established a task team made up of farmer organisations and experts, working together with the Minister of Agriculture and his department.

The task team will report to the President every month on the progress the country is making in dealing with this pandemic.

“We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilising all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis.”

Last week, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen announced that South Africa has resumed local production of foot and mouth disease vaccines.

The President noted that the agriculture sector is expanding rapidly.

“Already, we are the second largest exporter of citrus fruit in the world. We are opening new markets for our exports, from citrus and avocados to maize, livestock, grapes and wine.

“Through the Blended Finance Scheme, working with the Land Bank and commercial banks, we have provided R7.8 billion in innovative funding to black producers. We will deploy 10 000 new extension officers to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said these interventions will give rise to many opportunities for young people to be employed in the agricultural sector.

SANDF ready for deployment to tackle gang violence

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Deputy Defence Minister, General Bantu Holomisa, says the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is ready to deploy troops in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS), following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to strengthen the fight against gang violence and illegal mining in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Holomisa said operational preparations are already under way, pending formal approval from Parliament.
“What we are expecting now is word from Parliament on how to proceed. Once that is received, we will move in. Within two weeks we will be deploying troops to work with the police and ensure that the President’s directive is carried out,” he said.

The President has instructed the Ministers of Police and Defence to finalise a tactical deployment plan in the coming days, identifying priority areas in the Western Cape and Gauteng where security forces will be deployed to address gang violence and illegal mining.

President Ramaphosa said he will formally inform the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces about the timing, locations and projected costs of the deployment.

“We have to act to rid our country of gang violence. At the same time, we are implementing an integrated strategy to address the root causes of crime through coordinated interventions across society, from street lighting to access to social services,” the President said.

Holomisa urged communities to cooperate with deployed soldiers, emphasising that SANDF members will be carrying out a lawful mandate in support of police operations.

“No one should point a gun at our soldiers. They will be there to do a job in support of law enforcement,” he said.

The Minister added that the department stands ready to assist other government departments in strengthening border security as part of broader crime-prevention efforts. However, he stressed the need to ensure that troops are adequately equipped and supported when deployed along the country’s borders.

The planned deployment forms part of a coordinated national effort to stabilise affected communities and reinforce law enforcement capacity in high-risk areas.

All systems go for 2026 SONA

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says while many South Africans believe the country is turning the corner, government remains mindful of the “huge problems” that still need urgent attention.

Speaking at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, where he officially opened the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy ahead of the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President reflected on the national mood and the tone South Africans can expect when he addresses the Joint Sitting of Parliament on Thursday evening.

Responding to a question on whether the “ship is turning” and if optimism would define his message, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the growing sentiment that the country is on an upward trajectory.

“Many people do say that we are turning the corner. We’ve turned the corner, and things are beginning to look a lot better, but.... there are still huge problems that we have to deal with,” he said on Wednesday.

The President noted that the past decade has been particularly challenging for the country and its people.

“The past 10 years or so have been very difficult, and our people have gone through great challenges and great difficulties. We need to reflect on all of that, but we also need to reflect on what the future portends because this moment gives us an opportunity to look back, look at the present and look forward,” he said.

His remarks suggest that SONA 2026 will balance sober reflection with cautious hope, acknowledging progress while confronting persistent structural challenges.

When asked what would keep him up on the eve of the Address, the President struck a confident and light-hearted tone.

“Tonight, I’m going to have a very, very deep sleep, and I’m not going to be up. I want to be ready to deliver the speech. The speech is done and dusted,” he said.

President Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 12 February, deliver the State of the Nation Address to a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at Cape Town City Hall.

The State of the Nation Address is an annual overview delivered by the President to mobilise all sectors of society to secure ongoing development in the country. The Joint Sitting provides an opportunity for the President to reflect on progress made, highlight key achievements, flag challenges, and outline government’s policy direction and programme of action for the year ahead.

During SONA 2026, President Ramaphosa is expected to outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic priorities, as well as the country’s continental and international relations.

The State of the Nation Address remains an important national milestone, reinforcing the strength and resilience of South Africa’s constitutional democratic system.

The Address will take place at 19h00 at Cape Town City Hall in the Western Cape.

Joburg working to resolve water issues

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City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has moved to assure residents that the municipality is hard at work to resolve water supply challenges.

The Mayor briefed the media on Tuesday at the New Brixton Reservoir in the city.

Several areas have faced water supply challenges over the past few weeks.

“The city…is taking decisive action to stabilise the water supply network and reduce consumption through a comprehensive, multifaceted Water Demand Management programme.

“This approach involves coordinated efforts between the city, Johannesburg Water, Rand Water, and key stakeholders to address both immediate and long-term water security challenges.

“The programme includes detailed assessments of water usage patterns, targeted interventions in high-risk areas, and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to monitor and optimise the entire supply system,” Morero said in a statement.

He noted that Johannesburg is one of Rand Water’s largest consumers of bulk water with reductions in usage needed.

The Mayor added that while progress has been made in this regard, the city must still “reach a critical target of 1 550 Ml/d to comply with licence apportionment requirements”.

“To achieve this, our administration is implementing a suite of urgent, practical interventions, including real-time monitoring of consumption at the district and household levels, partnerships with businesses to drive water-saving initiatives, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

“These efforts are aimed at protecting supply, meeting regulatory obligations, and building long-term resilience within the municipal water system.

“Immediate measures already underway include night-time throttling to reduce losses, strategic bulk meter restrictions in high-consumption zones, intensified pressure management, and advanced leak detection technologies deployed across the network,” he said.

Additionally, rapid response repairs are being carried out on leaks and problem areas are being identified quicker with the help of local ward committees.

“These actions are designed to curb excessive demand, minimise water wastage, and ensure fair and sustainable access to water for all residents,” Morero assured.

The Mayor noted that communities in areas including Melville, Westdene, and Parktown West have faced water supply disruptions due to “constraints within the Commando system and ongoing commissioning work”.

Technical teams deployed to the area are addressing water pressure issues, flushing networks to clear blockages and securing “alternative supply via water tankers and mobile storage units where necessary”.

“The city is also providing regular updates to affected residents and maintaining open communication with local councillors to ensure community needs are met throughout the restoration process.

“At the same time, the city is investing in major infrastructure upgrades in the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill supply districts, including the construction of new reservoirs, the installation of modern pump stations, and the refurbishment of ageing infrastructure.

“These projects are expected to significantly improve capacity, operational flexibility, and resilience upon completion,” Morero said.

The Mayor called on residents to reduce usage of water and to use it sparingly.

“The city acknowledges the inconvenience caused by water supply challenges and assures residents that every effort is being made to stabilise the network as quickly as possible.

“To support these efforts, all residents, businesses, and institutions are urged to reduce water consumption, report leaks promptly and strictly adhere to water-saving measures during this period. The city will continue to provide timely updates as projects progress.

“Johannesburg remains committed to protecting essential services, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring a reliable and sustainable water future for all,” Morero concluded.

Youth call for jobs, dignity and skills as President prepares for SONA

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As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, young people have called for youth unemployment, dignity and economic inclusion to be placed firmly at the centre of national priorities.

The call was made during a Presidential Youth Engagement hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) at the Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, ahead of the 2026 SONA.

Welcoming delegates on behalf of the NYDA Board, Executive Chairperson Dr Sunshine Minenhle Myende, said the engagement was taking place at a critical moment for young people in the country.

“This is the single most important moment in the diary of the President and that of the Deputy President, where he directly engages with us as young people and through us to understand our lived realities as young people,” Myende said.

She described the engagement as a platform where youth development must move from policy to action.

“This engagement is substantive in its nature. It is a moment where all hands must be on deck; where youth development moves from policy to presence, and where ahead of the State of the Nation Address, the voices and realities of young people are placed firmly at the centre of the nation's attention,” she said.

Myende said young people expect the President to speak directly to issues affecting them when he delivers the SONA.

“After all, young people are the majority in this country, so there can never be anything about us without us. We must influence the State of the Nation Address. The President must be able to pronounce on issues that are going to speak directly to us as young people,” she said.

She said youth unemployment remains a major concern and has a direct impact on the dignity of young people.

“Youth unemployment remains high. It is causing us sleepless nights as young people. Because we're unemployed, our dignity is stripped off every day. If you're unemployed, you're not respected even during family gatherings,” Myende said.

Myende highlighted the frustration of qualified young people who remain without work.

“Others have Master's degrees but are sitting at home, and some are relegated to low paying jobs, despite having qualifications. It's unfair and unjust for us as young people with Master's degrees to be sweeping the streets,” she said.

She also raised concerns about the exclusion of young people from key economic sectors.

“Entrepreneurship opportunities in some industries like mining and energy, young people are not included in the table. DP, we're being given the crumbs of the bread and not while, while we deserve the actual bread,” Myende said.

She called for a national skills revolution to better prepare young people for the economy.

“As the NYDA, we are calling for skills revolution in the country, so that young people are reskilled for the relevant sectors and others are provided with the necessary skills,” she said.

Myende said the engagement coincided with significant historical milestones, including 50 years since the 1976 Soweto uprising, 30 years of the Constitution and 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March.

“They tell one continuous story that freedom in South Africa has always been pushed forward by us young people and defended by women and secured through collective struggle,” she said.

She said young people are demanding action, not promises.

“As young people, we want delivery through action,” Myende said.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile attended the engagement on behalf of President Ramaphosa, who is leading engagements ahead of the SONA. The Presidential Youth Roundtable forms part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders to inform the President’s address.

The Presidential Youth Engagement is an interactive session where young South Africans have a direct and open exchange with the President and members of the National Executive.