Category: News

SA mourns the untimely passing of Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa

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Government has announced, with deep sorrow and profound regret, the untimely passing of Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel Mthethwa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has described Mthethwa as a distinguished servant of the nation, whose career was marked by dedicated service in critical ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Police and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.

He also served on the Board of Directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee. 

“His lifelong commitment to public duty was further exemplified by his longstanding contribution to the African National Congress through its highest decision-making structures,” the statement read. 

In December 2023, Mthethwa was appointed to strengthen the essential partnership and bilateral ties between South Africa and France.

“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” said International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.

The department said the circumstances of his untimely death are under investigation by the French authorities.

“The Government of South Africa extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Mthethwa, and to his friends and colleagues during this period of immense grief.” 

The late Ambassador is survived by his wife and children.

“We honour his legacy of unwavering patriotism and service to our nation,” the statement said. 
Mthethwa was born on 23 January 1967.

He was the Minister of Arts and Culture from 26 May 2014 to 2019. From 2019 to 2023, he served as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Between 2007 and 2022, he served as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC), the party’s chief executive organ and highest decision-making body between conferences. During the same period, he was a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of South Africa’s governing party. The NWC is responsible for the day-to-day running of the party and makes recommendations to the NEC.

From 2002 to 2023, he was a Member of Parliament.

He was an active member of the King Dingiswayo branch of the ANC in KwaZulu Natal (KZN).

He was elected as the first Branch Secretary of the ANC in Klaarwater in KZN in 1990.

He joined the Klaarwater Youth Organisation from the age of 15 in KZN, rising to the role of Chairperson of the Klaarwater Youth Organisation from 1987 to 1989.

He has also served as a shopsteward of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), where he was recruited to serve in the underground work of the ANC’s military wing, uMkhonto We Sizwe, as part of Operation Vula from 1988. 

He was arrested during the apartheid regime’s state of emergency in 1989. He was later elected Publicity Secretary of the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO) in Southern Natal and as Chairperson of the Southern Natal Unemployed Workers Union, an initiative of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) between 1989 and 1990, respectively. 

Between 1996 and 1998, he was Organiser for the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers’ Union (SACCAWU). In 1996 he was elected Chairperson of Klaarwater Residents Association.

He became Regional Administrative Secretary of the Southern Natal African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) from 1990 to 1991. Between 1991 and 1994 he became the Regional Secretary of the Southern Natal ANCYL. 

He was elected to the NEC of the ANCYL, serving in its NWC as Secretary for Organisation from 1994 to 1996. From 1996 to 1998, he was re-elected to the NEC of the ANCYL. His re-election into the NEC of the ANCYL from 1998 to 2001 saw him occupy a new role as Head of Organisational Development, which incorporated political education and organising functions. He was deployed into the ANC National Organising team during the period 2001 to 2002.

During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Mthethwa served as Chairperson of the Minerals and Energy Portfolio Committee from 2004 to 2008, and as Chief Whip of the ANC in 2008.
Prior to his appointment as Minister of Police, Mthethwa was the Minister of Safety and Security from 25 September 2008 to 10 May 2009. 

Mthethwa held a Diploma in Community Development from University of Natal, Executive Preparatory Programme Certificate in Mining Engineering from the University of Johannesburg and a Certificate in Leadership Communication from Rhodes University.

DA demands urgent release of delayed Q1 Crime Statistics

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The Democratic Alliance has raised alarm over the South African Police Service’s failure to release the first-quarter crime statistics for the 2025/26 financial year, which were due at the end of August.

The last figures were published on 23 May, and the party says the delay undermines transparency and erodes public trust.

In a statement, the DA confirmed it will write to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia to demand the immediate release of the data to Parliament and the public, as required by law and Cabinet practice. The party also wants clarity on the reasons for the repeated omissions and delays.

The DA stressed that crime statistics are not the property of SAPS or the Minister but belong to the public, and that timely reporting is critical for government, civil society, and communities to respond effectively to crime trends. It warned that withholding the information fuels suspicion at a time when violent crime is at crisis levels.

Concerns have also been heightened by SAPS’s omission of crimes against women and children in the previous quarter, citing a “system error.”

The DA described this as unacceptable, saying vulnerable groups require dedicated protection and accountability.

According to the party, the repeated failure to release full and timely statistics raises serious questions about SAPS’s commitment to accountability. It added that South Africans deserve the truth about crime in their country, not secrecy or excuses.

35-Year-Old Woman Drowns at Victoria Bay

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A 35-year-old woman drowned at Victoria Bay in George on Sunday afternoon despite extensive rescue efforts.

The NSRI Wilderness duty crew was activated at 14:23 after lifeguards, who were conducting pre-summer training at the beach, were alerted by eyewitnesses that a woman was in distress in shallow surf.

She had been swimming with a man when both appeared to experience difficulties. The man managed to reach the shore, but the woman was later seen floating face down and unresponsive.

Lifeguards, assisted by two surfers, brought her out of the water and immediately began CPR. They were soon joined by NSRI Wilderness medics, paramedics from ER24, George Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, and SAPS. Despite prolonged efforts, she was declared dead on the scene.

Police have opened an inquest docket, and the cause of death will be determined by forensic services. The woman’s body has been taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

The NSRI conveyed condolences to her family and friends.

Kusile Unit 6 reaches commercial operation

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Eskom’s Kusile Power Station Unit 6 has entered commercial operation – officially adding some 800MW to the national grid and strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

The power utility announced the milestone on Monday and it marks the completion of the Eskom Build Programme. 

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the milestone was a testament to the power utility’s commitment to its turnaround plan.

“Achieving commercial operation of Unit 6 within the planned timeframe is a testament to Eskom’s disciplined execution of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This milestone not only completes the Kusile build programme but also reinforces Eskom’s commitment to restoring energy security, enhancing grid stability, and investing in infrastructure that supports South Africa’s long-term economic growth. 

“Since its synchronisation in March, Unit 6 has consistently met performance benchmarks, contributed to grid reliability, and helped meet electricity demand 97% of the time,” Marokane said.

At the Medupi Power Station, which was also part of Eskom’s Build Programme, Unit 4 of the station was returned to service in July this year.

“Medupi and Kusile will remain central to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. Both stations are designed for an operational lifespan of approximately 50 years. 

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also accelerating efforts to expand our renewable energy portfolio to complement our baseload infrastructure. This is part of our broader strategy to repower the grid and reduce overall emissions,” Marokane added.

Eskom explained that commercial operation indicates that Unit 6 has “passed all required testing and optimisation phases” and is now fully integrated into the power utility’s operational fleet. 

“Although the unit has been supplying electricity to the grid since its synchronisation on 23 March 2025, its contribution had not been reflected in official reporting until now. From this point onward, Unit 6’s output will be included in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) calculations, contributing to Eskom’s overall performance metrics.

“This achievement also marks a key milestone in Eskom’s strategic goal to add 2500MW of new capacity to the grid by March 2025 and represents a major step in completing one of the largest infrastructure projects in South Africa’s history,” Eskom said. 

Business ties with the United States strong and expanding – Ramaphosa

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President Cyril Ramaphosa says engagements in the United States show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country will continue to advocate for the principle of reciprocity in investment and trade relations with the US. 

As the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, President Ramaphosa said the country wants to expand the number of its companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans. 

“As the official talks around trade tariffs continue, we take to heart the words of the US Chamber of Commerce representative at the recent dialogue, that expanding commercial partnerships happens one deal, one investment at time,” he said. 

Last week, the President addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The event, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce - the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with representation in more than 120 countries, including South Africa - drew senior government officials, business leaders and industry representatives from both countries. 

President Ramaphosa said the discussions underscored optimism about South Africa’s economic reforms and growth prospects, with several US companies expressing interest in expanding their operations or investing in the country. 

As part of strengthening ties with the United States, the President and his delegation also used the opportunity to meet with members of the US Congress and Senate. Some ministers and officials also held meetings with representatives of the US administration.

“The optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” the President said. 

Addressing the dialogue, the President of the US-Africa Business Center of the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, said that there was “no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have”. She said it was a vital relationship that merits dedicated attention. 

Later this year, the US Chamber of Commerce is expected to send a high-powered delegation, led by its CEO, to the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum of the G20 for the global business community.

Commercial ties between the two countries remain strong, with more than 600 US companies already operating in South Africa. The country is the second-largest African destination for US exports. 

President Ramaphosa said South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination for critical minerals, with the digital transition and the global move towards net zero driving global demand. 

The country also had the opportunity to engage with US industry around investment opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology and other key sectors.
 
He further announced the establishment of a South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, to be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference. The forum will serve as a bridge for deepening trade and investment between the two nations.

“These engagements with business take place alongside discussions with the US administration around a reciprocal trade agreement. Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries,” the President said. 

The President also welcomed the US Chamber of Commerce’s support for the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing it as “the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce”. 

“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports. We are also prioritising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vital tool for strengthening US-South Africa trade and investment,” the President said.

Eskom generating fleet shows ‘stability and improved reliability’

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Eskom says the current improvement in unplanned outages at generating units is a sign of the generation fleet’s increasing reliability.

The power utility has registered an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) month-to-date average hitting above 70% for the first time since 2021.

Unplanned outages are also on the wane.

“Between 19 and 25 September 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 514MW in unplanned outages, a significant improvement compared to 12 660MW during the same period last year. This represents a year-on-year reduction of 3 146MW in breakdowns – nearly equivalent to the entire output capacity of Duvha Power Station.

“This upward trend demonstrates increasing stability and improved reliability across Eskom’s generation fleet. These figures do not include Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing to the national grid since 23 March 2025. While the unit is not yet in commercial operation, it is expected to reach this milestone by 30 September 2025,” Eskom said.

The power utility’s improvements have resulted in electricity demand being met for at 97% of the time during the current financial year with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded since April 1.

Other key performance areas at Eskom include:

*Between 1 April and 25 September 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 25.84%.

This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.2%, although it remains about 0.3% higher than the 25.52% recorded during the same period last year.

*Year-to-date, planned maintenance has averaged 5 233MW, accounting for 11.16% of total generation capacity. This reflects a slight decrease from the previous week and a 0.4% rise compared to the same period last year.

*The year-to-date EAF further increased to 62.50%, excluding the contribution from Kusile Unit 6. This figure is below the 63.25% recorded during the same period last year.

*From 1 April to 25 September 2025, Eskom generated 1 004.68GWh from OCGT plants while spending R5.953 billion on diesel – above last year’s 850.52GWh. Last week, diesel spending was just R15.03 million at a load factor of 0.41%, highlighting the impact of improvements in efficiency and reduced reliance on diesel.

*The year-to-date load factor for OCGTs has decreased to 6.89%, reflecting a 0.27% decrease compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.83% recorded during the same period last year.

“To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 2 500MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak [today] and throughout the coming week,” Eskom said.
The electricity supplier acknowledged that although the grid is now more stable, load reduction remains “necessary in certain high-risk areas”.

Average reductions have ranged between 529MW and 5 44MW from April and June this year.

“The primary causes are illegal connections and meter tampering – forms of electricity theft that compromise the integrity of the network and can lead to equipment damage, transformer overloads, and, in severe cases, explosions and prolonged outages. To safeguard the network and protect public safety, Eskom may implement load reduction by switching off power in these areas during peak periods.

“Eskom, however, is committed to eliminating load reduction within the next 12 to 18 months. This goal will be achieved by addressing 640 000 illegal connections, upgrading infrastructure – including the installation of smart meters – curbing illegal electricity vending, and expanding access to free basic electricity in priority areas.

“Customers are urged to avoid illegal connections, purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors, and regularise their accounts. These measures are essential to preventing load reduction and ensuring safe, reliable, and equitable electricity access for all,” Eskom explained.

To report any illegal activity, contact Eskom’s Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

Severe storm warnings issued across South Africa

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued severe storm warnings for various provinces, urging residents and motorists to exercise caution as unpredictable weather conditions unfold.

The eastern parts of the country, particularly Gauteng, are currently experiencing intermittent rain that significantly reduces visibility.

According to the agency, this warning encompasses several provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal. 

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions and prepare for potential disruptions.

A yellow Level 4 warning indicates the potential for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, primarily impacting central and northern KwaZulu-Natal. 

Those living in these regions are urged to be prepared for flash flooding in low-lying areas and on vulnerable roadways.

In addition, dangerous lightning and damaging winds may lead to localised damage to infrastructure, homes – especially informal settlements – vehicles, and agricultural livelihoods.

Another warning highlights disruptive rainfall anticipated in the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which could create hazardous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of minor motor vehicle accidents.

Meanwhile, two separate yellow Level 2 warnings have been issued in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. 
The SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain and localised flooding in the extreme eastern regions, which could result in potential damage to infrastructure and property. 

Today, the SAWS forecasts a significant drop in temperatures across the interior of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, bringing very cold conditions that residents should prepare for, especially during morning and evening hours.

In Limpopo, the agency reported partly cloudy conditions in the southwestern Bushveld, and otherwise cloudy and cool weather with scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.

In the Free State, it will be clear in the extreme west, but otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to cold with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, which will be widespread in the extreme east.
“Motorists are urged to drive with increased caution, maintaining a safe following distance and adhering to local traffic advisories,” SAWS said. 

Those living in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures to secure their property and be ready for potential evacuations if necessary. 

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local news for real-time weather information and advisories.

MEC Anton Bredell outlines efforts to prevent service delivery from collapsing in Knysna

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“The National Council of Provinces, through its members, made the political decision to prevent the Western Cape Provincial Government from saving Knysna from the foreseeable complete breakdown of service delivery. It is unfortunate that this decision was clearly made for political reasons as opposed to having been made based on all the evidence of the Municipality’s dysfunction,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said. 

“The decision of the NCOP has effectively put the Municipal Council back in charge of its own recovery and implementing support measures offered by the National and Provincial Government. Council’s track record has shown that it is unable to correct its self-inflicted governance failures, which is causing raw sewage to flow into streets, homes, and nearby waterways and the Knysna estuary, posing severe health and environmental risks.”

The dissolution of the Municipal Council and vesting temporary authority in an impartial Administrator, would have enabled the swift implementation of recovery strategies unhindered by entrenched political interests, mismanagement, political interference and lack of oversight by the Council that has perpetuated the Municipality’s decline, Minister Bredell said. 

The Provincial Government will now not be able to utilise additional funding and resources that would have been permitted through a s139 Provincial Intervention to stabilize immediate operations and lay the groundwork for long-term governance improvements thereby enabling a comprehensive turnaround and trajectory correction. 

The NCOP Select Committee has furthermore found that, in terms of the evidence provided by Councillors from Knysna Political Parties, Unions, external stakeholders (including KIG and the Business forum) and SALGA, it has become apparent that Knysna Municipality did not fail to perform its constitutional duties.

Minister Bredell said “I’m sure that most residents would disagree with this finding, and I hope that the residents of Knysna will understand that the Provincial Government’s hands have now been tied. No intervention by the Provincial Government will be successful when the political parties making up the Knysna governing coalition, through the NCOP, effectively have a veto right.” 

Police bust illegal abalone poaching ring

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the seizure of abalone worth an estimated R5 million and the arrest of nine people at Robben Island. 

The swift and coordinated efforts of enforcement officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Cape Town Marine Unit, and other enforcement agencies disrupted a large-scale illegal abalone poaching operation on Monday and Tuesday.

On 22 September 2025, DFFE Fishery Control Officers together with the other law enforcement officers intercepted a truck with dried abalone near Rawsonville in the Western Cape. 

The truck was transporting 13 341 dried abalone with a weight of approximately 840 kilograms with an estimated value of R5 million.

A day later, law enforcement officers discovered an abalone poaching operation, which involved approximately 20 divers. 

Despite the difficulties posed by rough terrain and the strategic concealment tactics used by the divers, enforcement teams were assisted by the SAPS drone unit and managed to apprehend nine suspects and recover diving equipment and gear.

“These arrests, and other recent ones, are indicative of our ongoing conservation efforts supported by stronger, tactical law enforcement. 

“Criminal syndicates must know that South Africans do not tolerate lawlessness and the misuse of our natural assets – those who exploit our natural resources will face the full consequences of the law,” the Minister said on Thursday.

George has called on the public to join hands in the fight against illegal activity by reporting any suspicious activities to the relevant DFFE authorities on 086 111 2468 | [email protected] or any other law enforcement authority.

"I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to every officer and partner involved in these operations. Their hard work and sacrifice are crucial in safeguarding South Africa’s marine biodiversity,” he said.

Koeberg operating within safety standards – Eskom

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Eskom has rejected recent commentary suggesting that it is ‘flying blind’ at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, while confirming that the power station operates in line with safety standards.

In a statement on Wednesday, the power utility asserted that the commentary was inaccurate and misleading.

Eskom confirmed that all safety-critical systems are fully functional, carefully monitored, and continuously improved, in line with strict nuclear safety standards.

“Eskom operates Koeberg with a 'safety first' mindset, under the strict oversight of the National Nuclear Regulator and in full alignment with international nuclear safety conventions. 

“Assertions that safety tests have been skipped or that Eskom is operating 'blind' are not only inaccurate -- they undermine the rigorous engineering and regulatory processes that govern nuclear operations."

Koeberg’s containment buildings, the massive concrete domes designed to prevent any release of radiation in the event of an incident, have undergone rigorous structural assessments. 

These included:
-Concrete core sampling and mechanical testing conducted by reputable and independent institutions, in line with international nuclear safety standards, confirmed that the material properties remain sound and well within safety margins.
-The results of the Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT) that was recently concluded on Unit 1 further validate the structural integrity of the containment buildings and the data that is being used.
-The results of various tests and data analyses confirm that both containment structures at Koeberg are fit for continued operation for at least the next 20 years. Monitoring systems, such as strain gauges and crack detectors, continuously track structural behaviour over time, enabling early detection of any anomalies and supporting proactive, preventative maintenance.
-The existing containment monitoring instrumentation was fully refurbished and restored during the 2023 and 2024 maintenance cycles. In 2025, Eskom installed Vibrating Wire Strain Gauges (VWSGs) and optical fibre sensors to enhance the precision, redundancy, and reliability of structural monitoring. These upgrades are part of Eskom’s proactive approach to safety, not a response to any immediate risk.

According to Eskom, the Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT) is a cornerstone of nuclear safety. It pressurises the containment to accident condition pressure to verify that the containment building is leak tight and capable of containing radioactive release in the unlikely event of an accident. 

The ILRT for Unit 1 was successfully completed during Outage 127 in 2025, and the ILRT for Unit 2 is scheduled for Outage 227, in line with the 10-year testing cycle required by international standards.

“The 10-year interval that Eskom has adopted is in line with the standard practice at most nuclear power plants in France. In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has endorsed a risk-informed methodology that allows licensees to apply for a permanent, performance-based extension of the ILRT surveillance interval from 10 to 15 years. 

“Therefore, the 10-year interval Eskom has adopted aligns with best practices worldwide, and there is currently no performance-based data that requires Eskom to adjust the ILRT interval to every five years,” Eskom said.

Koeberg remains one of the most closely monitored and well-maintained nuclear facilities on the continent. 

“Eskom will continue to invest in its safety systems, infrastructure, and personnel to ensure that Koeberg remains a reliable, secure, and compliant source of energy for South Africa.

“Eskom assures the public that the containment buildings of both Unit 1 and Unit 2 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station are safe and fully capable of performing their intended design function.” 
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