Category: News

Presidency budget vote to be tabled on Wednesday

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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, table the 2025/26 Presidency Budget Vote before the National Assembly in Parliament.

“The Presidency Budget Vote for 2025/2026 encompasses the 7th administration's three strategic priorities, including promoting inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

“These priorities are embodied by The Presidency’s flagship programmes Operation Vulindlela, Presidential District Development Model and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, among transformative initiatives to inculcate a nation that works for all,” the Presidency said in a statement.

As with other budget votes tabled by Ministers, Parliament will then debate the budget vote, followed by the President’s reply.

“The annual tabling of departmental Budget Votes is an accountability mechanism for Parliament and the public to monitor how government is working to implement its service delivery commitments against voted funds. 

“At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of government. 

“The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion,” the statement concluded. 

No risk of load shedding as Koeberg Unit 1 return delayed

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Eskom has announced that Koeberg Unit 1 will return to service by the end of August, instead of the end of this month, due to additional steam generator maintenance.

The unit was initially pencilled in for a return by July.

“This revised timeline underscores Eskom’s commitment to conducting thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable performance of South Africa’s only nuclear power station.

“During scheduled detailed eddy current inspections – a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators – defects were identified on four tubes, among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators,” Eskom explained.

Upon discovery of the defects, the power utility, along with specialised international and local teams, “immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects”.

“These critical repairs have now been successfully completed to uphold the highest safety and quality standards.

“Importantly, the major maintenance activities, which included the legally required 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test [ILRT], where the reactor building was pressurised over 72 hours and its leak rate and structural integrity were monitored – were successfully completed. The ILRT confirmed the robustness and leak-tightness of Unit 1’s containment structure, further reinforcing its safety, in line with international standards,” Eskom said.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, emphasised that the safety of employees, the public and the environment remains top priority at the power utility.

“Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa’s energy future.

“The planned maintenance underway on Unit 1 will help deliver decades of affordable, low-carbon baseload power, demonstrating how nuclear energy can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability. 

“Through our commitment to high-quality maintenance and the expertise of the Koeberg team demonstrating exceptional skills, we are ensuring nuclear power remains a vital part of the country's energy mix,” Nxumalo said.

The power utility reassured that the delayed return to service will not increase the risk of load shedding.
Since mid-May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

“The winter outlook released on 5 May 2025, which covers the period until 31 August 2025, remains valid. Importantly, the planned return of 2 500MW this winter does not rely on Unit 1.

“The outlook shows that load shedding will not be required if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. Even if outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day winter period, capped at Stage 2,” the power utility assured.

Once the work on Koeberg’s Unit 1 is completed, its “reactor core will be refuelled, tested and synchronised back to the national grid” – further boosting the power system.

“To protect supply, planned outages at Koeberg are carefully staggered every 16 to 18 months so that both units are never offline at the same time. Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 provide around 1 860MW – approximately 5% of the country’s electricity needs. 

“Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, with a year-to-date Energy Availability Factor [EAF] of 99.38% as of the end of June 2025.

“The national power system remains stable, with a month-to-date EAF of 62%. As the winter season continues, Eskom encourages all customers to adopt energy-efficient practices,” Eskom said.

Call for caution amid increased road fatalities

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The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reiterated its call to motorists to exercise caution and show respect to each other on the roads.

This call comes after a spate of fatal crashes that claimed 15 lives since last Thursday.

The RTMC expressed concern over the increase in road fatalities, attributing the collisions to reckless and negligent driving. In all three incidents, vehicles were involved in head-on collisions.

On Sunday, 13 July 2025, two vehicles collided on the N18, approximately 40km from Mahikeng toward Setlagole in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province. Four people died on the scene.

A fifth victim's body was later discovered when fire emergency vehicles were booked into the South African Police Service pound for safekeeping.

Another fatal crash in North West occurred on Friday, when four vehicles were involved in a multi-car crash on the N4 between Swartruggens and Groot Marico, resulting in five deaths.

“It is alleged that one vehicle collided with another [and] two other vehicles also crashed into each other at the scene,” RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane said.

On Thursday, five more people, including a toddler, were killed in the Northern Cape when a light delivery vehicle that was being chased by the police collided head-on with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The crash took place on the N18 near Hartswater.

Koeberg Unit 1 return delayed

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Eskom has announced an updated timeline for the return of Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station near Cape Town, which is undergoing the second phase of its long-term maintenance programme.

Initially expected back online by July 2025, the unit is now scheduled to return to service by the end of August 2025.

The delay follows detailed eddy current inspections of the steam generators, where minor defects were detected on four of the thousands of tubes inspected. Eskom said advanced automated repairs, carried out with the support of international and local experts, have since been successfully completed.

The utility also confirmed that all major maintenance activities, including the legally required 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT), were completed. The ILRT verified the reactor building’s structural integrity and leak-tightness, reinforcing Unit 1’s compliance with international safety standards.

“Our top priority is always the safety of our employees, the public and the environment,” said Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo. “This maintenance will ensure decades of reliable, low-carbon power from Koeberg.”

Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, and achieved an energy availability factor of 99.38% by June 2025. Together, Koeberg’s two units supply about 5% of South Africa’s electricity needs.
Eskom emphasised that the revised timeline for Unit 1’s return will not affect the risk of loadshedding. The utility’s Winter Outlook remains valid, with adequate capacity to meet demand if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW.

Meanwhile, Eskom has made strides on other generation projects:
-On 6 July, the 800MW Medupi Unit 4 was brought back online after a long-term outage.
-Kusile Unit 6 was synchronised to the grid in March and will reach commercial operation by September.
-Kusile Units 1, 2 and 3, repaired and reconnected earlier this year, are now fully operational with flue gas desulphurisation systems.

Eskom said these milestones demonstrate its commitment to improving generation capacity and securing South Africa’s electricity supply.

Body of suspected poacher found at Kruger National Park

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The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park, said Mpumalanga police.

“The body of an alleged poacher was found in the Kruger National Park on 12 July 2025 at about 8:30 am and it is suspected that he could have been shot during a shootout with Field Rangers the previous night, 11 July [Thursday] 2025 at around 9pm, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

The discovery was made after three field rangers who were on patrol on Thursday night, came cross three suspected poachers. The rangers ordered the trio to stop, but the suspected poachers responded by opening fire at the rangers who shot back.

“The alleged poachers are said to have ran further into the dark, and due to poor light, the rangers abandoned their pursuit then returned to the camp.

"The next morning, the rangers returned to the scene to further conduct the search for the alleged poachers whilst patrolling the surrounding areas. It was during this time when they discovered the lifeless body of a male person with gunshot wound at the Lower Sabie region of the park, laying on the ground,” said the police.

A backpack was found next to the body of the deceased.

“The police from Skukuza as well as other role players were immediately notified, and the man was certified dead by the paramedics at the scene. Inside the backpack, two rhino horns were found. An investigation is underway meanwhile the man has not yet been identified,” said the SAPS in a statement on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the other two suspected poachers are still at large.

Good News: Power system remains stable

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Eskom has assured South Africans that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages at generating units “currently within acceptable levels”.

In a statement, the State-owned power utility said the system “continues to show resilience” during the winter months.

“While occasional system constraints do arise, they are effectively managed, with sufficient emergency reserves available and strategically deployed during morning and evening peak periods,” the statement read.

Last Sunday, Medupi Power Station’s Unit 4 was successfully brought back online -– a further boost for the power system.

“Once it reaches full capacity in the coming weeks, it will contribute 800MW to the national grid, marking a key milestone in strengthening South Africa’s energy security and improving supply reliability,” Eskom said.

Since May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

Eskom attributed this to an “improved Energy Availability Factor [EAF]”, which ranged between 60% and 62% last week.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages total 13 380MW, with an available generation capacity of 30 195MW.

To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 3 470MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday.

“The Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, has reached 29.44% for the current financial year to date (1 April to 10 July 2025). This represents an increase of approximately 2.4% compared to 27.03% recorded during the same period last year.

“The year-to-date load factor for open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) has marginally increased to 10.78%, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.87% recorded during the same period last year. Although diesel usage is within budget, it is expected to decline as more units return to service, increasing available generation capacity,” Eskom said.

The power utility added that the winter outlook up to the end of August remains valid.

“It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“Eskom encourages all South Africans to use electricity efficiently throughout the winter season. To help manage household electricity consumption, Eskom customers are encouraged to use the Eskom Residential Calculator, a convenient tool for tracking and optimising energy usage, at: 
https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/residential-calculator.

“Eskom will provide an update on Friday, 18 July 2025, or promptly communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur,” the statement read.

Play your part
The power utility has urged citizens to play their part in protecting essential electricity infrastructure.
“Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft. These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network. 

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” the electricity supplier said.

Report illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

Police Minister Mchunu placed on leave of absence

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence with immediate effect.

The President has also announced a judicial commission of inquiry – led by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga – into the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The President made the announcements during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.
During a media briefing last week, Mkhwanazi made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services.

Mkhwanazi also made allegations against the Police Minister – alleging that Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

During the address to the nation, the President emphasised that the allegations “call for an urgent and comprehensive investigation”.

“To address these allegations and the implications of these allegations, I am establishing a judicial commission of Inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

“In order for the Commission to execute its functions effectively, I have decided to put the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, on a leave of absence with immediate effect. The Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the Commission to enable it to do its work,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mkhwanazi had also made allegations about the uncovering of a drug cartel, implicating, amongst others, the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecutors and politicians.

The President said these allegations “raise serious concerns around the Constitution, the rule of law and national security”.

“These allegations, if proven true, threaten to undermine the confidence of South Africans in the ability of the South African Police Service to protect them and to effectively fight crime and corruption.

“South Africans are concerned about corruption and the rise of criminality in our country, which manifests itself in the killing of innocent people, gender-based violence, gang violence, kidnappings, construction mafia criminality and many others.

“As we intensify the fight against crime, it is vital that we safeguard the integrity and credibility of the police and other law enforcement agencies,” President Ramaphosa said.

With the Police Minister now on a leave of absence, Professor Firoz Cachalia has been appointed as acting Minister  in terms of Section 91(3)(c) of the Constitution.

“Professor Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as a MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.

“Professor Cachalia will be retiring from his current position at the University of Witwatersrand at the end of July. I will appoint an Acting Minister from within Cabinet until Professor Cachalia takes up his post at the beginning of August,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa to address the nation on Sunday Night

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President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to brief the nation on national security matters on Sunday, the Presidency has announced.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 13 July 2025, address the nation on developments arising from a public statement by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that details allegations against senior political and South African Police Service leadership,” the Presidency said on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa was attending a BRICS summit in Brazil on Sunday, 6 July 2025, when General Mkhwanazi outlined numerous allegations at a media briefing.

“The President undertook to attend to this development on his return from Brazil, in view of the implications for national security.
“President Ramaphosa has been seized with this matter in recent days and will, following various consultations, take the nation into his confidence at 19h00 on Sunday, 13 July 2025,” it said. 

The President’s message will be broadcast and streamed on various platforms. 

Sports Minister welcomes Caster Semenya ruling

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Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed his support for the recent ruling by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) involving Caster Semenya. 

This ruling upheld a 2023 decision by the ECHR’s lower chamber, which found that Semenya was denied a fair and effective hearing by the Swiss Federal Tribunal. 

According to reports, this was part of the two-time Olympic champion’s seven-year legal battle against the eligibility rules in track and field. 

On Thursday, the court’s 17-judge panel ruled in a 15-2 vote that Semenya’s rights to a fair hearing were violated at Switzerland’s Supreme Court, where she had appealed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in favour of World Athletics.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) believes that the decision marks a critical moment in the long-standing battle for the dignity and human rights of female athletes with differences of sexual development.

“Caster, we as South Africa have always stood by you, and we will continue to do so as the fight for your bodily rights continues,” the Minister said. 

From the outset, the department said the South African government stood firmly behind Semenya. 

“Through the current DSAC and the former Department of Sport and Recreation, a coordinated and multi-sectoral response was established that included expert panels in the legal, medical, and advocacy spheres. 

“The department also launched the #NaturallySuperior campaign to mobilise public awareness and international solidarity, highlighting that Semenya’s natural talents should be celebrated rather than policed."

DSAC committed financially in support of Athletics South Africa’s legal efforts with Semenya and further engaged with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to elevate the matter internationally, leading to a strong resolution on the matter at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“This resolution condemned the current regulations against her as a violation of bodily integrity, equality, and freedom from cruel or degrading treatment.”

While the recent ruling has not overturned these discriminatory regulations, it is an important legal and moral victory, which opens new legal avenues and affirms the right of athletes such as Semenya to be heard on just and equal terms. 

DSAC said it will continue working with Athletics South Africa, legal experts, and other African governments and federations to pursue justice through all available channels, including within the structures of World Athletics.

“Caster Semenya has become the face of defiance against injustice in global sport, and this court victory is a victory for every African child. South Africa is proud of her, and we will walk every step of this journey with you, Caster, until justice is not only seen, but felt,” said McKenzie. 

“We can’t wait to see you running again,” he added.  

Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) said they have noted the judgment handed down by the ECHR.  

“The Commission is still studying the judgment. A formal statement on our position will be released in due course,” the statement read. 

Central Karoo police clamp down on copper cable theft and seize R-5 magazines

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WESTERN CAPE - Heightened visibility and targeted policing to eradicate the distribution of drugs and firearms along the main entry and exit routes in the Central Karoo paid off with the seizure of copper cable, tools, ammunition and R-5 magazines on Wednesday, 09 July 2025. 

At about 15:55 members attached to the Central Karoo District Crime Combat Team followed up on information received of drugs being sold at a premisses in Nkosi Street, Mandela Square, Beaufort-West.

Upon their arrival at the address, the members ensued with a search and instead of drugs, discovered one 9mm round of ammunition and two R5 magazines in the bedroom under a mattress. An adult male was arrested on charges related to the illegal possession of ammunition and the possession of stolen property.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Beaufort-West Magistrates’ court, once charged.

In an unrelated incident on the same day, at about 21:30, the members were alerted by a security company who caught two Lesotho nationals in the act of damaging and stealing essential infrastructure at the Weltevrede Railway site in Leeu-Gamka. The members confiscated seven roles of copper cable, two cellular telephones, tools and arrested the 45 and 35 years old suspects who are scheduled to appear in the Leeu-Gamka Magistrates’ Court soon.
Central Karoo 2
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