Category: News

Gauteng government to pay second e-tolls debt instalment

Posted on by

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is today expected to pay some R3.3 billion to service the outstanding e-tolls debt.

This was announced by Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, during a media briefing on Sunday.

E-tolls were scrapped last year following years of discontent from road users in an agreement between the provincial government and National Treasury.

The GPG committed to paying some 30% of the historic debt.

“... The Gauteng Provincial Government will honour the province’s obligation by paying the second instalment towards the e-tolls debt, as disclosed in the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. 

“The amount due… based on the Memorandum of Agreement, is R3.3 billion in terms of the historic debt. This is the amount that we will be paying to National Treasury as part of our 30% contribution,” Maile said.

This will be the provincial government’s second instalment.

“On the 30th of September 2024, the Gauteng government made the first instalment amounting to R3.8 billion. This instalment consisted of R3.2 billion historic debt and the maintenance portion of R546 million,” Maile said.

According to the MEC, the 30% allocated to the provincial government for payment amounts to at least R12 billion, “with interest of R3.3 billion, bringing the total amount payable to R15.9 billion”.

“This contribution will be made over five equal annual [payments] at government five-year interest rate.

“In addition… the Gauteng Provincial Government also made a commitment to contribute towards the rehabilitation of nine projects that the [South African National Roads Agency] is undertaking. These projects, which are part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project 1, are aimed at the amelioration of the Gauteng freeway network and will cost the provincial government a total of R4.1 billion.

“Congruent to this… the Gauteng Provincial Government announced that as part of the province’s arrangement to service the debt, a provision for honouring this commitment will be pencilled into the 2024 fiscal framework. 

"Since making this announcement… we have maintained the necessary fiscal discipline to ensure adherence to this commitment,” Maile said.

Eastern Cape flood death toll now stands at 102

Posted on by

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government says a total of 102 bodies have been recovered to date across various districts since the search and rescue mission began following the disastrous floods earlier this month.

According to the provincial government, the bodies were recovered across various districts.

The figure indicates an increase of one person from the previous update provided on 26 June.

O.R. Tambo remains the hardest hit district, with 78 fatalities; Amathole 10, Alfred Nzo five, Joe Gqabi two, Sarah Baartman two, and Chris Hani five.

From the 102 bodies recovered, which include 63 adults and 63 children, 96 bodies have been identified and handed over to families, while six remain unidentified. 

Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required to positively identify bodies found decomposed, thus implying that it may take longer to identify the deceased.

“The search and recovery teams are continuing with the search, working tirelessly to locate and recover any possible remaining bodies.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have been deployed to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for possibly more victims, including two children who are still missing,” the provincial government said. 

The provincial government is continuing to provide shelter, meals and all necessities to the displaced families in community care centres and accommodation establishments in and around Mthatha in O.R. Tambo District Municipality and Butterworth in Amathole District Municipality.

The Department of Health continues to provide essential medical services on-site at shelters and affected communities. 

The Department of Social Development, supported by private sector partners, is delivering psychosocial support directly to grieving families and schools impacted by the floods. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has dispatched mobile units to facilitate the replacement of vital documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, ensuring that affected individuals can access services without leaving their temporary homes.

To date, 478 ID replacement applications have been submitted, with three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

“Thus far, 56 victims of the floods have been buried across the province and government continues to offer sympathies to all the families of the bereaved, as well as critical support to ensure the burial of the deceased in a dignified manner,” the provincial government said.

The Eastern Cape has officially been declared a national disaster zone following widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

In OR Tambo, water has partially been restored in various areas. Water tankers from both municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Gift of the Givers, continue with the provision of water in the affected communities. 

DFFE allocates R9 billion amid budget constraints

Posted on by

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been allocated R9.08 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, accounting for 0.35% of the national appropriation.

“When adjusted for inflation, this reflects a real decrease of R121.5 million, or 1.4%, compared to last year. In short; the department is being asked to do more, with less,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said during his Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

The Minister said the Budget Vote is being tabled against the backdrop of a constrained fiscal environment. 

“Following the reversal of the proposed VAT increase in May 2025, the national budget framework was revised, with consolidated government spending projected to grow from R2.4 trillion in 2024/25 to R2.81 trillion in 2027/28.

“Nearly half the Department’s medium-term budget - R14.5 billion - will go directly to goods and services, including the Expanded Public Works Programme, implementation of the Forestry Master Plan, and rollout of the Waste Management Strategy,” the Minister said.

Transfers and subsidies to public entities, such as the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), South African National Parks (SANParks), iSimangaliso, and South African Weather Service, will account for over R5.5 billion.

“This department is using every rand to protect ecosystems, grow green jobs, and meet the urgent demands of climate adaptation, regulation, and environmental justice.

“To achieve these imperatives, the department is focusing on six flagship priorities in the 2025/26 financial year. These “Big 6” priorities shape our work, guide our partnerships, and define the strategic investments proposed in this Budget Vote,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that climate change is not a distant threat.

“…It is here, disrupting our communities, economies, and ecosystems. We see it in rising temperatures, intensifying floods, droughts, and fires that affect lives and livelihoods. Through the Climate Change Act, now in force, we have established a unified, whole- of-government response to this urgent crisis.

“This year, we will deliver new Nationally Determined Contributions, a revised Low Emissions Development Strategy, final Sectoral Emission Targets, and implement the Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for vulnerable coastal regions,” the Minister said.

The department has also completed the Highveld Air Quality Management Plan to ensure Eskom complies with air pollution laws — because the constitutional right to clean air cannot be compromised.

“South Africa’s biodiversity is a powerful engine for development. The revised National Biodiversity Economy Strategy will unlock 397,000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually into the economy by 2036 through eco-tourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable game meat production.

“South Africa’s fisheries are lifelines for coastal and rural communities. Through Fishing for Freedom, we are securing sustainable access, supporting small-scale fishers, and combating illegal harvesting that threatens biodiversity and food security.

“We are fast-tracking signage, wreck removal, security and road markings at the 12 proclaimed fishing harbours, implementing co-management systems for nearshore fisheries, and expanding Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) training in the small-scale fisheries sector,” the Minister said.

This is part of the department’s revitalisation of harbours — unlocking jobs and dignity for coastal communities.

Cape Town hails cable theft sentence as “Jolt in the right direction”

Posted on by

The City of Cape Town has lauded the recent sentencing of a convicted cable thief to 15 years behind bars, hailing it as a step in the right direction in the fight against rampant cable theft.

The 55-year-old man was arrested by the City’s Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit in Kraaifontein on 13 November 2023. He was found in possession of eight bags of stolen Transnet overhead copper cable weighing over 400 kilograms, with a street value of R558 000.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the city confirmed that the suspect was prosecuted in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015 and sentenced in the Blue Downs Regional Court in April this year.

“On the day in question, the Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit received information about stolen overhead cables being stored at a property in Wallacedene. They spotted a male leaving the property in a red Opel Astra and followed him. When they stopped the vehicle along Voortrekker Road, officers found the copper cable,” the city said.

The suspect was taken to Kraaifontein SAPS, where a Transnet representative confirmed that the cable had been stolen.

The city described the 15-year sentence as one of the most significant outcomes resulting from an arrest by its enforcement units.

“Although, to be fair, we do not always know how the story ends, as there is no mechanism that ensures feedback on investigations and convictions. Even in this instance, we came to hear about the matter more than two months after it concluded, but it is welcome news nonetheless, and we commend everyone who had a hand in the successful conclusion of the case, starting with our Law Enforcement Officer who made the arrest,” the city said.

However, the city warned that cable theft remains a significant threat to essential services and infrastructure. In response, it has scaled up the Metal Theft Unit (MTU) in recent years, deploying more officers and technology such as drones, CCTV, and infrared cameras.

In the past 11 months alone, the MTU has made 126 arrests, recovered over a kilometre of stolen cable and nearly two tons of stolen metal. Officers have also completed 4 706 patrols in hotspot areas, conducted 1 573 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 501 public complaints, and issued 3 634 by-law fines.

“The illicit scrap metal trade is arguably one of the biggest challenges. We need greater intervention at national level to take the shine out of the trade, and we need consistently strong signals from the criminal justice system that this type of criminal activity won’t be tolerated,” the city added.

Cape Town completes major refurbishment of key athletics stadiums

Posted on by

The City of Cape Town has completed a major refurbishment at Vygieskraal Athletics Stadium in Athlone, enhancing the facility’s usability.

The upgrade to the stadium included the installation of brand-new floodlighting, roofing repairs valued at nearly R1 million, and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas. 

In a statement on Saturday, the city said plumbing and electrical systems have also been improved, while new spectator seating will enhance the visitor experience. Further upgrades include ongoing work on the effluent line as part of scheduled maintenance.

These works form part of a wider investment intended to improve the stadium's functionality. The adjacent rugby facility has also seen upgrades, with parking and fencing projects completed during the current financial year. Additional lighting will be installed in the new financial year.

“These milestones demonstrate the city’s commitment to quality public sporting infrastructure. By investing in these upgrades, we’re ensuring that athletes of all ages and abilities have safe, welcoming, and well-equipped spaces to train and compete. 

“It will ensure our sports facilities offer safe, quality spaces for communities. By continuing to invest in these refurbishments, we are creating lasting value and supporting a healthier lifestyle for residents,” Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham said. 

The city said that work on the Wesfleur Athletics Track in Atlantis and the Blue Downs Athletics Track is still in progress and is expected to be completed before the upcoming athletics season.

The total investment in the reinstatement of athletics tracks at both of these facilities is approximately R60 million. 

The athletics refurbishments are part of a strategic citywide programme guided by a 2021 Athletics Study, with the goal of achieving Safety at Sports and Recreational. Events Act (SASREA) compliance and expanding access to facilities across Cape Town. The objective is to secure SASREA grading and ensure safer, more accessible facilities across Cape Town.

Eastern Cape June floods declared a national disaster

Posted on by

The Eastern Cape Province has officially been declared a national disaster zone in response to the widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002), comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall that have battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit.

Highlighting the provincial government response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities, and schools affected by the loss of learners.

“These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,” the MEC said. 

The Department of Health has also deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication that was swept away by the floods to those in need.

Ongoing assessments are also being conducted to assess health risks in temporary shelters.

Over 400 ID applications received

Williams also reported that the Department of Home Affairs has been active in various shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including Identity Documents (ID), birth and death certificates.

To date, 478 identity document replacement applications have been submitted, through assistance from three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

Local schools have resumed classes and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were also written on 23 June 2025.

“Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver Learner and Teacher Support Material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood affected schools has also resumed through the Provincial Department of Education.” 

Restoration of basic services 

Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made with the restoration of water and electricity in affected areas. 

According to Williams, the electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, with over 95% of the water supply having been restored in OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, which were the most affected areas. 

However, Williams noted that the floods caused significant damage to roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

He said the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5. 1 billion, and this include about R3. 2 billion required across sector departments and R 1. 8 billion for the Municipal Infrastructure, as per MISA [Municipal Infrastructure Support Management] assessments. 

A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province, except for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, whilst 2 145 homes were partially damaged.

“R461 million is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), however, the province has R120 million rand, and we are looking to national government for an intervention in this area,” Williams said.

Housing support and temporary shelters

The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. 

Williams said these arrangements will be operational for at least 30 days.

“The Provincial Government is [also] securing land to facilitate the delivery of Temporary Residential Units and permanent housing, ensuring that our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 

“Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,” the MEC said.

The floods caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with the total repair estimated at R935 million. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102 million from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832 million.

Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Internal teams began major repairs on 23 June 2025, and alternative routes are currently being used.

In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres have been affected across the province. suffered damage. Repair work to the value of R600 000 has been completed on healthcare facilities.

In the agricultural sector, interventions have been made in terms damage assessment, provision of veterinary services and technical advice.

“In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, suffered damages to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,” Williams said. 

President Ramaphosa clarifies Deputy Minister’s removal

Posted on by

President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken out following his decision to remove Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, from his position.

Whitfield’s removal – which was done in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution – was announced on Thursday. 

In a statement on Friday, President Ramaphosa said although it was not common practice for the President of the Republic of South Africa to provide reasons for either appointment or dismissals; “several unfortunate statements and outright distortions by a number of people” have made it necessary to do so.

“Mr Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President. His travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. 

"This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration,” he said.

The President said the rules and practices “were repeated in Cabinet in March this year by me as President”. 

“All international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President. This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President confirmed that prior to Whitfield’s removal, he spoke to Democratic Alliance (DA) and fellow Government of National Unity (GNU) party leader, John Steenhuisen about his removal and “I expect him to present to me for approval a replacement for Mr Whitfield from his party as the DA is entitled to a Deputy Minister as agreed”.

“In that discussion, Mr Steenhuisen informed me that Mr Whitfield had been expecting that he may be dismissed on the grounds that he had undertaken an international trip without the President’s permission. 

“This expectation, along with a perfunctory letter of apology that Mr Whitfield wrote to me following his travel to the USA without the required permission, indicated that he was aware that his actions had violated the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive,” he said.

The President emphasised that previous Presidents had undertaken to remove ministers and deputy ministers before.

“During my discussion with Mr Steenhuisen, he asked me if there was precedent for the action that I intended to take in relation to Mr Whitfield. I informed him that there was indeed prior precedent.

“I told him that in 1995, President Nelson Mandela dismissed the late Deputy Minister Madikizela-Mandela and that in 2007 President Thabo Mbeki dismissed then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge on the grounds of undertaking international travel without permission. 

“Given all these circumstances, there is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility. Nor are there any grounds to try link this with matters that have no bearing on the conduct of the former Deputy Minister,” he said.

The President emphasised that there is “no basis” to suggest that the former Deputy Minister’s removal is “related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive”.

“While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior to the removal letter being delivered to Mr Whitfield, this would have had no bearing on my decision. It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the President to determine the timing and manner of the appointment and removal of Members of the Executive.

“I am amazed at Mr Steenhuisen’s intemperate reaction to the removal of Mr Whitfield. He knows very well that the blatant disregard of the rules and practices that govern the international travel of members of the executive is a serious violation that should not be permitted,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President reminded that it remains the Constitutional prerogative of the President to appoint or remove Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that the exercise by the President of his constitutional prerogative and responsibility with respect to a clear violation of rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive has met with such irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums from a member of the executive.

“Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Green Hydrogen: Powering SA’s energy and economic future

Posted on by

Green hydrogen is the fuel of the future and will have a major role to play in powering South Africa’s growth and employment prospects.

This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who spoke to SAnews ahead of the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (AGHS) in Cape Town.

The green hydrogen economy is a new frontier for clean energy as it emits low carbon emissions coupled with a global potential of at least $300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.

South Africa holds approximately 80% of the world’s platinum group metals (PGMs) and 40% of the world’s platinum and palladium reserves which are key components in the production of hydrogen – placing it in a potentially lucrative position.

“Green hydrogen is a big part of the South African growth story because it helps us to beneficiate our upstream endowments in the form of our PGMs. Mining has got the highest employment absorption capacity of any sector so it’s going to help us beneficiate and get more and more people into employment,” he said.

Furthermore, the burgeoning sector has a big role to play in South Africa’s transition from a carbon intensive country to one powered in the main, by renewable energy technologies.

“It’s going to help us transition what we call the 'hard to abate sectors' of the economy. Electricity is a large part of our emissions and that’s why we are working with Eskom to reduce the emission levels.

“The next contributor to emissions is transportation but it’s very difficult to retrofit some of the renewable energy solutions…on aviation and maritime. So, we needed another solution and green hydrogen provides that solution,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister acknowledged that the sector remains “cost prohibitive” but assured that he expects those costs to reduce. 

“We are confident that with the maturity of the technology, we are going to come in competitively and it’s going to help us transition.

“Of course, it’s also going to help us diversify energy sources. It’s going to help us to ensure that there’s a multiplicity of energy choices in relation to how we meet our power needs. Green hydrogen is a big part of the conversation,” he told SAnews.

Turning to the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit, Ramokgopa said African countries must align 

“The summit…will help us to position the continent in relation to how we can align policy to ensure that the continent benefits as a whole. We are capable of producing 60% of global renewable energy…but the total investment is less than 1%.

“So it is important that we align; we coordinate our efforts, see ourselves as a grouping of countries on the continent that can benefit from the endowments we have,” Ramokgopa said.

Unlocking employment

The green hydrogen industry is expected to create thousands of permanent and temporary job opportunities in South Africa with a particular focus on youth employment.

Two young people already hard at work in the sector are PhD graduates Dr Mphoma Matseke and Dr Victor Mashindi who spoke exclusively to SAnews.

The two youngsters are currently employed at Isondo Precious Metals which is playing a pioneering role in Africa’s green hydrogen economy.

Matseke highlighted that as the country moves toward green energy solutions, young people need to be more informed about renewable energy and how it works.

“As a young person, if you go to primary schools and even high schools and you ask them about green energy, they don’t have an idea of what you’re talking about. So, I feel like this is a platform that we can use to put the message out there about green energy and its applications.

“It feels amazing to be working at the cutting edge of technology,” she said.

Mashindi echoed the sentiments of his counterpart - describing the acceleration towards renewable energy technology as a boon for youth in science.

“Working with cutting edge technology at the forefront of renewable energy technology is very exciting because often times you mainly do theoretical studies at university and then you go on and work in a bank or a municipality.

“So…this is exciting because you get to apply the knowledge to solve real life problems. Knowing that we will be contributing meaningfully towards the development of the economy and the science and technology behind that keeps us going.

“I encourage young people to study sciences such as chemistry because these are the sciences that are taking us forward. There will be more facilities like these and more jobs in this industry…the future is really bright,” Mashinidi said. 

error:
Scroll to Top