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Industry update · Aug 9, 2026Public called to support young Mpumalanga water innovator in Sweden The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on South Africans to rally behind 17-year-old Sinenhlanhla Sikhulile Nkosi, as he prepares to represent the country at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) in Sweden later this month. Sinenhlanhla, a Grade 11 learner at Sitintile Secondary School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, made history as the first learner from the province to win the department's flagship 2026 South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP). He now has an opportunity to earn international recognition through the Stockholm Junior Water Prize People's Choice Award, where members of the public can vote for his project online. The South African Youth Water Prize is an annual DWS programme that encourages learners in Grades 9 to 11 to develop innovative, science-based solutions to real water challenges affecting their schools and communities. Over the years, the competition has nurtured some of the country’s brightest young minds and provided a platform for future scientists, engineers and environmental leaders. Nkosi secured the national title with his project, "The Sentinel Barrier", an inn
Read news →Industry update · Aug 9, 2026Government urges public to stay vigilant amid expected cold weather With a cold front expected to bring very cold, wet and windy conditions to parts of the country from Sunday, government is urging the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that a cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, rough seas and snowfall over mountainous areas. The system is expected to move eastwards, with these conditions spreading to the Eastern Cape and further inland. Snow is expected over mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, while there is a lower probability of light snow over some other higher-lying areas. The expected conditions may result in localised flooding, damaging winds, rough seas, very cold conditions and snowfall over mountainous areas, with potential impacts on communities, infrastructure and travel. Farmers are urged to take appropriate measures to protect livestock from the cold, including ensuring that animals have access to safe, sheltered and adequately protected areas. “Government, through t
Read news →Industry update · Aug 9, 2026President to address Women’s Day commemoration President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 National Women’s Day commemoration event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday. “This occasion will mark the 70th anniversary of the 1956 protest march to the Union Buildings by at least 20 000 women. The 1956 march opposed the apartheid government’s decision to extend urban pass laws to women, and was a precursor to major political changes over [the] coming decades that led to the demise of the racist regime in South Africa,” the Presidency said on Friday. The National Women’s Day commemorations this year take place under the theme: “Empowered Women, Empower Nations.” Since 1994, National Women’s Day is celebrated on 09 August every year as part of Women’s Month. “This year's celebration emphasises improving women's access to quality healthcare, vital for sustainable development, social justice and economic growth.” The Presidency said Women’s Month provides an opportunity for government and civil society to highlight the challenges confronting women and profile programmes and policies that advance women's empowerment and gender equity. It also provid
Read news →Industry update · Aug 9, 2026Government urges nation to support Banyana Banyana With Banyana Banyana set to take on Morocco in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final match tonight, government is calling on all South Africans to continue supporting the senior women's national team. “Government encourages all South Africans to unite behind the team and celebrate how far they have come. Their courage, determination and resilience have inspired the nation and demonstrated that South Africa can compete with the very best on the global stage,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said. The match will get underway at 10 pm. “Wear your Banyana Banyana jerseys, national colours or other South African symbols of support. Whether at home, at work or in public spaces, let us rally behind the National Women’s team as they continue to make South Africa proud,” she said. The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has also called on all South Africans to rally behind the team in the crucial match. READ | Call to rally behind Banyana Banyana Banyana Banyana booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday night. - SAnew
Read news →Industry update · Aug 8, 2026Minister gazettes date of Local Government Elections Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, on Friday gazetted the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date. “In terms of section 24(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), I, Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, hereby call an election of all municipal councils and set 04 November 2026 as the date for such an election,” the Minister said in the Government Gazette dated 7 August 2026. In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a five-year municipal term. Earlier in the week, the Minister urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on 7 August 2026. The proclamation and gazetting of the election date sees the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections. The gazette can
Read news →Industry update · Aug 8, 2026NATJOINTS assures safe, peaceful environment ahead of Local Government Elections The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured South Africans of a safe and peaceful environment ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections, saying law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal decisively with political violence, intimidation and criminality. Chairperson of NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said the successful conclusion of the recent voter registration weekend without major security incidents demonstrated the country’s readiness to protect the electoral process. “I am pleased to report that South Africa remains stable, law and order prevail, and our security forces continue to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives in, works in and visits our country,” Mosikili said at a media briefing on Friday. Voter registration provides election security test NATJOINTS activated its election security plan during the voter registration weekend (1-2 August) in support of the Electoral Commission. Law enforcement was deployed countrywide to secure registration stations and respond to security-related incid
Read news →Industry update · Aug 8, 2026Government continues focus on law enforcement efforts Government has intensified its multidisciplinary response to undocumented migration, illegal employment and other forms of non-compliance. Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said government’s approach remained focused on enforcing the law while ensuring that operations were conducted within the Constitution and applicable legislation. The update comes amid continued anti-illegal immigration protests in parts of the country, as government also moves to counter misinformation surrounding criminal incidents allegedly linked to such campaigns. Operation Shanela remains at the centre of government’s crime-fighting and enforcement operations, with daily intelligence-driven deployments taking place across all provinces. The operations target wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals. Last month, 16 208 illegal foreign nationals were arrested through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations. Since January, the number of undocumented foreign nationals arres
Read news →Industry update · Aug 8, 2026NATJOINTS assures security readiness for 46th SADC Summit The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, which will take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 16 to 17 August. Briefing the media on Friday, Chairperson of NATJOINTS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the safe and successful hosting of the regional gathering, which will bring together 12 Heads of State and Government as well as delegates from across SADC. NATJOINTS said comprehensive security plans had already been activated for the summit, with law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services coordinating preparations for the arrival of regional leaders and delegations. “Comprehensive security plans have already been activated. All law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the successful hosting of this important regional event,” Mosikili said. The summit will culminate a week-long programme of technical, ministerial and
Read news →Industry update · Aug 7, 2026Free online export course to help WC businesses access global markets The Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITISA), has launched a free Online Export Course aimed at equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in international markets. The initiative forms part of the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy, which seeks to drive economic growth, expand market access, and create sustainable employment opportunities. The department said the self-paced course has already attracted strong interest from businesses across the province, with 518 participants registering since its launch. To date, more than 70 participants have successfully completed the course, with many going on to access additional export support initiatives offered by the provincial government. Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said export growth is one of the most effective ways to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. "Through this free Online Export Course, we are equipping entrepreneurs and businesses with t
Read news →Industry update · Aug 7, 2026Milestones of Freedom: Celebrating the past and confronting the future South Africans must celebrate the gains of democracy, while remaining committed to addressing the challenges that continue to confront communities across the country. This was the message delivered by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong during the provincial launch of the Milestones of Freedom Campaign, in KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday. Speaking at the Chief Albert Luthuli Campus of uMfolozi TVET College in the iLembe District, Morolong said the campaign is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the achievements of the democratic era and recommit themselves to building a better future for all. The campaign, launched nationally by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2026, is being commemorated under the theme: “Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future.” It marks four significant anniversaries in South Africa’s democratic journey – 30 years of the Constitution, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising, 70 years since the 1956 Women’s March and 60 years since the forced removals from District Six. Morolong said the Constitution remains one of South Africa’s greatest achievements, providing a foundation fo
Read news →Industry update · Aug 7, 2026President Ramaphosa visits Sasol Secunda plant President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) that Sasol, the global chemicals and energy company, remains a great contributor to the country's economy. "Sasol is a great contributor to our economy, and I’ve been very pleased to come and see the real industrial actor in our economy and one of the key players that…propels the economic development that we have," the President told GCIS during a visit to Sasol, in Secunda, Mpumalanga, on Thursday. Taking a guided tour of the plant, President Ramaphosa described the company as a “national treasure”. “Sasol is…almost like a National Key Point. Government owns quite a good portion of Sasol through our various structures of investment. We are very proud of what Sasol is; the standing that it has in our economy; the contribution it makes and the number of people that it employs. “It’s so impressive that from a rock of coal, they can make wonderful products. They convert coal that we all look at and kick around…into diesel, petrol, gas, sulphuric substances and products as well as plastics,” the President told GCIS. Earlier this year,
Read news →Industry update · Aug 7, 2026President Ramaphosa updated on Sasol operations President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Sasol's Secunda Operations in Mpumalanga, on Thursday, where he received a comprehensive briefing on the company's integrated operations and their contribution to South Africa's economic growth, industrial development, energy security and job creation. “The visit provided the President with a first-hand view of one of South Africa's largest industrial complexes, where approximately 35 million tonnes of locally mined coal are beneficiated each year to produce a wide range of fuel and chemical products that support key sectors of the economy,” the Presidency said in a statement. The President was briefed on Sasol's integrated value chain, spanning mining, gasification, proprietary Fischer-Tropsch technology, refining, logistics and chemical production. The briefing also highlighted the company's role in supporting local manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, driving innovation, developing critical skills and sustaining employment. Discussions also focused on the company's ongoing investment in maintaining a competitive industrial base, enhancing operational efficiency and advancing its transition i
Read news →Industry update · Aug 6, 2026Gauteng records over 210 000 online admissions applications within hours The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has recorded a strong start to its 2027 Online Admissions application period, receiving more than 210 000 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications within the first four hours of the system going live. The online system officially opened at 8am on Wednesday, with the department reporting that 210 055 applications had been successfully submitted by midday. In a statement, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, welcomed the strong response from parents and guardians, saying it reflected continued confidence in the province's online admissions system. “The system went live at 08:00 on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, and by 12:00 noon, the Gauteng Department of Education had already received 210 055 Grade 1 and Grade 8 applications, demonstrating the continued confidence that parents and guardians have in the Province's Online Admissions System,” he said. The department said demand was evident even before applications officially opened, with 12 058 parents joining the online queue between 7:30am and 7:59am in anticipation of the system going
Read news →Industry update · Aug 6, 2026Call for stronger partnerships to unlock Africa's potential KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has underscored the importance of partnerships, knowledge exchange and visionary leadership in unlocking Africa's full potential amid a rapidly evolving global landscape. The Premier was addressing delegates at the 10th Mbali International Conference, currently underway in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Hosted by the University of Zululand from 4 to 6 August 2026, the three-day conference is being held under the theme: "Africa Awakens: Possibilities, Progress, Partnerships in a Multipolar World." Marking a decade of promoting African intellectualism, thought leadership and progressive dialogue, the conference has brought together academics, policymakers, innovators and business leaders from across the continent to reflect on Africa's role in shaping global development. Addressing delegates, Ntuli said platforms such as the Mbali International Conference are critical to ensuring that African voices, ideas and experiences remain at the forefront of discussions on development, innovation and international cooperation. “Africa’s progress depends on stronger collaboration between governments,
Read news →Industry update · Aug 6, 2026Zikalala to launch Wentworth GBV facility Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala will launch the Wentworth Rapid Response and Gender-based Violence (GBV) facility at the Wentworth South African Police Service (SAPS) in Durban on Thursday. The facility will assist in the fight against GBV, ensuring victims receive prompt, coordinated and friendly support. “Wentworth faces high levels of violent crime, gang violence and drug-related offenses often leading to gender-based violence. The Centre will cater for Women and Children affected by sexual and physical violence,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) said in a statement. It will also house the Department of Social Development Counsellors, who will give the necessary empowerment support. Zikalala said the launch of the GBV centre shows commitment by all stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence. Commending the citizen who donated the facility to the SAPS, Zikalala said the DPWI will also continue to make properties available to help fight against GBV. To date, DPWI has made available over 35 properties across the country in the fight against GBV. – SAnew
Read news →Industry update · Aug 6, 2026Partnerships key to unlocking women's economic potential, says Chikunga Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has underscored the importance of forging stronger partnerships across government, business and academia to accelerate women's economic empowerment. Delivering the keynote address at the 8th Annual Regenesys Women in Business and Leadership Conference in Sandton on Wednesday, Chikunga said no single sector could achieve an inclusive economy on its own. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that inclusive growth benefits all women, particularly young women, women with disabilities and in rural and township communities. Held under the theme, "Building an Inclusive Economy – The Role of Government, Business and Academia", the conference brought together leaders from government, business and academia to explore practical solutions for advancing women's economic participation. Chikunga said government, business and academia are the three pillars of a functional economy and must work together rather than in isolation. "Government cannot legislate its way to inclusion without the productive capacity of industry players. Bu
Read news →Procurement guide · Jul 10, 2026A practical pre-inquiry checklist for project buyers: water source, duty point, power availability, standby needs and documentation.
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