Category: Key Issues

South Africa has suspended imports of live poultry, eggs and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The decision comes after a report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) on 15 May 2025.

The virus was detected in breeding chickens at an establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture announced that no new import permits will be issued for the affected products.

However, the department noted that the import of consignments containing poultry products that were packed in their final packaging, on or before 30 April 2025, and heat-processed poultry products, where the risk of transmitting the virus has been mitigated, will still be allowed.

“An urgent Chief Veterinary Officer to Chief Veterinary Officer meeting was held on 19 May with the purpose of getting an update on the outbreak from Brazil and the deployed disease control strategy. It was agreed in this meeting that Brazil will provide additional information for South Africa’s consideration,” the department said.

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, chaired by Freddy Sonakile, has expressed its serious concern regarding a video that is circulating on social media.

In the video, the MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, is shown confronting individuals who are allegedly occupying the George Dick Montshioa Airport formerly known as Mafikeng Airport without authorisation.

“While we commend the MEC for his hands-on approach and visible oversight, the incident has raised deeply troubling questions that demand immediate investigation and full accountability,” said Sonakile.

The committee has urgently written to Morweng to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter and to submit a comprehensive report outlining the facts, remedial actions, and steps to prevent such breaches in the future.

The committee noted that George Dick Montshioa Airport is under 24-hour security surveillance by Eagle Eye Security and has a full-time site manager to oversee operations.

“It is, therefore, wholly unacceptable and implausible to suggest that no one within the department or at the airport was aware of individuals occupying state property, allegedly without paying rent.

“To assert ignorance in this case would be tantamount to attempting to pull wool over the public’s eyes. The Committee will not accept vague explanations or deflections,” Sonakile.

The leaders have requested a report from the department to determine whether there is an aviation school at George Dick Montshioa Airport and whether any lease agreements exist with relevant individuals or entities.

In addition, the committee is investigating the role of the Department of Public Works and Roads as the custodian of government properties in this context.

Sonakile expressed concern that if there are no valid lease agreements and no rental income has been collected while individuals have been using state property without compensation, then accountability must be enforced promptly and decisively.

“Permitting unauthorised and rent-free occupation of government property not only undermines the rule of law but opens the door to corruption, mismanagement, and the erosion of public trust.

“The committee is clear that in the absence of firm and visible consequences, the MEC and the department will be left to fight fires every week. The time for soft approaches is over. The people of the North West deserve transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public assets,” said the Chairperson.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has noted with concern the suspension of more than 300 Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers, following their alleged participation in an illegal strike in March this year.

The strike resulted in major traffic disruptions across the city as well as access to the OR Tambo International Airport.

“While the Committee acknowledges the City of Ekurhuleni’s responsibility to take disciplinary action against employees implicated in serious misconduct, the mass suspension of these officers poses a significant risk to public safety, traffic management and the enforcement of municipal by-laws,” the Committee said in a statement on Tuesday.

The committee added that the sudden reduction in law enforcement capacity may leave residents vulnerable and exacerbate challenges in maintaining order on the roads and in communities across the city.

The committee urged the City of Ekurhuleni to implement immediate contingency measures to mitigate the impact of the suspensions.

“One such measure could include seeking temporary reinforcement from other municipalities in Gauteng, in line with the existing agreement that allows Municipal Police and Traffic Officers to operate beyond their jurisdictional boundaries to assist in crime prevention and traffic management.

“Furthermore, the Committee calls on the City of Ekurhuleni to expedite the resolution of the ongoing labour dispute to ensure the swift resumption of critical policing services.

“A prolonged impasse between the municipality and its employees will only deepen service delivery challenges and undermine public safety.”

The committee will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring that community safety across Gauteng is not compromised.

As thousands of South African football fans are expected to descend on Durban for the highly anticipated 2025 Nedbank Cup final, the eThekwini Municipality has urged visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scams.

A thrilling showdown between South African football giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, on Saturday afternoon.

This marks the tournament’s return to Durban since it was last hosted in the city in 2019.  The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans across the country.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, welcomed the return of the event, highlighting that the economic and tourism benefits it brings.

“We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions that make our city a premier destination for both local and international travellers,” Xaba said.

However, Xaba warned visitors, and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scammers.

“Visitors are also encouraged to carefully verify any packages that advertise “free tickets” and to obtain their tickets exclusively through registered outlets,” Xaba said.

Travel safety tips

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to follow these essential travel and accommodation safety tips:

•    Research your accommodation: Before booking, look for customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. Be cautious if reviews appear overly positive or generic, as they may be fabricated.

•    Contact the property directly: Use verified contact information to reach out to the property. If you cannot find this information on trusted sites, proceed with caution.

•    Check for professionalism: Legitimate businesses typically maintain professional websites featuring clear contact information, terms and conditions, and policies regarding cancellations and refunds.

•    Compare prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, ensure you compare prices with established booking sites to get a sense of reasonable rates.

•    Verify the URL: Ensure the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” rather than just “http://”) and check for any spelling errors in the domain name.

Important safety precautions

• Use trusted platforms: Stick to well-known travel booking websites or apps, which usually offer customer service support to address issues.

•    Avoid wire transfers: Always opt for secure payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, over wire transfers or cash.

•    Read the fine print: Thoroughly review booking terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellation policies and any additional fees.

•    Stay informed: Keep up with updates from local tourism authorities concerning safe travel practices and potential scams.

•    Share your itinerary: Inform someone of your travel plans, including accommodation details, for added safety.

•    Keep an eye on your belongings: Always keep your bags where you can see them and avoid displaying valuables like jewellery or electronics publicly.

•    Report any suspicious illegal activities to the nearest police station.

To further enhance the excitement around the Nedbank Cup final, the municipality will host public viewing areas in various parts of Durban to afford everyone an opportunity to watch the game.

Details for the public viewing areas will be announced on the Municipal platforms.

Heavy rain and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country.

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, and move slowly eastwards, likely to exit the country by Saturday, 26 April 2025.

“Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions on Wednesday and Thursday, 23 and 24 April 2025.

“Severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock, especially over the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,” the SAWS said in a statement.

Snowfalls are also expected over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period.

In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from Wednesday, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards.

The South African Weather Service said it will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates, as required.

Intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.

Government has called for immediate action plans to ensure inroads are made to effectively curb the continued spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in KwaZulu-Natal.

During a recent visit to affected areas in the province, Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, engaged with farmers and community leaders who sought clarification on the current situation and voiced their frustration at the perceived inaction by the Department of Agriculture.

“This lack of sufficient action is jeopardising farmers’ livelihoods, the agricultural industry, and the economy. This needs to stop. Immediately,” the Minister said.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said KwaZulu-Natal has recorded 147 active FMD outbreaks.

Despite several containment efforts by the Department of Agriculture since the initial outbreak of the SAT2 FMD strain in 2021, recent infections have been reported outside the established Disease Management Areas (DMA).

To curb further spread of the virus, the Minister recently ordered the expansion of the DMA boundaries.

“The reports we continue to receive from KwaZulu-Natal regarding the persistent and, in some cases, expanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks are of great concern. This, with the slow progress in strengthening our national biosecurity and acquiring vital vaccines, presents significant risks that this government views with serious concern.

“I have directed the department to identify and lift every single impediment standing in the way of vaccines being delivered in a timely manner,” the Minister said.

Steenhuisen has instructed the department to urgently implement the following interventions:
•    The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will be contacted to prioritise and assist with roadblocks and the management of animals’ movement;
•    Prioritisation of alternative sites for the sale of livestock as well as the identification of an abattoir/s within the DMA to provide an alternative for farmers within the DMA;
•    Procurement and provision of enough vaccines to meet demand for a comprehensive vaccine roll-out;
•    Explore mechanisms to declare a state of disaster within the province; and
•    Monitor the implementation of the permit system for animal movement control.

The Minister stressed the imperative for immediate and significant enhancements to national biosecurity.

He said the current control measures, while necessary, are clearly insufficient to contain these outbreaks effectively.

“The legislative requirement under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) for owners to stop the spread of disease must be supported by effective government leadership and enforcement. This includes intensified surveillance, firm enforcement and providing farmers with the support and know-how they need to implement effective biosecurity,” the Minister said.

EC progress in containment of FMD 

In its statement, the department also provided an update on the continued progress in the containment of FMD in the Eastern Cape. No new clinical cases have been reported since July 2024.

However, the lifting of DMA restrictions has been delayed due to recent suspect test results on two properties. Of these, one test result has returned negative, and the results from the second property are pending.

National biosecurity and movement controls

The department said the control measures implemented in October 2022 remain in effect:
•    The movement of cloven-hoofed livestock across South Africa requires a health declaration from the owner.
•    Newly introduced cattle, sheep, or goats must be isolated from resident herds for at least 28 days.
•    Farmers are strongly advised to limit animal movements and exercise caution when procuring animals.

Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.

FMD is a controlled animal disease in terms of the Animal Diseases Act.

Any suspicious clinical symptoms (salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions) must be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has urged citizens to check their children’s vaccination status due to a rise in diphtheria cases in the country.

Since the beginning of 2025, up until 23 March, diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, has been confirmed in 40 people in South Africa.

Of these cases, 19 exhibited symptoms, while 21 were asymptomatic.

“These asymptomatic individuals were carriers identified during contact tracing,” the statement read.

According to data from the NICD, there were 15 reported cases of respiratory diphtheria in the Western Cape, two cases in Gauteng, three cases in Mpumalanga, and one probable case in Limpopo.

Laboratory tests did not confirm the case from Limpopo, but the person exhibited symptoms consistent with respiratory diphtheria.

Over 78% of the cases have occurred in adults aged 18 and older.

Among the symptomatic cases, the public health institute said it was important to note that nine people have died, resulting in a case fatality rate of 27% (nine out of 33 cases) since the beginning of 2024.

“Adults who have not had a diphtheria vaccine in the last 10 years are urged to seek vaccination at a clinic or with their usual healthcare provider.

“Pregnant women are advised to get the vaccine with each pregnancy to protect the baby from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.”

Diphtheria is a contagious, severe, vaccine-preventable illness usually associated with a sore throat, fever, and large, swollen glands in the neck.

The NICD said this illness is sometimes called a “bull neck”, and on examining a patient, the doctor will see a characteristic adherent membrane over the tonsils and the throat, also known as a “pseudomembrane”.

“If not treated early, the public health institute said diphtheria causes difficulty in breathing and can lead to complete blockage of the airway and death. The organism also produces a toxin that affects the heart muscle, kidneys, and nervous system, leading to life-threatening illness.”

Treatment is with diphtheria antitoxin to neutralise the toxin produced by the bacterium and appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the organism, which should be given early to be effective.

The NICD is encouraging doctors and healthcare workers to be on high alert for suspected diphtheria cases and are urged to report cases on the Notifiable Medical Condition app or the NICD website.

The NICD said the best protection against diphtheria is vaccination.

Infant vaccine is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age, with booster doses at 18 months and six and 12 years.

The available vaccines include Dt (diphtheria and tetanus) and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis or whooping cough).

The eThekwini Municipality has approved the transfer of R2 million within the water and sanitation capital budget in the 2024/25 financial year to address persistent water challenges affecting various areas in the northern parts of the city, particularly Verulam and surrounding areas.

The decision was taken during the City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting on Tuesday.

In a statement after the meeting, the council said the funds will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project to the ‘Hazelmere to Grange’ Reservoir pipeline project.

The Pinkney Park project has been delayed by the Bid Evaluation Committee due to insufficient funding in the current approved 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

The municipality said the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project is an ongoing project that urgently requires an additional R2 million in funding to complete it in the current financial year.

“Work has stopped on site due to funds having been exhausted for the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project. The additional allocation to complete the project will ensure much needed relief to the communities in the northern parts of the city, who have been experiencing water shortages,” the council said.

It said the water challenges have been further worsened by the recurring flood disasters that have battered the KwaZulu-Natal city in recent years.

R3 million approved for oThongathi crematorium 

The Executive Committee also approved an additional R3 million for the urgent replacement of the furnace at the oThongathi Crematorium.

This follows the initial allocation of R5 million in the city’s adjustment budget, bringing the total investment to R8 million.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the decision by EXCO emphasises the city’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the northern region have access to cremation services.

“We are pleased that EXCO has responded swiftly to this urgent matter. The failure of the furnace has left many families without access to cremation services in the area. This funding will allow us to expedite the process and restore this essential service,” Xaba said.

The existing cremator, which has been in use for many years, suffered repeated breakdowns before completely failing on 24 January 2025. Technical assessments confirmed that the furnace had reached the end of its lifespan, necessitating full replacement.

To fast-track the project, Xaba said the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit has identified savings within its capital budget to cover the R3 million shortfall.

He said the municipality will now proceed with appointing a service provider to manufacture, construct, and install the new furnace.

The contractor, who must be South African-based, will also provide maintenance support for 12-months under warranty, with a potential extension for two years.

Xaba reiterated the city’s commitment to delivering dignified and efficient services.

“We understand the cultural and religious significance of cremation for many communities. The urgent reprioritisation of funds demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that all residents have access to essential municipal services,” the mayor said.

He said the city will continue to provide updates to residents as the project progresses, with the aim of restoring full operations at the crematorium within the current financial year.

The Department of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant regarding symptoms of mpox, as three additional laboratory-confirmed cases of the disease have been identified in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The newly confirmed cases include a 38-year-old man, who sought treatment at a healthcare facility due to symptoms of mpox.

The other two cases involve a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman, both of whom have been in contact with the first patient.

“None of the patients have recent travel history to countries or regions currently experiencing an outbreak, which suggests there is ongoing local transmission of the virus in the country,” the department explained.

In addition, the department announced that all three new mpox patients also tested positive for a relatively unknown, but common virus known as herpes simplex virus (HSV).

“This is a viral infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers which mainly spreads through skin-to-skin contact including kissing and unprotected sex, hence consistent and correct use of condoms remains the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs [sexually transmitted infections].”

According to the department, the virus is generally asymptomatic, and treatable, but not curable.

The department believes that the recent cases highlight the necessity of rapid and well-coordinated contact tracing for early detection and effective management of positive cases.

The latest cases have increased the total number of positive cases from 28 to 31, since the outbreak began in May 2024. This total includes six cases recorded since the beginning of this year.

The department said the patients are currently self-isolating and receiving appropriate clinical management from the healthcare workers.

Meanwhile, the department has activated outbreak response teams in the province for contact tracing and case investigation in the affected areas.

Mpox is typically a mild and self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate.

“The risk of wider transmission remains low in South Africa, but anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race.”

The symptoms include a rash which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.

Spaza shop owners and vendors have until the end of the day to register their businesses with their local municipalities.

“Spaza shops must be registered to ensure that food safety laws are followed, and dangerous goods are taken off the market, keeping children safe and preventing future outbreaks,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in an earlier statement.

The deadline for registration of businesses is today, Friday, 28 February 2025.

Application forms for registration or permits to conduct business can be accessed physically at municipal offices or on the municipality’s website.

The registration of a business takes one day.

“Citizens are reminded that registering a spaza shop on behalf of another person is a criminal offense. The Immigration Act of 2002 clearly states that it is a criminal offense to assist an illegal foreigner to conduct any business in the country and to assist an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence to conduct any business,” the GCIS said.

For guidelines on spaza shop registrations visit: https://www.sanews.gov.za/features-south-africa/guide-register-spaza-shops.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the registration deadline for all spaza shops and food handling outlets after initially announcing the registration directive in November 2024.

This extension follows a serious incident involving foodborne illnesses, which resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024.

In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop.