2 October 2026 – As geopolitical pressures drive up household costs, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says government is advancing an integrated transport system designed to make public transport safer and more affordable.

“This year has been a difficult one for households, bus and taxi operators, and the broader freight and logistics industry. Our geopolitical environment is not of our choosing. Its impact on supply chains, trade routes and the fuel price is there for all to see. From our side, we are doing everything in our power to make public transport more affordable,” the Minister said.

Speaking at the launch of Transport Month, which is observed in the month of October, Creecy said the recovery of passenger rail services by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is providing commuters with an alternative mode of transport.

Creecy said PRASA had recovered 35 of its 40 priority passenger rail lines over the past two years, most recently restoring part of the Midway–Lenz route.

“PRASA passenger trips rose from 10 million in 2020/21, after the pandemic, to an audited figure of 101 million at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

“On average, a Prasa passenger pays between R12 and R15 for a return trip at peak hours, depending on the distance travelled,” the Minister said.

This year, PRASA will continue refurbishing tracks, signalling systems and stations to accommodate more passengers and provide services that are more frequent and punctual.

“The integration of passenger and road transport systems is central to improving affordability and safety for commuters. Bus and minibus taxis remain central to our transport system.

“We are in the process of reforming our public transport grant system into a unified support model available on selected routes to bus and taxi operators alike. Our reform is guided by foundational principles including integration, sustainability, fairness, safety and commuter affordability. Consultation continues with all affected parties to develop a workable model,” the Minister said.

The Department of Transport is also working with the taxi industry to reform and formalise the sector through the following measures:

• Repurposing the taxi recapitalisation grant and reducing risk in the industry so that operators can buy more affordable vehicles with lower repayments; and
• Formalising and right-sizing the industry through pilot Transport Operating Companies – one in each province – to test new management and investment models.

Creecy launched Transport Month under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system”, marking 21 years since the inaugural October Transport Month in 2005.

Rail and ports

Last week, Cabinet supported the establishment of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as a stand-alone, state-owned company, underscoring the central role of rail and port reform in government’s transport agenda.

The separation is intended to improve the operational performance, infrastructure reliability and competitiveness of South Africa’s freight and logistics system.

“As an independent company, TNPA will be able to use its revenue to invest in port infrastructure and equipment, thereby accelerating the journey, which has already seen three of South Africa’s ports tagged as most improved in a recent World Bank study,” Creecy said.

According to Creecy, the separation will be guided by several principles, including fair compensation for Transnet based on an independent valuation of TNPA, long-term financial sustainability, and the equitable allocation of liabilities between the Transnet Group and TNPA.

Other principles include protecting workers, jobs and customers; preserving strategic state ownership and control of national ports infrastructure; and improving the investment capacity and infrastructure development of both TNPA and Transnet.

Cabinet also approved a TNPA investigation into the feasibility of bringing in a minority equity partner from one of the country’s development finance institutions (DFIs).

Creecy said the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy and the 2023 National Freight Logistics Roadmap are beginning to deliver results.

The policies aim to attract private-sector funding for infrastructure development and reposition rail as the country’s transport backbone.

“In March, the Department approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to use the state-owned national rail network, bringing private expertise and capital into operations. Operations are due to begin in April 2027.

“In July, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager published a second Network Statement, creating the necessary certainty to ensure the TOCs can secure rolling stock, staff and capital,” the Minister said.

Approved for public comment earlier this year, the Draft National Rail Master Plan sets out a vision for an interoperable, regulated and well-maintained state-owned railway network that will form the backbone of an integrated system for moving people and goods.

“Transnet’s 2025/26 results show rail volumes of about 167.9 million tonnes against a target of 180.6 million tonnes—progress towards our goal of 250 million tonnes a year on the Transnet network by the end of the political term,” the Minister said.

Creecy explained that increasing rail tonnage will require significant investment from both the state and the private sector.

Through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, R16.8 billion in public investment has already been approved and is being deployed across the coal and iron ore lines and port infrastructure. Applications for a further R23.6 billion are being developed.

“On Monday 12 October we will invite you to the Northern Cape to view current rail upgrades to the iron ore line during the annual “shut”.

“Private-sector investment in the rail and port infrastructure is being facilitated through projects currently in the market for the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor, Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal, and later this year the container corridor between Gauteng and Durban,” the Ministers said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Picture: Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Department of Health has recorded 767 laboratory-confirmed measles cases since October 2025, prompting intensified surveillance, contact tracing and vaccination campaigns across affected districts. The department said the continued rise in cases had placed it on high alert as it worked with districts to strengthen the response.

THE Northern Cape MEC for Health, Nontobeko Vilakazi said the outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or measles/rubella vaccine. Vilakazi said the highest numbers reported by the department are in the ZF Mgcawu and John Taolo Gaetsewe Districts, with 303 and 282 cases respectively.

“Frances Baard has recorded 156 cases, while Pixley ka Seme has reported 27. The second-dose Measles/Rubella immunisation coverage remains below 70% in all affected districts. The low coverage had contributed to the increase in cases, including infections among some people who had previously been vaccinated and some adults.

“In John Taolo Gaetsewe, targeted vaccination campaigns involving close contacts at schools have resulted in more than 4 700 people being vaccinated. Inter-facility immunisation has also started, with measles-rubella booster doses being offered to people of all ages regardless of their previous vaccination history,” she said.

Vilakazi further said in ZF Mgcawu, the outbreak previously affecting Postmasburg had ended after 42 days without a new case. She added that attention has now shifted to Upington in the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, where 204 cases have been reported and Kai! Garib Municipality, which has recorded 37 cases.

“Pixley ka Seme, which has recorded 27 cases from Griekwastad in the Siyancuma Local Municipality, has also completed its outbreak period after 42 days without a laboratory-confirmed case. More than 444 asymptomatic close contacts in the municipality have been vaccinated.

“Frances Baard remains on high alert, with health teams conducting immediate contact tracing and vaccinating close contacts. Health facilities have also been instructed to isolate suspected cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately,” said Vilakazi.

She said people infected with measles should isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. Vilakazi said suspected cases are treated symptomatically and provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications.

“We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. We urge parents and guardians to ensure children are vaccinated and to cooperate with health teams conducting school and community campaigns,” she concluded.

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Picture: Some of beneficiaries receive title deeds

By REGINALD KANYANE

2 October 2026 – The Northern Cape Provincial Government (NCPG) has handed over title deeds to beneficiaries in Paballelo, Upington, as part of its #TitleDeedsFridays campaign, which it says is aimed at addressing the province’s title deed backlog. The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul and Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, MEC Lebogang Motlhaping, handed over the documents at the Michael Bongela Community Hall in the Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality.

According to Saul, the campaign is intended to help verified beneficiaries move from being occupants of properties to registered owners with security of tenure. He further said the latest handover followed the distribution of keys to beneficiaries at the Dakotaweg and Jurgenskamp Housing Projects in Upington.

“#TitleDeedsFridays is a direct initiative aimed at eradicating the provincial title deed backlog. Ten conveyancing firms have been appointed to assist with processing and registering title deeds across the province. The move was intended to expedite this critical process and eliminate delays in conveyancing.

“The appointment of the conveyancing firms would help families receive their ownership documents “swiftly and efficiently. It also described the latest handover as evidence of its stated commitment to continued service delivery in the province,” added Saul.

He said the campaign forms part of its broader effort to provide beneficiaries with formal proof of property ownership and security of tenure.

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2 October 2026 – The Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF) will host its quarterly anti-corruption campaign at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.

The BMIACF is chaired by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and seeks to proactively root out corruption from South Africa’s ports of entry.

The Border Management Authority Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, together with the SIU Head, Leonard Lekgetho, and Home Affairs Director General, Tommy Makhode, together with representatives from other government institutions, will lead the campaign. 

“The leaders will demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption by publicly signing a pledge to take a firm stand against corruption, while also calling on officials at this port of entry to emulate their lead,” the Border Management Authority (BMA) said in a statement.

On the day, incarcerated offenders who have been sentenced on charges of fraud and corruption related activities will share the human and financial cost of engaging in corrupt activities. 

In addition, the Hawks will share details on how the entity is cracking down on corruption at ports of entry, while also sharing conviction statistics. – SAnews.gov.za

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By OBAKENG MAJE

1 October 2026 – Taung Skull Fossil Site is best known for discovery of an endocranial skull of a juvenile ape-man in 1924 during the course of commercial mining. It was later classified by Professor Raymond Dart as Australopithecus Africanus.

The recognition of this early hominid is the first ever that confirmed that human ancestry originated in Africa. Taung Skull Fossil includes much more than just the site where the skull was found.

The site displays a rich history of early 20^th century limestone mining with various buildings constructed in a variety of methods with aestheticism at different time frames. Archaeological and paleontological sites that contain rich fossil deposits that predate the mining area.

It has a fascinating natural and man-made landscape. A visit to the Taung Skull Fossil Site will introduce you to diverse wonders and attractions.

Due to the activities such as blasting and digging that took place during the mining era, a unique eye-catching landscape was formed. This has a fascinating geological and geomorphological appearance, which exposed different and interesting types of rocks and breccia that are visible over a distance of 10km (e.g: Leopard Rock).

The majestic beautiful waterfall (visible during rainy season) at the Blue Pools flows through the Thabasikwa river down the cliff of the Ghaap Escarpment. They slowly flow through the blue pools several meters below. The mixture of sounds of nature draws your attention to the uniqueness of this part of the world heritage while having a relaxed moment at the picnic site, which offers seating benches and tables (made out of local stone), as well as braai areas and other social infrastructures.    

The memorial site represents a place where the skull was found during the mining operations in 1924 – indicated by the Dart pinnacle on the left and Hrdlicka pinnacle on the right. The area offers breath-taking views of the mine dumps, Harts valley, a clear view of the Buxton village and awesome landscape.

Taung Skull Fossil Site has 17 recognisable and preserved fossil sites (archaeological and paleontological). Some of these archaeological sites yielded numerous fauna (animal) and flora (plants) remnants as well as Middle Stone Age artefacts dating back as far as 2.3 million years ago.

The relics of limestone mining are clearly represented not only by the mine dumps, but also by the historical architectural styles on various buildings and structures present on site. Buildings show different designs, styles and methods used during different time frames throughout the 1900’s.

The use of local material, in the fusion of old and modern is prevalent on both old and new buildings as applied during the restoration process.

The World Heritage Site is located along the flank of the Ghaap Escarpment and forms an elevated backdrop and provides extraordinary viewpoints over the valley of the Harts and the site. It is habitat to a variety of animals, birds, rocks, vegetation and plant commodities.

A local travel agent and a storyteller, Ontshebile Joseph Shambok said: “I would like to encourage people to visit Taung Skull Fossil and know more about our heritage. The Taung Skull Fossil is one of the oldest heritage sites, where the origins of humankind commenced.”  

The Greater Taung Local Municipality Chairperson of Finance, Mika Moeti shared the same sentiments. Moeti said Taung is rich in history and Taung Skull World Heritage Site can be turned into an economic driver.

“It is important to balance public or private investment in infrastructure with community-led commercial activities that generate sustainable tourism revenue. The Taung Skull World Heritage Site should benefit the locals.

“The site should boost the economy of the area and create job opportunities for locals, especially the youths. We need to preserve our heritage sites and ensure that they offer a range of benefits for tourism,” he said.

Moeti further said upgraded infrastructure and accessible roads are contributing factors to lure tourists to the area. He added that the Taung Skull should be returned to the area from Witwatersrand University as that will boost the economy.

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30 September 2026 – Cabinet has called on law enforcement agencies to expedite the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of women in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. 

Cabinet’s call comes amid the increased number of murders of women whose bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. 

A total of 13 bodies have been recovered since July 2026, including the murder of a woman whose body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and the murder of a 23-year-old who was reportedly shot and killed during an alleged robbery in Thembisa, while on her way to work on Monday, 28 September 2020.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni warned that perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) must face the full might of the law. 

She said Cabinet supports President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive to the multidisciplinary investigation team, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), to accelerate investigations and bring those responsible for the recent murders of women to justice. 

The President is set to address the nation this evening on steps being taken by government to confront GBVF. The address will take place at 7pm. 

Ntshavheni said the investigation team is pursuing several people of interest, while four suspects remain in custody after being denied bail following their court appearances.

Cabinet expressed concern over the rising incidence of gender-based violence, particularly femicide, which refers to the intentional killing of women because of their gender, often by intimate partners or people known to them.

Ntshavheni said the deliberate killing of women by their loved ones or people close to them requires a collective response from men, families, communities and society at large. 

“The rise in incidents of gender-based violence, in particular femicide – the intentional killing of a woman by a person close to them – must galvanise a societal response to protect women by men, families, communities and society in general. The murder of women intentionally by their loved ones or people close to them cannot be tolerated by any society or community,” the Minister said. 

She stressed that law enforcement agencies must act swiftly to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted, noting that the country’s laws have been amended to provide for harsher measures in dealing with GBV-related crimes, including provisions allowing for the denial of bail.

Ntshavheni also reiterated that the government will continue to strengthen efforts to promote the safety and well-being of women and children and ensure that communities are safe.

“Let us all – men and women – take a stand against violence against women and play our part in ending the scourge of gender-based violence.” 

The Minister also acknowledged women who have been using the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre hotline to seek assistance and intervention, emphasising the importance of reporting abuse and accessing available support services. 

Cabinet has urged anyone with information that can assist in criminal investigations to report it to the police. 

Members of the public can report information through the Crime Stop toll-free number, 08600 10111, or contact the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428.

The GBV Command Centre can also be reached by sending a Please Call Me to 1207867#, SMSing “HELP” to 31531, or contacting Skype: Helpme GBV. – SAnews.gov.za

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