SA closely monitoring new COVID variant spreading across Asia

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Friday, June 13, 2025

South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, associated with a rise in cases in certain regions of Asia. 

This is according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who addressed the 4th Health Working Group meeting of the Group of 20 (G20), which is underway in Johannesburg.

Motsoaledi said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this “a variant under monitoring” due to its growing presence.

India is the latest country to experience a surge in new COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the new variant, NB.1.8.1. 

According to the Independent, infections have been confirmed in several Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia and China. 

In addition, the United Kingdom Health Security Agency reported the first 13 cases of this variant in England last week.

“I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. 

“Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive sentinel surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,” Motsoaledi explained.

South Africa is currently experiencing a seasonal rise in influenza, but the country is well-prepared to manage the situation, he said.

“Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public.” 

Motsoaledi said government continues to promote good hygiene practices, including handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when feeling unwell.

“These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.” 

Meanwhile, he called on the attendees of the meeting to work together with “renewed urgency and unwavering resolve”.

“Let us build a future where solidarity, equity, and cooperation are the cornerstones of our global health architecture.”

The week-long Health Working Group meeting began on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday.

It brings together health leaders, experts, and policymakers from the world’s largest economies, invited nations, and international organisations.

The plenary sessions will build on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and address ongoing barriers to accessing countermeasures, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 

There will be a focus on prioritising the expansion of local and regional manufacturing capacity, especially in regions like Africa.

Delegates will also explore opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable financing, and regulatory alignment to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving tools during health emergencies. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa explores regionalisation of chicken imports from Brazil

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Friday, June 13, 2025

The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity.

This follows South Africa’s suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025.

This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process.

Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa’s poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country’s food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods.

He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other States and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions.

“This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don’t introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,” Steenhuisen explained.

The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa’s enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana Bafana through to the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players in celebratory mood/Generic

By AGISANANG SCUFF

13 June 2025 – South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the COSAFA Cup after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Mauritius at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday afternoon.

The draw was enough to take coach Vela Khumalo’s team to the last four of the tournament and finish at the top of Group A after Zimbabwe beat Mozambique 3-1 in the other group match. According to the tournament rules, the top teams in each of the four groups advance to the semi-finals, with the winner of Group A to face the top side in Group D, and the leading team in Group B up against the top team in Group C.

Coach Vela Khumalo said while Mauritius were tough opponents and his charges struggled to break them down during a tense 90 minutes of football, the home side also missed a plethora of chances that could have won the match comfortably.

“Look, I think our boys need to put on their scoring boots. Our sessions (ahead of the semi-finals) will be more on finishing. This is exactly what we have been all about. But if you see it at training, honestly speaking, the players are coming from recess, their teams were closed (for the off-season) and then they came back here. Maybe they left their scoring shoes behind. But gradually, I think it will come back and then we’ll manage to score goals,” he said.

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Recall of 142 faulty Volkswagen Polo vehicles

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Picture: Volkswagen Polo vehicles/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

13 June 2025- The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said it can confirm the recall of 142 Volkswagen Polo vehicles and 8 Volkswagen Tiago vehicles, as notified by Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA). The commission said the recall is due to a faulty part in the gas generators of the front passenger airbag module.

The National Consumer Commission spokesperson, Phetho Ntaba said in the event of an accident with deployment of the front airbag, there may be a reduced protective effect by the front passenger airbag and an increased risk of injury to the passenger. Ntaba said furthermore, the gas generator housing may burst, or components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.

“According to the supplier, 141 Polo vehicles were made available for sale nationally from 20 December 2022, while a Polo and eight Tiago vehicles were made available for sale from 29 January 2024.

“Affected consumers are advised to take steps such as deactivate the front passenger airbag, refrain from using the front passenger seat, submit their vehicle to any VWSA approved dealer for a check and if necessary, replacement of the affected components,” she said.

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Police urge motorists to be cautious

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By REGINALD KANYANE

13 June 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) said it has noticed with concern the number of incidents reported relating to the theft out of and from motor vehicles. The police said they are urging the public to adhere to and implement safety measures to curb this occurrence, especially during shopping trips, at guest houses, holiday destinations, social gatherings, homes and other public places.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sergio Kock said individuals should not leave their firearms in the motor vehicles’ glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when they park the vehicle as this is against the law. Kock said they should make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when they park their vehicles.

“Valuable items such as laptops, hand bags, shopping bags, cash and cameras should be locked in the boot and out of plain sight. Be aware of people approaching you and informing you that you have a flat tyre.

“The intention can be to steal items that they see inside the vehicle. Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times, especially when driving in town. Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit as it can also lure criminals to your vehicle,” he said.

Kock further said at night, people should park in well-lit and not dark and secluded areas. He added that they should not leave their keys in the ignition.

“Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when leaving your vehicle unattended. Try to install an alarm and/or anti-theft device. Use parking areas with a parking attendant or supervision/someone patrolling.

“Otherwise try to park in locations that are well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide,” said Kock.

He said if they see something, they must say something. Kock urged the public to report criminality to your nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or the MySAPS App.

“All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Ka KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

13 Seetebosigo 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna (35) wa kwa motseng wa Majaneng, gaufi le Taung, e buseditswe morago ke kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung. Motseothata Nelson Seoleseng, yo o kwa ntlo-lefitshwaneng, o latofadiwa ka go tlhaba tsala ya gagwe, Mosimanegape Adam van Wyk (31) ka thiba go fitlhelela a tlhokafala.

Tiragalo e, e diragetse dikgwedi di le mmalwa kwa motseng wa Majaneng. Go begwa fa Seoleseng ga mmogo le moswi, ba ne ba le mmogo, mme ba ile ba ya kwa gabo molatofadiwa ko ba fitlhetseng morwa rragwe molatofadiwa ana le lekgarebe la gagwe.

Mongwe wa bo maratahelele wa tlhalosa: “Go begwa fa go ile ga runya kgakgauthano ya mafoko ma gareng ga molatofadiwa le monnawe. Sebakwa sa kgakgauthano ke gore, molatofadiwa one a botsa monnawe gore goreng a tlisa lekgarebe kwa gagabo.

“Ene ya re fa e ya matsogong, tsala ya molatofadiwa, van Wyk, one a leka go tsiriganya. Fela go begwa fa molatofadiwa a ne a mo tsogela kgatlhanong, mme a mo tsatsanka ka thipa. Go ya ka dipego, moswi one a rwalelwa kwa bookelong jwa sedika jwa Taung, fela one a balelelwa le badimo mo letsatsing le le latelang.”

Go begwa fa kgetsi ya polao ene ya bulwa, mme mmelaelwa one a tshwarwa.

Kgabagage, sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen are, kgetsi ya polao e butswe. Kgetsi e ne ya busediwa morago go fitlha 9 Seetebosigo 2025, fa dipaltisiso di tsweletse.  

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Bafana Bafana ready to face Comoros

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Picture: Bafana Bafana player, Boitumelo Radiopane

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 June 2025- Orlando Pirates FC player, Boitumelo Radiopane has admitted that South Africa needs to be more clinical in front of goals as they gear up to face Comoros in the COSAFA Cup semi-finals at the Free State Stadium on Friday evening.

Despite topping Group A, Radiopane bemoaned the missed opportunities that could have made their path smoother. However, the young striker is confident that the team has learned from those moments and is ready to deliver when they face Comoros.

“We tried each and every day to finish the chances we get in training because that is where the work starts.

“I am happy with the group of players that I’m surrounded with because we all want to reach the same goal, which is to win, and to win we have to score as many goals as we can,” he said.

Radiopane further said all he can say regarding their decision-making in front of the goals is that they need to be calm and not be selfish at some point. He added that if they are not in a good position to score, he just has to give it to the next player who is in the better position and to win the game for them.

“The only way to reward our defence is to score for them because they are doing everything well and everything they can for the opposition not to strike at us,” said Radiopane.

His honesty and hunger reflect the spirit of a team that is still finding its rhythm, but refuses to back down. Radiopane is one of several young players stepping up their game for the team, as they prepare to face Comoros.

As the semi-final draws closer, the mood in the South African camp is a mix of calm confidence and quiet determination, with players like Radiopane knowing the weight of the jersey they wear and the pride that comes with representing their country on home soil.

Meanwhile, South Africa is ready to fight for a place in the final of COSAFA Cup. The stage is set for today at 6pm at Free State Stadium, where South Africa will lock horns with Comoros in what promises to be a thrilling COSAFA Cup semi-final clash.

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Over 13 000 young people benefit from BEEI  

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Picture: The teacher assistant in class/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

12 June 2025- The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said they gathered stakeholders at Sun City Resort to launch the 5th phase of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). Motsumi said this programme places assistants in schools across the province, offering young people valuable work experience while supporting the education system.

She further said BEEI targets youth aged 18 to 34, providing a stipend of R4000 per month for six months. Motsumi added that applicants must be under 35 by the end of March 2026.

“The programme aims to empower 13 200 young people with hands-on experience in schools and help ease staff shortages. We must ensure equal opportunities for disabled youth and women.

“Schools should prioritize hiring young people from their local communities to encourage growth and development in our province,” she said.

Motsumi said the department remains committed to improving youth employment and education through initiatives like BEEI. She said by investing in young assistants, the program enhances learning environments and helps reduce youth unemployment in the North West.

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2000 learners to benefit from white beans project

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Picture: White bean farming project

By BAKANG MOKOTO

12 June 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi accompanied by the North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, will lead the launch of a large scale dry white beans farming project, which covers three thousand hectares of land. Mokgosi said the primary objective of the project is to empower rural communities through agriculture-based skills development to fight the scourge of poverty and create sustainable employment job opportunities for locals.

He further said close to 2000 learners are expected to undergo training with Bright Ideas, which has secured an off-take agreement with Harvest Hub Africa under government’s Labour Activation Plan Initiative. Mokgosi added that the project which is being implemented in collaboration with Baga-Maidi Agricultural Initiative under the stewardship of Baga-Maidi Development Agency is aimed at revitalizing Taung’s agricultural economy through high-value farming.

“The event will take place at Manthe Community Hall on Friday at 9am,” he said.

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A probe on traffic learnership programme 

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng

By OBAKENG MAJE 

12 June 2025- There is a growing discontent and concern surrounding the recruitment processes of the traffic officers’ learnership programme from the North West Community Safety and Transport Management. Now, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management said it is probing the matter after it received a complaint letter from one of the disgruntled applicants.      

The Chairperson of the Committee, Freddy Sonakile said they were told that the recruitment process was at the advanced stage. Sonakile said, however, they were shocked when they received a letter from one of the concerned applicants, who even underwent interviews. 

“The applicant felt that the process was flouted. I then forwarded it to the Head of Department (HOD), Dr Hans Kekana, to provide us with a full report regarding all processes that ensued during recruitment. 

“This will mean that he will have to provide us with a short-listing process, how many people have applied, how did they get to the one that they have recruited, including verification of the nepotism allegations,” he said. 

Sonakile further said after receiving the report, they will table it to the committee for a way forward. He added normally, if they believe the recruitment process was flouted, they will rope in the Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate deeper in terms of legislation of Human Resource.  

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the North West Provincial Legislature, Fanon Moema said they have received a leaked list that is alleged to be signed off by the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng. Moema they are told that those who were selected relate to those who were in the panel and occupying executive positions in the North West Provincial Government. 

“There are allegations that an individual very close to the North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, is also part of the list. There is an individual who shares the same surname with Morweng and is also part of the list. 

“There is also a person who appears to be a girlfriend of one of the ANCYL members in North West and a councillor in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality area,” he said. 

Moema said they are going to ensure that the ugly head of nepotism or cadre deployment does not exist, while young people are genuinely faced with unemployment, inequality and poverty. 

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Oshebeng Koonyaditse said: “The positions for the Traffic Learnership Programme were advertised and the process to select candidates was embarked upon. 

“This was done in line with the DPSA guidelines and the Public Service Regulations on employment processes and procedures. Since then, there had been numerous allegations of wrongdoing and none of the complainants came forward with any iota of evidence.”

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Picture: The traffic officers during parade in North West