South Africa

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has established a rapid response team to deal with all current outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) has vowed to reinstate the Estina dairy farm case “as soon as possible”, following a decision by the Free State High Court to strike the matter off the court roll.

The KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements Department is working to ensure the completion of blocked housing projects.

Fresh off the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on several local and international duties this month.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng later this month.

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) together with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will host a panel discussion on 30 years of women excellence in community media.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be hosting roadshows across the country to engage directly with the landlords affected by outstanding payments of student accommodation allowances.

It is often said that the more things change, the more they stay the same - and to some extent this is true.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, says the scheme has been able to constantly process payments for all the beneficiaries who have submitted their banking details.

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has intervened in the transfer of the notorious leader of the 28s prison gang, George “Geweld” Thomas, to the Helderstroom Prison in the Western Cape.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has insisted that, given South Africa’s – and Africa’s – historical past of discrimination and under development of parts of the population, it is imperative to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised”.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has extended his condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary actress Connie Chiume.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed work completed by Infrastructure South Africa to unblock the bureaucracy associated with the Umgeni-Uthukela Water’s Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme.

With tourism being one of the fastest growing economic sectors, the Department of Tourism is keen not only to increase employment in the sector, but also to increase arrivals by 15 million by 2030.