Parliament holds State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, 12 Feb 2026

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Parliament holds State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, 12 Feb 2026

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

CLICK HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The 7th Parliament will be holding the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 12 February at the Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, at the Grand Parade, where President Nelson Mandela first appeared on 11 February 1990 before the people of South Africa after 27 years in prison.

The SONA is a constitutional event called by the President of the Republic in terms of Section 42(5) of the Constitution. It is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament and one of the rare occasions that bring together the three arms of the state under one roof. To ensure that the majority of South Africans listen to this important Address, it is scheduled to take place in the evening at 19:00, when the majority of South Africans are at home.

The Address provides the President with an opportunity to speak to the nation on the general state of South Africa, reflecting on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within domestic and global contexts. It is also an opportunity for him to account to the nation on the work of government and to set out the government’s programme of action for the year.

Traditionally, the President makes key government announcements during this important sitting. During the week following the Address, a debate is held on it over two days. Thereafter, on the third day, the President is given an opportunity to reply to and close the debate.

The President delivers the Address before Parliament because it is Parliament that is charged with ensuring that the work flowing from the Address is implemented. Most importantly, SONA is delivered in Parliament because the priorities announced in it have budgetary implications demanding robust parliamentary oversight. This is one of Parliament’s core constitutional responsibilities.

Parliament may accept, reject or amend the budgets allocated to government departments to ensure that these align with national priorities, as outlined in the President’s Address. Parliament may also withhold the budgets of departments whose annual performance plans are not in line with these priorities.

The SONA is different from the occasion of the Opening of Parliament Address, which takes place only at the start of a new five-year term of Parliament, immediately after national general elections. This opening address is also held at Parliament in a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

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Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele on collaboration with CSIR to advance digital transformation

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Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele on collaboration with CSIR to advance digital transformation

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Mondli Gungubele (MP), today concluded a successful engagement with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration in support of South Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) to engage with CSIR leadership and researchers on the organisation’s current and emerging capabilities in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), broadband connectivity, digital infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.

Deputy Minister Gungubele emphasised the importance of closer collaboration between government and science institutions to accelerate innovation and ensure that technological advancements translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for all South Africans.

“CSIR remains a critical strategic partner in our efforts to build a digitally inclusive society. Through deliberate collaboration, we can harness local innovation to drive industrial growth, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life of our people,” said Deputy Minister Gungubele.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of DCDT, working together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation through CSIR, to align research and development with national priorities, particularly those focused on digital inclusion, sustainable development, and the creation of a high-capacity state.

Discussions further explored opportunities to leverage CSIR’s research and innovation to support broadband expansion, smart infrastructure development, and the adoption of emerging digital technologies across government and industry.

The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening interdepartmental synergy and ensuring that science and technology play a central role in South Africa’s digital future

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Hand over of fully equipped computer laboratory to Umdlamfe Secondary School

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Hand over of fully equipped computer laboratory to Umdlamfe Secondary School

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza today, 22 January 2026, handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to Umdlamfe Secondary School in Esikhawini, Richards Bay, in partnership with global technology brand HONOR South Africa. The handover of the high-tech computer lab forms part of government’s Back-To-School Programme.

HONOR South Africa, which delivered the laptops, partnered with the Department of Home Affairs to establish the laboratory to support digital literacy and skills development at the school. The presence of the laboratory will ensure that learners are trained to become active participants in the artificial intelligence sphere while bridging the digital divide, particularly in previously disadvantaged communities.

Speaking during the handover, Deputy Minister Nzuza hailed the unveiling of the laboratory as a positive step in the right direction, saying access to digital learning was a pivotal cog in the development of learners in the 21st century and will go a long way in ensuring a digitally equipped South Africa. Government, he explained, recognised the development of digital skills as a key element in the advancement of South Africa’s digital economy. This was underscored by the establishment of the Presidential Commission on the 4IR (PC4IR) by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019 with a mandate to provide leadership for society to understand, navigate and assume agency over what will be the fundamentally altered future.

Said the Deputy Minister: “The world has gravitated towards the 4th Industrial Revolution and this demands of us to be technologically savvy to be able to meet the challenges of this new and exciting phenomenon. The establishment of this computer laboratory demonstrates a commitment on our part to prioritise digital learning to put South Africa in a better position to seize opportunities and manage the challenges of rapid advances in the technological realm.

“We are excited that this facility will play an integral part in the learners’ academic improvement while preparing them to fully embrace the digital world through access to digital resources. This will, in future, enable them to navigate the digital economy, apply for jobs online, and explore various work opportunities.”

The CEO of HONOR South Africa, Mr Fred Zhou, said the partnership with the Department of Home Affairs represented a cornerstone of digital literacy and infrastructure missions.

“We are proud to partner with the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Njabulo Nzuza, and the government of South Africa to invest in young minds and future skills. We hope the learners will use this opportunity to learn, explore and dream big,” he said.

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GAUTENG RAMPS UP SMART LICENSING CENTRES TO BRING SERVICES CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES

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GAUTENG RAMPS UP SMART LICENSING CENTRES TO BRING SERVICES CLOSER TO COMMUNITIES

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : @KASIBC_AUDIO

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport is accelerating the roll-out of Smart Driver Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) across the province, bringing efficient, ethical and modern licensing services directly to communities while supporting the Department's road safety objectives.

Currently operational Smart DLTCs include Atteridgeville, Denlyn, Maponya Mall, Centurion, Protea Glen and Midrand, with the Umphakathi Smart DLTC set to open soon, further expanding access to quality licensing services in townships and underserved areas.

These cutting-edge facilities have redefined the licensing experience, providing unparalleled efficiency and convenience while significantly improving turnaround times for licence renewals and other services.

The Smart DLTCs are fully integrated into the eNaTIS administration system and are designed as hubs of licensing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions, including vehicle license renewals, driving license applications, renewals and more.

MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, said the rollout forms part of the Provincial Government's “Smart Mobility Plan” under Growing Gauteng Together 2030 and supports broader road safety objectives.

“We are expanding Smart Licensing Centres to ensure services are closer to communities. These centres offer online, cashless services, with licence renewals taking approximately 10 minutes. But this is about more than convenience; it’s about road safety too. When licensing is accessible and corruption-free, more people get properly licensed instead of driving illegally or obtaining fake licences. Road safety starts with proper licensing,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

KEY FEATURES:

• Saturday Operations: Smart DLTCs operate Monday to Saturday, allowing working residents to access services at their convenience.

• 10-Minute Service: Using smart enrolment technology and cashless systems, licence renewals are processed in approximately 10 minutes.

• Corruption-Free: Appointment-only operations eliminate the need for runners. Law enforcement officials manage the centres, ensuring transparency and integrity.

• Supporting Road Safety: By making licensing accessible and eliminating corruption, the centres ensure drivers are properly tested and legally licensed (competent drivers), supporting the Department’s “E Thoma Ka Wena” (It Starts With You) road safety campaign.

• Job Creation: The centres have created employment for young people from local communities, with the majority being women.

The extension of Smart DLTCs into townships, informal settlements and hostels ensures quality services are available where people live, reducing the need for long journeys to distant licensing offices.

“These centres reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and respond effectively to the province's renewal service demands. They also relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices, improving the system for everyone,” said MEC Diale-Tlabela.

For locations and booking information, follow GPDRT official platforms.

#GrowingGautengTogether #SmartLicensingCentres #RoadSafety #EthomaKaWena

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Water and Sanitation on Grootdraai Dam Water Levels

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Water and Sanitation on Grootdraai Dam Water Levels

CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS 

ONLINE_EDITOR 

LISTEN HERE : KASIBC_AUDIO

The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest State of Reservoirs report issued earlier this week shows that Grootdraai Dam in the Integrated Vaal River System (Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga) remains stable at 101.9%.

The report reflects improved dam levels across the district, with most dams above full capacity. Westoe Dam is the only dam below 100%, but it increased from 82.3% to 83.4%. Other dams above full capacity also recorded gains, including Jericho from 100.3% to 100.8%, Morgenstond Dam from 100.4% to 100.5%, Nooitgedacht Dam from 99.0% to 101.9% and Vygeboom Dam from 100.4% to 102.2%. Heyshope Dam also remains steady at 100.8%.

At provincial level, Mpumalanga’s average storage increased from 100.9% to 101.5%, while both Water Management Areas (WMA) recorded improvements. The Limpopo–Olifants WMA rose from 94.9% to 99.3% and the Inkomati–Usuthu WMA increased from 100.5% to 101.5%. Water levels also rose in all three districts of Mpumalanga, with Ehlanzeni increasing from 102.8% to 104.0%, Gert Sibande from 100.0% to 100.4% and Nkangala from 100.7% to 101.0%.

With dams and rivers overflowing in several areas, the Department urges the public to exercise extreme caution around water bodies and to avoid crossing or approaching overflowing dams, rivers and streams as these conditions pose a serious risk to life and property.

The Department further appeals to communities to avoid building or settling on floodlines, as this heightens vulnerability to flooding, and to refrain from dumping waste into rivers and streams, as this pollutes water resources, obstructs natural water flow and contributes to flooding.

Despite current wet conditions, South Africa remains a water-scarce country. Water conservation, responsible use and safe rainwater harvesting remain critical to ensuring sustainable and reliable water supply for current and future generations.

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