As geopolitical pressure exposes the fragility of global energy supply chains, the case for strengthening domestic energy security by developing South Africa’s own offshore energy resources to secure domestic supply has sharpened considerably. South Africa sits on one of the continent’s most promising, underexplored offshore basins. The country’s offshore oil and gas sector recognises the responsibility that comes with that potential. The debate around offshore oil and gas development is not new. At its core, it is a debate about how development should proceed responsibly. Science and regulation provide a structured framework for assessing and managing offshore activity in a way that balances environmental protection with economic opportunity. It is well documented globally that responsible natural resource development can and does contribute to economic growth, generating jobs, tax revenue and long-term opportunities for coastal and inland communities alike. We take our responsibility seriously. The offshore energy industry begins with environmental assessments and proceeds where science supports it. That is the foundation on which all activity rests. Science first Geoscience maps what lies beneath the ocean floor and identifies where energy resources might exist. Before any geoscience activities can occur, an independent environmental and social impact assessment (Esia) must be completed to evaluate potential effects on wildlife, marine ecosystems and any impact on human activities that depend on the resources. In practice, this means rigorous scientific work before any activity commences. Available scientific data and historical information on the marine environment are assessed to establish baseline conditions. Marine specialists map the seabed and biodiversity surveys identify species in the area. Fishing patterns and sensitive habitats are flagged. The baseline data shapes where activity may take place, how it must be conducted, what mitigation measures are required and whether certain activities may or may not proceed. Authorisation is granted only where risks can be effectively mitigated and responsibly managed through robust safeguards. Exploration cannot proceed without environmental authorisation and approvals come with enforceable conditions, monitoring obligations and rehabilitation requirements. Oversight applies throughout the life cycle of a project, including after operations cease. Seismic surveying and marine life Seismic surveys have been conducted in South African waters and across the region for decades and they are a non-invasive data-gathering activity that is essential to characterising what lies beneath the seabed for a wide range of purposes, from oil and gas exploration to foundation planning for offshore wind and seabed mapping. The technique has been used worldwide for more than 50 years and has dramatically increased the success, efficiency and safety of subsequent operations. Only if seismic results indicate potential oil and gas is an area subject to further exploration to confirm its presence. Seismic surveying uses sound waves to map rock formations beneath the seabed. Some marine animals respond to these sounds with short-term movements or changes in vocalisation. Research shows the effects are temporary and seismic surveys operate alongside productive fisheries in established offshore regions such as the North Sea and offshore Norway. Decades of research have broadened our understanding of marine mammals and other species, informing how operations implement risk-based mitigation to reduce residual risks to negligible levels. In addition to mammals such as whales and dolphins, studies now assess impacts across the food chain, including commercially important species. Scientific understanding continues to evolve and operational practices are updated as new research emerges. Importantly, research distinguishes between a measurable biological response and biologically meaningful consequences such as reduced survival or reproduction. From first activity to final output Every phase of offshore development is governed by approved work programmes and environmental authorisations, with rehabilitation and environmental management requirements applied continuously and maintained throughout the entire process. Robust regulatory oversight is what makes responsible offshore oil and gas development possible. Offshore development can deliver value for South Africa. Exploration and appraisal can generate early fiscal inflows through licence fees, VAT, customs duties and taxes. During construction, in addition to the above, numerous jobs and contracts with local companies can be unlocked and during operations, significant income taxes and eventual direct access to production through South Africa’s participation in projects. For municipalities and communities along the value chain, this can mean sustained funding over decades. This is revenue that supports water infrastructure, roads, clinics and schools. Long-term, predictable income streams matter in communities where service delivery budgets are under constant pressure. At a national level, domestic offshore production has the potential to reduce reliance on energy imports, contribute to price stability and strengthen energy resilience. It migh also allow South Africa to support regional energy systems through its existing industrial and financial capabilities. Commitment to responsible development South Africa’s offshore sector stands at a pivotal moment. The scientific framework is established, the regulatory system is being defined and environmental oversight is embedded at every stage. Responsible development is not separate from environmental stewardship; it depends on it. Environmental protection and economic resilience operate in the same framework. As global energy systems face increasing strain, South Africa’s offshore resources represent a strategic opportunity. Realising it responsibly requires transparency, scientific rigour and continued oversight, standards that are embedded in how the industry operates. No society has developed to be prosperous without responsible, abundant energy. Writers’ notes Offshore oil and gas development in South Africa is governed, among others, by the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998, as amended in 2022, and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. These two pieces of legislation ensure exploration cannot move forward without environmental approval. Approvals come with enforceable conditions, monitoring requirements and rehabilitation obligations. The legislation is built on the principle of continuous oversight and rehabilitative interventions. They require significant and ongoing financial commitments and reporting that continue even after operations cease. As the UPRDA Regulations are being finalised, the industry is contributing to a framework that will ensure implementation reflects both environmental best practice and operational reality. Niall Kramer is the spokesperson for the Offshore Petroleum Association of South Africa and Dr Ross Compton is the EAME consultant for EnerGeo Alliance

The tradition of young men leaving their homes to go to initiation schools has not only been a source of pride for families and loved ones but has also brought misery and the loss of lives to some families across our country. There is certainly concern as the winter initiation season kicks off, with traditional leaders, communities and government leaders worried about rogue elements ready to take advantage of unsuspecting families. As the government of Mpumalanga, we will continue to reiterate that there will be zero tolerance for such elements; the full might of the law will be applied because we do not want to see yet another loss of life. As we acknowledge and respect the intersection of tradition and modernity when it comes to initiations, we should not be alarmed by public scrutiny of how some criminals have sought to exploit a tradition that has been the hallmark of several cultures in SA. Each parent, adult and leader across several spheres should make it a priority to ensure the safe return of every initiate so that as they venture into the mountains, we do not regard it as their final destination under the care of criminals masquerading as medical practitioners. The customary practice in South Africa, which is a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood, is often riddled with controversy between those calling for it to be completely scrapped in favour of circumcision at hospitals and staunch traditionalists demanding its continued preservation. A few weeks ago in Mpumalanga, we ushered in hundreds of young men ready to take this significant step in their lives — a decision that will forever be etched in their memories. While they are there, it is important to point out that initiation schools go further by assisting the young men to learn what it means to undertake the cultural preparation for manhood, guided by their identity as young African men. In the Nkangala district alone in Mpumalanga, there are more than 921 registered initiation schools, visited regularly by government officials to ensure that everything is followed to the letter of the law and that the safety of the young men is prioritised. While the visits are conducted at registered schools, those that remain illegal will be hunted down and shut, with consequences to follow. The consequences need to be emphasised because, for years, illegal initiation schools have claimed the lives of young people not only in Mpumalanga but also in other provinces such as Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. This, according to those concerned across our nation, must not only be condemned but stopped, with law enforcement authorities brought in to act. Special courts and dedicated detectives are among the interventions we have decided to implement this year; the message must be clear: illegal initiation schools will not be tolerated. The Mpumalanga department of human settlements, co-operative governance and traditional affairs has decided to work closely with traditional leaders, Emergency Medical Services doctors, the SA Police Service and the Ingoma Forum, as we aim to ensure that this year is different, that the safety of initiates is paramount and that they all return to their families alive and healthy. The one issue we need to address nationally is criminality and how the illegal initiation schools operate under the arrogant notion that they will not be caught or that little action will be taken against them. It is such schools that have perpetuated the perception that our children are turned into unruly bullies and are uncontrollable, thus establishing a view that works against our culture and the key traditions we need to preserve with dignity. Ingoma, as a cultural practice, must not be taken for granted but respected at all times. As the government, we are encouraged to see parents, particularly fathers, getting involved, as this is a step in the right direction, particularly in a country where there is constant criticism about the behaviour of boys and how many lack father figures who can guide them to become better men. It is in this light that initiation schools teach young men to become better men, leaders of tomorrow and importantly, how to treat women in a country battling the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. While this might be another uncertain period — a winter of discontent for all involved — we remain positive that, as we continue working closely with our stakeholders, we will manage this period effectively and see fewer fatalities as we welcome back our sons, ready to take their place in a society where much work still needs to be done. Speedy Mashilo is Mpumalanga’s MEC for Human Settlements and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Discover the untold stories of South African POWs as we honour their sacrifices at a special memorial service on 31 May 2026. Join us at the Military Museum to remember their bravery and resilience during World War II.

From rich tomato bredie to hearty cabbage and green bean bredie, these iconic South African stews are comforting classics packed with history, flavour and nostalgia.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has issued a warning against collecting or consuming any wild shellfish from Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape and its surrounding areas. DFFE said recent monitoring, which started on 25 May, detected high levels of paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) in mussels and oysters in the Saldanha Bay farms. Toxin levels far exceed safety limits The toxin levels, the department said, were recorded at 15 times the regulatory safety limit. “High concentrations of toxin-producing phytoplankton (Alexandrium catenella) have also been recorded, indicating a significant harmful algal bloom,” DFFE said in a statement on Friday. “The production areas in Saldanha Bay have been closed [to] harvesting for human consumption. At this stage, it is not clear how widespread this risk is along the West Coast, and toxin levels may vary across different areas.” Ingesting contaminated shellfish such as mussels and oysters can cause serious illness due to paralytic shellfish poisoning. It may also be life-threatening. “Members of the public are strongly advised to avoid harvesting or eating any wild shellfish from Saldanha Bay and surrounding coastal areas until further notice.” Red tide continues to affect West Coast waters In February, the department issued a red tide alert urging residents to steer clear of the shoreline at Elands Bay and to avoid collecting or eating West Coast Rock lobsters that had washed up on the beach. According to Walter Steenkamp, chairperson of the fishing cooperative Coastalink Northern Cape and Aukotowa Fisheries, the red tide hits the West Coast up to six times a year. “The main cause of this red tide is overgrowth by plants in the ocean that take all the nitrogen and phosphorus in the ocean away and can kill marine life,” Steenkamp said. The department warned that washed-up seafood is not safe to eat. This is because the time of death cannot be confirmed, while the exposure to algal toxins and bacterial contamination poses a serious health risk. “Consumption may result in severe illness or death,” the department said. Additional reporting by Enkosi Selane.

Explosives rocked two Woolworths branches – Pretoria’s Menlyn Park and Bloemfontein’s Preller Square – in separate overnight attacks this week, with the company heightening security nationwide as the Hawks investigate. In the early hours of Friday, explosive devices detonated inside another Woolworths branch. This happened 24 hours after the first incident on Thursday. Another Woolworths store hit by explosion The first explosion occurred in Pretoria, Gauteng, at the Menlyn Park store, and the second in Bloemfontein, Free State, at the Preller Square branch. The Woolworths Menlyn Park store has reopened, but Woolworths Preller Square remains closed while the investigation is underway. The police in Tshwane launched an investigation on Thursday following the explosion at the mall on Atterbury Road. South African Police Service (Saps) spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the store manager received a phone call from personnel stationed at the store about an explosion that happened inside the premises at about 1 am. Emergency response agencies arrived immediately after receiving the call and cordoned off the area. No one injured “It is alleged that an unknown explosive device detonated on one of the store shelves. At the time of the incident, five packers were on duty inside the store,” Van Dyk said. Fortunately, the explosions injured no one and damaged only food items and shelving inside the store. The police registered a case of contravention of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956, section 27(1)(c) for investigation. Woolworths confirmed on Friday that neither incident harmed anyone. The company said that in both instances, someone set off the devices between 1 am and 2 am while the stores were closed. Devices went off between 1 am and 2 am “Some staff members have, understandably, been affected by the events, and Woolworths is providing all of the necessary support to our teams,” it said. Woolworths said that in both instances, staff informed Saps immediately and conducted a thorough sweep of the areas to prevent further threats. The Hawks are investigating the explosions. “At this stage, no further information on the nature of the devices or the motive behind these attacks is available,” the company said. To support the authorities’ work, Woolworths has hired specialised forensic experts to boost security and intelligence. Woolworths stores nationwide have also stepped up their vigilance as a precaution. Woolworth’s incoming group CEO, Sam Ngumeni, said the company is taking every possible action to protect its staff and customers. Woolworths doors will stay open – CEO “An attack on our business is an attack on our values and the millions of people we serve. Our business has thrived for nearly a century because our people make the decision each day to show up and excel. That won’t change,” Ngumeni said. He added that the Woolworths doors will stay open. Meanwhile, explosives expert Jimmy Roodt said the damage at the Menlyn store suggested a low-order blast, not a substantial high-explosive detonation. He warned that even small devices create panic and endanger workers, urging shopping centres to maintain bomb-threat response plans.

Schoolboy rugby action heats up across South Africa this weekend with several major clashes scheduled around the country. In the Western Cape, No 1-ranked (unofficially) Paarl Gimnasium will have their hands full on the road against Oakdale, while SACS welcome Paarl Boys’ High to the Memorial ‘A’ field. Elsewhere, Bishops travel to Stellenbosch to take on Paul Roos in what promises to be a long afternoon for the Cape Town school, while Stellenberg host same suburb rivals, Bellville. READ | Updated Top 20 SA schools First XV rugby rankings Matches cancelled Other fixtures which stand out around the country include Affies against Noordheuwel, Monument versus Menlopark, Martizburg College are up against Hilton in a Midlands derby, while Kearsney College host Northwood. As a reminder, Grey College’s matches against Selborne College have been cancelled after an outbreak of swine flu at the Bloemfontein school. Weekend schoolboy rugby fixtures Western Cape SACS vs Paarl Boys’ HighParel Vallei vs BrackenfellRondebosch vs DurbanvilleOakdale vs Paarl GimnasiumStellenberg vs BellvillePaul Roos vs Bishops Gauteng Monument vs MenloparkNoordheuwel vs HelpmekaarParktown Boys vs St Alban’sAffies vs NoordheuwelJeppe vs St John’sSt Benedict’s vs KESEldoraigne vs Marais ViljoenHeidelberg vs LichtenburgGarsfontein vs RustenbergBen Voster vs Piet RetiefKempton Park vs ZwartkopOos-Moot vs NelspruitSecunda vs PietersburgKlerksdorp vs TransvaliaRooi Bulle vs Westvalia KwaZulu-Natal Durban High vs WestvilleMartizburg College vs HiltonKearsney College vs Northwood Eastern Cape Daniel Pienaar vs Grey HighNico Malan vs GraemeQueen’s vs St Andrew’sKingswood vs BrandwagPearson vs FramesbyDale vs Marlow

Mathabo Phalatse does everything right. She applies. She travels. She queues. She tries again. And still, her Social Relief of Distress grant gets rejected. Meanwhile, South Africans watching her story unfold on social media are asking a question that cuts to the heart of the country’s social grants crisis, who exactly is SASSA paying? ‘They are paying ghosts while we suffer’ The comments came fast after Phalatse’s story was published. Frustration poured in from across the country, with many readers expressing anger at what they believe is a broken and unjust system. “They stealing it then while we suffering,” wrote one commenter. “They rather pay ‘ghost’ and steal the money,” said another. These are allegations, not proven facts. But they reflect a deep and widespread distrust of the grants system among ordinary South Africans. This distrust is difficult to dismiss when legitimate recipients like Phalatse are repeatedly turned away while the system processes millions of payments every month. SASSA has in the past acknowledged the existence of fraudulent and duplicate grant claims in its system. The agency has launched various verification drives to remove ineligible recipients and protect the integrity of the grants programme. But for beneficiaries on the ground, the results of those efforts are not always visible. A Gauteng mother is still fighting against SASSA system Phalatse, a woman in her late thirties supporting between three and five dependants, lives more than 20 kilometres from her nearest SASSA office. Every trip to query her rejected application costs money she does not have. Transport fees alone can consume a significant portion of the R370 monthly SRD grant she is trying to access. “Sadly, most of the workers don’t care,” one commenter noted, before adding that persistence eventually paid off. “I also went up and down for months and eventually came right.” That thread of hope is real. Rejected applications can be appealed, and many recipients who persist do eventually receive their grants. But the burden of that persistence falls entirely on people who can least afford it. An unjust SASSA system that needs reform “Unjust system,” one commenter said simply. It is hard to argue otherwise when the same automated processes that fail genuine applicants like Phalatse continue to process payments without the same scrutiny in reverse. South Africa’s social grants system supports more than 18 million people. It is one of the largest and most complex welfare programmes on the continent. The scale of the operation makes some errors inevitable. But errors that consistently fall on the shoulders of the poorest and most vulnerable are not just administrative failures; they are moral ones.

Change Logic's Donve Anderson argues engagement is a change intervention, measured by behaviour not applause.

The appointment reflects Eskom’s push to compete for customers as South Africa’s electricity market is liberalised.