Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has affirmed the safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and the continuation of South Africa's nuclear build program, following public concern over radioactive contamination during maintenance. The minister, joined by Eskom executives, addressed three airborne contamination events at Unit Two between June 30 and July 7, which occurred due to a power outage affecting ventilation units. Officials stated that no radioactive material was released into the environment, and there was no risk to nearby communities or the public. Eskom chairperson Mteto Nyati confirmed that while elevated airborne radioactive contamination was detected, it was contained within the facility, with exposure levels for workers being very low, comparable to a dental X-ray. Chief Nuclear Officer Velaphi Ntuli explained that such localized radioactivity is common during steam generator testing, a routine process, and that strict safety protocols, including worker evacuation and monitoring, were followed. The government emphasized transparency to counter misinformation and highlighted Koeberg's 40-year safe operation, with plans for an additional 20 years of life and the introduction of 5 gigawatts of new nuclear build capacity.
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Dozens of Nigerians remaining in South Africa are appealing to their government for evacuation, stating they were left behind after Abuja declared its voluntary repatriation program complete. Nigeria concluded its repatriation efforts last Thursday, with the final flight bringing 305 returnees home from Johannesburg, totaling nearly 1,490 citizens returned. The evacuation began on June 10, 2026, following increased pressure on undocumented foreign nationals by anti-immigrant groups. Other African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, have also evacuated their citizens. Stranded Nigerians outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria found their hopes dashed by a notice indicating the suspension of repatriation. One Nigerian reported not being included in the evacuation flights, while another expressed concern over the lack of assistance from the high commission. Individuals described their stress and pleaded for their government to rescue them, with one man traveling from Cape Town to Pretoria for assistance only to find the program had ended.
President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the Mandela Day walk and run in Johannesburg on Sunday, July 19, 2026, alongside thousands of South Africans. He highlighted that Mandela Day is about serving others and living by Nelson Mandela's values of service, compassion, and active citizenship. The President also mentioned government community projects, including the opening of 67 boreholes in Hammanskraal. Residents of Hammanskraal have experienced water quality issues for years, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak in 2023. Ramaphosa acknowledged the hardship faced by residents due to lack of access to clean water and their loss of trust in the government. He stated that the launch of the borehole projects, including the Klipdrift 50-megalitre-per-day Package Water Treatment Plant, represents progress and will bring lasting change to the community. The President urged South Africans to go beyond the annual 67 minutes of service, encouraging them to walk in Nelson Mandela's footsteps and uphold his principles and integrity.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi is preparing to request President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend Andrea Johnson, the head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption IDAC. This development follows intensifying scrutiny of South Africa鈥檚 anti-corruption unit due to allegations of interference and repeated delays at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Kubayi's planned request stems from testimony at the Commission alleging that IDAC officials interfered in sensitive cases. According to News24, Kubayi stated Johnson鈥檚 suspension is necessary to protect the institution's integrity during the commission's work. National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi confirmed urgent discussions with Johnson, emphasizing that the Directorate's integrity is non-negotiable. Johnson has failed to appear before the commission multiple times, with Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga describing a medical certificate she provided as "useless." The commission heard allegations that Johnson interfered in a criminal investigation involving suspended Crime Intelligence Major-General Feroz Khan. Retired Hawks colonel Kobus Roelofse testified that Johnson鈥檚 supervisory role complicated his handling of a protected disclosure implicating her conduct. Further evidence indicated Johnson sent Khan the contents of an assault docket before his warning statement was taken, prompting a Hawks investigation into obstruction of justice. As of May 2026, a prosecutor had been assigned to determin