For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Halima Frost.

Making headlines: Tributes pour in for Mosiuoa Lekota; South Africa offers to mediate in Middle East conflict if asked; And, South African financiers develop R2bn water conservation bond

Tributes pour in for Mosiuoa Lekota

“South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with the country’s journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa today, as he expressed sadness at the passing of former Premier of the Free State and co-founder of the Congress of the People Mosiuoa Lekota.

Lekota, 77, passed away in a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of this morning after a prolonged battle with ill-health.

Ramaphosa described his life as one of resilience and courage, and said Lekota held a steadfast belief in justice.

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen described Lekota as a patriot and a man of substance, saying his commitment to principled politics and his willingness to stand firm in defence of democratic values earned him respect across the political spectrum.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Lekota's passing marked the departure of a figure whose life intersected with important moments in the history of South Africa and the struggle for freedom.

Inkatha Freedom Party Chief Whip in the National Assembly Nhlanhla Hadebe said Lekota would be remembered for his “fearless” leadership during the struggle against apartheid, his dedication to constitutional democracy, and his sharp wit and sense of humour in Parliament.

South Africa offers to mediate in Middle East conflict if asked

South Africa is willing to play a mediating role in the Middle East conflict if asked, President Cyril Ramaphosa told local media on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town.

He said if the opportunity were to open, South Africa would call for a ceasefire.

He explained that dialogue is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war, saying South Africa wants this war to come to an end immediately.

Ramaphosa added that the South African government was doing everything it could to bring home its citizens stranded in the region.

And, South African financiers develop R2bn water conservation bond

South African financiers are preparing a R2-billion bond to fund water conservation projects dedicated to restoring strategic water catchments.

Backed by Rand Merchant Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the five-year bond aims to finance ecological restoration, including removing invasive plants and rehabilitating catchment areas to enhance water security. The outcome-based facility will link returns to measurable environmental improvements.

The initiative reflects growing private-sector involvement as South Africa grapples with constrained public finances and significant water challenges. A DBSA study estimates investments totalling R256-billion annually are needed in the water sector through 2050, leaving a critical funding gap of R91-billion each year.

While traditional bonds target infrastructure like dams and pipelines, this deal emphasises nature-based solutions. RMB confirmed its involvement, saying details remain confidential.

If successful, the bond will align with broader efforts to tap debt markets for sustainable infrastructure funding, helping to address South Africa's worsening water shortages.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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