Category: Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

By Phuti Mabelebele 

Imagine a South Africa where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. This is the type of an inclusive society we are striving to build as we concluded Disability Rights Awareness Month on the 3rd of December. 

Our commitment is to raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities, bring to the fore challenges faced by people with disabilities and find ways to remove barriers that continue to marginalise people with disabilities.

Our nation has always found ways to rise above, and our people have found ways to overcome any obstacle. Last year Malwandla Baloyi, inspired the nation when she secured a spot among the country’s top 39 performing learners for the Class of 2024. She did so despite suffering from brittle bone disease, also known as Osteogenesis imperfecta, which is a genetic disease that causes bones to weaken and break easily. 

Her story of triumph was not in isolation, as a total of 3,321 learners with special education needs achieved bachelor passes, while learners with special education needs also earned 2,072 distinctions in the 2024 exams.

On the sports field our nation has superstars such as Kgothatso Montjane, who has been named South Africa’s disabled sportswoman of the year three times, in 2005, 2011 and 2015 and holds 29 singles titles in wheelchair tennis.

Stories such as these and other inspire us and show what is possible.  However, there are still many challenges and as government, we are the first to admit that despite South Africa’s progressive legislation, there isn’t always enough support for people with disabilities. They continue to face significant challenges that range from being excluded in participating meaningfully in the economy, employment and they still do not have adequate access to infrastructure and support services. 

Recent Employment Equity statistics show that people with disabilities make up about 1.2 percent of reported employees in the public service and 1.3% in the private sector. This is far below the 3 percent national benchmark and the 7 percent goal set for the public service. 

These concerning statistics can only be reversed by encouraging both the public and private sector to adopt a deliberate plan to employ people with disabilities. We owe to our founding fathers to ensure that we uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens including persons with disabilities. 

Government is already taking steps to address some of these challenges faced by people with disabilities through the advisory of the Presidential Working Group on Disability. These include increasing funding for disability-related programmes and services including education, employment, and healthcare services. The Presidential Working Group which was established in 2016 comprises of departments and civil society groups and is responsible for guiding on the implementation of policies aimed at advancing the rights of people with disabilities.   

One of the key achievements of the Working Group since its establishment is the recognition of South Africa Sign Language as an official language, a constitutional amendment successfully secured in 2022.

The Group is also working on several policies and legislation to ensure that we build an inclusive society.  
We are also pleased that some of our athletes with disabilities continue to inspire South Africans and contribute meaningfully to nation building through sport. They have made sent a string statement that when given resources and support, the sky is the limit.    

She believes that “society needs to understand that we are people first, who happen to have disabilities. There is nothing wrong with us. It is a lack of reasonable accommodation that prevents us from contributing meaningfully to the economy, sport, education, housing and transport.

Government remains committed to ensuring a South Africa that accommodates the needs of the disabled. Earlier this year for instance, South Africa celebrated Ms Kgothatso Montjane at the French Open Women’s Wheelchair Doubles title in Paris. 

Cabinet also congratulated South African wheelchair tennis players Donald Ramphadi and Kgothatso Montjane, who emerged as Grand Slam champions in their respective divisions at the prestigious Roland Garros tournament in France.

As part of observing Disability Rights Awareness Month, we are actively strengthening our partnerships to raise awareness with civil society and the private sector to intensify awareness efforts.

For instance, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), through its Public Employment Services (PES) branch hosted a strategic exhibition in KwaZulu-Natal as part of its commitment to promoting the employability and support of persons with disabilities. The exhibition raised awareness of available services and employment opportunities, particularly targeting individuals exiting special schools and those in remote areas. 

The key objective was to register Persons with Disability on the PES system and to establish a comprehensive database of support services available across KwaZulu-Natal. Through this initiative, the Department aims to demonstrate that disability should not be a barrier to success.

The exhibition showcased services from the Department of Employment and Labour, the Compensation Fund, and Supported Employment Enterprises, alongside NGOs, private sector organisations, and local municipalities. These stakeholders presented career pathways, entrepreneurial support, and other resources.

Special attention was given to the youth and persons with disability transitioning from special education, providing them with critical information for entering the workforce or pursuing further training. Additionally, the Department offered on-site services, including PES registration and employment counselling. 

Furthermore, entities such as the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, provides credit facilities to persons with disabilities to help them start or grow their own businesses through the Amavulandlela Funding Scheme. While organisations like the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) run programs that create accessible, income-earning opportunities for people with disabilities.

As we conclude the Disability Rights Awareness Month, let us all work to combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices relating to persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. Together we can break stereotypes and prejudice associated with people living with disability. 

By removing barriers and fostering inclusion, we can improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and unlock their potential to contribute to national development.

*Phuthi Mabelebele is Chief Director for the Rights of Persons With Disabilities at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the launch of Sasol’s new Integrated Processing Facility in Inhassoro, Mozambique, describing it as a milestone in South Africa–Mozambique energy cooperation and a model for regional development. 

Speaking at the ceremony on the margins of the 4th Mozambique–South Africa Bi-National Commission on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said the facility represents years of joint exploration, investment and operational work to unlock Mozambique’s onshore hydrocarbon resources.

“This groundbreaking facility is a symbol of the longstanding energy cooperation between our two countries. We commend the government of Mozambique and Sasol for the realisation of a project that is vital to our shared energy security,” the President said. 

The plant forms part of the Production Sharing Agreement project, which will supply gas, light oil and cooking gas into the domestic market while also supporting power generation and downstream industries.

President Ramaphosa said the gas trade was central to strengthening regional economic infrastructure, especially as the Pande and Temane reserves approach depletion.

“Governments and private sector partners will need to be innovative and explore alternative sources,” he said, calling for joint investment in infrastructure, regulatory alignment and increased regional demand to attract upstream investment.

The President emphasised that the facility is not only an energy asset but also an economic catalyst for the surrounding communities. Local businesses in transport, catering, maintenance and services are expected to benefit, alongside direct employment and training opportunities.

“It is encouraging that there are plans to develop a pipeline of vocational and skills transfer programmes targeted at women and young people. This development approach places people at the centre,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa also welcomed Sasol’s commitment to high environmental, social and governance standards, noting planned efforts to reduce environmental impact, manage waste responsibly and mitigate risks to air, land and water.

“As we work collectively to overcome hunger, poverty and unemployment, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Ventures of this nature must transform the fortunes of the communities in which they operate,” he said. 

He praised engineers, contractors and workers from both countries for delivering the project, and thanked provincial leaders, the mayor of Inhassoro and traditional authorities for their support.

President Ramaphosa said the cooperation between South Africa and Mozambique in the energy sector continued to demonstrate the strength of their historic relationship. 

“Our two nations, which share a long and cherished tradition of solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect, are now on a new path of sustainable development and progress. 

“This spirit of our partnership bodes well for our collective efforts to promote and secure energy security in an extremely uncertain international economic environment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Residents in Ntuzuma, parts of KwaMashu, Inanda, and Durban north surrounding areas, will enjoy a more reliable water supply this Christmas following the completion and commissioning of the upgraded Ntuzuma Water Pump Station.

The eThekwini Municipality on Wednesday unveiled the upgraded state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to stabilise and improve water services to the communities.

The event was attended by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Chairperson of the Trading Services Committee Mdu Nkosi, and Deputy Chairperson Ayanda Ndlovu.

The pump station had been operating below capacity after its pumps reached the end of their design life. Its condition was worsened by a 2023 fire that caused major damage.

While emergency repairs allowed partial functionality to be restored, the municipality proceeded with a full functional upgrade of the facility.

The R56 million functional upgrade included enhancements to both mechanical and electrical components of the pumpstation, significantly improving the station’s performance, reliability, and resilience.

The improvements have already translated into better water supply for areas connected to the existing infrastructure network. The city is simultaneously undertaking additional projects to upgrade water infrastructure in areas still lacking adequate systems.

Speaking at the site, Mayor Xaba welcomed the completion of the project, describing it as part of the city’s progressive measures to improve service delivery in the water supply environment.

“I am excited with what we have achieved. The completion of the functional upgrade has improved the supply of water significantly and the councillors present here have confirmed this. This station has 15 pumps and standby pumps to assist in case of any challenge. We have also put modernised technology to be able to identify faults before they cause challenges,” the mayor said.

The revamped pump station is now fully automated and equipped with cutting-edge technology, the upgraded pumpstation features high-efficiency pumps, advanced control systems, and real-time monitoring tools designed to optimise performance and reduce operational downtime.

The pumpstation now operates in fully automated mode and enables control room to monitor its operation and respond to faults.

Xaba urged the community to protect water infrastructure from vandalism, noting that damage to pressure-reducing valves and other components contributes to intermittent water supply. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South African and Mozambican businesses to move beyond cautious exploration toward bold partnership. 

The President was addressing the Business Forum on the sidelines of the 4th Mozambique–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Vilankulo, on Wednesday.

“Together, South African and Mozambican businesses can achieve what neither can accomplish alone. I call upon our businesses to move beyond cautious exploration toward bold partnership. I call on them to identify specific projects, to commit the necessary resources and to execute with excellence,” the President said. 

He added that the strong turnout of business leaders from both countries underscored a shared commitment to strengthening economic ties built on struggle, solidarity and shared sacrifice.

He noted that total trade between South Africa and Mozambique had doubled between 2020 and 2024, demonstrating remarkable resilience and growth that directly translates into jobs, livelihoods and empowered communities on both sides of the border.

“Mozambique stands at a pivotal moment in its economic journey. Its extraordinary natural resources position it as a future economic powerhouse in our region,” President Ramaphosa said.

He highlighted natural gas, coal reserves, solar potential, arable land and a rapidly growing tourism sector as major opportunities for collaboration.

The President said the industrial sectors with the most promise for joint development include food and agro-processing, packaging, textiles, wood processing, building materials and metals. These align strongly with South Africa’s capabilities and provide scope for expanding value-added trade. 

While South Africa’s mineral exports dominate current trade flows, President Ramaphosa said both countries must work to diversify their economic relationship. 

“We must expand value-added products and services. This will create more jobs and transfer greater skills and technology,” he said.

Mozambique’s exports to South Africa are largely electrical energy, natural gas, coal, aluminium and agricultural products also present opportunities for diversification and deeper industrial integration.

South African investments in Mozambique span food and beverages, real estate, coal, oil and gas, business services and finance. These investments, President Ramaphosa said, bring not only capital but skills development, technology transfer and integration into regional and global value chains.

However, he cautioned that infrastructure gaps, customs delays, regulatory differences and limited access to finance continue to constrain trade. 

“These challenges are not insurmountable. They require sustained commitment from both governments, working in partnership with the private sector, to implement practical solutions. We must invest in cross-border infrastructure, harmonise regulations, simplify customs procedures and create one-stop shops for investors,” he said.

The President reiterated South Africa’s commitment to supporting companies operating in Mozambique, including improved commercial support through diplomatic missions and backing for regional infrastructure and skills development initiatives.

He emphasised that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a major opportunity for both nations to position themselves as gateways into wider African markets.

“The economic relationship we build today will determine the prosperity of our children tomorrow. We stand at a moment of extraordinary opportunity,” the President said. 

He commended the South African Chamber of Business in Mozambique, whose member companies have invested R160 billion in the country and employ 43,000 people, calling its launch a milestone for organised business engagement.

President Ramaphosa urged businesses from both countries to act decisively. 

“Let us demonstrate that African countries can work together to build prosperity, create opportunities and transform the lives of our people,” he said. 

READ | President Ramaphosa urges stronger economic integration, regional peace efforts

The Business Forum formed part of the programme for the 4th Mozambique–South Africa Bi-National Commission, co-chaired by President Ramaphosa and President Daniel Chapo. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, December 4, 2025