Category: English

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has resolved to advise President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint Judge Gerald Bloem, Judge Mmathebe Phatshoane and Judge Esther Steyn to fill three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

This is after deliberations following the interviews of the judges for the positions on Monday. 

The JSC is interviewing candidates nominated for positions in the various Superior Courts in Johannesburg this week. 

More than 40 candidates are expected to be interviewed for various positions in the Supreme Court of Appeal, Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court, Competition Appeal Court, Electoral Court, Land Court, Western Cape Division of the High Court, Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Gauteng Division of the High Court, KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court and Northern Cape Division of the High Court. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will host a media briefing on the National Opt-Out Registry system, which enables customers to opt out of unwanted direct marketing communications.  

“The Opt-Out Registry system will allow consumers to pre-emptively block unwanted direct marketing communications. 

“Direct marketers, on the other hand, will have to cleanse their marketing [databases] monthly before running any direct marketing campaign,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

The Minister will host the media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, accompanied by the National Consumer Commissioner, Hardin Ratshisusu, and the Information Regulator chairperson, Advocate Pansy Tlakula. – SAnewa.gov.za

 

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Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has committed to stronger oversight and accountability across the post-school education and training (PSET) sector.

Addressing Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training during its consideration of the department’s 2025/26 Annual Report, Manamela warned that recurring weaknesses cannot continue without consequences.

Manamela said the department must move beyond acknowledging findings raised by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) and demonstrate that corrective action is being implemented.

“Corrective action must begin when weaknesses are identified, not when the next audit approaches. Where management has repeatedly been informed and agreed actions remain unimplemented, we must establish responsibility for that failure,” the Minister said.

He said repeated findings, agreed corrective actions, and inadequate implementation has raised fundamental questions about accountability across the portfolio.

“For the public, the question is straightforward: what will change because these matters have been brought before Parliament?  A student waiting for an allowance, a graduate waiting for a certificate and a community waiting for a functioning college need more than another explanation.

“They need institutions that fulfil their responsibilities. That is the standard against which we must be judged,” Manamela said.

While acknowledging improvements in aspects of departmental performance reporting and modest improvements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college audit outcomes, Manamela said this progress does not offset deterioration and persistent control weaknesses elsewhere in the portfolio.

He said previous concerns raised by Parliament around vacancies, information systems, certification, performance evidence, and consequence management remain on the department’s oversight agenda.

Manamela said he has taken particular note of AGSA’s recommendations directed at him, including the need for stronger oversight of departmental executive management, clearer direction on reforms, greater scrutiny of governance and appointments, protection of skills funding, and increased attention to learner outcomes.

He committed, together with the Deputy Ministers, to determine the immediate corrective measures and longer-term reforms required and to oversee their implementation.

The Minister said accountability will extend across the department’s leadership, boards, councils, administrators and chief executives, as well as decisions taken by the Ministry.

“Accountability cannot apply only to people below us,” he said.

Manamela said the concerns raised about Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) require particular attention, saying an institution under administration should demonstrate stronger governance, not a different standard of accountability.

He said he will require a clear account of the implementation of forensic recommendations and an evidenced response to concerns around disciplinary processes, procurement, and possible conflicts of interest.

“I have also heard the concerns about Northern Cape Urban TVET College. We need an urgent, evidenced account of the work already undertaken and the further independent investigation required.

“Where forensic investigation is warranted, it must proceed without avoidable delay. Learners, records, and public resources must be protected while these matters are addressed,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), John Steenhuisen, will on Wednesday join the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Lukas Marthinus Meyer, to launch the province’s Public Works and Infrastructure Property Finding Portal.

“This is the next phase of asset management following the concluded audit of all 10 067 assets owned by KZN Public Works and Infrastructure, as well as the release of the first batch of 81 unused buildings and land parcels to the general public,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said in a statement.

The live launch and demonstration of the property finding portal, which can be found on the department’s website, is a step towards full transparency, while serving as a platform to bridge the gap and allow non-governmental organisations, developers and other private sector players to identify which assets they wish to acquire, as well as proposed ways to better utilise these assets for the benefit of residents under their operational model to allow for long-term leases, repurposing and optimising government property.

“For ordinary residents, the portal will serve to help them log complaints or queries related to the state of any of the assets owned by KZN Public Works and Infrastructure,” the department said.

Following the launch, the MEC and the Deputy Minister will proceed with a site visit to a site that was previously an underutilised asset and is now operating as a skills development hub, creating jobs and opportunities for young people. – SAnews.gov.za

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As part of the Commission’s assurance measures to ensure transparency, credibility, and confidence in the electoral process, the Electoral Commission has undertaken and concluded an independent and external audit of the Election Results System.

“The Results System is used for capturing and collation of results, as well as assigning seats to the contestants,” the Commission said in a statement on Tuesday.  

It further added that traditionally, it avails the Results System to political parties and contestants to audit its integrity, functionality, security, and reliability. 

The following parties have designated their Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts to review the Results System:

• African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) 
• African National Congress (ANC) 
• Democratic Alliance (DA) 
• uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP)

According to the Commission, the exercise commenced on Monday, 05 October, and will conclude on 12 October 2026. Interested parties had until 30 September 2026 to indicate their intention and to submit the names of their experts. 

“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the 2026 Local Government Elections are administered in a manner that is credible, transparent, inclusive and compliant with the law,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has paid tribute to South Africa’s approximately 485,000 educators, recognising their contribution to the development of the country’s children and the future of the nation.

The department marked World Teachers’ Day on Monday, 5 October, with the annual commemoration providing an opportunity to recognise the teaching profession and the role educators play in translating the ambitions of the education system into learning and opportunity in classrooms across the country. 

The commemoration follows the 2026 National Teacher Awards, where the department celebrated educators whose professionalism, innovation, leadership and commitment represent excellence within the teaching profession. 

Reflecting on the significance of World Teachers’ Day, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said teachers remain central to shaping South Africa’s future.

“Every day, in classrooms across the length and breadth of our nation, in townships, rural communities and farms, teachers unlock potential, expand opportunity and give our children the foundations they need to succeed. Today, we celebrate their contribution and recommit ourselves to ensuring that teachers are supported to do what they do best: teach, inspire and prepare the next generation,” Minister Gwarube reflected.

Focus on teacher development

The department’s strategic priorities recognise that improving educational outcomes requires sustained investment in teachers, particularly during the formative years of a child’s education.

These priorities include strengthening Early Childhood Development, Foundation Phase literacy and numeracy, teacher development, inclusion and school safety.

This year, 10,000 foundation phase teachers are receiving targeted training in literacy and numeracy, alongside continued efforts to strengthen the National Reading Literacy Strategy and support Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, said continued professional development was essential to improving learning outcomes across the education system.

“Teachers are the professionals through whom curriculum, policy and educational reform ultimately reach the learner. Supporting their development must therefore remain central to our work. When we strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional confidence of teachers, we strengthen the classroom and improve the prospects of every child,” Dr Mhaule said. 

Sharing excellence across the system

World Teachers’ Day also provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of sharing excellence and effective teaching practices across the education system.

The Department believes outstanding educators should increasingly become sources of professional knowledge and practice for their peers, allowing successful approaches developed in one classroom to benefit more learners.

As Minister Gwarube recently told educators at the National Teacher Awards: “Excellence should travel. Knowledge should travel. This is how a system becomes stronger.”

The department also recognised the contribution of thousands of educators whose work may not receive public recognition. 

It highlighted the everyday moments that can have a lasting impact on learners, including when a child understands a difficult concept, a struggling learner begins to read with confidence or a teacher encourages a young person not to give up.

“These moments are the substance of education and remind us all why the teaching profession remains fundamental to South Africa’s development,” the department said.

The DBE called on learners, parents, communities and all South Africans to recognise, support and celebrate teachers who serve the country and school communities every day.

“To South Africa’s teachers: thank you for your professionalism, your resilience and your commitment to our children.

“Strong teachers build strong foundations. Strong foundations create strong futures. Happy World Teachers’ Day,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane says stronger collaboration between government, communities, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders is key to tackling the country’s urban challenges and accelerating the creation of adequate, inclusive and sustainable human settlements.

Simelane made the call as South Africa joins the international community in commemorating World Habitat Day on Monday and launches its Human Settlements Month and Urban October campaigns under the theme: “Adequate Housing for All”.

The theme comes amid a global housing crisis, with an estimated 2.8 billion people experiencing various forms of housing inadequacy, while nearly 1.1 billion people live in slums and informal settlements.

These challenges are being compounded by conflict, disasters and climate change, with people in vulnerable situations often facing the greatest risks and having the fewest resources to recover.

Simelane said the situation highlighted the need for urgent, coordinated and sustained action to ensure that adequate housing becomes accessible to all. 

She said South Africa’s response to rapid urbanisation must go beyond policy development and focus on implementation, partnerships and meaningful participation across society.

“Our experience over three decades of democracy has taught us that stakeholder consultation is critical to the formulation of effective public policy. However, going forward, stakeholders must be fully engaged beyond policymaking by creating spaces and opportunities for them to contribute to public investments and to actively implement the policies we have collectively agreed upon,” Simelane said. 

Simelane’s call is aligned with South Africa’s commitments under the New Urban Agenda (NUA), a global framework adopted in 2016 to guide sustainable urban development to 2036.

South Africa remains a partner of UN-Habitat, with the Ministry and Department of Human Settlements playing a leading role in advancing the country’s engagement on the global urban agenda.

As part of these efforts, Simelane presented South Africa’s Second Country Report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda. The report reflects stakeholder consultations involving the three spheres of government and various sectors of society across the country. 

South Africa’s commitment to the global urban agenda has also been strengthened through the establishment of the UN-Habitat Country Office and Country Programme in South Africa, under a joint framework between the South African Government and UN-Habitat.

The partnership will support national priorities, including spatial transformation, urban development, housing, integrated human settlements, climate resilience, urban finance and local government.

It will also strengthen technical assistance and partnerships aligned with the National Development Plan, Integrated Urban Development Framework, District Development Model, New Urban Agenda and the 2024–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan.

As part of Human Settlements Month, Simelane said the department will lead a programme of engagements involving communities, cities, municipalities, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders.

“The transformation of our cities, towns and communities cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires partnerships, active citizenship, and a shared commitment to ensuring that our people live in safe, adequate, and sustainable human settlements,” she said.

Simelane also called on stakeholders to use Urban October as an opportunity to deepen dialogue on the future of South Africa’s urban areas and contribute to practical solutions to the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation.

Through Human Settlements Month and Urban October, South Africa will participate in the global conversation while showcasing programmes, projects and partnerships aimed at accelerating the delivery of sustainable human settlements. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign has planted more than seven million trees across South Africa since April this year, with government positioning the initiative as a driver of food security, job creation, rural development and economic empowerment. 

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the trees had been planted across all provinces under the campaign, which forms part of the existing National Greening Programme.

The campaign aims to plant one billion trees over the next five years in partnership with communities, traditional leaders and the private sector.

More than two million trees have been planted in the Western Cape, while Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have each recorded more than one million trees. More than half a million trees have also been planted in the Northern Cape, South Africa’s driest province.

President Ramaphosa said the campaign goes beyond providing shade and recreation, or helping communities respond to climate change and biodiversity loss.

He said the initiative is also intended to address the spatial inequality created by apartheid-era urban planning, which resulted in historically white suburbs having more trees and green spaces while townships generally had sparse vegetation. 

“Addressing and overcoming the geography of inequality we inherited necessitates that greening programmes must also substantively contribute to advancing food security, rural development and the economic empowerment of women,” the President said.

The campaign is therefore placing emphasis on trees that can provide direct benefits to households and communities, including fruit trees such as citrus, avocado and grapes.

According to the President, these trees can strengthen household food security, support community and school food gardens and potentially generate income from surplus produce.

The longer-term goal is for subsistence farmers to reinvest income generated from fruit trees into additional trees and agricultural inputs, allowing them to gradually develop income-generating enterprises.

To support this objective, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Human Settlements to help ensure that a fruit tree is planted with every new subsidised house.

Creating opportunities for women and young people

The campaign is also being used to support women’s livelihoods.

The President highlighted the She Evolves project in Tswelopele Local Municipality in the Free State, where women have been leading tree-planting activities to generate income.

He also pointed to the Innesfree Park urban garden in Sandton, Gauteng, where a mother and daughter team, with support from a local hospitality chain, are growing fruit, vegetables and herbs to support local feeding schemes and create employment for women.

“Greening programmes are a pathway for skills development that leads to job creation as well as supporting self-employment.”

EPWP and skills transfer

Workers employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are playing a role in the campaign through land preparation, transporting trees to planting sites, planting and horticultural maintenance.

The environmental sector is among the contributors to the EPWP, providing work opportunities and skills in areas, including conservation, water, waste and fire management.

The skills acquired through these programmes can also help young people pursue employment at nurseries and farms or establish businesses in landscaping, tree maintenance, plant production and sales.

“The seemingly simple act of planting a tree has the potential to generate many opportunities into the future, especially for young people who have considered a future in farming but did not know where or how to start,” the President explained.

Focus on indigenous trees 

Another key element of the campaign is the focus on indigenous trees.

President Ramaphosa said large parts of urban and rural South Africa are covered by dense canopies of non-indigenous trees introduced during the colonial period, among other reasons, to meet demand for timber.

Some of these species, including Pretoria’s jacarandas, are classified as invasive.

Invasive alien trees can place additional pressure on scarce surface water, threaten indigenous vegetation and increase the risk and severity of wildfires.

The removal of invasive species also presents economic opportunities, with companies already converting alien invasive plants and trees into biomass for industrial applications, including green fuel.

The DFFE and South African National Parks also run the Eco-Furniture Programme, which trains EPWP workers to produce school desks, benches and other wood products from cleared invasive alien trees.

At the same time, indigenous tree planting and cultivation can create opportunities for young people to develop skills in seed collection and indigenous horticulture.

From conservation to economic development 

President Ramaphosa said the campaign demonstrates that conservation and socio-economic development can be pursued together.

“Ultimately, the Presidential One Billion Trees Campaign is aligned with our commitment to the sustainable use of our natural resources and to sustainable development.

“Conservation and socio-economic development are not mutually exclusive. This initiative has the potential to catalyse both small- and large-scale economic activity and job creation,” he said.

The campaign has brought together private citizens, businesses, schools and community organisations, with the President describing the momentum behind the initiative as a demonstration of the power of collective action.

He called on South Africans who have not yet participated to plant or donate a tree as the country works towards its target of one billion trees over the next five years. – SAnews.gov.za

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