Category: English

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger coordination between government, business, and civil society to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Garden Route and beyond.

Delivering a virtual address at the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, Mashatile commended the region for sustaining momentum since the inaugural Knysna Regional Investment Conference.

He said the continued collaboration was transforming the Garden Route into a growing investment and tourism destination.

“I am very proud of your commitment to promoting this part of our country as a key investor destination, but also a catalyst for tourism in the Garden Route,” Mashatile said.

Held under the theme: “Strengthening intergovernmental coordination and private sector collaboration for inclusive economic growth”, the roundtable echoes what the Presidency had been promoting – a drive to build partnerships that accelerate development and create jobs.

Mashatile highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to harness private investment and expertise, including the Strategic Partnership Programme, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the Government Business Partnership.

“These programmes are designed to harness private capital and expertise to enhance investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. They specifically target issues in infrastructure development, improving operational efficiency, and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby addressing critical economic challenges,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President drew parallels with local initiatives, such as the iThuba Development Project, a R200 billion investment that aims to drive inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, township revitalisation, and innovation-led economic development across the Garden Route District and beyond.

“These initiatives are not merely development projects; they are catalysts for change that align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. They reflect a collaborative commitment to transform the very communities that shaped us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a future of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.

Intergovernmental coordination key to success

Mashatile also underscored the importance of intergovernmental relations in ensuring effective service delivery and avoiding duplication of resources.

Quoting Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the Deputy President reminded delegates that the three spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local, are “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated” and enjoins them to “cooperate in mutual trust and good faith.”

He said intergovernmental relations are crucial for South Africa’s economic growth as they ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to implement policies and deliver services effectively.

“Strong intergovernmental relations prevent the duplication of resources and efforts, align strategic planning, and foster a stable environment for investment, which is essential for economic development. This is what we have been encouraging with the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which encourages better coordination among the various spheres of government,” the Deputy President said.

Empowering small businesses

The Deputy President also emphasised that government action alone is not enough to drive growth, calling for greater support for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

“Local municipalities need to encourage young individuals to start their own businesses, as small enterprises create jobs, products, revenue, and services that benefit the community. Significant investments in the local economy are necessary to empower the younger generation and facilitate their economic participation,” the Deputy President said.

He highlighted the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to South African-owned spaza shops, general dealers, and grocery stores located in townships and rural areas.

Mashatile concluded his remarks by urging South Africans to use the upcoming G20 Summit to promote the country’s commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa.

“Tell the world that there is no genocide happening in our country. Tell the world that we live side by side and we are building a nation that Madiba and Tutu spoke about. We are building a nation that Braam Fischer and Helen Suzman spoke about. We are building a nation that Fatima Meer and Dr Naicker fought for,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, through its enforcement unit, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), has taken 84 unroadworthy vehicles off the road during intensified stop-and-search operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025.

The high-impact operations form part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at tackling lawlessness, enhancing compliance with traffic regulations, and safeguarding the lives of road users across the province.

According to the department, the discontinued vehicles were found to be in serious violation of road safety standards, with many failing critical roadworthiness tests due to faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, and defective lighting systems.

The GTI’s swift action prevented these hazardous vehicles from continuing to operate on public roads, reducing the risk of crashes linked to mechanical defects.

In addition to the discontinued vehicles, GTI officers uncovered widespread levels of non-compliance among public transport operators.

Key offences recorded during the week-long blitz included:

•    54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs,
•    40 minibuses discontinued for mechanical and safety defects, and
•    72 drivers operating without valid driving licences.

A total of 1 539 infringement notices were also issued for various traffic and transport-related offences. Of these, 557 were handwritten and 982 were processed electronically using GTI’s e-Force enforcement gadgets, a demonstration of the department’s commitment to leveraging technology in promoting compliance and accountability.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach, reaffirming the department’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance.

“The discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step to protect lives on our roads. Public transport operators must understand that non-compliance will not be tolerated. We remain resolute in our mission to create safer roads and restore order within the public transport sector,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The GTI, comprising 96 highly trained officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to roll out targeted enforcement operations across Gauteng to identify and remove unroadworthy vehicles, apprehend illegal operators, and ensure adherence to road safety standards.

Maintenance work underway on R24

Meanwhile, the Department of Roads and Transport has urged motorists to exercise caution along the R24, where milling and resurfacing work is currently underway.

The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, 16 November 2025.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution, plan for possible delays, and use alternative routes where feasible.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a rallying call to the construction sector to “go and construct South Africa” by seizing the opportunity presented by government’s R1 trillion infrastructure drive.

The President was addressing the National Construction Summit held at Kempton Park in Gauteng on Thursday. 

“Our country is poised…for great growth. 

“We have the money [for infrastructure], we have the leadership, we have the opportunity. Just go and construct South Africa,” President Ramaphosa told industry leaders at the summit.

Government has committed some R1 trillion over the medium term solely to infrastructure development and is also introducing reforms to create a conducive environment for public-private partnerships (PPP).

Amendments to Treasury Regulation 16 – which are aimed at driving higher PPP investment, managing fiscal commitments, improving governance and easing private sector entry – took effect in June.

“The purpose of this Summit is to ensure that these investments and reforms do indeed turn the country into a building site.

“We want to see cranes and construction vehicles in cities, townships, villages and rural areas. When visitors travel by road or rail or air, they must see a country at work.”

The President warned that as announced investments turn to soil turning, government will “not let anyone derail these efforts”.

“We will not negotiate with construction mafias. We will not yield to cable thieves or those who vandalise infrastructure. The law enforcement agencies will deal with those who break the law.

“We have declared war on the construction mafias and they will not stop us,” he said.

Those construction companies that underperform and delay government projects are also up for accountability through the South African Construction Action Plan.

“It is a framework for collective and individual accountability; a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines and enforceable consequences.

“The plan outlines actions to prevent underperforming contractors from securing new contracts from the state. It aims to fix cash-flow constraints and use technology to track construction projects in real time,” the President explained.

Provinces are also poised to establish Procurement War Rooms aimed at “identifying “blockages, speed up evaluations and ensure that projects move from bid to site without unnecessary delay”.

“The plan includes actions to strengthen audit and governance outcomes and professionalise the built environment in the public sector.

“In essence, this plan will ensure that projects are started and completed on time, within budget, and with no wastage.”

The President assured the gathering that government is determined that “infrastructure should be the main area of activity in taking our country forward”.

“From a social development perspective, infrastructure provides people with what they need to live and to thrive. It improves the quality of life and plays a key role in reducing inequality. Through reliable infrastructure we can boost productivity of our people and…to reduce the costs of living.

“Through infrastructure, we provide a country that will grow and develop. Infrastructure facilitates trade and commerce. When we boost infrastructure through the construction industry, we also attract investment.

“The roads we build, the bridges we construct, the schools and hospitals we erect are the foundations of opportunity and hope. Infrastructure is the engine that drives economic growth and social transformation,” President Ramaphosa said.

In the maiden budget speech of the Government of National Unity (GNU) earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure investment over the medium term. 

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled in Parliament yesterday, said reforms are under way to mobilise private-sector finance and technical expertise at scale.

“In parallel, there are initiatives to strengthen government’s ability to deliver infrastructure more efficiently and improve spending outcomes,” it said.

READ | Infrastructure drive firmly on the roll
–SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku has called on law enforcement authorities to move swiftly to bring to justice the people responsible for the fatal shooting at the Nyanga Terminus Taxi Rank on Wednesday morning.

The attack left two women dead and eight people injured.

According to police reports, all 10 victims were members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA). They were travelling in a Sprinter minibus taxi to a scheduled CATA meeting near the Cape Town International Airport, when unknown gunmen opened fire on the vehicle.

Police confirmed that two women died at the scene, while seven other women and one man sustained gunshot wounds. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after Sileku visited the same site as part of the Department of Mobility’s ongoing road user education campaign.

Sileku expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence.

“I am heartbroken by this tragedy. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and those currently recovering in the hospital.”

The MEC urged law enforcement authorities to move swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and appealed to members of the public to assist police with any information that could help the investigation.

“Violence of any kind, especially in spaces meant for safe public transport and daily commuting, cannot and will not be tolerated. We must work together to restore safety and dignity in our taxi ranks and the sector in general,” Sileku said.

The MEC reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies and ensuring that public transport facilities remain safe for all commuters and operators.

Lentegeur triple murder under investigation

Meanwhile, police in the Western Cape have launched an intensive investigation after three bodies were discovered inside a silver VW Polo at the corners of Hillcrest Road and Park Way in Montclair, Lentegeur, on Wednesday morning.

The victims, two men and a woman, all in their 20s, sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), preliminary investigations suggest the incident is gang-related. Detectives have been assigned to the case and are pursuing several leads in a bid to track down those responsible.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile, has strongly condemned the killings, reaffirming SAPS’s commitment to dismantling gang networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Gangsterism has no place in our society. The SAPS will continue to exert pressure on these criminal networks until every individual involved in violent crimes is brought to justice,” Patekile said.

Members of the public with information are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng’s public transport sector is set for a major overhaul with the introduction of a new technology-driven operating licensing system, which promises to streamline applications, enhance data integrity, and improve service delivery across all transport modes.

Announcing the development, Gauteng Roads and Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, described the system as a “game-changer” that will modernise the province’s public transport regulation framework and eliminate long-standing inefficiencies in the licensing process.

The initiative forms part of the work of the Gauteng Public Transport Crisis Committee, established in January 2025 to address the province’s persistent operating licence backlog.

The committee, established and chaired by Diale-Tlabela, works with the minibus taxi industry, represented by the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance (GNTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Gauteng, alongside the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), to find sustainable solutions to the backlog crisis.

Since its formation, the committee’s scope has expanded to include all affected public transport modes, including e-hailing, scholar transport, bus, and metered taxi operators, reflecting a fully integrated approach to public transport regulation.

“The department is confident that the new, technology-driven operating licensing system will be a game-changer for Gauteng’s public transport sector, streamlining applications, strengthening data integrity, and improving service delivery for all,” Diale-Tlabela said.

According to the MEC, from September 2025 to date, a total of 354 operating licences have been issued, 5 049 applications approved, and 2 247 cases sent for adjudication.

“This process has taken time, but it has also fostered a shared understanding that all operators exist for the same purpose, face similar challenges, and must work together for the greater good of the public transport system,” Diale-Tlabela said.

Diale-Tlabela emphasised that verifying each application and cleaning up the existing public transport database has helped identify the root causes of the backlog, while minimising disputes and potential conflicts within the sector.

The new provincial licensing system will purify public transport data by removing duplications, fraudulent entries, and outdated records.

“Once completed, the operating licences, routes, and operators will be recorded accurately, transparently, and digitally, enabling better law enforcement on high-risk routes and reducing operator disputes,” she said.

The MEC noted that the crisis committee, which brings together all transport operators, law enforcement agencies, municipal representatives, and departmental officials, is making remarkable progress in verifying what constitutes old and current backlogs across all modes.

As part of its broader reform agenda, the committee has also advocated for the finalisation of the amended Land Transport legislation and the new e-hailing regulations, promulgated by the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, on 12 September 2025.

Diale-Tlabela said the provincial regulations are now being developed to support the effective implementation of these reforms. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Health Department will join the globe in marking World Diabetes Day on Friday where it will also mobilise communities to make healthier life choices.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, will lead the commemorative event which will take place at the Protea South Community Hall in Soweto.

World Diabetes Day is an annual global campaign that raises awareness of diabetes and other Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 

“A key aspect of this year’s campaign is its emphasis on the workplace challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. It further promotes healthier lifestyle choices and encourages early screening to reduce the risk of severe health complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems,” said the department in a statement on Wednesday.

Under the slogan: “Know more and do more for diabetes at work” –  the department is calling on employers to raise awareness about the challenges people with diabetes face in the workplace such as stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions.|

Early detection through regular screening is crucial, especially for individuals aged 35 to 75 who are overweight or obese, as they are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, monitoring blood glucose (HbA1c) levels is essential for assessing diabetes management, as poorly controlled diabetes can lead to serious health issues.

“As a result, the department has intensified efforts to monitor diabetes control performance across facilities. In the past year, the overall diabetes control rate in Gauteng has remained steady at around 65%, showing that just over six in 10 monitored patients achieve reasonable glycaemic control,” it said.

In line with the overarching 2024 – 2026 global theme: “Diabetes and Well-being,” the commemoration will highlight the importance of a holistic approach to managing diabetes that addresses physical, mental and social challenges.

Ahead of Friday’s commemoration, the MEC will turn on the blue lights at Pholosong Regional Hospital on Thursday, symbolising the commitment to raising awareness about diabetes and highlighting the importance of prevention, management and support for those affected.

The provincial government will mark World Diabetes Day in partnership with Novo Nordisk and the City of Johannesburg.  –SAnews.gov.za