Category: English

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a National Convention on Friday, the 15th of August 2025, which will represent the diversity of the South African nation and set the agenda for the National Dialogue.

The National Dialogue is an initiative that has been in discussion by a number of leaders in the country and many other people for some time now. 

“This National Convention will represent the diversity of the South African nation. The first National Convention will set the agenda for the National Dialogue. 

“It will be a representative gathering, bringing together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, religious leaders, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices, among others,” the President said on Tuesday.

The initiative has been gathering support and enthusiasm since it was proposed last year and has been endorsed by a wide range of formations across society. 

Over the last few months, government has been engaged in discussions with various entities on the purpose and the form of the dialogue. 

WATCH | Announcement of the National Dialogue
 

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“In the wake of these consultations, there is broad agreement that given the challenges our country is facing at the moment, we should convene the National Dialogue. The idea of holding a dialogue is not a new concept in our country. In many ways having dialogues is part of our DNA as a nation. 

“At every important moment in the history of our country, we have come together as a nation to confront our challenges and forge a path into the future in dialogue with one another. Through dialogue we were able to deal with the challenges that the apartheid system caused in our country and achieved peace and overcame violence. We established a democracy and ended apartheid,” the President said. 

Following the negotiations process, he explained that dialogue was used to start building a united nation where once there had only been conflict and division. 

He said the country achieved all this because everyone came together in dialogue to discuss difficulties, concerns, hopes and inspiration as a people. The country has worked together for more than 30 years to realise the promise of a democratic Constitution. 

Challenges 

Additionally, progress has been made in expanding freedom, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of millions, while also recognising the persistent challenges that remain. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent the nation and country from reaching its full potential.

“Millions of people are under-employed and unemployed. Many of those who work earn wages that cannot sustain them or their families. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption are prevalent across our society. 

“We are therefore called upon at this moment to direct all our efforts to build a thriving, inclusive economy that creates jobs and opportunities. We are called upon to build safer communities and to create a better future for our children. 

“We are also called upon to give all sectors of our society – men and women, young and old, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex] community, and urban and rural people – a voice to determine how we address the problems of today and build the South Africa we want for future generations. That is why we have agreed to convene an inclusive National Dialogue,” he said. 

Shared vision

The dialogue will be a people-led, society-wide process to reflect on the state of the country in order to reimagine the future. 

“Through the National Dialogue, we seek a shared vision of what it means to be a South African and develop a new national ethos and common value system. 

“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact for the development of our country, a compact that will unite all South Africans, with clear responsibilities for different stakeholders, government, business, labour, civil society, men and women, communities and citizens,” the President said. 

The dialogue is expected to accelerate progress towards Vision 2030 and help lay the groundwork for the next phase of the National Development Plan. 

He emphasised that the dialogue is not a single event, but rather a phased, participatory process beginning with local consultations and sector-specific discussions and culminating in provincial and national engagements.

Through various political, social and other formations, in workplaces, places of worship, communities, villages and sites of learning, South Africans will in the months following the National Convention be encouraged to be in dialogue to define the nation’s path into the future. 

“The views, concerns and proposals that will emerge from this conversation will be brought together at a second National Convention, that is planned to be held in the beginning of next year.

“This second National Convention will reinforce our shared values and adopt a common vision and programme of action for our country into the future,” he said. 

The President said he expects that the National Convention will finalise a compact that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all South Africans. 

Eminent Persons Group

To guide and champion the National Dialogue, the President has appointed an Eminent Persons Group. 

He said these are leading figures in society, reflecting the country’s diversity with a proven commitment to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. 

The members of the group are:
• Dr Brigalia Bam, former Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, 
• Mr Robbie Brozin, entrepreneur and business person, 
• Judge Edwin Cameron, former Constitutional Court judge, 
• Mr Manne Dipico, former Northern Cape Premier, 
• Dr Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana coach and football legend, 
• Ms Ela Gandhi, peace activist and stalwart, 
• Prof Nomboniso Gasa, researcher and rural activist, 
• Mr Bobby Godsell, business leader, 
• Dr John Kani, award-winning actor, 
• Mr Siya Kolisi, Springbok captain and world champion, 
• Ms Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa 2024, 
• His Grace Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of the Zion Christian Church, 
• His Grace Bishop Engenas Lekganyane, leader of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, 
• The Most Reverend Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, 
• Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, 
• Dr Barbara Masekela, poet, educator and stalwart, 
• Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, former Member of Parliament, 
• Mr Roelf Meyer, former Minister and constitutional negotiator, 
• Ms Gcina Mhlope, storyteller, writer and actor, 
• Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, student activist and former Member of Parliament, 
• Ms Kgothatso Montjane, Grand Slam tennis champion, 
• Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu, former activist and educationist, 
• Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali, unionist and former COSATU General Secretary, 
• Hosi Phylia Nwamitwa, traditional leader, 
• Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, 
• Dr Gloria Serobe, business leader, 
• Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the Gift of the Givers, 
• Prof Derrick Swartz, academic, 
• Ms Lorato Trok, author and early literacy expert, 
• Mr Sibusiso Vilane, mountaineer and adventurer, 
• Mr Siyabulela Xuza, award-winning rocket scientist. 

The President added that UBaba uShembe uNyazi LweZulu has also been invited to join the Eminent Persons Group, but, as he is travelling, has not yet been able to confirm his availability. 

“I am grateful to each of these South African patriots who have made themselves available to act as the guarantors of an inclusive, constructive and credible process,” he said. 

IMC

An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC)  has been established under the chairpersonship of Deputy President Paul Mashatile to coordinate government’s contribution to the National Dialogue. 

The President said a Steering Committee will be established, comprised of representatives of various sectors of society, to set strategic priorities and coordinate implementation of the dialogue process. 

The Secretariat, which is responsible for day-to-day management of National Dialogue activities, will be housed at NEDLAC, the National Economic Development and Labour Council. 

“As a nation, we are embarking on a new path of partnership and united action. We are drawing on our traditions of dialogue and debate. We are determined to define a shared vision of a nation which belongs to all South Africans united in their diversity,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Mop-up operations are underway in KwaZulu-Natal following severe snowfall, which caused disruptions to major routes and damaged infrastructure.

Giving an update on the snowfall response measures, following the closure of the N2 highway around Kokstad and Port Shepstone on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, commended the coordinated efforts of motor grader operators and the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), who worked around the clock to ensure the free traffic flow.

Duma said the department on Tuesday set a target to remove the snow that blanketed the N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.

“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm. They have done exactly that and in record time. This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Duma said.

Snowfall response measures

In anticipation of severe weather, the province activated its comprehensive snowfall response plan following alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). 

Measures included:

•    The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N2, Kokstad and Port Shepstone, N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.
•    Drivers of motor graders sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates to more than 30cm in depth on the road. More than 10 graders to be stationed on identified routes to ensure that the response is faster.
•    The provincial government interacted with the South African Weather Service to ensure that the response is based on authentic information.

Duma said t the province has applied lessons learned during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system.

However, despite these efforts, he said several motorists, including trucks and luxury buses, became stuck along the N2 in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed the warning from the SA Weather Service. If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure,” Duma said.

District municipalities road conditions

The Department of Transport also provided an update on the status of roads across various district municipalities:
•    eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on the coastal area.
•    Ilembe District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy wind on coastal area at this time.
•    uMgungundlovu District Municipality: All roads are open. No effect from adverse weather. Experiencing heavy Berg winds currently.
•    Umkhanyakude District Municipality: All roads are open. Experiencing windy conditions. The main concern is a fallen tree on the road at R22, Section 2, which was reported last night. Our standby team responded promptly and removed the tree. The rehabilitation contracts are proceeding smoothly with only day closures currently in place. 
•    Zululand District Municipality: No issues have been reported, and the patrol teams are actively monitoring the route.
•    King Cetshwayo District Municipality: All seems to be in order for now. The patrol teams are inspecting the route.
•    N2 Ugu District Municipality: Rain with strong winds. Fallen trees are being attended by Routine Road Management (RRM). No major issues to report on the N2 towards Port Edward and N2 towards Harding.
•    Harry Gwala District Municipality: The N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad triangle is closed due to the snow. N2 from Kokstad triangle (Kokstad Bridge project) towards Brooksnek is also closed due to snow.
•    Amajuba District Municipality: N11-3 and 4 is clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.
•    Uthukela District Municipality: N11-1 and 2 are clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing. Snow on the Drakensberg but not effecting any roads.
•    Umzinyathi District Municipality: N11-3 clear. Just very high, icy winds prevailing.

“There is rain and strong winds in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo. uMzimkhulu RTI and RRM closed the road on the N2 Stafford Post (Umzimkhulu area) because motorists are not heeding snow warnings and trying to go through despite the snow in Beesterkraal,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the families of the six people who died as a result of severe weather and flooding in the Eastern Cape.

The province has experienced flooding, windy conditions and snow recently. 

The President implored communities to take caution as the severe winter conditions persists. 

“While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute. I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter.

“This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind.

“We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers. We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions,” the President said in his statement on Wednesday.

Furthermore, the President urged communities to stand together during this time.

“We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict.

“Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter’s intensity and our own vulnerability. Let’s show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring,” President Ramaphosa said. 

This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape with possible flooding over the OR Tambo District Municipality.

This as the cut-off low system persists over the interior of the country.

READ | Eastern Cape residents urged to postpone travel amid warning of heavy rain

Meanwhile, adverse weather has also affected other parts of the country with the N2 around Kokstad and Port Shepstone having been closed due to snowfall.

“To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603 – Tacoma to Reit. Our message to motorists and snow chasers is that prevention is better than cure,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma.

READ | N2 in KZN closed due to snowfall

In addition, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to take extra caution when driving on the roads as icy cold weather conditions have gripped the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The North West Provincial Government ( NWPG) has urged communities to stay vigilant amid severe weather and strong, fire-spreading winds.

“Freezing weather is upon us and an increasing dependence on indoor heating techniques like paraffin stoves, heaters and open fires are likely to be the order of the day,” the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) said in a statement.

READ | Call for caution as severe winter weather increases risk of domestic and veld fires

Ahead of the start of the icy weather, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, also called for increased vigilance.

“This intense cold front is expected to begin over the weekend and affect large parts of the country,” he said in a statement on Friday.

– SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has proposed the development of a National Biosecurity Compact – shared commitment between government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen South Africa’s preparedness and resilience against biological threats.

Speaking at the National Biosecurity Summit 2025, held at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus on Tuesday, Steenhuisen outlined the objectives of the proposed compact, which aims to coordinate national responses to animal and plant health risks.

“This compact will define baseline vaccine stock levels; clarify roles and responsibilities during outbreaks; embed data-sharing mechanisms and institutional partnerships like the Biosecurity Hub; and provide a framework for coordinated, credible, and timely responses,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuisen argued that the initiative is not only about defending against risk, but “it is about enabling growth.”

He said export markets require sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, and they demand evidence of control, traceability, and institutional readiness.

“Strengthening our biosecurity systems opens the door to new trade opportunities, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence in South African agriculture. Biosecurity is not a “nice-to-have”, [but] it is as fundamental to national stability as clean water, reliable electricity, or functioning roads.

“When it works, farmers prosper, food remains affordable, and our exports flourish. When it fails, the consequences are steep—economically, socially, and politically. We have the tools [and] the institutions, and now, we have the momentum,” the Minister said.

The Minister also noted one of the country’s most significant structural weaknesses, vaccine production, highlighting operational backlogs and infrastructure limitations at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) – the country’s primary vaccine producer.

“We cannot afford to repeat the failures of the past. Vaccines are not a luxury – they are the first line of defence in any biosecurity system, and we will hold OBP accountable.”

To address these challenges, the Minister announced that his office has implemented quarterly performance reviews, brought independent oversight, and is actively investigating diversification options to reduce dependence on a single supplier.

Addressing veterinarian shortage

The Minister also raised concerns about the critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly in the poultry industry and rural areas.
“Nationally, we require 400 veterinarians. We currently have around 70 in the public system,” the Minister said.

To close this gap, he said the department is expanding vet training posts, creating rural internships opportunities, and building regional partnerships.

“Through the Biosecurity Hub, we are also mapping career pathways to attract a new generation of animal health professionals.”

Biosecurity Hub at Innovation Africa

Launched in October 2022, the Biosecurity Hub is a joint initiative between the Department of Agriculture, then Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), and Department of Science Technology and Innovation.

The hub is an innovative platform designed to foster collaboration, enhance information sharing, and strengthen our collective capacity to respond to biological threats, not only for South Africa, but potentially across the continent.

It is a strategic outcome aligned with the overarching objectives of the Agricultural Agro-Processing Masterplan (AAPM) and the Decadal Plan. Both these national frameworks emphasise the importance of safeguarding agricultural value chains, promoting sustainable, trade, agro-processing, and ensuring food security utilising also biotechnologically advanced practices. – SAnews.gov.za