Category: MIL-OSI

The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about the alarming number of road incidents recorded in the first week of the festive season, from 1 to 7 December 2025.

According to the provincial government, a total of 21 fatal crashes were reported across the province during this period, resulting in 28 fatalities on provincial roads.

Pedestrian deaths remain a significant and persistent challenge on Western Cape roads. 

Of the 28 fatalities recorded, 12 were pedestrians, making them the single largest group affected this past week. 

The other fatalities include 10 passengers, three drivers, two motorcyclists, and one cyclist.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the numbers are extremely troubling, especially considering that the peak travel period has not even begun. 

“Every life lost is a tragedy, and every family affected enters the festive season carrying pain instead of joy. Pedestrian safety remains one of our greatest concerns. We urge every road user, whether behind the wheel or walking alongside our roads, to exercise heightened caution.

“The mental and physical fitness of drivers who are undertaking long journeys is also of paramount importance to reducing the number of incidents,” Sileku said. 

During the reporting period, Provincial Traffic Services conducted over 200 integrated operations, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control activities. 

Over 33 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and just over 10 000 fines were issued for a range of traffic violations relating to both driver and vehicle fitness.

In addition, 43 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during this period. 

As holiday travel increases, the department warns that drunk driving, speeding, and pedestrian behaviour continue to be major contributors to serious and fatal crashes.

Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, stated that their teams are fully deployed across the province; however, enforcement alone cannot prevent crashes.

“We need every motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, and passenger to take responsibility. Simple decisions, like crossing only at safe points, not drinking and driving, and sticking to the speed limit, can save lives. The festive season should be a time of celebration, not mourning,” said Bezuidenhout. 

As the province prepares for increased traffic volumes in the coming weeks, the Western Cape Mobility Department calls on all road users to remain vigilant and responsible.

“Let us work together to bring these numbers down. Your loved ones are waiting for you. Let’s make sure every journey ends with a safe arrival,” Sileku added. 

Road safety tips for a safer festive season: 

•    Slow down and obey the posted speed limits; speeding remains a leading cause of fatal crashes.

•    Never drink and drive. Plan by arranging a designated driver, e-hailing service, or alternative transport if consuming alcohol.

•    Be extra vigilant at night, especially for pedestrians, who are most at risk during dark, early morning, or in low-visibility conditions.

•    Cross roads only at safe, designated points and wear visible or reflective clothing when walking near roadways. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

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Cabinet has welcomed the continuing improvement in Eskom’s financial and operational performance for the first six months ending September 2025.

This, while highlighting Eskom’s sustained financial and operation recovery, as the power utility recorded a R24.3-billion profit after tax for the six months, ending September 2025, which is a 37% increase compared with the same period last year.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni noted the period saw consistent energy supply, with only four days of load-shedding, while electricity supply reliability stood at 96% in 2024/25, improving to 98% to date. 

“Eskom’s solid performance demonstrates the efficacy of Eskom’s recovery plan, initiated under Operation Vulindlela structural reforms programme, the level of competence of Eskom’s management team and its board, and the focused leadership of the Minister of Electricity and Energy,” Ntshavheni said.

Positive economic growth

Cabinet also welcomed signs of sustained economic momentum, as indicated by the 3rd Quarter GDP figures, released by Statistics South Africa.

South Africa’s GDP grew by 0.5% in the period July – September 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, driven by strong performance in mining, agriculture and services, and contributions from finance, government services, and manufacturing.

The GDP growth in the 3rd Quarter of 2025 was accompanied by a significant increase in employment.  According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, employment increased by 248 000 jobs, while the number of unemployed people declined by 360 000.

“In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which provides young people with pathways into the economy, has now reached the 200 000 jobs milestone. To date, YES has placed over 202 558 young South Africans in 12-month, quality work experiences and it is supported by more than 1 900 corporate partners.

“Furthermore, the IMF just lifted South Africa’s growth forecast to 1.3% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026, up from earlier projections of 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively,” the Minister highlighted.

Key implementation plans to drive economic growth approved

Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the implementation plan to drive growth and inclusion, based on the priorities of the 7th administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan.

The plan aims for a coordinated and focused implementation of prioritised economic development interventions which were designed under multiple initiatives.

The plan consolidates several development initiatives into a streamlined framework built on three core pillars:
•    Economic reforms to fix and strengthen the fundamentals of the economy;
•    Public service reforms to build a state that delivers; and
•    Industrial Policy reforms to pursue new areas of growth.

“The focused and prioritised implementation will give the Plan the same impetus of the Structural Reforms programme under Operation Vulindlela,” Ntshavheni said.

Roadmap approved for Critical Minerals Strategy

Cabinet also approved the implementation plan for South Africa’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which details a roadmap to leverage opportunities in mineral wealth arising from the surge in demand for critical minerals due to their increased applications in digital technology, defence, healthcare, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles, amongst others.

The implementation plan focuses on six pillars, including geoscience mapping and exploration; value addition and localisation, research, development and innovation; infrastructure and energy security; financial instruments; and regulatory harmonisation.

The Minister noted that the implementation of the Critical Minerals Strategy will significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cabinet has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in extending its appreciation to all South Africans for their role in ensuring the successful G20 Presidency which culminated in the recently hosted G20 Leaders’ Summit.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency as a resounding success both as a diplomatic achievement and a celebration of national unity.

He expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to making South Africa’s G20 Summit a success.

“During our G20 Presidency, South Africa firmly placed Africa’s development agenda in the purview of G20 leaders and mobilised consensus on meaningful actions to address the challenges constraining South Africa, Africa and the global South’s development,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. 

Briefing the media on the outcomes of Cabinet, Ntshavheni said Cabinet noted the recent position of the United States regarding South Africa’s participation in the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting and the expressed intentions to exclude South Africa, a G20 founding member, from participating in the 2026 G20 meetings. 

“While this development is regrettable, as a founding member, South Africa’s commitment to the G20’s principles and collaborative framework remain unwavering,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said the 2025 G20 Summit demonstrated the power of multilateralism and cooperation, and that Cabinet remains confident that multilateralism and cooperation are the path to shared prosperity for all people of the world.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed the successful hosting of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ meeting on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

“At IBSA, South Africa called for a revitalisation of South-South cooperation to drive inclusive growth, advance sustainable development and accelerate the reform of global governance institutions.

“IBSA nations are well positioned to champion the priorities of the global South, including scaling up climate finance, enhancing food and health security, supporting foundational learning and mobilising investment for disaster risk reduction,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister briefed the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, following Cabinet’s ordinary meeting on 5 December. – SAnews.gov.za

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Cabinet has approved a comprehensive Programme of Action to address GBVF, including a service delivery framework and institutional arrangements to drive a whole of society approach in addressing this scourge. 

At a post Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria, on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the comprehensive Programme of Action focuses on the implementation of five priorities.

These are: 
•    Prevention and rebuilding social cohesion: Focusing on eliminating the social acceptance of violence and addressing structural drivers. Greater effort will be made to engage men and boys in prevention dialogues to dismantle harmful norms and toxic masculinity. 
•    Enhanced law enforcement protection, safety, and justice: Aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system to ensure protection and justice for survivors. Expanded victim-friendly facilities and specialised GBV desks at SAPS stations are part of this effort. 
•    Victim and survivor centred support: Seeks to provide equitable access to high-quality services across justice, health, and education sectors. Emphasis is in integrated support systems that prioritise dignity, healing, and empowerment, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive care without discrimination or delay.
•    Communication and stakeholder Engagement and Mobilisation: Focuses on transforming social norms at all levels through consistent, evidence-based messaging. It aims to challenge harmful attitudes, promote gender equality, and mobilise communities to actively participate in ending GBVF. 
•    Institutional arrangements: Ensures strong governance and accountability mechanisms across all spheres of society. Calls for firm, coordinated leadership and clear institutional roles to drive implementation, monitor progress, and enforce accountability. 

“Victims of violence are encouraged to use the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre hotline: 0800 428 428 to report abuse and access support services,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said recently that bold leadership and stronger partnerships across various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, are indispensable as the country intensifies its response to GBVF.

READ | Call for nationwide responsibility in fight against GBVF

Chikunga emphasised that the fight against GBVF must extend beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, urging a year-round, 365-day commitment to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups, and build a society grounded in equality, dignity, and safety. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

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