Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa says he will not resign following last week’s Constitutional Court judgment on the Section 89 impeachment process linked to the 2020 theft at his Phala Phala farm.

Addressing the nation at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Monday evening, the President said nothing in the Constitutional Court ruling compels him to step down from office, adding that resigning would undermine constitutional processes and efforts to renew the country’s institutions. 

“I, therefore, respectfully want to make it clear that I will not resign. To do so would be to preempt a process defined by the Constitution. To do so would be to give credence to a panel report that unfortunately has grave flaws.
 
“To do so would be to abdicate the responsibility that I assumed when I became President of the Republic. To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” President Ramaphosa said. 
 
The President said he remains committed to serving South Africans and completing the mandate entrusted to him.

“I fully intend to continue serving the people of South Africa and to advance their interests. There is still much work to be done,” he said.

The Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that certain aspects of the National Assembly rules governing the removal of a President from office are inconsistent with the Constitution. 

The matter stems from a report compiled by an independent panel appointed by the National Assembly in September 2022 to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations relating to the theft at the President’s Phala Phala farm in February 2020.

The panel found that information before it disclosed, prima facie, that the President may have committed serious misconduct and violated the Constitution.

However, in December 2022, the National Assembly voted against referring the report to an impeachment committee. 

The Constitutional Court has now set aside that vote and ordered that the panel’s report be referred to Parliament’s Impeachment Committee.

President Ramaphosa said he accepts and respects the judgment.

“I reiterate my firm commitment to the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” he said on Monday.

The President announced that he will seek a judicial review of the independent panel’s report, saying he believes it contains “grave flaws”.

“On the basis of advice from my legal team and as envisaged by the Constitutional Court when it said ‘unless and until the report is set aside on review’, I have therefore decided to proceed to take the independent panel’s report on review on an expeditious basis. 

“I do so not out of disrespect for Parliament or its processes, but to affirm the need for such findings to be correct in law and in fact, especially where Parliament’s work would be based on and informed by a report I believe is flawed,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President maintained that he has not committed any wrongdoing and reiterated that he has cooperated with all investigations into the matter. 

“Since a criminal complaint was laid against me in June 2022, I have consistently maintained that I have not stolen public money, committed any crime nor violated my oath of office. 

“From the beginning, I said that I would cooperate with all institutions that are mandated to deal with these types of matters,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa stressed that the Constitutional Court judgment did not make any findings regarding his conduct.

“The Constitutional Court made no finding of any kind regarding my alleged conduct. The Court made no finding on whether there was prima facie evidence of misconduct, nor if the alleged conduct, if established, justifies impeachment and the removal of the President,” the President said. 

He said resigning now would derail efforts aimed at rebuilding institutions, fighting corruption and advancing economic recovery.

“To resign now would be to give in to those who seek to reverse the renewal of our society, the rebuilding of our institutions and the prosecution of corruption,” he said.

The President reflected on progress made since taking office eight years ago, including implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission, recovering stolen funds and intensifying the fight against organised crime and corruption.

“We are implementing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and those responsible for wrongdoing against our people are being dealt with. 

“Through the Madlanga Commission process, we are confronting corruption and criminality in our law enforcement and security services,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said despite ongoing challenges facing the country, he remains hopeful about South Africa’s future.

“Guided by the rule of law and the principle of accountability, I intend to fulfil and complete the mandate that you, the people, have given me,” he said.

The President vowed that he will continue to do everything within his means to advance the rebuilding of the economy, the restoration of institutions and the renewal of the society. 
 
He further emphasised that he would do everything in his power to strengthen the institutions that are responsible for safeguarding the country’s democracy and upholding the rule of law so that they may never again be abused, co-opted or repurposed to serve criminal interests.

“I will remain in your service and will continue to act in your interests and in the interests of our diverse and remarkable nation. 

“I am confident that together as a nation we will strive, we will progress and we will overcome our challenges and difficulties. I remain here and I am not resigning. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu has called for stronger collaboration, innovation and community-driven growth in Africa’s tourism sector.

Sotyu made the call as leaders and stakeholders gathered for the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), the official precursor to Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026.

Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 officially kicks-off in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with the BONDay programme, which launches critical conversations around policy, entrepreneurship, destination competitiveness, sports tourism, culture, and digital transformation — all designed to showcase new growth opportunities for African tourism economies.

Taking place from 11-14 May 2026, under the theme: “Unlimited Africa: Growing Africa’s Tourism Economy”, the Indaba is set to deliver significant economic benefits for the city.

Addressing delegates, the Deputy Minister described BONDay as more than a programme opening, calling it “a celebration of Africa’s collective potential”. It takes place during Africa Month, a period that reflects the continent’s unity, resilience and shared aspirations.

Sotyu highlighted tourism as one of Africa’s most powerful economic drivers, noting its role in job creation, investment attraction and entrepreneurship. Despite global uncertainties, she said the sector continues to show resilience and growth.

“Tourism remains one of the continent’s most powerful economic drivers, creating jobs, attracting investment, stimulating entrepreneurship, and connecting Africa to the world. Yet this growth is not without challenges. Infrastructure, market access, safety, skills development, competitiveness, and changing global travel dynamics require that we remain agile, innovative, and united,” Sotyu said.

Sotyu said this year’s theme is both an aspiration and a strategic call to action, noting that Africa is among the fastest growing tourism regions globally, according to UN Tourism Africa.

“This signals that the continent is no longer in “recovery mode” but entering a new expansion phase”.

She stressed that unlocking Africa’s tourism potential will depend on collaboration over fragmentation, partnerships over isolation, and innovation over complacency.

At the heart of Africa’s tourism future, she noted, are communities, entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the tourism value chain.

“According to the World Bank, tourism supported 357 million jobs globally in 2024, or one in every ten jobs worldwide, because tourism creates direct pathways for communities, small businesses, and local enterprises to participate meaningfully in economic growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

Sotyu expressed hope that BONDay would inspire stakeholders to position tourism as an accessible and practical opportunity for communities across the continent, capable of uplifting households, empowering MSMEs, and creating shared prosperity from the ground up.

“BONDay exists to ignite Africa’s Travel Indaba with energy, strategic insight, and innovation. Today is about knowledge sharing, thought leadership, and practical engagement. It is a platform where delegates can learn, connect, and be inspired by the voices shaping tourism’s future,” she said.

Sotyu also emphasised the importance of innovation in a rapidly evolving global environment, pointing to the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping travel decisions and destination marketing.

“Africa must embrace innovation, technology, and bold storytelling to ensure our destinations remain globally competitive, culturally authentic, and future ready. Through today’s BONDay, we will also explore the critical role that sport and culture play in advancing Africa’s tourism economy and strengthening our global competitiveness.

“Sport and culture are among Africa’s greatest tourism assets and some of our most powerful drivers of economic growth, destination differentiation, and continental pride. Across our continent, Africa’s music, heritage, languages, fashion, cuisine, creative industries, and cultural traditions offer the world experiences that are rich, authentic, and unmatched,” the Deputy Minister said.

She further highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking sustainable tourism growth, noting that governments provide policy direction, infrastructure support, and enabling frameworks for tourism to flourish, while private sector brings innovation, investment, agility, and market responsiveness.

“Private partnerships are essential, in that Africa’s tourism growth cannot be delivered by government alone, or by the private sector in isolation. Sustainable tourism growth depends on strong public private partnerships,” she said.

Positioning Africa’s Travel Indaba as a critical platform for trade, dialogue and collaboration, Sotyu said the event goes beyond a traditional trade show, serving as a strategic economic platform for knowledge exchange, market access, policy dialogue, partnership building, and continental growth.

“It is where Africa’s tourism sector comes together to share ideas, build connections, unlock trade, and shape a stronger future. It is where we position tourism not simply as travel, but as a serious driver of economic development,” the Deputy Minister said.

She concluded by encouraging delegates, exhibitors, buyers and policymakers to use the platform to foster meaningful engagement, strengthen partnerships and pursue innovative solutions.

“May BONDay sets the tone for a week of meaningful engagement, bold thinking, and transformative opportunities. May it inspire our communities, empower our MSMEs, strengthen our partnerships, and remind us of all that Africa’s tourism future is brightest when we innovate boldly, collaborate intentionally, and grow together,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has outlined the steps Parliament will take following a landmark Constitutional Court judgment that declared parts of the National Assembly’s impeachment rules unconstitutional and ordered the revival of the Section 89 process linked to the Independent Panel report chaired by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.

In a statement issued on Monday, Parliament confirmed that it would comply fully with the Constitutional Court ruling delivered on Friday in the matter of Economic Freedom Fighters and Another v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others.

The apex court found Rule 129I of the Rules of the National Assembly unconstitutional and invalid, setting the rule aside. 

The court also ordered an interim amendment, known as a “reading-in” to govern the handling of Section 89 impeachment matters until Parliament formally amends its rules.

The ruling further invalidated the National Assembly’s decision of 13 December 2022 not to refer the Independent Panel report to an impeachment committee. 

The Constitutional Court ordered that the report now be sent to an Impeachment Committee established under the Assembly’s rules.

Parliament said the judgment reaffirmed the National Assembly’s constitutional obligations regarding accountability and oversight under Section 89 of the Constitution.

“The processes directed by the Court must now proceed in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of the National Assembly,” the statement said.

Among the immediate steps announced by Didiza is the formal tabling of the Independent Panel report through Parliament’s official journals. The Speaker will also provide President Cyril Ramaphosa with a copy of the report as directed by the court.

Parliament will additionally begin the process of constituting an Impeachment Committee in line with Rules 129J to 129O of the National Assembly Rules. The committee will be tasked with conducting the Section 89 inquiry process contemplated in the Constitution.

The Speaker will then formally refer the Independent Panel report to the committee for consideration.

The Constitutional Court judgment will also be referred to the National Assembly Subcommittee on the Review of Rules, which will consider amendments required to align parliamentary rules with the court’s findings and directives. The subcommittee’s recommendations will ultimately be submitted to the Rules Committee and then to the National Assembly.

Didiza said she would determine the programme, timelines and institutional support measures necessary to ensure that the Impeachment Committee completes its work “effectively, fairly and within the framework of the Constitution and the Rules of the National Assembly”.

Parliament said further details regarding the composition and operational arrangements of the Impeachment Committee would be communicated through official parliamentary processes and announcements. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Botswana following the passing of former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae at the age of 86.

On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa also conveyed his sympathies to former First Lady Barbara Gemma Mogae, the bereaved family and Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko.

In a statement on Monday, the President described Mogae as a great leader, who played a significant role in advancing democracy, good governance and regional cooperation.

“As South Africans, we embrace the people of Botswana in our shared grief at the passing of a great leader of the Republic of Botswana and the Southern African Development Community.

“We have lost a dear neighbour and friend, who shared our values of democracy, good governance and fraternal partnership,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the passing of Mogae during Africa Month serves as a reminder of the values and principles that guided his leadership and contributed to the development of Botswana and the Southern African region.

“As we observe Africa Month across our continent, the passing of President Mogae impels us to reflect on the principles and values that underpinned his leadership and that contributed significantly to the development of Botswana and our region and brought the citizens of our two nations together more closely,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said Mogae’s legacy would continue to live on through the prosperity and stability of Botswana.

“His legacy lives in our hearts and will live on in the prosperity and stability of the Republic of Botswana. May his soul rest in peace.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Two senior police officers and a businessman have appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on charges related to contravening the Precious Metals Act and defeating or obstructing the course of justice.

The accused in the case include Head of Counter-Intelligence in the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence Division, Major-General Feroz Khan; Gauteng Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Major-General Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa and businessman Tariq Downes.

“The charges emanate from an incident on 5 May 2021, when Downes was allegedly found in possession of 75.9 grams of unwrought gold, valued at approximately R62 836, at OR Tambo International Airport.

“During questioning, he allegedly claimed the metal was a brass bar and that he was acting as an undercover agent linked to senior SAPS officials. Investigations allegedly established that no authorised undercover operation involving precious metals existed at the time.

“The State further alleges that Khan and Kadwa instructed officers to release Downes, despite there being no supporting documentation for such an operation,” the National Prosecuting Authority explained in a statement.

The case is expected back in court in July.

“The three were each granted bail of R20 000 with conditions.

“The NPA remains committed to ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law, regardless of the status or seniority of those implicated in criminal conduct,” the statement concluded. 

Outside the court, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told the media that the organisation is committed to holding wrongdoers to account.

“It just shows that as an organisation, we are committed to transparency, to integrity and rooting out wrongdoing and corruption within our ranks. We’ve always maintained that no one is above the law irrespective of your position, your status and the rank that you hold.

“This is really a demonstration that the SAPS is committed to rooting out wrongdoing within our ranks,” Mathe said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, has released the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) Committee of Inquiry Report.

The report has been submitted to Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and was made available to the MEC after she assumed office last month.

“Following a thorough review of its findings and recommendations, the MEC has taken the decision to release the report publicly in the interest of transparency, accountability, and restoring public confidence in government institutions,” the department said in a statement.

The report lays bare the challenges at the GLB, including collusion between owners and inspectors.

“The report presents a thorough diagnostic report of the GLB and highlights various governance challenges including but not limited to; irregular issuing and renewal of liquor licenses, weak enforcement mechanisms, poor record-keeping, allegations of corruption, maladministration and collusion involving inspectors, officials, and unregulated consultants and other regulatory weaknesses.

“This has an adverse impact on the ability of the Gauteng Liquor Board to perform its mandate effectively,” the statement read.

Of further concern is the “proliferation of liquor outlets operating unlawfully in close proximity to schools, places of worship, children’s recreational facilities, and residential communities” – in contravention of the Gauteng Liquor Act.

“This points to a strain on enforcement capacity within the Gauteng Liquor Board, where fewer than 20 inspectors are responsible for monitoring more than 33 000 licensed outlets across Gauteng, alongside an estimated 200 000 illegal outlets operating outside the regulatory framework,” the statement read.

Some of the recommendations in the report include:

• Strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement operations; 
• Reviewing suspicious and unlawfully issued licenses; 
• Strengthening consequence management mechanisms;
• Digitising and modernising licensing systems; 
• Strengthening coordination with municipalities, SAPS, and Metro Police; and 
• Enhancing oversight over inspectors and officials involved in licensing and compliance processes. 

“In terms of the Gauteng Liquor Act (2003) and the executive authority vested in the MEC, the Department has a responsibility to ensure lawful administration, effective oversight, compliance enforcement, and the protection of communities affected by harmful and unlawful liquor trading activities. 

“The MEC further notes that while the liquor industry remains a significant contributor to the provincial economy, weak governance and regulatory failures have prevented government and communities from fully benefiting from the sector. 

“The Department will be taking swift action to strengthen compliance, improve revenue management, and ensure the industry contributes meaningfully towards economic transformation and the funding of social development programmes,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to call on South Africans to respect and uphold the laws of the country as government tackles the challenge of illegal migration.

This as demonstrations, some violent, against undocumented immigrants have spread across several major cities in South Africa.

“The recent violent protests and criminal acts directed at foreign nationals in parts of our country do not represent the views of South Africa’s people nor reflect our government’s policy. These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism’. 

“Some of these people are assuming functions that only state officials are permitted to perform, including stopping people to check identification and conducting searches of private property. Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are,” President Ramaphosa asserted.

He acknowledged that as a society, South Africa needs to deal “decisively – and within the law” with illegal immigration, which poses a risk to the country’s “social stability, governance and national security”.

“Undocumented migration places strain on healthcare, housing and municipal services, particularly in poor communities. 

“It distorts the labour market. In a country with high unemployment, some employers are exploiting undocumented, cheaper foreign labour over hiring citizens and paying them legal wages. Not only is this fuelling social tension, it is actively undermining our labour protection regime and eroding the hard-won rights of workers,” he said.

The President added that the challenge needs a whole of society approach “in which the private sector and government should all play a constructive part”.

“South African citizens who collude with undocumented foreign nationals in fake marriages, the illegal sale of state-subsidised housing or accepting bribes to facilitate access to social services only deepen the problem.

“Many South Africans are exploiting undocumented labour in households and in the informal sector,” the President added.

Facing the challenges

President Ramaphosa noted that tackling illegal migration entails “balancing our constitutional and international obligations with safeguarding national security”.

He commended the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Defence Force for strengthening borders and combatting illegal cross-border activity.

President Ramaphosa further noted that the BMA has intercepted some 450 000 people attempting to cross into South Africa illegally over the past financial year.

“As we strengthen our borders, we continue to reform our migration and citizenship framework. We are stepping up workplace enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals in violation of labour and immigration laws.

“We announced in the State of the Nation Address that we would be hiring up to 10 000 inspectors through the Department of Labour and Employment to ensure that our labour and immigration laws are adhered to.

“We continue to arrest and deport undocumented foreign nationals in accordance with the law, as we take forward the fight against corruption within the immigration system,” he said.

On the continent

Turning to the attention that the violent protests have garnered from within the continent, the President insisted that South Africans must push back on attempts to tarnish the country’s reputation.

“As a country, we must reject attempts to damage our country’s international reputation and to undermine the solidarity that has defined South Africa’s relations with the rest of Africa since the dawn of democracy.

“Since 1994, we have actively advanced a culture of human rights, all the while deepening the cause of African integration, cooperation and solidarity. We have a strong refugee protection framework that prioritises integration of persons displaced by conflict, war and persecution,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that refugees in South Africa are not “confined to camps” but live within communities, participate in the economy and access services like healthcare and education”.

He pointed to the country’s efforts in not only “deepening regional economic integration and travel” but also “strengthening academic, cultural and institutional ties” with the continent.

“Our demonstrated commitment to deepening African integration and solidarity should not be undermined by isolated acts of criminality.

“South Africa is not unique in confronting the pressures associated with undocumented migration. Many countries across the world, including in Africa, are themselves grappling with similar tensions. This calls for cooperation and understanding between countries on the continent and further afield,” he said.

The President emphasised that, like every country in the world, South Africa will exercise its sovereign right to “regulate migration, secure our borders and enforce our laws”.

“We must make it clear that there is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence.

“Everyone in South Africa is bound by the same laws and we are committed to ensuring that they are respected and upheld by citizens and foreign nationals alike,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eskom says the power system remains stable even after a sharp rise in evening consumption, with peak demand at times reaching nearly 2 000MW above anticipated levels.

Demand has been rising, driven by seasonal winter conditions in South Africa over the past few weeks.
“The system has remained stable. This has been achieved alongside the natural tapering of solar generation at sunset, demonstrating enhanced operational resilience and improved capacity utilisation across the fleet.

“This performance reflects the sustained impact of the Generation Recovery Plan and reinforces Eskom’s Winter Outlook projection of no loadshedding, supported by continued progress in reliability, disciplined maintenance execution, and cost optimisation,” Eskom said.

Throughout last week, unplanned outages declined to some 11 593MW – a reduction of 964MW compared to the 12 556MW recorded over the same period last year.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], which reflects unplanned outages, was 24.18%, representing a 2.25% reduction compared to the 26.42% recorded during the same period last year, thereby contributing to available capacity.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capability Loss Factor [PCLF], which reflects planned maintenance, averaged 13.66%. While this is lower than the 14.66% in the previous financial year, it is aligned with Eskom’s efforts to ensure environmental compliance, improve reliability, and support long term sustainability,” the power utility explained.

Furthermore, 980MW is currently in cold reserve due to “excess capacity”.

“Since 16 May 2025, South Africa has recorded 357 consecutive days without interruptions to electricity supply, reflecting system availability of approximately 98.9%.

“During the previous financial year, supply interruptions were limited to 26 hours across four days in April and May 2025. Notably, there have been no interruptions in the current financial year to date [from 1 April to date], underscoring the improved strength and reliability of the power system.

“To further ensure a stable electricity supply, Eskom will bring 2 889MW of generation capacity online ahead of the evening peak on Monday,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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