Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), together with other law enforcement agencies, will this weekend conduct a coordinated joint operation that will result in in temporary road closures, lane restrictions, and intermittent disruptions across key routes.

With the operations starting on Friday, motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and consider alternative routes, where possible. 

“These measures are essential to enhance public safety, enforce traffic compliance, and support ongoing traffic law enforcement initiatives, including vehicle inspections and congestion management.

“Clear signage, traffic officers, and real-time updates will be provided to guide road users, and access for emergency and essential services will be prioritised at all times,” RTMC said.

The RTMC is working with the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, (JMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS), in this operating, which is taking place on Friday, 24 October 2025 and Saturday, 25 October 2025. 

Affected metropolitan areas include the City of Tshwane, City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

Operations will target high-security routes, including major national highways and central urban arteries.

National and regional routes are as follows:

• N1, N3, N12
• M1
• R21
• R24
• R512

Major arterial and urban roads:

• Rand Show Road
• 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street
• Rivonia Road
• Grayston Drive
• Whiteley Road
• Melrose Boulevard
• Corlett Drive
• Athol Oaklands Road
• Oxford Road
• Glenhove Road
• Jan Smuts Avenue
• Rand Show Road
• Nasrec Road
• Golden Highway (Nasrec)

Operation schedule and times are as follows:

• Friday, 24 October 2025, from 9am – 1pm. During this period roads will be closed across the listed networks in Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
• Saturday, 25 October 2025, from 8am – 10am (morning operations) and 1pm – 2:30pm (afternoon operations). During these times roads will be closed across the listed networks in Johannesburg.

Alternative routes around Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni & Tshwane

• Use M57 as an alternative to the R21 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
• Use Beyers Naudé Drive instead of R512 or N1 for west/northwest travel.
• For east-west travel, use smaller regional roads through Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview instead of R24/N12.
• Within Sandton/Rosebank/Parktown, use side streets parallel to Jan Smuts, Oxford, or Rivonia Road. Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, 11th Avenue,

• In southern Johannesburg, Riverlea, Nasrec and Ormonde View, use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road (Fordsburg–Crown Mines) Soweto Highway, N17.

  – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has welcomed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s obligations. 

As a Member State of the United Nations (UN) and an occupying power, the ICJ said Israel is expected to fulfil its responsibilities by facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and respecting the rights and needs of the people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

On Wednesday, the ICJ, which is the UN’s top court, delivered a non-binding opinion in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the court’s advisory opinion “authoritatively interpreted and reaffirmed Israel’s already existing obligations under binding international law”.

“The ICJ’s findings underscore that there is no legal ambiguity regarding Israel’s obligations to facilitate and respect the mandates of independent and impartial international and humanitarian organisations operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Israel’s binding obligations under international law to respect and protect the privileges and immunities of United Nations and entities, including their premises and personnel,” DIRCO said.

South Africa has noted the court’s reminder that Israel must not use starvation of the Palestinian civilian population as a method of warfare.

“The court further emphasised Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power to ensure that the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has the essential supplies of daily life, including food, water, clothing, bedding, shelter, fuel, medical supplies and services.” 

The department also noted that the court acknowledged the essential role of the UN, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), along with other humanitarian organisations and third-party nations, in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

“The court observed that Israel had not substantiated its allegations concerning UNRWA’s impartiality and referred to the immediate actions undertaken by the United Nations to address Israel’s concerns.

“Israel was therefore not permitted to take unilateral action against UNRWA, in violation of its UN Charter obligations to cooperate in good faith with the UN and to render it every assistance.

“Consequently, any arbitrary restrictions or curtailment by Israel that impedes such relief operations are inconsistent with its obligations under international humanitarian law. As an occupying power, Israel is prohibited from extending its domestic laws, such as the one banning UNRWA, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” 

DIRCO stated that this aligns with South Africa’s submissions to the court, asserting that Israel cannot deny the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to territorial integrity and sovereignty over the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory, which includes the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“Importantly, the Court recalled the prohibition on the forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and the right of Palestinian detainees – as protected persons under international humanitarian law – to be visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

“Further, the court underscored that Israel must respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of the population of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – an obligation which persists, even in cases of armed conflict.

“Overall, the court anchored its findings in the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, affirming that humanitarian and UN operations are essential to upholding this right,” the department said.

South Africa, DIRCO said, insists on the necessity for all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, without exception, and consistently.

“As confirmed by the court, South Africa maintains that the cornerstone of lasting regional peace and stability lies in the full realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, through a just and inclusive process.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has published a consultation paper regarding an application from Eskom to amend the losses charge calculation methodology for embedded generators. 

The generator losses charge is the cost that electricity generators pay to account for power lost when transporting electricity through the grid. 

“The proposed change aims to modify the existing formula for calculating technical losses incurred by embedded generators connected to the Eskom distribution network, ensuring that it better reflects the actual costs based on recent technical studies,” NERSA said on Thursday.

Eskom intends to implement the amended methodology in the 2026/27 financial year’s Eskom Schedule of Standard Tariffs.

According to NERSA  not all the generated electricity reaches end-users.

Some of it is lost as heat in conductors, transformers and other network equipment. 

“In practice, this means a generator must supply more electricity than what is delivered to consumers, with the difference representing transmission or distribution losses. 

Eskom motivates that the charge provides a financial signal that encourages generators to locate closer to demand centres, since plants that are far from major load areas typically result in higher losses,” the Regulator explained.

Eskom’s recent technical studies and power flow simulations revealed that seemingly embedded generators now contribute to increased network energy losses in most geographical areas. 

Moreover, Eskom’s studies show that the current rebate system, which offers financial advantages to embedded generators, is no longer cost-reflective and results in an unintended subsidy. 

Subsequently, Eskom considers it necessary to amend the losses charge methodology to more accurately represent the costs linked to the use of the distribution network by embedded generators.

Eskom’s application proposes changes to the formula, thereby constituting an amendment to section 5.5.1 of the Tariff Code. 

In terms of section 5.1 of the Governance Code, NERSA is the approval authority for the Grid Code, and any amendment, derogation or exemptions from the Grid Code shall therefore be approved only by NERSA, as guided by the Grid Code Advisory Committee (GCAC).

The recommendations from and input of the GCAC on Eskom’s application will be considered during the decision-making process of the Energy Regulator.

This public consultation process is undertaken in accordance with the requirement of procedural fairness, which necessitates that the Energy Regulator undertake a public consultation process to ensure that its decisions comply with section 10 of the National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004) (‘NERA’), read with sections 4 and 5 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) (‘PAIA’).

Eskom’s application is available on the NERSA website at http://www.nersa.org.za under ‘Notices>Public Hearings’. Members of the public and stakeholders are requested to submit written comments to ertsa@nersa.org.za by Thursday, 13 November 2025.

A virtual public hearing to make oral representations on this application will be held on 24 November 2025 via MS Teams and livestreamed on X and YouTube. 

Members of the public and stakeholders who wish to attend or present their views at the hearing must submit their requests by 16:30 on Monday, 17 November 2025 to publichearings@nersa.org.za. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between the legislatures of South Africa and Vietnam, describing parliamentary diplomacy as an essential pillar in advancing cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, Trần Thanh Mẫn, President Ramaphosa said it was vital that relations between countries go beyond the executive level and extend to their parliaments. 

“South Africa values the important role that parliamentary democracy plays in strengthening bilateral relations. It is important that relations between two countries are not just limited to government level, but also at a parliamentary level,” the President said.

He noted that South Africa attaches great significance to inter-parliamentary cooperation, which helps deepen understanding, promote accountability, and ensure that bilateral agreements are effectively implemented.

President Ramaphosa recalled the productive engagements earlier this year between the Deputy Chairperson of Vietnam’s National Assembly and South Africa’s presiding officers, including the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. 

“These exchanges have laid a strong foundation for deeper institutional cooperation between our parliaments. I am pleased that we have agreed to reciprocal visits by office bearers in 2026, which will further enhance dialogue, oversight, collaboration and the sharing of legislative processes,” the President said.

The President also commended the engagement between the delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, in 2024, saying such interactions reflect the enduring relationship and shared values between the two countries.

Now that South Africa and Vietnam have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, President Ramaphosa said the role of both legislatures will be crucial in ensuring that agreements reached in areas such as trade, culture, and governance are effectively translated into action.

“Our legislatures will play a critical role in ensuring that agreements between our governments are implemented and that they deliver tangible benefits for our peoples,” the President added.

Following the courtesy call, President Ramaphosa was given a brief tour of the National Assembly Museum. 

Earlier, the President paid a courtesy call to the family home of the late General Võ Nguyên Giáp, one of Vietnam’s most revered military leaders.

During the private engagement, General Giáp’s family took the President through the historic home, where he observed local traditions and paid respects at a sacred site. President Ramaphosa also signed the family book, leaving a heartfelt message of appreciation to the family.

READ | South Africa–Vietnam talks lay foundation for more structured and forward-looking partnership 

 – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Hanoi, Vietnam – The warmth of friendship and the promise of deeper cooperation marked the State Banquet held in honour of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation in Hanoi on Thursday evening, bringing to a close a day that symbolised a new chapter in South Africa–Vietnam relations. 

Hosted by President Lương Cường at the International Convention Centre, the banquet followed a day of official engagements that included a solemn visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tête-à-tête between the two leaders, and bilateral talks aimed at elevating relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership.

President Ramaphosa is on a three-nation visit to the Southeast Asia region, which kicked off in Indonesia, followed by the State Visit to Vietnam. It will conclude with a working visit to Malaysia. 

READ | President Ramaphosa pushes for elevated South Africa–Vietnam strategic partnership

In his toast remarks at Thursday’s State Banquet, President Ramaphosa expressed profound appreciation for the hospitality extended by the government and people of Vietnam, describing the visit as a moment of renewal between two nations bound by shared ideals of freedom, justice, and self-determination.

“It is indeed a great honour to be here in Hanoi and to receive the generous hospitality extended by you, Your Excellency, the government and the people of Vietnam. Once again, we extend, as South Africans, our warmest congratulations to the government and the people of Vietnam on your successful celebration of your 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and declaration of your independence,” President Ramaphosa said.

Reflecting on the morning’s visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the President said South Africa was honoured to pay tribute to Vietnam’s revered leader, whom he described as a symbol of courage and self-determination.

“You honoured us today by taking us to the mausoleum to pay our respects to your honoured leader, Ho Chi Minh, whom we all deeply respect and recognise as the father of your nation. Thank you very much for your remarks today, where you remembered and honoured the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, as well,” President Ramaphosa said. 

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, peace and security, and multilateral engagement, noting that both countries had complementary strengths that could be harnessed for shared prosperity.

“Our invitation to Vietnam to participate in the G20 summit reflects the importance we attach to Vietnam’s voice in shaping global economic governance and sustainable development,” he said, adding that South Africa looked forward to welcoming Vietnam’s Prime Minister as a special guest at the upcoming summit.

President Lương Cường, in his toast, said he believed President Ramaphosa’s visit would “open a new, brighter chapter” in the relations between the two nations, built on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

“I also hope that in this new era of development for the Vietnamese nation, we will continue to receive the precious support and cooperation of our sincere friend and trusted partner – South Africa. For its part, Vietnam always stands ready to support South Africa on its path towards development and prosperity,” President Lương Cường said. 

The evening concluded with a cultural performance celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage, with the performing artists also singing some famous South African tunes, marking a fitting close to a day defined by camaraderie, shared history, and a mutual commitment to a prosperous future.

As the two Presidents raised their glasses, the sentiment was clear: the partnership between South Africa and Vietnam is not only rooted in history but also poised to grow stronger in the years ahead. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa says the State Visit to Vietnam has laid a strong foundation for a more structured and forward-looking partnership, one that delivers tangible benefits for the people, and contributes meaningfully to regional and global development.

“Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity and inclusive multilateralism,” he said. 

The President was speaking during a media briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, following official talks with President Luong Cuong as part of his State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

“It is a great honour to be here in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I wish to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to President Lương Cường, the Government and the people of Vietnam for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me and my delegation,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the spirit of friendship and solidarity experienced during the visit is deeply valued and reflects the strength of the two countries’ bilateral relationship.

The visit, he added, takes place at a profoundly symbolic moment as Vietnam commemorates 80 years of independence, a milestone that speaks to the country’s enduring resilience and remarkable progress.

READ | President Ramaphosa pushes for elevated South Africa–Vietnam strategic partnership

“It is also a moment to reflect on the historic ties between South Africa and Vietnam, rooted in shared struggles for liberation, sovereignty and justice,” the President said.

The President reflected that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, the partnership between the two countries has grown steadily from political solidarity to multifaceted cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, education and multilateral engagement.

“Today, we take a decisive step forward with the commencement of a process to elevate our bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. This reflects our shared commitment to deepening cooperation across a range of sectors,” he said.

These sectors include defence, agriculture, justice and constitutional development, mineral and petroleum resources, and biodiversity conservation.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa sees Vietnam as a key partner in its export diversification strategy and is encouraged by the steady growth in trade and investment between the two countries.

“This visit forms part of a broader effort to strengthen South Africa’s engagement with Southeast Asia, a region of growing strategic importance,” he said.

He noted that South Africa’s participation in the 47th ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] Summit as Guest of the Chair, and its recent recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, “reflects [the] commitment to fostering inter-regional cooperation between Africa and Asia”.

“We are building on the legacy of the 1955 Bandung Conference, which laid the foundation for solidarity between our continents,” President Ramaphosa said.

“Vietnam plays a central role in this regional partnership, not only as a longstanding friend of South Africa, but also as a key member of ASEAN,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa is on a three-nation visit to the Southeast Asia region, which kicked off in Indonesia, followed by the State Visit to Vietnam. It will conclude with a working visit to Malaysia. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

By Dikeledi Molobela

Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a renewed push to strengthen trade and investment ties between South Africa and Vietnam, saying deeper cooperation between the two countries is key to building resilient economies and advancing inclusive growth.

The President made the remarks during official talks with Vietnamese President Lương Cường at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Thursday, where the two leaders led high level delegations in discussions aimed at taking the relationship between the two countries to new heights.

Considering recent global trade tensions, including the imposition of tariffs by major economies, President Ramaphosa underscored that it is increasingly important for countries like South Africa to strengthen South–South trade and economic cooperation.

“Enhancing bilateral trade ties and expanding market access between South Africa and Vietnam is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics.

“Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth,” the President said.  

The President congratulated the Vietnamese people on the country’s 80th anniversary of independence, describing it as “a remarkable milestone that demonstrates the resilience, unity and progress of the Vietnamese people.”

He noted that the participation of Ministers from Defence, Trade, Agriculture, Justice, Mineral Resources and Police from both countries underscored the countries’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed Vietnam’s proposal to elevate bilateral relations from a Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership, a move he said would “unlock new opportunities for structured collaboration, enhance institutional engagement, and position [the] partnership to respond more effectively to global and regional challenges”.

He said the proposal also reflected the growing importance of Southeast Asia to South Africa and the African continent, and the importance of Africa for Vietnam’s growing global role.

The talks come as South Africa chairs the Group of 20 (G20), with President Ramaphosa highlighting Vietnam’s invitation to the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as an opportunity to deepen South–South cooperation and promote inclusive multilateralism.

“Vietnam’s presence will enrich the dialogue and reinforce the importance of inclusive multilateralism and South–South cooperation in shaping a more equitable global order. As the Incoming Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa is working to strengthen regional integration and economic development across the continent,” he said.

The President also encouraged Vietnamese businesses to take advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, which offers access to a market of over 1.4 billion people.

“South Africa, as a gateway to the continent, is well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Vietnamese investment and trade expansion into Africa,” he said.

In closing, the President congratulated Vietnam for hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, describing it as “a historic moment, reflecting the collective determination of the countries of the world to manage rapid technological change in a manner that prevents harm and advances the cause of human development”.

The President said South Africa is proud to participate in this historic occasion and the Convention will be signed on his behalf by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. 

“As our two nations, let us use this moment to reaffirm our shared values, strengthen our strategic alignment and build a partnership that contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity and sustainable development,” Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za