Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Many will remember the childhood threat to finish our vegetables at dinnertime, or risk not growing up to be as strong as our favourite superheroes in comic books or TV shows.

And while we wished that those superheroes would swoop in to rescue us from the dreaded broccoli or whatever was on the plate, never would we have imagined that research being carried out today is looking into preserving what is on our plate from possible threat.

As adults, we’ve come to realise that heroes do exist in real life, albeit not cloaked in spandex and capes. The hero in this case is the National Planning Commission (NPC) which is working on research in the agricultural space at a time when climate change is having its way with the world.

“What would it look like if for example if certain crops are no longer available? What will it look like if we no longer have access to wheat at the price that we are used to? What does it mean for the cost of pap and what does that mean for our cultural legacy and the way that food plays a really important part in our social traditional, communal ways of being, ways of celebrating and ways of sustaining ourselves?”

 Commissioner at the NPC, Dr Lebogang Pheko recently told SAnews, in an interview. 

While her comment is indeed a scary thought, it points to the important role of research in any society.
Appointed by the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Commission is an independent advisory body and think tank that is the custodian of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). 

The plan seeks to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 with raising economic growth, promoting exports and getting the economy to be more labour absorbing being a part of the plan’s objectives.
As one of the 26 Commissioners of the NPC, Pheko is putting her hand to the plough.

“We have been able to procure and to commission pieces of important research [which] speak to issues…including different agricultural methods, small business development, red tape reduction, irrigation and agriculture in this country,” she said.

Chapter 6 of the NDP states that agriculture, “as the primary economic activity in rural areas, has the potential to create close to one million new jobs by 2030. It adds that the vegetable industry could be one of the largest contributors to job creation and the improvement of livelihoods if the potential growth in demand in South Africa and the southern African region is considered”.

Research into irrigation and agriculture is among the body of research that Dr Pheko is working on. 

“What we were looking at there was a few things: we were bearing in mind that firstly we are in the midst of climate change and climate vagaries. This means that with the water scarcity that we experience as a country is potentially going to get worse unless we begin to put in place mechanisms to reduce and manage that.” 

The implications of that, she told SAnews are that harvesting seasons may change and that the kinds of foods that have been readily available may also change.

“This also has implications and bearing not only for the cost of food which is extremely significant, and the way that we have to import and export food in the future but also for the kinds of legacy foods that we associate with our day-to-day life,” she explained.

Pheko, who is also a senior researcher and political economist, said the research also looks at  how the country should reframe its agricultural footprint going forward.

“It was also looking at the fact that many young people don’t have as much interest in land as we would like them to and in agricultural pursuit. We must think and rethink how we not so much rebrand …but really rethink the ways in which we are able going forward, to ensure that irrigation and agricultural studies are part of a discourse of nation building,” she explained.

In a newsletter to the nation in March, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that agriculture is one of South Africa’s most important sectors in the economy, adding that data from the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) showed that the country’s agricultural exports reached a record $13.7 billion in 2024. Forty four percent of the products were exported to other African countries.

Additionally, the value and volume of the farming sector has more than doubled since the dawn of democracy in 1994 and is a major source of employment with 924,000 people having worked directly in agriculture and over 200,000 having worked elsewhere in the agriculture value chain by the end of 2024.
“The health and growth of our farming sector is vital to supporting small towns and keeping rural South Africa vibrant,” said the President.

To expand agriculture and create one million jobs in the sector, the Commission in the NDP makes several recommendations including increasing investment in water resource and irrigation infrastructure. Another of its recommendations is “to increase and refocus investment in research and development for the agricultural sector”. 
Pheko said another element of the research was looking at what climate change looks like in the context of climate mitigating factors the country has to take into consideration.

“We’ve already seen this in KwaZulu-Natal where it’s becoming an annual occurrence that there are terrible floods, and yet it seems like we’re not able to mitigate this. What this means is also that, amid the floods, there will be disruption of everyday life.

“It also links to urban and rural planning and the intersection between urban and rural planning because I sometimes think that there’s a bit of a false divide between the two. We must plan for cities in the context of urban areas. We have to plan urban areas in the context of rural areas because we cannot continue to have the kind of overflow of people into urban areas because they don’t see a life for themselves in rural areas.

“So, sustainability in terms of water, in terms of agriculture, means that we have to rethink our rural development plans in the context of urban planning and in the context of self-sufficient autonomous nodes of possibility where people of all generations feel as though they can make a life for themselves,” she explained.

Beyond 2030 and why it matters

And just as superheroes anticipate trouble around those they protect, the research looks at various scenarios ensuring that the country does not find itself in a lamb to the slaughter situation.

“The research looks beyond 2030, its really long-term intergenerational planning. We are trying to project what are the sorts of scenarios that would be important for us to put in place so that we are able to begin to think and reimagine some of our socio spatial, socio agricultural and socio water and energy needs going forward.”
Asked about how she would describe the current South African landscape ahead of the 2030 NDP deadline, Commissioner Pheko said that the country’s economy continues to be complex in nature.

“Our economy is really complex – complex historically because of the kind of political economy of extraction that we come from, and we haven’t been really able to shift and remodel,” she explained.

She further added that the country’s economy tended to be labour intensive.

“For an economy that is trying to be STEM [ Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] oriented in generations to come, our basic fundamental education is not feeding into that sufficiently. You still have a large percentage of young people who by Grade 5, 6 cannot read for comprehension. You also have a large amount of young people who cannot grasp the fundamentals of mathematics in a way that is necessary for us to build a STEM culture.”

She added that to create a STEM culture requires intentionality and that the country’s planning and knowledge economy is not matching up with what “we hope will be our labour economy and a diversification of skills.”

“Another part is that our skills in the agricultural market, which is a very important market, are also being overtaken by mechanisation. We have to rethink our export and import markets,” she said.

G20

With the G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held from 22-23 November 2025, the NPC has been privy to some of the conversations ahead of the Summit.

“The NPC – because of our socio policies positioning – has been privy to quite a few of those conversations and processes,” she said, adding that the grouping provides an opportunity to advocate for issues that are impacting not only African nations but also the broader, global community. 

“We are also trying to leverage our Presidency to amplify voices of dispossessed populations across the continent including advocating for the inclusion of more African nations in the G20 discussions.
“And remember, this follows the membership of the African Union [AU] as a bloc in 2023 and whether or not that membership of the AU is yielding dividends is something perhaps, we should advocate for and be much more vigorous about. 

“It also coincides with a time of a lot of grappling with multiple crises including climate change, food security and economic instability among others. We can also think around how South Africa can confront these issues by trying to encourage more collaborative international efforts that recognise the interconnectedness of our challenges as a globe.”

She added that the G20 has substantive economic clout as it represents 85% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 75% of international trade.

“Again, I’m no champion of GDP as the primary instrument of growth, I think it is neocolonial and hasn’t really proven itself to be the most effective way to reframe development. But that said, certainly in terms of what those figures represent and the engagement in this influential forum to leverage this, perhaps those would be some of the few talking points.

Legacy

With the term of office of the Commissioners due come to an end in 2026, Pheko said that what keeps her up at night is the “possibility that we won’t be able to, after all of these efforts to look our descendants in the eye.”

“The possibility that we don’t deal with growing inequality…the missing middle and that the disposed remain dispossessed and lose hope in any possibility of a way forward, that for me is the worst-case scenario.”

Pausing to reflect on what she would like her legacy to be she said: “I think a commitment to building a solid foundation for policy formulation to enable our future governments and future Commissions to respond to the needs of citizens where we left off. I think another legacy would hopefully be a commitment that people would see that we tried to draft a long-term plan that charted a course for the country with multiple forms of growth. 

“I also hope that we leave behind a legacy of collaboration, of strategic foresight to hopefully shape the future in a small way,” she said. 

With the five-year, part time term of office of the third cohort of the NPC Commissioners approaching, Pheko said the work that the Commissioners are carrying out is not about reinventing the wheel.
“What we are trying to do is to build legacy work and legacy projects,” she said.

Just as superheroes prioritise the wellness of those they protect, the Commission is doing its bit by way of research to ensure a better South Africa, with our greens intact.-SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Umzinyathi District Water Summit wrapped up on Friday, with local leaders, stakeholders, and communities uniting to forge a cohesive plan for the district’s water future.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the summit’s outcomes and the crucial role of traditional leadership in achieving water sustainability.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, including government departments, municipalities, civil society, and the private sector, for your active participation and commitment to securing our district’s water future,” he said. 

Hlabisa emphasised the importance of the Amakhosi, acknowledging their deep-rooted connection to the land and resources. 

“Your wisdom and leadership remind us that water is not only a resource but a heritage,” he added. 

The two-day summit, which took place at Battlefield Country Lodge in Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal, addressed urgent water service delivery challenges across all 61 wards of the uMzinyathi District.

The summit’s theme: “Securing Umzinyathi District’s Water Future through Good Governance, Sustainable and Resilient Water Infrastructure,” guided various discussions and resolutions that are set to shape the region’s water policies. 

The gathering affirmed good governance as the cornerstone of effective service delivery. 
“We have committed to conducting skills audits, implementing capacity-building programs, and developing succession plans to ensure continuity and institutional memory.”

The summit also focused on ensuring equitable access to water. 
Delegates resolved to finalise the District Water Master Plan and prioritise refurbishing aged infrastructure. 

Hlabisa noted that short-term interventions, such as rainwater harvesting and borehole development, will complement long-term strategies.
These efforts aim to guarantee reliable water access for every household in Umzinyathi.

Water conservation and demand management were key discussion points, with participants expressing concerns over illegal connections and water losses. 
“We will enforce the bylaws, establish ward-based water committees, and implement awareness campaigns,” he said, stressing a proactive approach to curbing wastage.

In addition, financial sustainability emerged as another critical area of focus and detailed a plan to strengthen revenue collection and prioritise debt recovery. 

“Community engagement will reinforce the culture of paying for services,” he said, highlighting the necessity for infrastructure refurbishment to maintain revenue streams.

The summit also touched on the importance of road conditions in facilitating effective service delivery.
Hlabisa assured that collaboration with local municipalities to repair potholes would be prioritised, particularly in areas close to traditional leadership. 

“This is not only a gesture of respect but also a practical step to ensure safe access for traditional leadership and the communities they serve,” he said. 

As the summit concluded, Hlabisa called for urgent action. 

“These resolutions are not mere words; they are commitments that demand urgency, collaboration, and accountability. 

“The success of this summit will be measured not by the quality of our discussions, but by the speed and integrity of our implementation.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Speeding has been found to be a major contributing factor in the deadly Limpopo bus crash that claimed the lives of 43 people, the Department of Transport said on Friday.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) investigation into the crash in Makhado found that the driver of the bus drove at a speed too high for the conditions down the mountain pass.

“During the mechanical investigation, it was also established that the bus and trailer only had five out of the 10 brakes in operational condition and that one brake on the bus had no braking ability. It was established that out of five brakes on the bus, one brake on was not in an operational condition.

“None of the four brakes on the trailer had been in any operational condition and the suspension had also been poorly repaired,” said the department as the preliminary report was given to the Minister of Transport.

This means that the bus and trailer only had half of its braking capacity, as the other half had not been operational for a long time. 

“Therefore, the bus and trailer were not in a roadworthy condition by virtue of the defective braking system and the poorly repaired suspension of the trailer. This means that the driver of the bus and trailer was aware of this braking deficiency and had adapted his driving style to accommodate this defect.”

The bus was found to have had 91 occupants, even though the bus only had capacity for 62 occupants.

Additionally, there were 11 children between the ages of three to five years old and if Regulation 231 of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2000 is applied, then two children between the ages of three to six years old shall be counted as one person.

“This implies that at the time, the vehicle was overloaded by 23 persons. It has been established that the trailer attached to this bus was loaded with baggage and personal belongings.”

While 43 people lost their lives in the crash, 34 others sustained serious injuries and a further six occupants sustained slight injuries.

On the issue of road conditions at the time of the crash, the investigation found that the road surface along the N1 before and after the crash scene was noted as being in good condition and therefore not considered a cause and/or contributory factor to this road crash.

The preliminary report on the crash has recommended that law enforcement operations be considered to examine and evaluate the roadworthiness of vehicles that enter South African roads, as the bus is a foreign registered vehicle.

“Such inspection could have detected the unroadworthy condition of the bus and the trailer, and this crash might not have occurred. [It was further recommended that the] RTMC’s National Traffic Police, together with their provincial counterparts, concentrate their attention on heavy vehicles that do not adhere to warning signs and do not reduce speed when driving downhill, as it is evident that the bus and trailer drove at a speed too fast for the road environment and failed to negotiate the hairpin bend,” said the department.

The department said that the RTMC investigation is still ongoing, and it will take 21 weeks to complete the final technical reconstruction report.

“The investigation will also look at what happened at the weigh bridges where the issue of overloading was supposed to have been detected.”

Action

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport, Barbara has directed the RTMC to investigate the bus company’s responsibility in ensuring the roadworthiness of the bus and to further consider a culpable homicide complaint against the bus company in terms of the duties of the operator.

She has also requested the maintenance schedule and service records of this specific bus and to work with the Anti-Corruption Unit to establish which road testing center issued a roadworthy certificate for the bus, and establish if there are any DNC Coach Depots in SA to look at their fleet roadworthy status.

The corporation has also been instructed to liaise with provincial law enforcement authorities to ensure a compulsory roadworthy inspection, specifically focusing on the DNC Coach Fleet coming through South Africa’s borders.

READ | President Ramaphosa extends condolences following Makhado crash

– SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has intensified efforts to expand its export footprint across Africa and beyond, following a successful Export Symposium and Expo.

The expo was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in Midrand from 14 – 16 October 2025.

Bringing together over 130 local exporters from key value-added and high-growth sectors, the event served as a strategic platform to showcase proudly South African products and drive conversations on trade diversification in an increasingly volatile global market.

According to the dtic’s Chief Director of Export Promotion, Zanele Sanni, the symposium reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to reducing reliance on a narrow group of trading partners.

“The Export Symposium provided a dynamic platform to discuss how South Africa can leverage trade for inclusive growth and resilience. It underscored the urgency of diversifying our markets and strengthening intra-African trade,” Sanni said.

The three-day programme featured four robust panel discussions covering topics such as export finance, inclusive growth, and the role of trade agreements in unlocking new markets.

A key highlight was the focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Sanni described as “a catalyst for South Africa’s export growth into the continent”, particularly amid global trade disruptions and rising tariffs.

Buyers from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi engaged in business-to-business sessions with South African firms across sectors such as automotive components, ICT, agro-processing, mining machinery and branding services.

“When the bulk of buyers come from across Africa, it confirms our ambition to channel export growth towards the continent, especially for value-added manufactured products,” Sanni said.

Delegates called on government to expedite the finalisation of rules of origin for sensitive sectors — a step seen as critical to building regional value chains and boosting employment within African economies.

Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, who opened the event, said the Export Symposium will continue to evolve and expand to other African countries, enabling them to showcase their own manufacturing capabilities.

“Each African country has the potential to produce value-added goods, source from one another, and strengthen intra-African trade, moving beyond the current 15 to 16% levels,” Godlimpi said.

The dtic said the outcomes of the symposium would feed into ongoing efforts to position South Africa as a leading exporter of competitive, high-quality goods within the African market and globally. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has called on the 2025 matriculants to uphold integrity and honesty as they prepare for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Speaking during the 2025 Grade 12 NSC candidate pledge signing ceremony at Hoërskool Vorentoe on Friday, Chiloane reminded learners that their journey and the pledge were bound by destiny.

“In 2013, two significant events occurred. First, the Council of Education Ministers established this pledge requirement. Secondly, you, the Class of 2025, entered Grade 1, beginning a journey that brings you here today. Somehow, it is as if destiny aligned your educational path with this commitment to integrity,” he said.
The MEC commended the Class of 2025 for their resilience in adapting to new learning methods and emerging stronger despite challenges.

“Class of 2025, you carry a special distinction. As the 18th cohort to write the NSC examinations, you have navigated unprecedented challenges. You adapted to online learning, returned to modified classrooms, and still managed to master not just traditional subjects but new offerings like Technical Mathematics and Sign Language. Your resilience has already been tested and proven,” Chiloane said. 

The event brought together 390 candidates – 221 from Hoërskool Vorentoe and 169 from Westbury Secondary School, who joined more than 192,000 Grade 12 candidates across Gauteng taking part in similar ceremonies. 

“You are living proof that when neighbouring schools unite, when communities collaborate, we create something powerful. While you gather here, identical ceremonies unfold across all 1,040 examination centres in Gauteng, binding 192,745 candidates in our provincial covenant of integrity,” he said.

Chiloane reminded learners that the NSC exam was not just another test but a key to their future.
“The NSC Examination is not just another test; it is a high-stakes national assessment that unlocks doors to employment and further education. Every mark you earn honestly becomes a key to your future. Every shortcut you resist strengthens your character. Every rule you follow protects not just your qualification, but the credibility of the entire system,” he said.

He also cautioned candidates against distractions and the misuse of social media.

“I urge you to disconnect from social media during this critical period. These platforms, which can be wonderful tools for connection, too often become breeding grounds for anxiety, false information, and cyberbullying during exam time. I am not asking you, I am instructing you: stay off social media during your examinations. Your emotional well-being depends on it,” he said. 

The MEC reiterated the department’s zero tolerance towards cheating and misconduct during exams.
“No cellphones or watches in examination rooms – not in your pocket, not in your bag, nowhere. No disruptive behaviour that disturbs other candidates. No unauthorised materials or devices. No giving or receiving assistance. No writing on behalf of another candidate,” he warned.

The MEC further urged learners to be vigilant and report any wrongdoing. 

“Your pledge today includes a commitment to report wrongdoing. This is not about being a snitch; it is about protecting the value of your qualification. When someone cheats, they do not just cheat the system; they cheat you by devaluing the very certificate you are working honestly to earn,” he said. 
Chiloane expressed appreciation to educators, school governing bodies, parents, and religious leaders for their collective role in guiding and supporting learners.

He also encouraged learners to maintain integrity throughout their examinations.

“Be the cohort remembered not only for the highest pass rate, but for the highest integrity rate. Be the generation that made cheating obsolete. I want a 100% pass rate from you,” Chiloane said.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the MEC reminded the learners of the significance of the pledge they were signing.
“As you prepare to sign this pledge, remember that this signature represents your word, your honour, your commitment to face these examinations with courage and integrity. You are not just promising to write examinations honestly. You are promising to write your life story with integrity. The pen is in your hands. Write wisely,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates to approach their final examinations with honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility to themselves and the country.

Speaking at the National Senior Certificate Pledge Signing Ceremony held at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Friday, Gwarube said the pledge represented a moment of deep meaning for learners across South Africa. 

“It gives me great pride and joy to join you today, as we gather to witness a moment that carries deep meaning for every learner in our country — the signing of the National Senior Certificate Pledge,” she said.

The Minister said the day was about affirming South Africa’s shared values. 

“Today is about affirming who we are as a people and what kind of citizens we want to become. It is a day that speaks to integrity, honesty and accountability, the very values that form the foundation of our education system and our democracy,” the minister said. 

Addressing the Class of 2025, Gwarube commended learners for their perseverance through 12 years of schooling and urged them to face their examinations with integrity.

“You have overcome difficulties and uncertainties, and now you stand on the threshold of one of the most defining moments of your young lives. As you prepare to write your National Senior Certificate examinations, you will take a pledge today that commits you to approach this milestone with honour and integrity,” she said.

She reminded learners that integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

“Integrity is one of the most important qualities any individual can possess. It means doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means being truthful in your work, being reliable in your promises, and standing firm in your principles,” she said. 

Gwarube emphasised that the pledge was not a mere formality, but a vital step in protecting the credibility of South Africa’s education system.

“The pledge you will take today is a solemn declaration that you will not allow dishonesty, cheating, or any form of misconduct to define your journey. It is a commitment to fairness and truthfulness. When you put your name on that pledge, you are saying that your success will be earned through your own effort, not through shortcuts or deceit,” the Minister said. 

She warned that dishonesty during examinations undermines not only individuals but the entire education system.

“If we allow cheating or dishonesty to undermine these exams, we not only harm ourselves, but we harm the credibility of the entire system. We damage the value of the certificate that thousands of honest learners have worked hard to achieve. We weaken the trust that society places in our education system,” Gwarube said.

She described the pledge as “a collective act of protection — protecting your future, protecting your integrity and the integrity of the system, and protecting the reputation of our country.”

Gwarube said the ceremony was a reminder that education is not only about academic achievement but also about developing character and values. 

“Our vision for the basic education system is not only to produce learners who pass exams, but to produce young people who are principled, ethical, and inspired to build a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said.

She encouraged learners to embody empathy, respect and responsibility, noting that the future of the nation depends on principled citizens.

“The future of our country will depend not only on how educated we are, but on how principled we are. A nation that values honesty and fairness will always find its way forward, no matter the challenge,” she said. 

The Minister also expressed hope that South Africa’s learners would contribute to a values-driven continent.

“We also take pride in knowing that the kind of learner we nurture here in South Africa will contribute to a thriving and values-based Africa. The future of our continent depends on young leaders who understand that integrity is the true measure of leadership.”

She encouraged learners to write their final examinations with confidence and pride.

“Your hard work will open doors. Your honesty will sustain your success. Your integrity will define your legacy. When you walk into the examination room, walk in with the assurance that your future is in your hands. You are capable, you are ready, and you are the hope of this nation,” she said.

Gwarube also wished learners well for their valedictory ceremonies, urging them to celebrate integrity, effort, and resilience.

“Let your valedictory be a celebration of integrity, effort, and resilience. Let it be a reminder that the lessons you take from school are not only found in books, but in the values that will guide your lives.”

She expressed gratitude to teachers and parents for their continued support of learners across the country.

“To the teachers and parents who have walked this road with our Matric Class of 2025: thank you. Your dedication, sacrifice, and belief in our young people make all the difference,” she said. 

Closing her address, the Minister told the learners that as they take the pledge today, they must remember that they are not just promising to be honest in their exams, but in all that they do in life.

“May you go forward with pride, and may your efforts shine as brightly as your dreams. I wish you all the best for your final examinations. Write them with confidence, honesty, and the belief that you are shaping a better South Africa and a better Africa,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Competition Commission has played a critical role in assisting government to keep a close eye on anti-competitive practices that inflate the price of food.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered an address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

“Since 2007 the Commission has conducted a number of inquiries to enforce fairness and accountability in food markets. Examples of this include the bread and milling cartel cases, the grocery retail market inquiry and the fresh produce market inquiry.

“[This] work is directly contributing to a fairer food system. Reduced retail food prices make basic and nutritious foodstuffs more affordable for low-income households,” he said.

Turning to food retailers, the President called on those companies to join the government in efforts to curtail rising costs.

“These companies are very good distributors of our food. However, they are making billions of profits and if we are talking about food prices, we want to call on them to look at the prices they charge for food at the till.

“We also want to call on them to look at the high margins that they charge. Because it’s all very well for them to say there needs to be food security, there needs to be affordable food prices, but they are the ones who drive the high food prices.
“They are the ones who must join us in taking action to reduce food prices. We want them to join us when it comes to reducing the cost of living. Food prices are what drives the cost of living higher,” he said.

Furthermore, a whole of society approach is needed to ensure that people do not go to bed hungry. 

“This has to be a collective action by all of us: government, business, civil society, academia and everyone. We need to have a comprehensive approach to looking at how we ensure that there is true food security and affordable food prices for the people of our country,” he said.

WATCH | President addresses the Social Justice Summit 

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Stepping up efforts
The President acknowledged that although there has been much done in “improving the health outcomes of our people, we need to do far more”.

“The Medium-Term Development Plan is clear that food security is central to reducing poverty and improving human development in general. Its first target is to reduce the proportion of South Africans living below the food poverty line from 30.9 % in 2022 to 25% by 2029. 

“Secondly, it is to reduce the number of individuals vulnerable to hunger from 5.4 million to below 2.9 million over the same period.

“To achieve these MTDP [Medium-Term Development Plan] targets over the remaining period of four years of this administration, government has prioritised a coordinated set of strategic interventions,” he said.

Interventions include regular review of the National Minimum Wage to match inflation, reviewing the indigent policies to “ensure that communities have more money in their pockets to buy decent food, diversifying food security programmes, and expanding the social welfare net”.

The President highlighted that the G20 Ministerial Food Security Task Force Declaration affirms the right to food as fundamental.

“Its principles resonate deeply with our values as South Africa which are encapsulated in the spirit of Ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are”. Achieving equality, solidarity and sustainability in food systems requires partnerships.

“It demands that we put evidence to work. It demands that we act collectively – across government, business and civil society – to ensure that freedom from hunger becomes a lived reality for every South African,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the School Nutrition Programme as one of South Africa’s most impactful pro-poor programmes since the dawn of democracy.

The President delivered a keynote address at the 7th Social Justice Summit held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The school nutrition programme feeds some 9.7 million children from indigent households during the week, with studies showing the positive impact it has on learner attendance, concentration and academic performance. 

“Put into perspective even further, when one is quantifying the longer-term impact, last year, learners from quintile 1 – 3 schools accounted for 67% of all bachelor passes. These learners, who now have the opportunity to go on to achieve their dreams, will have received 12 full years of nutrition support at school through this programme.

“Without a shadow of doubt, the School Nutrition Programme is one of the most transformative, pro-poor and pro-development policies to have emanated from our democratic dispensation. It is more than just a support system; it is a strategic effort to promote a healthier, more educated future,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, government has gone on to ensure that these learners receive two meals a day at school.

“…[Learners] now get two meals a day – breakfast and lunch – because as children come to school in the morning, they have invariably not had breakfast. 

“This is a real impactful change,” he added.

Additionally, social grants are also playing a critical role in feeding the households that some of these learners come from.

“The social grant system is a lifeline for millions of South Africans, who rely on grants to feed themselves and their families. The impact of social grants on supporting nutrition cannot be understated.

“There is a vast body of research from government as well as civil society organisations backing up the assertion that grants are associated with better nutrition and lower food insecurity.

“The National Income Dynamics Study/Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey… found that the Social Relief of Distress or SRD grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of people below the food poverty line by 2 million in 2021,” President Rampho sa said.

Government interventions

President Ramaphosa continued to outline government’s efforts to fight food insecurity since the dawn of democracy.

He pointed to “provincially managed programmes to support food production in the form of backyard food gardens”as one example.

Nutrition at a primary health level is also being prioritised through initiatives including breastfeeding promotion, micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women and a National Obesity Strategy.

“Since 2003, we have also implemented a mandatory food fortification programme for staples like wheat and maize flour to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition.

“We have [also] leveraged fiscal and market-based measures to improve food affordability. Since 1991, we have implemented zero-rating of the basic foods basket to support low-income households, and this list continues to be expanded.

“In 2018, we began implementing a health promotion levy on sweetened beverages to support efforts to decrease diabetes, obesity and other related diseases,” President Ramaphosa highlighted.

He called on the summit attendees to “reaffirm the conviction that social justice cannot exist in the presence of hunger”. 

“Let it remind us that the realisation of the right to food is not only a measure of policy success, but a test of our collective conscience,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The summit leverages the country’s G20 leadership to champion the African agenda and global cooperation. 

As a platform for intersectoral collaboration, the summit deliberates constitutional commitments and policy outcomes, including the positioning of food justice as a transformative driver of social cohesion, regional food security and global solidarity. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen economies on the continent, South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency has launched an initiative to unlock and accelerate cross-border infrastructure projects.

Cross border connectivity through roads, bridges, railways, water and transmission lines is vital for fostering trade, enhancing competitiveness and lifting the living standards of people. 

“Recognising that increasing quality infrastructure investment is critical to support faster economic growth, sustainable development and disaster resilience, members reaffirmed the focus on addressing impediments to scaling up private investment in infrastructure,” said the Chairs summary of the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting on Thursday.

During this meeting, the South Africa’s G20 Presidency launched the Ubuntu Legacy Initiative as it supports the full operationalisation of  the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The trade agreement intends to boost intra-Africa trade and economic integration by creating a single continental market for goods and services.

The Infrastructure Working Group, under the South African Presidency, has provided practical solutions to developing a credible pipeline of projects underpinned by an enabling environment and well-structured project preparation practices supported by the availability of timely and good-quality market and project level data.

Moreover, the group came up with solutions on the de-risking of sustainable infrastructure investments through blended finance instruments, including guarantees and credit enhancements; and advancing cross border projects for regional development across economic, governance and financial dimensions.
To ensure the effective implementation of the project, the National Treasury has partnered with the African Development Bank.

International financial architecture

The G20 reaffirmed the critical role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in driving poverty reduction, economic growth, and development across client countries.

“Members underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs and other international economic and financial institutions.

“Members committed to addressing debt vulnerabilities in low- and middle-income countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner,” the Chairs summary said.

In addition, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors reaffirmed support for the Common Framework for Debt Treatments beyond the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

They welcomed the DSSI recent progress, which further strengthens its implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner.

Launched in 2020, the DSSI temporarily suspended debt payments for eligible low-income countries to help them cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Members welcomed the increased information sharing between the G20 and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and expressed support for continuing this collaboration. Members noted the G20 Presidency’s note on supporting debt sustainability and addressing liquidity challenges in vulnerable developing countries.

“Members noted the G20 Technical Presidency note on the recent voluntary use of climate resilient debt clauses (CRDCs). Members called for enhanced debt transparency from all stakeholders, including private creditors. Members supported a G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability,” the statement said.

They urged the international community to support vulnerable countries whose debt is sustainable but are facing liquidity challenges and encouraged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to further continue their work on feasible options to support these countries, which should be country-specific and voluntary.

“Members generally supported continued IMF collaboration with Regional Financing Arrangements (RFA). Members have advanced the domestic approvals for their consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) and look forward to finalising this process with no further delay.”

They acknowledged the importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. 

“Members acknowledged, however, that building consensus among members on quota and governance reforms will require progress in stages. Members supported the call for the IMF Executive Board to develop a set of principles guiding future discussions on IMF quotas and governance by the 2026 Spring meetings in line with the Diriyah Declaration.

“Members acknowledged the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) on capital flows and noted the International Financial Architecture Working Group Co-chairs’ note on understanding NBFI behaviour and investment in emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs),” said the summary. 

READ | G20 supports efforts to address high debt servicing costs
–SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is currently hosting the Science Diplomacy Summer School with the aim of equipping participants with knowledge needed to address Africa’s developmental and global challenges.

Held in collaboration with its partners, the summer school is a hybrid event, taking place both online and in person in Gauteng from 15 to 24 October 2025.

The council said the innovative programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to effectively leverage the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy in addressing Africa’s developmental and global challenges.

The programme offers participants a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of science diplomacy as a critical tool for navigating complex global challenges.

The HSRC said that through contextually relevant case studies, dialogues, and reflective exercises, participants will explore the diverse roles and perspectives of policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and civil society actors. 

This combination of theory and practice is designed to enhance analytical and critical thinking, while fostering innovative strategies to strengthen Africa’s voice and influence in global science and diplomacy arenas.

The programme takes an interactive and practice-oriented approach, combining conceptual learning with hands-on activities and engagement. Participants will explore various dimensions, tracks, and methods of science diplomacy through relevant case studies, dialogues, reflective exercises, and working groups.

By the end of the summer school, attendees will understand the tools, soft skills, and expertise necessary for effective science diplomacy. They will learn to apply systems thinking to science diplomacy at the multilateral level using real-world scenarios. 

In addition, participants will gain a solid understanding of policy stakeholders and effective engagement mechanisms for scientific and diplomatic partnerships.

The participants will engage in integrating African perspectives, knowledge systems, and priorities into global science diplomacy dialogues, identifying opportunities and challenges for advancing science diplomacy within the African context.

The summer school include three online sessions via MS Teams. 

There will be in-person sessions held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre on 20 and 21 October 2025.
All materials related to the summer school are available to registered participants on the HSRC website: https://hsrc.ac.za/science-diplomacy-summer-school/. – SAnews.gov.za