Category: South Africa Government

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday joined the Kingdom of Eswatini as it commemorated the 40th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Mswati III, as well as the King’s 58th birthday.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa … arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini as the Kingdom celebrates the 40th anniversary of the coronation of His Majesty King Mswati III, as well as the King’s 58th birthday,” the Presidency said.

According to the Presidency, 2026 marks King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee as the Eswatini monarch, as His Majesty commenced his reign in 1986. 

“President Ramaphosa’s honouring of the invitation as a guest at the national celebration in the Kingdom of Eswatini underscores the strong and fraternal relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini. 

“South Africa and Eswatini share strong historical and cultural ties that were formally established at the end of the apartheid era in South Africa,” said the Presidency. –SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow level 2 warning for strong, damaging winds in parts of the Western Cape and the south-central parts of the Northern Cape.

The weather service said the damaging winds could lead to damage to infrastructure, settlements, problems for high sided vehicles, and travel services.

The SAWS also issued a Yellow level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms with strong, damaging winds and heavy downpours leading to localised flooding and damage to susceptible formal/informal settlements and infrastructure over the central and south-eastern parts of the Northern Cape.

In addition, the SAWS warned of extreme high fire danger conditions expected over the Central Karoo of the Western Cape, also in places over Dr Beyers Naude, Blue Crane, Inxuba Yethemba and Enoch Mgijima municipalities of the Eastern Cape, and the southern parts of the Northern Cape.

Meanwhile, cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected over the southern parts of Namakwa region of the Northern Cape, Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, the western parts of the Overberg, and the City of Cape Town districts of the Western Cape into Monday, the service said on Saturday.

As the country moves to commemorate Freedom Day on Monday, the weather service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for strong winds in the Eastern Cape on Monday.

“A strong pressure gradient as a result of a ridging high and passing front are expected to result in strong south-westerly wind along the coast between Tsitsikama and Port Edward offshore.

“These strong winds are expected to affect coastal areas along Kouga Local Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay,” SAWS said on Sunday.

This could result in:
•    Damage to settlements and temporary structures
•    Localised disruption to power and communications
•    Localised disruptions to the harbour/ports as well as beach activities
•    Difficulty in navigation at sea
•    Vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing within a locality – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli and Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela will hold a Freedom Day BackChat Conversation on YouTube on Monday.

The conversation will focus on the constitutional rights of students and the responsibilities required to realise them. The session will be held under the theme: “Beyond Fee-Free Education: Are constitutional imperatives honouring the rights of students?”

“This year’s BackChat shifts the focus from abstract notions of freedom to a more urgent and grounded inquiry: What does the Constitution promise students? What responsibilities does it impose on all of us? Where is the gap between that promise and [the] lived realities of students, and what must be done by government, institutions of higher education, and students themselves to close it?”

“The conversation will interrogate whether the post-school education and training sector is fully honouring the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and what is required to give effect to these rights in practice,” a Presidency statement on Friday read.

The platform will bring together students from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Community Education and Training (CET) institutions.

“The platform provides a space for open dialogue between students and government leaders to engage in conversation on important issues affecting students, which can be used to formulate policies,” the statement read.

The conversation will be livestreamed on YouTube from 6pm on Monday.

The livestream will follow the national Freedom Day commemoration in the Free State.

READ | President Ramaphosa to lead Freedom Day commemoration

 – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the national Freedom Day commemoration which will be held in Bloemfontein in the Free State on Monday.

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, which were held on 27 April 1994.

“Freedom Day…stands as a testament to the country’s journey towards democracy, justice, equality and human dignity,” the Presidency said.

The day is commemorated under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

“The commemoration highlights three decades since the adoption of the Constitution and underscores the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, and democratic citizenship in shaping South Africa’s future.

“This year’s national event takes place within the context of several significant national milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956, and 50 years since the Soweto youth uprising.

“These milestones continue to shape South Africa’s democratic journey by inspiring continued transformation,” the Presidency added.

The day will bring together government, civil society, and various sectors in a “unified national celebration of the country’s democratic progress”.

“Freedom Month provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the gains of democracy, honour the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, and recommit to building a united, inclusive and just society.

“It also serves as a platform to promote active citizenship, deepen understanding of constitutional rights, and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among young people.

“The commemoration will feature ceremonial elements, including participation by the South African National Defence Force, adding to the significance of the national occasion,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament has expressed condolences to the family of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie who passed away at the age of 70.

The retired Judge President had served for nearly two decades on the bench.

“His passing is a profound loss not only to the Judiciary and legal profession, but to the broader constitutional project of South Africa.

“On behalf of Parliament, the Presiding Officers extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service,” Parliament said in a statement.

The respected jurist was appointed to the bench in 1998, just four years after South Africa’s transition to a democratic dispensation.

“His leadership as Deputy Judge President and later Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, as well as his service as an Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court and at the Labour Appeal Court, reflected the high regard in which he was held and was an affirmation of his deep commitment to the rule of law and as a principled advocate of the constitutional values that underpin South Africa’s democracy – integrity, fairness, accountability, and fidelity to the law.

“Through his judicial service, including his contribution to South Africa’s evolving legal jurisprudence, Judge President Jappie formed part of a generation of jurists who have, over time, shaped and affirmed the principles of constitutional supremacy, legality, and accountability in the exercise of public power.

“This body of jurisprudence continues to guide all arms of state, including Parliament, in ensuring that legislative processes, executive oversight, and institutional conduct remain firmly grounded in the Constitution,” the statement read.

Jappie retired in 2021 but continued to serve as Chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.

“Even in retirement, Judge President Jappie continued to serve the nation with distinction, including through his role in judicial conduct processes, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to institutional accountability and ethical governance,” the statement concluded.

Earlier in the week, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, expressed sadness at the passing of the retired Judge President.

READ | Condolences for respected jurist

Jappie died on Wednesday, following a short illness. – SAnews.gov.za

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, led by Premier Oscar Mabuyane, will host its official Freedom Day commemoration in Alexandria on Monday, 27 April 2026.

The event will take place at the Derrick Mbele Stadium in the Nonkqubela Location, Alexandria, and is expected to bring together communities, government leaders and stakeholders to celebrate more than three decades of democracy and constitutional governance in South Africa.

This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.

The programme also aligns with the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution, recognising the country’s democratic progress since the dawn of freedom in 1994.

According to the provincial government, the event will reflect on achievements made in promoting equality, human dignity and inclusive development, while reaffirming the Constitution as the cornerstone of democratic governance, justice and accountability.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government said it remains committed to improving the lives of residents through continued investment in basic services, economic development, infrastructure and social protection programmes, particularly in historically disadvantaged communities.

Organisers say the celebration will go beyond remembrance, creating opportunities for residents to actively engage with government and reflect on freedom as an ongoing and lived experience.

Several community-centred activities are planned for the day, including a 5km Freedom Day Fun Run and Walk through the streets of Alexandria. 

Government departments and public entities will also deliver services directly to residents through a “Services on Wheels” initiative.

Cultural performances and exhibitions highlighting the province’s heritage and diversity will form part of the festivities. 

Educational activities, including a children’s reading corner and book exhibitions, are also planned to promote literacy and youth participation. – SAnews.gov.za

The Garden Route has been ranked the number one road trip in the world by Autotrader, achieving a score of 90.6 out of 100.

The global study assessed leading road trips based on factors such as road quality, scenery, weather conditions, visibility, temperature, and overall driving experience. 

The Garden Route emerged as the top performer.

“The Garden Route National Park remains a key part of this internationally recognised route, offering diverse landscapes where forests, rivers, mountains, and coastline meet.

“Visitors are encouraged to experience this globally recognised journey and the national park that forms part of it,” South African National Parks (SANParks) said this week. 

At the centre of this route is the Garden Route National Park, which spans key sections along the journey and offers a range of nature-based experiences.

The Wilderness Section, located along the N2, is known for its calm waterways, birdlife, forest cabins, and outdoor activities such as canoeing and mountain biking.

The Knysna Section offers access to estuarine and forest environments, with activities including visits to the Thesen Island area to see the endangered Knysna seahorse, as well as forest trails in Diepwalle and scenic viewpoints.

The Tsitsikamma Section features rugged coastal scenery at Storms River Mouth, with accommodation options, camping sites, and access to the famous suspension bridge. –SAnews.gov.za