Category: South Africa Government

Posted on

Labour inspections yield positive results

Source: Government of South Africa

Labour inspections yield positive results

Over 20 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested following the Department of Employment and Labour’s blitz inspections in KwaZulu-Natal.

In a statement on Wednesday, the department said that the multi-departmental inspections, spearheaded by Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya, were done in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza; Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala; the South African Police Service, the Ilembe District Municipality, and the Indwedwe Local Municipality, led by Mayor Mfeka.

The 25 individuals as well as two employers were arrested on Tuesday. 

The blitz inspections focused on the agriculture and wholesale and retail sectors in Indwedwe Local Municipality.

“The 25 people arrested for illegally working in South Africa were employed in two of the farms that were raided by inspectors from the department, as well as officials from Home Affairs and the South African Police Service. The two farm employers were arrested for employing the 25 illegal immigrants in South Africa.

“A number of those employees arrested are Malawians and Mozambicans, and they were subsequently taken in at the local police station for processing and possible deportation back to their respective countries,” the department said. 

The blitz inspections were meant to check on the level of compliance with labour legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act, Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act.

“We found that some of the employees were not registered with the UIF [Unemployment Insurance Fund] and the Compensation Fund, and the employer was not compliant with the National Minimum Wage,” Deputy Minister Sibiya said. 

Sibiya said some of the wholesale and retail establishments were selling food items that had expired.

“Some food products being sold here are not labelled, some have expired, or are unauthorised, and for public safety reasons, have to be confiscated by the municipal officials,” he said. 

The structural conditions of their buildings also posed safety risks, as some did not have proper electrical installations, which pose fire risks. 

“We are going to close some of these shops because they don’t meet the legal standards of the Occupational Health and Safety that we have put in place as a country,” Sibiya said. 

As a result of noncompliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act Regulations, two shops were closed.

The department added that several prohibition notices were served to all the inspected wholesalers and shops in the Bhamshela area for failure to comply with labour laws such as the OHSA and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

62 views

Posted on

Strict conditions for providers offering NSC qualification

Source: Government of South Africa

Strict conditions for providers offering NSC qualification

As part of efforts to safeguard the credibility and integrity of South Africa’s national examination system, Umalusi has outlined a set of non-negotiable requirements for online and distance learning providers offering the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Briefing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Mafu Rakometsi said that while the number of online learning institutions continues to grow, there is still no regulatory framework in place to formally accredit these schools.

“There is currently no regulatory framework for online education. We have also communicated that the Department of Basic Education has been working on interim measures for the purpose of regulating online schools. Regrettably, not much progress has been made in this regard,” Rakometsi said. 

Umalusi is South Africa’s national education quality assurance body.

In the absence of a policy framework, Umalusi working with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), has developed clear conditions to guide the registration and management of online schools and distance education providers offering the NSC examination.

These conditions, aim to ensure compliance with Umalusi’s quality assurance standards and the integrity of assessments.

Among the key requirements, Rakometsi emphasised that all NSC examinations must be written in person at registered examination centres in South Africa and not online.

Assessment bodies must also register only reputable providers, verify that these institutions offer the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in Grades 10 to 12, and ensure that learners registered for Grade 12 examinations have successfully completed Grades 10 and 11.

In addition, assessment bodies will be required to attest to the credibility of school-based assessment (SBA) marks, ensure multiple levels of moderation, and take full responsibility for examination centres where learners write their final papers.

Rakometsi said Umalusi will continue to work with relevant partners to strengthen oversight of online education while awaiting the department’s policy direction.

“We urge the DBE to speedily finalise the guidelines so that, as a system, we are able to establish the national requirements for the registration of online schools by Provincial Education Departments, and to indicate the requirements to be met for online schools to be accredited by Umalusi,” he said.

He stressed that while technology continues to transform the education landscape, quality and fairness must remain uncompromised, particularly for a high-stakes qualification such as the National Senior Certificate.

READ | Umalusi expresses confidence ahead of the 2025 final exams

– SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

111 views

Posted on

Manamela engages UFS amid student protests

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Following ongoing student protests, Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, is engaging with the leadership and stakeholders at the University of the Free State (UFS) to protect the remainder of the 2025 academic year.

The protest started after the university announced its decision to discontinue provisional registration from 2026, prompting demonstrations that escalated on Monday evening, resulting in several security officials sustaining serious injuries.

Manamela confirmed that he has been briefed on the university’s decision to temporarily close the institution until stability is restored.

He said the gravity of the situation necessitates that the safety and security of all students, staff, and property be prioritised.

“The violence that led to serious injuries is deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable. Our thoughts are with the injured officials and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.

“While we recognise the right to protest, it must remain peaceful and within the prescripts of the law. The destruction of infrastructure and violence against persons and property only serve to undermine legitimate concerns and jeopardise the academic future of all students,” Manamela said in statement on Tuesday.

The Minister said he remains in direct contact with the Vice-Chancellor of UFS. A key focus of their discussions is ensuring the preservation of the 2025 academic year.

Manamela has instructed his department to work closely with the university to develop contingency plans that will minimise academic disruption and ensure that no student is unfairly affected by the temporary closure.

He also called on all student leaders, including members of the university community, and all concerned parties to choose the path of constructive engagement over destruction.

READ | Work continues to restore safety at Fort Hare, Free State universities 
– SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Condolences for former Kenyan Prime Minister 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday extended his condolences to the government and people of Kenya following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother,” said President Ramaphosa.

The former Prime Minister who led the East African nation from 2008 to 2013, passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

The Presidency said President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first,” said President Ramaphosa. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Umalusi expresses confidence ahead of the 2025 final exams

Source: Government of South Africa

Quality assurance body, Umalusi, has expressed full confidence that the country’s examination system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end-of-year national examinations. 

Briefing the media on the state of readiness in Pretoria on Wednesday, Umalusi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, said that while an audit had identified some areas of concern, these were not systemic and would not compromise the credibility of the examinations.

“The report presented by Dr Dliwayo makes it clear that, by and large, the system is ready for the conduct, administration and management of the 2025 end of year national examinations. For that reason, I can report to the public that the system is ready,” Rakometsi said.

WATCH | Umalusi briefing 

[embedded content]

According to Umalusi’s audit report, a total of over one million candidates are registered to sit for various national examinations this year, including more than 900 000 learners writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams under the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Of these, 766,543 are full-time candidates, while there are a further 137,018 part-time candidates who wrote in previous years and are seeking to improve their results, will also sit for the 2025 examinations.
In addition, 17,427 learners will write the NSC under the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), while 6,174 candidates are registered through the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

The examinations will be conducted across more than 9 400 examination centres nationwide, covering both public and private assessment bodies. 

Presenting the detailed audit report, Umalusi Senior Manager Dr Mary-Antoinette Dliwayo, said the quality assurance body had completed a comprehensive evaluation of all assessment bodies, including the DBE, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the IEB and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

Dr Dliwayo said the audit focused on key areas, such as candidate registration, security of examination materials, readiness of marking centres, and systems for managing irregularities.

“Based on the evaluation, Umalusi is satisfied that all candidates have been registered in accordance with examination regulations, that question papers have been externally moderated, and that adequate security measures are in place for the printing, packaging and distribution of question papers,” she said.

She added that Umalusi is also confident that all markers will be adequately trained before the commencement of marking, which will begin on 15 November and end on 18 December 2025.

Irregularities

Rakometsi issued a stern warning to learners and educators to refrain from any form of examination irregularity or cheating, saying such acts undermine the integrity of South Africa’s national examination system.

“Umalusi berates and condemns this criminal practice with the contempt it deserves. Cheating compromises the integrity of our national examination system, which we are mandated to jealously protect as a Quality Council.”

He also urged parents, guardians and communities to provide support to all candidates and to protect schools and examination centres from being disrupted by any form of protest action.

“We appeal to parents, guardians, teachers, and every other stakeholder to provide the necessary support to all candidates during this critical period. Umalusi discourages communities from using examinations as leverage for protest action. It is the duty of every South African to jealously protect the education of our children,” he said.

Areas of concern and monitoring

While Umalusi’s audit highlighted certain areas requiring improvement, such as a shortage of markers in some subjects and ongoing data consolidation in the DHET’s N3 examinations, the body said these issues are being addressed and will not affect the overall readiness of the system.

All concerns have been communicated to the relevant Heads of Department, Directors-General of the DBE and DHET, and the CEOs of the IEB and SACAI for corrective action before the start of the exams.

Going forward, Umalusi said it will continue to monitor the conduct of the examinations at a sample of centres to ensure compliance with regulations and uphold the integrity of the results.

The quality assurance processes following the examinations will include mark verification, standardisation of results, and approval of their release by Umalusi’s Executive Committee on 9 January 2026. 

Well wishes for the Class of 2025

Rakometsi concluded by commending all stakeholders for their efforts in maintaining the credibility of the country’s examination system and wished the Class of 2025 well as they prepare to write their final examinations.

“Umalusi applauds the efforts of the Department of Basic Education, Provincial Education Departments, DHET, IEB, SACAI and all other stakeholders for doing everything humanly possible to uphold the credibility and integrity of the examinations. 

“We wish the Class of 2025 strength and determination as they enter the final lap of their educational journey,” he said.

Ahead of the start of the 2025 NSC examinations on 21 October 2025, the DBE called on learners to stay focused and make the most of the support provided through revision materials, radio lessons, catch-up sessions, and school-based study camps.

READ | Basic Education condemns misinformation on reopening of schools

In its statement at the weekend, the DBE said it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year. –SAnew.gov.za 

Posted on

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga

Source: President of South Africa –

On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Mr Odinga, who led Kenya from 2008 to 2013, has passed away at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

President Ramaphosa’s thoughts and prayers are with the Odinga family and friends and associates of the late former Prime Minister, including the Orange Democratic Movement.

President Ramaphosa said: “The nation of Kenya and our continent have lost a patriotic and selfless leader whom I knew and worked with as a friend and brother.

“Raila Odinga was committed to the development of his own nation as well prosperity and the silencing of the guns on our Continent, as evidenced by his appointment by the African Union to advance peace in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010.

“He remained unwaveringly true to his principles and vision in the face of deep personal sacrifice and obstacles and remained a leader who placed the interests of his country and continent first.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

Deputy Minister Mhlauli hosts the Roodepan G20 Leadership Dialogue

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 09h00 host a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, Northern Cape.
 
This activity will form part of the Government’s country-wide G20 outreach programme. The objectives of the outreach are to:

– Create awareness about South Africa’s membership to the G20;

– Inform the public about South Africa’s role as the Presidency of G20 through profiling lead roles and achievements of South Africa’s contribution to the continent and the African Union through trade and financial policy statements;

– Solicit stakeholder engagement and advocacy for South Africa’s role in the G20 with various stakeholders; and,

– Profile the outcomes of the 130 identified G20 meetings, including the summit through both the Sherpa and Finance tracks.
 
The dialogue will be preceded by the visit of the Deputy Minister and other leadership to housing project in Roodepan at 09h00, and then proceed to the Roman Catholic Church for engagement with the community leadership that will commence at 10h00.
 
Deputy Minister Mhlauli, as the District Development Model (DDM) Champion for the France Baard District, will use the opportunity to engage the Roodepan leadership on the District Development Model in general and how it will better the lives of the people.

Media enquiries: Ms Mandisa Mbele, Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / mandisam@presidency.gov.za OR Mr Ofentse Moeti, GCIS Northern Cape Provincial Director, on 084 390 4330 / ofentse@gcis.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Posted on

South Africa and China sign landmark agreement

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa and China have signed a historic stone fruit trade protocol, opening the Chinese market to five types of South African stone fruit — apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums, and prunes.

The agreement was signed in Shanghai by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Sun Meijun of China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) on Wednesday.

It marks the first time China has granted market access for multiple stone fruit varieties from a single country under one deal.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Steenhuisen described the agreement as “a major breakthrough for South African fruit producers and exporters at a time when diversification is essential for our agricultural resilience.”

He said the protocol forms part of a broader strategy to reduce South Africa’s dependence on traditional export markets and more responsive to new consumption patterns, as China’s growing middle class, which is driving global demand for high-quality agricultural products.

“While markets are grown and developed over time, the access that this protocol will unlock in a vast new market, such as China, holds great potential, and will offset some of the immediate impact of the US tariffs especially on plums,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said the Chinese market could unlock approximately R400 million over the next five years, with that figure projected to double within a decade.
“We are of the view that the inaugural 2025/26 export season can generate approximately R28 million and R54 million in 2026/27.”

He noted that China’s demand for peach and plum imports continues to grow, with imports last year exceeding 21 million cartons of peaches and nectarines and 20 million cartons of plums, exceeding South Africa’s entire seasonal export volume.

Projections also indicate that exports to China are set to grow to 5% of South Africa’s total export volumes in 2032/2033.

Job creation

Steenhuisen said the opening of the Chinese market would also enable local producers to export more share of their harvests at more sustainable prices.
“Stronger demand in China, together with a slight reduction in exports to other markets, are expected to drive market growth. Over time, this improved demand, and increased volumes could encourage further investment at farm level, particularly the establishment of new orchards.

“Over the next decade, this protocol could create a market that will support roughly 350 new direct jobs on farms and in packhouses, and close to 600 new jobs overall once linked industries such as transport and packaging are included,” the Minister said.

During his discussions with Minister Meijun, Steenhuisen also raised the resumption of beef exports from certain South African regions and reviewed progress on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) regionalisation.

Technical team 

He also invited a GACC technical team to visit South Africa to inspect the country’s cherry and blueberries orchards and packhouses during the current harvest season.

“If the inspection proceeds smoothly, South Africa will likely secure cherry market access to China within the next harvest cycle, strengthen its trade ties, and unlock new export and job opportunities for the fruit sector. This will also consolidate our positive momentum on broader fruit trade cooperation.”

Investment 

The Minister also highlighted the impact of Chinese infrastructure investment in upgrading South Africa’s railways, ports, and highways, improving market access for farmers and boosting logistics efficiency.
This work aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which prioritises infrastructure investment across Africa.

The Minister also encouraged trading partners to make use of the world-class Shanghai Freight Services network to leverage its extensive global logistics network for both sea and air freight, ensuring faster and more reliable delivery of South African agricultural exports to China.

“China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, and our bilateral trade continues to deepen. We value China’s ongoing cooperation and the shared commitment to exploring opportunities within our agriculture sector and we look forward to building on this partnership through future agreements that benefit both our countries,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Posted on

Operation Shanela nets 17 553 suspects

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Weeklong Shanela II operations have led to the arrests of 17 553 suspects across the country, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

According to the police, the success marks a significant stride in the fight against crime and restoration of public safety ahead of the festive season.

“Among those apprehended are 2 837 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms and vehicle hijacking,” the SAPS said of the arrests made between 6-12 October 2025.

Police also confiscated 24 499 litres of alcohol, while 795 suspects were arrested for trading in illegal liquor trade.

This as police arrested 64 suspects for the illegal possession of firearms and 56 others for the possession of dangerous weapons.

A total 351 suspects were arrested for drug dealing while 3 410 others were nabbed for the possession of drugs. A total 152 suspects were arrested for murder and 101 suspects for attempted murder among others.

Police also confiscated 1 791 units of abalone, 125 firearms, including 8 rifles and three shotguns. The SAPS also recovered 81 vehicles.

“As the festive season nears, SAPS remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safety and security for all visitors, citizens, and their properties in the country through Shanela II operations.” – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

President reflects on the Public Protector’s 30 years of existence

Source: Government of South Africa

As the office of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) marks 30 years, President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted its significant role in safeguarding South Africa’s vision of equality, unity, democracy, prosperity and freedom.

Addressing a dinner to celebrate the anniversary of the Office of the Public Protector on Tuesday, the President compared public institutions to guardians who protect citizens when they are failed by public officials.

“We know that failings can occur. Power can be misused and abused. Public institutions and public officials can neglect the needs of those they are meant to serve. When they do, they have to be held accountable. The deficiency needs to be remedied. That is why we need the guardians,” Ramaphosa said at the dinner held in Cape Town.

WATCH | 

[embedded content]

While all public officials must abide by and enforce the Public Protector’s remedial action, the President called on public officials to support the Office of the Public Protector in its work.

“If government creates an institution that does not appear, from a reasonable person’s point of view, to be independent, it has failed to meet a critical benchmark. That is why we all carry a responsibility to both safeguard the independence of the Office of the Public Protector and affirm the binding nature of its remedial action.

“We need those institutions that ensure that the exercise of state power is restrained by law and rooted in accountability.”
He noted that the drafters of the Constitution were clear in their intent and formulation of Chapter 9 institutions. 

“They were clear that those institutions would be given substantial powers and a great responsibility to support and strengthen constitutional democracy.

“They would be given a mandate to operate without fear, favour or prejudice. The Office of the Public Protector was envisioned as, and remains, the moral mirror of the state. 

“The public protector is that guardian of the public interest, a shield for the citizen against state excess, and a key mechanism for ensuring that the government serves the people, not the other way around. Its effectiveness is often a key indicator of the health of a nation’s democracy,” the President explained.
The Public Protector often tackles issues that have a broad impact on society and investigates systemic issues. 

“While they handle individual complaints, their work often uncovers widespread problems affecting many people. Their reports can lead to policy changes that benefit the entire population.
“The Public Protector’s office Holds the Powerful to Account. The office has the authority to investigate the highest levels of government, including presidents, ministers, and senior officials, demonstrating that no one is immune from scrutiny.

“These roles remind us that a Constitution only has worth if the rights of the weakest and most vulnerable are defended as much as those of the strong,” he said.

Over 30 years, the Office of the Public Protector has forged a bond with the citizens of South Africa.
“At the same time, it has forged relationships with institutions across the arms of state and throughout society.

“It has sought to promote cooperation and collaboration, understanding that an efficient, effective and ethical state is an aspiration that we all share and a responsibility that we all have to carry. It is essential for all organs of state to see the Public Protector as a partner in serving the people of this country,” the President said.

READ | Conference to reflect on 30 years of the PPSA

–SAnews.gov.za