Category: South Africa Government

Posted on

Deputy President Mashatile embarks on a Working Visit to the Republic of Senegal

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 07th October 2025, embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, in the Republic of Senegal to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum. 

Deputy President Mashatile attends the 2025 Invest in Senegal Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal. 

The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world. 

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal’s 2025 National Transformation Agenda.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal. 

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

Posted on

Mahlobo condemns vandalism of water infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

Mahlobo condemns vandalism of water infrastructure

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo has expressed frustration and disappointment over the ongoing vandalism of water infrastructure in the Eastern Cape, warning that such acts are undermining efforts to deliver reliable water services to local communities.

Mahlobo explained that this damage has significantly complicated efforts to deliver services to local communities.

Mahlobo accompanied Deputy President Paul Mashatile on a visit to Qunu Village in Ward 19 on Thursday, 2 October 2025, where they inspected the Qunu Noyiya Water Scheme, as part of the Deputy President’s two-day programme to address service delivery challenges in the area.

The visit aimed to evaluate the community’s challenges, provide updates on water supply progress, and ensure that the newly constructed Qunu Reservoir would supply clean water to households in Qunu.

Mahlobo reported that the reservoir has been out of operation due to vandalism of two boreholes feeding into it.

“One of the boreholes has been fixed and it pumps 500 million litres per day (mgl/d) to the reservoir. Working together, the district and local municipalities and the Department of Water and Sanitation team have concluded that the main cause of the vandalism is a lack of security,” Mahlobo said.

The reservoir, which distributes 0.1 mgl/d to households, is now supplying water to the Qunu community.

Mahlobo added that the second borehole, located in Mqanduli Village, is still under repair, and is expected to be fully operational by 10 October 2025, to ensure the borehole becomes fully operational.

“The ongoing vandalism of water infrastructure is crippling service delivery and putting lives at risk. Nevertheless, efforts are being made through enhanced security in high-risk areas, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with law enforcement,” Mahlobo said.

He further emphasised that lasting change would require collective action from both communities and government authorities to prevent further damage and ensure continuous supply of safe and sustainable water services,

Following the site inspection, Deputy President Mashatile and Mahlobo engaged with the residents to discuss the current state of water services and discussed solutions to improve supply and maintenance. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK

33 views

Posted on

Government committed to vulture conservation 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to vulture conservation 

With the severe population declines of vultures over the past three decades, government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that vulture conservation remains a national priority.

According to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, this year alone, two mass poisoning incidents resulted in the deaths of hundreds of vultures.

“If these events continue unchecked, the loss of thousands of vultures could have devastating environmental and public health consequences,” the Minister said on Monday.

He therefore called on South Africans to play an active role in protecting these critically important birds.

The Minister’s remarks comes ahead of the Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), which will take place in November 2025.

Vultures, once widespread across Africa, have suffered severe population declines over the past three decades. 

Many vultures die after feeding on carcasses laced with poison, amongst other threats, often left by poachers targeting elephants or rhinos, or by communities involved in human–wildlife conflict. 

This has far-reaching consequences as carcasses left to rot increase the risk of disease outbreaks, poor sanitation around rural settlements, rising stray dog populations, and greater incidences of human injuries and rabies fatalities.

South Africa is home to nine vulture species, seven of which have established breeding populations, and these vulture populations continue to face varying degrees of threats of extinction.

As part of government’s plan to protect vultures, the National Multi-Species Vulture Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) was published on 18 March 2024.

The plan is now being implemented through the National Vulture Task Force (NVTF) and its subcommittees.

“The desired state is to see all vultures fulfilling their essential ecosystem services through the achievement of a safe and secure environment in which all the components of a vulture’s life cycle are fulfilled.

 “This will be achieved through the reduction of the key threats facing the species (intentional and unintentional poisoning, interactions with energy infrastructure, habitat change), the improvement of stakeholder involvement, improving knowledge gaps and developing best practice guidelines for ex situ, or off-site, conservation action,” the Minister said.

Vulture Conservation Strategy

Through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa participated in a regional workshop convened by the Southern African Development  Community (SADC), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and BirdLife International and the rest of the region in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day in September. 

It was at this workshop that the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) was also launched. 

The strategy and plan seeks to mobilise collective action among the 12 SADC vulture range states to address these complexities through coordinated conservation efforts, while emphasising stakeholder engagement and data-driven decision-making.

The workshop not only highlighted the ongoing threats to vultures, including poisoning, collisions, and electrocutions from energy infrastructure, and habitat loss; but also the opportunities for internal and cross border collaboration and cooperation to implement targeted actions, raise awareness, and strengthen legislation to secure the future of vultures. 

“South Africa is committed to the implementation of the SADC Vulture Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035). Without decisive and coordinated action, several vulture species face the very real threat of extinction,” George said. –SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle

57 views

Posted on

Western Cape police efforts pay off

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape police efforts pay off

The endeavours of the respective South African Police Service (SAPS) stations and units in the Western Cape to bring stability to crime-ridden areas have proved fruitful with the confiscation of illegal firearms and ammunitions during police operations.

On Thursday evening, the police were observing a memorial service of an extortionist in Hobo Hobo Street, Ilitha Park, Lingelethu-West when they heard gun shots (gun salute). 

They responded and followed a suspect with a firearm running to a white Toyota. The vehicle was searched, and a revolver, two spent cartridges and three .38 rounds of ammunition were found in the car. 

A 22-year-old man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition where after a gun residue test was done on him. 

The members discovered that the firearm belonged to a deceased person from Mbekweni in Wellington. The suspect is due to appear in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 06 October 2025.

Also last week, the police attached to Anti-Gang unit deployed to combat and prevent the escalating gang violence between rival street gangs in Lotus River, Grassy Park area, received information of a firearm being stored at a premises in Duiker Avenue, Lotus River.

The members operationalised the information and searched the premises and its occupants. A a revolver with five rounds was found on the person of a male at the premises.

The 26-year-old suspect, who had no valid license for the firearm, was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.     
 
On Friday, members attached to Vanrhynsdorp SAPS in collaboration with Provincial Traffic was setting up a vehicle checkpoint when a Blue Mazda Etude with four occupants was pulled over. 

The vehicle and its occupants were searched, and the members found two big bags containing dagga and confiscated it. The four occupants, aged between 22 and 49, were arrested for dealing and possession of dagga. 

The suspects are due to appear in the Klawer Magistrate’s Court.

On 03 October 2025 at 09:45, SAPS members were doing crime prevention patrols in Main Road, Rondebosch area. Information was received for operational units to be on the lookout for a beige VW Polo that was stolen in the Athlone area. 

The vehicle was spotted in Main Road driving towards Cape Town, where members gave chase. A high-speed chase ensued, and the suspect turned towards Liesbeeck Parkway and collided with a marked Fidelity vehicle. 

The vehicle came to a halt, and two occupants who sat in the front seats were seen fleeing from the scene but were apprehended by SAPS members.

The two other suspects sitting at the back were arrested and the firearm found next to them was confiscated.

All four adult males were taken to Woodstock SAPS for further investigation. Two firearms, 10 rounds of ammunition, two cellphones, and four mandrax tablets were found in their possession and confiscated. 

All suspects were arrested on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and the possession of drugs. 

On Saturday, Saldanha Crime Prevention Unit members were busy with patrols in Diazville, Saldanha, when they heard a gunshot in Vraagom Street. 

The members stopped the police vehicle and went on foot in the direction from where they heard the gunshot.  Two suspicious looking men came from the front, saw the members and tried to escape but were apprehended. 

One was found to be in possession of a 9mm firearm with its serial number removed, an extended magazine with 27 9mm rounds of ammunition. The 18-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm and will appear in the Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin

48 views

Posted on

Deputy President to attend Invest in Senegal Forum

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President to attend Invest in Senegal Forum

The Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is set to embark on a Working Visit to Dakar, Republic of Senegal, to attend the 2025 Edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum, taking place from 7-8 October 2025.

The Deputy President will depart on Tuesday to attend the Forum at the invitation of His Excellency, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the Republic of Senegal.

“The Forum is accordingly dedicated to promoting trade and investment by connecting the business communities of Senegal, Africa and the world.

“Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to highlight prospects offered to investors by Senegal’s 2025 National Transformation Agenda,” the Presidency said in a statement on Monday.

During his visit, the Deputy President will also hold consultations with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, with the aim of further strengthening the existing bilateral, political and economic relations between South Africa and Senegal.

This will include deepening trade and investment relations with Senegal to create employment opportunities for citizens of both countries, transform economies through the beneficiation of the natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation, value addition as well as increasing productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of both countries’ economies.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

65 views

Posted on

Eskom’s profit a testament to partnerships, President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom’s profit a testament to partnerships, President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says Eskom’s latest financial results which show a return to profitability for the first time in eight years, is a testament to the value of staying the course and to the benefits of partnerships.

“The relative improvement in Eskom’s financial position reflects the significant recovery in Eskom’s operational performance,” President Ramaphosa said.

In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said Eskom’s improved financial position will enable it to invest in critical infrastructure and maintenance under its Generation Recovery Plan that has been pursued with diligence.

“There are plans to invest more than R320 billion in expanding existing infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said as the reliability of Eskom’s coal-fired plants has improved there has been less need to burn diesel, resulting in approximately R16 billion in savings on diesel costs.

“In the 2025 financial year, the country experienced loadshedding on just 13 days, down from 329 days the year before. Eskom is to be congratulated on this achievement. 

“However, there are still serious challenges. Municipal debt arrears have grown by 27% since the previous financial year. That is why we continue to work with municipalities to come up with sustainable solutions that enable municipalities to settle their accounts with Eskom, as this is key to its financial viability,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said with grid expansion being central to getting more capacity, Eskom, in partnership with the private sector, has plans to build approximately 14 000 km of new transmission lines over the next decade. 

“On the road to achieving energy security, social partners will continue to be key. The role played by these partners in NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] and the Government Business Partnership has been invaluable. 

“Two years since its inception, this collaborative model continues to yield results not only around energy but also in the other workstreams of transport and logistics, crime and corruption and youth unemployment,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the ongoing structural reform process represents consistency and resilience.

“We will continue along this recovery path across the economy to achieve our goal of inclusive economic growth that creates more jobs for our people,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

43 views

Posted on

Three convicted for R3 million ghost employee scheme

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has welcomed the sentencing of two former employees and an external accomplice who were convicted of fraud, forgery and theft respectively, in relation to a R3 million ghost employee scheme.

The ghost employee scheme was uncovered through the department’s internal risk investigation, in which seven employees from the Human Resources Unit at the Gauteng West District Office were implicated. 

The scheme defrauded the department of approximately R3 million by creating and processing payments for non-existent employees.

The former employees were sentenced as follows; the first was sentenced to 10 years, with four years suspended, and two six-year sentences to run concurrently. 

The second former employee was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. 

The external accomplice received three years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years.

“This sentencing sends a strong message that fraud and corruption will not be tolerated in our sector. We are encouraged by the collaboration between our internal teams and law enforcement in bringing the perpetrators to justice,” the MEC said on Friday.

He emphasised that the department would continue to strengthen internal controls and promote a culture of accountability.

The sentence was handed down on Thursday, 2 October2025, by the Johannesburg Commercial Crimes Court sitting at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

“This outcome reaffirms the department’s zero tolerance for fraud and corruption. We commend the diligent work of our internal Risk Management officials who exposed the scheme, as well as the dedicated efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies whose investigations ensured accountability.

“The department remains committed to protecting public funds, safeguarding the integrity of the education system, and taking decisive action against unethical conduct,” Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Posted on

Power grid remains stable

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom says the power system remains stable, supported by sustained improvements in generation performance through the ongoing delivery of the Generation Recovery Plan.

In a statement on Friday, the power utility indicated that the month-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) stood at 70.45%, reflecting consistent gains in plant reliability and a reduction in unplanned outages.

This is key to stabilising the grid and supporting economic growth.

“The ongoing technical improvements under Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan have ensured that electricity demand is met for over 97.8% of the time in the current financial year.

“From 1 April to 2 October 2025, diesel expenditure remained consistently below budget, reflecting reduced reliance on the diesel-powered Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) fleet, with the year-to-date load factor for OCGTs decreasing to 6.63%,” Eskom explained.

This trend highlights ongoing efficiency improvements, a significant reduction in dependence on diesel generation and a sustained shift toward more cost-effective primary generation sources.

On 29 September 2025, Unit 6 at Kusile Power Station entered commercial operation, marking the completion of Eskom’s New-Build Programme. 

This milestone concludes the construction of South Africa’s two supercritical coal-fired power stations—Medupi and Kusile. 

“Together, they can deliver up to 9 600MW at full capacity, strengthening the country’s continuous (24/7) electricity supply—commonly referred to as baseload capacity. The unit’s output will be included in the EAF calculations, further contributing to Eskom’s overall performance metrics.

“Between 26 September and 2 October 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 534MW in unplanned outages, a significant improvement compared to 11 505MW during the same period last year. This represents a year-on-year reduction of 1 971MW in breakdowns — nearly equivalent to the entire output capacity of Koeberg Power Station,” Eskom said.

This trend demonstrates increasing stability and improved reliability across Eskom’s generation fleet. 

The country has gone140 consecutive days without loadshedding, with only 26 hours recorded between 1 April and 2 October 2025.

To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 4 200MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 6 October 2025 and throughout the coming week.

Eskom published the Summer Outlook on 5 September 2025, covering the period 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, which forecasts no loadshedding due to the structural progress in plant performance as a result of the ongoing implementation of the Generation Recovery Plan.

Avoid illegal connections

Eskom has urged customers to avoid illegal connections, purchase electricity only from Eskom accredited vendors, and regularise their accounts. 

These measures are essential to preventing load reduction and ensuring safe, reliable, and equitable electricity access for all.

“Despite the overall stability and reliability of Eskom’s power system, load reduction remains necessary in certain high-risk areas to safeguard infrastructure and ensure public safety. 

“This is primarily due to electricity theft through illegal connections and meter tampering, which compromise the integrity of the network. These activities often result in equipment damage, transformer overloads, and, in severe cases, explosions and prolonged outages,” the power utility said.

To mitigate these risks, Eskom may implement load reduction by temporarily switching off power in affected areas during peak demand periods. 

Between April and June 2025, average load reductions ranged from 529MW to 544MW.

Eskom, however, is committed to eliminating load reduction within the next 12 to 18 months. 

“This goal will be achieved by addressing 640,000 illegal connections, upgrading infrastructure — including the installation of smart meters — curbing illegal electricity vending, and expanding access to free basic electricity in priority areas,” Eskom said. –SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Gauteng government schools have 8 596 smart classrooms

Source: Government of South Africa

As part of an initiative to transform classrooms into digital learning spaces with top of the range information communications technology, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has to date introduced a total of 8 596 smart classrooms.

These classrooms are prioritised for township secondary schools and identified primary schools in line with the GDE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Strategy. 

“For years, the GDE has rolled out LED interactive display panels in selected schools to support interactive and collaborative learning. These devices feature high-definition screens with multi-touch capacity, stylus support, software integration, and multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, LAN, HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth,” the department said on Friday.

Each unit includes a warranty, training for educators, and maintenance support.

According to the department, full ICT schools receive smart classrooms from Grade 7 to 12, while township fee- and no fee-paying schools receive them from Grades 10 to 12, depending on classroom infrastructure readiness. 

Smart classrooms meet minimum standards including electricity, safety and security, and installed LED boards.

Over the past three financial years the department has invested in LED interactive display boards as follows: in 2022/23, a total of 1 020 boards were purchased at a unit cost of R123 950, while in 2023/24, 1 000 boards at R124 730, and in 2024/25, 500 boards at R125 300.

“These devices were selected to align with pedagogical requirements, support interactive learning, integrate with existing ICT infrastructure, and ensure operational durability. 

“The installation, training, and maintenance are included in the unit costs. Additional smart classrooms are not planned for the 2025/26 financial year due to budget constraints.

“Bongani Rainmaker Logistics manages the provisioning and installation of LED boards under a project valued at R63 million for the 2024/25 financial year, with R62 650 000 transferred to date,” the department said.

These stats were provided by the department in a statement outlining key education initiatives and recent developments, reflecting its ongoing commitment to improving teaching, learning, safety, and skills development across Gauteng.

Special Schools

With 655 full-time specialists employed at special schools, comprising 522 therapists and 133 nurses, the department said it continues to strengthen support for special schools across the province.

Psychologists based at head office and district offices provide support across all schools within their districts.

“Learner-to-specialist ratios vary by district, ranging from 1:50 to 1:129. To address staffing needs, there are 453 teacher vacancies and 125 specialist vacancies. 

“Recruitment occurs twice a year nationally, with the Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD) supporting retention of specialist staff.

“Curriculum offerings include the Technical Occupational Curriculum in 44 schools, the Differentiated Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS) for Severe Intellectual Disabilities in 73 schools, and the Learning Programme for Profound Intellectual Disabilities in 27 schools,” the department said.

The department provides ongoing support through professional learning communities, integrated school assessment pilots, and DCAPS training via the Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance.

Educators in special schools are highly qualified, with 99.66% professionally registered with the South African Council of Educators, and 22% holding additional accredited qualifications in inclusive education related fields.

Samson LSEN school

The Samson LSEN school currently has 486 learners and received R8.9 million in funding for 2025/26 to support teaching, learner wellbeing, transport, and skills development.

“Half of teaching time is dedicated to practical skills through the Technical Occupation Curriculum, covering Consumer Studies, Motor Mechanics, Hair Care, Computer Literacy, and Woodwork. Programmes are evaluated by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) where applicable and by GDE District Curriculum and Assessment Units.

“Skills classrooms funded in 2022 were completed in late 2024 and are being finalised for full use, accommodating up to 15 learners each,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the Nancefield Primary School project in Eldorado Park, south of Johannesburg, has reached 69% completion.

The main contractor, SMC Construction & Building, is supported by DNA Land Use Consultants as professional service providers. 

“All monies owed to the contractor have been paid, with an additional budget allocation of R87 million provided for project completion,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Posted on

Stay safe online

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has called on members of the public to remain vigilant, responsible, and digitally literate to ensure their safety in cyberspace. 

“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, from the ever-growing threats in the digital space,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Friday.

Government’s plea comes as South Africa joins the global community in observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October by educating the public and private sectors about the importance of online security and promoting practical steps to reduce cyber risks.

As part of these efforts, government, in partnership with stakeholders across law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector, hosted a webinar on Thursday on cybersecurity awareness and responsible use of online platforms.

During this session, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies Deputy Director for Cybersecurity Operations Noma-Efese Mnqeta, highlighted the role of the National Cybersecurity Hub, a Computer Security Incident Response Team hosted by the department. 

The Hub works closely with the South African Police Service on cybercrime investigations, the Internet Service Providers’ Association on fraudulent website takedowns, and the GCIS on public awareness. 

She warned about the growing prevalence of tender scams, investment scams and online shopping fraud, which continue to target unsuspecting citizens.

Brigadier Rapula Mosito, Section Head of Cybercrime Investigation at the HAWKS, indicated that cybercrime is enforceable under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, while cybersecurity matters are guided by the forthcoming Cybersecurity Bill. 

He identified phishing, ransomware, malware, identity theft, online child exploitation, and personal data theft as key threats.

Film and Publications Board (FPB) Acting CEO Hulisani Ramugadi expressed concern about the rise in harmful online content, including image-based abuse, cyberbullying, hate speech, and malicious AI-generated material. 

He emphasised that sharing intimate images without consent was a crime and highlighted the FPB’s partnerships with social media platforms to issue takedown notices for harmful material.

Head of Client Services at Digify Africa Omphile Kgwathe-Nkiwane encouraged South Africans to practice safe digital habits through platforms like Kitso on WhatsApp (076 593 7181), which provides parents, teachers, and learners with digital safety tips. 

She urged citizens to use strong passwords and avoid using personal information as passwords. 

In addition, Kgwathe-Nkiwane urged the public to never share one-time pins (OTPs) or banking details, avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and to stay alert to suspicious links, unsolicited calls, and fraudulent emails. –SAnews.gov.za