Category: South Africa Government

The Presidency says the South African government is following the developments in Iran with concern.

The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, said the Presidency in a statement, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

“South Africa firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be upheld without exception.

“We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace,” it said.

Sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through solutions that centre the agency of the Iranian people. – SAnews.gov.za
 

29 views

The Department of Transport will embark on a process to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) to scrap the legal alcohol consumption limit in the country.

Currently, the law makes it a criminal offense to exceed the limit of 0.05g/100ml concentration of alcohol in blood or 0.24mg/1000ml breath for general drivers, and stricter limits of 0.02g/100ml blood or 0.10mg/1000ml breath for professional drivers.

“Our driving and drinking policy was formulated almost 30 years ago. In today’s South Africa it is totally unacceptable that there is a law that allows people to drink and then drive.

“The time has come for us to amend the law, so we have a clear-cut, easy to understand and unambiguous policy that says drinking and driving is not allowed. A law that allows drivers to drink a certain amount and get behind the wheel of a car must be scrapped,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Thursday.

The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing that she held with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, to release the road safety report for the 2025/2026 festive season, which covers the period of 1 December until 11 January 2026. 

Read I Festive season stats show a 5% reduction in fatal crashes 

According to the preliminary data of the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, a total of 173 695 drivers were tested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 8 561 of these tested positive.

This is a 144% increase in the stats when compared to the same period last year.

The data also shows a 5% reduction in both fatalities and crashes for this year’s festive season, compared to the same period in the previous year. 

“This year, a total of 1 427 fatalities were recorded from 1 172 crashes this year. The data shows that the 2025/26 festive season recorded the lowest number of crashes in five years, and the same number of fatalities as in 2023/24 festive season,” the Minister said.

During this period, law enforcement officers conducted 1 632 roadblocks in which 1.8 million vehicles were stopped and checked. 

More than 450 000 traffic fines were issued, 525 were arrested for excessive speeding.

In addition, a downward trajectory in road crashes and fatalities was also observed in the annual statistics where preliminary data shows that the number of road collisions and deaths for the twelve-month period in 2025 are the lowest in five years.

This period covers 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.

“A total of 11 418 fatalities were recorded from 9 674 crashes in 2025 compared to 12 581 fatalities from 10 633 crashes in 2021. 

“Furthermore the 2025 crashes decreased by 6.4% when compared to 2024 and fatalities decreased by 6.2% in the same period,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

69 views

Preliminary data from the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign indicates a five percent reduction in both fatalities and crashes when compared to the same period last year.

“This year, a total of 1 427 fatalities were recorded from 1 172 crashes this year. The data shows that the 2025/26 festive season recorded the lowest number of crashes in five years, and the same number of fatalities as in the 2023/24 festive season,” Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, said on Thursday, in Pretoria.

The Minister, together with Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, held a media briefing to release the road safety report for the 2025/2026 festive season, which covers the period of 1 December until 11 January 2026.

“Five provinces reported reductions in fatalities with the highest percentage reduction recorded in the Eastern Cape followed by the Free State. Four provinces, namely Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape, recorded increases in fatalities, the Minister said.

The statistics show a noticeable increase in the number of crashes and fatalities from 15 to 28 of December 2025.

These two weeks contributed more than 40% to crashes and fatalities. 

“This re-confirms that festive season crashes and fatalities increase once travellers have reached their destinations and are engaging in festivities rather than during the peak travel periods.

“Many of the crashes happened over the weekend between 19:00 and 21:00 and between midnight and 01:00. They involved collision with pedestrians, hit and run, single vehicle overturns and head-on collisions,” Creecy said.

The highest number of pedestrian fatalities were reported in the City of Cape Town, City of Johannesburg, eThekwini, Nkangala District and the City of Tshwane.

The types of vehicles that contributed to most of the crashes were small motor cars with 55%, followed by light delivery vehicles at 20%.

Minibus vehicles and trucks were involved in only 7% and 6% of crashes respectively.

Watch I  Minister of Transport Ms Barbara Creecy releases the road safety report for 2025/2026 festive season 

During the festive season, law enforcement officers conducted 1 632 roadblocks in which 1.8 million vehicles were stopped and checked. 

More than 450 000 traffic fines were issued, 525 were arrested for excessive speeding.

“Roadblocks and vehicle inspections targeted roadworthiness, driver fitness, and licensing. A total of 173 695 drivers were tested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 8 561 of these tested positive, a 144% increase on the same period last year.

“The highest alcohol reading was recorded in KwaZulu Natal where one motorist recorded breath alcohol content 14 times above the legal alcohol limit. The highest speedster was arrested in the Northern Cape where he was clocked at 222 kilometres an hour in a 120-kilometre per hour zone.

“This year our officers also arrested 89 motorists for attempting to bribe traffic officers to avoid arrest.

“We completed 2547 physical education and awareness programmes across the country to influence driver, pedestrian and passenger behaviour, including visits to mass transit departure points, malls and other areas of mass convergence.”

The department also had a massive community awareness and education campaign on radio, television and social media platforms.

This included an increased number of roadblocks, checks for vehicle roadworthiness, driver licenses, seatbelt and child-restraint use as well as clamping down on speeding and drunken driving.

Annual statistics

In addition, a downward trajectory in road crashes and fatalities was also observed in the annual statistics where preliminary data shows that the number of road collisions and deaths for the twelve-month period in 2025 are the lowest in five years.

This period covers 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.

“A total of 11 418 fatalities were recorded from 9 674 crashes in 2025 compared to 12 581 fatalities from 10 633 crashes in 2021. 

“Furthermore the 2025 crashes decreased by 6.4% when compared to 2024 and fatalities decreased by 6.2% in the same period,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

114 views

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has expressed concern at an audio recording circulating on various social media platforms. 

This recording falsely claims that the department has recruited individuals from other provinces for a learnership programme at the Kgora Farmers Training Centre, suggesting that these individuals are receiving remuneration from the department.

“The department categorically rejects and distances itself from these allegations. The contents of the audio are false, misleading, and deliberately intended to create confusion and mistrust among the members of the public. 

“At no stage has the department engaged in the practices alleged in the recording,” the department said.

The department assured the public that all its programmes, including learnerships and skills development initiatives, are carried out in strict adherence to relevant policies, procedures, and legal requirements. 

The recruitment processes are transparent and are based on the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability.

“Members of the public are strongly urged to refrain from sharing or circulating unverified and misleading information. The dissemination of false content undermines the integrity of the department and misinforms communities that depend on accurate and credible communication regarding government programmes and opportunities.” 

Meanwhile, the provincial department said it remains committed to empowering the people of the province through sustainable agricultural development, skills training, and meaningful support to farmers.

“For accurate and verified information, members of the public are encouraged to rely on the department’s official communication platforms.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

66 views

MEC for Education in the Western Cape, David Maynier, says the province will continue working tirelessly to place all children who are still seeking school placements as the country begins the 2026 academic year.

“This is a challenging task, as hundreds of new applications are arriving each week,” he said on Wednesday, accompanied by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde at Tamboerskloof Primary School, to welcome learners for the new academic year.

Maynier appealed to any parent who has not yet applied to do so immediately at their district office. 

“Crucially, we appeal to parents to ensure that they provide accurate, current contact details to our districts so that we can reach them when a place becomes available for their child.

“We understand that this will be a frustrating period for some of our parents, but we assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find places for every learner in the Western Cape,” the MEC added. 

Meanwhile, Maynier confirmed that everything was on track for the 2026 school year in the Western Cape.

The province welcomed 73 000 Grade Rs and 102 000 Grade 1s starting “big school”. 

“We wish them all the best as they begin their school career. We also have 97 000 Grade 8 learners starting high school, a crucial next step in their journey toward their future studies and careers.” 

Winde also celebrated the beginning of the school year, stating: “We wish all Western Cape learners well as they kick off the new school year. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will overcome them together. We will be behind you every step of your education journey.”

The Premier said the young people would become South Africa’s doctors, traffic police officers, retail professionals, technicians, tradespeople, accountants, farmers, engineers, and business leaders.

Winde believed that school was a critical first step towards independence and was delighted to see the future in such good hands.

“To our teachers and school staff, you are the backbone of the education system. Your hard work, dedication and sacrifice never go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do in preparing young people for their careers, ensuring they are adequately equipped to become an active part of our economy,” the Premier added. 

Infrastructure and resources

According to Maynier, the province will have 1.2 million learners across its schools in 2026. 

“We continue to face increasing demand for places in our schools, so our Rapid School Build programme continues to expand access to education in our province at an incredible rate to meet this demand,” said the MEC.

Nine new schools have been fully completed and opened for the 2026 school year in a phased approach. These schools are located in Lwandle, Wallacedene, Blue Downs, Philippi, Tafelsig, Darling, Fisherhaven, and Plettenberg Bay.

The province is also planning to open the first phases of two new schools, Ilitha Park High School in Khayelitsha and Brantwood High School in Kuils River.

“Additional brick and mortar classrooms have also been added to 12 existing schools, and in total, we have added 175 new classrooms to the system.” 

Additionally, 21 further classrooms are under construction by School Governing Bodies, utilising funding provided by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The MEC said schools were able to order top-up textbooks in May 2025, with full delivery completed by October 2025 at a cost of R58.7 million.

Stationery for non-Section 21 schools, valued at R25.3 million, was delivered by November 2025, and an additional R31.6 million worth of school-related goods was delivered by December 2025.

Maynier appealed to parents who have not yet applied for placement to visit their website, where details of district officials who can assist are available.

For more details, visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions. – SAnews.gov.za

 

83 views

The induction of the National Dialogue’s new steering committee will be held this weekend at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) Muckleneuk’s main campus in Pretoria.

The National Dialogue was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year and is aimed at addressing challenges facing South Africa.

In December the President confirmed the 99 nominees to the steering committee which were drawn from all sectors of society.

“The Steering Committee’s role is to steward the integrity of the process, ensure that participation is meaningful and accessible, and oversee a phased roll-out of dialogues across communities, sectors, and provinces. It is not a substitute for elected government, and it is not a platform for party-political campaigning.

“The Steering Committee induction will focus on governance, ethics, decision-making protocols, public accountability, and the realities of rebuilding trust in a context where many South Africans are understandably sceptical of consultative processes that do not lead to change,” a statement from the National Dialogue said.

The induction process will work towards “outlining the practical roadmap for the implementation roadmap and phased plan for dialogues” including:

• A public participation guide, including offline options for communities with limited connectivity. 
• An accessibility and translation pathway, to ensure participation across languages and disability contexts. 
• A clear reporting and feedback approach so that communities can see what happens after dialogues take place. 
• A weekly process update and a public log of priority issues raised and their status.

“The National Dialogue Steering Committee would like to reiterate its position that it remains committed to a transparent, inclusive, and non-partisan process which is citizen-led,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

49 views

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the approval of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Bill by the USA House of Representatives.

AGOA is critical legislation that allows for eligible sub-Saharan African countries to enjoy duty-free access to the US market.

“The renewal of AGOA will complement and support the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and creation of regional value chains, as well as support American businesses that depend on inputs and products imported into the US market under AGOA.

“This will provide certainty and predictability for African and American businesses that rely on the programme,” the department said.

The US is the third largest export destination for South African goods and remains one of South Africa’s most important trade partners.

In 2024, SA-US total bilateral trade stood at some $15 billion, with South Africa’s exports totalling $8 billion and imports standing at $7 billion, resulting in a “trade surplus of US$1 billion”.

“Minister Tau emphasised that South Africa values its longstanding trade and investment relationship with the US…[which is] a critical partner in driving mutually beneficial economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation.

“AGOA has been important in this partnership for over two decades, supporting thousands of jobs in both countries and contributing to stable supply chains across key sectors, notably in automotive, shipbuilding, agriculture, chemicals, and apparel,” the DTIC highlighted.

Over the past year, the relationship between the two countries has come under increasing strain; however, the department emphasised that South Africa remains committed to “mature engagement regarding matters of mutual concern, ensuring that we are able to reach our shared economic goals”.

“SA…is the largest sub-Saharan African importer of goods from the US and the biggest source of foreign direct investment to the US from the African continent and a crucial supplier of raw materials to many US supply chains. 

“South Africa and the United States continue to engage with each other in the negotiation of an Agreement on Reciprocal Tariffs aimed at promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment relations and address trade barriers that affect bilateral trade,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

64 views

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised the vital role of traditional leadership in maintaining community stability and enhancing local governance. 

He highlighted the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration. The review aims to incite fresh thinking, honest reflection, and decisive action toward building a fit-for-purpose local government system that truly serves the people of South Africa.

In addition, he stressed the importance of effectively integrating traditional institutions into the evolving governance system.

The Minister was speaking during a follow-up engagement with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), led by its President, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, yesterday.

Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, along with senior officials and the CoGTA leadership team, were in attendance. 

This gathering built on the engagement that took place with President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2025, marking a strong start to the year and reinforced the partnership between CoGTA and traditional leadership structures.

“This platform is an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. As a Ministry, we remain committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to strengthen the traditional leadership institution – the oldest form of governance in our country,” he said.

CONTRALESA welcomed the Minister’s continued commitment and highlighted his longstanding background in traditional affairs. 

The leadership expressed gratitude for his willingness to engage and emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration to address the long-standing challenges faced by traditional leaders. 

Both the Minister and Kgoshi Mokoena voiced deep concern about the 49 fatalities reported during the customary initiation season of summer 2025.

They agreed that preserving culture and protecting life should remain key priorities. A broad consultative meeting is scheduled for February to strengthen safeguards, enhance oversight, and improve community safety. 

The Minister reiterated that the department is committed to transparent engagement, meaningful partnerships, and advancing shared goals of community well-being, stability, and effective cooperative governance. – SAnews.gov.za

57 views

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has confirmed the resignation of Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO, Tebogo Malaka, with effect from 31 January 2026.

Malaka was suspended in August last year, following the release of an independent report into the botched R836 million Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant project, which was intended to provide vital oxygen plants to hospitals across the country.

The report – drawn up by PricewaterhouseCoopers – recommended that Malaka face disciplinary action for her failure to prevent or act on violations which may have led to the state suffering losses.

Other officials recommended for disciplinary action include David Motsatse in his capacity as the BEC Secretariat and Dr Molebedi Sisi, the General Manager for Supply Chain Management at the IDT.

“While Ms Malaka resigned before the disciplinary process could be concluded, I welcome the fact that her resignation comes without a golden handshake. Importantly, her resignation does not immunise her from criminal investigations or any civil proceedings that may arise.

“This reaffirms our position that no individual in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, or any of its entities, is above ethical governance, the law, or accountability – and that accountability does not fall away simply because someone resigns.

“We therefore urge law-enforcement agencies to conclude the criminal investigations without delay, and to act decisively should the evidence warrant prosecution,” Macpherson said.

The Minister vowed to continue to root out wrongdoing at the entity.

“Since the IDT board’s appointment last year, great strides have been made to bring governance stability to the entity.

“However, the resignation does not end the problems at the IDT but is a welcome step in our continued reform agenda in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which is anchored on ethical governance which puts the South African public first,” he added.

In a short statement, the IDT noted that Malaka will leave the entity “without exit compensation”.

“The Board has accepted the resignation and confirms that Mr Sfiso Nsibande, seconded from the Construction Industry Development Board, will continue to serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer to ensure organisational stability and continuity.

“In line with standard governance and employment practice, the terms of Ms Malaka’s departure remain confidential. The Board will now commence a formal process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

“The IDT will continue to cooperate fully with any ongoing investigations that may result in criminal and/or civil proceedings against any current or former officials or employees,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

32 views