Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has described parliaments as a vital bridge to connect  citizens to the State.

The Minister was delivering a keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) held in Cape Town.

“Parliaments are the voices of the people and as such, aspire to reflect the diversity of their respective societies. Secondly, parliaments are tasked with creating the enabling legal frameworks for the progressive realisation of equality and for passing laws that align with the international commitments of their respective countries.

“Thirdly, parliaments hold governments accountable to their domestic and international commitments. They ensure that the necessary budgets are allocated to reflect these commitments. Beyond being chambers of debate, beyond advancing rights and overseeing executive power, parliaments are the crucial bridge between the citizen and State,” she said.

The P20 is a platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers from Parliaments of the G20 member countries to deliberate on how legislative bodies can contribute to the formulation and implementation of G20 decisions.

The gathering was attended by these leaders as well as Speakers of South Africa’s provincial legislatures, Presidents and representatives of the African Union and European Union and other invited guests.

Kubayi told the audience that as they gather, global solidarity is “far removed from… everyday realities of access to employment, health care, education and to a decent quality of life”.

“We are contending with rising inequalities between and within societies, and between the Global North and Global South. In many parts of the world, rising populism, xenophobia and extreme forms of nationalism threaten to undermine solidarity.

“It is therefore incumbent upon us as parliaments to bring our institutions closer to the people, to restore the bonds of trust and to make all citizens part of the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I am pleased that the G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit has broadening citizen participation as a standing item, as we seek out new, innovative ways to achieve this,” she noted.

The Minister emphasised that for the commitments made at the G20 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to be translated to reality, “implementation must be felt on the ground”.

“As the bridge between citizen and State, the challenge for parliaments the world over is to translate hope into purpose and promise into action.

“I look forward to our engagement today, and look even further forward to a bold, forward-looking declaration from this year’s Summit.

“One that is matched by tangible steps that will be taken by all the parliaments represented here today to give practical meaning to solidarity, equality and sustainability,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is supporting the South African Auto Week (SAAW) that kicks off this week.

Now in its fourth year, SA Auto Week has firmly established itself as the premier platform for the automotive sector in South Africa and the African continent, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and global stakeholders under one roof.

Taking place from 1-3 October 2025, the SAAW is being hosted in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape at a time when the country is commemorating Transport Month.

“The event is hosted by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA). Significantly, this year’s gathering will be held in the Eastern Cape, the birthplace of NAAMSA and still the heart of South Africa’s automotive industrial capacity,” said the department in a statement on Wednesday.

The 2025 programme will centre on five key themes:
•    Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation – advancing localisation, diversification, digitisation, and decarbonisation.
•    Policy and Regulatory Reforms – accelerating the review of frameworks for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).
•    Infrastructure and Investment Mobilisation – addressing gaps in manufacturing investment.
•    Justice and Anti-Corruption – strengthening governance and whistleblower protections.
•    Geopolitical Engagement – affirming South Africa’s role in multilateral cooperation and trade diplomacy.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, emphasised the importance of the event in advancing the country’s industrial policy objectives.  

“The automotive sector is not only a key driver of South Africa’s manufacturing base, but also a sector that has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation. SA Auto Week offers a vital platform for government and industry to co-create solutions, embrace new technologies, and position South Africa as a hub for next-generation mobility solutions. Our commitment is to work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to unlock growth, deepen localisation, and secure South Africa’s place in the evolving global automotive value chain,” he said.

He further added that this year’s programme, anchored by the theme “Reimagining the Future, Together: Cultivating Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity,” will feature high-level dialogues, thought leadership sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster bold industrial alliances, recommit to trade diplomacy, and accelerate South Africa’s just energy transition within the automotive ecosystem.

“By connecting industry leaders and policymakers, SA Auto Week will continue to set the benchmark for collaboration and innovation across Africa’s automotive landscape,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Parliamentary Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has expressed serious concern about the Special Investigating Unit’s report revealing the misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.

The interim report released on Monday by SIU Head, Advocate Lekgoa Mothibi, included an analysis of 2 207 procurement bundles that uncovered significant cases of maladministration and procurement fraud.

Mothibi said key officials from the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and Tembisa Hospital are accused of benefiting from corrupt payments that facilitated the irregular appointment of service providers. 

This involved money laundering and fraud through fronting, and the use of false Supply Chain Management documentation.

The agency emphasised that none of these transactions led to the delivery of goods to Tembisa Hospital, but instead all the money was funnelled through fronts or conduits to beneficiaries, eventually being used to purchase assets.

Dhlomo said the committee views these findings as serious and troubling, highlighting that they reveal acts of criminality. 

He noted that these actions represent a profound breach of public trust and an unacceptable diversion of essential health resources from the most vulnerable members of society.

The chairperson expressed support for the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify those involved and recover the stolen funds.

“Some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity, and there must be consequences. Such criminality cannot go unpunished,” he added. 

READ | SIU uncovers syndicates which allegedly looted R2 billion at Tembisa hospital

Dhlomo also welcomed the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies. 

“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored.”

The chairperson said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation. 

“The law should take its course for those implicated,” said Dhlomo.

The committee said it will maintain its oversight role to prevent such abuses from happening again and to protect the integrity of the health system for the benefit of all South Africans.

Meanwhile, the SIU announced that it will continue to diligently follow the money and seek justice by collaborating with law enforcement partners such as the NPA, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The SIU is authorised by the SIU Act to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court or the Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigations that arises from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

The SIU has indicated that it expects to complete the investigation by November 2027.

The agency has underscored the vital role of information and evidence provided by whistleblowers, and said it will take the necessary measures to ensure their protection. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Second application window for Junior Mining Exploration Fund now open

NeoB
Wed, 10/01/2025 – 09:50

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission appoints Adv Chaskalson SC as chief evidence leader

NeoB
Wed, 10/01/2025 – 09:33

Source: Government of South Africa

CSIR celebrates 80 years with conference on sustainable innovation

Gabisile
Wed, 10/01/2025 – 09:03

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Enhancing capacity to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters and other systemic challenges is at the fore of the Western Cape provincial government’s two-day summit.

Held at the Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers in Century City, the Disaster Resilience Summit unites leaders from government, academia, municipalities, and the private sector to collaboratively develop practical, locally relevant solutions for building resilient communities.

Opening the event on Tuesday in partnership with Santam, Anton Bredell, the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, emphasised the need for urgent action.

“We must shift decisively from reactive disaster management to proactive risk reduction. That is our task, and that is our responsibility.

“Resilience planning allows us to anticipate risks rather than merely respond to them after the fact,” said Bredell. 

The MEC also pointed to compelling international evidence underscoring the economic and social value of resilience investments.

According to the World Bank, every US$1 invested in making infrastructure disaster-resilient in developing countries saves an estimated US$4 in avoided economic losses. 

In addition, the Global Commission on Adaptation has found that strengthening early warning systems can reduce hazard-related damage by up to 30%. 

“When we invest in anticipatory action and stronger social safety nets, communities recover faster and emerge stronger,” Bredell added.

The MEC believes that the summit is an important milestone in the province’s efforts to promote a comprehensive disaster risk reduction agenda. 

This agenda aims to ensure that the Western Cape is better equipped to handle climate risks, protect livelihoods, and safeguard vulnerable communities. 

This initiative is aligned with this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, which carries the global theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

The summit’s programme focuses on five key areas, including climate risk and infrastructure resilience, integrated disaster risk management and early warning systems, community-based adaptation and social resilience, governance, financing and institutional readiness, as well as data, innovation, and digital resilience tools.

These will be explored through high-level panels, technical workshops, and a marketplace of municipal innovations showcasing practical solutions.

Head of Department for Local Government, Graham Paulse, highlighted the province’s collaborative approach. 

This summit is not just a conversation – it’s a commitment to action. We are here to identify implementable projects that will make our municipalities safer, smarter, and more responsive.”

Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Santam, Thabiso Rulashe, reaffirmed the role of partnerships and said building resilience is a shared responsibility that requires an all-of-society approach. 

“As South Africa’s leading general insurer, we are committed to working alongside government and municipalities to close existing gaps, strengthen local capacity, and support practical initiatives such as our Partnership for Risk and Resilience programme, which has already reached more than 29 million people since 2012,” Rulashe added. 

The summit is expected to deliver a practical set of outputs, including case studies, policy recommendations, and investment pathways, that will inform future planning, budgeting, and programme design at provincial and municipal levels. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has called for stronger youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms.

Didiza made the call on Monday at the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum, held under the theme: “Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

The two-day meeting, held from 29 – 30 September, brought together delegates from around the world, ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2025.

Didiza emphasised that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies. She highlighted the need to harness the energy, innovation, and perspectives of young leaders.

“Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges,” Didiza said.

While noting progress made, Didiza said young people continue to be under-represented in many legislatures worldwide.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73% of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30.

She said South Africa encourages youth participation in Parliament through political party processes and youth activism, which has ensured that the voices of young people are included in both Houses.

Didiza also highlighted several pressing issues confronting young people worldwide. These include persistently high levels of unemployment and poverty; the effects of conflict, instability, and migration, which disproportionately affect youth; the severe consequences of climate change, also burdening younger generations; and limited access to education, skills development, and digital opportunities.

The Speaker urged parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work, and access to technology, while also ensuring the responsible regulation of artificial intelligence.

“As we promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, we must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions we make today. It is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices,” Didiza said.

The Speaker further emphasised the need for solidarity and international cooperation to build inclusive economies and address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.

“The actions and decisions we take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future,” she said.

The outcomes of this Summit will inform parliamentary deliberations on issues including unemployment, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in South Africa, the African continent, and the rest of the world. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Forestry and fisheries are proving to be powerful engines of rural and coastal development, directly fueling South Africa’s economic growth.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, on Wednesday highlighted how these sectors are creating jobs, supporting families, and driving transformation in areas often overlooked in the country’s growth story.

“Forestry and fisheries are not small, side industries. They are pillars of our economy, supporting families, creating work, and driving transformation in places often left out of the growth story,” said the Minister.

Recent data show that agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded strong growth in late 2024 and early 2025, providing a vital boost to the national GDP at a time when other industries faced pressure.

At the heart of this momentum is the Commercial Forestry Master Plan, adopted in 2019, which charts a course for inclusive growth. As part of the plan, State-owned plantations are being transferred to communities, opening opportunities in timber production and processing industries, and generating jobs in rural areas.

On the fisheries front, the department has formally recognised about 10 000 small-scale fishers, organised into 171 cooperatives across four provinces. With support in co-management, abalone ranching and mentorship, these cooperatives are gaining access to resources that increase income and resilience.

The Fishing for Freedom campaign is also breathing new life into South Africa’s harbours, turning them into hubs of economic activity. Revitalised harbours are now supporting fish processing, boat repair, tourism and hospitality, ensuring that coastal towns become vibrant centres of growth.

“Every cooperative supported, and every harbour revitalised is proof that environmental stewardship is not in conflict with jobs. It is the foundation of jobs,” said George.

He added that the growth of forestry and fisheries demonstrates how green industries can deliver prosperity while safeguarding resources for the future.

“By planting trees, empowering cooperatives, and revitalising harbours, we are showing that rural and coastal economies are not waiting at the margins. They are leading South Africa’s growth story,” George said. — SAnews.gov.za