Category: South Africa Government

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Cape Town puts road safety in focus for Transport Month

Source: Government of South Africa

Cape Town puts road safety in focus for Transport Month

With Transport Month officially kicks off on 1 October 2025, the City of Cape Town will this year place the spotlight on road safety, an issue of utmost importance. 

The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate said it will be communicating with residents across multiple platforms on how to share the road responsibly in an effort to promote road safety.  

City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Rob Quintas highlighted that two people die on the roads in the Western Cape every day. 

“This figure is alarming and very close to home. The safety of road users has decreased significantly over the last few years. Transport Month provides us with the opportunity to educate and inform road users on how to stay safe, especially over the next few months as we enter the more festive period of the year.

“Many of us have developed bad habits or are simply not present or aware while we are walking or driving, and the intention is to refocus the attention on safety; and to promote key road safety practices among pedestrians, scholars, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists. We will be highlighting how to share the road responsibly in keeping Cape Town moving, safely,” Quintas said in a statement. 

The Urban Mobility team will be hosting a series of road safety awareness events around Cape Town during Transport Month. 

Among the planned events include:

  • An event for scholars, in collaboration with the Safety and Security Directorate and Pedal Power Association (PPA) at the Learner Traffic Centre in Mitchells Plain. This event will target primary school learners where they will meet with the Road Safety officers, who will demonstrate road safety tips for walking and cycling on our roads.
  • A cycling event, where the focus will be safety tips, correct hand signalling and where to ride on the road. This activation will take place in Khayelitsha in partnership with Khaltsha Cycles, Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) and PPA.
  • An event in Bree Street, for pedestrians and cyclists to demonstrate relevant safety tips. This event will include an obstacle course in collaboration with our partners Young Urbanists and BEN Bikes.
  • In concluding Transport Month on 31 October, the focus will be on motorists in the CBD. This event aims to promote courteous driving and to remind road users not to block intersections.

The city will also support the Open Langa event on Sunday, 26 October, a one-day Open Streets Day event with the temporary closure of King Langa, Libalele and Lerotholi Avenue. 

This event will transform these streets into a festive, car-free environment alive with art, music, activities, and local enterprise, with the focus on pedestrians.

The city will share details of the planned events in coming days. – SAnews.gov.za

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Letsike demands accountability from artist linked to teen alcohol consumption

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has expressed concern and called for accountability after a video circulating on social media showing young girls in Limpopo engaging in illegal alcohol consumption in the presence of local well-known male artist “Tsaka RSA”.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister condemns the “uncharacteristic behaviour from the adult male artists who are committed to exploiting vulnerable young girls”. 

Letsike has since formally engaged the South African Police Service to help in calling the artist to question and investigate the case of underage drinking. 

“Underage drinking not only breaks the law, but it also poses serious risks to the health, safety, and future of our youth,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted that Limpopo province is largely rural, and alcohol (all types, including traditionally brewed alcohol) is used mostly in traditional and cultural practices and rituals. This sometimes, she said, exposes adolescents to alcohol use at a young age. 

Letsike added that early initiation to alcohol use among adolescents is a cause for concern.   

“Often co-existing with this alcohol use is teenagers engaging in risky sexual behaviours whilst intoxicated. Alcohol use during adolescence has been linked to impaired brain development, poor academic performance, risky behaviour, accidents, and long-term dependency. It also places young people atgreater risk of violence, gender-based violence, and road fatalities,” Letsike said.

She further emphasised that parents, guardians, schools, communities, and the alcohol industry have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge.

Preventing underage drinking requires:

  • Parental guidance and supervision to set clear rules and model responsible behaviour.
  • Stricter enforcement of alcohol laws, particularly around sales to minors.
  • Awareness and education programmes in schools and communities to highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse.
  • Youth-focused alternatives and opportunities that promote positive lifestyles and healthy choices.

Although the legal drinking age of alcohol in South Africa is 18 years, statistics show an alarming increase in alcohol use, with binge drinking being more prevalent among youth younger than 18 years.

Letsike said the prevalence of alcohol consumption among teenagers or high school learners in rural provinces, such as Limpopo, is a cause for concern.

“The World Health Organisation highlights that South Africans consume about 10 litres of pure alcohol in a year, which is much higher than the worldwide consumption. The increasing incidents of underage alcohol consumption among young people below the legal drinking age,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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DWS marks World Rivers Day with Msuthinja River clean-up

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), led a community river clean-up at Msuthinja River in Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, in commemoration of World Rivers Day.

The event brought together community members, officials from Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and Msinsi Holdings.

World Rivers Day is an annual international event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting rivers. Founded in 2005, the event, endorsed by the United Nations, raises public awareness about river health and the threats of polllution and over-extraction. 

This year, World Rivers Day is celebrated today. The day promotes sustainable water management through education and community action, encouraging activities like river clean-ups and riverside events to foster stewardship for these vital ecosystems.

During the river clean-up held recently, both DWS and UUW sent a clear message that it is wrong in all aspects to throw foreign objects into the river. 

Water Education Specialist from UUW, Dudu Duma urged the community to be cautious about polluting Msuthinja river, as it contributes into uThukela River where water is extracted for purification. She encouraged the community members to protect Msuthinja River from pollution.

The department highlighted that the province of KwaZulu-Natal has experienced a lot of challenges in the past, including water supply disruption, and water leaks due to vandalism of water infrastructure. 

“The sub-standard treatment of effluence from some of the municipality’s Wastewater Treatment Works also contributes to the contamination of the water courses in the province. It is therefore imperative for the communities not to exacerbate the situation by polluting the water courses that runs through their areas,” Duma said. 

The department said the river clean-up activity was extended to a public education programme at Sundumbili Plaza Taxi Rank, where community members of different ages were educated about the disadvantages of polluting rivers. 

“The team also visited Sundumbili Primary School, and the message of keeping rivers free from pollution was also reiterated. The learners further engaged with the officials on the impact of river pollution and were encouraged to grasp the teachings on the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, which are beneficial in reducing pollution in the air and inside water,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tourism is economic policy, not just leisure: De Lille

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says South Africa’s tourism sector is not a “side story” but central to the country’s economic policy, driving jobs, transformation and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations held at Constitution Hill’s People’s Park in Braamfontein on Saturday, De Lille highlighted the sector’s contribution to the economy and new initiatives to boost arrivals and domestic travel.

“It is a profound honour to celebrate World Tourism Day 2025 here at Constitution Hill People’s Park. This is not just a venue, but a place of memory and freedom. A reminder that democracy is not only about the rights we enjoy, but about the opportunities we create,” she said.

The Minister announced that the Department of Tourism has invested in the site’s development. The Department has allocated R12 million to the development of the park. 

She said the Constitution Hill Precinct Development Plan designates the park as homage to the Constitutional Court in much the same way as the gardens in front of the Union Buildings. 

De Lille stressed the year’s global theme: “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, as a call for inclusive growth. 

“Today, we gather to affirm a truth that grows clearer each day: tourism is not a side story, tourism is economic policy. It is a driver of jobs, of pride, and of transformation that is sustainable, inclusive, and unstoppable,” she said. 

She said sustainability must translate into real benefits. 

“Sustainable transformation means that tourism’s benefits must be shared widely. From our villages and townships to our metros and coastal hubs. It means that as we grow, we safeguard the treasures that define us: our land, our heritage, and our culture. This transformation is not abstract.

“It is visible when a family-owned guesthouse in Bizana is fully booked, when walking tours by a young entrepreneur in Mamelodi tell our stories with pride and when a small café in Mpumalanga becomes a must-visit stop. 

“This is how tourism builds not only an economy, but a nation. South Africans are rediscovering the joy of being tourists in their own land,” the Minister said. 

Tourism’s economic footprint

According to De Lille, domestic and international tourism continued to grow strongly in 2025.

“This year during our Sho’t Left Travel Week we had 650 deals. Between January and June 2025, domestic trips increased by 14,8%, with 3.8 million holiday trips recorded contributing R15,4 billion to the GDP. During that same period, we welcomed 5 million international visitors, who spent R48,7billion. These arrivals through our port of entries mark a 12% increase.

“In July 2025, we welcomed over 880 000 international visitors, a 26% increase compared to the same month last year. These figures are set to increase with the roll out of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA),” she said. 

The ETA system, which will go live in October, is expected to significantly boost arrivals. 

“The ETA which goes live next month in a phased approach, is set to increase international arrivals by 1 million creating between 80 000 to 100 000 jobs. This will add on to the 1,8 million jobs the sector is already sustaining while contributing 8.8% to South Africa’s GDP,” De Lille said.

Investments and innovation

De Lille also confirmed that major international events would continue to showcase South Africa. 

“Next year, South Africa will host the LIV Golf right here in Gauteng’s Steyn City and in 2027 we host the ICC Cricket World Cup. These are sporting events that translate into jobs and livelihoods,” she said. 

She highlighted the Tourism Investment Summit as another milestone, where eight infrastructure projects worth nearly R1 billion were unveiled. 

“The summit has been impactful with growing interest being expressed. We continue to grow the pipeline of bankable projects, which will be presented at the next year’s investment summit,” the Minister said. 

De Lille also noted that young people are designing the future of tourism. This month the winners of the inaugural Tourism Hackathon were crowned. Students from 21 Higher education institutions competed to make travel experience more memorable through AI solutions. 

The Minister added that projects such as the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre at SanPark’s Golden Gate had already attracted 50,000 visitors since its launch in June.

Call to action

De Lille called on South Africans to embrace tourism as a driver of national pride and transformation.

“Friends, on this World Tourism Day, let us raise our voices with pride: We are building a tourism sector that is not just bigger, but better. Not just profitable, but inclusive. Not just competitive, but sustainable.

“Here at Constitution Hill, the home of freedom and resilience, we declare that tourism is economic policy, tourism is transformation, tourism is our future,” the Minister said. 

De Lille’s World Tourism Day programme concluded with a walking tour of Johannesburg’s inner city and a visit to the Soweto Expo, which she described as “live entertainment, unique hand-crafted products and an opportunity to mingle with the entrepreneurs who make tourism tick.”

“Remember, every photo shared, every review posted, every memory made here tells the world: this is a country where transformation is real, and joy is everywhere,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SA honoured with UN award for obesity prevention efforts

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has been recognised for its groundbreaking efforts in combating obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), receiving the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force Award at the 10th Annual Friends of the Task Force Meeting in New York, in the United States.

Since 2018, these awards have recognised achievements on multisectoral action in the prevention and control of NCDs, mental health and the wider NCD-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year, the task force is recognising organisations working to prevent and control obesity.

The recognition underscores South Africa’s leadership in addressing obesity and NCDs, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow in the fight against preventable diseases.

Accepting the award on behalf of the South African government, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi expressed gratitude and pride.  

“We are humbled to be recognised for our work in preventing and managing obesity, a challenge that demands bold, collaborative, and evidence-based action,” he said.

According to the Minister, South Africa’s National Obesity Strategy adopts a comprehensive life-cycle approach, fostering collaboration across multiple sectors, including health, education, sports, trade, civil society, and academia.  

He told delegates that the country has placed obesity and NCDs high on the national agenda.

“Breaking down silos is essential as tackling obesity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” Motsoaledi said.

One of the country’s most notable achievements, according to Motsoaledi, is the introduction of the Health Promotion Levy.

“This bold policy has reduced sugar intake and set an example of regulatory courage for the region and beyond,” the Minister added.

South Africa was the first African nation to implement such a measure, demonstrating leadership in addressing obesity through fiscal policy.

The country has also integrated obesity prevention into its Adult Primary Care tool, which equips frontline health workers to identify, manage, and refer patients as part of routine care.  

“The Adult Primary Care tool uses algorithms to guide nurse and doctor clinicians to manage conditions that patients commonly present with at the primary health care level,” Motsoaledi explained.

On the global stage, South Africa has been a vocal advocate for prioritising obesity and NCDs, including the Group of 20 (G20).

“We have consistently called for stronger international action, including restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, promoting healthier food environments, and safeguarding future generations from preventable diseases,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi believes that innovation has also played a key role in South Africa’s approach.

The country has partnered with Parkrun South Africa, a free community-based initiative that encourages physical activity and can be established in rural and disadvantaged areas.  

“We foster innovation to get South Africans moving,” Motsoaledi added.

The Minister said the award is a testament to the hard work of South Africa’s health professionals, researchers, civil society, and communities.  

“This award strengthens our resolve to accelerate progress – investing in stronger data systems, scaling up community health initiatives, and supporting our frontline health workers,” he said.

Motsoaledi wrapped up his speech with a commitment to global health.  

“We accept this award with gratitude and humility, and we reaffirm our commitment to advancing obesity prevention and management, not only for South Africa but as part of our collective global responsibility.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Social grant payments to increase by R10 in October 

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 26, 2025

Social grant payment amounts are set to increase by R10 in the October 2025 payment cycle in line with the announcement made by the Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the Budget Speech earlier this year.

“The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) wishes to inform all social grant beneficiaries that social grant amounts will increase in the October payment cycle. This is in line with the announcement made by the Minister of Finance earlier this year when he tabled the Budget Speech for the 2025/26 financial year,” SASSA said in a statement on Thursday.

In tabling the Budget Speech, Godongwana announced a considerable social grant increase from 01 April 2025 and a slight increase on 01 October 2025.

READ | Social grant increases remain in place in Budget 3.0

The social grant amounts will be increased by R10 in October as follows: 
•    Old Age Grants will increase from R2310 to R2320 
•    Old Age Grants (older than 75 years) will increase from R2330 to R2340 
•    War Veterans Grant will increase R2330 to R2340
•    Disability Grant will increase from R2310 to R2320 
•    Care Dependency Grant will increase from R2310 to R2320 

SASSA CEO, Themba Matlou, welcomed the social grant increase noting that the adjustment is crucial.

“This reaffirms government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in society, easing financial burden and cushioning them against economic hardships,” said Matlou.

He further reiterated that it is all systems go for the October payment cycle and that all eligible social grant beneficiaries will receive their grants without any interruption.

Social grant payments for October 2025 will be processed as follows:
•    Old Age Grant will be paid on 02 October
•    Disability Grants will be paid on 03 October 
•    Children’s Grants will be paid on 06 October 

–SAnews.gov.za 
 

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SA calls for safe passage of Gaza aid flotilla 

Source: Government of South Africa

SA calls for safe passage of Gaza aid flotilla 

The Government of South Africa, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, has reiterated its call for the safe passage of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international initiative led by civil society, launched in June of this year. The movement aims to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, raise awareness about the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, and emphasise the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza.

“The government commends with appreciation the efforts of the 23 South African citizens aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla.

“We further extend our gratitude to the governments that have facilitated the flotilla’s safe passage amid complex circumstances,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

READ | Foreign Ministers call for the protection and safety of Gaza aid flotilla

This as the news organisation, Al Jazeera, reported that Italy and Spain have decided to dispatch naval vessels this week to assist the Global Sumud Flotilla in its mission to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

According to Al Jazeera, the move follows repeated assaults on the Sumud Flotilla, including a drone strike that occurred early on Wednesday.

Mandla Mandela, a South African activist and grandson of former statesman Nelson Mandela, who is with the flotilla, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

“Let me be clear, this is a non-violent mission. We carry no weapons but only food, water, medicine and hope for our brothers and sisters in Gaza. An attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla will be a violation of international law, maritime law and basic human rights,” Mandela said in a video clip, which has been shared on his social media. 

Reports indicate that explosions and unidentified drones were observed around some of the boats while communications were being jammed.

South Africa has since called international community to intensify its efforts to ensure the flotilla’s unimpeded and safe passage. 

“It is imperative that the norms of international law and international humanitarian law are upheld, and that all parties respect their obligations to protect civilian lives and humanitarian missions.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Limpopo man sentenced to life in prison for rape

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, September 26, 2025

The Seshego Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Thursday sentenced Poulis Ngwepe (44) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 13-year-old in the Ga-Ramoshoana village in the Matlala policing area.

The court heard that on the night of 10 August 2020, the victim went outside her house to fetch a bucket when the accused spotted and followed her. 

He grabbed the victim and covered her mouth with his hands before taking her to his residence, where he raped her and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the ordeal.

After being released, the victim reported the incident to her grandmother, who immediately alerted the police. 

A case of rape was registered at Matlala South African Police Service (SAPS) and the matter was referred to the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigation.

“The meticulous and dedicated investigation by Sergeant Victor Mokhudu led to the accused being arrested and charged with rape,” the SAPS said in a statement. 

“The accused was initially granted bail during his court appearances but was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a minor,” the police said.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the sentence imposed by the court, saying it reflects the seriousness of the offense and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society. – SAnews.gov.za

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Acting President pays respects to Premier Mabuyane after mother’s passing

Source: Government of South Africa

Acting President Paul Mashatile has visited Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s home to pay his respects after the passing of his mother, Nolandile Mabuyane.

Mama Mabuyane, affectionately known as Mambathane, passed away on 16 September 2025, at the age of 79, after a long illness.

“On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, and in my personal capacity, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved mother,” said the Acting President on Thursday. 

Acting President Mashatile said her legacy was evident not just in her family but also in the numerous lives impacted indirectly through Premier Mabuyane’s leadership in the province and his public service to the citizens.

“The strength, compassion and dedication with which you have served the people of the Eastern Cape and the nation speak volumes about the woman who raised you.“

The Acting President remembered her as a woman of faith and dignity. 

“Her warmth, humility and quiet strength were qualities that not only enriched your family but also anchored her community in love and principle. The pain of losing a mother is immeasurable.” 

The Acting President described a mother as “the cornerstone of the family, the source of wisdom, and the quiet force behind our strength”.

“Though she may no longer be with you in the physical, the values she embodied will live on through the lives of those she nurtured and the legacy she has left behind, including in the Premier as Leader of this province,” he added.

“In this moment of sorrow, we pray that the Almighty grants you and your family comfort, peace, and the courage to face the days ahead. May you take solace in the beautiful memories you shared with her, and may her soul find eternal rest.

“May her legacy be eternal and may she continue to rest in peace and power,” he added. 

The Premier’s mother will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at her home in the Deberha Locality, eNgcobo. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project to improve lives of KZN communities

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has officially handed over the completed works of the Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project in KwaZulu-Natal’s Alfred Duma Local Municipality.

Addressing community members, traditional leaders, and government stakeholders at the Ekuvukeni Sportsfield at the handover on Thursday, Hlabisa emphasised the constitutional importance of water as a basic human right.

“Section 27 of the Bill of Rights affirms that every person in South Africa has the right to sufficient water. This right is not negotiable. It is a human right that government must deliver,” he said.

The Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project – implemented by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) and funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) – marks a significant milestone in addressing long-standing water infrastructure challenges in Wards 30 to 36 of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. 

The project benefits over 14 500 households, reaching approximately 75 655 people.

Hlabisa provided an overview of the completed works, which include the installation of over 1.5 km of bulk pipeline and 8.4 km of reticulation pipelines. 

In addition, 52 valve chambers and 25 communal standpipes were installed, along with multiple yard connections. 

The project also involved the partial refurbishment of the Oliphantskop Water Treatment Works and the Petronella Booster Pump Station, and an 8-million-litre (ML) steel reticulation tank was constructed to improve water storage capacity.

He also highlighted the socio-economic impact of the project, including the employment of 32 local labourers, with a focus on youth and women and the appointment of eight local subcontractors through the Project Steering Committee, with contracts exceeding R6.1 million.

The Minister also announced the installation of communal standpipes in schools and villages, improving access to clean water. 

“This project is not just about pipes and pumps. It is about people,” said Hlabisa. 

“It means that a grandmother in Uitval no longer walks kilometres to fetch water. It means that children in Etholeni go to school with clean uniforms and better health.”

However, he acknowledged remaining challenges, including water losses due to leaks and illegal connections, three production boreholes nearing completion, seasonal raw water shortages and limited reservoir capacity and the funding gaps, with R18 million still required for full system stabilisation. 

To address these issues, a Section 63 intervention agreement was signed on 19 August 2025 between CoGTA, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Umngeni-uThukela Water, and the uThukela District Municipality. 

This agreement empowers Umngeni-uThukela Water to manage water infrastructure in the district for the next five years.

“This infrastructure was built for you, your children, and generations to come. You must see yourselves as the first line of defence – guarding these facilities against vandalism, theft, and misuse. When you rise together as a united community, you protect what you have and ensure lasting change,” said Hlabisa.

Hlabisa concluded the handover ceremony by congratulating the Alfred Duma Local Municipality on being selected as a recipient of the Intermediary Cities Grant under the Intermediate City Municipalities (ICM) Programme. 

This grant supports smaller urban areas in planning and implementing development projects to overcome challenges such as spatial inequality. 

According to the department, it also funds infrastructure investments, improves governance and financial management, and promotes sustainable urban development in crucial but often overlooked cities. 

The event was attended by KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the Mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality Zama Sibisi, the Mayor of uThukela District Municipality Inkosi Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala, and representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, uThukela District Municipality, Umngeni-uThukela Water, MISA, and local leadership. – SAnews.gov.za