Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Science and technology should be understood as extensions of social relations, says the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande.

The Minister was speaking at the Group of 20 (G20) Chief Science Advisors’ (CSAR) Roundtable.

The roundtable was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) National Advisory Council on Innovation.

“After the attainment of democracy in our country, the preoccupation of the democratic state was the reconstruction of our society and more specifically, the building of a society that will be free of the racial, gender, class and spatial injustices of our past.

“For us, this was not merely a technocratic project. We were also guided by the understanding that the persistence of the legacies of apartheid and colonialism in the democratic era was directly connected to the fact that the apartheid government used science to justify or even enable the oppression of the black majority.”

He stated that the world is witnessing a genocide in Gaza, which is being facilitated by technologies like artificial intelligence.

“It is for this reason that we often make the point that science or technology are not inherently neutral or democratic and that they must be understood as extensions of social relations.

“Therefore, science advice must not just be measured by whether it adheres to the rigour of scientific methodology, but also as to whether scientific advice adheres to the highest moral and ethical standards.”

Nzimande also used the occasion to affirm South Africa’s commitment to science-driven public policy.

“In addition to developing coherent science policies and establishing science policy advisory bodies, such as the National Advisory Council on Innovation, as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, we also realise that if the citizens are to value science and scientific advice, governments must lead in embracing science and, in particular, evidence-based policy making.”

He stated that the department recently adopted a new mantra: “Placing Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Society, and Industry.”

“The adoption of this mantra reflects our commitment to placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of national development with a view to creating a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.”

The G20 CSAR was first convened during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, where a distinct role for its existence was identified in relation to G20 STI (science, technology and innovation) policy advice and its relevance for national and international decision-making processes.

The CSAR is an integral part of the G20 STI track, and this year focuses on equity-based STI for inclusive human development and global sustainability.

As part of the continuation of the DSTI’s G20 programme, the Minister is participating in the meeting of the Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social Transformations Forum (MOST) and the MOST Forum at the CSIR International Convention Centre today.

The MOST Forum is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s global platform for solutions-oriented debate at the intersection of science, policy, and social transformation.

Nzimande will chair both meetings in his capacity as the current President of the Intergovernmental Council of the MOST Programme.

The DSTI’s G20 programme will culminate in the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, in Pretoria, at which the Tshwane Declaration, also known as the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Declaration, will be adopted. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his weekly newsletter, called on the United Nations (UN) to “actively enforce international law and human rights standards”.

This as the organisation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter this week.

“At a time of widespread poverty and underdevelopment, when human rights are under threat worldwide and where geopolitical tensions are creating instability across the globe, advancing multilateralism is more critical than ever.

“If the global, rules-based system is to have practical meaning, the UN must exercise its leadership role of global governance. The UN must actively enforce international law and human rights standards for all, and not the select few,” he said on Monday.

The President said that the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly – to be held in New York this week – comes at a time when the global rules-based system is “profoundly fragile” with the global intergovernmental organisation under “increasing scrutiny”.

He cited increasing global conflicts, threats to global health and pandemic response due to withdrawal of global health financing and faltering global climate response as some of global challenges facing UN members.

“As the UN General Assembly convenes this week under the theme: Accelerating Global Progress Through Intergenerational Collaboration, the stakes have never been higher.

“The UN is struggling to meet its mandate as contained in the UN Charter. It continues to be hampered by competing national interests that impede collective action. There is a lack of political will among member states to address many challenges, including the chronic underfunding of peacekeeping operations,” he said.

READ | South Africa to champion UN reform agenda at UNGA-80

The President asserted that the body’s most “serious hinderance” is the “structure and operation of the UN Security Council”.

“Despite changes in global power relations over more than half a century, the decision-making architecture that has enabled the five permanent members to have veto powers, has not changed since the end of the Second World War. 

“These five permanent members effectively make decisions on behalf of more than 85% of the world’s population living in countries of the Global South. They continue to use their veto powers to effectively paralyse collective action and prevent timely responses to crises, even in the face of clear violations of international law,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, South Africa has consistently called for the reform of the council in order for it reflect changing global realities.

“The current composition of the UN Security Council and its record of decisions seriously undermine the spirit of global cooperation and weaken the UN’s commitment to neutrality and its legitimacy.

“Efforts at reform, such as proposals to expand the permanent membership of the Security Council, improving regional representation, and restricting the use of the veto, have stalled and must be reinvigorated with urgency,” he said.

As he, and the South African delegation, arrives in New York for the UNGA, the President reaffirmed South Africa’s position.

“The message South Africa takes to this year’s General Assembly is that if the organisation is to remain relevant and if the global, rules-based system is to endure, the UN must demonstrate in both word and deed that multilateralism is alive.

“Despite its many challenges, the UN remains humanity’s best chance at peace, security and sustainable development for all,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in New York to lead South Africa’s delegation during the High-Level Segment of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The segment, held throughout this week, coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and is held under the theme: ‘Better together: 80 Years and more for peace, development and human rights’.

The President is accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa; Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele.

“The President will [today]… participate in a Two-State Solution High-Level Meeting convened and co-chaired by His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH, Faisal bin Al Saud.  The meeting will reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and seek to mobilise support for its implementation.

“In championing robust multilateralism, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and the unwavering protection of human rights for all, the President will address the General Debate on Tuesday. He will also carry a message from the Global South, amplified by South Africa’s current role as Chair of the G20,” a statement by the Presidency on Monday read.

According to the statement, the segments provide an opportunity for President Ramaphosa to engage on issues including the genocide in Gaza, the conflicts in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo and the war in Ukraine and “other geopolitical tensions”.

“South Africa will leverage its proven reputation as a trusted mediator to build bridges between opposing sides and advocate for dialogue over discord,” the Presidency said.

Sustainable development

On Wednesday, the President will take part in the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, convened and chaired by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

“The forum provides an opportunity for leaders to assess progress, and advance practical solutions to mobilise global resources and strengthen global economic governance in support of the UN 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs].

“Building on its G20 mandate to shape global economic solutions, South Africa will argue forcefully for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy. The delegation will spotlight the disproportionate impact of current global challenges on developing nations and push for enhanced international cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency added.

The President will also convene a high-level meeting on Recommitting to Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Rights in his capacity as Chair of the Global Leaders Network on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health.

“The meeting will be co-chaired by His Excellency Boko Duma of the Republic of Botswana and Rt. Hon. Ms Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of Partnerships for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH).

“The High-Level meeting presents a powerful opportunity for global advocacy, agenda setting, and cross-sectoral engagement at the highest level of Heads of State and Government to elevate women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health as a foundation for peace, security, and sustainable developments,” the statement read.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will participate in a Special High-level Event on Climate Action.

“[The event will] be convened and co-chaired by Secretary General Guterres and His Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

“This event brings together Heads of State and Government, business and civil society, to drive action across mitigation, adaptation, finances and information integrity and other critical matters, in line with Paris Agreement and COP30 priorities,” the Presidency said.

Trade and foreign relations

To boost South Africa’s economic growth drive, the President will engage the private sector.

“In reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as strategic economic partner focusing on trade relations, investment, and collaboration, the President will on the margins of UNGA engage with the private sector during the Trade and Investment Executive Dialogue hosted by the (dtic) in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“The President will also meet with several leading US Companies as part of the investment drive. The United States has long been a strategic partner for South Africa, ranking among country’s top five export destinations accounting for 7.5% of our global exports. The US also features as one the country’s largest sources of foreign direct investment,” the Presidency statement read.

Furthermore, President Ramaphosa will lead the High-Level opening segment of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

“G20 plays a pivotal role in contributing to UN efforts aimed at creating an economically prosperous world that contributes towards lasting global peace.

“President will also hold bilateral talks with Heads of State and Government attending the UNGA High-Level week,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

By Andrea Naicker

September is Tourism Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the joy and power of travelling the length and breadth of our beautiful country. Tourism opens the door to new cultures, people and experiences, allowing us to see the world from a different perspective.

World Tourism Day, observed on 27th September, highlights the sector’s immense impact on our societies, environments, and economies. Coinciding with this commemorative event, South Africa celebrates Tourism Month which is an ideal time to travel as spring creates a warmer and more inviting environment.

Tourism Month is also observed alongside Heritage Month. This dual celebration provides an opportunity to tell the South African story and highlight our rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant traditions.

South Africa’s tourism sector is rich in history, natural beauty, and a wealth of indigenous species. From the ancient origins of the Cradle of Humankind, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape and the Mapungubwe Heritage Site to the powerful stories of struggle at Robben Island and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, our heritage sites tell a story of resilience and transformation.

Our nation is also a delightful destination du e to its world-class wine routes and iconic wildlife, including the Big Five and the Little Five which are the Elephant Shrew, Antlion, Rhino Beetle, Leopard Tortoise, and Buffalo Weaver. These attractions lure local and international travellers. Between January and June this year, South Africa welcomed over five million visitors, reflecting a significant increase in both domestic and international travel.

Tourism is a powerful engine for our economy. It constitutes a significant portion of our Gross Domestic Product and boosts local economies by creating vast opportunities for vendors, tour guides, shuttle drivers, guesthouses, and travel agencies. The sector supports livelihoods and helps uplift our national economy.

It is therefore imperative that we invest in developing this sector and create further opportunities for growth. Programs like the Tourism Monitors Programme target unemployed youth (ages 18-35) with a passion for tourism, providing them with a stipend, training, and practical experience. This programme has uplifted the lives of over 6000 young people who have benefitted from it since the programme’s inception in 2017 and has significantly improved safety and security at tourist sites.

Government remains committed to empowering people in tourism through training opportunities and financial assistance for black owned enterprises. Projects such as the Tourism Equity Fund and the Tourism Transformation Fund aims to drive transformation, equity and growth in the sector.  

Our roadmap for the industry is outlined in the Tourism Sector Masterplan, which aligns with our National Development Plan (NDP) goals and provides strategic interventions to strengthen and sustain the sector.

Further discussions on developing South African Tourism are in progress among members of the G20 Tourism working group. Furthermore, interventions are underway to enrich the travel experience of international delegates and visitors who will attend the G20 summit in November this year.

As we prepare to host nations, all South Africans have a part to play. Let’s take care of our environment and keep our cities clean and free from pollution, litter and environmental harm.

Citizens are also encouraged to explore our beautiful country.  South African National Parks Week, from 22 to 26 September 2025, offers free entry to selected national parks.

Our welcoming nature and spirit of Ubuntu is one of our greatest attractions, ensuring visitors keep coming back for more. This month let’s continue to celebrate our local attractions, diverse culture, and social fabric, and share our proudly South African stories as we work toward a tourism sector that captures the hearts of nations.

* Andrea Naicker is an Assistant Director at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, September 22, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will present South Africa’s Beijing Platform for Action during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, USA.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, remains the most comprehensive global framework for advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

According to the department, Chikunga is expected to deliver a message of urgency, hope, and possibility in advancing the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, while emphasising the centrality of gender equality in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Despite considerable strides towards achieving equality, South Africa emerges as a beacon of hope towards achieving gender equality, according to the Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.

South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will participate in UNGA80 under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights.” The session will take place from 23–29 September 2025.

South Africa will use this platform to reinforce her commitment to global multilateralism, human rights for all, sustainable development as a collective responsibility, while advocating for peaceful resolution of conflicts with special emphasis on the conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Sudans, and Palestine.

South Africa will also use the Assembly to promote its G20 Presidency agenda.

The President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several heads of state and engage with CEOs of major international companies.

On Monday, the President will participate in a High-Level Meeting on the Two-State Solution, convened and co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The meeting aims to reaffirm international commitments to the two-state solution and mobilise support for its implementation. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it remains dedicated to providing consular support to South African nationals fulfilling their religious obligations, including Hajj and Umrah, while also striving to maintain South Africa’s positive reputation in Saudi Arabia.

This is after the National Assembly unanimously passed the motion without notice to protect the rights of Hajj pilgrims, tabled by the opposition party last week. 

The party called for urgent intervention in the South African Hajj and Umrah Council (SAHUC) controversy, condemning SAHUC’s alleged attempts to monopolise Hajj travel and highlighting serious allegations of misconduct.

The motion called for DIRCO to intervene to safeguard pilgrims’ rights; the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission (CRL Rights Commission) to investigate allegations of misconduct at SAHUC; transparency in Hajj operations and the implementation of the Nusuk Hajj system, and urgent action to prevent the establishment of a monopoly in Hajj travel, which would raise costs for pilgrims.

DIRCO has acknowledged the National Assembly’s adoption of a motion without notice regarding the “Resolution on the SAHUC controversy”. However, the department reaffirmed the information provided in its previous statement dated 15 August 2025. 

The department said that on 30 June 2025, the Ministerial Committee on Efficient Management of the Annual Hajj and Umrah Pilgrimages submitted its final report to DIRCO.

“The department is currently engaging with the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities to ensure alignment with constitutional and community-based principles.” 

Meanwhile, according to the department, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia have announced a new operational framework for the facilitation of Hajj from South Africa, effective from 2026. 

Under this new model, DIRCO explained that the traditional use of licensed tour operators will be discontinued.

“Instead, all service contracts will be signed directly with Saudi service providers, who will assume full responsibility for service delivery within the Kingdom. Coordination will be managed through the Nusuk Masar electronic platform, under the oversight of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.” 

In a statement issued last month, the department said the CRL Rights Commission continues to play a vital role in guiding cultural, religious, and linguistic communities on how to organise and coordinate their affairs. 

The Commission provides support to ensure that these communities operate independently of State interference, while safeguarding their religious rights and freedoms. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Government committed to ‘safeguarding and supporting’ judiciary independence

NeoB
Mon, 09/22/2025 – 10:05

Source: Government of South Africa

Leaders from Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa, along with representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have expressed concern about the widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) happening in conflicts around the world. 

The leaders said the violations are causing significant human suffering, and are urging States and the international community to take action.

This call comes one year after they launched the Global IHL Initiative, aimed at fostering political commitment to uphold IHL.

“We were driven by a deep sense of responsibility and urgency to act decisively to stem the tide of violations of international humanitarian law the world is witnessing,” a joint statement issued on Sunday read. 

As of now, 89 States from various regions around the world have officially joined the Global IHL Initiative to promote humanity in times of war. 

In addition, 27 States are collaborating as co-leaders on seven thematic workstreams. Their goal is to develop practical recommendations for enhancing compliance with IHL and addressing the challenges brought about by the evolving nature of warfare.

Over the past year, over 130 States engaged in global and regional discussions on enhancing compliance with IHL.

“A common theme emerging from these consultations is a call from States for a protective interpretation of IHL,” the statement said, noting that the findings will be published in an interim report next month. 

The leaders mentioned that this movement relates to all global conflicts, engages all relevant stakeholders, and aims to ensure a fair and universal application of IHL.

“It also recognises that the primary responsibility to uphold, implement and apply the Geneva Conventions in practice lies with States.

“We call on all parties to armed conflict to uphold IHL. We reaffirm that all States, including in situations of occupation, are bound to fully respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, including the rules related to the protection of civilians, civilian objects, medical and aid workers and journalists.” 

The Global IHL Initiative leaders believe that the United Nations (UN), in line with the UN Charter and the wider multilateral system, plays an important role in this regard.

They also announced that they will co-host a global high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war in 2026.

Leading up to the meeting, all States are encouraged to prioritise IHL at home. This includes officially allocating sufficient resources to invest in and ensure compliance with IHL, particularly in ongoing conflicts. 

In addition, they are urging States to incorporate IHL into national legislation and conflict preparedness. This can be achieved through proper training for military and security forces, empowering national IHL committees, and formally joining the Global IHL Initiative. 

They also believe that active participation in consultations is essential, and States are encouraged to motivate others to do the same.

“Seventy-six years after the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, we call on all world leaders to unite around a shared responsibility to prevent atrocities and protect humanity in times of war. 

“The world cannot stand idly as the basic tenets of international humanitarian law are routinely and deliberately being violated. 

“Together, we can put an end to the inconceivable and unconscionable suffering and destruction that is the mark of today’s conflicts and steer the latter towards peaceful resolution,” the leaders said. – SAnews.gov.za