Category: South Africa Government

By More Matshediso 
Refurbishment of the Brits Water Treatment Works in the North West is expected to be complete by March 2026. 

This is a commitment made by Magalies Water, the contractor responsible for mechanical and electrical works at the water plant, and the Madibeng Local Municipality. 

The objective of the project is to provide additional water to 75 373 households in the Mdibeng Local Municipality.  

The commitment was made during an oversight visit to the Brits Water Treatment Works by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, on Monday.

READ | Deputy Ministers visit Brits water treatment works

This as Mahlobo raised concerns that there has been delays on completion of the project for some time. 
“We are very pleased with the progress made, but we are unhappy that once again we have missed the deadline,” he said. 

However, both Deputy Ministers acknowledged that good work has been done and that this is not taken for granted. 

He called on those responsible to complete the project, including Magalies Water, the municipality and the contractors to rebuild their reputation of delivering on their promises and completing their work. 

“We need the actual records of this plant… and we also need a maintenance plan for the plant,” he said. 
Deputy Minister Moroleng said the residents of Madibeng must be provided with additional water. 

“While you have made several commitments regarding the completion date of the project, you are found wanting and it is a cause of concern. When we leave here, we will not keep this report with us, but we will share it with the President so that we keep him abreast of the latest developments,” he said to parties involved in the project.

Deputy Minister Morolong further expressed discouragement with the inability of those involved to deal with pressing issues that he saw during the visit, and that he is worried about the completion date. 

He called on the municipality to be more present and hands-on on the project so that it can be handed over to the residents by March 2026. 

“We have no intentions of returning in March to be briefed about challenges. We want to officially hand over the project in March,” he said. 

Background

Phase 1 of the project was completed in July 2014. However, due to poor maintenance, some components needed refurbishment at an estimated cost of R28 million (2020) costs. Phase 2 was completed in 2020. 

Phase 3 of the project includes civil works and is practically complete, electrical works are at 85% and mechanical works at 92%. Phase 4 includes upgrading of final water pipelines and the distribution pipeline to the command reservoirs.

The contractors indicated that only 10% of the work is outstanding and should be completed by March 2026. The remaining work includes mechanical installations such as filters and a blower room, as well as electrical connections including ring feed and backup generator. 

The Brits Water Treatment Works is a critical infrastructure project of the Department of Water and Sanitation aimed at strengthening water provision for the Madibeng Local Municipality and surrounding areas.

The project is part of government efforts to “support Water Services Authorities in meeting their constitutional obligation to provide safe and reliable water”.

Once fully operational, the upgraded plant will increase its treatment capacity from 60 to 80 megalitres per day, improving the treatment of raw water, strengthening pumping and pipeline systems and enhancing the distribution network up to bulk reservoirs. –SAnews.gov.za 

“G20” has been announced as the 2025 South African Word of the Year, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) said on Tuesday.

“On 23 December 2025, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with media research company Focal Points, announced the 2025 South African Word of the Year. After carefully considering a range of words, terms, and expressions, “G20” was selected as the winner, prevailing over other notable contenders such as Government of National Unity, Tariffs, Femicide, and the Madlanga Commission.

“The 2025 SA Word of the Year for Social Media was awarded to “Valid,” chosen from a shortlist that included Hao Khonahale, Nonchalant, Clock it, Nodolozana, and Ama1k, among others,” said the language board in a statement on Tuesday.

PanSALB conducted the selection process by shortlisting candidates based on authentic language usage. Focal Points analysed frequency data from 1 January to December 2025, monitoring keywords used extensively in reputable print, broadcast, and online media.

“ ‘G20’ emerged as the most prominent keyword, largely due to South Africa hosting the G20 summit in 2025. This was followed by “Government of National Unity (GNU)” and “Tariffs.” These terms capture the major events and issues that shaped South Africa in 2025, including politics, international affairs, and social challenges,” it said.

Earlier this month, Cabinet joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in extending its appreciation to all South Africans for their role in ensuring the successful G20 Presidency which culminated in the recently hosted G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency as a resounding success both as a diplomatic achievement and a celebration of national unity.

Meanwhile, the word “Valid” emerged as the winner within the Social Media category. “Valid” is Gen Z slang that refers to something that is considered acceptable, legitimate, or worthy of approval.

It is often used to validate someone’s feelings, opinions, or experiences, signifying agreement or support. This is followed by “Clock it” (to notice or call out something), which reflects youth and digital culture. Other words nominated in this category included “Hao khonahale” which is a Sipitori term for “it’s not possible” or “impossible” made popular by Dj Maphorisa.

The South African Sign Language Sign of the Year is the SASL Sign for “I Love You”, which was up against signs for ‘so lekker’, ‘magnificent’ and sign for ‘Constitution’.

The SA Word of the Year reflects the preoccupations of South Africans for a given period and serves as an essential indicator of the nation’s cultural and social landscape.

The PanSALB is a constitutional body mandated to create conditions for the recognition, implementation and furtherance of multilingualism in the Republic of South Africa, and the development of previously marginalised languages. –SAnews.gov.za

Government has congratulated Bafana Bafana for their win over Angola in the national football team’s opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The tournament is being held in Morocco this month with the final expected to be held on 18 January.

“The thrilling performance sets a positive tone for South Africa’s AFCON campaign and reflects the resilience, discipline and fighting spirit that define our national team,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana’s charge to victory on Monday night in the tournament is being led by coach Hugo Broos supported by South African football legend, Helman Mkhalele, as assistant coach.

“Government commends the technical team and players for their preparation and professionalism, as well as the South African supporters at home and abroad whose unwavering support continues to inspire the team. The match showcased the growing competitiveness of African football and highlighted Bafana Bafana’s determination to compete with confidence and purpose.

“Government wishes Bafana Bafana continued success in their remaining Group B fixtures and throughout the tournament and calls on all South Africans to rally behind the team as they pursue further victories at AFCON 2025,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has issued an appeal for an immediate end to hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – urging conflicting parties to honour their pledges for peace. 

The Minister was delivering remarks at the Ad Hoc Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and region.

“South Africa appeals to the conflicting parties in the DRC to demonstrate political will and selfless leadership that this occasion requires. The parties must fulfil their previous commitments to establish a permanent, effective and verifiable ceasefire; they must engage in inclusive dialogue that will lead to peace and reconciliation; and they must put the interest of the people of the DRC first. 

“Peace will endure when the people of the DRC unite for the purpose of building one Congolese nation and redirect their collective efforts towards the economic development of the DRC and the region,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni noted that conflict in the area continues despite the presence of a number of external peace efforts all “aimed primarily to deal with the scourge of armed conflicts and their impact on the people of the eastern DRC and its immediate region”.

“The actions of armed groups, particularly the M23 and FDLR [Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda], continue to undermine the PSC [Peace, Security and Cooperation] Framework and other ongoing peace processes.

“The territorial expansion of the M23 including the recent seizure of Uvira, the establishment of parallel administrations in captured and controlled areas, and the violation of human rights and the resultant humanitarian crisis, negate efforts towards peace and opportunities for regional economic development.”

The Minister told the gathering that the deadly conflict requires immediate action through genuine, inclusive dialogue among all parties.

“We must act as a collective to prevent any further regional instability. It is for this reason that South Africa strongly urges for the need to return to the basics. We need to ask and honestly answer the question of why, despite several agreements on the resolution of the eastern DRC security situation, are we failing to achieve peace and lasting security.

“Peace would only be achieved through an inclusive process that addresses holistically the root causes and drivers of the conflict in the eastern DRC and the region. In our view, the lack of implementation of the various agreements by all parties is a major challenge.

“If we are serious about achieving lasting peace, for a start, we must ensure that all parties must fulfill their commitments made as signatories to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Gauteng Provincial Government has commended the South African Police Service for tracking and arresting a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria. 

“The Gauteng Provincial Government commends the South African Police Service for its coordinated and relentless enforcement effort which led to the identification, tracking, and arrest of a suspect in connection with the horrific shooting at the Saulsville Hostel in Atteridgeville. The nationwide hunt for the suspects culminated in the arrest of a 32- year-old man in Limpopo,” said the provincial government said on Tuesday.

On 6 December 2024, three suspects shot and killed 12 people and injured 13 others at an illegal shebeen operating from a hostel room in Saulsville. The investigation team has been working tirelessly to trace the perpetrators.

Earlier this month, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola visited the hostel that is located west of Pretoria where the 25 individuals were shot. At the time of the incident, police confirmed that 11 of those shot suffered fatal injuries.

In a statement on Monday, the SAPS in Gauteng confirmed the arrest of the suspect wanted on the case of 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. 

“The suspect was arrested in Limpopo province on 21 December 2025.The team, comprising of various SAPS specialised units including Crime Intelligence, during investigations traced the suspect who was travelling to Botlokwa in Limpopo. They called the police in Limpopo and gave the description of the suspect and the vehicle he was travelling in. The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct,” said the police in statement.

During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, handgun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders.

The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis while the suspect was due to appear in court on Monday, 22 December on charges of the possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. 

The man was also due to be transferred to Gauteng to face the full might of the law while the manhunt for the remaining two suspects is continuing.

The Gauteng Provincial Government said the arrest is a “critical breakthrough” in the matter that claimed the lives of 12 innocent people, including a three-year-old child.

Acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo expressed his profound appreciation for the diligent work of the police. 
“The arrest in Saulsville shows that our law enforcement agencies are diligently working hard to identify the perpetrators of these heinous acts in the province. We salute them and have full confidence in their resolve and ability to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the remaining suspects in this case will be tracked down and apprehended soon. 

Meanwhile, Mamabolo will be visiting the families of the victims of another brutal mass shooting that claimed nine lives and left 10 others injured at Tambo Section, Bekkersdal. 

He expressed the same hope that the police will make swift arrests in the Bekkersdal case. 

” We hope the police will make a breakthrough in the Bekkersdal shooting investigations soon, and we assure them of our full support in their efforts to track and arrest these dangerous criminals who have shown total disregard for human life and disdain for the law. We will spare no effort to ensure that justice is served for all the victims and their grieving families,” said the Acting Premier.

READ | Gauteng to intensify tavern crackdown following Bekkersdal shooting
–SAnews.gov.za 

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has pledged its support to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) as the corruption busting unit investigates allegations of serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct in the affairs of the department.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to conduct an investigation into procurement in relation to four specific project funding agreements for vaccine research and development.

The unit said the contracts were entered into by or on behalf of the department’s entities namely, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

“As the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, we remain committed to upholding clean and ethical governance within the department and its entities and therefore pledge to support the SIU in conducting its work.
“We also wish to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our country develops sustainable and sovereign vaccine manufacturing capacity,” the DSTI said on Monday.

The department added that it is “fully aware of the issues referred to in the SIU’s proclamation”.

“Over the past several months, under the leadership of the Director-General, the department has been involved in an internal process to proactively establish the veracity and where relevant, address the alleged irregularities relating to the specific contractual agreements mentioned in the SIU Proclamation.
 

“This process is on-going,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

As festive season celebrations get underway, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on young people to avoid alcohol and substance abuse.

The department warns that while this period is often one of “celebration, rest and social connection,” it also gives rise to troubling and dangerous behaviours that can turn joy into tragedy. 

“[It] is also a period that consistently records increased levels of alcohol and substance abuse, which contribute to road accidents, crime, family conflict, unsafe sexual behaviour, and heightened incidents of gender-based violence and femicide.

“These outcomes stand in direct contradiction to the government’s commitment to protecting young people and building safe, cohesive communities,” the department said.

In a statement on Monday, the department said the objectives of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) aim to protect citizens against ills.

“The [NDMP] recognises substance abuse as a major social and public health challenge that disproportionately affects young people and undermines social stability, economic participation and community safety. Alcohol and drug abuse fuel risky behaviour, violence and long-term dependency, placing an enormous burden on families, communities and the state.

“Similarly, the [NSP] on GBVF identifies alcohol and substance abuse as key drivers of violence, particularly violence against women, children and persons with disabilities. Evidence continues to show a strong correlation between substance abuse and incidents of domestic violence, sexual offences and other forms of gender-based harm, especially during high-risk periods such as the festive season.

“DWYPD calls on young people to make responsible choices, to reject harmful behaviours, and to actively contribute to the prevention of violence and substance abuse. Young men, in particular, are encouraged to embrace positive masculinity, respect and non-violence, and to stand as allies in the fight against GBVF,” the DWYPD noted.

Parents, guardians and the community are also urged to “intensify prevention efforts, provide guidance and support to young people, and promote alcohol- and drug-free recreational activities”.

“Preventing substance abuse and GBVF requires a whole-of-society approach, as envisioned in both the NDMP and the NSP on GBVF.

“The department reiterates that responsible behaviour by young people is central to achieving the goals of a safer South Africa, free from violence, substance abuse and preventable loss of life. As the country enters the festive season, the DWYPD appeals to all South Africans to work together to ensure that this period is marked by safety, dignity, respect for human life and shared responsibility,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

The eThekwini Municipality is experiencing a bumper festive season, with visitors to the city contributing an economic boom of some R6 billion to the city’s coffers.

This according to Municipal Mayor Cyril Xaba, who briefed the media on Monday.

“From December 1 to date, we have received 490 152 visitors. Hotel occupancy currently stands at 70%, with a direct visitor spend of R1.8 billion and an estimated contribution of over R6 billion to the city’s GDP. These indicators confirm strong festive season performance and sustained tourism demand.  

“While Durban is well known for its warm beaches, many visitors have also come to enjoy a variety of attraction and events hosted across the city. Total attendance at these signature events currently stands at 83 000, with an additional 61 000 attendees expected,” Xaba said.

He noted that the festive season is showing a “clear and measurable uplift in tourism activity across Durban”.

“Strong attendance at signature events increased accommodation occupancy, expanded tour operations, cruise passenger arrivals and high beachfront usage all point to sustained festive demand.

“Durban is delivering a vibrant, safe and well-coordinated festive season, translating into strong visitor numbers, meaningful economic impact and renewed confidence in the city as South Africa’s leading summer destination,” Xaba added.

Since the beginning of December, more than 873 000 visitors visited beaches.

On 16 December alone, some 201 000 visitors visited the beachfront, “making it the busiest day in recent history”.

“Despite this unprecedented crowd, the city is proud to report zero drownings and no major incidents on the day. This reflects the dedication and professionalism of our staff including lifeguards, emergency and disaster management staff, as well as law enforcement agencies.

“It is exciting to note that Durban is experiencing a bumper festive season last seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. This is evident in the significant number of visitors who have already descended on our shores ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Eve,” Xaba said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Social Development’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) has reiterated its commitment to remaining open for 24 hours a day and seven days a week during this festive season.

The centre provides free, confidential and immediate support to survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

“The GBVCC offers online trauma counselling, telephonic support, referrals to social workers, shelters, psychosocial services and law enforcement, ensuring that survivors receive timely assistance when they need it most.

“As South Africa enters the festive season, the department urges communities to remain vigilant and to report all forms of GBVF, noting that this period is historically associated with an increase in cases,” the department said.

The centre’s manager, Carol Tladi, noted that as the festive season ramps up, women and children face heightened risk.

“Our data consistently show that cases of gender-based violence increase during the festive season.

“Alcohol abuse, as well as the use of legal and illegal substances, remains one of the key drivers contributing to these incidents,” she explained.

Communities are urged to “play an active role in preventing violence, supporting survivors and reporting perpetrators”.

“GBVF is everyone’s responsibility. Help is available. Speak out,” the department said.

For assistance, contact the centre through the following means:

• Call: 0800 428 428
• Dial: *120*7867# from any cellphone
• Send a “Please Call Me” to *120*7867# – SAnews.gov.za