Category: South Africa Government

Government and the pharmaceutical sector have committed to working together to resolve challenges facing the sector.

This after the Department of Health (DoH), led by Acting Director-General Professor Nicholas Crisp, met with sector leaders on Tuesday.

The meeting also included senior officials from the Departments of Trade, Industry and Competition; Science, Technology and Innovation; National Treasury; and the Presidency; as well as the Competition Commission; the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Medicines Pricing Committee.

“The meeting provided an opportunity for a frank and constructive exchange on the pressures facing the sector, including heightened global geopolitical uncertainty and global supply-chain disruptions. Industry outlined the practical impact of current conditions, while government shared the broad direction of its evolving localisation roadmap.

“Participants recognised that, while the medium- and longer-term elements of the roadmap are being finalised and appropriate funding identified, several urgent matters require immediate attention and resolution. Government undertook to consider an extraordinary single exit price [SEP] adjustment, in line with existing domestic and geopolitical pricing pressures,” the DoH said in a statement.

Furthermore, an agreement was reached to form a structured, institutionalised engagement mechanism which will meet regularly.

Priority areas identified for further engagement include:
•    A fair, transparent and predictable single exit price adjustment (SEPA) mechanism that balances medicine affordability with sustainable supply, including joint review of the applicable SEPA regulations;
•    Continued strengthening of SAHPRA and structured engagement with industry on regulatory requirements and their practical implications for business operations, trade, medicine supply, investment and competitiveness. Early joint planning will help to minimise operational disruption and costs, support economic growth and export competitiveness, and ensure timely access to safe, effective and quality medicines;
•    Capital-investment support and export incentives to encourage greater investment in South Africa’s own pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and to assist the sector’s export ambitions. This should include the distressed contract manufacturing subsector;
•    Transparent, predictable and consistent public-sector procurement rules that support localisation, reliable medicine supply and enable better long-term planning and potentially longer-term contracts;
•    Exploration of alternative reimbursement models (ARMs) that could improve the affordability of selected medicines;
•    Removal of unnecessary red tape and measures to reduce the cost of doing business, helping to support investment and more efficient and sustainable medicine supply; and
•    A broader package of appropriate incentives to sustain existing capacity, attract new investment and strengthen local production and medicine security.

“Government underscored its commitment and readiness to work closely with industry to build a stronger pharmaceutical future across the public and private sectors, in the best interests of patients and the country’s healthcare system.

“The engagement reflects a shared recognition of the pharmaceutical sector’s importance to patient access, sustained medicine supply, public health, investment, employment and South Africa’s industrial-development objectives,” the statement noted. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The remains of two Namibian political prisoners who died while incarcerated on Robben Island during the apartheid era were formally handed over to the Government of the Republic of Namibia at a repatriation ceremony.

The repatriation also included ancestral remains, grave goods and body casts that hold deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for the people of Namibia.

“This is not simply the return of human remains. It is an act of restorative justice, dignity and healing, giving families and communities the opportunity to honour their ancestors on their own soil. 

“We cannot change the past, but we can correct its injustices. We choose justice, we choose dignity, and we choose to honour those who came before us by ensuring that their memory and sacrifice are never forgotten,” said Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Wednesday.

The Minister made these remarks during a significant repatriation ceremony hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), together with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town. 

The ceremony marked another important milestone in advancing restorative justice and confronting the enduring legacy of colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa. 

“For too many years, the remains of our freedom fighters and ancestors were kept far from the land they called home. This was an injustice to them, their families and their communities.

“By bringing these political heroes and ancestors home, representing the Ovambo, Himba, San, Nama, Damara and Herero peoples, we restore their dignity, identity and rightful place in their homeland,” McKenzie said.

The department said the handover is a deeply symbolic act of respect for the descendants and Indigenous communities affected by historical dispossession and displacement. 

“It reinforces the fundamental importance of honouring ancestral heritage, preserving human dignity and ensuring that those who were denied the right to rest in their homeland are finally afforded the respect and recognition they deserve.

“Through this act of repatriation, South Africa and Namibia continue their shared journey towards confronting historical injustices, strengthening cultural ties and restoring dignity and closure to families and communities across generations.

“The department remains committed to advancing cultural restitution and repatriation as important instruments of restorative justice, nation-building and social cohesion,” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Minister Buti Manamela has requested a team from the Department of Higher Education and Training’s University Education Branch to work with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) to facilitate urgent engagement between the university’s management, council and student leadership.

The intervention follows the shutdown of the university after an arson attack at its Bellville Campus, which has caused significant disruption to learning, teaching and other essential institutional operations.

The shutdown comes amid concerns raised by students over the proposed 2027 financial plan, historical student debt, registration requirements, residence fees and conditions, academic records, and other issues contained in memoranda submitted to the university.

The Ministry of Higher Education and Training has condemned the destruction of university property, violence, intimidation and any conduct that places students, staff and other members of the university community at risk.

Manamela urged students to use legitimate channels to raise concerns relating to access to higher education, affordability, and living and learning conditions.

The departmental team has been mandated to facilitate structured and constructive engagement between the parties; establish the verified facts underlying the respective grievances; identify matters that can be resolved immediately; and assist the parties to agree to a clear and time-bound process for addressing outstanding matters.

The team will also support urgent efforts to restore learning, teaching and essential university services.

“The immediate priority is to bring the parties around the table, establish the facts and find a way forward that allows the academic programme to resume.”

Manamela said students have a right to raise legitimate concerns about their access to higher education, and that such concerns must be heard and addressed through constructive engagement.

“Equally, no student or staff member should have to fear for their safety or be prevented from exercising their right to study or work. We cannot allow an impasse to become a permanent disruption to the academic year. We need responsible leadership from all sides and a commitment to resolving these matters through dialogue rather than confrontation.”

Withdrawal of draft financial plan

The Minister also welcomed the withdrawal of the draft financial plan, describing it as an important opportunity for the university and student leadership to reset their engagement and address outstanding issues in good faith.

He said the withdrawal of the plan creates an opportunity to reset the relationship between the parties, emphasising a need to use that opportunity responsibly.

“The focus must be on what can be resolved immediately; what requires further consideration, and what process will be followed to deal with the remaining matters.

“Leadership at the university and among students carries a responsibility to find solutions. Public statements and actions that inflame tensions will not assist us in resolving the issues before us,” Manamela said.

Manamela has called on CPUT management, council and student leaders to cooperate fully with the departmental team and to participate in the engagement process in good faith.

The Minister will remain engaged with CPUT, its council, student leadership and other relevant stakeholders as the process unfolds, with the immediate objective of establishing a credible roadmap towards the restoration of learning, teaching and normal university operations. – SAnews.gov.za

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has warned visitors to the Kruger National Park that they could be fined if they deliberately remove “no entry” signs, open closed roads and then become stranded.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kruger National Park management expressed concern about visitors disregarding road closures, removing “no entry” signs and becoming stuck on closed roads, which then requires emergency searches by rangers and other essential teams.

“SANParks acknowledges that while people’s lives are a priority in emergencies, guests who deliberately open closed roads and then become stuck may be fined in terms of the relevant regulations and held accountable for costs incurred during search and rescue operations.

“Not only is this a contravention of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No. 57 of 2003), but it also misleads other visitors into using roads that have been illegally opened, putting all involved at great risk,” SANParks said.

SANParks said the situation has reached a point where the park is spending significant resources on search and rescue operations.

“Apart from the operational impact of fuel costs, road repairs, and the deployment of rangers and air services away from the conservation mandate, tourists driving on closed roads continue to worsen already damaged road infrastructure, increase maintenance costs and delay the reopening of roads after wet weather.

“In a typical missing-tourist incident, where the tourists’ location is unknown, a minimum of four ranger vehicles and eight rangers are deployed to search until the tourists are found. This significantly increases operational costs and places additional pressure on already limited resources,” SANParks said.

SANParks added that these actions also cause panic among staff at the camps expecting the guests, as well as among the guests’ family members, prompting reports that the affected guests are missing when they cannot be reached or have not arrived at their booked camp.

“Due to limited network coverage in the park, it is not always possible for guests or staff to contact anyone for assistance if they become stranded on some roads.

“Once a tourist is reported missing, the Mission Area Joint Operation Centre (MAJOC) begins a search by checking information from the camera detection system, alerting ranger sections and, depending on the findings, deploying the SANParks aircraft to assist in locating the missing guests,” SANParks said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has stressed the need for communities to receive basic services timeously and efficiently, saying delays undermine public confidence in government and compromise people’s dignity.

Ntuli was speaking during the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Report Back Session, held at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on Tuesday.

The session was held under the theme: “Confronting the Challenges Facing the Timely Delivery of Viable Municipalities for Enhanced Delivery of Basic Services to Communities”.

Ntuli said delays in the provision of basic services not only deepen existing backlogs but also erode public confidence in government and undermine the dignity of communities.

He said improving the timely delivery of services is essential to unlocking blockages, addressing long-standing backlogs and restoring trust between government and the people it serves.

“Municipalities remain at the frontline of service delivery and must be adequately supported, capacitated and held accountable to ensure that communities experience tangible improvements in their daily lives,” Ntuli said.

The Premier also called for stronger coordination across all spheres of government to ensure that service delivery challenges are addressed in an integrated and sustainable manner.

He said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government remained committed to strengthening municipal functionality and improving the delivery of basic services across the province.

The NCOP Report Back Session provided a platform to assess service delivery challenges, strengthen accountability and ensure that government interventions respond directly to the needs of communities.

Ntuli reiterated that government must remain focused on measurable progress, responsive institutions and effective service delivery that restores dignity and improves the quality of life of KwaZulu-Natal residents.

The Premier also reflected on the province’s successful hosting of the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

He said the successful hosting of the summit reinforced KwaZulu-Natal’s position as a leading destination for major continental and international events.

According to Ntuli, events of this magnitude not only raise the province’s profile but also contribute to tourism, investment and economic activity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Residents of Mzamomhle and the Quenera Lagoon area in the Eastern Cape, are set to benefit from improved mobility and safer travel as work progresses on the long-awaited upgrade of the Quenera Lagoon Access Road.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) Mayor Princess Faku recently visited the construction site to assess progress on the project and engage officials overseeing the project.

The visit highlighted progress in transforming the existing gravel road into a modern, asphalt-surfaced route.

The road upgrade forms part of the municipality’s broader infrastructure master plan, which aims to improve connectivity, strengthen service delivery and create an environment conducive to economic development across Buffalo City.

The project entails the upgrading of approximately four kilometres of road and includes pedestrian sidewalks, street lighting and stormwater infrastructure such as pipes, open channels and culverts.

The improvements are expected to enhance safety and reliability for residents, pedestrians and motorists using the route.

Faku welcomed the progress made, describing the project as an important investment in the future of surrounding communities.

“This road is much more than a transport route. It is a catalyst for development and a gateway to new opportunities for the people of Mzamomhle and Quenera Lagoon,” Faku said.

The project has been years in the making and is being implemented through collaboration between BCMM and the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, which provided funding in 2025 to co-fund the upgrade. The department remains the custodian of the road.

Construction on Phase One is nearing completion, with the installation of street lighting approximately 90% complete. Overall construction is progressing steadily, with the municipality expecting the first phase to be completed by the end of August.

Planning and design work for Phase Two, which will cover a further 3.2 kilometres, is already underway.

The municipality said this will help maintain momentum towards the eventual upgrading of the full route.

The project is being implemented by Devomix Construction and includes opportunities for local labour, enabling the infrastructure investment to also contribute to surrounding communities through employment opportunities during construction.

The municipality said it has a long-term vision for the corridor to accommodate increased development and traffic as the area grows. This includes the possibility of transforming the route into a dual carriageway.

With Phase One approaching completion and Phase Two in the planning stage, the Quenera Lagoon Access Road project represents tangible progress towards improved infrastructure and connectivity in the area.

“Once fully completed, the upgraded road is expected to support safer movement, stimulate economic activity and contribute to the continued development of not only the Quenera area but the Buffalo City Metro,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong will participate in the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation, where South Africa will seek to strengthen cooperation with China and other African countries in broadcasting, audio-visual services, digital transformation, content innovation, artificial intelligence and emerging media technologies.

The forum, hosted by China’s National Radio and Television Administration, will take place from 19 to 21 August 2026, under the theme: “Share Development Opportunities, Shape the Audio-Visual Future.”

“The Deputy Minister’s participation forms part of South Africa’s broader efforts to strengthen South Africa-China and China-Africa cooperation in media and communications, while advancing a more balanced representation of Africa and the Global South in the international information environment,” the Presidency said in a statement.

During the visit, Morolong is expected to engage with the Chinese government and media institutions, technology companies and African counterparts. Discussions will focus on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, broadcasting technology, content production, artificial intelligence and media skills development.

South Africa will use the engagement to:

• Strengthen China-Africa media and broadcasting cooperation;
• Promote responsible and inclusive digital transformation and innovation;
• Explore cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital content and emerging technologies;
• Advance information integrity, ethical digital governance and the responsible use of technology;
• Promote Africa as a producer of content, knowledge and innovation, rather than merely a consumer; and
• Strengthen partnerships among African and Global South media institutions.

– SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has hailed the successful hosting of the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government and its associated programmes as a vote of confidence in the province’s infrastructure, security capabilities and hospitality sector.

The summit concluded on Monday, 17 August, without any major security incidents being reported.

Ntuli expressed his appreciation to the South African Police Service (SAPS), law enforcement agencies, security personnel and other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure a safe, secure and seamless hosting of the Summit.

“The successful hosting of the SADC Summit is a tremendous achievement for KwaZulu-Natal and a clear vote of confidence in our province. We have demonstrated that our infrastructure, hospitality sector, security capabilities and public institutions have the capacity to host events of continental and international importance,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli commended SAPS and other law enforcement and security agencies for their professionalism, dedication, and vigilance throughout the summit.

“The fact that the programme was concluded successfully without any major security incident is testimony to the effectiveness of the comprehensive security arrangements that were put in place.”

The Premier said the successful hosting of the Summit also demonstrated the province’s ability to mobilise different sectors of society and government around a common objective.

He commended provincial government departments, including municipalities, traditional leadership, the business sector, hospitality establishments, transport operators, emergency services, civil society, event organisers, volunteers and other stakeholders for their contributions to the summit and its related programmes.

The Premier also highlighted the successful hosting of the SADC Public Lecture delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday, which formed part of the broader programme surrounding the Summit.

He said engagements of this nature provide an important platform for strengthening public understanding of regional integration, African cooperation, and the role of the Southern African Development Community in advancing development across the region.

“The success of the Summit was not achieved by government alone. It was the result of a collective effort involving law enforcement, government departments, municipalities, the private sector, our hospitality industry, communities and many other partners,” Ntuli said.

He said the successful hosting of the summit strengthens KwaZulu-Natal’s case to host future major continental and international events, including programmes associated with BRICS and other multilateral platforms.

According to Ntuli, the province’s ability to accommodate thousands of delegates, facilitate high-level engagements, provide hospitality services, ensure secure movement and maintain effective coordination throughout the programme demonstrated its readiness to compete for major international events.

Ntuli said the hosting of the Summit is also expected to contribute positively to the provincial economy through increased demand for accommodation, restaurants, transport, tourism, conferencing, retail, events, and other services.

“We are confident that the hosting of the SADC Summit and its associated activities have contributed to the growth of our provincial economy. Major events such as this create opportunities for businesses, particularly in tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and other sectors of the economy. They also showcase KwaZulu-Natal to the region and the world as a destination for investment, tourism and international business,” the Premier said.

He said the provincial government will build on the experience and lessons gained from hosting the summit to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s positioning as a preferred destination for major continental and international events.

“KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to working with national government, municipalities, the private sector and international partners to attract events that promote economic growth, tourism, investment and international cooperation.”

Ntuli congratulated all stakeholders who contributed to the successful hosting of the summit and thanked the people of KwaZulu-Natal for welcoming delegates and visitors to the province.

“KwaZulu-Natal has once again shown that it is on the ball. We have the infrastructure, the people, the hospitality, the security capacity and the organisational capability to host events that place our province and our country on the global stage.

“We must now build on this success and ensure that KwaZulu-Natal continues to position itself as a premier destination for continental and international events,” Ntuli said. –
SAnews.gov.za

 

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By Mmapaseka Steve Letsike

It is a sad reflection of our society that almost everyone knows or has heard of a woman who has experienced abuse, gender-based violence or femicide (GBVF). Sometimes we convince ourselves that such abuse occurs in the dark underbelly of society, or that it is far removed from our daily lives. Yet women are often harmed by people they know and trust – a husband, partner, superior, colleague, fellow church member, teacher or acquaintance.

To assume that violence and abuse against women are somebody else’s problem is to ignore the reality. It is our problem. Far too often, abuse happens behind closed doors but within the knowledge of family members, neighbours, colleagues, churches and communities. As a society, doing nothing is simply not good enough. Looking away can allow abuse to continue and can leave women and children trapped in cycles of violence.

Some would argue that tougher legislation and stronger enforcement are the primary solutions. South Africa has a comprehensive legislative framework to combat GBVF, and in 2022 existing protections were further strengthened through legislation aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, promoting accountability and improving support for survivors.

These laws strengthen the protection of victims of gender-based violence, enhance measures to hold perpetrators accountable, and strengthen the ability of the criminal justice system to respond decisively to these crimes.

However, stronger legislation is only one part of our comprehensive approach to combating GBVF. The National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, launched in 2020, provides a national framework for addressing this scourge. It recognises that the response to GBVF must extend beyond the criminal justice system to include prevention, survivor support, economic empowerment and efforts to address the social conditions that make women and children vulnerable to violence.
Since the launch of the NSP on GBVF, progress has also been made in strengthening the criminal justice response. More than 32 regional courts have been designated as Sexual Offences Courts in various parts of the country, with further expansion taking place.

There are also Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country, which provide integrated support to survivors of sexual offences. These centres assist survivors with reporting cases to the police, accessing medical care and receiving counselling, helping to ensure that they do not have to navigate multiple systems on their own.

But, as we have seen time and again, laws and interventions alone will not end GBVF. It will only be defeated when all of society takes responsibility for preventing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.

We cannot wait until a tragedy has unfolded before raising our voices. Too often, cases of violence reveal that people knew about or suspected the abuse but remained silent. We must create communities where speaking out, seeking help, and protecting those at risk are seen as collective responsibilities.

The consequences of GBVF extend far beyond the immediate physical and psychological harm experienced by survivors. Violence affects children, families and communities and carries broader social and economic costs. Many households are women-led, with women serving as primary income earners and caregivers. When women experience violence, the consequences can reverberate throughout the household, affecting children’s wellbeing, family stability and household livelihoods.
This is why the government has also pursued legislation, policies and programmes aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment and participation. Gender equality cannot be fully realised without the meaningful participation of women in the economy and in all spheres of society.

The Employment Equity Act and other measures aimed at advancing gender equality have contributed to creating greater opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in the economy. Government has also supported women-owned enterprises through initiatives involving institutions such as the National Empowerment Fund and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency, among others.

Economic empowerment is an important part of creating greater choices for women. A woman who has access to income, employment, skills and economic opportunities may be better positioned to make decisions about her life and, where necessary, to leave an abusive environment. However, economic empowerment must be part of a broader response to GBVF; no woman should have to achieve financial independence before she deserves to live free from violence.

Ultimately, the fight against GBVF requires all of us. Families must raise boys and girls to respect one another, value human dignity and understand that violence is never an acceptable expression of power or conflict. Communities must challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that normalise violence against women and children. Friends, neighbours, colleagues and institutions must be prepared to speak up and support survivors.

We cannot stand idly by while our sisters, mothers, wives, partners and daughters are abused, violated, raped or murdered. Ending GBVF requires sustained action, courage and collective responsibility. Government will continue strengthening legislation, services and interventions, but lasting change will only come when every South African recognises that preventing violence is our shared responsibility.

If you see something, say something. If you suspect that someone is experiencing abuse, do not simply look away. Help connect survivors to the appropriate support services and encourage them to seek assistance.

Together, we can build families and communities where women and children are safe, respected and able to live with dignity, free from violence and fear.

*Letsike is the Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

 

 

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The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, will address the Eastern Cape Export Symposium and Exhibition Ministerial Dinner this evening to enhance collaboration between national, and provincial institutions while increasing awareness and uptake of the department’s export support programmes and services.

The three-day symposium and exhibition, which kicks off today, will focus on export competitiveness, market access, inward buying mission, investment promotion and strategic partnerships to expand export opportunities for South African businesses and is a collaboration between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC).

Tau said the Eastern Cape remains one of South Africa’s leading export provinces, with internationally competitive sectors including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, ocean economy and renewable energy.

“The Eastern Cape sits at the centre of our industrialisation and export diversification agenda. Its automotive, agro-processing and ocean economy sectors, anchored by industrial infrastructure such as the Coega Special Economic Zone and East London Industrial Development Zone, give the province the depth to compete globally and to help us broaden our export base beyond traditional markets.

“As global trade conditions shift, strengthening these local export capabilities and connecting more of our enterprises, particularly small and black-owned businesses, to international markets is central to building a more resilient and inclusive economy,” he said.

Tau added that the dtic has been an active partner in previous editions through technical presentations on trade agreements, export incentives and export development programmes.

Since its inception in 2019, the symposium has become the Eastern Cape flagship export promotion platform, attracting over 4000 delegates, supporting more than 1200 enterprises, hosting 300 exhibitors, and facilitating export opportunities estimated at R200 million. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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