Category: South Africa Government

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Social Development makes progress on 2023/24 Audit Action Plan

Source: Government of South Africa

Stabilising and strengthening systems within the Department of Social Development (DSD) and its entities is a goal that the department is striving for.

This is according to Social Development Minister who presented a progress report to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament on Wednesday.

The Minister was accompanied by representatives from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA). 

The briefing covered the implementation of the 2023/24 Audit Action Plan in response to the Auditor-General’s findings.

“Our goal has been to stabilise and strengthen the systems within the department and its entities. I am pleased to inform the Committee and Parliament that Cabinet has approved the appointment of three Regional Executive Managers for SASSA in Limpopo, Free State, and Northern Cape,” Tolashe said. 

Minister Tolashe reported that the DSD had successfully implemented 81% of its 2023/24 corrective actions (45 of 55 findings). She reassured the committee that unresolved matters would be carried over into the 2024/25 financial year to ensure continuity. 

“We are committed to achieving clean audits under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework. Anything not accomplished in 2023/2024 will be integrated into the 2024/2025 action plans, which will be minimal.”

Similarly, the NDA had addressed 89% of its audit findings, while SASSA had resolved 98%, with only four issues still outstanding. These, she noted, related to ICT systems and Grants Administration, areas central to beneficiary service delivery.

The Minister further emphasised that oversight at this stage is crucial as Parliament prepares to receive the Auditor-General’s 2024/25 audit outcomes. 

“We will not allow the department to sink below acceptable standards. Our goal is to achieve sustainable, clean audits that reflect the values of accountability, dignity, and integrity,” Tolashe said. 

Outcomes

Chief Financial Officer, Thandeka Ngcobo, presented the department’s audit outcomes. While financial statements remained unqualified, confirming proper use of resources, the overall audit opinion regressed from a clean audit in 2022/23 to an unqualified audit with findings in 2023/24.

The regression was primarily due to material misstatements in the annual performance report, particularly in Programme 4 indicators.

These included establishing at least one gender-based violence (GBV) shelter per district, establishing at least one Khuseleka Centre per district, providing Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth (OVCY) with a core package of services in targeted districts, supporting OVCY who know their HIV status and assisting HIV-positive OVCY in adhering to treatment.

Ngcobo confirmed that these programme areas remain priority interventions because of their direct impact on vulnerable groups. Corrective steps have been incorporated into the 2024/25 Audit Action Plan, with strengthened oversight from both management and the Auditor-General’s office.

Strengthening accountability, service delivery

Director-General, Peter Netshipale, detailed the measures being taken to improve internal controls and prevent repeat audit findings. These include:
•⁠ ⁠Enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems.
•⁠ ⁠Regular performance reviews to validate reported outcomes.
•⁠ ⁠Improved coordination across DSD, SASSA, and NDA to address cross-cutting issues.
•⁠ ⁠Targeted interventions in ICT and grants management to close existing gaps.

Netshipale stressed that beyond compliance, these reforms aim to restore public trust and ensure that every rand spent contributes to tangible improvements in social protection services.

Looking ahead

The department underscored its determination to embed a culture of accountability across the portfolio. 
Minister Tolashe emphasised that corrective actions will be monitored continuously and sustained over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), ensuring long-term improvements in governance and service delivery.

“The audit process is an opportunity to strengthen our systems, not an obstacle. We remain committed to ensuring that audit outcomes translate into better services for children, youth, families, and the most vulnerable in our society,” she concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa to engage North West leadership on accelerating service delivery

Source: Government of South Africa

President Ramaphosa to engage North West leadership on accelerating service delivery

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday lead an engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of North West at the Municipal Chambers of the Rustenburg Civic Centre.

The President will meet with North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and members of the Provincial Government Executive to strengthen cooperation between national and provincial structures.

The joint National and North West Provincial Executive engagement, held under the theme: “A Nation that Works for All”, forms part of a series of provincial engagements, aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improving service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

“This meeting will be the seventh engagement between the National Executive and Provinces following interactions between the President and the Provincial Governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape,” The Presidency said.

The Rustenburg engagement will deliberate on various approaches to accelerate service delivery, with particular focus on interventions at the local government level.

The North West Provincial Executive Committee is expected to table its newly adopted Growth and Development Strategy, designed to address persistent challenges of unemployment and poverty. 

The provincial leadership will also present its Accelerated Service Delivery initiative, Thuntsha Lerole, aimed at supporting municipalities in tackling service delivery constraints that affect governance and development.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM

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South Africa deeply concerned about civilian attacks in Ukraine

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa deeply concerned about civilian attacks in Ukraine

Government has expressed deep concern over indiscriminate attacks on civilians following the strike in the village of Yarova in Eastern Ukraine, which reportedly killed more than 20 people, many of them elderly civilians waiting to collect pension payments.

This follows a Russian air strike on a Ukrainian village predominantly inhabited by pensioners on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. 

Amid rising and intensifying armed conflicts, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said South Africa not only calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire, but urges all parties involved to respect international law, including obligations under international humanitarian law. 

“We continue to see attacks against civilians and civilian installations in breach of the principle of distinction,” the department said. 

According to the department, international humanitarian law requires all parties to armed conflict to distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians, as well as between military and civilian targets. 

“The deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights laws and principles. Such breaches of international law escalate current global tensions,” the department added. 

In the meantime, the department reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the efforts of the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations in working towards the diplomatic resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and peaceful negotiation. 

According to UN News, the World Health Organisation’s latest Health Needs Assessment conducted in Ukraine in April found that seven in ten people reported mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and severe stress over the past year, directly linked to attacks on civilian infrastructure. 

“South Africa remains committed to playing a constructive role in advancing peace and stability globally, and calls on all nations to work together to prevent further suffering and bloodshed, prioritising the protection of civilians.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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Public urged to support matric candidates ahead of final exams

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public to prioritise matric candidates and treat them as the province’s “VIPs” in the lead-up to and during the exam period.

“They are already under enough pressure, and do not need the added stress of protests and disruptions in and around schools. Please put the best interests of our children first, so that they are in the best possible mindset for the exams,” said Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier.

Today, the country marks 40 days to go before the matric learners sit down for their 2025 National Senior Certificate exams. 

The exams begin on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, and ends on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. 

“Our matric teachers, tutors and officials have been hard at work preparing our candidates for the final hurdle of their school careers,” said Maynier.

According to Maynier, nearly 22 000 matrics attended ’Back on Track’ winter school during the mid-year holidays, which took place in all eight education districts in the province. 

The MEC said revision classes will also take place during the spring school holidays in October, while matrics have also had weekend revision classes during the third term. 

“Our annual matric support booklet has been delivered to schools, which contains past matric papers, administrative details like the exam timetable and pass requirements, study tips and advice for post-school studies.” 

The provincial department also announced it will provide a ’Tips for Success’ booklet featuring comprehensive guidance on effective study strategies, essential exam concepts, maintaining health and wellness during exams, a sample study timetable, and advice from past matric learners.

“The run-up to the matric exams can be a particularly stressful period for our candidates.  We encourage all learners who are struggling, or adults who are concerned about a learner’s mental health, to reach out to us for help.”

He told matrics that it is the home stretch and the time for complete focus and commitment. 

“The hours you invest over the next 40 days will be of great benefit to you during the exams. We are here to support you, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you when the results are released in 2026,” he added.

The department has also collected a wide variety of eLearning resources to support matrics, including past papers and memos, video lessons, content summaries and study guides. 

These can be accessed on the WCED website and on the department’s ePortal: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/matric-support. 

School staff can seek guidance from district support teams, and the department’s Safe Schools Hotline on 0800 45 46 47 toll-free can connect learners with help from partner government departments and non-governmental organisations. – SAnews.gov.za

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Inquest into death of Steve Bantu Biko to be reopened

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it will on Friday enrol the reopening of the inquest into the death of anti-apartheid activist and Black Consciousness Movement founder and leader, Stephen ‘Steve’ Bantu Biko.

The prosecutorial body made the announcement on social media site, X.

“The reopening of the inquest follows the [Department of Justice and Constitutional Development] Minister’s approval of the National Director of Public Prosecutions’ request, which was supported by the legal representatives of the Biko family,” the NPA said.

The revered activist was murdered while in apartheid police custody some 48 years ago after his arrest at a roadblock.

“Biko was arrested with his comrade, Peter Jones, at a roadblock near Grahamstown [Makhanda] on 18 August 1977.  He violated his banning orders, which restricted his movement to King Williamstown [Qonce].

“He was taken to Walmer Police Station in Port Elizabeth [Gqeberha], where he was allegedly tortured while shackled with leg irons and kept naked in a cell. It was only after 24 days in custody that medical assistance was sought for him after ‘foam’ was noted around his mouth.

“On 11 September 1977, he was loaded, unconscious, still naked and shackled, into the back of a police Land Rover and transported to a prison hospital in Pretoria, 1 200 kilometres away. He died outside a Pretoria hospital on 12 September 1977 at the age of 30,” the NPA said.

The leader’s death was declared to have been caused by extensive brain damage and acute kidney failure and uremia.

An inquest was opened that same year with members of the notorious police Special Branch (SB) members telling the inquest that he had “sustained his injuries when he banged his head against the wall”.

“The presiding officer, Chief Magistrate MJ Prins, accepted the version of the SB members and found that Biko sustained the injuries during a scuffle with the SB members.

“The magistrate also exonerated the medical practitioners who treated Biko while in prison.  On 02 February 1978, the then Attorney General of the Eastern Cape declined to prosecute anyone for the death of Biko.

“During the TRC sitting in 1997, former senior SB officers from Gqeberha, Major Harold Snyman, Capt. Daniel Petrus Siebert, Capt. Jacobus Johannnes Oosthuysen Benecke, W/O Rubin Marx and Sergeant Gideon Johannes Nieuwoudt applied for amnesty in relation to the death of Biko,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Chikunga shares insights on gender-responsive budgeting at women dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will deliver key insights on government’s priorities at the Imbokodo YabaThembu Women Dialogue in East London, in the Eastern Cape.

The two-day dialogue, taking place from 11–12 September 2025, is being hosted by Imbokodo YabaThembu, in partnership with the G20 National Treasury Working Group and the Kat Leisure Group.

The event will be held under the theme: “From Global Pledges to Local Impact: Women Leading Inclusive Growth.”

The high-level event will put the spotlight on leadership, innovation, and resilience of women in the Eastern Cape, with a focus on translating global gender equity commitments into local action.

Convened at the close of Women’s Month and in celebration of Heritage Month, the dialogue will bring together leaders from government, business, development finance institutions, and traditional structures, to explore how global gender equity commitments can be translated into tangible change for women in rural and urban communities alike.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the department said the initiative will “unite voices from government, community-led enterprises, global institutions, and development finance.”

“Minister Chikunga will participate in a panel discussion on how national policy, grassroots leadership, and international commitments can be used to drive meaningful change for women. The event will also shine a light on women in the Eastern Cape who are making an impact by leading the way in creating new pathways for inclusive economic growth,” the department said.

About Imbokodo YabaThembu

The Imbokodo Yabathembu Women’s League unites women and girls from diverse backgrounds across South Africa.

The league envisions a future where rural communities in South Africa flourish in all aspects of life, with significant improvements in the well-being of every individual. 

Its vision sees rural communities in South Africa as sources of national pride, showcasing resilience, inclusivity, and the beauty of diversity. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Minister welcomes growth in GDP

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, September 11, 2025

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has expressed satisfaction with the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of 2025.

The data released by Statistics South Africa earlier this week showed a commendable 0.8% growth. 

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry grew by 2.5%, contributing 0.1 percentage points to GDP, driven by increased economic activities in horticulture and animal products, reflecting the success of the Department’s sustainable agricultural and forestry initiatives.

This progress highlights the significant contributions of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to South Africa’s economic resilience. 

“The department remains steadfast in its mission to foster a green economy that supports economic growth while preserving our natural heritage.

“Through strategic interventions in environmental sectors, sustainable forest management, and fisheries governance, we are creating jobs and boosting sectors critical to our nation’s development. 

“The 1.7% growth in trade, catering and accommodation, including eco-tourism benefits, and the 0.5% rise in personal services from community initiatives, further illustrate how our conservation efforts drive inclusive economic gains,” the Minister said on Thursday.

George noted the R16.6 billion inventory buildup, with significant contributions from mining, transport, and manufacturing, as evidence of improved supply chain resilience supported by DFFE’s environmental policies. 

“As we move forward, the department will continue to champion biodiversity economy projects and climate resilience measures to sustain this positive trajectory and uplift communities across South Africa,” the Minister said.

He encouraged all stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic and environmental prosperity. –SAnews.gov.za
 

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President Ramaphosa to lead meeting with North West Provincial Executive

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 12 September 2025, lead an engagement between the National Executive and the Provincial Executive of North West.

The President will meet with the Premier of North West, Mr Lazarus Mokgosi and the Provincial Government Executive.

The Joint National and North West Provincial Executive engagement which will be held under the theme “A Nation that Works for All”, forms part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

The meeting will be the seventh engagement between the National Executive and Provinces following interactions between the President and the Provincial Governments of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

The meeting will discuss various approaches to service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level.

The Provincial Executive Committee is expected to present the recently adopted Growth and Development Strategy which is aimed at addressing challenges of unemployment and poverty in the province.

The provincial leadership will also present its Accelerated Service Delivery initiative, Thuntsha Lerole, which aims to assist municipalities address various service delivery challenges impacting their administrative and developmental trajectory. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers and senior government officials.

Media will be able to cover the President’s opening address.

Accredited members of the media are invited as follows:
Joint Government Meeting
Date: Friday, 12 September 2025 
Time: 11h00 (media to arrive from 10h00)
Venue: Municipal Chambers of the Rustenburg Civic Centre, North West Province

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa, on media@presidency.gov.za OR Sello Tatai, Spokesperson to the Premier of North West Province, Mr Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi on 082 450 7842

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

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SANDF confirms payment to DRC-deployed soldiers

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has assured its members, their families, and the public that all operational allowances owed to personnel deployed to the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) have been paid and deposited directly into their individual bank accounts.

These developments follow reports that soldiers have expressed frustration with senior military leadership over a pay dispute, claiming they are each owed at least R600 000.

According to one aggrieved soldier interviewed by the Sunday Times, he and his colleagues expected to be paid R100 000 per month for their 15-month deployment as part of the SADC force in eastern DRC but instead received only R58 000.

However, the SANDF said its Chief of Human Resources is currently conducting an internal investigation to address and resolve any specific concerns related to the allowances.

“This process is intended to ensure accuracy, transparency, and the prompt resolution of any discrepancies that may be identified.  

“The SANDF remains committed to the fair and timely payment of all entitlements to its members and values the continued dedication and service of its personnel,” the SANDF said in a statement.

In June this year, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, welcomed the return of 249 South African troops who had been deployed to the eastern DRC as part of the SAMIDRC.

The first group of the SANDF heroes and heroines arrived at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria from Tanzania, following South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the regional peacekeeping mission.

Earlier this year, 14 troop members lost their lives and others sustained injuries during clashes with the M23 rebel group, as fighting in the Goma region escalated.

The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January 2025 during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.

The South African soldiers were part of the SAMIDRC, which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.

The force said members who still have personal queries regarding their allowances are encouraged to contact the SANDF allowances query hotline on 012 355 6321 during working hours, alternatively 078 098 7651, or send an email to allowance.queries@dod.mil.za for assistance. – SAnews.gov.za

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SAPS members encouraged to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing

Source: Government of South Africa

SAPS members encouraged to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, says the organisation continues to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of its members on a daily basis.

He said in-house employee health and wellness (EHW) is available 24/7 and 365 days a year to all police officers as well as for their family members.

This follows the hostage incident in Mamelodi in which a SAPS Constable held his family members hostage for more than 15 hours following an alleged family dispute.

The Constable fatally shot his nephew and turned the gun on himself. 

His 69-year-old mother was released through the assistance of the SAPS Special Task Force negotiators.

Masemola said the organisation was doing all it can to ensure members mental health and well-being is prioritised, including:

  • Counselling and trauma debriefing are available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all provinces.
  • The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness follows an integrated approach utilising psychology professionals, social workers, chaplains and medical administration practitioners to provide support and assistance to employees of SAPS and their families.
  • Pro-active programs are presented to members on an ongoing basis. Examples of these programs include: Choose Life which is a suicide prevention programme focusing on suicide warning signs, stress reactions and management and more. Depression and Bipolar awareness programs focus on signs, symptoms and recovery strategies.
  • Multiple stressor workshops are presented to members in order to assist with vicarious trauma. Mental health and employee health and wellness related topics and articles are also shared on internal communication platforms regularly.
  • Standby duties are made available to all members 24 /7. SAPS employees are continuously made aware of EHW and the support in proactive and reactive services that can be provided. These awareness drives occur on a continuous basis during station lectures, parades, awareness days such as Mental health month, World AIDS day, international day for People with disabilities, 16 days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign and many more.
  • SAPS partners with POLMED and GEMS to ensure its employees have access to external specialists and services that will be able to cater for their needs.

“I encourage all our SAPS members across the country to prioritise their health and mental wellbeing by undergoing health screenings and check-ups regularly as well as attending debriefing sessions. 

“This is vital for early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention and avoiding complications by managing conditions more effectively, resulting in better overall health and well-being. As management we are here to support you,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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