Category: South Africa Government

KINSHASA, DRC – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater African solidarity, urgent humanitarian access and increased investment in African-led health innovation as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) intensifies efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak that has claimed hundreds of lives.

Speaking during a multi-stakeholder engagement at the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa on Thursday, Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), said Africa must strengthen its collective response to the outbreak while supporting the DRC’s ongoing efforts to contain the disease.

The visit followed bilateral talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi before the two leaders toured the country’s premier biomedical research facility, where scientists and health experts briefed them on ongoing response efforts.

“Earlier today, President Tshisekedi and I had an opportunity to discuss the ongoing Ebola outbreak and broader matters of regional health security,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the visit was not only part of his continental mandate but also reflected the longstanding relationship between South Africa and the DRC.

“Beyond the deep and enduring bilateral relationship between our two countries, we are here to express our solidarity with the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at this difficult time.

“On behalf of my government and the people of South Africa, we express our profound condolences to the Congolese people who have lost their loved ones and extend our sympathies to all who have been affected by the outbreak,” the President said.

Ramaphosa also paid tribute to frontline healthcare workers, scientists and humanitarian personnel leading the response.

“We also salute the healthcare workers, scientists, humanitarian personnel and community leaders who are working tirelessly on the frontlines,” he said.

The President stressed that Africa’s response to health emergencies must continue to be driven by unity.

“The people of Africa are one. Our bonds transcend borders, ethnicity and language. When there is tragedy in one part of our beloved continent, we all share in the sorrow. When a sister country needs assistance, we answer that call,” he said.

Ramaphosa noted that African leaders had already mobilised substantial international support following a virtual summit convened by Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye on 16 June.

“That meeting mobilised approximately 1.5 billion US dollars in financing, technical support, medical countermeasures and humanitarian response. It is significant that of this amount, over 100 million dollars was pledged by African countries themselves.

“This reflects the spirit of solidarity and cooperation we continue to see in pursuit of African health sovereignty,” he said.

However, he stressed that these commitments must now be translated into tangible action.

“Firstly, we need to rapidly convert the pledges made into financing, technical assistance and the deployment of urgently needed medical countermeasures,” he said.

Ramaphosa also called for humanitarian access to communities affected by both disease and conflict.

“Secondly, we need a ceasefire to allow for the safe passage of humanitarian assistance, healthcare workers and medical supplies to affected communities.

“We appeal to every community to stand with and protect our frontline health workers and volunteers. They are risking their lives to save others, and they must never face fear, stigma or violence while serving our people,” he said.

The President reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity.

“Thirdly, South Africa remains committed to investing in African innovation and local manufacturing capacity. In this regard, we are supporting our manufacturer, Afrigen, as it participates in efforts to develop a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola,” he said.

He concluded by calling for unity across the continent.

“Africa has repeatedly demonstrated resilience in the face of health crises. What is required now is unity of purpose, urgency of action and sustained solidarity,” Ramaphosa said.

Clinical trials underway

During the engagement, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced that clinical trials for Ebola therapeutics have begun in Bunia, one of the worst-affected areas in eastern DRC.

According to the briefing, the antiviral treatment Remdesivir entered clinical trials this week, while the monoclonal antibody treatment MBP134 is expected to begin trials next week.

Separate post-exposure prevention trials using the oral antiviral Obeldesivir are also expected to commence shortly thereafter.

The trials have received ethical and regulatory approval and will be conducted in Bunia.

Africa CDC said technology transfer agreements are expected to enable African manufacturers to produce successful treatments locally, with Egypt’s EvaPharma expected to manufacture Remdesivir and South Africa’s National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) identified to produce MBP134.

The organisation said successful products emerging from the trials would be supported through technology transfer agreements to African manufacturers to improve future access across the continent.

Despite additional funding commitments, Africa CDC warned that the Ebola response still faces an overall funding shortfall of US$18 million, including US$2 million needed for contact tracing, highlighting the need for continued international support.

Last month, South Africa increased its financial contribution to the Ebola response to US$13.5 million, reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting African nations affected by the outbreak.

DRC highlights response efforts

President Tshisekedi said the DRC had responded swiftly to the resurgence of the Bundibugyo strain by drawing on lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks.

He said the government had mobilised significant human, financial, technical and logistical resources to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, patient care and community engagement.

According to the latest figures presented by Africa CDC, the DRC has recorded 1 333 confirmed cases, 399 deaths and 189 recoveries.

“The government is closely and daily monitoring the situation and taking the necessary steps to protect our population, to prevent the spread of the disease, and preserve the health safety of the neighbouring countries,” Tshisekedi said.

He announced that the DRC government has so far committed US$50 million to the national Ebola response, funding the deployment of medical personnel, laboratory strengthening, procurement of medical supplies, patient care, protection of healthcare workers, contact tracing and community awareness campaigns.

The Congolese President warned that insecurity in eastern DRC continued to complicate the response.

“This outbreak reminds us that health security is now still closely related to the stakes of peace and human security in areas affected by armed conflict. Insecurity is fragilising prevention, epidemiological surveillance and a fast response to agencies of public health,” he said.

He stressed that the simultaneous outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda demonstrated that infectious diseases do not recognise national borders.

“The fact that the DRC and the Republic of Uganda are simultaneously confronted with this threat shows that the health risks ignore borders and are calling upon a regional coordinated response based on shared responsibility,” he said.

Tshisekedi welcomed South Africa’s continued support, saying its scientific expertise, regional leadership and experience in managing public health emergencies could make an important contribution to strengthening epidemiological surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency coordination.

He also thanked international partners, including South Africa, Africa CDC, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States and China, for supporting the country’s response.

Africa CDC said the outbreak continues to pose a major public health challenge.

As of 29 June, the DRC and Uganda had recorded a combined 1 353 confirmed cases and 401 deaths, representing an overall case fatality rate of nearly 30%.

The DRC accounts for the overwhelming majority of infections, with Ituri Province remaining the epicentre of the outbreak, while nearly 11 800 contacts continue to be monitored across affected areas.

The agency also reported that 100 healthcare workers have contracted the disease, resulting in 19 deaths, underscoring the risks faced by frontline responders.

Although 18 countries have implemented travel or border measures, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization continue to advise against travel and trade restrictions, instead advocating strengthened surveillance, screening and coordinated regional cooperation to contain the outbreak. –SAnews.gov.za

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relationship with the United States, describing dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as the foundation for advancing shared economic and development goals.

Speaking on behalf of the South African Government ahead of the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States’ Independence on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga congratulated the American Government and its people on the historic milestone, while reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Chikunga said South Africa regards the United States as a strategic partner and valued friend, adding that the bilateral relationship remains mature, multifaceted and resilient, despite occasional policy differences.

She said the high-level engagements between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump demonstrated the importance both countries attach to maintaining open channels of communication and working constructively to strengthen bilateral relations.

The engagements also provided a platform for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, technology, innovation, education, security cooperation and cultural exchanges.

“Our bilateral relationship is mature, multifaceted and resilient. While friends may occasionally differ, true partnerships endure because they are anchored in shared values, strong institutions and deep people-to-people ties,” Chikunga said.

She said South Africa believes disagreements between sovereign nations should be addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement rather than confrontation, adding that mutual respect remained central to the country’s diplomatic approach.

The Minister said people-to-people relations continue to strengthen ties between the two countries through tourism, education, business, and cultural exchanges.

She noted that hundreds of thousands of Americans visit South Africa, making the United States one of South Africa’s most important overseas tourism markets, while many South Africans study, work and invest in the United States, strengthening the bonds that connect the two societies.

“These visitors contribute significantly to our economy, support jobs and businesses, and, most importantly, return home with a deeper appreciation of South Africa’s people, culture and natural beauty. Through educational exchanges, sister-city partnerships, cultural programmes, sporting exchanges and business networks, our peoples continue to build bridges that transcend politics and geography.”

Chikunga also highlighted sport as an important instrument of diplomacy, wishing the United States success as it hosts the FIFA World Cup and expressing confidence that the tournament will further strengthen international goodwill and create lasting memories for millions around the world.

Trade and investment remained a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, she said, noting that the United States is one of South Africa’s largest trading and investment partners.

More than 600 American companies operate in South Africa, employing over 130 000 South Africans and contributing to skills development, innovation, and economic transformation.

“These investment relationships demonstrate the confidence that businesses from both countries have in each other’s economies and the mutual benefits that arise from closer economic cooperation.

“As our economies adapt to technological change, evolving supply chains and new global challenges, there remains considerable potential to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, energy, digital innovation, agriculture, health sciences and infrastructure development.”

Chikunga said South Africa, now in the second year of the Government of National Unity, remains focused on advancing inclusive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, with strong international partnerships playing an important role in achieving those objectives. – SAnews.gov.za

Amid persistent global economic uncertainty, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to position the region as a competitive producer through greater cooperation and coordinated policy action.

Speaking at the SADC Committee of Ministers of Finance and Investment meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, Godongwana said member states should adopt coordinated and forward-looking economic and policy responses to protect their economies against global shocks.

“Importantly, this will require leveraging critical minerals to drive industrialisation, promoting food security through cooperation in agricultural production and agro-processing, deepening intra-regional trade integration, and strengthening resilient infrastructure and supply chains,” Godongwana said on Thursday.

He stressed that achieving these objectives will require sustained political leadership, stronger institutional coordination and a shift from commitments to implementation.

“In this regard, we will need to prioritise a select set of high-impact actions. Amongst these, for example, are the trade facilitation reforms, development of transport and logistics corridors, seamless transmission of digital payments, including reducing the cost of remittances across the region,” the Minister said.

Godongwana also warned that the changing global development finance landscape poses a significant risk to the region, particularly as international aid to Sub-Saharan Africa continues to decline.

“This shifting landscape calls for a structural transformation in development finance across the SADC region.

“Beyond protecting critical social sectors, there is an urgent need to pivot toward more sustainable and diversified financing models, leveraging blended finance, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and deeper private sector participation to offset declining donor flows,” he said.

According to the Minister, initial estimates by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggest bilateral aid could contract by between 16% and 28% from 2025.

“These cuts are donor-driven and broad-based in scope and not a reflection of individual country performance. Unlike previous downturns, the current reductions are large and highly unpredictable, representing a systemic and potentially lasting shock rather than a temporary disruption. 

“The poorest and most fragile countries will be disproportionately affected,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has strongly rejected as “factually incorrect” any link between anti-irregular migration demonstrations held earlier this week and the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national in the Western Cape. 

This follows an official communication issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming that one of its citizens was killed on Monday during public demonstrations.

However, police reports indicate that the man was killed on Monday — a day before the demonstrations — in circumstances related to extortion.

“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration.

“The fact of the matter is that no fatalities have been recorded during the day of these demonstrations and isolated incidents of criminality that occurred on the day have been acted upon by the law enforcement authorities,” Kubayi said.

Kubayi urged that diplomatic matters and concerns be addressed through established channels.
“We regret all loss of life on our shores, and we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assure them that our law enforcement authorities will investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to book,” the Minister said.

The IMC emphasised that the “spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable”. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has wished the Women’s T20 cricket team well as they take on England in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup today at 3pm.

“The Proteas Women have made the nation proud with their outstanding performances throughout the tournament and have inspired South Africans with their determination, resilience and fighting spirit,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

Government has called on all South Africans to get behind the team by wearing their Proteas jerseys or South African colours, proudly flying the national flag and cheering them on as one united nation.

“Today presents another opportunity for South Africans to stand together in support of a team carrying the hopes and pride of the nation. Government wishes the Proteas Women every success and looks forward to another memorable performance as they pursue a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said. –SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed their condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in a bus crash that claimed 16 lives.

The crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday on the N1 near Gulfstream Garage in the Western Cape.

According to reports, the bus was transporting 78 passengers, including children, from Cape Town to Idutywa in the Eastern Cape.

It is alleged that the bus overturned, resulting in 16 fatalities and leaving 20 occupants injured. The injured were transported to Worcester Hospital, while 43 occupants refused medical treatment.

Creecy and Hlengwa have wished a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries.

They have also directed the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to provide the bereaved families and the injured with the necessary support.

In addition, Creecy and Hlengwa have instructed the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to investigate the cause of the crash in collaboration with local authorities.

A preliminary investigation report is expected within 48 hours after the RTMC begins its investigation. –SAnews.gov.za

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for stronger strategic partnerships between government and the private sector to accelerate youth economic inclusion, women’s empowerment, food security, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister made the call at the KFC Africa Impact Report Launch in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Held under the theme: “Private Sector as a Partner in Youth Economic Inclusion and Food Security”, KFC Africa’s Impact Report highlights the company’s contribution to youth employment, entrepreneurship, and food security through three key pillars.

The first focuses on creating jobs at scale by providing employment opportunities and skills development within the quick service restaurant sector, while the second showcases the company’s franchise model as a vehicle for accelerating small business growth by expanding Black-owned enterprises and advancing economic empowerment.

The third pillar, Add Hope, highlights KFC Africa’s support for vulnerable communities through its feeding programme, which has provided more than 180 million meals to children since 2009 to support school nutrition and household food security.

Together, the three pillars demonstrate the company’s efforts to promote employment, enterprise development and social impact across South Africa.

Delivering her keynote address, Chikunga commended KFC Africa for its contribution to youth employment through its workforce and its participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES), a public-private partnership that has enabled more than 200 000 young South Africans from being labelled as “unemployed” to being registered as “employed” through a 12-month work experience placement in the private sector.

She said the company’s impact report demonstrated how partnerships between business and government could create employment opportunities, support Black-owned enterprises through franchising and contribute to food security initiatives.

Chikunga urged companies operating across the food, agriculture, hospitality, and distribution sectors to expand opportunities for young people through skills development, enterprise support and integration into supply chains.

“Our young people must be trained, integrated, and transitioned into viable businesses across the food, agricultural value chains, and related industries — from primary production to logistics and distribution, to the food services and hospitality sector, and into the digital platforms that increasingly mediate all of these.

“Every young South African who enters an agricultural value chain, or a food services enterprise, or a hospitality business, must have an exit pathway in place. This is what youth economic inclusion means, substantively. It is the substantive integration of young people into productive enterprises, on terms that give them ownership, agency, and the substantive prospect of accumulation,” the Minister said.

She said emerging Black farmers, particularly women and persons with disabilities, should be supported to transition into commercial agribusinesses through technical support, access to finance, market opportunities and supply chain integration.

“The multiplier effect of a young farmer transitioning into commercial scale is substantively higher than the multiplier effect of most other sectors of the economy. The private sector must recognise this — and act on it.”

Chikunga also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity to help young entrepreneurs expand beyond local markets into continental and international trade.

She called for greater investment in youth-owned small businesses through franchise development programmes and stronger integration of small enterprises into corporate value chains.

The Minister further called for greater investment in the digital economy, saying expanding affordable internet access and digital opportunities would help young people participate more fully in the modern economy.

“The digital and platform economy is one of the substantive frontiers of the twenty-first century economic mission. Our young people are on that frontier already. The private sector must meet them there,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za