Category: South Africa Government

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Suspect in murder of prosecutor appears in court

Source: Government of South Africa

Suspect in murder of prosecutor appears in court

The suspect arrested for the murder of Eastern Cape Regional Court prosecutor, Tracy Brown, appeared in the Gqeberha Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Brown, who was attached to the New Brighton Magistrates Court, was shot and killed while arriving at her home just months after the murder of another prosecutor in the province.

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, 33-year-old Simthembele Xungu now faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition related to the murder. 

“The case has been postponed to 03 September 2025 for a formal bail application, which will be vigorously opposed by the state. Xungu will be remanded in custody until the next court appearance,” Tyali said.

The prosecutor was gunned down in front of her partner late last month – triggering an investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).

“Xungu was positively identified as a suspect. It was further established that he fled to Johannesburg shortly after the murder in an attempt to evade justice.

“On 21 August 2025, while investigators were pursuing leads in Johannesburg, critical information was received that the suspect was travelling back to Gqeberha. Acting swiftly, the team set up a coordinated roadblock that resulted in the suspect being arrested,” the spokesperson explained.

Furthermore, the NPA condemned attacks on prosecutors.

“The safety and protection of prosecutors is of paramount importance to the NPA, and we are committed to ensuring their safety. The NPA commends the work of the investigators and prosecutors. The team will ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure that the co-conspirators, in particular the ones who ordered the killing of Tracy Brown face justice.

“The NPA strongly condemns the killing of prosecutors and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that justice is served. The murder of prosecutors is an attack on the rule of law and the democratic principles that underpin our country,” Tyali said.

Speaking at the prosecutor’s memorial service earlier this month, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi said there is a need to strengthen the protection of prosecutors.

“But more importantly, let this be a wake-up call to the policing services that we need to strengthen the protection of the prosecutors.

“All of us in the security cluster should be concerned about this development. The lives of prosecutors are endangered by the type of work they do. Without protection, prosecutors will be unable to perform their duties without fear or favour, and they will not be able to exercise their independence,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Commencement of Madlanga Commission hearings delayed

Source: Government of South Africa

Commencement of Madlanga Commission hearings delayed

The commencement of the hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – known as the Madlanga Commission – has been delayed.

In a statement, the commission explained that this has been caused by delays in the procurement of vital infrastructure – pushing back the previously announced date of 1 September for the commencement of hearings.

“[The commission] made this announcement based on unequivocal commitments made to it by the Department [of Justice and Constitutional Development] that the requirements would have been procured in time. Unfortunately, those commitments have not been met. As a result, it has since become clear that the Commission will not be able to start the hearings as scheduled.

“But for the lack of the requirements that the department has failed to procure, the Commission would otherwise have been ready to commence the hearings on 1 September 2025. Regrettably, the Commission is now left with no choice but to reschedule the starting date,” the statement read.

The commission described it as “regrettable” that a “substantial portion of the three-month period at the end of which the commission is expected to submit an interim report has gone by without the commission having heard a single witness”.
“This is not of the Commission’s making.

“The Commission considers it best to fix a new date for the commencement of its hearings once everything that needs to be procured by the department is in place. It also wishes to assure South Africans that it is doing everything within its power to ensure that the first witness will take the stand as soon as possible after everything has been procured by the department,” the statement concluded.

Led by former Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, the commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
– SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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Durban fashion fair to launch next generation of runway stars

Source: Government of South Africa

Durban fashion fair to launch next generation of runway stars

The eThekwini Municipality is gearing up for the 14th Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), which is set to launch the next generation of runway stars.

Taking place from 17 to 19 September 2025, the showcase promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent for both fashion designers and models.

It will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.

The city’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Thembo Ntuli, said this year’s edition highlights the municipality’s ongoing commitment, not only to presenting a vibrant fashion event, but also to nurturing local talent and creating key market opportunities.

“Central to this initiative is the DFF Class of 2025 Model Training and Bootcamp, which is currently in full swing. This programme, as part of the broader eThekwini Municipality Fashion Development Programme, aims to develop the fashion sector as a vital driver of economic growth and job creation.”

He said the current intake includes 24 participants, including 10 standard-size female models, 10 male models, and four plus-size female models.

The models were scouted during the Regional DFF model search roadshows and their training is being led by experienced Durban models with over 18 years in the industry.

“The selection process began with open casting events held across eThekwini from 7 to 20 June 2025. The 24 selected finalists are now undergoing two months of intensive training, which covers runway techniques, posing, model etiquette, and fitness guidance,” Ntuli explained.

The trainees will showcase their talents during the DFF runway shows, gaining exposure to local designers and industry leaders.

Ntuli highlighted that since its inception 13 years ago, the DFF Model Programme has trained over 300 models, with the majority currently successful professionals signed to top agencies and participating in major fashion events, including the New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.

Former programme graduate, founder and owner of Mold Models, Khwezi Ntombela expressed her appreciation to the municipality for the opportunity to kick-start her business.

“I was also honoured to serve as a judge during the scouting roadshows, transferring my knowledge to emerging models. I believe in nurturing raw talent and helping individuals embrace their potential, just as I was once given the opportunity,” Ntombela said.

Ntuli believes that every sector matters as long as it contributes to job creation, especially among the youth.
“This is one of the key reasons we invest in such programmes, to create a pipeline of world-class talent and to promote financial independence.”

The DFF Recognition Awards, taking place on 26 September 2025, will conclude this year’s showcase. Among the categories will be the DFF New Face (Model) 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK

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Durban tourism bounces back as visitors’ numbers increase

Source: Government of South Africa

The eThekwini Municipality has seen a resurgence in tourism, with both international and domestic visitor numbers showing exceptional growth and economic impact from January to May 2025.

This performance signals a strong recovery for the sector and reaffirms Durban’s position as one of South Africa’s most attractive and dynamic travel destinations.

According to the latest data, international tourism has rebounded impressively, with over 186 000 additional arrivals, compared to the same period last year.

This influx generated a combined spend of more than R750 million, driven by robust card transactions and cash withdrawals.

The data was presented by the Research and Data Unit of South African Tourism during a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group (Workstream 4), held last week.

The data showed that during the Easter period in April alone, the tourism sector contributed R115.9 million, reflecting a 48% year-on-year increase.

Leading international source markets include Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting Durban’s global appeal.

Domestically, Durban welcomed 2.8 million trips, resulting in a remarkable R4.8 billion in combined spend.

The Easter holiday period saw a 52% increase in domestic spend, while May outperformed April, reaching R844 million, a 50% growth, compared to the previous month.

A notable highlight is the surge in visitors from Cape Town, alongside Johannesburg and Tshwane, reinforcing Durban’s status as a preferred leisure destination for South Africa’s major metros.

Spending trends reveal that retail and dining are the top-performing categories, driven by leisure travel.

While traditional hotel stays remain relevant, the date showed that many domestic travellers are increasingly choosing shared or self-catering accommodation options, reflecting evolving travel preferences.

EThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele, said this performance underlines the importance of continued investment in tourism marketing, seasonal campaigns, and infrastructure that supports both leisure and business travel.

“These results are not just encouraging – they are a clear signal that our strategic investments in tourism are paying off. Durban is not only bouncing back; we are setting the pace for tourism recovery in South Africa.

“We remain fully committed to enhancing visitor experiences, expanding our offerings, and ensuring that Durban continues to thrive as a world-class destination for both leisure and business travel,” Mbhele said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA’s G20 Presidency provides continental pride and hope

Source: Government of South Africa

The National School of Government’s (NSG) Acting Principal Phindile Mkwanazi says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not only a moment of continental pride but also a moment of shared hope.

“It reflects South Africa’s long-standing commitment to solidarity with the global South, to equality among nations in an inclusive system of global governance and to sustainability as the foundation for common prosperity, the enjoyment of human rights and peaceful coexistence,” Mkhwanazi said.

The acting Principal made the remark at the National School of Government T20 Symposium on State Capacity and Institutional Transformation in Times of Complexity: Exploring State Capacity for Agile Public Institutions held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria on Monday.

WATCH  | T20 symposium 

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Mkhwanazi said that as part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the country has placed emphasis on strengthening governance and institutions as essential enablers of development.

“We are convinced that in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, agile, transparent, and effective public institutions are indispensable. Developmental states that are responsive to citizens, and committed to shared prosperity, can help achieve sustainable development and lasting peace.”

She believes that successful nations are those that make strong investments in State capacity and embrace innovation. 

“If the G20 is to succeed, it must place State capacity at the heart of sustainable development. The G20’s strength lies in fostering meaningful cooperation and driving a global skills revolution, which is essential for a fairer and more sustainable future.
“The questions before us are complex, but through honest engagement and the collective wisdom gathered here, we can advance practical ideas that strengthen not only our States, but also the multilateral system that binds us together,” she explained.

The gathering brought together leading scholars, public servants, policymakers, and governance experts to reflect on the future of public institutions, particularly their ability to respond to complexity and remain legitimate, agile, and citizen focused.

Led by Professor Zhang Weiwei, Professor and Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, the symposium explored the challenges and opportunities of governance in complex environments, critical reforms needed to strengthen state capacity, and lessons and partnerships from the G20 to build future-ready institutions.

The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries which seek to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 01 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.

It comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.

The G20 is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Warning against fake job offer in Russia

Source: Government of South Africa

The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has raised alarm over recent reports of alleged job offers circulating on social media, targeting young South African women aged 18 to 22 for employment opportunities in Russia.

“Although we recognise that South Africa faces unacceptably high youth unemployment, especially among young women, this harsh reality must never be exploited through false job offers,” the Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The Department confirmed that the advertised work opportunities advertised on social media for positions in Russia, are not facilitated or endorsed by government, noting that all legitimate international employment opportunities are organised through official diplomatic channels and formal bilateral agreements.

It urged young people to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited offers for international employment, particularly those distributed via social media and other online platforms.

Before pursuing international work or study opportunities, young people are urged to verify the authenticity of the job adverts through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and its missions abroad, relevant foreign embassies or missions within South Africa of the intended country of travel for the opportunity, the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Police Service, or the Department of Higher Education and Training.

“The safety, dignity, and future of young South African women are of paramount importance, and we cannot allow desperation borne of high unemployment to be weaponised against our youth. As a government, we continue to work tirelessly to address youth unemployment through national initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and various skills development programmes,” the department said.

However, the department warned that government alone cannot win the fight against unemployment, calling for all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, labour, academia, and communities, to join hands with the government in creating sustainable pathways for decent work for young people, especially young women.

To fully understand the nature of the employment opportunities in Russia and provide clarity to the public, the Ministry said it will engage stakeholders, including DIRCO, the Russian Embassy in South Africa, and the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA).

“Let us remain united in protecting the dreams and dignity of South Africa’s young women, while redoubling our efforts to build an inclusive economy that provides meaningful opportunities at home,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Africa can turn its minerals into green gold

Source: Government of South Africa

Africa – and South Africa – must harness its rich endowment of critical minerals to create an industrial powerhouse which can lead the green energy revolution.

This according to Gauteng Growth and Development Agency executive, Sthembiso Dlamini, who addressed the African Critical Minerals Summit in Johannesburg on Monday.

The continent boasts vast deposits of minerals such as platinum, manganese and lithium which are critical for renewable energy technology.

Dlamini noted that these minerals stand at the “centre of the global energy transition, technological advancement, and industrial development”. 

“From cobalt and lithium to rare earth and platinum group metals, Africa holds most of the most strategic mineral deposits in the world. Yet the question before us is how do we move beyond simply being exporters of raw resources to becoming global leaders in beneficiation, industrialisation, and sustainable growth. 

“Africa holds nearly a third of the world’s critical mineral reserves, making it central to the global energy transition. The continent is home to over 70% of platinum and chromium, nearly half of cobalt and manganese, and the world’s largest phosphate…reserves.

“With the African Continental Free Trade Area as a unifying framework, these resources can power regional value chains from beneficiation and processing to advance manufacturing instead of exporting [raw ores],” she said.

Dlamini highlighted that with its rich endowment in critical minerals, the continent can build “industries that supply batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable technologies”.

Furthermore, this can turn the mineral wealth into a “driver of industrialisation, sustainable growth and continental integration” with beneficiation at the centre.

“Advancing beneficiation in Africa is not just an economic imperative. It is a developmental necessity. By processing and adding value to our minerals locally, we create jobs, we stimulate new industries and build stronger linkages across manufacturing energy, and technology centres. 

“This is how we unlock greater returns for our people and ensure that the wealth of our natural resources translate into long term prosperity. Equally, industrialisation anchored on the critical mineral sector offers Africa a once in a generation opportunity. If managed well, if it can serve as a backbone of new supply chain in green technologies, batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy.

“By leveraging regional integration, infrastructure development and public-private partnership, Africa can really shift from being at the margins of global venue chains, to being at the heart of them,” she said. 

Sustainable growth

Dlamini put forward that the approach to growth must be sustainable for communities and the environment.

“Our approach to critical minerals must balance economic opportunity, with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. 

“Communities must benefit directly. Ecosystems must be protected, and governance structures must guarantee transparency and accountability. Only then, can Africa’s critical mineral become a catalyst for inclusive and resilient growth,” Dlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za

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KZN Council mulls moves to accelerate growth

Source: Government of South Africa

Fast-tracking the delivery of infrastructure projects that are essential to KwaZulu-Natal’s socio-economic growth was at the core of Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s strategic meeting of the Provincial Infrastructure Council.

Held at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in eThekwini recently, the meeting brought together senior government officials, municipal representatives, and state-owned entities in a united drive to accelerate infrastructure delivery across the province.

According to the provincial government, the council is set to play a central role in ensuring the systematic selection, planning, and monitoring of infrastructure projects implementation.

This includes oversight of the Provincial Infrastructure Master Plan, with a strong focus on practical outcomes, improved intergovernmental collaboration, and enhanced accountability.

“The Council will also ensure that infrastructure initiatives align with the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to bring development closer to communities by fostering integrated planning at district and local level.

“By strengthening partnerships and communication between government departments, municipalities, and state-owned enterprises, the Council seeks to create a more agile and responsive infrastructure delivery ecosystem,” the provincial government said in a statement.

At the meeting, Ntuli emphasised the need to remove existing bottlenecks, improve coordination, and ensure that projects are fully aligned with both national and provincial priorities.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) and explored ways to boost technical capacity within the public sector.

This includes training and support for officials involved in infrastructure planning, procurement, and project management. – SAnews.gov.za

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Celebrating sports stars

Source: Government of South Africa

Celebrating sports stars

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated all the nominees and winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards, which celebrated both legacy and new talent.

Held at the iconic Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, the night was dedicated to honouring the champions, trailblazers, and unsung heroes who continue to elevate the nation’s sporting legacy.

From seasoned champions to rising stars, the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of South African sport. 

The coveted Sport Star of the Year and Team of the Year awards were claimed by Tatjana Smith and 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics), respectively whose performances have captured the hearts of fans and brought pride to the nation.

“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the South African Sport Awards 18th Edition. Your commitment, discipline, and excellence are the heartbeat of our sporting identity. You are the reason South Africa continues to shine on the world stage. You are, without a doubt,” the department said on Monday.

This year’s edition, themed, “Celebrating Sporting Excellence,” paid tribute to the remarkable achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and media professionals who have not only excelled in their respective disciplines but have also inspired a nation through resilience, passion, and performance.

The winners of the 18th annual South African Sport Awards are as follows:

  • Sport Administrator of the Year: Pholetsi Moseki (Cricket)
  • Recreation Body of the Year: Made for More Zama (Para Surfing)
  • Sport Volunteer of the Year: Phuti Leolani (Football)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: SA U19 Tug of War Men’s Team (Tug of War)
  • Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Roger Sedres
  • Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Palesa Manaleng
  • Technical Official of the Year: Ernesta Strydom (Para Cycling)
  • National Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union (Rugby)
  • Sport Team of the Year: 4x100m Men’s Team (Paris Olympics)
  • Coach of the Year: Rocco Meiring (Swimming)
  • Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger (Para Athletics)
  • Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo (Para Athletics)
  • Sportswoman of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)
  • Sportsman of the Year: Alan Hartherly (Cycling)
  • Sport Star of the Year: Tatjana Smith (Swimming)

–SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

Source: Government of South Africa

SA’s foreign policy guided by national interest -President Ramaphosa 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed that South Africa’s foreign policy will always be shaped by national interest, constitutional values and priorities, and not by external influence. 

“South Africa’s national interest will forever remain independent, not beholden to external influence. It will reflect our constitutional values and national priorities. As we continue to engage constructively with the international community, we have been consistent that this should always be on the basis of mutual respect,” President Ramaphosa said.  

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President emphasised that the country’s outlook is anchored in multilateralism, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of alliances that advance peace, justice and national interest. 

He reflected on South Africa’s participation at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Japan last week, describing it as an important platform for strengthening trade and investment ties.

“Japan is an important trading partner for South Africa in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, technology and agriculture,” he said.

READ | President urges deeper South Africa–Japan trade and investment ties

Business representatives from both countries used the sidelines of TICAD to explore partnerships in clean and renewable energy, automotive components and hydrogen production. 

A highlight of the discussions was Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors’ plan to expand across the continent. Isuzu’s South African plant has trialled the manufacture of commercial trucks and truck bodies locally and is engaging with Isuzu Motors Japan on its plans to become a manufacturing hub for the African market. 

President Ramaphosa said forums like TICAD are vital to South Africa’s economic diplomacy efforts, which aim to secure market access, attract investment, and reduce reliance on traditional markets at a time of global trade disruptions and tariff pressures.

“Economic diplomacy is an important part of our country’s foreign policy and has become all the more critical at a time of economic headwinds and global power shifts. 

“South Africa’s National Interest Framework Policy Document, published in 2022, is clear that it is in the country’s national interest to forge strategic alliances that support economic partnerships and trading arrangements that favour, advance and safeguard our national interest.”

He underscored that South Africa’s foreign policy remains rooted in principle, citing the country’s continued solidarity with Palestine and Western Sahara despite criticism from some nations.

“South Africa’s foreign policy outlook is not determined by pressure exerted by outside forces, but by principle. 
“It is on principle that we continue to stand with the Palestinian people in their quest for statehood, recognising as we do the pain of dispossession, land theft and state-sanctioned brutality,” he said.

Peace efforts 

The President highlighted that South Africa has lent its support to peace efforts across the continent and beyond. 

He pointed to South Africa’s peacebuilding role across the continent, noting that the country is the 15th largest contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping among all UN member states, from supporting the Arusha Peace Accords in Burundi and the South Sudan process to facilitating the Pretoria Agreement that ended the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

He also noted that South Africa continues to engage both Russia and Ukraine in pursuit of peace, after joining other African leaders on a peace mission in 2023.

“These engagements all reflect our commitment to advancing a foreign policy that advances our national interest and reflects the aspirations of our constitution, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Charter.

“Respect for multilateralism and the pursuit of peace will continue to define our outlook, as will the advancement of social justice and human rights,” he said. 

Quoting former President Nelson Mandela, the President said South Africa is “situated at a particular confluence of world affairs” and is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge-builder between the Global South and the developed North.

“For these and other reasons, our approach to diplomacy will continue to be guided by respect for sovereignty, the pursuit of a just and equitable world order, and a firm belief that negotiation and dialogue have a key role to play in the mediation and resolution of conflict,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM

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