Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

By Sandile Nene

With the eyes of the world firmly focussed on South Africa, attention now turns to the historic first ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. On 22 and 23 November 2025, Nasrec in Johannesburg will welcome a number of world leaders and other dignitaries for this landmark gathering.

An event of this magnitude, with global implications will of course draw added scrutiny and some of this has focussed on our readiness to host the Summit. Those with a narrow lens have concentrated solely on the Summit, without realising that South Africa has already hosted 130 preparatory meetings, including ministerial gatherings and central bank governors’ meetings without incident.  Some of these meetings include the Y20 Summit which was hosted in Ekurhuleni from 18 to 22 August 2025. Ekurhuleni is also hosting the G20 Social Summit, from 18 to 20 November 2025.

As government we are confident that this event will proceed smoothly, as have all the others thus far. Every successful event has assisted in sharpening our security and logistics arrangements in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. These preparations are wide ranging and include a comprehensive safety plan, along with securing energy supply, the cleaning and preparation of public spaces, and the activation of a disaster management centre.

Speaking on preparations ahead of the Summit, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that a 
comprehensive and resilient energy plan is now in place to secure uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit but also for the overall energy supply to residents and businesses in our province.

He added that: “The energy plan also includes multiple layers of security, high mast solar lighting, the protection of cables and the installation of emergency generators.”

The Summit’s safety and security is being comprehensively managed and coordinated through inter-agency cooperation. All relevant national and provincial government departments and agencies are involved in planning safety, security and emergency services.

As government, we are confident that all safety and security arrangements for the Summit are in place. We have implemented a number of preventative measures, including heightened security at points of entry, hotels and venues. Furthermore, robust contingency plans are in place to prevent and limit incidents should they occur.

As a nation we have a proud safety track record in hosting mega global events. Both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations were hosted without major incidents.

Lessons learned from hosting previous events have been integrated into our safety and security plan. Plans are in place for any eventuality, including potential crowd incidents, such as marches, protests and pickets. We are confident that our security agencies have done comprehensive risk and threat assessments, and we are ready to host the G20 leaders and all participating delegations.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reinforced the province’s preparedness: “Gauteng is well equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants and our residents. The South African Police Service [SAPS], in full coordination with all other law enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place that we have all adopted and accepted.”

He added: “Our multi-level law enforcement strategy will see delegates escorted by a unified force comprising of SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic and all metropolitan police departments will be deployed to escort and support our visitors.”

All that now remains is for leaders of the G20 to arrive and to experience the magic that we call home.  Our country offers visitors a unique experience and this will play a massive part in driving home our call for “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, which is the theme of the G20 in South Africa.  

We believe that Solidarity means countries working to help each other, especially in tough times like economic crises, natural disasters, or pandemics. It’s about teamwork: if one country struggles, the others step in to support, because the world is connected.

Equity is about making sure opportunities, benefits, and resources are shared fairly—not just between rich and poor countries, but also between men and women, and between different communities.

Sustainability means using resources—like water, energy, and land—in a smart way so we don’t harm the planet or run out of what future generations need.

South Africa’s track record, combined with the comprehensive security, energy, and logistical preparations leaves no doubt about our readiness to host this historic summit. As the world turns its gaze to Nasrec, we stand confident in our readiness to deliver a landmark event. 

*Sandile Nene – Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Source: Government of South Africa

In the weekly Presidential newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the green shoots in the economy as an indication that South Africa is a “country and an economy on the rise”.

The President cited the recent downturn in unemployment and strengthening in government finances as an indication that the country is moving towards a place of strength.

“Unemployment is down. Data from Statistics South Africa show that the official unemployment rate fell to 31.9% between July and September this year, down from 33.2% recorded in the previous quarter. Nearly 250 000 more people were in employment in the third quarter. Of these, around 130 000 were added in the construction sector.

“The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement delivered last week points to a sustained turnaround in government finances. We are on track to achieve a third consecutive primary budget surplus. This means that, excluding interest payments on our debt, we are collecting more in revenue than we are spending. This is a sign of prudent financial management, giving us space to steadily reduce our debt to sustainable levels,” he said.

Furthermore, the country’s sovereign credit rating was upgraded by S&P to ‘BB’ from ‘BB-’ and the local currency long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BB+’ from ‘BB’.

“This is the first such upgrade from the agency in nearly two decades. An improved rating generally leads to lower borrowing costs, which allows for more funds to be invested in the economy and in meeting social needs.

“Among the factors S&P cited for the positive outlook were Eskom’s improved performance, strong tax collection and the broad structural reform momentum having picked up pace,” the President explained.

Operation Vulindlela

President Ramaphosa noted that Operation Vulindlela – government’s driving force behind reforms – was initially launched as a mechanism for the implementation of “transformative reforms and [to] boost economic growth”.

Initially, focus was on the network sectors, as well as immigration reform.

“We are seeing steady progress in the logistics sector, notably with respect to improved performance at our ports. Measures to allow private sector companies to operate on the national freight rail network are also at an advanced stage. 

“The most noteworthy improvements have been witnessed in the energy sector, with Eskom now on the road to recovery, massive investment in renewable energy generation, and vastly improved electricity supply. 

“In support of South Africa’s ratings upgrade, S&P cited the recently launched Phase II of Operation Vulindlela, which is focusing on changes in local government, digital transformation, visa regimes, spatial inequality and others,” he said.

The President noted that modelling from the University of Stellenbosch’s Bureau of Economic Research estimates that the potential impact of Operation Vulindlela’s full implementation could “lift South Africa’s long-term growth rate by as much as 3.5%”.

“In citing this modelling, the analyst JP Landman writes that ‘the reforms are a journey, but they have started working. Step by step, South Africa is opening its economy, modernising infrastructure and rebuilding credibility’.

“Despite considerable headwinds that have [included] a global pandemic, a debilitating energy crisis and more recently, a difficult global trade environment, we have stayed the course on economic recovery and are now seeing this pay off,” he said.

President Ramaphosa reflected on the country’s emergence from a “ruinous period of economic stagnation” and State capture.

He added that despite this, “we have been able to achieve sustained progress in a relatively short period of time”.

“This is in no small part owing to the strength of the partnerships forged between government, business, labour and civil society. 

“These far-reaching economic changes have a direct and material impact on the lives of every South African, on their ability to lead dignified lives, to access public services, to secure employment, and to provide for their families. 

“We are determined to sustain the momentum of this economic recovery, so that we can drive inclusive growth, create jobs and improve the lives of our citizens,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Citizens have been urged to remain cautious as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 weather warning.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) on Monday said while emergency services remain on high alert, the public must follow these safety measures:

– Stay informed by monitoring local news and updates from the SAWS for the latest weather forecasts.

– Evacuate if necessary, following instructions from authorities, and seek higher ground if you are in flood-prone areas.

– Secure your property by clearing debris, securing loose items, and reinforcing doors and windows.

– Stay connected by keeping in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable.

– Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as these actions are among the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said following the outlined safety measures, although they seem simple, remains a powerful tool that saves lives and livelihoods, while preventing avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

He said the department is implementing disaster response measures since the severe weather warning, which includes widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. 

Disaster Management Centres have been active in these affected areas, while other provinces remain on high alert. 

In addition, national departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to remain vigilant.

“Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and so on.

“Lives cannot be replaced; as such, every precaution we take, every plan we implement, and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

“Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs [non-government organisations] and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

“Remember to prioritise your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe,” CoGTA said in a statement. 

The National Disaster Management Centre will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management across national, provincial and local government levels, as well as among statutory bodies and other stakeholders involved in disaster response. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The global gaze will begin to turn towards Gauteng this week, as it hosts the people-centred G20 Social Summit on Tuesday.

The summit – a platform for stakeholders from every part of society – will be held at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, from Tuesday, 18 November -Thursday, 20 November 2025.

Following a walkabout at the venue on Sunday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said preparations have progressed well.

“We are ready. Technically, we are impressed with the progress that’s been made. It’s all systems go.

“The partnerships that we have with the private sector and civil society…we are very happy. The delegates from provinces that are coming down from your Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal…they have started to move and come.

“It’s all systems go. South Africa: Si ready, re ready, ro luga [we are fine in Tshivhenda],” Ntshavheni said.
She added that it is a “all hands-on deck” approach for government.

“It’s a whole of government approach but also civil society. We are very proud, and we are looking forward to the 5000 delegates that will congregate here including those coming from individual activism and the ones representing structures from our provinces, our districts and our local municipalities.

“This is South Africa at work,” said the Minister while also emphasising the importance of the Summit as a platform for the people to have their say.

“You’ve got leaders of the most influential countries…those who run the economies of the world congregating and it’s important that civil society movements and social partners come in and say what is their voice; what is their view. 

“[That is] because it’s not only governments that decide the future; it is ordinary citizens that must contribute to what decision makers do. Everybody will be contributing to shaping the future of the world for the sake of our children,” Ntshavheni said.

Your Summit

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) emphasised that the summit is “not just a summit for world leaders – it’s YOUR summit”.

“The G20 Social Summit ensures that before global leaders meet, they hear directly from people like you: South Africans from all walks of life and from communities in our country, whose voices matter in shaping policies on jobs, food security, energy, equality, and sustainable development,” the department said.

Participants in the multi-stakeholder platform will be drawn from all the corners of society, including:
•    The 14 Official G20 Engagement Groups: Business (B20), Labour (L20), Youth (Y20), Women (W20), Civil Society (C20), Think Tanks (T20), Urban (U20), Parliament (P20), Science (S20) and more
•    Informal Interest Groups: Values20, interfaith initiatives
•    Civil society organisations from grassroots to international
•    Community organisers, informal traders, students, activists
•    Provincial consultations and thematic roundtables for transparent, accessible participation 

“The G20 Social Summit acts as a bridge between high-level decision-makers and grassroots movements. It ensures that policies reflect realities on the ground and that marginalized communities are represented in discussions of international importance.

“This Summit strengthens democracy by enabling marginalised and vulnerable groups to have their voices heard at a global decision-making level. It integrates social priorities – like digital inclusion, climate justice, food security, and sustainable finance – into economic frameworks,” the department explained.

Some of the key themes and priorities which will be explored during the summit include:
•    Fighting Hunger and Poverty – Ensuring food security for all
•    Climate Action and Justice – Protecting our environment for future generations
•    Equality and Inclusion – Breaking barriers across gender, race, region, and class
•    Job Creation and Skills Development – Economic empowerment for youth and communities
•    Digital Inclusion – Bridging the digital divide
•    Sustainable Finance – Fair economic systems that work for everyone 

These priorities are in line with South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme: Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

“South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency elevates African perspectives and priorities on the global stage. By hosting this summit, we position ourselves and our continent as key players in shaping international policies on social justice, sustainable development, and economic equality.

“Our presidency is rooted in Ubuntu – I am, because we are. The summit brings compassion, dignity, and shared humanity into global governance, recognising that global challenges require collective action rooted in empathy and solidarity,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says Cabinet’s decision to lift the state of care maintenance of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor will place South Africa back to its “rightful place” at the forefront of nuclear technology.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing on Sunday.

“South Africa is going back to its rightful place as a major player on the nuclear fuel cycle and we are confident that over a period of time, we’ll be a dominant and indispensable player on the nuclear side,” he said.

The decision allows South Africa to participate in the nuclear fuel cycle which will have both domestic and commercial opportunities.

“It means we can reopen the fuel development laboratories to undertake research and development. There are also commercial opportunities. There’s over 80% of [Small Modular Reactors] that are at differing stages of development. 

“We know that it’s only one country that is a supplier of this fuel. Globally, with the exponential rise of SMRs [Small Modular Reactors]. With the introduction of the work that we are doing, we are going to be another player in that space,” Ramokgopa added.

Last month, the Minister released the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2025 which included plans to install some 5200 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in South Africa.

“Nuclear is going to play a very crucial role in ensuring that we address the 600 million people on the continent that do not have access to electricity, the industrialisation of the continent, the need for us to beneficiate the critical minerals that are going to underpin the decarbonisation agenda…it’s going to rely on clean baseload and nuclear is going to feature significantly.

“As a country we are not going to be left behind. We have built a body of knowledge over time…and once we’ve lifted this care and maintenance, we are confident that the engineers that we invested in will come back and working with universities, we are going to build a pipeline of nuclear scientists who are going to participate in this build programme,” he explained.

The Minister also reflected on the selection of Duynefontein to be one of the locations for South Africa’s new nuclear build.

“On the IRP we said that we want to additional 5.2GW of nuclear generation capacity. A major decision was taken by the Department of Forestry and Environment…we were granted the EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] for the site that we had identified for the new nuclear build and that is Duynefontein just adjacent to Koeberg.

“We can deploy, when we initiate this new build, at least 2400MW of nuclear energy. We are also able to demonstrate that now there’s a site that is fully permitted for us to able to roll out the nuclear build programme,” he said.

Other sites are also being explored in the Eastern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, November 16, 2025