Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has officially launched the Matric Support Programme, aimed at equipping matriculants with information and resources to navigate the transition into the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

Launched at Mthingwevu High School in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, the programme forms part of Gondwe’s broader vision of making higher education more accessible. especially for learners in rural areas.

The programme is designed to empower Grade 12 learners with essential information on available study options and funding opportunities, amongst others, to ensure they are well-prepared before entering the higher learning institutions.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and the National Skills Fund (NSF).

The Deputy Minister’s office helpdesk will also play a role in providing direct support and guidance to learners.

Addressing the learners and community during the launch, Gondwe encouraged Grade 12 learners to explore various opportunities available in the PSET system.

“While you are still in matric, you can apply to any of our 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and our 26 universities. After matric, you even have the option to enrol for a skills development programme under the auspices of any of our 21 SETAs.

“What I am saying is that whether you want to become a teacher, a doctor, a plumber, an entrepreneur or even an Information Technology (IT) technician, there is a pathway for you in the higher education and training sector. The future is full of possibilities, start planning your next move today,” the Deputy Minister said.

She also reminded learners that education is more than just a personal achievement, “it is a tool to break intergenerational poverty.”

In addition to the launch, Grade 12 learners received school stationery packs and sanitary towels – part of the department’s effort to support and motivate learners.

Gondwe will on Thursday launch the programme at Jiba High School in Lusikisiki. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has published draft regulations for comment that are aimed at prohibiting the production, distribution, sale, import, and export of plastic microbeads and products containing them.

The regulations underscore South Africa’s commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems, rivers, and soils from the pervasive harm caused by these non-biodegradable pollutants, which often enter waterways through wastewater and accumulate in food chains.

“This is a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to protect South Africa’s precious natural heritage from the scourge of plastic pollution. Plastic microbeads may be small, but their impact on our oceans and wildlife is immense. 

“By banning them, we are not only preserving biodiversity but also ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. I urge all stakeholders to engage with this process and help shape regulations that truly make a difference,” the Minister said on Thursday.

The proposed regulations, issued under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998), seek to eliminate the use of plastic microbeads – tiny solid plastic particles smaller than five millimetres commonly found in cosmetics, personal care items, pesticides, toiletries, and other products. 

Once enacted, the rules will impose a blanket prohibition on these microbeads, with provisions for monitoring, evaluation, and strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to R10 million or imprisonment for up to 20 years in cases of repeated offences.

A transitional phase allows existing stocks to be phased out over 24 months, requiring affected parties to notify the Director-General and submit phase-out plans. 

The public has been invited to submit written comments on the draft regulations within 30 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette. 

Submissions can be sent by post to the Director-General, Attention: Mr Jeremia Sibande, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001; by hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria; or by email to jsibande@dffe.gov.za. For inquiries, contact 082 302 6907.

The draft regulations will soon be available for download at www.dffe.gov.za  or can be obtained directly from the department. Comments received after the closing date may not be considered.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and conserving South Africa’s natural resources for the benefit of all. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed its strong objection and concern regarding the recent visit of former South African President Jacob Zuma, an eminent leader and head of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. 

This is after he visited the Kingdom of Morocco and met with Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Rabat on 15 July 2025.

“While we respect the sovereign right of Morocco to invite individuals and groups, DIRCO, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, strongly protests the use of South African national symbols, in this instance the use of the South African National Flag, in the meeting between Mr Jacob Zuma and the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco,” the statement read. 

According to DIRCO, using the South African National Flag during a meeting with a member of an opposition political party, which is considered a non-State actor, is an abuse of established protocol and decorum. 

In addition, the department said this practice undermines the official bilateral relations between South Africa and Morocco.

“South Africa has indicated to the Kingdom of Morocco that the display of national symbols inherently conveys official State endorsement and elevates the perception of the encounter to that of a state-to-state engagement. This characterisation is inconsistent with established diplomatic protocol, as the participants did not represent the official positions or engagements of the South African State. 

“Consequently, this portrayal cannot be recognised as an official bilateral meeting, and the implications drawn from it are firmly rejected.” 

Meanwhile, the department said government holds the firm view that the use of its national symbols in contexts implying official State endorsement of non-governmental engagements is “inappropriate, irrespective of the setting“. 

“In the spirit of fostering and maintaining cordial and friendly bilateral relations, and consistent with the fundamental principles of mutual respect between sovereign States and non-interference in internal affairs, South Africa respectfully encourages the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to refrain from such actions. 

“Upholding these shared principles is essential for the continued positive development of relations between our two nations.” – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

As the country observes Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a series of profiles to celebrate the specialised units and teams who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups. 

Today, the SAPS is shining the spotlight on the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Mangaung, Free State. 

Mangaung FCS, a team of 31 investigators, collectively secured 20 life term sentences in court and placed 152 sexual offenders behind bars in the past year. 

Sergeant Badiri Bessi Nthoba is one of three dedicated serial investigators attached to Mangaung FCS, focusing on serial rape cases in the area. A mother of two, she is relentless in her pursuit of justice for victims of sexual offences.

A recent success includes securing a life sentence, plus an additional five years’ imprisonment for a perpetrator who raped a minor girl.

But Nthoba’s commitment goes beyond the courtroom. She goes the extra mile to restore dignity to her victims. 

One of her most memorable cases involved a serial rapist who was sentenced to five life terms across four dockets. One of the key witnesses, a young victim, had gone missing shortly before she was due to testify.

“I remember her father telling me he had not seen her for days and that she was not in a good space. We drove around Welkom looking for her [and] when I finally found her, she didn’t want to go through with the case. I sat down with her and explained how important it was for her to testify, not just for justice, but for her own healing,” Nthoba said.

They returned late that night to Bloemfontein, bought her food and toiletries, and ensured she had a safe place to sleep. 

“The next morning, she stood tall in court – clean, sober and ready. Seeing her take the stand with pride… I knew she was on the path to reclaiming her dignity. And it felt good.”

As one of 176 FCS units in the country, Mangaung FCS says every conviction is a step closer to a safer South Africa for all women, children and other vulnerable groups. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Government is set to host the African Union-AIP Water Investment Summit, which aims to mobilise investments for climate-resilient water infrastructure and unlock shared prosperity across the continent.

Set for next week, the summit takes place during South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the first to be hosted on African soil, under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

It aims to place Africa’s development challenges, especially water security, at the centre of the global agenda and to help address the continent’s US$30 billion annual water investment gap.

Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 13 -15 August, the gathering will be held in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), the AU-AIP High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).

READ | Africa to tackle water investment gap at summit

In a statement, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) noted that Africa’s water infrastructure remains underfunded, hindering economic development, social well-being and climate resilience.

While water and sanitation are foundational to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advancing public health, food security, industrial growth, and climate adaptation, the department said inadequate governance, financing shortfalls and limited technical capacity continue to constrain progress across the continent.

“The summit is a direct response to these systemic challenges. The AU-AIP Africa Water Investment Summit is designed to be a transformative platform for mobilising political will and capital, and showcasing bankable climate-resilient water and sanitation projects from across the continent.

“These include infrastructure for water supply and irrigation, hydropower, sanitation services and cross-border water governance systems. A critical feature of the summit is its alignment with three strategic investment pathways, drawn from the ‘Africa’s Rising Investment Tide’ report, which was developed by the AU-AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa.

“These include strengthening sector governance to unlock funding confidence, advancing domestic resource mobilisation to increase internal sustainability, and attracting global and continental finance to build partnerships and scale,” the department said.

The three-day gathering will include high-level political plenaries, high-level sessions on investment and innovation, project showcasing and investment matchmaking sessions, and youth water investment track sessions, among others.

The summit will also enable AU Member States to align on water investment priorities and strengthen coordination.

The opening session will be led by the South African Government, in its capacity as G20 Chair, and will feature speakers such as the former President of Tanzania and Alternate Co-Chair of the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, Jakaya Kikwete and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Development: AUC, Moses Vilakati.

The expected outcomes of the summit include: 
•    A Summit Declaration on Water Investments to be endorsed by African Heads of State and aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the 2026 UN Water Conference.
•    Concrete multi-billion-dollar investment pledges from development banks, private financiers, bilateral donors, and philanthropic partners.
•    New partnerships and financing mechanisms to improve the long-term resilience and bankability of water investments.
•    The inauguration of the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, a high-level advisory body to champion water as a global priority in forums such as the G20, Conference of the Parties (COP), and the United Nations.
•    Presentation of the 2025 Water Changemaker Awards, including the Presidential Changemaker Award, recognising exceptional leadership and innovation in water sector transformation.

Call to action

According to the department, the summit reinforces the importance of collective African action.

“With the admission of the African Union into the G20, there is a unique opportunity for AU Member States to speak with a unified voice and co-create a future where water is protected, valued and invested in as a catalyst for shared prosperity. 

“Through greater regional collaboration, knowledge exchange and cross-border financing, the continent can transform its water systems and build a resilient and inclusive future,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za