Category: South Africa Government

A meeting to review progress reports on cross-boundary issues affecting the North West and Gauteng has recently been held. 

The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) announced that the Members of the Executive Council (MECs) of both provinces, led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi and Gauteng’s Acting Premier Lebogang Maile, held a successful meeting to review the reports.

The provincial government established various workstreams led by Heads of Departments (HODs) from both provinces to investigate cross-boundary issues and provide lasting solutions to the identified challenges.

Some of the challenges discussed between the two provinces include the transfer of properties currently funded by Gauteng but located in North West. There are also issues regarding assets in Gauteng that belong to the North West. 

Other topics of discussion included the industrial parks, municipal services, and North West Transport Investments (NTI).

In a statement on Wednesday, the NWPG said the meeting concluded that workstreams, led by HODs, should be empowered to urgently finalise matters that have been mutually agreed upon, such as the transfer of assets and properties, and to provide final proposed solutions. 

The two provinces acknowledge the challenges faced by the NTI as an entity, which is expected to deliver services to the residents of Gauteng but has not been able to do so effectively.

“Further, that workable and existing investment models should be explored to resuscitate and make them viable. The leadership of the two provinces expressed their commitment to ensuring effective intergovernmental coordination and cooperative governance.”

The two provincial governments stated that ongoing engagements will be held to resolve any remaining administrative issues, enhance service delivery, and promote equitable development across the affected communities.

Speaking on behalf of the NWPG, Mokgosi expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by the leadership of the two provinces. 

Maile emphasised Gauteng province’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between provinces in the interest of unity and efficient governance for the benefit of all citizens.

The two provinces have also agreed to hold another meeting in January 2026 to discuss outstanding matters. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that the central and eastern parts of South Africa are expected to experience widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, which both bring a risk of flooding, amongst others.

This will be due to an intense weather system, a cut-off low pressure, that is expected to affect the country from Saturday through to Monday (15 – 17 November 2025). 

As such, the expected hazards are:

• Heavy rains with a risk of flooding in places.
• Severe thunderstorms producing strong damaging winds, large amounts of small hail, as well as excessive lightning.
• A significant drop in daytime temperatures.

“The possible resultant impacts include flooding of settlements and other properties, dangerous driving conditions, damage to infrastructure (due to flooding and strong winds), as well as the disruption of essential services. There could also be danger to life due to fast-flowing streams of water.

“The above-mentioned impacts, with a varying degree of severity, are expected over the central interior (North West, Free State, the eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape) and KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, spreading to the eastern parts (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal) of the country from Sunday into Monday,” SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile believes that the existing Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) law does not need to be repealed; instead, a review and possible amendments could address its shortcomings.

In a recent oral reply in the National Assembly, Mashatile stated that the main goal of reviewing the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy and legislative framework is to ensure inclusivity. 

He stressed the importance of enabling the majority of South Africans to benefit from this initiative, as many were previously excluded from economic opportunities.

The Deputy President told Members of Parliament (MPs) that the B-BBEE initiative is designed to assist economically disadvantaged individuals. 

The Deputy President also noted that when South Africa’s first democratic government was elected in 1994, it had a clear mandate to address past inequalities across all sectors, including politics, society and the economy.

Since then, government has launched a comprehensive programme to establish a legislative framework for transforming South Africa’s economy.

“We all want policies that ensure inclusion, most importantly, most of these reforms I am talking about are intended for exactly that. B-BBEE is currently being reviewed, and the dtic [Department of Trade, Industry and Competition] is looking at where the gaps are. 

“… At the end of the day, we want legislation that will ensure we benefit the majority of South Africans. 

“To an extent that there may be weaknesses. Let’s correct that. Let’s make amendments. That is why there is this review. There is no need to ditch the legislation and introduce something else, but let’s refine it and ensure that it includes the inclusivity that we are looking for,” said Mashatile.

The Deputy President has since affirmed to South Africans that government remains committed to ensuring the B-BBEE legislation and policy framework becomes more inclusive and benefits the majority of South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The future of aerospace engineering in South Africa made significant progress this week with the grand opening of the advanced manufacturing facility, along with the new headquarters of the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Unveiled by Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Dr Mlungisi Cele, on Tuesday, the state-of-the-art hub is a strategic step towards ensuring the global competitiveness of the country’s innovation system.

Cele highlighted the value of strategic government, higher education and industry alliances to achieve national priorities.  

He emphasised that the ASRI and advanced manufacturing initiatives strengthened the link between research excellence and industrial application – a cornerstone of the department’s vision for a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy.

“Our economy urgently needs a new generation of skilled engineers, scientists and innovators who can drive productivity, competitiveness and inclusive growth. Facilities like this one play a crucial role in meeting that need. They provide students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge technologies while fostering the creativity and problem-solving skills that are vital for our nation’s future,” he said.

He identified additive manufacturing, robotics and advanced materials as important areas for capacity development.  

Cele added that the DSTI’s Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan stressed the need to promote localisation and technology-driven manufacturing, and to equip the youth with the skills and opportunities needed for the fourth industrial revolution.

ASRI, which was originally founded in 2009 as the Aerospace Systems Research Group, became an official institute within the School of Engineering at the UKZN in 2022. 

Its mission is to establish itself as a global centre of excellence in aerospace propulsion research and development. 

ASRI aims to support South Africa’s space engineering economy and to cultivate skilled human capital in aerospace propulsion engineering.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science at UKZN, Professor Fhatuwani Mudau, expressed gratitude to the DSTI for their trust in the university. 

He assured that the investment would be utilised to transform the university into a catalyst for change, positioning ASRI as a model and leader in advancing science and building capacity within the country.

Mudau stated that he was excited by the national recognition that UKZN had earned through ASRI’s rocket science.

He encouraged the young engineers working at ASRI and the advanced manufacturing facility to use the opportunity fully.  

Professor of Aerospace Engineering at UKZN, Glen Snedden, said the new office infrastructure and manufacturing capability represented a visible commitment to the programme, which was both enabling and motivating for the engineers and students. 

ASRI also offers postgraduate study opportunities to promising students from around the country and is currently working with graduates from Stellenbosch University, the Universities of Pretoria and the Witwatersrand, as well as UKZN.

Snedden said the next step would be to move to a newly developed facility on a vacant piece of university land. 

“This would see the development of a local test capability for the static firing of our motors, and, with further development, we envisage the co-development of a production facility, offices, lecture theatres and an outreach centre, all built around the idea of aerospace studies and research. If all goes well, we will be launching a suborbital rocket into space within five years and progressing to orbital launches within 10 years,“ he concluded.

The new ASRI offices feature, among other things, a boardroom with teleconferencing capabilities, a meeting room for smaller gatherings and an advanced computing facility for simulation work. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Professor Keolebogile Shirley Motaung.

Motaung served as the Chair of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship at the Financial Research and Entrepreneurship Foundation – Nelson Mandela University Research Chair in Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion, where she led transformative research that connected innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.

Motaung has been described as a distinguished biomedical scientist, entrepreneur and visionary leader, whose contributions to science, innovation and women’s empowerment have left an indelible mark on South Africa and beyond.

She was the founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech, which is best known for developing La-Africa Soother – a plant-based anti-inflammatory ointment made from indigenous medicinal plants. 

The ointment effectively relieves muscle and joint aches, offering athletes and women a natural alternative for anti-inflammatory relief.

According to the Nzimande, Professor Keo, as she was affectionately known, was one of South Africa’s most decorated black female scientists and academics.

“For over two decades, she dedicated her knowledge and skills to the advancement of higher education, scientific knowledge, entrepreneurship, and capacity building,” Nzimande said. 

As a scientist, the Minister said one of Motaung’s seminal contributions was in stem cells, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. 

“As an academic visionary, she contributed to the training of thousands of young black scientists and researchers. She was particularly passionate about the development of young black female scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs.”

In this area of her work, Nzimande said Motaung made a significant contribution to the country’s development goals, particularly in creating jobs for young people and increasing the number of Black female graduates in STEAMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Innovation).

He also honoured the exceptional leader and patriot, who contributed to the country through various national and global organisations, including the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research, and the Board of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).

Motaung has received several prestigious national and international honours, including the Strategic African Women in Leadership (SAWIL) Trailblazers’ Award, the Inventor of the Year Award from Tshwane University of Technology, the Institute of People Management (IPM) Business Leader of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Woman Scientist Award from the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

In her work, the Minister stated that Motaung displayed an irrepressible commitment to impactful research and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. 

“More fundamentally, she was driven by a deep commitment to change the lives of ordinary people through education, science and entrepreneurship.

“As a tribute to her selfless contribution to South Africa’s development, we should use her legacy as inspiration to ensure that more black girls can fulfil their dreams of becoming scientists, academics, and entrepreneurs,” the Minister said.

On behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as all entities in the National System of Innovation, the Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to Motaung’s children, family, friends and colleagues. – SAnews.gov.za

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has committed to cultivating 6 000 hectares of land across the province’s four districts under its Crop Massification Programme, which aims to support struggling farmers with essential inputs to bring arable land back into production.

The announcement was made by Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Madoda Sambatha, during the official launch of the 2025/26 Provincial Planting Season at the Retladirela Cooperative in Dwarskraal, Tswaing Local Municipality, on Thursday.

Held under the theme: “Sustainable Crop Production for Food Security and Growth”, the event brought together farmers, stakeholders, and partners from across the province to promote best practices in grain production and mechanized farming.

The Provincial Planting Season serves as a key intervention to activate land, enhance productivity, and support both emerging and established farmers with technical knowledge and production inputs.

Sambatha said that more than 2 500 hectares have been earmarked for production in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District alone during the current financial year, supported by an investment exceeding R23 million.

“Planting is never about the present season; it is about shaping the future. Every seed we sow is a declaration of intent: to nourish communities, uplift rural economies, and build a resilient, self-sustaining province,” the MEC said.

Sambatha emphasised that empowering farmers with both resources and technical knowledge is central to achieving sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring that every hectare of productive land contributes meaningfully to food security and inclusive economic growth.

The Retladirela Cooperative, established in 2005 and operating on 565 hectares, is one of the key beneficiaries of the Crop Massification Programme. For the current season, the cooperative will plant maize and sugar beans across 250 hectares.

Cooperative member Nkwe Metswamere welcomed the department’s continued support, highlighting that recent mechanisation assistance from the National Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has significantly improved operational efficiency.

“The recent mechanisation support received has significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced the time required for soil preparation and planting,” Metswamere said.

The mechanisation package provided includes two tractors, two ripper machines, an eight-row planter, a 24-disc offset, a 10-ton trailer, 1 000-litre boom sprayers, and production inputs.

These were showcased during live demonstrations at the launch, giving farmers hands-on experience with modern mechanisation techniques that enhances planting precision and optimises the use of agrochemicals.

Metswamere encouraged farmers to remain patient and consistent in engaging with government programmes, emphasising that, “persistence and adherence to proper channels yield tangible results.”

Driving sustainable agricultural growth

Sambatha said the launch of the 2025/26 planting season in Dwarskraal, marked a decisive step forward in strengthening the province’s agricultural base and expanding its productive capacity.

“With a clear focus on land activation, farmer support, and sustainable production, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has laid the groundwork for a season defined by collaboration, resilience, and growth.” 

As the programme unfolds, Sambatha said the department’s emphasis will remain on translating policy into practical outcomes, ensuring that every hectare cultivated contributes to food security, economic development, and the long-term vitality of farming communities across the North West. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has suspended its proceedings, following unsatisfactory testimony from Mchunu Nkabinde.

Nkabinde is the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Minister of Police.

During Thursday’s hearing, Nkabinde was unable to provide clarity on key matters, including the sequence of events relating to his contact with North West businessman Brown Mogotsi. 

The committee found the evidence presented to be inconsistent and lacking in accuracy, particularly regarding matters that could have been easily verified through the Minister’s official diary.

“The witness failed to provide clear and truthful responses to straightforward questions. Despite his senior position, he could not confirm basic calendar details and demonstrated no intention to be forthright with the committee,” Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said on Thursday.

The committee resolved to discontinue the proceedings for the day and will consider rescheduling Nkabinde’s appearance at a later stage. 

The Parliamentary Legal Services team has been requested to advise on any potential consequences arising from the witness’s conduct before the committee.

“The committee remains committed to executing its mandate in a thorough, fair and transparent manner. We expect all witnesses appearing before us to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. 

“The work of this committee is undertaken in the interests of the people of South Africa, and we will not allow the process to be undermined by unprepared or untruthful testimony,” the chairperson said. –SAnews.gov.za