Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Plans are well on track to restore the eThekwini municipality as it aims to ensure that it attracts investors and tourists as well as improve service delivery for residents.

This as the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) undertook an Inspection in Loco across selected sites within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality on Thursday.

Led by the Presidency under the leadership of the Director-General Phindile Baleni as the co-chair of the project, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, the visits assessed progress achieved so far. This is through coordinated interventions under the PeWG, with a focus on tourism revitalisation, inner-city regeneration and key water and environmental infrastructure projects.

According to the PeWG, the project is also aimed at restoring public confidence and service delivery in the metro.
The group expressed satisfaction with the progress made in and around the city.

Baleni explained that when the group began its work, the task was to move from frustration to focus, and talk to tangible action.

“As we would be aware, this project has been experiencing delays due to funding shortfalls. The PeWG hosted the Umlazi Canal Financing Workshop which discussed funding solutions to ensure this critical piece of work proceeds.”

Baleni said the projects are proof that partnerships and collaboration do work.

“The PeWG has made it possible for government, business and social partners to work collaboratively in resolving mutual areas of frustration. Through the PeWG, we have seen what happens when government leads with clarity and accountability.

“Today is not merely about visiting sites. It is about reflection and recommitment, celebrating progress, identifying bottlenecks, and accelerating delivery where it matters most. 

Ensuring change

In his remarks, Micheal Mabuyakhulu, who is also the co-chair of the project said the inspection is more than just about site visits, but an accountability exercise.

“It is about ensuring that the progress we report translates into visible change in the lives of the people we serve,” he said.

Mabuyakhulu said over the past year and a half, the PeWG has evolved into one of the most effective collaborative platforms in the country.

“We have seen evidence of delivery through improved water revenue collection, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced safety operations, and stronger engagement between the public and private sectors,” he said.

He further explained that the inspection gives government a moment to listen directly to the technical teams, to see obstacles on the ground, and to strengthen coordination where gaps remain.

“It also allows us to celebrate the commitment of our social partners, particularly business, whose partnership and participation is critical to the success of the PeWG.

“As we move through the itinerary, let us remember that citizens are not waiting for promises, they are waiting for performance and tangible results. 

“The residents across eThekwini, traders in the CBD [central business district], and the industries and businesses operating in and around Phoenix Industrial Park and the South Durban Basin, are watching for signs that the promises of this partnership are becoming reality.

“The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to accelerate service delivery, restore infrastructure functionality and strengthen investor and community confidence in the metro.”

Mabuyakhulu also assured eThekhwini residents that the projects will be delivered successfully.

“If something is working, we must replicate it. If something is stuck, we must unblock it quickly. That is what will restore public confidence in the state’s ability to serve.

“The success of today’s programme will rely on our ability to facilitate open and frank conversations. Beyond this, we need to swiftly ensure that we design effective solutions, focusing on clear actions and assigning clear responsibilities.”

Shared responsibility 

He added that the recovery of eThekwini Municipality, along with the success of the PeWG, relies on collective commitment and shared responsibility.

“While it is important that we address and discuss critical delays and areas of frustration, it is equally important that we collectively work towards implementing impactful solutions,” he said while also thanking all spheres of government and business leadership for their continued commitment. 

“As the PeWG, we remain firmly invested in ensuring that the outcomes of today’s inspection translate into clear follow-up actions, timelines and accountability.” 

The inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to accelerate service delivery, restore infrastructure functionality, and strengthen investor and community confidence in the metro. The projects are expected to be complete by next year.

Restoring investor confidence

Vice-President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kim Macllwaine, said the projects will restore investor confidence in the metro.

“Progress has been made in the last 12 to 18 months of the Presidential Working Group, I hope that confidence will increase in the future,” he said.

Taking action 

In February 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by the then Minister of Police Bheki Cele, the then Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the then Public Works and Infrastructure Minister,Sihle Zikalala, met with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and various social partners to discuss service delivery challenges in the metro.

Challenges raised included interruptions to water supply, poorly maintained and damaged infrastructure due to the 2022 floods, a worrying decline in tourism numbers to the city, port efficiency concerns and crime. 

At the time, the President and the Ministers reiterated government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through a collaborative approach with social partners in eThekwini.

The Presidential eThekwini Working Group is co-chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet, Phindile Baleni and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu.

The group is responsible for reporting progress on the implementation of turnaround strategies to the President and Minsters every three weeks.

The learnings and outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will inform similar interventions in other municipalities facing service delivery challenges.

Thursday’s inspection kicked off at Moses Mabhida Stadium which is undergoing rehabilitation.

The sites visited are the Umlazi Canal which is one of the most critical flood management infrastructures in the South Durban Basin, the Phoenix Industrial Park and the revitalisation of the Rivertown and the old Post Office building project where eThekwini has proven that urban renewal is possible. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has welcomed the 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as part of continuing government efforts to drive economic growth, create jobs and address the cost of living. 

Delivered by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, on Wednesday in Parliament, the MTBPS announced a shift from inflation target range to a specific inflation target of 3%.

“The benefits of low inflation target at personal income level include prevention of cost-of-living spirals, promotion of price stability and thus protect purchasing power, supporting equitable income distribution, and protection of savings.

“At a macroeconomic level, the aim is to support gross capital formation and enhance currency stability which are important for investor confidence and economic growth. 

“The National Treasury/Reserve Bank technical team that made the recommendation for this change in Monetary Policy position, considered the drawbacks of this shift but on balance Cabinet was advised that this is the best approach for the country at the current period,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday, in Cape Town.

The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

“The MTBPS also reaffirmed government’s commitment to improve provision of critical services such as health, education, and protection of the poor through social grants while also driving investments in public infrastructure such as energy, water and transport,” Ntshavheni said.

SA produces first vaccine

In a groundbreaking milestone for the country’s pharmaceutical sector, South Africa’s Biovac has produced a Cholera vaccine – the first vaccine to be produced in the country. 

“Cabinet congratulated Biovac and the Departments of Health and Science, Technology and Innovation for the launch of the first vaccine to be produced in South Africa, in the history of the country. 

“Biovac’s ability to produce the Cholera vaccine in South Africa is a demonstration of South Africa’s advancement in pharmaceutical, science and technology and marking a graduation from vaccine packaging like in the instance of the BNG vaccine to full vaccine manufacturing capability,” the Minister said.

She hailed the partnership of Biovac with the Human Sciences Research Council and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) as it demonstrates the mobilisation of government’s capabilities to address the country’s challenges.

“Cabinet is confident of Biovac, with its partners, future contribution to the eradication of diseases in South Africa and Africa through the manufacturing of vaccines focused on our continent’s disease profile,” the Minister said.

Quarterly Labour Force Survey

With Statics South Africa (Stats SA) reporting that 248 000 more jobs were created in the third quarter of 2025, Cabinet welcomed this development.

These stats showed that the increasing number of employed persons now stands at 17.1 million and the official unemployment rate declined by 1.3 percentage points, to 31.9%, in the quarter.

“With more jobs recorded in the construction, community and social services, and trade sectors, Cabinet is pleased with job creation momentum in key areas of the economy. 

“More jobs in the construction sector is concomitant with government’s prioritisation of infrastructure development which is matched by a R 1trillion infrastructure budget as announced during the 2025 Budget and reaffirmed in the 2025 MTBPS,” the Minister said.

SA tourism sees boost in international travellers

South Africa’s tourism continues a positive trajectory as the country welcomed  7 634 261 million international tourists between January and September 2025, marking an impressive increase of 1 108 222 visitors compared with the same period in 2024.

This confirms South Africa as a premier global tourism destination.

Key strong growth markets that contributed to the growth are the Middle East with 58%; Europe grew by 29%; key markets in Africa grew by 28%; North America by 22%,  and Asia with 11%.

Energy

Cabinet also welcomed Eskom’s announcement that the National Nuclear Regulator has approved a 20-year licence extension for Koeberg Unit 2, enabling its operation until 9 November 2045. 

“This is a significant milestone that strengthens South Africa’s long-term energy security and reflects Eskom’s commitment to world-class nuclear safety standards.

“Cabinet further welcomed the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) announcement of the registration of 181 new generation facilities during the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. These facilities represent a combined capacity of 1 401 MW and an estimated investment value of R30.78 billion,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Cabinet has expressed its full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit.

This according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media on the outcomes of the cabinet meeting held this week.

The summit will be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, from 22 to 23 November.

“Since taking over the reigns as the President of the G20, South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings which were incident free and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations.

“All provinces hosted a G20 preparatory event of one form or the other,” she said.

Turning to the Leaders’ Summit itself, Ntshavheni assured that law enforcement is ready to ensure that the summit is safe and secure for all attendees.

“Comprehensive safety and security plans for the Leaders’ Summit and the Social Summit are being managed and coordinated by the relevant security structures. 

“A G20 State of Readiness media briefing will be held on Sunday, 16 November 2025, to take citizens and the global stakeholders into the country’s confidence, including milestones achieved since South Africa’s G20 Presidency in November 2024,” she said.

President Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a walkabout at the Nasrec precinct tomorrow (Friday).

Regional support

With just over a week to go until the Leaders’ Summit, the African Union has thrown its support behind South Africa – calling South Africa’s G20 Presidency a milestone reflecting the country’s “growing role in global governance”.

“As the current Chair of the G20, South Africa has shown exceptional leadership in promoting the priorities of the Global South, advancing sustainable development, and strengthening inclusive global governance.

“The Republic of South Africa is a vibrant democracy that upholds equality, human rights, and the rule of law. Its Constitution and policies reflect values aligned with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The African Union encourages all international partners to engage with South Africa and the wider African continent on the basis of mutual respect, truth, and constructive cooperation, supporting Africa’s continued contribution to global peace, development, and prosperity,” the continental body said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Government has expressed deep concern that South Africa continues to battle unacceptably high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) despite sustained national efforts to stem the flow of violence.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, made the remarks during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, 

“Cabinet is deeply concerned that despite concerted efforts by government, civil society, businesses and communities to tackle the scourge, South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBVF,” the Minister told the media.

The Minister’s comments come as South Africa will observe the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2025, under the theme: “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).”

The campaign, which forms part of a global United Nations initiative, calls for collective action across society to raise awareness, mobilise communities, and strengthen accountability in efforts to eliminate violence against women and children.

Earlier this year, government launched the 90-Day Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Acceleration Programme, a national initiative aimed at ensuring “rapid and coordinated action” against the scourge and to “fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF”.

“The 90-Day programme which was led by JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster worked on urgent and impactful interventions to reverse the upward trend of GBVF in the country.

“These include the re-establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee [IMC] to ensure cooperation in the implementation of the GBVF National Strategic Plan,” she explained.

The Minister called on a whole of society approach to root out GBVF.

“We call upon South Africans to work with government as society, as family to prevent and stop the scourge of [GBV]. Gender-based violence occurs in our homes, in our communities so we are the first responders and have the power and the ability to stop it.

“Government comes in to protect and to respond to the actions of those who have already perpetrated GBVF. But we know that prevention is better than cure. So, this is a societal call to be united to address GBVF against our children and women,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged stronger coordination between government, business, and civil society to unlock inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the Garden Route and beyond.

Delivering a virtual address at the Garden Route Economic Coordination Roundtable Dialogue on Thursday, Mashatile commended the region for sustaining momentum since the inaugural Knysna Regional Investment Conference.

He said the continued collaboration was transforming the Garden Route into a growing investment and tourism destination.

“I am very proud of your commitment to promoting this part of our country as a key investor destination, but also a catalyst for tourism in the Garden Route,” Mashatile said.

Held under the theme: “Strengthening intergovernmental coordination and private sector collaboration for inclusive economic growth”, the roundtable echoes what the Presidency had been promoting – a drive to build partnerships that accelerate development and create jobs.

Mashatile highlighted a number of national initiatives designed to harness private investment and expertise, including the Strategic Partnership Programme, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and the Government Business Partnership.

“These programmes are designed to harness private capital and expertise to enhance investment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. They specifically target issues in infrastructure development, improving operational efficiency, and creating employment opportunities for the youth, thereby addressing critical economic challenges,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President drew parallels with local initiatives, such as the iThuba Development Project, a R200 billion investment that aims to drive inclusive growth, infrastructure renewal, township revitalisation, and innovation-led economic development across the Garden Route District and beyond.

“These initiatives are not merely development projects; they are catalysts for change that align with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) mandate to promote sustainable and inclusive growth. They reflect a collaborative commitment to transform the very communities that shaped us, ensuring that the next generation inherits a future of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity,” Mashatile said.

Intergovernmental coordination key to success

Mashatile also underscored the importance of intergovernmental relations in ensuring effective service delivery and avoiding duplication of resources.

Quoting Chapter 3 of the Constitution, the Deputy President reminded delegates that the three spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local, are “distinctive, interdependent and interrelated” and enjoins them to “cooperate in mutual trust and good faith.”

He said intergovernmental relations are crucial for South Africa’s economic growth as they ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to implement policies and deliver services effectively.

“Strong intergovernmental relations prevent the duplication of resources and efforts, align strategic planning, and foster a stable environment for investment, which is essential for economic development. This is what we have been encouraging with the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM), which encourages better coordination among the various spheres of government,” the Deputy President said.

Empowering small businesses

The Deputy President also emphasised that government action alone is not enough to drive growth, calling for greater support for small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

“Local municipalities need to encourage young individuals to start their own businesses, as small enterprises create jobs, products, revenue, and services that benefit the community. Significant investments in the local economy are necessary to empower the younger generation and facilitate their economic participation,” the Deputy President said.

He highlighted the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, introduced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to South African-owned spaza shops, general dealers, and grocery stores located in townships and rural areas.

Mashatile concluded his remarks by urging South Africans to use the upcoming G20 Summit to promote the country’s commitment to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous South Africa.

“Tell the world that there is no genocide happening in our country. Tell the world that we live side by side and we are building a nation that Madiba and Tutu spoke about. We are building a nation that Braam Fischer and Helen Suzman spoke about. We are building a nation that Fatima Meer and Dr Naicker fought for,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, through its enforcement unit, the Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI), has taken 84 unroadworthy vehicles off the road during intensified stop-and-search operations conducted between 3 and 9 November 2025.

The high-impact operations form part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s comprehensive road safety strategy aimed at tackling lawlessness, enhancing compliance with traffic regulations, and safeguarding the lives of road users across the province.

According to the department, the discontinued vehicles were found to be in serious violation of road safety standards, with many failing critical roadworthiness tests due to faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, and defective lighting systems.

The GTI’s swift action prevented these hazardous vehicles from continuing to operate on public roads, reducing the risk of crashes linked to mechanical defects.

In addition to the discontinued vehicles, GTI officers uncovered widespread levels of non-compliance among public transport operators.

Key offences recorded during the week-long blitz included:

•    54 minibuses operating without valid licence discs,
•    40 minibuses discontinued for mechanical and safety defects, and
•    72 drivers operating without valid driving licences.

A total of 1 539 infringement notices were also issued for various traffic and transport-related offences. Of these, 557 were handwritten and 982 were processed electronically using GTI’s e-Force enforcement gadgets, a demonstration of the department’s commitment to leveraging technology in promoting compliance and accountability.

Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, commended the GTI for its consistent and proactive enforcement approach, reaffirming the department’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance.

“The discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles is a necessary step to protect lives on our roads. Public transport operators must understand that non-compliance will not be tolerated. We remain resolute in our mission to create safer roads and restore order within the public transport sector,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The GTI, comprising 96 highly trained officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), continues to roll out targeted enforcement operations across Gauteng to identify and remove unroadworthy vehicles, apprehend illegal operators, and ensure adherence to road safety standards.

Maintenance work underway on R24

Meanwhile, the Department of Roads and Transport has urged motorists to exercise caution along the R24, where milling and resurfacing work is currently underway.

The project is expected to be completed by Sunday, 16 November 2025.

“Motorists are urged to exercise caution, plan for possible delays, and use alternative routes where feasible.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a rallying call to the construction sector to “go and construct South Africa” by seizing the opportunity presented by government’s R1 trillion infrastructure drive.

The President was addressing the National Construction Summit held at Kempton Park in Gauteng on Thursday. 

“Our country is poised…for great growth. 

“We have the money [for infrastructure], we have the leadership, we have the opportunity. Just go and construct South Africa,” President Ramaphosa told industry leaders at the summit.

Government has committed some R1 trillion over the medium term solely to infrastructure development and is also introducing reforms to create a conducive environment for public-private partnerships (PPP).

Amendments to Treasury Regulation 16 – which are aimed at driving higher PPP investment, managing fiscal commitments, improving governance and easing private sector entry – took effect in June.

“The purpose of this Summit is to ensure that these investments and reforms do indeed turn the country into a building site.

“We want to see cranes and construction vehicles in cities, townships, villages and rural areas. When visitors travel by road or rail or air, they must see a country at work.”

The President warned that as announced investments turn to soil turning, government will “not let anyone derail these efforts”.

“We will not negotiate with construction mafias. We will not yield to cable thieves or those who vandalise infrastructure. The law enforcement agencies will deal with those who break the law.

“We have declared war on the construction mafias and they will not stop us,” he said.

Those construction companies that underperform and delay government projects are also up for accountability through the South African Construction Action Plan.

“It is a framework for collective and individual accountability; a plan that sets measurable targets, real timelines and enforceable consequences.

“The plan outlines actions to prevent underperforming contractors from securing new contracts from the state. It aims to fix cash-flow constraints and use technology to track construction projects in real time,” the President explained.

Provinces are also poised to establish Procurement War Rooms aimed at “identifying “blockages, speed up evaluations and ensure that projects move from bid to site without unnecessary delay”.

“The plan includes actions to strengthen audit and governance outcomes and professionalise the built environment in the public sector.

“In essence, this plan will ensure that projects are started and completed on time, within budget, and with no wastage.”

The President assured the gathering that government is determined that “infrastructure should be the main area of activity in taking our country forward”.

“From a social development perspective, infrastructure provides people with what they need to live and to thrive. It improves the quality of life and plays a key role in reducing inequality. Through reliable infrastructure we can boost productivity of our people and…to reduce the costs of living.

“Through infrastructure, we provide a country that will grow and develop. Infrastructure facilitates trade and commerce. When we boost infrastructure through the construction industry, we also attract investment.

“The roads we build, the bridges we construct, the schools and hospitals we erect are the foundations of opportunity and hope. Infrastructure is the engine that drives economic growth and social transformation,” President Ramaphosa said.

In the maiden budget speech of the Government of National Unity (GNU) earlier this year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a R1 trillion allocation for infrastructure investment over the medium term. 

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) tabled in Parliament yesterday, said reforms are under way to mobilise private-sector finance and technical expertise at scale.

“In parallel, there are initiatives to strengthen government’s ability to deliver infrastructure more efficiently and improve spending outcomes,” it said.

READ | Infrastructure drive firmly on the roll
–SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku has called on law enforcement authorities to move swiftly to bring to justice the people responsible for the fatal shooting at the Nyanga Terminus Taxi Rank on Wednesday morning.

The attack left two women dead and eight people injured.

According to police reports, all 10 victims were members of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA). They were travelling in a Sprinter minibus taxi to a scheduled CATA meeting near the Cape Town International Airport, when unknown gunmen opened fire on the vehicle.

Police confirmed that two women died at the scene, while seven other women and one man sustained gunshot wounds. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The shooting occurred less than 24 hours after Sileku visited the same site as part of the Department of Mobility’s ongoing road user education campaign.

Sileku expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence.

“I am heartbroken by this tragedy. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and those currently recovering in the hospital.”

The MEC urged law enforcement authorities to move swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and appealed to members of the public to assist police with any information that could help the investigation.

“Violence of any kind, especially in spaces meant for safe public transport and daily commuting, cannot and will not be tolerated. We must work together to restore safety and dignity in our taxi ranks and the sector in general,” Sileku said.

The MEC reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies and ensuring that public transport facilities remain safe for all commuters and operators.

Lentegeur triple murder under investigation

Meanwhile, police in the Western Cape have launched an intensive investigation after three bodies were discovered inside a silver VW Polo at the corners of Hillcrest Road and Park Way in Montclair, Lentegeur, on Wednesday morning.

The victims, two men and a woman, all in their 20s, sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), preliminary investigations suggest the incident is gang-related. Detectives have been assigned to the case and are pursuing several leads in a bid to track down those responsible.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile, has strongly condemned the killings, reaffirming SAPS’s commitment to dismantling gang networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Gangsterism has no place in our society. The SAPS will continue to exert pressure on these criminal networks until every individual involved in violent crimes is brought to justice,” Patekile said.

Members of the public with information are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS mobile app. – SAnews.gov.za