Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Johannesburg says preparations to host the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit have reached their final stages, with significant investments in infrastructure and security.

The city said the Johannesburg summit, to be held later this month, will mark the first time the prestigious gathering of world leaders is held on African soil.

In a statement on Tuesday, the city said hosting the summit will unlock a wealth of economic prospects for the city and the broader South African economy. 

The gathering is expected to attract high-profile delegates, global investors and international media, providing a platform to showcase the city’s burgeoning markets, technological innovations and entrepreneurial spirit. 

“This momentous occasion positions Johannesburg not only as a political and economic centre but also as a beacon of urban innovation, inclusive development and international cooperation.

“The city’s readiness reflects a comprehensive effort encompassing infrastructure upgrades, security measures and economic opportunities that promise to leave a lasting impact on the city and continent at large,” the city said. 

Increased investment during this period is anticipated to stimulate local economies, create jobs and foster new business partnerships across sectors such as finance, technology and tourism.

The city said it was also ready to welcome an influx of international visitors, with hotels, shopping centres, and transport networks having been upgraded ahead of the summit. 

The city expects to benefit from heightened global exposure, positioning it as a premier destination for business and leisure tourism beyond the event itself.

Infrastructure and safety upgrades

A major part of Johannesburg’s readiness plan has been the extensive infrastructure upgrades. 

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has been conducting maintenance along critical routes including Sandton, Alexandra, Lanseria, the M1, M2, and Soweto corridors. 

These efforts include resurfacing, pothole repairs, stormwater management, and beautification projects in collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and waste management entity Pikitup.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has implemented a dual security and traffic management plan focusing on high-security zones, motorcade routes, and overall public safety. This includes strict perimeter controls, enhanced patrols, and enforcement of bylaws across the city.

“City Power has undertaken a major overhaul of the electricity network, with over 30 substations undergoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure a reliable power supply. 

“Streetlighting has been rehabilitated along strategic routes, enhancing both safety and visibility. Critical water infrastructure, including Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pumping Station, has received reinforced power supply systems to prevent disruptions during the event,” the city said. 

Johannesburg Water said contingency plans, including mobile water tanks and sanitation services, are in place to respond swiftly to any emergencies that might arise during the summit.

A defining moment for Johannesburg and Africa

The City of Johannesburg said these efforts go beyond the immediate needs of the G20 Summit, laying a foundation for Johannesburg to attract more international events in future.

“By investing in infrastructure, security and economic development, the city is not only ready to welcome the world but also to position itself as a leading African city capable of hosting future international events. 

“The summit promises to be a pointed milestone, nurturing economic growth, tourism and international collaboration that will benefit Johannesburg for years to come,” the statement read.

The 2025 G20 Summit is expected to be a defining moment for Johannesburg and for the African continent as leaders from the world’s largest economies convene to discuss global growth, sustainability, and development. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and reshaping South Africa’s legislative landscape. 

Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the Deputy President detailed ongoing reforms while addressing doubts about implementation and inclusivity.

He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains focused on key priorities to enhance the South African economy, including rapid and inclusive economic growth. 

“Together with members of the Executive, we have been working on an investment drive to market our economic policy and to attract foreign direct investment to our economy,” the Deputy President said on Tuesday. 

He told Members of Parliament (MPs) that the GNU has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029, which focuses on three strategic priorities – driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. 

The Deputy President said the MTDP is guiding the work of the GNU for the next five years in pursuit of these strategic priorities, which are informed by the Statement of Intent.  

“The government’s goal of attaining sustainable and rapid economic growth has historically been a priority of the ANC-led government. Even before the seventh administration, we have introduced critical legislation and policy reforms to support this objective.” 

He told the MPs that in October 2020, government introduced Operation Vulindlela, a significant initiative, aimed at accelerating economic reforms. 

Operation Vulindlela focuses on enhancing the country’s growth trajectory and improving its overall economic performance through various strategies.

The Deputy President also noted that the infrastructure reform remains a key focus area. highlighting steps being taken to strengthen State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

“Through the National State Enterprise Bill, we are introducing reforms to strengthen our State-Owned Enterprises, focusing on improving governance, unbundling monopolies and introducing competition to reduce costs and boost efficiency, whilst at the same time transforming SOE boards to be fit for purpose,” he said. 

In addition, he said government recently took steps to ensure more effective government service and transparency.

“The NCOP passed the Public Administration Amendment Management Bill. Rather, the Bill has been sent to the President for ascent. All these reforms demonstrate our commitment to deliver on the Medium-Term Development Plan and the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President also reaffirmed government’s commitment to reviewing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation to ensure it benefits the majority of South Africans. 

“We want legislation that will ensure that we benefit the majority of South Africans. I will not support legislation that seeks to benefit a few, as you are saying, we want to benefit the majority of the people.”

On challenges in education and persistent unemployment, the Deputy President underscored an urgent shift in strategy. 

“We have the Human Resource Development Council, which the President has asked me to lead. We work with labour, with business and non-governmental organisations. 

“We are putting the issue of education and skills on top of the agenda of what we do, particularly amongst young people, so that we don’t have people called unemployed graduates and so on. So that’s a very important thing.”

On crime, government will continue with coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb the flow of drugs into our country. 

“We call on all of society to continue to collaborate in these efforts.” 

During the 2024/25 financial year, the Hawks were successful in dismantling 19 clandestine drug laboratories, making 45 arrests at 18 of those sites, with at least two cases involving identified international actors and ongoing investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Biovac has received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to begin clinical trials for its oral cholera vaccine.

This is a significant development that could position South Africa as the only country in Africa to manufacture this life-saving vaccine entirely in-house.

Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi described the start of clinical trials for the country’s first fully manufactured cholera vaccine as a historic milestone, not just for Biovac and South Africa, but for the entire continent.

“The ability to manufacture a life-saving vaccine from start to finish right here at home strengthens our national capacity to respond swiftly to potential outbreaks and enhances Africa’s self-reliance in vaccine production. This milestone aligns with the government’s vision of ensuring health security and universal access to essential medicines,” said Motsoaledi.

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, said government is committed to promoting local manufacturing, facilitating technology transfer, and commercialising scientific discoveries. 

These efforts are essential not only for public health but also for job creation, skills development, and industrial growth.

“Not only for the benefit of South Africa, but for Africa,” said Gina. 

Motsoaledi and Gina addressed the launch of South Africa’s first locally manufactured vaccine in over 50 years. The event took place at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The Ministers said the number of cholera outbreaks has been growing in Africa, coinciding with repeated shortages of cholera vaccines, leaving exposed communities vulnerable to unnecessary disease and deaths. 

Cholera, a preventable disease, can be fatal during outbreaks if treatments, such as oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics and vaccines to curb the spread, are unavailable. 

The Biovac vaccine development project receives support from the Gates Foundation, Open Philanthropy, the Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom, and the ELMA Vaccines and Immunisation Foundation, among others.

The African Union (AU) has set a target for 60% of all routine vaccines used in Africa to be manufactured on the continent by 2030, a major advancement from today’s level of less than 1%. 

Phase 1 of Biovac’s oral cholera vaccine clinical trial was initiated at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Perinatal HIV Research Unit (Wits’ PHRU), a renowned and established clinical trial site, in October 2025.

The first phase will focus on testing safety in adults, before proceeding to a further Phase 3 of the clinical trial, assessing the immunogenicity, which indicates that the vaccine can prevent cholera through antibodies developed in patients who receive the vaccine.  

The Phase 3 trial will be conducted at five sites, two in Johannesburg, two in Durban, and one in East London. 

Coordinated by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), this clinical trial also highlights South Africa’s ability to conduct trials for multiple types of products.  

If the vaccine is considered safe in the initial trial phase, a larger Phase 3 study will compare the Biovac oral cholera vaccine with Euvichol Plus, a cholera vaccine produced by EuBiologics.

Euvichol Plus is one of several oral cholera vaccines that are currently prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Depending on the trial outcomes, the vaccine could be approved and ready for use in Africa in 2028 and globally by 2028/29.    

CEO of Biovac, Dr Morena Makhoana, said the organisation is proud to be manufacturing this vaccine entirely in South Africa.

“If the trials are successful, South Africa will become the first country on the continent to produce a cholera vaccine. This development addresses a critical, life-saving need, given the ongoing global shortages of the vaccine amid recurring cholera outbreaks,” said Makhoana. 

Biovac is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cape Town, established in 2003 as a result of a collaboration between the government and private sector aimed at revitalising local vaccine production capabilities.

SAMRC Chief Scientific Officer and Distinguished Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University, Professor Glenda Gray, said: “We are honoured to lead the clinical trials for the oral cholera vaccine, a historical landmark for our country and a vital step in strengthening our country’s ability to respond to infectious diseases.” 

She said they were committed to ensuring that these trials are conducted in full compliance with good clinical practice guidelines, with the highest regard for the safety, care, and protection of all participants. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s beekeeping industry, describing honeybees as “the farmers of the sky” whose silent labour underpins food security, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity. 

Speaking at the Beekeeping Awareness Field Day, held at Oude Raapkraal in Westlake, Cape Town, Steenhuisen said the role of bees in agriculture goes far beyond honey production. 

“They do not use tractors or ploughs, yet their work ensures that nearly 75% of our food crops bear fruit. In South Africa, bee pollination contributes more than R10 billion every year to agriculture,” Steenhuisen said. 

Bees and food security 

The Minister emphasised that beekeeping is a vital contributor to the country’s agricultural sector for contribution to food security, income generation and economic development. 

“Beekeeping contributes directly and indirectly to job creation in South Africa – from the beekeepers to the farmworkers involved in pollination-dependent crops,” he said. 

Bees, recognised under the Animal Improvement Act (Act No. 62 of 1998) as agricultural animals, play a key role in several of the department’s strategic outcomes, including increased production, improved food and nutrition security, enhanced biosecurity, and greater market access. 

Steenhuisen warned that habitat loss, drought, and pesticide misuse threaten bee populations. “When the land stops flowering, bees go hungry, colonies weaken, and honey yields decline.” 

Imagine if every farm, school, and roadside in South Africa became a bee garden – filled with indigenous plants, fruit trees, and wildflowers,” Steenhuisen said. 

He also urged the responsible use of pesticides, noting that spraying at the wrong time, during bloom, can kill thousands of bees overnight. 

The department, he said, is strengthening integrated pest management, encouraging farmers and beekeepers to communicate, spray responsibly, and use less toxic options. 

Building the honey value chain 

Beyond pollination, the Minister highlighted honey’s growing economic importance. South Africa produces up to 2 500 tons of honey annually but consumes nearly double that amount, relying heavily on imports, primarily from China.

 “We rely heavily on the imports of natural honey, with more than 80% of our imported honey coming from China. We also import from Zambia, India, Poland and Yemen. Since there is such a high demand for this product, we have seen an increase of very poor quality and sometimes adulterated honey,” Steenhuisen said. 

To address this, he said the Department of Agriculture’s Inspection Services will again conduct an operation in December to remove mislabelled or counterfeit honey products from store shelves. 

“These operations are part of our efforts to ensure that citizens get the quality goods they intended to purchase. By investing in our local beekeepers, honey processors, and cooperatives, we can grow this sector into a thriving value chain that supports rural jobs, exports, and food authenticity.” 

Strengthening research and biosecurity 

The Minister noted progress on strategic areas to support the bee industry for sustainability, and these include development of a National Beekeeping/Apiculture Strategy for South Africa; development of an AFB (American foulbrood) Management and Response Strategy; Bee Forage Strategy; finalisation of the Residue Monitoring Plan for honey export to the EU; establishment of the Honey Value Chain Round-Table Forum; and resuscitation of the biliteral engagement platform between the department and bee industry (SABIO) lab accreditation in South Africa for the testing of honey for disease and chemical residues. 

He confirmed that the department has commissioned the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) to conduct research on bees: “Survey of AFB in honeybee colonies in South Africa protecting beekeeping and pollination services.” 

The research also intends for the development of a consolidated National Beekeeping Strategy for South Africa, as well as an AFB Management Strategy. 

“Our task is clear – to protect these pollinators, nurture our beekeepers, and grow South Africa’s honey industry into a model of sustainability and pride. Together, we can make sure that the hum of the honeybee continues to be the sound of life, abundance, and hope for generations to come.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier champions ethical leadership, accountability in building a safer KZN

GabiK
Tue, 11/11/2025 – 10:07

Source: Government of South Africa

Traffic disruptions expected as Gauteng launches joint operations ahead of G20 Summit

DikelediM
Tue, 11/11/2025 – 09:50

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has postponed the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act to 1 July 2026.

The nationwide rollout of AARTO was initially scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the postponement comes amid an assessment of the state of readiness in some of the municipalities identified for the first phase of implementation.

According to the department, the assessment revealed several areas that require further attention before the system can be rolled out effectively. These include the finalisation of training of both law enforcement officers and back-office personnel, as well as the harmonisation of current law enforcement system used by various municipalities, and funding to align with AARTO requirements.

“The department will soon publish the new proclamation with new staggered implementation dates, the 1st of July 2026 being the official implementation date. The phased approach of implementation will still be maintained as initially envisaged,” the department said.

The AARTO Act is aimed at promoting safer roads through a uniform system of traffic law enforcement and the introduction of a demerit points system for offenders.

The AARTO Act provides for a system whereby a person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator, pays the penalty and incurs points when a traffic infringement is committed.

The system will involve demerit points being allocated according to the severity of infringements committed.

Under the demerit system, vehicles are not punished by the system, but the operator /juristic person is held responsible for the use of the vehicle.

Upon implementation of the demerit system, everyone will commence with zero points.

Ensuring coordinated rollout nationwide

Welcoming the announcement, Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku said the postponement provides much-needed space to ensure that every municipality, enforcement agency, and operational team is fully prepared for this important transition.

Sileku said with national assessments highlighting gaps in training, system harmonisation, and funding, the additional time will help ensure a more efficient and coordinated rollout nationwide.

“This deferment is an opportunity to do things properly. We must walk this road together as all spheres of government and stakeholders. A successful transition depends on alignment, readiness, and making sure no one is left behind. That is how we build a safer, more efficient mobility system for everyone,” the MEC said.

The Western Cape Government reaffirmed its commitment to cooperative governance and engaging actively with national and local partners as the new phased timelines unfold. – SAnews.gov.za