Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Social Development welcomes arrest of viral video suspects 

Neo
Thu, 07/31/2025 – 13:08

Source: Government of South Africa

A provincial outreach aimed at bringing essential government services to communities and fostering principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusive development was recently held in KwaZulu-Natal.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli together with Members of the Provincial Executive Council (MECs) led the community outreach in Mthonjaneni Local Municipality, as part of the ongoing Operation Sukuma Sakhe (stand up and build) Cabinet Day.

The flagship initiative is a cornerstone of the provincial government’s people-centred service delivery strategy.

The day-long programme on Wednesday saw provincial departments and government entities delivering a range of crucial services to residents, including assistance with identity documents, healthcare screenings, social grant applications, agricultural support, and youth development initiatives.

“Operation Sukuma Sakhe is about ensuring that government is present where the people are. It is about addressing challenges together and accelerating service delivery so that no community is left behind,” Ntuli said.

The outreach culminated in a community engagement session where residents had an opportunity to raise concerns and shared feedback directly with the Premier, MECs, and senior officials.

Inadequate road infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, water and sanitation, and the need for increased economic opportunities were among the key issues raised at the session.

In response, the Premier and the provincial leadership made commitments that the concerns raised will be addressed. 
“These dialogues are a vital reminder of why we serve. Listening to the voices of the people helps us to deliver better, and it keeps us accountable as leaders,” the Premier said.

In a special tribute to the district’s elderly, the Premier and Cabinet members also honoured local centenarians from the King Cetshwayo District with certificates and gifts, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to family and society.

“Our centenarians are living testaments of resilience, wisdom, and community spirit. They deserve to be honoured for the lives they have built and the families and communities they continue to inspire,” the Premier said.

Operation Sukuma Sakhe continues to strengthen the partnership between government and communities, ensuring that service delivery is not only improved but also guided by the needs and aspirations of the people.

The visit to Mthonjaneni reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to responsive governance, inclusive development, and the dignity of all its people. –  SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Parents in the Western Cape, who wish to apply for a school transfer for their children for the 2026 school year, can submit their applications between 4 and 18 August 2025. 

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), this applies to learners currently enrolled in Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12.

“Transfer applications can also be submitted at the relevant school to which the parent or caregiver wishes to transfer, or at the relevant district office,“ the department explained. 

Parents applying will need supporting documents, including the last school report card, identity document (ID), birth certificate, passport, study permit or proof of application or police affidavit, and proof of address or police affidavit. 

“Parents who have not registered on the online system previously will first need to register on the online site. Once registration is completed, they can then proceed to the application,” the statement read. 

According to the department, schools can only capture applications for their institution, but the online system allows for applications to multiple schools.

Parents or caregivers will be required to fill out the WCED application form, which can also be downloaded from the WCED website. The form can only be submitted to schools or the district office from 4 August 2025 onwards.

Parents can drop off the application form and supporting documents directly at the school or contact the school for details on electronic submissions using only the official WCED form.

Regarding Grades R, 1, and 8 applications, the department announced that schools are currently finalising their admission lists and confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. This process is still ongoing.

“We do, however, appeal to all parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2026 school year to do so immediately. The online platform is closed for these late applications.” 

Parents are advised to contact their district office or call 0861 819 919 for more information.

Online video tutorials and step-by-step guidelines for school transfer applications are available on the website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. 

Visit the admissions site for the form and relevant details: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. 

Applications can be done online at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/service/learner-admissions. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has paid R426.27 million of the R426.45 million that was owed to municipalities and Eskom for schools without Section 21(1)(d) functions. 

“As of 30 June 2025, the GDE had successfully paid a total of R426.27 million, representing 99.95% of the R426.45 million that was owed to municipalities and Eskom for schools without Section 21(1)(d) functions. The small outstanding balance of R175,853.61 (0.05%) was due to a delay resulting from updates to the Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA), a reform implemented by the Provincial Treasury to improve public financial management systems,” the provincial department said.

Earlier this month, the department reiterated that, in line with legislation, schools – specifically those granted Section 21 functions – are entrusted with managing their own finances. These schools are responsible for a range of functions, including the payment of municipal services such as electricity and water.

READ | Gauteng Education allocates funds to schools 

This as the department provided an update on the fulfilment of its commitment to settle all outstanding municipal debts owed by schools as of 31 March 2025 and outline critical infrastructure interventions aimed at addressing overcrowding across the province’s public schools.

In its update on Thursday, the department confirmed that the remaining balance will be paid during the scheduled payment runs between 25 July and 8 August 2025. 

“This payment will bring the total settlement to 100%, thereby closing the commitment made in April 2025,” it said.

The GDE provides annual allocations to schools in accordance with the Amended National Norms and Standards for School Funding. School Governing Bodies (SGBs) are guided through circulars and compliance workshops to ensure appropriate usage of these funds and are expected to supplement state resources to ensure sustainability.

Currently, the GDE retains direct financial oversight of 40 schools in the province that have not been granted Section 21 functions. 

“As of 30 June 2025, these schools collectively owed R105,391.24 in municipal debt. The department confirms that none of these schools experienced any water or electricity disconnections and continues to monitor and manage service payments on their behalf. The department reaffirms its commitment to ensuring no public school in Gauteng is or will be disconnected from water and electricity due to unpaid accounts,” it explained.
 

Overcrowding 

As part of efforts to address overcrowding in provincial schools, the department has allocated R2.8 billion in the 2025/26 financial year toward school infrastructure. 

“Of this allocation, R1.489 billion is dedicated to the construction of new and replacement schools; R615 million will support upgrades and additions, including mobile classrooms and self-build projects; R166 million is earmarked for refurbishment and rehabilitation; and R476 million is allocated for maintenance interventions.”

The GDE’s approach to overcrowding combines various infrastructure strategies, including the construction of new schools on available sites, brick-and-mortar self-build classroom projects within existing schools, and the provision of mobile classrooms where immediate relief is required. 

It added that it procures mobile classrooms are procured directly and not through monthly lease agreements, ensuring cost-effectiveness in their deployment.

To accelerate school infrastructure delivery in high-pressure areas, the department is exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Under this model, private sector partners would finance, design, build, and potentially operate or maintain public schools for a defined period, with the department amortising payments over time. This model aims to unlock private capital, fast-track delivery timelines, and ensure long-term sustainability while maintaining public oversight and accountability.

MEC Matome Chiloane said the department remains committed to ensuring sound financial governance.

“As the department, we remain committed to ensuring sound financial governance, transparency, and service continuity in all public schools. We call on all education stakeholders, particularly parents, communities, and School Governing Bodies, to continue working closely with the Department to deliver quality learning environments across Gauteng,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling the growing challenge of water infrastructure sabotage and criminal activities of the so-called “water mafia”, who continue to violate citizens’ constitutional right to water access.

Speaking during a webinar hosted by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Mahlobo described the destruction, vandalism and extortion within the water sector as acts of “economic sabotage that preys on the most vulnerable and obstructs the country’s developmental goals”.

He highlighted how criminal syndicates, often in collusion with unscrupulous individuals, are deliberately disrupting water supply networks, including damaging pump stations, pipelines, and valves. They then profit by selling water through tankers at inflated prices.

“These activities not only cripple infrastructure but also endanger public health, inflate municipal budgets through recurring repair costs and degrade the dignity of affected communities,” Mahlobo said.

The webinar held this week under the theme: ‘Sabotage of Essential Water Infrastructure and Water Mafias: What Can Be Done?’, focused on initiatives underway to address the sabotage of essential water infrastructure and water mafias.

Mahlobo noted that the widespread and coordinated criminal operations have led to water outages due to the theft of critical components like pipes, cables and meters.

He warned that the problem is not only limited to urban centres but is emerging across the country and requires urgent, coordinated and forceful action.

He said department would intensify its collaboration with law enforcement agencies and all levels of government to ensure that those behind the sabotage are identified and prosecuted.

“We will not tolerate the deliberate sabotage of our water infrastructure. These criminal acts are an attack on our constitutional democracy and our commitment to human rights.

“There will be no hesitation in acting against those responsible. We are closing the space for criminals to operate, and we will pursue them relentlessly through law enforcement, community mobilisation and with the full weight of State institutions,” the Deputy Minister warned.

Mahlobo underscored the importance of community participation in protecting infrastructure. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities, support educational campaigns, and embrace a culture of whistleblowing to expose criminal networks and corruption within the water sector.

He also called for a culture of whistleblowing, encouraging individuals with knowledge of criminal networks or corruption in the sector to come forward, adding that their role is vital in rooting out entrenched criminality.

The Deputy Minister outlined the department’s comprehensive response, including the implementation of the 2025 National Water and Sanitation Indaba resolutions, which prioritise infrastructure protection strategies, public education campaigns and partnerships with law enforcement.

“Communities are also being urged to embrace innovation, as municipalities begin deploying technology such as surveillance systems, remote sensors and smart infrastructure to detect and prevent sabotage.”

Mahlobo called on all South Africans, particularly civil society, organised labour, water activists, conservation groups and traditional leaders, to unite against the sabotage of national infrastructure.

“All acts of theft, vandalism or extortion should be reported without delay to local law enforcement or municipal security authorities,” he said.

Mahlobo reaffirmed government’s stance that water access is a non-negotiable human right and “must never be held hostage by criminals”.

“Water is life, and no criminal syndicate will be allowed to hijack the public’s right to it. We are acting decisively, and we urge every South African to be part of the solution.

“We must defend this resource together. Through strong partnerships, community vigilance and courageous whistleblowing, we will protect our water and secure our future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Press will launch a new book this evening that explores the diverse ways in which the Jukskei River has influenced the cultural, social, political and scientific narratives of Johannesburg.

Titled ‘Johannesburg from the Riverbanks: Navigating the Jukskei’, this engaging volume is edited by Mehita Iqani and Renugan Raidoo.

According to HSRC, this innovative volume brings together an array of interdisciplinary voices, shedding light on the complex and often tangled relationships between the city and this vital waterway. 

Five different launches have been organised, starting with the launch at Exclusive Books in Rosebank on Thursday, 31 July 2025, from 6:30 pm.

The organisation said the book builds on the insightful discussions and interdisciplinary perspectives shared at the 2022 Riparian Urbanism Conference, which brought together a diverse range of voices to explore the complex relationship between the city and this river. 

“From the bustling inner city to the tranquil northern suburbs, the Jukskei’s history acts as a mirror reflecting the city’s growth, struggles and stark inequalities. 

“Readers will uncover the dynamic interaction of memories, identities, and aspirations that the river embodies, all while addressing the urgent environmental challenges resulting from modernisation.” 

Professor Emeritus at the University of the Witwatersrand, Isabel Hofmeyr, said this “treasure trove of a book” tells stories of how Johannesburg and the Jukskei River make each other. 

“A sparkling compendium of chapters and images by artists, activists, scientists, urban planners, and historians will make you think about the river in new ways,” she said. 

Professor of History at the University of the Witwatersrand, Mucha Musemwa, believes the book not only investigates the Jukskei River itself but also enriches the city’s understanding of Johannesburg in refreshing ways. 

“[It is] an invigorating read for anyone interested in the intersection of nature and urban life,” he said. 

The Head of the History Workshop at the University of the Witwatersrand, Noor Nieftagodien, believes that authors highlight how the processes of modernisation, such as the mining industry and urbanisation, have contaminated this historic waterway. 

Nieftagodien said they also illustrate how the banks of the river reflect the city’s significant inequalities.

“Yet, amidst these challenges, artists and activists offer hope by reimagining our relationship with the river, making this a crucial contribution to current conversations about environmental crises,” Nieftagodien added. 

Click here on the link to RSVP https://exclusivebooks.co.za/pages/events#?event-id=55150. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Hlabisa engages with business on review of White Paper on Local Government

Gabisile
Thu, 07/31/2025 – 09:32