Category: South Africa Government

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Opening remarks by President Ramaphosa during the virtual Extraordinary SADC Summit

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Outgoing Chairperson of SADC,

Your Excellency, President Professor Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, 

Your Majesty, King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chairperson of the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation,  

Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government  and Heads of Delegation present here

Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers;

Honourable Ministers;

The Executive Secretary of SADC, Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, Deputy

Deputy Executive Secretaries and the entire staff of the SADC 
Secretariat, 

Senior Officials 

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening, 

It is both an honour and privilege to address this august gathering of Heads of State and Government. South Africa has humbly accepted to preside over this meeting in our capacity as the Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Summit as guided by the Treaty. 

Your Majesty, Your Excellencies

We gather today not merely to deliberate on the agenda before us,  but to reaffirm our shared commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region.

From its inception, the SADC has stood as a beacon of solidarity — a community founded on the values of unity, peace, mutual benefit and sovereign equality. As these very values are being tested by a convergence of challenges, we are called upon to act with both urgency and foresight — to stabilise the present while safeguarding the future. For the future of this organisation lies in our ability to earnestly deploy our institutional strength to find sustainable solutions.

Indeed, the challenges confronting our region are profound, but they are not terminal. Our collective sense of regional solidarity at this time is our strongest currency. Solidarity at this moment demands courage to act decisively in defence of agelong regional gains. 

Your Majesty, Your Excellency, 

The people of our region continue to look to us for leadership that delivers the vision of a peaceful, inclusive and industrialised region, which we have set ourselves to realise in 2050. But they cannot wait for that anticipated year to fulfil their current needs.  

This meeting must therefore serve as a platform to deeply reflect and collectively come up with pragmatic solutions to challenges besetting our region. For these reasons, the issue that is on our agenda could not wait for ordinary meetings of the SADC institutions.

I wish to thank the Council of Ministers supported by the Secretariat for preparing the meeting documents that will certainly serve as a firm basis for our discussions this evening.

I thank you for your attention and wish us all fruitful deliberations.

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Italy for a working visit to the Holy See

Source: President of South Africa –

President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, Friday 7 November 2025, arrived in Rome, Italy for a working visit to the Holy See.

South Africa and the Holy See have cordial bilateral relations and the visit by President Ramaphosa serves  as an opportunity to discuss a renewed focus on collaboration in humanitarian aid, climate justice, emergency response, and peace building.

The Holy See has diplomatic ties with over 180 countries and observer status at major international bodies like the United Nations and holds significant global influence through its moral, religious, and diplomatic authority.

South Africa and the Holy See have a long history of diplomatic relations that was formally established in 1994. South Africa values the warm and respectful relations it has enjoyed with the Holy See over the years.

The meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is of particular significance as it represents South Africa’s first high-level engagement with the newly appointed Pontiff. His ascension to the papacy on 8 May 2025 provides an important opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen bilateral relations with the Holy See.

The South African concept of Ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, shared humanity, and humanity towards others, aligns with the Pope’s calls for a more compassionate, loving, peaceful and inclusive global community.

The President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola and daughter, Ms Keneilwe Ramaphosa.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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Northern Cape police conducted a high-density operation in Kimberley

Source: Government of South Africa

Northern Cape police conducted a high-density operation in Kimberley

The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, accompanied by Francis Baard District Commissioner, Major General Charlotte Makgare, led a multi-disciplinary high-density operation in the Kimberley CBD on Thursday.

According to the police, the coordinated effort was aimed at eradicating criminal activities and curb lawlessness within the city. 

“The operation included members from various SAPS components and specialized units, as well as officials from the Traffic Department, Environmental Health from Sol Plaatje Municipality, the Department of Correctional Services and the Department of Labour,” the police said.

The operation focused on crime prevention, drug trafficking, contravention of traffic regulations and illicit trading activities in the CBD.

During the operation, several identified hotspots were cordoned off and searched. Dangerous weapons were confiscated, street vendors were inspected, and counterfeit designer brands including clothing were seized.

Traders found in violation of trading regulations were issued with warnings, while three shops were closed for failing to meet environmental health standards.

“Several motorists were also issued with fines for a range of traffic violations, while the Department of Labour issued prohibition notices to employers found to be non-compliant,” the police said.

Lieutenant General Otola encouraged members of the public to actively participate in the fight against crime. 

She further reiterated that the SAPS in the Northern Cape remains resolute in its commitment to dismantle all forms of criminality and to stamp the authority of the State. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Global finance reform key for sustainable development

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called for urgent reforms to the international financial system so that multilateral banks can provide long-term and affordable capital for sustainable development and climate action.

According to the Global Stocktake, the collective global progress toward the Paris Agreement goals is insufficient.

“The Global Stocktake is clear. Progress is too slow. We must accelerate action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and the means of implementation.

“The Global Goal on Adaptation must deliver measurable indicators and the finance to achieve them. The Sharm el Sheikh Work Programme must unlock real investment through blended models. The Loss and Damage Fund must be capitalised,” the Minister said on Friday. 

He said the Baku to Belém Roadmap must advance 1.3 trillion dollars in grants, concessional finance and fiscal space measures.

The roadmap aims at scaling up climate finance to developing country to support low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development pathways. 

The Minister made these remarks at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30 Leader’s Summit, taking place in Belém, Brazil, as part of the 30th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP).

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time. No nation can face it alone. This is a time that demands courage, solidarity and multilateralism in action. World leaders have a moral duty to close the gap between ambition and finance in the fight against climate change.

“South Africa further, reiterates that climate change response measures by developed countries should not impact developing countries’ industrial, trade and socio-economic development goals, in line with international law,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the unilateral climate response measures should not have spill-over and negative cross-border impacts on developing countries. 

“Our firm view is that the unilateral trade measures which aim to achieve unbalanced climate objectives outside of the framework of the multilateral process, or unfairly restrict global trade in green technology, will only serve to hinder our ability to achieve a just transition, and slow the global effort to address climate change,” the Minister said.

In fulfilment of South Africa commitments, under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts, government has submitted its second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

They include a new mitigation target for 2035 of between 320 and 380 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent, showing clear progression from our 2030 range. 

“Our updated adaptation communication identifies our support needs for finance, technology and capacity building. South Africa’s expectations for COP30 are clear,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

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Southern African Large Telescope marks 20 years of astronomical achievements

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) on Monday, 10 November 2025, in Sutherland, Northern Cape.

For the past two decades, Africa’s Giant Eye on the Sky, situated at the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) South African Astronomical Observatory (NRF-SAAO) in Sutherland, has been the largest single optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. 

This research facility is managed by the NRF, which is part of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).

Since its inauguration in 2005, the department said SALT has been instrumental in advancing South Africa’s and Africa’s contribution to global astronomy, supporting discoveries such as new exoplanets, the optical afterglow of neutron star mergers, and distant galaxies that mirror the early universe. 

“SALT will enable South Africa to remain internationally competitive in astronomy well into the 21st century and provide a focus for the development of basic space science on the African continent.” 

According to the department, the anniversary celebration will bring together leading astronomers, international research partners, and science leaders to reflect on SALT’s scientific achievements and its impact on building local research capacity and inspiring young scientists. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Government finalises 150 appeals in abalone sector

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

In decisive step that brings long-awaited clarity to many fishers, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has finalised his determination of approximately 150 appeals in the abalone sector. 

These appeals stemmed from decisions to refuse exemptions under the Marine Living Resources Act, following a rigorous verification process by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. 

According to many appellants were found to have breached the conditions of their previously issued permits, resulting in their exemptions being denied. 

Since abalone fishing rights reverted to the State in 2014, the sector has been managed through annual exemptions to support former right holders and prevent a complete shutdown of the fishery. 

These exemptions were intended to cushion the economic and social impact, while a new rights allocation process was being developed.

The Minister has emphasised the importance of balancing livelihoods with conservation. I am deeply aware of the socio-economic realities facing fishers in the abalone sector. 

“However, we must also confront the fragile state of the abalone resource, which has suffered from years of overfishing and illegal harvesting. Its recovery demands a science-based and responsible approach,” George said on Friday.

The Minister has instructed the department to review the current management framework and explore ways to formalize and strengthen regulation in the sector, ensuring that both the sustainability of the resource and the well-being of coastal communities are protected.

He reaffirmed his commitment to a fair and transparent process, noting that sustainable management is key to securing the future of South Africa’s abalone fishery. –SAnews.gov.za

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SABC journalists win gold for outstanding UN coverage

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease, and videographer Aaron Berbrick for being recognised for their outstanding broadcast media coverage of the United Nations (UN). 

This accolade pertains to an interview conducted by Bryce-Pease and Berbrick with Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, before the UN General Assembly in September, focusing on crises in Gaza and other conflict zones.

In a sit-down interview with Bryce-Pease, Fletcher cautioned that the burden on humanitarian workers could be greater this year. 

He reflected on crises in Gaza, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where millions of people are facing emergencies while global funding for humanitarian relief continues to diminish.

The SABC duo was honoured as the gold winners of the Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize. 

This prize is named in memory of Ricardo Ortega, who was the New York correspondent for Antena 3 TV of Spain and tragically passed away while on assignment in Haiti in 2004.

Lamola stated that this prestigious award, given by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), signifies a notable recognition of journalistic excellence on a global level.

“For many years, the SABC, through the dedicated work of Mr Bryce-Pease and videographer Aaron Berbrick, has provided the South African public with insightful, accurate, and timely reporting on the deliberations and developments within the United Nations. 

“Their work plays a vital role in keeping our nation apprised of critical international affairs and the multilateral efforts that shape our world,” the Minister added. 

Bryce-Pease stated that the SABC News team in New York is thrilled by this acknowledgement and that the award validates their work and commitment.

“But also, the investment that the public broadcaster continues to make in our operations in the United States. 

“Our ethos is to deliver quality, accurate content that not only inspires but also educates and informs, as well as being driven by substance and facts. Aaron and I are proud to receive this award but are only honoured to represent SABC News on the international stage,” he added.

The winners will be honoured at the 29th annual UNCA gala on Friday, 12 December 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will be the guest of honour for the evening.

This black-tie event will be attended by UN ambassadors, high-level UN officials, Hollywood celebrities, humanitarians, representatives from corporate and cultural organisations, and media from around the world.

During the gala, UNCA will showcase a short video clip featuring only the gold award winners. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Seventeen undocumented foreign nationals arrested during Eastern Cape labour inspection

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Seventeen undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a high-impact workplace inspection led by Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya in the Eastern Cape, on Thursday.

The multidisciplinary operation, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service, forms part of government’s efforts to promote safe, fair, and compliant workplaces while tightening enforcement of labour laws across sectors.

According to the Department of Employment and Labour, the blitz inspection focused on enforcing key labour legislation and assessing workplace compliance. 

One non-compliant employer was issued with a compliance order for multiple contraventions of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). These included:

  • Section 81 – Failure to keep prescribed records
  • Section 82 – Outstanding Return of Earnings (ROEs) for the 2024/25 financial year
  • Section 86 – Outstanding payment amounting to R31,579.40
  • Section 87 – Accrued penalties and interest

Deputy Minister Sibiya praised the collaborative effort and cooperation of employers during the operation, noting that such initiatives reflect government’s commitment to fair and lawful employment practices. 

“This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve when government departments work together in pursuit of a common goal. 

“I want to thank our partner departments for their unwavering support and commend the employers who have opened their doors and cooperated fully with our labour inspectors. Their commitment to compliance is vital in building a labour market that is both just and sustainable,” Sibiya said.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of compliance, accountability, and respect for workers’ rights through sustained enforcement across all sectors of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Gauteng matric exams progressing smoothly

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed satisfaction with the smooth progress of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, currently underway across the province.

According to the department, no major disruptions have been reported since the start of the examinations, and candidates have generally shown discipline and commitment throughout the process.

“We commend the #ClassOf2025GP for their commitment and discipline and urge all candidates to continue adhering to the NSC Pledge, which promotes honesty, integrity, and respect during this critical period,” the Department said in a statement.

Learners have been strongly cautioned against bringing crib notes or cellphones into examination centres. The GDE noted that these items continue to feature prominently in examination irregularity reports, warning that any learner found in possession of them will face serious consequences including possible disqualification from future exams.

The department also raised concern over increasing absenteeism among part-time candidates, urging all registered learners to attend and write all their scheduled papers.

“Every paper counts, and we want to see every candidate complete their examinations successfully,” the statement read.

As exams continue, the department reminded learners to take care of their mental and physical well-being by getting enough rest, exercising, and maintaining healthy routines. 

Learners experiencing anxiety or stress are encouraged to seek help through available support services, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567 and Childline South Africa at 116.

“These services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day,” the department added.

Passing of matric learner from Lakeside Secondary School

The GDE has also sent condolences to the family, friends, educators, and the entire Lakeside Secondary School community following the passing of a Grade 12 girl learner. 

According to information at the department’s disposal, the learner who passed away on Monday evening this week, began vomiting while in bed. 

“When her condition rapidly deteriorated, she was immediately transported to a local medical facility, where she was unfortunately certified dead on arrival.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) are investigating circumstances surrounding this sad incident,” the department said. 

The GDE’s Psycho-Social Support Unit, through its Institutional Support and Support (ISS) team, has been dispatched to the school to provide counselling and emotional support to learners and staff affected by this tragic incident.

“This tragedy occurs during a critical period for our matriculants, and we wish to remind learners, parents, and school communities that emotional and psychological support services are available to anyone in need during the examination period,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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North West businesses warned against fake labour inspectors

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a stern warning to the business community in the North West, following reports of bogus inspectors posing as officials and selling labour legislation posters to unsuspecting companies. 

In a statement, the department said the imposters are allegedly targeting companies that do not have the legislative posters displayed, they extort money from them, claiming it is for non-compliance with labour laws, and issue fines that need to be paid on the spot.

In response to the allegations, the Provincial Chief Inspector, Chris Sithole, advised that all the services of the department are provided at no cost, and that the department does not sell any labour publications, including charts, pamphlets and posters.

“The business community must be cautious and report any suspicious activities or visits. They should report to the South African Police Services or the nearby office of the department. If they are unsure about the inspectors visiting their premises, they can also verify their credentials with the Department,” Sithole said.

He cautioned companies to never deposit money into the bank account of anyone or pay cash, even if they are legitimate inspectors from the department. – SAnews.gov.za