Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has historically affected not just South Africa but also countries around the world.

“We are here because we believe that TB – a disease that has shaped the history and health of our country and indeed, the whole world – can be ended. Not through words alone, but through action, partnership, and innovation,“ he said on Thursday. 

The Minister was delivering a keynote address at the country’s TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop held in Johannesburg. The workshop is aimed at advancing policy and decision-making for the introduction of TB vaccines.

Addressing policymakers, scientists and community leaders, Motsoaledi stated that the upcoming phase will introduce preventative TB vaccination measures, which will also enhance the ongoing fight against HIV and Aids.

For over a century, South Africa has relied on the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to protect its children from TB, but the Minister pointed out that there has been no tool that can protect adolescents and adults. 

“These are the very groups most at risk of getting sick and transmitting TB.” 

With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, the most promising options are expected to be available in the next few years. 

This workshop positioned the country as one of the first that is ready to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults.

The Minister expressed confidence that the upcoming clinical trials would yield positive results, potentially leading to a new vaccine for older age groups within the next few years.

TB is a leading cause of death from an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally.

“Imagine the day when we announce the availability of the vaccine for tuberculosis,” he said, likening it to “the day of true freedom from slavery” for those suffering from the disease. 

Motsoaledi described the disease as a form of “devastating slavery” that exacerbates poverty and leads to premature death.

“South Africa is not waiting for the world to act. We are preparing – intentionally, early and inclusively.” 

The Minister has used the first national gathering dedicated to the TB vaccine readiness platform to reiterate South Africa’s commitment to lead by example in the global fight against TB and HIV. 

“When South Africa wins against TB and HIV and Aids the world will win the war,” he said. 

He told the attendees that through his tenure as Health Minister, he consistently sought to elevate the profile of TB on a global scale. 

Motsoaledi recalled his 2018 address at the United Nations, where he rallied for world leaders to commit to addressing the TB crisis. 

“While global attention has often turned to emerging health threats, South Africa has remained focused on the enduring challenge of TB,” he said. 

He also acknowledged the disease’s severe impact on communities already struggling with HIV.

“Today’s discussions remind us that vaccine introduction is not just about science – it is about health systems. It is about trust. It is about readiness.”

He also used the platform to emphasise the importance of preparing the health sector for the rollout of the TB vaccine.

The agenda for the workshop highlighted key thematic areas crucial for readiness, including generating evidence for policy and investment, strengthening delivery systems for TB vaccines, and ensuring manufacturing and supply chain readiness.

“Investment in human life means everything,” he said, stressing the need for robust financial backing to ensure effective vaccine deployment.

The Minister took the time to urge stakeholders to foster community trust and strong advocacy to ensure widespread acceptance of the TB vaccine upon its introduction.

“We must walk the path with our people,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has launched a pioneering partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) to dramatically expand access to library services for students and the broader public within the metro.

Launched on Tuesday at New Brighton Library, the collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities by transforming municipal libraries into resource hubs that support both UNISA students and lifelong learners.

Under the agreement, municipal libraries will provide free internet and computer access, designated study spaces, and serve as convenient delivery and collection points for UNISA library materials.

Through this collaboration, the municipality’s libraries will offer internet and computer facilities, provide study spaces, and serve as convenient delivery and collection points for UNISA library materials.

As part of the agreement, the following areas of collaboration were outlined:
•    Reciprocal participation in annual events and programmes.
•    ICT training and support, primarily facilitated by UNISA.
•    Distribution of UNISA brochures, posters, and event announcements in municipal libraries, and vice versa.
•    Free internet access and usage of electronic resources for students, including Wi-Fi, databases, electronic reserves, journals, and books.
•    Collaboration on courier services and information dissemination.
•    Provision of study spaces for UNISA students.
•    Joint efforts in marketing and communication to assess student satisfaction.
•    Collaboration on sponsorships, such as provision of computers.
•    Sharing of reports, statistics, and information.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, hailed the initiative as a transformative moment for the metro’s education agenda.

“We are not only opening library doors, but we are opening pathways to opportunity, to education, and to a better future for all. By extending the access to knowledge and technology, especially in our undeserved communities, we are affirming that education is the foundation of dignity, progress, and equality. This fits well in our efforts to build a people-centred and inclusive metro,” Lobishe said.

UNISA Executive Director for Library Services, Professor Mpho Ngoepe echoed the mayor’s sentiments, saying the initiative marks the beginning of a journey and contributing to closing the inequality gap that leads to poverty, through knowledge and empowerment.

“In this digital era, libraries must take intentional steps to reach users where they are. We are moving towards a time when UNISA library services will be accessible to everyone, including those who are not enrolled with UNISA.

“This is the end of the era where universities were seen as inaccessible ivory towers. Through this partnership, we will also explore the dissemination of research outputs,” Ngoepe said.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sinesipho Kwatsha, emphasised the broader social impact of the initiative.

“This partnership is about more than logistics, it is a social contract and a clear commitment that every learner matters, “no matter where they come from. Through this collaboration, learners from disadvantaged communities, who might not otherwise have access to conducive learning spaces and resources, will now be supported through our network of municipal libraries across the metro,” Kwatsha said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is today conducting an outreach campaign at Malamulele Crossing, helping beneficiaries of the R370 grant with enquiries or issues related to their grants. 

In a statement, the agency said this initiative is part of SASSA’s ongoing commitment to bring services closer to the people. 

“Beneficiaries with questions, concerns, or unresolved matters regarding the R370 grant are invited to attend and engage with SASSA officials directly,” the agency said. 

The R370 grant refers to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide temporary assistance to unemployed individuals, who are not receiving any other form of income or social support. 

The grant was initially set at R350 but was increased to R370 earlier this year following public outcry over the rising cost of living.

Over the years, the SRD grant has become a crucial lifeline for millions of South Africans, especially young people and informal workers, many of whom struggle with limited access to digital platforms or face long delays in receiving assistance.

In June, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe confirmed that the R370 SRD grant would continue following the approval of draft regulations published on 26 March 2025. This extension, supported by the Minister of Finance, is intended to provide a safety net, while long-term solutions to poverty are developed.

SASSA’s outreach efforts are aimed at bridging this gap by offering face-to-face support, particularly in remote or underserved areas like Malamulele, where access to online or regional offices may be limited. 

Today’s outreach includes assistance with applications queries, payment queries, appeals and general information. 

The agency has encouraged community members to take advantage of the opportunity to resolve outstanding matters and ensure their continued access to this vital support. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture has published regulations governing the sale of meat analogue products in South Africa.

The regulations, published under Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, follow a series of consultative meetings with all affected stakeholders, including the red meat industry.

The regulations set out minimum standards for meat analogues and prescribe the labelling requirements, and compliance to the standards for meat when presented for sale.

According to the department, any product labelled as a “meat replacer,” “meat substitute,” “meat alternative,” “plant-based protein,” or any similar terminology on the main display panel, must contain a minimum of 9% protein.

“The meat analogue products, also known as meat substitutes, mock meat, faux meat, or imitation meat, were initially defined in the Processed Meat Regulations as a product that approximates the aesthetic qualities (primary texture, flavour and appearance) and/or chemical characteristics of a specific type of meat.

“These products are derived from non-meat ingredients, sometimes without dairy products and are available in different forms (coarse ground meat analogues, emulsified meat analogues and loose fill, etc.),” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

The regulations specify acceptable product descriptors, allowing terms such as hot dogs, chipolatas, bites, steaks, pops, balls rounds, pieces, tenders, burgers, patties, sausages, bangers, griller loafs, polonies, mince, roasts, schnitzels and products named according to shapes, like frikkadel wheels, discs, nuggets, rolls and sizzlers.

“The use of these names shall be permitted with the use of names that describe the meat analogues and, if necessary, their use, and which are sufficiently clear to enable consumers to determine their true nature so that they are distinguishable from other products.”

The product names must not include references to specific animal species, cuts, or morphology. The words or expressions such as “chicken-style,” “beef-style,” “chick’n,” and “b*con”, or any similar wording referring to animal species or meat products, are prohibited under the Agricultural Product Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990).

Until advised otherwise, departmental inspectors will oversee the enforcement of the regulations, considering that “there is currently no designated assignee.”

The Food Safety Agency will monitor compliance with labelling standards for both meat analogues and processed meats, while the Border Management Authority will enforce rules pertaining to imports.

The department emphasised that the publication of these regulations should be welcomed and appreciated by all affected stakeholders, as it brings the necessary clarity required for the trade of meat analogues and meat products.

“Consumers will enjoy the protection from the sale of misleading products. Furthermore, the publication of the Meat Analogue Products Regulations will foster confidence in the sale of meat analogues and meat products in South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift and decisive action in apprehending suspects linked to several high-profile crimes.

These cases include the tragic murder of City of Ekurhuleni Chief Auditor, Mpho Mafole, as well suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of engineer Armand Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane.

“These developments reflect the commitment and capability of law enforcement to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and the rule of law.

“However, while these successes are commendable, the committee emphasises that all victims of crime, regardless of their public profile, deserve equal attention, protection and justice. The fight against crime must be consistent and inclusive,” Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, said on Thursday.

Mafole, who served as the Group Divisional Head for Corporate and Forensic Audits, was brutally gunned down in Kempton Park last month in an execution-style killing. 

His death sent shockwaves across the province, while highlighting the grave risks faced by public servants committed to transparency and good governance.

“The committee welcomes the arrest of one suspect, who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. However, the second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, remains at large. The committee urges law enforcement to intensify efforts and leave no stone unturned in ensuring his swift apprehension,” Masuku said.

The case was postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation.

“It is particularly alarming that the arrested suspect was reportedly out on bail for a similar murder charge at the time of Mafole’s killing. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of bail conditions in cases involving violent crimes and calls for an urgent review of current judicial practices to prevent repeat offenses and safeguard communities.

“The committee also applauds SAPS for recent breakthroughs in other high profile cases, including the arrests of suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Thobejane. Crucially, the committee reiterates that trust between the police and the communities they serve is fundamental to effective policing.

“Building and maintaining this trust requires transparency, accountability, and ongoing engagement. Communities must feel confident that their safety is a priority and that their cooperation with law enforcement will lead to meaningful outcomes. Without this trust, efforts to combat crime will be severely undermined,” Masuku said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has officially switched on the 2026 Online Admissions System, marking the start of applications for parents and guardians with children going to Grade 1 and Grade 8 at Gauteng public schools in the 2026 academic year. 

Speaking at the YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5, the MEC expressed confidence in the department’s online application system.

“I have just received confirmation that 80 000 applications have already gone through since the opening this morning. The parents are responding positively, and we are anticipating that we will have a much larger number by the end of the day. So far, so good. I have not received any complaints about glitches. There hasn’t been a system crash, so all is well,” Chiloane said. 

The YMCA in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5 serves as one of the 81 walk-in centres across the province, where parents and guardians who do not have access to the requisite resources can get assistance. 

Parents and guardians can submit their application online on any device by visiting www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. The 2026 online admissions application period will close on Friday, 29 August 2025 at midnight. 

The MEC said significant upgrades have been made to the province’s online admissions system aimed at improving user experience and processing efficiency. 

“Every year after we have done the application process, we do a review and engage a couple of stakeholders that interact with the system, the learner, parent, SGB just to get feedback as to where can we improve. 

“Largely, it has been improvements in communication that we have made. When you apply you get an SMS that shows you have completed the steps,” he said. 

The MEC said another major enhancement was the system’s processing capacity. 

The upgraded platform can now handle up to 40 000 applications per minute, reducing delays and improving turnaround time during the high-traffic application period.

“We have also improved as well on allowing parents (mother and father) to apply for the same child but obviously the system will only give them an option of 5 schools, so there has been quite a lot of improvement in the system, we have done quite a lot,” Chiloane said. 

How the system works

All parents need to register new profiles. Old profiles and previous login details will not work.

After registering on www.gdeadmissions.gov.za, the system will prompt parents to create login credentials (username and password).

“Parents must keep these credentials safe, as they will use them to access the Online Admissions System, and view and manage their profile and application details.

“Parents must accept the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] disclaimer, enter their correct ID number and details, and remember to read and accept the Terms and Conditions,” Chiloane advised. 

Once parents have gained access to the system, they must begin with the application process and ensure that they complete the 5 step application process. 

“It is essential for parents and guardians to fill in correct and accurate details in every step of the application process as prompted by the system. Documents must be uploaded or submitted within seven days of applying.

“Registering a profile without completing every step of the 5 step application process will result in an incomplete application and the applicant not being considered for placement,” he said.

To receive important SMS notifications and updates regarding their application(s), applicants must provide one reliable and correct cellphone number when registering.

“Every step of the application process will be confirmed via SMS for security and verification purposes. There will be weekly pop-up messages on the system and SMS notifications sent to registered applicants as reminders to complete their application.

“SMS notifications will also be sent to parents to acknowledge submission and verification of documents. Therefore, parents are encouraged not to change or lose their cellphone numbers, but in unforeseen cases the department must be contacted for assistance,” the MEC explained.

He encouraged parents to use the Home Address Within School Feeder Zone option when applying on the system to see schools with feeder zones that cover their home address.

To increase the chances of placement closer to the parent’s home address, parents should select schools with feeder zones that cover the parent’s home address.

When applying, parents are urged to select a minimum of three schools and a maximum of five schools. All schools will remain open and accessible on the system for applications during the application period.

Closing date 

No new applications will be accepted once the application period closes on 29 August 2025 at midnight. Parents are advised to not fall for scams that charge a fee to assist with applying online.

“Bogus operators are scamming parents by falsely promising guaranteed placements in exchange for money. All scams and illegal placements must be reported to the GDE. The GDE does not charge any fees for assisting parents with the application process, all official support is completely free,” the MEC emphasised.

For more information, assistance or comments:
•    Call 0800 000 789
•    WhatsApp 060 891 0361 or
•    Email: gdeinfo@gauteng.gov.za

– SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 24, 2025