Category: South Africa Government

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SA to hold a ‘critical‘ meeting with Formula 1 in two weeks

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has revealed that a significant meeting is set to take place in the next two weeks with representatives from Formula 1 (F1). 

The Kyalami Grand Prix has been granted permission to modify its design, paving the way for a potential return of F1 to the country.

“Many laughed when I uttered the words ‘Formula 1 must come back to South Africa’. One man in particular, who didn’t laugh was Toby Venter, the owner of the Kyalami racetrack. 

“When I told him that government doesn’t have the money to host Formula 1 because of other more urgent priorities and we would not be able to help him pay for the track to reach F1 standards, he looked me in the eye and said he would see it [as] his patriotic duty to do just that.

“We have had multiple meetings with the management of F1, with a crucial one happening in the next two weeks.“

The Minister was speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, presenting a R6.3 billion budget aimed at unlocking local talent in both sports and the arts and culture.

“To those who say the country can’t afford to host the F1, I’m saying the country can’t afford not to… We hosted the best FIFA World Cup. We put our country on the map for big events and should not turn back now.” 

According to McKenzie, what will be different this time is that government will not be expected to pay.

Meanwhile, he announced that companies like MTN, MultiChoice, Heineken, and many others have expressed their support for this initiative.

“They will be present with us in the meeting with Formula 1 at the end of the month.” 

However, he stressed that those who believe that F1 is not important should consider the countries that are holding onto their F1 spots on the calendar.

“They see the value in it, and it can’t be called a world championship if it misses an entire continent, sub-Saharan Africa in particular.” 

He also expressed gratitude to everyone who joined the mission to promote the sport of spinning, including Red Bull and Cell C.

“People were laughing when we said we’re going to make spinning big, but already this sport has left the townships and now Sam Sam is wowing the likes of Max Verstappen with his skills in Austria.”

Samkeliso Thubane, also known as Sam Sam, is a prominent South African spinning motorsport athlete sponsored by Red Bull. 

He is recognised as the world’s first official Red Bull spinning athlete and has gained international acclaim for his skills, performing at the reopening of Red Bull Hangar-7 in Austria.

LIV Golf

The country is exploring the potential of bringing a LIV Golf tournament, a professional men’s golf tour, to South Africa as early as next year.  

“Golf has not broken through to the masses and we hope to achieve that with LIV Golf. It’s not only golf, but also culture,” McKenzie said.

The Minister said he hoped to eclipse Australia’s attendance of more than 100 000 at a single event over three days.

Olympics

Meanwhile, he said the draft document has been developed, and plans are being finalised to send as many athletes as possible to the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

The Minister said last year, they travelled to Olympic House in Switzerland to express the country’s interest in hosting the Summer Olympic Games in South Africa in 2036.

VAR

McKenzie announced that they are finalising the funding process for video assistant refereeing (VAR) to ensure fairness in football matches, from the Premier Soccer League to international fixtures — meeting global standards.

“It is a necessity. We see stadiums vandalised when bad refereeing happens, and the success of teams like Mamelodi Sundowns makes global teams want to play here, but they get second thoughts because we don’t have VAR.“ – SAnews.gov.za

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McKenzie unveils R6.3 billion budget to boost local talent in sports and arts

Source: Government of South Africa

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has tabled a R6.3 billion budget this morning that he believes will help unlock local talent in both the sports, and arts and culture sectors.

“Change is difficult, but it’s necessary… Access and opportunity matter, and even the greatest of talents need that opportunity. That is why, to invest in all our talent, both in sport, and arts and culture, as well as preserving our heritage, the department has a budget of R6.3 billion for the 2025/26 financial year,” McKenzie said on Tuesday in Parliament. 

Under Programme 2, Recreation Development and Sport Promotion, the Minister announced that the department will allocate R1.281 billion. 

To continue supporting sports in the country, McKenzie said R98.5 million will be allocated toward federation support.

“One of the biggest changes coming for our federations will be the provision of an office building for them to share, as many have been running their sports out of the boots of their cars.” 

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To support and develop local talent, the department has allocated over R627 million through the conditional grant for this financial year. 

According to the Minister, funding will be used for the purchase of equipment and attire for schools, clubs and hubs, as well as for training individuals in coaching, technical officiating, administration courses, and employment opportunities.

Repatriation

Under Programme 4, Heritage Promotion and Preservation, the department has allocated R2.787 billion, which includes R1.6 billion for the construction, maintenance, upgrading, and operation of valued libraries.

“Following the success of our inaugural programme to return the remains of South African fallen heroes from Zimbabwe and Zambia last year, we shall continue to repatriate the human remains of freedom fighters who fell outside the country during the struggle.

“I am told that there could still be 5 000 bodies that need to be returned, and we should not rest until they are home.” 

READ | Government, judiciary reaffirm commitment to justice

The Minister said they are currently negotiating with Scottish authorities to repatriate the remains of Khoi and San ancestors from the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum by September 2025. 

He also mentioned that government is nearing the conclusion of the reburial process for 58 ancestral remains from the Northern Cape.

This effort is guided by the Northern Cape Reburial Task Team, which includes representatives from the Nama, Griqua, Korana, and San communities.

Museums

The ministry is also driving a campaign, under the theme: “Reimagining South African Heritage for a New Era”, which is aimed at making museums relevant to a new, curious generation, ultimately increasing visitor numbers.

“One of the first projects we are focusing on is Robben Island, which is undergoing a major revamp and facelift.”

Creative arts

Under Programme 3, focused on Arts and Culture Promotion and Development, his department is allocating R1.725 billion. 

To enhance skills and transform the cultural and creative industries, he stated that they will continue to recruit and place approximately 300 young people. 

This initiative aims to improve their chances of gaining employment and becoming self-employed in creative fields.

Sector clusters

He announced that the interim boards for the 17 sector clusters within the cultural and creative industry are now fully operational. 

These boards are responsible for organising their respective sectors, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges such as copyright protection, fair labour practices, and equitable distribution of funding. 

According to the Minister, they will receive a total budget of R34 million to support their operations.

“We understand the frustration of our creatives. For the past 30 years and the years before that, they have not seen their lives change for the better.”

In support of the preservation and development of the Khoi and San languages, the N|uu language in particular, the department is setting aside R2 million for a targeted call for proposals to preserve these languages. – SAnews.gov.za

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Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister welcomes 15 year sentences in R30m plant poaching case

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has commended the conviction and sentencing of four foreign nationals involved in a major plant poaching case, valued between R6 million and R30 million.

The Calvinia Regional Court sentenced the accused to 15 years direct imprisonment for the illegal harvesting of 303 specimens of the critically endangered Clivia mirabilis, a rare species endemic to parts of the Northern and Western Cape.

The plants, commonly known as the miracle bush lily or Oorlogskloof bush lily, are highly sought after in the illicit global plant trade.

The convicts, Mark Daddy (43), Raphael Mhashu (25), Simbarashe Charanelura (33), and Elton Ngwanati (34), were arrested on 20 April 2024 after being found in possession of the endangered specimens.

The accused were convicted and sentenced on 3 July 2025 on charges related to the illegal harvesting of protected plant species and breaches of South Africa’s immigration legislation.

The Minister said the case reflects a broader trend of organised criminal syndicates expanding their focus beyond succulents to exploit a wider range of South Africa’s rare flora, driven by high international demand, particularly in Asian markets.

He warned that these crimes threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and push already vulnerable species closer to extinction.

“This conviction is a critical milestone in our fight against environmental crime. It sends a clear message: those who profit from exploiting our natural heritage will face serious consequences.

“The department will continue to strengthen enforcement, build international partnerships, and work closely with police and prosecutors to stop the illegal trade in wildlife and plants,” George said.

The Minister also commended the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and all involved officials in the case, in particular investigating officer Constable Danver Matthys and Prosecutor Darryl Bromkamp, for their dedication and professionalism in securing the conviction.

George confirmed that the department is actively investigating related cases of illegal plant poaching.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity and support efforts to protect South Africa’s natural heritage for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Huge turnout at Western Cape youth career expo

Source: Government of South Africa

Huge turnout at Western Cape youth career expo

The 2025 Western Cape Youth in Action Career Expo has been hailed a tremendous success, drawing more than 11 500 attendees, which doubles the number from the 2024 turnout.

Organised by the Western Cape Education Department in partnership with the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) marketing team, the event served as a valuable platform for young people to explore various career paths and connect with potential opportunities.

The expo, which was hosted early this month, aimed to create an inclusive and empowering environment where learners from underserved schools and communities, as well as people with disabilities, could access information and opportunities. 

Senior Curriculum Planner for Life Orientation, Dr Ismail Teladia, highlighted the event’s alignment with the subject’s world of work component, providing vital exposure to industry partners and tertiary institutions.

Key stakeholders, including the City of Cape Town and Gift of the Givers,  provided transportation for learners from as far as Toews River.

“Despite inclement weather, parents and learners showed remarkable enthusiasm, keeping exhibitors busy for two days. More than 171 institutions participated, offering education, training, bursaries, and employment opportunities,” the Western Cape Education department said in a statement. 

Institutions from outside the province, including North West University, the University of Free State, Rhodes University, and Focus Air, an aviation school in Durban, showcased their programmes. 

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaaz Sooliman, Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, and Western Cape Agriculture MEC, Dr Ivan Meyer. 

“They praised the expo’s impact and potential to empower young people. Dr Teladia thanked all participants, exhibitors, and stakeholders for their contributions to the event’s success.” 

Teladia said the planning for next year’s expo has already begun, promising another opportunity for young people to connect with their future. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

Source: Government of South Africa

Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is set to take part in a high-level panel discussion during the 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue. 

Scheduled for Thursday, 17 July, the event which will be held under the theme: “One Year into the Government of National Unity: Quo Vadis?” will be held at Nedbank’s head office in Sandton.

According to the department, the dialogue convenes in the context of a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape, shaped by the first year of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

“The panel aims to explore the implications of the GNU for political stability, governance, structural reform, and long-term economic prospects,” the statement read.

Hlabisa will join a distinguished panel of thought leaders to provide insights into how the GNU is enhancing cooperative governance, stabilising the local government sector, and strengthening intergovernmental collaboration for improved service delivery and developmental outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile

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Call for caution amid increased road fatalities

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has reiterated its call to motorists to exercise caution and show respect to each other on the roads.

This call comes after a spate of fatal crashes that claimed 15 lives since last Thursday.

The RTMC expressed concern over the increase in road fatalities, attributing the collisions to reckless and negligent driving. In all three incidents, vehicles were involved in head-on collisions.

On Sunday, 13 July 2025, two vehicles collided on the N18, approximately 40km from Mahikeng toward Setlagole in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North West Province. Four people died on the scene. A fifth victim’s body was later discovered when fire emergency vehicles were booked into the South African Police Service pound for safekeeping.

Another fatal crash in North West occurred on Friday, when four vehicles were involved in a multi-car crash on the N4 between Swartruggens and Groot Marico, resulting in five deaths.

“It is alleged that one vehicle collided with another [and] two other vehicles also crashed into each other at the scene,” RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane said.

On Thursday, five more people, including a toddler, were killed in the Northern Cape when a light delivery vehicle that was being chased by the police collided head-on with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. The crash took place on the N18 near Hartswater. – SAnews.gov.za

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No risk of load shedding as Koeberg Unit 1 return delayed

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has announced that Koeberg Unit 1 will return to service by the end of August, instead of the end of this month, due to additional steam generator maintenance.

The unit was initially pencilled in for a return by July.

“This revised timeline underscores Eskom’s commitment to conducting thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable performance of South Africa’s only nuclear power station.

“During scheduled detailed eddy current inspections – a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators – defects were identified on four tubes, among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators,” Eskom explained.

Upon discovery of the defects, the power utility, along with specialised international and local teams, “immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects”.

“These critical repairs have now been successfully completed to uphold the highest safety and quality standards.

“Importantly, the major maintenance activities, which included the legally required 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test [ILRT], where the reactor building was pressurised over 72 hours and its leak rate and structural integrity were monitored – were successfully completed. The ILRT confirmed the robustness and leak-tightness of Unit 1’s containment structure, further reinforcing its safety, in line with international standards,” Eskom said.

Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, emphasised that the safety of employees, the public and the environment remains top priority at the power utility.

“Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa’s energy future.

“The planned maintenance underway on Unit 1 will help deliver decades of affordable, low-carbon baseload power, demonstrating how nuclear energy can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability. 

“Through our commitment to high-quality maintenance and the expertise of the Koeberg team demonstrating exceptional skills, we are ensuring nuclear power remains a vital part of the country’s energy mix,” Nxumalo said.

The power utility reassured that the delayed return to service will not increase the risk of load shedding.

Since mid-May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

“The winter outlook released on 5 May 2025, which covers the period until 31 August 2025, remains valid. Importantly, the planned return of 2 500MW this winter does not rely on Unit 1.

“The outlook shows that load shedding will not be required if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. Even if outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day winter period, capped at Stage 2,” the power utility assured.

Once the work on Koeberg’s Unit 1 is completed, its “reactor core will be refuelled, tested and synchronised back to the national grid” – further boosting the power system.

“To protect supply, planned outages at Koeberg are carefully staggered every 16 to 18 months so that both units are never offline at the same time. Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 provide around 1 860MW – approximately 5% of the country’s electricity needs. 

“Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, with a year-to-date Energy Availability Factor [EAF] of 99.38% as of the end of June 2025.

“The national power system remains stable, with a month-to-date EAF of 62%. As the winter season continues, Eskom encourages all customers to adopt energy-efficient practices,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

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New foot-and-mouth disease detected in the Free State

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Moqhaka Local Municipality, within the Kroonstad State Veterinary in Free State.

The outbreak was identified following epidemiological investigations and confirmed positive laboratory results.

The department said the affected property was placed under quarantine on 8 July 2025, and immediate control measures were implemented, including surveillance and vaccination of livestock.

“Trace-back activities are ongoing to determine the source of the infection, while farms in the surrounding 10km radius are undergoing surveillance to determine the possible extent of the spread,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Over 250 FMD cases reported in five provinces

As of July 2025, South Africa has recorded a total of 270 FMD outbreaks across five provinces. Of these, 249 outbreaks remain unresolved, while 21 have been declared resolved.

“KwaZulu-Natal has been the most affected province, with 191 reported outbreaks, of which 172 remain active and 19 have been resolved. Since May 2025, Gauteng has reported 32 outbreaks, North West has four open outbreaks, while Mpumalanga has reported three outbreaks,” the department said.

The Eastern Cape has recorded 40 outbreaks, with 38 still open and two resolved. No new cases have been reported in Eastern Cape since September 2024.

Correction on KZN Disease Management Area notice 

Meanwhile, the department has issued a correction in a Government Gazette notice (Gazette Notice 6396 of 4 July 2025), which repeal the previous notice (Gazette Notice 5997 of 17 March 2025). 

The department acknowledged that certain areas that still fall under the Disease Management Area (DMA) designation in KwaZulu-Natal were mistakenly omitted.

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused and request all stakeholders to take note of the following areas that are declared to be part of the KwaZulu-Natal DMA,” the department said.

The municipalities confirmed to remain within the DMA include the entire Big Five Hlabisa; Mtubatuba; Nongoma; Ulundi; Umhlabuyalingana; Jozini; Pongola; Abaqulusi; Umfolozi; uMhlathuze; Mthonjaneni; Nqutu; Nkandla; uMlalazi; and Mandeni.

Other areas include the portion of the Emadlangeni Local Municipality, south of R34 from R33; Newcastle Local Municipality, south of R34 up to and east of N11; Dannhauser Local Municipality east of N11 and north of R68; Endumeni Local Municipality, north of R68 and east of R33; Msinga Local Municipality, east of R33; UMvoti Local Municipality, east of the R33 up to R74 and north of R74; Maphumulo Local Municipality, north-east of the R74; Ndwedwe Local Municipality, east of the R74; as well as portion of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, north-east of R74 up to the N2 and west to the N2 up to Mandeni Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Nzimande undertakes extensive science, technology and innovation visit to Tunisia and Algeria

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, will lead a high-level South African delegation on a comprehensive visit focused on science, technology and innovation (STI) in Tunisia and Algeria.

According to the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), these visits began on Monday, 14 July, and will conclude on Thursday this week.

Nzimande is visiting the two nations following invitations from the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, and the Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Bidari.

“Through these visits, Minister Nzimande seeks to reinforce existing science, technology and innovation bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia and Algeria, as part of a broader commitment to grow the size and intensity of intra-Africa STI cooperation for development,” the DSTI said in a  statement. 

Nzimande’s programme will include bilateral engagements with his Algerian and Tunisian counterparts and visits to key science institutions.

In Tunisia, the Minister will visit the Borja Cedria Technopark, the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, the Bardo National Museum for arts and history, and the City of Science Museum.

In Algeria, he will visit the Centre for the Development of Advanced Technologies, the Saad Dahlab University and the Great Mosque of Algiers. 

One highlight of the Minister’s visit to Algeria will be a guest lecture organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation, focusing on Pan-African cooperation.

Reflecting on the importance of these visits, Nzimande said: “Our visit to Algeria and Tunisia forms part of our long-standing international relations strategy to strengthen meaningful science, technology and innovation cooperation with fellow African countries, and to advance the objectives of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).”

The Minister believes that Pan-African STI cooperation and development are paramount, given the current unstable geopolitical environment and the imperatives of securing the continent’s sustainable future. 

“All our efforts are therefore aimed towards developing what we refer to as a sovereign science, technology, and innovation agenda for Africa,” the Minister said.

The two visits will conclude with the adoption of two new comprehensive Plans of Action, aimed at intensifying cooperation with Tunisia and Algeria, respectively.

“This will be an immediate and concrete implementation of the ambitions for South Africa’s science diplomacy, which Minister Nzimande had outlined in his Budget Vote speech last week,” the department said. 

The Minister’s delegation includes senior officials from the ministry, the department and its entities, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek). – SAnews.gov.za

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Presidency budget vote to be tabled on Wednesday

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, table the 2025/26 Presidency Budget Vote before the National Assembly in Parliament.

“The Presidency Budget Vote for 2025/2026 encompasses the 7th administration’s three strategic priorities, including promoting inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

“These priorities are embodied by The Presidency’s flagship programmes Operation Vulindlela, Presidential District Development Model and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, among transformative initiatives to inculcate a nation that works for all,” the Presidency said in a statement.

As with other budget votes tabled by Ministers, Parliament will then debate the budget vote, followed by the President’s reply.
“The annual tabling of departmental Budget Votes is an accountability mechanism for Parliament and the public to monitor how government is working to implement its service delivery commitments against voted funds. 

“At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of government. 

“The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za