Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Transport has confirmed the precautionary suspension of Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Makhosini Msibi.

The precautionary suspension came into effect at the beginning of July.

“The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as the delegated shareholder responsible for the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has officially been informed of the precautionary suspension of the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Adv Makhosini Msibi, by the Board of Directors of RTMC following the board meeting held on 13 June 2025,” the department said.

In a short statement, the department noted that the precautionary suspension is valid for 30 days and may be extended to 60 days or “any further period as may be reasonably necessary”.

“In its letter to the Ministry, the Board indicated that it took this decision following whistleblowing allegations of financial misconduct, irregular expenditure and governance failures at the entity.

“Based on the seriousness of the allegations, the Board has taken a decision to institute a forensic investigation into these allegations.

“The Board has also advised the Ministry of the appointment of Ms Refilwe Mongale as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, with effect from the 1st of July 2025 until further notice, to ensure continuity and stability within the RTMC while the forensic investigation is underway,” the department explained.

Meanwhile, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has placed its Group Executive for Enterprise Security and Compliance, Lt-General Mzwandile Petros, on precautionary suspension “pending the outcome of an independent investigation into allegations of operational irregularities”.

“The decision to place…[Petros] on precautionary suspension is a crucial measure to protect the integrity of the investigative process and any current and subsequent processes.

“The day-to-day functions of ACSA will not be affected by this decision. In the interim, Ms. Mary-Ann Joubert, has been appointed to act as GE:ESC to ensure continuity and maintain operational stability. ACSA will report back once the matter is finalised,” the company said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President undertakes strategic working visit to China

NeoB
Sun, 07/13/2025 – 10:46

Source: Government of South Africa

SASSA to outline social grants review process

NeoB
Sun, 07/13/2025 – 10:16

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the R67 million recovery order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) against a plumbing contractor associated with the department.

Last week, the corruption busting unit said it had obtained an order from the Special Tribunal, which set aside contracts awarded to Kroucamp Plumbers by the department for vacuum pumping of septic tanks and emergency sewage blockage interventions.

The tribunal also dismissed a R33 million counterclaim made by the contractor against the department.

“This recovery order is another important step in our efforts to root out corruption and recover stolen public funds, as we work to build an efficient department capable of delivering construction projects on time and within budget. 

“Those who defraud the state and think they can get away with it must think again. We will leave no stone unturned in holding contractors and officials accountable for wrongdoing, no matter how long ago it occurred,” Macpherson said.

He added that the department has worked closely with the SIU to “support and expedite investigations into corruption, mismanagement, and fraud” within the Department. 

Furthermore, the SIU is also assisting the department to finalise lifestyle audits for at least 400 high risk officials.

“The case against Kroucamp Plumbers is a prime example of the importance of our collaboration, as we seek to ensure that public funds are no longer abused.

“Together with law enforcement agencies, we will continue to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated. 

“We are working hard to turn the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into the economic delivery unit of South Africa, ensuring that infrastructure projects are completed on time and within budget, and that not a cent of public funds is wasted. We are building a better department in order to build a better South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Import restrictions on live poultry and poultry products from Brazil have been lifted.

This after what the Department of Agriculture describes as “extensive engagements” between South African and Brazilian veterinary authorities.

“This follows the confirmation that the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza [HPAI], first detected on 15 May 2025 in a breeder establishment located in the municipality of Montenegro, a state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, has been contained and eradicated. 

“The stamping out measures were applied in accordance with the relevant standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], and the affected premises were depopulated and disinfected. The 28-day waiting period after stamping out was observed, with the self-declaration of freedom effective from 18 June 2025,” the department said in a statement.

The department revealed that a bilateral technical meeting was held with the South American nation’s veterinary authority, during which an agreement was reached on the “revised Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC), confirming that Brazil is free of HPAI”.

“The positive outcome is a direct result of the dedicated efforts of our officials. With this resolution, imports can resume, which will significantly contribute to enhancing food security for all citizens,” Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said. 

The department warned, however, that as a precautionary measure, “products packed in their final packaging between 1 May and 18 June 2025 temporarily remain restricted”.

“This is in line with risk mitigation standards to ensure the continued safety of our animal health status and trade partners.

“The Department of Agriculture remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation. The lifting of the suspension may be reviewed should new information emerge indicating the outbreak spreading to other areas within Brazil.

“Minister Steenhuisen emphasised that this development underlines the department’s commitment to science-based decision making and the importance of maintaining open, transparent and technically sound channels of communication between trading partners,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Eskom has assured South Africans that the power system remains stable, with unplanned outages at generating units “currently within acceptable levels”.

In a statement, the State-owned power utility said the system “continues to show resilience” during the winter months.

“While occasional system constraints do arise, they are effectively managed, with sufficient emergency reserves available and strategically deployed during morning and evening peak periods,” the statement read.

Last Sunday, Medupi Power Station’s Unit 4 was successfully brought back online -– a further boost for the power system.

“Once it reaches full capacity in the coming weeks, it will contribute 800MW to the national grid, marking a key milestone in strengthening South Africa’s energy security and improving supply reliability,” Eskom said.

Since 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.

Eskom attributed this to an “improved Energy Availability Factor [EAF]”, which ranged between 60% and 62% last week.

“As of [Friday], unplanned outages total 13 380MW, with an available generation capacity of 30 195MW. To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 3 470MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday.

“The Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, has reached 29.44% for the current financial year to date (1 April to 10 July 2025). This represents an increase of approximately 2.4% compared to 27.03% recorded during the same period last year.

“The year-to-date load factor for open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) has marginally increased to 10.78%, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.87% recorded during the same period last year. Although diesel usage is within budget, it is expected to decline as more units return to service, increasing available generation capacity,” Eskom said.

The power utility added that the winter outlook up to the end of August remains valid.

“It indicates that load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.

“Eskom encourages all South Africans to use electricity efficiently throughout the winter season. To help manage household electricity consumption, Eskom customers are encouraged to use the Eskom Residential Calculator, a convenient tool for tracking and optimising energy usage, at: https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/residential-calculator.

“Eskom will provide an update on Friday, 18 July 2025, or promptly communicate any significant changes as soon as they occur,” the statement read.

Play your part

The power utility has urged citizens to play their part in protecting essential electricity infrastructure.

“Eskom urges the public to avoid illegal connections and energy theft. These activities often lead to transformer overloads, equipment failures, and in some cases, explosions and extended outages, prompting the need for load reduction to protect the network. 

“To help maintain a stable electricity supply this winter, customers are encouraged to purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors and take responsibility by regularising their electricity usage. Eligible households are encouraged to register for free basic electricity with their local municipalities,” the electricity supplier said.

Report illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Beneath an unseasonably warm winter sun, the rolling hills of Mpumalanga stood as silent witness as South Africa bid a final farewell to former Deputy President David ‘DD’ Mabuza on Saturday.

The former Deputy President passed away last week at the age of 64, following a short illness. He was buried at a family burial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga.

Delivering the eulogy at Mabuza’s funeral service, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the day as a moment of sombre reflection.

“We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance to honour the life of a man who, in many ways, made a huge contribution to our journey to a democratic South Africa. We are also here to celebrate the life of a fine son of Mpumalanga and a man of the people.

“It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade David Dabede Mabuza will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered. David Mabuza, DD, as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga but throughout the country as well,” he said.

The Mpumalanga-born politician – affectionately referred to as DD or The Cat – was a teacher by training. However, he was drawn into political activism and, subsequently, the public service.

Mabuza’s journey into the public service began in 1994 in Mpumalanga, where he served as a Member of the Executive Council in several portfolios.

He then served as the Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 until he became a Member of Parliament and then Deputy President in 2018.

“He served as our country’s Deputy President, as Premier of Mpumalanga and as the Deputy President of his movement, the African National Congress (ANC). 

“When he served as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of Government Business, he proved to be a renowned political strategist, always deftly navigating the very difficult balance amongst parliamentary parties. 

“In all his roles, he was often described as strategic, enigmatic and fiercely loyal to the cause of stability and unity,” President Ramaphosa said.

As President Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, a multitude of citizens lined the streets of Mbombela – forming a guard of honour for the former Deputy President as he was taken to his final resting place among the people of Mpumalanga.

“He was most happy when he was among the people. He never isolated himself from them. He never lost the common touch.

“Since the news came of his passing, we have seen throngs of ordinary citizens, traditional leaders and political leaders from across the spectrum flocking to DD’s home in Barberton to pay their respects. Such was his popularity. Such was his ability to unite the people of this province.

“He was not a man for the pomp and ceremony of high office. He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” President Ramaphosa noted.

He highlighted that Mabuza leaves a legacy of “being quick to respond to matters of service delivery”.

“Over the past days, we have heard from a number of young citizens of Mpumalanga, who have described him as a father of the community, who helped bring development to many rural parts of Mpumalanga.

“Today in this province, there are families who now live in decent homes because during door-to-door campaigns, DD intervened on the spot and at some point, dug into his own pockets to meet their needs. Those houses were not built after years of follow-up meetings. They were erected within months because he was not one to make empty promises,” he said.

Working side by side

President Ramaphosa reflected on the five years he and Mabuza spent as President and Deputy President of South Africa.

“[During] this time, I came to know him as a person who understood the responsibility that he had been given. He was dependable, reliable and an excellent deputy.

“As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he worked to ensure that the will of the people was reflected in the laws of the land and in the programmes of the state.

“In all his responsibilities as Deputy President, from land reform to HIV and AIDS, from anti-poverty initiatives to addressing the needs of veterans, David Mabuza could always be relied on. We will always remember him as a unifier,” he said.

The President offered words of solace and comfort to the family and gave a final word to the departed man himself.

“You walked the path not always lit, through the dust of doubt, you did commit. I worked with you and saw your commitment. Your voice was not loud, but it was firm and still. You were able to shape the course with quiet will.

“I saw you bear the weight of province and land, with measured step and steady hand. Though storms did gather, and winds did sway, you held the centre night and day. Now rest, my brother, brave son of the African soil. Your work is done and complete. The country remembers you,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za