Category: South Africa Government

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Government to publish strategy for planned disaster risk management

Source: Government of South Africa

With the Southern African region experiencing a growing number of climate-related disasters, government says it will increase its focus on reducing the fiscal and human cost of disasters by planning for them instead of reacting to them.

“When disasters strike, government is forced to reallocate funds from other priorities to respond, often at the cost of long-term development. This cycle of crisis and reallocation is unsustainable,” the Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen, said on Tuesday in Parliament. 

Through the finalisation and publishing of a National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy in the 2025/26 financial year, government’s strategy will shift from reactive funding to proactive, planned disaster risk management.

The strategy will:

  • Introduce disaster risk financing instruments, including climate insurance products, to improve response time and predictability of funding;
  • Embed disaster risk management in grant frameworks, particularly those for infrastructure and local government, and
  • Support line departments and municipalities in mainstreaming climate risk into their financial planning and investment decisions.

“Climate change is not a future threat. It is a present reality, and our budget frameworks must reflect that,” Sarupen said while tabling the National Treasury’s Budget Vote.

Spending for Growth

As part of National Treasury’s broader macroeconomic framework reforms to drive structural economic transformation and attract investment, public infrastructure spending will exceed R1 trillion over three years. 

“This represents the fastest-growing area of government expenditure and is aimed at easing supply-side economic constraints and improving social service access. 

“The Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) is being reconfigured to attract private sector participation through multiple appraisal windows, separated investment and financing decisions, and diversified financing instruments including guarantees, build-operate-transfer structures, and concessional loans,” the Deputy Minister said. 

New public-private partnership (PPP) regulations, effective 1 June 2025, have reduced procedural complexity, with supporting frameworks for unsolicited proposals and fiscal commitments to be published soon, while municipal PPP regulations will be finalised before the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

“A single National Treasury-overseen structure will be established this year to systematically crowd-in private sector finance and expertise, consolidating large-scale project preparation, providing PPP technical support, improving data management, and enhancing private sector engagement,” he said.

Rebuilding local government finances

In an effort to address service delivery breakdowns, fiscal mismanagement, and governance failures at municipalities, National Treasury is responding with targeted support and structural financial reforms.

National Treasury’s approach focuses on the following key areas:

  • Adoption of Funded Budgets: Municipalities can no longer adopt unfunded budgets based on wishful projections. Treasury is enforcing the requirement for credible, funded budgets as the basis of municipal financial planning.
  • Revenue Value Chain Reforms: Treasury is supporting municipalities to improve billing systems, strengthen collection rates, and protect revenue integrity. Without this, no budget can be sustainable.
  • Capacity Building: Through direct technical support, Treasury is building the financial management skills of municipal officials, particularly CFOs and budget managers.
  • Financial Recovery Plans: For municipalities in financial distress, Municipal Financial Recovery Services (MFRS) provide tailored recovery plans. These are not generic interventions, they are grounded in the real financial position of each municipality.
  • mSCOA Implementation: The Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (mSCOA) brings transparency and uniformity to local government finances. It allows us to compare apples with apples — across municipalities, across provinces, and across time.
  • Consequence Management: Treasury is working closely with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) to ensure that financial misconduct is addressed swiftly. Public money must be protected. Where there is wrongdoing, there must be consequences.

Reforming the auditing profession

After years of audit failures in both the public and private sectors, National Treasury is currently reviewing the Auditing Profession Act.

The Act provides for the establishment of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors; the education, training and professional development of registered auditors; the accreditation of professional bodies; the registration of auditors, and the regulation of the conduct of registered auditors.

“The proposed amendments are designed to strengthen the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) and align our regulatory framework with international best practice. These reforms are not just technical changes; they are about fostering trust, integrity, and public confidence in the profession. The auditing profession plays a critical role in financial markets and public accountability,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Message of support by Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli to the Breakfast Engagement on Emergency Response to Teenage Pregnancy, Tshedimosetso House, GCIS Offices

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Honourable Deputy Minister Letsike,
Distinguished guests, colleagues, and partners from across Government and civil society,
Good morning,

I am honoured to offer a message of support at this critical engagement. Teenage pregnancy in South Africa has reached deeply concerning levels, with more than 90,000 births recorded among girls aged 10 to 19. These are not just numbers, they are a stark reflection of our socio-economic challenges, and a call to action.

Teenage pregnancy is more than a health crisis. It represents the intersection of poverty, gender-based violence, inequality, and systemic exclusion. It disrupts education, deepens economic hardship, and too often leads to long-term cycles of vulnerability for young mothers and their children.

Our response must therefore be urgent, coordinated and compassionate.

As we close Youth Month, we must reaffirm a central truth: young people deserve the freedom and support to reach their full potential. That starts with keeping them in school, encouraging participation in sport, arts, leadership programmes, and community initiatives. It is through these avenues that young people build confidence, life skills, and purpose.

We must also say, without hesitation, that it is not normal or acceptable for teenage girls some as young as 10 to be giving birth. Many of these cases point to statutory rape, abuse of power, and the failure of enforcement. We need stronger prevention, accountability, and community action.

Government cannot do this work alone. We need the support of all pillars of society: parents, faith leaders, educators, civil society, the media, and the private sector. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” That village must now stand tall.

As The Presidency, we are committed to supporting this cause through improved coordination, targeted interventions, and policy coherence because the future of our country depends on the safety, empowerment and well-being of our children.

Let us use today to renew our resolve. Let us move from discussion to decisive action.

Thank you. Kea leboha. Enkosi.

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Minister tables R509 million DPME budget

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has been allocated a budget of R509 million for the 2025/26 financial year, which will support efforts to strengthen government capacity and deliver on South Africa’s key development priorities.

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, supported by Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai, presented the 2025 Budget Vote of the department in Parliament on Tuesday.

Addressing Parliament, Minister Ramokgopa highlighted the DPME’s key mandate to coordinate and integrate government planning, monitor implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, and evaluate government programmes to improve performance and accountability across the state.

“Over the past few years, attempts have been made to strengthen the mandate of DPME through the Planning Bill. We are now shifting focus and considering a White Paper process which will enable us to clarify a cohort of questions that have been raised by various stakeholders within and outside of government,” said the Minister.

The Minister reported significant progress, including Cabinet approval of the MTDP 2024–2029 in February 2025, with implementation already underway. The MTDP’s strategic priorities are:

  • Driving inclusive economic growth and job creation,
  • Reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living,
  • Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

“Successful implementation of the MTDP must be demonstrated through the achievement of its set targets and improved living conditions of citizens. It is not enough to plan — we must see results, and we must be held accountable for those results,” said Ramokgopa.

The DPME is facilitating the alignment of national, provincial, and local government planning processes, including efforts to integrate the MTDP with Provincial Growth and Development Strategies, beginning with the Northern Cape.

The Minister emphasised the department’s role in reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), with the tabling of the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024), which proposes a centralised shareholder model to improve SOE governance, performance, and economic impact.

In addition, the DPME is leading the implementation of a forward-looking Evidence Plan to enhance research, evaluation, and data systems. This will enable evidence-based decision-making and improve transparency and accountability, supported by modernised reporting and digital dashboards.

“Our work must be backed by credible evidence, and that evidence must lead to impact. We are committed to building a state that listens, learns, and delivers measurable change,” said Ramokgopa. 

The Minister noted the importance of strengthening collaboration with Parliament, oversight institutions, and other stakeholders, highlighting recent capacity-building workshops and ongoing bilateral engagements.

South Africa’s role as Chair of the Development Working Group under the G20 Presidency was also underscored, with priorities including mobilising finance for development, advancing social protection floors, and championing global public goods. – SAnews.gov.za

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Department working on turning SA into a successful tourism nation

Source: Government of South Africa

Department working on turning SA into a successful tourism nation

Tourism is a vehicle for creating jobs, destroying poverty and creating inclusive economic growth and sustainability, says Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu.

“The nation has given this Government of National Unity a clear mandate to turn South Africa into a successful tourism nation and to unite all of us – citizens, visitors and tourists alike – in the joy of discovering our country, discovering each other, and in the shared hope of equality for all,” said the Deputy Minister.

She was speaking at the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Sotyu said sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty eradication; therefore, economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion and transformation without growth is unsustainable

The department, together with South African Tourism, champions conditions for sustainability. 

“To lower the many barriers that inhibit SMMEs’ entry into the hotel industry, for example, the department has a programme called the Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP) which continues to subsidise grading costs. 

“In financial year 2024/25, the TGSP supported 2 970 establishments, encouraging active participation in the TGCSA’s grading system. These efforts contribute to the standardisation of service excellence, helping South Africa to remain competitive in global tourism markets.”

To sustain profits and benefit the local economy, the department will continue to support the tourism industry towards reaching the threshold of local development.

“Some big hotels do not appear in the list of graded establishments on the website of the Tourism Grading Council but still ‘sell’ themselves as 5-star hotels. 

“To ensure that the grading system remains world-class and relevant to our local environment in South Africa, we have initiated the Grading Criteria Review which will be finalised this financial year. 

“Grading of tourist establishments that host international events is a crucial factor in the sustainability of economic growth and job creation. 

“It is for this reason the South African National Conventions Bureau (SANCB), through the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sub-sector, will focus on capitalising on previous successes to accelerate growth through the consolidation of multiple national efforts when bidding for international meetings.”

The secured conferences will also contribute to the regional spread of business events. 

Given that tourism is a highly labour-intensive industry, people will rightfully expect to see significant local employment within these successfully bided international conferences. 

The Deputy Minister said the biggest international conference to be held in South Africa later this year, the G20, will be a catalyst for this yearned-for job creation. 

“The G20 presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s unparalleled hospitality, world-class infrastructure, quality-assured accommodations, and experiences, as well as its ability to host global events. 

“As the department, we are very committed to ensure that no one is left behind on the knowledge, importance and benefit of this G20,” said Sotyu. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine

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Gauteng’s Rustervaal Clinic closes temporarily

Source: Government of South Africa

Gauteng’s Rustervaal Clinic closes temporarily

The Gauteng Department of Health has announced the temporarily closure of the Rustervaal Clinic for safety reasons emanating from infrastructural challenges.

“During the temporary closure, patients are advised to access health services from neighbouring public health facilities. Furthermore, there will be daily transportation via the Gauteng Scheduled Emergency Transport (G-SET) to and from Rustervaal Clinic to Market Avenue Clinic in Vereeniging between Monday to Friday at 8 am,” said the department.

The clinic, which serves the community of Emfuleni, including Rochnee, Springcol and the Ramaphosa informal settlement closed on Monday.

“The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the Rustervaal Clinic until the identified infrastructural challenges (such as the dilapidated sections of building, collapsing ceiling in one of the rooms, poor electrical network in another section) are addressed. 

“The Gauteng Department of Health affirms its commitment to addressing the infrastructural challenges at Rustervaal Clinic as part of the broader Infrastructure Revitalisation Plan that is underway across all five health districts in the province,” said the department in a statement on Tuesday.

The plan includes not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure, but also constructing new facilities to meet the increasing demand. 

“It is not yet clear how long the clinic will be closed. This will be subject to a full assessment of the facility and budget reallocation. However, as part of the commitment to expand access to healthcare services for the growing community of Emfuleni, work is already underway to convert Johan Heyns Community Health Centre (CHC) into a district hospital. 

“This will improve access to quality health care by expanding primary health care and specialist services to both in-patients and outpatients, ultimately reducing the volume of referrals to Sebokeng Regional Hospital.”

The provincial department assured the community of Emfuleni that the required infrastructural upgrades at the clinic is receiving urgent attention and appeals for cooperation as patients are diverted to nearby facilities. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo

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SARS extends due date for filing EMP201

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS extends due date for filing EMP201

South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment to 14 July 2025.

EMP201 is a tax return that is submitted by an employer to SARS on a monthly basis.

The extension was granted following the higher than expected volumes that were experienced on Monday which caused SARS systems to take longer to respond than expected. 

“We recognise that some employers experienced delays in submitting their monthly EMP201’s and as a result we will consider not imposing penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant.

“This process of payment is governed by paragraphs 2(1) and 14(2) of the Fourth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, which provides for the payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Skills Development Levy (SDL), and the submission of the EMP201 form within a period of seven days after the end of the month during which the amounts that were withheld from remuneration paid to employees,” SARS said.

In terms of section 3 of the Income Tax Act, the Commissioner for SARS has the discretionary power to extend the respective due dates. 

“In the exercise of that discretionary authority, SARS Commissioner has extended the due date for filing and payment be extended to Monday, 14 July 2025.

“The practical implication of this decision is that SARS will not impose penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant. Taxpayers are encouraged to submit their EMP201 returns before 14 July to avoid late penalties,” the revenue service said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

Source: Government of South Africa

SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) receiving the largest component of the transfers.

Tabling National Treasury’s Budget Vote in Parliament, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the department’s budget (excluding direct charges) over the medium-term is R91.835 billion, which is an average growth rate of 6.2% from 2024/25 – 2027/28.

“The largest component is for transfers to SARS, which is allocated R45.760 billion (or 49.8%) of the department’s budget for operations and capital projects over the medium-term.

“This is an increase of R8 billion of the SARS baseline compared to the 2024 Estimate of Expenditure. Part of this increase is to improve effectiveness in revenue collection by enhancing their ability to collect debt through better systems, increasing staff capacity and modernising their processes to establish e-invoicing for VAT, instant payment systems and upgrades of customs infrastructure,” Godongwana said on Tuesday.

Last week, National Treasury published monthly debt collection data from SARS for the first time to monitor progress and improve transparency.

The budget allocation per economic classification over the medium-term is as follows:

  • R3.422 billion on compensation of employees;
  • R6.983 billion on goods and services;
  • R78.554 billion on transfers and subsidies;
  • R89 million on payment of capital assets, and
  • and R2.786 billion on payment for financial assets.

Sustainable public finances

National Treasury’s Annual Performance Plan 2025/26 sets out clear and ambitious programmes to realise its goals of job creation, lowering poverty and greater inclusion. 

“In terms of restoring sustainability and the impact of our public finances, a review of how the government spends money has been central to our policy efforts. To achieve all of our national priorities we need to realise much greater efficiencies on the spending side,” the Minister said.

As such there are new reviews that government plans to conduct, namely:

  • An audit of ghost workers in the public service using a data-driven approach that links administrative and financial databases to identify bogus and non-existent employees and immediately remove them from the system.
  • An infrastructure conditional grant review. This will assess why provinces and municipalities underspend, why projects are not delivered on time and within budget, and where relevant, why the quality of the deliverables is poor; and
  • A review of the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities. The aim is to develop a standardised framework for all schedule three public entities, based on their mandates, areas of influence, and the complexity of a given organisation.

Financial Action Task Force grey list

With South Africa completing all 22 recommended action items outlined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Minister stressed that the country must continue to strengthen the laws to fight illicit and corrupt financing.

“Lastly, I am happy to say that our endeavors, not just the National Treasury’s but the government’s as a whole, to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, are succeeding,” he said.

South Africa was placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime.

The FATF recently confirmed that South Africa has substantially completed its action plan and warrants an on-site assessment. 

The on-site assessment will be to verify that the implementation of AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain implementation in the future.

The on-site visit will take place before the next FATF Plenary, and, if the outcome of the visit is positive, the FATF will delist South Africa from the greylist at its next Plenary in October 2025. Preparations for the on-site visit have commenced.

“A General Laws Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Bill, to further improve our ability to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, is being finalised for another round of public comment, and tabling in Parliament in the third quarter of 2025.

“Similarly, the National Treasury has made substantial progress implementing the State Capture Commission recommendations through multiple concrete actions. SARS investigations have recovered R4.8 billion in unpaid taxes, while professional bodies like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) have imposed consequence management including disbarment,” the Minister said.

The Financial Intelligence Centre launched the ‘Enablers Project’ with law enforcement to trace state capture fund flows, and a 10-year ban was imposed on Bain & Co (currently under litigation).

“Critically, a central register now tracks dismissed officials and those who have resigned during their disciplinary processes across all government spheres,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle

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SA’s agricultural exports reach US$3,36 billion 

Source: Government of South Africa

For the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached US$3,36 billion, which translates to a 10% increase year-on-year, says Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

This is due to the work that government has been doing in expanding market access and defending trade over the past year.

“We facilitated new access for avocados to China, maize to Japan and India, beef to Iran, and table grapes to the Philippines and Vietnam. We managed a quick resolution to Botswana’s temporary ban on South African maize and wheat, reopening the border within two weeks.

“We were part of the Presidential delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China, secured protocols for wool, dairy and meat exports, and participated in high-level delegations to Davos, Japan, and Berlin,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Furthermore, South Africa had formal bilateral engagements with counterparts from the G7, African Union (AU), and G20, to advance the country’s market access and biosecurity agenda.

Addressing the Department of Agriculture’s Post-Budget Vote Media Briefing, the Minister outlined the significant strides the department has made in expanding market access, restoring biosecurity, delivering targeted farmer support, fighting food insecurity and empowering young people in the sector.

Restoring biosecurity and disaster preparedness

Over the past year, government has prioritised biosecurity as the world witnessed an increase in animal and plant disease risks.
The Minister said biosecurity is no longer a technical matter, but an economic and national imperative. 

“Over the past year, we have established the National Biosecurity Compact and a Biosecurity Council, which bring together scientists, industry experts and officials to coordinate outbreak responses.

“[We have] deployed animal health technicians to vaccinate against Foot and Mouth Disease in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as adopted a new proactive, strategic approach,” Steenhuisen.

Moreover, government relaunched the National Biosecurity Hub in partnership with the University of Pretoria and commenced the country’s first avian influenza vaccination campaign that was supported by upgraded digital disease surveillance.

“Our efforts are restoring confidence in our export systems and protecting farmers from catastrophic losses,” the Minister said.

Delivering targeted farmer support

According Steenhuisen, this year, over 6 000 farmers received direct support through a R1.7 billion allocation, creating 3 000 jobs.

“Through Ilima/Letsema, we supported 67.492 vulnerable households, generating nearly 9 500 work opportunities. We launched new smallholder farmer programmes in Jozini and beyond, focused on shifting the paradigm from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell”.

Ilima/Letsema is a government programme aimed at reducing poverty through increased food production initiatives.

In addition, government fast tracked the global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) accreditation for emerging producers and expanded access to finance through a restructured Blended Finance Scheme.

“We have made it clear; the future of agriculture lies with the youth. Over 3 000 agricultural graduates have entered internship programmes. We have begun integrating all 11 agricultural colleges into the higher education system, starting with Elsenburg. 

“We are investing in climate-smart agriculture, pollinator protection, agroecology, and digital agri-tech tools to make agriculture attractive to the next generation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Why the White Paper review matters more than ever

Source: Government of South Africa

By Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa

We have begun with a comprehensive review process of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. The review of the White paper demonstrates our collective commitment to addressing the challenges facing local governance and shaping a future that aligns with the aspirations of all South Africans.

The significance of the Local Government White Paper Review process is multifaceted, impacting various aspects of governance, community engagement and socio-economic development. This review is a crucial indicator of government’s commitment to improving local governance structures and service delivery, both fundamental to effective democracy and citizen satisfaction.

To understand this process fully, it is essential to consider the historical context of local governance in South Africa. The White Paper on Local Government, adopted in 1998, established the foundation for developmental local government as a key pillar of South Africa’s democracy. 

This policy framework not only expanded access to basic services for millions but also defined the local government sphere as one that operates at the forefront of service delivery, working closely with citizens and other societal entities to address social, economic and material needs while improving the quality of life. The original White Paper was visionary, introducing a developmental model that emphasised collaboration and community participation.

Since the end of apartheid, local governments have played a crucial role in transforming communities, ensuring equitable service delivery, and fostering democratic participation. However, this journey has come with significant challenges. Many municipalities have struggled with inefficiencies, corruption and neglect, leading to public disillusionment and a lack of trust in local governance systems.

On 19 May 2025, we officially launched a review of the White Paper, emphasising that local governments must adapt to a changing world characterised by urban growth, climate challenges, youth unemployment and digital transformation. Without this evolution, municipalities risk becoming irrelevant and obsolete.

Central to the review is the need to restore public trust, which has been eroded by the issues and failures present in some municipalities. Rebuilding this trust is crucial and begins with accountability and the willingness to confront past mistakes.

The review poses the following challenging questions:
How can we ensure that councillors and municipal managers are qualified, accountable and focused on service delivery?
How can we restore fiscal discipline so that ratepayers’ money is used for delivery instead of waste?
How can we empower traditional leaders and rural communities without undermining constitutional principles?

We all agree that the rationale for this review is both urgent and strategic, as South Africa’s socio-economic landscape has shifted dramatically. The population has grown, and poverty and inequality remain deeply entrenched. Political instability, skills shortages and revenue shortfalls have weakened municipal performance.

In response, the review must address these and many other challenges by proposing structural changes that enhance accountability and efficiency. Additionally, the review aims to promote greater accountability and transparency in local governance.

By emphasising a participatory approach to governance, the review seeks to empower communities to engage actively with their local institutions. It aims to enhance transparency through measures such as open budgeting processes and public consultations, ensuring that municipal leaders are held accountable for their decisions and actions. This shift towards transparency is crucial for rebuilding trust between government and communities, allowing citizens to have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

A key principle of the review recognises that meaningful community engagement is not just beneficial but necessary for effective governance. To this end, the White Paper calls for the establishment of forums, workshops and other platforms that allow citizens to express their concerns and suggestions. Such engagement serves two purposes: it empowers communities and helps local governments make informed decisions that truly reflect the needs of their constituents.

The review processes aim to rectify historical imbalances by ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly those that have been silenced in the past. It calls for inclusive engagement, reaching beyond the usual voices, and providing marginalised communities (such as informal traders, women, youth, traditional leaders and rural communities) the opportunity to participate. We emphasise this because real change must be rooted in lived experiences and supported by evidence.

This review presents an opportunity to rewrite the rulebook and introduce bold, forward-thinking reforms, including:
•    Smart governance tools that track performance and improve transparency through real-time data systems. 
•    New funding models that incentivise ethical leadership and penalise mismanagement. 
•    The professionalisation of local government, establishing minimum qualifications and ethical standards for officials and councillors. 
•    Climate resilience strategies that future-proof infrastructure and services against environmental risks. 
•    Improved intergovernmental coordination, particularly through the District Development Model, to streamline planning and reduce duplication.

Consultations already underway across provinces are shaping a framework and roadmap that is practical, coherent, and values-driven. They reflect the spirit of the Constitution and the realities of 21st Century South Africa while being both inclusive and practical.

The outcome should be a modernised local governance structure that characterises and defines a new era of capable, developmental, ethical and innovative municipalities, ultimately improving lives, rebuilding communities and restoring the resilience of our democracy.

Every municipality must work, not just in theory, but in practice, and for everyone.

*This was first published on Public Sector Manager magazine.

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Transnet unveils locally built multi-purpose vessel in Cape Town

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet unveils locally built multi-purpose vessel in Cape Town

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has unveiled a R120 million locally built multi-purpose vessel, a crucial addition to its marine fleet at the Port of Cape Town. 

This development marks another significant milestone in the execution of the TNPA’s ongoing Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, which aims to increase the availability of the marine fleet at South Africa’s commercial seaports.

Built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town, the multi-purpose vessel is a multi-functional seagoing craft designed to support maintenance activities and enhance environmental management including pollution control and oil spill response within the port. 

The vessel is designed to remove debris, conduct maintenance dredging and perform quay‑wall repairs. Additionally, it will assist in lighthouse maintenance and carry out upkeep tasks such as fender replacement and minor dredging activities. 

During a christening ceremony held at the Shipyard, TNPA named and christened the vessel “Yarona,” a Setswana name which means “Ours”. The name was chosen by a TNPA employee through an internal competition. 

A christening ceremony is a maritime tradition for launching a vessel, befitting following marine craft acquisition and is believed to bestow fortune and ensure safe voyage for the vessel and its crew. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer, Solly Letsoalo, said at the heart of their Reinvent for Growth Strategy is infrastructure-led growth and a commitment to reliable and efficient operations across operations. 

“As Transnet, we remain focused in modernising our fleet and ensure fit-for-purpose infrastructure in order to we meet the needs of our customers and the broader South African economy.”

Measuring 19.05 metres in length with a beam of 8.36 metres, this vessel features an all-welded steel hull and superstructure for enhanced durability in harsh harbour conditions. This translates into a quicker and effective response when called upon by port users to remove navigation hazards.

“Our ability to deliver this vessel is testament to our mission of building vessels in Africa for Africa. It underscores our commitment to localisation and supplier development, while contributing to job creation and skills development in the local maritime sector. 

“The project has equally been beneficial to both men and women, with a strong focus on individuals from previously disadvantaged communities and with youth well-represented among the team,” said Sefale Montsi, Damen Shipyards Cape Town Director. 

During the 14-month construction period, the project has significantly impacted local employment by creating approximately 18 job opportunities for the community. 

Once operational, the multi-purpose vessel will employ three new crew members from TNPA, in addition to the two crew members who were aboard the old vessel. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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