Category: South Africa Government

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Rio de Janeiro gears up for BRICS Summit

Source: Government of South Africa

By Gabi Khumalo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – All eyes are on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as the city prepares to welcome Heads of State and delegations from across the world for the 17th BRICS Summit.

The Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) nations will converge in the metro for high-level engagements at the Summit taking place on 6 and 7 July 2025.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The new members were invited to join during the Johannesburg BRICS Summit, held in South Africa, in August 2023.

BRICS brings together major emerging economies, collectively representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and around 26% of global trade.

In preparing for the upcoming event, Rio has heightened security measures. On Friday afternoon, military personnel were deployed at strategic venues and sites, including hotels and museums.

Trucks delivering furniture and vehicles transporting international delegates were also seen entering and exiting the summit venue.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate virtually.

Representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will lead the UAE delegation on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Brazil assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2025 with the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for more Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”.

Brazil’s Presidency will focus on two priorities, including Global South Cooperation and the BRICS Partnerships for Social, and Economic and Environmental Development.

The flagship priorities of the Brazilian Chairship include global health cooperation; trade, investment, and finance; climate change; Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance; promoting global reform of the multilateral peace system and security architecture; and institutional development.

The key objectives of BRICS include strengthening economic, political, and social cooperation among its members, as well as increasing the influence of Global South countries in international governance.

Among its ambitions are reforms to global institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with a focus on improving legitimacy, equity, and operational efficiency.

The group also seeks to improve the legitimacy, equity in participation, and efficiency of global institutions, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). – SAnews.gov.za

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a media briefing on the occasion of the Stave Visit by President Alexander Van der Bellen of Austria, Union Buildings, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Alexander Van der Bellen,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Senior officials,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen,

As you are aware, Your Excellency, South Africans are today mourning the passing of our former Deputy President David Dabede Mabuza. 

He served as the Deputy President of the Republic from 2018 to 2023 and before that as Premier of the province of Mpumalanga.

It is appropriate that we pay tribute to him on this occasion, both for his contribution to the development of our democracy and to the quest for peace and stability on the African continent.

He was deeply committed to the cause of the South African people and to building bonds of friendship and cooperation with peoples from across the world.

I ask that we observe a moment of silence in his memory.

Your Excellency, allow me once again to welcome you to South Africa. 

This is the first visit by an Austrian Head of State to democratic South Africa.

In our Official Talks, we took the opportunity to thank the Austrian people for their support during our struggle for democracy.

We believe that this solidarity laid a firm basis for our bilateral cooperation. 

President Van der Bellen’s visit marks a new chapter for relations between Austria and South Africa as we seek to deepen investment and trade between our two countries. 

South Africa is Austria’s largest trading partner on the continent and accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. 

More than a quarter of all African imports to Austria are from South Africa. 

We have acknowledged the presence of more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries and agencies in South Africa. 

Later today, President Van der Bellen and I will be participating in a high-level business forum that will explore the numerous avenues for deepening bilateral investment and trade. 

South Africa welcomes the Republic of Austria’s ongoing commitment to our country’s development and to our efforts to drive inclusive growth and job creation.

Today we signed two Memoranda of Understanding. 

The first on cooperation in consular affairs and the second on technical vocational education and work-based training, which will support South Africa’s efforts to produce the skills our economy needs.

President Van der Bellen and I discussed the impact of geopolitical events. 

We affirmed the importance of multilateralism as we strive to realise a world free from conflict and war. 

We share the belief that the institutions of global governance, and particularly the United Nations Security Council, must be reformed to meet the challenges and realities of the world today. 

We took this opportunity to discuss the theme we have chosen for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, namely ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. 

It envisages a world order in which every person, every community and every country has equal opportunity to progress and to thrive.

From our discussions today, it is clear that this is an aspiration that Austria and South Africa share.

Austria is a valued partner of South Africa. This state visit will further deepen our longstanding cooperation and strengthen the ties between our two peoples.

I thank you.

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Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South Africa – Austria Business Forum, Tshwane 

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director,
Your Excellency President Van der Bellen,
Vice President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Ms Martha Schultz, 
Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni,
Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Business and industry leaders,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to address the South Africa-Austria Business Forum at this important time, as we seek to further deepen economic ties between our countries. 

Austria and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral trade and investment relations spanning energy, industrial technology, pharmaceuticals and vocational training.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Austria has been steadily increasing.

A number of leading Austrian companies are involved in South Africa, through direct investments, distribution and sales offices, or in projects and other services.

There are many more opportunities for investment by Austrian companies in South Africa.

There are opportunities in areas such as renewable energy generation, agro-processing and component manufacturing opportunities. 

There are also opportunities in critical minerals beneficiations, pharmaceuticals, technology and innovation, among others. 

South Africa has shown signs of recovery from its economic challenges.

Our electricity supply has improved. Inflation has shown signs of moderation. 

We have embarked on a massive infrastructure drive, with key investments concentrated in energy, transport and logistics, water and sanitation, and digital infrastructure. 

We established an Infrastructure Fund to leverage blended financing from private investors and multilateral development banks. 

The Fund has a pipeline of projects in water, sanitation, energy, transport, digital infrastructure, agriculture, agro-processing and housing.

We are on course to complete the transformation of our energy and logistics sectors to make them more efficient and competitive. 

More rapid and inclusive growth will be driven by the country’s advantage in the green and digital economy.

South Africa has developed a regulatory framework to harness the potential of the hydrogen economy.

South Africa is actively developing an industrial plan to support the growth of electric vehicle and battery production. 

The plan includes incentives for manufacturers, investment in charging infrastructure and localisation of components. 

We have a supportive and enabling industrial policy.

This policy involves the expansion of special economic zones and harnessing the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

Our special economic zones offer an internationally competitive value proposition with an attractive suite of incentives.

These special economic zones are located across the country, each with unique offerings for investors.

The African Continental Free Trade Area will remove trade barriers and unlock opportunities for trade and investment for local and global businesses.

It will drive a wave of industrialisation and create dynamic regional value chains. 

This presents opportunities for Austrian businesses and investors. It opens up new markets for their goods, products and services. 

South Africa is an anchor for regional value chains in the continent.

Our manufacturing sector sources inputs from many countries in the region. 

These are then exported as final products to foreign markets. 

The far-reaching structural reforms we have implemented over the past six years have opened up the country to increased levels of investment. 

This is evident in the renewable energy sector, which has attracted significant investment following reforms in the electricity regulatory environment.

South Africa has significant reserves of critical energy transition minerals as we position ourselves to be at the forefront of the green energy revolution. 

We hold the world’s largest reserves of platinum group metals, giving us a competitive advantage for the production of sustainable energy technologies.

South African businesses are also eager to explore opportunities in Austria, an economy that offers EU single market access, has high purchasing power and is a stable, innovation-driven economy.

There is high demand for our agricultural products in the EU, including high-quality South African wines and speciality foods like rooibos. 

South Africa’s network of eco-certified producers continues to grow and can tap into opportunities in Austria in the organic and sustainable food production markets. 

South African mining, mineral processing, automotive and other manufacturing sectors are eager to link into Austrian supply chains and increase value-added exports.

With Austria investing heavily in renewable energy, there are many opportunities to explore in green hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and green transition technologies. 

We want to see more Austrian tourists coming to South Africa and more South Africans visiting Austria. We are particularly keen to explore eco, sports and heritage tourism. 

Earlier today we signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of technical and vocational training. 

We want to learn from Austria on how to achieve the delicate balance between building the workforce of the future and growing the skills needed by the economy today.

As the South African government, we have consistently affirmed the importance of collaboration with the private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.

By working together with all social partners, we have embarked on a new era of growth, progress and inclusive, shared prosperity.

I am confident that the engagements, discussions and networking sessions from this forum will yield great benefits for both South African and Austrian companies. 

Once again, I thank you all for joining us here and for your continued interest in South Africa. 

We will continue to support Austrian investors and partners in unlocking the great value in our country.

Over many years, we have built a firm foundation for mutually-beneficial cooperation.

It is clear from this Business Forum that there are abundant opportunities for even greater partnership, progress and shared prosperity.

I thank you.

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GCIS has repositioned itself as coordinator of government communication

Source: Government of South Africa

GCIS has repositioned itself as coordinator of government communication

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has repositioned itself as the coordinator of government communication.

“During the 2025/26 financial year, the GCIS commenced in earnest with coordinating pre- and/or post- departmental Budget Vote media briefings, and the same will be done during the tabling of Annual Performance Reports in October,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister was presenting the GCIS Budget Vote at the Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town on Friday.

Ntshavheni said as part of the GCIS’s focus on monitoring the implementation of departmental and provincial communication plans, the GCIS will table to Cabinet on a quarterly basis communication plans, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement and support requirements for departmental and provincial implementation.

“The first report will be tabled in the next Cabinet. We intend to share these quarterly reports with the Portfolio Committee as part of enhancing its oversight on the implementation of the NCSF [National Communication Strategic Framework],” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said within this financial year, the GCIS provincial offices will commence with coordinating the communication plans of district and metro municipalities, in consultation with the offices of the Premier and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

“At a policy level, we are at the final consultation stages in the review of the Government Communication Policy of 2018,” Ntshavheni said.

Touching on the GCIS’s partnership with the media, Ntshavheni said the GCIS operates in a global environment where traditional news media, TV, radio and online are supplemented but at times are undermined by institutional or individual content creators, who “seek to cause mischief or drive divisions and cynicism in society”.

“Under these circumstances, the GCIS continues to place a premium on engaging with trusted news channels across all media types, given their credibility and expansive reach.

“In this regard, during the 2024/25 financial year, there were 61 engagements on government’s key programmes undertaken between government officials and senior journalists.

“The GCIS continues to monitor national and international print, broadcast and online media, which ensures that government is kept abreast of issues and dynamics in the public discourse about our government and South Africa in general,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni said social media alerts played a key role in addressing disinformation and misinformation.

“GCIS has also actively utilised digital media to reach citizens, thus harnessing the power and reach of social media in government communication.

“Improvements are, however, still required to improve the performance of other government departments, provincial and local governments’ social media platforms to be instantaneous information sources specific to their departments, provinces and municipalities,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni commended the South African Government News Agency, SAnews.gov.za, which has become a valuable source of current news and information dedicated to government priorities, programmes and interventions for the country.

“In the last financial year, 3 617 stories on key government programmes and activities were published on SAnews, focusing on government interventions in key priority areas such as anti-corruption, the fight against gender-based violence and femicide, implementation of the economic reconstruction and recovery plan, combatting crime and the outlook of the country in general.

“SAnews articles were re-published in mainstream media both internationally and domestically, which gave added traction to government messages and supplemented media reporting on government’s extensive programmes and opportunities for citizens,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said the GCIS continues to prioritise radio as a pervasive communication channel to reach South Africans in a language of their preference and to ensure that communities engage with government. 

“In the last financial year, 1 086 radio products were used to inform citizens through differentiated formats,” she said.

The total budget allocation to the GCIS over the 2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period (2025/26 to 2027/28 financial years) amounts to R2.468 billion, which is spread as follows:

•              2025/26: R820. 281 million.

•              2026/27: R805. 731 million.

•              2027/28: R842.171 million.

The department’s current budget of R820. 281 million for the 2025/26 financial year is shared across operational costs, capital costs, and transfers and subsidies as follows:

 – An operating budget of R544. 492 million, which constitutes 66% of the budget allocation. The operating budget caters for Compensation of Employees (CoE) to the value of R311. 080 million for establishment of 500 permanent positions and goods and services to the value of R233. 412 million.

Ntshavheni said the GCIS of the future requires an extensive capital budget to accelerate digital transformation technologies and ensure that the department remains relevant, agile and productive as the Fourth Industrial Revolution rolls into the fifth.

“The budget reductions implemented by National Treasury over the 2024 MTEF period and budget growth that is below CPI could potentially lead to significant adverse consequences, such as operational compromises, stagnant innovation and diminished competitive edge,” the Minister said. 

The GCIS was officially launched in May 1998. It was established in terms of Section 7 (subsection 2 and 3) of the Public Service Act, 1994, as amended. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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Austria a ‘valued partner of South Africa’ – President Ramaphosa

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warmly welcomed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on his historic State Visit to South Africa.

This marks the first time an Austrian Head of State has visited the country since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

During a media briefing following officials talks between the two countries, President Ramaphosa reflected on the central-European country’s contribution to the fight against apartheid.

“Your Excellency, it’s an honour to have you here and I welcome you to South Africa. This is the first time that an Austrian Head of State has visited democratic South Africa.

“In our official talks, we took the opportunity to thank the Austrian people for their support during our struggle for democracy.

“We believe that this solidarity they pledged to the people of South Africa as they struggled against apartheid has laid a firm basis for our bilateral cooperation. 

“Your visit marks a new chapter for the relations between Austria and South Africa, as we seek to deepen investment and trade between our two countries,” President Ramaphosa said.

South Africa is Austria’s biggest trade partner in Africa, with nearly a third of all exports to the continent reaching South Africa shores.

Meanwhile, more 25% of all African exports to Austria are from South Africa.

“We have acknowledged the presence of more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries and agencies in South Africa.

“Later today, [President Van der Bellen] and I will be participating in a high-level business forum that will explore the numerous ways and avenues for deepening cooperation and bilateral investments and trade between our two countries.

“South Africa welcomes the Republic of Austria’s ongoing commitment to our country’s development and to our efforts to drive inclusive growth and job creation,” President Ramaphosa said.

The two countries signed two memoranda of understanding on consular affairs and technical vocational education, as well as sharing reflections on the impact of geopolitical events.

“We affirmed the importance of multilateralism as we strive to realise a world free from conflict and war. We share the belief that the institutions of global governance, and particularly the United Nations Security Council, must be reformed to meet the challenges and realities of the world today. 

“We took this opportunity to discuss the theme we have chosen for South Africa’s G20 Presidency, namely ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. It envisages a world order in which every person, every community and every country has equal opportunity to progress and to thrive.

“From our discussions today, it is clear that this is an aspiration that Austria and South Africa share. Austria is a valued partner of South Africa. This State Visit will further deepen our longstanding cooperation and strengthen the ties between our two peoples,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Foot and mouth disease contained in Eastern Cape, Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has decided to lift the disease management areas (DMA) in Eastern Cape and Limpopo after intensified efforts by veterinary services were successful in containing the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the two provinces. 

In the Kouga and Kou-Kamma municipalities in Eastern Cape, a DMA has been in place since 26 July 2024 to support the control of the FMD outbreaks. Vaccination was implemented as a control measure and 144 424 vaccinations were done. 

The last cases were reported in September 2024. 

“Extensive serological surveillance was done in the DMA to confirm that there are no undetected pockets of the disease. The Minister can now confirm the lifting of the movement restrictions in the Eastern Cape DMA,” said the department.

In Limpopo, the DMA has been in place since September 2022 to control an FMD outbreak in diptanks in the Vhembe Municipality. Cattle at 34 diptanks were vaccinated in two rounds of vaccination, with a total of 23, 024 vaccinations done. 

Following extensive serological surveillance conducted at the end of 2024, the department is satisfied that there is no evidence of FMD virus in the DMA. 

“All restrictions on the DMA can, therefore, be lifted. The lifting of the DMA restrictions comes into effect today as it is published in the Government Gazette,” said the department.

Minister Steenhuisen again emphasised that biosecurity is everybody’s responsibility. 

“Biosecurity is not just a farming concern, but a shared responsibility of every individual in South Africa. We call on all citizens, especially those interacting with livestock or moving between rural areas, to consistently adhere to all biosecurity measures. 

“Only through our collective efforts can we safeguard our agricultural sector, make sure livelihoods are protected and ensure we keep our areas FMD-free,” he said.

Eastern Cape 

A total of 76 farms in the Eastern Cape province, which were infected and/or vaccinated, remain under quarantine. Movement restrictions will remain in place on these farms until testing has confirmed the absence of viral circulation. 

Testing will commence 12 months after the farms have been vaccinated. 

The department said it has decided to allow milk from quarantined farms to be released into the local market following single pasteurisation, instead of double pasteurisation, which was required when the disease was still active in the area. 

KwaZulu-Natal 

The DMA in KwaZulu-Natal will remain in place as there are still signs of active virus circulation in the area. 

Some outbreaks were detected outside of the DMA. 

“An abattoir in the Vryheid area in the DMA was designated to slaughter animals from premises under FMD restrictions. A system has been put in place to assess the level of biosecurity on individual farms, with the intention of aligning the control measures to the biosecurity risks,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

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Parents urged to ensure children are vaccinated against measles

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, July 4, 2025

The Free State Health Department has issued an alert regarding a measles outbreak in the Lejweleputswa Nala (Bothaville) region of the province.

This comes after the confirmation of 64 cases of the viral infection in the areas of Nala, Masilonyana, Matjhabeng and Tswelopele.

Individuals primarily currently affected by the outbreak are children between the ages of 5 and 9.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. It is crucial for parents and guardians to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms associated with measles,” spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said.

The following symptoms are associated with the viral infection:
•    Runny Nose
•    Red Rash
•    Feeling Tired
•    Cough
•    Fever
•    Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes)

“We urge all parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect your child and the community from this disease,” he added.

Actions you can take:
•    Keep an eye on your child for any symptoms mentioned above.
•    If symptoms develop, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
•    Ensure your child is up-to-date with their measles vaccinations. If you have questions about vaccination status, consult your clinic or healthcare provider.
•    Share this information with other parents and caregivers in your community.

“Your health and the health of our community are our top priorities. Together, we can prevent the spread of measles and protect our children. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact your local clinic,” Mvambi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

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Opening remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Official Talks with President Van Der Bellen on the occasion of the State Visit by Austria, Union Building, Tshwane

Source: President of South Africa –

Your Excellency, President Alexander van der Bellen,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Ambassadors,
Members of delegations,
Senior officials,

On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of South Africa, it is my pleasure to welcome you on this historic State Visit. 

Our two countries have ties of friendship and cooperation that go back many years.

We recall the role of Austrian anti-apartheid movement in supporting our struggle for democracy.

We have not forgotten this solidarity, which laid a firm basis for our bilateral relationship.

Your visit today marks a new chapter in relations between Austria and South Africa. 

Through the Bilateral Consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism.

We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries. 

South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. 

There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism. 

We share a common commitment to transition our respective economies along a low-carbon, inclusive, climate resilient path.

As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.

We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation.

We are interested to hear more about Austria’s comprehensive national Africa Strategy, which we understand is intended to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, digitalisation, energy, environmental and climate technologies.

The momentum of South Africa’s structural reform process and our efforts to boost economic growth present unique opportunities for Austrian firms wishing to invest here. 

I look forward to our participation in the high-level business forum later today, where we will be able to engage with these opportunities in depth.

We meet at a time of heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world. 

These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. 

They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all.

For our G20 Presidency, South Africa has chosen the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.

Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights.

I now invite you, Your Excellency, to deliver your remarks.

I thank you.

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Austrian State Visit an opportunity to strengthen relations

Source: Government of South Africa

The State Visit to South Africa by Austria President Alexander van der Bellen and his delegation presents an opportunity for the two countries to deepen trade and investment relations.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who welcomed the delegation at the Union Buildings on Friday morning.

In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa described the visit as a “new chapter in relations”.

“Through the bilateral consultations we have maintained cordial relations rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to multilateralism. We are also committed to deepening investment and trade between our two countries.

“South Africa is Austria’s largest economic and trade partner in Africa. Our country accounts for almost a third of Austria’s total exports to the continent. There are more than 70 Austrian companies with subsidiaries or agencies in South Africa across a range of sectors.

“There is significant potential to deepen investment and trade links in areas such as the green economy, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure development and tourism,” President Ramaphosa said.

He highlighted the two countries’ commitment to a transition towards low carbon climate economies – noting the European country’s move towards green hydrogen which South Africa is also pursuing.

“As South Africa strives to achieve energy security through investment in renewable and clean energy, we look forward to expanding our cooperation with Austria.

“We noted with interest the launch of Austria’s first green hydrogen production facility in 2023. We are eager to share our Green Hydrogen Economy Strategy and explore avenues for cooperation,” he said.

The global environment

President Ramaphosa noted that the state visit takes place at a time of “heightened global insecurity, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, the climate emergency and conflicts in many parts of the world”.

“These events reinforce the need for multilateralism to remain at the centre of world affairs. They further underscore the need for the urgent reform of the institutions of global governance, including the United Nations Security Council.

“South Africa and Austria share a common commitment to a world free of conflict and war, where sustainable development is a reality for all,” he said.

The President reflected on South Africa’s presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

“It reflects our commitment to advancing the African Agenda, multilateral cooperation and the interests of all countries and peoples.

“Austria is a valued partner of South Africa and we look forward to taking this partnership to even greater heights,” President Ramaphosa concluded.

The state visit will culminate in the South Africa-Austria Business Forum to be held later on Fridaya. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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CPF training workshops in selected high crime areas

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African Police Service says it will be undertaking assessments to determine the effectiveness of established Community Safety Forums (CSFs) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

The police will also provide training workshops which will be conducted in selected high crime rate areas to equip CPF members to support policing and crime prevention efforts.

This is according to Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale who was speaking during the Budget Vote debate on Friday.

Community Policing Forums were set up to involve all local stakeholders and key organisations in local policing. They meet regularly with the officers in charge of the local police station and discuss problems and solutions to crime in their area.

Providing an update on the work of the Ministry, the Deputy Minister said the Civilian Secretariat for Police (CSPS) developed the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy (ICVPS), which was approved by Cabinet and “remains one of the apex strategic interventions to reduce violence and crime in a holistic approach in all spheres of government”.

The CSPS has developed the National Policing Policy (NPP), which was approved by Cabinet on 14 May 2025 to address challenges such as inadequate police stations, capacity issues and ensure that infrastructure is based on proper norms and standards.  

The NPP also makes provisions for creating professional and quality policing; providing efficient and effective policing service delivery; improving legitimacy and trust between communities and the police; building a strong and ethical leadership, management and governance architecture within the SAPS.

“Honourable members, this is a significant policy shift in the South African Policing landscape.

“CSPS will also focus on the finalisation of the Policy on Familial DNA Searches (FDS), which gives effect to Section 15M of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37 of 2013. The FDS is a forensic technique employed by law enforcement agencies to identify genetic relatedness among DNA profiles in forensic databases.

“In addition, the CSPS will enhance the monitoring of the Forensic Science Laboratories with a view of ensuring that processing of exhibits is done timeously and challenges are identified on time and resolved efficiently. The effective laboratory services contribute to the quick resolutions of court cases, thus ensuring that victims of crime receive justice,” said Mathale.

As a legislative and policy wing of the Ministry of Police, the CSPS will introduce two Bills in Parliament in 2025/26 financial year. These are the South African Police Amendment Bill and the Firearms Control Amendment Bill.

Mathale said the Ministry of Police has entered into partnerships with critical stakeholders to enhance police performance through cooperation agreements with provinces and municipalities – aimed at sharing a vision for safety and security within cities and communities.

“Various initiatives, programmes and strategies through these agreements will be implemented in the medium term. To date, four provinces and their respective metros have signed the aforesaid cooperation agreements namely; Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.”

In an effort to contribute to the effective implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the CSPS will continue to conduct the following initiatives:

–    Monitoring of SAPS compliance to and implementation of the Domestic Violence Act;
–    Oversight visits over the top 30 police stations with high levels of GBV related crimes (nationally);
–    Court watching briefs to identify systemic issues that lead to the withdrawal of GBVF related cases – with particular focus on police responsibilities; and
–    Awareness campaigns involving community and faith-based organisations, institutions of higher learning and other government departments.

“In order to deliver effectively on the mandate of the CSPS, the department is allocated a total budget of R172 245 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This is an increase of R16.281 million from the adjusted budget of R155.964 million for 2024/25 financial year and includes an inflation adjustment and R9.187 additional funding for Compensation of Employees.

“This increase is for the filling of the two posts of Deputy Directors-General and their support staff as well as the cost of living adjustment for 2025/26. The micro organisational structure is being reviewed in order to increase capacity in line with the departmental strategy and mandates,” said the Deputy Minister. – SAnews.gov.za