Category: South Africa Government

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is hosting the 3rd Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province.

As part of its leadership role within the G20 EWWG, South Africa is spearheading efforts to promote women’s participation and representation in leadership, governance, and decision-making, while also advocating for increased ownership and control by women across economic and social sectors.

The meeting, which takes place from 01 to 04 July 2025, brings together G20 member states, guest countries, civil society organisations, and technical experts to advance global dialogue and cooperation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The meeting will focus on “The Care Economy – Paid and Unpaid Care Work and Household Responsibilities.”

“The topic aims to address long-standing disparities in the recognition and distribution of care work, which is essential to both household functioning and national economies yet remains undervalued and disproportionately carried by women and girls,” department spokesperson, Cassius Selala said.

Over the four days, delegates will participate in strategic and evidence-based sessions, including presentations and discussions on the following: 
•    Global care landscape, with a focus on recognising marginalised care relationships and exploring the potential of care work to create decent and inclusive employment.
•    Cross country experience of implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting and National Care Policies: Opportunities and Challenges.
•    Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
•    Proposed action plan on financial inclusion of and for women.
•    The G20 gender mainstreaming efforts on women’s economic empowerment globally.
•    Gender equality as a cross-cutting issues across G20 Working Groups and Task Forces.

High-level speakers will include DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga; representatives of the G20 Member States, including guest countries, and international organisations; academic and policy experts from University of Cape Town, United National Women, International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation (WHO); delegates from civil society and G20 engagement groups, including Women 20 (W20) and Women Empower 20, amongst others.

Selala said the outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the G20’s policy agenda on women’s economic empowerment, with a specific focus on recognising, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care work.

“This engagement also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the G20’s ongoing commitment to the Brisbane Goal 25×25 [reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by the year 2025],” Selala said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

Monday, June 30, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa’s empowerment laws may be distinct, however such laws are not a unique global occurrence, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The country’s empowerment laws, particularly the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment legal framework, have come under public and media debate over the past few months.

In his weekly newsletter released on Monday, the President said that the empowerment laws are practical, feasible and responsive to “economic conditions, without deviating from the objective of redressing the economic injustices” of the past when Africans and other people of colour were excluded from meaningful economic participation during apartheid.

“Empowerment laws are not unique to South Africa. These laws are often referred to as indigenisation or localisation measures. They exist in various forms in other emerging market economies with similar histories of race-based economic exclusion such as India, Zambia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Brazil.

“A number of these jurisdictions compel foreign investors or multinationals, who wish to invest in the economies of those countries or in certain sectors of their economy, to fully set aside equity stakes in their companies to local entities as a prerequisite for operating in the country. This can serve be seen as a barrier to entry for investment in certain environments. 

“However, we have found that many would-be investors do embrace these measures as they enhance inclusiveness, lead to broad acceptance of their companies and tend to grow market share,” he said.

The President explained that South African empowerment laws earn distinction in that the measures are “practical and innovative”.

“In addition to having a pure equity participation measure, we have introduced the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). 

“It was created to accommodate multinationals whose global practices or policies prevent them from complying with the B-BBEE ownership element through the ‘traditional’ sale of equity or shares. It allows multinationals to invest in socio-economic, skills and enterprise development in South Africa without selling equity in their local subsidiaries,” President Ramaphosa said.

He pushed back on suggestions that EEIP is a circumvention of empowerment laws and public assertions that it is a “response to the conditions of a particular company or sector”.

“Neither are factually correct. Firstly, the EEIP is not new and has been in existence for a decade. It is firmly embedded in our laws and is not an attempt to ‘water down’ B-BBEE.

“Secondly, there are stringent requirements for multinationals to participate. All EEIP initiatives must be aligned to government’s economic policies and strategic goals. There is firm government-backed oversight over EEIP programmes that must be broad-based in terms of impact. 

“Since its inception, the EEIP has encompassed a broad range of sectors and onboarded some of the world’s leading multinational firms such as Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, JP Morgan, Amazon, IBM and automotive firms such as BMW, Volkswagen, Nissan and Toyota,” he highlighted.

President Ramapohosa cited technology conglomerate, Microsoft’s investment as an example of how EEIP can lead to local development.

“Microsoft announced a R1.32 billion investment over 10 years in skills and supplier and 4IR research and development – under the EEIP.

“These firms have leveraged the EEIP to direct investment into local development, to incubate black, youth and women-owned businesses, and to fund skills development. This has in turn assisted government in achieving a number of policy and also infrastructure goals.

“Equity Equivalents have been proven to be a practical B-BBEE compliance tool for multinationals operating in South Africa, and we will continue to leverage them in pursuit of economic growth and job creation,” he said.

Changing perceptions

President Ramaphosa reiterated his stance that economic growth and transformation can co-exist.

“Not only do we have to move away from the perception that we must make a choice between growth and transformation – we also have to shift the mindset that compliance with B-BBEE is punitive or burdensome. 

“By supporting firms with compliance, they are able to embrace empowerment as a meaningful investment in South African’s long-term economic stability. This is a sound strategy that recognises that a transformed South African economy is one in which their investments are safe and guaranteed,” he said.

The President highlighted that since the introduction of empowerment laws, the “playing field” has evolved.

“The emergence of new industries, whether it is digital technology, advanced manufacturing, AI or renewable energy, means South Africa must actively position itself to attract greater foreign and domestic investment in these sectors or risk being left behind.

“As a country, we have had to adapt and evolve in response to these economic trends, and continue to do so,” President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that even as economies and trends evolve, economic transformation remains a government imperative.

“We are clear that our empowerment laws remain central to our goal of economic transformation in South Africa and are here to stay. As business and industry, as labour and indeed, as all of society we should remain firmly behind these laws that are integral to undoing the injustices of the past. 

“Our focus going forward must remain creating an enabling policy environment, driving key structural reforms, supporting innovation, and reducing regulatory barriers to harness the potential of emerging industries and support existing ones. 

“Beyond the spirited and often heated debates currently underway around B-BBEE and the EEIP, the pursuit of inclusive economic growth that creates jobs and improves the lives of our people remains our overriding goal,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government says a total of 102 bodies have been recovered to date across various districts since the search and rescue mission began following the disastrous floods earlier this month.

According to the provincial government, the bodies were recovered across various districts.

The figure indicates an increase of one person from the previous update provided on 26 June.

O.R. Tambo remains the hardest hit district, with 78 fatalities; Amathole 10, Alfred Nzo five, Joe Gqabi two, Sarah Baartman two, and Chris Hani five.

From the 102 bodies recovered, which include 63 adults and 63 children, 96 bodies have been identified and handed over to families, while six remain unidentified. 

Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required to positively identify bodies found decomposed, thus implying that it may take longer to identify the deceased.

“The search and recovery teams are continuing with the search, working tirelessly to locate and recover any possible remaining bodies.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have been deployed to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for possibly more victims, including two children who are still missing,” the provincial government said. 

The provincial government is continuing to provide shelter, meals and all necessities to the displaced families in community care centres and accommodation establishments in and around Mthatha in O.R. Tambo District Municipality and Butterworth in Amathole District Municipality.

The Department of Health continues to provide essential medical services on-site at shelters and affected communities. 

The Department of Social Development, supported by private sector partners, is delivering psychosocial support directly to grieving families and schools impacted by the floods. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has dispatched mobile units to facilitate the replacement of vital documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, ensuring that affected individuals can access services without leaving their temporary homes.

To date, 478 ID replacement applications have been submitted, with three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

“Thus far, 56 victims of the floods have been buried across the province and government continues to offer sympathies to all the families of the bereaved, as well as critical support to ensure the burial of the deceased in a dignified manner,” the provincial government said.

The Eastern Cape has officially been declared a national disaster zone following widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

In OR Tambo, water has partially been restored in various areas. Water tankers from both municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Gift of the Givers, continue with the provision of water in the affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign on Tuesday, 1 July, in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality near Welkom, Free State.

Launched last month in Gauteng, the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign is a nationwide initiative designed to promote cleaner, greener, and more inclusive urban and rural environments. 

The campaign encourages citizens to unite for community cleaning activities in townships and villages.

“It is envisaged that the service delivery initiative will not only promote cleaner surroundings but also cultivate a sense of community spirit, volunteerism, and pride among residents,” the Deputy President’s office said in a statement. 

The initiative also builds on the Deputy President’s commitments made earlier this year at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Lekgotla. 

It aims to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by municipalities, as part of a broader effort by the government to improve service delivery, within the framework of the District Development Model.

As part of his visit to the Matjhabeng Municipality, Deputy President Mashatile will embark on a guided tour of the Renergen Tetra4 Facility. 

The visit aims to provide him with first-hand insight into the operations of the Helium Gas Plant and its contribution to the local and national economy. 

The Deputy President will also take the time to interact with the workers and management of the facility.

The second leg of the Deputy President’s visit will take place at the Thabong Water Treatment Plant, where he will assess the project’s progress toward completion. 

The plant plays a vital role in enhancing sanitation services for communities in Thabong East, Thabong Central, Riebeeckstad and Bronville.

During the final phase of the integrated service delivery and cleaning campaign, the Deputy President will participate in various activitieswith community members, including filling potholes, marking roads, and other cleaning services in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Mashatile will be joined in the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign by the Premier of Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, along with representatives from provincial and local government. 

Also participating are Thanduxolo Khalipha, the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality; Veronica Ntakumbana, the Executive Mayor of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, and other senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is expected to today pay some R3.3 billion to service the outstanding e-tolls debt.

This was announced by Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, during a media briefing on Sunday.

E-tolls were scrapped last year following years of discontent from road users in an agreement between the provincial government and National Treasury.

The GPG committed to paying some 30% of the historic debt.

“… The Gauteng Provincial Government will honour the province’s obligation by paying the second instalment towards the e-tolls debt, as disclosed in the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. 

“The amount due… based on the Memorandum of Agreement, is R3.3 billion in terms of the historic debt. This is the amount that we will be paying to National Treasury as part of our 30% contribution,” Maile said.

This will be the provincial government’s second instalment.

“On the 30^th of September 2024, the Gauteng government made the first instalment amounting to R3.8 billion. This instalment consisted of R3.2 billion historic debt and the maintenance portion of R546 million,” Maile said.

According to the MEC, the 30% allocated to the provincial government for payment amounts to at least R12 billion, “with interest of R3.3 billion, bringing the total amount payable to R15.9 billion”.

“This contribution will be made over five equal annual [payments] at government five-year interest rate.

“In addition… the Gauteng Provincial Government also made a commitment to contribute towards the rehabilitation of nine projects that the [South African National Roads Agency] is undertaking. These projects, which are part of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project 1, are aimed at the amelioration of the Gauteng freeway network and will cost the provincial government a total of R4.1 billion.

“Congruent to this… the Gauteng Provincial Government announced that as part of the province’s arrangement to service the debt, a provision for honouring this commitment will be pencilled into the 2024 fiscal framework. 

“Since making this announcement… we have maintained the necessary fiscal discipline to ensure adherence to this commitment,” Maile said.  – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has signed a Government Notice to publish the second draft of regulations for the Environmental Management of Offshore Ship-to-Ship Transfers for public comment. 

The regulations introduce a risk-based system to prevent and reduce the harm that offshore ship-to-ship transfers, including bunkering, can cause to marine and coastal ecosystems. 

“Since bunkering began in Algoa Bay in 2016, four oil spills have affected 260 endangered African Penguins and other marine life. The new rules include strict requirements for environmental management plans, wildlife monitoring and spill response to prevent further harm.

“Where impacts cannot be avoided, the regulations aim to minimise and remedy them. This is particularly important for areas such as Algoa Bay, home to the world’s largest breeding colonies of African Penguins,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Friday.

These draft regulations are another step towards protecting marine life.

“The department is committed to ensuring that iconic species, such as the African Penguin, can thrive while supporting sustainable use of ocean resources.

“The regulations, issued under section 83(1) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (Act No. 24 of 2008), follow the first draft published on 21 February 2025. 

“They are the product of wide consultation with key partners, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Transnet National Ports Authority, the Department of Transport, the South African National Parks and environmental MECs from the four coastal provinces,” the department said.

The department has urged all stakeholders to take part in this important process to help finalise regulations that both protect our environment and support a resilient ocean economy. 

“Together, we can help secure a future for the African Penguin. The department invites written comments within 30 days of publication in the Government Gazette or a national newspaper, whichever is later.”

The draft regulations and supporting documents are available at www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices or by email on request.

Comments can be submitted as advised below:

• Submit by hand: Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Attention: Lona Nondaka 2nd Floor, East Pier Building 2 East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• By post: Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts Attention: Lona Nondaka PO Box 52126, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002
• By email: bunkeringregs@dffe.gov.za
• For enquiries, contact Lona Nondaka at 021 493 7061 or LNondaka@dffe.gov.za.

– SAnews.gov.za