Category: South Africa Government

Source: South Africa News Agency

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for a “more deliberate partnership” between government and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund. 

Delivering remarks during a recent meet and greet with the leadership of the GBVF Fund, held in Sandton, Gauteng, the Minister stressed the need for shared responsibility and a unified commitment to justice in the national fight against GBVF. 

“Let today mark the beginning of a more deliberate partnership, one rooted in shared responsibility, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to justice,” Chikunga said. 

Commending the Fund for its efforts in mobilising and distributing resources to frontline GBVF initiatives, the Minister underscored the need for deeper alignment between state-led and civil society efforts. 

The fund has so far reached 772 244 people across the country.

“We commend the GBVF Response Fund for the strides it has made in mobilising and disbursing resources to frontline initiatives. This is vital work, and we acknowledge the dedication and effort it entails.

“At the same time, we believe this is a critical moment to strengthen alignment. As government, we are committed to ensuring that our respective efforts reinforce one another, that we close systemic gaps, scale local innovation, and ensure that survivors across all communities are supported with care and dignity,” she said.

The engagement brought together Fund executives, including Interim CEO Zanele Ngwepe and Chairperson of the Board Faith Khanyile, alongside officials from the Ministry and Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. 

Chikunga warned that gender-based violence and femicide remain a national and global human rights crisis, citing alarming statistics. 

“The situation in South Africa is dire. In just three months — January to March 2025 — the South African Police Service recorded 969 women murdered, over 11,000 rape cases, and close to 15,000 assault cases against women. Each of these numbers is a tragedy [and] a call to action,” the Minister emphasised. 

She stressed that violence continues to occur where women should feel safest, in homes, workplaces, and places of worship and highlighted the added vulnerability of women with disabilities who often face sexual violence with little access to justice. 

“This means there are women who cannot see, hear, or speak — who are subjected to brutality and have little to no access to justice. These are the hidden faces of gender-based violence and femicide,” she said.

Chikunga reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the National Strategic Plan on GBVF, describing it as “a country plan driven by survivors, community leaders, civil society, and the public.” The Ministry is also leading South Africa’s chairmanship of the G20 Empowerment Working Group this year, placing GBVF firmly on the international agenda.

Highlighting institutional progress, she announced that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF and Substance Abuse, co-chaired with Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, has been approved by Cabinet and is already operational. 

She also confirmed that the long-awaited National Council on GBVF will be formally established by April 2026.

“This Council will serve as the institutional anchor for coordination, accountability, and funding — ensuring that the implementation of the National Strategic Plan is survivor-centred, agile, and sustained beyond political cycles,” she said.

Other key interventions include the launch of the National GBVF Dashboard to track progress in real time, the expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres, and the implementation of 100-Day Challenge models in communities — an initiative bringing together local police, prosecutors, health workers, and social services to tackle specific GBV issues with speed and collaboration.

The Minister invited the Fund to contribute to ongoing policy efforts, including the finalisation of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Bill, which seeks to strengthen mechanisms for eliminating gender discrimination across all sectors.

While acknowledging the resource constraints faced by her department, Minister Chikunga affirmed her team’s commitment. 

“This work is not easy. But it is a non-negotiable because there can be no freedom, no peace, and no economic justice where women, girls, persons with disabilities and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals live in fear,” she said. 

The Minister concluded by expressing hope that the meeting would lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation with the Fund, in pursuit of a South Africa free from gender-based violence and femicide. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has commended the completion of Welbedacht Pipeline Phase 1 project, which will augment water supply and enhance reliable water provision in Mangaung and surrounding areas. 

Majodina handed over the project to Vaal Central Water in Bloemfontein on Friday, 27 June 2025.  

The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Human Settlements Saki Mokoena, and the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metro Municipality Gregory Nthatisi.

The pipeline project was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation, through Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant to the tune of R595 744 836.70.  The project entailed the replacement of aging infrastructure of concrete water pipes to steel pipes between Welbedacht and Bloemfontein. 

The aging infrastructure caused disruptions in water supply to Mangaung Metro due to frequent bursts and leaks. 

The project, which was undertaken by the Department of Water and Sanitation in conjunction with Vaal Central Water, and Mangaung Metro, included the reconstruction of a 33.7 km pipeline with a 1000 mm diameter bypass that stretches between Brandkop Reservoir and the R702, approximately 20 kilometers from Dewetsdorp. 

The pipeline site commenced in 2017 but experienced delays due to various challenges, such as community disruptions, landowners refusing to grant access and vandalism of equipment. Following the final completion of the project, the pipeline was fully tested in February 2024. It is expected to supply potable water to approximately 81 236 households. 

Majodina called on Mangaung Metropolitan to constantly ensure maintenance and operation of the infrastructure to guarantee future water security.

She also announced the implementation of the second phase of the project, which will focus on the construction of a 105 km, 1200mm diameter bypass pipeline from Lieuwkop Chamber to the Welbedacht Water Treatment Works (WTW). 

“This is a very huge project that will bring change in the lives of the people of Mangaung as far as water supply is concerned. The municipality should, therefore, ensure that operations and maintenance of the project is done to ensure water security. 

“Reticulation of water to communities should also be prioritised. We are looking forward to complete the entire project, including the Gariep Dam project which entails pipeline construction from Gariep Dam to Bloemfontein,” the Minister said. 

Nthatisi commended the department’s ongoing support to enhance water supply services in the municipality. The mayor also called on the communities to use water sparingly and take care of water and sanitation infrastructures. 

“We would like to convey our sincerest gratitude to the Minister and the Department of Water and Sanitation for the gift of this magnitude that will serve the people of Mangaung. This project will literally ease some of the burden we are carrying as the municipality. 

“I would also like to reiterate the clarion call you have made to our community to take care of this infrastructure and protect it against vandalism. We, as the municipality, wish to state that we are giving the challenges of water supply the necessary attention,” Nthatisi said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency is making significant progress toward a comprehensive Leaders’ Declaration that emphasises sustainable development and addresses pressing global issues. 

This statement was made by South Africa’s G20 Sherpa and Chair, Zane Dangor, who spoke to the media on Friday as the three-day Sherpa meeting concluded.

During a briefing with local and international media, Dangor said the gathering highlighted key developments through a collaborative approach that seeks input from all delegates.

“The past two and a half days have gone really well. Delegates are happy with the progress we’ve made in our working groups and our task forces, but also in the way we are conducting our Presidency.

“We’re putting forward our priorities in a very consultative manner, and this will help us to shape our Leaders’ Declaration, which was what we discussed in the last session,” the Sherpa said. 

However, he noted that the draft declaration remains fluid to accommodate ongoing global dynamics.

“We gave them a framework of what we think should be in the declaration based on our priorities. They’ve agreed with that, and they’ve also asked for certain other things to be included. So, we’re quite confident that we are on track.” 

However, Dangor announced that the final declaration is expected to emerge after ongoing working group discussions and will be circulated for further input in the coming weeks.

“We can’t draft something that changes within three or four months, even two weeks…”

Meanwhile, Dangor stated that the delegates are satisfied with the consultative process and the inclusion of various priorities, including climate change and artificial intelligence.

The G20 Leaders’ Declaration captures the shared perspectives, commitments, and agreements made by the leaders of the intergovernmental forum, typically outlining the framework for future international collaboration.

This week, South Africa hosted the world’s largest economies and organisations, which convened at Sun City Resort in the North West for the third G20 Sherpa meeting. 

In the G20, the Sherpas are the leaders of each country, who take the discussions and agreements to the final summit with Heads of State and Government.

African agenda

On advancing the continent’s agenda, Dangor said the African Union’s permanent membership brings “a perspective of 54 countries to the table”, providing a more robust African representation in global discussions.

“We can see that they’re getting better prepared at making those inputs. The AU and the EU [European Union] bring a grouping of countries to the table… it does bring the African flavour to the G20 in a way that is much appreciated by others.”

Dangor, who serves as the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, told journalists that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is particularly focused on continuity, addressing a longstanding challenge, where each G20 Presidency traditionally defines its own themes. 

“We’ve been keen to focus on the sustainable development agenda,” he explained, highlighting a consistent approach across recent Presidencies.

Geopolitical tensions

He stressed that geopolitical tensions remain a critical challenge, with discussions centering on principles of international law and territorial integrity. 

According to Dangor, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is working to draft language that ensures “no exceptions” to holding nations accountable under international frameworks.

“We’re hoping to get ceasefires to stay in place. We’re hoping for justice to prevail, and we’re hoping for humanitarian access in Sudan, Gaza, and other places to be championed by the international community. These were the issues that we were discussing.”

While challenges persist, including the absence of United States representatives, Dangor said the G20 leadership remains optimistic about crafting a meaningful declaration that addresses global South priorities and sustainable development goals.

He mentioned that a Troika meeting has been organised between Brazil, the United States, and South Africa to update America on the current discussions and plans for the upcoming months.

“The G20 is continuing. The work continues in the working groups, the Sherpa work continues, and we will then have to factor in, based on levels of participation going forward, what we do with the views of the US, if they may, bring it at a later stage.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken out following his decision to remove Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, from his position.

Whitfield’s removal – which was done in terms of section 93 (1) of the Constitution – was announced on Thursday. 

In a statement on Friday, President Ramaphosa said although it was not common practice for the President of the Republic of South Africa to provide reasons for either appointment or dismissals; “several unfortunate statements and outright distortions by a number of people” have made it necessary to do so.

“Mr Whitfield was removed as a Deputy Minister because he undertook an international visit without the permission of the President. His travel to the United States was a clear violation of the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive. 

“This requirement is known to all Ministers and Deputy Ministers. These rules and established practices were expressly communicated to all members of the Executive during the induction sessions at the commencement of the 7th administration,” he said.

The President said the rules and practices “were repeated in Cabinet in March this year by me as President”. 

“All international travel by members of the executive must always be undertaken with the express permission of the President. This practice is rigorously observed and adhered to by all members of the Executive. However, Mr Whitfield deliberately chose to violate this rule and practice,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President confirmed that prior to Whitfield’s removal, he spoke to Democratic Alliance (DA) and fellow Government of National Unity (GNU) party leader, John Steenhuisen about his removal and “I expect him to present to me for approval a replacement for Mr Whitfield from his party as the DA is entitled to a Deputy Minister as agreed”.

“In that discussion, Mr Steenhuisen informed me that Mr Whitfield had been expecting that he may be dismissed on the grounds that he had undertaken an international trip without the President’s permission. 

“This expectation, along with a perfunctory letter of apology that Mr Whitfield wrote to me following his travel to the USA without the required permission, indicated that he was aware that his actions had violated the rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive,” he said.

The President emphasised that previous Presidents had undertaken to remove ministers and deputy ministers before.

“During my discussion with Mr Steenhuisen, he asked me if there was precedent for the action that I intended to take in relation to Mr Whitfield. I informed him that there was indeed prior precedent.

“I told him that in 1995, President Nelson Mandela dismissed the late Deputy Minister Madikizela-Mandela and that in 2007 President Thabo Mbeki dismissed then Deputy Minister Nosizwe Madlala-Routledge on the grounds of undertaking international travel without permission. 

“Given all these circumstances, there is consequently no reasonable grounds for Mr Steenhuisen and the Democratic Alliance to issue ultimatums and threats when the President exercises his constitutional prerogative and responsibility. Nor are there any grounds to try link this with matters that have no bearing on the conduct of the former Deputy Minister,” he said.

The President emphasised that there is “no basis” to suggest that the former Deputy Minister’s removal is “related to any other reason than his failure to receive permission to travel and adhere to the rules and established practices expected of members of the Executive”.

“While Mr Steenhuisen asked that he be allowed to brief the Democratic Alliance Federal Executive prior to the removal letter being delivered to Mr Whitfield, this would have had no bearing on my decision. It is the responsibility and the prerogative of the President to determine the timing and manner of the appointment and removal of Members of the Executive.

“I am amazed at Mr Steenhuisen’s intemperate reaction to the removal of Mr Whitfield. He knows very well that the blatant disregard of the rules and practices that govern the international travel of members of the executive is a serious violation that should not be permitted,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President reminded that it remains the Constitutional prerogative of the President to appoint or remove Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“It is unprecedented in the history of our democracy that the exercise by the President of his constitutional prerogative and responsibility with respect to a clear violation of rules and established practices governing the conduct of Members of the Executive has met with such irresponsible and unjustifiable threats and ultimatums from a member of the executive.

“Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has been allocated R9.08 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, accounting for 0.35% of the national appropriation.

“When adjusted for inflation, this reflects a real decrease of R121.5 million, or 1.4%, compared to last year. In short; the department is being asked to do more, with less,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said during his Budget Vote speech in Parliament on Friday.

The Minister said the Budget Vote is being tabled against the backdrop of a constrained fiscal environment. 

“Following the reversal of the proposed VAT increase in May 2025, the national budget framework was revised, with consolidated government spending projected to grow from R2.4 trillion in 2024/25 to R2.81 trillion in 2027/28.

“Nearly half the Department’s medium-term budget – R14.5 billion – will go directly to goods and services, including the Expanded Public Works Programme, implementation of the Forestry Master Plan, and rollout of the Waste Management Strategy,” the Minister said.

Transfers and subsidies to public entities, such as the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), South African National Parks (SANParks), iSimangaliso, and South African Weather Service, will account for over R5.5 billion.

“This department is using every rand to protect ecosystems, grow green jobs, and meet the urgent demands of climate adaptation, regulation, and environmental justice.

“To achieve these imperatives, the department is focusing on six flagship priorities in the 2025/26 financial year. These “Big 6” priorities shape our work, guide our partnerships, and define the strategic investments proposed in this Budget Vote,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that climate change is not a distant threat.

“…It is here, disrupting our communities, economies, and ecosystems. We see it in rising temperatures, intensifying floods, droughts, and fires that affect lives and livelihoods. Through the Climate Change Act, now in force, we have established a unified, whole- of-government response to this urgent crisis.

“This year, we will deliver new Nationally Determined Contributions, a revised Low Emissions Development Strategy, final Sectoral Emission Targets, and implement the Climate Change Adaptation Response Plan for vulnerable coastal regions,” the Minister said.

The department has also completed the Highveld Air Quality Management Plan to ensure Eskom complies with air pollution laws — because the constitutional right to clean air cannot be compromised.

“South Africa’s biodiversity is a powerful engine for development. The revised National Biodiversity Economy Strategy will unlock 397,000 jobs and inject R127 billion annually into the economy by 2036 through eco-tourism, bioprospecting, and sustainable game meat production.

“South Africa’s fisheries are lifelines for coastal and rural communities. Through Fishing for Freedom, we are securing sustainable access, supporting small-scale fishers, and combating illegal harvesting that threatens biodiversity and food security.

“We are fast-tracking signage, wreck removal, security and road markings at the 12 proclaimed fishing harbours, implementing co-management systems for nearshore fisheries, and expanding Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) training in the small-scale fisheries sector,” the Minister said.

This is part of the department’s revitalisation of harbours — unlocking jobs and dignity for coastal communities. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Friday, June 27, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

South Africa has taken a significant step in fostering inclusive growth by officially ratified the Protocol Women and Youth in Trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

This was announced by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who addressed the High-Level G20 Intergenerational Roundtable, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on Friday.

“This milestone is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a decisive policy action that signals our intent to mainstream gender and youth equity within intra-African trade policy.

“The protocol is significant because it operationalises the inclusion of woman-led and youth-led enterprises in regional and global value chains. It mandates the removal of structural trade barriers, prioritises access to information, finances, and markets, as well as requires state parties to create enabling legal and policy environments for inclusive economic participation,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on the continent’s youthful population and noted that youth “remain on the margins of formal trade”.

Therefore, the protocol on women and youth will assist to “rewire trade systems to reflect demographic and developmental realities”.

“South Africa’s ratification means we are committed not only to advocating for inclusive trade but also to designing trade systems that are fit for purpose. This inclusion reinforces South Africa’s leadership role on the continent and supports the broader message of building youth capabilities for a developmental State.

“We understand that we need young people to meaningfully build capable, ethical, and developmental states. We must integrate youth into national and continental planning frameworks, not just as beneficiaries but also as co-architects of development,” he said.

Promoting inclusive growth

Mashatile emphasised that a “functioning and competent” government is needed if youth are to break free from marginalisation.

“Therefore, the first and most pressing priority of our government is the promotion of inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.

“The time has come for us to move beyond inclusion as a moral goal and make it a measurable outcome.

“In this regard, it is important for the economy to strengthen the viable pathways for youth inclusion. We have noted that young people complain about the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles they need to overcome to access services designed to support and scale their entrepreneurial effort,” Mashatile said.

He noted that a specialised unit has been established in the Presidency to address the business climate and address regulatory challenges.

“This team is adopting a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach, engaging various government departments and entities to streamline processes and enable business growth.

“Key interventions in this regard will target the removal of administrative bottlenecks in strategic sectors. These include improvements to the mining licensing framework, facilitation of tourism transport permits, and streamlining of visa and work permit processes, as well as regulatory support for early childhood development services and the informal economy,” Mashatile said.

Furthermore, government will:

• Anchor youth inclusion in every major pillar of our G20 Presidency, from climate finance and trade facilitation to digital transformation and skills mobility.
• Institutionalise intergenerational co-leadership in governance frameworks, moving beyond consultation to shared power and shared design.
• Work with regional and global partners to implement targeted reforms that enable young people to start businesses, access capital, and engage in cross-border trade.

“The developmental State we seek to build is not a theoretical construct; it must be a living architecture built on the capabilities, aspirations, and contributions of its young people.

“This roundtable has made one thing clear: youth are not merely beneficiaries of policy; they are builders of nations. We must now ensure that the decisions we take at multilateral forums reflect this truth. 

“Let the G20 remember that Africa is young. South Africa is ready, and we want young people to take the lead in the developmental and transformation agenda. The future is yours, and you are the future. Stand up, persevere, and confront every challenge with persistence. We are here to provide you with the support you need as you navigate this process,” the Deputy President concluded. – SAnews.gov.za