Category: South Africa Government

As the nation welcomes the New Year, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is encouraged by signs of progress that are laying the groundwork for even better outcomes in the year ahead. 

“Yes, much more still needs to be done. We therefore enter the New Year with renewed hope, greater purpose and even greater confidence in the potential of our great country and its people,” the President said on Wednesday in a message to the nation.

While acknowledging the persisting challenges facing the country, the President said government was continuing to take a variety of actions to address unemployment, poverty, inequality, gender-based violence and femicide as well as service delivery and crime.

“Our success in addressing these challenges includes working together in partnership between the government, business, labour, civil society, and every citizen committed to the future of our country.

“Together, we are changing our country for the better. Our economy is recovering. We are working on creating more jobs, especially for young people. 

“Inflation has eased. The cost of living is coming down. The rand has strengthened. South Africa’s sovereign credit rating has been upgraded for the first time in nearly two decades. This means government can mobilise funding for infrastructure investment and social development at a lower rate,” the President said.

According to President Ramaphosa, the structural transformation programme that South Africa embarked on five years ago is showing positive progress. 

Eskom’s performance, which in the recent past caused hardship to households, communities and businesses, has improved steadily. 

“As a result, our country has gone without load shedding for many months. More goods are being transported on our rail network and handled through our ports. 

“We have restored more commuter rail corridors, making it possible for more people to travel safely and affordably. Infrastructure is one of our key priorities. We have for the first time budgeted more than R1 trillion for infrastructure investment over the next three years. This has catalysed the revitalisation of our country’s roads, port, rail, energy and water systems,” he said.

Through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and other public employment programs, government has enabled thousands of people to find opportunities to earn, learn and build livelihoods.

“We have worked with the private sector to establish the Youth Employment Service that has created more than 200 000 work experience opportunities for young unemployed South Africans and is set to increase this number in the coming period.

“The continuing improvement of the business environment is contributing to the improvement of our economy and job creation. Our state-owned enterprises are being strengthened and are set to play their key role in the economy. 

“Rooting out corruption is our overriding priority. Through the excellent work of the Special Investigating Unit, the SIU, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit we have recovered billions of stolen money,” the President said.

Moreover, specialised task teams have made breakthroughs against illegal mining, kidnapping, economic infrastructure crimes and construction site extortion.

“We are determined to continue to take decisive steps to clean up our law enforcement agencies. The recommendations of the Madlanga Commission will be implemented to enhance the reforms that are needed to reposition our police service and other law enforcement agencies,” President Ramaphosa said.

This year government launched the National Dialogue and held the first National Convention, which brought together delegates from across society to define the agenda for an inclusive, nationwide conversation about the next chapter in the country’s democracy.

“The National Dialogue continues our country’s proud tradition of holding inclusive conversations to resolve challenges, to build consensus and to chart a course for the future. 

“We are traversing a path we have walked before and will be guided in the National Dialogue process by the Eminent Persons Group who will be the guarantors of the Dialogue’s inclusivity and integrity. The Steering Committee comprised of community-based representatives will steer the national consultations next year,” the President said.

With the successful hosting of the first Group Twenty (G20) Summit ever held on African soil, South Africa’s standing in the global community was enhanced.

“The Leaders’ Declaration adopted by the Summit articulated global commitments on inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate action, food security, reform of global financial institutions, and a number of other key issues. 

“We can stand proud that the legacy of our G20 Presidency is that we ensured that the voice of our continent Africa and the Global South is recognised, reflected and respected,” he said.

He hailed South Africa’s ability of working together to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

“Our spirits have been lifted by the excellent performance of our artists, our sports people, our musicians and our writers. We salute all who continue to proudly fly our national flag high across the world in international forums in sports, arts and culture, academia, commerce, science, medicine, the judiciary, politics, labour, trade, investment and many other endeavours,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the contribution that every South African has made in all of the people’s lives endeavours over the year.

“We thank you. Despite the challenges we face our country is getting stronger, our economy is improving. As we prepare to welcome a new year let us remain united to building the South Africa of our dreams. 

“I call upon the men of South Africa to respect and honour the young girls and the women of South Africa and desist from gender-based violence and fermicide. Wherever you may be across our beautiful land, I wish you a happy and blessed new year.

“May God bless South Africa and protect its people,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

The City of Cape Town has advised the public of several road closures in the Central Business District (CBD) on New Year’s Eve.

The Cape Malay Road March will usher in the New Year with traditional Malay music, drums and marching as several choirs take to the streets of the Cape Town CBD on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.

The evening will begin with a procession from Rose Street in Bo-Kaap at 8:30pm, before making its way down Wale Street and concluding in Adderley Street. 

The event is expected to finish at approximately 4am on Thursday, 1 January 2026.

“This is a free event, and the public can line up along Rose Street, Wale Street and Adderley Street to celebrate with the bands and choirs who will be entertaining the crowds. 

“Several roads in the CBD will be closed on 31 December 2025 to accommodate the procession and ensure public safety,” the City said.

Due to the road closures, the MyCiTi service in the inner city will be impacted.

For more information on the service disruption, visit: https://www.myciti.org.za/en/timetables/planned-service-disruptions/.

Motorists are advised that the following roads will be closed from 5pm on 31 December 2025 until 4 am on 1 January 2026: 

• Wale Street between Pentz Street and Adderly Street 
• Adderly Street between Wale Street and Darling Street
• Queen Victoria Street between Wale Street and Bloem Street 
• Longmarket Street between Burg Street and Adderlely Street 
• Burg Street between Longmarket Street and Wale Street
• Long Street between Church Street and Wale Street
• Loop Street between Church Street and Wale Street
• Bree Street between Church Street and Wale Street
• Rose Street between Wale Street and Strand Street
• Spin Street between Adderly Street and Parliament Street  
• Church Street between Burg Street and Adderly Street

The City has a range of exciting events to help residents and visitors usher in the New Year. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described the late former Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwa as a lifelong activist, political educator and intellectual contributor to the African National Congress (ANC) and the transformation of government.

Mashatile was delivering the eulogy at Hlongwa’s funeral service at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg on Wednesday. Hlongwa passed away on Tuesday, 22 December after a short illness.

He served as Gauteng’s Member of the Executive Council for Health from March 2006 to May 2009 and was also a member of the African National Congress. He served multiple terms on the party’s Provincial Executive Committee in the province.

Hlongwa, whose full name was Thamsanqa Brian Hlongwa, was remembered as a committed cadre shaped by the 1976 generation and the mass democratic movement of the 1980s. 

Mashatile said Hlongwa belonged to a generation of youth activists, who combined discipline, political clarity and resilience during a period when liberation movements were banned.

“He was not just a foot soldier of our movement but an architect of the mind and a contributor to the politics of the ANC and the transformation of the Gauteng Provincial Government,” Mashatile said.

According to the Deputy President, Hlongwa’s activism was rooted in organisations such as the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), the Soweto Youth Congress (SOYCO), the South African Youth Congress (SAYCO) and the United Democratic Front (UDF), which played a central role in mobilising communities against apartheid.

Mashatile said the banning of the ANC and other liberation movements at the time placed responsibility on youth structures to sustain resistance and prepare future leaders for governance.

Hlongwa later rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League and served in various municipal and provincial structures, including as a member of the Johannesburg City Council and as Gauteng MEC for Health under former Premier Mbhazima Shilowa.

Mashatile also highlighted Hlongwa’s contribution to political education, particularly through his work at the OR Tambo School of Leadership. He said Hlongwa believed that the liberation of the mind was central to the broader struggle for social and economic justice.

“Political education for him was not about dogma, but about empowering cadres to think critically, lead ethically and serve selflessly,” Mashatile said.

He recalled a 2008 visit to China by an ANC delegation from Gauteng, which included Hlongwa, as part of efforts to study models for building state capacity. Mashatile said the experience reinforced Hlongwa’s commitment to strengthening political education within the ANC.

Reflecting on the current political landscape, Mashatile said Hlongwa’s life offered lessons for renewing the ANC and confronting poverty, inequality and governance challenges with the same determination shown during the anti-apartheid struggle.

He noted that the ANC’s National Executive Committee had resolved that all leaders should undergo political education, particularly in the context of coalition politics and the Government of National Unity.

Mashatile concluded by calling on ANC members to remain accountable to the people and to practise ethical and transparent leadership.

Addressing the Hlongwa family, Mashatile expressed condolences and thanked them for sharing their loved one with the country.

“While the nation has lost a leader, you have lost a pillar of your family,” he said.

Hlongwa was honoured for his contribution to the struggle, governance and political education. – SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of  Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has met with the family of the late corporal T.J. Motsamai, who lost his life during a recent military operation.

The Minister was accompanied on her visit on Tuesday by the SANDF Surgeon General, Chief of the South African Military Health Services, Lt Gen (Dr) Peter Maphaha and Joint Operations Headquarters, General Officer Commanding, Maj Gen Godfrey Thulare, as well as other senior military personnel.

“The engagements were undertaken to convey condolences to the bereaved family and to provide leadership support and encouragement to soldiers on internal deployments.

“This followed a tragic incident at Macadamia during routine patrol duties under Operation CORONA, where a military vehicle carrying members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Police attempted to cross a river that had been heavily flooded due to recent adverse weather conditions,” the Department of Defence and Military Veterans said.

In the incident, two members were swept away by the strong river current. The body of one member was recovered, while the second member remained missing.

“The Minister expressed her deepest condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing continued support to the family during this difficult time, while also standing firmly with all SANDF members serving the Republic,” said the department.

The Minister also engaged with SANDF members deployed in the affected area.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has said that the remains of a person suspected to be that of the missing SANDF member, who was swept away in the flooded river, have been recovered in the Komati River in Komatipoort on Monday.

READ | Body recovered in Komati River suspected to be missing soldier. – SAnews.gov.za

Police have implemented a 72-hour activation plan and are searching for suspects following a shooting incident in which three people were shot along Nyongane main road in Hazyview.

The incident occurred on 30 December at approximately 17:30.

“Upon responding to a complaint, police found two adult males with gunshot wounds, who were certified deceased at the scene. A woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. 

“A two-year-old infant, who was also in the vehicle was unharmed,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the four victims were travelling along Nyongane main road towards Nyongane when they were ambushed by an unknown number of suspects, who were hiding in nearby bushes. 

The suspects allegedly opened fire on the vehicle. The driver managed to continue driving for approximately 200 metres before colliding with another vehicle and coming to a stop.

The suspects, who were on foot, then approached the vehicle and shot the occupants at close range, killing the driver and his male passenger instantly. The injured woman is believed to be the driver’s wife.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the incident and confirmed the activation of the 72-hour plan to apprehend those responsible. 

“We cannot live in a society where people open fire and kill others in broad daylight, while also endangering the life of an innocent minor,” said Mkhwanazi.

Police have appealed to members of the public for any information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Eddie Rapagadi on 082 449 0231, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySAPS App. 

All information will be treated as confidential, and callers may remain anonymous. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging men and women to be extra vigilant when going out to various places of entertainment as the country ushers in the New Year.

The SAPS has picked up on a modus operandi that is being utilised by syndicates to rob mainly men of their belongings.

“This festive season, the SAPS has noted a number of cases reported in various parts of the country like Gauteng and the North West where men who left with women from drinking places would end up being robbed or in some instances killed,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

With New Year’s Eve celebrations set to get underway, the police said these syndicates are using young women to target men in clubs, taverns, concerts and other alcohol establishments.

“The main syndicate would monitor these females’ movements and assist them in finding a possible target inside the drinking establishment. Once the target has been identified, the women would move in, often promising to leave with the unsuspecting victim to another drinking place, their home, a hotel or even a guesthouse.

“During that period, these women would often spike the men’s drinks.”

After spiking their drink, the syndicate moves in to rob the victim, often taking cars, cellphones and money in their possession.

“In some unfortunate instances, some men have died as a result of an overdose of what has been used to spike them. Men are therefore warned to be extra vigilant and to avoid being targets at these drinking outlets.

“The SAPS wishes to advise strongly against picking up strangers at drinking outlets and leaving with them,” said Mathe.

The SAPS urged women not to involve themselves in these criminal activities, warning that it often leads to an arrest.

The Brigadier added that women are also falling victim to spiked drinks as a number of cases have been reported nationwide of women who have been found raped, assaulted or dead while coming back from taverns, shebeens, nightclubs and other places of recreation.

Some are picked up by strangers at these drinking outlets and some even leave with their intimate partners or other people known to them.

“Some of these women victims are found brutally assaulted and some murdered. Women are urged not to fall prey to these men who target women for their own motives. Spiking, regardless of the victim’s gender is a serious crime with severe physical and psychological consequences,” Mathe emphasised.

Tips to stay safe

The SAPS has issued the following tips that can be used by men and women:
•    When you go out, go out with people that you know, often friends, stay together and watch out for each other.
•    Always share your plans with someone that you trust, this will include where you are going and when you plan on returning, always put on your location, so that it’s easier for families or police to locate you.
•    When out drinking, never leave your drink unattended, don’t drink and drive, limit your alcohol intake and always have water.
•    Plan for proper transportation to and from the place of leisure to avoid being spending time in police holding cells for drunken driving.

“With this warning, the SAPS urges everyone in the country to be extra vigilant, avoid carrying large amounts of money, avoid drinking and driving and be alert at all times as law enforcement agencies remain on the ground to keep everyone safe,” said the police. –SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with other law enforcers, continues to conduct operations aimed at preventing and combating crime in places of interest in Mpumalanga.

Their efforts yielded significant results across Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Districts during an operation conducted between 26 and 29 December.

“The results show our relentless determination to deal decisively with crime and ensure safety for members of the public,” Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, said. 

Nkangala District highlights:

• Six suspects, aged between 24 and 52, were arrested in Middleburg and Kwamhlanga area for various offences, including contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, assault of a police officer, dealing in dagga, as well as armed robbery.
• Four suspects, aged between 43 and 52, were arrested during an Intelligence-driven operation by Ermelo Crime Intelligence (CI) Unit in collaboration with Ascu Security company. The suspects were nabbed for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, dealing in drugs and possession of suspected stolen property.

Ehlanzeni District highlights:

• Ten suspects, aged between 26 and 40, were nabbed in Bushbuckridge, Mhala, Barberton, Masoyi, Pienaar, Kanyamazane and Kapmuiden on charges including contravention of the Immigration Act, possession of illicit cigarettes, selling of  illicit liquor, possession of illicit cigarettes and possession of gold bearing material.
• Three fines were issued for breaching the Mpumalanga Liquor Act.

Gert Sibande District operations:

• Two suspects, both aged 30, were arrested in Amersfoort and Sheepmore for various offences, including possession of illicit cigarettes.

– SAnews.gov.za

The City of Cape Town has appealed to the public to remain in the safe zones at beaches and other public amenities.

“Our beaches and swimming pools have attracted thousands of visitors so far this season, and we expect another bumper weekend as Cape Town rings in the new year,” the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said on Tuesday.

Since 1 December there have been 19 non-fatal drownings at Cape Town’s beaches. Four fatal drownings have been recorded over this period. Two are the subject of police investigations and two others were bathing related.

Lifeguards have also responded to 33 water rescues, 39 first aid incidents and 18 incidents involving anti-social behaviour at beaches, and two first aid incidents at swimming pools.

The City has reminded the public of its four rules of drowning prevention, which are:

• Swim only between the lifeguards’ red and yellow flags at beaches.
• Do not swim under the influence of alcohol.
• Be alert to the dangers of rip currents.
• Actively supervise children at all times, especially around water.

More information is available at www.thesafezone.co.za.

“To the public, don’t leave home without reminding yourself and your children about the golden rules of water safety, and if you’re at a beach where the Identikidz service is available, please make use of it,” Higham said.

The Identikidz programme has registered 55 075 children to date and reunited 78 with their caregivers.

Identikidz teams are deployed at popular beaches across Cape Town during the summer holidays to ensure the safety of young beachgoers.

More details are available here on the Identikidz programme: https://www.capetown.gov.za/departments-city-initiatives/community-arts-and-culture-development/identikidz-programme. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has congratulated Bafana Bafana on qualifying for the knockout stages at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

“Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on qualifying for the AFCON knockout stages after a hard-fought victory,” government said in a post on social media platform, X.

This as the South African senior men’s team are through to the last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Zimbabwe 3-2 in a pulsating five-goal thriller played at the Marrakech Stadium in Morocco.

In a statement, the South African Football Association (SAFA) said a lot was at stake in Monday night’s final Group B match and the two Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) neighbours started the game with an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. 

“But it was coach Hugo Broos’ charges who raced to an early lead when Tshepang Moremi scored the opening goal of the match in the seventh minute after his goal-bound shot was deflected into the back of the net by Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga.

“To their credit, the Zimbabweans did not drop their heads after the setback and took the game to the South Africans instead, to the delight of the sizeable crowd that was in attendance. They were eventually rewarded when the troublesome Tawanda Mashwanhise found the back of the net in the 19th minute after dribbling his way past the Bafana Bafana rearguard,” said SAFA.

South Africans reclaimed the lead in the second half with another goal and Zimbabwe equalised again.
“Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball inside the area very late in the game. Man of the match Oswin Appollis calmy stepped up and converted the winning goal of the match from the spot in the 82nd minute.”

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie was among those in the stands at the game.

The South African senior men’s national team will remain in Marrakech until towards the end of the week before travelling to Rabat for their last 16 match.

READ | Bafana Bafana congratulated for AFCON opening victory

The final of the tournament is expected to be held on 18 January 2026.

In a post on X, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture congratulated the team on making it to the round of 16. “The entire nation is standing tall and cheering you on. Keep flying the flag high!” it said. – SAnews.gov.za