Category: South Africa Government

Government’s efforts to unlock economic growth and remove long-standing obstacles are gaining momentum, with early green shoots emerging in the energy sector and South Africa securing its first credit rating upgrade in 20 years, coupled by a stronger rand.

“Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela is gaining traction. The results of this initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to unlock growth and remove obstacles in areas that impedes on growth are starting to filter through. The President said the immediate task was to grow our economy so that we can create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the lives of all South Africans,” Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Monday in Pretoria.

He was briefing the media on the snapshot of government’s successes for 2025, which is being measured against the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), delivered by the President in February 2025.

In his address, President Ramaphosa, announced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) had adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for the period 2024-2029.

The MTDP sets out three key priorities of government: to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living; and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.

“The green shoots for an economy recovery are visible. Some key indicators are: The rand holding its own against major currencies and has breached the level of R17 to the US dollar.

“Gross Domestic Product grew by 0.5% in the third quarter meaning that the economy is expanding. Much remains in the pipeline to achieve a higher growth rate given its centrality to attaining the country’s developmental aspirations,” Magwenya said.

He noted the Statistics South Africa’s report on unemployment for quarter 3 showed that unemployment was down by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9% with the construction sector the major contributor with 130 000 new jobs out of the total of 248 000 new jobs.

Government will spend R1 trillion over the next three years on infrastructure projects.

“Stability of energy supply is central to this turn around and we should be building on the successes thus far to the next level This year the Youth Employment Service reached the milestone of 200 000 young South Africans funded and placed into quality first-job experiences.

“SA achieved its first rating upgrade in 20 years when the ratings agency, Standard and Poor upgraded the country’s foreign currency long-term sovereign credit rating to BB from BB-. In addition, the local currency long-term sovereign credit rating to BB+ from BB,” Magwenya said.

In addition, the International Monetary Fund lifted its growth forecast for the country to 1.3% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026 from 1.1% and 1.2% respectively.

“Tourism is on an upward trajectory and the number of foreign visitors increased by 18% year-on-year from 2024. SA Tourism reported that most visitors were from the US (331 378), followed by the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and France.

“The South African Revenue Service has collected a net revenue of R924,7-bilion by 30 September of this year. This is a year-on-year growth of R78,6-billion and an overall surplus of R18 billion against its printed estimates,” he said.

Confronting challenges

Magwenya acknowledged government’s challenges while emphasising that government is not afraid to confront them.

“Local government remains a challenge and President Ramaphosa and the Cabinet have met with seven of the nine provincial executives to address key issues in this sphere.

“Accusations of corruption in the criminal justice system are before the Madlanga Commission. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster is continuously looking at measures to fight crime and keep citizens safe,” the Presidency spokesperson said.

He stressed that the GNU priorities to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living. 

“In this regard, we are particularly seized with intervention on assisting households cope with food price volatility, as well as the measures to make public transport affordable. Rising cost of living has become a challenge in many parts of the world, as we have learnt from the Group Twenty (G20) engagements.

“In conclusion, this is not a review of government, but it is a high-level glance of successes and issues challenges since 6 February 2025.

“Furthermore, the measures introduced by the 6th Administration in 2019 are beginning to bear fruit. The focus is for the GNU to accelerate this process and ensure that the green shoots of the economic upswing gain momentum and touch the lives of all South Africans for the remainder of this MTDP period,” Magwenya said. –SAnews.gov.za

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has assured the public that the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will be made public.

This comes after revelations that the Commission’s interim report will be submitted to the President on Wednesday and will not be released publicly.

“The final report will be made available to the public. The Commission will advise the President on areas that are of national security sensitivity and how those areas will need to be managed. The report is incomplete and the President needs time to study it as he has not had the luxury of time to follow the proceedings of the Commission everyday,” Magwenya said on Monday in Pretoria.

President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Commission after South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, held a media briefing at which he made serious allegations that the Minister of Police and other individuals had colluded to interfere with police investigations.

The Commission is investigating allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“Some of the witnesses that have come before the Commission are going to be called back again to continue with their evidence. Some had evidence located in certain specific areas but not as broad as it was meant to be. So those witnesses are still going to be given a chance to return to the Commission and give that evidence.

“It will not be helpful for the witnesses, the Commission itself, and all of us to start getting ourselves into knots over something that has not been completed. The President has undertaken to release the final report publicly when the Commission has concluded its work, ” he said.

Magwenya was speaking during a media briefing to update journalists on the President’s programme and other topical issues of public interest.

Protection of whistle-blowers

Earlier this month, Marius van der Merwe, a Brakpan-based security industry member and former Ekhurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department official, who recently testified before the Madlanga Commission was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home.

According to Magwenya, there has been extensive engagements in government on protecting witnesses before the commission or those who are to appear at the commission.

“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in this regard has also undertaken to engage the leadership of the media to look at ways in which witnesses can be protected and not be unreasonably and unfairly exposed to those who may seek to harm them. 

“Then there’s another aspect to this, which is the protection of whistleblowers. We have a process that’s already underway with the Protected Disclosure Bill that is currently in consultation at a technical level in government before it proceeds to cabinet,” he said.

Government is reviewing the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA) and related laws to create a Comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Framework.

This reform process aims to broaden the definition of “whistleblower” to include contractors, consultants, and members of the public; establish clear procedures for confidential disclosures; strengthen remedies for occupational detriment and clarify the obligations of employers to act on disclosures.

On whether the President will consider extending the timeframe of the work of the Commission, considering that testimonies can be a lengthy process that can last up to  two or three days, Magwenya said the Presidency is open to a discussion on the matter.

“The government and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development have been paying particular attention on the cost aspects of this exercise. The President will then have to be advised on both the merits for an extension as well as what will be the cost implications,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

Government’s newly approved national strategy aimed at accelerating action for children is one tool aimed at improving the circumstances of the country’s most vulnerable.

In his address to the nation through the weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that despite the gains made since the advent of democracy, nearly half of South Africa’s children still live in poverty and face high levels of abuse, neglect and poor health outcomes.

Earlier this month, Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), a wide-ranging framework designed to improve the health, safety and development of children and adolescents. The strategy will be implemented through the 5th National Plan of Action for Children (2025–2030) and seeks to mobilise government, business, labour and civil society around a shared agenda for children.

“The best way to secure our country’s future is to invest in the health and well-being of its children,” President Ramaphosa said, noting that while progress has been made in reducing child poverty and mortality since 1994, significant challenges remain.

According to a recent Statistics South Africa report, child poverty declined from 69% in 2006 to 49% in 2023. However, children remain the most affected group, with nearly half living in poverty – the highest rate of any age group.

The newly approved strategy identifies 10 national priorities aligned to key stages in a child’s life, with particular focus on adolescents and children with disabilities. It follows extensive consultations with government departments, the children’s sector and children themselves, and is intended to strengthen coordination across all sectors of society.

President Ramaphosa highlighted early-life disadvantages as a critical concern, pointing to maternal undernutrition and its impact on birth outcomes, breastfeeding and child immunity. Poor nutrition in early childhood, the President said, continues to undermine children’s health, education and long-term prospects.

“This domino effect must be broken,” he said, stressing the need for early interventions to prevent children from falling behind before they even start school.

Crimes against children were also flagged as a major national crisis. During Child Protection Month in May, authorities reported more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect in the 2024/2025 financial year, with the majority involving sexual abuse.

“The experience of children today will determine our nation’s social and economic wellbeing over the next twenty years,” President Ramaphosa said, warning that failure to act decisively would have long-term consequences for communities and the economy.

As part of the new strategy, government has announced the launch of a national “Hold My Hand” campaign, calling on every South African to take practical action to improve the lives of children.

The campaign urges citizens to imagine the impact if every child had “enough love, enough food, safety and brainpower”, arguing that such collective action could fundamentally change the country’s future.

Business and organised labour were singled out as key partners in the effort. 

President Ramaphosa said the private sector’s resources and logistics networks could help support under-resourced early learning programmes, while trade unions have a role to play in advocating for time and support for working parents.

The President also paid tribute to civil society organisations, health workers, teachers, social workers, child and youth care workers, as well as parents and grandparents, for their longstanding role in protecting and nurturing children.

“For the sake of our shared future, we must work together to ensure that our nation’s children and young people grow, thrive and are happy,” he said, calling for renewed commitment as the country heads into the new year. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address at the national commemoration of Reconciliation Day, taking place at the Ncome Museum within the uMzinyathi District, in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will lead this year’s national event under the theme: “Reaffirming Reconciliation for Future Generations.”

This year’s theme enshrines on the call for South Africans to deepen commitment to unity, healing, forgiveness and nation-building for shared future.

The selection of the Battle of Blood River heritage site at the Ncome Museum signifies the value of cherishing unity and peace collectively as South Africans.

“The fierce battle between the Voortrekker invaders and the Zulu forces unfolded 187 years ago in 1838 and marked a historical episode that shaped differing and often divisive commemorative customs for more than a century.

“However, as a part of redressing the past injustices in South Africa, the democratic government redefined the day in 1995 as the National Day of Reconciliation onwards.

“That was a unifying effort to transform the day from a symbol of division into a transformative platform for truth, justice, dialogue, healing and a shared nationhood,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

Hosting the programme on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, at Ncome reaffirms this commitment and invites the nation to engage honestly with its complex past while advancing a future rooted in inclusion, understanding and unity, it said. 

READ | South Africans urged to deepen commitment to unity this Reconciliation Month

–SAnews.gov.za
 

Two suspected blue light robbers were shot and killed on Sunday following a shootout with the police in Parys, Free State.

It is reported that a team of various police units in Gauteng, including Tactical Response Team, Traffic Airwing, Detectives Tracking Team, Head Office Counter Intelligence and private security companies operationalised intelligence information about a VW Golf 7 vehicle involved in blue light robberies. 

The team strategically placed themselves and the vehicle was spotted driving on the R59 road fitted with blue lights. 

As police attempted to stop it, the vehicle sped off leading to a high-speed chase and a shootout between the suspects and the police. The suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided into a fence in the Parys area. 

Two suspects dressed in police uniform were found dead in the car. The team further recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, SAPS uniform with insignia, blue lights, sirens and false registration numbers.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been involved in blue light robberies happening on the R59 and other roads between Gauteng and Free State provinces. They hijack victims and kidnap them for hours, while withdrawing sums of money from the victims’ bank accounts.

“The police will continue to intensify their efforts to crackdown on these robberies. The public is once more urged not to stop on isolated areas but rather drive to the nearest police station or filling station. For any criminal activities, the public can report on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Reserve Bank has advised market participants that it will be closed for trading and settlement on several public holidays this festive season.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will be closed for trading and settlement on the following official public holidays:
• Tuesday, 16 December 2025 
• Thursday, 25 December 2025
• Friday, 26 December 2025 and
• Thursday, 1 January 2026

“The SARB’s open market and foreign exchange transactions have been scheduled to mature and settle on official business days during December 2025 and January 2026. No settlement will take place via the South African Multiple Option Settlement (SAMOS) system on the dates specified above,” the central bank said.

The SARB’s foreign exchange desk will close at 12:00 midday on 24 and 31 December 2025. 

Domestic money market operations will be conducted as usual, with the position closing at 16:55 on both days.
Queries regarding the above may be directed to Provia Mangoedi at +27 12 313 4952 and Andries Tshishonga at +27 12 313 4950. –SAnews.gov.za
 

Police in the Northern Cape have nabbed 360 suspects in connection with various crimes. 

The arrests were made during the intelligence-driven ‘Safer Festive Season’ campaign under Operation Shanela II.

“During the operations, SAPS members confiscated alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime, dangerous weapons, diamonds, drugs and a firearm,” the police said in a statement.

These weekly high-density, multi-disciplinary operations were conducted from 8 -14 December across all five districts of the Northern Cape.

“As part of the disruptive actions, 3 981 motor vehicles were stopped and 7 932 persons were searched during numerous roadblocks and vehicle check points.

“Compliance inspections were carried out at farms, mines, formal and informal businesses, as well as second-hand goods dealers. A total of 17 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed.

“Detectives executed tracing operations to track down perpetrators who have been evading arrest for an array of crimes,” the police said.

During the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the ZF Mgcawu District last week, Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, reassured community members of SAPS’ continued commitment to ensuring their safety. 

She further encouraged communities to break the silence by reporting criminal activities and commended the multi-disciplinary teams for their dedication in keeping the Northern Cape and its communities safe. 

Community engagements, awareness programmes and crime prevention disruptive actions will continue as the Christmas period approaches and beyond to ensure sustainable safety of all inhabitants and visitors to the province. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed a high court decision confirming the publication of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The Department of Basic Education welcomes the judgment delivered by the High Court, which confirms that the department is lawfully authorised to publish NSC examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

“The judgment provides crucial legal clarity for learners, parents, institutions and the media, following recent uncertainty regarding the publication of matric results. In its findings, the Court condoned the department’s late filing of the appeal and proceeded to consider the matter on its merits,” the department said in a statement.

This as the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Information Regulator’s Enforcement Notice wherein the regulator sought to block the publication of matric results.

The Enforcement Notice was issued against the DBE on 18 November 2024 following a finding from an assessment of how the department processes the personal information of learners who sit for matriculation exams.

The department said that the court further held that the established method of publishing NSC results does not constitute the processing of personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). 

“As such, allegations of infringement of POPIA fall away,” it said.

In addition, the court upheld the department’s appeal, setting aside both the enforcement and infringement notices that had previously been issued. 

“Collectively, these determinations affirm the legality of the department’s long-standing dissemination practices and remove any residual ambiguity surrounding the continued publication of NSC results.

“The department welcomes this clarity, which reinforces a results-access system that has, for decades, provided candidates, families, and post-school institutions with equitable and reliable means of obtaining examination outcomes,” said the department.

The department further reiterated its confidence in the Information Regulator and acknowledges its essential role in safeguarding personal information across the Republic.

The DBE remains committed to working collaboratively with the Regulator to uphold learners’ rights and strengthen digital safety in alignment with POPIA.

Meanwhile, the Information Regulator is studying the court decision.
READ | Regulator studying court decision on publication of matric results

In its statement on Friday, the regulator noted the decision by the full bench. –SAnews.gov.za 
 

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has expressed satisfaction with progress made on Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), with 48% of construction completed on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel.

This, whilst also stressing the urgency of meeting the 2028/2029 completion deadline for Phase II of the project and warning that no further extensions will be granted. 

Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai, Majodina led a South African delegation on an oversight visit to Lesotho on Sunday. The delegation met Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, to assess progress on the multibillion-rand project.

The visit follows Majodina’s undertaking in August 2025, to return to Lesotho to monitor and review implementation of the project.

The Minister’s programme on Sunday started with a briefing on project progress, including the resettlement of 24 households which were moved to make way for the dam construction. About 300 households were relocated, with construction of 105 replacement houses currently under way.

Social and environmental impacts

Majodina also received reports on the project’s social and environmental impacts, which include improved road access, better access to health and education facilities, and the provision of electricity.

The project has so far created about 16 000 job opportunities, including business development and skills transfer initiatives. Its broader objectives include strengthening climate resilience, improving food and nutrition security, promoting economic diversification, enhancing integration of farm-based initiatives, and building trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

On women’s empowerment, 77 women from four local councils within the project area have benefited from training programmes, including detergent and cosmetics manufacturing.

During the visit, the delegation toured several construction sites, including the 165m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam at Polihali, located downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu-Orange rivers.

Chief Resident Engineer Ivaho Vanzaghi reported that concrete placement has reached over 60 metres from the riverbed, with about 100 metres remaining.

Majodina also visited the approximately 38km long concrete-lined gravity tunnel linking the Polihali and Katse reservoirs, where she inspected construction progress underground.

Addressing the media at the Sengqu Bridge construction site, an 825-metre-long structure, Majodina said she was encouraged by the pace of development and confirmed that South Africa is preparing to receive water once the project is completed.

“I am very satisfied with the progress. While relocation has taken longer than expected, there is a plan in place. We are also pleased that 92 professionals have been developed through this project, including women, and that 16 000 jobs have been created. That is quite significant.

“We cannot allow further delays. We are here to ensure accountability because South Africans want to know what is happening, and Basotho also want to know what is happening,” the Minister said.

She urged that the communities living near the dam should also be considered for access to water provision.

Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, commended Majodina for honouring her commitment to return for an oversight visit.

“She is a woman of her word. Each time she visits, there is visible progress because stakeholders understand that at the highest level of government, we want this project to succeed efficiently,” Moleko said.

He described the LHWP as one of Africa’s largest infrastructure projects, noting its potential to support hydropower development and boost tourism in Lesotho.

Long-standing cooperation between SA and Lesotho

Mohai commended the Ministers from both countries for providing strong leadership on the project, noting that its scale requires close cooperation between the two countries and high-level engineering expertise.

Mohai said the project demonstrates long-standing cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho, particularly in the democratic era, to advance sustainability and economic growth.

He said the project ensures that communities can enjoy access to water, which is a fundamental right, sustains life, and improves health outcomes.

“It is fascinating to be here in the Kingdom of Lesotho and witness that Lesotho will continue to provide this important resource to many nations in the continent for many centuries. We really appreciate their generosity and are committed to ensure that we share economic spinoffs as countries, as water is an important ingredient to stimulate economic activity,” Mohai said.

Majodina is on Monday expected to visit the Katse Dam. – SAnews.gov.za