Category: South Africa Government

In an address marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has examined South Africa’s healthcare system, challenging the current model of healthcare financing and advocating for transformative change.

“We are sick of unaffordable health costs,” Motsoaledi said in Pretoria on Friday, highlighting the day’s theme.

Universal Health Coverage Day advocates for urgent government efforts to implement UHC, ensuring that everyone can access quality healthcare services without facing financial hardship.

This global campaign is led by the UHC2030, which is a global, multi-stakeholder platform for accelerating sustainable progress towards UHC. It is hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the World Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Minister’s speech traced the historical transitions in healthcare, drawing on The Lancet’s analysis report of three critical epochs, including sanitation, vaccination, and now, UHC. 

“The Lancet says the third transition is on the horizon, and it will signify the time when people don’t have to pay cash for their healthcare needs.”

Motsoaledi said the financialisation of health referred to a growing influence of financial markets, investors, and corporate interests in the healthcare sector. 

“Nobody invests money without expecting profit. But should we do that with sick people,” he questioned.

The Minister shared examples of how financial motivations compromise healthcare, including an anecdote about an elderly patient being prepared for surgery without clear consent or medical necessity.

“Healthcare becomes unaffordable for poor and marginalised communities, exacerbating disparities and inequalities,” Motsoaledi said, adding that the current system prioritises profits over patient well-being.

NHI

The Minister said the solution is the National Health Insurance (NHI), which he described as “a strong global antidote to financialisation of health”.

South Africa has made significant progress toward achieving UHC with the introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

The NHI is based on the establishment of a single purchaser, the NHI Fund, which will acquire healthcare services from accredited and contracted providers in both the public and private sectors. 

This initiative aims to ensure that all citizens receive quality, affordable healthcare without facing financial hardship.

This is despite significant legal threats and challenges facing the implementation of the NHI Act, which is part of the country’s transformative agenda. 

He also spoke about a UHC model focusing on comprehensive care that particularly protects women and children, who are “the biggest losers in a financialised system.”

He also touched on South Africa’s potential to lead global healthcare transformation, drawing on the country’s successful HIV treatment campaign of 2010 as proof of what can be achieved when healthcare is prioritised over profit.

The Minister traced significant public health achievements, particularly in HIV/AIDS treatment, where maternal mortality rates dramatically decreased from 240 to just below 99 per 100 000 live births around 2019. 

He highlighted the affordability of a new HIV treatment, lenacapavir, initially priced at US$28 000 per person, now available for US$40 thanks to the Global Fund and other organisations.

South Africa plans to launch lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention method, as early as March 2026.

“We are at the verge of eliminating HIV AIDS as a public health threat in our lifetime,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The North West Provincial Government (NWPG) will launch the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality on Monday.

The programme which is also known as Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, will be launched at Uitkyk village near Madikwe on 15 December 2025.

According to the NWPG, this will be the final segment of Thuntsha Lerole for the year, with the next rollout scheduled for January 2026.

Next week’s programme will benefit communities in Uitkyk, Brakuil, Madikwe, Koffiekraal, and Vrede villages.

Services will include the distribution of agricultural packages, food parcels, and tree-planting activities.

Healthcare awareness and promotion activities will be intensified as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public health education.

To restore road quality and support service delivery in rural areas of the local municipality, road blading will take place from Koffiekraal to Uitkyk and from Uitkyk to Madikwe.

In addition, the Clean Cities Campaign will be implemented to address waste management challenges and promote cleanliness in public spaces.

“All provincial government departments and state-owned entities will be on-site to render a range of essential services and address service-related queries from the community members,” the provincial government’s advisory read. 

The Moses Kotane Local Municipality is one of the 10 local municipalities prioritised for the implementation of Phase 5 of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, which is facing a backlog in road maintenance, which affects accessibility for rural residents. 

In addition, the municipality has limited access to proper sanitation in these areas, among other challenges.

The day’s programme will be led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, who will be joined by the MECs, Mayors and local traditional leaders. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has honoured South African-born Achim von Arnim, a pioneer of Cap Classique and founder of Haute Cabrière.

The Minister described Von Arnim, who passed away on Monday at the age of 80, as someone who did far more than craft exceptional wines but shifted the trajectory of an entire industry.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Achim von Arnim, a man whose name is woven into the story of South African wine,” the Minister said in a statement on Thursday.

With his curiosity, Steenhuisen said, Von Arnim’s uncompromising standards and unmistakable flair helped South Africa believe its sparkling wines could stand proudly among the world’s best.

“Many producers who have gone on to build their own legacies will quietly tell you that they learned their courage, their palate, or their sense of potential from Achim. Achim leaves behind a hole far larger than the vineyards he tended to or the cellars he had built.”

The Minister reflected on the community of winemakers, farm workers, restaurateurs and loyal customers who were shaped by Von Arnim’s generosity and irrepressible spirit. 

“Furthermore, he leaves behind memories shared around countless family tables where many a Sunday lunch across South Africa was made a little more special by opening a bottle of his iconic Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Pinot Noir.” 

On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, the Minister extended his sincere condolences to Von Arnim’s family, to the team at Haute Cabrière, and to all who walked part of their professional journey with him. 

“South Africa has lost a true legend; however, the imprint Achim von Arnim leaves on our wine culture will endure for generations.” 

According to Wine Magazine, after completing his studies at Geisenheim in Germany, Von Arnim joined Boschendal in the 1970s as a winemaker at the age of just 32, where he created South Africa’s first Blanc de Noir. 

The publication said he later became a founding member of the Cap Classique Association in 1992.

In retirement, Wine Magazine said Von Arnim remained in Franschhoek, dedicating his time to art, poetry and karate. 

The publication said he is survived by his wife, Hildegard, their four children – Takuan, Zoe, Tanja and Tamo – and their grandchildren. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed its support for the recent ruling by the Western Cape High Court regarding the case involving the MEC for Mobility and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and others.

The court’s decision on Wednesday has made permanent an earlier interim order aimed at reducing violence, intimidation, and illegal operations within the minibus taxi industry. 

The provincial department said the ruling was a significant step towards protecting commuters and restoring stability in the sector.

The legal action was initiated by Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku earlier this year, due to ongoing conflicts between rival associations, CATA and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA).

The disputes were particularly centred around the contested M18 route between Mfuleni and Somerset West.

“Despite attempts to mediate, violence escalated from June 2025 onward, leading to several fatalities and continued threats to public safety. A temporary interdict was granted in August 2025, but violent incidents persisted, including as recently as October.” 

The department said the court’s decision sent a clear message that the rule of law must prevail and the safety of commuters must come first. 

The department said associations were required to comply with all operating licence conditions, and failure to comply with this ruling would result in legal consequences.

“This order is a victory for every commuter who deserves to travel safely and without fear. Violence and lawlessness have no place in our transport system. We will continue to work with law enforcement and industry stakeholders to ensure that the rights of commuters are protected and that the taxi industry operates within the bounds of the law,” said Sileku.

He commended the legal team for their diligent work and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a safe, reliable, and regulated public transport system.

“Together, we can build a mini-bus taxi industry that serves the people of the Western Cape with dignity and respect,” added Sileku. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Two former apartheid-era police officers, who were convicted of the premeditated murder of Congress of South African Students (COSAS) member Caiphus Nyoka, will remain in custody pending judgment in their bail application.

Former Sergeant, Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht and former Sergeant Pieter Stander (60) were convicted of the 1987 murder of Nyoka earlier this month while a third accused, Major Leon Louis Van Den Berg, was acquitted.

“Following their conviction, the two applied for bail pending sentencing. In affidavits before the court, they claimed to suffer from various health conditions and stated that they are financial providers for their families.

“The state opposed their release, arguing that both men were convicted of a serious offence, they pose a flight risk, particularly Stander, who has previously worked outside South Africa and failed to fully disclose potential assets abroad, despite having worked in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2015,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said on Thursday.

Nyoka – who was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and student leader – was killed in a hail of bullets in his family home in 1987.

“On the evening of 23 August 1987, Engelbrecht and Stander, both members of the Reaction Unit within the then South African Police, met to plan the killing of Nyoka.

“They devised a plan to raid his home. In the early hours of 24 August 1987, at approximately 02h30, Stander, Engelbrecht, and other Reaction Unit members [who are charged separately] arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed his room. They found him sleeping with three friends. 

“After identifying Nyoka, they removed his friends from the room and proceeded to shoot him nine times. He died on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds,” Mahanjana said.

Judgement on the bail matter has been reserved while sentencing proceedings are to be heard in July 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Government has welcomed the latest Poverty Trends in South Africa report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), which shows a significant decline in poverty levels over the past 17 years. 

“The findings mark an important step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty, improve living conditions, and advance inclusive development,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

According to the report, the proportion of South Africans living below the Lower-Bound Poverty Line (LBPL) set at R1 300 per person per month in 2023 prices, has fallen to 37.9% in 2023. 

This represents a notable 19.6 percentage point reduction since 2006. 

The data further highlights that progress in reducing poverty has been most pronounced among black African and Coloured populations, reflecting the positive impact of targeted social and economic interventions.

The Stats SA report also highlights areas where continued focus is needed, including improving the economic conditions of women and addressing the emerging rise of poverty among White and Indian communities. 

It also reaffirms that the country is moving in the right direction and that sustained investment in social protection, job creation, education, and economic support measures is yielding tangible results.

“Government reiterates its commitment to working with all sectors of society to accelerate poverty reduction and broaden access to economic opportunities. Through coordinated policies and targeted programmes, the country will continue striving toward a more equitable and inclusive South Africa,” GCIS said.

Released on Thursday, the report is drawn from the Income & Expenditure Survey (IES) 2022/23. 

The report noted that the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo continue to experience the highest poverty headcounts, irrespective of the poverty line applied. 

“Collectively, these provinces where home to nearly 60% of South Africa’s poor in 2023, with KwaZulu-Natal alone accounting for about one in four. Western Cape and Gauteng remain the provinces with the lowest poverty rates in the country,” noted the report.
In addition, the report noted that Gauteng experienced a notable increase in its share of the poor between 2015 and 2023 and now accounts for about 20% of the country’s poor.

“Progress in reducing poverty has been most pronounced among black African and coloured populations. However, the report notes a slight increase in poverty rates among white and Indian/Asian groups between 2015 and 2023; though, their overall poverty share remains very small compared to black Africans who accounted for 93,6% of all poor persons in 2023”.

The report can be accessed on: https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1854&PPN=Report-03-10-06&SCH=74515. – SAnews.gov.za

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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed that two officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) have been suspended with immediate effect following a breach that saw matric exam papers leaked to learners in Pretoria.

Gwarube revealed the development during a media briefing on Thursday, saying the leak was detected through the system’s stringent marking processes. 

This year, over 900 000 candidates sat for the 2025 exams across 7 000 centres, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51 000 markers and moderators. 

“The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination is one of the largest and most complex national undertakings in our democracy.  

“It is through our markers’ diligence that we were able to detect a breach in our exams. This morning, I want to inform the country that our systems worked exactly as they were designed to do: to detect, isolate, investigate and address any manipulation of the NSC exams,” the Minister said. 

How the breach was detected

Marking began on 1 December at 183 centres nationwide, and early in the process, markers in Gauteng picked up an anomaly in six English Home Language Paper 2 scripts.

“The Gauteng Department of Education officially alerted the national Department of Basic Education, on 02 December 2025, to an unusual similarity between the answers provided by a candidate with the answer provided in the marking guideline for English Home Language Paper 2,” she said. 

The Minister said a preliminary investigation confirmed the suspicion.

“The breach did not come to light through rumours. It was not discovered by chance. It was detected because markers… are equipped to know the difference between authentic learner responses and content that should only be accessible to markers,” she said. 

Extent of the leak

Gwarube said interviews with 26 learners revealed that they had gained access to question papers and marking guidelines prior to examinations. Investigators traced the material back to the DBE’s national office. 

“Of the 162 papers that we had set, only 3 subjects were accessed prior to the examination: English Home Language Papers 1, 2 and 3; Mathematics Papers 1 and 2; and Physical Sciences Papers 1 and 2,” she said. 

These papers were distributed through a USB device, with the leak confined to seven schools in one Pretoria area.

“Our systems are robust. They have allowed us to identify that the suspect involved is an employee of the Department of Basic Education who has a child in Grade 12. Evidence suggests that she received the question paper from another DBE employee who works within the examination unit,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that both staff members have since been suspended.

Independent investigation launched

To ensure full accountability, Gwarube announced the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team (NITT), which will begin work within 24 hours.

The NITT will include an independent chairperson; Umalusi; Universities South Africa; Teacher Unions; SAQA; DBE officials; and a private forensic investigator.

Its mandate includes confirming the source and spread of the breach, identifying all implicated learners, safeguarding the credibility of the 2025 NSC, and recommending measures to prevent future breaches. 

Additional processes including investigative marking, verification of scripts, interviews, statistical analysis, and correlation of exam marks with school-based assessments are being deployed.

Umalusi informed, results not affected

The Minister said that Umalusi has been formally notified and will receive both a preliminary and final report before results approval.

“We want to reassure the country that no results have been finalised; no certification processes have begun and a preliminary report will be provided to the National Examination Irregularities Committee on 29 December 2025, and the final report will be submitted to both the Minister and Umalusi on 31 December 2025,” she said.

The Minister will work with the team to study the report to ensure that the department is ready to announce the results on 12 January 2026. 

“Our investigations show that this incident was limited to a few individual learners in 7 schools. There is no evidence of systematic and widespread breaches and as such we don’t expect it to affect the credibility of the NSC,” she said. 

Zero tolerance for cheating

Gwarube said the exam system is designed with multiple layers of protection, including secure setting and printing; strict distribution protocols; locked storage; trained invigilators; multi-tiered marking by skilled markers; moderation and advanced statistical verification. 

“The fact that only a limited number of scripts triggered our alarms; that markers escalated their observations as per their training; and the system responded immediately and in full force, demonstrates that our system is functioning and able to address the matter immediately.

“This sends a clear message to the public – you cannot cheat the NSC system and get away with it. We will detect it; we will investigate it; and there will be consequences,” she said. 

The Minister further urged learners to uphold integrity. 

“Your matric certificate is a symbol of your effort, your resilience, and your integrity. When you cheat, you not only break the rules but you undermine your own future.”

The Minister assured that the department “will leave no stone unturned” and that criminal investigations are underway, with the South African Police Service notified of the possession of stolen state property.

“South Africa can rest assured that any cheating in the NSC examinations will be detected. Our systems are strong, our professionals are vigilant, and we will always act to protect the integrity of our national examinations,” she said.

Next steps for the affected learners and communities

Gwarube urged calm among parents and school communities in the affected Pretoria area, stressing that the department was moving decisively while ensuring fairness. 

She said the DBE would be communicating directly with the schools involved and confirmed that the staff members suspected of orchestrating the leak have been immediately suspended.

She added that implicated learners would not be prejudged. 

“Learners who are implicated will be afforded due process and treated in accordance with established prescripts. We are not making assumptions about guilt – each case will be individually assessed,” she said. 

“We follow a zero-tolerance approach to cheating in the NSC exams and are committed to supporting innocent learners who worked hard and played no part in this breach,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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In a bold step to combat the escalating impacts of climate change, the eThekwini Municipality has officially launched the Municipal Forum for Climate Change at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).

The Forum is designed as a multi-stakeholder platform to drive the implementation of the Durban Climate Change Strategy, strengthen South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and ensure that climate action is leaves no one behind.

The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to reducing climate change impacts and aligns with the Climate Change Act, No. 22 of 2024, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in June 2024.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba emphasised the urgency of the municipality’s climate response, recalling the catastrophic April 2022 floods that claimed more than 450 lives, displaced thousands and caused damage worth billions of rands.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Scientific evidence shows that rainfall during this event was 30% higher due to climate change, and projections indicate this figure could double by 2050-2070. We must act now to prepare for these impacts,” Xaba said on Wednesday.

The newly launched Forum will bring together civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, academia, youth representatives and other stakeholders to oversee both mitigation and adaptation efforts, with a focus on protecting vulnerable communities.

Mikateko Sithole, Director for Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation: Impact and Adaptation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), welcomed the initiative, noting that the Climate Change Act provides a clear framework for coordinated action across all spheres of government.

“Forums like this are critical to ensure that local implementation aligns with national priorities and that communities are empowered to respond effectively to climate risks,” Sithole said.

EThekwini has long been regarded as a leader in climate leadership. The municipality became the first African municipality to adopt an integrated climate change strategy in 2015 and later launched a Climate Action Plan aligned with the global 1.5°C target.

The municipality’s current policy direction is guided by the Durban Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan, approved in June 2022.

The launch programme included presentations from DFFE and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), outlining national and provincial requirements under the Act and synergies with municipal implementation.

Members were also briefed on the city’s climate plans and ongoing initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has emphasised the importance of ensuring that all South Africans have access to reliable internet connectivity.

“Connectivity cannot be static. Whether at home, at work or in transit, South Africans need reliable access to stay part of the digital economy,” the Minister said on Thursday.

He made these remarks during his visit at the Randburg Taxi Rank in Johannesburg with representatives from Sebenza and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).

Sebenza is a local company providing Wi-Fi in taxis. Access to Sebenza’s free Wi-Fi and entertainment platform onboard taxis has grown from 5.3 million in 2024 to 7 million in 2025, supported by 21 million recorded sessions in 2024 and an average dwell time of 10-15 minutes per user, reflecting highly engaged audiences.

With a national footprint spanning 8 500 taxis and buses, Sebenza is now accelerating its rollout through a strategic partnership with SANTACO positioning the organisation to deploy 50 000 taxis in the next 24 months. 

“Initiatives like Sebenza, working with partners such as SANTACO, align with our work at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to expand affordable connectivity and bridge the digital divide for South Africans.

“Accelerating digital inclusion to empower all South Africans to claim a stake in local and regional economies while participating globally, is critical. Digital Technologies continue to rapidly reshape the global economy and access for every South African is key. Such initiatives highlight real-time progress and implementation of the overall developmental objectives of our country,” Malatsi said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has called for young Africans, particularly young women, to take their rightful place in science and innovation.

Speaking at the Fondation L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Programme, held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Gina noted that the gathering brought together trailblazing women scientists and the next generation of African innovators.

Hosted at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) this year, and now in its 16th year in Sub-Saharan Africa, the FWIS Programme recognises 25 doctoral and five postdoctoral women scientists, celebrating excellence, resilience, and impact across diverse scientific fields annually.

Globally, the initiative has supported more than 4 700 women researchers in over 140 countries, infused with pan-African intergenerational school engagement.

“As the children of the African continent, it is you who carry the responsibility to elevate scientific work in Africa to another level,” she said. 

Gina highlighted the historical barriers that have discouraged women from entering scientific fields, including harmful stereotypes that portray science as a male-dominated and inaccessible space.

However, she praised the Fondation L’Oréal-UNESCO partnership for producing measurable results in increasing the number of women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers, noting the enduring support for South Africa’s flagship South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA).

“Through your partnership, you have shown that you are genuine champions of the women-in-science agenda,” she said.

Turning her focus to learners, Gina urged the young women to learn science and mathematics at the school level and pursue STEM careers with confidence, reminding them that the accomplished women scientists present before them were living proof that success in science is attainable.

“Unless we deliberately push the boundaries, these realities will remain wishes. We are building an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women to thrive in science,” she said.

Deputy Minister also urged educators to encourage learners to pursue mathematics and science subjects, cautioning against prioritising high matric pass rates over quality subject choices that secure learners’ futures.

The 2025 young talents are part of a group of 30 individuals who received the Women in Science sub-Saharan Africa Awards for their promising research excellence and remarkable scientific advice.

L’Oreal Foundation’s Executive Director, Pauline Avenel-Lam, said the young talents were essential to the major challenges of the century, to build a more just, more sustainable, and more resilient world.

“Beyond your discoveries, it is your determination, your passion, your commitments to passing knowledge that drives us,” said Avenel-Lam, also urging girls and boys equally to follow suit as the future of science was also theirs to write.

Representing all the regions of Africa, the young women shared inspiring accounts of their lives as scientists. 

PhD candidate in physics at the University of Limpopo and the 2025 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award recipient, Keletso Monareng, told the audience how her curiosity in science was inspired by “energy poverty” in Africa.

Her research focuses on developing clean, affordable energy technologies that offer sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. 

Having also been encouraged by other female scientists, she sought to inspire others as well. 

“My curiosity ignited ever in me not only to just understand the world but to change it,” she said. 

Attending the event were women scientists from countries as far as Nigeria, Botswana, and Ghana, and local high school learners. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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