Category: South Africa Government

Cabinet has welcomed the continuing improvement in Eskom’s financial and operational performance for the first six months ending September 2025.

This, while highlighting Eskom’s sustained financial and operation recovery, as the power utility recorded a R24.3-billion profit after tax for the six months, ending September 2025, which is a 37% increase compared with the same period last year.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni noted the period saw consistent energy supply, with only four days of load-shedding, while electricity supply reliability stood at 96% in 2024/25, improving to 98% to date. 

“Eskom’s solid performance demonstrates the efficacy of Eskom’s recovery plan, initiated under Operation Vulindlela structural reforms programme, the level of competence of Eskom’s management team and its board, and the focused leadership of the Minister of Electricity and Energy,” Ntshavheni said.

Positive economic growth

Cabinet also welcomed signs of sustained economic momentum, as indicated by the 3rd Quarter GDP figures, released by Statistics South Africa.

South Africa’s GDP grew by 0.5% in the period July – September 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, driven by strong performance in mining, agriculture and services, and contributions from finance, government services, and manufacturing.

The GDP growth in the 3rd Quarter of 2025 was accompanied by a significant increase in employment.  According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, employment increased by 248 000 jobs, while the number of unemployed people declined by 360 000.

“In addition, the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, which provides young people with pathways into the economy, has now reached the 200 000 jobs milestone. To date, YES has placed over 202 558 young South Africans in 12-month, quality work experiences and it is supported by more than 1 900 corporate partners.

“Furthermore, the IMF just lifted South Africa’s growth forecast to 1.3% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026, up from earlier projections of 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively,” the Minister highlighted.

Key implementation plans to drive economic growth approved

Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the implementation plan to drive growth and inclusion, based on the priorities of the 7th administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan.

The plan aims for a coordinated and focused implementation of prioritised economic development interventions which were designed under multiple initiatives.

The plan consolidates several development initiatives into a streamlined framework built on three core pillars:
•    Economic reforms to fix and strengthen the fundamentals of the economy;
•    Public service reforms to build a state that delivers; and
•    Industrial Policy reforms to pursue new areas of growth.

“The focused and prioritised implementation will give the Plan the same impetus of the Structural Reforms programme under Operation Vulindlela,” Ntshavheni said.

Roadmap approved for Critical Minerals Strategy

Cabinet also approved the implementation plan for South Africa’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which details a roadmap to leverage opportunities in mineral wealth arising from the surge in demand for critical minerals due to their increased applications in digital technology, defence, healthcare, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles, amongst others.

The implementation plan focuses on six pillars, including geoscience mapping and exploration; value addition and localisation, research, development and innovation; infrastructure and energy security; financial instruments; and regulatory harmonisation.

The Minister noted that the implementation of the Critical Minerals Strategy will significantly contribute to economic growth and job creation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Cabinet has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in extending its appreciation to all South Africans for their role in ensuring the successful G20 Presidency which culminated in the recently hosted G20 Leaders’ Summit.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed South Africa’s historic G20 Presidency as a resounding success both as a diplomatic achievement and a celebration of national unity.

He expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to making South Africa’s G20 Summit a success.

“During our G20 Presidency, South Africa firmly placed Africa’s development agenda in the purview of G20 leaders and mobilised consensus on meaningful actions to address the challenges constraining South Africa, Africa and the global South’s development,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. 

Briefing the media on the outcomes of Cabinet, Ntshavheni said Cabinet noted the recent position of the United States regarding South Africa’s participation in the upcoming G20 Sherpa meeting and the expressed intentions to exclude South Africa, a G20 founding member, from participating in the 2026 G20 meetings. 

“While this development is regrettable, as a founding member, South Africa’s commitment to the G20’s principles and collaborative framework remain unwavering,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister said the 2025 G20 Summit demonstrated the power of multilateralism and cooperation, and that Cabinet remains confident that multilateralism and cooperation are the path to shared prosperity for all people of the world.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed the successful hosting of the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ meeting on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

“At IBSA, South Africa called for a revitalisation of South-South cooperation to drive inclusive growth, advance sustainable development and accelerate the reform of global governance institutions.

“IBSA nations are well positioned to champion the priorities of the global South, including scaling up climate finance, enhancing food and health security, supporting foundational learning and mobilising investment for disaster risk reduction,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister briefed the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, following Cabinet’s ordinary meeting on 5 December. – SAnews.gov.za

Cabinet has approved a comprehensive Programme of Action to address GBVF, including a service delivery framework and institutional arrangements to drive a whole of society approach in addressing this scourge. 

At a post Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria, on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the comprehensive Programme of Action focuses on the implementation of five priorities.

These are: 
•    Prevention and rebuilding social cohesion: Focusing on eliminating the social acceptance of violence and addressing structural drivers. Greater effort will be made to engage men and boys in prevention dialogues to dismantle harmful norms and toxic masculinity. 
•    Enhanced law enforcement protection, safety, and justice: Aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system to ensure protection and justice for survivors. Expanded victim-friendly facilities and specialised GBV desks at SAPS stations are part of this effort. 
•    Victim and survivor centred support: Seeks to provide equitable access to high-quality services across justice, health, and education sectors. Emphasis is in integrated support systems that prioritise dignity, healing, and empowerment, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive care without discrimination or delay.
•    Communication and stakeholder Engagement and Mobilisation: Focuses on transforming social norms at all levels through consistent, evidence-based messaging. It aims to challenge harmful attitudes, promote gender equality, and mobilise communities to actively participate in ending GBVF. 
•    Institutional arrangements: Ensures strong governance and accountability mechanisms across all spheres of society. Calls for firm, coordinated leadership and clear institutional roles to drive implementation, monitor progress, and enforce accountability. 

“Victims of violence are encouraged to use the 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre hotline: 0800 428 428 to report abuse and access support services,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said recently that bold leadership and stronger partnerships across various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, are indispensable as the country intensifies its response to GBVF.

READ | Call for nationwide responsibility in fight against GBVF

Chikunga emphasised that the fight against GBVF must extend beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, urging a year-round, 365-day commitment to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups, and build a society grounded in equality, dignity, and safety. –SAnews.gov.za

Cabinet has welcomed the decrease in serious and violent crimes as reported in the Crime Statistics for Quarter 1 and 2 of the 2025 financial year.

“The crime statistics, covering the period from April to September 2025, show significant reductions in serious and violent crime, with murder rates dropping substantially. Murders decreased by 6.5% in the first quarter and by 11.5% in the second quarter,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.

Addressing a post Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, the Minister said Cabinet commended law enforcement agencies for the continuing hard work against crime while also calling upon society to join the fight against crime.

At the release of the stats at the end of November, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said that categories that saw reductions include murder, assault, common robbery with aggravating circumstances, contact crime, rape and sexual assault. 

This also includes carjacking, robbery at residential premises, robbery at non-residential premises and cash-in-transit heists.  – SAnews.gov.za

Transnet SOC Ltd and the world’s largest independent terminal operator, International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) have officially signed a 25-year partnership agreement to manage the upgrade and development of the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2.

In a statement on Wednesday, Transnet said the landmark agreement marks a pivotal moment in government’s economic reforms agenda and Transnet’s strategy to crowd in the private sector into selective and strategically identified areas of the business. 

It is expected to enhance terminal productivity and increase throughput, ultimately improving the organisation’s operational efficiency and container supply chains.

Through the introduction of new equipment and advanced technology, DCT Pier 2 is expected to increase its capacity from 2 million to 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and improve Gross Crane Moves per Hour (GCH) from 18 to 28 as well as Ship Working Hour (SWH) from 60 to 120.

These improvements are envisaged to reduce logistics costs and improve service quality, thus broadening market access and attracting new volumes.

“Through our deliberate and expansive investment in new equipment across our terminals, the performance of DCT Pier 2 has been on an upwards trajectory. We expect that our partnership with ICTSI will further propel this crucial terminal to its full potential,” Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips said.

In terms of the agreement, Transnet holds a majority shareholding in a new special purpose vehicle, Newco, while ICTSI will be responsible for operation of the terminal. 

ICTSI has an excellent track record across the globe in improving the performance, service and efficiency of ports.

The joint partnership between Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) and ICTSI will take effect on 1 January 2026.

In July 2023, Transnet selected ICTSI as the preferred bidder for the transaction following a rigorous and transparent procurement process.

“Private sector participation (PSP) transactions are an important element of our strategy to modernise, expand and improve our key assets. It is also a big step in our efforts to improve efficiencies across our terminals and transform our ports into world-class hubs. 

“This is consistent with our approach to enhance efficiency and growth through strategic partnerships. Private sector participation in ports has the potential to positively influence efficiencies, export processes and global competitiveness,” Phillips said.

ICTSI’s Senior Vice President Hans-Ole Madsen said the partnership marks a shared commitment to revitalising South Africa’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking new opportunities for growth for South Africa and the entire region. 

“Pier 2 is a strategic asset for South Africa, critical to trade, jobs, and economic growth. ICTSI is proud to invest in Durban’s future, bringing global expertise and technology to ensure DCT Pier 2 becomes a world-class terminal that benefits the entire region. We look forward to getting started, working closely with Transnet to execute our shared vision,” Madsen said. – SAnews.gov.za

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has convened the National Tourism Safety Forum in Johannesburg to strengthen and coordinate tourism safety across South Africa.

This was the first sitting of the forum under the 7th administration, bringing together MECs, provincial tourism authorities, South African Tourism, the private sector – including the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) and a wide range of national and provincial stakeholders.

During the meeting, the Minister received a comprehensive state-of-readiness report from all the provinces ahead of the festive season. 

A key element of the national safety plan is the deployment of Tourism Monitors. 

A total of 40 of the 202 Tourism Monitors allocated to the Border Management Authority (BMA) have been officially deployed at OR Tambo International Airport to strengthen visibility and visitor support.

“Safety is the foundation of tourism growth and our ability to collaborate effectively determines how well we protect both visitors and the jobs that depend on them,” said de Lille.

She confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, has been formally delegated to chair the National Tourism Safety Forum going forward.

“Deputy Minister Sotyu brings deep experience, including her previous tenure as Deputy Minister of Police, and her leadership will be invaluable in guiding this Forum’s work,” said de Lille.

With a strong background in public safety and crime prevention, Sotyu will now lead the Forum’s coordination efforts across government, industry and security structures.

The Minister called on communities across the country to work with government and the private sector to ensure that South Africa maintains its global appeal and remains a destination where visitors feel safe, welcomed and supported. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on all South Africans to assume collective responsibility in the ongoing national effort to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), describing the crisis as one that demands urgent, coordinated action across society.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said bold leadership and stronger partnerships across various levels of government, civil society, and the private sector, are indispensable as the country intensifies its response.

While government continues to strengthen laws, expand support services for survivors, and accelerate the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF), the Minister stressed that sustainable progress will only be possible when communities unite behind a shared commitment to end violence.

She emphasised that the fight against GBVF must extend beyond the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, urging a year-round, 365-day commitment to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups, and build a society grounded in equality, dignity, and safety.

“Every day is a day to end GBVF,” the department said, calling on citizens to work together to build a safer, more inclusive and society free from violence.

Chikunga highlighted the role communities play in creating safe environments, supporting survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.

She urged institutions and workplaces to ensure that policies, protections, and reporting mechanisms are in place and effective. She also encouraged families to instil values of respect, equality, and non-violence from early childhood.

“The responsibility does not rest with government alone, but with every sector, every community, and every individual.”

The Minister also called on men to actively challenge harmful behaviours and attitudes and to speak out against abuse whenever it occurs.

“We cannot end GBVF through legislation alone. We need a united nation, men, women, youth, traditional leaders, religious formations, business, labour, and civil society working in one direction. National efforts towards ending GBVF are both a moral duty and a collective responsibility,” the Minister said.

The department further encouraged the public to make use of available support services, including the GBVF Command Centre at 0800 428 428, to assist individuals at risk.

“Together, South Africa can build a society where women, children, and persons with disabilities live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.”

Meanwhile, in his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the call for a nationwide, sustained programme of dialogues with men and boys to confront the drivers of violence, including toxic masculinity, harmful cultural norms, peer pressure, and patterns of socialisation. – SAnews.gov.za

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Bernice Swarts, has called for swift and decisive action to protect and restore ecological infrastructure as a critical step toward strengthening South Africa’s water security.

“Our vital aquatic ecosystems including those in our strategic water source areas – the mountain catchments, wetlands and rivers that only constitute 10% of our land area yet supply over 50% of our water – continue to face severe pressure from pollution, invasive species, and altered water flows,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

Addressing the launch of the 2025 National Biodiversity Assessment (NBA), Swarts said these challenges have been highlighted consistently over the past 20 years of the NBA. 

“While important progress has been made, it is clear that much more urgent action is required to secure the ecological infrastructure that underpins our water security. 

“Furthermore, improving the vital flow of freshwater into the sea is important for ecosystem services such as marine fisheries and coastal resilience,” she said.

According to the report, terrestrial and marine ecosystems are vast – and pressures on these systems are concentrated in particular areas. 

“This reinforces the importance of spatial prioritisation, ensuring that every rand we invest in restoration is directed where it has the greatest impact — particularly in degraded landscapes, wetlands, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems.

“For our species, we can see that again our aquatic systems are at risk, as the most threatened species groups are freshwater and cartilaginous fishes. Several terrestrial groups, including reptiles, birds, mammals and plants, are showing concerning declines,” the Deputy Minister said.

For the first time, the NBA reported a significant decline among species in Namaqualand, driven by the intersection of escalating pressures from unsustainable land-use, illegal harvesting and climate change impacts.

“On a positive note, some of our species are showing an improvement in their protection level status, reflecting the strong conservation foundation built through our protected areas and stewardship programmes.

“The NBA introduces global genetic indicators for the first time. These reveal early signs of genetic erosion even in species that appear stable. South Africa is rapidly building scientific capacity in this field and will be among the first countries globally to report on genetic indicators in our 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, we will need sustained investment to secure this essential part of our natural heritage,” Swarts said.

She said the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) remains one of the most important ways in which SANBI fulfils its legislative mandate under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act — to report on the status of the country’s biodiversity and to provide the evidence that guides sound environmental governance.

“The NBA is not just a report. It is a reflection of who we are as a country that treasures its natural heritage; it is a mirror that shows both our achievements and our challenges; and it is a compass that guides the difficult choices we must make for a sustainable future,” the Deputy Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has announced significant progress in delivering water and sanitation projects across the province through the effective implementation of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).

According to the provincial government, several water supply projects are at various stages of construction in different municipalities, aimed at addressing water shortages and ensuring consistent water provision to communities.

Notably, the R131 million Bulk Water Augmentation Project in Ipelegeng, Schweizer-Reneke, has reached 95% completion, representing a major step towards resolving long-standing water challenges in the area.

This project includes the refurbishment of the Schweizer-Reneke Water Treatment Works, valued at R14.8 million.

In the City of Matlosana, the department said the refurbishment of critical water pump stations in Jouberton, Ellaton, Loraine, Kanana and Khuma valued at R39.5 million is nearing completion and will stabilise supply across the area.

In addition, the Mahikeng Local Municipality continues to benefit from major water and sanitation investments, including projects in Madibe A Tau, Lonely Park, Setlopo, and the Mahikeng Rural Sanitation initiative, together valued at R385 million.

In Rustenburg, the R58 million Tlhabane Bulk Internal Water Reticulation Project is now 96% complete. 

In Lethabong, the Internal Sewer Reticulation and Waste Water Treatment Works Upgrade – worth over R140 million – is at 82% completion.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Molapisi, said the MIG projects, which are implemented through municipalities, demonstrated government’s willingness to resolve water shortage and augment water supply to the ever-growing communities.

“These achievements reflect CoGTA’s commitment to strengthening the provision of basic services such as water to improve the quality of life of our communities. The success in project implementation and monitoring done through quarterly forums has improved our performance in implementing MIG projects,” said Molapisi.

Other projects are implemented through Operation Bulela Metsi, which was launched in the province, in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation, as a water and sanitation intervention programme to ensure access to water for all households.

Among the key achievements is the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention, which is currently underway in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, aimed at boosting water security for residents.

In JB Marks Local Municipality, the department said construction of the 25 megalitre (ML) reservoir in Ikageng is progressing well and will soon supply water to several extensions, including Potch Industria and Mohadin. – SAnews.gov.za