Category: South Africa Government

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Operation Shanela nets over 800 suspects in Limpopo

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

A joint multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela executed in Limpopo has led to the arrest of 837 suspects for various offences committed across the province.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation also led to the confiscation of 65,613 kilograms of dagga.
Amongst the offenses committed include rape, illegally dealing in liquor, possession of illegal cigarettes, possession of dangerous weapons and possession of drugs.

The operations which ran from 25-31 August were positively conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the South African Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, Community Policing Forum (CPF).

In a statement on Tuesday, the police said the operation was executed through high visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle check points and the tracing of wanted suspects.

Among the arrests, six people were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms, while 18 were cuffed for the possession of dangerous weapons, among others.

Meanwhile, police recovered 180 counterfeit goods, six handguns, 20 cellphones and 10 vehicles, among others.

Some of the arrested suspects have already started to appear before their local Magistrate’s court.

“This province will continue to combat any criminal activities and our men and women in blue will stop at nothing in ensuring that it remains safe for the inhabitants without any prejudice of race and gender,” said the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe. – SAnews.gov.za

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Limpopo beefs up police service ahead of festive season

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Police in Limpopo are getting their ducks in a row ahead of the festive season, with 132 newly recruited police constables being deployed to various districts to boost operations across the province.

The new constables have recently completed rigorous training and pass-out parades conducted at various South African Police Service (SAPS) training academies.

Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, on Tuesday officially deployed the constables at an event held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. 

The constables were placed in different investigation units in the five districts and Forensic Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). 

Hadebe urged the constables to put shoulder to the wheel, as the fight against crime requires sheer dedication.

“Do your work diligently and respect the rights of the individual. At your respective stations that you are attached to, you will find negative people. Choose what you listen to and avoid the wrong groups. Attitude determines altitude,” Hadebe said.

She emphasised the critical role the constables will play in ensuring that residents, holidaymakers and businesses in the province are and feel safe. 

Hadebe once again reiterated the importance of professionalism and integrity in the line of duty. She reiterated the importance of respect, especially for the communities the police serve. 

The responsible use of firearms, Hadebe said, is key. She called for discretion, cautioning the constables to use their firearms “when absolutely necessary and justified”.

“Criminals are not playing outside (sic). They are daring. Do not be generous to them, make sure you arrest them for the right reasons. When leaving your home, invite God to protect you and thank Him when you return safely,” she said.

Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Samuel Manala, advised the constables to remain true to their core responsibility, which is to serve and protect. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President to conduct oversight visit to the Western Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will conduct an oversight visit to the Western Cape, specifically the Overberg District Municipality, this week.

The Deputy President is set to visit the province from Thursday to Saturday (4-6 September). 

The visit aims to showcase government efforts to expedite the Land Reform Programme, support community development initiatives, and lead a national initiative designed to promote cleaner and healthier urban and rural environments through community participation.

The Deputy President, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, has made it a priority to conduct outreach visits to communities and areas that have benefited from the government’s land reform programme. 

These visits aim to emphasise the commitment to expedite the land restitution and redistribution process while supporting agricultural production and investment in the land.

On Thursday, the Deputy President will visit the Klein Ezeljacht Farm 126 in the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, Caledon, accompanied by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso.

The farm produces apples, pears, grain, and livestock. It was funded by the government through the Land Development Support Programme, which has helped many previously disadvantaged farmers reach their full production capacity. 

The programme focuses on developing their agricultural enterprises and ensuring they become commercially viable.

“Deputy President Mashatile will then engage with the farming sector representatives to assess the provision of farmer support to enhance agricultural productivity,” the advisory read. 

The Office of the Deputy President believes that these engagements provide a platform for government to play a meaningful role in providing support to emerging farmers in areas of training, mentorship, and financial assistance.  

Through the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, government said it is committed to addressing the impediments to growth in the sector, such as a lack of adequate access to funding and the prevailing impact of climate change on food security. 

To highlight government’s commitment to supporting the significant role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in socio-economic development, Deputy President Mashatile will attend the inaugural charity gala dinner organised by Phawu Lethu Skills Development Training. 

This event will take place on Friday at the Arabella Golf Course in Kleinmond, located within the Overstrand Local Municipality.

“Deputy President Mashatile, as champion of Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration initiatives in South Africa, has accepted Phawu Lethu’s invitation, in view of their commitment to support vulnerable communities affected by hunger, natural disasters, and poverty, thus restoring hope and dignity to those impacted by hardship.”

Clean Cities and Towns campaign

On Saturday, Deputy President Mashatile will lead a Clean Cities and Towns campaign at the Zwelihle township, in the Overstrand Local Municipality, as part of fostering a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable urban and rural environment.

The campaign led by the Deputy President supports the country’s developmental objectives by enhancing public health, safety, and infrastructure, and it encourages investments in green energy and innovative technologies to address environmental degradation.

The key focus of the campaign is to promote shared responsibility for clean, healthy spaces, encourage friendly competition among municipalities and mobilise community participation and ownership of public spaces.

READ | Mashatile takes the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign to Free State

Overstrand is home to one of the world’s best land-based whale watching destinations in Hermanus, drawing thousands of local and international tourists each year. 

The region also boasts Blue Flag beaches, marine conservation areas, and renowned fynbos biodiversity, forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Ecotourism, adventure tourism, and wine tourism are all strong contributors to the Overberg local economy.

Deputy President Mashatile will also be accompanied by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo, and the Mayor of the Overstrand Local Municipality Archie Klaas, as well as senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

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NPA welcomes court decision in Senzo Meyiwa case

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the dismissal of the S174 applications brought by accused number four, Mthokozisi Maphisa, in the Senzo Meyiwa case.

Such an application requests the court to find that there is no case to be answered by the accused.

In the judgement handed down in the Pretoria High Court, Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng found that there is prima facie evidence that Maphisa must answer to.

Maphisa, along with four other accused, are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of firearm and possession of ammunition related to the 2014 murder of Meyiwa.

“In his application through his legal representative, the accused said the state had no case against him, thus lacking evidence to link him to the offences [he is] charged with. The state, however, opposed their applications and submitted that there was sufficient evidence that could lead to the conviction of the accused. 

“The state relied on the testimony of constable Zungu who was with the five accused on the day of the incident. The state also relied on other pieces of evidence, including ballistic evidence that was put before the court by other witnesses in the case,” the NPA said in a statement.

The prosecutorial body insists that it will continue its pursuit for justice for the former Bafana Bafana captain’s family.
“This court outcome is encouraging as the state overcomes a second hurdle presented in this case. The state will continue to put forward a formidable case to ensure that justice is served for the Meyiwa family,” the statement concluded. 

Following the dismissal of the application, the case was postponed to 22 September to allow the defence to prepare its case. – SAnews.gov.za

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Global innovators unite in G20 hackathon 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Group of 20 (G20) Research and Innovation Working Group (RIWG) Hackathon which brings together innovators to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, is currently underway.

Hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the hackathon is a flagship deliverable of this year’s G20 RIWG agenda.  

The department announced that the hackathon, which began on Tuesday, aims to support a demonstrator project centred on the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction through Open Innovation (DRR-OI).”

The hackathon which will run until Friday, 5 September, brings together global innovators to collaboratively tackle one of the most pressing challenges the world faces, including disaster risk in the context of accelerating climate change.

This initiative is designed to utilise digital technologies, open data systems, and cross-border collaboration to enhance resilience in regions that are vulnerable to climate change and water scarcity.

“This year’s challenge focuses on forecasting informal urban expansion and its implications for flood risk using advanced digital tools and real-world data.  

“Building on previous DRR-OI platforms and pilot projects, the hackathon is a dynamic test bed for scalable, evidence-based solutions that can inform policy and urban planning in rapidly growing cities,” the statement read. 

Throughout the week, multidisciplinary teams from G20 countries and their partners will develop innovative digital solutions utilising artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and geospatial analytics, all while adhering to the principles of responsible and ethical AI.

Participating teams include experts in data science, urban studies and disaster risk management from countries such as Botswana, Canada, China, Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malawi, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. 

South Africa is proudly represented by a group of emerging leaders and innovators, including Dr Charles Takalana, the Deputy Director at the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development, located at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.

“The involvement of these experts underscores the depth of local scientific and entrepreneurial talent and ensures that African urban contexts and lived experiences are at the forefront of the development of globally relevant solutions.”

The event is being held virtually, enabling inclusive participation and real-time collaboration across time zones.  

The department announced that the final prototypes and solution demonstrations will be showcased at the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on 23 September 2025. 

These presentations will contribute to high-level discussions on climate adaptation, urban resilience, and the role of digital innovation in sustainable development.

“By harnessing the power of open innovation, the G20 RIWG hackathon exemplifies how international scientific cooperation can generate actionable insights and scalable technologies to build safer, more resilient communities in the face of growing environmental uncertainty,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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SA expands agricultural sector to new markets

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

While facing global trade challenges, South Africa is proactively building a more resilient agricultural sector and working on diversifying its trade portfolio.

“We’ve made significant progress in opening up vast new markets and securing vital protocols for products like citrus and others. We are confidently expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for our agricultural producers,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh, said on Tuesday.

Addressing the 80th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at an event in Pretoria, Singh said South Africa is proactively and collaboratively diversifying its trade portfolio. 

Under the coordinated leadership of the Presidency, the South African government is making significant inroads into new high-growth markets across Asia and the Middle East. 

“These efforts are not only opening doors to new opportunities but also reinforcing our commitment to retaining the vital markets we already have. While the current global economic environment present challenges, it also presents opportunities to build and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and to develop new partnerships in markets that have remained untapped, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),” the Deputy Minister said. 

He emphasised that it was essential that Vietnam and South Africa explore concrete ways to deepen collaboration, whether through joint ventures, knowledge exchange, or policy alignment to ensure shared progress that translates into tangible benefits for citizens. 

“The international community faces a complex array of challenges that threaten global stability and prosperity. These include geopolitical tensions, economic inequality and trade uncertainties, social unrest and human rights concerns. 

“It is the hope of my government that we will continue to work to deepen our relationship and learn from each other’s experiences, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities for cooperation. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and working together to promote peace, prosperity, and development in our countries but also in the regions we find ourselves in,” Singh said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Youth urged to embrace BRICS cultural diversity

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has called on young people to embrace the rich cultural diversity of BRICS and recognise its role in shaping a more inclusive global order.

Addressing the 2025 BRICS Summer School in Johannesburg, on Monday, Letsike said BRICS is more than an economic and political bloc.

“BRICS is not just an economic and political bloc. It is a strategic initiative for global transformation, grounded in multipolarity, justice, inclusion, and the self-determination of peoples,” Letsike said.

Letsike noted that from its founding, BRICS, which has expanded to include eleven member states – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Iran, has sought to rebalance the world order, moving away from unipolar dominance and towards a more equitable system of governance.

She said BRICS represents nearly half the world’s population and over a third of global GDP.

“The numbers themselves speak powerfully: the original BRICS five nations represented 42% of the world’s population and 31.5% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). With expansion, BRICS nations today represent 46% of the global population and 37% of the world’s GDP. 

“This is not just arithmetic. It is a declaration that the Global South will no longer be spectators in history, we are authors of it. Authorship requires us to bring in every voice, including those of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and LGBTI communities, whose realities are too often erased when we speak in generalities,” Letsike said.

Held under the theme: “Innovatively Inclusive Futures for BRICS and the Global South”, the summer school brings together high school learners from grades 9 to 12, including unemployed graduates, researchers, youth activists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals.

The programme explores the bloc’s history, principles, current initiatives, and future prospects.

Letsike said this year’s theme aligns with Brazil’s 2025 BRICS Presidency, which focuses on “strengthening Global South cooperation for more inclusive and sustainable governance.”

The key priorities identified include global health cooperation, trade and finance, climate change, artificial intelligence governance, peace and security, and institutional development.

Intersectionality and inclusion

The Deputy Minister stressed that these priorities cannot be pursued in a vacuum but must be informed by intersectionality at the core.

“Young women are not affected by climate change in the same way as young men; that persons with disabilities face unique challenges in accessing digital technologies. The LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) youth may be excluded from peacebuilding or education initiatives,” the Deputy Minister said.

Letsike warned against the dangers of invisibility in society. 

“Erasure is not only about forgetting people’s names. It is about designing economies, policies, and institutions that pretend entire groups do not exist,” she said.

The Deputy Minister added that invisibility is not only about silence; it is about the absence of women in boardrooms, absence of persons with disabilities in classrooms, absence of LGBTI voices in peace negotiations, and the absence of rural youth in digital economies. 

“When people are made invisible, they are made vulnerable. When they are erased from our statistics, from our stories, and from our strategies, their needs remain unaddressed, their struggles remain unacknowledged, and their potential remains untapped.”

Citing South Africa’s history of struggle against invisibility, from the 1956 women’s march against pass laws, to the 1976 youth uprisings, to the activism of LGBTI and disability rights groups, Letsike said the same spirit of inclusion must guide the BRICS agenda.

“Intersectionality therefore becomes both a moral and political imperative. No one is expendable, no one is peripheral, no one should be erased.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Government launches Public Service Month  

Source: Government of South Africa

Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi has launched the Integrated Public Service Month, with a strong message that professionalising the public service is a constitutional and developmental imperative that is a non-negotiable.  

“We will build a workforce that is defined by competence, ethics and accountability as mediocrity has no place in this vision,” Buthelezi said at the media launch of the IPSM, in Pretoria on Tuesday.

“We will be transparent about progress, honest about setbacks and be visible in our communities.”

Buthelezi said every citizen must feel the tangible difference of a responsive and ethical state.

“We will also hold ourselves accountable through clear indicators like improved service satisfaction, reduced corruption and strengthened ethics as well as increased citizen engagement,” the Minister said.

WATCH | Launch of Public Service Month 

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As part of the IPSM, members of Executive, including Ministers, the President and the Deputy President, as well as senior officials, will conduct unannounced oversight visits in priority districts where services are failing to unblock bottlenecks.

“These visits will inform planning, budgeting and resource allocation,” the Minister said.
He also reminded public servants that they are there to serve and not to be served.

“We are the face of a new public service – one that is professional, ethical and responsive. And we must carry this responsibility with pride. To our partners, join us in a holistic society approach to restoring dignity through service.”

In her welcoming remarks, Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana said the launch of IPSM is not merely a ceremony, but a pledge to South Africans that people are at the heart of everything that government does.

“This year’s theme, ‘Professionalising the Public Service to Build Trust and Restore Confidence in Government’, speaks to the urgent question of can citizens trust their government to listen, respond and deliver,” she said.

Kekana said the IPSM has been repositioned as a year-round platform of action, a platform for reform, aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2029).

She also called on public servants to be professional and ethical.

“Colleagues, professionalism is not about hierarchy. It is about making a real difference in people’s lives,” Kekana said.

The IPSM 2025 programme aims to transform the government-citizen relationship through a sustainable system focused on efficient, respectful and accountable service delivery. 

Key initiatives include an Executive Service Delivery Blitz and Public Service Charter Dialogues, empowering citizens to shape service standards.

“For far too long, our people have endured the indignity of long queues, broken promises and crumbling infrastructure,” Buthelezi said.

The Minister said the launch is not a ceremonial event but a strategic call to action, especially in the current era, where the voices of the citizens are amplified through multiple platforms. 

“IPSM 2025 is therefore our turning point. It is a contract between government and citizens to deliver services that dignify, empower and uplift, especially the most vulnerable in our society.”

He further added that IPSM is South Africa’s practical expression of the values championed by the African Public Service Day (APSD). 

“As directed by Cabinet in August 2024, the 2025-2026 IPSM Implementation Framework marks a decisive shift as it is no longer a once-off event but now a year-round platform for reform and the improvement of service delivery,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Task team to tackle foot-and-mouth disease established

Source: Government of South Africa

Task team to tackle foot-and-mouth disease established

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has announced the establishment of an Industry -Government Task Team to strengthen South Africa’s response to animal diseases, with a particular focus on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The task team, comprising representatives from government and the red meat industry, will coordinate efforts to improve prevention, management, and control of animal diseases.

Steenhuisen said the task team will report directly to the value chain roundtables, which bring together all stakeholders in the livestock sector.

The Minister made the announcement during a media briefing on Monday, 1 September 2025, where he outlined critical interventions to curb persistent FMD outbreaks across a number of provinces.

“The task team will ensure better coordination, enforcement and accountability in tackling animal disease outbreaks,” Steenhuisen said.

The task team establishment follows a Bosberaad (strategic bush meeting) convened in July by the Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).

At the meeting, Steenhuisen noted that current responses are fragmented, with lack of sufficient enforcement and coordination, factors that have contributed to the persistence of outbreaks.

Among the key measures proposed at the meeting included revising control zones, expanding capacity for sampling and diagnostics, increasing access to vaccines, and strengthening livestock identification and traceability systems.

The stakeholder also highlighted the importance of enforcing biosecurity, with experts warning that without it, containment measures will remain compromised.

Vaccine procurement and distribution

Giving an update on the country’s FMD status, Steenhuisen confirmed that 900 000 vaccine doses worth R72 million had been procured from the Botswana Vaccine Institute for the current financial year.

“The first 500 000 doses arrived in June and were used to vaccinate cattle in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West and Free State. Just over a week ago, we received the remaining 400 000 doses of which 50 000 are already distributed,” the Minister said.

He said the remaining doses of the vaccine will go to the provinces currently experiencing active outbreaks, including the Free State, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng.

Over 250 unresolved FMD outbreaks

Currently, there are 274 unresolved outbreaks across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.

Positive cases have been confirmed in all cattle farming systems, ranging from commercial beef herds, animal breeding, feedlots, dairy cattle, and communal herds.

In KwaZulu-Natal, outbreaks continue to spread westward, with confirmed cases in municipalities including Dundee, Dannhauser, Newcastle, Alfred Duma, Okhahlamba, uMshwathi, eDumbe and eMadlangeni.

While the disease appears to have abated in the eastern part of the province’s Disease Management Area, 180 outbreaks remain active in KwaZulu-Natal. The virus is believed to have spread from KwaZulu-Natal into Mpumalanga through an auction in February, before spreading to Gauteng, North West, western Mpumalanga and Free State by late May.

According to Steenhuisen, investigations point to both farm-to-farm transmission and “pinpoint” introductions linked to livestock movements where isolation protocols were  not observed. Current outbreak cases stand at 54 in Gauteng, 26 in North West, nine in Mpumalanga and five in the Free State.

The Minister urged farmers to comply with legislation and biosecurity protocols.

“Reports of farmers moving cattle showing clinical signs of the disease, or treating them privately without reporting, are deeply concerning and irresponsible. These actions not only contravene legal directives but risk entrenching FMD as endemic in South Africa,” he said.

“All livestock farmers are urged to cooperate fully with veterinary officials, report suspected cases immediately to state veterinary, and refrain from moving animals showing clinical signs,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

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Deputy President Mashatile conducts a three-day oversight visit to the Overberg District Municipality, Western Cape Province, 4 – 6 September 2025

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Thursday, 04 to Saturday, 06 September 2025 , conduct an oversight visit the Western Cape Province, in the Overberg District, with the aim of showcasing government efforts to fast-track the Land Reform Programme, supporting community development initiatives, and leading a national initiative launched to promote cleaner and healthier urban and rural environments through community participation. 

Deputy President Mashatile who also chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, has prioritised the undertaking of outreach visits to communities and areas which have benefited from the government’s Land Reform programme, to highlight the commitment to fast-track the land restitution and redistribution process, with the overall support for agricultural production and investment in the land.

On Thursday, 04 September, the Deputy President joined by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso will visit the Klein Ezeljacht Farm 126, situated in the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, Caledon. 

The farm which produces apples, pears, grain and livestock, was funded by government through the Land Development Support Programme and has managed to sustain many previously disadvantaged Farmers to reach their full production capacity, in terms of developing their agricultural enterprises, as well as ensuring that they are commercially viable.  

Deputy President Mashatile will then engage with the farming sector representatives with the aim of assessing the provision of farmer’ support to enhance agricultural productivity. These engagements provide a platform for government to play a meaningful role in providing support to emerging farmers in areas of training, mentorship, and financial assistance.  Through the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, government is committed to address the impediments for growth in the sector, such as lack of adequate access to funding and the prevailing impact of climate change on food security.

To further underscore government commitment to support the positive and important role played by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and their contribution to socio-economic development, Deputy President Mashatile will on Friday, 05 September , attend the Inaugural Charity Gala Dinner organised by Phawu Lethu Skills Development Training organisation, to be held at the Arabella Golf Course, Kleinmond, in the Overstrand Local Municipality.

Deputy President Mashatile as champion of Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration initiatives in South Africa, has accepted Phawu Lethu’s invitation, in view of their commitment to support vulnerable communities affected by hunger, natural disasters, and poverty, thus restoring hope and dignity to those impacted by hardship.      

On Saturday, 06 September, Deputy President Mashatile will lead a Clean Cities and Towns campaign at the Zwelihle Township, in the Overstand Local Municipality, as part of fostering cleaner healthier and more sustainable urban and rural environment.

The campaign led by Deputy President Mashatile, supports the country’s developmental objectives by enhancing public health, safety, and infrastructure, and it encourages investments in green energy and innovative technologies to address environmental degradation.

The key focus of the campaign is to promote shared responsibility for clean, healthy spaces, encourage friendly competition among municipalities and mobilise community participation and ownership of public spaces.

Overstrand is home to one of the world’s best land-based whale watching destinations in Hermanus, drawing thousands of local and international tourists each year. The region also boasts Blue Flag beaches, marine conservation areas, and renowned fynbos biodiversity, forming part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Ecotourism, adventure tourism, and wine tourism are all strong contributors to the Overberg local economy.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia de Lille, Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo, and the Mayor of the Overstrand Local Municipality, Cllr Archie Klaas, as well as senior government officials.   

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:
Date: Thursday, 04 to Saturday, 06 September 2025
Venue: Overberg District, Western Cape Province 
 
Media Programme
Thursday, 04 September 2025 – Land Reform Outreach 
09h00: Arrival of the Deputy President and delegation at the Municipal Council Chambers, Theewaterskloof Municipality in Villiersdorp
10h00: Site visit of the Theewaterskloof Dam
10h50: Farm Visit and Tour of the Klein Ezeljacht Farm near Villiersdorp
11h35: Stakeholder Engagement with the farming sector representatives (on-site at Klein Ezeljacht farm)

Friday, 05 September 2025 – Phawu Lethu Gala Dinner
17h30: Keynote address by the Deputy President at the Phawu Lethu Charity 
Venue: Gala-Dinner Arabella Hotel & Golf Estate, Kleinmond, Hermanus

Saturday, 06 September 2025 – Clean Cities and Towns Campaign (Overstrand Local Municipality)
08h30: Arrival of the Deputy President at Overstrand Local Municipality (Mayor’s Office)
09h30: Deputy President Mashatile leads community cleaning activities at the Zwelihle Township, Ward 05 & 12  
11h15: Deputy President and entourage arrive at Sports Ground and embark on the planting of trees (Ward 06)
11h50: Community feedback session at Zwelihle Community Hall 
13h00: Media Door-stop  

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Tshiamo Selomo on 066 118 1505.

Media enquiries: Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile, on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria