Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has urged South Africans to view rapid urbanisation not as a crisis but a “repository of opportunities” capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and dignity for millions.

“Well-governed cities can be the engineers of jobs, hubs of innovation, and places where people live with dignity,” Ntuli said in his keynote address to the National Urban Forum (NUF).

Held from 21–22 August, the forum brought together policymakers, urban planners, civil society representatives, academics, and government leaders across the country to chart strategies for inclusive and sustainable urban growth.

Ntuli said that if properly managed, urbanisation can help unlock South Africa’s transformation by reducing poverty, expanding opportunities for youth, and building globally competitive urban economies.

The NUF, he added, served as an “incubator for new ideas and practical strategies” to shape South Africa’s urban future, with a focus on spatial transformation, sustainable development, and social justice.

While offering opportunities, Ntuli warned that rapid growth also poses challenges, including rising demand for housing, transport and basic services, alongside the growing threats of climate change and infrastructure backlogs.

The Premier outlined several priority areas that require urgent attention, and these include:
•    Strengthening governance so municipalities deliver efficiently and transparently.
•    Investing in infrastructure to create inclusive, resilient, and climate-conscious cities.
•    Integrating rural and urban economies so development is balanced across the province.
•    Expanding youth and women’s participation in urban economies to reduce unemployment.
•    Driving sustainability through green planning, efficient energy use, and smart mobility.

The Premier also called for stronger partnerships across sectors, including business, academia, and civil society, to deliver solutions that are practical, scalable, and inclusive.

“Urban development cannot be the responsibility of government alone. Cities are where the majority of our youth reside. If properly managed, they can be the platforms that unlock pathways for young people to access jobs, skills, and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Ntuli reaffirmed the province’s commitment to work closely with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and other stakeholders to ensure urbanisation becomes a powerful driver of transformation, dignity, and prosperity.

The forum took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Western Cape Provincial Government has called for the whole of government, every industry partner, researcher, farmer, and citizen – urban and rural – to unite in defence of the province’s agriculture sector.

This follows an increasing threat of animal disease outbreaks, including African swine fever, particularly in informal farming settlements, rabies in Cape Fur seals, and the detection of the low pathogenicity strain of avian influenza virus (AI H5), as well as other minor diseases. The AI H5 is mainly found in wild birds and generally causes mild or no symptoms in poultry. 

The Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, warned that diseases affecting isolated areas could significantly impact the province’s agricultural sector, its economy, and the thousands of jobs dependent on the industry.

“We cannot afford to be complacent. Our Growth for Jobs strategy is built on clear goals and outcomes to create a better Western Cape for all. Disease outbreaks pose a direct threat to this vision.” 

However, through cooperation, vigilance, and swift action, he believes the province can protect the health and sustainability of this sector and the well-being of every resident.

According to Meyer, biosecurity goes beyond trade and transnational movements of goods; it builds the foundation of disease prevention and control. 

“This has practical implications for communities at the local level and in fast-changing and growing agri-food systems, where the production, processing, and distribution of food, plants, and animals are highly dynamic.” 

State Veterinarian at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s office in Swellendam, Dr Christi Kloppers, said implementing biosecurity measures in informal or subsistence farming operations presents significant challenges for controlling animal diseases.

“The provincial and municipal resources should be used optimally to protect the economy and the livelihoods of our residents,” Kloppers. 

The MEC said every outbreak prevented was “a business saved, a job protected, and a family’s future secured”. 

“This means being alert, reporting suspected cases immediately, and adhering to the strictest biosecurity protocols – on farms, during the transport of livestock, and throughout the entire value chain.”

Meyer said this was not just an agricultural issue but had an economic and social imperative. 

“By acting together now, we can safeguard our food security, sustain our exports, maintain the trust of our trading partners, and protect the livelihoods of thousands of Western Cape families.” 

In the meantime, the provincial government is mobilising all available resources, coordinating closely with national authorities, and working together with industry to keep our province safe. 

“As highlighted during my recent engagement with executive mayors and municipal managers, we believe that biosecurity is everyone’s business. So, throughout the value chain – from farm to fork – we should take the necessary steps to protect the integrity of agricultural produce. 

“Doing so will support economic growth and help us create more jobs,” Meyer added. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Task team set up in Knoflokskraal land occupation matter

Edwin
Fri, 08/22/2025 – 14:48

Source: Government of South Africa

As a significant step towards opening South Africa’s rail network to private operators and reforming the rail sector, Transnet has completed the adjudication process of selecting new Train Operating Companies (TOCs).

The participation of private operators will go a long way in increasing Transnet rail volumes and assist producers in the mining and agriculture sector meet rail cargo volume expectations to exporters as well as encourage the upgrade of the rail infrastructure. 

Briefing the media on the outcome of the application process for third-party participation of TOCs onto the Transnet rail network, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) estimates that the new TOCs will carry an additional 20 million tonnes of freight per annum from the 2026/27 financial year.   

“This will supplement Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR’s) forecasted volumes and contribute to Government’s target of increasing freight moved by rail to 250m tons per annum by 2029.

“The evaluation process has been rigorous and was conducted in full compliance with the standards of fairness and transparency. Today’s announcement is not just about the allocation of rail slots – it is a step toward a future where our railways drive economic growth, job creation and sustainability,” Creecy said on Friday in Pretoria. 

Of the 25 TOCs applications received, 11 have met the necessary requirements and will proceed to the next stage of negotiations and contracting. 

The initial allocations, on a total of 41 routes and six corridors, are as follows:

• North Corridor: six new entrants, 15 routes for transportation of coal and chrome.
• Iron Ore Corridor: one new entrant, one route for transportation of iron ore.
• Cape Corridor: two new entrants, two routes for transportation of manganese.
• Northeast Corridor: six new entrants, 16 routes for transportation of coal, chrome, magnetite, fuel, containers.
• Central Corridor: one new entrant, two routes for transportation of coal, containers (manganese).
• Container Corridor: four new entrants, five routes for transportation of containers, coal, and sugar.

The benefits of third-party access include, among other things, improving utilisation of the network and thus increasing rail efficiency; reducing network unit costs by involving more operators; increasing revenue to contribute to investment in the maintenance and modernisation of the network, and reducing the external costs of freight logistics and improving the competitiveness of rail as a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

“New entrants who have met the requirements will receive conditional award letters outlining award conditions, including the need to complete the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) permit applications, rolling stock readiness, securing port offloading capacity and other operational processes. 

“Durations of the allocations range from one to 10 years, and operating companies can commence with operations once the relevant conditions have been addressed,” the Minister said.

In March 2022, Cabinet approved the National Rail Policy, which lays the basis for third party participation in the Transnet Network while the infrastructure remains state owned. 

“The Rail Policy encourages rolling stock investment by the operating companies and the establishment of the rolling stock leasing companies by both state-owned companies and private entities. This could be a key intervention for revitalising rolling stock and unlock as much as R100billion in new investments

“The Rail Policy advances structural reforms that enable private sector investment; optimal utilisation of the rail network and effective economic regulation that facilitates equitable access to the rail network and ensures that it is properly managed,” Creecy said.

The Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System in South Africa was approved by Cabinet on the 8 December 2023. 

This document gave the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC) the mandate to manage the consultation process on Transnet’s draft Network Statement.

“The Network Statement serves as a foundational document that outlines the terms and conditions under which operators can access the rail network, thereby giving effect to third-party access and enabling private sector participation.

“The first Network Statement and Tariff Determination were published on the 20 December 2024. The application process for slots commenced promptly after the Network Statement was gazetted in December 2024. Applications opened on 20 December 2024 and closed on 27 February 2025,” the Minister said.

TRIM will next week open applications for parties who wish to submit ad-hoc applications for additional or new route allocations for the current 2025/26 timetable period based on Volume 3 of the Network Statement on their website

“In due course, the Department of Transport will announce the date of publication of Volume 4 of the Network Statement, and when applications will open to apply for available slots for the 2026/27 timetable.

“We will also be incrementally enhancing our regulatory framework to ensure that the slot allocation process is guided by certainty and responsive to our rail reform programme,” Creecy said. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has announced the appointment of six individuals to manage the affairs of the South African Tourism Board until the appointment of the new Board is completed.

“The Minister of Tourism has in terms of section 16 (3) of the Tourism Act No. 3 of 2014, on good cause shown, arrived at a decision to dissolve the South African Tourism Board and appoint the listed persons, to manage the affairs of the South African Tourism Board until the appointment of the new Board is completed,” said the department, in a statement on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Minister announced her decision to dissolve the board in terms of section16(3)(a) of the Tourism Act. Section16(3)(a) of the Act empowers the Minister to dissolve the board on good cause shown.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism said the decision took effect immediately. 

READ | Tourism Minister dissolves SA Tourism Board

The department announced the appointment of the following individuals: 
1. Dr. Mzamo Masito (Chairperson)
2. Ms. Kholeka Zama (Deputy Chairperson)
3. Dr. Shakir Jeeva
4. Mr. Khomotso Brian Mosehla
5. Ms. Siobhan Leyden and
6. Dr. Shamilla Chettiar (Representative of the department)

“The term of office for the above members is effective from today, 22 August 2025,” said the department, adding that the individuals possess collective knowledge, experience and qualifications relating to the function of the South African Tourism Board.

Dr Masito has over 25 years’ experience in growing businesses including growing brand visibility and brand availability. Masito who’s also passionate about education, lectured at the University of Cape Town’s Commerce Faculty and at AAA School of Advertising.

Deputy Chairperson Zama is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA (SA) who has obtained global exposure to multiple listed and unlisted industries working in executive and non-executive roles for over 20 years.

Meanwhile, Dr  Jeeva is an entrepreneur and multi-award winning financial and investment specialist with over 10 years’ experience in providing consulting services and leading companies in various sectors including financial services and, tourism and hospitality.

Mosehla is a qualified Chartered Accountant CA (SA). Previous career highlights include Corporate Finance Executive management, while Leyden is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with a wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Chetttiar is a seasoned civil servant with 24 years of work experience in the public sector, including eight years as an Executive Manager.

Additionally, the Minister appreciated the commitment of the members to serve South African Tourism and wished them well. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Human Settlements has completed nationwide consultations with stakeholders across society as part of compiling South Africa’s Second National Report on Progress in Implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, made the announcement during her keynote address at the National Urban Forum (NUF), currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

The country is enjoined with other countries to implement the NUA which was adopted in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016, to guide countries on how to manage, address challenges and capitalise on opportunities presented by irreversible rapid urbanisation over the next twenty years.

UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) Member States are requested to voluntarily compile and submit quadrennial progress reports on the implementation of the NUA.

Simelane said the NUA makes provisions for transformative commitments that countries have to deliver on including housing, which is viewed as both inseparably linked to urbanisation, and as a socioeconomic development imperative.

“As explicitly articulated in the National Development Plan and the Integrated Urban Development Framework, the development of sustainable human settlements requires an integrated approach with the management of urbanisation through the expansion of access to adequate and affordable housing as a critical contribution to achieving inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities envisaged in the NUA,” Simelane said.

She emphasised that access to adequate housing goes beyond government subsidies and grants. It also entails access to land for human settlements, flexible and affordable housing finance and responsible property market regulations and practices. It also entails the development of human settlements that are responsive to climate and other natural disasters.

South Africa submitted its first national report on the NUA in 2021, outlining policy frameworks and programmes aimed at integrated urban governance.

The second report, Simelane explained, draws on extensive public participation through in-person and virtual workshops, written submissions, and case studies across all nine provinces.

Once finalised and approved by Cabinet, the report will be made available to the public.

Held under the theme: “Advancing Urban Transformation for Inclusive, Safe and Resilient Cities,” the 2025 forum marks South Africa’s second National Urban Forum, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the global urban agenda through continuous policy refinement and implementation.

This year’s edition, held from 21-22 August, coincides with South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 and Urban20 (U20), further amplifying its significance on the international stage.

The localisation and implementation of the New Urban Agenda is carried out through the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF) and requires all stakeholders to play their part in building sustainable human settlements and integrated urban development, to among other things, address spatial inequality through a transformational national agenda.

“The National Urban Forum as an engagement mechanism endorsed by the UN-Habitat, is an appropriate and strategic platform for formulating and adopting a national consensus on human settlements and urban development priorities.

“Your voices will be consolidated to inform the outcomes of this forum, which will shape, inform and contribute to our national position that we will take to the Second Africa Urban Forum and the Thirteenth World Urban Forum in 2026,” the Minister told delegates.

Simelane reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth, and in “shaping the future we want, we wish to improve the quality of life for all residents, while protecting the environment, and fostering innovation.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 22, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, August 22, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

SANDF clarifies position on Oryx helicopters

Gabisile
Fri, 08/22/2025 – 09:45

Source: Government of South Africa

School principal charged with sexual assualt granted R3 000 bail

Edwin
Fri, 08/22/2025 – 09:43