Category: South Africa Government

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will host his counterpart from the People’s Republic of China, Vice President Han Zheng, at Tuynhuys, Cape Town, in the Western Cape Province. 

The two leaders will co-chair the 9th South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) on Thursday, under the theme: “South Africa-China Relations in an Era of Global Transformation: Advancing Shared Modernisation”.

“South Africa and China enjoy strong diplomatic relations, anchored in the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. The BNC at the Deputy Presidential level was established in 2000 as the highest-structured bilateral mechanism for consolidating diplomatic, economic, and sectoral cooperation between the two nations,” the Presidency said.

Additionally, reciprocal State Visits and exchange of visits across Government Ministries, Parliament and Provinces reflect the depth of the relations and advance South Africa’s foreign policy and development priorities.

Other Bilateral Structured Mechanisms with China to implement the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation (2020–2029), and monitor cooperation, include the Strategic Dialogue (SD) at Ministerial level: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) at Minister of Trade level, the People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) at Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture level, and the Joint Working Group at Deputy Ministerial level: DIRCO. –SAnews.gov.za

The implementation of structural reforms has liberalised the energy market; shifted it away from reliance on Eskom; resolved Eskom’s debt and enabled the power utility to invest in repairing and maintaining its energy generation infrastructure. 

“The structural reforms are paying off. We have liberalised the energy market, and we no longer depend solely on Eskom for our electricity supply,” Deputy Finance Minister, Dr David Masondo, said on Tuesday.

Through Operation Vulindlela, government is advancing structural reforms to unlock growth, strengthen infrastructure, and improve state capabilities.

“These structural reforms, along with the resolution of Eskom’s R420 billion debt, have enabled Eskom to invest in repairing and maintaining its energy generation infrastructure. As a result, we are currently not experiencing load shedding.

“It is therefore essential that we continue to reform our economy to withstand global headwinds and external shocks. We must also implement additional measures, such as increasing investment in renewable energy and gas, to diversify our energy sources and reduce the risk of future energy disruptions,” the Deputy Minister said.

Masondo was addressing the launch of Phase 3 of the Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme, an initiative intended to support policymaking in South Africa by working closely with researchers to close knowledge gaps crucial to the achievement of inclusive growth and economic transformation. 

“We are launching Phase III at a critical moment. Globally, economic conditions remain uncertain. In this environment, evidence becomes even more important. It enables better prioritisation. It supports more efficient allocation of resources. And it ensures that reforms deliver measurable outcomes,” Masondo said.

Phase III, running from 2026 to 2029, will consolidate and expand the gains already achieved.

The programme will continue to focus on key areas, including public revenue mobilisation, poverty, inequality, and labour markets; Macro-fiscal analysis; and climate-related challenges across food, energy, and water

“Importantly, Phase III introduces a new focus on public expenditure. This is critical. As fiscal space becomes more constrained, the question is no longer only how much we spend, but how effectively we spend.

“Improving the efficiency and impact of public expenditure will be central to achieving inclusive growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

Phase III will be anchored on three core priorities.

First, deepening research for evidence-based policymaking, including strengthening the link between research and implementation.

Second, strengthening data infrastructure by expanding access to administrative datasets and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Third, building state capability through training, skills development, and greater integration of research within government.

“Ultimately, sustainable reform depends not only on good ideas, but on the capacity to implement them. The defining feature of our time is uncertainty. In such an environment, governments must be agile, responsive, and informed.

“SA-TIED represents exactly the kind of institutional innovation required to meet this challenge. As we launch Phase III, we reaffirm a simple principle: better evidence leads to better policy. And better policy leads to better outcomes for our people,” the Deputy Minister said.

He added that the National Treasury remains committed to sustaining the partnership with all partners in government, academia, and development partners, and ensuring that evidence continues to inform the delivery of reform in South Africa. 

“This programme is not only about producing research, but also about embedding evidence within the processes of government.

“It is built on long-term collaboration between policymakers and researchers, grounded in trust and shared purpose. Our partnership with UNU-WIDER has been central to this success,” the Deputy Minister said.

The World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER) brings global expertise, strong research networks, and methodological rigour, which have strengthened the quality and relevance of the work produced.

“We also extend our appreciation to the European Union and the United Kingdom for their continued support. These partnerships demonstrate that well-aligned collaboration can build lasting institutional capability,” Masondo said. –SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is expected to deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference in Johannesburg, this evening.

The two-day conference, currently underway in Fourways, started on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, bringing together sustainability leaders, policymakers, chief executive officers, academics and industry specialists to tackle pressing challenges and explore innovative ways of embedding sustainability into business strategies.

Established in 2011, the conference emerged from a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations to produce the official publication for COP17 – United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The collaboration laid the groundwork for what has become a key platform for advancing sustainability dialogue in Africa.

This year’s programme features expert-led panel discussions examining critical sustainability challenges and opportunities facing both South Africa and the broader continent.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahlobo’s address will focus on strengthening partnerships at local, national and global levels, and highlight the Blue Deal as a model for cooperation and progress.

“This is a call to action to commit to strengthening collaboration across all levels of society and investing in innovation and capacity building,” the department said in a statement.

Conference highlights include a panel on supporting grassroots green waste entrepreneurs hosted by HEINEKEN Beverages, which will explore how small-scale innovators are converting waste into economic opportunities within South Africa’s circular economy.

Another session, hosted in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network South Africa, will focus on urban water security. The discussion will examine how collaboration between government, business and communities can strengthen urban water systems through public-private-community partnerships, supported by practical case studies.

Delegates are also expected to gain practical insights into addressing resource scarcity, building resilient urban infrastructure, and adapting to climate change.

The programme further offers guidance on emerging technologies, innovative business models, sustainability reporting, and the role of inclusive leadership in driving both economic and social impact. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The O.R. Tambo District Municipality says its fire and rescue teams are actively responding to a blaze at the Botha Sigcau Building in Mthatha, with the situation currently under control.

In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the municipality said the fire was swiftly reported by members of the public, allowing emergency services to respond without delay. Authorities expressed appreciation for the public’s vigilance, noting that early reporting played a critical role in the rapid deployment of firefighting teams.

“Emergency teams are on site, working to contain the fire and ensure the safety of surrounding areas. The situation is currently being actively managed. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” the municipality said. 

The Botha Sigcau Building is an 11-storey government complex that houses more than 11 departments, including health, education, agriculture and rural development, as well as several key provincial offices. 

Preliminary reports indicate the fire may have started on the fourth floor at around 7pm, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.

The incident has raised concerns about potential disruptions to government services in the region, given the building’s importance as a central administrative hub. 

No injuries have been reported at this stage. The municipality said further updates will be communicated as more information becomes available. – SAnews.gov.za

By Kenny Morolong 
Not so long ago, the ability to share information with large audiences was limited to a small group of people, such as journalists and broadcasters. Today, digital platforms have flipped the script, giving anyone with a smartphone and internet the power to reach a global audience. 

This shift has broken down old barriers, allowing anyone, anywhere, to join the conversation instantly. It has also widened access to global knowledge, showcased creativity to millions, and created new economic opportunities.

For governments, these platforms are powerful tools to connect with citizens directly. In South Africa, government is increasingly embracing the digital sphere to keep people informed about policies and services that affect their daily lives. Through social media, communication is becoming faster and more responsive. 

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has already moved publications to a digital-only format to extend their reach and launched podcasts to reach a younger, more mobile audience. Through WhatsApp channels it sends news and job opportunities straight to citizens’ pockets.  Moving forward, GCIS will expand high-impact tools like GoZA TV and zero-rated data services to ensure every South African stays informed without the barrier of data costs.

While digital infrastructure spreads important information and creates economic opportunities, it can also act as a megaphone for misinformation and disinformation. A single post can reach millions in seconds making it difficult to keep up with content that moves faster than it can be checked. Moreover, by choosing what shows up on our screens through algorithms, these platforms have a powerful influence over how we understand the world. The rapid spread of harmful information is one of the biggest challenges for our society. 

This reality was the focus of the TikTok Safer Internet Summit held on 9 and 10 March 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya where African leaders and technology companies met to build safer online environments. South Africa had joined these talks to advance responsible governance and improve transparency. The summit highlighted that digital safety cannot be the responsibility of governments alone; it requires collaboration between tech companies, educators, and civil society to protect online communities.

Across the continent, encouraging steps are being taken, such as the African Union and TikTok launching the #SaferTogether campaign to equip youth with digital tools. In this new world, knowing how to use the internet safely is essential. It requires specific skills to check sources, verify facts, and spot misleading content. This aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which recognises that a connected continent must also be a safe one.

At the same time, tech companies must act more responsibly. Their systems should not just optimise for clicks; they should be built to discourage the spread of lies and harmful content. Greater transparency regarding how a specific story shows up on our feed is a major step toward making the internet a more honest and reliable space.

To make digital literacy work, governments and schools must join forces with tech companies to reach as many people as possible, especially the youth. This effort is not about silencing voices rather it is about responsible stewardship of the digital world. The goal is to ensure the internet remains a helpful space where everyone has the tools to navigate information safely.

The task before us is to ensure that these powerful networks serve humanity rather than destabilise it. The narratives that are circulating through our digital systems every day are doing more than just filling time they are actively shaping the future of our societies.

*Morolong is the Deputy Minister in the Presidency

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled specific batches of Citro-Soda Regular, following the discovery of potential contamination risks at the Adcock Ingram manufacturing facility in Clayville, Johannesburg. 

The recall affects Citro-Soda Regular 60g, 120g, and 4g sachets, with batch numbers starting with the letter “C,” all produced at the Clayville site. Products manufactured at other facilities, including those produced in India, are not affected.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, confirmed the recall during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, saying the move demonstrates the regulator’s commitment to public safety.

The CEO assured the public that the decision to recall the product followed a thorough inspection of the facility and a detailed assessment of its manufacturing practices. 

“As a regulator, our mandate is to ensure that every health product you consume is of good quality, safe and effective…when we become aware of any details that indicates that there is any compromise of the quality, safety or efficacy of health products, we will act and we will do so decisively,” she said.

The recall follows an inspection prompted by a whistleblower report, which uncovered serious non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards at the Clayville facility.

SAHPRA has urged consumers to alert them of any quality defects that they come across. 

“We would like to urge the public that as part of the country, as citizens of the country, and as those who consume these products, please do alert us of any quality defects that you encounter, with any health product available in the country,” Semete-Makokotlela said. 

SAHPRA Inspectorate and Regulatory Compliance Head, Lebohang Mazibuko, said critical deficiencies were identified, including contamination risks from metallic and black residues on equipment. 

“We found [the] presence of metal fragments from the manufacturer equipment and some unknown black particles from those manufacturing equipment. Those metal fragments were from the manufacturing vessels that are used to manufacture this product. Hence, we say you cannot consume a metal and be well after that,” Mazibuko said.

Other issues included inadequate cleaning procedures, damaged and rusted equipment, and the absence of proper air handling systems to control contamination.

SAHPRA emphasised that the recall is limited to affected batches of Citro-Soda Regular produced at the Clayville facility and does not extend to other products manufactured by Adcock Ingram.

Regulatory Compliance Manager, Mokgadi Daphney Fafudi, said the recall is being implemented across all distribution channels, including pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and retail outlets.

“The public needs to note that this is not a withdrawal of a product, but it’s a recall of batches that do not comply, and these can be returned to the nearest facilities, whether it’s a health facility or a retail facility. Otherwise, they can contact Adcock Ingram, the contact details are available on our website,” she said. 

The regulator further urged consumers to take note of the batch numbers when purchasing the product. 

“We have only recalled the batch numbers that start with C of the regular Citro-Soda, all regular Citro-Soda with batch that starts with C, which are also listed on the recall notice are the ones that are affected,” Fafudi emphasised.

The SAHPRA will closely monitor both the recall process and compliance at the facility until all affected batches have been removed. 

“We will monitor this recall up until all the batches have been recalled and they have been destroyed. And we will also monitor compliance of the site up until they have satisfactorily addressed the corrective actions and the preventative actions that are required that were also prescribed,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Learners at Louwville High School in Vredenburg on the West Coast of the Western Cape are stepping into a more connected future, following the handover of a Mobile Digital Library by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli. 

The handover forms part of ongoing efforts to expand access to digital learning resources, enhance teaching and learning outcomes, and promote digital inclusion, particularly in schools with limited connectivity and infrastructure. 

“As a government, we remain committed to building a capable, inclusive, and digitally enabled society. Initiatives such as this one are aligned with our broader vision of ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age. Through this Mobile Digital Library, we take a meaningful step toward ensuring that the right to education and access to information are realised in practice.

“Because when we invest in young people, we invest in the future of our economy, our democracy, and our nation,” Mhlauli said on Tuesday.

The Mobile Digital Library provides learners and educators with access to curriculum-aligned content through offline digital platforms, enabling interactive and technology-enabled education.

“This year also marks 30 years of our democratic Constitution, a living document that enshrines the rights to education, access to information, and human dignity. Today, we give practical expression to those rights.

“Because access to education, access to information, and access to opportunity are not abstract ideals. They are fundamental human rights. And in today’s world, those rights are deeply connected to digital access,” she said.

She expressed concern that South Africa continues to grapple with deep inequalities, especially within the education system. 

“Too many of our young people, particularly in underserved communities, remain excluded from the digital world that increasingly defines success in the 21st century. This Mobile Digital Library is a direct intervention in that reality.

“It says to every learner here that you matter. Your potential matters. And your access to the tools of the future matters. Because in today’s world, digital access is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the foundation upon which education, innovation, and economic participation are built,” the Deputy Minister added.

She encouraged the learners at the school to explore subjects beyond textbooks, learn new skills and discover new careers. 

“Teach yourselves to code, to research, to think critically, and to innovate. Because the future economy will reward those who create, who solve problems, and who lead.

“To the teachers and the broader community. Support learners in navigating this digital space responsibly and productively.

“To parents and community members, protect it, support it, and take pride in it. This is a shared asset, and its success belongs to all of you,” Mhlauli said.

She stressed the importance of the government, communities and the private sector working together with a shared purpose.

“I would like to commend our partners Kumba Iron Ore, Transnet, and RuraTech for their commitment to investing in young people and in the future of this country.

“This is what meaningful partnership looks like. It is not only about corporate social responsibility. It is about co-creating solutions that have a lasting impact. When we align resources, expertise, and intent, we move faster and we move further,” Mhlauli said. –SAnews.gov.za

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed today’s outcome in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, which has affirmed the department’s lawful authority to regulate and manage South Africa’s response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The application brought by Sakeliga and others sought urgent interim relief that would have effectively allowed for unregulated private procurement and administration of FMD vaccines, outside of the established national framework.

Steenhuisen noted that the court did not grant the urgent relief sought by the applicant, instead, the matter has been postponed to allow the department to finalise its vaccination scheme.

The department has been given a defined and reasonable timeframe within which to publish a vaccination scheme in terms of existing legislation.

The Minister said the outcome reinforces the principle that South Africa’s biosecurity response must be coordinated, science-based, and aligned with national and international standards.

“This matter was never simply about access to vaccines. It was about ensuring that South Africa’s response to FMD remains credible, coordinated, and compliant with the legal framework that protects both our national herd and our export markets,” the Minister said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the attempt to secure an urgent court intervention to bypass established regulatory processes, was both premature and misdirected.

“The court has recognised that there are no grounds for urgent intervention that would disrupt the State’s ongoing disease control strategy. This is an important affirmation of the role of government in managing animal health risks in a structured and responsible manner.”

The Minister confirmed that the department has already been working on the development of a formal vaccination scheme, and that the court’s directive provides clarity on the process and timeframe for its publication.

He said the scheme has already gone through extensive consultation with the Ministerial Task Team and industry stakeholders.

“This process is already well underway. The scheme will provide a structured mechanism for broader participation, while maintaining the necessary safeguards around traceability, vaccine integrity, and disease control,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister further emphasised that South Africa’s FMD strategy is progressing, with vaccine procurement, distribution, and administration continuing under strict regulatory oversight, and with additional consignments of vaccines already secured.

“Our priority remains clear: to stabilise outbreaks, protect the national herd, and restore South Africa’s animal health status in line with international standards. That requires discipline, coordination, and adherence to the law, not fragmentation,” he said.

The Minister reiterated the department’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders within the framework of the law, and that “lawful mechanisms for participation already exist.”

“We will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders. But we will not compromise on the principles that underpin an effective biosecurity system,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za