Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will undertake a working visit to the Amampondo Kingdom on Tuesday, 19 August. 

The visit will take place at the Enyandeni Royal Palace in Libode, located within the Nyandeni Local Municipality in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape.

During this visit, Mashatile will meet with His Majesty, King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase of the Amampondo aseNyandeni. 

The theme of the visit is ‘Traditional Leadership at the Centre of the Developmental Agenda and Social Cohesion through Cooperation with Government’.

The visit also aims to establish a platform for government and the relevant entities to collaborate on addressing service delivery challenges in the area, while promoting investment initiatives designed to enhance local economic development.

Mashatile leads the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Traditional Leadership, which President Cyril Ramaphosa established. 

This team aims to guide on various issues, including land ownership and tenure rights, accelerate socio-economic development in rural communities, promote infrastructure investment and enhance skills development initiatives. 

In addition, the task team focuses on fostering unity, cohesion and nation-building within these rural areas.

“The visit by the Deputy President demonstrates a distinct commitment by government to provide steadfast support for the work of traditional and Khoi-San leaders in addressing the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment affecting members of the surrounding communities.”

Mashatile supports President Ramaphosa in implementing the District Development Model, which aims to enhance municipal functionality and address issues related to community service delivery.

“In this regard, the Deputy President and his delegation, together with His Majesty, will receive an update on progress achieved by government in addressing service delivery issues such as access to water, electricity, adequate road infrastructure, agriculture support, and interventions to address crime, drugs and alcohol abuse,” the Deputy President’s office said. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions in South Africa (AWSISA) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), marking a landmark step towards stronger collaboration in advancing water security and sustainable sanitation solutions.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina and AWSISA Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo officially signed the agreement on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit, held in Cape Town.

The agreement cements a shared commitment to unlock investment, drive innovation, and expand access to clean water and dignified sanitation for communities across South Africa and beyond.

It establishes a framework for cooperation that will see DWS and AWSISA work together to align strategies, programmes and plans across the sector; create platforms for joint engagement on policy development, legislative reviews, and sector reforms; and facilitate research, data sharing, and innovation to address pressing water and sanitation challenges.

The partnership will also promote leadership development, governance improvements, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to fast-track service delivery. In addition, the parties will collaborate on advocacy and public awareness campaigns, and co-host summits, workshops, and initiatives focused on infrastructure delivery, climate resilience, and transformation.

Majodina said the agreement is more than a symbolic gesture; but a practical and urgent commitment to work side-by-side in solving South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

“Access to clean water and proper sanitation is a basic human right and a cornerstone of public health, dignity, and economic development. By pooling our expertise, resources and influence, we can accelerate the pace of change, address infrastructure backlogs, build institutional capacity and introduce innovative solutions that respond to the realities of our communities.

“This is how we create a water-secure South Africa and contribute meaningfully to the African continent’s development goals,” the Minister said.

The collaboration also reinforces South Africa’s leadership in advancing regional and global water agendas, while fostering knowledge-sharing and transformation within the sector. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has welcomed the commitments secured at the inaugural African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) Water Investment Summit, expressing confidence that more will be achieved in tackling Africa’s water challenges.

The Minister announced on Monday that the three-day summit, held in Cape Town from 13–15 August, under the banner of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, mobilised over $10 billion in pledges for water and sanitation projects across the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the summit, which aligned with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. It brought together Heads of State, Ministers, investors and development partners to drive solutions for water provision and climate-resilient infrastructure.

A total of 1 690 delegates who attended the summit, rallied support behind South Africa’s G20 priorities of rapid and inclusive economic growth, eradication of poverty and hunger, and climate sustainability, by accelerating investments into climate-resilient water and sanitation.

Majodina confirmed that 80 priority water investment projects from 38 countries were identified for the summit, and they have already attracted an estimated between $10 billion and $12 billion a year in potential investments.

“In the last three days, we have identified governance, finance, capacity and data gaps in the water sector and together we commit to pay focused attention to these matters. We are making a call to governments to help level the playing fields in order to attract investment. Let us eliminate long and unnecessary red tape which undermines and discourages investment,” Majodina said.

She added that the summit showcased a pipeline of bankable water and sanitation projects to prospective funders and investors.
“What we are grateful for is that the matchmaking sessions during the three days have managed to strengthen relations between governments, project developers, and financiers, building trust and paving way for long term collaborations.” 

She further noted that the Africa Water Investment Summit, hosted in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, helped to advance efforts towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social advancement.

The summit was convened under the auspices of the African Union, the High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa, and South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

Commitments were made by the 20 ministers responsible for water, sanitation and environment across the continent and beyond, supported by the African Heads of State and government leaders and global partners.

The inadequate investments in water have affected the gains made across all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on water and sanitation, and the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation and mitigation and the goals of Agenda 2063.

This is due to the continent’s growing needs, resulting in Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap. Therefore, the delivery of water investments across Africa is below target to meet the continent’s growing needs.

In December 2023 during Conference of Parties 28 (COP0 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the African Union Commission and AIP International High-Level Panel launched the Africa Water Investment Action Plan, outlining how countries can mobilise the additional US$30 billion per year required to ensure water security and sustainable sanitation on the continent.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment of the African Union Commission, Moses Vilakati described the summit as more than a gathering, but a call to action, a platform for transformation, and a proof to Africa’s leadership in climate-resilient water security and safe sanitation.

“We came together with a shared mission: to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap, and we leave with renewed momentum, concrete commitments, and a bold vision for the future.

“The African Union declared Water as the Theme for the Year 2026, and it is our fervent hope that this will help in our drive for better water investments in the continent,” Commissioner Vilakati said.

The summit also served as a platform to consolidate the position of AU Member States on water investment in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be hosted by the Government of Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

The South African government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has concluded its participation in the 45th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.

The summit, which was held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, was convened under the theme: ‘Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC’.

The summit saw South Africa elected as incoming Chair of SADC in 2026 and will host the 46th summit in August next year – nearly a decade after the country’s first incumbency.

Delivering the vote of thanks during the closing ceremony of the summit, President Ramaphosa said: “I am humbled by the responsibility you have entrusted on me and the government of South Africa to join the leadership of the SADC Troika of this august organisation.

“[The] government of South Africa looks forward to welcoming you all as Heads of States, Ministers and other delegates to our shores… to the shores of the most beautiful country in the world.”

During the ceremony, SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, was reappointed and sworn into that position following his initial appointment in 2021.

“We also congratulate His Excellency Mr Elias Magosi, on his reappointment as the Executive Secretary of our organisation for a second term.

“We wish you well during the next four years. We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the Secretariat for keeping our organisation professional and future-proof.

“On behalf of all participants and stakeholders, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the entire staff for the outstanding coordination and execution of the 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held for the first time in Antananarivo in Madagascar in 20 years,” President Ramaphosa said.

Furthermore, he congratulated the government and people of Madagascar for successfully hosting the summit.

“Your tireless efforts in planning, logistics, communication, and protocol have ensured the success of this historic gathering. From the seamless logistics at the Ivato International Conference Centre to the vibrant side events, including the Industrialisation Week and high-level dialogues, Madagascar has showcased its capacity as a regional leader and reliable partner in African cooperation.

“We thank all the people of Madagascar for making the 45th SADC a real success and we especially commend President Andry Rajoelina for leading the whole effort of having a truly successful summit.

“Your efforts have not only strengthened the bonds among SADC Member States but have also elevated Madagascar’s standing on the continental stage,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The first National Convention of the National Dialogue took place over two days of vibrant discussion, with over 1 000 delegates from over 200 organisations at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Tshwane. 

The National Convention was convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa as the launch of the National Dialogue to engage all South Africans in a countrywide engagement on the challenges facing the country, and accelerated actions to forge a new vision and to agree on a programme of action to take the country forward. 

The National Convention was described by President Ramaphosa as the moment at which the people of South Africa take over the National Dialogue and ensure that it is led and driven by citizens. 

“Delegates were resounding in their endorsement of an inclusive National Dialogue process that focuses on the issues that concern the people. For the National Dialogue to be successful, delegates affirmed that it needs to include communities who are often not heard and those who are often not consulted on important decisions.

“One of the noteworthy features of the dialogue was the wide diversity of the delegates. The Convention brought together people and groups who would ordinarily not be in conversation with one another. This added to the robust nature of the discussions,” the Convention Organising Committee said on Sunday.

Over Friday and Saturday, delegates engaged in robust discussion, putting forward their hopes, aspirations, fears and frustrations. The conversation was open and rigorous. It emphasised the need for deep, genuine dialogue that leads to action, where people have power. 

Delegates were able to outline key themes for discussion. These included the economy, jobs, children, livelihoods, crime and corruption, education, health and gender-based violence and femicide. Other themes included fixing the State and the Constitution, building South African values and culture, strengthening our social fabric, and dealing with intergenerational trauma and healing. 

The Convention agreed that these themes should be seen as a guide to discussion, but that it would ultimately be up to citizens to raise any issues that are important to them. 

The Convention also reflected on the draft roadmap towards a citizen-led dialogue, outlining a six to nine-month dialogue proposes of thousands of engagements led by communities, with a mandate to call for radical change, catalyse rapid response to the most urgent challenges, and to make renewed efforts to rebuild and heal the nation. 

The Convention called for diverse methods of dialogue, crafted in communities using local knowledge and expertise. Delegates said it was important that all those who participate in the National Dialogue should have the space and opportunity to use the approaches that best suit them and their specific conditions. 

Establishing the Steering Committee

The Convention discussed the process for establishing a representative Steering Committee that would take over the work of directing and coordinating the National Dialogue process. 

The meeting confirmed that the process to establish a Steering Committee should be extended by two weeks. The 22 sectors that were initially identified were expanded to accommodate more diversity. 

Each of the sectors held discussions on how they would select their nominee for the Steering Committee and agreed that they would provide the names of their nominees by the end of August 2025. 

To ensure nobody is left behind, this period will provide space to include organisations in sectors who did not attend the National Convention. 

“The first National Convention was citizen-led, iterative in nature, with robust engagement. It reflected the complexity of our nation. It was a call for a new era of citizen activism for radical change, rapid response and it was a call to rebuild the nation,” the Convention Organising Committee said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

While security concerns persist in parts of southern Africa, the region remains “generally stable and peaceful”.

This is according to Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, who delivered the opening address of the regional bloc’s 45th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Magosi noted that prior to the summit, the SADC’s troikas on security convened to conduct a review of the region’s political and security state, particularly that of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Mozambique.

“With regards to the DRC… following the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC [SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo] troops earlier this year, a strategic decision was taken to create an enabling environment for dialogue and diplomatic engagement.

“To this end, the Joint SADC-EAC [East African Community] Summit, held on the 13 August 2025, endorsed the measure of the Nairobi and Rwanda process into a single integrated initiative, which is supported by a distinguished panel of facilitators drawn from a rich pool.

“This unified approach marks a pivotal moment in regional democracy, affirming the need for harmonising action to effectively deal with the complexity of the conflict in Eastern DRC,” Magosi said. 

Magosi said the measure “sends a clear message that African led solutions are vital to overcoming our shared challenges in advancing unity, resilience and self-determination”.

Honouring heroes

The executive secretary acknowledged the soldiers who lost their lives in the eastern DRC conflict. 

At least 20 SAMIDRC soldiers lost their lives, including 14 from South Africa.

“We… honour the courageous men and women who gave their lives under the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their sacrifice in defence of sovereignty and peace in the Eastern DRC is, to me, a heavy price that they have paid for the region’s core values of solidarity, unity and mutual protection.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and nations. May their souls also rest in eternal peace,” Magosi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The City of Cape Town has announced that electricity has been switched on for the 46 families, who were recently relocated from Eskom’s National Transmission Company (NTCSA) Tower 37 site in Langa as part of efforts to improve living conditions. 

In a statement on Sunday, the city said this milestone switch-on brings safe and reliable electricity to households in this emergency relocation site. 

The switch-on follows an operation undertaken by the city recently for residents who had settled under the NTCSA pylon, which then became severely unstable due to damage and vandalism. The Tower 37 residents were relocated due to the serious risk. After the Tower 37 site was successfully cleared and the affected residents were relocated to a safer site in the same area, NTCSA formally took over the Tower 37 site, specifically the land servitude, to complete the repairs and maintenance to its electricity pylon infrastructure.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Xanthea Limberg, said in partnership with NTCSA, the South African Police Service, city contractors, and multiple city directorates – including Human Settlements, Electricity, Safety and Security and Water and Sanitation – the city safely relocated the affected families to a nearby city-owned site. 

“Now that the homes have electricity, the families can settle in their environment with dignity. We thank the Langa community for their cooperation and understanding during this life-saving operation and the subsequent electrification process. This switch-on marks the beginning of a new chapter for the families, one where safety and access to essential services are assured, including an allocation of up to 60 units of free basic electricity (FBE) on the city’s subsidised lifeline tariff,” Limberg said. 

The Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said they were grateful that the city’s energy teams acted with such urgency and dedication to provide electricity to the relocated families so soon after the emergency relocation. 

“This electricity switch-on is more than just a city service – it brings hope, safety, and stability for the community. In the weeks before the emergency relocation, our Informal Settlement Engineering Services and Informal Settlement Management (ISM) teams worked tirelessly, often in challenging conditions, to transform the vacant city-owned land into a place the families can call home. They prepared the site, laid foundations, built sturdy homes, and installed the basic services needed to restore dignity and normalcy to residents’ lives.

“It is important to note that the site, cleared by our ISM teams was handed over to Eskom NTCSA, and the responsibility for securing it lies with them. We thank residents for their support and cooperation, and all involved in this humanitarian move,” Pophaim said. 

The city said the Municipal Finance Management Act determines that public money cannot be used for the enhancing of private property and the city can only assist backyarders and informal settlement dwellers residing on city-owned property and where site conditions allow for this. 

The city said it continues to seek ways to invest greater resources in driving electrification projects for backyarders and residents in informal settlements, where feasible, and also with Eskom, where applicable. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Sunday, August 17, 2025