Category: South Africa Government

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Virtual remarks by Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile at the AWSISA Africa and Global South, Water And Sanitation Dialogue

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director, Ms. S. Mabe;
Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza;
Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation of South Africa, Ms. Pemmy Majodina;
Vice Minister, Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mr. P. Hellman;
AWSISA Chairperson, Mr. Ramateu Monyokolo; 
IWA President, Prof. Hamanth Kasan;
Rand Water Group Chief Executive, Mr. Sipho Mosai;
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, and esteemed guests,

I am privileged to address you today, although I had hoped to join you in person for the second day of the AWSISA Africa and Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue. This event is important because it unites an array of stakeholders from the entire water and sanitation value chain.

I am addressing you as the Deputy President of South Africa, Chairperson of the Water Task Team, and as a fervent advocate for the provision of clean, drinkable water and sanitation to our communities, nations, and the globe.

I have repeatedly emphasised that “water is life and sanitation is dignity”. This is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation of ecosystems, important for survival and sustenance.  For our continent, which is plentiful in natural resources, this crucial resource is critical for our economy, notably in agriculture, mining, and the manufacturing sector.

Today, I am particularly pleased with the theme of this dialogue, “Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in Africa,” as it strategically encompasses a pan-African and Global South perspective. 

This regional and international perspective is essential due to the shared vulnerabilities that African nations encounter because of erratic climate patterns, uncontrolled urban development, and the institutional fragility of service provision.

Consequently, the timing of this gathering could not have been more critical, as the security of water and sanitation remains a pressing concern for the sustainable development of our continent.

This Dialogue surpasses the confines of a traditional forum by bringing together policymakers, technical experts, industry leaders, researchers, community representatives, and international development partners.

It creates a strategic nexus in which shared governance models are analysed, technological solutions are pressure-tested for local applicability, and cross-border partnerships are solidified. 

Our goal should be about promoting policy harmonisation, accelerating investment in essential infrastructure and technology across the continent, focusing on practical solutions.  

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In South Africa, water insecurity is a critical and escalating issue resulting from a combination of factors such as climate change, deteriorating infrastructure, increasing socioeconomic inequality, and deficiencies in municipal management. The deep-seated challenges facing the South African water and sanitation sector include: 

Firstly, Water Scarcity and Climate Stress: South Africa faces significant water scarcity, with an average annual rainfall of about 497 mm, which is less than half the global average. This condition is exacerbated by climate change, resulting in more frequent and severe extreme weather events. 

The “Day Zero” crisis in Cape Town showcased the critical nature of drought, while recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal underscore the contrasting threat posed by extreme weather. These events disrupt the hydrological cycle, lead to considerable soil erosion, and overwhelm sewage and drainage systems, thereby posing risks to both water availability and quality.

Secondly, Ageing Infrastructure and Non-Revenue Water (NRW): The foundational infrastructure is marked by significant under-maintenance and a history of low investment, leading to Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rates that reach 40-50% in certain municipal distribution networks. This loss is attributed to physical leaks, operational inefficiencies, illegal connections, and metering failures. The resulting financial and physical losses equate to billions annually, diverting necessary capital away from expansion or social programs, thereby exacerbating resource stress across the system.

To address this challenge, the South African Government has in 2024 established the Water Resources Infrastructure Agency Act, which aims to centralise the management and funding of the nation’s water infrastructure. We are also providing funds through initiatives like the water services infrastructure grant to complete new regional bulk and smaller water projects.

Thirdly, Governance and Skills Challenges: Effective service delivery in municipal governance is hindered by accountability issues, financial mismanagement, and a lack of technical skills. This leads to the release of untreated wastewater into water bodies, compromising water quality, increasing treatment costs, and heightening public health risks, particularly for waterborne diseases. 

These challenges hinder progress towards reaching our Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 and SDG 6, which emphasise health, well-being, and access to clean water. With rising water demand driven by population growth and urbanisation, addressing these issues is paramount for health and sanitation needs.

In this regard, the National Water Safety Management Programme highlights the need for 15,000 more skilled water professionals by 2030 and emphasises the importance of attracting and retaining technically qualified personnel, such as engineers, within municipalities and the Department of Water and Sanitation.

I must further add that addressing these challenges requires us to scale up investment in infrastructure and sustainable water management to ensure a secure supply for all. I commend this timely Dialogue because it serves as an essential circuit breaker for the polycrisis through integration, accountability, and a common operational strategy.  It is well-positioned to generate tangible, scalable solutions.

I am confident that this Dialogue will facilitate direct, outcome-focused engagements among the Department of Water and Sanitation, Water Boards, regulatory bodies, and local municipalities. It will establish political and peer accountability, addressing skills deficits, improving financial management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in service delivery.

As leaders in the sector, it is crucial to utilise this dialogue to establish transparent and strategic Public-Private Partnerships. Such partnerships have the potential to secure the substantial long-term capital needed to achieve the ambitious infrastructure renewal and development objectives outlined in the National Water Resource Strategy III (NWRS-3).

Furthermore, the Dialogue should rapidly accelerate the adoption of tested African and Global South best practices. This includes promoting not only technological solutions but also the critical strategy of ecological infrastructure protection. 

Achieving sustainable water security increasingly relies on the digital transformation initiated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). To fully harness the benefits of this technological advancement, collaboration emerges as a key strategy. This entails sharing frameworks, standards, and associated costs to maximise national benefits.

Africa should also equip youth and professionals with essential skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), focusing on data science, automation, and systems management. 

Additionally, increased efforts in Smart Water Management and Digital Twin Modelling are necessary to develop virtual replicas of physical water systems. This approach facilitates real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and scenario simulation, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing losses, and enhancing decision-making.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Reducing water loss is very important. To achieve environmental safety and ensure water security for future generations, it is essential to take deliberate actions to reduce water consumption, promote the reuse and recycle of water, and implement rainwater harvesting. This approach is vital not only for the financial viability of water utilities but also for safeguarding public health.

Together, the African continent must commit to implementing the Africa Water Vision 2063, which establishes a framework for a unified, long-term approach to water security, transitioning from fragmented responses to collective action.

Our commitment should focus on aligning with SDGs, specifically: SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation; SDG 3, which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all; SDG 9, centered on industry, innovation, and infrastructure; SDG 10, aimed at reducing inequalities; and SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

By implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Water Resource Strategy 3 objectives, we can position South Africa and Africa for sustainable, technologically innovative, and just water management practices. 

As leaders and change-makers, it is imperative to dedicate ourselves to developing sustainable solutions that guarantee universal access to clean water and sanitation. Our efforts should focus on the most marginalised and vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and individuals residing in remote or underserved regions.

By providing communities with essential knowledge, tools, and resources to obtain clean water and sanitation services, we have the responsibility to foster a more equitable and just society for everyone. Access to such vital resources not only improves health and well-being but also promotes social equity and justice, essential components for community development and sustainability. 

Together, we have the power to make a difference. 

Together, we can build a future where water is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right for all. Together, Africa will rise.  

I Thank You.

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Call for urgent action on full pit latrines in Setlagole Village

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has called for an urgent intervention to address the issues of full pit latrines and the stalled bulk water supply scheme in Setlagole Village, North West.

Seitlholo, accompanied by Ngaka Modiri District Municipality Executive Mayor, Khumalo Molefe and Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Infrastructure Development at Ratlou Local Municipality Thabo Motlapele, met with local stakeholders to find solutions to sanitation challenges in the RDP section of Setlagole, and to revive the incomplete bulk water supply scheme that has been stalled for the past ten years.

The visit forms part of the department’s observation of Sanitation Month, commemorated annually from 15 October (Global Handwashing Day) to 19 November (World Toilet Day).

The campaign aims to break the stigma around sanitation and raise awareness of the consequences of lack of sanitation, which includes the increase of makeshift toilets at households that do not have access to dignified sanitation and an increase to open defaecation.

World Toilet Day seeks to raise awareness of the 3.4 billion people globally living without access to safe toilets and to accelerate action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which is focused on clean water and sanitation for all, by 2030.

Seitlholo reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring access to safe, dignified, and sustainable sanitation.

He cited the Water and Sanitation Norms and Standards, which oblige municipalities designated as Water Services Authorities (WSAs) to provide basic sanitation to all consumers, including those on privately owned land, as guided by the Water and Sanitation policy on privately owned land of 2023.

“The Standard of basic sanitation services includes a provision of a toilet with a functional handwashing facility in the yard, which is safe and reliable, environmentally sound and easy to clean, provide privacy and protection against weather, well-ventilated and keep smells to minimum as well providing for an effective and acceptable sanitation technology,” the Deputy Minister said.

However, the Deputy Minister expressed concern that many households in Setlagole’s RDP section face serious sanitation challenges, with pit latrines that have not been serviced or emptied by the municipality since the construction of the houses in 2015.

“This status quo poses a serious health risk for the community and needs an urgent intervention by all three spheres of government,” he warned.

Seitlholo has directed that an audit of functional and non-functional toilets be conducted in Setlagole to help develop a targeted plan for addressing the full pit latrines.

“We are calling for both the municipalities, with support from the Department of Water and Sanitation, to implement the faecal sludge management system that will ensure that the sanitation services provided to these members of the community comply with the norms and standards of provision of basic sanitation services, as dictated by the Water and Sanitation Act 108 of 1997,” Seitlholo said.

Molefe acknowledged the challenge of full pit latrines in Setlagole RDP section, attributing it to a lack of municipal maintenance since the toilets were built ten years ago.

“There was indeed a vacuum to services the toilets once they were full. With the intervention of the Department of Water and Sanitation, I have issued a directive to have experts that will provide support to Ratlou Local Municipality to provide services to address this challenge,” the Executive Mayor said.

According to the department, approximately 72.7% of households in the North West have access to basic sanitation, with 49% of households using waterborne sanitation system connected to waste water treatment works.

Seitlholo emphasised an urgent need to implement Faecal Sludge Management to ensure ongoing services to 51% of households that still uses onsite sanitation. 

“The municipality should be able to properly manage faecal sludge for the beneficial use of producing possible sludge by-products like manure, fertilisers and to be even used for biogas,” the Deputy Minister said.

Turning to the Setlagole Bulk Water Supply Scheme, Seitlholo called on Magalies Water to expedite completion of the project, which is designed to supply 2.4 megalitres of treated water to Setlagole and surrounding villages.

Molefe welcomed department support to unblock stalled projects, saying this aligns with resolutions taken at the Water and Sanitation Indaba earlier this year.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation has provided support on this challenge, and we are hopeful that all the projects will be completed so that the water supply challenges in the district are resolved,” Molefe said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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G20 leaders urged to act decisively to tackle global inequality

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says if the Group of 20 (G20) is to live up to its mission of addressing the world’s most pressing economic and financial challenges, it must “significantly and urgently reduce inequality”.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President called on world leaders to act now to tackle rising inequality, warning that it poses a threat to global stability, prosperity, and democracy. 

“When South Africa took over the Presidency of the G20 nearly a year ago, we identified equality as one of the pillars of our term, alongside solidarity and sustainability. We chose to focus on equality because it is essential to a more stable, prosperous and sustainable world,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said global wealth inequality remains “stark”, noting that the world’s richest 10% account for more than half of total global income and an overwhelming 74% of global wealth. 

“The human cost of these inequalities is severe: one in four people globally face moderate or severe food insecurity.

“These huge disparities are unjust and consign billions of people to poverty. Inequality is bad for everyone. It makes the world less stable; fuels conflict and undermines democracy. It stifles inclusive economic growth and prosperity,” he said. 

As part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa appointed an Extraordinary Committee of Independent Experts on Global Inequality, chaired by Nobel Laureate and renowned economist Professor Joseph Stiglitz. The committee recently presented its report, which examines the causes and consequences of inequality and makes several key recommendations.

“Given the importance of equality to sustaining global growth, to social and political stability and to the legitimacy of international economic governance, it is good that at South Africa’s instance this will be the first time the G20 will focus on this matter and consider an in-depth report of this nature,” he said. 

Among the report’s recommendations is the creation of a permanent international body on inequality, modelled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The proposed International Panel on Inequality would measure, monitor, and report on inequality trends and advise governments and multilateral bodies on effective policy responses.

President Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa has already implemented several measures aligned with the report’s proposals, including progressive taxation, a national minimum wage, subsidised healthcare, zero-rated essential food items, and a robust social protection system.

He added that the report identifies monopolies and anticompetitive business practices as key drivers of inequality and stresses the need to promote debt sustainability, especially for developing economies.

“Another important part of our response to inequality is to promote debt sustainability, especially for developing economies. Interest on sovereign debt repayments, particularly in Africa, is stifling public spending and economic growth. It is widening the gap between countries and within countries,” the President said.

He reiterated South Africa’s call for reform of the global financial architecture, urging multilateral development banks to adopt an “inequality-reducing agenda”. 

The report also proposes that countries develop National Inequality Reduction Plans with clear goals to reduce both income and wealth disparities.

The President said that although not all the recommendations made in the report are new, what he is pleased about is that this is the first time the G20 will be considering the issue of global inequality. 

“It will be critical in the lead up to the Leaders’ Summit later this month that the report is widely-read and its recommendations given proper attention in the public discourse. 

“Inequality is one of the most pressing global issues of our time. This report provides a credible blueprint for the actions we need to take to overcome it,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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SA to advance climate finance at COP30

Source: Government of South Africa

During this week’s climate conference, government will push forward the implementation of securing the US$1.3 trillion in climate finance pledged to developing countries last year. 

South Africa’s delegation will further prioritise finalising the Global Goal on Adaptation through the Belém Work Programme, and ensuring the Loss and Damage Fund supports the most vulnerable. 

South Africa’s delegation to the 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, will be led by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George.

“COP30 must deliver real outcomes for people and the planet. This is the time for the world to act. Every decision in Belém must come with a clear plan for implementation, financing, and accountability. People and communities living with the daily reality of climate change cannot wait any longer,” the Minister said on Monday.

The conference will bring together leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle the defining challenge of this era from 10 to 21 November 2025.

COP30 will spotlight the race to keep warming below 1.5°C, unveil new national climate plans (NDCs), and assess progress on critical finance commitments made at COP29. 

With global temperatures hitting record highs and extreme weather reshaping lives worldwide, the stakes could not be higher, said the department.

The Minister will be co-chairing negotiations for the adaptation stream at COP30 with Jochen Flasbarth, German State Secretary for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

Adaptation is central to protecting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems in a world already facing the effects of climate change. 

“Adaptation is about building resilience. It is how we prepare for the storms, droughts, and rising seas that are already reshaping our world,” the Minister emphasised.

These negotiations aim to agree on a set of global indicators to measure real progress on adaptation.

“We must be able to track our success and hold ourselves accountable. Without measurable results there can be no credibility,” George said.

He warned that global cooperation is under pressure but reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working through multilateralism.

“No nation can face this crisis alone. Together we can find solutions that are fair, practical, and lasting,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Escaped Helderstroom Correctional Facility inmate rearrested

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 10, 2025

An inmate who escaped from custody has been rearrested by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

The man, Jakob September, escaped while performing work duties at the Helderstroom Correctional Facility premises in the Western Cape.

“The Department…confirms that inmate Jakob September was successfully rearrested in the Overberg area, Western Cape, at approximately 9pm on Saturday evening, following a coordinated search operation.

“September escaped from the dairy team at around 11am on Saturday morning while performing work duties at the animal grazing area within the prison grounds of Helderstroom Correctional Facility. The 44-year-old male was serving a life sentence imposed in 2011 for rape and murder,” the department confirmed.

Following the escape, the department’s emergency team, in collaboration with the South African Police Service, and security officials immediately “activated a joint operation to ensure the swift apprehension of the escapee”.

“DCS remains committed to maintaining the safe and secure custody of inmates and extends its appreciation to all cluster partners and the local agricultural network for their cooperation and decisive action that led to the rapid rearrest.

“An internal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that enabled the escape,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng condemns vandalism on G20 signage and infrastructure

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has condemned the “malicious and seemingly coordinated” attacks of vandalism on revamped infrastructure and signage ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

The summit will be held in the city from 22 to 23 November 2025.

“We are aware that some roguish elements are mobilising to cause chaos, and we are working in full cooperation with all national security structures. 

“We have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. We will identify, apprehend, and fully prosecute the perpetrators of this sabotage to the full extent of the law,” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said in a statement on Sunday.

The latest acts of vandalism come at least a week after a man was arrested for alleged trespassing at the Nasrec venue in the south of Johannesburg, where the summit will be held.

READ | Man arrested for trespassing G20 venue

“These mischievous and cowardly acts of vandalism, which include the destruction of newly installed G20 Summit signage near Nasrec by reported armed assailants and the damage to streetlights and traffic signals along the R55 route, represent a direct assault on our nation and its standing in the world.

“This is not petty crime, but it’s a deliberate and malicious campaign of sabotage, designed to undermine and tarnish the image of our province and country as we prepare to welcome global leaders.

“These inexcusable and vindictive actions are aligned and designed to consolidate the work of smear merchants who are promoting outlandish conspiracy theories and a certain negative narrative about the country,” the provincial government said.

Would be perpetrators are warned that government will respond “accordingly”.

“We remind the perpetrators that this deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure is a severe criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015, which specifically protects such assets, and the perpetrators face the prospect of imprisonment for up to 30 years.

“Additionally, anyone discovered in possession of stolen infrastructure material will be assumed guilty and have to prove their innocence due to reverse onus clauses. The full and unrelenting might of the law will be brought to bear on all those found to be responsible,” the GPG warned.

Government is committed to delivering a “safe, secure and successful G20 Leaders’ Summit that showcases the best of South Africa”.

“We will not allow the desperate actions of a few to jeopardise this critical national opportunity. Our message is clear: there will be zero tolerance for any disruption or sabotaging of the G20 Summit, and any attempts will be met with a swift, decisive response,” the GPG asserted. – SAnews.gov.za

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Two suspects to appear in court over R3m abalone bust

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 10, 2025

Two foreign nationals, a Chinese and a Malawian citizen, are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Monday, following their arrest for the alleged possession of abalone worth over R3 million in Cape Town. 

The suspects were apprehended in Amazon Street, Primrose Park, during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the South African Police Service’s Operation Lockdown III in collaboration with the Endangered Species K9 Unit.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has welcomed the successful intelligence-driven operation, which uncovered a drying facility containing 6 400 units of abalone with an estimated street value of R3 520 000.

“This operation demonstrates the unwavering performance of our law enforcement partners in protecting South Africa’s marine resources from illegal exploitation,” George said.

The suspects have been charged with the possession of abalone. This further underscore the effectiveness of joint initiatives in disrupting poaching networks. 

The Minister noted that such actions are vital to the broader strategy to safeguard endangered species and ensure sustainable fisheries management. 

This continued enforcement success reflects the international commitments achieved under the Cape Town Declaration on Crimes that Affect the Environment, adopted during South Africa’s Group Twenty (G20) Presidency, which recognises environmental crimes as organised crimes that demand coordinated global action.

“These types of crimes also vindicate the decision taken to uplist dried abalone under Appendix II of CITES, a step aimed at strengthening global trade controls and reinforcing efforts to combat the illegal abalone trade,” the Minister said.

The Minister reiterated this support for intensified enforcement against wildlife crime while also emphasising that “every successful seizure brings us closer to preserving our ocean heritage for future generations.” –SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Mashatile to address the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa

Source: President of South Africa –

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will tomorrow, 10 November 2025, virtually address the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA) which is taking place at the Emperors Palace, in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

The AWSISA operates as a unifying strategic body and key sector steward for the country’s water sector by incorporating the entire value chain from resource management to end-user service delivery. Its mandate is to champion sustainable and innovative solutions, ensuring that collaborative governance is effectively leveraged to fulfill the constitutional right of every citizen to safe water and proper sanitation.

AWSISA will host this inaugural Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue under the theme: Towards Sustainable Water and Sanitation Security in Africa. 

The dialogue will foster knowledge exchange innovation, partnerships, and policy reform across the continent, and it is expected to convene influential global, continental and local leaders to exchange critical knowledge, best practices as well as innovative strategies to attract investments in sustainable water and sanitation services.

Details of the address are as follows:

Date: Monday, 10 November 2025
Time: 09:00
Platform: Virtual link to be provided.

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, on 066 195 8840.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

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South Africa strengthens trade ties with Saudi Arabia

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa strengthens trade ties with Saudi Arabia

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will undertake an Outward Selling Mission (OSM) to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 10 – 12 November 2025. 

The project forms part of the implementation plan for the recently concluded Joint Economic Commission, in which Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Parks Tau, presented to Saudi officials and business a list of South Africa’s leading potential export products, and a comprehensive portfolio of high-impact investment projects, aligned with the country’s economic priorities. 

The OSM will, among other things, facilitate access for South African value-added products and services into the Saudi Arabian market, build brand awareness for South African products and services, and connect with potential buyers and importers. 

The companies selected are mainly in the agro-processing and health sectors. 

The Outward Selling Mission aligns with the dtic’s strategic objective of expanding South Africa’s industrial footprint and unlocking new market opportunities in the Middle East region.

It serves as a platform to promote value-added exports, strengthen industrial linkages, and position South African firms competitively within regional and global value chains. 

Director of Export Promotion and Marketing at the dtic, Seema Sardha, emphasised the department’s strong commitment to supporting South African companies in expanding their global footprint. 

She said the successful implementation of the mission will play a key role in advancing the national objectives of job creation, industrialisation and increased value addition across priority sectors.

“This mission represents a practical step in helping our exporters gain direct access to market insights, connect with potential buyers and understand the regulatory and logistical requirements for doing business in Saudi Arabia.

“Our focus is on providing hands-on support to participating companies, facilitating business-to-business engagements, guiding them through market entry processes and ensuring they are well-positioned to secure long-term partnerships.

“We want South African businesses to not only enter these markets but to grow and compete effectively, increase value-added exports and create quality jobs at home through greater participation in global trade,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin

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President Ramaphosa elected interim Chair of SADC

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected as the interim Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) following the regional bloc’s virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held on Friday, 7 November 2025.

The decision follows the Republic of Madagascar’s decision to relinquish its role as SADC Chair due to recent political developments that have affected its capacity to fulfil the responsibilities of the position. In line with SADC’s Treaty provisions, South Africa, as the Deputy Chair, assumes interim leadership of the regional body until August 2026.

In his opening remarks at the Summit, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of regional unity and decisive leadership in addressing the challenges facing the region.

“We gather today not merely to deliberate on the agenda before us, but to reaffirm our shared commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of our region. Our collective sense of regional solidarity at this time is our strongest currency,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He further emphasised the need for pragmatic solutions to the region’s socio-economic challenges.

“The people of our region continue to look to us for leadership that delivers the vision of a peaceful, inclusive and industrialised region, which we have set ourselves to realise in 2050. But they cannot wait for that anticipated year to fulfil their current needs,” he said.

According to the Summit communiqué, South Africa will steer SADC under the existing theme adopted in August 2025, which is ‘Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC’.

The SADC Secretariat will engage Member States, in line with the principle of rotation, to identify a new Incoming Chairperson (Deputy Chairperson) by 30th November 2025.

The Extraordinary Summit extended condolences to the families affected by recent unrest in Madagascar and Tanzania, and congratulated leaders in Malawi, Seychelles and Tanzania on their recent elections.

Summit participants expressed appreciation to President Ramaphosa for convening the meeting and accepting to lead the regional body. The President of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who served as outgoing Chair, offered to host selected SADC meetings in Zimbabwe during the interim period.

President Ramaphosa said the region must continue to act with “urgency and foresight to stabilise the present while safeguarding the future”. – SAnews.gov.za