Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) correspondent Sherwin Bryce-Pease, and videographer Aaron Berbrick for being recognised for their outstanding broadcast media coverage of the United Nations (UN). 

This accolade pertains to an interview conducted by Bryce-Pease and Berbrick with Tom Fletcher, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, before the UN General Assembly in September, focusing on crises in Gaza and other conflict zones.

In a sit-down interview with Bryce-Pease, Fletcher cautioned that the burden on humanitarian workers could be greater this year. 

He reflected on crises in Gaza, Haiti, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where millions of people are facing emergencies while global funding for humanitarian relief continues to diminish.

The SABC duo was honoured as the gold winners of the Ricardo Ortega Memorial Prize. 

This prize is named in memory of Ricardo Ortega, who was the New York correspondent for Antena 3 TV of Spain and tragically passed away while on assignment in Haiti in 2004.

Lamola stated that this prestigious award, given by the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA), signifies a notable recognition of journalistic excellence on a global level.

“For many years, the SABC, through the dedicated work of Mr Bryce-Pease and videographer Aaron Berbrick, has provided the South African public with insightful, accurate, and timely reporting on the deliberations and developments within the United Nations. 

“Their work plays a vital role in keeping our nation apprised of critical international affairs and the multilateral efforts that shape our world,” the Minister added. 

Bryce-Pease stated that the SABC News team in New York is thrilled by this acknowledgement and that the award validates their work and commitment.

“But also, the investment that the public broadcaster continues to make in our operations in the United States. 

“Our ethos is to deliver quality, accurate content that not only inspires but also educates and informs, as well as being driven by substance and facts. Aaron and I are proud to receive this award but are only honoured to represent SABC News on the international stage,” he added.

The winners will be honoured at the 29th annual UNCA gala on Friday, 12 December 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres will be the guest of honour for the evening.

This black-tie event will be attended by UN ambassadors, high-level UN officials, Hollywood celebrities, humanitarians, representatives from corporate and cultural organisations, and media from around the world.

During the gala, UNCA will showcase a short video clip featuring only the gold award winners. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed satisfaction with the smooth progress of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, currently underway across the province.

According to the department, no major disruptions have been reported since the start of the examinations, and candidates have generally shown discipline and commitment throughout the process.

“We commend the #ClassOf2025GP for their commitment and discipline and urge all candidates to continue adhering to the NSC Pledge, which promotes honesty, integrity, and respect during this critical period,” the Department said in a statement.

Learners have been strongly cautioned against bringing crib notes or cellphones into examination centres. The GDE noted that these items continue to feature prominently in examination irregularity reports, warning that any learner found in possession of them will face serious consequences including possible disqualification from future exams.

The department also raised concern over increasing absenteeism among part-time candidates, urging all registered learners to attend and write all their scheduled papers.

“Every paper counts, and we want to see every candidate complete their examinations successfully,” the statement read.

As exams continue, the department reminded learners to take care of their mental and physical well-being by getting enough rest, exercising, and maintaining healthy routines. 

Learners experiencing anxiety or stress are encouraged to seek help through available support services, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567 and Childline South Africa at 116.

“These services are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day,” the department added.

Passing of matric learner from Lakeside Secondary School

The GDE has also sent condolences to the family, friends, educators, and the entire Lakeside Secondary School community following the passing of a Grade 12 girl learner. 

According to information at the department’s disposal, the learner who passed away on Monday evening this week, began vomiting while in bed. 

“When her condition rapidly deteriorated, she was immediately transported to a local medical facility, where she was unfortunately certified dead on arrival.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) are investigating circumstances surrounding this sad incident,” the department said. 

The GDE’s Psycho-Social Support Unit, through its Institutional Support and Support (ISS) team, has been dispatched to the school to provide counselling and emotional support to learners and staff affected by this tragic incident.

“This tragedy occurs during a critical period for our matriculants, and we wish to remind learners, parents, and school communities that emotional and psychological support services are available to anyone in need during the examination period,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, November 7, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) has approved a 20-year licence extension for Eskom’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Unit 2.

The extension ensures that the unit will continue to operate until 9 November 2045.

“The approval marks a significant step in strengthening South Africa’s long-term energy security and reflects Eskom’s commitment to maintaining world-class nuclear safety standards,” Eskom said.

According to Eskom, the unit contributes some 946MW to the grid and has been operating at an Energy Availability of 100% for 241 consecutive days this year.

“This consistent performance underscores the station’s critical role in supporting South Africa’s electricity supply. 

“The licence extension follows the successful completion of an extensive refurbishment and life-extension programme, which included the replacement of three steam generators, thorough safety inspections, and refuelling activities to ensure the unit’s continued safe and efficient operation,” the power utility said.

Koeberg’s Unit 1 received its long-term operating licence in July 2024 which extended its operating life to July 2044.

“Together, both units are now part of a global cohort of more than 120 nuclear reactors that have safely extended their service beyond the original 40-year design life – affirming Koeberg’s place among the world’s most resilient and well-managed nuclear facilities.

“This achievement supports South Africa’s broader energy planning objectives, including the Integrated Resource Plan [IRP2025], which recognises the role of nuclear energy in delivering low-carbon, cost-effective, and dependable baseload power.

“By extending Koeberg’s lifespan, Eskom avoids the need for immediate large-scale infrastructure replacement, preserves critical nuclear skills, and contributes to reducing carbon emissions,” Eskom said.

Collaborative effort

Eskom Chief Nuclear Officer, Velaphi Ntuli, noted that the granting of the extension is a result of the “hard work, focus and dedication of our highly skilled and competent employees at Koeberg”, together with the support of “colleagues across the company and throughout the nuclear value chain in this country”.

“The rigorous safety assessments and regulatory requirements Eskom had to meet to achieve the long-term operation demonstrate the depth and pipeline of nuclear engineering talent available in South Africa that delivers high-quality jobs.

“We continue to maintain and develop this talent through investing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM] education as we look to build new nuclear capacity in the coming years in line with the integrated resource plan recently published,” Ntuli said.

The power utility’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, highlighted that this is another step in Eskom’s hard work to provide energy security for South Africa through the execution of the Generation Recovery Plan.

“We have ensured that assets the nation has invested in are looked after and continue to serve the country to support socio-economic growth.

“Koeberg and Eskom’s nuclear power expertise will play a key role as we move aggressively into delivering a cleaner energy portfolio and moving from high carbon to low-carbon sources of electricity generation.

“With Koeberg providing more vital baseload power it further forms the backbone for renewable energy growth and integration into the grid to maintain grid stability and supply,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), is developing a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Roadmap for Agriculture.  

According to the department, this strategic initiative will enhance institutional coordination, drive innovation and support the transformation of South Africa’s agrifood system into one that is inclusive, resilient and aligned with national and regional development priorities.

Agriculture remains South Africa’s most resilient sector but still faces persistent structural challenges that contribute to low productivity and slow gross domestic product (GDP) growth.  

These include high input costs, market competition, unreliable energy supply, climate change impacts such as droughts and shifting weather patterns, widespread rural poverty, food insecurity, underutilisation of arable land and household food insecurity.

“The roadmap will promote the development of new high-value crops, livestock and agro-processed products; create expanded opportunities for women and youth in rural areas. It will focus on enhancing food and nutrition security through sustainable technologies and strengthen value chains that support livelihoods and socio-economic transformation.” 

Anchored in South Africa’s STI Decadal Plan 2022-2032 and the 2019 STI White Paper, the statement said the roadmap aims to modernise productive sectors and promote inclusive growth through innovation, creativity and strategic partnerships.  

In alignment with the FAO’s Strategic Framework for 2022-2031, this initiative promotes the “Four Betters“– better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and better living conditions. 

It also directly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (zero Hunger), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 13 (climate action).

The Decadal Plan emphasises key intervention areas for the challenges facing agriculture.  

These include, but are not limited to, plant and animal improvement, digital decision-support systems, precision agriculture, biosecurity, early-warning systems, agro-processing, value chain development, skills development and farmer development support.  

“A key aim is to build an inclusive and competitive agricultural bioeconomy targeting marginalised groups, women, youth and smallholder farmers.“

The roadmap aligns with various national strategies, including the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, led by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. 

It also supports the Forestry Sector Master Plan and the Aquaculture Research and Technology Development Strategy, both championed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

In addition, it incorporates the Agricultural Bio-economy Innovation Partnership Programme from the DSTI, which aims to foster public-private innovation partnerships, create innovation opportunities, promote inclusive growth, and facilitate economic recovery.

The Directors-General of the key departments will appoint a steering committee to guide the STI roadmap, while an advisory committee will be established and constituted by members from industry, academia and implementing agencies for inclusivity.  

An inception meeting to introduce the project to key role-players was convened in September 2025.

The South African government places a high priority on STI as a driver for addressing societal challenges such as food and nutrition security, while advancing the SDGs.  

“The FAO also recognises STI as central to transforming agrifood systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable – leaving no one behind.“

The roadmap is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has entered into a plea and sentence agreement with former BOSASA Chief Operations Officer (COO), Angelo Agrizzi, in connection with corruption involving senior Department of Correctional Services officials.

Agrizzi pleaded guilty to corruption linked to former Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services Linda Morris Mti, former Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Patrick O’Connell Gillingham, and former member of the National Assembly Vincent George Smith, who chaired the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.

According to an IDAC statement, Agrizzi pleaded guilty to three counts of corruption – two of those counts of Corruption allege his contravention of section 4(1)(b) of Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities [PRECCA] and the third count of Corruption alleges his contravention of section 7(1)(b) of PRECCA. 

He also pleaded guilty to one count of Money Laundering in contravention of section 4 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act [POCA].

Agrizzi was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment on four counts suspended for five years.

“[The sentence] is wholly suspended for five years on various conditions, including that the accused co-operates with the IDAC and provides the Investigators attached to the IDAC and the SAPS officials assigned to the investigation of this matter with affidavits, detailing the full extent of his knowledge of all matters investigated by the IDAC regarding the corruption by both public and/or private officials at BOSASA.

“The IDAC affirms that while the crimes committed were severe – representing a critical component of state capture – the agreement secures a definitive conviction and mandates Agrizzi’s continued and truthful cooperation,” the IDAC said.

The directorate added that Agrizzi’s cooperation, which includes providing affidavits in terms of Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Act and testifying in all proceedings, is indispensable to the NPA’s ongoing investigations and future prosecutions against other high-level individuals implicated in the BOSASA corruption network.

“The agreement will also ensure that broader accountability is prioritised. Furthermore, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) will proceed with an opposed confiscation inquiry, in terms of POCA, to recover the proceeds of these criminal activities,” the IDAC said. – SAnews.gov.za