Category: South Africa Government

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has awarded more than 30 top performers for going above and beyond the call of duty. 

The officials were given recognition at the SAPS’s National Excellence Awards, which recognises and honours outstanding performance, exceptional commitment to community relations, innovation, professionalism and acts of bravery within the South African Police Service. 

The awards ceremony was held on Monday in Bloemfontein, under the theme: “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence.”

Sergeant (Sgt) Masibulele Qinisile was awarded the Laureate Award and the National Commissioner’s Award for being brave during a dangerous situation.

He attended to a complaint where a perpetrator held his family hostage, including his wife and child, with a firearm. 

One of the attending officers was disarmed during the confrontation and the suspect started shooting at the police officers.

While under fire, Qinisile engaged the suspect, leading to him saving the lives of the suspect’s wife, their child and police officers at the scene.

At the awards ceremony, the Sergeant from the Cacadu police station in the Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape, walked away with a brand-new vehicle, making him a first-time car owner.

Every year in January, the SAPS gathers to celebrate outstanding performance, exceptional commitment and bravery displayed by its men and women in blue.

According to SAPS, this prestigious event serves as a powerful reminder that behind every accolade is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and service – being a police officer is not merely a profession, but a calling.

“There are over 40 award categories, which include: the Ministry’s Award; National Commissioner’s Award; Operations Member of the Year; Family Violence; Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year; Crime Intelligence Member of the Year; Station of the Year; Forensic Services Team of the Year and Community Policing Forum (CPF).

“Also amongst the award recipients are members whose tireless investigations have resulted in serial rapists and murderers being brought to justice, significantly contributing to safer communities,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with Deputy Ministers, Dr Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, were joined by senior SAPS leadership and distinguished guests in commemorating service excellence. 

While welcoming all guests at the awards ceremony, General Masemola expressed his sense of pride.

He said these awards are the kind of excellence that few speak about, yet millions depend on; excellence that unfolds in the dead of night, in courtrooms, forensic laboratories and on the streets of our communities.

During his keynote address, the Minister congratulated all winners and nominees. 

“Each award presented this evening recognises not just a moment of bravery or exceptional service, but a pattern of behaviour that reflects the highest standards of policing. Carry that standard forward. Let your conduct be the example that transforms doubt into confidence, fear into safety, and alienation into partnership,” Cachalia said.

The National Excellence Awards reinforce the SAPS’ unwavering commitment to ethical conduct, discipline and high standards of policing, while celebrating its men and women in blue who embody the values of the organization.

The award recipients for the 2024/2025 financial year are as follows:

• Brigadier Hanana and his team from the Western Cape were bestowed with a National Commissioner’s Award for their relentless investigative work, which led to the conviction of Joshlin Smith’s mother, Kelly Smith, and her two co-accused. They were sentenced to life in prison for trafficking people and kidnapping, without a body being found. Investigation into Joshlin’s disappearance remains ongoing.
• Sgt NR Bokolo of the Eastern Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (EC) was awarded Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Investigator of the Year level 5-7.
• Handyman LD Mulaudzi who is attached to Brakpan police station in Gauteng was awarded Admin Employee of the Year.
• Station of the Year was awarded to SAPS Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natal. Under the leadership of Colonel MI Mngadi (now retired), the station reduced complaints against the police by 50%.
• Colonel N Ndzotyana who led Operation Vala Umgodi in the Free State province was awarded Operations Member of the Year.

– SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) have formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to strengthen cooperation, coordination and collaboration in the quality assurance, accreditation and promotion of pharmacy education and training in South Africa.

The agreement recognises the complementary statutory mandates of the CHE, as the quality council for higher education, and the SAPC, as the statutory professional body responsible for regulating pharmacy education, training and professional practice in terms of the Pharmacy Act, 53 of 1974.

Through the MoA, the two councils have committed to work together in a structured and coordinated manner to enhance the quality, relevance and responsiveness of pharmacy qualifications offered by higher education institutions.

The agreement seeks to reduce unnecessary duplication in quality assurance processes, provide greater clarify on roles and responsibilities, and ease the regulatory burden on higher education institutions offering pharmacy programmes, while ensuring that graduates are equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies, values and ethical grounding required for professional practice.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, CHE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Whitfield Green, said it marked an important step towards a more coherent quality assurance system.

“This agreement represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between the CHE and statutory professional bodies in the interest of a coherent and effective higher education quality assurance system.

“By working closely with the South African Pharmacy Council, we aim to enhance alignment, reduce duplication and ensure that pharmacy qualifications meet both national academic standards and the needs of professional practice and society,” Green said.

SAPC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Tlala, welcomed the agreement, highlighting its significance for both the profession and the public.

“The Memorandum of Agreement affirms our shared commitment to safeguarding the quality and integrity of pharmacy education and training in South Africa. Through structured collaboration with the CHE, the SAPC will continue to ensure that pharmacy graduates are competent, ethical and well prepared to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system and to the promotion of patient-centred pharmaceutical care,” Tlala said.

Key areas of collaboration under the MoA include:
•    Alignment and cooperation in the accreditation and review of pharmacy programmes and qualifications;
•    Joint participation in the development and review of qualification and professional standards through Communities of Practice;
•    Collaboration on national and targeted quality reviews of pharmacy qualifications;
•    Information sharing and coordinated responses to identified quality concerns in pharmacy education and training;
•    Joint research, knowledge dissemination, conferences and dialogue platforms on quality assurance matters in pharmacy education; and
•    The development of communication protocols and joint communiqués on matters of mutual and public interest.

The agreement also establishes mechanisms to support collaboration, including the formation of a joint steering committee and agreed protocols to guide engagement, information sharing and conflict resolution.

It further emphasises the shared responsibility of the CHE, the SAPC and higher education institutions to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsive pharmacy professionals who can serve the healthcare needs of the South African population.

The agreement will be effective for a period of five years and will be subject to regular review to ensure its continued relevance and impact. – SAnews.gov.za

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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), through the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), is conducting Project OWETHU, a humanitarian community outreach programme in Limpopo.

In a statement on Monday, the department explained that Project OWETHU is a Department of Defence supported initiative aimed at providing integrated healthcare, social and youth development services to impoverished and rural communities.  

“The programme will deliver general healthcare services, social and youth development support, as well as oral health and ophthalmology services with a specific focus on cataract surgeries to assist in reducing the surgical backlog at Elim District Hospital, George Masebe District Hospital and FH Odendaal District Hospital,” the department said. 

In addition, the programme will render mental health services, ancillary health services, various sporting activities and conduct an awareness drive on drug and substance abuse. 

These interventions are intended to promote psychological well-being, encourage healthy lifestyle choices and strengthen preventative healthcare within the participating communities. 

The programme will be rolled out across the following districts and venues: 

• Sekhukhune District (Mashoanyaneng Village) from 26 Jan to 30 Jan 2026. 
• Waterberg District (Ga-Matlou) from 02 to 06 Feb 2026. 
• Vhembe District (Basani Village) from 09 to 13 Feb 2026. 

Project OWETHU will culminate in an official launch on 17 February 2026 at the Collins Chabane Local Municipality Community Hall. 

The department added that multidisciplinary teams from SAMHS in collaboration with provincial government departments will render health services, social welfare support and youth empowerment programmes throughout the rollout period. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe will launch a R19.5 million provincial irrigation schemes revival programme aimed at strengthening food security and driving agricultural economic growth.

The programme will support vegetable, grain and fodder production, as well as the provision of equipment and machinery, covering a total of 1 528 hectares of land across the province.

The investment forms part of commitments outlined in the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s 2025/26 policy speech to revive irrigation schemes as a catalyst for agricultural development.

In its efforts to curb food insecurity, the MEC said the department has prioritised the revitalisation of irrigation schemes during the seventh term of government to position agriculture as a key economic growth frontier.

She said the revival programme is set to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, provide reliable income for landowners participating in irrigation schemes, stimulate local economies and boost livelihoods in rural communities.

“This revitalisation programme will ensure food security, strengthen farmer support and strengthen partnerships between government, private sector and communities,” Kontsiwe said.

Of the total investment, the Amathole District will see 613 hectares developed at a cost of R5 million, while Chris Hani District will develop 700 hectares through an investment of R6 million. The OR Tambo District will develop 215 hectares, supported by R3.5 million.

R5m allocated for production commercialisation

In addition, the department’s implementing agency, the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), has been allocated R5 million to support the commercialisation of production.

This includes organising markets, introducing new production technologies, providing technical support and facilitating access to production finance.

The MEC noted that funding criteria is not limited and that districts will be allowed to make their own determinations where infrastructure repairs or other specific needs arise.

According to the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, the Eastern Cape has the highest proportion of households with access to land at 67%, while only 37% of that land is currently under productive use.

Kontsiwe said the revitalisation of irrigation schemes presents a significant opportunity to unlock this potential and expand productive land use across the province.

“Agriculture is a major employer of semi-skilled workers, and investment in this sector can greatly contribute to reducing unemployment and food insecurity. Irrigation schemes are seen as a vehicle that can significantly contribute to an increase in agricultural productivity in the province,” she said.

She highlighted the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme, which spans six villages and covers 635 hectares, with 412 hectares under irrigation. The scheme supports 87 landowners organised into seven primary co-operatives and one secondary co-operative.

The launch, to be held on Tuesday at the Zanyokhwe Irrigation Scheme in Middledrift, will include the introduction of the newly appointed board, a potato harvest demonstration and the welcoming of graduate interns placed at the scheme by the department to gain practical farming and business experience.

The MEC is also expected to hand over vegetable production inputs, irrigation pipes, fodder production inputs and tractor implements to beneficiaries. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has called on transport operators to act responsibly, work with the department in good faith, and take immediate steps to regularise their operations.

“The department is willing to work with scholar transport operators who genuinely want to regularise their operations. However, compliance with the law is not optional. Scholar transport is a safety-critical service, and the safety and dignity of our learners remain non-negotiable,” MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said.

According to the National Land Traffic Act 5 (2009, section 54 and 62), a public transport operator must be in possession of a valid operating licence, allowing him/her to convey commuters for a fee on the country’s roads.

To demonstrate the department’s commitment to strengthening regulation and improving service delivery to operators, over 1 000 operating licence application forms have been issued to aspiring scholar transport operators and clear information is provided on the list of requirements.

In an effort to engage government on their concerns regarding challenges around the issuing of scholar transport operating licences, more than 500 scholar transport operators gathered at the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s Head Office at 45 Commissioner Street in Johannesburg, on Monday.

The engagement underscored the urgency of resolving long-standing licensing issues that have hindered many operators from formalising and sustaining their operations within the sector.

The MEC acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns raised and further highlighted gaps in information regarding the application process and required documents.

“As a provincial government, we will not condone disruptions, shutdowns or intimidation aimed at forcing the department to overlook issues related to non-compliance.

“In many cases, resistance to compliance arises because vehicles or documentation do not meet the required standards. The law will be enforced without fear or favour.

“If you cannot meet the minimum legal requirements to safely transport learners, you have no business operating in this space. Our learner’s lives are not negotiable,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The department has reiterated that no operator may provide scholar transport services unlawfully, as enforcement operations will continue intensifying across the province to ensure compliance and safeguard learners and other road users.

Guardians, parents and community members are urged to report any reckless driving or unsafe scholar transport vehicles to the Gauteng Traffic Inspectorate on 0800 428 8364. 

Required documentation for Scholar Transport Operating Licence applications are as follows:

• Copy of the contract (for purposes of contracted services)

• Certified copy of South African Identity Document 

• Certified copy of a valid driver’s licence/PrDP

• Valid police clearance certificate

• Certified copy of vehicle registration (CoR)

• Certified copy of roadworthy certificate (CoF)

• Original tax compliance status (SARS)

• Proof of residential address

• Recommendation letter from a school with original signature and school stamp 

• List of learners with parents/guardian contact details

• Proof of insurance, including insurance indemnity cover

• Route description

• Should a CK/business be used, attach ID copies of directors and all documents must reflect the CK details (such as SARS documentation)

• Any additional documentation as prescribed by the department.

Applications must be submitted, in person, to the Gauteng Transport Operating Licensing Administrative Boards offices during working hours: 

• Tshwane TOLAB – 230 Lilian Ngoyi Street, Pretoria Central

• Johannesburg TOLAB – 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, JHB 

• Ekurhuleni TOLAB – 1 Hardach Street, Germiston, Ekurhuleni

• West Rand TOLAB – Kagiso Drive and Mmusi Street, Kagiso

• Sedibeng TOLAB – 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg 

The department said R600 is charged per application. – SAnews.gov.za

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Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the establishment of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), saying its composition brings together a broad and diverse range of expertise from the veterinary and para-veterinary professions, academia, regulatory practice and law.

The Minister formally constituted the council in accordance with the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, 1982 (Act No. 19 of 1982). The term of office of the newly-constituted council will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2029.

Steenhuisen said the depth and diversity of skills represented on the council would strengthen its ability to fulfil its statutory mandate in the interests of animal health, veterinary public health, food safety and professional integrity.

“I am confident that this council is fit for purpose and its composition reflects a careful balance between professional experience, technical expertise, and independent oversight. This breadth of perspectives will enhance the quality of decision making and support the council in carrying out its responsibilities effectively and responsibly,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the constitution of the new council followed a careful and considered process, undertaken in line with his statutory responsibilities and oversight role.

While a range of views and representations were received from across the sector during this period, Steenhuisen said he independently considered the recommendations before him and was guided at all times by the requirements of the legislation and the long-term interests of both the professions and the public.

“My responsibility is not to simply endorse recommendations, but to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of merit, balance and suitability,” the Minister said.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that future appointment processes are conducted in strict accordance with the Act, including that all nomination and selection processes are properly constituted as prescribed.

The council has been constituted as follows:

Ministerial designees:

• Officer of the Department of Agriculture (veterinarian): Dr Motsisi-Mehlape;
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from elected members: Dr R Mulder, Dr B Lourens, and Dr JA Fraser;
• Person with knowledge of law: Advocate R Maruma;
• Veterinarians or veterinary specialists designated from nominations: Dr NP Moswa-Kato, Dr L Kgatswetswe, Dr J van Deemter, and Dr N Mnisi;
• Non-veterinarian designated from nominations: Professor S Willows-Munro; and
• University-nominated veterinarian (University of Pretoria): Professor V Naidoo.

Appointees nominated and/or elected:

• Veterinarians elected by their peers: Professor JP Schoeman, Dr P van der Merwe, and Dr J Basch;
• Animal Health Technician: T Serebolo;
• Laboratory Animal Technologist: B Mogodi;
• Veterinary Technologist: LS Mokami;
• Veterinary Nurse: Sister E Bornman;
• Veterinary Physiotherapist: J Hager; and
• South African Veterinary Association nominee: Dr L de Bruyn.

Steenhuisen expressed confidence that the council will execute its duties without fear or favour, and with the independence, integrity and professionalism required of a statutory regulator entrusted with safeguarding professional standards of the veterinary and para-veterinary professions.

“The establishment of this council marks an important step in restoring stability, credibility and effective governance within the veterinary regulatory environment,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister acknowledged the patience shown by practitioners and stakeholders during the period leading up to the reconstitution of the council and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that statutory bodies within the agriculture sector function effectively, transparently and in the public interest.

The induction and inaugural meeting of the new council is scheduled for February 2026, enabling it to commence its work without delay and address outstanding matters inherited from the previous term in accordance with its statutory mandate. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Assessments and monitoring of the Senteeko Dam is ongoing with pressure on the dam wall slightly reduced, following the construction of an emergency spillway last week, to release excess water.

The Senteeko Dam, officially registered as My Own Dam and commonly known as Senteeko Dam, is at high risk of failure, following recent heavy rainfall in the region.

While interventions are underway, including the emergency spillway and sandbags placed to prevent overtopping, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has warned that it is too early to declare the dam safe.

Head of the Specialist Unit: Dam Safety at the department, Wally Ramokopa, said significant risks remain despite the progress made so far.

Ramokopa joined a team of engineers and the Approved Professional Person (APP) on Monday to continue the ongoing assessment and monitoring of the dam, which is located near Barberton in Mpumalanga. 

An Approved Professional Person is an engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and specifically approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

Speaking to SAnews at the dam site, Ramokopa said water levels have dropped slightly since excavation began, but the department remains concerned.

“As you can see, the interventions are still ongoing. Excavation equipment has been brought to the site so that we can try to reduce the water level as much as possible, but at this stage it has only dropped a little bit.

“The capacity is still high, [and] the volume of water that is still flowing could have significant impacts. We are not happy yet, and we are not going to declare this dam safe because we have seen downstream underneath the material continuing to fall due to instability,” he said.

Ramokopa said a second spillway would be opened this week. 

Engineers are currently widening it before excavating deeper to allow more water to be released in a controlled manner.

“We want to control the speed of the release because if water flows out too quickly, it might cause damage. That is why engineers are on site to guide the operators on how and when to do it. If we leave this to a person who does not have the necessary knowledge, we may trigger a failure unintentionally,” he told SAnews.

Evacuation measures

Ramokopa sought to allay fears among neighbouring communities, emphasising that only residents within the floodplain, especially the farming communities, may need to evacuate.

“We don’t have densely populated communities downstream. There are no townships, towns, or villages directly in the flood path. We are fortunate in that regard. People in Barberton should not panic, as they are far from the floodplain.

“Most people who would know when this dam is spilling are people who are using this water for irrigation purposes,” he said.

He said communities in Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini would not be affected, noting that the nearest international border along the flood path is more than 160km downstream.

“There is no reason for neighbouring countries to be alarmed at all.”

Responsibility for the dam

Ramokopa said the dam owner remains responsible for it’s maintenance and repairs.

“This is a privately owned dam. It does not belong to government. However, any work carried out must be authorised by the Department of Water and Sanitation because we issue licences for dam construction and repairs.

“If repairs are required, the Appointed Professional Person [employed by the dam owner] knows they need to design the work properly and submit the plans to the department for approval. Even if there would be any repair work conducted, it would not be done without our knowledge, [and] if that happens, that would be unlawful,” he explained.

Ramokopa said a WhatsApp group has been established to facilitate communication between the department, engineers, and the dam owners.

“For now, our priority is to ensure that we avoid failure and protect lives. We also need to engage with downstream land users about long-term stability, because the situation cannot be left as it is. If they do, we risk further flooding, this year or next year. Something has to happen, but for now, our focus is on ensuring that we do not lose lives in the event,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Government has clarified that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum’s Special Davos Meeting in 2027, and not the World Economic Forum Africa Summit, as previously communicated.

“Government expresses its appreciation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) for selecting South Africa as the host of this gathering. South Africa stands ready and fully prepared to host a successful meeting in 2027 and to welcome delegates from across the world,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Monday.

 This will be the first time that the WEF Spring Davos is hosted in South Africa.

These meetings are part of the WEF’s efforts to extend its global presence beyond Davos (Switzerland) and to provide high-level platforms for dialogue on economic development, sustainability and collaboration.

“Following the successful hosting of the recent Group of Twenty (G20) Summit, the decision affirms South Africa’s proven ability to convene high-level international engagements and manage complex global events in a safe, efficient and professional manner.

“The selection reflects growing confidence in South Africa’s institutional capacity, infrastructure readiness and commitment to constructive multilateral dialogue,” the GCIS said.

Hosting the WEF Spring Davos meeting is expected to support activity in the tourism and services sectors, including hospitality, transport, logistics and related services, while reinforcing South Africa’s position as a destination for high-level international engagement and business travel.

The meeting will also strengthen South Africa’s international profile as a platform for global investment, trade and economic cooperation.

“As a premier global platform that brings together Heads of State, business leaders, civil society and thought leaders, the Spring Davos Special Meeting will provide South Africa with a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global economic discussions, while advancing priorities of inclusive growth, sustainable development and international cooperation,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has formalised a strategic partnership with the Beier Group aimed at advancing academic excellence and strengthening skills development across the province.

In a statement on Monday, the department said it convened a strategic engagement with the Beier Group on 23 January 2026 in Pinetown, led by the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo. The engagement culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in public–private collaboration.

In terms of the agreement, the Beier Group will sponsor an all-expenses-paid engineering bursary for one of the department’s top achievers. The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing scarce skills and building a future-ready workforce in KwaZulu-Natal.

The department welcomed the partnership, noting that it underscores the critical role of collaboration between government and industry in expanding access to higher education opportunities and empowering high-performing learners from the province.

Speaking during the engagement, Ngcobo emphasised the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to unlock opportunities for deserving learners, particularly in priority fields such as engineering, which are central to economic growth and development.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships that support learner success, promote excellence, and contribute meaningfully to human capital development in the province,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for renewed focus on investment and infrastructure development to ensure that South Africa’s recent economic gains translate into sustained and inclusive growth. 

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country entered the new year with growing momentum in its economic recovery, supported by several positive indicators recorded toward the end of 2025.

The economy has recorded four consecutive quarters of growth, while unemployment levels have continued to decline. Recent data released by Statistics South Africa also show a notable reduction in poverty and inequality.

“Confidence in our economy is rising. The stock exchange has been performing well and the average inflation rate is the lowest in two decades,” he said. 

According to the President, South Africa’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list late last year marked a significant improvement in institutional credibility and sent a positive signal to investors. This progress was further reinforced by a recent sovereign credit ratings upgrade, reflecting strengthened fiscal credibility.

While welcoming these developments, President Ramaphosa cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained economic growth depends on expanding investment.

“While these signs of progress are encouraging, there is no time to rest. The difference between a temporary lift in growth and sustained shift in our economic trajectory lies in expanding investment. 

“With a strengthening currency and rising commodity prices, we have wind in our sails. Now we must steer our ship towards greater prosperity for all South Africans,” he said.

The President said the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), at its first meeting of the year, had outlined key proposals to convert recent gains into long-term growth. The council recommended a simultaneous increase in public infrastructure investment and a reduction in the cost of doing business.

He emphasised that infrastructure investment must focus on well-executed projects that unlock growth, lower business costs and create jobs, rather than increased spending alone.

Strong support was also expressed for ongoing structural reforms in critical sectors such as electricity, logistics and water. These reforms have contributed to the end of load shedding and improvements in rail and port performance, while promoting competition, efficiency and lower costs across the economy.

The President highlighted electricity reforms as central to inclusive growth, noting that a competitive electricity market is essential to lowering energy costs. Improvements in rail, ports and freight corridors were also identified as vital to boosting exports, industrialisation and job creation.

He said government has already laid a strong foundation for increased infrastructure investment by streamlining regulations, facilitating public-private partnerships and strengthening institutions such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund. More than R1 trillion has been committed to public infrastructure projects over the next three years.

“We need to build on this foundation by strengthening our State-owned enterprises and enabling them to invest at much higher levels. 

“We must do all of this at a time when the international environment is increasingly volatile and uncertain. Global growth is expected to remain subdued over the medium term and many countries are facing heightened trade and geopolitical tensions,” the President said. 

He underscored the need for South Africa to improve competitiveness and expand markets, particularly within the African continent. 

“We must capitalise on the positive momentum of recent months by building strong partnerships, strengthening delivery, and closing the gap between policy intent and implementation. Only if our own institutions are strong can we compete and remain responsive in a rapidly changing world,” he said.

Looking ahead, President Ramaphosa said government would intensify efforts to grow investment and create jobs, building on the gains achieved so far.

He said Cabinet’s upcoming annual Lekgotla would outline coordinated actions across government and with social partners to ensure that economic progress delivers tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans.

“Through these actions, by working together, we will ensure that the progress we’ve seen in the last year will have an impact on the lives of South Africans this year,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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