Mhlauli hosts dialogue in the Northern Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

The District Development Model (DDM) provides a mechanism for the development and the delivery of services for local communities, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli said.

“The District Development Model is the local engine that turns global commitments into tangible change through jobs for our youth, clean water, functioning infrastructure, and safe neighbourhoods. The conversations we are having in Frances Baard today are part of the same national and global movement to make development people-centred, inclusive, and accountable,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday.

This as she hosted a G20 Community Leaders Dialogue at the Roodepan community’s Roman Catholic Church in the Sol Plaatje Municipality, Frances Baard District, in the Northern Cape.

The DDM was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the silo approach that has slowed service delivery and brings together the three spheres of government (national, provincial, and local) into one plan, one budget, and one accountability framework.

She said that in the Frances Baard District, the plan focuses on areas such as water security and sanitation improvements; youth employment and skills development; and roads and infrastructure maintenance among others.

“As we meet here today, South Africa holds the Presidency of the G20 a platform of the world’s largest economies. Our Presidency theme [of an] ‘Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future,’ reminds us that real progress begins in communities like Roodepan,” she said.

The Deputy Minister added that recent Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)environmental assessment and engagements show that the community faces ageing infrastructure and water shortages in areas like Roodepan, Windsorton, and Pampierstad as well as poor health service experiences and shortages of medication.

Other challenges include high electricity costs and frequent outages as well as delays in housing projects and title deeds.

To respond to these, the The Sol Plaatje Municipality is installing high-mast lights and new taps in Lerato Park.
“Phokwane is distributing water tanks and repairing potholes. Magareng is upgrading its water treatment plant,” said the Deputy Minister.

In addition, the 1 Billion Housing Project launched by President Ramaphosa includes units for Diamond Park and Roodepan.

“Our task now is to ensure that these projects are completed, maintained, and serve the people they are meant for,” she said.

The Deputy Minister further called for partnerships adding that government will set up regular feedback sessions, so that “your issues are captured in the One Plan review and acted upon.”

“Frances Baard is a proud and resilient district the economic heart of the Northern Cape. The challenges you face are not insurmountable. Let us work together, community and Government hand-in-hand, to turn Roodepan into a model of cooperative governance in action,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

Transnet recognised for groundbreaking e-Tender portal

Source: Government of South Africa

Transnet has been recognised for its role in setting a new national benchmark for public sector procurement through a fully digital, efficient and inclusive system that actively drives economic transformation.

About four years ago, the e-Tender platform replaced the physical tender boxes and paper submissions with a cloud-based, secure and transparent digital environment.

This enhanced efficiency is matched by improved governance. The system includes an embedded audit trail, real-time reporting, and automated business rules that have driven a verified 40% reduction in irregular expenditure.

Since its implementation, the portal has processed over one million documents and enabled the strategic redeployment of resources that previously were responsible for administrative tasks associated with processing of tender documents, such as stamping, signing and filing to other value-adding areas of the business.

Furthermore, the efficiency gains have directly contributed to substantial financial value, including R1.8 billion value delivery in the 2024/2025 financial year alone.

“We have not had physical tender boxes at Transnet since October 2021. This innovation has fundamentally changed the speed and integrity of Transnet’s supply chain management,” Transnet Group Chief Procurement Officer, Vuledzani Nemukula, said on Friday.

By removing the physical and financial barriers associated with paper-based tenders, the e-Tender portal has significantly increased accessibility for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) across the country. 

“Furthermore, we have tailored our submission times to ensure SMMEs can make use of night-time data to upload large documents, saving them on additional costs,” Nemukula said. 

He made these remarks after the logistics infrastructure State-owned company clinched the prestigious GIBS Logistics Achiever Gold Award (LAA) 2025 for its transformative e-Tender solution on Thursday night at a ceremony held at the GIBS Business School in Johannesburg.

According to Transnet, the e-Tender portal is more than a transactional system; it is a critical enabler of the knowledge economy. 

By centralising and standardising procurement data, the platform is laying the groundwork for a future powered by advanced analytics.

The portal’s broad reach has already attracted over 30 000 suppliers, broadening the participation base and fostering accountability and public trust. 

“Digitalisation levels the playing field, ensuring that geography and administrative complexity are no longer barriers to entry for SMMEs seeking to participate in the lucrative logistics value chain,” the SOE said.

This directly aligns Transnet’s procurement function with the national mandate of inclusive economic growth.

The success of the e-Tender portal is also a testament to the strategic partnership between the Group Chief Information Officer and Group Chief Procurement Officer.

Their collaborative leadership ensured that both procurement and Information and Communications Technology functions were aligned from the outset, co-owning the digital transformation journey and driving shared accountability for business outcomes.

“This milestone aligns with Transnet’s broader ICT Digital Modernisation Strategy, which is fundamentally about transforming how technology supports operational excellence and business agility. 

“Through business process automation, data-driven intelligence, and platform-based integration, we are not just digitising workflows — we are redefining how the enterprise operates.

“Our vision is to make automation a catalyst for growth, where technology enhances human capability, accelerates service delivery, and strengthens Transnet’s competitiveness in a connected, data-driven economy,” Transnet’s Group Chief Information Officer, Pandelani Munyai, said. – SAnews.gov.za

National Dialogue enters next phase towards appointment of the Steering Committee

Source: President of South Africa –

The National Dialogue process has reached a pivotal stage with the completion of the nomination of sectoral representatives to the National Dialogue Steering Committee. 

The first National Convention, held on 15-16 August 2025, approved the mandate, responsibilities and composition of the Steering Committee, and agreed that each of the identified sectors would hold consultations to decide on nominees to serve on the Steering Committee and its sub-committees.

No less than 26 sectors have to date submitted nominations for the Steering Committee.

The list of nominated Steering Committee members has been handed over to the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) for quality assurance. For its part, the EPG will submit its recommendations to the President in his role as head of state and convener of the National Dialogue for finalisation.

Once approved by the President, the Steering Committee will coordinate the roll out of public dialogues across the country.

It is anticipated that the process of appointing the Steering Committee will be concluded in the coming weeks.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the Handover Report of the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and the Report on the National Convention, bringing to an end the mandate of the COC.

The Convention Organising Committee was tasked by the President with organising the first National Convention following the withdrawal of some foundations from the process.

President Ramaphosa said: “As a country, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the members of the Convention Organising Committee. Working with the Eminent Persons Group and the Inter-Ministerial Committee, the committee made sure that hundreds of delegates from around the country were able to gather at the National Convention to endorse and to launch the National Dialogue. Through a truly collective effort, the National Convention proceeding smoothly and gave people from all sectors an opportunity to express themselves.”

“We must also recognise the vital role played by the legacy foundations and other civil society organisations in the Preparatory Task Team, which were instrumental in getting the National Dialogue off the ground.”

“It is extremely important now that the momentum that has been built up and the expectations that have been raised are not allowed to dissipate. We need to ensure that as the Steering Committee is established, there is no disruption in the processes that need to happen,” he said.

The Eminent Persons Group (EPG), the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and the Presidency remain custodians of the process’s integrity and will continue to safeguard its credibility until it is handed over to the Steering Committee. 

Work is underway to establish a fully-fledged National Dialogue Secretariat, housed at NEDLAC, which will provide institutional support to the process. 

The Report of the National Convention is available for download: https://tinyurl.com/4v7z7rfu

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

NPA warns against dissemination of fake news

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 17, 2025

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has warned against the dissemination of fake news from parody social media accounts acting as legitimate news publications.

This after a fake news report attributed comments to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, on her term of office.

“The account that has come to our attention with the fake content quoting the NDPP is ‘Forever Yena News’, but there could be more of a similar nature. One account, ‘Dear Cape Town’, seems to draw content from that fake news platform, and has further shared it as if it is fact.

“The general public is warned to be circumspect and verify information before accepting content as fact, reposting and sharing this content on other platforms, as it is fake and does not represent the NDPP’s or NPA’s views or comments,” the NPA said in a statement on Thursday.

It further warned of the impact that fake news has on the credibility of the prosecutorial body.
“Do not forward unverified information that may mislead and misinform other people, and report suspected accounts on the respective social media platforms.

“Such fake news undermines the collective fight of good people for justice and the rule of law in this country. The NDPP and her team still have a lot of work to do in the remainder of her term and remain focused on that,” the NPA concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President advances SA-Türkiye relations

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver keynote addresses at the South Africa-Türkiye Business Council and the 5th Biennial Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum, which will be held in Istanbul today.

Friday’s engagements form part of the Deputy President’s working visit to Türkiye where he co-chaired the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries. 

The BNC was convened in accordance with the 2012 agreement that established the commission, which is to be co-chaired at the Deputy President and Vice-President levels, respectively.

In Ankara on Wednesday, the Deputy President co-chaired the BNC with Türkiye’s Vice-President, Cevdet Yılmaz. 

READ | Deputy President begins Türkiye working visit 

The discussions concluded with a signing ceremony for several agreements between the two countries, which included the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of higher education and training, as well as cooperation regarding special economic zones and free zones.

The Deputy President led the second day of bilateral discussions between South Africa and Türkiye on Thursday.
According to the Presidency, he also engaged with the ATA Holding group, chaired by Korhan Kurdoğlu, who expressed the company’s eagerness to invest in South Africa. 

Their interests include food production and agribusiness, cold chain logistics and distribution, science and technology, digital transformation, infrastructure, foreign trade synergies, financial services, co-investments, as well as sports, culture, and tourism.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition coordinated several engagements, including a bilateral meeting with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI/TUSAŞ, and a discussion with Ahmet Akyol, CEO and President of Aselsan.

He also took the time to visit the Anıtkabir Mausoleum in Ankara and laid a wreath to honour Türkiye’s founder and first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

“I sincerely hope that your immortal spirit will guide our discussions and the high-level dialogue and joint decision-making that our two countries will be engaged in, for mutual development, cooperation and lasting prosperity. We are honoured to be in this sacred midst of history and greatness,” the Deputy President said.

The Deputy President is accompanied on the working visit by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau; and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande. 

He is also joined by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga; Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe; and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. – SAnews.gov.za
 

SIU to claw back R2.4m from unlawful PPE contract

Source: Government of South Africa

Friday, October 17, 2025

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a court order for the recovery of R2.4 million following a judgment declaring a multimillion rand Mpumalanga Health Department personal protective equipment (PPE) contract unlawful.

The order – granted by the Special Tribunal – directs Nozihle Construction and Projects CC to repay the money related to an April 2020 contract for the supply of 100 000 3-ply surgical masks valued at some R2.645 million.

“The tribunal found that the contract was unlawful and void because Nozihle Construction and Projects CC was not licensed as a distributor of medical devices with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, as mandatorily required by the Medicines and Related Substances Act, 1965.

“The order affirms the SIU’s argument that any transaction performed in contravention of statutory prohibition is void. The recoverable amount of R2 427 333.30 represents the difference between the price paid by the department and the average price for masks on National Treasury’s transversal contracts,” the SIU said.

The company was also ordered to pay the costs of the corruption busting unit’s counsel.

“This judgment is a critical outcome of the SIU’s relentless efforts to recover public funds lost during the COVID-19 national state of disaster. 

“It sends a clear message that suppliers who fail to meet essential legal requirements have no entitlement to profit from the State, and the SIU will use its litigation powers to the fullest to ensure such funds are returned.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

Panel to select new NDPP convenes first meeting

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has convened the first meeting of the Advisory Panel for the Selection of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) on Thursday.

The panel is tasked with identifying and interviewing individuals worthy of consideration for the position of NDPP with current incumbent, Advocate Shamila Batohi, set to retire in January.

“The meeting marked a significant step towards ensuring capable, ethical, and independent leadership for the NPA, confirming the Panel’s mandate and outlining its operational framework.

“The panel adopted the terms of reference guiding the selection process, reviewed the advertisement calling for nominations and applications, and agreed on timelines for shortlisting and interviews, ensuring a transparent, merit-based, and efficient process,” the department said in a statement.

Members of the panel – which is chaired by the Minister – are:

  • Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, Andrew Christoffel Nissen.
  • Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale.
  • Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke.
  • Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
  • President of the Black Lawyers Association, Nkosana Mvundlela.

Nominations and applications will be sought through the following timeline:

  • 18 – 19 October 2025: Advertisement placed in the media.
  • 07 November 2025: Closing date for applications and nominations.
  • 17 – 21 November 2025: Shortlisting and screening of candidates.
  • 22 November – 06 December: Public comments on shortlisted candidates.
  • 07 – 11 December: Interviews of shortlisted candidates.

“This transparent and merit-based approach follows the precedent set during the appointment of the current NDPP, Advocate Shamila Batohi, whose term concludes in January 2026.

“The panel will ensure that all candidates meet the requirements set out in Section 9 of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998, and are capable of acting independently, free from improper influence, and without fear, favour, or prejudice.

“Members of the panel acknowledged the significance and gravity of the task before them and committed to diligently ensuring that a fit and proper candidate is appointed to this important position,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Speech by  Deputy Minister Nonceba Mhlauli on the occasion of the engagement with Community Members, Civil Society and Local Leaders, Roodepan, Kimberly

Source: President of South Africa –

Programme Director;
Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, Cllr Barbara Bartlett;
MEC for Roads and Public Works, Ms Fufe Makatong;
Executive Mayor of Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa;
Fellow Councillors;
Community Development Workers;
Representatives from SAPS, CPF, Youth Against Crime, and Women Against Crime;
Faith-based leaders, civil society, and business forums;

Good morning, Roodepan community.

Thank you for welcoming us into your home this engagement is not a speech, it is a conversation. The District Development Model is about working together, not talking past one another.

Today, we are here to listen, understand, and act together.

As we meet here today, South Africa holds the Presidency of the G20 a platform of the world’s largest economies. Our Presidency theme, “Inclusive Growth for a Sustainable Future,” reminds us that real progress begins in communities like Roodepan.

The District Development Model is the local engine that turns global commitments into tangible change through jobs for our youth, clean water, functioning infrastructure, and safe neighbourhoods. The conversations we are having in Frances Baard today are part of the same national and global movement to make development people-centred, inclusive, and accountable.

Understanding the DDM

The District Development Model, or DDM, was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to end the silo approach that has slowed service delivery.

It brings all three spheres of Government national, provincial, and local into one plan, one budget, and one accountability framework.

In Frances Baard, the One Plan focuses on:

• Water security and sanitation improvements;
• Human settlements and housing rectification;
• Roads and infrastructure maintenance;
• Youth employment and skills development;
• Building safer and cohesive communities.

Role as District Champion

As your District Champion, my role is to:

• Ensure there is alignment between what is promised and what is delivered.
• Facilitate coordination between departments to unblock delays.
• Ensure that community voices are not only heard but shape government priorities.
• Monitor progress and report back to the Presidency and to you the people.

This means I am accountable to ensure that the One Plan for Frances Baard is not a paper exercise but a living document that delivers change.

Community Priorities and Issues

From the recent GCIS environmental assessment and engagements, we know the issues you face:

• Ageing infrastructure and water shortages in areas like Roodepan, Windsorton, and Pampierstad.
• Delays in housing projects and title deeds.
• Unsafe streets, drug abuse, and lack of youth recreational facilities.
• Poor health service experiences and shortages of medication.
• High electricity costs and frequent outages.

These are not statistics they are your lived experiences. And that is why the DDM approach is so important: it links problems directly with solutions, roles, and resources.

Government Response and Commitments

• The Sol Plaatje Municipality is installing high-mast lights and new taps in Lerato Park.
• Phokwane is distributing water tanks and repairing potholes.
• Magareng is upgrading its water treatment plant.
• The 1 Billion Housing Project launched by President Ramaphosa includes units for Diamond Park and Roodepan.

Our task now is to ensure that these projects are completed, maintained, and serve the people they are meant for.

Partnerships with Civil Society

We cannot govern alone.

Faith-based organisations, NGOs, and business forums here in Roodepan are doing remarkable work  from running soup kitchens to helping young people find purpose.

The DDM recognises that every citizen is a partner in development. Together, we can rebuild trust, fight drugs, create work opportunities, and restore pride in our neighbourhoods.

Listening and Accountability

Today’s meeting is not the end it is the start of ongoing communication.

We will set up regular feedback sessions, so that your issues are captured in the One Plan review and acted upon.

Accountability means: if a pipe bursts, a team responds. If a house cracks, someone is answerable. If youth programmes stall, we fix it  together.

Closing

Frances Baard is a proud and resilient district the economic heart of the Northern Cape. The challenges you face are not insurmountable.

Let us work together, community and Government hand-in-hand, to turn Roodepan into a model of cooperative governance in action.

Because the DDM starts with you the community.

Thank you.

Deputy President Mashatile leads the South African delegation on the second day of the Working Visit to Türkiye

Source: President of South Africa –

His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is today, 16 October 2025, leading the second day of bilateral engagements between South Africa and Türkiye.

Today, the Deputy President has held bilateral engagements with the ATA Holding group, led by its Chairman, Mr Korhan Kurdoğlu, who expressed the major company’s readiness to invest in South Africa in the areas including food production and agri-business; cold chain logistics and distribution science and technology; digital transformation; infrastructure and foreign trade synergies; financial services and co-investments, as well as sports, culture and tourism.

Yesterday in Ankara, with his counterpart, Vice-President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Mr Cevdet Yılmaz, he successfully co-chaired the inaugural South Africa – Türkiye Bi-National Commission (BNC) that concluded with the Signing Ceremony for a number of agreements between South Africa and Türkiye, including the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Higher Education and Training, and Memorandum of Understanding regarding Cooperation in the field of Special Economic Zones/Free Zones.

Earlier in the day, Deputy President Mashatile visited the Anitkabir Mausoleum in Ankara, where he laid a wreath as a tribute to Türkiye’s Founder and first President, His Excellency Mr Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 

“I sincerely hope that your immortal spirit will guide our discussions and the high-level dialogue and joint decision-making that our two countries will be engaged in, for mutual development, cooperation and lasting prosperity. We are honoured to be in this sacred midst of history and greatness,” said the Deputy President in his message.

Coordinated by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, other engagements on 16 October 2025 included a bilateral meeting with Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI/TUSAṢ; engagement with Mr Ahmet Akyol, CEO & President of Aselsan.

On 17 October 2025, Deputy President Mashatile will attend and deliver keynote addresses at the South Africa – Türkiye Business Council as well as the 5th Biennial Türkiye Africa Business and Economic Forum which will be held in Istanbul.

The Deputy President is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga; Minister of Tourism, Ms Patricia De Lille; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa; Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Peace Mabe; and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister Simelane and Deputy Minister Mhlauli to hand over title deeds in Northern Cape

Source: President of South Africa –

The Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, together with the Deputy Minister in The Presidency and DDM District Champion, Nonceba Mhlauli, and the Northen Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Bentley Vass, will hand over title deeds to the rightful owners in Pampierstad within the Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape.

This marks a significant step in the Department of Human Settlements’ ongoing commitment to eliminate the national title deeds’ backlog.

In August 2025, the Minister and the Provincial MECs responsible for Human Settlements re-launched the Title Deeds Fridays Campaign, a nationwide drive aimed at mobilising all stakeholders to support the title deeds restoration programme. The campaign seeks to restore dignity, strengthen tenure security, and promote economic empowerment for beneficiaries. 

The Executive Mayor of the Frances Baard District Municipality, Cllr Wende Marekwa, the Mayor of Phokwane Local Municipality, Cllr Willem Harmse, and other local Mayors within the Frances Baard District, will also be in attendance.

Details are as follows:

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025

Activity 1: Door-to-door delivery of title deeds to five senior citizens

Time: 10h00
Venue: Ward 1, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality. 

Activity two: Community engagement and title deeds handover

Time: 10h30
Venue:Condo Open Space, Sakhile, Pampierstad, Phokwane Local Municipality

Media enquiries: Tsekiso Machike, Spokesperson to the Minister, on 077 410 5050 / Tsekiso.machike@dhs.gov.za OR Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@Presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria