Category: South Africa Government

Source: South Africa News Agency

Government’s commitment to collaborative policy-making and inclusive growth will come to the fore  at a Department of Trade, Industry and Competition policy dialogue.

The dialogue which is an extended Chief Executive Officers’ (CEOs) Forum, will be held to facilitate discussion on the draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS).

“The purpose of the session is to provide key stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and development partners, an opportunity to interrogate and contribute to the shaping of the strategy before it is finalised,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

Thursday’s session will take place at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton and will be addressed by Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi.

The draft SIDS is a critical instrument in the dtic’s efforts to drive balanced industrial development, support regional economies, and strengthen the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across the country.

“This CEOs Forum is not just a meeting of minds; it is a strategic platform to ensure our Spatial Industrial Development Strategy is responsive, inclusive and grounded in the lived realities of business and communities across the country.

“We want a framework that reflects the voice of industry and responds to regional economic disparities through practical and impactful interventions,” said the Deputy Minister.

The draft SIDS seeks to unlock growth by promoting geographically targeted industrial activity, enhancing infrastructure coordination, and improving the governance and management of SEZs and industrial parks. It will also aim to better align the work of all spheres of government and institutions responsible for regional economic development.

“Special Economic Zones remain one of the dtic’s flagship programmes to catalyse investment, create decent jobs and strengthen export competitiveness. As we refine this strategy, we must ensure that SEZs are positioned not just as isolated economic pockets, but as integrated drivers of regional and national transformation,” said Godlimpi.

The dtic expects the dialogue to yield valuable insights and practical recommendations that will enhance the impact and implementation of the strategy. The final strategy will serve as a roadmap for more coherent and spatially just industrial development across South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Source: South Africa News Agency

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo has encouraged Mogalakwena Local Municipality to implement corrective measures to address the problem of dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants that largely contribute to the pollution of watercourses in the area.

Accompanied by Mogalakwena Municipality Mayor, Ngoako Thulani Taueatsoala and Lepelle Northern Water Board Chairperson, Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, Seitlholo recently conducted an oversight visit to several sites in within the municipality under Waterberg District, Limpopo.

The Deputy Minister visited dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants, and some households affected by malfunctioning sewer systems.

Seitlholo’s inspection included the Mokopane Wastewater Treatment Works, Old Masodi and Sekgakgapeng Oxidation Ponds, the Masodi Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the Doorndraai Water Treatment Works.

The Deputy Minister cited the Green Drop Report, which was released in 2023, and indicated that Mogalakwena Municipality has wastewater systems that are in a critical state, requiring significant attention and improvement.

The report highlighted a need for concerted effort to improve wastewater services, with a particular focus on addressing issues of effluent treatment.

“We are faced with a problem whereby 78% of the wastewater treatment works in Limpopo are in a critical state and dysfunctional, and that contributes to the contamination of water courses in the province due to raw or partially treated effluent that finds its way to the rivers and dams.

“Water pollution does not only have a negative effect on the quality of water, but it also has cost implications for municipalities to treat water in bulk. The municipality is therefore encouraged to develop a corrective action plan to address the identified shortcomings, as far as water pollution is concerned,” Seitlholo said.

Despite the challenges of the municipal wastewater treatment works, the Deputy Minister commended the Masodi Wastewater Treatment plant, which treats effluent to the required standard.

The plant is a multi-year public-private partnership project by Mogalakwena Municipality and is fully funded by Ivanplats Proprietary Limited Mine. It treats 10 megalitres a day (ml/d), which improves sanitation provision to Mokopane and the surrounding areas.

It also enables local industries to have access to the grey water for reuse from the treated effluent released from the plant.

“Masodi Wastewater Treatment plant is the only plant in Limpopo that is operating to treat effluent to the required standards, and this demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships to improve water and sanitation services in the country.

“This was emphasised in the National Water and Sanitation Indaba held earlier this year, highlighting the need for public private partnerships to address water and sanitation challenges,” Seitlholo said.

Seitlholo also visited Sekhiming and Kuranta villages, within the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Mopani District, to assess the Sand Water Extraction Project.

The project, implemented by Lepelle Northern Water, involves extracting water from the sand of the Molototsi River, which is known to store water and filter it naturally.

The initiative aims to provide a reliable water source for the surrounding villages, particularly during periods of drought.

“This is also part of the resolutions taken at the Water and Sanitation Indaba, to employ innovative and technological methods to ensure that communities across the country access reliable water.

“This project is part of a broader effort to address water scarcity in rural areas struggling with water shortages in Limpopo province, particularly those which have been severely affected by drought in recent years,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the state-of-the-art Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a model public health facility and a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). 

The President described the hospital as a shining example of what quality public healthcare should look like. 

He said this during his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers including the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

WATCH | President’s visit to Steve Biko hospital 

[embedded content]

 
He highlighted how the Minister of Health had told him that private hospitals are often referring patients to this public hospital.
“It shows that this public hospital is a model for all the good things, and this is the future of what the National Health Insurance (NHI) is all about, because they would not be coming here if Steve Biko Academic hospital was not as good as it is. 

“I leave this place very impressed. When I went to some of the areas, I just saw [a] world-class type of facility that has been built, and even as one goes around the world, I don’t remember seeing many of such, and I’m usually impressed by technology most of the time. And when we say that we have the best on the continent and possibly in the world, this is what we have seen here,” the President said. 

The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility is the only one of its kind on the continent, dedicated to cancer and TB drug development, advanced imaging, and clinical research. 

It reflects a successful collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Science and Innovation, the University of Pretoria, and private sector partners.

Walking through the hospital’s departments, including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and radiology units, President Ramaphosa commended the level of professionalism and excellence. 

He praised the diversity and competence of the staff, from cleaners to researchers as well as the facility’s cutting-edge equipment and cleanliness.

“I have seen the future of the NHI. It is here. And more importantly, as I’ve been going around talking to the doctors, scientists, and nurses, they are the ones saying to me: ‘we are ready for NHI.’ Those campaigning against it need to come here and see how it’s going to work,” the President said.

Women in health 

He also took time to applaud the high representation of women and young professionals in senior and technical roles at the hospital, calling it a powerful example of inclusivity and transformation in action.

“Women run this facility. They are researchers, professors, doctors, and nurses – delivering top-class healthcare. And I saw so many young people here; the future of our country,” the President said. 

Leadership recognition 

The President also singled out Professor Mike Sathekge, who heads the Nuclear Medicine Unit, for his outstanding leadership and global recognition.

“Let’s give Professor Sathekge a round of applause for being recognised globally as well. It isn’t often that you meet a guy who is black, who is from Limpopo, who is recognised in the way that he is,” the President said. 

Innovation 

He expressed admiration for the hospital’s homegrown innovation, highlighting the cardiology department, which has developed sophisticated medical equipment showcasing South Africa’s engineering and scientific capabilities.

He also lavished praise on Professor Andrew Sarkin who is an academic and clinical head at University of Pretoria and the hospital.
“The diversity of the talent that we have from various parts of our country makes this facility, this hospital, what it is. 

“I also applaud Professor Sarkin and his staff for the excellent work that they do. In here resides the talent, the engineering knowledge, and capability to be able to produce some of the best technologies that the medical world has ever seen. I really applaud the cardiology department,” he said. 

Upholding high standards

The President further praised the hospital’s cleanliness and organisation, crediting management and support staff for upholding high standards.

He called for the Steve Biko Academic Hospital model to be replicated across the country.

“This is how a hospital should be run. This is how a hospital should be managed. And this is what the NHI must look like,” he said.
The President’s visit to Steve Biko Academic Hospital served not only to showcase a leading healthcare institution, but also to reaffirm government’s commitment to building a future where all South Africans have access to high-quality public healthcare. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: South Africa News Agency

Deputy President to attend Mozambique anniversary celebrations

Gabisile
Tue, 06/24/2025 – 14:29

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an interim interdict preventing Sanele Dlamini, a former senior manager at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), from withdrawing his pension benefits pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.

The interdict bars Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU’s main case  – a civil recovery action tied to the misallocation of R6 million in NLC grant funds – is concluded. 

The fourth respondent, Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund, has been directed to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. 

This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim.

Dlamini, who held several senior positions at the NLC, including Provincial Manager for KwaZulu-Natal, Senior Manager: Grant Operations, and Acting Chief Operations Officer, was found guilty on four of six disciplinary charges related to misconduct during his tenure. 

The charges included approving falsified progress reports, as well as gross negligence and dereliction of duty. His dismissal was finalised on 04 October 2024 following the disciplinary process.

The SIU’s investigation revealed that the NLC-funded project – a sports complex – was never initiated, and supporting documents, including progress reports and financial statements, were falsified. 

Dlamini, who facilitated the irregular disbursement of R3 million to the Motheo Sports and Entertainment Foundation, co-signed the fraudulent progress report without verifying the site or documentation, enabling the unlawful payout.

“The SIU pursues a preservation order to limit the risk of a ‘hollow judgment’ if funds were released, noting concerns that Dlamini may lack sufficient assets to satisfy future claims.

“The order of the Special Tribunal implements SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence. The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects,” the SIU said.

The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration. 

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has welcomed the sentencing of two men convicted in the brutal murder of Nosipho ‘Nomdundu’ Mafani of KwaNokuthula, Western Cape.

The two men, Mboneli Msila and Monde Tshemese, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court of South Africa: Western Cape Division sitting in Knysna, for their role in conspiracy to commit the murder of Mafani, a 23-year-old woman with a mental disability.

Msila, the adoptive father of Mafani, orchestrated the murder in order to claim funeral policy payouts totalling R600 000.

He hired three men, Mbulelo Jack, Monde Tshemese, and Lungisile Lucas, to carry out the hit.

Chikunga said Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) remains a national crisis in South Africa, with disproportionately high rates of violence against women, girls, and vulnerable group, including women in female-headed households, women with disabilities, and Black African women.

“Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a deeply rooted societal issue. Women with disabilities, in particular, are often subjected to extreme forms of sexual and physical violence. Despite being one of the most vulnerable groups, their experiences continue to be overlooked and under-addressed in society,” Chikunga said.

The Minister highlighted that Pillar 3 of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, which places strong emphasis on Justice, Safety, and Protection, aims to address systemic shortcomings in the legal and system, and seeks to enhance the overall response to GBVF cases.

It also aims to ensure that survivors have access to justice and are afforded safety and protection through improvements to the legal framework and its implementation.

Although often committed in private settings, the Minister warned that GBVF is not a private matter, but a serious public crime.

She acknowledged that GBVF is an ongoing diabolic act of violation of human rights, particularly “the rights of persons with disabilities should never be justified and must be confronted with all resources available.”

“It deprives women and girls of their fundamental human rights, including the right to live free from violence, discrimination, and violation of bodily integrity. Failure to take meaningful action to prevent, prosecute, and punish such acts, constitutes a violation of human rights.

“All incidents of physical or sexual abuse, intimidation, or threats must be reported to the nearest SAPS station to obtain a case number and/or protection order. Alternatively, victims of sexual offences can seek assistance from the nearest Thuthuzela Care Centre or similar support facilities,” the Minister said.

Government has also established the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) to provide 24-hour support to victims of abuse and violence.

“We share a strong reminder that our government will continue to stand firm to protect and defend human rights as enshrined by the constitution,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za